Delayed rectifier currents in rat globus pallidus neurons are attributable to Kv2.1 and Kv3.1/3.2 K(+) channels

Region-specific changes in gene expression are associated with cognitive deficits in the alpha-synuclein-induced model of Parkinson's disease: A transcriptomic profiling study

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common trait of Parkinson's disease (PD), often associated with early motor deficits, eventually evolving to PD with dementia in later disease stages. The neuropathological substrate of MCI is poorly understood, which weakens the development and administration of proper therapies. In an α-synuclein (αSyn)-based model of PD featuring early motor and cognitive impairments, we investigated the transcriptome profile of brain regions involved in PD with cognitive deficits, via a transcriptomic analysis based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Rats infused in the substantia nigra with human α-synuclein oligomers (H-SynOs) developed mild cognitive deficits after three months, as measured by the two-trial recognition test in a Y-maze and the novel object recognition test. RNA-seq analysis showed that 17,436 genes were expressed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and 17,216 genes in the hippocampus (HC). In the ACC, 51 genes were differentially expressed between vehicle and H-αSynOs treated samples, which showed N= 21 upregulated and N = 30 downregulated genes. In the HC, 104 genes were differentially expressed, the majority of them not overlapping with DEGs in the ACC, with N = 41 upregulated and N = 63 downregulated in H-αSynOs-treated samples. The Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, followed by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network inspection of DEGs, revealed that in the ACC most enriched terms were related with immune functions, specifically with antigen processing/presentation via the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and phagocytosis via CD68, supporting a role for dysregulated immune responses in early PD cognitive dysfunction. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the decreased expression of CD68 within microglial cells. In contrast, the most significantly enriched terms in the HC were mainly involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, potassium voltage-gated channel, cytoskeleton and fiber organisation, suggesting that the gene expression in the neuronal population was mostly affected in this region in early disease stages. Altogether results show that H-αSynOs trigger a region-specific dysregulation of gene expression in ACC and HC, providing a pathological substrate for MCI associated with early PD.

Adam, amigo, brain, and K channel

Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels are diverse, comprising the classical Shab - Kv2, Shaker - Kv1, Shal - Kv4, and Shaw - Kv3 families. The Shaker family alone consists of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv1.6, and Kv1.7. Moreover, the Shab family comprises two functional (Kv2.1 and Kv2.2) and several "silent" alpha subunits (Kv2.3, Kv5, Kv6, Kv8, and Kv9), which do not generate K current. However, e.g., Kv8.1, via heteromerization, inhibits outward currents of the same family or even that of Shaw. This property of Kv8.1 is similar to those of designated beta subunits or non-selective auxiliary elements, including ADAM or AMIGO proteins. Kv channels and, in turn, ADAM may modulate the synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). Prevailingly, Kv1.1 and Kv1.5 are attributed to respective brain and heart pathologies, some of which may occur simultaneously. The aforementioned channel proteins are apparently involved in several brain pathologies, including schizophrenia and seizures.

Are ion channels potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily associated with the progressive neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The resulting motor symptoms are managed with the help of dopamine replacement therapies. However, these therapeutics do not prevent the neurodegeneration underlying the disease and therefore lose their effectiveness in managing disease symptoms over time. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop newer therapeutics for the benefit of patients. The release of dopamine and the firing activity of substantia nigra neurons is regulated by several ion channels that act in concert. Dysregulations of these channels cause the aberrant movement of various ions in the intracellular milieu. This eventually leads to disruption of intracellular signalling cascades, alterations in cellular homeostasis, and bioenergetic deficits. Therefore, ion channels play a central role in driving the high vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to degenerate during PD. Targeting ion channels offers an attractive mechanistic strategy to combat the process of neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight the evidence pointing to the role of various ion channels in driving the PD processes. In addition, we also discuss the various drugs or compounds that target the ion channels and have shown neuroprotective potential in the in-vitro and in-vivo models of PD. We also discuss the current clinical status of various drugs targeting the ion channels in the context of PD.

Potassium channels and their emerging role in parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, which is associated with a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and a reduction of dopamine in the striatum. Recently, ion channel dysfunction has been considered a reason for the pathogenesis of PD. Potassium (K⁺) channels are widespread in the central nervous system, and play key roles in modulating cellular excitability, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. Based on recent studies and data, we propose that K⁺ channels may be new therapeutic targets for PD that slow the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and attenuate motor and non-motor symptoms. In this review, we mainly focus on: delayed rectifier, inwardly rectifying, and double-pore K⁺ channels. We summarize the expression and function of these channels in PD-related brain regions. We also discuss the effects of pharmacological blockade or activation of K⁺ channels in the progression and treatment of PD.

AMIGO-Kv2.1 Potassium Channel Complex Is Associated With Schizophrenia-Related Phenotypes

The enormous variability in electrical properties of neurons is largely affected by a multitude of potassium channel subunits. Kv2.1 is a widely expressed voltage-dependent potassium channel and an important regulator of neuronal excitability. The Kv2.1 auxiliary subunit AMIGO constitutes an integral part of the Kv2.1 channel complex in brain and regulates the activity of the channel. AMIGO and Kv2.1 localize to the distinct somatodendritic clusters at the neuronal plasma membrane. Here we have created and characterized a mouse line lacking the AMIGO gene. Absence of AMIGO clearly reduced the amount of the Kv2.1 channel protein in mouse brain and altered the electrophysiological properties of neurons. These changes were accompanied by behavioral and pharmacological abnormalities reminiscent of those identified in schizophrenia. Concomitantly, we have detected an association of a rare, population-specific polymorphism of KV2.1 (KCNB1) with human schizophrenia in a genetic isolate enriched with schizophrenia. Our study demonstrates the involvement of AMIGO-Kv2.1 channel complex in schizophrenia-related behavioral domains in mice and identifies KV2.1 (KCNB1) as a strong susceptibility gene for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in humans.

Modulation of Closed-State Inactivation in Kv2.1/Kv6.4 Heterotetramers as Mechanism for 4-AP Induced Potentiation

The voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel subunits Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 are expressed in almost every tissue. The diversity of Kv2 current is increased by interacting with the electrically silent Kv (KvS) subunits Kv5-Kv6 and Kv8-Kv9, into functional heterotetrameric Kv2/KvS channels. These Kv2/KvS channels possess unique biophysical properties and display a more tissue-specific expression pattern, making them more desirable pharmacological and therapeutic targets. However, little is known about the pharmacological properties of these heterotetrameric complexes. We demonstrate that Kv5.1, Kv8.1 and Kv9.3 currents were inhibited differently by the channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) compared to Kv2.1 homotetramers. In contrast, Kv6.4 currents were potentiated by 4-AP while displaying moderately increased affinities for the channel pore blockers quinidine and flecainide. We found that the 4-AP induced potentiation of Kv6.4 currents was caused by modulation of the Kv6.4-mediated closed-state inactivation: suppression by 4-AP of the Kv2.1/Kv6.4 closed-state inactivation recovered a population of Kv2.1/Kv6.4 channels that was inactivated at resting conditions, i.e. at a holding potential of -80 mV. This modulation also resulted in a slower initiation and faster recovery from closed-state inactivation. Using chimeric substitutions between Kv6.4 and Kv9.3 subunits, we demonstrated that the lower half of the S6 domain (S6c) plays a crucial role in the 4-AP induced potentiation. These results demonstrate that KvS subunits modify the pharmacological response of Kv2 subunits when assembled in heterotetramers and illustrate the potential of KvS subunits to provide unique pharmacological properties to the heterotetramers, as is the case for 4-AP on Kv2.1/Kv6.4 channels.

