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Das J, You Y, Mathukumalli K, Ann J, Lee J, Marquez VE. Activation of Munc13-1 by Diacylglycerol (DAG)-Lactones. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2717-2726. [PMID: 37651159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a key protein necessary for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release in the brain. Diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester binds to its C1 domain in the plasma membrane and activates it. The C1 domain of Munc13-1 and protein kinase C (PKC) are homologous in terms of sequence and structure. In order to identify small-molecule modulators of Munc13-1 targeting the C1 domain, we studied the effect of three DAG-lactones, (R,Z)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (JH-131e-153), (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (AJH-836), and (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (130C037), on Munc13-1 activation using the ligand-induced membrane translocation assay. JH-131e-153 showed higher activation than AJH-836, and 130C037 was not able to activate Munc13-1. To understand the role of the ligand-binding site residues in the activation process, three alanine mutants were generated. For AJH-836, the order of activation was wild-type (WT) Munc13-1 > R592A > W588A > I590A. For JH-131e-153, the order of activation was WT > I590 ≈ R592A ≈ W588A. Overall, the Z isomer of DAG-lactones showed higher potency than the E isomer and Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 were important for its binding. When comparing the activation of Munc13-1 and PKC, the order of activation for JH-131e-153 was PKCα > Munc13-1 > PKCε and for AJH-836, the order of activation was PKCε > PKCα > Munc13-1. Molecular docking supported higher binding of JH-131e-153 than AJH-836 with the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Our results suggest that DAG-lactones have the potential to modulate neuronal processes via Munc13-1 and can be further developed for therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kavya Mathukumalli
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Jihyae Ann
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Victor E Marquez
- Center for Cancer Research, Chemical Biology Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, 376 Boyles Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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Ghosh A, Muthuraju S, Badal S, Wooden J, Leasure JL, Roman G, Das J. Differential expression of presynaptic munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in mouse hippocampus following ethanol drinking. Neuroscience 2022; 487:166-183. [PMID: 35167938 PMCID: PMC8930510 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Munc13 family of proteins is critically involved in synaptic vesicle priming and release in glutamatergic neurons in the brain. Munc13-1 binds to alcohol and, in Drosophila, modulates sedation sensitivity and self-administration. We examined the effect of alcohol consumption on the expression of Munc13-1 and Munc13-2, NMDA receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B in the hippocampus-derived HT22 cells, hippocampal primary neuron culture, and wild-type and Munc13-1+/- male mouse hippocampus after ethanol consumption (Drinking in the Dark (DID) paradigm). In HT22 cells, Munc13-1 was upregulated following 25 mM ethanol treatment for 24 h. In the primary neuronal culture, however, the expression of both Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 increased after ethanol exposure. While Munc13-1 was upregulated in the hippocampus, Munc13-2 was downregulated following DID. This differential effect was found in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. Although Munc13-1+/- mice had approximately 50% Munc13-1 expression compared to wild-type, it was nonetheless significantly increased following DID. Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 were expressed in vesicular glutamate transporter1 (VGLUT1) immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus, but ethanol did not alter the expression of VGLUT1. The NMDA receptor subunits, GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B were upregulated in the hippocampal primary culture and in the CA1. Ethanol exerts a differential effect on the expression of Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in the CA1 in male mice. Our study also found that ethanol's effect on Munc13 expression is dependent on the experimental paradigm, and both Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 could contribute to the ethanol-induced augmentation of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
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Piao C, Sigrist SJ. (M)Unc13s in Active Zone Diversity: A Drosophila Perspective. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 13:798204. [PMID: 35046788 PMCID: PMC8762327 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.798204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The so-called active zones at pre-synaptic terminals are the ultimate filtering devices, which couple between action potential frequency and shape, and the information transferred to the post-synaptic neurons, finally tuning behaviors. Within active zones, the release of the synaptic vesicle operates from specialized “release sites.” The (M)Unc13 class of proteins is meant to define release sites topologically and biochemically, and diversity between Unc13-type release factor isoforms is suspected to steer diversity at active zones. The two major Unc13-type isoforms, namely, Unc13A and Unc13B, have recently been described from the molecular to the behavioral level, exploiting Drosophila being uniquely suited to causally link between these levels. The exact nanoscale distribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels relative to release sites (“coupling”) at pre-synaptic active zones fundamentally steers the release of the synaptic vesicle. Unc13A and B were found to be either tightly or loosely coupled across Drosophila synapses. In this review, we reported recent findings on diverse aspects of Drosophila Unc13A and B, importantly, their nano-topological distribution at active zones and their roles in release site generation, active zone assembly, and pre-synaptic homeostatic plasticity. We compared their stoichiometric composition at different synapse types, reviewing the correlation between nanoscale distribution of these two isoforms and release physiology and, finally, discuss how isoform-specific release components might drive the functional heterogeneity of synapses and encode discrete behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengji Piao
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stephan J. Sigrist
