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Mohamad FH, Mohamad Jamali MA, Che Has AT. Structure-function Studies of GABA (A) Receptors and Related computer-aided Studies. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:804-817. [PMID: 37750966 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA (A) receptor) is a membrane protein activated by the neurotransmitter GABA. Structurally, this major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human central nervous system is a pentamer that can be built from a selection of 19 subunits consisting of α(1,2,3,4,5 or 6), β (1,2 or 3), γ (1,2 or 3), ρ (1,2 or 3), and δ, π, θ, and ε. This creates several possible pentameric arrangements, which also influence the pharmacological and physiological properties of the receptor. The complexity and heterogeneity of the receptors are further increased by the addition of short and long splice variants in several subunits and the existence of multiple allosteric binding sites and expansive ligands that can bind to the receptors. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the receptors is required to gain novel insights into the consequences of receptor dysfunction and subsequent drug development studies. Notably, advancements in computational-aided studies have facilitated the elucidation of residual interactions and exploring energy binding, which may otherwise be challenging to investigate. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of the structure and function of GABA (A) receptors obtained from advancements in computational-aided applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif Mohamad Jamali
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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2
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Sieghart W, Chiou LC, Ernst M, Fabjan J, M Savić M, Lee MT. α6-Containing GABA A Receptors: Functional Roles and Therapeutic Potentials. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:238-270. [PMID: 35017178 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors containing the α6 subunit are highly expressed in cerebellar granule cells and less abundantly in many other neuronal and peripheral tissues. Here, we for the first time summarize their importance for the functions of the cerebellum and the nervous system. The cerebellum is not only involved in motor control but also in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. α6βγ2 GABAA receptors located at cerebellar Golgi cell/granule cell synapses enhance the precision of inputs required for cerebellar timing of motor activity and are thus involved in cognitive processing and adequate responses to our environment. Extrasynaptic α6βδ GABAA receptors regulate the amount of information entering the cerebellum by their tonic inhibition of granule cells, and their optimal functioning enhances input filtering or contrast. The complex roles of the cerebellum in multiple brain functions can be compromised by genetic or neurodevelopmental causes that lead to a hypofunction of cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors. Animal models mimicking neuropsychiatric phenotypes suggest that compounds selectively activating or positively modulating cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors can alleviate essential tremor and motor disturbances in Angelman and Down syndrome as well as impaired prepulse inhibition in neuropsychiatric disorders and reduce migraine and trigeminal-related pain via α6-containing GABAA receptors in trigeminal ganglia. Genetic studies in humans suggest an association of the human GABAA receptor α6 subunit gene with stress-associated disorders. Animal studies support this conclusion. Neuroimaging and post-mortem studies in humans further support an involvement of α6-containing GABAA receptors in various neuropsychiatric disorders, pointing to a broad therapeutic potential of drugs modulating α6-containing GABAA receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: α6-Containing GABAA receptors are abundantly expressed in cerebellar granule cells, but their pathophysiological roles are widely unknown, and they are thus out of the mainstream of GABAA receptor research. Anatomical and electrophysiological evidence indicates that these receptors have a crucial function in neuronal circuits of the cerebellum and the nervous system, and experimental, genetic, post-mortem, and pharmacological studies indicate that selective modulation of these receptors offers therapeutic prospects for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and for stress and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Margot Ernst
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Jure Fabjan
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
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3
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Cifelli P, Di Angelantonio S, Alfano V, Morano A, De Felice E, Aronica E, Ruffolo G, Palma E. Dissecting the Molecular Determinants of GABA A Receptors Current Rundown, a Hallmark of Refractory Human Epilepsy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040441. [PMID: 33808090 PMCID: PMC8066365 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors-(Rs) are fundamental for the maintenance of an efficient inhibitory function in the central nervous system (CNS). Their dysfunction is associated with a wide range of CNS disorders, many of which characterized by seizures and epilepsy. Recently, an increased use-dependent desensitization due to a repetitive GABA stimulation (GABAA current rundown) of GABAARs has been associated with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we aimed to investigate the molecular determinants of GABAA current rundown with two different heterologous expression systems (Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney cells; HEK) which allowed us to manipulate receptor stoichiometry and to study the GABAA current rundown on different GABAAR configurations. To this purpose, we performed electrophysiology experiments using two-electrode voltage clamp in oocytes and confirming part of our results in HEK. We found that different degrees of GABAA current rundown can be associated with the expression of different GABAAR β-subunits reaching the maximum current decrease when functional α1β2 receptors are expressed. Furthermore, the blockade of phosphatases can prevent the current rundown observed in α1β2 GABAARs. Since GABAAR represents one important therapeutic target in the treatment of human epilepsy, our results could open new perspectives on the therapeutic management of drug-resistant patients showing a GABAergic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Alfano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eleonora De Felice
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, 0397 Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
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4
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Tzeng HR, Lee MT, Fan PC, Knutson DE, Lai TH, Sieghart W, Cook J, Chiou LC. α6GABA A Receptor Positive Modulators Alleviate Migraine-like Grimaces in Mice via Compensating GABAergic Deficits in Trigeminal Ganglia. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:569-585. [PMID: 33111258 PMCID: PMC8116449 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is caused by hyperactivity of the trigeminovascular system, where trigeminal ganglia (TG) play an important role. This hyperactivity might originate from an underfunctional GABAergic system in TG. To investigate this possibility, we adapted a mouse model of migraine by inducing migraine-like grimaces in male mice via repeated injections of nitroglycerin (NTG, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), once every 2 days, for up to 5 sessions. Migraine-like facial pain scores were measured using the mouse grimace scale. Repeated NTG treatments in mice caused significant increases in migraine-like grimaces that were aborted and prevented by two anti-migraine agents sumatriptan and topiramate, respectively. After 5 sessions of NTG injections, the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, 65-kDa glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), but not the GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) or the α6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs), was downregulated in mouse TG tissues. Taking advantage of the unaffected TG α6GABAAR expression in NTG-treated mice, we demonstrated that an α6GABAAR-selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM), DK-I-56-1, exhibited both abortive and prophylactic effects, comparable to those of sumatriptan and topiramate, respectively, in this migraine-mimicking mouse model. The brain-impermeable furosemide significantly prevented the effects of DK-I-56-1, suggesting its peripheral site of action, likely via preventing α6GABAAR modulation in TG. Results suggest that a decreased GABA synthesis caused by the reduced GAD65 expression in TG contributes to the trigeminovascular activation in this repeated NTG-induced migraine-mimicking model and that the unaltered α6GABAARs in TG are potential targets for migraine treatment. Thus, α6GABAAR-selective PAMs are potential anti-migraine agents for both abortive and preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Ruei Tzeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Pharmacology College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pi-Chuan Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - James Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Pharmacology College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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5
