Expression of a Drosophila GABA receptor in a baculovirus insect cell system. Functional expression of insecticide susceptible and resistant GABA receptors from the cyclodiene resistance gene Rdl

Agonist and antagonist properties of an insect GABA-gated chloride channel (RDL) are influenced by heterologous expression conditions

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) activated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are expressed widely in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. One of the best characterised insect GABA-gated chloride channels is RDL, an abbreviation of ‘resistance to dieldrin’, that was originally identified by genetic screening in Drosophila melanogaster. Here we have cloned the analogous gene from the bumblebee Bombus terrestris audax (BtRDL) and examined its pharmacological properties by functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. Somewhat unexpectedly, the sensitivity of BtRDL to GABA, as measured by its apparent affinity (EC₅₀), was influenced by heterologous expression conditions. This phenomenon was observed in response to alterations in the amount of cRNA injected; the length of time that oocytes were incubated before functional analysis; and by the presence or absence of a 3’ untranslated region. In contrast, similar changes in expression conditions were not associated with changes in apparent affinity with RDL cloned from D. melanogaster (DmRDL). Changes in apparent affinity with BtRDL were also observed following co-expression of a chaperone protein (NACHO). Similar changes in apparent affinity were observed with an allosteric agonist (propofol) and a non-competitive antagonist (picrotoxinin), indicating that expression-depended changes are not restricted to the orthosteric agonist binding site. Interestingly, instances of expression-dependent changes in apparent affinity have been reported previously for vertebrate glycine receptors, which are also members of the pLGIC super-family. Our observations with BtRDL are consistent with previous data obtained with vertebrate glycine receptors and indicates that agonist and antagonist apparent affinity can be influenced by the level of functional expression in a variety of pLGICs.

GABAA receptor RDL inhibits Drosophila olfactory associative learning

In both mammals and insects, neurons involved in learning are strongly modulated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. The GABAA receptor, resistance to dieldrin (Rdl), is highly expressed in the Drosophila mushroom bodies (MBs), a group of neurons playing essential roles in insect olfactory learning. Flies with increased or decreased expression of Rdl in the MBs were generated. Olfactory associative learning tests showed that Rdl overexpression impaired memory acquisition but not memory stability. This learning defect was due to disrupting the physiological state of the adult MB neurons rather than causing developmental abnormalities. Remarkably, Rdl knockdown enhanced memory acquisition but not memory stability. Functional cellular imaging experiments showed that Rdl overexpression abolished the normal calcium responses of the MBs to odors while Rdl knockdown increased these responses. Together, these data suggest that RDL negatively modulates olfactory associative learning, possibly by gating the input of olfactory information into the MBs.

Chloride channels as tools for developing selective insecticides

Ligand-gated chloride channels underlie inhibition in excitable membranes and are proven target sites for insecticides. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(1)) receptor/chloride ionophore complex is the primary site of action for a number of currently used insecticides, such as lindane, endosulfan, and fipronil. These compounds act as antagonists by stabilizing nonconducting conformations of the chloride channel. Blockage of the GABA-gated chloride channel reduces neuronal inhibition, which leads to hyperexcitation of the central nervous system, convulsions, and death. We recently investigated the mode of action of the silphinenes, plant-derived natural compounds that structurally resemble picrotoxinin. These materials antagonize the action of GABA on insect neurons and block GABA-mediated chloride uptake into mouse brain synaptoneurosomes in a noncompetitive manner. In mammals, avermectins have a blocking action on the GABA-gated chloride channel consistent with a coarse tremor, whereas at longer times and higher concentrations, activation of the channel suppresses neuronal activity. Invertebrates display ataxia, paralysis, and death as the predominant signs of poisoning, with a glutamate-gated chloride channel playing a major role. Additional target sites for the avermectins or other chloride channel-directed compounds might include receptors gated by histamine, serotonin, or acetylcholine.The voltage-sensitive chloride channels form another large gene family of chloride channels. Voltage-dependent chloride channels are involved in a number of physiological processes including: maintenance of electrical excitability, chloride ion secretion and resorption, intravesicular acidification, and cell volume regulation. A subset of these channels is affected by convulsants and insecticides in mammals, although the role they play in acute lethality in insects is unclear. Given the wide range of functions that they mediate, these channels are also potential targets for insecticide development.