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Sterken MG, van Wijk MH, Quamme EC, Riksen JAG, Carnell L, Mathies LD, Davies AG, Kammenga JE, Bettinger JC. Transcriptional analysis of the response of C. elegans to ethanol exposure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10993. [PMID: 34040055 PMCID: PMC8155136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol-induced transcriptional changes underlie important physiological responses to ethanol that are likely to contribute to the addictive properties of the drug. We examined the transcriptional responses of Caenorhabditis elegans across a timecourse of ethanol exposure, between 30 min and 8 h, to determine what genes and genetic pathways are regulated in response to ethanol in this model. We found that short exposures to ethanol (up to 2 h) induced expression of metabolic enzymes involved in metabolizing ethanol and retinol, while longer exposure (8 h) had much more profound effects on the transcriptome. Several genes that are known to be involved in the physiological response to ethanol, including direct ethanol targets, were regulated at 8 h of exposure. This longer exposure to ethanol also resulted in the regulation of genes involved in cilia function, which is consistent with an important role for the effects of ethanol on cilia in the deleterious effects of chronic ethanol consumption in humans. Finally, we found that food deprivation for an 8-h period induced gene expression changes that were somewhat ameliorated by the presence of ethanol, supporting previous observations that worms can use ethanol as a calorie source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G Sterken
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke H van Wijk
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth C Quamme
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Joost A G Riksen
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucinda Carnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, 98926, USA
| | - Laura D Mathies
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew G Davies
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jan E Kammenga
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jill C Bettinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
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You Y, Katti S, Yu B, Igumenova TI, Das J. Probing the Diacylglycerol Binding Site of Presynaptic Munc13-1. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1286-1298. [PMID: 33818064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that acts as a master regulator of synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release in the brain. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Diacylglycerol and phorbol ester activate Munc13-1 by binding to its C1 domain. The objective of this study is to identify the structural determinants of ligand binding activity of the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Molecular docking suggested that residues Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 of Munc13-1 are involved in ligand interactions. To elucidate the role of these three residues in ligand binding, we generated W588A, I590A, and R592A mutants in full-length Munc13-1, expressed them as GFP-tagged proteins in HT22 cells, and measured their ligand-induced membrane translocation by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The extent of 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG)- and phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > W588A > R592A and wild type > W588A > I590A > R592A, respectively. To understand the effect of the mutations on ligand binding, we also measured the DOG binding affinity of the isolated wild-type C1 domain and its mutants in membrane-mimicking micelles using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The DOG binding affinity decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > R592A. No binding was detected for W588A with DOG in micelles. This study shows that Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 are essential determinants for the activity of Munc13-1 and the effects of the three residues on the activity are ligand-dependent. This study bears significance for the development of selective modulators of Munc13-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Binhan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tatyana I Igumenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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Scaplen KM, Petruccelli E. Receptors and Channels Associated with Alcohol Use: Contributions from Drosophila. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211007441. [PMID: 33870197 PMCID: PMC8020223 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211007441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a debilitating disorder that manifests as problematic patterns of alcohol use. At the core of AUD's behavioral manifestations are the profound structural, physiological, cellular, and molecular effects of alcohol on the brain. While the field has made considerable progress in understanding the neuromolecular targets of alcohol we still lack a comprehensive understanding of alcohol's actions and effective treatment strategies. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model for investigating the neuromolecular targets of alcohol because flies model many of the core behavioral elements of AUD and offer a rich genetic toolkit to precisely reveal the in vivo molecular actions of alcohol. In this review, we focus on receptors and channels that are often targeted by alcohol within the brain. We discuss the general roles of these proteins, their role in alcohol-associated behaviors across species, and propose ways in which Drosophila models can help advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Scaplen
- Department of Psychology, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
- Center for Health and Behavioral Studies, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emily Petruccelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
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You Y, Das J. Effect of ethanol on Munc13-1 C1 in Membrane: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1344-1355. [PMID: 32424866 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EtOH has a significant effect on synaptic plasticity. Munc13-1 is an essential presynaptic active zone protein involved in priming the synaptic vesicle and releasing neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a peripheral membrane protein and binds to the activator, diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester at its membrane-targeting C1 domain. Our previous studies identified Glu-582 of C1 domain as the alcohol-binding residue (Das, J. et al, J. Neurochem., 126, 715-726, 2013). METHODS Here, we describe a 250 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study on the interaction of EtOH and the activator-bound Munc13-1 C1 in the presence of varying concentrations of phosphatidylserine (PS). RESULTS In this study, Munc13-1 C1 shows higher conformational stability in EtOH than in water. It forms fewer hydrogen bonds with phorbol 13-acetate in the presence of EtOH than in water. EtOH also affected the interaction between the protein and the membrane and between the activator and the membrane. Similar studies in a E582A mutant suggest that these effects of EtOH are mostly mediated through Glu-582. CONCLUSIONS EtOH forms hydrogen bonds with Glu-582. While occupancy of the EtOH molecules at the vicinity (4Å) of Glu-582 is 34.4%, the occupancy in the E582A mutant is 26.5% of the simulation time. In addition, the amount of PS in the membrane influences the conformational stability of the C1 domain and interactions in the ternary complex. This study is important in providing the structural basis of EtOH's effects on synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngki You