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Richter G, Liao VWY, Ahring PK, Chebib M. The Z-Drugs Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and Eszopiclone Have Varying Actions on Human GABA A Receptors Containing γ1, γ2, and γ3 Subunits. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:599812. [PMID: 33328871 PMCID: PMC7710685 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.599812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric-acid type A (GABA A ) receptors expressing the γ1 or γ3 subunit are only found within a few regions of the brain, some of which are involved in sleep. No known compounds have been reported to selectively target γ1- or γ3-containing GABA A receptors. Pharmacological assessments of this are conflicting, possibly due to differences in experimental models, conditions, and exact protocols when reporting efficacies and potencies. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory properties of five non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs (zaleplon, indiplon, eszopiclone, zolpidem, and alpidem) used in sleep management and the benzodiazepine, diazepam on human α1β2γ receptors using all three γ subtypes. This was accomplished using concatenated GABA A pentamers expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and measured via two-electrode voltage clamp. This approach removes the potential for single subunits to form erroneous receptors that could contribute to the pharmacological assessment of these compounds. No compound tested had significant effects on γ1-containing receptors below 10 μM. Interestingly, zaleplon and indiplon were found to modulate γ3-containing receptors equally as efficacious as γ2-containing receptors. Furthermore, zaleplon had a higher potency for γ3- than for γ2-containing receptors, indicating certain therapeutic effects could occur via these γ3-containing receptors. Eszopiclone modulated γ3-containing receptors with reduced efficacy but no reduction in potency. These data demonstrate that the imidazopyridines zaleplon and indiplon are well suited to further investigate potential γ3 effects on sleep in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Richter
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivian W Y Liao
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip K Ahring
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Absalom NL, Ahring PK, Liao VW, Balle T, Jiang T, Anderson LL, Arnold JC, McGregor IS, Bowen MT, Chebib M. Functional genomics of epilepsy-associated mutations in the GABA A receptor subunits reveal that one mutation impairs function and two are catastrophic. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:6157-6171. [PMID: 30728247 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of epilepsy-causing mutations have recently been identified in the genes of the α1, β3, and γ2 subunits comprising the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. These mutations are typically dominant, and in certain cases, such as the α1 and β3 subunits, they may lead to a mix of receptors at the cell surface that contain no mutant subunits, a single mutated subunit, or two mutated subunits. To determine the effects of mutations in a single subunit or in two subunits on receptor activation, we created a concatenated protein assembly that links all five subunits of the α1β3γ2 receptor and expresses them in the correct orientation. We created nine separate receptor variants with a single-mutant subunit and four receptors containing two subunits of the γ2R323Q, β3D120N, β3T157M, β3Y302C, and β3S254F epilepsy-causing mutations. We found that the singly mutated γ2R323Q subunit impairs GABA activation of the receptor by reducing GABA potency. A single β3D120N, β3T157M, or β3Y302C mutation also substantially impaired receptor activation, and two copies of these mutants within a receptor were catastrophic. Of note, an effect of the β3S254F mutation on GABA potency depended on the location of this mutant subunit within the receptor, possibly because of the membrane environment surrounding the transmembrane region of the receptor. Our results highlight that precise functional genomic analyses of GABAA receptor mutations using concatenated constructs can identify receptors with an intermediate phenotype that contribute to epileptic phenotypes and that are potential drug targets for precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Absalom
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Philip K Ahring
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Vivian W Liao
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Balle
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Tian Jiang
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L Anderson
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; the School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; the School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Ma RR, Sun J, Fang WH, Dong YP, Ruan JM, Yang XL, Hu K. Identification of Carassius auratus gibelio liver cell proteins interacting with the GABA A receptor γ2 subunit using a yeast two-hybrid system. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2019; 45:199-208. [PMID: 30242696 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-018-0554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor is an important pentameric inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor, and the γ2 subunit of this receptor plays a key role in potentiation of the GABAA response. We previously detected that the expression of GABAA receptor in the livers of Carassius auratus gibelio significantly increased after medication (avermectin and difloxacin treatment). In order to better understand the mechanism of action of the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in the livers of C. auratus gibelio, we constructed a C. auratus gibelio liver cDNA library (the titer value of 1.2 × 106 cfu/mL) and identified the proteins that interact with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit by using a yeast two-hybrid assay. The yeast two-hybrid screening yielded seven positive clones, namely, prelid3b, cdc42, sgk1, spg21, proteasome, chia.5, and AP-3 complex subunit beta-1, all of which have been annotated by the NCBI database. The functions of these proteins are complex; therefore, additional studies are required to determine the specific interactions of these proteins with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in the liver of C. auratus gibelio. Although the interactions identified by the yeast two-hybrid system should be considered as preliminary results, the findings of this study may provide further direction and a foundation for future research focusing on the mechanisms of the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in C. auratus gibelio livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Ma
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Fisheries Ecology of the Yangtze Estuary, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Fisheries Ecology of the Yangtze Estuary, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Ping Dong
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Ming Ruan
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xian-Le Yang
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Hu
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Hucheng Huan Road, Lingang New City Shanghai, 201306, China.
