Identification of amino acid residues that are crucial for afidopyropen binding to the TRPV channel of Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Afidopyropen is highly effective against sucking insects, including the Myzus persicae, that modulates the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel. However, the action mechanisms of afidopyropen to the TRPV channel remain unknown. In this study, the genes encoding the Nanchung (MpNan) and Inactive (MpIav) subunits of the TRPV channel of M. persicae (MpTRPV) were cloned, and their spatiotemporal expression profiles were investigated. Then, MpTRPV was functionally expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the AA residues crucial for afidopyropen binding were identified using the two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) technique. The results showed that both MpNan and MpIav exhibited the highest expression in the antennae and were most abundant in the 4th instar nymphs and adults. Knockdown of these two genes by RNAi greatly increased the toxicity of afidopyropen to the aphids. Moreover, the AA residues involved in afidopyropen binding to MpNan were predicted and L412 was further identified as the key residue for binding by TEVC analysis. The results also showed that afdopyropen and pymetrozine share the same binding site. These findings lay a foundation not only for exploring the mechanisms of pest target resistance to afidopyropen and pymetrozine but also for developing new insecticides targeting the TRPV channels of pests.

Sequential purification and characterization of Torpedo californica nAChR-DC supplemented with CHS for high-resolution crystallization studies

Over the past 10 years we have been developing a multi-attribute analytical platform that allows for the preparation of milligram amounts of functional, high-pure, and stable Torpedo (muscle-type) nAChR detergent complexes for crystallization purpose. In the present work, we have been able to significantly improve and optimize the purity and yield of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in detergent complexes (nAChR-DC) without compromising stability and functionality. We implemented new methods in the process, such as analysis and rapid production of samples for future crystallization preparations. Native nAChR was extracted from the electric organ of Torpedo californica using the lipid-like detergent LysoFos Choline 16 (LFC-16), followed by three consecutive steps of chromatography purification. We evaluated the effect of cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) supplementation during the affinity purification steps of nAChR-LFC-16 in terms of receptor secondary structure, stability and functionality. CHS produced significant changes in the degree of β-secondary structure, these changes compromise the diffusion of the nAChR-LFC-16 in lipid cubic phase. The behavior was reversed by Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin treatment. Also, CHS decreased acetylcholine evoked currents of Xenopus leavis oocyte injected with nAChR-LFC-16 in a concentration-dependent manner. Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin treatment do not reverse functionality, however column delipidation produced a functional protein similar to nAChR-LFC-16 without CHS treatment.

Low-Resistance silver bromide electrodes for recording fast ion channel kinetics under voltage clamp conditions

BACKGROUND

Two-electrode voltage clamp is a widely used technique for studying ionic currents. However, fast activation kinetics of ion channels are disguised by the capacitive transient during voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes. The limiting factors of clamp performance include, but are not limited to, amplifier gain, membrane capacitance, and micropipette resistance. Previous work has focused on increasing amplifier gain (e.g.; high performing two-electrode amplifiers) or reducing the membrane capacitance (e.g.; the cut-open technique).

NEW METHOD

The use of an Ag-AgBr electrode with saturated KBr solution to reduce micropipette resistance.

RESULTS

The conductivity of 4 M KBr was 37 % higher compared to 3 M KCl and the micropipette resistance was reduced by 19 % when 4 M KBr was used, compared to the standard 3 M KCl solution. Micropipette resistances correlated positively with capacitive transient durations. Neither the current-voltage relationship of the voltage-gated sodium channel, Nav1.7, nor Xenopus oocyte stability were affected by bromide ions.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

The de facto standard for two-electrode voltage clamp is 3 M KCl and Ag-AgCl electrodes, which are associated an unnecessarily high micropipette resistance. Elsewise, cut-open voltage clamp techniques are technically demanding and require manipulation of the intracellular environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an Ag-AgBr electrode with saturated KBr as micropipette solution reduces the capacitive transient in two-electrode voltage clamp recordings. Moreover, the exchange of chloride against bromide ions does not seem to affect oocyte physiology and ion channel kinetics.