Forskolin suppresses delayed-rectifier K+ currents and enhances spike frequency-dependent adaptation of sympathetic neurons

In signal transduction research natural or synthetic molecules are commonly used to target a great variety of signaling proteins. For instance, forskolin, a diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase, has been widely used in cellular preparations to increase the intracellular cAMP level. However, it has been shown that forskolin directly inhibits some cloned K⁺ channels, which in excitable cells set up the resting membrane potential, the shape of action potential and regulate repetitive firing. Despite the growing evidence indicating that K⁺ channels are blocked by forskolin, there are no studies yet assessing the impact of this mechanism of action on neuron excitability and firing patterns. In sympathetic neurons, we find that forskolin and its derivative 1,9-Dideoxyforskolin, reversibly suppress the delayed rectifier K⁺ current (I_KV). Besides, forskolin reduced the spike afterhyperpolarization and enhanced the spike frequency-dependent adaptation. Given that I_KV is mostly generated by Kv2.1 channels, HEK-293 cells were transfected with cDNA encoding for the Kv2.1 α subunit, to characterize the mechanism of forskolin action. Both drugs reversible suppressed the Kv2.1-mediated K⁺ currents. Forskolin inhibited Kv2.1 currents and I_KV with an IC₅₀ of ~32 μM and ~24 µM, respectively. Besides, the drug induced an apparent current inactivation and slowed-down current deactivation. We suggest that forskolin reduces the excitability of sympathetic neurons by enhancing the spike frequency-dependent adaptation, partially through a direct block of their native Kv2.1 channels.

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels regulate firing of globus pallidus neurons in vivo

The globus pallidus plays a significant role in motor control under both health and pathological states. Recent studies have revealed that hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels occupy a critical position in globus pallidus pacemaking activity. Morphological studies have shown the expression of HCN channels in the globus pallidus. To investigate the in vivo effects of HCN channels in the globus pallidus, extracellular recordings and behavioral tests were performed in the present study. In normal rats, micro-pressure ejection of 0.05mM ZD7288, the selective HCN channel blocker, decreased the frequency of spontaneous firing in 21 out of the 40 pallidal neurons. The average decrease was 50.4±5.4%. Interestingly, in another 18 out of the 40 pallidal neurons, ZD7288 increased the firing rate by 137.1±27.6%. Similar bidirectional modulation on the firing rate was observed by a higher concentration of ZD7288 (0.5mM) as well as another HCN channel blocker, CsCl. Furthermore, activation of HCN channels by 8-Br-cAMP increased the firing rate by 63.0±9.3% in 15 out of the 25 pallidal neurons and decreased the firing rate by 46.9±9.4% in another 8 out of the 25 pallidal neurons. Further experiments revealed that modulation of glutamatergic but not GABAergic transmission may be involved in ZD7288-induced increase in firing rate. Consistent with electrophysiological results, further studies revealed that modulation of HCN channels also had bidirectional effects on behavior. Taken together, the present studies suggest that HCN channels may modulate the activity of pallidal neurons by different pathways in vivo.

Oscillators and Oscillations in the Basal Ganglia

What is the meaning of an action potential? There must be different answers for neurons that fire spontaneously, even in the absence of synaptic input, and those driven to fire from a resting membrane potential. In spontaneously firing neurons, the occurrence of the next action potential is guaranteed; only variations in its timing can carry the message. In the basal ganglia, the globus pallidus, the substantia nigra, and the subthalamic nucleus consist of neurons firing spontaneously. They each receive thousands of synaptic inputs, but these are not required to maintain their background firing. Instead, synaptic interactions among basal ganglia nuclei comprise a system of coupled oscillators that produces a complex resting pattern of activity. Normally, this pattern is highly irregular and uncorrelated, so that the firing of each cell is statistically independent of the others. This maximizes the potential information that may be transmitted by the basal ganglia to its target structures. In Parkinson's disease, the resting pattern of activity is dominated by a slow oscillation shared by nearly all of the neurons. Treatment with deep brain stimulation may gain its therapeutic value by disrupting this shared pathological oscillation, and restoring independent action by each neuron in the network.

Celecoxib and ion channels: a story of unexpected discoveries

Celecoxib (Celebrex), a highly popular selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, can modulate ion channels and alter functioning of neurons and myocytes at clinically relevant concentrations independently of cyclooxygenase inhibition. In experimental systems varying from Drosophila to primary mammalian and human cell lines, celecoxib inhibits many voltage-activated Na(+), Ca(2+), and K(+) channels, including NaV1.5, L- and T-type Ca(2+) channels, KV1.5, KV2.1, KV4.3, KV7.1, KV11.1 (hERG), while stimulating other K(+) channels-KV7.2-5 and, possibly, KV11.1 (hERG) channels under certain conditions. In this review, we summarize the information currently available on the effects of celecoxib on ion channels, examine mechanistic aspects of drug action and the concomitant changes at the cellular and organ levels, and discuss these findings in the therapeutic context.

Deletion of the Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel leads to neuronal and behavioral hyperexcitability

The Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel exhibits high-level expression in both principal and inhibitory neurons throughout the central nervous system, including prominent expression in hippocampal neurons. Studies of in vitro preparations suggest that Kv2.1 is a key yet conditional regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability, mediated by changes in Kv2.1 expression, localization and function via activity-dependent regulation of Kv2.1 phosphorylation. Here we identify neurological and behavioral deficits in mutant (Kv2.1(-/-) ) mice lacking this channel. Kv2.1(-/-) mice have grossly normal characteristics. No impairment in vision or motor coordination was apparent, although Kv2.1(-/-) mice exhibit reduced body weight. The anatomic structure and expression of related Kv channels in the brains of Kv2.1(-/-) mice appear unchanged. Delayed rectifier potassium current is diminished in hippocampal neurons cultured from Kv2.1(-/-) animals. Field recordings from hippocampal slices of Kv2.1(-/-) mice reveal hyperexcitability in response to the convulsant bicuculline, and epileptiform activity in response to stimulation. In Kv2.1(-/-) mice, long-term potentiation at the Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapse is decreased. Kv2.1(-/-) mice are strikingly hyperactive, and exhibit defects in spatial learning, failing to improve performance in a Morris Water Maze task. Kv2.1(-/-) mice are hypersensitive to the effects of the convulsants flurothyl and pilocarpine, consistent with a role for Kv2.1 as a conditional suppressor of neuronal activity. Although not prone to spontaneous seizures, Kv2.1(-/-) mice exhibit accelerated seizure progression. Together, these findings suggest homeostatic suppression of elevated neuronal activity by Kv2.1 plays a central role in regulating neuronal network function.

Single-cell RT-PCR, a technique to decipher the electrical, anatomical, and genetic determinants of neuronal diversity

The patch-clamp technique has allowed for detailed studies on the electrical properties of neurons. Dye loading through patch pipettes enabled characterizing the morphological properties of the neurons. In addition, the patch-clamp technique also allows for harvesting mRNA from single cells to study gene expression at the single cell level (known as single-cell RT-PCR). The combination of these three approaches makes possible the study of the GEM profile of neurons (gene expression, electrophysiology, and morphology) using a single patch pipette and patch-clamp recording. This combination provides a powerful technique to investigate and correlate the neuron's gene expression with its phenotype (electrical behavior and morphology). The harvesting and amplification of single cell mRNA for gene expression studies is a challenging task, especially for researchers with sparse or no training in molecular biology (see Notes 1,2 and 5). Here we describe in detail the GEM profiling approach with special attention to the gene expression profiling.

