Restoring GABAB receptor expression in the ventral tegmental area of methamphetamine addicted mice inhibits locomotor sensitization and drug seeking behavior

Repeated exposure to psychostimulants such as methamphetamine (METH) induces neuronal adaptations in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA). These changes lead to persistently enhanced neuronal activity causing increased dopamine release and addictive phenotypes. A factor contributing to increased dopaminergic activity in this system appears to be reduced GABAB receptor-mediated neuronal inhibition in the VTA. Dephosphorylation of serine 783 (Ser783) of the GABAB2 subunit by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) appears to trigger the downregulation GABAB receptors in psychostimulant-addicted rodents. Therefore, preventing the interaction of GABAB receptors with PP2A using an interfering peptide is a promising strategy to restore GABAB receptor-mediated neuronal inhibition. We have previously developed an interfering peptide (PP2A-Pep) that inhibits the GABAB receptors/PP2A interaction and thereby restores receptor expression under pathological conditions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that restoration of GABAB receptor expression in the VTA of METH addicted mice reduce addictive phenotypes. We found that the expression of GABAB receptors was significantly reduced in the VTA and nucleus accumbens but not in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of METH-addicted mice. Infusion of PP2A-Pep into the VTA of METH-addicted mice restored GABAB receptor expression in the VTA and inhibited METH-induced locomotor sensitization as assessed in the open field test. Moreover, administration of PP2A-Pep into the VTA also reduced drug seeking behavior in the conditioned place preference test. These observations underscore the importance of VTA GABAB receptors in controlling addictive phenotypes. Furthermore, this study illustrates the value of interfering peptides targeting diseases-related protein-protein interactions as an alternative approach for a potential development of selective therapeutic interventions.

Sensitive multicolor indicators for monitoring norepinephrine in vivo

Genetically encoded indicators engineered from G-protein-coupled receptors are important tools that enable high-resolution in vivo neuromodulator imaging. Here, we introduce a family of sensitive multicolor norepinephrine (NE) indicators, which includes nLightG (green) and nLightR (red). These tools report endogenous NE release in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo with improved sensitivity, ligand selectivity and kinetics, as well as a distinct pharmacological profile compared with previous state-of-the-art GRABNE indicators. Using in vivo multisite fiber photometry recordings of nLightG, we could simultaneously monitor optogenetically evoked NE release in the mouse locus coeruleus and hippocampus. Two-photon imaging of nLightG revealed locomotion and reward-related NE transients in the dorsal CA1 area of the hippocampus. Thus, the sensitive NE indicators introduced here represent an important addition to the current repertoire of indicators and provide the means for a thorough investigation of the NE system.

ERK1/2-Dependent Phosphorylation of GABAB1(S867/T872), Controlled by CaMKIIβ, Is Required for GABAB Receptor Degradation under Physiological and Pathological Conditions

GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition is indispensable for maintaining a healthy neuronal excitation/inhibition balance. Many neurological diseases are associated with a disturbed excitation/inhibition balance and downregulation of GABAB receptors due to enhanced sorting of the receptors to lysosomal degradation. A key event triggering the downregulation of the receptors is the phosphorylation of S867 in the GABAB1 subunit mediated by CaMKIIβ. Interestingly, close to S867 in GABAB1 exists another phosphorylation site, T872. Therefore, the question arose as to whether phosphorylation of T872 is involved in downregulating the receptors and whether phosphorylation of this site is also mediated by CaMKIIβ or by another protein kinase. Here, we show that mutational inactivation of T872 in GABAB1 prevented the degradation of the receptors in cultured neurons. We found that, in addition to CaMKIIβ, also ERK1/2 is involved in the degradation pathway of GABAB receptors under physiological and ischemic conditions. In contrast to our previous view, CaMKIIβ does not appear to directly phosphorylate S867. Instead, the data support a mechanism in which CaMKIIβ activates ERK1/2, which then phosphorylates S867 and T872 in GABAB1. Blocking ERK activity after subjecting neurons to ischemic stress completely restored downregulated GABAB receptor expression to normal levels. Thus, preventing ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of S867/T872 in GABAB1 is an opportunity to inhibit the pathological downregulation of the receptors after ischemic stress and is expected to restore a healthy neuronal excitation/inhibition balance.

Adamtsl3 mediates DCC signaling to selectively promote GABAergic synapse function

The molecular code that controls synapse formation and maintenance in vivo has remained quite sparse. Here, we identify that the secreted protein Adamtsl3 functions as critical hippocampal synapse organizer acting through the transmembrane receptor DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer). Traditionally, DCC function has been associated with glutamatergic synaptogenesis and plasticity in response to Netrin-1 signaling. We demonstrate that early post-natal deletion of Adamtsl3 in neurons impairs DCC protein expression, causing reduced density of both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. Adult deletion of Adamtsl3 in either GABAergic or glutamatergic neurons does not interfere with DCC-Netrin-1 function at glutamatergic synapses but controls DCC signaling at GABAergic synapses. The Adamtsl3-DCC signaling unit is further essential for activity-dependent adaptations at GABAergic synapses, involving DCC phosphorylation and Src kinase activation. These findings might be particularly relevant for schizophrenia because genetic variants in Adamtsl3 and DCC have been independently linked with schizophrenia in patients.

Optical tools for visualizing and controlling human GLP-1 receptor activation with high spatiotemporal resolution

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) is a broadly expressed target of peptide hormones with essential roles in energy and glucose homeostasis, as well as of the blockbuster weight-loss drugs semaglutide and liraglutide. Despite its large clinical relevance, tools to investigate the precise activation dynamics of this receptor with high spatiotemporal resolution are limited. Here, we introduce a novel genetically encoded sensor based on the engineering of a circularly permuted green fluorescent protein into the human GLP1R, named GLPLight1. We demonstrate that fluorescence signal from GLPLight1 accurately reports the expected receptor conformational activation in response to pharmacological ligands with high sensitivity (max ΔF/F₀=528%) and temporal resolution (τ_ON = 4.7 s). We further demonstrated that GLPLight1 shows comparable responses to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) derivatives as observed for the native receptor. Using GLPLight1, we established an all-optical assay to characterize a novel photocaged GLP-1 derivative (photo-GLP1) and to demonstrate optical control of GLP1R activation. Thus, the new all-optical toolkit introduced here enhances our ability to study GLP1R activation with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Development of a genetically-encoded sensor for probing endogenous nociceptin opioid peptide release

Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (N/OFQ) is a recently appreciated critical opioid peptide with key regulatory functions in several central behavioral processes including motivation, stress, feeding, and sleep. The functional relevance of N/OFQ action in the mammalian brain remains unclear due to a lack of high-resolution approaches to detect this neuropeptide with appropriate spatial and temporal resolution. Here we develop and characterize NOPLight, a genetically encoded sensor that sensitively reports changes in endogenous N/OFQ release. We characterized the affinity, pharmacological profile, spectral properties, kinetics, ligand selectivity, and potential interaction with intracellular signal transducers of NOPLight in vitro. Its functionality was established in acute brain slices by exogeneous N/OFQ application and chemogenetic induction of endogenous N/OFQ release from PNOC neurons. In vivo studies with fiber photometry enabled a direct recording of binding by N/OFQ receptor ligands, as well as the detection of natural or chemogenetically-evoked endogenous N/OFQ release within the paranigral ventral tegmental area (pnVTA). In summary, we show that NOPLight can be used to detect N/OFQ opioid peptide signal dynamics in tissue and freely-behaving animals.

