Involvement of TRPC4 and 5 Channels in Persistent Firing in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells

GLP-1 modulated the firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons in both normal and parkinsonian mice

The spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons is associated with some important roles including modulation of dopamine release, expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as neuronal survival. The decreased neuroactivity of nigral dopaminergic neurons has been revealed in Parkinson's disease. Central glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) functions as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator to exert multiple brain functions. Although morphological studies revealed the expression of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in the substantia nigra pars compacta, the possible modulation of GLP-1 on spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons is unknown. The present extracellular in vivo single unit recordings revealed that GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 significantly increased the spontaneous firing rate and decreased the firing regularity of partial nigral dopaminergic neurons of adult male C57BL/6 mice. Blockade of GLP-1Rs by exendin (9-39) decreased the firing rate of nigral dopaminergic neurons suggesting the involvement of endogenous GLP-1 in the modulation of firing activity. Furthermore, the PKA and the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 4/5 channels are involved in activation of GLP-1Rs-induced excitatory effects of nigral dopaminergic neurons. Under parkinsonian state, both the exogenous and endogenous GLP-1 could still induce excitatory effects on the surviving nigral dopaminergic neurons. As the mild excitatory stimuli exert neuroprotective effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons, the present GLP-1-induced excitatory effects may partially contribute to its antiparkinsonian effects.

Estradiol elicits distinct firing patterns in arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons of females through altering ion channel conductances

Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are vital for pubertal development and reproduction. Arcuate nucleus Kiss1 (Kiss1ARH) neurons are responsible for the pulsatile release of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH). In females, the behavior of Kiss1ARH neurons, expressing Kiss1, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Dynorphin (Dyn), varies throughout the ovarian cycle. Studies indicate that 17β-estradiol (E2) reduces peptide expression but increases Vglut2 mRNA and glutamate neurotransmission in these neurons, suggesting a shift from peptidergic to glutamatergic signaling. To investigate this shift, we combined transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling. Our results demonstrate that E2 treatment upregulates the mRNA expression of voltage-activated calcium channels, elevating the whole-cell calcium current and that contribute to high-frequency burst firing. Additionally, E2 treatment decreased the mRNA levels of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential (TPRC) 5 and G protein-coupled K+ (GIRK) channels. When TRPC5 channels in Kiss1ARH neurons were deleted using CRISPR, the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (sEPSP) was eliminated. Our data enabled us to formulate a biophysically realistic mathematical model of the Kiss1ARH neuron, suggesting that E2 modifies ionic conductances in Kiss1ARH neurons, enabling the transition from high frequency synchronous firing through NKB-driven activation of TRPC5 channels to a short bursting mode facilitating glutamate release. In a low E2 milieu, synchronous firing of Kiss1ARH neurons drives pulsatile release of GnRH, while the transition to burst firing with high, preovulatory levels of E2 would facilitate the GnRH surge through its glutamatergic synaptic connection to preoptic Kiss1 neurons.

Exendin-4 increases the firing activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons through TRPC4/5 channels

The central neuropeptide GLP-1 is synthesized by preproglucagon (PPG) neurons in the brain. GLP-1 receptors are widely distributed in central nervous system. Hippocampus is a key component of the limbic system which is involved in learning, memory, and cognition. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of GLP-1 receptors in the hippocampus could improve the process of learning and memory. However, up to now, the direct electrophysiological effects and possible molecular mechanisms of GLP-1 in hippocampal CAl neurons remain unexplored. The present study aims to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of GLP-1 on the spontaneous firing activity of hippocampal CAl neurons. Employing multibarrel single-unit extracellular recordings, the present study showed that micro-pressure administration of GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, significantly increased the spontaneous firing rate of hippocampal CA1 neurons in rats. Furthermore, application of the specific GLP-1 receptor antagonist, exendin(9-39), alone significantly decreased the firing rate of CA1 neurons, suggesting that endogenous GLP-1 modulates the firing activity of CA1 neurons. Co-application of exendin(9-39) completely blocked exendin-4-induced excitation of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Finally, the present study demonstrated for the first time that the transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4)/TRPC5 channels may be involved in exendin-4-induced excitation. The present studies may provide a rationale for further investigation of the modulation of GLP-1 on learning and memory as well as its possible involvement in Alzheimer's disease.