Voltage-gated potassium channels at the crossroads of neuronal function, ischemic tolerance, and neurodegeneration

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and are crucial mediators of neuronal excitability. Importantly, these channels also actively participate in cellular and molecular signaling pathways that regulate the life and death of neurons. Injury-mediated increased K(+) efflux through Kv2.1 channels promotes neuronal apoptosis, contributing to widespread neuronal loss in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. In contrast, some forms of neuronal activity can dramatically alter Kv2.1 channel phosphorylation levels and influence their localization. These changes are normally accompanied by modifications in channel voltage dependence, which may be neuroprotective within the context of ischemic injury. Kv1 and Kv7 channel dysfunction leads to neuronal hyperexcitability that critically contributes to the pathophysiology of human clinical disorders such as episodic ataxia and epilepsy. This review summarizes the neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and neuroregulatory roles of Kv channels and highlights the consequences of Kv channel dysfunction on neuronal physiology. The studies described in this review thus underscore the importance of normal Kv channel function in neurons and emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting Kv channels in the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases.

Potassium channels in Drosophila: historical breakthroughs, significance, and perspectives

Drosophila has enabled important breakthroughs in K(+) channel research, including identification and fi rst cloning of a voltage-activated K(+) channel, Shaker, a founding member of the K(V)1 family. Drosophila has also helped in discovering other K(+) channels, such as Shab, Shaw, Shal, Eag, Sei, Elk, and also Slo, a Ca(2+) - and voltage-dependent K(+) channel. These findings have contributed significantly to our understanding of ion channels and their role in physiology. Drosophila continues to play an important role in ion channel studies, benefiting from an unparalleled arsenal of genetic tools and availability of tens of thousands of genetically modified strains. These tools allow deletion, expression, or misexpression of almost any gene in question with temporal and spatial control. The combination of these tools and resources with the use of forward genetic approach in Drosophila further enhances its strength as a model system. There are many areas in which Drosophila can further help our understanding of ion channels and their function. These include signaling pathways involved in regulating and modulating ion channels, basic information on channels and currents where very little is currently known, and the role of ion channels in physiology and pathology.

Mutations in KCND3 cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 22

OBJECTIVE

To identify the causative gene in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 22, an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia mapped to chromosome 1p21-q23.

METHODS

We previously characterized a large Chinese family with progressive ataxia designated SCA22, which overlaps with the locus of SCA19. The disease locus in a French family and an Ashkenazi Jewish American family was also mapped to this region. Members from all 3 families were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify candidate mutations, which were narrowed by linkage analysis and confirmed by Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analyses. Mutational analyses were also performed in 105 Chinese and 55 Japanese families with cerebellar ataxia. Mutant gene products were examined in a heterologous expression system to address the changes in protein localization and electrophysiological functions.

RESULTS

We identified heterozygous mutations in the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv4.3-encoding gene KCND3: an in-frame 3-nucleotide deletion c.679_681delTTC p.F227del in both the Chinese and French pedigrees, and a missense mutation c.1034G>T p.G345V in the Ashkenazi Jewish family. Direct sequencing of KCND3 further identified 3 mutations, c.1034G>T p.G345V, c.1013T>C p.V338E, and c.1130C>T p.T377M, in 3 Japanese kindreds. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the mutant p.F227del Kv4.3 subunits were retained in the cytoplasm, consistent with the lack of A-type K(+) channel conductance in whole cell patch-clamp recordings.

INTERPRETATION

Our data identify the cause of SCA19/22 in patients of diverse ethnic origins as mutations in KCND3. These findings further emphasize the important role of ion channels as key regulators of neuronal excitability in the pathogenesis of cerebellar degeneration.

A defined heteromeric KV1 channel stabilizes the intrinsic pacemaking and regulates the output of deep cerebellar nuclear neurons to thalamic targets

The output of the cerebellum to the motor axis of the central nervous system is orchestrated mainly by synaptic inputs and intrinsic pacemaker activity of deep cerebellar nuclear (DCN) projection neurons. Herein, we demonstrate that the soma of these cells is enriched with K(V)1 channels produced by mandatory multi-merization of K(V)1.1, 1.2 α and KV β2 subunits. Being constitutively active, the K(+) current (IK(V)1) mediated by these channels stabilizes the rate and regulates the temporal precision of self-sustained firing of these neurons. Placed strategically, IK(V)1 provides a powerful counter-balance to prolonged depolarizing inputs, attenuates the rebound excitation, and dampens the membrane potential bi-stability. Somatic location with low activation threshold render IK(V)1 instrumental in voltage-dependent de-coupling of the axon initial segment from the cell body of projection neurons, impeding invasion of back-propagating action potentials into the somato-dendritic compartment. The latter is also demonstrated to secure the dominance of clock-like somatic pacemaking in driving the regenerative firing activity of these neurons, to encode time variant inputs with high fidelity. Through the use of multi-compartmental modelling and retro-axonal labelling, the physiological significance of the described functions for processing and communication of information from the lateral DCN to thalamic relay nuclei is established.

Influences of membrane properties on phase response curve and synchronization stability in a model globus pallidus neuron

The activity patterns of the globus pallidus (GPe) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) are closely associated with motor function and dysfunction in the basal ganglia. In the pathological state caused by dopamine depletion, the STN-GPe network exhibits rhythmic synchronous activity accompanied by rebound bursts in the STN. Therefore, the mechanism of activity transition is a key to understand basal ganglia functions. As synchronization in GPe neurons could induce pathological STN rebound bursts, it is important to study how synchrony is generated in the GPe. To clarify this issue, we applied the phase-reduction technique to a conductance-based GPe neuronal model in order to derive the phase response curve (PRC) and interaction function between coupled GPe neurons. Using the PRC and interaction function, we studied how the steady-state activity of the GPe network depends on intrinsic membrane properties, varying ionic conductances on the membrane. We noted that a change in persistent sodium current, fast delayed rectifier Kv3 potassium current, M-type potassium current and small conductance calcium-dependent potassium current influenced the PRC shape and the steady state. The effect of those currents on the PRC shape could be attributed to extension of the firing period and reduction of the phase response immediately after an action potential. In particular, the slow potassium current arising from the M-type potassium and the SK current was responsible for the reduction of the phase response. These results suggest that the membrane property modulation controls synchronization/asynchronization in the GPe and the pathological pattern of STN-GPe activity.

Functional connectivity and integrative properties of globus pallidus neurons

The globus pallidus consists of the external (GPe) and the internal (GPi) segments. The GPe and GPi have different functional roles. The GPe is located centrally within multiple basal ganglia feedforward and feedback connections. The GPi is an output nucleus of the basal ganglia. A complex interplay between intrinsic pacemaking conductances and the balance of glutamatergic and GABAergic input largely determines the rate and pattern of firing of pallidal neurons. The initial part of this article introduces recent findings made in vivo that are related to the roles of glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs in the control of pallidal activity. The latter part describes the roles of intrinsic mechanisms of GPe neurons in the integration of the synaptic inputs. The presence of dendritic voltage-gated sodium channels may allow the initiation of dendritic spikes, giving distal inputs on the long and thin GPe dendrites an opportunity to strongly shape spiking activity. Basal ganglia disorders including Parkinson's disease, hemiballismus, and dystonias are accompanied by increased irregularity and synchronized bursts of pallidal activity. These changes may be in part due to changes in the GABA release in the GPe and GPi, but also involve intrinsic cellular changes in pallidal neurons.