Protein phosphatase 2A regulation of GABAB receptors normalizes ischemia-induced aberrant receptor trafficking and provides neuroprotection

One major factor regulating the strength of GABA_B receptor signaling and thereby neuronal excitability is the dynamic control of their cell surface expression. GABA_B receptors are constitutively internalized and recycled back to the plasma membrane to maintain a stable number of receptors at cell surface for appropriate signaling. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dependent dephosphorylation of serine 783 (S783) in the GABA_B2 subunit is a key event for downregulating GABA_B receptor cell surface expression particularly under conditions associated with excitotoxicity. Here, we investigated the role of PP2A in regulating GABA_B receptor cell surface expression under physiological and excitotoxic conditions. For this purpose, we developed an interfering peptide (PP2A-Pep) that inhibits the interaction of GABA_B receptors with PP2A. Using cultured cortical neurons, we found that PP2A downregulates GABA_B receptor cell surface expression by inhibiting recycling of the receptors and thereby promoting degradation of the receptors. Inhibition of the GABA_B receptor/PP2A interaction by PP2A-Pep in cultured cortical neurons restored GABA_B receptor cell surface expression after excitotoxic stress and inhibited progressing neuronal death even when added 48 h after the insult. To explore the therapeutic potential of PP2A-Pep, we further analyzed effect of PP2A-Pep in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of cerebral ischemia. Incubation of brain slices prepared from MCAO-treated mice with PP2A-Pep restored normal GABA_B receptor expression and GABA_B receptor-mediated inhibition, reduced ischemic-induced overexcitability of neurons, and prevented neuronal death in the ischemic penumbra. This data illustrates the crucial role of regulating GABA_B receptor phosphorylation by PP2A for controlling neuronal inhibition and excitability. The results further suggest that interfering with the GABA_B receptor/PP2A interaction is a promising strategy for the development of specific therapeutic interventions to treat neurological diseases associated with a disturbed excitation/inhibition balance and downregulation of GABA_B receptors.

Targeting the interaction of GABAB receptors with CaMKII with an interfering peptide restores receptor expression after cerebral ischemia and inhibits progressive neuronal death in mouse brain cells and slices

Cerebral ischemia is the leading cause for long-term disability and mortality in adults due to massive neuronal death. Currently, there is no pharmacological treatment available to limit progressive neuronal death after stroke. A major mechanism causing ischemia-induced neuronal death is the excessive release of glutamate and the associated overexcitation of neurons (excitotoxicity). Normally, GABA_B receptors control neuronal excitability in the brain via prolonged inhibition. However, excitotoxic conditions rapidly downregulate GABA_B receptors via a CaMKII-mediated mechanism and thereby diminish adequate inhibition that could counteract neuronal overexcitation and neuronal death. To prevent the deleterious downregulation of GABA_B receptors, we developed a cell-penetrating synthetic peptide (R1-Pep) that inhibits the interaction of GABA_B receptors with CaMKII. Administration of this peptide to cultured cortical neurons exposed to excitotoxic conditions restored cell surface expression and function of GABA_B receptors. R1-Pep did not affect CaMKII expression or activity but prevented its T286 autophosphorylation that renders it autonomously and persistently active. Moreover, R1-Pep counteracted the aberrant downregulation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels and the upregulation of N-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, the main effectors of GABA_B receptors. The restoration of GABA_B receptors activated the Akt survival pathway and inhibited excitotoxic neuronal death with a wide time window in cultured neurons. Restoration of GABA_B receptors and neuroprotective activity of R1-Pep was verified by using brain slices prepared from mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Treatment with R1-Pep restored normal GABA_B receptor expression and GABA receptor-mediated K⁺ channel currents. This reduced MCAO-induced neuronal excitability and inhibited neuronal death. These results support the hypothesis that restoration of GABA_B receptor expression under excitatory conditions provides neuroprotection and might be the basis for the development of a selective intervention to inhibit progressive neuronal death after ischemic stroke.

Targeting the Interaction of GABAB Receptors With CHOP After an Ischemic Insult Restores Receptor Expression and Inhibits Progressive Neuronal Death

GABA_B receptors control neuronal excitability via slow and prolonged inhibition in the central nervous system. One important function of GABA_B receptors under physiological condition is to prevent neurons from shifting into an overexcitation state which can lead to excitotoxic death. However, under ischemic conditions, GABA_B receptors are downregulated, fostering over-excitation and excitotoxicity. One mechanism downregulating GABA_B receptors is mediated via the interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced transcription factor CHOP. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that preventing the interaction of CHOP with GABA_B receptors after an ischemic insult restores normal expression of GABA_B receptors and reduces neuronal death. For this, we designed an interfering peptide (R2-Pep) that restored the CHOP-induced downregulation of cell surface GABA_B receptors in cultured cortical neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Administration of R2-Pep after OGD restored normal cell surface expression of GABA_B receptors as well as GABA_B receptor-mediated inhibition. As a result, R2-Pep reduced enhanced neuronal activity and inhibited progressive neuronal death in OGD stressed cultures. Thus, targeting diseases relevant protein-protein interactions might be a promising strategy for developing highly specific novel therapeutics.

GABAB Receptors and Pain

A substantial fraction of the human population suffers from chronic pain states, which often cannot be sufficiently treated with existing drugs. This calls for alternative targets and strategies for the development of novel analgesics. There is substantial evidence that the G protein-coupled GABA_B receptor is involved in the processing of pain signals and thus has long been considered a valuable target for the generation of analgesics to treat chronic pain. In this review, the contribution of GABA_B receptors to the generation and modulation of pain signals, their involvement in chronic pain states as well as their target suitability for the development of novel analgesics is discussed.

Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gain-of-Function mPCSK9 Expression in the Mouse Induces Hypercholesterolemia, Monocytosis, Neutrophilia, and a Hypercoagulative State

Hypercholesterolemia has previously been induced in the mouse by a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vector harboring gain-of-function pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Despite the recent emergence of the PCSK9-AAV model, the profile of hematological and coagulation parameters associated with it has yet to be characterized. We injected 1.0 × 10¹¹ viral particles of mPCSK9-AAV or control AAV into juvenile male C57BL/6N mice and fed them with either a Western-type high-fat diet (HFD) or standard diet over the course of 3 weeks. mPCSK9-AAV mice on HFD exhibited greater plasma PCSK9 concentration and lower low-density lipoprotein levels, concomitant with increased total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL)-cholesterol concentrations, and lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations than control mice. Furthermore, mPCSK9-AAV-injected mice on HFD exhibited no signs of atherosclerosis at 3 weeks after the AAV injection. Hypercholesterolemia was associated with a thromboinflammatory phenotype, as neutrophil levels, monocyte levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were higher and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTTs) was lower in HFD-fed mPCSK9-AAV mice. Therefore, the mPCSK9-AAV is a suitable model of hypercholesterolemia to examine the role of thromboinflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Sustained Baclofen-Induced Activation of GABA B Receptors After Cerebral Ischemia Restores Receptor Expression and Function and Limits Progressing Loss of Neurons

