Subcellular localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors is determined by receptor beta subunits

Control of cell surface expression of GABAA receptors by a conserved region at the end of the N-terminal extracellular domain of receptor subunits

Type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA_ARs) represent a family of pentameric GABA-gated Cl^-/HCO₃^- ion channels which mediate inhibitory transmission in the central nervous system. Cell surface expression of GABA_ARs, a prerequisite for their function, is dependent on the appropriate assembly of the receptor subunits and their transient interactions with molecular chaperones within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. Here, we describe a highly conserved amino acid sequence within the extracellular N-terminal domain of the receptor subunits adjoining the first transmembrane domain as a region important for GABA_AR processing within the ER. Modifications of this region in the α1, β3, and γ2 subunits using insertion or site-directed mutagenesis impaired GABA_AR trafficking to the cell surface in heterologous cell systems although they had no effect on the subunit assembly. We found that mutated receptors accumulated in the ER where they were shown to associate with chaperones calnexin, BiP, and Grp94. However, their surface expression was increased when ER-associated degradation or proteosome function was inhibited, while modulation of ER calcium stores had little effect. When compared to the wt, mutated receptors showed decreased interaction with calnexin, similar binding to BiP, and increased association with Grp94. Structural modeling of calnexin interaction with the wt or mutated GABA_AR revealed that disruption in structure caused by mutations in the conserved region adjoining the first transmembrane domain may impair calnexin binding. Thus, this previously uncharacterized region plays an important role in intracellular processing of GABA_ARs at least in part by stabilizing their interaction with calnexin.

Physiological Role of ATPase for GABAA Receptor Resensitization

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) mediate primarily inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Following fast-paced activation, which provides the selective flow of mainly chloride (Cl⁻) and less bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) ions via the pore, these receptors undergo desensitization that is paradoxically prevented by the process of their recovery, referred to as resensitization. To clarify the mechanism of resensitization, we used the cortical synaptoneurosomes from the rat brain and HEK 293FT cells. Here, we describe the effect of γ-phosphate analogues (γPAs) that mimic various states of ATP hydrolysis on GABA_AR-mediated Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ fluxes in response to the first and repeated application of the agonist. We found that depending on the presence of bicarbonate, opened and desensitized states of the wild or chimeric GABA_ARs had different sensitivities to γPAs. This study presents the evidence that recovery of neuronal Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ concentrations after desensitization is accompanied by a change in the intracellular ATP concentration via ATPase performance. The transition between the desensitization and resensitization states was linked to changes in both conformation and phosphorylation. In addition, the chimeric β3 isoform did not exhibit the desensitization of the GABA_AR-mediated Cl⁻ influx but only the resensitization. These observations lend a new physiological significance to the β3 subunit in the manifestation of GABA_AR resensitization.

Non-Neuronal Transmitter Systems in Bacteria, Non-Nervous Eukaryotes, and Invertebrate Embryos

In 1921, Otto Loewi published his report that ushered in the era of chemical transmission of biological signals. January 2021 marked the 90th anniversary of the birth of Professor Gennady A. Buznikov, who was the first to study the functions of transmitters in embryogenesis. A year earlier it was 60 years since his first publication in this field. These data are a venerable occasion for a review of current knowledge on the mechanisms related to classical transmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine, catecholamines, etc., in animals lacking neural elements and prenervous invertebrate embryos.

Structural determinants and regulation of spontaneous activity in GABAA receptors

GABAA receptors are vital for controlling neuronal excitability and can display significant levels of constitutive activity that contributes to tonic inhibition. However, the mechanisms underlying spontaneity are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a strict requirement for β3 subunit incorporation into receptors for spontaneous gating, facilitated by α4, α6 and δ subunits. The crucial molecular determinant involves four amino acids (GKER) in the β3 subunit's extracellular domain, which interacts with adjacent receptor subunits to promote transition to activated, open channel conformations. Spontaneous activity is further regulated by β3 subunit phosphorylation and by allosteric modulators including neurosteroids and benzodiazepines. Promoting spontaneous activity reduced neuronal excitability, indicating that spontaneous currents will alter neural network activity. This study demonstrates how regional diversity in GABAA receptor isoform, protein kinase activity, and neurosteroid levels, can impact on tonic inhibition through the modulation of spontaneous GABAA receptor gating.

Recruitment of Plasma Membrane GABA-A Receptors by Submembranous Gephyrin/Collybistin Clusters

It has been shown that subunit composition is the main determinant of the synaptic or extrasynaptic localization of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs). Synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA_ARs are involved in phasic and tonic inhibition, respectively. It has been proposed that synaptic GABA_ARs bind to the postsynaptic gephyrin/collybistin (Geph/CB) lattice, but not the typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs. Nevertheless, there are no studies of the direct binding of various types of GABA_ARs with the submembranous Geph/CB lattice in the absence of other synaptic proteins, some of which are known to interact with GABA_ARs. We have reconstituted GABA_ARs of various subunit compositions, together with the Geph/CB scaffold, in HEK293 cells, and have investigated the recruitment of surface GABA_ARs by submembranous Geph/CB clusters. Results show that the typically synaptic α1β3γ2 GABA_ARs were trapped by submembranous Geph/CB clusters. The α5β3γ2 GABA_ARs, which are both synaptic and extrasynaptic, were also trapped by Geph/CB clusters. Extrasynaptic α4β3δ GABA_ARs consistently showed little or no trapping by the Geph/CB clusters. However, the extrasynaptic α6β3δ, α1β3, α6β3 (and less α4β3) GABA_ARs were highly trapped by the Geph/CB clusters. AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors were not trapped. The results suggest: (I) in the absence of other synaptic molecules, the Geph/CB lattice has the capacity to trap not only synaptic but also several typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs; (II) the Geph/CB lattice is important but does not play a decisive role in the synaptic localization of GABA_ARs; and (III) in neurons there must be mechanisms preventing the trapping of several typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs by the postsynaptic Geph/CB lattice.

Intricacies of GABAA Receptor Function: The Critical Role of the β3 Subunit in Norm and Pathology

Neuronal intracellular chloride ([Cl⁻]_i) is a key determinant in γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA)ergic signaling. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) mediate both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, as the passive fluxes of Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ via pores can be reversed by changes in the transmembrane concentration gradient of Cl⁻. The cation–chloride co-transporters (CCCs) are the primary systems for maintaining [Cl⁻]_i homeostasis. However, despite extensive electrophysiological data obtained in vitro that are supported by a wide range of molecular biological studies on the expression patterns and properties of CCCs, the presence of ontogenetic changes in [Cl⁻]_i—along with the consequent shift in GABA reversal potential—remain a subject of debate. Recent studies showed that the β3 subunit possesses properties of the P-type ATPase that participates in the ATP-consuming movement of Cl⁻ via the receptor. Moreover, row studies have demonstrated that the β3 subunit is a key player in GABA_AR performance and in the appearance of serious neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss the properties and driving forces of CCCs and Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻ATPase in the maintenance of [Cl⁻]_i homeostasis after changes in upcoming GABA_AR function. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the β3 subunit in the manifestation of epilepsy, autism, and other syndromes.