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8
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Mohamad FH, Has ATC. The α5-Containing GABA A Receptors-a Brief Summary. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 67:343-351. [PMID: 30607899 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human brain. The receptors are assembled from combination of protein subunits in pentameric complex which may consist of α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, ρ1-3, δ, ε, θ, or π subunits. There are a theoretical > 150,000 possible assemblies and arrangements of GABAA subunits, although only a few combinations have been found in human with the most dominant consists of 2α1, 2β2, and 1γ2 in a counterclockwise arrangement as seen from the synaptic cleft. The receptors also possess binding sites for various unrelated substances including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anesthetics. The α5-containing GABAARs only make up ≤ 5% of the entire receptor population, but up to 25% of the receptor subtype is located in the crucial learning and memory-associated area of the brain-the hippocampus, which has ignited myriads of hypotheses and theories in regard to its role. As well as exhibiting synaptic phasic inhibition, the α5-containing receptors are also extrasynaptic and mediate tonic inhibition with continuously occurring smaller amplitude. Studies on negative-allosteric modulators for reducing this tonic inhibition have been shown to enhance learning and memory in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Down syndrome, and autism with a possible alternative benzodiazepine binding site. Therefore, a few α5 subunit-specific compounds have been developed to address these pharmacological needs. With its small population, the α5-containing receptors could be the key and also the answer for many untreated cognitive dysfunctions and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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9
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Luger D, Poli G, Wieder M, Stadler M, Ke S, Ernst M, Hohaus A, Linder T, Seidel T, Langer T, Khom S, Hering S. Identification of the putative binding pocket of valerenic acid on GABAA receptors using docking studies and site-directed mutagenesis. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5403-13. [PMID: 26375408 PMCID: PMC4988470 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose β2/3‐subunit‐selective modulation of GABAA receptors by valerenic acid (VA) is determined by the presence of transmembrane residue β2/3N265. Currently, it is not known whether β2/3N265 is part of VA's binding pocket or is involved in the transduction pathway of VA's action. The aim of this study was to clarify the localization of VA's binding pocket on GABAA receptors. Experimental Approach Docking and a structure‐based three‐dimensional pharmacophore were employed to identify candidate amino acid residues that are likely to interact with VA. Selected amino acid residues were mutated, and VA‐induced modulation of the resulting GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes was analysed. Key Results A binding pocket for VA at the β+/α− interface encompassing amino acid β3N265 was predicted. Mutational analysis of suggested amino acid residues revealed a complete loss of VA's activity on β3M286W channels as well as significantly decreased efficacy and potency of VA on β3N265S and β3F289S receptors. In addition, reduced efficacy of VA‐induced IGABA enhancement was also observed for α1M235W, β3R269A and β3M286A constructs. Conclusions and Implications Our data suggest that amino acid residues β3N265, β3F289, β3M286, β3R269 in the β3 subunit, at or near the etomidate/propofol binding site(s), form part of a VA binding pocket. The identification of the binding pocket for VA is essential for elucidating its pharmacological effects and might also help to develop new selective GABAA receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Luger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Wieder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Stadler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Ke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Ernst
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center of Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Hohaus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Linder
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Seidel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Khom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Hering
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Ralvenius WT, Benke D, Acuña MA, Rudolph U, Zeilhofer HU. Analgesia and unwanted benzodiazepine effects in point-mutated mice expressing only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAA receptor subtype. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6803. [PMID: 25865415 PMCID: PMC4829939 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Agonists at the benzodiazepine-binding site of GABAA receptors (BDZs) enhance synaptic inhibition through four subtypes (α1, α2, α3 and α5) of GABAA receptors (GABAAR). When applied to the spinal cord, they alleviate pathological pain; however, insufficient efficacy after systemic administration and undesired effects preclude their use in routine pain therapy. Previous work suggested that subtype-selective drugs might allow separating desired antihyperalgesia from unwanted effects, but the lack of selective agents has hitherto prevented systematic analyses. Here we use four lines of triple GABAAR point-mutated mice, which express only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAAR subtype at a time, to show that targeting only α2GABAARs achieves strong antihyperalgesia and reduced side effects (that is, no sedation, motor impairment and tolerance development). Additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses in these mice explain why clinically relevant antihyperalgesia cannot be achieved with nonselective BDZs. These findings should foster the development of innovative subtype-selective BDZs for novel indications such as chronic pain. Benzodiazepines (BDZs) target GABAA receptors to alleviate pain but these also cause side effects. Here the authors use mice in which only one GABAA receptor is BDZ-sensitive at a time to identify α2GABAA as the receptor that provides maximal analgesic activity but minimal side-effects in response to BDZs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Ralvenius
- 1] Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland [2] Center for Neuroscience Zurich (ZNZ), Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dietmar Benke
- 1] Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland [2] Center for Neuroscience Zurich (ZNZ), Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario A Acuña
- 1] Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland [2] Center for Neuroscience Zurich (ZNZ), Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Rudolph
- 1] Laboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA [2] Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- 1] Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland [2] Center for Neuroscience Zurich (ZNZ), Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland [3] Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Detection, characterization and biological activities of [bisphospho-thr3,9]ODN, an endogenous molecular form of ODN released by astrocytes. Neuroscience 2015; 290:472-84. [PMID: 25639232 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes synthesize and release endozepines, a family of regulatory neuropeptides, including diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) and its processing fragments such as the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN). At the molecular level, ODN interacts with two types of receptors, i.e. it acts as an inverse agonist of the central-type benzodiazepine receptor (CBR), and as an agonist of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). ODN exerts a wide range of biological effects mediated through these two receptors and, in particular, it regulates astrocyte activity through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism involving the metabotropic receptor. More recently, it has been shown that Müller glial cells secrete phosphorylated DBI and that bisphosphorylated ODN ([bisphospho-Thr(3,9)]ODN, bpODN) has a stronger affinity for CBR than ODN. The aim of the present study was thus to investigate whether bpODN is released by mouse cortical astrocytes and to compare its potency to ODN. Using a radioimmunoassay and mass spectrometry analysis we have shown that bpODN as well as ODN were released in cultured astrocyte supernatants. Both bpODN and ODN increased astrocyte calcium event frequency but in a very different range of concentration. Indeed, ODN stimulatory effect decreased at concentrations over 10(-10)M whereas bpODN increased the calcium event frequency at similar doses. In vivo effects of bpODN and ODN were analyzed in two behavioral paradigms involving either the metabotropic receptor (anorexia) or the CBR (anxiety). As previously described, ODN (100ng, icv) induced a significant reduction of food intake. Similar effect was achieved with bpODN but at a 10 times higher dose (1000 ng, icv). Similarly, and contrasting with our hypothesis, bpODN was also 10 times less potent than ODN to induce anxiety-related behavior in the elevated zero maze test. Thus, the present data do not support that phosphorylation of ODN is involved in receptor selectivity but indicate that it rather weakens ODN activity.