One important function of GABA_B receptors is the control of neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation and thereby excitotoxic death, which is a hallmark of cerebral ischemia. Consequently, sustained activation of GABA_B receptors with the selective agonist baclofen provides neuroprotection in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia. However, excitotoxic conditions severely downregulate the receptors, which would compromise the neuroprotective effectiveness of baclofen. On the other hand, recent work suggests that sustained activation of GABA_B receptors stabilizes receptor expression. Therefore, we addressed the question whether sustained activation of GABA_B receptors reduces downregulation of the receptor under excitotoxic conditions and thereby preserves GABA_B receptor-mediated inhibition. In cultured neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), to mimic cerebral ischemia, GABA_B receptors were severely downregulated. Treatment of the cultures with baclofen after OGD restored GABA_B receptor expression and reduced loss of neurons. Restoration of GABA_B receptors was due to enhanced fast recycling of the receptors, which reduced OGD-induced sorting of the receptors to lysosomal degradation. Utilizing the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of cerebral ischemia, we verified the severe downregulation of GABA_B receptors in the affected cortex and a partial restoration of the receptors after systemic injection of baclofen. Restored receptor expression recovered GABA_B receptor-mediated currents, normalized the enhanced neuronal excitability observed after MCAO and limited progressive loss of neurons. These results suggest that baclofen-induced restoration of GABA_B receptors provides the basis for the neuroprotective activity of baclofen after an ischemic insult. Since GABA_B receptors regulate multiple beneficial pathways, they are promising targets for a neuroprotective strategy in acute cerebral ischemia.

A Glra3 phosphodeficient mouse mutant establishes the critical role of protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of glycine receptors in spinal inflammatory hyperalgesia

ABSTRACT

Glycinergic neurons and glycine receptors (GlyRs) exert a critical control over spinal nociception. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key inflammatory mediator produced in the spinal cord in response to peripheral inflammation, inhibits a certain subtype of GlyRs (α3GlyR) that is defined by the inclusion of α3 subunits and distinctly expressed in the lamina II of the spinal dorsal horn, ie, at the site where most nociceptive nerve fibers terminate. Previous work has shown that the hyperalgesic effect of spinal PGE2 is lost in mice lacking α3GlyRs and suggested that this phenotype results from the prevention of PGE2-evoked protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of α3GlyRs. However, direct proof for a contribution of this phosphorylation event to inflammatory hyperalgesia was still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, a phospho-deficient mouse line was generated that carries a serine to alanine point mutation at a strong consensus site for PKA-dependent phosphorylation in the long intracellular loop of the GlyR α3 subunit. These mice showed unaltered spinal expression of GlyR α3 subunits. In behavioral experiments, they showed no alterations in baseline nociception, but were protected from the hyperalgesic effects of intrathecally injected PGE2 and exhibited markedly reduced inflammatory hyperalgesia. These behavioral phenotypes closely recapitulate those found previously in GlyR α3-deficient mice. Our results thus firmly establish the crucial role of PKA-dependent phosphorylation of α3GlyRs in inflammatory hyperalgesia.

Expression of immunoglobulin constant domain genes in neurons of the mouse central nervous system

General consensus states that immunoglobulins are exclusively expressed by B lymphocytes to form the first line of defense against common pathogens. Here, we provide compelling evidence for the expression of two heavy chain immunoglobulin genes in subpopulations of neurons in the mouse brain and spinal cord. RNA isolated from excitatory and inhibitory neurons through ribosome affinity purification revealed Ighg3 and Ighm transcripts encoding for the constant (Fc), but not the variable regions of IgG3 and IgM. Because, in the absence of the variable immunoglobulin regions, these transcripts lack the canonical transcription initiation site used in lymphocytes, we screened for alternative 5' transcription start sites and identified a novel 5' exon adjacent to a proposed promoter element. Immunohistochemical, Western blot, and in silico analyses strongly support that these neuronal transcripts are translated into proteins containing four Immunoglobulin domains. Our data thus demonstrate the expression of two Fc-encoding genes Ighg3 and Ighm in spinal and supraspinal neurons of the murine CNS and suggest a hitherto unknown function of the encoded proteins.

Bidirectional regulation of distinct memory domains by α5-subunit-containing GABAA receptors in CA1 pyramidal neurons

Reduction in the expression or function of α5-subunit-containing GABA_A receptors (α5GABA_ARs) leads to improvement in several hippocampus-dependent memory domains. However, studies thus far mostly lack anatomical specificity in terms of neuronal circuits and populations. We demonstrate that mice with a selective knockdown of α5GABA_ARs in CA1 pyramidal neurons (α5CA1KO mice) show improved spatial and trace fear-conditioning memory. Unexpectedly, α5CA1KO mice were comparable to controls in contextual fear-conditioning but showed an impairment in context discrimination, suggesting fine-tuning of activity in CA1 pyramidal cell dendrites through α5-mediated inhibition might be necessary for distinguishing highly similar contexts.

Astrocyte dysfunction increases cortical dendritic excitability and promotes cranial pain in familial migraine

Astrocytes are essential contributors to neuronal function. As a consequence, disturbed astrocyte-neuron interactions are involved in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, with a strong impact on brain circuits and behavior. Here, we describe altered cortical physiology in a genetic mouse model of familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2), with reduced expression of astrocytic Na⁺,K⁺-ATPases. We used whole-cell electrophysiology, two-photon microscopy, and astrocyte gene rescue to demonstrate that an impairment in astrocytic glutamate uptake promotes NMDA spike generation in dendrites of cingulate cortex pyramidal neurons and enhances output firing of these neurons. Astrocyte compensation of the defective ATPase in the cingulate cortex rescued glutamate uptake, prevented abnormal NMDA spikes, and reduced sensitivity to cranial pain triggers. Together, our results demonstrate that impaired astrocyte function alters neuronal activity in the cingulate cortex and facilitates migraine-like cranial pain states in a mouse model of migraine.

Differences in glutamate uptake between cortical regions impact neuronal NMDA receptor activation

Removal of synaptically-released glutamate by astrocytes is necessary to spatially and temporally limit neuronal activation. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may have specialized functions in specific circuits, but the extent and significance of such specialization are unclear. By performing direct patch-clamp recordings and two-photon glutamate imaging, we report that in the somatosensory cortex, glutamate uptake by astrocytes is slower during sustained synaptic stimulation when compared to lower stimulation frequencies. Conversely, glutamate uptake capacity is increased in the frontal cortex during higher frequency synaptic stimulation, thereby limiting extracellular buildup of glutamate and NMDA receptor activation in layer 5 pyramidal neurons. This efficient glutamate clearance relies on Na+/K+-ATPase function and both GLT-1 and non-GLT-1 transporters. Thus, by enhancing their glutamate uptake capacity, astrocytes in the frontal cortex may prevent excessive neuronal excitation during intense synaptic activity. These results may explain why diseases associated with network hyperexcitability differentially affect individual brain areas.