Alternative splicing of a Drosophila GABA receptor subunit gene identifies determinants of agonist potency

Alternative splicing of the Drosophila melanogaster Rdl gene yields four ionotropic GABA receptor subunits. The two Rdl splice variants cloned to date, RDL(ac) and RDL(bd) (DRC17-1-2), differ in their apparent agonist affinity. Here, we report the cloning of a third splice variant of Rdl, RDL(ad). Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to investigate agonist pharmacology of this expressed subunit following cRNA injection into Xenopus laevis oocytes. The EC(so) values for GABA and its analogues isoguvacine, muscimol, isonipecotic acid and 3-amino sulphonic acid on the RDL(ad) homomeric receptor differed from those previously described for RDL(ac) and DRC17-1-2 receptors. In addition to providing a possible physiological role for the alternative splicing of Rdl, these data delineate a hitherto functionally unassigned region of the N-terminal domain of GABA receptor subunits, which affects agonist potency and aligns closely with known determinants of potency in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Thus, using expression in Xenopus oocytes, we have demonstrated differences in agonist potency for the neurotransmitter GABA (and four analogues) between splice variant products of the Drosophila melanogaster Rdl gene encoding homomer-forming GABA receptor subunits.

Cyclodiene insecticide resistance: from molecular to population genetics

This review follows progress in the analysis of cyclodiene insecticide resistance from the initial isolation of the mutant, through cloning of the resistance gene, to an examination of the distribution of resistance alleles in natural populations. Emphasis is given to the use of a resistant Drosophila mutant as an entry point to cloning the associated gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit gene, Resistance to dieldrin. Resistance is associated with replacements of a single amino acid (alanine302) in the chloride ion channel pore of the protein. Replacements of alanine302 not only directly affect the drug binding site but also allosterically destabilize the drug preferred conformation of the receptor. Resistance is thus conferred by a unique dual mechanism associated with alanine302, which is the only residue replaced in a wide range of different resistant insects. The underlying mutations appear either to have arisen once, or multiply, depending on the population biology of the pest insect. Although resistance frequencies decline in the absence of selection, resistance alleles can persist at relatively high frequency and may cause problems for compounds to which cross-resistance is observed, such as the novel fipronils.

Characterization of recombinant human CXCR4 in insect cells: role of extracellular domains and N-glycosylation in ligand binding

The cDNA of the human CXCR4/fusin was isolated from a human HeLa cell cDNA library by PCR and functionally expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The recombinant receptor was found to bind its natural ligand SDF-1alpha with an affinity comparable to that of the native receptor. Sequence-specific antibodies against each of the four extracellular domains were generated and used to investigate the interactions between the different domains of the receptor and the ligand. Each of the four antibodies was found to be able to inhibit ligand binding. CXCR4 was shown to be a glycoprotein. The role of N-glycosylation of CXCR4 in ligand binding was investigated in the insect cells overexpressed with recombinant CXCR4. Two potential N-glycosylation sites (Asn-11 and Asn-176) were either singly or doubly mutated to a leucine residue. Both single mutant receptors exhibited a significant decrease in ligand binding activity and affinity. The double mutant receptor showed little binding activity. Our data suggest that all of the extracellular domains are involved in ligand-receptor interactions and that N-glycosylation is required to maintain high-affinity ligand binding.

Cation permeability and cation-anion interactions in a mutant GABA-gated chloride channel from Drosophila

To investigate the structural basis of anion selectivity of Drosophila GABA-gated Cl(-) channels, the permeation properties of wild-type and mutant channels were studied in Xenopus oocytes. This work focused on asparagine 319, which by homology is one amino acid away from a putative extracellular ring of charge that regulates cation permeation in nicotinic receptors. Mutation of this residue to aspartate reduced channel conductance, and mutation to lysine or arginine increased channel conductance. These results are consistent with an electrostatic interaction between this site and permeating anions. The lysine mutant, but not the arginine mutant, formed a channel that is permeable to cations, and this cannot be explained in terms of electrostatics. The lysine mutant had a 25-mV reversal potential in solutions with symmetrical Cl(-) and asymmetrical cations. The permeability ratio of K(+) to Cl(-) was determined as 0. 33 from reversal potential measurements in KCl gradients. Experiments with large organic cations and anions showed that cation permeation can only be seen in the presence of Cl(-), but Cl(-) permeation can be seen in the absence of permeant cations. Measurements of permeability ratios of organic anions indicated that the lysine mutant has an increased pore size. The cation permeability of the lysine-containing mutant channel cannot be accounted for by a simple electrostatic interaction with permeating ions. It is likely that lysine substitution causes a structural change that extends beyond this one residue to influence the positions of other channel-forming residues. Thus protein conformation plays an important role in enabling ion channels to distinguish between anions and cations.

