1
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Cordero Padilla K, Monefeldt GA, Guevárez Galán A, Marrero HG, Lloret-Torres ME, Velázquez-Marrero C. BK ZERO isoform HEK293 stably transfected cell lines differing 3'UTRs to assess miR-9 regulation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298966. [PMID: 38502673 PMCID: PMC10950231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298966] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has identified the large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channel (BK) as a key regulator of neuronal excitability genetically associated to behavioral alcohol tolerance. Sensitivity to ethanol at the molecular level is characterized by acute potentiation of channel activity. BK isoforms show variations in alcohol sensitivity and are differentially distributed on the plasma membrane surface in response to prolonged exposure. MicroRNA (MiRNA) targeting of alcohol-sensitive isoforms coupled with active internalization of BK channels in response to ethanol are believed to be key in establishing homeostatic adaptations that produce persistent changes within the plasma membrane of neurons. In fact, microRNA 9 (miR-9) upregulated expression is a key event in persistent alcohol tolerance mediating acute EtOH desensitization of BK channels. The exact nature of these interactions remains a current topic of discussion. To further study the effects of miR-9 on the expression and distribution of BK channel isoforms we designed an experimental model by transfecting human BK channel isoforms ZERO heterologous constructs in human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293) cells respectively expressing 2.1 (miR-9 responsive), 2.2 (unresponsive) and control (no sequence) 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) miRNA recognition sites. We used imaging techniques to characterize the stably transfected monoclonal cell lines, and electrophysiology to validate channel activity. Finally, we used immunocytochemistry to validate isoform responsiveness to miR-9. Our findings suggest the cell lines were successfully transfected to express either the 2.1 or 2.2 version of ZERO. Patch clamp recordings confirm that these channels retain their functionality and immunohistochemistry shows differential responses to miR-9, making these cells viable for use in future alcohol dependence studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Cordero Padilla
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Windsor University School of Medicine, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Gerardo Alvarado Monefeldt
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico Cayey Campus, Cayey, Puerto Rico
- Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Adriel Guevárez Galán
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico Bayamón Campus, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Hector G. Marrero
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Mario E. Lloret-Torres
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cristina Velázquez-Marrero
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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2
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Silva-Cardoso GK, N'Gouemo P. Influence of Inherited Seizure Susceptibility on Intermittent Voluntary Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures in Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats (GEPR-3s). Brain Sci 2024; 14:188. [PMID: 38391762 PMCID: PMC10886844 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between epilepsy and alcohol consumption is complex, with conflicting reports. To enhance our understanding of this link, we conducted a study to determine how inherited seizure susceptibility affects voluntary alcohol consumption and influences alcohol withdrawal seizures in male and female genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s) compared to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS In the first experiment, animals were given access to two bottles simultaneously, one containing water and the other 7.5%, 15%, or 30% (v/v) alcohol three times a week for each dose after acclimation to drinking water. In a second experiment, animals were tested for acoustically evoked alcohol seizures 24 h after the last session of voluntary alcohol consumption. RESULTS Analysis revealed that GEPR-3s (males and females) had lower alcohol intake and preference than SD rats, particularly at lower alcohol concentrations. However, female GEPR-3s consumed more alcohol and had a higher alcohol preference than males. Furthermore, withdrawal from voluntary alcohol consumption facilitated the onset and duration of seizures in GEPR-3s. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that genetic seizure susceptibility in GEPR-3s is negatively associated with alcohol consumption. However, withdrawal from low to moderate amounts of alcohol intake can promote epileptogenesis in the epileptic GEPR-3s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleice Kelli Silva-Cardoso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Prosper N'Gouemo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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3
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Mulholland PJ, Padula AE, Wilhelm LJ, Park B, Grant KA, Ferguson BM, Cervera-Juanes R. Cross-species epigenetic regulation of nucleus accumbens KCNN3 transcripts by excessive ethanol drinking. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:364. [PMID: 38012158 PMCID: PMC10682415 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving functional adaptations in neuronal excitability and excessive alcohol intake are poorly understood. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2 or SK) channels encoded by the KCNN family of genes have emerged from preclinical studies as a key contributor to alcohol-induced functional neuroadaptations in alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol-dependent mice. Here, this cross-species analysis focused on KCNN3 DNA methylation, gene expression, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, including alternative promoters in KCNN3, that could influence surface trafficking and function of KCa2 channels. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the nucleus accumbens tissue from alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol-dependent mice revealed a differentially methylated region in exon 1A of KCNN3 that overlaps with a predicted promoter sequence. The hypermethylation of KCNN3 in the accumbens paralleled an increase in the expression of alternative transcripts that encode apamin-insensitive and dominant-negative KCa2 channel isoforms. A polymorphic repeat in macaque KCNN3 encoded by exon 1 did not correlate with alcohol drinking. At the protein level, KCa2.3 channel expression in the accumbens was significantly reduced in very heavy-drinking monkeys. Together, our cross-species findings on epigenetic dysregulation of KCNN3 represent a complex mechanism that utilizes alternative promoters to potentially impact the firing of accumbens neurons. Thus, these results provide support for hypermethylation of KCNN3 as a possible key molecular mechanism underlying harmful alcohol intake and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Audrey E Padula