Itch suppression in mice and dogs by modulation of spinal α2 and α3GABAA receptors

Chronic itch is a highly debilitating condition affecting about 10% of the general population. The relay of itch signals is under tight control by inhibitory circuits of the spinal dorsal horn, which may offer a hitherto unexploited therapeutic opportunity. Here, we found that specific pharmacological targeting of inhibitory α2 and α3GABA_A receptors reduces acute histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch in mice. Systemic treatment with an α2/α3GABA_A receptor selective modulator alleviates also chronic itch in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis and in dogs sensitized to house dust mites, without inducing sedation, motor dysfunction, or loss of antipruritic activity after prolonged treatment. Transsynaptic circuit tracing, immunofluorescence, and electrophysiological experiments identify spinal α2 and α3GABA_A receptors as likely molecular targets underlying the antipruritic effect. Our results indicate that drugs targeting α2 and α3GABA_A receptors are well-suited to alleviate itch, including non-histaminergic chronic itch for which currently no approved treatment exists.

Translational evaluation of translocator protein as a marker of neuroinflammation in schizophrenia

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiotracers that target translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has become a popular approach to assess putative neuroinflammatory processes and associated microglia activation in psychotic illnesses. It remains unclear, however, whether TSPO imaging can accurately capture low-grade inflammatory processes such as those present in schizophrenia and related disorders. Therefore, we evaluated the validity of TSPO as a disease-relevant marker of inflammation using a translational approach, which combined neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative mouse models with PET imaging in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and matched controls. Using an infection-mediated neurodevelopmental mouse model, we show that schizophrenia-relevant behavioral abnormalities and increased inflammatory cytokine expression are associated with reduced prefrontal TSPO levels. On the other hand, TSPO was markedly upregulated in a mouse model of acute neurodegeneration and reactive gliosis, which was induced by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid. In both models, the changes in TSPO levels were not restricted to microglia but emerged in various cell types, including microglia, astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Human PET imaging using the second-generation TSPO radiotracer [11C]DPA-713 revealed a strong trend towards reduced TSPO binding in the middle frontal gyrus of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia, who were previously shown to display increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral and central tissues. Together, our findings challenge the common assumption that central low-grade inflammation in schizophrenia is mirrored by increased TSPO expression or ligand binding. Our study further underscores the need to interpret altered TSPO binding in schizophrenia with caution, especially when measures of TSPO are not complemented with other markers of inflammation. Unless more selective microglial markers are available for PET imaging, quantification of cytokines and other inflammatory biomarkers, along with their molecular signaling pathways, may be more accurate in attempts to characterize inflammatory profiles in schizophrenia and other mental disorders that lack robust reactive gliosis.

Impact on GABA systems in monogenetic developmental CNS disorders: Clues to symptomatic treatment

Animal studies of several single-gene disorders demonstrate that reversing the molecular signaling deficits can result in substantial symptomatic improvements in function. Focusing on the ratio of excitation to inhibition as a potential pathophysiological hallmark, seven single-gene developmental CNS disorders are reviewed which are characterized by a striking dysregulation of neuronal inhibition. Deficits in inhibition and excessive inhibition are found. The examples of developmental disorders encompass Neurofibromatosis type 1, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Dravet syndrome including autism-like behavior, NONO-mutation-induced intellectual disability, Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency and Congenital nystagmus due to FRMD7 mutations. The phenotype/genotype correlations observed in animal models point to potential treatment options and will continue to inspire clinical research. Three drugs are presently in clinical trials: acamprosate and ganoxolon for Fragile X syndrome and SGS-742 for SSADH deficiency. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".

Lys-63-linked Ubiquitination of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), Type B1, at Multiple Sites by the E3 Ligase Mind Bomb-2 Targets GABAB Receptors to Lysosomal Degradation

GABAB receptors are heterodimeric G protein-coupled receptors, which control neuronal excitability by mediating prolonged inhibition. The magnitude of GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition essentially depends on the amount of receptors in the plasma membrane. However, the factors regulating cell surface expression of GABAB receptors are poorly characterized. Cell surface GABAB receptors are constitutively internalized and either recycled to the plasma membrane or degraded in lysosomes. The signal that sorts GABAB receptors to lysosomes is currently unknown. Here we show that Mind bomb-2 (MIB2)-mediated Lys-63-linked ubiquitination of the GABAB1 subunit at multiple sites is the lysosomal sorting signal for GABAB receptors. We found that inhibition of lysosomal activity in cultured rat cortical neurons increased the fraction of Lys-63-linked ubiquitinated GABAB receptors and enhanced the expression of total as well as cell surface GABAB receptors. Mutational inactivation of four putative ubiquitination sites in the GABAB1 subunit significantly diminished Lys-63-linked ubiquitination of GABAB receptors and prevented their lysosomal degradation. We identified MIB2 as the E3 ligase triggering Lys-63-linked ubiquitination and lysosomal degradation of GABAB receptors. Finally, we show that sustained activation of glutamate receptors, a condition occurring in brain ischemia that down-regulates GABAB receptors, considerably increased the expression of MIB2 and Lys-63-linked ubiquitination of GABAB receptors. Interfering with Lys-63-linked ubiquitination by overexpressing ubiquitin mutants or GABAB1 mutants deficient in Lys-63-linked ubiquitination prevented glutamate-induced down-regulation of the receptors. These findings indicate that Lys-63-linked ubiquitination of GABAB1 at multiple sites by MIB2 controls sorting of GABAB receptors to lysosomes for degradation under physiological and pathological conditions.

The clobazam metabolite N-desmethyl clobazam is an α2 preferring benzodiazepine with an improved therapeutic window for antihyperalgesia

Data from genetically modified mice suggest that benzodiazepine (BDZ)-site agonists with improved selectivity for α2-subtype GABAA receptors (α2GABAAR) are potentially useful for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Subtype-selective compounds available for preclinical tests in rodents support this concept but have not been approved for human use, hindering proof-of-concept studies in patients. We recently proposed that N-desmethyl clobazam (NDMC), the main metabolite of the licensed BDZ clobazam (CBZ), is responsible for most of the antihyperalgesia observed in mice after CBZ administration. In order to assess a potentially favorable pharmacological profile of NDMC, we analyzed differences in the GABAAR subtype specificity of CBZ, NDMC and diazepam (DZP) in recombinant receptors. DZP and CBZ potentiated sedating α1GABAARs and antihyperalgesic α2GABAARs with similar efficacies, whereas NDMC preferred α2GABAARs over α1GABAARs across a wide concentration range. In vivo, DZP and NDMC reduced neuropathic pain at doses between 3 and 30 mg/kg. At these doses, DZP had strong locomotor sedating effects while NDMC caused no or only weak sedation. Sedative effects of NDMC became apparent when the action of NDMC was restricted to α1GABAARs. However, when GABAAR point-mutated mice were studied that allow the analysis of antihyperalgesia and sedation in isolation, we found that, compared to DZP, NDMC had a significantly improved therapeutic window, consistent with its more favorable α2/α1 in vitro activity ratio. Given that NDMC should share the safety profile of its parent compound CBZ, it should be well-suited for proof-of-concept studies in human volunteers or patients.