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12
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Enoch MA, Baghal B, Yuan Q, Goldman D. A factor analysis of global GABAergic gene expression in human brain identifies specificity in response to chronic alcohol and cocaine exposure. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64014. [PMID: 23717525 PMCID: PMC3661725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although expression patterns of GABAergic genes in rodent brain have largely been elucidated, no comprehensive studies have been performed in human brain. The purpose of this study was to identify global patterns of GABAergic gene expression in healthy adults, including trans and cis effects in the GABAA gene clusters, before determining the effects of chronic alcohol and cocaine exposure on gene expression in the hippocampus. RNA-Seq data from ‘BrainSpan’ was obtained across 16 brain regions from postmortem samples from nine adults. A factor analysis was performed on global expression of 21 GABAergic pathway genes. Factor specificity for response to chronic alcohol/cocaine exposure was subsequently determined from the analysis of RNA-Seq data from postmortem hippocampus of eight alcoholics, eight cocaine addicts and eight controls. Six gene expression factors were identified. Most genes loaded (≥0.5) onto one factor; six genes loaded onto two. The largest factor (0.30 variance) included the chromosome 5 gene cluster that encodes the most common GABAA receptor, α1β2γ2, and genes encoding the α3β3γ2 receptor. Genes within this factor were largely unresponsive to chronic alcohol/cocaine exposure. In contrast, the chromosome 4 gene cluster factor (0.14 variance) encoding the α2β1γ1 receptor was influenced by chronic alcohol/cocaine exposure. Two other factors (0.17 and 0.06 variance) showed expression changes in alcoholics/cocaine addicts; these factors included genes involved in GABA synthesis and synaptic transport. Finally there were two factors that included genes with exceptionally low (0.10 variance) and high (0.09 variance) expression in the cerebellum; the former factor was unaffected by alcohol/cocaine exposure. This study has shown that there appears to be specificity of GABAergic gene groups, defined by covariation in expression, for response to chronic alcohol/cocaine exposure. These findings might have implications for combating stress-related craving and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Anne Enoch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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13
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Yang Y, Zhang W, Cheng J, Tang Y, Peng Y, Li Z. Pharmacophore, 3D-QSAR, and Bayesian Model Analysis for Ligands Binding at the Benzodiazepine Site of GABAAReceptors: the Key Roles of Amino Group and Hydrophobic Sites. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 81:583-90. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology; School of Pharmacy; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai; China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology; School of Pharmacy; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai; China
| | | | - Yun Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design; School of Pharmacy; East China University of Science and Technology; PO Box 544, 130 Meilong Road; Shanghai; 200237; China
| | - Yanqing Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology; School of Pharmacy; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai; China
| | - Zhong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology; School of Pharmacy; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai; China
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14
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Katow H, Abe K, Katow T, Zamani A, Abe H. Development of the GABA-ergic signaling system and its role in larval swimming in sea urchin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:1704-16. [PMID: 23307803 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.074856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the development and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic regulation of larval swimming in the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus by cloning glutamate decarboxylase (Hp-gad), GABAA receptor (Hp-gabrA) and GABAA receptor-associated protein (Hp-gabarap), and by performing immunohistochemistry. The regulation of larval swimming was increasingly dependent on the GABAergic system, which was active from the 2 days post-fertilization (d.p.f.) pluteus stage onwards. GABA-immunoreactive cells were detected as a subpopulation of secondary mesenchyme cells during gastrulation and eventually constituted the ciliary band and a subpopulation of blastocoelar cells during the pluteus stage. Hp-gad transcription was detected by RT-PCR during the period when Hp-Gad-positive cells were seen as a subpopulation of blastocoelar cells and on the apical side of the ciliary band from the 2 d.p.f. pluteus stage. Consistent with these observations, inhibition of GAD with 3-mercaptopropioninc acid inhibited GABA immunoreactivity and larval swimming dose dependently. Hp-gabrA amplimers were detected weakly in unfertilized eggs and 4 d.p.f. plutei but strongly from fertilized eggs to 2 d.p.f. plutei, and Hp-GabrA, together with GABA, was localized at the ciliary band in association with dopamine receptor D1 from the two-arm pluteus stage. Hp-gabarap transcription and protein expression were detected from the swimming blastula stage. Inhibition of the GABAA receptor by bicuculline inhibited larval swimming dose dependently. Inhibition of larval swimming by either 3-mercaptopropionic acid or bicuculline was more severe in older larvae (17 and 34 d.p.f. plutei) than in younger ones (1 d.p.f. prism larvae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Katow
- Research Center for Marine Biology, Tohoku University, Asamushi, Aomori, Aomori 039-3501, Japan.