GABAA Receptor β2E155 Residue Located at the Agonist-Binding Site Is Involved in the Receptor Gating

GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) play a crucial role in mediating inhibition in the adult brain. In spite of progress in describing (mainly) the static structures of this receptor, the molecular mechanisms underlying its activation remain unclear. It is known that in the α₁β₂γ_2L receptors, the mutation of the β₂E155 residue, at the orthosteric binding site, strongly impairs the receptor activation, but the molecular and kinetic mechanisms of this effect remain elusive. Herein, we investigated the impact of the β₂E155C mutation on binding and gating of the α₁β₂γ_2L receptor. To this end, we combined the macroscopic and single-channel analysis, the use of different agonists [GABA and muscimol (MSC)] and flurazepam (FLU) as a modulator. As expected, the β₂E155C mutation caused a vast right shift of the dose–response (for GABA and MSC) and, additionally, dramatic changes in the time course of current responses, indicative of alterations in gating. Mutated receptors showed reduced maximum open probability and enhanced receptor spontaneous activity. Model simulations for macroscopic currents revealed that the primary effect of the mutation was the downregulation of the preactivation (flipping) rate. Experiments with MSC and FLU further confirmed a reduction in the preactivation rate. Our single-channel analysis revealed the mutation impact mainly on the second component in the shut times distributions. Based on model simulations, this finding further confirms that this mutation affects mostly the preactivation transition, supporting thus the macroscopic data. Altogether, we provide new evidence that the β₂E155 residue is involved in both binding and gating (primarily preactivation).

Mechanisms of GABAB receptor enhancement of extrasynaptic GABAA receptor currents in cerebellar granule cells

Many neurons, including cerebellar granule cells, exhibit a tonic GABA current mediated by extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors. This current is a critical regulator of firing and the target of many clinically relevant compounds. Using a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology and photolytic uncaging of RuBi-GABA we show that GABA_B receptors are tonically active and enhance extrasynaptic GABA_A receptor currents in cerebellar granule cells. This enhancement is not associated with meaningful changes in GABA_A receptor potency, mean channel open-time, open probability, or single-channel current. However, there was a significant (~40%) decrease in the number of channels participating in the GABA uncaging current and an increase in receptor desensitization. Furthermore, we find that adenylate cyclase, PKA, CaMKII, and release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores are necessary for modulation of GABA_A receptors. Overall, this work reveals crosstalk between postsynaptic GABA_A and GABA_B receptors and identifies the signaling pathways and mechanisms involved.

Long-term application of cannabinoids leads to dissociation between changes in cAMP and modulation of GABAA receptors of mouse trigeminal sensory neurons

Antinociception caused by cannabinoids may have a partial peripheral origin in addition to its central site of action. In fact, we have observed that anandamide selectively and reversibly inhibits GABA_A receptors of putative nociceptive neurons of mouse trigeminal sensory ganglia via CB1 receptor activation to inhibit adenylyl cyclase and decrease cAMP with downstream posttranslational alterations. Since cannabinoids are often used chronically, we studied changes in cAMP levels and GABA-mediated currents of trigeminal neurons following 24 h application of anandamide (0.5 μM) or the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 (5 μM). With this protocol GABA responses were similar to control despite persistent fall in cAMP levels. Inhibition by WIN 55,212-2 of GABA effects recovered after 30 min washout and was not associated with changes in CB1 receptor expression, indicating lack of CB1 receptor inactivation and transient loss of negative coupling between CB1 receptors and GABA_A receptors. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram (100 μM; 24 h) enhanced cAMP levels and GABA-mediated currents, suggesting GABA_A receptors were sensitive to persistent upregulation via cAMP. While the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (1-20 μM) facilitated cAMP levels and GABA currents following 30 min application, this action was lost after 24 h in line with the drug limited lifespan. The PKA inhibitor PKI 14-22 (10 μM) increased cAMP without changing GABA currents. These data indicate that modulation of GABA_A receptors by intracellular cAMP could be lost following persistent application of cannabinoids. Thus, these observations provide an insight into the waning antinociceptive effects of these compounds.

Cell surface expression of homomeric GABAA receptors depends on single residues in subunit transmembrane domains

Cell surface expression of type A GABA receptors (GABA_ARs) is a critical determinant of the efficacy of inhibitory neurotransmission. Pentameric GABA_ARs are assembled from a large pool of subunits according to precise co-assembly rules that limit the extent of receptor structural diversity. These rules ensure that particular subunits, such as ρ1 and β3, form functional cell surface ion channels when expressed alone in heterologous systems, whereas other brain-abundant subunits, such as α and γ, are retained within intracellular compartments. Why some of the most abundant GABA_AR subunits fail to form homomeric ion channels is unknown. Normally, surface expression of α and γ subunits requires co-assembly with β subunits via interactions between their N-terminal sequences in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, using molecular biology, imaging, and electrophysiology with GABA_AR chimeras, we have identified two critical residues in the transmembrane domains of α and γ subunits, which, when substituted for their ρ1 counterparts, permit cell surface expression as homomers. Consistent with this, substitution of the ρ1 transmembrane residues for the α subunit equivalents reduced surface expression and altered channel gating, highlighting their importance for GABA_AR trafficking and signaling. Although not ligand-gated, the formation of α and γ homomeric ion channels at the cell surface was revealed by incorporating a mutation that imparts the functional signature of spontaneous channel activity. Our study identifies two single transmembrane residues that enable homomeric GABA_AR subunit cell surface trafficking and demonstrates that α and γ subunits can form functional ion channels.

Cellular and Circuit Mechanisms Shaping the Perceptual Properties of the Primate Fovea

The fovea is a specialized region of the retina that dominates the visual perception of primates by providing high chromatic and spatial acuity. While the foveal and peripheral retina share a similar core circuit architecture, they exhibit profound functional differences whose mechanisms are unknown. Using intracellular recordings and structure-function analyses, we examined the cellular and synaptic underpinnings of the primate fovea. Compared to peripheral vision, the fovea displays decreased sensitivity to rapid variations in light inputs; this difference is reflected in the responses of ganglion cells, the output cells of the retina. Surprisingly, and unlike in the periphery, synaptic inhibition minimally shaped the responses of foveal midget ganglion cells. This difference in inhibition cannot however, explain the differences in the temporal sensitivity of foveal and peripheral midget ganglion cells. Instead, foveal cone photoreceptors themselves exhibited slower light responses than peripheral cones, unexpectedly linking cone signals to perceptual sensitivity.

Similar GABAA receptor subunit composition in somatic and axon initial segment synapses of hippocampal pyramidal cells

Hippocampal pyramidal cells (PCs) express many GABA_AR subunit types and receive GABAergic inputs from distinct interneurons. Previous experiments revealed input-specific differences in α1 and α2 subunit densities in perisomatic synapses, suggesting distinct IPSC decay kinetics. However, IPSC decays evoked by axo-axonic, parvalbumin- or cholecystokinin-expressing basket cells were found to be similar. Using replica immunogold labeling, here we show that all CA1 PC somatic and AIS synapses contain the α1, α2, β1, β2, β3 and γ2 subunits. In CA3 PCs, 90% of the perisomatic synapses are immunopositive for the α1 subunit and all synapses are positive for the remaining five subunits. Somatic synapses form unimodal distributions based on their immunoreactivity for these subunits. The α2 subunit densities in somatic synapses facing Cav2.1 (i.e. parvalbumin) or Cav2.2 (cholecystokinin) positive presynaptic active zones are comparable. We conclude that perisomatic synapses made by three distinct interneuron types have similar GABA_A receptor subunit content.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18426.001

γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptor Subunits Play a Direct Structural Role in Synaptic Contact Formation via Their N-terminal Extracellular Domains

The establishment of cell-cell contacts between presynaptic GABAergic neurons and their postsynaptic targets initiates the process of GABAergic synapse formation. GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs), the main postsynaptic receptors for GABA, have been recently demonstrated to act as synaptogenic proteins that can single-handedly induce the formation and functional maturation of inhibitory synapses. To establish how the subunit composition of GABA_ARs influences their ability to induce synaptogenesis, a co-culture model system incorporating GABAergic medium spiny neurons and the HEK293 cells, stably expressing different combinations of receptor subunits, was developed. Analyses of HEK293 cell innervation by medium spiny neuron axons using immunocytochemistry, activity-dependent labeling, and electrophysiology have indicated that the γ2 subunit is required for the formation of active synapses and that its effects are influenced by the type of α/β subunits incorporated into the functional receptor. To further characterize this process, the large N-terminal extracellular domains (ECDs) of α1, α2, β2, and γ2 subunits were purified using the baculovirus/Sf9 cell system. When these proteins were applied to the co-cultures of MSNs and α1/β2/γ2-expressing HEK293 cells, the α1, β2, or γ2 ECD each caused a significant reduction in contact formation, in contrast to the α2 ECD, which had no effect. Together, our experiments indicate that the structural role of GABA_ARs in synaptic contact formation is determined by their subunit composition, with the N-terminal ECDs of each of the subunits directly participating in interactions between the presynaptic and postsynaptic elements, suggesting the these interactions are multivalent and specific.