A Pharmacogenetic 'Restriction-of-Function' Approach Reveals Evidence for Anxiolytic-Like Actions Mediated by α5-Containing GABAA Receptors in Mice

Benzodiazepines have been widely used for their anxiolytic actions. However, the contribution of GABAA receptor subtypes to anxiolysis is still controversial. Studies with mutant mice harboring diazepam-insensitive α-subunits α1, α2, α3, or α5 have revealed that α2-containing GABAA receptors (α2-GABAARs) are required for diazepam-induced anxiolysis, with no evidence for an involvement of any other α-subunit, whereas TP003, described as a selective modulator of α3-containing GABAA receptors, was shown to be anxiolytic. Here, we describe a novel, systematic approach to evaluate the role of positive allosteric modulation of each of the four diazepam-sensitive α-subtypes in anxiety-related behavioral paradigms. By combining H to R point mutations in three out of the four diazepam-sensitive α-subunits in mice with a 129X1/SvJ background, diazepam becomes a subtype-specific modulator of the remaining non-mutated α-subtype. Modulation of α5-GABAARs, but not of α2-GABAARs, increased the time in the light side of the light-dark box as well as open-arm exploration in the elevated plus maze. In contrast, modulation of α3-GABAARs decreased open-arm exploration, whereas modulation of α2-GABAARs increased time in the center in the open-field test. Modulation of any single α-subtype had no effect on stress-induced hyperthermia. Our results provide evidence that modulation of α5-GABAARs elicits anxiolytic-like actions, whereas our data do not provide evidence for an anxiolytic-like action of α3-GABAARs. Thus, α5-GABAARs may be suitable targets for novel anxiolytic drugs.

Mastering hysteresis in magnetocaloric materials

Hysteresis is more than just an interesting oddity that occurs in materials with a first-order transition. It is a real obstacle on the path from existing laboratory-scale prototypes of magnetic refrigerators towards commercialization of this potentially disruptive cooling technology. Indeed, the reversibility of the magnetocaloric effect, being essential for magnetic heat pumps, strongly depends on the width of the thermal hysteresis and, therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms causing hysteresis and to find solutions to minimize losses associated with thermal hysteresis in order to maximize the efficiency of magnetic cooling devices. In this work, we discuss the fundamental aspects that can contribute to thermal hysteresis and the strategies that we are developing to at least partially overcome the hysteresis problem in some selected classes of magnetocaloric materials with large application potential. In doing so, we refer to the most relevant classes of magnetic refrigerants La-Fe-Si-, Heusler- and Fe2P-type compounds.This article is part of the themed issue 'Taking the temperature of phase transitions in cool materials'.

Phosphorylation state-dependent modulation of spinal glycine receptors alleviates inflammatory pain

Diminished inhibitory neurotransmission in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord is thought to contribute to chronic pain. In inflammatory pain, reductions in synaptic inhibition occur partially through prostaglandin E2- (PGE2-) and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of a specific subtype of glycine receptors (GlyRs) that contain α3 subunits. Here, we demonstrated that 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP), a nonanesthetic propofol derivative, reverses inflammation-mediated disinhibition through a specific interaction with heteromeric αβGlyRs containing phosphorylated α3 subunits. We expressed mutant GlyRs in HEK293T cells, and electrophysiological analyses of these receptors showed that 2,6-DTBP interacted with a conserved phenylalanine residue in the membrane-associated stretch between transmembrane regions 3 and 4 of the GlyR α3 subunit. In native murine spinal cord tissue, 2,6-DTBP modulated synaptic, presumably αβ heteromeric, GlyRs only after priming with PGE2. This observation is consistent with results obtained from molecular modeling of the α-β subunit interface and suggests that in α3βGlyRs, the binding site is accessible to 2,6-DTBP only after PKA-dependent phosphorylation. In murine models of inflammatory pain, 2,6-DTBP reduced inflammatory hyperalgesia in an α3GlyR-dependent manner. Together, our data thus establish that selective potentiation of GlyR function is a promising strategy against chronic inflammatory pain and that, to our knowledge, 2,6-DTBP has a unique pharmacological profile that favors an interaction with GlyRs that have been primed by peripheral inflammation.

The positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulator rac-BHFF enhances baclofen-mediated analgesia in neuropathic mice

Neuropathic pain is associated with impaired inhibitory control of spinal dorsal horn neurons, which are involved in processing pain signals. The metabotropic GABAB receptor is an important component of the inhibitory system and is highly expressed in primary nociceptors and intrinsic dorsal horn neurons to control their excitability. Activation of GABAB receptors with the orthosteric agonist baclofen effectively reliefs neuropathic pain but is associated with severe side effects that prevent its widespread application. The recently developed positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulators lack most of these side effects and are therefore promising drugs for the treatment of pain. Here we tested the high affinity positive allosteric modulator rac-BHFF for its ability to relief neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve in mice. rac-BHFF significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation in healthy mice, indicating an endogenous GABABergic tone regulating the sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Surprisingly, rac-BHFF displayed no analgesic activity in neuropathic mice although GABAB receptor expression was not affected in the dorsal horn as shown by quantitative receptor autoradiography. However, activation of spinal GABAB receptors by intrathecal injection of baclofen reduced hyperalgesia and its analgesic effect was considerably potentiated by co-application of rac-BHFF. These results indicate that under conditions of neuropathic pain the GABAergic tone is too low to provide a basis for allosteric modulation of GABAB receptors. However, allosteric modulators would be well suited as an add-on to reduce the dose of baclofen required to achieve analgesia.

Analgesia and unwanted benzodiazepine effects in point-mutated mice expressing only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAA receptor subtype

Agonists at the benzodiazepine-binding site of GABA_A receptors (BDZs) enhance synaptic inhibition through four subtypes (α1, α2, α3 and α5) of GABA_A receptors (GABA_AR). When applied to the spinal cord, they alleviate pathological pain; however, insufficient efficacy after systemic administration and undesired effects preclude their use in routine pain therapy. Previous work suggested that subtype-selective drugs might allow separating desired antihyperalgesia from unwanted effects, but the lack of selective agents has hitherto prevented systematic analyses. Here we use four lines of triple GABA_AR point-mutated mice, which express only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABA_AR subtype at a time, to show that targeting only α2GABA_ARs achieves strong antihyperalgesia and reduced side effects (that is, no sedation, motor impairment and tolerance development). Additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses in these mice explain why clinically relevant antihyperalgesia cannot be achieved with nonselective BDZs. These findings should foster the development of innovative subtype-selective BDZs for novel indications such as chronic pain.

Benzodiazepines (BDZs) target GABA_A receptors to alleviate pain but these also cause side effects. Here the authors use mice in which only one GABA_A receptor is BDZ-sensitive at a time to identify α2GABA_A as the receptor that provides maximal analgesic activity but minimal side-effects in response to BDZs.