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15
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George AA, Lucero LM, Damaj MI, Lukas RJ, Chen X, Whiteaker P. Function of human α3β4α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is reduced by the α5(D398N) variant. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:25151-62. [PMID: 22665477 PMCID: PMC3408138 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.379339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide studies have strongly associated a non-synonymous polymorphism (rs16969968) that changes the 398th amino acid in the nAChR α5 subunit from aspartic acid to asparagine (D398N), with greater risk for increased nicotine consumption. We have used a pentameric concatemer approach to express defined and consistent populations of α3β4α5 nAChR in Xenopus oocytes. α5(Asn-398; risk) variant incorporation reduces ACh-evoked function compared with inclusion of the common α5(Asp-398) variant without altering agonist or antagonist potencies. Unlinked α3, β4, and α5 subunits assemble to form a uniform nAChR population with pharmacological properties matching those of concatemeric α3β4* nAChRs. α5 subunit incorporation reduces α3β4* nAChR function after coinjection with unlinked α3 and β4 subunits but increases that of α3β4α5 versus α3β4-only concatemers. α5 subunit incorporation into α3β4* nAChR also alters the relative efficacies of competitive agonists and changes the potency of the non-competitive antagonist mecamylamine. Additional observations indicated that in the absence of α5 subunits, free α3 and β4 subunits form at least two further subtypes. The pharmacological profiles of these free subunit α3β4-only subtypes are dissimilar both to each other and to those of α3β4α5 nAChR. The α5 variant-induced change in α3β4α5 nAChR function may underlie some of the phenotypic changes associated with this polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. George
- From the Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 and
| | - Linda M. Lucero
- From the Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 and
| | | | - Ronald J. Lukas
- From the Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 and
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- From the Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 and
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16
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Wu X, Wu Z, Ning G, Guo Y, Ali R, Macdonald RL, De Blas AL, Luscher B, Chen G. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor α subunits play a direct role in synaptic versus extrasynaptic targeting. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:27417-30. [PMID: 22711532 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.360461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)-Rs) are localized at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, mediating phasic and tonic inhibition, respectively. Previous studies suggest an important role of γ2 and δ subunits in synaptic versus extrasynaptic targeting of GABA(A)-Rs. Here, we demonstrate differential function of α2 and α6 subunits in guiding the localization of GABA(A)-Rs. To study the targeting of specific subtypes of GABA(A)-Rs, we used a molecularly engineered GABAergic synapse model to precisely control the GABA(A)-R subunit composition. We found that in neuron-HEK cell heterosynapses, GABAergic events mediated by α2β3γ2 receptors were very fast (rise time ∼2 ms), whereas events mediated by α6β3δ receptors were very slow (rise time ∼20 ms). Such an order of magnitude difference in rise time could not be attributed to the minute differences in receptor kinetics. Interestingly, synaptic events mediated by α6β3 or α6β3γ2 receptors were significantly slower than those mediated by α2β3 or α2β3γ2 receptors, suggesting a differential role of α subunit in receptor targeting. This was confirmed by differential targeting of the same δ-γ2 chimeric subunits to synaptic or extrasynaptic sites, depending on whether it was co-assembled with the α2 or α6 subunit. In addition, insertion of a gephyrin-binding site into the intracellular domain of α6 and δ subunits brought α6β3δ receptors closer to synaptic sites. Therefore, the α subunits, together with the γ2 and δ subunits, play a critical role in governing synaptic versus extrasynaptic targeting of GABA(A)-Rs, possibly through differential interactions with gephyrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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17
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Sankar R. GABA(A) receptor physiology and its relationship to the mechanism of action of the 1,5-benzodiazepine clobazam. CNS Drugs 2012; 26:229-44. [PMID: 22145708 DOI: 10.2165/11599020-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Clobazam was initially developed in the early 1970s as a nonsedative anxiolytic agent, and is currently available as adjunctive therapy for epilepsy and anxiety disorders in more than 100 countries. In October 2011, clobazam (Onfi™; Lundbeck Inc., Deerfield, IL, USA) was approved by the US FDA for use as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 2 years and older. It is a long-acting 1,5-benzodiazepine whose structure distinguishes it from the classic 1,4-benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, lorazepam and clonazepam. Clobazam is well absorbed, with peak concentrations occurring linearly 1-4 hours after administration. Both clobazam and its active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, are metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 pathway. The mean half-life of N-desmethylclobazam (67.5 hours) is nearly double the mean half-life of clobazam (37.5 hours). Clobazam was synthesized with the anticipation that its distinct chemical structure would provide greater efficacy with fewer benzodiazepine-associated adverse effects. Frequently reported adverse effects of clobazam therapy include dizziness, sedation, drowsiness and ataxia. Evidence gathered from approximately 50 epilepsy clinical trials in adults and children indicated that the sedative effects observed with clobazam treatment were less severe than those reported with 1,4-benzodiazepines. In several studies of healthy volunteers and patients with anxiety, clobazam appeared to enhance participants' performance in cognitive tests, further distinguishing it from the 1,4-benzodiazepines. The anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of clobazam are associated with allosteric activation of the ligand-gated GABA(A) receptor. GABA(A) receptors are found extensively throughout the CNS, occurring synaptically and extrasynaptically. GABA(A) receptors are composed of five protein subunits, two copies of a single type of α subunit, two copies of one type of β subunit and a γ subunit. This arrangement results in a diverse assortment of receptor subtypes. As benzodiazepine pharmacology is influenced by differences in affinity for particular GABA(A) subtypes, characterizing the selectivity of different benzodiazepines is a promising avenue for establishing appropriate use of these agents in neurological disorders. Molecular techniques have significantly advanced since the inception of clobazam as a clinical agent, adding to the understanding of the GABA(A) receptor, its subunits and benzodiazepine pharmacology. Transgenic mouse models have been particularly useful in this regard. Comparative studies between transgenic and wild-type mice have further defined relationships between GABA(A) receptor composition and drug effects. From such studies, we have learned that sedating and amnesic effects are mediated by the GABA(A) α(1) subunit, α(2) receptors mediate anxiolytic effects, α subunits are involved with anticonvulsant activity, α(5) may be implicated in learning and memory, and β(3) subunit deficiency decreases GABA inhibition. Despite progress in determining the role of various subunits to specific benzodiazepine pharmacological actions, the precise mechanism of action of clobazam, and more importantly, how that mechanism of action translates into clinical consequences (i.e. efficacy, tolerability and safety) remain unknown. Testing clobazam and 1,4-benzodiazepines using a range of recombinant GABA(A) receptor subtypes would hopefully elucidate the subunits involved and strengthen our understanding of clobazam and its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Sankar