Intracellular recordings of subnucleus reticularis dorsalis neurones revealed novel electrophysiological properties and windup mechanisms

Aδ- and/or C-fibre nociceptive inputs drive subnucleus reticularis dorsalis (SRD) neurones projecting to a variety of regions including the spinal cord and the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NRGc), but their electrophysiological properties are largely unknown. Here we intracellularly recorded the SRD neuronal responses to injection of polarising current pulses as well as to electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal posterior quadrant (PQ) and the NRGc. Three different classes of neurones with distinct electrophysiological properties were found: type I were characterised by the absence of a fast postspike hyperpolarisation, type II by the presence of a postspike hyperpolarisation followed by a depolarisation resembling low threshold calcium spikes (LTSs), and type III (lacking LTSs) had a fast postspike hyperpolarisation deinactivating A-like potassium channels leading to enlarged interspike intervals. All three classes generated depolarising sags to hyperpolarising current pulses and showed 3-4.5 Hz subthreshold oscillatory activity leading to windup when intracellularly injecting low-frequency repetitive depolarising pulses as well as in response to 0.5-2 Hz NRGc and PQ electrical stimulation. About half of the 132 sampled neurones responded antidromically to NRGc stimulation with more than 65% of the NRGc-antidromic cells, pertaining to all three types, also responding antidromically to PQ stimulation. NRGc stimulation induced exclusively excitatory first-synaptic-responses whilst PQ stimulation induced first-response excitation in most cases, but inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in a few type II and type III neurones not projecting to the spinal cord that also displayed cumulative inhibitory effects (inverse windup). The results show that SRD cells (i) can actively regulate different temporal firing patterns due to their intrinsic electrophysiological properties, (ii) generate windup upon gradual membrane depolarisation produced by low-frequency intracellular current injection and by C-fibre tonic input, both processes leading subthreshold oscillations to threshold, and (iii) collateralise to the NRGc and the spinal cord, potentially providing simultaneous regulation of ascending noxious information and motor reactions to pain.

Activity-dependent phosphorylation of neuronal Kv2.1 potassium channels by CDK5

Dynamic modulation of ion channel expression, localization, and/or function drives plasticity in intrinsic neuronal excitability. Voltage-gated Kv2.1 potassium channels are constitutively maintained in a highly phosphorylated state in neurons. Increased neuronal activity triggers rapid calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation, loss of channel clustering, and hyperpolarizing shifts in voltage-dependent activation that homeostatically suppress neuronal excitability. These changes are reversible, such that rephosphorylation occurs after removal of excitatory stimuli. Here, we show that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), a Pro-directed Ser/Thr protein kinase, directly phosphorylates Kv2.1, and determines the constitutive level of Kv2.1 phosphorylation, the rapid increase in Kv2.1 phosphorylation upon acute blockade of neuronal activity, and the recovery of Kv2.1 phosphorylation after stimulus-induced dephosphorylation. We also demonstrate that although the phosphorylation state of Kv2.1 is also shaped by the activity of the PP1 protein phosphatase, the regulation of Kv2.1 phosphorylation by CDK5 is not mediated through the previously described regulation of PP1 activity by CDK5. Together, these studies support a novel role for CDK5 in regulating Kv2.1 channels through direct phosphorylation.

Potassium currents of olfactory bulb juxtaglomerular cells: characterization, simulation, and implications for plateau potential firing

Odor identity is encoded by the activity of olfactory bulb glomeruli, which receive primary sensory input and transfer it to projection neurons. Juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs) may influence glomerular processing via firing of long lasting plateau potentials. Though inward currents have been investigated, little is known regarding potassium current contribution to JGC plateau potentials. We pursued study of these currents, with the overarching goal of creating components for a computational model of JGC plateau potential firing. In conditions minimizing calcium-activated potassium current (I(K(Ca))), we used whole cell voltage clamp and in vitro slice preparations to characterize three potassium currents in rat JGCs. The prominent component I(kt1) displayed rapid kinetics (τ(10%-90% rise), 0.6-2 ms; τ(inactivation), 5-10 ms) and was blocked by high concentration 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) (5 mM) and tetramethylammonium (TEA) (40 mM). It had half maximal activation at -10 mV (V(½)max) and little inactivation at rest. I(kt2), with slower kinetics (τ(10%-90% rise), 11-15 ms; τ(inactivation), 100-300 ms), was blocked by low concentration 4-AP (0.5 mM) and TEA (5 mM). The V(½)max was 0 mV and inactivation was also minimal at rest. Sustained current I(kt3) showed sensitivity to low concentration 4-AP and TEA, and had V(½)max of +10 mV. Further experiments, in conditions of physiologic calcium buffering, suggested that I(K(Ca)) contributed to I(kt3) with minimal effect on plateau potential evolution. We transformed these characterizations into Hodgkin-Huxley models that robustly mimicked experimental data. Further simulation demonstrated that I(kt1) would be most efficiently activated by plateau potential waveforms, predicting a critical role in shaping JGC firing. These studies demonstrated that JGCs possess a unique potassium current profile, with delayed rectifier (I(kt3)), atypical A-current (I(kt1)), and D-current (I(kt2)) in accordance with known expression patterns in olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli. Our simulations also provide an initial framework for more integrative models of JGC plateau potential firing.

Using computer simulations to determine the limitations of dynamic clamp stimuli applied at the soma in mimicking distributed conductance sources

In previous studies we used the technique of dynamic clamp to study how temporal modulation of inhibitory and excitatory inputs control the frequency and precise timing of spikes in neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). Although this technique is now widely used, it is limited to interpreting conductance inputs as being location independent; i.e., all inputs that are biologically distributed across the dendritic tree are applied to the soma. We used computer simulations of a morphologically realistic model of DCN neurons to compare the effects of purely somatic vs. distributed dendritic inputs in this cell type. We applied the same conductance stimuli used in our published experiments to the model. To simulate variability in neuronal responses to repeated stimuli, we added a somatic white current noise to reproduce subthreshold fluctuations in the membrane potential. We were able to replicate our dynamic clamp results with respect to spike rates and spike precision for different patterns of background synaptic activity. We found only minor differences in the spike pattern generation between focal or distributed input in this cell type even when strong inhibitory or excitatory bursts were applied. However, the location dependence of dynamic clamp stimuli is likely to be different for each cell type examined, and the simulation approach developed in the present study will allow a careful assessment of location dependence in all cell types.

Determinants of synaptic integration and heterogeneity in rebound firing explored with data-driven models of deep cerebellar nucleus cells

Significant inroads have been made to understand cerebellar cortical processing but neural coding at the output stage of the cerebellum in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) remains poorly understood. The DCN are unlikely to just present a relay nucleus because Purkinje cell inhibition has to be turned into an excitatory output signal, and DCN neurons exhibit complex intrinsic properties. In particular, DCN neurons exhibit a range of rebound spiking properties following hyperpolarizing current injection, raising the question how this could contribute to signal processing in behaving animals. Computer modeling presents an ideal tool to investigate how intrinsic voltage-gated conductances in DCN neurons could generate the heterogeneous firing behavior observed, and what input conditions could result in rebound responses. To enable such an investigation we built a compartmental DCN neuron model with a full dendritic morphology and appropriate active conductances. We generated a good match of our simulations with DCN current clamp data we recorded in acute slices, including the heterogeneity in the rebound responses. We then examined how inhibitory and excitatory synaptic input interacted with these intrinsic conductances to control DCN firing. We found that the output spiking of the model reflected the ongoing balance of excitatory and inhibitory input rates and that changing the level of inhibition performed an additive operation. Rebound firing following strong Purkinje cell input bursts was also possible, but only if the chloride reversal potential was more negative than −70 mV to allow de-inactivation of rebound currents. Fast rebound bursts due to T-type calcium current and slow rebounds due to persistent sodium current could be differentially regulated by synaptic input, and the pattern of these rebounds was further influenced by HCN current. Our findings suggest that active properties of DCN neurons could play a crucial role for signal processing in the cerebellum.