Ischemia-like oxygen and glucose deprivation mediates down-regulation of cell surface γ-aminobutyric acidB receptors via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein (CHOP)

Cerebral ischemia frequently leads to long-term disability and death. Excitotoxicity is believed to be the main cause for ischemia-induced neuronal death. Although a role of glutamate receptors in this process has been firmly established, the contribution of metabotropic GABAB receptors, which control excitatory neurotransmission, is less clear. A prominent characteristic of ischemic insults is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated with the up-regulation of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP). After inducing ER stress in cultured cortical neurons by sustained Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores or by a brief episode of oxygen and glucose deprivation (in vitro model of cerebral ischemia), we observed an increased expression of CHOP accompanied by a strong reduction of cell surface GABAB receptors. Our results indicate that down-regulation of cell surface GABAB receptors is caused by the interaction of the receptors with CHOP in the ER. Binding of CHOP prevented heterodimerization of the receptor subunits GABAB1 and GABAB2 and subsequent forward trafficking of the receptors to the cell surface. The reduced level of cell surface receptors diminished GABAB receptor signaling and, thus, neuronal inhibition. These findings indicate that ischemia-mediated up-regulation of CHOP down-regulates cell surface GABAB receptors by preventing their trafficking from the ER to the plasma membrane. This mechanism leads to diminished neuronal inhibition and may contribute to excitotoxicity in cerebral ischemia.

Proteasomal degradation of γ-aminobutyric acidB receptors is mediated by the interaction of the GABAB2 C terminus with the proteasomal ATPase Rtp6 and regulated by neuronal activity

Regulation of cell surface expression of neurotransmitter receptors is crucial for determining synaptic strength and plasticity, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We previously showed that proteasomal degradation of GABAB receptors via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation (ERAD) machinery determines the number of cell surface GABAB receptors and thereby GABAB receptor-mediated neuronal inhibition. Here, we show that proteasomal degradation of GABAB receptors requires the interaction of the GABAB2 C terminus with the proteasomal AAA-ATPase Rpt6. A mutant of Rpt6 lacking ATPase activity prevented degradation of GABAB receptors but not the removal of Lys(48)-linked ubiquitin from GABAB2. Blocking ERAD activity diminished the interaction of Rtp6 with GABAB receptors resulting in increased total as well as cell surface expression of GABAB receptors. Modulating neuronal activity affected proteasomal activity and correspondingly the interaction level of Rpt6 with GABAB2. This resulted in altered cell surface expression of the receptors. Thus, neuronal activity-dependent proteasomal degradation of GABAB receptors by the ERAD machinery is a potent mechanism regulating the number of GABAB receptors available for signaling and is expected to contribute to homeostatic neuronal plasticity.

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation controls cell surface expression of γ-aminobutyric acid, type B receptors

Metabotropic GABAB receptors are crucial for controlling the excitability of neurons by mediating slow inhibition in the CNS. The strength of receptor signaling depends on the number of cell surface receptors, which is thought to be regulated by trafficking and degradation mechanisms. Although the mechanisms of GABAB receptor trafficking are studied to some extent, it is currently unclear whether receptor degradation actively controls the number of GABAB receptors available for signaling. Here we tested the hypothesis that proteasomal degradation contributes to the regulation of GABAB receptor expression levels. Blocking proteasomal activity in cultured cortical neurons considerably enhanced total and cell surface expression of GABAB receptors, indicating the constitutive degradation of the receptors by proteasomes. Proteasomal degradation required Lys(48)-linked polyubiquitination of lysines 767/771 in the C-terminal domain of the GABAB2 subunit. Inactivation of these ubiquitination sites increased receptor levels and GABAB receptor signaling in neurons. Proteasomal degradation was mediated by endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) as shown by the accumulation of receptors in the endoplasmic reticulum upon inhibition of proteasomes, by the increase of receptor levels, as well as receptor signaling upon blocking ERAD function, and by the interaction of GABAB receptors with the essential ERAD components Hrd1 and p97. In conclusion, the data support a model in which the fraction of GABAB receptors available for plasma membrane trafficking is regulated by degradation via the ERAD machinery. Thus, modulation of ERAD activity by changes in physiological conditions may represent a mechanism to adjust receptor numbers and thereby signaling strength.

Identification of an endogenous polypeptide modulating ligand binding sites of insect neuronal acetylcholine receptors

In this report evidence is presented for a membrane-associated polypeptide that regulates ligand binding properties of a neuronal acetylcholine receptor. Removal of membrane-associated compounds reversibly increased the number of BGTX binding sites and decreased the number of binding sites for ACh in neuronal membranes, suggesting the existence of endogenous membrane-associated factors that might allosterically modulate the ligand binding sites of receptor protein. The regulatory factor was purified and identified as 20 kDa polypeptide. The purified polypeptide was found to be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which caused inactivation of the modulatory polypeptide and thus might control their function.

Chronic pain states: pharmacological strategies to restore diminished inhibitory spinal pain control

Potentially noxious stimuli are sensed by specialized nerve cells named nociceptors, which convey nociceptive signals from peripheral tissues to the central nervous system. The spinal dorsal horn and the trigeminal nucleus serve as first relay stations for incoming nociceptive signals. At these sites, nociceptor terminals contact a local neuronal network consisting of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons as well as of projection neurons. Blockade of neuronal inhibition in this network causes an increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia), painful sensations occurring after activation of non-nociceptive fibers (allodynia), and spontaneous pain felt in the absence of any sensory stimulation. It thus mimics the major characteristics of chronic pain states. Diminished inhibitory pain control in the spinal dorsal horn occurs naturally, e.g., through changes in the function of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors or through altered chloride homeo-stasis in the course of inflammation or nerve damage. This review summarizes our current knowledge about endogenous mechanisms leading to diminished spinal pain control and discusses possible ways that could restore proper inhibition through facilitation of fast inhibitory neurotransmission.

Modulation of cell surface GABA(B) receptors by desensitization, trafficking and regulated degradation

Inhibitory neurotransmission ensures normal brain function by counteracting and integrating excitatory activity. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, and mediates its effects via two classes of receptors: the GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors. GABA(A) receptors are heteropentameric GABA-gated chloride channels and responsible for fast inhibitory neurotransmission. GABA(B) receptors are heterodimeric G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) that mediate slow and prolonged inhibitory transmission. The extent of inhibitory neurotransmission is determined by a variety of factors, such as the degree of transmitter release and changes in receptor activity by posttranslational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), as well as by the number of receptors present in the plasma membrane available for signal transduction. The level of GABA(B) receptors at the cell surface critically depends on the residence time at the cell surface and finally the rates of endocytosis and degradation. In this review we focus primarily on recent advances in the understanding of trafficking mechanisms that determine the expression level of GABA(B) receptors in the plasma membrane, and thereby signaling strength.

Benzodiazepine binding to GABA(A) receptors

This unit describes ligand binding assays for the characterization of the benzodiazepine (BZ) site of GABA(A) receptors in the central nervous system. The Basic Protocol provides a procedure for analyzing benzodiazepine binding to GABA(A) receptors from brain. The experimental design of the method is suitable for all commercially available radioligands that interact with the BZ site of central GABA(A) receptors. By using the appropriate radioligand in combination with particular displacer compounds, individual (or groups of) GABA(A) receptor subtypes can be identified. Preparation of membrane suspensions for this procedure is described in a Support Protocol, and five Alternate Protocols are provided for the identification of diazepam-sensitive GABA(A) receptors, the α1-subtype of diazepam-sensitive receptors, the α5 subtype of diazepam-sensitive receptors, both diazepam-sensitive and diazepam-insensitive receptors, and diazepam-insensitive receptors exclusively. Each protocol contains a brief description of the requirements for radioligand binding to these five types of BZ sites.