Synthesis of GluN2A-selective NMDA receptor antagonists with an electron-rich aromatic B-ring

Glutamatergic N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are heterotetrameric ion channels that can be comprised of different subunits. GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptors are associated with diseases like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the exact contribution of these NMDA receptor subtypes is still unclear. To understand better the role of the GluN2A-containing receptors, novel ligands were designed. In co-crystallization with the isolated binding site, TCN-201 (1) and analogs adopt a U-shape conformation with parallel orientation of rings A and B. In order to increase the π/π-interactions between these rings, ring B of TCN-201 was replaced bioisosterically by different electron-rich thiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole heterocycles. The inhibitory activity was measured by two-electrode voltage clamp experiments with Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors. It was found that 21c, 31a, 37a, and 37b were able to inhibit the ion channel. The isoxazole derivative 37b was the most potent negative allosteric modulator displaying 40% of the TCN-201 activity at a concentration of 10 μM.

A challenge finding P2X1 and P2X4 ligands

Identifying novel small-molecule P2X1 and P2X4 ligands with sub-type specificity and high-affinity remains a pharmacological challenge. Here we use computational methods, electrophysiology and fluorescent microplate assays to screen for ligand candidates acting at these receptors. Modelling and docking identified 80 compounds for testing at P2X4 receptors, and 20 of these showed >50% inhibition in fluorescence-based assays, making them appealing for further SAR studies. Confirmation of activity by two-electrode voltage clamp, followed by their elaboration resulted in only minor improvements in potency, with the highest IC₅₀ being 295 μM. Testing on P2X1 receptors, resulted in a series of biguanide compounds that yielded a maximum IC₅₀ of 100 μM, but no consistent SAR could be found. Potencies of established antagonists gave expected results, although the measured potencies varied between techniques and no antagonism could be found for compounds such as paroxetine, carbamazepine, 9(10H)-acridanone, acridinol and phenoxazine-type heterocycles. This study highlights the challenge of identifying P2X4 and P2X1 ligands and suggests that a combination of complimentary approaches is needed if we are to be confident of ligand activities at these receptors.

Estimation of the Readily Releasable Synaptic Vesicle Pool at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction

Presynaptic boutons at nerve terminals are densely packed with synaptic vesicles, specialized organelles for rapid and regulated neurotransmitter secretion. Upon depolarization of the nerve terminal, synaptic vesicles fuse at specializations called active zones that are localized at discrete compartments in the plasma membrane to initiate synaptic transmission. A small proportion of synaptic vesicles are docked and primed for immediate fusion upon synaptic stimulation, which together comprise the readily releasable pool. The size of the readily releasable pool is an important property of synapses, which influences release probability and can dynamically change during various forms of plasticity. Here we describe a detailed protocol for estimating the readily releasable pool at a model glutamatergic synapse, the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. This synapse is experimentally robust and amenable to sophisticated genetic, imaging, electrophysiological, and pharmacological approaches. We detail the experimental design, electrophysiological recording procedure, and quantitative analysis necessary to determine the readily releasable pool size. This technique requires the use of a two-electrode voltage-clamp recording configuration in elevated external Ca²⁺ with high frequency stimulation. We have used this assay to measure the readily releasable pool size and reveal that a form of homeostatic plasticity modulates this pool with synapse-specific and compartmentalized precision. This powerful approach can be utilized to illuminate the dynamics of synaptic vesicle trafficking and plasticity and determine how synaptic function adapts and deteriorates during states of altered development, stress and neuromuscular disease.

HCN and K2P Channels in Anesthetic Mechanisms Research

The ability of a diverse group of agents to produce general anesthesia has long been an area of intense speculation and investigation. Over the past century, we have seen a paradigm shift from proposing that the anesthetized state arises from nonspecific interaction of anesthetics with the lipid membrane to the recognition that the function of distinct, and identifiable, membrane-embedded proteins is dramatically altered in the presence of intravenous and inhaled agents. Among proteinaceous targets, metabotropic and ionotropic receptors garnered much of the attention over the last 30 years, and it is only relatively recently that voltage-gated ion channels have clearly and rigorously been shown to be important molecular targets. In this review, we will consider the experimental issues relevant to two important ion channel anesthetic targets, HCN and K_2P.