The pharmacological profile of GABA receptors on cultured insect neurones

Neuronal cultures of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, were used to study the pharmacological profile of GABA receptors using the whole-cell-voltage clamp technique. The results indicated that insect GABA receptors are linked to a chloride channel that can be activated by both GABA(A) and GABA(C) receptor agonists. The receptors are blocked by GABA(A) chloride channel blockers and some insecticides but not by competitive GABA(A) receptor antagonists. The GABA(C) receptor competitive antagonists were either full or partial agonists of the cockroach GABA receptors. The receptors were modulated by the enantiomers of lindane. In conclusion, insect GABA receptors appear to have a distinct pharmacological profile that does not conform to either vertebrate GABA(A) or GABA(C) receptors.

Diversification of Drosophila chloride channel gene by multiple posttranscriptional mRNA modifications

We have identified and analyzed a Drosophila melanogaster gene that encodes a chloride channel subunit (DrosGluCl-alpha) previously shown to function as a glutamate-gated chloride channel in an in vitro expression system. Sequence analysis of several cDNAs corresponding to the gene revealed sequence diversity in their open reading frames at seven specific sites. Site-specific A-to-G variations between cDNA and genomic sequences, consistent with RNA editing, were detected at five nucleotide positions. In addition, sequence variations among cDNA clones consistent with alternative splicing of mRNA were found at two different sites. In the 5' region, two small adjacent exons, containing similar but distinct modular sequences, are alternatively incorporated into the mature mRNA. In the 3' region, alternative splicing generates a variant encoding a protein with four additional amino acids just upstream of the fourth transmembrane domain. Combinations of RNA editing and alternative splicing can lead to extensive diversification of transcripts. These results give the first example of RNA editing in neurotransmitter-gated chloride channel genes or of alternative splicing in a glutamate-gated chloride channel gene of Drosophila.

Why are there so few resistance-associated mutations in insecticide target genes?

The genes encoding the three major targets of conventional insecticides are: Rdl, which encodes a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit (RDL); para, which encodes a voltage-gated sodium channel (PARA); and Ace, which encodes insect acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Interestingly, despite the complexity of the encoded receptors or enzymes, very few amino acid residues are replaced in different resistant insects: one within RDL, two within PARA and three or more within AChE. Here we examine the possible reasons underlying this extreme conservation by looking at the aspects of receptor and/or enzyme function that may constrain replacements to such a limited number of residues.

Immunocytochemistry of a novel GABA receptor subunit Rdl in Drosophila melanogaster

Following our recent cloning of a novel gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit gene Resistance to dieldrin or Rdl form cyclodiene resistance locus in Drosophila melanogaster, we were interested in defining its pattern of expression during development. Here we report the raising of an anti-Rdl polyclonal antibody that recognizes a single protein of the expected 65 kDa size in immunoblots of Drosophila head homogenates. In situ hybridization using Rdl cDNA probes and the anti-Rdl antibody shows that Rdl message and protein are highly expressed in the developing central nervous system (CNS) of 15-17 h embryos. Interestingly, despite the use of GABA in both the peripheral and CNS of insects, Rdl GABA receptor subunits appear to be confined to the CNS. Detailed immunocytochemistry of Drosophila brain sections showed particularly strong anti-Rdl antibody staining in the optic lobes, ellipsoid body, fan shaped body, ventrolateral protocerebrum and the glomeruli of the antennal lobes. Results are compared with the distribution of staining observed in the insect CNS with antibodies against GABA itself and synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein.

