Knock-in mice lacking the PDZ-ligand motif of mGluR7a show impaired PKC-dependent autoinhibition of glutamate release, spatial working memory deficits, and increased susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol

Understanding OLM interneurons: Characterization, circuitry, and significance in memory and navigation

Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying memory formation and retention relies on unraveling how the hippocampus, a structure fundamental for memory acquisition, is organized. Within the complex hippocampal network, interneurons play a crucial role in orchestrating memory processes. Among these interneurons, Oriens-Lacunosum Moleculare (OLM) cells emerge as key regulators, governing the flow of information to CA1 pyramidal cells. In this review, we explore OLM interneurons in detail, describing their mechanisms and effects on memory processing, particularly in spatial and contextual memory tasks. Our aim is to provide a detailed understanding of how OLM interneurons contribute to the dynamic landscape of memory formation and retrieval.

Therapeutic Potential for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 7 Modulators in Cognitive Disorders

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7) is the most highly conserved and abundantly expressed mGlu receptor in the human brain. The presynaptic localization of mGlu7, coupled with its low affinity for its endogenous agonist, glutamate, are features that contribute to the receptor's role in modulating neuronal excitation and inhibition patterns, including long-term potentiation, in various brain regions. These characteristics suggest that mGlu7 modulation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in disorders of cognitive dysfunction, including neurodevelopmental disorders that cause impairments in learning, memory, and attention. Primary mutations in the GRM7 gene have recently been identified as novel causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, and these patients exhibit profound intellectual and cognitive disability. Pharmacological tools, such as agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been the mainstay for targeting mGlu7 in its endogenous homodimeric form to probe effects of its function and modulation in disease models. However, recent research has identified diversity in dimerization, as well as trans-synaptic interacting proteins, that also play a role in mGlu7 signaling and pharmacological properties. These novel findings represent exciting opportunities in the field of mGlu receptor drug discovery and highlight the importance of further understanding the functions of mGlu7 in complex neurologic conditions at both the molecular and physiologic levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Proper expression and function of mGlu7 is essential for learning, attention, and memory formation at the molecular level within neural circuits. The pharmacological targeting of mGlu7 is undergoing a paradigm shift by incorporating an understanding of receptor interaction with other cis- and trans- acting synaptic proteins, as well as various intracellular signaling pathways. Based upon these new findings, mGlu7's potential as a drug target in the treatment of cognitive disorders and learning impairments is primed for exploration.

RBFOX1 and Working Memory: From Genome to Transcriptome Revealed Posttranscriptional Mechanism Separate From Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background

Many psychiatric disorders share a working memory (WM) impairment phenotype, yet the genetic causes remain unclear. Here, we generated genetic profiles of WM deficits using attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder samples and validated the results in zebrafish models.

Methods

We used 2 relatively large attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder cohorts, 799 and 776 cases, respectively. WM impairment was assessed using the Rey Complex Figure Test. First, association analyses were conducted at single-variant, gene-based, and gene-set levels. Deeper insights into the biological mechanism were gained from further functional exploration by bioinformatic analyses and zebrafish models.

Results

Genomic analyses identified and replicated a locus with rs75885813 as the index single nucleotide polymorphism showing significant association with WM defects but not with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Functional feature exploration found that these single nucleotide polymorphisms may regulate the expression level of RBFOX1 through chromatin interaction. Further pathway enrichment analysis of potential associated single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed the involvement of posttranscription regulation that affects messenger RNA stability and/or alternative splicing. Zebrafish with functionally knocked down or genome-edited rbfox1 exhibited WM impairment but no hyperactivity. Transcriptome profiling of rbfox1-defective zebrafish indicated that alternative exon usages of snap25a might partially lead to reduced WM learning of larval zebrafish.

Conclusions

The locus with rs75885813 in RBFOX1 was identified as associated with WM. Rbfox1 regulates synaptic and long-term potentiation-related gene snap25a to adjust WM at the posttranscriptional level.

Subsynaptic mobility of presynaptic mGluR types is differentially regulated by intra- and extracellular interactions

Presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are essential for the control of synaptic transmission. However, how the subsynaptic dynamics of these receptors is controlled and contributes to synaptic signaling remain poorly understood quantitatively. Particularly, since the affinity of individual mGluR subtypes for glutamate differs considerably, the activation of mGluR subtypes critically depends on their precise subsynaptic distribution. Here, using superresolution microscopy and single-molecule tracking, we unravel novel molecular mechanisms that control the nanoscale distribution and mobility of presynaptic mGluRs in hippocampal neurons. We demonstrate that the high-affinity group II receptor mGluR2 localizes diffusely along the axon, and is highly mobile, while the low-affinity group III receptor mGluR7 is stably anchored at the active zone. We demonstrate that intracellular interactions modulate surface diffusion of mGluR2, while immobilization of mGluR7 at the active zone relies on its extracellular domain. Receptor activation or increases in synaptic activity do not alter the surface mobility of presynaptic mGluRs. Finally, computational modeling of presynaptic mGluR activity revealed that this particular nanoscale arrangement directly impacts their ability to modulate neurotransmitter release. Altogether, this study demonstrates that distinct mechanisms control surface mobility of presynaptic mGluRs to contribute differentially to glutamatergic synaptic transmission.

