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Allam S, Levenson-Palmer R, Chia Chang Z, Kaur S, Cernuda B, Raman A, Booth A, Dobbins S, Suppa G, Yang J, Buraei Z. Inactivation influences the extent of inhibition of voltage-gated Ca +2 channels by Gem-implications for channelopathies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1155976. [PMID: 37654674 PMCID: PMC10466392 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1155976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) directly control muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release, and slower processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and death. They are potently inhibited by RGK GTP-ases (Rem, Rem2, Rad, and Gem/Kir), which decrease Ca2+ channel membrane expression, as well as directly inhibit membrane-resident channels. The mechanisms of membrane-resident channel inhibition are difficult to study because RGK-overexpression causes complete or near complete channel inhibition. Using titrated levels of Gem expression in Xenopus oocytes to inhibit WT P/Q-type calcium channels by ∼50%, we show that inhibition is dependent on channel inactivation. Interestingly, fast-inactivating channels, including Familial Hemiplegic Migraine mutants, are more potently inhibited than WT channels, while slow-inactivating channels, such as those expressed with the Cavβ2a auxiliary subunit, are spared. We found similar results in L-type channels, and, remarkably, Timothy Syndrome mutant channels were insensitive to Gem inhibition. Further results suggest that RGKs slow channel recovery from inactivation and further implicate RGKs as likely modulating factors in channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Allam
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rose Levenson-Palmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Sukhjinder Kaur
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bryan Cernuda
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ananya Raman
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Audrey Booth
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Scott Dobbins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gabrielle Suppa
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zafir Buraei
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Kenny K, Royer L, Moore AR, Chen X, Marr MT, Paradis S. Rem2 signaling affects neuronal structure and function in part by regulation of gene expression. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 85:190-201. [PMID: 29066292 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system has the remarkable ability to convert changes in the environment in the form of sensory experience into long-term alterations in synaptic connections and dendritic arborization, in part through changes in gene expression. Surprisingly, the molecular mechanisms that translate neuronal activity into changes in neuronal connectivity and morphology remain elusive. Rem2, a member of the Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem/Kir (RGK) subfamily of small Ras-like GTPases, is a positive regulator of synapse formation and negative regulator of dendritic arborization. Here we identify that one output of Rem2 signaling is the regulation of gene expression. Specifically, we demonstrate that Rem2 signaling modulates the expression of genes required for a variety of cellular processes from neurite extension to synapse formation and synaptic function. Our results highlight Rem2 as a unique molecule that transduces changes in neuronal activity detected at the cell membrane to morphologically relevant changes in gene expression in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Kenny
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States
| | - Leandro Royer
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States
| | - Anna R Moore
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States
| | - Michael T Marr
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States; National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, United States.
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3
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Puhl HL, Lu VB, Won YJ, Sasson Y, Hirsch JA, Ono F, Ikeda SR. Ancient origins of RGK protein function: modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels preceded the protostome and deuterostome split. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100694. [PMID: 24992013 PMCID: PMC4081519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RGK proteins, Gem, Rad, Rem1, and Rem2, are members of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins that interact with Ca2+ channel β subunits to modify voltage-gated Ca2+ channel function. In addition, RGK proteins affect several cellular processes such as cytoskeletal rearrangement, neuronal dendritic complexity, and synapse formation. To probe the phylogenetic origins of RGK protein–Ca2+ channel interactions, we identified potential RGK-like protein homologs in genomes for genetically diverse organisms from both the deuterostome and protostome animal superphyla. RGK-like protein homologs cloned from Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) expressed in mammalian sympathetic neurons decreased Ca2+ current density as reported for expression of mammalian RGK proteins. Sequence alignments from evolutionarily diverse organisms spanning the protostome/deuterostome divide revealed conservation of residues within the RGK G-domain involved in RGK protein – Cavβ subunit interaction. In addition, the C-terminal eleven residues were highly conserved and constituted a signature sequence unique to RGK proteins but of unknown function. Taken together, these data suggest that RGK proteins, and the ability to modify Ca2+ channel function, arose from an ancestor predating the protostomes split from deuterostomes approximately 550 million years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry L. Puhl
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Section on Transmitter Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Van B. Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Section on Transmitter Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yu-Jin Won
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Section on Transmitter Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yehezkel Sasson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute for Structural Biology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Joel A. Hirsch
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute for Structural Biology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Fumihito Ono
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Section on Model Synaptic Systems, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen R. Ikeda
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Section on Transmitter Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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4
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Ghiretti AE, Paradis S. Molecular mechanisms of activity-dependent changes in dendritic morphology: role of RGK proteins. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:399-407. [PMID: 24910262 PMCID: PMC4113564 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system has the amazing capacity to transform sensory experience from the environment into changes in neuronal activity that, in turn, cause long-lasting alterations in neuronal morphology. Recent findings indicate that, surprisingly, sensory experience concurrently activates molecular signaling pathways that both promote and inhibit dendritic complexity. Historically, a number of positive regulators of activity-dependent dendritic complexity have been described, whereas the list of identified negative regulators of this process is much shorter. In recent years, there has been an emerging appreciation of the importance of the Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem/Kir (RGK) GTPases as mediators of activity-dependent structural plasticity. In the following review, we discuss the traditional view of RGK proteins, as well as our evolving understanding of the role of these proteins in instructing structural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Ghiretti
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics, and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics, and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.