Molecular biology of insect neuronal GABA receptors

Ionotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are distributed throughout the nervous systems of many insect species. As with their vertebrate counterparts, GABAA receptors and GABAC receptors, the binding of GABA to ionotropic insect receptors elicits a rapid, transient opening of anion-selective ion channels which is generally inhibitory. Although insect and vertebrate GABA receptors share a number of structural and functional similarities, their pharmacology differs in several aspects. Recent studies of cloned Drosophila melanogaster GABA receptors have clarified the contribution of particular subunits to these differences. Insect ionotropic GABA receptors are also the target of numerous insecticides and an insecticide-resistant form of a Drosophila GABA-receptor subunit has enhanced our understanding of the structure-function relationship of one aspect of pharmacology common to both insect and vertebrate GABA receptors, namely antagonism by the plant-derived toxin picrotoxinin.

Site-directed mutagenesis of an acetylcholinesterase gene from the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti confers insecticide insensitivity

Insecticide resistance is a serious problem facing the effective control of insect vectors of disease. Insensitive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) confers resistance to organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate insecticides and is a widespread resistance mechanism in vector mosquitoes. Although the point mutations that underlie AChE insensitivity have been described from Drosophila, the Colorado potato beetle, and house flies, no resistance associated mutations have been documented from mosquitoes to date. We are therefore using a cloned acetylcholinesterase gene from the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti as a model in which to perform site directed mutagenesis in order to understand the effects of potential resistance associated mutations. The same resistance associated amino-acid replacements as found in other insects also confer OP and carbamate resistance to the mosquito enzyme. Here we describe the levels of resistance conferred by different combinations of these mutations and the effects of these mutations on the kinetics of the AChE enzyme. Over-expression of these constructs in baculovirus will facilitate purification of each of the mutant enzymes and a more detailed analysis of their associated inhibition kinetics.

The Drosophila cytochrome P450 gene Cyp6a2: structure, localization, heterologous expression, and induction by phenobarbital

The cytochrome P450 gene Cyp6a2 from Drosophila melanogaster is located on the right arm of chromosome 2 at position 43A1-2 and comprises two exons separated by a 69-bp intron. Phenobarbital treatment of flies leads to a rapid increase in the level of CYP6A2 mRNA and to an increased production of the CYP6A2 protein. DNA from the Cyp6a2 promoter region was functional when linked to a luciferase reporter gene and transfected into D. melanogaster Schneider cells. Moreover, a dose-dependent induction of luciferase activity by phenobarbital indicated that elements necessary for phenobarbital induction are located within 428 bp of the translation start site. Heterologous expression of the CYP6A2 protein in lepidopteran cells infected with a Cyp6a2-recombinant baculovirus was observed by Western blotting of cell lysates and by spectral characterization of the reduced-CO complex of the P450. The CYP6A2 protein produced in this system metabolized aldrin and heptachlor to their epoxides and metabolized the insecticide diazinon by desulfuration to diazoxon and by oxidative ester cleavage to 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine. Metabolism in lysates of cells infected with recombinant baculovirus was greatly enhanced by the addition of purified housefly NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5. These results show that CYP6A2 catalyzes the metabolism of organophosphorus insecticides and they implicate Cyp6a2 overexpression in metabolic resistance. The Cyp6a2 gene appears to be a suitable model for a genetic analysis of the phenobarbital induction process.

Polycyclic dinitriles: a novel class of potent GABAergic insecticides provides a new radioligand, [3H]BIDN

The polycyclic dinitriles are a potent class of insecticides which are non-competitive GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) antagonists acting at the convulsant site. Comparison with other classes of GABA convulsant site ligands using molecular modelling has shown significant structural similarities. We have developed a pharmacophore model which unifies this class and some previous classes of GABA convulsants. Key pharmacophore elements are a polarizable functionality separated by a fixed distance from two H-bond accepting elements. This model is based on information from X-ray crystal structures and Sybyl using the Tripos force field. Using this pharmacophore model, numerous structural modifications were explored to enhance understanding of structure-activity relationships at the GABA receptor convulsant site of insects and mammals. A radiolabelled bicyclic dinitrile, [3H]BIDN [3H]3,3-bis-trifluoromethyl-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2,2-dicarbonitrile+ ++), was prepared from this area of chemistry and was used as a probe for the interaction of polycyclic dinitriles at the target site.