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Larry J Wilhelm
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kathleen A Grant
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Betsy M Ferguson
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rita Cervera-Juanes
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
- Center for Precision Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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4
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Juanes RC, Mulholland P, Padula A, Wilhelm L, Park B, Grant K, Ferguson B. Cross-species epigenetic regulation of nucleus accumbens KCNN3 transcripts by excessive ethanol drinking. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3315122. [PMID: 37790552 PMCID: PMC10543433 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3315122/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving functional adaptations in neuronal excitability and excessive alcohol intake are poorly understood. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2 or SK) channels encoded by the KCNN family of genes have emerged from preclinical studies as a key contributor to alcohol-induced functional neuroadaptations in alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol dependent mice. Here, this cross-species analysis focused on KCNN3 DNA methylation, gene expression, and single nucleotide polymorphisms including alternative promoters in KCNN3 that could influence surface trafficking and function of KCa2 channels. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the nucleus accumbens tissue from alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol dependent mice revealed a differentially methylated region in exon 1A of KCNN3 that overlaps with a predicted promoter sequence. The hypermethylation of KCNN3 in the accumbens paralleled an increase in expression of alternative transcripts that encode apamin-insensitive and dominant-negative KCa2 channel isoforms. A polymorphic repeat in macaque KCNN3 encoded by exon 1 did not correlate with alcohol drinking. At the protein level, KCa2.3 channel expression in the accumbens was significantly reduced in very heavy drinking monkeys. Together, our cross-species findings on epigenetic dysregulation of KCNN3 represent a complex mechanism that utilizes alternative promoters to impact firing of accumbens neurons. Thus, these results provide support for hypermethylation of KCNN3 as a possible key molecular mechanism underlying harmful alcohol intake and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Betsy Ferguson
- Oregon Health & Sciences University/Oregon National Primate Research Center
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5
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Abstract
Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K+ channels are voltage-gated K+ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K+ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac IKs. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.
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6
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Padula AE, Rinker JA, Lopez MF, Mulligan MK, Williams RW, Becker HC, Mulholland PJ. Bioinformatics identification and pharmacological validation of Kcnn3/K Ca2 channels as a mediator of negative affective behaviors and excessive alcohol drinking in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:414. [PMID: 33247097 PMCID: PMC7699620 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are often comorbid with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and play a considerable role in the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence and relapse. Because of this high comorbidity, it is necessary to determine shared and unique genetic factors driving heavy drinking and negative affective behaviors. In order to identify novel pharmacogenetic targets, a bioinformatics analysis was used to quantify the expression of amygdala K+ channel genes that covary with anxiety-related phenotypes in the well-phenotyped and fully sequenced family of BXD strains. We used a model of stress-induced escalation of drinking in alcohol-dependent mice to measure negative affective behaviors during abstinence. A pharmacological approach was used to validate the key bioinformatics findings in alcohol-dependent, stressed mice. Amygdalar expression of Kcnn3 correlated significantly with 40 anxiety-associated phenotypes. Further examination of Kcnn3 expression revealed a strong eigentrait for anxiety-like behaviors and negative correlations with binge-like and voluntary alcohol drinking. Mice treated with chronic intermittent alcohol exposure and repeated swim stress consumed more alcohol in their home cages and showed hypophagia on the novelty-suppressed feeding test during abstinence. Pharmacologically targeting Kcnn gene products with the KCa2 (SK) channel-positive modulator 1-EBIO decreased drinking and reduced feeding latency in alcohol-dependent, stressed mice. Collectively, these validation studies provide central nervous system links into the covariance of stress, negative affective behaviors, and AUD in the BXD strains. Further, the bioinformatics discovery tool is effective in identifying promising targets (i.e., KCa2 channels) for treating alcohol dependence exacerbated by comorbid mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Padula
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rinker
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Marcelo F Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, 38163, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, 38163, USA
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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7
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Svanström C, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K. Psoriasis and alcohol. PSORIASIS-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2019; 9:75-79. [PMID: 31687362 PMCID: PMC6709030 DOI: 10.2147/ptt.s164104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that may be triggered or worsened by several factors, including alcohol. A higher than average alcohol consumption is common among individuals with psoriasis. Neurobiological signaling affected by alcohol intake includes a range of neurotransmitters, such as the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and tachykinergic systems, involved in reward and drug-seeking. These neurotransmitters may also have an impact on the inflammatory processes per se in psoriasis. Future therapy may, therefore, be targeted at neurotransmitter networks involved with both alcohol intake and the inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Svanström
- Department of Dermatology, Mälarsjukhuset, Eskilstuna, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Solna, Dermatology and Venereology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Klas Nordlind