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Mattel Children's Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Kantardzhieva A, Peppi M, Lane WS, Sewell WF. Protein composition of immunoprecipitated synaptic ribbons. J Proteome Res 2011; 11:1163-74. [PMID: 22103298 DOI: 10.1021/pr2008972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic ribbon is an electron-dense structure found in hair cells and photoreceptors. The ribbon is surrounded by neurotransmitter-filled vesicles and considered to play a role in vesicle release. We generated an objective, quantitative analysis of the protein composition of the ribbon complex using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. Our use of affinity-purified ribbons and control IgG immunoprecipitations ensure that the identified proteins are indeed associated with the ribbon complex. The use of mouse tissue, where the proteome is complete, generated a comprehensive analysis of the candidates. We identified 30 proteins (comprising 56 isoforms and subunits) associated with the ribbon complex. The ribbon complex primarily comprises proteins found in conventional synapses, which we categorized into 6 functional groups: vesicle handling (38.5%), scaffold (7.3%), cytoskeletal molecules (20.6%), phosphorylation enzymes (10.6%), molecular chaperones (8.2%), and transmembrane proteins from the presynaptic membrane firmly attached to the ribbon (11.3%). The 3 CtBP isoforms represent the major protein in the ribbon whether calculated by molar amount (30%) or by mass (20%). The relatively high quantity of phosphorylation enzymes suggests a very active and regulated structure. The ribbon appears to comprise a concentrated cluster of proteins dealing with vesicle creation, retention and distribution, and consequent exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kantardzhieva
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
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19
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Occupancy of human brain GABAA receptors by the novel α5 subtype-selective benzodiazepine site inverse agonist α5IA as measured using [11C]flumazenil PET imaging. Neuropharmacology 2010; 59:635-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Revised: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Use of concatamers to study GABAA receptor architecture and function: application to delta-subunit-containing receptors and possible pitfalls. Biochem Soc Trans 2010; 37:1338-42. [PMID: 19909272 DOI: 10.1042/bst0371338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many membrane proteins, including the GABA(A) [GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) type A] receptors, are oligomers often built from different subunits. As an example, the major adult isoform of the GABA(A) receptor is a pentamer built from three different subunits. Theoretically, co-expression of three subunits may result in many different receptor pentamers. Subunit concatenation allows us to pre-define the relative arrangement of the subunits. This method may thus be used to study receptor architecture, but also the nature of binding sites. Indeed, it made possible the discovery of a novel benzodiazepine site. We use here subunit concatenation to study delta-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors. We provide evidence for the formation of different functional subunit arrangements in recombinant alpha(1)beta(3)delta and alpha(6)beta(3)delta receptors. As with all valuable techniques, subunit concatenation has also some pitfalls. Most of these can be avoided by carefully titrating and minimizing the length of the linker sequences joining the two linked subunits and avoiding inclusion of the signal sequence of all but the N-terminal subunit of a multi-subunit construct. Maybe the most common error found in the literature is that low expression can be overcome by simply overloading the expression system with genetic information. As some concatenated constructs result by themselves in a low level of expression, this erroneous assembly leading to receptor function may be promoted by overloading the expression system and leads to wrong conclusions.
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Atack JR. GABAA receptor alpha2/alpha3 subtype-selective modulators as potential nonsedating anxiolytics. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2010; 2:331-360. [PMID: 21309116 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2009_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Nonselective benzodiazepines exert their pharmacological effects via GABAA receptors containing either an alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, or alpha5 subunit. The use of subtype-selective tool compounds along with transgenic mice has formed the conceptual framework for defining the requirements of subtype-selective compounds with potentially novel pharmacological profiles. More specifically, compounds which allosterically modulate the alpha2 and/or alpha3 subtypes but are devoid of, or have much reduced, effects at the alpha1 subtype are hypothesized to be anxioselective (i.e., anxiolytic but devoid of sedation). Accordingly, three compounds, MRK-409, TPA023 and TPA023B, which selectively potentiated the effects of GABA at the alpha2 and alpha3 compared to alpha1 subtypes were progressed into man. All three compounds behaved as nonsedating anxiolytics in preclinical (rodent and primate) species but, surprisingly, MRK-409 produced sedation in man at relatively low levels of occupancy (< 10%). This sedation liability of MRK-409 in man was attributed to its weak partial agonist efficacy at the alpha1 subtype since both TPA023 and TPA023B lacked any alpha1 efficacy and did not produce overt sedation even at relatively high levels of occupancy (> 50%). The anxiolytic efficacy of TPA023 was evaluated in Generalized Anxiety Disorder and although these clinical trials were terminated early due to preclinical toxicity issues, the combined data from these incomplete studies demonstrated an anxiolytic-like effect of TPA023. This compound also showed a trend to increase cognitive performance in a small group of schizophrenic subjects and is currently under further evaluation of its cognition-enhancing effects in schizophrenia as part of the TURNS initiative. In contrast, the fate of the back-up clinical candidate TPA023B has not been publicly disclosed. At the very least, these data indicate that the pharmacological profile of compounds that differentially modulate specific populations of GABAA receptors is distinct from classical benzodiazepines and should encourage further preclinical and clinical investigation of such compounds, with the caveat that, as exemplified by MRK-409, the preclinical profile might not necessarily translate into man.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Atack
- Department of Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Building 020, Room 1A6, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340, Beerse, Belgium.
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The complexity of the GABAA receptor shapes unique pharmacological profiles. Drug Discov Today 2009; 14:866-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2009.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2009] [Revised: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Carbone AL, Moroni M, Groot-Kormelink PJ, Bermudez I. Pentameric concatenated (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) and (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: subunit arrangement determines functional expression. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 156:970-81. [PMID: 19366353 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2008.00104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE alpha4 and beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor subunits expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes assemble into a mixed population of (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) and (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) receptors. In order to express these receptors separately in heterologous systems, we have engineered pentameric concatenated (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) and (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH alpha4 and beta2 subunits were concatenated by synthetic linkers into pentameric constructs to produce either (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) or (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) receptors. Using two-electrode voltage-clamp techniques, we examined the ability of the concatenated constructs to produce functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. Functional constructs were further characterized in respect to agonists, competitive antagonists, Ca2+ permeability, sensitivity to modulation by Zn2+ and sensitivity to up-regulation by chaperone protein 14-3-3. KEY RESULTS We found that pentameric concatamers with a subunit arrangement of beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_beta2 or beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_alpha4 were stable and functional in Xenopus oocytes. By comparison, when alpha4 and beta2 were concatenated with a subunit order of beta2_beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4 or beta2_alpha4_alpha4_beta2_alpha4, functional expression in Xenopus oocytes was very low, even though the proteins were synthesized and stable. Both beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_beta2 and beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_alpha4 concatamers recapitulated the ACh concentration response curve, the sensitivity to Zn2+ modulation, Ca2+ permeability and the sensitivity to up-regulation by chaperone protein 14-3-3 of the corresponding non-linked (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) and (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) receptors respectively. Using these concatamers, we found that most alpha4beta2-preferring compounds studied, including A85380, 5I-A85380, cytisine, epibatidine, TC2559 and dihydro-beta-erythroidine, demonstrate stoichiometry-specific potencies and efficacies. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We concluded that the alpha4beta2 nicotinic ACh receptors produced with beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_beta2 or beta2_alpha4_beta2_alpha4_alpha4 pentameric constructs are valid models of non-linked (alpha4)(2)(beta2)(3) and (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2) receptors respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-L Carbone