- From the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joydip Das
- From the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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Wooden JI, Schuller K, Roman G, Das J, Leasure JL. MUNC13-1 heterozygosity does not alter voluntary ethanol consumption or sensitivity in mice. Alcohol 2020; 83:89-97. [PMID: 31265903 PMCID: PMC7043798 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of the munc13-1 presynaptic protein in alcohol-related behaviors has been little-studied, despite being a known site of action for ethanol binding. Munc13-1 is an active zone protein that plays a vital role in vesicle maturation and the release of neurotransmitters in excitatory neurons. Ethanol binds munc13-1, which decreases its functionality. In Drosophila, loss of the homologous protein Dunc13 is associated with an increase in ethanol preference, and is associated with a resistance to sedation following ethanol exposure. The current study assessed the effects of munc13-1 heterozygosity on ethanol sensitivity and consumption in mice, as well as on learning and anxiety-like behaviors, which can influence alcohol intake. Wild-type and mutant mice underwent 6 cycles of drinking-in-the-dark (DID) as well as rotarod testing following ethanol injection, to probe for differences in ethanol consumption and sensitivity, respectively. We did not detect genotype-based differences in our measures of anxiety, spatial learning, ethanol consumption, or ethanol sensitivity. However, heterozygotes showed increased use of a spatial navigation strategy in a dual-solution water maze, as opposed to a stimulus-response strategy. To summarize, although reduction of Dunc13 in flies produces clear effects on ethanol consumption and sensitivity, heterozygosity for munc13-1 does not, potentially due to compensatory adaptation by other munc-13 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I Wooden
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Kyle Schuller
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Gregg Roman
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - J Leigh Leasure
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States; Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
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Das J. SNARE Complex-Associated Proteins and Alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 44:7-18. [PMID: 31724225 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol addiction causes major health problems throughout the world, causing numerous deaths and incurring a huge economic burden to society. To develop an intervention for alcohol addiction, it is necessary to identify molecular target(s) of alcohol and associated molecular mechanisms of alcohol action. The functions of many central and peripheral synapses are impacted by low concentrations of ethanol (EtOH). While the postsynaptic targets and mechanisms are studied extensively, there are limited studies on the presynaptic targets and mechanisms. This article is an endeavor in this direction, focusing on the effect of EtOH on the presynaptic proteins associated with the neurotransmitter release machinery. Studies on the effects of EtOH at the levels of gene, protein, and behavior are highlighted in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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Engel GL, Taber K, Vinton E, Crocker AJ. Studying alcohol use disorder using Drosophila melanogaster in the era of 'Big Data'. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2019; 15:7. [PMID: 30992041 PMCID: PMC6469124 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-019-0159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of the networks of genes and protein functions involved in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains incomplete, as do the mechanisms by which these networks lead to AUD phenotypes. The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is an efficient model for functional and mechanistic characterization of the genes involved in alcohol behavior. The fly offers many advantages as a model organism for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of alcohol-related behaviors, and for understanding the underlying neural circuitry driving behaviors, such as locomotor stimulation, sedation, tolerance, and appetitive (reward) learning and memory. Fly researchers are able to use an extensive variety of tools for functional characterization of gene products. To understand how the fly can guide our understanding of AUD in the era of Big Data we will explore these tools, and review some of the gene networks identified in the fly through their use, including chromatin-remodeling, glial, cellular stress, and innate immunity genes. These networks hold great potential as translational drug targets, making it prudent to conduct further research into how these gene mechanisms are involved in alcohol behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Engel
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Castleton University, Castleton, VT 05735 USA
| | - Kreager Taber
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753 USA
| | - Elizabeth Vinton
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753 USA
| | - Amanda J. Crocker
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753 USA
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Das J. Identification of alcohol-binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine-based photoaffinity labeling and mass spectrometry. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 93:1158-1165. [PMID: 30346111 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Defining molecular targets of alcohol and understanding the molecular mechanism of alcohol actions are necessary to develop effective therapeutics for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for identifying alcohol-binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine-based azialcohol as photoaffinity labeling agents. Upon photoirradiation, azialcohol photoincorporates into alcohol-binding proteins. The stoichiometry and site of azialcohol photoincorporation can be determined using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Identification of the alcohol-binding residues in protein followed by measuring the biological significance of these residues in regulating alcohol action are important steps in characterizing the molecular targets of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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