Actions of picrodendrin antagonists on dieldrin-sensitive and -resistant Drosophila GABA receptors

1. A series of terpenoid compounds, recently isolated from Picrodendron baccatum, share a picrotoxane skeleton with picrotoxinin, an antagonist of ionotropic GABA receptors. Referred to as picrodendrins, they inhibit the binding of [35S]-tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) to rat GABAA receptors. Hitherto, their effects on GABA receptors have not been investigated electrophysiologically. Under two-electrode voltage-clamp, the actions of picrodendrins and related terpenoids have been assayed on homooligomeric GABA receptors formed by the expression of a Drosophila GABA receptor subunit (RDLac) in Xenopus oocytes. 2. All the terpenoids tested, dose-dependently antagonized currents induced by 30 microM (EC50) GABA. 3. Tutin and its analogues (dihydrotutin and isohyenanchin) differ in the structure of their axial C4 substituents. Of these compounds, tutin, which bears an isopropenyl group at this carbon atom, was the most potent antagonist of RDLac homo-oligomers, whereas isohyenanchin, which bears a hydroxyisopropyl group, was the least potent antagonist tested. 4. Picrodendrins differ mainly in the structure of their C9 substituents. The IC50s of picrodendrins ranged from 17 +/- 1.3 nM (picrodendrin-Q) to 1006 +/- 1.3 nM (picrodendrin-O). As such, the most potent picrodendrins (Q, A and B) were approximately equipotent with picrotoxinin as antagonists of RDLac homo-oligomers. 5. Certain picrodendrin compounds effected a use-dependent blockade of RDLac homo-oligomers. Such a biphasic block was not observed with tutin analogues. 6. Picrotoxin-resistant RDLacA3025 homo-oligomers, which have a single amino acid substitution (A302S) in the 2nd transmembrane region, were markedly less sensitive to picrodendrin-O than the wild-type, dieldrin-sensitive, homo-oligomers. 7. The relative potency of tutin analogues demonstrates that the structure-activity relationship of the C4 substituent of picrotoxane-based compounds is conserved in vertebrates and insects. However, the relative order of potency of picrodendrins on RDLac homo-oligomers is distinctly different from that observed in previous radioligand binding studies performed on vertebrate GABAA receptors. As picrodendrin compounds differ in the structure of their C9 substituents, these data suggest that the optimal convulsant pharmacophores of vertebrate GABAA receptors and RDLac homo-oligomers differ with respect to this substituent.

Overexpression of a functional NMDA receptor subunit (NMDAR1) in baculovirus-infected Trichoplusia ni insect cells

For overexpression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 1b (NMDAR1b), its corresponding cDNA was extended by codons for six histidine residues at the 3'-end, cloned into a baculovirus transfer vector and integrated into the viral genome. Infection of Trichoplusia ni insect cells (High FiveTM cells) with recombinant baculovirus resulted in the production of 126- and 105-kDa NR 1b proteins in the cell membrane fraction. Enzymatic deglycosylation with PNGase F as well as infection of the insect cells in the presence of tunicamycin revealed that the two proteins represented the N-glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms of NMDAR1b, respectively. The recombinant NR1b protein was also identified with immunocytochemical methods employing a monoclonal antibody which recognized the six histidine residues. The affinity of this histidine tag to nickel ions was used for the purification of the NR1b protein. The glycine binding site of the subunit was successfully identified and analyzed with the specific antagonist 5,7-[3-3H]dichlorokynurenate (DCKA). The observed binding characteristics were similar to those obtained for native NMDA receptors. Whereas in electrophysiological measurements a functional NMDA receptor channel could not be found in infected insect cells, its expression was demonstrated in the Xenopus oocyte system after injection of the NMDAR1b cDNA construct.

Distribution of two GABA receptor-like subunits in the Drosophila CNS

Previously we have described the distribution of the Rdl GABA receptor subunit in the Drosophila CNS. Knowing that Rdl can coassemble with LCCH3 (a Drosophila GABA receptor-like subunit showing sequence similarity to vertebrate beta subunit GABAA receptors) in baculovirus infected insect cells, we compared the localization of these two receptor subunits in order to identify any potential overlap in their spatial or temporal distribution. The two subunits show very different patterns of localization. Early in development LCCH3 is found in the majority of developing neuroblasts and later is localized to the cell bodies of the embryonic nerve cord and brain, and the neuronal cell bodies surrounding the adult brain. In contrast, Rdl receptor subunits appear confined to the neuropil in all developmental stages. These results have two important implications. Firstly, they suggest that although these two subunits can coassemble in heterologous expression systems, they may not be found in the same tissues in the nervous system. Secondly, production of LCCH3 before neuronal differentiation leads us to speculate on the role of that LCCH3 containing receptors in the developing nervous system.