Membrane trafficking and positioning of mGluRs at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites of excitatory synapses

The plethora of functions of glutamate in the brain are mediated by the complementary actions of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The ionotropic glutamate receptors carry most of the fast excitatory transmission, while mGluRs modulate transmission on longer timescales by triggering multiple intracellular signaling pathways. As such, mGluRs mediate critical aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Interestingly, at synapses, mGluRs operate at both sides of the cleft, and thus bidirectionally exert the effects of glutamate. At postsynaptic sites, group I mGluRs act to modulate excitability and plasticity. At presynaptic sites, group II and III mGluRs act as auto-receptors, modulating release properties in an activity-dependent manner. Thus, synaptic mGluRs are essential signal integrators that functionally couple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of transmission and plasticity. Understanding how these receptors reach the membrane and are positioned relative to the presynaptic glutamate release site are therefore important aspects of synapse biology. In this review, we will discuss the currently known mechanisms underlying the trafficking and positioning of mGluRs at and around synapses, and how these mechanisms contribute to synaptic functioning. We will highlight outstanding questions and present an outlook on how recent technological developments will move this exciting research field forward.

G-alpha interacting protein interacting protein, C terminus 1 regulates epileptogenesis by increasing the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7

Aims

It has been reported that the G‐alpha interacting protein (GAIP) interacting protein, C terminus 1 (GIPC1/GIPC) engages in vesicular trafficking, receptor transport and expression, and endocytosis. However, its role in epilepsy is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the role of GIPC1 in epilepsy and its possible underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression patterns of GIPC1 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in mice with kainic acid (KA)‐induced epilepsy were detected. Behavioral video monitoring and hippocampal local field potential (LFP) recordings were carried out to determine the role of GIPC1 in epileptogenesis after overexpression of GIPC1. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay and high‐resolution immunofluorescence staining were conducted to investigate the relationship between GIPC1 and metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7). In addition, the expression of mGluR7 after overexpression of GIPC1 was measured, and behavioral video monitoring and LFP recordings after antagonism of mGluR7 were performed to explore the possible mechanism mediated by GIPC1.

Results

GIPC1 was downregulated in the brain tissues of patients with TLE and mice with KA‐induced epilepsy. After overexpression of GIPC1, prolonged latency period, decreased epileptic seizures and reduced seizure severity in behavioral analyses, and fewer and shorter abnormal brain discharges in LFP recordings of KA‐induced epileptic mice were observed. The result of the Co‐IP assay showed the interaction between GIPC1 and mGluR7, and the high‐resolution immunofluorescence staining also showed the colocalization of these two proteins. Additionally, along with GIPC1 overexpression, the total and cell membrane expression levels of mGluR7 were also increased. And after antagonism of mGluR7, increased epileptic seizures and aggravated seizure severity in behavioral analyses and more and longer abnormal brain discharges in LFP recordings were observed.

Conclusion

GIPC1 regulates epileptogenesis by interacting with mGluR7 and increasing its expression.

Biallelic GRM7 variants cause epilepsy, microcephaly, and cerebral atrophy

Objective

Defects in ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors are implicated in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7), encoded by GRM7, is a presynaptic G‐protein‐coupled glutamate receptor critical for synaptic transmission. We previously proposed GRM7 as a candidate disease gene in two families with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). One additional family has been published since. Here, we describe three additional families with GRM7 biallelic variants and deeply characterize the associated clinical neurological and electrophysiological phenotype and molecular data in 11 affected individuals from six unrelated families.

Methods

Exome sequencing and family‐based rare variant analyses on a cohort of 220 consanguineous families with NDDs revealed three families with GRM7 biallelic variants; three additional families were identified through literature search and collaboration with a clinical molecular laboratory.

Results

We compared the observed clinical features and variants of 11 affected individuals from the six unrelated families. Identified novel deleterious variants included two homozygous missense variants (c.2671G>A:p.Glu891Lys and c.1973G>A:p.Arg685Gln) and one homozygous stop‐gain variant (c.1975C>T:p.Arg659Ter). Developmental delay, neonatal‐ or infantile‐onset epilepsy, and microcephaly were universal. Three individuals had hypothalamic–pituitary–axis dysfunction without pituitary structural abnormality. Neuroimaging showed cerebral atrophy and hypomyelination in a majority of cases. Two siblings demonstrated progressive loss of myelination by 2 years in both and an acquired microcephaly pattern in one. Five individuals died in early or late childhood.