Distinct mechanisms regulate GABAA receptor and gephyrin clustering at perisomatic and axo-axonic synapses on CA1 pyramidal cells

Pyramidal cells express various GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) subtypes, possibly to match inputs from functionally distinct interneurons targeting specific subcellular domains. Postsynaptic anchoring of GABA(A)Rs is ensured by a complex interplay between the scaffolding protein gephyrin, neuroligin-2 and collybistin. Direct interactions between these proteins and GABA(A)R subunits might contribute to synapse-specific distribution of GABA(A)R subtypes. In addition, the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, mainly localized at perisomatic synapses, regulates GABA(A)R postsynaptic clustering at these sites. Here, we investigated how the functional and molecular organization of GABAergic synapses in CA1 pyramidal neurons is altered in mice lacking the GABA(A)R α2 subunit (α2-KO). We report a marked, layer-specific loss of postsynaptic gephyrin and neuroligin-2 clusters, without changes in GABAergic presynaptic terminals. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in slices from α2-KO mice show a 40% decrease in GABAergic mIPSC frequency, with unchanged amplitude and kinetics. Applying low/high concentrations of zolpidem to discriminate between α1- and α2/α3-GABA(A)Rs demonstrates that residual mIPSCs in α2-KO mice are mediated by α1-GABA(A)Rs. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals maintenance of α1-GABA(A)R and neuroligin-2 clusters, but not gephyrin clusters, in perisomatic synapses of mutant mice, along with a complete loss of these three markers on the axon initial segment. This striking subcellular difference correlates with the preservation of dystrophin clusters, colocalized with neuroligin-2 and α1-GABA(A)Rs on pyramidal cell bodies of mutant mice. Dystrophin was not detected on the axon initial segment in either genotype. Collectively, these findings reveal synapse-specific anchoring of GABA(A)Rs at postsynaptic sites and suggest that the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex contributes to stabilize α1-GABA(A)R and neuroligin-2, but not gephyrin, in perisomatic postsynaptic densities.

HZ166, a novel GABAA receptor subtype-selective benzodiazepine site ligand, is antihyperalgesic in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain

Diminished GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition in the spinal dorsal horn contributes significantly to chronic pain of different origins. Accordingly, pharmacological facilitation of GABAergic inhibition by spinal benzodiazepines (BDZs) has been shown to reverse pathological pain in animals as well as in human patients. Previous studies in GABA(A) receptor point-mutated mice have demonstrated that the spinal anti-hyperalgesic effect of classical BDZs is mainly mediated by GABA(A) receptors containing the α2 subunit (α2-GABA(A) receptors), while α1-GABA(A) receptors, which mediate the sedative effects, do not contribute. Here, we investigated the potential analgesic profile of HZ166, a new partial BDZ-site agonist with preferential activity at α2- and α3-GABA(A) receptors. HZ166 showed a dose-dependent anti-hyperalgesic effect in mouse models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, triggered by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and by subcutaneous injection of the yeast extract zymosan A, respectively. This antihyperalgesic activity was antagonized by flumazenil and hence mediated via the BDZ-binding site of GABA(A) receptors. A central site of action of HZ166 was consistent with its pharmacokinetics in the CNS. When non-sedative doses of HZ166 and gabapentin, a drug widely used in the clinical management of neuropathic pain, were compared, the efficacies of both drugs against CCI-induced pain were similar. At doses producing already maximal antihyperalgesia, HZ166 was devoid of sedation and motor impairment, and showed no loss of analgesic activity during a 9-day chronic treatment period (i.e. no tolerance development). These findings provide further evidence that compounds selective for α2- and α3-GABA(A) receptors might constitute a novel class of analgesics suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.

Sustained glutamate receptor activation down-regulates GABAB receptors by shifting the balance from recycling to lysosomal degradation

Metabotropic GABA(B) receptors are abundantly expressed at glutamatergic synapses where they control excitability of the synapse. Here, we tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurotransmission may regulate GABA(B) receptors. We found that application of glutamate to cultured cortical neurons led to rapid down-regulation of GABA(B) receptors via lysosomal degradation. This effect was mimicked by selective activation of AMPA receptors and further accelerated by coactivation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. Inhibition of NMDA receptors, blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels, and removal of extracellular Ca(2+) prevented glutamate-induced down-regulation of GABA(B) receptors, indicating that Ca(2+) influx plays a critical role. We further established that glutamate-induced down-regulation depends on the internalization of GABA(B) receptors. Glutamate did not affect the rate of GABA(B) receptor endocytosis but led to reduced recycling of the receptors back to the plasma membrane. Blockade of lysosomal activity rescued receptor recycling, indicating that glutamate redirects GABA(B) receptors from the recycling to the degradation pathway. In conclusion, the data indicate that sustained activation of AMPA receptors down-regulates GABA(B) receptors by sorting endocytosed GABA(B) receptors preferentially to lysosomes for degradation on the expense of recycling. This mechanism may relieve glutamatergic synapses from GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition resulting in increased synaptic excitability.

Mechanisms of GABAB receptor exocytosis, endocytosis, and degradation

GABA(B) receptors belong to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors, which mediate slow inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. They are promising drug targets for a variety of neurological disorders and play important functions in regulating synaptic plasticity. Signaling strength is critically dependent on the availability of the receptors at the cell surface. Several distinct highly regulated trafficking mechanisms ensure the presence of adequate receptor numbers in the plasma membrane. The rate of exocytosis of newly synthesized receptors from the endoplasmic reticulum via the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface as well as the rates of their endocytosis and degradation determines the retention time of receptors at the cell surface. This chapter focuses on the recently emerged mechanisms of GABA(B) receptor exocytosis, endocytosis, recycling, and degradation.

The alpha5(H105R) mutation impairs alpha5 selective binding properties by altered positioning of the alpha5 subunit in GABAA receptors containing two distinct types of alpha subunits

GABA(A) receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that are major mediators of fast inhibitory neurotransmission. Clinically relevant GABA(A) receptor subtypes are assembled from alpha5(1-3, 5), beta1-3 and the gamma2 subunit. They exhibit a stoichiometry of two alpha, two beta and one gamma subunit, with two GABA binding sites located at the alpha/beta and one benzodiazepine binding site located at the alpha/gamma subunit interface. Introduction of the H105R point mutation into the alpha5 subunit, to render alpha5 subunit-containing receptors insensitive to the clinically important benzodiazepine site agonist diazepam, unexpectedly resulted in a reduced level of alpha5 subunit protein in alpha5(H105R) mice. In this study, we show that the alpha5(H105R) mutation did not affect cell surface expression and targeting of the receptors or their assembly into macromolecular receptor complexes but resulted in a severe reduction of alpha5-selective ligand binding. Immunoprecipitation studies suggest that the diminished alpha5-selective binding is presumably due to a repositioning of the alpha5(H105R) subunit in GABA(A) receptor complexes containing two different alpha subunits. These findings imply an important role of histidine 105 in determining the position of the alpha5 subunit within the receptor complex by determining the affinity for assembly with the gamma2 subunit.