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Scamps F, Sangari S, Bowerman M, Rousset M, Bellis M, Cens T, Charnet P. Nerve injury induces a Gem-GTPase-dependent downregulation of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contributing to neurite plasticity in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Pflugers Arch 2014; 467:351-66. [PMID: 24809506 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Small RGK GTPases, Rad, Gem, Rem1, and Rem2, are potent inhibitors of high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels expressed in heterologous expression systems. However, the role of this regulation has never been clearly demonstrated in the nervous system. Using transcriptional analysis, we show that peripheral nerve injury specifically upregulates Gem in mice dorsal root ganglia. Following nerve injury, protein expression was increased in ganglia and peripheral nerve, mostly under its phosphorylated form. This was confirmed in situ and in vitro in dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons. Knockdown of endogenous Gem, using specific small-interfering RNA (siRNA), increased the HVA Ca(2+) current only in the large-somatic-sized neurons. Combining pharmacological analysis of the HVA Ca(2+) currents together with Gem siRNA-transfection of larger sensory neurons, we demonstrate that only the P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels were enhanced. In vitro analysis of Gem affinity to various CaVβx-CaV2.x complexes and immunocytochemical studies of Gem and CaVβ expression in sensory neurons suggest that the specific inhibition of the P/Q channels relies on both the regionalized upregulation of Gem and the higher sensitivity of the endogenous CaV2.1-CaVβ4 pair in a subset of sensory neurons including the proprioceptors. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of P/Q-type Ca(2+) current reduces neurite branching of regenerating axotomized neurons. Taken together, the present results indicate that a Gem-dependent P/Q-type Ca(2+) current inhibition may contribute to general homeostatic mechanisms following a peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Scamps
- Inserm U1051, Institut des Neurosciences, 80 rue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France,
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6
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Abstract
A key feature of the CNS is structural plasticity, the ability of neurons to alter their morphology and connectivity in response to sensory experience and other changes in the environment. How this structural plasticity is achieved at the molecular level is not well understood. We provide evidence that changes in sensory experience simultaneously trigger multiple signaling pathways that either promote or restrict growth of the dendritic arbor; structural plasticity is achieved through a balance of these opposing signals. Specifically, we have uncovered a novel, activity-dependent signaling pathway that restricts dendritic arborization. We demonstrate that the GTPase Rem2 is regulated at the transcriptional level by calcium influx through L-VGCCs and inhibits dendritic arborization in cultured rat cortical neurons and in the Xenopus laevis tadpole visual system. Thus, our results demonstrate that changes in neuronal activity initiate competing signaling pathways that positively and negatively regulate the growth of the dendritic arbor. It is the balance of these opposing signals that leads to proper dendritic morphology.