Proteomic Characterization of Inhibitory Synapses Using a Novel pHluorin-tagged γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor, Type A (GABAA), α2 Subunit Knock-in Mouse

The accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) at the appropriate postsynaptic sites is critical for determining the efficacy of fast inhibitory neurotransmission. Although we know that the majority of synaptic GABAAR subtypes are assembled from α1-3, β, and γ2 subunits, our understanding of how neurons facilitate their targeting to and stabilization at inhibitory synapses is rudimentary. To address these issues, we have created knock-in mice in which the pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the Myc epitope were introduced to the extracellular domain of the mature receptor α2 subunit (pHα2). Using immunoaffinity purification and mass spectroscopy, we identified a stable complex of 174 proteins that were associated with pHα2, including other GABAAR subunits, and previously identified receptor-associated proteins such as gephyrin and collybistin. 149 of these proteins were novel GABAAR binding partners and included G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channel subunits, proteins that regulate trafficking and degradation, regulators of protein phosphorylation, GTPases, and a number of proteins that regulate their activity. Notably, members of the postsynaptic density family of proteins that are critical components of excitatory synapses were not associated with GABAARs. Crucially, we demonstrated for a subset of these novel proteins (including cullin1, ephexin, potassium channel tetramerization domain containing protein 12, mitofusin2, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, p21-activated kinase 7, and Ras-related protein 5A) bind directly to the intracellular domains of GABAARs, validating our proteomic analysis. Thus, our experiments illustrate the complexity of the GABAAR proteome and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms neurons use to construct inhibitory synapses.

Neurotransmitter receptor complexes: methods for bioanalysis, their potentials and limitations

Neurotransmitter receptors are key elements for brain function, but work so far has been focusing on the individual receptor subunits. It is, however, the receptor complexes that execute work rather than the subunits; of course, the multitude of possible combinations of the many receptors forming homomeric or heteromeric complexes is hampering studies. Moreover, not only receptors are observed in the complexes but also their corresponding protein kinases, phosphatases, and anchoring proteins, to name a few. Studying receptor complexes is still an analytical challenge. Thus far, no methods exist to unequivocally characterize or even quantify these assemblies. Major problems and limitations for the analysis exist, such as solubility, as the use of detergents is critical and may dissociate the receptor complexes as well as their separation in the native state. Gel-based techniques are able to separate and semiquantitatively quantify receptor complexes by subsequent immunochemical methods but do not allow the characterization of complex components. Immunoprecipitation methods are highly dependent on antibody availability and specificity, and the result of coimmunoprecipitation does not verify the direct physical interaction of proteins in the immunoprecipitate. Antibody shift assays are suitable to identify individual known proteins within a complex as are immunogold electron microscopic techniques and energy transfer technologies. Most techniques are simply showing the proximity of proteins rather than their physical interaction. Although fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a promising technique, the use for quantification or comparing biological samples is limited. A lot of work remains to be done to provide tools for the characterization and quantification of receptor complexes in the brain.

L-type Calcium Channel Blockers Enhance Trafficking and Function of Epilepsy-associated α1(D219N) Subunits of GABA(A) Receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are the primary inhibitory ion channels in the mammalian central nervous system and play an essential role in regulating inhibition-excitation balance in neural circuits. The α1 subunit harboring the D219N mutation of GABAA receptors was reported to be retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and traffic inefficiently to the plasma membrane, leading to a loss of function of α1(D219N) subunits and thus idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). We present the use of small molecule proteostasis regulators to enhance the forward trafficking of α1(D219N) subunits to restore their function. We showed that treatment with verapamil (4 μM, 24 h), an L-type calcium channel blocker, substantially increases the α1(D219N) subunit cell surface level in both HEK293 cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and remarkably restores the GABA-induced maximal chloride current in HEK293 cells expressing α1(D219N)β2γ2 receptors to a level that is comparable to wild type receptors. Our drug mechanism study revealed that verapamil treatment promotes the ER to Golgi trafficking of the α1(D219N) subunits post-translationally. To achieve that, verapamil treatment enhances the interaction between the α1(D219N) subunit and β2 subunit and prevents the aggregation of the mutant protein by shifting the protein from the detergent-insoluble fractions to detergent-soluble fractions. By combining (35)S pulse-chase labeling and MG-132 inhibition experiments, we demonstrated that verapamil treatment does not inhibit the ER-associated degradation of the α1(D219N) subunit. In addition, its effect does not involve a dynamin-1 dependent endocytosis. To gain further mechanistic insight, we showed that verapamil increases the interaction between the mutant protein and calnexin and calreticulin, two major lectin chaperones in the ER. Moreover, calnexin binding promotes the forward trafficking of the mutant subunit. Taken together, our data indicate that verapamil treatment enhances the calnexin-assisted forward trafficking and subunit assembly, which leads to substantially enhanced functional surface expression of the mutant receptors. Since verapamil is an FDA-approved drug that crosses blood-brain barrier and has been used as an additional medication for some epilepsies, our findings suggest that verapamil holds great promise to be developed to ameliorate IGE resulting from α1(D219N) subunit trafficking deficiency.

Pharmacological characterisation of murine α4β1δ GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Background

GABA_A receptor subunit composition has a profound effect on the receptor’s physiological and pharmacological properties. The receptor β subunit is widely recognised for its importance in receptor assembly, trafficking and post-translational modifications, but its influence on extrasynaptic GABA_A receptor function is less well understood. Here, we examine the pharmacological properties of a potentially native extrasynaptic GABA_A receptor that incorporates the β1 subunit, specifically composed of α4β1δ and α4β1 subunits.

Results

GABA activated concentration-dependent responses at α4β1δ and α4β1 receptors with EC₅₀ values in the nanomolar to micromolar range, respectively. The divalent cations Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺, and the β1-selective inhibitor salicylidine salicylhydrazide (SCS), inhibited GABA-activated currents at α4β1δ receptors. Surprisingly the α4β1 receptor demonstrated biphasic sensitivity to Zn²⁺ inhibition that may reflect variable subunit stoichiometries with differing sensitivity to Zn²⁺. The neurosteroid tetrahydro-deoxycorticosterone (THDOC) significantly increased GABA-initiated responses in concentrations above 30 nM for α4β1δ receptors.

Conclusions

With this study we report the first pharmacological characterisation of various GABA_A receptor ligands acting at murine α4β1δ GABA_A receptors, thereby improving our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of this receptor isoform. This study highlights some notable differences in the pharmacology of murine and human α4β1δ receptors. We consider the likelihood that the α4β1δ receptor may play a role as an extrasynaptic GABA_A receptor in the nervous system.