Conclusion

Detailed clinical characterization of 11 individuals from six unrelated families demonstrates that rare biallelic GRM7 pathogenic variants can cause DEEs, microcephaly, hypomyelination, and cerebral atrophy.

The mGlu7 receptor provides protective effects against epileptogenesis and epileptic seizures

Finding new targets to control or reduce seizure activity is essential to improve the management of epileptic patients. We hypothesized that activation of the pre-synaptic and inhibitory metabotropic glutamate receptor type 7 (mGlu7) reduces spontaneous seizures. We tested LSP2-9166, a recently developed mGlu7/4 agonist with unprecedented potency on mGlu7 receptors, in two paradigms of epileptogenesis. In a model of chemically induced epileptogenesis (pentylenetetrazole systemic injection), LSP2-9166 induces an anti-epileptogenic effect rarely observed in preclinical studies. In particular, we found a bidirectional modulation of seizure progression by mGlu4 and mGlu7 receptors, the latter preventing kindling. In the intra-hippocampal injection of kainic acid mouse model that mimics the human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, we found that LSP2-9166 reduces seizure frequency and hippocampal sclerosis. LSP2-9166 also acts as an anti-seizure drug on established seizures in both models tested. Specific modulation of the mGlu7 receptor could represent a novel approach to reduce pathological network remodeling.

Targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors in the treatment of epilepsy: rationale and current status

INTRODUCTION

Several drugs targeting the GABAergic system are used in the treatment of epilepsy, but only one drug targeting glutamate receptors is on the market. This is surprising because an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission lies at the core of the pathophysiology of epilepsy. One possible explanation is that drug development has been directed towards the synthesis of molecules that inhibit the activity of ionotropic glutamate receptors. These receptors mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS) and their blockade may cause severe adverse effects such as sedation, cognitive impairment, and psychotomimetic effects. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are more promising drug targets because these receptors modulate synaptic transmission rather than mediate it. Areas covered: We review the current evidence that links mGlu receptor subtypes to the pathophysiology and experimental treatment of convulsive and absence seizures. Expert opinion: While mGlu₅ receptor negative allosteric modulators have the potential to be protective against convulsive seizures and hyperactivity-induced neurodegeneration, drugs that enhance mGlu₅ and mGlu₇ receptor function may have beneficial effects in the treatment of absence epilepsy. Evidence related to the other mGlu receptor subtypes is more fragmentary; further investigations are required for an improved understanding of their role in the generation and propagation of seizures.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 7: A New Therapeutic Target in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by a wide range of symptoms including delayed speech, intellectual disability, motor dysfunction, social deficits, breathing problems, structural abnormalities, and epilepsy. Unfortunately, current treatment strategies are limited and innovative new approaches are sorely needed to address these complex diseases. The metabotropic glutamate receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that act to modulate neurotransmission across many brain structures. They have shown great promise as drug targets for numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. Moreover, the development of subtype-selective allosteric modulators has allowed detailed studies of each receptor subtype. Here, we focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu₇) as a potential therapeutic target for NDDs. mGlu₇ is expressed widely throughout the brain in regions that correspond to the symptom domains listed above and has established roles in synaptic physiology and behavior. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations in the GRM7 gene have been associated with idiopathic autism and other NDDs in patients. In rodent models, existing literature suggests that decreased mGlu₇ expression and/or function may lead to symptoms that overlap with those of NDDs. Furthermore, potentiation of mGlu₇ activity has shown efficacy in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. In this review, we summarize current findings that provide rationale for the continued development of mGlu₇ modulators as potential therapeutics.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor trafficking

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors) are G protein-coupled receptors that bind to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and are important in the modulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and plasticity in the central nervous system. Trafficking of mGlu receptors in and out of the synaptic plasma membrane is a fundamental mechanism modulating excitatory synaptic function through regulation of receptor abundance, desensitization, and signaling profiles. In this review, we cover the regulatory mechanisms determining surface expression and endocytosis of mGlu receptors, with particular focus on post-translational modifications and receptor-protein interactions. The literature we review broadens our insight into the precise events defining the expression of functional mGlu receptors at synapses, and will likely contribute to the successful development of novel therapeutic targets for a variety of developmental, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.

Structure function relations in PDZ-domain-containing proteins: Implications for protein networks in cellular signalling

Protein scaffolds as essential backbones for organization of supramolecular signalling complexes are a recurrent theme in several model systems. Scaffold proteins preferentially employ linear peptide binding motifs for recruiting their interaction partners. PDZ domains are one of the more commonly encountered peptide binding domains in several proteins including those involved in scaffolding functions. This domain is known for its promiscuity both in terms of ligand selection, mode of interaction with its ligands as well as its association with other protein interaction domains. PDZ domains are subject to several means of regulations by virtue of their functional diversity. Additionally, the PDZ domains are refractive to the effect of mutations and maintain their three-dimensional architecture under extreme mutational load. The biochemical and biophysical basis for this selectivity as well as promiscuity has been investigated and reviewed extensively. The present review focuses on the plasticity inherent in PDZ domains and its implications for modular organization as well as evolution of cellular signalling pathways in higher eukaryotes.