Evaluating the longevity of surgically extracted Xenopus laevis oocytes for the study of nematode ligand-gated ion channels

Xenopus laevis oocytes have been extensively used as a heterologous expression system for the study of ion channels. While used successfully worldwide as tool for expressing and characterizing ion channels from a wide range of species, the limited longevity of oocytes once removed from the animal can pose significant challenges. In this study, we evaluate a simple and useful method that extends the longevity of Xenopus oocytes after removal from the animal and quantitatively assessed the reliability of the electrophysiological date obtained. The receptor used for this study was the UNC-49 receptor originally isolated from the sheep parasite, Haemonchus contortus. Overall, we found that immediate storage of the ovary in supplemented ND96 storage buffer at 4 °C could extend their use for up to 17 days with almost 80% providing reliable electrophysiological data. This means that a single extraction can provide at least 3 weeks of experiments. In addition, we examined 24-day-old oocytes (week 4) extracted from a single frog and also obtained reliable data using the same approach. However, 50% of these oocytes were usable for full dose-response experiments. Overall, we did find that this method has the potential to significantly extend the use of single oocyte extractions for two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology.

Functional studies reveal the similarities and differences between AM2 and BM2 proton channels from influenza viruses

AM2 and BM2 proton channels are attractive antiviral drug targets due to their essential roles during influenza virus replication. Although both AM2 and BM2 are proton-selective ion channels, they share little sequence similarity except for the HXXXW sequence, which suggests that their proton conductance properties might differ. To test this hypothesis, we applied two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiological assays to study the specific conductance, leakage current, channel activation, and inhibition of AM2 and BM2 proton channels. It was found that BM2 channel has a higher specific conductance than AM2 channel at pH5.5. Unlike AM2 channel, whose proton conductance is asymmetric (from viral exterior to interior), BM2 channel is capable of conducting proton in both directions. Moreover, BM2 requires a more acidic pH for channel activation than AM2, as revealed by its lower pK_a values. Finally, both AM2 and BM2 can be inhibited by Cu(II) and Cu(I). Overall, the results from this side-by-side comparison of AM2 and BM2 channels reveal the structure-function relationships of these two viroporins, and such information might be important for the designing of novel ion channels.

Deconstruction - reconstruction approach to analyze the essential structural elements of tetrahydro-3-benzazepine-based antagonists of GluN2B subunit containing NMDA receptors

The role of the phenolic and benzylic OH moieties for the interaction of tetrahydro-3-benzazepine-1,7-diol 3d with GluN2B subunit containing NMDA receptors was analyzed by their stepwise removal. Elimination of trifluormethanesulfinate from 10 and 13 represent the key steps in the synthesis. Removal of phenolic OH moiety led to 5-fold reduced GluN2B affinity of 4d compared with 3d. Additional removal of the benzylic OH moiety (5d) resulted in further reduced GluN2B affinity but increased σ₁ and σ₂ affinities. Introduction of a NO₂ (6d) or NH₂ moiety (7d) decreased the GluN2B affinity. 3-Benzazepin-1-ol 4i with the N-phenylcyclohexyl side chain showed the highest GluN2B affinity of this series of compounds (K_i = 2.2 nM) and, moreover, high selectivity over the PCP binding site, σ₁ and σ₂ receptors. In docking studies 3-benzazepines (S)-4-7 adopt the same binding poses as ifenprodil and display the same crucial interactions. Unexpectedly, the high-affinity ligands (S)-4i, (S)-4j, and (S)-6i were not able to inhibit the glutamate/glycine evoked current in two-electrode voltage clamp measurements and the cytotoxic effects of glutamate/glycine on transfected cell lines.