Probing α4βδ GABAA receptor heterogeneity: differential regional effects of a functionally selective α4β1δ/α4β3δ receptor agonist on tonic and phasic inhibition in rat brain

In the present study, the orthosteric GABAA receptor (GABAAR) ligand 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (Thio-THIP) was found to possess a highly interesting functional profile at recombinant human GABAARs and native rat GABAARs. Whereas Thio-THIP displayed weak antagonist activity at α1,2,5β2,3γ2S and ρ1 GABAARs and partial agonism at α6β2,3δ GABAARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the pronounced agonism exhibited by the compound at α4β1δ and α4β3δ GABAARs was contrasted by its negligible activity at the α4β2δ subtype. To elucidate to which extent this in vitro profile translated into functionality at native GABAARs, we assessed the effects of 100 μm Thio-THIP at synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors in principal cells of four different brain regions by slice electrophysiology. In concordance with its α6β2,3δ agonism, Thio-THIP evoked robust currents through extrasynaptic GABAARs in cerebellar granule cells. In contrast, the compound did not elicit significant currents in dentate gyrus granule cells or in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs), indicating predominant expression of extrasynaptic α4β2δ receptors in these cells. Interestingly, Thio-THIP evoked differential degrees of currents in ventrobasal thalamus neurons, a diversity that could arise from differential expression of extrasynaptic α4βδ subtypes in the cells. Finally, whereas 100 μm Thio-THIP did not affect the synaptic currents in ventrobasal thalamus neurons or striatal MSNs, it reduced the current amplitudes recorded from dentate gyrus granule cells, most likely by targeting perisynaptic α4βδ receptors expressed at distal dendrites of these cells. Being the first published ligand capable of discriminating between β2- and β3-containing receptor subtypes, Thio-THIP could be a valuable tool in explorations of native α4βδ GABAARs.

Inhibitory synapse formation in a co-culture model incorporating GABAergic medium spiny neurons and HEK293 cells stably expressing GABAA receptors

Inhibitory neurons act in the central nervous system to regulate the dynamics and spatio-temporal co-ordination of neuronal networks. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is released from the presynaptic terminals of inhibitory neurons within highly specialized intercellular junctions known as synapses, where it binds to GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) present at the plasma membrane of the synapse-receiving, postsynaptic neurons. Activation of these GABA-gated ion channels leads to influx of chloride resulting in postsynaptic potential changes that decrease the probability that these neurons will generate action potentials.

During development, diverse types of inhibitory neurons with distinct morphological, electrophysiological and neurochemical characteristics have the ability to recognize their target neurons and form synapses which incorporate specific GABA_ARs subtypes. This principle of selective innervation of neuronal targets raises the question as to how the appropriate synaptic partners identify each other.

To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, a novel in vitro co-culture model system was established, in which medium spiny GABAergic neurons, a highly homogenous population of neurons isolated from the embryonic striatum, were cultured with stably transfected HEK293 cell lines that express different GABA_AR subtypes. Synapses form rapidly, efficiently and selectively in this system, and are easily accessible for quantification. Our results indicate that various GABA_AR subtypes differ in their ability to promote synapse formation, suggesting that this reduced in vitro model system can be used to reproduce, at least in part, the in vivo conditions required for the recognition of the appropriate synaptic partners and formation of specific synapses. Here the protocols for culturing the medium spiny neurons and generating HEK293 cells lines expressing GABA_ARs are first described, followed by detailed instructions on how to combine these two cell types in co-culture and analyze the formation of synaptic contacts.

Phosphorylation of GABAA receptors influences receptor trafficking and neurosteroid actions

RATIONALE

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are the principal mediators of inhibitory transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. GABAARs can be localized at post-synaptic inhibitory specializations or at extrasynaptic sites. While synaptic GABAARs are activated transiently following the release of GABA from presynaptic vesicles, extrasynaptic GABAARs are typically activated continuously by ambient GABA concentrations and thus mediate tonic inhibition. The tonic inhibitory currents mediated by extrasynaptic GABAARs control neuronal excitability and the strength of synaptic transmission. However, the mechanisms by which neurons control the functional properties of extrasynaptic GABAARs had not yet been explored.

OBJECTIVES

We review GABAARs, how they are assembled and trafficked, and the role phosphorylation has on receptor insertion and membrane stabilization. Finally, we review the modulation of GABAARs by neurosteroids and how GABAAR phosphorylation can influence the actions of neurosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Trafficking and stability of functional channels to the membrane surface are critical for inhibitory efficacy. Phosphorylation of residues within GABAAR subunits plays an essential role in the assembly, trafficking, and cell surface stability of GABAARs. Neurosteroids are produced in the brain and are highly efficacious allosteric modulators of GABAAR-mediated current. This allosteric modulation by neurosteroids is influenced by the phosphorylated state of the GABAAR which is subunit dependent, adding temporal and regional variability to the neurosteroid response. Possible links between neurosteroid actions, phosphorylation, and GABAAR trafficking remain to be explored, but potential novel therapeutic targets may exist for numerous neurological and psychological disorders which are linked to fluctuations in neurosteroid levels and GABAA subunit expression.

Stoichiometry of δ subunit containing GABA(A) receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although the stoichiometry of the major synaptic αβγ subunit-containing GABAA receptors has consensus support for 2α:2β:1γ, a clear view of the stoichiometry of extrasynaptic receptors containing δ subunits has remained elusive. Here we examine the subunit stoichiometry of recombinant α4β3δ receptors using a reporter mutation and a functional electrophysiological approach.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Using site-directed mutagenesis, we inserted a highly characterized 9' serine to leucine mutation into the second transmembrane (M2) region of α4, β3 and δ subunits that increases receptor sensitivity to GABA. Whole-cell, GABA-activated currents were recorded from HEK-293 cells co-expressing different combinations of wild-type (WT) and/or mutant α4(L297S), β3(L284S) and δ(L288S) subunits.

KEY RESULTS

Recombinant receptors containing one or more mutant subunits showed increased GABA sensitivity relative to WT receptors by approximately fourfold, independent of the subunit class (α, β or δ) carrying the mutation. GABA dose-response curves of cells co-expressing WT subunits with their respective L9'S mutants exhibited multiple components, with the number of discernible components enabling a subunit stoichiometry of 2α, 2β and 1δ to be deduced for α4β3δ receptors. Varying the cDNA transfection ratio by 10-fold had no significant effect on the number of incorporated δ subunits.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Subunit stoichiometry is an important determinant of GABAA receptor function and pharmacology, and δ subunit-containing receptors are important mediators of tonic inhibition in several brain regions. Here we demonstrate a preferred subunit stoichiometry for α4β3δ receptors of 2α, 2β and 1δ.

The effects of chronic taurine supplementation on motor learning

Taurine is one of the most abundant nonprotein amino acids shown to be essential for the development, survival, and growth of vertebrate neurons. We previously demonstrated that chronic taurine supplementation during neonatal development results in changes in the GABAergic system (El Idrissi, Neurosci Lett 436:19-22, 2008). The brains of mice chronically treated with taurine have decreased levels of GABA(A)β subunits and increased expression of GAD and GABA, which contributes to hyperexcitability. This down regulation of GABA(A)receptor subunit expression and function may be due to a sustained interaction of taurine with GABA(A)receptors. This desensitization decreases the efficacy of the inhibitory synapses at the postsynaptic membrane. If changes occur in the GABAergic system as a possible compensatory mechanism due to taurine administration, then it is important to study all aspects by which taurine induces hyperexcitability and affects motor behavior. We therefore hypothesized that modification of the GABAergic system in response to taurine supplementation influences motor learning capacity in mice. To test this hypothesis, the rotarod task was employed after chronic taurine supplementation in drinking water (0.05% for 4 weeks). Control animals receiving no taurine supplementation were also tested in order to determine the difference in motor learning ability between groups. Each animal was trained on the rotarod apparatus for 7 days at an intermediate speed of 24 rpm in order to establish baseline performance. On the testing day, each animal was subjected to eight different predefined speeds (5, 8, 15, 20, 24, 31, 33, and 44 rpm). From our observations, the animals that underwent chronic taurine supplementation appeared to have a diminished motor learning capacity in comparison to control animals. The taurine-fed mice displayed minor improvements after repeated training when compared to controls. During the testing session the taurine-fed mice also exhibited a shorter latency to fall, as the task requirements became more demanding.