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7
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Moore AR, Ghiretti AE, Paradis S. A loss-of-function analysis reveals that endogenous Rem2 promotes functional glutamatergic synapse formation and restricts dendritic complexity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74751. [PMID: 23991227 PMCID: PMC3753333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rem2 is a member of the RGK family of small Ras-like GTPases whose expression and function is regulated by neuronal activity in the brain. A number of questions still remain as to the endogenous functions of Rem2 in neurons. RNAi-mediated Rem2 knockdown leads to an increase in dendritic complexity and a decrease in functional excitatory synapses, though a recent report challenged the specificity of Rem2-targeted RNAi reagents. In addition, overexpression in a number of cell types has shown that Rem2 can inhibit voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) function, while studies employing RNAi-mediated knockdown of Rem2 have failed to observe a corresponding enhancement of VGCC function. To further investigate these discrepancies and determine the endogenous function of Rem2, we took a comprehensive, loss-of-function approach utilizing two independent, validated Rem2-targeted shRNAs to analyze Rem2 function. We sought to investigate the consequence of endogenous Rem2 knockdown by focusing on the three reported functions of Rem2 in neurons: regulation of synapse formation, dendritic morphology, and voltage-gated calcium channels. We conclude that endogenous Rem2 is a positive regulator of functional, excitatory synapse development and a negative regulator of dendritic complexity. In addition, while we are unable to reach a definitive conclusion as to whether the regulation of VGCCs is an endogenous function of Rem2, our study reports important data regarding RNAi reagents for use in future investigation of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Moore
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Ghiretti
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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8
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Yang T, Colecraft HM. Regulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels by RGK proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:1644-54. [PMID: 23063948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RGK proteins belong to the Ras superfamily of monomeric G-proteins, and currently include four members - Rad, Rem, Rem2, and Gem/Kir. RGK proteins are broadly expressed, and are the most potent known intracellular inhibitors of high-voltage-activated Ca²⁺ (Ca(V)1 and Ca(V)2) channels. Here, we review and discuss the evidence in the literature regarding the functional mechanisms, structural determinants, physiological role, and potential practical applications of RGK-mediated inhibition of Ca(V)1/Ca(V)2 channels. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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Calcium channel auxiliary α2δ and β subunits: trafficking and one step beyond. Nat Rev Neurosci 2012; 13:542-55. [PMID: 22805911 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The voltage-gated calcium channel α(2)δ and β subunits are traditionally considered to be auxiliary subunits that enhance channel trafficking, increase the expression of functional calcium channels at the plasma membrane and influence the channels' biophysical properties. Accumulating evidence indicates that these subunits may also have roles in the nervous system that are not directly linked to calcium channel function. For example, β subunits may act as transcriptional regulators, and certain α(2)δ subunits may function in synaptogenesis. The aim of this Review is to examine both the classic and novel roles for these auxiliary subunits in voltage-gated calcium channel function and beyond.
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Gunton JE, Sisavanh M, Stokes RA, Satin J, Satin LS, Zhang M, Liu SM, Cai W, Cheng K, Cooney GJ, Laybutt DR, So T, Molero JC, Grey ST, Andres DA, Rolph MS, Mackay CR. Mice deficient in GEM GTPase show abnormal glucose homeostasis due to defects in beta-cell calcium handling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39462. [PMID: 22761801 PMCID: PMC3386271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims and Hypothesis Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from beta-cells is a tightly regulated process that requires calcium flux to trigger exocytosis of insulin-containing vesicles. Regulation of calcium handling in beta-cells remains incompletely understood. Gem, a member of the RGK (Rad/Gem/Kir) family regulates calcium channel handling in other cell types, and Gem over-expression inhibits insulin release in insulin-secreting Min6 cells. The aim of this study was to explore the role of Gem in insulin secretion. We hypothesised that Gem may regulate insulin secretion and thus affect glucose tolerance in vivo. Methods Gem-deficient mice were generated and their metabolic phenotype characterised by in vivo testing of glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and insulin secretion. Calcium flux was measured in isolated islets. Results Gem-deficient mice were glucose intolerant and had impaired glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, the islets of Gem-deficient mice exhibited decreased free calcium responses to glucose and the calcium oscillations seen upon glucose stimulation were smaller in amplitude and had a reduced frequency. Conclusions These results suggest that Gem plays an important role in normal beta-cell function by regulation of calcium signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny E Gunton
- Diabetes and Transcription Factors Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
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