Effects of bilobalide, ginkgolide B and picrotoxinin on GABAA receptor modulation by structurally diverse positive modulators

Anxiolytics and anticonvulsants generally positively modulate the action of GABA, whereas many convulsants (including the chloride channel blocker picrotoxinin) negatively modulate the action of GABA on GABA_A receptors. Like picrotoxinin, bilobalide and ginkgolide B, active constituents of Ginkgo biloba, have been shown to negatively modulate the action of GABA at α₁β₂γ_2L GABA_A receptors. However, unlike picrotoxinin, bilobalide and ginkgolide B are not known to cause convulsions. We have assessed the action of bilobalide, ginkgolide B and picrotoxinin on a range of GABA_A modulators (etomidate, loreclezole, propofol, thiopentone sodium, diazepam, and allopregnanolone), using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology at recombinant α₁β₂γ_2L GABA_A receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results indicate that bilobalide and ginkgolide B differ from picrotoxinin in their ability to inhibit the actions of a range of these structurally diverse GABA_A positive modulators consistent with these modulators acting on a multiplicity of active sites associated with GABA_A receptors. In the presence GABA, ginkgolide B was more potent than bilobalide in inhibiting the GABA-potentiating effect of propofol, equipotent against loreclezole and allopregnanolone, and less potent against etomidate, diazepam, and thiopentone sodium. This indicates that in comparison to picrotoxinin, bilobalide and ginkgolide B differ in their effects on the different modulators.

Expression and Analysis of Flow-regulated Ion Channels in Xenopus Oocytes

Mechanically-gated ion channels play key roles in mechanotransduction, a process that translates physical forces into biological signals. Epithelial and endothelial cells are exposed to laminar shear stress (LSS), a tangential force exerted by flowing fluids against the wall of vessels and epithelia. The protocol outlined herein has been used to examine the response of ion channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes to LSS (Hoger et al., 2002; Carattino et al., 2004; Shi et al., 2006). The Xenopus oocyte is a reliable system that allows for the expression and chemical modification of ion channels and regulatory proteins (George et al., 1989; Palmer et al., 1990; Sheng et al., 2001; Carattino et al., 2003). Therefore, this technique is suitable for studying the molecular mechanisms that allow flow-activated channels to respond to LSS.

Ion Channels as Reporters of Membrane Receptor Function: Automated Analysis in Xenopus Oocytes

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are the most widely used system of communication used by cells. They sense external signals and translate them into intracellular signals. The information is carried mechanically across the cell membrane, without perturbing its integrity. Agonist binding on the extracellular side causes a change in receptor conformation which propagates to the intracellular side and causes release of activated G-proteins, the first messengers of a variety of signaling cascades.Permitting access to powerful electrophysiological techniques, ion channels can be employed to monitor precisely the most proximal steps of GPCR signaling, receptor conformational changes, and G-protein release. The former is achieved by physical attachment of a potassium channel to the GPCR to create an Ion-Channel Coupled Receptor (ICCR). The latter is based on the use of G-protein-regulated potassium channels (GIRK). We describe here how these two systems may be used in the Xenopus oocyte heterologous system with a robotic system for increased throughput.

Functionality and stability data of detergent purified nAChR from Torpedo using lipidic matrixes and macroscopic electrophysiology

The presented data provides additional information about the assessment of affinity purified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) rich membrane solubilized with long chain (16 saturated carbons) lysophospholipid with glycerol headgroup (LFG-16). The assessment of stability and functionality of solubilized membrane protein is a critical step prior to further crystallization trails. One of the key factors for this task is the appropriate choice of a detergent that can support nAChR activity and stability comparable to the crude membranes. The stability of the nAChR-LFG-16 complex incorporated into lipid cubic phase (LCP) was monitored for a period of 30 days by means of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and the functionality was evaluated after its incorporation into Xenopus oocyte by means of the two electrode voltage clamp technique.

The ICl,swell inhibitor DCPIB blocks Kir channels that possess weak affinity for PIP2

Inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels are important contributors to the resting membrane potential and regulate cellular excitability. The activity of Kir channels depends critically on the phospholipid PIP2. Several modulators of the activity of Kir channels alter the apparent affinity of the channel to PIP2. Channels with high apparent affinity to PIP2 may not respond to a given modulator, but mutations that decrease such affinity can render the channel susceptible to modulation. Here, we identify a known inhibitor of the swelling-activated Cl(-) current, DCPIB, as an effective inhibitor of a number of Kir channels both in native cardiac cells and in heterologous expression systems. We show that the apparent affinity to PIP2 determines whether DCPIB will serve as an efficient blocker of Kir channels. These effects are consistent with a model in which DCPIB competes with PIP2 for a common binding site.

