The sigma-1 receptor behaves as an atypical auxiliary subunit to modulate the functional characteristics of Kv1.2 channels expressed in HEK293 cells

Sigma-1 receptor modulation fine-tunes KV1.5 channels and impacts pulmonary vascular function

K_V1.5 channels are key players in the regulation of vascular tone and atrial excitability and their impairment is associated with cardiovascular diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Unfortunately, pharmacological strategies to improve K_V1.5 channel function are missing. Herein, we aimed to study whether the chaperone sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is able to regulate these channels and represent a new strategy to enhance their function. By using different electrophysiological and molecular techniques in X. laevis oocytes and HEK293 cells, we demonstrate that S1R physically interacts with K_V1.5 channels and regulate their expression and function. S1R induced a bimodal regulation of K_V1.5 channel expression/activity, increasing it at low concentrations and decreasing it at high concentrations. Of note, S1R agonists (PRE084 and SKF10047) increased, whereas the S1R antagonist BD1047 decreased, K_V1.5 expression and activity. Moreover, PRE084 markedly increased K_V1.5 currents in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and attenuated vasoconstriction and proliferation in pulmonary arteries. We also show that both K_V1.5 channels and S1R, at mRNA and protein levels, are clearly downregulated in samples from PAH and AF patients. Moreover, the expression of both genes showed a positive correlation. Finally, the ability of PRE084 to increase K_V1.5 function was preserved under sustained hypoxic conditions, as an in vitro PAH model. Our study provides insight into the key role of S1R in modulating the expression and activity of K_V1.5 channels and highlights the potential role of this chaperone as a novel pharmacological target for pathological conditions associated with K_V1.5 channel dysfunction.

Structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and applications for novel drug development

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has raised a health crisis worldwide. The high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 and the lack of effective drugs or vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the urgent need for standard treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the glycosylated spike protein (S protein) is capable of binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and initiating membrane fusion and virus entry. Hence, it is rational to inhibit the RBD activity of the S protein by blocking the RBD interaction with hACE2, which makes the glycosylated S protein a potential target for designing and developing antiviral agents. In this study, the molecular features of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted, such as the structures, functions, and interactions of the S protein and ACE2. Additionally, computational tools developed for the treatment of COVID-19 are provided, for example, algorithms, databases, and relevant programs. Finally, recent advances in the novel development of antivirals against the S protein are summarized, including screening of natural products, drug repurposing and rational design. This study is expected to provide novel insights for the efficient discovery of promising drug candidates against the S protein and contribute to the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs to fight against SARS-CoV-2.

Revisiting the sigma-1 receptor as a biological target to treat affective and cognitive disorders

Depression and cognitive disorders are diseases with complex and not-fully understood etiology. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the prevalence of both conditions. Since the current treatments are inadequate in many patients, there is a constant need for discovering new compounds, which will be more effective in ameliorating depressive symptoms and treating cognitive decline. Proteins attracting much attention as potential targets for drugs treating these conditions are sigma-1 receptors. Sigma-1 receptors are multi-functional proteins localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes, which play a crucial role in cellular signal transduction by interacting with receptors, ion channels, lipids, and kinases. Changes in their functions and expression may lead to various diseases, including depression or memory impairments. Thus, sigma-1 receptor modulation might be useful in treating these central nervous system diseases. Importantly, two sigma-1 receptor ligands entered clinical trials, showing that this compound group possesses therapeutic potential. Therefore, based on preclinical studies, this review discusses whether the sigma-1 receptor could be a promising target for drugs treating affective and cognitive disorders.

Emerging Benefits: Pathophysiological Functions and Target Drugs of the Sigma-1 Receptor in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is encoded by the SIGMAR1 gene and is a nonopioid transmembrane receptor located in the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM). It helps to locate endoplasmic reticulum calcium channels, regulates calcium homeostasis, and acts as a molecular chaperone to control cell fate and participate in signal transduction. It plays an important role in protecting neurons through a variety of signaling pathways and participates in the regulation of cognition and motor behavior closely related to neurodegenerative diseases. Based on its neuroprotective effects, Sig-1R has now become a breakthrough target for alleviating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the most cutting-edge research on the function of Sig-1R under normal or pathologic conditions and target drugs of the sigma-1 receptor in neurodegenerative diseases.

