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Marcus DJ, Bruchas MR. Optical Approaches for Investigating Neuromodulation and G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1119-1139. [PMID: 37429736 PMCID: PMC10595021 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that roughly 40% of all US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmacological therapeutics target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), there remains a gap in our understanding of the physiologic and functional role of these receptors at the systems level. Although heterologous expression systems and in vitro assays have revealed a tremendous amount about GPCR signaling cascades, how these cascades interact across cell types, tissues, and organ systems remains obscure. Classic behavioral pharmacology experiments lack both the temporal and spatial resolution to resolve these long-standing issues. Over the past half century, there has been a concerted effort toward the development of optical tools for understanding GPCR signaling. From initial ligand uncaging approaches to more recent development of optogenetic techniques, these strategies have allowed researchers to probe longstanding questions in GPCR pharmacology both in vivo and in vitro. These tools have been employed across biologic systems and have allowed for interrogation of everything from specific intramolecular events to pharmacology at the systems level in a spatiotemporally specific manner. In this review, we present a historical perspective on the motivation behind and development of a variety of optical toolkits that have been generated to probe GPCR signaling. Here we highlight how these tools have been used in vivo to uncover the functional role of distinct populations of GPCRs and their signaling cascades at a systems level. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain one of the most targeted classes of proteins for pharmaceutical intervention, yet we still have a limited understanding of how their unique signaling cascades effect physiology and behavior at the systems level. In this review, we discuss a vast array of optical techniques that have been devised to probe GPCR signaling both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Marcus
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Pharmacology (M.R.B.), and Department of Bioengineering (M.R.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Pharmacology (M.R.B.), and Department of Bioengineering (M.R.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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2
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Structure-guided optimization of light-activated chimeric G-protein-coupled receptors. Structure 2022; 30:1075-1087.e4. [PMID: 35588733 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest human receptor family and involved in virtually every physiological process. One hallmark of their function is specific coupling to selected signaling pathways. The ability to tune this coupling would make development of receptors with new capabilities possible. Complexes of GPCRs and G-proteins have recently been resolved at high resolution, but this information was in only few cases harnessed for rational receptor engineering. Here, we demonstrate structure-guided optimization of light-activated OptoXRs. Our hypothesis was that incorporation of GPCR-Gα contacts would lead to improved coupling. We first evaluated structure-based alignments for chimeric receptor fusion. We then show in a light-activated β2AR that including Gα contacts increased signaling 7- to 20-fold compared with other designs. In turn, contact elimination diminished function. Finally, this platform allowed optimization of a further OptoXR and spectral tuning. Our work exemplifies structure-based OptoXR development for targeted cell and network manipulation.
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3
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Isagulyan ED, Mikhailova VA, Aslakhanova KS, Slavin KV. Prospects of neuromodulation for chronic pain. BRAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2021.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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4
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Paoletti P, Ellis-Davies GCR, Mourot A. Optical control of neuronal ion channels and receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 20:514-532. [PMID: 31289380 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Light-controllable tools provide powerful means to manipulate and interrogate brain function with relatively low invasiveness and high spatiotemporal precision. Although optogenetic approaches permit neuronal excitation or inhibition at the network level, other technologies, such as optopharmacology (also known as photopharmacology) have emerged that provide molecular-level control by endowing light sensitivity to endogenous biomolecules. In this Review, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of photocontrolling native neuronal signalling pathways, focusing on ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. We describe existing strategies for rendering receptors and channels light sensitive and provide an overview of the neuroscientific insights gained from such approaches. At the crossroads of chemistry, protein engineering and neuroscience, optopharmacology offers great potential for understanding the molecular basis of brain function and behaviour, with promises for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Paoletti
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France.
| | | | - Alexandre Mourot
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS), CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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5
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Jarrin S, Finn DP. Optogenetics and its application in pain and anxiety research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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6
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Light-activated chimeric GPCRs: limitations and opportunities. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:196-203. [PMID: 31207383 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Light-activated chimeric GPCRs, termed OptoXRs, can elicit cell signalling responses with the high spatial and temporal precision of light. In recent years, an expanding OptoXR toolkit has been applied to, for example, dissect neural circuits in awake rodents, guide cell migration during vertebrate development and even restore visual responses in a rodent model of blindness. OptoXRs have been further developed through incorporation of highly sensitive photoreceptor domains and a plethora of signalling modules. The availability of new high-resolution structures of GPCRs and a deeper understanding of GPCR function allows critically revisitation of the design of OptoXRs. Next-generation OptoXRs will build on advances in structural biology, receptor function and photoreceptor diversity to manipulate GPCR signalling with unprecedented accuracy and precision.