Allosteric modulation of an expressed homo-oligomeric GABA-gated chloride channel of Drosophila melanogaster

1. Functional GABA-gated chloride channels are formed when cRNA encoding the Drosophila melanogaster GABA receptor subunit RDL is injected into the cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrode voltage-clamp was used to investigate allosteric modulation of GABA-induced currents recorded from the expressed, bicuculline-insensitive, RDL homo-oligomers. 2. Flunitrazepam (0.1 microM to 100 microM) had no effect on the amplitude of responses to 10 microM GABA (approximately EC10), whereas 4'chlorodiazepam (100 microM) enhanced the amplitude of submaximal responses to GABA. 3-Hydroxymethyl-beta-carboline (1 microM) and ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (both 1 and 100 microM) had no effect on currents induced by 30 microM (approximately EC50) GABA. However 100 microM 3-hydroxymethyl-beta-carboline reduced potentiation by 4'chlorodiazepam. 3. The sodium salts of pentobarbitone (10 microM to 1 mM) and phenobarbitone (50 microM to 1 mM) dose-dependently enhanced submaximal GABA responses. Neither barbiturate activated currents in the absence of GABA. 4. At 10 microM, the steroids 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one and alphaxalone (5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-11,20-dione), potentiated submaximal GABA responses. The stereoselectivity of steroid action seen on vertebrate GABAA receptors was observed on RDL homo-oligomers as 5 alpha-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one (10 microM) was without effect. None of the three steroids tested activated currents in the absence of GABA. 5. The novel anticonvulsant, loreclezole (100 microM), potentiated the response to 10 microM GABA, but not that of saturating concentrations of GABA. delta-Hexachlorocyclohexane (0.1 microM to 30 microM) was a potent enhancer of submaximal responses to GABA of RDL. 6. The potencies of barbiturates and steroids on RDL homo-oligomers resemble those observed for several in situ insect GABA receptors, whereas those of benzodiazepine binding-site ligands are considerably reduced. The differences in the benzodiazepine pharmacology of RDL homo-oligomers and native GABA receptors, may reflect roles of other subunits in native insect receptors.

Stable expression of insect GABA receptors in insect cell lines. Promoters for efficient expression of Drosophila and mosquito Rdl GABA receptors in stably transformed mosquito cell lines

We are interested in establishing stably transformed insect cell lines efficiently expressing the insect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit gene Resistance to dieldrin or Rdl. In order to facilitate this we utilized a system based on stable transformation of Aedes albopictus mosquito cell lines using the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene as a selected marker. Here we report the production of stable mosquito cell lines carrying high copy numbers of Rdl genes from both Drosophila and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the subsequent high efficiency expression of functional GABA gated chlorine ion channels. We also used this system to compare the activity of a range of immediate early baculovirus promoters in mosquito cell culture and demonstrate that IE1 promoter constructs work efficiently across insect species. Results are discussed in relation to the potential use of these constructs in the generic transformation of non-Drosophilid insects.

G-protein-coupled receptors in insect cells

The main classes of transmembrane signaling receptor proteins are well conserved during evolution and are encountered in vertebrates as well as in invertebrates. All members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily share a number of basic structural and functional characteristics. In both insects and mammals, this receptor class is involved in the perception and transduction of many important extracellular signals, including a great deal of paracrine, endocrine, and neuronal messengers and visual, olfactory and gustatory stimuli. Therefore, most of the receptor subclasses appear to have originated several hundred million years ago, before the divergence of the major animal Phyla took place. Nevertheless, many insect-specific molecular interactions are encountered and these could become interesting tools for future applications, e.g., in insect pest control. Insect cell lines are well suited for large-scale expression and characterization of cloned receptor genes. Furthermore, novel methods for the production of stably transformed insect cells may form a major breakthrough for insect signal transduction research.

