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Lewis CM, Griffith TN. Ion channels of cold transduction and transmission. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313529. [PMID: 39051992 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313529] [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] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermosensation requires the activation of a unique collection of ion channels and receptors that work in concert to transmit thermal information. It is widely accepted that transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) activation is required for normal cold sensing; however, recent studies have illuminated major roles for other ion channels in this important somatic sensation. In addition to TRPM8, other TRP channels have been reported to contribute to cold transduction mechanisms in diverse sensory neuron populations, with both leak- and voltage-gated channels being identified for their role in the transmission of cold signals. Whether the same channels that contribute to physiological cold sensing also mediate noxious cold signaling remains unclear; however, recent work has found a conserved role for the kainite receptor, GluK2, in noxious cold sensing across species. Additionally, cold-sensing neurons likely engage in functional crosstalk with nociceptors to give rise to cold pain. This Review will provide an update on our understanding of the relationship between various ion channels in the transduction and transmission of cold and highlight areas where further investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheyanne M Lewis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Theanne N Griffith
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Le Franc A, Da Silva A, Lepetre-Mouelhi S. Nanomedicine and voltage-gated sodium channel blockers in pain management: a game changer or a lost cause? Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2112-2145. [PMID: 38861139 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Pain, a complex and debilitating condition affecting millions globally, is a significant concern, especially in the context of post-operative recovery. This comprehensive review explores the complexity of pain and its global impact, emphasizing the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC or NaV channels) as a promising avenue for pain management with the aim of reducing reliance on opioids. The article delves into the role of specific NaV isoforms, particularly NaV 1.7, NaV 1.8, and NaV 1.9, in pain process and discusses the development of sodium channel blockers to target these isoforms precisely. Traditional local anesthetics and selective NaV isoform inhibitors, despite showing varying efficacy in pain management, face challenges in systemic distribution and potential side effects. The review highlights the potential of nanomedicine in improving the delivery of local anesthetics, toxins and selective NaV isoform inhibitors for a targeted and sustained release at the site of pain. This innovative strategy seeks to improve drug bioavailability, minimize systemic exposure, and optimize therapeutic outcomes, holding significant promise for secure pain management and enhancing the quality of life for individuals recovering from surgical procedures or suffering from chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Le Franc
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Alexandre Da Silva
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
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Pukkanasut P, Jaskula-Sztul R, Gomora JC, Velu SE. Therapeutic targeting of voltage-gated sodium channel Na V1.7 for cancer metastasis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1416705. [PMID: 39045054 PMCID: PMC11263763 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1416705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the expression and function of voltage-gated sodium channel subtype NaV1.7 in various cancers and explores its impact on the metastasis driving cell functions such as proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. An overview of its structural characteristics, drug binding sites, inhibitors and their likely mechanisms of action are presented. Despite the lack of clarity on the precise mechanism by which NaV1.7 contributes to cancer progression and metastasis; many studies have suggested a connection between NaV1.7 and proteins involved in multiple signaling pathways such as PKA and EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2. Moreover, the functional activity of NaV1.7 appears to elevate the expression levels of MACC1 and NHE-1, which are controlled by p38 MAPK activity, HGF/c-MET signaling and c-Jun activity. This cascade potentially enhances the secretion of extracellular matrix proteases, such as MMPs which play critical roles in cell migration and invasion activities. Furthermore, the NaV1.7 activity may indirectly upregulate Rho GTPases Rac activity, which is critical for cytoskeleton reorganization, cell adhesion, and actin polymerization. The relationship between NaV1.7 and cancer progression has prompted researchers to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting NaV1.7 using inhibitors. The positive outcome of such studies resulted in the discovery of several inhibitors with the ability to reduce cancer cell migration, invasion, and tumor growth underscoring the significance of NaV1.7 as a promising pharmacological target for attenuating cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. The research findings summarized in this review suggest that the regulation of NaV1.7 expression and function by small molecules and/or by genetic engineering is a viable approach to discover novel therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of metastasis of cancers with elevated NaV1.7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyasuda Pukkanasut
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Gomora