Functional expression of large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels in lateral globus pallidus neurons

The presence of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels, which are considered to play an important role in the excitability of neurons, in the highly-excitable lateral globus pallidus (LGP) neurons has yet to be confirmed. In this study, we confirmed the functional expression of BK channels in mouse LGP neurons and investigated the characteristics of their single-channel currents using inside-out patch-clamp recordings. These BK channels had a conductance of 276 pS, were activated by the elevation of both the transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), and were completely blocked by the BK channel-specific blocker paxilline (100 nM). In addition, the channel currents were sensitive to high-energy phosphate compounds and low internal pH. The cellular function of these BK channels was then investigated by nystatin-perforated whole-cell recording. Paxilline (100 nM) had no effect on the frequency and half-width of the action potential (AP) in LGP neurons under control conditions, but significantly attenuated the hyperpolarization that was caused by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), an inhibitor of ATP synthesis. In addition, the pancreatic beta-cell type ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP) channel) blocker tolbutamide (0.25 mM) also attenuated the hyperpolarization, in a manner similar to paxilline. The voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2 mM) significantly decreased the frequency and increased the half-width of the AP in LGP neurons under control conditions, and attenuated CCCP-induced hyperpolarization to an extent close to that of paxilline. The results presented here suggest that functional BK channels are present in LGP neurons, and may behave as partners of K(ATP) channels in the regulation of neuronal activity under metabolic stress conditions.

Mechanisms of Kv2.1 channel inhibition by celecoxib--modification of gating and channel block

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors such as rofecoxib (Vioxx) and celecoxib (Celebrex) were developed as NSAIDs with reduced gastric side effects. Celecoxib has now been shown to affect cellular physiology via an unexpected, COX-independent, pathway - by inhibiting K(v)2.1 and other ion channels. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the action of celecoxib on K(v)2.1 channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The mode of action of celecoxib on rat K(v)2.1 channels was studied by whole-cell patch-clamping to record currents from channels expressed in HEK-293 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Celecoxib reduced current through K(v)2.1 channels when applied from the extracellular side. At low concentrations (<or=3 microM), celecoxib accelerated kinetics of activation, deactivation and inactivation. Recovery of rat K(v)2.1 channels from inactivation could be characterized by two components, with celecoxib selectively accelerating the slow component of recovery at <or=10 microM. At >3 microM, celecoxib led to closed-channel block with relative slowing of activation. At 30 microM, it additionally induced open-channel block that manifested in use-dependent inhibition and slower recovery from inactivation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Celecoxib reduced current through K(v)2.1 channels by modifying gating and inducing closed- and open-channel block, with the three effects manifesting at different concentrations. These data will help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of this widely prescribed drug on ion channels and those underlying its neurological, cardiovascular and other effects.

Shaker and Shal mediate transient calcium-independent potassium current in a Drosophila flight motoneuron

Ionic currents underlie the firing patterns, excitability, and synaptic integration of neurons. Despite complete sequence information in multiple species, our knowledge about ion channel function in central neurons remains incomplete. This study analyzes the potassium currents of an identified Drosophila flight motoneuron, MN5, in situ. MN5 exhibits four different potassium currents, two fast-activating transient ones and two sustained ones, one of each is calcium activated. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations unravel the specific contributions of Shaker and Shal to the calcium independent transient A-type potassium currents. alpha-dendrotoxin (Shaker specific) and phrixotoxin-2 (Shal specific) block different portions of the transient calcium independent A-type potassium current. Following targeted expression of a Shaker dominant negative transgene in MN5, the remaining A-type potassium current is alpha-dendrotoxin insensitive. In Shal RNAi knock down the remaining A-type potassium current is phrixotoxin-2 insensitive. Additionally, barium blocks calcium-activated potassium currents but also a large portion of phrixotoxin-2-sensitive A-type currents. Targeted knock down of Shaker or Shal channels each cause identical reduction in total potassium current amplitude as acute application of alpha-dendrotoxin or phrixotoxin-2, respectively. This shows that the knock downs do not cause upregulation of potassium channels underlying other A-type channels during development. Immunocytochemistry and targeted expression of modified GFP-tagged Shaker channels with intact targeting sequence in MN5 indicate predominant axonal localization. These data can now be used to investigate the roles of Shaker and Shal for motoneuron intrinsic properties, synaptic integration, and spiking output during behavior by targeted genetic manipulations.

Quantifying the neural elements activated and inhibited by globus pallidus deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) is an effective therapy option for controlling the motor symptoms of medication-refractory Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Despite the clinical successes of GPi DBS, the precise therapeutic mechanisms are unclear and questions remain on the optimal electrode placement and stimulation parameter selection strategies. In this study, we developed a three-dimensional computational model of GPi-DBS in nonhuman primates to investigate how membrane channel dynamics, synaptic inputs, and axonal collateralization contribute to the neural responses generated during stimulation. We focused our analysis on three general neural elements that surround GPi-DBS electrodes: GPi somatodendritic segments, GPi efferent axons, and globus pallidus pars externa (GPe) fibers of passage. During high-frequency electrical stimulation (136 Hz), somatic activity in the GPi showed interpulse excitatory phases at 1-3 and 4-5.5 ms. When including stimulation-induced GABA(A) and AMPA receptor dynamics into the model, the somatic firing patterns continued to be entrained to the stimulation, but the overall firing rate was reduced (78.7 to 25.0 Hz, P < 0.001). In contrast, axonal output from GPi neurons remained largely time-locked to each pulse of the stimulation train. Similar entrainment was also observed in GPe efferents, a majority of which have been shown to project through GPi en route to the subthalamic nucleus. The models suggest that pallidal DBS may have broader network effects than previously realized and the modes of therapy may depend on the relative proportion of GPi and/or GPe efferents that are directly affected by the stimulation.

Ionic channel function in action potential generation: current perspective

Over 50 years ago, Hodgkin and Huxley laid down the foundations of our current understanding of ionic channels. An impressive progress has been made during the following years that culminated in the revelation of the details of potassium channel structure. Nevertheless, even today, we cannot separate well currents recorded in central mammalian neurons. Many modern concepts about the function of sodium and potassium currents are based on experiments performed in nonmammalian cells. The recent recognition of the fast delayed rectifier current indicates that we need to reevaluate the biophysical role of sodium and potassium currents. This review will consider high quality voltage clamp data obtained from the soma of central mammalian neurons in the view of our current knowledge about proteins forming ionic channels. Fast sodium currents and three types of outward potassium currents, the delayed rectifier, the subthreshold A-type, and the D-type potassium currents, are discussed here. An updated current classification with biophysical role of each current subtype is provided. This review shows that details of kinetics of both sodium and outward potassium currents differ significantly from the classical descriptions and these differences may be of functional significance.

Voltage-gated potassium currents within the dorsal vagal nucleus: inhibition by BDS toxin

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are essential components of neuronal excitability. The Kv3.4 channel protein is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), where it can form heteromeric or homomeric Kv3 channels. Electrophysiological studies reported here highlight a functional role for this channel protein within neurons of the dorsal vagal nucleus (DVN). Current clamp experiments revealed that blood depressing substance (BDS) and intracellular dialysis of an anti-Kv3.4 antibody prolonged the action potential duration. In addition, a BDS sensitive, voltage-dependent, slowly inactivating outward current was observed in voltage clamp recordings from DVN neurons. Electrical stimulation of the solitary tract evoked EPSPs and IPSPs in DVN neurons and BDS increased the average amplitude and decreased the paired pulse ratio, consistent with a presynaptic site of action. This presynaptic modulation was action potential dependent as revealed by ongoing synaptic activity. Given the role of the Kv3 proteins in shaping neuronal excitability, these data highlight a role for homomeric Kv3.4 channels in spike timing and neurotransmitter release in low frequency firing neurons of the DVN.