From ion currents to genomic analysis: recent advances in GABAA receptor research

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor represents an elementary switching mechanism integral to the functioning of the central nervous system and a locus for the action of many mood- and emotion-altering agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, steroids, and alcohol. Anxiety, sleep disorders, and convulsive disorders have been effectively treated with therapeutic agents that enhance the action of GABA at the GABAA receptor or increase the concentration of GABA in nervous tissue. The GABAA receptor is a multimeric membrane-spanning ligand-gated ion channel that admits chloride upon binding of the neurotransmitter GABA and is modulated by many endogenous and therapeutically important agents. Since GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, modulation of its response has profound implications for brain functioning. The GABAA receptor is virtually the only site of action for the centrally acting benzodiazepines, the most widely prescribed of the anti-anxiety medications. Increasing evidence points to an important role for GABA in epilepsy and various neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent advances in molecular biology and complementary information derived from pharmacology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, anatomy and cell biology, and behavior have led to a phenomenal growth in our understanding of the structure, function, regulation, and evolution of the GABAA receptor. Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, steroids, polyvalent cations, and ethanol act as positive or negative modulators of receptor function. The description of a receptor gene superfamily comprising the subunits of the GABAA, nicotinic acetylcholine, and glycine receptors has led to a new way of thinking about gene expression and receptor assembly in the nervous system. Seventeen genetically distinct subunit subtypes (alpha 1-alpha 6, beta 1-beta 4, gamma 1-gamma 4, delta, p1-p2) and alternatively spliced variants contribute to the molecular architecture of the GABAA receptor. Mysteriously, certain preferred combinations of subunits, most notably the alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2 arrangement, are widely codistributed, while the expression of other subunits, such as beta 1 or alpha 6, is severely restricted to specific neurons in the hippocampal formation or cerebellar cortex. Nervous tissue has the capacity to exert control over receptor number, allosteric uncoupling, subunit mRNA levels, and posttranslational modifications through cellular signal transduction mechanisms under active investigation. The genomic organization of the GABAA receptor genes suggests that the present abundance of subtypes arose during evolution through the duplication and translocations of a primordial alpha-beta-gamma gene cluster. This review describes these varied aspects of GABAA receptor research with special emphasis on contemporary cellular and molecular discoveries.

Overexpression of integral membrane proteins for structural studies

Determination of the structure of integral membrane proteins is a challenging task that is essential to understand how fundamental biological processes (such as photosynthesis, respiration and solute translocation) function at the atomic level. Crystallisation of membrane proteins in 3D has led to the determination of four atomic resolution structures [photosynthetic reaction centres (Allenet al. 1987; Changet al. 1991; Deisenhofer & Michel, 1989; Ermleret al. 1994); porins (Cowanet al. 1992; Schirmeret al. 1995; Weisset al. 1991); prostaglandin H2synthase (Picotet al. 1994); light harvesting complex (McDermottet al. 1995)], and crystals of membrane proteins formed in the plane of the lipid bilayer (2D crystals) have produced two more structures [bacteriorhodopsin (Hendersonet al. 1990); light harvesting complex (Kühlbrandtet al. 1994)].

Cloning, sequencing and functional expression of an acetylcholinesterase gene from the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti

A degenerate PCR strategy was used to isolate a fragment of the acetylcholinesterase gene (Ace) homolog from Aedes aegypti and screen for a cDNA clone containing the complete open reading frame of the gene. The predicted amino acid sequence of the Aedes gene shares 64% identity with Ace from Drosophila and 87% identity with the acetylcholinesterase gene from another mosquito species Anopheles stephensi. High levels of expression of the Aedes gene were achieved by infection of Sf21 cells with a recombinant baculovirus containing the Aedes Ace cDNA. The catalytic properties and sensitivity of the recombinant enzyme to insecticide inhibition are described and discussed in relation to the role of insensitive AChE in conferring resistance to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides.

Expression and site-directed mutagenesis of mouse prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype in insect cells

A cDNA encoding for mouse prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP3 subtype was cloned from a mouse kidney cDNA library by PCR using terminal primers derived from the known sequence of mouse lung EP3 receptor cDNA. The cloned cDNA was confirmed by sequencing and was expressed in Trichoplusia ni (MG1) insect cells using a baculovirus expression system. A specific protein of 60 kDa was detected by immunoblot with antibodies generated against a unique decapeptide sequence present in the second extracellular loop of the EP3 receptor. Specific binding of [3H]PGE2 with a Kd of 3 nM was also found in the membrane fraction of the insect cells. Ligand binding of the receptor was further studied by site-directed mutagenesis. Arg-309 of the receptor was separately mutated to lysine, glutamate and valine. cDNAs of the wild-type and mutant EP3 receptors were respectively expressed and studied in MG1 insect cells. Binding studies indicated that both glutamate and valine mutant EP3 receptors had no binding of [3H]PGE2. On the contrary, the lysine mutant receptor exhibited an even tighter binding (Kd = 1.3 nM) than the wild-type EP3 receptor. Immunoblot studies indicated that these receptors were expressed in a comparable amount in MG1 insect cells. These results suggest that Arg-309 of EP3 receptor may be essential in ligand binding through ionic interaction.