GABAA receptor open-state conformation determines non-competitive antagonist binding

The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor (GABA(A)R) is one of the most important targets for insecticide action. The human recombinant β3 homomer is the best available model for this binding site and 4-n-[(3)H]propyl-4'-ethynylbicycloorthobenzoate ([(3)H]EBOB) is the preferred non-competitive antagonist (NCA) radioligand. The uniquely high sensitivity of the β3 homomer relative to the much-less-active but structurally very-similar β1 homomer provides an ideal comparison to elucidate structural and functional features important for NCA binding. The β1 and β3 subunits were compared using chimeragenesis and mutagenesis and various combinations with the α1 subunit and modulators. Chimera β3/β1 with the β3 subunit extracellular domain and the β1 subunit transmembrane helices retained the high [(3)H]EBOB binding level of the β3 homomer while chimera β1/β3 with the β1 subunit extracellular domain and the β3 subunit transmembrane helices had low binding activity similar to the β1 homomer. GABA at 3μM stimulated heteromers α1β1 and α1β3 binding levels more than 2-fold by increasing the open probability of the channel. Addition of the α1 subunit rescued the inactive β1/β3 chimera close to wildtype α1β1 activity. EBOB binding was significantly altered by mutations β1S15'N and β3N15'S compared with wildtype β1 and β3, respectively. However, the binding activity of α1β1S15'N was insensitive to GABA and α1β3N15'S was stimulated much less than wildtype α1β3 by GABA. The inhibitory effect of etomidate on NCA binding was reduced more than 5-fold by the mutation β3N15'S. Therefore, the NCA binding site is tightly regulated by the open-state conformation that largely determines GABA(A) receptor sensitivity.

Angelman syndrome: need for further illumination in the theater of the happy puppet

Analysis of the Characteristics of Epilepsy in 37 Patients with the Molecular Diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome

Galvan-Manso M, Campistol J, Conill J, Sanmarti FX

Epileptic Disord 2005;7:19–25

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by defects in the maternally inherited imprinted domain located on chromosome 15q11-q13. Most patients with Angelman syndrome have severe mental retardation, characteristic physical appearance, behavioral traits, and severe, early-onset epilepsy. We retrospectively reviewed the medical histories of 37 patients, all with the molecular diagnosis of Angelman syndrome and at least 3 years of follow-up in our neurology department, for further information about their epilepsy: age at onset, type of seizures initially and during follow-up, EEG recordings, treatments, and response. The molecular studies showed 87% deletions de novo; 8% uniparental, paternal disomy; and 5% imprinting defects. The median age at diagnosis was 6.5 years, with 20% having begun to manifest febrile seizures at an average age of 1.9 years. Nearly all (95%) had epilepsy, the majority younger than 3 years (76%). The most frequent seizure types were myoclonic, atonic, generalized tonic–clonic, and atypical absences. At onset, two patients exhibited West syndrome. EEG recordings typical of Angelman syndrome were found in 68%. Normalization of EEG appeared in 12 patients after 9 years. Control of epileptic seizures improved after the age of 8.5 years. The most effective treatments were valproic acid and clonazepam. We conclude that epilepsy was present in nearly all of our cases with Angelman syndrome and that the EEG can be a useful diagnostic tool. On comparing the severity of epilepsy with the type of genetic alteration, we did not find any statistically significant correlations.

Mechanisms underlying synapse-specific clustering of GABA(A) receptors

A principle that arises from a body of previous work is that each presynaptic terminal recognises its postsynaptic partner and that each postsynaptic site recognises the origin of the synaptic bouton innervating it. In response, the presynaptic terminal sequesters the proteins whose interactions result in the dynamic transmitter release pattern and chemical modulation appropriate for that connection. In parallel, the postsynaptic site sequesters, inserts or captures the receptors and postsynaptic density proteins appropriate for that type of synapse. The focus of this review is the selective clustering of GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)R) at synapses made by each class of inhibitory interneurone. This provides a system in which the mechanisms underlying transynaptic recognition can be explored. There are many synaptic proteins, often with several isoforms created by post-translational modifications. Complex cascades of interactions between these proteins, on either side of the synaptic cleft, are essential for normal function, normal transmitter release and postsynaptic responsiveness. Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins that have binding domains in the synaptic cleft are proposed here to result in a local cleft structure that captures and stabilises only the appropriate subtype of GABA(A)Rs, allowing others to drift away from that synapse, either to be captured by another synapse, or internalised.

Stress and GABA receptors

GABA(A) receptors are sensitive to subtle changes in the environment in both early-life and adulthood. These neurochemical responses to stress in adulthood are sex-dependent. Acute stress induces rapid changes in GABA(A) receptors in experimental animals, with the direction of the changes varying according to the sex of the animals and the stress-paradigm studied. These rapid alterations are of particular interest as they provide an example of fast neurotransmitter system plasticity that may be mediated by stress-induced increases in neurosteroids, perhaps via effects on phosphorylation and/or receptor trafficking. Interestingly, some studies have also provided evidence for long-lasting changes in GABA(A) receptors as a result of exposure to stressors in early-life. The short- and long-term stress sensitivity of the GABAergic system implicates GABA(A) receptors in the non-genetic etiology of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia in which stress may be an important factor.

Dopamine D4 Receptors Regulate GABAA Receptor Trafficking via an Actin/Cofilin/Myosin-dependent Mechanism

The GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in prefrontal cortex (PFC) is implicated in cognitive processes such as working memory. Our previous study has found that GABA(A)R current is subject to the regulation of dopamine D(4) receptors, a PFC-enriched neuromodulator critically involved in various mental disorders associated with PFC dysfunction. In this study, we have investigated the cellular mechanism underlying D(4) modulation of GABA(A)Rs. We found that the density of surface clusters of GABA(A)R beta2/3 subunits was reduced by D(4), suggesting that the D(4) reduction of GABA(A)R current is associated with a decrease in functional GABA(A)Rs at the plasma membrane. Moreover, the D(4) reduction of GABA(A)R current was blocked by the actin stabilizer phalloidin and was occluded by the actin destabilizer latrunculin, suggesting that D(4) regulates GABA(A)R trafficking via an actin-dependent mechanism. Cofilin, a major actin depolymerizing factor whose activity is strongly increased by dephosphorylation at Ser(3), provides the possible link between D(4) signaling and the actin dynamics. Because myosin motor proteins are important for the transport of vesicles along actin filaments, we also tested the potential involvement of myosin in D(4) regulation of GABA(A)R trafficking. We found that dialysis with a myosin peptide, which competes with endogenous myosin proteins for actin-binding sites, prevented the D(4) reduction of GABA(A)R current. These results suggest that D(4) receptor activation increases cofilin activity presumably via its dephosphorylation, resulting in actin depolymerization, thus causing a decrease in the myosin-based transport of GABA(A)R clusters to the surface.

