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O'Connor EC, Kambara K, Bertrand D. Advancements in the use of xenopus oocytes for modelling neurological disease for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:173-187. [PMID: 37850233 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2270902] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Introduced about 50 years ago, the model of Xenopus oocytes for the expression of recombinant proteins has gained a broad spectrum of applications. The authors herein review the benefits brought from using this model system, with a focus on modeling neurological disease mechanisms and application to drug discovery. AREAS COVERED Using multiple examples spanning from ligand gated ion channels to transporters, this review presents, in the light of the latest publications, the benefits offered from using Xenopus oocytes. Studies range from the characterization of gene mutations to the discovery of novel treatments for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). EXPERT OPINION Development of new drugs targeting CNS disorders has been marked by failures in the translation from preclinical to clinical studies. As progress in genetics and molecular biology highlights large functional differences arising from a single to a few amino acid exchanges, the need for drug screening and functional testing against human proteins is increasing. The use of Xenopus oocytes to enable precise modeling and characterization of clinically relevant genetic variants constitutes a powerful model system that can be used to inform various aspects of CNS drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin C O'Connor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience & Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Seldeslachts A, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Histamine Receptors: Ex Vivo Functional Studies Enabling the Discovery of Hits and Pathways. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:897. [PMID: 38132901 PMCID: PMC10744718 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13120897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Histamine receptors (HRs) are G-protein-coupled receptors involved in diverse responses triggered by histamine release during inflammation or by encounters with venomous creatures. Four histamine receptors (H1R-H4R) have been cloned and extensively characterized. These receptors are distributed throughout the body and their activation is associated with clinical manifestations such as urticaria (H1R), gastric acid stimulation (H2R), regulation of neurotransmitters in neuronal diseases (H3R), and immune responses (H4R). Despite significant homologous overlap between H3R and H4R, much remains unknown about their precise roles. Even though some drugs have been developed for H1R, H2R, and H3R, not a single H4R antagonist has been approved for clinical use. To enhance our understanding and advance innovative therapeutic targeting of H1R, H2R, H3R, and H4R, we established a robust ex vivo functional platform. This platform features the successful heterologous expression of H1R-H4R in Xenopus laevis oocytes, utilizing an electrophysiological readout. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the function and pharmacological properties of the histamine receptors. Researchers can benefit from the utility of this platform when investigating the effects of histamine receptors and exploring potential therapeutic targets. In doing so, it broadens the horizon of drug discovery, offering new perspectives for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Díaz-Rodríguez SM, Ivorra I, Espinosa J, Vegar C, Herrero-Turrión MJ, López DE, Gómez-Nieto R, Alberola-Die A. Enhanced Membrane Incorporation of H289Y Mutant GluK1 Receptors from the Audiogenic Seizure-Prone GASH/Sal Model: Functional and Morphological Impacts on Xenopus Oocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16852. [PMID: 38069190 PMCID: PMC10706347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal neuronal excitability, with glutamate playing a key role as the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter involved in seizures. Animal models of epilepsy are crucial in advancing epilepsy research by faithfully replicating the diverse symptoms of this disorder. In particular, the GASH/Sal (genetically audiogenic seizure-prone hamster from Salamanca) model exhibits seizures resembling human generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; C9586732T, p.His289Tyr) in the Grik1 gene (which encodes the kainate receptor GluK1) has been previously identified in this strain. The H289Y mutation affects the amino-terminal domain of GluK1, which is related to the subunit assembly and trafficking. We used confocal microscopy in Xenopus oocytes to investigate how the H289Y mutation, compared to the wild type (WT), affects the expression and cell-surface trafficking of GluK1 receptors. Additionally, we employed the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique to examine the functional effects of the H289Y mutation. Our results indicate that this mutation increases the expression and incorporation of GluK1 receptors into an oocyte's membrane, enhancing kainate-evoked currents, without affecting their functional properties. Although further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this epilepsy, the H289Y mutation in GluK1 may be part of the molecular basis underlying the seizure-prone circuitry in the GASH/Sal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Díaz-Rodríguez
- Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.M.D.-R.); (M.J.H.-T.); (R.G.-N.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isabel Ivorra
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, E-03690 Alicante, Spain; (I.I.); (J.E.); (C.V.); (A.A.-D.)
| | - Javier Espinosa
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, E-03690 Alicante, Spain; (I.I.); (J.E.); (C.V.); (A.A.-D.)
| | - Celia Vegar
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, E-03690 Alicante, Spain; (I.I.); (J.E.); (C.V.); (A.A.-D.)
| | - M. Javier Herrero-Turrión
- Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.M.D.-R.); (M.J.H.-T.); (R.G.-N.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Neurological Tissue Bank INCYL (BTN-INCYL), University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Dolores E. López
- Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.M.D.-R.); (M.J.H.-T.); (R.G.-N.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Nieto
- Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.M.D.-R.); (M.J.H.-T.); (R.G.-N.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Armando Alberola-Die
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, E-03690 Alicante, Spain; (I.I.); (J.E.); (C.V.); (A.A.-D.)