Actions of picrotoxinin analogues on an expressed, homo-oligomeric GABA receptor of Drosophila melanogaster

The actions of picrotoxinin and four of its analogues were tested on a Drosophila melanogaster homo-oligomeric GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor formed when RDL (resistance to dieldrin) subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In agreement with previously reported studies on native insect GABA receptors and native expressed vertebrate GABA receptors, acetylation of the bridgehead hydroxyl group (picrotoxinin acetate) greatly reduced the activity of the molecule, but surprisingly, substitution with flourine at the same position also reduced the activity. Conversion of the terminal isopropenyl group to an acetyl (alpha-picrotoxinone) or hydration of the double bond (picrotin) also reduced activity, in agreement with findings for native insect and mammalian receptors. The present results suggest that interactions of convulsants with homo-oligomeric and multimeric GABA receptors are qualitatively similar. Thus, the RDL homo-oligomer exhibits a pharmacological profile for picrotoxinin analogues resembling that of native GABA receptors.

Drosophila GABA-gated chloride channel: modified [3H]EBOB binding site associated with Ala-->Ser or Gly mutants of Rdl subunit

The non-competitive blocker site of the GABA-gated chloride ion channel in normal susceptible strains of Drosophila melanogaster and simulans binds 4-n-[3H]propyl-4'-ethynylbicycloorthobenzoate ([3H]EBOB) at specific sites with KdS of 1.6-1.9 nM and BmaxS of 171-181 fmol/mg protein. This specific binding of [3H]EBOB is strongly inhibited by: a large number and variety of insecticidal channel blockers at 20 nM (lindane, alpha-endosulfan, dieldrin, 12-ketoendrin, fipronil, and a representative bicycloorthobenzoate and dithiane) or 200 nM (picrotoxinin); the insecticidal channel activators avermectin and moxidectin at 20 nM; muscimol at 30 microM and GABA at 300 microM. Cyclodiene resistance in D. melanogaster has been attributed to a mutation resulting in an Ala302-->Ser replacement in the Rdl GABA receptor subunit and in D. simulans to an homologous Ala-->Ser or Gly replacement. These mutations are shown here to greatly reduce [3H]EBOB binding, i.e. lower affinity and apparent number of binding sites. The Ala-->Ser replacement with both melanogaster and simulans almost always reduces the potency in inhibiting [3H]EBOB binding of each of eight channel blockers and of muscimol and GABA. The Ala-->Gly replacement in D. simulans is generally less effective than the Ala-->Ser modification in reducing sensitivity to the channel blockers and to muscimol and GABA. The channel activators avermectin and moxidectin usually retain their inhibitory potency in the Rdl subunit mutants. Thus, it appears that replacement of Ala by Ser generally modifies the non-competitive blocker site and its coupling to the GABA-recognition site with less effect on the channel activator site. In contrast, the Ala-->Gly replacement has less impact in protecting the chloride channel from the action of insecticidal blockers. Each of the resistant strains has the same level of resistance to the lethal action of the five channel blockers examined but none to avermectins and muscimol.

Functional expression of insecticide-resistant GABA receptors from the mosquito Aedes aegypti

We are interested in cloning insecticide resistance genes from vector mosquitos for use as selectable markers in their genetic transformation. As a first step towards this goal, we here report the functional homomultimeric expression of a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit gene, Resistance to dieldrin (Rdl), from the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti in baculovirus-infected insect cell lines. Replacement of alanine296 with a serine leads to approximately 100-fold insensitivity to picrotoxin as previously observed in Drosophila. This shows not only that the mosquito GABA receptor cDNA is functional but also that it can be simply mutated to resistance. Strategies for incorporation of this cDNA into a minigene for the genetic transformation of mosquitoes are discussed.