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7
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Liu S, Tang Y, Xing Y, Kramer P, Bellinger L, Tao F. Potential Application of Optogenetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Pain and Migraine Headache: A Perspective from Animal Studies. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9020026. [PMID: 30699891 PMCID: PMC6406977 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic manipulation is uniquely useful in unraveling the functional organization of neuronal circuits in the central nervous system by enabling reversible gain- or loss-of-function of discrete populations of neurons within restricted brain regions. This state-of-the-art technology can produce circuit-specific neuromodulation by overexpressing light-sensitive proteins (opsins) in particular cell types of interest. Here, we discuss the principle of optogenetic manipulation and its application in pain research using animal models, and we also discuss how to potentially use optogenetic stimulation in the treatment of migraine headache in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Zhengzhou University School of Medicine, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology, Zhengzhou University School of Medicine, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Phillip Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
| | - Larry Bellinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
| | - Feng Tao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
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8
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Čapek D, Smutny M, Tichy AM, Morri M, Janovjak H, Heisenberg CP. Light-activated Frizzled7 reveals a permissive role of non-canonical wnt signaling in mesendoderm cell migration. eLife 2019; 8:42093. [PMID: 30648973 PMCID: PMC6365057 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical Wnt signaling plays a central role for coordinated cell polarization and directed migration in metazoan development. While spatiotemporally restricted activation of non-canonical Wnt-signaling drives cell polarization in epithelial tissues, it remains unclear whether such instructive activity is also critical for directed mesenchymal cell migration. Here, we developed a light-activated version of the non-canonical Wnt receptor Frizzled 7 (Fz7) to analyze how restricted activation of non-canonical Wnt signaling affects directed anterior axial mesendoderm (prechordal plate, ppl) cell migration within the zebrafish gastrula. We found that Fz7 signaling is required for ppl cell protrusion formation and migration and that spatiotemporally restricted ectopic activation is capable of redirecting their migration. Finally, we show that uniform activation of Fz7 signaling in ppl cells fully rescues defective directed cell migration in fz7 mutant embryos. Together, our findings reveal that in contrast to the situation in epithelial cells, non-canonical Wnt signaling functions permissively rather than instructively in directed mesenchymal cell migration during gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Čapek
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Michael Smutny
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.,Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra-Madelaine Tichy
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Maurizio Morri
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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9
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Yudin Y, Rohacs T. Inhibitory G i/O-coupled receptors in somatosensory neurons: Potential therapeutic targets for novel analgesics. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918763646. [PMID: 29580154 PMCID: PMC5882016 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918763646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia are responsible for sensing mechanical and thermal stimuli, as well as detecting tissue damage. These neurons express ion channels that respond to thermal, mechanical, or chemical cues, conduct action potentials, and mediate transmitter release. These neurons also express a large number of G-protein coupled receptors, which are major transducers for extracellular signaling molecules, and their activation usually modulates the primary transduction pathways. Receptors that couple to phospholipase C via heterotrimeric Gq/11 proteins and those that activate adenylate cyclase via Gs are considered excitatory; they positively regulate somatosensory transduction and they play roles in inflammatory sensitization and pain, and in some cases also in inducing itch. On the other hand, receptors that couple to Gi/o proteins, such as opioid or GABAB receptors, are generally inhibitory. Their activation counteracts the effect of Gs-stimulation by inhibiting adenylate cyclase, as well as exerts effects on ion channels, usually resulting in decreased excitability. This review will summarize knowledge on Gi-coupled receptors in sensory neurons, focusing on their roles in ion channel regulation and discuss their potential as targets for analgesic and antipruritic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgen Yudin
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Tibor Rohacs
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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10
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Optical functionalization of human Class A orphan G-protein-coupled receptors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1950. [PMID: 29769519 PMCID: PMC5956105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest receptor family, relay environmental stimuli to changes in cell behavior and represent prime drug targets. Many GPCRs are classified as orphan receptors because of the limited knowledge on their ligands and coupling to cellular signaling machineries. Here, we engineer a library of 63 chimeric receptors that contain the signaling domains of human orphan and understudied GPCRs functionally linked to the light-sensing domain of rhodopsin. Upon stimulation with visible light, we identify activation of canonical cell signaling pathways, including cAMP-, Ca2+-, MAPK/ERK-, and Rho-dependent pathways, downstream of the engineered receptors. For the human pseudogene GPR33, we resurrect a signaling function that supports its hypothesized role as a pathogen entry site. These results demonstrate that substituting unknown chemical activators with a light switch can reveal information about protein function and provide an optically controlled protein library for exploring the physiology and therapeutic potential of understudied GPCRs. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest receptor family and are prime drug targets, but many orphan GPCRs are poorly characterized. Here authors engineer human orphan GPCRs to be activated by light which allows studying the receptors ligand identity and downstream signaling.