Distinct regulation of beta2 and beta3 subunit-containing cerebellar synaptic GABAA receptors by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

Modulation of GABA(A) receptor function and inhibitory synaptic transmission by phosphorylation has profound consequences for the control of synaptic plasticity and network excitability. We have established that activating alpha-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (alpha-CaMK-II) in cerebellar granule neurons differentially affects populations of IPSCs that correspond to GABA(A) receptors containing different subtypes of beta subunit. By using transgenic mice, we ascertained that alpha-CaMK-II increased IPSC amplitude but not the decay time by acting via beta2 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors. In contrast, IPSC populations whose decay times were increased by alpha-CaMK-II were most likely mediated by beta3 subunit-containing receptors. Expressing alpha-CaMK-II with mutations that affected kinase function revealed that Ca(2+) and calmodulin binding is crucial for alpha-CaMK-II modulation of GABA(A) receptors, whereas kinase autophosphorylation is not. These findings have significant consequences for understanding the role of synaptic GABA(A) receptor heterogeneity within neurons and the precise regulation of inhibitory transmission by CaMK-II phosphorylation.

Multiple modes for conferring surface expression of homomeric beta1 GABAA receptors

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor assembles from individual subunits to form ligand-gated ion channels. Human (h) beta3 subunits assemble to form homomeric surface receptors in somatic cells, but hbeta1 subunits do not. We have identified three distinct sets of amino acid residues in the N-terminal extracellular domain of the hbeta1 subunit, which when mutated to the homologous residue in hbeta3 allow expression as a functional homomeric receptor. The three sets likely result in three modes of assembly. Mode 1 expression results from a single amino acid change at residue hbeta1 Asp-37. Mode 2 expression results from mutations of residues between positions 44 and 73 together with residues between positions 169 and 173. Finally, mode 3 results from the mutations A45V and K196R. Examination of homology-based structural models indicates that many of the residues are unlikely to be involved in physical inter-subunit interactions, suggesting that a major alteration is stabilization of an assembly competent form of the subunit. These mutations do not, however, have a major effect on the surface expression of heteromeric receptors which include the alpha1 subunit.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor functional decrease in the hypothalamus during pancreatic regeneration in rats

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we investigated the alteration of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors in the hypothalamus of rats during pancreatic regeneration.

METHODS

Three groups of rats were used for the study: sham operated, 72 hours partially pancreatectomized, and 7 days partially pancreatectomized. The GABA receptor assay was performed by using the [H]GABA as ligand to the Triton X-100-treated membranes, and displacement with unlabeled GABA and [H]bicuculline binding to the GABAA receptors was assayed in Triton X-100-treated synaptic membranes and displacement with unlabeled bicuculline.

RESULTS

The GABA content in the brain regions and pancreas of the sham and experimental rat groups was quantified by displacement method. In the hypothalamus, the high-affinity GABAA receptor binding showed a significant decrease in maximal binding (P < 0.01) and equilibrium dissociation constant (P < 0.05) in 72 hours and 7 days partially pancreatectomized rats. The content of GABA has significantly decreased in the hypothalamus during the regeneration of pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

This effect of GABAA receptors in hypothalamus suggests a regulatory role during active regeneration of pancreas that will have significance in insulin secretion.

Hearing loss alters the subcellular distribution of presynaptic GAD and postsynaptic GABAA receptors in the auditory cortex

We have shown previously that auditory experience regulates the maturation of excitatory synapses in the auditory cortex (ACx). In this study, we used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to determine whether the heightened excitability of the ACx following neonatal sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) also involves pre- or postsynaptic alterations of GABAergic synapses. SNHL was induced in gerbils just prior to the onset of hearing (postnatal day 10). At P17, the gamma-aminobutyri acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor's beta2/3-subunit (GABA(A)beta2/3) clusters residing at plasma membranes in layers 2/3 of ACx was reduced significantly in size (P < 0.05) and number (P < 0.005), whereas the overall number of immunoreactive puncta (intracellular + plasmalemmal) remained unchanged. The reduction of GABA(A)beta2/3 was observed along perikaryal plasma membranes of excitatory neurons but not of GABAergic interneurons. This cell-specific change can contribute to the enhanced excitability of SNHL ACx. Presynaptically, GABAergic axon terminals were significantly larger but less numerous and contained 47% greater density of glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity (P < 0.05). This suggests that GABA synthesis may be upregulated by a retrograde signal arising from lowered levels of postsynaptic GABA(A)R. Thus, both, the pre- and postsynaptic sides of inhibitory synapses that form upon pyramidal neurons of the ACx are regulated by neonatal auditory experience.

Training-induced changes in the expression of GABAA-associated genes in the amygdala after the acquisition and extinction of Pavlovian fear

Previous work suggests the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system may be dynamically regulated during emotional learning. In the current study we examined training-induced changes in the expression of GABA(A)-related genes and the binding of GABA receptor radioligands in the amygdala after the acquisition and extinction of Pavlovian fear. Using in situ hybridization, we examined the expression pattern changes of mRNAs for GABAergic markers in the lateral, basolateral and central subdivisions of the amygdala in C57Bl/6J mice. These markers included GABA-synthesizing enzymes (GAD67 and GAD65), major GABA(A) receptor subunits (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha5, beta2 and gamma2) and the expression of mRNAs that are involved in a variety of GABA-related intracellular processes, including GABA transporter-1 (GAT1), GABA(A) receptor-associated protein and the GABA(A) clustering protein, gephyrin. With fear conditioning, we found decreased mRNA levels of alpha1, alpha5 and GAD67, as well as deceased benzodiazepine binding in the amygdala. Fear extinction induced an increase in mRNA levels of alpha2, beta2, GAD67 and gephyrin, as well as a decrease in GAT1. Together, these findings indicate that the acquisition of fear induced a downregulation of mRNA markers related to a decrease in amygdala GABAergic function, whereas the acquisition of fear extinction produced an upregulation of GABAergic markers related to enhanced GABAergic transmission.

The clustering of GABA(A) receptor subtypes at inhibitory synapses is facilitated via the direct binding of receptor alpha 2 subunits to gephyrin

Classical benzodiazepine sensitive GABA(A) receptor subtypes, the major mediators of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain are heteropentamers that can be assembled from alpha1-3/5, beta1-3, and gamma2 subunits, but how neurons orchestrate their selective accumulation at synapses remains obscure. We have identified a 10 amino acid hydrophobic motif within the intracellular domain of the alpha2 subunit that regulates the accumulation of GABA(A) receptors at inhibitory synaptic sites on both axon initial segments and dendrites in a mechanism dependent on the inhibitory scaffold protein gephyrin. This motif was sufficient to target CD4 (cluster of differentiation molecule 4) molecules to inhibitory synapses, and was also critical in regulating the direct binding of alpha2 subunits to gephyrin in vitro. Our results thus reveal that the specific accumulation of GABA(A) receptor subtypes containing alpha2 subunits at inhibitory synapses is dependent on their ability to bind gephyrin.

Influence of the M3-M4 intracellular domain upon nicotinic acetylcholine receptor assembly, targeting and function

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the intracellular domain of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits upon receptor assembly, targeting and functional properties.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Because most nAChR subunits form functional receptors only as heteromeric complexes, it can be difficult to examine the influence of individual subunits or subunit domains in isolation. A series of subunit chimaeras was constructed which contain the intracellular loop region (located between the M3 and M4 transmembrane domains) from nAChR subunits alpha1-alpha10 or beta1-beta4. All of these chimaeras contain common extracellular and transmembrane domains (from the nAChR alpha7 subunit and the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 5-HT(3A) subunit, respectively), thereby facilitating both homomeric receptor assembly and detection with radiolabelled or fluorescent alpha-bungarotoxin.