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Increases Histamine H3 Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in Rat Dentate Gyrus

BACKGROUND

We have reported that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE)-induced deficits in dentate gyrus, long-term potentiation (LTP), and memory are ameliorated by the histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist ABT-239. Curiously, ABT-239 did not enhance LTP or memory in control offspring. Here, we initiated an investigation of how PAE alters histaminergic neurotransmission in the dentate gyrus and other brain regions employing combined radiohistochemical and electrophysiological approaches in vitro to examine histamine H3 receptor number and function.

METHODS

Long-Evans rat dams voluntarily consumed either a 0% or 5% ethanol solution 4 hours each day throughout gestation. This pattern of drinking, which produces a mean peak maternal serum ethanol concentration of 60.8 ± 5.8 mg/dl, did not affect maternal weight gain, litter size, or offspring birthweight.

RESULTS

Radiohistochemical studies in adult offspring revealed that specific [3 H]-A349821 binding to histamine H3 receptors was not different in PAE rats compared to controls. However, H3 receptor-mediated Gi /Go protein-effector coupling, as measured by methimepip-stimulated [35 S]-GTPγS binding, was significantly increased in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and dentate gyrus of PAE rats compared to control. A LIGAND analysis of detailed methimepip concentration-response curves in dentate gyrus indicated that PAE significantly elevates receptor-effector coupling by a lower affinity H3 receptor population without significantly altering the affinities of H3 receptor subpopulations. In agreement with the [35 S]-GTPγS studies, a similar range of methimepip concentrations also inhibited electrically evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potential responses and increased paired-pulse ratio, a measure of decreased glutamate release, to a significantly greater extent in dentate gyrus slices from PAE rats than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a PAE-induced elevation in H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of glutamate release from perforant path terminals as 1 mechanism contributing the LTP deficits previously observed in the dentate gyrus of PAE rats, as well as providing a mechanistic basis for the efficacy of H3 receptor inverse agonists for ameliorating these deficits.

PICK1 Genetic Variation and Cognitive Function in Patients with Schizophrenia

The gene of protein interacting with C kinase 1 alpha (PICK1) has been implicated in schizophrenia, nevertheless, conflicting results existed. However, its role in cognitive function remains unclear. Besides, cognitive deficits impair the long-term outcome. We explored whether the polymorphisms of PICK1 (rs2076369, rs3952) affected cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients. We analyzed 302 patients and tested the differences of cognitive functions, clinical symptoms between genetic groups. We also used general linear model to analyze the effect of PICK1 genetic polymorphisms on cognitive functions. After adjustment for gender, age, education, the patients with rs2076369 G/T genotype showed better performance than T/T homozygotes in the summary score, global composite score, neurocognitive composite score, category fluency subtest, WAIS-III-Digit Symbol Coding subtest, working memory, WMS-III-Spatial Span (backward) subtest, MSCEIT-managing emotions branch (p = 0.038, 0.025, 0.046, 0.036, 0.025, 0.027, 0.035, 0.028, respectively). G/G homozygotes performed better than T/T in category fluency subtest (p = 0.049). A/A homozygotes of rs3952 performed better than G/G in trail making A subtest (p = 0.048). To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that PICK1 polymorphisms may associate with cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients. Further replication studies in healthy controls or other ethnic groups are warranted.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors and Interacting Proteins in Epileptogenesis

Neurotransmitter and receptor systems are involved in different neurological and neuropsychological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Recent advances in studies of signal transduction pathways or interacting proteins of neurotransmitter receptor systems suggest that different receptor systems may share the common signal transduction pathways or interacting proteins which may be better therapeutic targets for development of drugs to effectively control brain diseases. In this paper, we reviewed metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and their related signal transduction pathways or interacting proteins in status epilepticus and temporal lobe epilepsy, and proposed some novel therapeutical drug targets for controlling epilepsy and epileptogenesis.