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sadanandan E. Velu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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de Cássia Collaço R, Lammens M, Blevins C, Rodgers K, Gurau A, Yamauchi S, Kim C, Forrester J, Liu E, Ha J, Mei Y, Boehm C, Wohler E, Sobreira N, Rowe PC, Valle D, Brock MV, Bosmans F. Anxiety and dysautonomia symptoms in patients with a Na V1.7 mutation and the potential benefits of low-dose short-acting guanfacine. Clin Auton Res 2024; 34:191-201. [PMID: 38064009 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-01004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Guanfacine is an α2A-adrenergic receptor agonist, FDA-approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and high blood pressure, typically as an extended-release formulation up to 7 mg/day. In our dysautonomia clinic, we observed that off-label use of short-acting guanfacine at 1 mg/day facilitated symptom relief in two families with multiple members presenting with severe generalized anxiety. We also noted anecdotal improvements in associated dysautonomia symptoms such as hyperhidrosis, cognitive impairment, and palpitations. We postulated that a genetic deficit existed in these patients that might augment guanfacine susceptibility. METHODS We used whole-exome sequencing to identify mutations in patients with shared generalized anxiety and dysautonomia symptoms. Guanfacine-induced changes in the function of voltage-gated Na+ channels were investigated using voltage-clamp electrophysiology. RESULTS Whole-exome sequencing uncovered the p.I739V mutation in SCN9A in the proband of two nonrelated families. Moreover, guanfacine inhibited ionic currents evoked by wild-type and mutant NaV1.7 encoded by SCN9A, as well as other NaV channel subtypes to a varying degree. CONCLUSION Our study provides further evidence for a possible pathophysiological role of NaV1.7 in anxiety and dysautonomia. Combined with off-target effects on NaV channel function, daily administration of 1 mg short-acting guanfacine may be sufficient to normalize NaV channel mutation-induced changes in sympathetic activity, perhaps aided by partial inhibition of NaV1.7 or other channel subtypes. In a broader context, expanding genetic and functional data about ion channel aberrations may enable the prospect of stratifying patients in which mutation-induced increased sympathetic tone normalization by guanfacine can support treatment strategies for anxiety and dysautonomia symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cássia Collaço
- Molecular Physiology and Neurophysics Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maxime Lammens
- Molecular Physiology and Neurophysics Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carley Blevins
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen Rodgers
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrei Gurau
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suguru Yamauchi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeannine Forrester
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jinny Ha
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuping Mei
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Corrine Boehm
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wohler
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nara Sobreira
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Valle
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malcolm V Brock
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Molecular Physiology and Neurophysics Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
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Shojaei M, Mohammadvand N, Doğan T, Alkan C, Çetin Atalay R, Acar AC. An integrative framework for clinical diagnosis and knowledge discovery from exome sequencing data. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107810. [PMID: 38134749 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Non-silent single nucleotide genetic variants, like nonsense changes and insertion-deletion variants, that affect protein function and length substantially are prevalent and are frequently misclassified. The low sensitivity and specificity of existing variant effect predictors for nonsense and indel variations restrict their use in clinical applications. We propose the Pathogenic Mutation Prediction (PMPred) method to predict the pathogenicity of single nucleotide variations, which impair protein function by prematurely terminating a protein's elongation during its synthesis. The prediction starts by monitoring functional effects (Gene Ontology annotation changes) of the change in sequence, using an existing ensemble machine learning model (UniGOPred). This, in turn, reveals the mutations that significantly deviate functionally from the wild-type sequence. We have identified novel harmful mutations in patient data and present them as motivating case studies. We also show that our method has increased sensitivity and specificity compared to state-of-the-art, especially in single nucleotide variations that produce large functional changes in the final protein. As further validation, we have done a comparative docking study on such a variation that is misclassified by existing methods and, using the altered binding affinities, show how PMPred can correctly predict the pathogenicity when other tools miss it. PMPred is freely accessible as a web service at https://pmpred.kansil.org/, and the related code is available at https://github.com/kansil/PMPred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Shojaei
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800 Turkey
| | - Navid Mohammadvand
- Biological Data Science Lab, Dept. of Computer Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800 Turkey
| | - Tunca Doğan
- Biological Data Science Lab, Dept. of Computer Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800 Turkey; Dept. of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800 Turkey
| | - Can Alkan
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800 Turkey
| | - Rengül Çetin Atalay
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC6026, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Aybar C Acar
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800 Turkey.
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