KEY RESULTS

The nAChR M3-M4 intracellular loop domain had no significant effect upon levels of total subunit protein detected in transfected cells but had a significant influence upon levels of both cell surface and intracellular assembled receptors. Comparisons of functional properties revealed a significant influence of the intracellular loop domain upon both single-channel conductance and receptor desensitization. In addition, studies conducted in polarized epithelial cells demonstrate that the nAChR loop can influence receptor targeting, resulting in either polarized (apical) or non-polarized distribution.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Evidence has been obtained which demonstrates that the large intracellular loop domain of nAChR subunits can exert a profound influence upon receptor assembly, targeting and ion channel properties.

Activity-dependent ubiquitination of GABA(A) receptors regulates their accumulation at synaptic sites

GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) are the major mediators of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain. In neurons, these receptors undergo significant rates of endocytosis and exocytosis, processes that regulate both their accumulation at synaptic sites and the efficacy of synaptic inhibition. Here we have evaluated the role that neuronal activity plays in regulating the residence time of GABA(A)Rs on the plasma membrane and their targeting to synapses. Chronic blockade of neuronal activity dramatically increases the level of the GABA(A)R ubiquitination, decreasing their cell surface stability via a mechanism dependent on the activity of the proteasome. Coincident with this loss of cell surface expression levels, TTX treatment reduced both the amplitude and frequency of miniature inhibitory synaptic currents. Conversely, increasing the level of neuronal activity decreases GABA(A)R ubiquitination enhancing their stability on the plasma membrane. Activity-dependent ubiquitination primarily acts to reduce GABA(A)R stability within the endoplasmic reticulum and, thereby, their insertion into the plasma membrane and subsequent accumulation at synaptic sites. Thus, activity-dependent ubiquitination of GABA(A)Rs and their subsequent proteasomal degradation may represent a potent mechanism to regulate the efficacy of synaptic inhibition and may also contribute to homeostatic synaptic plasticity.

Angelman syndrome revisited

OBJECTIVES

Angelman syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe mental retardation, epilepsy, absent speech, dysmorphic facial features, and a characteristic behavioral phenotype. It is caused by deficiency of gene expression from maternally derived chromosome 15q11-q13.

STUDY DESIGN

The authors present the clinical picture of 9 children (median age, 4.9 years; range, 1 to 10 years) with confirmed Angelman syndrome. The patients complied with the international consensus criteria for AS and were consecutively investigated for psychomotor development, epilepsy, and electroencephalogram (EEG) profiles.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 3.9 years. The motor milestones were delayed. Median developmental quotient level was 26. All patients but 1 experienced predominantly polymorphic seizures. In 4 cases, the epilepsy was refractory to treatment. The EEG of all patients displayed an abnormal sleep pattern and generalized abnormalities, with a maximum over the posterior areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Milder or less typical phenotypes of AS may remain undiagnosed, leading to an overall underdiagnosis of the disease. The EEG shows no clear relation to genotype, clinical picture, or to the presence and severity of epilepsy. AS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with severe cryptogenic epilepsy and a characteristic configuration of clinical features.

GABAA receptors: properties and trafficking

Fast synaptic inhibition in the brain and spinal cord is mediated largely by ionotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABAA receptors play a key role in controlling neuronal activity; thus modulating their function will have important consequences for neuronal excitation. GABAA receptors are important therapeutic targets for a range of sedative, anxiolytic, and hypnotic agents and are involved in a number of CNS diseases, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, alcoholism, muscle spasms, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, and epilepsy. This review focuses on the functional and pharmacological properties of GABAA receptors and trafficking as an essential mechanism underlying the dynamic regulation of synaptic strength.

Identification of the sites for CaMK-II-dependent phosphorylation of GABA(A) receptors

Phosphorylation can affect both the function and trafficking of GABA(A) receptors with significant consequences for neuronal excitability. Serine/threonine kinases can phosphorylate the intracellular loops between M3-4 of GABA(A) receptor beta and gamma subunits thereby modulating receptor function in heterologous expression systems and in neurons (1, 2). Specifically, CaMK-II has been demonstrated to phosphorylate the M3-4 loop of GABA(A) receptor subunits expressed as GST fusion proteins (3, 4). It also increases the amplitude of GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents in a number of neuronal cell types (5-7). To identify which substrate sites CaMK-II might phosphorylate and the consequent functional effects, we expressed recombinant GABA(A) receptors in NG108-15 cells, which have previously been shown to support CaMK-II modulation of GABA(A) receptors containing the beta3 subunit (8). We now demonstrate that CaMK-II mediates its effects on alpha1beta3 receptors via phosphorylation of Ser(383) within the M3-4 domain of the beta subunit. Ablation of beta3 subunit phosphorylation sites for CaMK-II revealed that for alphabetagamma receptors, CaMK-II has a residual effect on GABA currents that is not mediated by previously identified sites of CaMK-II phosphorylation. This residual effect is abolished by mutation of tyrosine phosphorylation sites, Tyr(365) and Tyr(367), on the gamma2S subunit, and by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. These results suggested that CaMK-II is capable of directly phosphorylating GABA(A) receptors and activating endogenous tyrosine kinases to phosphorylate the gamma2 subunit in NG108-15 cells. These findings were confirmed in a neuronal environment by expressing recombinant GABA(A) receptors in cerebellar granule neurons.

Spontaneous cross-link of mutated alpha1 subunits during GABA(A) receptor assembly

gamma-Aminobutyric acid, type A (GABA(A)) receptor alpha1 subunits containing a cysteine mutation at a position in the channel mouth (H109C) surprisingly formed a spontaneous cross-link with each other in receptors composed of alpha1H109C, beta3, and gamma2 subunits. Cross-linking of two alpha1H109C subunits did not significantly change the affinity of [(3)H]muscimol or [(3)H]Ro15-1788 binding in alpha1H109Cbeta3gamma2 receptors, but GABA displayed a reduced potency for activating chloride currents. On reduction of the disulfide bond, however, GABA activation as well as diazepam modulation was similar in mutated and wild-type receptors, suggesting that these receptors exhibited the same subunit stoichiometry and arrangement. Disulfide bonds could not be reoxidized by copper phenanthroline after having been reduced in completely assembled receptors, suggesting that cross-linking can only occur at an early stage of assembly. The cross-link of alpha1H109C subunits and the subsequent transport of the resulting homodimers to the cell surface caused a reduction of the intracellular pool of alpha1H109C subunits and a reduced formation of completely assembled receptors. The formation of alpha1H109C homodimers as well as of correctly assembled GABA(A) receptors containing cross-linked alpha1H109C subunits could indicate that homodimerization of alpha1 subunits via contacts located in the channel mouth might be one starting point of GABA(A) receptor assembly. Alternatively the assembly mechanism might have started with the formation of heterodimers followed by a cross-link of mutated alpha1 subunits at the heterotrimeric stage. The formation of cross-linked alpha1H109C homodimers would then have occurred independently in a separate pathway.