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11
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Xie YF, Wang J, Bonin RP. Optogenetic exploration and modulation of pain processing. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:117-121. [PMID: 29729250 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Intractable pain is the single most common cause of disability, affecting more than 20% of the population world-wide. There is accordingly a global effort to decipher how changes in nociceptive processing in the peripheral and central nervous systems contribute to the onset and maintenance of chronic pain. The past several years have brought rapid progress in the adaptation of optogenetic approaches to study and manipulate the activity of sensory afferents and spinal cord neurons in freely behaving animals, and to investigate cortical processing and modulation of pain responses. This review discusses methodological advances that underlie this recent progress, and discusses practical considerations for the optogenetic modulation of nociceptive sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Xie
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Jing Wang
- The Department of Osteoporosis, the People's Hospital of Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada.
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12
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Sweeney CG, Rando JM, Panas HN, Miller GM, Platt DM, Vallender EJ. Convergent Balancing Selection on the Mu-Opioid Receptor in Primates. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:1629-1643. [PMID: 28333316 PMCID: PMC6279279 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor is involved in many natural processes including stress response, pleasure, and pain. Mutations in the gene also have been associated with opiate and alcohol addictions as well as with responsivity to medication targeting these disorders. Two common and mutually exclusive polymorphisms have been identified in humans, A118G (N40D), found commonly in non-African populations, and C17T (V6A), found almost exclusively in African populations. Although A118G has been studied extensively for associations and in functional assays, C17T is much less well understood. In addition to a parallel polymorphism previously identified in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), C77G (P26R), resequencing in additional non-human primate species identifies further common variation: C140T (P47L) in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), G55C (D19H) in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabeus), A111T (L37F) in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), and C55T (P19S) in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis peruviensis). Functional effects on downstream signaling are observed for each of these variants following treatment with the endogenous agonist β-endorphin and the exogenous agonists morphine, DAMGO ([d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin), and fentanyl. In addition to demonstrating the importance of functional equivalency in reference to population variation for minority health, this also shows how common evolutionary pressures have produced similar phenotypes across species, suggesting a shared response to environmental needs and perhaps elucidating the mechanism by which these organism-environment interactions are mediated physiologically and molecularly. These studies set the stage for future investigations of shared functional polymorphisms across species as a new genetic tool for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn G. Sweeney
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
| | - Juliette M. Rando
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
| | - Helen N. Panas
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
| | - Gregory M. Miller
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
| | - Donna M. Platt
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
| | - Eric J. Vallender
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA
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13
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Reed B, Butelman ER, Kreek MJ. Endogenous opioid system in addiction and addiction-related behaviors. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Liu S, Li C, Xing Y, Wang Y, Tao F. Role of Neuromodulation and Optogenetic Manipulation in Pain Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:654-61. [PMID: 26935535 PMCID: PMC4981737 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160303110503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation, including invasive and non-invasive stimulation, has been used to treat intractable chronic pain. However, the mechanisms by which neuromodulation produces antinociceptive effect still remain uncertain. Optogenetic manipulation, a recently developed novel approach, has already proven its value to clinicians by providing new insights into mechanisms of current clinical neuromodulation methods as well as pathophysiology of nervous system diseases at the circuit level. Here, we discuss the principles of two neuromodulation methods (deep brain stimulation and motor cortex stimulation) and their applications in pain treatment. More important, we summarize the new information from recent studies regarding optogenetic manipulation in neuroscience research and its potential utility in pain study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Feng Tao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
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15