Altered mnemonic functions and resistance to N-METHYL-d-Aspartate receptor antagonism by forebrain conditional knockout of glycine transporter 1

Converging evidence from pharmacological and molecular studies has led to the suggestion that inhibition of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) constitutes an effective means to boost N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity by increasing the extra-cellular concentration of glycine in the vicinity of glutamatergic synapses. However, the precise extent and limitation of this approach to alter cognitive function, and therefore its potential as a treatment strategy against psychiatric conditions marked by cognitive impairments, remain to be fully examined. Here, we generated mutant mice lacking GlyT1 in the entire forebrain including neurons and glia. This conditional knockout system allows a more precise examination of GlyT1 downregulation in the brain on behavior and cognition. The mutation was highly effective in attenuating the motor-stimulating effect of acute NMDAR blockade by phencyclidine, although no appreciable elevation in NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) was observed in the hippocampus. Enhanced cognitive performance was observed in spatial working memory and object recognition memory while spatial reference memory and associative learning remained unaltered. These findings provide further credence for the potential cognitive enhancing effects of brain GlyT1 inhibition. At the same time, they indicated potential phenotypic differences when compared with other constitutive and conditional GlyT1 knockout lines, and highlighted the possibility of a functional divergence between the neuronal and glia subpopulations of GlyT1 in the regulation of learning and memory processes. The relevance of this distinction to the design of future GlyT1 blockers as therapeutic tools in the treatment of cognitive disorders remains to be further investigated.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptors are constitutively internalized via the clathrin-dependent pathway and targeted to lysosomes for degradation

Receptor internalization is recognized as an important mechanism for rapidly regulating cell surface numbers of receptors. However, there are conflicting results on the existence of rapid endocytosis of gamma-aminobutyric acid, type B (GABAB) receptors. Therefore, we analyzed internalization of GABAB receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells qualitatively and quantitatively using immunocytochemical, cell surface enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and biotinylation methods. The data indicate the existence of rapid constitutive receptor internalization, with the first endocytosed receptors being observed in proximity of the plasma membrane after 10 min. After 120 min, a loss of about 40-50% of cell surface receptors was detected. Stimulation of GABAB receptors with GABA or baclofen did not enhance endocytosis of receptors, indicating the lack of agonist-induced internalization. The data suggest that GABAB receptors were endocytosed via the classical dynamin- and clathrin-dependent pathway and accumulated in an endosomal sorting compartment before being targeted to lysosomes for degradation. No evidence for recycling of receptors back to the cell surface was found. In conclusion, the results indicate the presence of constitutive internalization of GABAB receptors via clathrin-coated pits, which resulted in lysosomal degradation of the receptors.

Alteration of GABAergic synapses and gephyrin clusters in the thalamic reticular nucleus of GABAA receptor alpha3 subunit-null mice

Multiple GABAA-receptor subtypes are assembled from alpha, beta and gamma subunit variants. GABAA receptors containing the alpha3 subunit represent a minor population with a restricted distribution in the CNS. In addition, they predominate in monoaminergic neurons and in the nucleus reticularis thalami (nRT), suggesting a role in the regulation of cortical function and sleep. Mice with a targeted deletion of the alpha3 subunit gene (alpha3(0/0)) are viable and exhibit a subtle behavioural phenotype possibly related to dopaminergic hyperfunction. Here, we investigated immunohistochemically the consequences of the loss of alpha3 subunit for maturation of GABAA receptors and formation of GABAergic synapses in the nRT. Throughout postnatal development, the regional distribution of the alpha1, alpha2, or alpha5 subunit was unaltered in alpha3(0/0) mice and the prominent alpha3 subunit staining of nRT neurons in wildtype mice was not replaced. Subcellularly, as seen by double immunofluorescence, the alpha3 and gamma2 subunit were clustered at postsynaptic sites in the nRT of adult wildtype mice along with the scaffolding protein gephyrin. In alpha3(0/0) mice, gamma2 subunit clustering was disrupted and gephyrin formed large aggregates localized at the cell surface, but unrelated to postsynaptic sites, indicating that nRT neurons lack postsynaptic GABAA receptors in mutant mice. Furthermore, GABAergic terminals were enlarged and reduced in number, suggesting a partial deficit of GABAergic synapses. Therefore, GABAA receptors are required for gephyrin clustering and long-term synapse maintenance. The absence of GABAA-mediated transmission in the nRT may have a significant impact on the function of the thalamo-cortical loop of alpha3(0/0) mice.

Disruption of glycine transporter 1 restricted to forebrain neurons is associated with a procognitive and antipsychotic phenotypic profile

The NMDA receptor is thought to play a central role in some forms of neuronal plasticity, including the induction of long-term potentiation. NMDA receptor hypofunction can result in mnemonic impairment and has been implicated in the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. The activity of NMDA receptors is controlled by its endogenous coagonist glycine, and a local elevation of glycine levels is expected to enhance NMDA receptor function. Here, we achieved this by the generation of a novel mouse line (CamKIIalphaCre;Glyt1tm1.2fl/fl) with a neuron and forebrain selective disruption of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1). The mutation led to a significant reduction of GlyT1 and a corresponding reduction of glycine reuptake in forebrain samples, without affecting NMDA receptor expression. NMDA (but not AMPA) receptor-evoked EPSCs recorded in hippocampal slices of mutant mice were 2.5 times of those recorded in littermate controls, suggesting that neuronal GlyT1 normally assumes a specific role in the regulation of NMDA receptor responses. Concomitantly, the mutants were less responsive to phencyclidine than controls. The mutation enhanced aversive Pavlovian conditioning without affecting spontaneous anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and augmented a form of attentional learning called latent inhibition in three different experimental paradigms: conditioned freezing, conditioned active avoidance, conditioned taste aversion. The CamKIIalphaCre;Glyt1tm1.2fl/fl mouse model thus suggests that augmentation of forebrain neuronal glycine transmission is promnesic and may also offer an effective therapeutic intervention against the cognitive and attentional impairments characteristic of schizophrenia.

A schizophrenia-related sensorimotor deficit links alpha 3-containing GABAA receptors to a dopamine hyperfunction

Overactivity of the dopaminergic system in the brain is considered to be a contributing factor to the development and symptomatology of schizophrenia. Therefore, the GABAergic control of dopamine functions was assessed by disrupting the gene encoding the alpha3 subunit of the GABA(A) receptor. alpha3 knockout (alpha3KO) mice exhibited neither an obvious developmental defect nor apparent morphological brain abnormalities, and there was no evidence for compensatory up-regulation of other major GABA(A)-receptor subunits. Anxiety-related behavior in the elevated-plus-maze test was undisturbed, and the anxiolytic-like effect of diazepam, which is mediated by alpha2-containing GABA(A) receptors, was preserved. As a result of the loss of alpha3 GABA(A) receptors, the GABA-induced whole-cell current recorded from midbrain dopamine neurons was significantly reduced. Spontaneous locomotor activity was slightly elevated in alpha3KO mice. Most notably, prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex was markedly attenuated in the alpha3KO mice, pointing to a deficit in sensorimotor information processing. This deficit was completely normalized by treatment with the antipsychotic D2-receptor antagonist haloperidol. The amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion was not altered in alpha3KO mice compared with WT mice. These results suggest that the absence of alpha3-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors induces a hyperdopaminergic phenotype, including a severe deficit in sensorimotor gating, a common feature among psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Hence, agonists acting at alpha3-containing GABA(A) receptors may constitute an avenue for an effective treatment of sensorimotor-gating deficits in various psychiatric conditions.