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Dermatology and Venereology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Zastrozhin MS, Skryabin VY, Miroshkin SS, Bryun EA, Sychev DA. Pharmacogenetics of alcohol addiction: current perspectives. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2019; 12:131-140. [PMID: 31372024 PMCID: PMC6628972 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s206745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genetics of alcohol addiction is currently a contradictive and complex field, where data in the most studies reflect methods’ limitations rather than meaningful and complementary results. In our review, we focus on the genetics of alcohol addiction, leaving genetics of acute alcohol intoxication out of the scope. A review of the literature on pharmacogenetic biomarkers development for the pharmacotherapy personalization reveals that today the evidence base concerning these biomarkers is still insufficient. In particular, now the researches with the design of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis investigating the effect of the SNPs as biomarkers on the therapy efficacy are available for naltrexone only. For other medications, there are only a few studies in small samples. It decreases the possibilities to implement the pharmacogenetic algorithms for the pharmacotherapy personalization in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). In view of the importance of the precision approaches development not in addiction medicine only, but in other fields of medicine also to increase the efficacy and safety of the therapy, studies on pharmacogenetic biomarkers development for the medications used in patients with AUD (eg, naltrexone, disulfiram, nalmefene, acamprosate, etc.) remain relevant to this day.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Zastrozhin
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare , Moscow 109390, Russian Federation.,Department of Addictology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123995, Russian Federation
| | - V Yu Skryabin
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare , Moscow 109390, Russian Federation
| | - S S Miroshkin
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare , Moscow 109390, Russian Federation.,Department of Addictology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123995, Russian Federation
| | - E A Bryun
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare , Moscow 109390, Russian Federation.,Department of Addictology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123995, Russian Federation
| | - D A Sychev
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare , Moscow 109390, Russian Federation.,Department of Addictology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123995, Russian Federation
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9
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Kang S, Li J, Zuo W, Chen P, Gregor D, Fu R, Han X, Bekker A, Ye JH. Downregulation of M-channels in lateral habenula mediates hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2714. [PMID: 30804373 PMCID: PMC6389965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperalgesia often occurs in alcoholics, especially during abstinence, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pain and alcohol use disorders. Suppression of m-type potassium channels (M-channels) has been found to contribute to the hyperactivity of LHb neurons of rats withdrawn from chronic alcohol administration. Here, we provided evidence that LHb M-channels may contribute to hyperalgesia. Compared to alcohol naïve counterparts, in male Long-Evans rats at 24-hours withdrawal from alcohol administration under the intermittent access paradigm for eight weeks, hyperalgesia was evident (as measured by paw withdrawal latencies in the Hargreaves Test), which was accompanied with higher basal activities of LHb neurons in brain slices, and lower M-channel protein expression. Inhibition of LHb neurons by chemogenetics, or pharmacological activation of M-channels, as well as overexpression of M-channels' subunit KCNQ3, relieved hyperalgesia and decreased relapse-like alcohol consumption. In contrast, chemogenetic activation of LHb neurons induced hyperalgesia in alcohol-naive rats. These data reveal a central role for the LHb in hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal, which may be due in part to the suppression of M-channels and, thus, highlights M-channels in the LHb as a potential therapeutic target for hyperalgesia in alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwoo Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Danielle Gregor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. .,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
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10
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McGuier NS, Rinker JA, Cannady R, Fulmer DB, Jones SR, Hoffman M, Mulholland PJ. Identification and validation of midbrain Kcnq4 regulation of heavy alcohol consumption in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2018; 138:10-19. [PMID: 29775679 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Currently available pharmacotherapies for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from deleterious side effects and are not efficacious in diverse populations. Clinical and preclinical studies provide evidence that the Kcnq family of genes that encode KV7 channels influence alcohol intake and dependence. KV7 channels are a class of slowly activating voltage-dependent K+ channels that regulate neuronal excitability. Studies indicate that the KV7 channel positive modulator retigabine can decrease dopaminergic neuron firing, alter dopamine (DA) release, and reduce alcohol intake in heavy drinking rodents. Given the critical nature of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA to the addiction process and predominant expression of Kcnq4 in DA neurons, we investigated the role of midbrain Kcnq genes and KV7 channels in the VTA of genetically diverse mice and long-term heavy drinking rats, respectively. Integrative bioinformatics analysis identified negative correlations between midbrain Kcnq4 expression and alcohol intake and seeking behaviors. Kcnq4 expression levels were also correlated with dopaminergic-related phenotypes in BXD strains, and Kcnq4 was present in support intervals for alcohol sensitivity and alcohol withdrawal severity QTLs in rodents. Pharmacological validation studies revealed that VTA KV7 channels regulate excessive alcohol intake in rats with a high-drinking phenotype. Administration of a novel and selective KV7.2/4 channel positive modulator also reduced alcohol drinking in rats. Together, these findings indicate that midbrain Kcnq4 expression regulates alcohol-related behaviors in genetically diverse mice and provide evidence that KV7.4 channels are a critical mediator of excessive alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S McGuier
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rinker
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Reginald Cannady
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Diana B Fulmer
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Sara R Jones
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, United States
| | - Michaela Hoffman
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States.