Nonselective TRPC channel inhibition and suppression of aminoglycoside-induced premature termination codon readthrough by the small molecule AC1903

Nonsense mutations, which occur in ∼11% of patients with genetic disorders, introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) that lead to truncated proteins and promote nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Aminoglycosides such as G418 permit PTC readthrough and so may be used to address this problem. However, their effects are variable between patients, making clinical use of aminoglycosides challenging. In this study, we tested whether TRPC nonselective cation channels contribute to the variable PTC readthrough effect of aminoglycosides by controlling their cellular uptake. Indeed, a recently reported selective TRPC5 inhibitor, AC1903, consistently suppressed G418 uptake and G418-induced PTC readthrough in the DMS-114 cancer cell line and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) patient-derived keratinocytes. Interestingly, the effect of AC1903 in DMS-114 cells was mimicked by nonselective TRPC inhibitors, but not by well-characterized inhibitors of TRPC1/4/5 (Pico145, GFB-8438) or TRPC3/6/7 (SAR7334), suggesting that AC1903 may work through additional or undefined targets. Indeed, in our experiments, AC1903 inhibited multiple TRPC channels including TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRPC4-C1, and TRPC5-C1, as well as endogenous TRPC1:C4 channels in A498 renal cancer cells, all with low micromolar IC50 values (1.8-18 μM). We also show that AC1903 inhibited TRPV4 channels, but had weak or no effects on TRPV1 and no effect on the nonselective cation channel PIEZO1. Our study reveals that AC1903 has previously unrecognized targets, which need to be considered when interpreting results from experiments with this compound. In addition, our data strengthen the hypothesis that nonselective calcium channels are involved in aminoglycoside uptake.

Pharmacology of TRPC Channels and Its Potential in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins assemble to form homo- or heterotetrameric, nonselective cation channels permeable to K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺. TRPC channels are thought to act as complex integrators of physical and chemical environmental stimuli. Although the understanding of essential physiological roles of TRPC channels is incomplete, their implication in various pathological mechanisms and conditions of the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system in combination with the lack of major adverse effects of TRPC knockout or TRPC channel inhibition is driving the search of TRPC channel modulators as potential therapeutics. Here, we review the most promising small-molecule TRPC channel modulators, the understanding of their mode of action, and their potential in the study and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Upregulation of TRPC5 in hippocampal excitatory synapses improves memory impairment associated with neuroinflammation in microglia knockout IL-10 mice

BACKGROUND

Members of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) protein family are widely distributed in the hippocampus of mammals and exert respective and cooperative influences on the functions of neurons. The relationship between specific TRPC subtypes and neuroinflammation is receiving increasing attention.

METHODS

Using Cx3cr1CreERIL-10-/- transgenic mice and their littermates to study the relationship between TRPC channels and memory impairment.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that Cx3cr1CreERIL-10-/- mice displayed spatial memory deficits in object location recognition (OLR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tasks. The decreased levels of TRPC4 and TRPC5 in the hippocampal regions were verified via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence tests. The expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin in the hippocampus decreased with an imbalance in the local inflammatory environment in the hippocampus. The number of cells positive for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), increased with the high expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in Cx3cr1CreERIL-10-/- mice. The nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was also involved in this process, and the cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 activated by NLRP3 were also elevated by western blotting. The co-localization of TRPC5 and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) significantly decreased TRPC5 expression in excitatory neurons. AAV9-CaMKIIα-TRPC5 was used to upregulate TRPC5 in excitatory neurons in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that the upregulation of TRPC5 improved the memory performance of Cx3cr1CreERIL-10-/- mice related to inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-associated neuroinflammation.

Deletion of Stim1 in Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Kiss1 Neurons Potentiates Synchronous GCaMP Activity and Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity

Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are essential for reproduction, but their role in the control of energy balance and other homeostatic functions remains unclear. High-frequency firing of hypothalamic arcuate Kiss1 (Kiss1^ARH) neurons releases kisspeptin into the median eminence, and neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin onto neighboring Kiss1^ARH neurons to generate a slow EPSP mediated by TRPC5 channels that entrains intermittent, synchronous firing of Kiss1^ARH neurons. High-frequency optogenetic stimulation of Kiss1^ARH neurons also releases glutamate to excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons via metabotropic glutamate receptors. At the molecular level, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium-sensing protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is critically involved in the regulation of neuronal Ca²⁺ signaling and neuronal excitability through its interaction with plasma membrane (PM) calcium (e.g., TRPC) channels. Therefore, we hypothesized that deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1^ARH neurons would increase neuronal excitability and their synchronous firing, which ultimately would affect energy homeostasis. Using optogenetics in combination with whole-cell recording and GCaMP6 imaging in slices, we discovered that deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1 neurons significantly increased the amplitude and duration of the slow EPSP and augmented synchronous [Ca²⁺]i oscillations in Kiss1^ARH neurons. Deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1^ARH neurons amplified the actions of NKB and protected ovariectomized female mice from developing obesity and glucose intolerance with high-fat dieting (HFD). Therefore, STIM1 appears to play a critical role in regulating synchronous firing of Kiss1^ARH neurons, which ultimately affects the coordination between energy homeostasis and reproduction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin (Kiss1^ARH) neurons are essential for stimulating the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and maintaining fertility. However, Kiss1^ARH neurons appear to be a key player in coordinating energy balance with reproduction. The regulation of calcium channels and hence calcium signaling is critically dependent on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium-sensing protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which interacts with the plasma membrane (PM) calcium channels. We have conditionally deleted Stim1 in Kiss1^ARH neurons and found that it significantly increased the excitability of Kiss1^ARH neurons and protected ovariectomized female mice from developing obesity and glucose intolerance with high-fat dieting (HFD).