A Novel KCNA2 Variant in a Patient with Non-Progressive Congenital Ataxia and Epilepsy: Functional Characterization and Sensitivity to 4-Aminopyridine

Kv1.2 channels, encoded by the KCNA2 gene, are localized in the central and peripheral nervous system, where they regulate neuronal excitability. Recently, heterozygous mutations in KCNA2 have been associated with a spectrum of symptoms extending from epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability, and cerebellar ataxia. Patients are treated with a combination of antiepileptic drugs and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) has been recently trialed in specific cases. We identified a novel variant in KCNA2, E236K, in a Serbian proband with non-progressive congenital ataxia and early onset epilepsy, treated with sodium valproate. To ascertain the pathogenicity of E236K mutation and to verify its sensitivity to 4-AP, we transfected HEK 293 cells with Kv1.2 WT or E236K cDNAs and recorded potassium currents through the whole-cell patch-clamp. In silico analysis supported the electrophysiological data. E236K channels showed voltage-dependent activation shifted towards negative potentials and slower kinetics of deactivation and activation compared with Kv1.2 WT. Heteromeric Kv1.2 WT+E236K channels, resembling the condition of the heterozygous patient, confirmed a mixed gain- and loss-of-function (GoF/LoF) biophysical phenotype. 4-AP inhibited both Kv1.2 and E236K channels with similar potency. Homology modeling studies of mutant channels suggested a reduced interaction between the residue K236 in the S2 segment and the gating charges at S4. Overall, the biophysical phenotype of E236K channels correlates with the mild end of the clinical spectrum reported in patients with GoF/LoF defects. The response to 4-AP corroborates existing evidence that KCNA2-disorders could benefit from variant-tailored therapeutic approaches, based on functional studies.

Regulation of K+ Conductance by a Hydrogen Bond in Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv1.2 Channels

The slow inactivation of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels plays an important role in controlling cellular excitability. Recently, the two hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) formed by W434-D447 and T439-Y445 have been reported to control the slow inactivation in Shaker potassium channels. The four residues are highly conserved among Kv channels. Our objective was to find the roles of the two H-bonds in controlling the slow inactivation of mammalian Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv1.2 channels by point mutation and patch-clamp recording studies. We found that mutations of the residues equivalent to W434 and T439 in Shaker did not change the slow inactivation of the Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv1.2 channels. Surprisingly, breaking of the inter-subunit H-bond formed by W366 and Y376 (Kv2.1 numbering) by various mutations resulted in the complete loss of K+ conductance of the three Kv channels. In conclusion, we found differences in the H-bonds controlling the slow inactivation of the mammalian Kv channels and Shaker channels. Our data provided the first evidence, to our knowledge, that the inter-subunit H-bond formed by W366 and Y376 plays an important role in regulating the K+ conductance of mammalian Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv1.2 channels.

Genetic inactivation of the sigma-1 chaperone protein results in decreased expression of the R2 subunit of the GABA-B receptor and increased susceptibility to seizures

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the significant involvement of the sigma-1 chaperone protein in the modulation of seizures. Several sigma-1 receptor (Sig1R) ligands have been demonstrated to regulate the seizure threshold in acute and chronic seizure models. However, the mechanism by which Sig1R modulates the excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the brain has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the susceptibility to seizures of wild type (WT) and Sig1R knockout (Sig1R-/-) mice in intravenous pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and (+)-bicuculline (BIC) infusion-induced acute seizure and Sig1R antagonist NE-100-induced seizure models. To determine possible molecular mechanisms, we used quantitative PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to assess the possible involvement of several seizure-related genes and proteins. Peripheral tissue contractile response of WT and Sig1R-/- mice was studied in an isolated vasa deferentia model. The most important finding was the significantly decreased expression of the R2 subunit of the GABA-B receptor in the hippocampus and habenula of Sig1R-/- mice. Our results demonstrated that Sig1R-/- mice have decreased thresholds for PTZ- and BIC-induced tonic seizures. In the NE-100-induced seizure model, Sig1R-/- animals demonstrated lower seizure scores, shorter durations and increased latency times of seizures compared to WT mice. Sig1R-independent activities of NE-100 included downregulation of the gene expression of iNOS and GABA-A γ2 and inhibition of KCl-induced depolarization in both WT and Sig1R-/- animals. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the lack of Sig1R resulted in decreased expression of the R2 subunit of the GABA-B receptor and increased susceptibility to seizures. Our results confirm that Sig1R is a significant molecular target for seizure modulation and warrants further investigation for the development of novel anti-seizure drugs.

PB28, the Sigma-1 and Sigma-2 Receptors Modulator With Potent Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity: A Review About Its Pharmacological Properties and Structure Affinity Relationships

These unprecedented times have forced the scientific community to gather to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts in diverse directions have been made. A multi-university team has focused on the identification of the host (human) proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, with the aim of hampering these interactions that may cause severe COVID-19 symptoms. Sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors surprisingly belong to the “druggable” host proteins found, with the pan-sigma receptor modulator PB28 displaying the most potent anti–SARS-CoV-2 activity in in vitro assays. Being 20-fold more active than hydroxychloroquine, without cardiac side effects, PB28 is a promising antiviral candidate worthy of further investigation. Our research group developed PB28 in 1996 and have thoroughly characterized its biological properties since then. Structure–affinity relationship (SAfiR) studies at the sigma receptor subtypes were also undertaken with PB28 as the lead compound. We herein report our knowledge of PB28 to share information that may help to gain insight into the antiviral action of this compound and sigma receptors, while providing structural hints that may speed up the translation into therapeutics of this class of ligands.

