1
|
Wang M, Li Z, Song Y, Sun Q, Deng L, Lin Z, Zeng Y, Qiu C, Lin J, Guo H, Chen J, Guo W. Genetic tagging of the adenosine A2A receptor reveals its heterogeneous expression in brain regions. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:978641. [PMID: 36059431 PMCID: PMC9434489 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.978641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), a G protein-coupled receptor, is involved in numerous and varied physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, immune responses, blood flow, and neurotransmission. Accordingly, it has become an important drug target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the exact brain distribution of A2AR in regions outside the striatum that display relatively low levels of endogenous A2AR expression has hampered the exploration of A2AR functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. To further study the detailed distribution of the A2AR in low-expression regions, we have generated A2AR knock-in mice in which the 3xHA-2xMyc epitope tag sequence was fused to the C-terminus of A2AR (A2AR-tag mice) via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have generated A2AR knock-in mice in which the 3xHA-2xMyc epitope tag sequence was fused to the C-terminus of A2AR (A2AR-tag mice). The A2AR-tag mice exhibited normal locomotor activity and emotional state. Consistent with previous studies, A2AR fluorescence was widely detected in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tubercles, with numerous labeled cells being evident in these regions in the A2AR-tag mouse. Importantly, we also identified the presence of a few but clearly labeled cells in heterogeneous brain regions where A2AR expression has not previously been unambiguously detected, including the lateral septum, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex, and gigantocellular reticular nucleus. The A2AR-tag mouse represents a novel useful genetic tool for monitoring the expression of A2AR and dissecting its functions in brain regions other than the striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muran Wang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zewen Li
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Song
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiuqin Sun
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lu Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiqing Lin
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Shanghai Pregen Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhong Qiu
- Shanghai Pregen Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hui Guo
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiangfan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Jiangfan Chen,
| | - Wei Guo
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Degrandmaison J, Rochon-Haché S, Parent JL, Gendron L. Knock-In Mouse Models to Investigate the Functions of Opioid Receptors in vivo. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:807549. [PMID: 35173584 PMCID: PMC8841419 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.807549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their low expression levels, complex multi-pass transmembrane structure, and the current lack of highly specific antibodies, the assessment of endogenous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains challenging. While most of the research regarding their functions was performed in heterologous systems overexpressing the receptor, recent advances in genetic engineering methods have allowed the generation of several unique mouse models. These animals proved to be useful to investigate numerous aspects underlying the physiological functions of GPCRs, including their endogenous expression, distribution, interactome, and trafficking processes. Given their significant pharmacological importance and central roles in the nervous system, opioid peptide receptors (OPr) are often referred to as prototypical receptors for the study of GPCR regulatory mechanisms. Although only a few GPCR knock-in mouse lines have thus far been generated, OPr are strikingly well represented with over 20 different knock-in models, more than half of which were developed within the last 5 years. In this review, we describe the arsenal of OPr (mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid), as well as the opioid-related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor knock-in mouse models that have been generated over the past years. We further highlight the invaluable contribution of such models to our understanding of the in vivo mechanisms underlying the regulation of OPr, which could be conceivably transposed to any other GPCR, as well as the limitations, future perspectives, and possibilities enabled by such tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Degrandmaison
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Rochon-Haché
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Parent
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Jean-Luc Parent,
| | - Louis Gendron
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Louis Gendron,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kerr N, Holmes FE, Hobson SA, Vanderplank P, Leard A, Balthasar N, Wynick D. The generation of knock-in mice expressing fluorescently tagged galanin receptors 1 and 2. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 68:258-71. [PMID: 26292267 PMCID: PMC4604734 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide galanin has diverse roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems, by activating the G protein-coupled receptors Gal1, Gal2 and the less studied Gal3 (GalR1-3 gene products). There is a wealth of data on expression of Gal1-3 at the mRNA level, but not at the protein level due to the lack of specificity of currently available antibodies. Here we report the generation of knock-in mice expressing Gal1 or Gal2 receptor fluorescently tagged at the C-terminus with, respectively, mCherry or hrGFP (humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein). In dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons expressing the highest levels of Gal1-mCherry, localization to the somatic cell membrane was detected by live-cell fluorescence and immunohistochemistry, and that fluorescence decreased upon addition of galanin. In spinal cord, abundant Gal1-mCherry immunoreactive processes were detected in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn, and highly expressing intrinsic neurons of the lamina III/IV border showed both somatic cell membrane localization and outward transport of receptor from the cell body, detected as puncta within cell processes. In brain, high levels of Gal1-mCherry immunofluorescence were detected within thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdala, with a high density of nerve endings in the external zone of the median eminence, and regions with lesser immunoreactivity included the dorsal raphe nucleus. Gal2-hrGFP mRNA was detected in DRG, but live-cell fluorescence was at the limits of detection, drawing attention to both the much lower mRNA expression than to Gal1 in mice and the previously unrecognized potential for translational control by upstream open reading frames (uORFs).
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Luminescent Proteins/genetics
- Luminescent Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Neurons/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 2/genetics
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 2/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
- Red Fluorescent Protein
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niall Kerr
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Fiona E Holmes
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sally-Ann Hobson
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Penny Vanderplank
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alan Leard
- Wolfson Bioimaging Facility, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Nina Balthasar
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - David Wynick
- Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van Unen J, Woolard J, Rinken A, Hoffmann C, Hill SJ, Goedhart J, Bruchas MR, Bouvier M, Adjobo-Hermans MJW. A Perspective on Studying G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling with Resonance Energy Transfer Biosensors in Living Organisms. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 88:589-95. [PMID: 25972446 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.098897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The last frontier for a complete understanding of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biology is to be able to assess GPCR activity, interactions, and signaling in vivo, in real time within biologically intact systems. This includes the ability to detect GPCR activity, trafficking, dimerization, protein-protein interactions, second messenger production, and downstream signaling events with high spatial resolution and fast kinetic readouts. Resonance energy transfer (RET)-based biosensors allow for all of these possibilities in vitro and in cell-based assays, but moving RET into intact animals has proven difficult. Here, we provide perspectives on the optimization of biosensor design, of signal detection in living organisms, and the multidisciplinary development of in vitro and cell-based assays that more appropriately reflect the physiologic situation. In short, further development of RET-based probes, optical microscopy techniques, and mouse genome editing hold great potential over the next decade to bring real-time in vivo GPCR imaging to the forefront of pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakobus van Unen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Ago Rinken
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Carsten Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Joachim Goedhart
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| | - Merel J W Adjobo-Hermans
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (M.J.W.A.-H.); Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (M.B.); Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.U., J.G.); Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.W., S.J.H.); Bio-Imaging-Center/Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (C.H.); and Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia (A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|