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Copits BA, Pullen MY, Gereau RW. Spotlight on pain: optogenetic approaches for interrogating somatosensory circuits. Pain 2016; 157:2424-2433. [PMID: 27340912 PMCID: PMC5069102 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Chemogenetic and Optogenetic Activation of Gαs Signaling in the Basolateral Amygdala Induces Acute and Social Anxiety-Like States. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2011-23. [PMID: 26725834 PMCID: PMC4908638 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are debilitating psychiatric illnesses with detrimental effects on human health. These heightened states of arousal are often in the absence of obvious threatening cues and are difficult to treat owing to a lack of understanding of the neural circuitry and cellular machinery mediating these conditions. Activation of noradrenergic circuitry in the basolateral amygdala is thought to have a role in stress, fear, and anxiety, and the specific cell and receptor types responsible is an active area of investigation. Here we take advantage of two novel cellular approaches to dissect the contributions of G-protein signaling in acute and social anxiety-like states. We used a chemogenetic approach utilizing the Gαs DREADD (rM3Ds) receptor and show that selective activation of generic Gαs signaling is sufficient to induce acute and social anxiety-like behavioral states in mice. Second, we use a recently characterized chimeric receptor composed of rhodopsin and the β2-adrenergic receptor (Opto-β2AR) with in vivo optogenetic techniques to selectively activate Gαs β-adrenergic signaling exclusively within excitatory neurons of the basolateral amygdala. We found that optogenetic induction of β-adrenergic signaling in the basolateral amygdala is sufficient to induce acute and social anxiety-like behavior. These findings support the conclusion that activation of Gαs signaling in the basolateral amygdala has a role in anxiety. These data also suggest that acute and social anxiety-like states may be mediated through signaling pathways identical to β-adrenergic receptors, thus providing support that inhibition of this system may be an effective anxiolytic therapy.
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Abstract
Over the past 10 years, the development and convergence of microbial opsin engineering, modular genetic methods for cell-type targeting and optical strategies for guiding light through tissue have enabled versatile optical control of defined cells in living systems, defining modern optogenetics. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of spatiotemporally precise causal control over cellular signaling, for nearly the first half (2005-2009) of this 10-year period, as optogenetics was being created, there were difficulties in implementation, few publications and limited biological findings. In contrast, the ensuing years have witnessed a substantial acceleration in the application domain, with the publication of thousands of discoveries and insights into the function of nervous systems and beyond. This Historical Commentary reflects on the scientific landscape of this decade-long transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Deisseroth
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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18
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Siuda ER, Copits BA, Schmidt MJ, Baird MA, Al-Hasani R, Planer WJ, Funderburk SC, McCall JG, Gereau RW, Bruchas MR. Spatiotemporal control of opioid signaling and behavior. Neuron 2015; 86:923-935. [PMID: 25937173 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is now a widely accepted tool for spatiotemporal manipulation of neuronal activity. However, a majority of optogenetic approaches use binary on/off control schemes. Here, we extend the optogenetic toolset by developing a neuromodulatory approach using a rationale-based design to generate a Gi-coupled, optically sensitive, mu-opioid-like receptor, which we term opto-MOR. We demonstrate that opto-MOR engages canonical mu-opioid signaling through inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, activation of MAPK and G protein-gated inward rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels and internalizes with kinetics similar to that of the mu-opioid receptor. To assess in vivo utility, we expressed a Cre-dependent viral opto-MOR in RMTg/VTA GABAergic neurons, which led to a real-time place preference. In contrast, expression of opto-MOR in GABAergic neurons of the ventral pallidum hedonic cold spot led to real-time place aversion. This tool has generalizable application for spatiotemporal control of opioid signaling and, furthermore, can be used broadly for mimicking endogenous neuronal inhibition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Siuda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Martin J Schmidt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Madison A Baird
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - William J Planer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Samuel C Funderburk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jordan G McCall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basic Research Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Carr FB, Zachariou V. Nociception and pain: lessons from optogenetics. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:69. [PMID: 24723861 PMCID: PMC3971183 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of pain perception begins in the periphery by activation of nociceptors. From here nociceptive signals are conveyed via the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to multiple brain regions, where pain is perceived. Despite great progress in pain research in recent years, many questions remain regarding nociceptive circuitry and behavior, in both acute nociception and chronic pain states. Techniques that allow for selective activation of neuronal subpopulations in vivo can provide a better understanding of these complex pathways. Here we review the studies to date that have employed novel optogenetic tools to improve our understanding of the pain pathway at the peripheral, spinal and supraspinal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona B Carr
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY, USA
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY, USA
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