Control of Slc7a5 sensitivity by the voltage-sensing domain of Kv1 channels

Many voltage-dependent ion channels are regulated by accessory proteins. We recently reported powerful regulation of Kv1.2 potassium channels by the amino acid transporter Slc7a5. In this study, we report that Kv1.1 channels are also regulated by Slc7a5, albeit with different functional outcomes. In heterologous expression systems, Kv1.1 exhibits prominent current enhancement ('disinhibition') with holding potentials more negative than −120 mV. Knockdown of endogenous Slc7a5 leads to larger Kv1.1 currents and strongly attenuates the disinhibition effect, suggesting that Slc7a5 regulation of Kv1.1 involves channel inhibition that can be reversed by supraphysiological hyperpolarizing voltages. We investigated chimeric combinations of Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, demonstrating that exchange of the voltage-sensing domain controls the sensitivity and response to Slc7a5, and localize a specific position in S1 with prominent effects on Slc7a5 sensitivity. Overall, our study highlights multiple Slc7a5-sensitive Kv1 subunits, and identifies the voltage-sensing domain as a determinant of Slc7a5 modulation of Kv1 channels.

Sigma-1 receptor activation-induced glycolytic ATP production and endothelial barrier enhancement

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that σ1 modulates endothelial barrier function due to its influence on endothelial bioenergetics.

METHODS

Cultured HUVEC monolayers were used to model the endothelial barrier. ECIS, Transwell assays, and immunofluorescence labeling of junctional proteins were used to evaluate endothelial barrier function. Endothelial cell bioenergetics was determined using extracellular flux analysis and direct ATP level measurements. The endothelial-specific contribution of σ1 was tested using the σ1-selective agonist, PRE-084, and with targeted knockdown of σ1 expression using siRNA.

RESULTS

Activation of σ1 with PRE-084 significantly enhanced endothelial barrier function and decreased permeability to albumin and dextran. Knockdown of σ1 with siRNA reduced barrier function and abolished PRE-084-induced endothelial barrier enhancement. PRE-084 upregulated endothelial glycolysis and glycolytic ATP production, but this response was abolished by siRNA-mediated knockdown of σ1 expression. PRE-084 also reduced the degree of endothelial barrier dysfunction caused by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler CCCP.

CONCLUSION

Activation of σ1 enhances endothelial barrier function and modulates the ratio of glycolytic versus mitochondrial ATP production. These novel findings suggest that endothelial σ1 may prove beneficial as a novel therapeutic target for reducing microvascular hyperpermeability and counteracting mitochondrial dysfunction.

The Sigma-1 Receptor: When Adaptive Regulation of Cell Electrical Activity Contributes to Stimulant Addiction and Cancer

The sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident chaperone protein that acts like an inter-organelle signaling modulator. Among its several functions such as ER lipid metabolisms/transports and indirect regulation of genes transcription, one of its most intriguing feature is the ability to regulate the function and trafficking of a variety of functional proteins. To date, and directly relevant to the present review, σ1R has been found to regulate both voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) belonging to distinct superfamilies (i.e., sodium, Na⁺; potassium, K⁺; and calcium, Ca²⁺ channels) and non-voltage-gated ion channels. This regulatory function endows σ1R with a powerful capability to fine tune cells’ electrical activity and calcium homeostasis—a regulatory power that appears to favor cell survival in pathological contexts such as stroke or neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge on σ1R’s role in the regulation of cellular electrical activity, and how this seemingly adaptive function can shift cell homeostasis and contribute to the development of very distinct chronic pathologies such as psychostimulant abuse and tumor cell growth in cancers.

The sigma-1 receptor behaves as an atypical auxiliary subunit to modulate the functional characteristics of Kv1.2 channels expressed in HEK293 cells

Expression of Kv1.2 within Kv1.x potassium channel complexes is critical in maintaining appropriate neuronal excitability and determining the threshold for action potential firing. This is attributed to the interaction of Kv1.2 with a hitherto unidentified protein that confers bimodal channel activation gating, allowing neurons to adapt to repetitive trains of stimulation and protecting against hyperexcitability. One potential protein candidate is the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), which regulates other members of the Kv1.x channel family; however, the biophysical nature of the interaction between Sig-1R and Kv1.2 has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that Sig-1R may regulate Kv1.2 and may further act as the unidentified modulator of Kv1.2 activation. In transiently transfected HEK293 cells, we found that ligand activation of the Sig-1R modulates Kv1.2 current amplitude. More importantly, Sig-1R interacts with Kv1.2 in baseline conditions to influence bimodal activation gating. These effects are abolished in the presence of the auxiliary subunit Kvβ2 and when the Sig-1R mutation underlying ALS16 (Sig-1R-E102Q), is expressed. These data suggest that Kvβ2 occludes the interaction of Sig-1R with Kv1.2, and that E102 may be a residue critical for Sig-1R modulation of Kv1.2. The results of this investigation describe an important new role for Sig-1R in the regulation of neuronal excitability and introduce a novel mechanism of pathophysiology in Sig-1R dysfunction.