CaMK-II modulation of GABAA receptors expressed in HEK293, NG108-15 and rat cerebellar granule neurons

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel responsible for fast synaptic inhibition in the brain. Phosphorylation of the GABA(A) receptor by serine/threonine protein kinases, at residues located in the intracellular loop between the third and fourth transmembrane domains of each subunit, can dynamically modulate receptor trafficking and function. In this study, we have assessed the effect that Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK-II) has on GABA(A) receptors. The intracellular application of preactivated CaMK-II failed to modulate the function of alphabeta and alphabetagamma subunit GABA(A) receptors heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells. However, application of similarly preactivated alpha-CaMK-II significantly potentiated the amplitudes of whole-cell GABA currents recorded from rat cultured cerebellar granule neurons and from recombinant GABA(A) receptors expressed in neuroblastoma, NG108-15, cells. The modulation by alpha-CaMK-II of current amplitude depended upon the subunit composition of GABA(A) receptors. alpha-CaMK-II potentiated GABA currents recorded from alpha1beta3 and alpha1beta3gamma2 GABA(A) receptors, but was unable to functionally modulate beta2 subunit-containing receptors. Similar results were obtained from beta2 -/- mouse cerebellar granule cell cultures and from rat granule cell cultures overexpressing recombinant alpha1beta2 or alpha1beta3 GABA(A) receptors. alpha-CaMK-II had a greater effect on the modulation of GABA responses mediated by alpha1beta3gamma2 compared with alpha1beta3 receptors, indicating a possible role for the gamma2 subunit in CaMK-II-mediated phosphorylation. In conclusion, CaMK-II can upregulate the function of GABA(A) receptors expressed in neurons or a neuronal cell line that is dependent on the beta subunit co-assembled into the receptor complex.

Transient change in GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNA expression in Lurcher cerebellar nuclei during Purkinje cell degeneration

Background

Lurcher mice suffer from a complete Purkinje cell (PC) loss in the first four postnatal weeks. Parallel to this degeneration, GABAergic synapses in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN), the major recipient of the inhibitory PC projection, increase synaptic conductance. Here, we further investigated this phenomenon, using real-time RT-PCR to assess GABA_A receptor subunit gene expression during PC degeneration.

Results

We observed a specific reduction in γ2 subunit gene expression, while α1–5, β1–2, γ1,3 and δ subunits were unaffected. We made two further specific findings. First, the difference in gene expression was shown in tissue from DCN only. Neither the hippocampus nor coronal sections through the forebrain showed such effects. Furthermore, the involvement of different levels of corticosterone, a possible humeral trigger for differences in gene expression, could be excluded. Second, like the known potentiation of GABAergic synapses, the γ2 down-regulation was present only after the onset of degeneration at p14. The difference in γ2 mRNA expression, however, appeared transient, since it was no longer detectable in adult Lurcher mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the down-regulation of γ2 subunits may be related to differences in synaptic efficacy and, as such, may reflect the initial phase of adaptive responses of DCN tissue to massive GABAergic deafferentation. Its transient course, however, does not support the idea that modulations in GABAergic transmission are at the basis of the well-known DCN-based functional benefit of Lurcher mice present throughout their life.

Subunit selectivity of topiramate modulation of heteromeric GABAA receptors

Topiramate (TPM) is an anticonvulsant of novel chemical structure whose mechanism of action remains elusive. Reports of TPM modulation of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channel functions are variable and often inconsistent. In fact, TPM has been found to produce enhancement, inhibition, and no effect on GABA-currents of cultured neurons and GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. To identify possible causes for the variable effects of TPM on GABA(A) receptors, multiple combinations of recombinant GABA(A) receptor subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. TPM modulation of GABA-currents was sensitive to GABA concentrations and the beta subunit isoform co-expressed in heteromeric GABA(A) receptors. TPM potentiated and directly activated heteromeric receptors containing either beta(2) or beta(3) subunit. TPM's direct activation was most effective on receptors comprised of alpha(4)beta(3)gamma(2S) subunits and activated approximately 74% of the peak GABA-current. TPM modulation of beta(1)-containing heteromeric receptors depended on the co-expressed alpha subunit isoform (i.e., either TPM enhancement or inhibition). Depolarized potentials decreased TPM enhancement and increased TPM inhibition depending on the beta subunit present. These results suggest that the effects of TPM on GABA(A) receptor function will depend on the expression of specific subunits that can be regionally and temporally distributed, and altered by neurological disorders.

The cholinergic antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin also binds and blocks a subset of GABA receptors

The polypeptide snake toxin alpha-bungarotoxin (BTX) has been used in hundreds of studies on the structure, function, and development of the neuromuscular junction because it binds tightly and specifically to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at this synapse. We show here that BTX also binds to and blocks a subset of GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) that contain the GABA(A)R beta3 subunit. These results introduce a previously unrecognized tool for analysis of GABA(A)Rs but may complicate interpretation of some studies on neuronal nAChRs.

Identification of amino acid residues important for assembly of GABA receptor alpha1 and gamma2 subunits

Comparative models of GABA(A) receptors composed of alpha1 beta3 gamma2 subunits were generated using the acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP) as a template and were used for predicting putative engineered cross-link sites between the alpha1 and the gamma2 subunit. The respective amino acid residues were substituted by cysteines and disulfide bond formation between subunits was investigated on co-transfection into human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Although disulfide bond formation between subunits could not be observed, results indicated that mutations studied influenced assembly of GABA(A) receptors. Whereas residue alpha1A108 was important for the formation of assembly intermediates with beta3 and gamma2 subunits consistent with its proposed location at the alpha1(+) side of GABA(A) receptors, residues gamma2T125 and gamma2P127 were important for assembly with beta3 subunits. Mutation of each of these residues also caused an impaired expression of receptors at the cell surface. In contrast, mutated residues alpha1F99C, alpha1S106C or gamma2T126C only impaired the formation of receptors at the cell surface when co-expressed with subunits in which their predicted interaction partner was also mutated. These data are consistent with the prediction that the mutated residue pairs are located close to each other.

Consequence of the presence of two different beta subunit isoforms in a GABAA receptor

The major isoforms of GABA(A) receptors are thought to be composed of two alpha, two beta and one gamma subunit(s). GABA(A) receptors containing two beta1 subunits respond differently to the anticonvulsive compound loreclezole and the general anaesthetic etomidate than receptors containing two beta2 subunits. Receptors containing beta2 subunits show a much larger allosteric stimulation by these agents than those containing beta1 subunits. We were interested to know how receptors containing both beta1 and beta2 subunits, in different positions respond to loreclezole and etomidate. To answer this question, subunits were fused at the DNA level to form dimeric and trimeric subunits. Concatenated receptors (alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta1, alpha1-beta2-alpha1/gamma2-beta1, alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta2 and alpha1-beta2-alpha1/gamma2-beta2) were expressed in Xenopus ooctyes and functionally compared in their response to the agonist GABA and to the positive allosteric modulators, loreclezole and etomidate. We have shown that (I) in the presence of both beta1 and beta2 subunits in the same pentamer (mixed receptors) direct gating by etomidate is similar to exclusively beta1 containing receptors; (II) In mixed receptors, stimulation by etomidate assumed characteristics intermediate to exclusively beta1 or beta2 containing receptors, but the values for the concentrations < 10 microM were always much closer to those observed in alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta1 receptors; and (III) mixed receptors show no positional effects.

Heterogeneous GABAA receptor subunit expression in pediatric epilepsy patients

The gamma-amino-butyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR) are a heteropentameric receptor complex, composed of 16 possible subunits in various combinations, forming a ligand-gated ion channel. Subunit composition is the primary determinant of GABAAR physiology and pharmacology. Here we have measured mRNA levels for 16 GABAAR subunits in isolated dentate granule neurons (DGN) from eight pediatric patients undergoing resective surgery for intractable epilepsy. We found tightly correlated expression of a subset of GABAAR subunit mRNAs within a single DGN (alpha1, gamma1, and gamma2; alpha4, alpha5, and beta2; alpha4 and beta3). Analysis of inter-patient variability (ANOVA) of eleven highly expressed GABAAR subunit mRNAs found seven of the subunits varied between patients, as did whole cell GABAAR currents. Due to inter-patient differences, there is heterogeneity in DGN GABAAR subunit mRNA and physiology within pediatric epilepsy patients. Patient-specific GABAAR expression might contribute to variability in anti-epileptic drug efficacy, side-effect profiles, and seizure susceptibility.