Kv2 subunits underlie slowly inactivating potassium current in rat neocortical pyramidal neurons

We determined the expression of Kv2 channel subunits in rat somatosensory and motor cortex and tested for the contributions of Kv2 subunits to slowly inactivating K+ currents in supragranular pyramidal neurons. Single cell RT-PCR showed that virtually all pyramidal cells expressed Kv2.1 mRNA and approximately 80% expressed Kv2.2 mRNA. Immunocytochemistry revealed striking differences in the distribution of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 subunits. Kv2.1 subunits were clustered and located on somata and proximal dendrites of all pyramidal cells. Kv2.2 subunits were primarily distributed on large apical dendrites of a subset of pyramidal cells from deep layers. We used two methods for isolating currents through Kv2 channels after excluding contributions from Kv1 subunits: intracellular diffusion of Kv2.1 antibodies through the recording pipette and extracellular application of rStromatoxin-1 (ScTx). The Kv2.1 antibody specifically blocked the slowly inactivating K+ current by 25-50% (at 8 min), demonstrating that Kv2.1 subunits underlie much of this current in neocortical pyramidal neurons. ScTx (300 nM) also inhibited approximately 40% of the slowly inactivating K+ current. We observed occlusion between the actions of Kv2.1 antibody and ScTx. In addition, Kv2.1 antibody- and ScTx-sensitive currents demonstrated similar recovery from inactivation and voltage dependence and kinetics of activation and inactivation. These data indicate that both agents targeted the same channels. Considering the localization of Kv2.1 and 2.2 subunits, currents from truncated dissociated cells are probably dominated by Kv2.1 subunits. Compared with Kv2.1 currents in expression systems, the Kv2.1 current in neocortical pyramidal cells activated and inactivated at relatively negative potentials and was very sensitive to holding potential.

Defining the dopamine transporter proteome by convergent biochemical and in silico analyses

Monoamine transporters play a key role in neuronal signaling by mediating reuptake of neurotransmitters from the synapse. The function of the dopamine transporter (DAT), an important member of this family of transporters, is regulated by multiple signaling mechanisms, which result in altered cell surface trafficking of DAT. Protein-protein interactions are likely critical for this mode of transporter regulation. In this study, we identified proteins associated with DAT by immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by mass spectrometry. We identified 20 proteins with diverse cellular functions that can be classified as trafficking proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, ion channels and extracellular matrix-associated proteins. DAT was found to associate with the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv2.1 and synapsin Ib, a protein involved in regulating neurotransmitter release. An in silico analysis provided evidence for common transcriptional regulation of the DAT proteome genes. In summary, this study identified a network of proteins that are primary candidates for functional regulation of the DAT, an important player in mechanisms of mental disorders and drug addiction.

A model for mammalian cochlear hair cell differentiation in vitro: effects of retinoic acid on cytoskeletal proteins and potassium conductances

We have established a model for the in-vitro differentiation of mouse cochlear hair cells and have used it to explore the influence of retinoic acid on proliferation, cytoskeletal proteins and voltage-gated potassium conductances. The model is based on the conditionally immortal cell line University of Sheffield/ventral otocyst-epithelial cell line clone 36 (US/VOT-E36), derived from ventral otic epithelial cells of the mouse at embryonic day 10.5 and transfected with a reporter for myosin VIIa. Retinoic acid did not increase cell proliferation but led to up-regulation of myosin VIIa and formation of prominent actin rings that gave rise to numerous large, linear actin bundles. Cells expressing myosin VIIa had larger potassium conductances and did not express the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1). US/VOT-E36 endogenously expressed the voltage-gated potassium channel alpha-subunits Kv1.3 and Kv2.1, which we subsequently identified in embryonic and neonatal hair cells in both auditory and vestibular sensory epithelia in vivo. These subunits could underlie the embryonic and neonatal delayed-rectifiers recorded in nascent hair cells in vivo. Kv2.1 was particularly prominent on the basolateral membrane of cochlear inner hair cells. Kv1.3 was distributed throughout all hair cells but tended to be localized to the cuticular plates. US/VOT-E36 recapitulates a coherent pattern of cell differentiation under the influence of retinoic acid and will provide a convenient model for screening the effects of other extrinsic factors on the differentiation of cochlear epithelial cell types in vitro.

Single-cell RT-PCR, a technique to decipher the electrical, anatomical, and genetic determinants of neuronal diversity

The patch-clamp technique has allowed detailed studies on the electrical properties of neurons. Dye loading through patch pipettes has allowed characterizing the morphological properties of the neurons. In addition, the patch-clamp technique also allows harvesting mRNA from single cells to study gene expression at the single-cell level (known as single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] [1-3]). The combination of these three approaches allows determination of the Gene expression, Electrophysiology and Morphology (GEM) profile of neurons (gene expression, electrophysiology, and morphology) using a single patch pipette and patch-clamp recording. This combination provides a powerful technique to study and correlate the neuron's gene expression with its phenotype (electrical behavior and morphology) ( 4 - 7 ). The harvesting and amplification of single-cell mRNA for gene expression studies is a challenging task, especially for researchers with sparse or no training in molecular biology (see Notes 1 and 2). Here, we describe in detail the GEM profiling approach with special attention to the gene expression profiling.

cAMP/protein kinase A signalling pathway protects against neuronal apoptosis and is associated with modulation of Kv2.1 in cerebellar granule cells

Previously, we have reported that apoptosis of cerebellar granular neurons induced by incubation in 5 mm K(+) and serum-free medium (LK-S) was associated with an increase in the delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(K)). Here, we show that I(K) associated with apoptotic neurons is mainly encoded by a Kv2.1 subunit. Silencing Kv2.1 expression by small interfering RNA reduces I(K) and increases neuron viability. Forskolin is able to decrease the I(K) amplitude recording from neurons of both the LK-S and control group, and prevents apoptosis of granule cells that are induced by LK-S. Dibutyryl cAMP mimicks the effect of forskolin on the modulation of I(K) and, accordingly, the inhibitor of protein kinase A, H-89, aborts the neuron-protective effect induced by forskolin. Whereas the expression of Kv2.1 was silenced by Kv2.1 small interfering RNA, the inhibition of forskolin on the current amplitude was significantly reduced. Quantitative RT-PCR and whole-cell recording revealed that the expression of Kv2.1 was elevated in the apoptotic neurons, and forskolin significantly depressed the expression of Kv2.1. We conclude that the protection against apoptosis via the protein kinase A pathway is associated with a double modulation on I(K) channel properties and its expression of alpha-subunit that is mainly encoded by the Kv2.1 gene.

Behavioral motor dysfunction in Kv3-type potassium channel-deficient mice

The voltage-gated potassium channels Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 are expressed in several distinct neuronal subpopulations in brain areas known to be involved in motor control such as cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Depending on the lack of Kv3.1 or Kv3.3 channel subunits, mutant mice show different Kv3-null allele-dependent behavioral alterations that include constitutive hyperactivity, sleep loss, impaired motor performance and, in the case of the Kv3.1/Kv3.3 double mutant, also severe ataxia, tremor and myoclonus (Espinosa et al. 2001, J Neurosci 21, 6657-6665, Genes, Brain Behav 3, 90-100). The lack of Kv3.1 channel subunits is mainly responsible for the constitutively increased locomotor activity and for sleep loss, whereas the absence of Kv3.3 subunits affects cerebellar function, in particular Purkinje cell discharges and olivocerebellar system properties (McMahon et al. 2004, Eur J Neurosci 19, 3317-3327). Here, we describe two sensitive and non-invasive tests to reliably quantify normal and abnormal motor functions, and we apply these tests to characterize motor dysfunction in Kv3-mutant mice. In contrast to wildtype and Kv3.1-single mutants, Kv3.3-single mutants and Kv3 mutants lacking three and four Kv3 alleles display Kv3-null allele-dependent gait alterations. Although the Kv3-null allele-dependent gait changes correlate with reduced motor performance, they appear to not affect the training-induced improvement of motor performance. These findings suggest that altered cerebellar physiology in the absence of Kv3.3 channels is responsible for impaired motor task execution but not motor task learning.