- School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, UK
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Nimmich ML, Heidelberg LS, Fisher JL. RNA editing of the GABA(A) receptor alpha3 subunit alters the functional properties of recombinant receptors. Neurosci Res 2009; 63:288-93. [PMID: 19367790 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA editing provides a post-transcriptional mechanism to increase structural heterogeneity of gene products. Recently, the alpha3 subunit of the GABAA receptors has been shown to undergo RNA editing. As a result, a highly conserved isoleucine residue in the third transmembrane domain is replaced with a methionine. To determine the effect of this structural change on receptor function, we compared the GABA sensitivity, pharmacological properties and macroscopic kinetics of recombinant receptors containing either the edited or unedited forms of the alpha3 subunit along with beta3 and gamma2L. Editing substantially altered the GABA sensitivity and deactivation rate of the receptors, with the unedited form showing a lower GABA EC50 and slower decay. Comparable effects were observed with a mutation at the homologous location in the alpha1 subunit, suggesting a common role for this site in regulation of channel gating. Except for the response to GABA, the pharmacological properties of the receptor were unaffected by editing, with similar enhancement by a variety of modulators. Since RNA editing of the alpha3 subunit increases through development, our findings suggest that GABAergic neurotransmission may be more effective early in development, with greater GABA sensitivity and slower decay rates conferred by the unedited alpha3 subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Nimmich
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia 29208, USA
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Balic E, Rudolph U, Fritschy JM, Mohler H, Benke D. The alpha5(H105R) mutation impairs alpha5 selective binding properties by altered positioning of the alpha5 subunit in GABAA receptors containing two distinct types of alpha subunits. J Neurochem 2009; 110:244-54. [PMID: 19457072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06119.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
GABA(A) receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that are major mediators of fast inhibitory neurotransmission. Clinically relevant GABA(A) receptor subtypes are assembled from alpha5(1-3, 5), beta1-3 and the gamma2 subunit. They exhibit a stoichiometry of two alpha, two beta and one gamma subunit, with two GABA binding sites located at the alpha/beta and one benzodiazepine binding site located at the alpha/gamma subunit interface. Introduction of the H105R point mutation into the alpha5 subunit, to render alpha5 subunit-containing receptors insensitive to the clinically important benzodiazepine site agonist diazepam, unexpectedly resulted in a reduced level of alpha5 subunit protein in alpha5(H105R) mice. In this study, we show that the alpha5(H105R) mutation did not affect cell surface expression and targeting of the receptors or their assembly into macromolecular receptor complexes but resulted in a severe reduction of alpha5-selective ligand binding. Immunoprecipitation studies suggest that the diminished alpha5-selective binding is presumably due to a repositioning of the alpha5(H105R) subunit in GABA(A) receptor complexes containing two different alpha subunits. These findings imply an important role of histidine 105 in determining the position of the alpha5 subunit within the receptor complex by determining the affinity for assembly with the gamma2 subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Balic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterhurerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of alcohol dependence. Trends Genet 2009; 25:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2008.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Revised: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Olsen RW, Sieghart W. International Union of Pharmacology. LXX. Subtypes of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors: classification on the basis of subunit composition, pharmacology, and function. Update. Pharmacol Rev 2008; 60:243-60. [PMID: 18790874 DOI: 10.1124/pr.108.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 788] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we attempt to summarize experimental evidence on the existence of defined native GABA(A) receptor subtypes and to produce a list of receptors that actually seem to exist according to current knowledge. This will serve to update the most recent classification of GABA(A) receptors (Pharmacol Rev 50:291-313, 1998) approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Pharmacology. GABA(A) receptors are chloride channels that mediate the major form of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. They are members of the Cys-loop pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) superfamily and share structural and functional homology with other members of that family. GABA(A) receptors are assembled from a family of 19 homologous subunit gene products and form numerous, mostly hetero-oligomeric, pentamers. Such receptor subtypes with properties that depend on subunit composition vary in topography and ontogeny, in cellular and subcellular localization, in their role in brain circuits and behaviors, in their mechanisms of regulation, and in their pharmacology. We propose several criteria, which can be applied to all the members of the LGIC superfamily, for including a receptor subtype on a list of native hetero-oligomeric subtypes. With these criteria, we develop a working GABA(A) receptor list, which currently includes 26 members, but will undoubtedly be modified and grow as information expands. The list is divided into three categories of native receptor subtypes: "identified," "existence with high probability," and "tentative."
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Room CHS 23-120, 650 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1735, USA.
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Conserved site for neurosteroid modulation of GABA A receptors. Neuropharmacology 2008; 56:149-54. [PMID: 18762201 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Revised: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study addresses whether the potentiation site for neurosteroids on GABA(A) receptors is conserved amongst different GABA(A) receptor isoforms. The neurosteroid potentiation site was previously identified in the alpha1beta2gamma2S receptor by mutation of Q241 to methionine or leucine, which reduced the potentiation of GABA currents by the naturally occurring neurosteroids, allopregnanolone or tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC). By using heterologous expression of GABA(A) receptors in HEK cells, in combination with whole-cell patch clamp recording methods, a relatively consistent potentiation by allopregnanolone of GABA-activated currents was evident for receptors composed of one alpha subunit isoform (alpha2-5) assembled with beta3 and gamma2S subunits. Using mutant alphabetagamma receptors, the neurosteroid potentiation was universally dependent on the conserved glutamine residue in M1 of the respective alpha subunit. Studying wild-type and mutant receptors composed of alpha4beta3delta subunits revealed that the delta subunit is unlikely to contribute to the neurosteroid potentiation binding site and probably affects the efficacy of potentiation. Thus, in keeping with the ability of neurosteroids to potentiate GABA currents via a broad variety of GABA(A) receptor isoforms in neurons, the potentiation site is structurally highly conserved on this important neurotransmitter receptor family.