Modulation of excitation on parvalbumin interneurons by neuroligin-3 regulates the hippocampal network

Hippocampal network activity is generated by a complex interplay between excitatory pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons. Although much is known about the molecular properties of excitatory synapses on pyramidal cells, comparatively little is known about excitatory synapses on interneurons. Here we show that conditional deletion of the postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule neuroligin-3 in parvalbumin interneurons causes a decrease in NMDA-receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents and an increase in presynaptic glutamate release probability by selectively impairing the inhibition of glutamate release by presynaptic Group III metabotropic glutamate receptors. As a result, the neuroligin-3 deletion altered network activity by reducing gamma oscillations and sharp wave ripples, changes associated with a decrease in extinction of contextual fear memories. These results demonstrate that neuroligin-3 specifies the properties of excitatory synapses on parvalbumin-containing interneurons by a retrograde trans-synaptic mechanism and suggest a molecular pathway whereby neuroligin-3 mutations contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Alternative RNA splicing: contribution to pain and potential therapeutic strategy

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Alternative pre-mRNA splicing generates multiple proteins from a single gene.

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Control of alternative splicing is a likely therapy in cancer and other disorders.

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Key molecules in pain pathways – GPCRs and channels – are alternatively spliced.

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It is proposed that alternative splicing may be a therapeutic target in pain.

Since the sequencing of metazoan genomes began, it has become clear that the number of expressed proteins far exceeds the number of genes. It is now estimated that more than 98% of human genes give rise to multiple proteins through alternative pre-mRNA splicing. In this review, we highlight the known alternative splice variants of many channels, receptors, and growth factors that are important in nociception and pain. Recently, pharmacological control of alternative splicing has been proposed as potential therapy in cancer, wet age-related macular degeneration, retroviral infections, and pain. Thus, we also consider the effects that known splice variants of molecules key to nociception/pain have on nociceptive processing and/or analgesic action, and the potential for control of alternative pre-mRNA splicing as a novel analgesic strategy.

Phasic and Tonic mGlu7 Receptor Activity Modulates the Thalamocortical Network

Mutation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 7 (mGlu7) induces absence-like epileptic seizures, but its precise role in the somatosensory thalamocortical network remains unknown. By combining electrophysiological recordings, optogenetics, and pharmacology, we dissected the contribution of the mGlu7 receptor at mouse thalamic synapses. We found that mGlu7 is functionally expressed at both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses, where it can inhibit neurotransmission and regulate short-term plasticity. These effects depend on the PDZ-ligand of the receptor, as they are lost in mutant mice. Interestingly, the very low affinity of mGlu7 receptors for glutamate raises the question of how it can be activated, namely at GABAergic synapses and in basal conditions. Inactivation of the receptor activity with the mGlu7 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), ADX71743, enhances thalamic synaptic transmission. In vivo administration of the NAM induces a lethargic state with spindle and/or spike-and-wave discharges accompanied by a behavioral arrest typical of absence epileptic seizures. This provides evidence for mGlu7 receptor-mediated tonic modulation of a physiological function in vivo preventing synchronous and potentially pathological oscillations.

Blockade of T-type calcium channels prevents tonic-clonic seizures in a maximal electroshock seizure model

T-type (Cav3) calcium channels play important roles in neuronal excitability, both in normal and pathological activities of the brain. In particular, they contribute to hyper-excitability disorders such as epilepsy. Here we have characterized the anticonvulsant properties of TTA-A2, a selective T-type channel blocker, in mouse. Using the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) as a model of tonic-clonic generalized seizures, we report that mice treated with TTA-A2 (0.3 mg/kg and higher doses) were significantly protected against tonic seizures. Although no major change in Local Field Potential (LFP) pattern was observed during the MES seizure, analysis of the late post-ictal period revealed a significant increase in the delta frequency power in animals treated with TTA-A2. Similar results were obtained for Cav3.1-/- mice, which were less prone to develop tonic seizures in the MES test, but not for Cav3.2-/- mice. Analysis of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) phosphorylation and c-Fos expression revealed a rapid and elevated neuronal activation in the hippocampus following MES clonic seizures, which was unchanged in TTA-A2 treated animals. Overall, our data indicate that TTA-A2 is a potent anticonvulsant and that the Cav3.1 isoform plays a prominent role in mediating TTA-A2 tonic seizure protection.

Elfn1 recruits presynaptic mGluR7 in trans and its loss results in seizures

GABAergic interneurons are highly heterogeneous, and much is unknown about the specification and functional roles of their neural circuits. Here we show that a transinteraction of Elfn1 and mGluR7 controls targeted interneuron synapse development and that loss of Elfn1 results in hyperactivity and sensory-triggered epileptic seizures in mice. Elfn1 protein increases during postnatal development and localizes to postsynaptic sites of somatostatin-containing interneurons (SOM-INs) in the hippocampal CA1 stratum oriens and dentate gyrus (DG) hilus. Elfn1 knockout (KO) mice have deficits in mGluR7 recruitment to synaptic sites on SOM-INs, and presynaptic plasticity is impaired at these synapses. In patients with epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we find damaging missense mutations of ELFN1 that are clustered in the carboxy-terminal region required for mGluR7 recruitment. These results reveal a novel mechanism for interneuron subtype-specific neural circuit establishment and define a common basis bridging neurological disorders.