Functional characterization of a transition metal ion transporter, OsZIP6 from rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Micronutrients are important for the growth and development of plants, which deploy families of transporters for their uptake and distribution. We have functionally characterized a novel transition metal ion transporter from rice, OsZIP6 (Oryza sativa zinc regulated transporter, iron regulated transporter-like protein 6). The transporter was found to be transcriptionally activated in shoot and root tissues in response to deficiency in Fe(2+), Zn(2+) and Mn(2+). OsZIP6 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, where currents were observed on addition of Co(2+), Fe(2+) and Cd(2+) but not Zn(2+), Mn(2+) and Ni(2+). This substrate range for OsZIP6, identified using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Ion transport by OsZIP6 was found to be pH dependent and enhanced transport was observed at acidic pH. Radioisotope uptake suggested that Co(2+) competitively inhibits Fe(2+) uptake by OsZIP6. Identification and characterization of ZIP family members from crop plants will contribute to an understanding of nutrient mineral homeostasis in these plants.

Assessment of the functionality and stability of detergent purified nAChR from Torpedo using lipidic matrixes and macroscopic electrophysiology

In our previous study we examined the functionality and stability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-detergent complexes (nAChR-DCs) from affinity-purified Torpedo californica (Tc) using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) and planar lipid bilayer (PLB) recordings for phospholipid and cholesterol like detergents. In the present study we enhanced the functional characterization of nAChR-DCs by recording macroscopic ion channel currents in Xenopus oocytes using the two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). The use of TEVC allows for the recording of macroscopic currents elicited by agonist activation of nAChR-DCs that assemble in the oocyte plasma membrane. Furthermore, we examined the stability of nAChR-DCs, which is obligatory for the nAChR crystallization, using a 30 day FRAP assay in LCP for each detergent. The present results indicate a marked difference in the fractional fluorescence recovery (ΔFFR) within the same detergent family during the 30 day period assayed. Within the cholesterol analog family, sodium cholate and CHAPSO displayed a minimum ΔFFR and a mobile fraction (MF) over 80%. In contrast, CHAPS and BigCHAP showed a marked decay in both the mobile fraction and diffusion coefficient. nAChR-DCs containing phospholipid analog detergents with an alkylphosphocholine (FC) and lysofoscholine (LFC) of 16 carbon chains (FC-16, LFC-16) were more effective in maintaining a mobile fraction of over 80% compared to their counterparts with shorter acyl chain (C12, C14). The significant differences in macroscopic current amplitudes, activation and desensitization rates among the different nAChR-DCs evaluated in the present study allow to dissect which detergent preserves both, agonist activation and ion channel function. Functionality assays using TEVC demonstrated that LFC16, LFC14, and cholate were the most effective detergents in preserving macroscopic ion channel function, however, the nAChR-cholate complex display a significant delay in the ACh-induce channel activation. In summary, these results suggest that the physical properties of the lipid analog detergents (headgroup and acyl chain length) are the most effective in maintaining both the stability and functionality of the nAChR in the detergent solubilized complex.

HCN Channel C-Terminal Region Speeds Activation Rates Independently of Autoinhibition

Hyperpolarization- and cyclic nucleotide-activated (HCN) channels contribute to rhythmic oscillations in excitable cells. They possess an intrinsic autoinhibition with a hyperpolarized V 1/2, which can be relieved by cAMP binding to the cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB) fold in the C-terminal region or by deletion of the CNB fold. We questioned whether V 1/2 shifts caused by altering the autoinhibitory CNB fold would be accompanied by parallel changes in activation rates. We used two-electrode voltage clamp on Xenopus oocytes to compare wildtype (WT) HCN2, a constitutively autoinhibited point mutant incapable of cAMP binding (HCN2 R591E), and derivatives with various C-terminal truncations. Activation V 1/2 and deactivation t 1/2 measurements confirmed that a truncated channel lacking the helix αC of the CNB fold (ΔαC) had autoinhibition comparable to HCN2 R591E; however, ΔαC activated approximately two-fold slower than HCN2 R591E over a 60-mV range of hyperpolarizations. A channel with a more drastic truncation deleting the entire CNB fold (ΔCNB) had similar V 1/2 values to HCN2 WT with endogenous cAMP bound, confirming autoinhibition relief, yet it surprisingly activated slower than the autoinhibited HCN2 R591E. Whereas CNB fold truncation slowed down voltage-dependent reaction steps, the voltage-independent closed-open equilibrium subject to autoinhibition in HCN2 was not rate-limiting. Chemically inhibiting formation of the endogenous lipid PIP2 hyperpolarized the V 1/2 of HCN2 WT but did not slow down activation to match ΔCNB rates. Our findings suggest a "quickening conformation" mechanism, requiring a full-length CNB that ensures fast rates for voltage-dependent steps during activation regardless of potentiation by cAMP or PIP2.