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Schwappach B. An overview of trafficking and assembly of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels (Review). Mol Membr Biol 2008; 25:270-8. [PMID: 18446613 DOI: 10.1080/09687680801960998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors and voltage-gated ion channels assemble from several homologous and non-homologous subunits. Assembly of these multimeric membrane proteins is a tightly controlled process subject to primary and secondary quality control mechanisms. An assembly pathway involving a dimerization of dimers has been demonstrated for a voltage-gated potassium channel and for different types of glutamate receptors. While many novel C-terminal assembly domains have been identified in various members of the voltage-gated cation channel superfamily, the assembly pathways followed by these proteins remain largely elusive. Recent progress on the recognition of polar residues in the transmembrane segments of membrane proteins by the retrieval factor Rer1 is likely to be relevant for the further investigation of trafficking defects in channelopathies. This mechanism might also contribute to controlling the assembly of ion channels by retrieving unassembled subunits to the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is a metabolic compartment studded with small molecule transporters. This environment provides ligands that have recently been shown to act as pharmacological chaperones in the biogenesis of ligand-gated ion channels. Future progress depends on the improvement of tools, in particular the antibodies used by the field, and the continued exploitation of genetically tractable model organisms in screens and physiological experiments.
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Keramidas A, Harrison NL. Agonist-dependent single channel current and gating in alpha4beta2delta and alpha1beta2gamma2S GABAA receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 131:163-81. [PMID: 18227274 PMCID: PMC2213567 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200709871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The family of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) mediates two types of inhibition in the mammalian brain. Phasic inhibition is mediated by synaptic GABAARs that are mainly comprised of α1, β2, and γ2 subunits, whereas tonic inhibition is mediated by extrasynaptic GABAARs comprised of α4/6, β2, and δ subunits. We investigated the activation properties of recombinant α4β2δ and α1β2γ2S GABAARs in response to GABA and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3(2H)-one (THIP) using electrophysiological recordings from outside-out membrane patches. Rapid agonist application experiments indicated that THIP produced faster opening rates at α4β2δ GABAARs (β ∼1600 s−1) than at α1β2γ2S GABAARs (β ∼ 460 s−1), whereas GABA activated α1β2γ2S GABAARs more rapidly (β ∼1800 s−1) than α4β2δ GABAARs (β < 440 s−1). Single channel recordings of α1β2γ2S and α4β2δ GABAARs showed that both channels open to a main conductance state of ∼25 pS at −70 mV when activated by GABA and low concentrations of THIP, whereas saturating concentrations of THIP elicited ∼36 pS openings at both channels. Saturating concentrations of GABA elicited brief (<10 ms) openings with low intraburst open probability (PO ∼ 0.3) at α4β2δ GABAARs and at least two “modes” of single channel bursting activity, lasting ∼100 ms at α1β2γ2S GABAARs. The most prevalent bursting mode had a PO of ∼0.7 and was described by a reaction scheme with three open and three shut states, whereas the “high” PO mode (∼0.9) was characterized by two shut and three open states. Single channel activity elicited by THIP in α4β2δ and α1β2γ2S GABAARs occurred as a single population of bursts (PO ∼0.4–0.5) of moderate duration (∼33 ms) that could be described by schemes containing two shut and two open states for both GABAARs. Our data identify kinetic properties that are receptor-subtype specific and others that are agonist specific, including unitary conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Keramidas
- CV Starr Laboratory for Molecular Neuropharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, NY, NY 10021, USA.
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Enoch MA. The role of GABA(A) receptors in the development of alcoholism. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008; 90:95-104. [PMID: 18440057 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 02/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a common, heritable, chronic relapsing disorder. GABA(A) receptors undergo allosteric modulation by ethanol, anesthetics, benzodiazepines and neurosteroids and have been implicated in the acute as well as the chronic effects of ethanol including tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. Medications targeting GABA(A) receptors ameliorate the symptoms of acute withdrawal. Ethanol induces plasticity in GABA(A) receptors: tolerance is associated with generally decreased GABA(A) receptor activation and differentially altered subunit expression. The dopamine (DA) mesolimbic reward pathway originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and interacting stress circuitry play an important role in the development of addiction. VTA GABAergic interneurons are the primary inhibitory regulators of DA neurons and a subset of VTA GABA(A) receptors may be implicated in the switch from heavy drinking to dependence. GABA(A) receptors modulate anxiety and response to stress; important elements of sustained drinking and relapse. The GABA(A) receptor subunit genes clustered on chromosome 4 are highly expressed in the reward pathway. Several recent studies have provided strong evidence that one of these genes, GABRA2, is implicated in alcoholism in humans. The influence of the interaction between ethanol and GABA(A) receptors in the reward pathway on the development of alcoholism together with genetic and epigenetic vulnerabilities will be explored in this review.
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MESH Headings
- Alcohol Drinking/genetics
- Alcohol Drinking/psychology
- Alcoholism/drug therapy
- Alcoholism/genetics
- Alcoholism/physiopathology
- Animals
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4/physiology
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/physiology
- Dopamine/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Humans
- Neuronal Plasticity/physiology
- Receptors, GABA-A/chemistry
- Receptors, GABA-A/drug effects
- Receptors, GABA-A/genetics
- Receptors, GABA-A/physiology
- Receptors, Presynaptic/drug effects
- Reward
- Steroids/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Anne Enoch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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The promiscuous role of the epsilon subunit in GABAA receptor biogenesis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 37:610-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2007.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 11/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
The fidelity of synaptic function is dependent on the expression of the appropriate neurotransmitter receptor subtype, the targeting and trafficking of receptors to synapses as well as the regulation of the actual number of receptors at synapses. GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) receptors and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are both examples of ligand-gated, heteromeric neurotransmitter receptors whose cell-surface expression is dynamic and tightly regulated. NMDA receptors are localized at excitatory synapses. These synapses are highly structured but dynamic, with the interplay between NMDA receptors and NMDA receptor-associated scaffolding proteins regulating the expression of functional cell-surface synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors. Based on current information, inhibitory synapses seem to be less ordered, and a GABAA receptor equivalent of PSD-95 (postsynaptic density-95), the scaffolding molecule pivotal to the organization of NMDA receptor complexes at synapses, is yet to be validated. In the present paper, processes regulating the trafficking, assembly and molecular organization of both NMDA receptors and GABAA receptors will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Stephenson
- School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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