Progress toward advanced understanding of metabotropic glutamate receptors: structure, signaling and therapeutic indications

The metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are a group of Class C seven-transmembrane spanning/G protein-coupled receptors (7TMRs/GPCRs). These receptors are activated by glutamate, one of the standard amino acids and the major excitatory neurotransmitter. By activating G protein-dependent and non-G protein-dependent signaling pathways, mGlus modulate glutamatergic transmission both in the periphery and throughout the central nervous system. Since the discovery of the first mGlu receptor, and especially during the last decade, a great deal of progress has been made in understanding the signaling, structure, pharmacological manipulation and therapeutic indications of the 8 mGlu members.

Modulation of short-term plasticity in the corticothalamic circuit by group III metabotropic glutamate receptors

Recurrent connections in the corticothalamic circuit underlie oscillatory behavior in this network and range from normal sleep rhythms to the abnormal spike-wave discharges seen in absence epilepsy. The propensity of thalamic neurons to fire postinhibitory rebound bursts mediated by low-threshold calcium spikes renders the circuit vulnerable to both increased excitation and increased inhibition, such as excessive excitatory cortical drive to thalamic reticular (RT) neurons or heightened inhibition of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons by RT. In this context, a protective role may be played by group III metabotropic receptors (mGluRs), which are uniquely located in the presynaptic active zone and typically act as autoreceptors or heteroceptors to depress synaptic release. Here, we report that these receptors regulate short-term plasticity at two loci in the corticothalamic circuit in rats: glutamatergic cortical synapses onto RT neurons and GABAergic synapses onto TC neurons in somatosensory ventrobasal thalamus. The net effect of group III mGluR activation at these synapses is to suppress thalamic oscillations as assayed in vitro. These findings suggest a functional role of these receptors to modulate corticothalamic transmission and protect against prolonged activity in the network.

A C-terminal PDZ domain-binding sequence is required for striatal distribution of the dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) mediates reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft. The cellular mechanisms controlling DAT levels in striatal nerve terminals remain poorly understood. DAT contains a C-terminal PDZ (PSD-95/Discs-large/ZO-1) domain binding sequence believed to bind synaptic scaffolding proteins, but its functional significance is uncertain. Here we demonstrate that two different DAT knock-in mice with disrupted PDZ-binding motifs (DAT-AAA and DAT+Ala) are characterized by dramatic loss of DAT expression in the striatum, causing hyperlocomotion and attenuated response to amphetamine. In cultured dopaminergic neurons and striatal slices from DAT-AAA mice, we find markedly reduced DAT surface levels and evidence for enhanced constitutive internalization. In DAT-AAA neurons, but not in wild type neurons, surface levels are rescued in part by expression of a dominant-negative dynamin mutation (K44A). Our findings suggest that PDZ domain interactions are critical for synaptic distribution of DAT in vivo and thereby for proper maintenance of dopamine homeostasis.

Neurochemical and behavioral features in genetic absence epilepsy and in acutely induced absence seizures

The absence epilepsy typical electroencephalographic pattern of sharp spikes and slow waves (SWDs) is considered to be due to an interaction of an initiation site in the cortex and a resonant circuit in the thalamus. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cationic I h pacemaker channels (HCN) play an important role in the enhanced cortical excitability. The role of thalamic HCN in SWD occurrence is less clear. Absence epilepsy in the WAG/Rij strain is accompanied by deficiency of the activity of dopaminergic system, which weakens the formation of an emotional positive state, causes depression-like symptoms, and counteracts learning and memory processes. It also enhances GABAA receptor activity in the striatum, globus pallidus, and reticular thalamic nucleus, causing a rise of SWD activity in the cortico-thalamo-cortical networks. One of the reasons for the occurrence of absences is that several genes coding of GABAA receptors are mutated. The question arises: what the role of DA receptors is. Two mechanisms that cause an infringement of the function of DA receptors in this genetic absence epilepsy model are proposed.

The binding affinities of proteins interacting with the PDZ domain of PICK1

Protein interacting with C kinase (PICK1) is well conserved throughout evolution and plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the trafficking and posttranslational modification of its interacting proteins. PICK1 contains a single PSD95/DlgA/Zo-1 (PDZ) protein-protein interaction domain, which is promiscuous and shown to interact with over 60 proteins, most of which play roles in neuronal function. Several reports have suggested the role of PICK1 in disorders such as epilepsy, pain, brain trauma and stroke, drug abuse and dependence, schizophrenia and psychosis. Importantly, lead compounds that block PICK1 interactions are also now becoming available. Here, a new modeling approach was developed to investigate binding affinities of PDZ interactions. Using these methods, the binding affinities of all major PICK1 interacting proteins are reported and the effects of PICK1 mutations on these interactions are described. These modeling methods have important implications in defining the binding properties of proteins interacting with PICK1 as well as the general structural requirements of PDZ interactions. The study also provides modeling methods to support in the drug design of ligands for PDZ domains, which may further aid in development of the family of PDZ domains as a drug target.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the thalamocortical network: strategic targets for the treatment of absence epilepsy