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11
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Cannady R, Rinker JA, Nimitvilai S, Woodward JJ, Mulholland PJ. Chronic Alcohol, Intrinsic Excitability, and Potassium Channels: Neuroadaptations and Drinking Behavior. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 248:311-343. [PMID: 29374839 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neural mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder remain elusive, and this lack of understanding has slowed the development of efficacious treatment strategies for reducing relapse rates and prolonging abstinence. While synaptic adaptations produced by chronic alcohol exposure have been extensively characterized in a variety of brain regions, changes in intrinsic excitability of critical projection neurons are understudied. Accumulating evidence suggests that prolonged alcohol drinking and alcohol dependence produce plasticity of intrinsic excitability as measured by changes in evoked action potential firing and after-hyperpolarization amplitude. In this chapter, we describe functional changes in cell firing of projection neurons after long-term alcohol exposure that occur across species and in multiple brain regions. Adaptations in calcium-activated (KCa2), voltage-dependent (KV7), and G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying (Kir3 or GIRK) potassium channels that regulate the evoked firing and after-hyperpolarization parallel functional changes in intrinsic excitability induced by chronic alcohol. Moreover, there are strong genetic links between alcohol-related behaviors and genes encoding KCa2, KV7, and GIRK channels, and pharmacologically targeting these channels reduces alcohol consumption and alcohol-related behaviors. Together, these studies demonstrate that chronic alcohol drinking produces adaptations in KCa2, KV7, and GIRK channels leading to impaired regulation of the after-hyperpolarization and aberrant cell firing. Correcting the deficit in the after-hyperpolarization with positive modulators of KCa2 and KV7 channels and altering the GIRK channel binding pocket to block the access of alcohol represent a potentially highly effective pharmacological approach that can restore changes in intrinsic excitability and reduce alcohol consumption in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald Cannady
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rinker
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sudarat Nimitvilai
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John J Woodward
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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12
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Voltage-Sensitive Potassium Channels of the BK Type and Their Coding Genes Are Alcohol Targets in Neurons. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 248:281-309. [PMID: 29204711 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Among all members of the voltage-gated, TM6 ion channel superfamily, the proteins that constitute calcium- and voltage-gated potassium channels of large conductance (BK) and their coding genes are unique for their involvement in ethanol-induced disruption of normal physiology and behavior. Moreover, in vitro studies document that BK activity is modified by ethanol with an EC50~23 mM, which is near blood alcohol levels considered legal intoxication in most states of the USA (0.08 g/dL = 17.4 mM). Following a succinct introduction to our current understanding of BK structure and function in central neurons, with a focus on neural circuits that contribute to the neurobiology of alcohol use disorders (AUD), we review the modifications in organ physiology by alcohol exposure via BK and the different molecular elements that determine the ethanol response of BK in alcohol-naïve systems, including the role of an ethanol-recognizing site in the BK-forming slo1 protein, modulation of accessory BK subunits, and their coding genes. The participation of these and additional elements in determining the response of a system or an organism to protracted ethanol exposure is consequently analyzed, with insights obtained from invertebrate and vertebrate models. Particular emphasis is put on the role of BK and coding genes in different forms of tolerance to alcohol exposure. We finally discuss genetic results on BK obtained in invertebrate organisms and rodents in light of possible extrapolation to human AUD.
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