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Khananshvili D. Neuronal and astrocyte NCX isoform/splice variants: How do they participate in Na + and Ca 2+ signalling? Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102818. [PMID: 37918135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 gene isoforms and their splice variants are characteristically expressed in different regions of the brain. The tissue-specific splice variants of NCX1-3 isoforms show specific expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes, whereas the relevant NCX isoform/splice variants exhibit diverse allosteric modes of Na+- and Ca2+-dependent regulation. In general, overexpression of NCX1-3 genes leads to neuroprotective effects, whereas their ablation gains the opposite results. At this end, the partial contributions of NCX isoform/splice variants to neuroprotective effects remain unresolved. The glutamate-dependent Na+ entry generates Na+ transients (in response to neuronal cell activities), whereas the Na+-driven Ca2+ entry (through the reverse NCX mode) raises Ca2+ transients. This special mode of signal coupling translates Na+ transients into the Ca2+ signals while being a part of synaptic neurotransmission. This mechanism is of general interest since disease-related conditions (ischemia, metabolic stress, and stroke among many others) trigger Na+ and Ca2+ overload with deadly outcomes of downstream apoptosis and excitotoxicity. The recently discovered mechanisms of NCX allosteric regulation indicate that some NCX variants might play a critical role in the dynamic coupling of Na+-driven Ca2+ entry. In contrast, the others are less important or even could be dangerous under altered conditions (e.g., metabolic stress). This working hypothesis can be tested by applying advanced experimental approaches and highly focused computational simulations. This may allow the development of structure-based blockers/activators that can selectively modulate predefined NCX variants to lessen the life-threatening outcomes of excitotoxicity, ischemia, apoptosis, metabolic deprivation, brain injury, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khananshvili
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Molinaro P, Sanguigno L, Casamassa A, Valsecchi V, Sirabella R, Pignataro G, Annunziato L, Formisano L. Emerging Role of DREAM in Healthy Brain and Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119177. [PMID: 37298129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) is a multifunctional Ca2+-sensitive protein exerting a dual mechanism of action to regulate several Ca2+-dependent processes. Upon sumoylation, DREAM enters in nucleus where it downregulates the expression of several genes provided with a consensus sequence named dream regulatory element (DRE). On the other hand, DREAM could also directly modulate the activity or the localization of several cytosolic and plasma membrane proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of DREAM dysregulation and DREAM-dependent epigenetic remodeling as a central mechanism in the progression of several diseases affecting central nervous system, including stroke, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Interestingly, DREAM seems to exert a common detrimental role in these diseases by inhibiting the transcription of several neuroprotective genes, including the sodium/calcium exchanger isoform 3 (NCX3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pro-dynorphin, and c-fos. These findings lead to the concept that DREAM might represent a pharmacological target to ameliorate symptoms and reduce neurodegenerative processes in several pathological conditions affecting central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Molinaro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Structure-Based Function and Regulation of NCX Variants: Updates and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010061. [PMID: 36613523 PMCID: PMC9820601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma-membrane homeostasis Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) mediate Ca2+ extrusion/entry to dynamically shape Ca2+ signaling/in biological systems ranging from bacteria to humans. The NCX gene orthologs, isoforms, and their splice variants are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and exhibit nearly 104-fold differences in the transport rates and regulatory specificities to match the cell-specific requirements. Selective pharmacological targeting of NCX variants could benefit many clinical applications, although this intervention remains challenging, mainly because a full-size structure of eukaryotic NCX is unavailable. The crystal structure of the archaeal NCX_Mj, in conjunction with biophysical, computational, and functional analyses, provided a breakthrough in resolving the ion transport mechanisms. However, NCX_Mj (whose size is nearly three times smaller than that of mammalian NCXs) cannot serve as a structure-dynamic model for imitating high transport rates and regulatory modules possessed by eukaryotic NCXs. The crystal structures of isolated regulatory domains (obtained from eukaryotic NCXs) and their biophysical analyses by SAXS, NMR, FRET, and HDX-MS approaches revealed structure-based variances of regulatory modules. Despite these achievements, it remains unclear how multi-domain interactions can decode and integrate diverse allosteric signals, thereby yielding distinct regulatory outcomes in a given ortholog/isoform/splice variant. This article summarizes the relevant issues from the perspective of future developments.
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Afewerky HK, Li H, Zhang T, Li X, Mahaman YAR, Duan L, Qin P, Zheng J, Pei L, Lu Y. Sodium-calcium exchanger isoform-3 targeted Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal therapeutic intervention ameliorates cognition in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1537. [PMID: 35087161 PMCID: PMC8795410 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The third isoform of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX3) is crucial for a physiological fine-tuning of the Ca2+ fluxes in excitable tissues. In this view, the NCX3 accounts for the aberrant Ca2+ influx seen during neuronal excitotoxicity, such as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about NCX3 regulation and functional properties. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera), a traditional indigenous plant widely recognized for having numerous medicinal values, was undertaken to determine its potential therapeutic benefit against aggregated Aβ1-42-induced NCX3 dysregulation and the thereof cognition impairment in 5xFAD mice. The undertaken sourced dried roots of authenticated W. somnifera physicochemical compositional tests satisfied standards of pharmacognostic quality, and further phytochemical analysis of the roots methanol extract revealed the roots constitute several antioxidants. Following an intra-gastric gavage administration of synthesized W. somnifera roots methanolic extract from postnatal day 30 (P30) to P75, in vivo cognitional studies and then neurochemical examinations of the NCX3 expression level, Aβ plaque deposition, and antioxidant activities in the AD-associated brain regions of 4-month-old 5xFAD mice suggests that the oxidative stress normalizing effects of W. somnifera constituents, operating on the NCX3, may have a therapeutic role in the improvement of cognition in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Kessete Afewerky
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- School of Allied Health Professions, Asmara College of Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea.
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hao Li
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongmei Zhang
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yacoubou Abdoul Razak Mahaman
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Duan
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengwei Qin
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiequn Zheng
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Pei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Ottolia M, John S, Hazan A, Goldhaber JI. The Cardiac Na + -Ca 2+ Exchanger: From Structure to Function. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:2681-2717. [PMID: 34964124 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for cell function and survival. As such, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is tightly controlled by a wide number of specialized Ca2+ handling proteins. One among them is the Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), a ubiquitous plasma membrane transporter that exploits the electrochemical gradient of Na+ to drive Ca2+ out of the cell, against its concentration gradient. In this critical role, this secondary transporter guides vital physiological processes such as Ca2+ homeostasis, muscle contraction, bone formation, and memory to name a few. Herein, we review the progress made in recent years about the structure of the mammalian NCX and how it relates to function. Particular emphasis will be given to the mammalian cardiac isoform, NCX1.1, due to the extensive studies conducted on this protein. Given the degree of conservation among the eukaryotic exchangers, the information highlighted herein will provide a foundation for our understanding of this transporter family. We will discuss gene structure, alternative splicing, topology, regulatory mechanisms, and NCX's functional role on cardiac physiology. Throughout this article, we will attempt to highlight important milestones in the field and controversial topics where future studies are required. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-37, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ottolia
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Scott John
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adina Hazan
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joshua I Goldhaber
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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