Multifunctional drugs with different CNS targets for neuropsychiatric disorders

The multiple disease etiologies that lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, schizophrenia, depressive illness and stroke, offer significant challenges to drug discovery efforts aimed at preventing or even reversing the progression of these disorders. Transcriptomic tools and proteomic profiling have clearly indicated that such diseases are multifactorial in origin. Further, they are thought to be initiated by a cascade of molecular events that involve several neurotransmitter systems. In response to this complexity, a new paradigm has recently emerged that challenges the widely held assumption that 'silver bullet' agents are superior to 'dirty drugs' in therapeutic approaches aimed at the prevention or treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. A similar pattern of drug development has occurred in strategies for the treatment of cancer, AIDS and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we offer an overview of therapeutic strategies and novel investigative drugs discovered or developed in our own and other laboratories, that address multiple CNS etiological targets associated with an array of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Two Opposing Roles of 4-AP–Sensitive K+ Current in Initiation and Invasion of Spikes in Rat Mesencephalic Trigeminal Neurons

The axon initial segment plays important roles in spike initiation and invasion of axonal spikes into the soma. Among primary sensory neurons, those in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) are exceptional in their ability to initiate soma spikes (S-spikes) in response to synaptic inputs, consequently displaying two kinds of S-spikes, one caused by invasion of an axonal spike arising from the sensory receptor and the other initiated by somatic inputs. We investigated where spikes are initiated in such MTN neurons and whether there are any differences between the two kinds of S-spikes. Simultaneous patch-clamp recordings from the soma and axon hillock revealed a spike-backpropagation from the spike-initiation site in the stem axon to the soma in response to 1-ms somatic current pulse, which disclosed the delayed emergence of S-spikes after the current-pulse offset. These initiated S-spikes were smaller in amplitude than S-spikes generated by stimulation of the stem axon; however, 4-AP (≤0.5 mM) eliminated the amplitude difference. Furthermore, 4-AP dramatically shortened the delay in spike initiation without affecting the spike-backpropagation time in the stem axon, whereas it substantially prolonged the refractory period of S-spikes arising from axonal-spike invasion without significantly affecting that of presumed axonal spikes. These observations suggest that 4-AP–sensitive K+ currents exert two opposing effects on S-spikes depending on their origins: suppression of spike initiation and facilitation of axonal-spike invasion at higher frequencies. Consistent with these findings, strong immunoreactivities for Kv1.1 and Kv1.6, among 4-AP–sensitive and low-voltage–activated Kv1 family examined, were detected in the soma but not in the stem axon of MTN neurons.

Mutations in voltage-gated potassium channel KCNC3 cause degenerative and developmental central nervous system phenotypes

Potassium channel mutations have been described in episodic neurological diseases. We report that K+ channel mutations cause disease phenotypes with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative features. In a Filipino adult-onset ataxia pedigree, the causative gene maps to 19q13, overlapping the SCA13 disease locus described in a French pedigree with childhood-onset ataxia and cognitive delay. This region contains KCNC3 (also known as Kv3.3), encoding a voltage-gated Shaw channel with enriched cerebellar expression. Sequencing revealed two missense mutations, both of which alter KCNC3 function in Xenopus laevis expression systems. KCNC3(R420H), located in the voltage-sensing domain, had no channel activity when expressed alone and had a dominant-negative effect when co-expressed with the wild-type channel. KCNC3(F448L) shifted the activation curve in the negative direction and slowed channel closing. Thus, KCNC3(R420H) and KCNC3(F448L) are expected to change the output characteristics of fast-spiking cerebellar neurons, in which KCNC channels confer capacity for high-frequency firing. Our results establish a role for KCNC3 in phenotypes ranging from developmental disorders to adult-onset neurodegeneration and suggest voltage-gated K+ channels as candidates for additional neurodegenerative diseases.

Slow oscillatory activity of rat globus pallidus neurons in vitro

The neurons in the external segment of the pallidum in the primate develop a characteristic firing pattern consisting of alternately occurring long, 2-20 s, strongly active phases and long completely silent phases when the subthalamo-pallidal excitatory inputs are blocked. The induction of the activity might be a factor in the development of dyskinesias after the loss of subthalamic output. In this study, we used globus pallidus (GPe) slice preparations obtained from juvenile rats to examined the conditions that support the alternatively occurring long depolarized and hyperpolarized phases which we refer to as the slow oscillation (SO). SO was not induced by the blockade of glutamatergic inputs but was induced by treatments that depolarized dendrites and, at the same time, hyperpolarized the somata with current injections. The treatments included elevation of extracellular K(+), application of K-current blockers and the lowering of extracellular Ca(2+). Application of TTX or intracellular BAPTA injection blocked the SO, while the SO could be maintained in hyperpolarization-activated inward current blockers, organic Ca-current blockers and up to 200 microm CdCl(2). These results suggest that Na currents play a major role in the generation of SO in vitro. It can be speculated that Na currents are involved in the development of active phases observed in the GPe after blockade of the glutamatergic inputs in vivo and that the unique property of GPe neurons in maintaining strong activity after the elimination of the glutamatergic driving force contributes to the development of motor disorders such as dyskinesia.

Autonomous pacemakers in the basal ganglia: who needs excitatory synapses anyway?

Autonomous pacemakers are crucial elements in many neural circuits. This is particularly true for the basal ganglia. This richly interconnected group of nuclei is rife with both fast- and slow-spiking pacemakers. Our understanding of the ionic mechanisms underlying pacemaking in these neurons is rapidly evolving, yielding new insights into the normal functioning of this network and how it goes awry in pathological states such as Parkinson's disease.

Dopamine modulation of two delayed rectifier potassium currents in a small neural network

Delayed rectifier potassium currents [I(K(V))] generate sustained, noninactivating outward currents with characteristic fast rates of activation and deactivation and play important roles in shaping spike frequency. The pyloric motor network in the stomatogastric ganglion of the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, is made up of one interneuron and 13 motor neurons of five different classes. Dopamine (DA) increases the firing frequencies of the anterior burster (AB), pyloric (PY), lateral pyloric (LP), and inferior cardiac (IC) neurons and decreases the firing frequencies of the pyloric dilator (PD) and ventricular dilator (VD) neurons. In all six types of pyloric neurons, I(K(V)) is small with respect to other K(+) currents. It is made up of at least two TEA-sensitive components that show differential sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine and quinidine, and have differing thresholds of activation. One saturable component is activated at potentials above -25 mV, whereas the second component appears at more depolarized voltages and does not saturate at voltage steps up to +45 mV. The magnitude of the components varies among cell types but also shows considerable variation within a single type. A subset of PY neurons shows a marked enhancement in spike frequency with DA; DA evokes a pronounced reversible increase in I(K(V)) conductance of < or = 30% in the PY neurons studied, and on average significantly increases both components of I(K(V)). The AB neuron also shows a reversible 20% increase in the steady state I(K(V)). DA had no effect on I(K(V)) in PD, LP, VD, and IC neurons. The physiological roles of these currents and their modulation by DA are discussed.