Novel localizations of TRPC5 channels suggest novel and unexplored roles: A study in the chick embryo brain

Mammalian TRPC5 channels are predominantly expressed in the brain, where they increase intracellular Ca²⁺ and induce depolarization. Because they augment presynaptic vesicle release, cause persistent neural activity, and show constitutive activity, TRPC5s could play a functional role in late developmental brain events. We used immunohistochemistry to examine TRPC5 in the chick embryo brain between 8 and 20 days of incubation, and provide the first detailed description of their distribution in birds and in the whole brain of any animal species. Stained areas substantially increased between E8 and E16, and staining intensity in many areas peaked at E16, a time when chick brains first show organized patterns of whole-brain metabolic activation like what is seen consistently after hatching. Areas showing cell soma staining match areas showing Trpc5 mRNA or protein in adult rodents (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellar Purkinje cells). Chick embryos show protein staining in the optic tectum, cerebellar nuclei, and several brainstem nuclei; equivalent areas in the Allen Institute mouse maps express Trpc5 mRNA. The strongest cell soma staining was found in a dorsal hypothalamic area (matching a group of parvicellular arginine vasotocin neurons and a pallial amygdalohypothalamic cell corridor) and the vagal motor complex. Purkinje cells showed strong dendritic staining at E20. Unexpectedly, we also describe neurite staining in the septum, several hypothalamic nuclei, and a paramedian raphe area; the strongest neurite staining was in the median eminence. These novel localizations suggest new unexplored TRPC5 functions, and possible roles in late embryonic brain development.

Blockade of TRPC Channels Limits Cholinergic-Driven Hyperexcitability and Seizure Susceptibility After Traumatic Brain Injury

We investigated the contribution of excitatory transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) cation channels to posttraumatic hyperexcitability in the brain 7 days following controlled cortical impact model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the parietal cortex in male adult mice. We investigated if TRPC1/TRPC4/TRPC5 channel expression is upregulated in excitatory neurons after TBI in contribution to epileptogenic hyperexcitability in key hippocampal and cortical circuits that have substantial cholinergic innervation. This was tested by measuring TRPC1/TRPC4/TRPC5 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, assays of cholinergic function, neuronal Ca²⁺ imaging in brain slices, and seizure susceptibility after TBI. We found region-specific increases in expression of TRPC1, TRPC4, and TRPC5 subunits in the hippocampus and cortex following TBI. The dentate gyrus, CA3 region, and cortex all exhibited robust upregulation of TRPC4 mRNA and protein. TBI increased cFos activity in dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) and layer 5 pyramidal neurons both at the time of TBI and 7 days post-TBI. DGGCs displayed greater magnitude and duration of acetylcholine-induced rises in intracellular Ca²⁺ in brain slices from mice subjected to TBI. The TBI mice also exhibited greater seizure susceptibility in response to pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling. Blockade of TRPC4/TRPC5 channels with M084 reduced neuronal hyperexcitation and impeded epileptogenic progression of kindling. We observed that the time-dependent upregulation of TRPC4/TRPC5-containing channels alters cholinergic responses and activity of principal neurons acting to increase proexcitatory sensitivity. The underlying mechanism includes acutely decreased acetylcholinesterase function, resulting in greater G_q/11-coupled muscarinic receptor activation of TRPC channels. Overall, our evidence suggests that TBI-induced plasticity of TRPC channels strongly contributes to overt hyperexcitability and primes the hippocampus and cortex for seizures.

Noradrenergic Suppression of Persistent Firing in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells through cAMP-PKA Pathway

Persistent firing is believed to be a cellular correlate of working memory. While the effects of noradrenaline (NA) on working memory have widely been described, its effect on the cellular mechanisms of persistent firing remains largely unknown. Using in vitro intracellular recordings, we demonstrate that persistent firing is supported by individual neurons in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells through cholinergic receptor activation, but is dramatically attenuated by NA. In contrast to the classical theory that recurrent synaptic excitation supports persistent firing, suppression of persistent firing by NA was independent of synaptic transmission, indicating that the mechanism is intrinsic to individual cells. In agreement with detrimental effects of cAMP on working memory, we demonstrate that the suppressive effect of NA was through cAMP-PKA pathway. In addition, activation of β1 and/or β3 adrenergic receptors, which increases cAMP levels, suppressed persistent firing. These results are in line with working memory decline observed during high levels of NA and cAMP, which are implicated in high stress, aging, and schizophrenia.

How TRPC Channels Modulate Hippocampal Function

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins constitute a group of receptor-operated calcium-permeable nonselective cationic membrane channels of the TRP superfamily. They are largely expressed in the hippocampus and are able to modulate neuronal functions. Accordingly, they have been involved in different hippocampal functions such as learning processes and different types of memories, as well as hippocampal dysfunctions such as seizures. This review covers the mechanisms of activation of these channels, how these channels can modulate neuronal excitability, in particular the after-burst hyperpolarization, and in the persistent activity, how they control synaptic plasticity including pre- and postsynaptic processes and how they can interfere with cell survival and neurogenesis.