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Limon A, Mattei C. The Xenopus Oocyte: A Tool for Membrane Biology. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:831. [PMID: 37888003 PMCID: PMC10608588 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The Xenopus is a special study model in experimental research [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Agenor Limon
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - César Mattei
- Univ Angers, CarMe, Unité MITOVASC, UMR CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
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Ahmadi S, Benard-Valle M, Boddum K, Cardoso FC, King GF, Laustsen AH, Ljungars A. From squid giant axon to automated patch-clamp: electrophysiology in venom and antivenom research. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249336. [PMID: 37693897 PMCID: PMC10484000 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a crucial role in diverse physiological processes, including neurotransmission and muscle contraction. Venomous creatures exploit the vital function of ion channels by producing toxins in their venoms that specifically target these ion channels to facilitate prey capture upon a bite or a sting. Envenoming can therefore lead to ion channel dysregulation, which for humans can result in severe medical complications that often necessitate interventions such as antivenom administration. Conversely, the discovery of highly potent and selective venom toxins with the capability of distinguishing between different isoforms and subtypes of ion channels has led to the development of beneficial therapeutics that are now in the clinic. This review encompasses the historical evolution of electrophysiology methodologies, highlighting their contributions to venom and antivenom research, including venom-based drug discovery and evaluation of antivenom efficacy. By discussing the applications and advancements in patch-clamp techniques, this review underscores the profound impact of electrophysiology in unravelling the intricate interplay between ion channels and venom toxins, ultimately leading to the development of drugs for envenoming and ion channel-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Melisa Benard-Valle
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Schreiber JA, Derksen A, Goerges G, Schütte S, Sörgel J, Kiper AK, Strutz-Seebohm N, Ruck T, Meuth SG, Decher N, Seebohm G. Cloxyquin activates hTRESK by allosteric modulation of the selectivity filter. Commun Biol 2023; 6:745. [PMID: 37464013 PMCID: PMC10354012 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05114-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The TWIK-related spinal cord K+ channel (TRESK, K2P18.1) is a K2P channel contributing to the maintenance of membrane potentials in various cells. Recently, physiological TRESK function was identified as a key player in T-cell differentiation rendering the channel a new pharmacological target for treatment of autoimmune diseases. The channel activator cloxyquin represents a promising lead compound for the development of a new class of immunomodulators. Identification of cloxyquin binding site and characterization of the molecular activation mechanism can foster the future drug development. Here, we identify the cloxyquin binding site at the M2/M4 interface by mutational scan and analyze the molecular mechanism of action by protein modeling as well as in silico and in vitro electrophysiology using different permeating ion species (K+ / Rb+). In combination with kinetic analyses of channel inactivation, our results suggest that cloxyquin allosterically stabilizes the inner selectivity filter facilitating the conduction process subsequently activating hTRESK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Alexander Schreiber
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, Münster, Germany.
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstr. 48, Münster, Germany.
| | - Anastasia Derksen
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstr. 48, Münster, Germany
| | - Gunnar Goerges
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Schütte
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Sörgel
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstr. 48, Münster, Germany
| | - Aytug K Kiper
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Strutz-Seebohm
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Guiscard Seebohm
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, Münster, Germany
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515, Chemical biology of ion channels (Chembion), Münster, Germany
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Melgari D, Calamaio S, Frosio A, Prevostini R, Anastasia L, Pappone C, Rivolta I. Automated Patch-Clamp and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes: A Synergistic Approach in the Study of Brugada Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076687. [PMID: 37047659 PMCID: PMC10095337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of high-throughput automated patch-clamp technology is a recent breakthrough in the field of Brugada syndrome research. Brugada syndrome is a heart disorder marked by abnormal electrocardiographic readings and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmias. Various experimental models, developed either in animals, cell lines, human tissue or computational simulation, play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of this condition, and developing effective treatments. In the perspective of the pathophysiological role of ion channels and their pharmacology, automated patch-clamp involves a robotic system that enables the simultaneous recording of electrical activity from multiple single cells at once, greatly improving the speed and efficiency of data collection. By combining this approach with the use of patient-derived cardiomyocytes, researchers are gaining a more comprehensive view of the underlying mechanisms of heart disease. This has led to the development of more effective treatments for those affected by cardiovascular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Melgari
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Calamaio
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Anthony Frosio
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Rachele Prevostini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Anastasia
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pappone
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
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