Increase of delayed rectifier potassium currents in large aspiny neurons in the neostriatum following transient forebrain ischemia

Large aspiny (LA) neurons in the neostriatum are resistant to cerebral ischemia whereas spiny neurons are highly vulnerable to the same insult. Excitotoxicity has been implicated as the major cause of neuronal damage after ischemia. Voltage-dependent potassium currents play important roles in controlling neuronal excitability and therefore influence the ischemic outcome. To reveal the ionic mechanisms underlying the ischemia-resistance, the delayed rectifier potassium currents (Ik) in LA neurons were studied before and at different intervals after transient forebrain ischemia using brain slices and acute dissociation preparations. The current density of Ik increased significantly 24 h after ischemia and returned to control levels 72 h following reperfusion. Among currents contributing to Ik, the margatoxin-sensitive currents increased 24 h after ischemia while the KCNQ/M current remained unchanged after ischemia. Activation of protein kinase A (PKA) down-regulated Ik in both control and ischemic LA neurons, whereas inhibition of PKA only up-regulated Ik and margatoxin-sensitive currents 72 h after ischemia, indicating an active PKA regulation on Ik at this time. Protein tyrosine kinases had a tonic inhibition on Ik to a similar extent before and after ischemia. Compared with that of control neurons, the spike width was significantly shortened 24 h after ischemia due to facilitated repolarization, which could be reversed by blocking margatoxin-sensitive currents. The increase of Ik in LA neurons might be one of the protective mechanisms against ischemic insult.

Striatal potassium channel dysfunction in Huntington's disease transgenic mice

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects the projection neurons of the striatum and cerebral cortex. Genetic mouse models of HD have shown that neurons susceptible to the mutation exhibit morphological and electrophysiological dysfunctions before and during development of the behavioral phenotype. We used HD transgenic mouse models to examine inwardly and outwardly rectifying K+ conductances, as well as expression of some related K+ channel subunits. Experiments were conducted in slices and dissociated cells from two mouse models, the R6/2 and TgCAG100, at the beginning and after full development of overt behavioral phenotypes. Striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) from symptomatic transgenic mice had increased input resistances, depolarized resting membrane potentials, and reductions in both inwardly and outwardly rectifying K+ currents. These changes were more dramatic in the R6/2 model than in the TgCAG100. Parallel immunofluorescence studies detected decreases in the expression of K+ channel subunit proteins, Kir2.1, Kir2.3, and Kv2.1 in MSNs, which contribute to the formation of the channel ionophores for these currents. Attenuation in K+ conductances and channel subunit expression contribute to altered electrophysiological properties of MSNs and may partially account for selective cellular vulnerability in the striatum.

RGS9-2 modulates D2 dopamine receptor-mediated Ca2+ channel inhibition in rat striatal cholinergic interneurons

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins negatively regulate receptor-mediated second messenger responses by enhancing the GTPase activity of Galpha subunits. We describe a receptor-specific role for an RGS protein at the level of an individual brain neuron. RGS9-2 and Gbeta(5) mRNA and protein complexes were detected in striatal cholinergic and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons. Dialysis of cholinergic neurons with RGS9 constructs enhanced basal Ca(2+) channel currents and reduced D(2) dopamine receptor modulation of Cav2.2 channels. These constructs did not alter M(2) muscarinic receptor modulation of Cav2.2 currents in the same neuron. The noncatalytic DEP-GGL domain of RGS9 antagonized endogenous RGS9-2 activity, enhancing D(2) receptor modulation of Ca(2+) currents. In vitro, RGS9 constructs accelerated GTPase activity, in agreement with electrophysiological measurements, and did so more effectively at Go than Gi. These results implicate RGS9-2 as a specific regulator of dopamine receptor-mediated signaling in the striatum and identify a role for GAP activity modulation by the DEP-GGL domain.

The MinK-related peptides

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels mediate rapid, selective diffusion of K+ ions through the plasma membrane, controlling cell excitability, secretion and signal transduction. KCNE genes encode a family of single transmembrane domain proteins called MinK-related peptides (MiRPs) that function as ancillary or beta subunits of Kv channels. When co-expressed in heterologous systems, MiRPs confer changes in Kv channel conductance, gating kinetics and pharmacology, and are fundamental to recapitulation of the properties of some native currents. Inherited mutations in KCNE genes are associated with diseases of cardiac and skeletal muscle, and the inner ear. This article reviews our current understanding of MiRPs--their functional roles, the mechanisms underlying their association with Kv alpha subunits, their patterns of native expression and emerging evidence of the potential roles of MiRPs in the brain. The ubiquity of MiRP expression and their promiscuous association with Kv alpha subunits suggest a prominent role for MiRPs in channel dependent systems.

Cell-type-specific splicing of KChIP4 mRNA correlates with slower kinetics of A-type current

In neurons, rapidly inactivating A-type potassium currents regulate repetitive firing and sensitivity to synaptic inputs both in the soma and in the dendrites. It has been established that Kv4 family subunits with several modifying proteins such as KChIPs are responsible for A-type current in most neurons. However, it is not clear which of these modifying proteins are responsible for the observed difference in the properties of A-type currents in the neurons. For example, in globus pallidus (GP) and basal forebrain (BF) neurons in rats, A-type current possesses a slowly inactivating (tau > 80 ms) component of inactivation that is absent in the currents obtained from striatal cholinergic interneurons (StrI) and hippocampal area CA1 pyramidal neurons (HIP). It has been shown that KChIP4 splice variant A but not splice variant B can increase inactivation rates of Kv4 current to > 100 ms in Xenopus oocytes. We tested the hypothesis that cell-specific expression of KChIP4A is responsible for the slow inactivation of A-type current in these neurons. Employing single-cell RT-PCR in acutely dissociated rat neurons, KChIP4A mRNA was detected in 12/14 GP cells and in 12/14 BF neurons whereas it was not detected in any StrI or HIP cells. By contrast, the KChIP4 splice variant B was detected in all four types of cells. Moreover, deactivation rates at -100 mV were slower in BF and GP cells than in StrI and HIP neurons as expected, owing to the presence KChIP4A in BF and GP neurons. These data are consistent with our initial hypothesis.

Allele-dependent changes of olivocerebellar circuit properties in the absence of the voltage-gated potassium channels Kv3.1 and Kv3.3

Double-mutant mice (DKO) lacking the two voltage-gated K(+) channels Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 display a series of phenotypic alterations that include ataxia, myoclonus, tremor and alcohol hypersensitivity. The prominent cerebellar expression of mRNAs encoding Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits raised the question as to whether altered electrical activity resulting from the lack of these K(+) channels might be related to the dramatic motor changes. We used the tremorogenic agent harmaline to probe mutant mice lacking different K(+) channel alleles for altered olivocerebellar circuit properties. Harmaline induced the characteristic 13-Hz tremor in wildtype mice (WT); however, no tremor was observed in DKO suggesting that the ensemble properties of the olivocerebellar circuitry are altered in the absence of Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits. Harmaline induced tremor in Kv3.1-single mutants, but it was of smaller amplitude and at a lower frequency indicating the participation of Kv3.1 subunits in normal olivocerebellar system function. In contrast, harmaline tremor was virtually absent in Kv3.3-single mutants indicating an essential role for Kv3.3 subunits in tremor induction by harmaline. Immunohistochemical staining for Kv3.3 showed clear expression in the somata and proximal dendrites of Purkinje cells and in their axonal projections to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). In DCN, both Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits are expressed. Action potential duration is increased by approximately 100% in Purkinje cells from Kv3.3-single mutants compared to WT or Kv3.1-single mutants. We conclude that Kv3.3 channel subunits are essential for the olivocerebellar system to generate and sustain normal harmaline tremor whereas Kv3.1 subunits influence tremor amplitude and frequency.