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are positioned at synapses of the thalamocortical network that underlie the development of spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) associated with absence epilepsy. The modulatory role of individual mGlu receptor subtypes on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the cortico-thalamo-cortical circuitry makes subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands potential candidates as novel antiabsence drugs. Some of these compounds are under clinical development for the treatment of numerous neurologic and psychiatric disorders, and might be soon available for clinical studies in patients with absence seizures refractory to conventional medications. Herein we review the growing evidence that links mGlu receptors to the pathophysiology of pathologic SWDs moving from the anatomic localization and function of distinct mGlu receptor subtypes in the cortico-thalamo-cortical network to in vivo studies in mouse and rat models of absence epilepsy.

Protective role for type-1 metabotropic glutamate receptors against spike and wave discharges in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy

Eight-month old WAG/Rij rats, which developed spontaneous occurring absence seizures, showed a reduced function of mGlu1 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the thalamus, as assessed by in vivo measurements of DHPG-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, in the presence of the mGlu5 antagonist MPEP as compared to age-matched non-epileptic control rats. These symptomatic 8-month old WAG/Rij rats also showed lower levels of thalamic mGlu1α receptors than age-matched controls and 2-month old (pre-symptomatic) WAG/Rij rats, as detected by immunoblotting. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analysis indicated that the reduced expression of mGlu1 receptors found in symptomatic WAG/Rij rats was confined to an area of the thalamus that excluded the ventroposterolateral nucleus. No mGlu1 receptor mRNA was detected in the reticular thalamic nucleus. Pharmacological manipulation of mGlu1 receptors had a strong impact on absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Systemic treatment with the mGlu1 receptor enhancer SYN119, corresponding to compound RO0711401, reduced spontaneous spike and wave discharges spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in epileptic rats. Subcutaneous doses of 10 mg/kg of SYN119 only reduced the incidence of SWDs, whereas higher doses (30 mg/kg) also reduced the mean duration of SWDs. In contrast, treatment with the non-competitive mGlu1 receptor antagonist, JNJ16259685 (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the incidence of SWDs. These data suggest that absence epilepsy might be associated with a reduction of mGlu1 receptors in the thalamus, and that compounds that amplify the activity of mGlu1 receptors might be developed as novel anti-absence drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.

Analysis of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 as a potential substrate for SUMOylation

Group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) undergo post-translational modification by SUMO in in vitro assays but the SUMOylation of full-length mGluRs in mammalian cells has not been reported. Here we investigated SUMOylation of mGluR7 in HEK293 cells and primary cortical neurons in an attempt to confirm SUMOylation and define physiological effects on mGluR7 function. Using a recombinant bacterial expression assay we validated in vitro SUMOylation of the C-terminal domain of mGluR7 by both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 and show that a single lysine residue (K889) in mGluR7 is required for SUMOylation. However, using a range of approaches, we were unable to detect SUMOylation of full-length mGluR7 in either heterologous cells or neurons. Further, we observed no differences in receptor stability or surface expression between wild-type and a non-SUMOylatable point mutant mGluR7. Thus, our results question whether mGluR7, and by implication other group III mGluRs, are physiologically relevant neuronal SUMO substrates.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors: from the workbench to the bedside

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors were discovered in the mid 1980s and originally described as glutamate receptors coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis. Almost 6500 articles have been published since then, and subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands are now under clinical development for the treatment of a variety of disorders such as Fragile-X syndrome, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Prof. Erminio Costa was linked to the early times of the mGlu receptor history, when a few research groups challenged the general belief that glutamate could only activate ionotropic receptors and all metabolic responses to glutamate were secondary to calcium entry. This review moves from those nostalgic times to the most recent advances in the physiology and pharmacology of mGlu receptors, and highlights the role of individual mGlu receptor subtypes in the pathophysiology of human disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.

The metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu7 activates phospholipase C, translocates munc-13-1 protein, and potentiates glutamate release at cerebrocortical nerve terminals

At synaptic boutons, metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7 receptor) serves as an autoreceptor, inhibiting glutamate release. In this response, mGlu7 receptor triggers pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein activation, reducing presynaptic Ca(2+) influx and the subsequent depolarization evoked release. Here we report that receptor coupling to signaling pathways that potentiate release can be seen following prolonged exposure of nerve terminals to the agonist l-(+)-phosphonobutyrate, l-AP4. This novel mGlu7 receptor response involves an increase in the release induced by the Ca(2+) ionophore ionomycin, suggesting a mechanism that is independent of Ca(2+) channel activity, but dependent on the downstream exocytotic release machinery. The mGlu7 receptor-mediated potentiation resists exposure to pertussis toxin, but is dependent on phospholipase C, and increased phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate hydrolysis. Furthermore, the potentiation of release does not depend on protein kinase C, although it is blocked by the diacylglycerol-binding site antagonist calphostin C. We also found that activation of mGlu7 receptors translocate the active zone protein essential for synaptic vesicle priming, munc13-1, from soluble to particulate fractions. We propose that the mGlu7 receptor can facilitate or inhibit glutamate release through multiple pathways, thereby exerting homeostatic control of presynaptic function.

GPCR interacting proteins (GIPs) in the nervous system: Roles in physiology and pathologies

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key transmembrane recognition molecules for regulatory signals such as light, odors, taste hormones, and neurotransmitters. In addition to activating guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins), GPCRs associate with a variety of GPCR-interacting proteins (GIPs). GIPs contain structural interacting domains that allow the formation of large functional complexes involved in G protein-dependent and -independent signaling. At the cellular level, other functions of GIPs include targeting of GPCRs to subcellular compartments and their trafficking to and from the plasma membrane. Recently, roles of GPCR-GIP interactions in central nervous system physiology and pathologies have been revealed. Here, we highlight the role of GIPs in some important neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as their potential for the future development of therapeutic drugs.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors: physiology, pharmacology, and disease

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are family C G-protein-coupled receptors that participate in the modulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability throughout the central nervous system. The mGluRs bind glutamate within a large extracellular domain and transmit signals through the receptor protein to intracellular signaling partners. A great deal of progress has been made in determining the mechanisms by which mGluRs are activated, proteins with which they interact, and orthosteric and allosteric ligands that can modulate receptor activity. The widespread expression of mGluRs makes these receptors particularly attractive drug targets, and recent studies continue to validate the therapeutic utility of mGluR ligands in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

Fine-tuning of GPCR activity by receptor-interacting proteins

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate physiological responses to various ligands, such as hormones, neurotransmitters and sensory stimuli. The signalling and trafficking properties of GPCRs are often highly malleable depending on the cellular context. Such fine-tuning of GPCR function can be attributed in many cases to receptor-interacting proteins that are differentially expressed in distinct cell types. In some cases these GPCR-interacting partners directly mediate receptor signalling, whereas in other cases they act mainly as scaffolds to modulate G protein-mediated signalling. Furthermore, GPCR-interacting proteins can have a big impact on the regulation of GPCR trafficking, localization and/or pharmacological properties.

A genome-wide study of common SNPs and CNVs in cognitive performance in the CANTAB

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia are commonly accompanied by cognitive impairments that are treatment resistant and crucial to functional outcome. There has been great interest in studying cognitive measures as endophenotypes for psychiatric disorders, with the hope that their genetic basis will be clearer. To investigate this, we performed a genome-wide association study involving 11 cognitive phenotypes from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. We showed these measures to be heritable by comparing the correlation in 100 monozygotic and 100 dizygotic twin pairs. The full battery was tested in approximately 750 subjects, and for spatial and verbal recognition memory, we investigated a further 500 individuals to search for smaller genetic effects. We were unable to find any genome-wide significant associations with either SNPs or common copy number variants. Nor could we formally replicate any polymorphism that has been previously associated with cognition, although we found a weak signal of lower than expected P-values for variants in a set of 10 candidate genes. We additionally investigated SNPs in genomic loci that have been shown to harbor rare variants that associate with neuropsychiatric disorders, to see if they showed any suggestion of association when considered as a separate set. Only NRXN1 showed evidence of significant association with cognition. These results suggest that common genetic variation does not strongly influence cognition in healthy subjects and that cognitive measures do not represent a more tractable genetic trait than clinical endpoints such as schizophrenia. We discuss a possible role for rare variation in cognitive genomics.

Presynaptic signal transduction pathways that modulate synaptic transmission

Presynaptic modulation is a crucial factor in the adaptive capacity of the nervous system. The coupling between incoming action potentials and neurotransmitter secretion is modulated by firstly, recent activity of the presynaptic axon that leads to the accumulation of residual calcium in the terminal and secondly, activation of presynaptic receptors by external signals. Despite the detailed description of these phenomena, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. The nerve terminal contains many Ca(2+)-binding proteins that may contribute to the translation of residual Ca(2+)-increases to secretion modulation. We also found that >100 presynaptic proteins are phosphorylated and may contribute to the translation of presynaptic receptor activation to secretion modulation. However, which of these many candidates are the dominant regulators and how their activities integrate is largely unknown. Here, we review some of the recent insights into the complex interplay between presynaptic signal transduction components and propose blueprints of the major pathways.