Engineering α4β2 nAChRs with reduced or increased nicotine sensitivity via selective disruption of consensus sites in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop of the α4 subunit

The α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a crucial role in nicotine addiction. These receptors are known to desensitize and up-regulate after chronic nicotine exposure, but the mechanism remains unknown. Currently, the structure and functional role of the intracellular domains of the nAChR are obscure. To study the effect of subunit phosphorylation on α4β2 nAChR function and expression, eleven residues located in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop were mutated to alanine and aspartic acid. Two-electrode voltage clamp and 125I-labeled epibatidine binding assays were performed on Xenopus oocytes to assess agonist activation and receptor expression. When ACh was used as an agonist, a decrease in receptor activation was observed for the majority of the mutations. When nicotine was used as an agonist, four mutations exhibited a statistically significant hypersensitivity to nicotine (S438D, S469A, Y576A, and S589A). Additionally, two mutations (S516D and T536A) that displayed normal activation with ACh displayed remarkable reductions in sensitivity to nicotine. Binding assays revealed a constitutive up-regulation in these two nicotine mutations with reduced nicotine sensitivity. These results suggest that consensus phosphorylation residues in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop of the α4 subunit play a crucial role in regulating α4β2 nAChR agonist selectivity and functional expression. Furthermore, these results suggest that disruption of specific interactions at PKC putative consensus sites can render α4β2 nAChRs almost insensitive to nicotine without substantial effects on normal AChR function. Therefore, these PKC consensus sites in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop of the α4 nAChR subunit could be a target for smoking cessation drugs.

Design and synthesis of potent and selective P2X₃ receptor antagonists derived from PPADS as potential pain modulators

Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (7a, PPADS), a nonselective P2X receptor antagonist, was extensively modified to develop more stable, potent, and selective P2X₃ receptor antagonists as potential antinociceptive agents. Based on the results of our previous report, all strong anionic groups in PPADS including phosphate and sulfonate groups were changed to carboxylic acids or deleted. The unstable azo (-NN-) linkage of 7a was transformed to more stable carbon-carbon, ether or amide linkages through the synthesis of the 5-hydroxyl-pyridine moieties with substituents at 2 position via a Diels-Alder reaction. This resulted in the retention of antagonistic activity (IC50 = 400 ∼ 700 nM) at the hP2X₃ receptor in the two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) assay system on the Xenopus oocytes. Introduction of bulky aromatic groups at the carbon linker, as in compounds 13 h-n, dramatically improved the selectivity profiles of hP2X₃ when compared with mP2X₁ and hP2X₇ receptors. Among the substituents tested at the 2-position, the m-phenoxybenzyl group showed optimum selectivity and potency at the hP2X₃ receptor. In searching for effective substituents at the 4- and 3-positions, we found that compound 36j, with 4-carboxaldehyde, 3-propenoic acid and 2-(m-phenoxy)benzyl groups, was the most potent and selective hP2X₃ receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 60 nM at hP2X₃ and marginal antagonistic activities of 10 μM at mP2X₁ and hP2X₇. Furthermore, using an ex-vivo assay system, we found that compound 36j potently inhibited pain signaling in the rat dorsal horn with 20 μM 36j displaying 65% inhibition while 20 μM pregabalin, a clinically available drug, showed only 31% inhibition.

Allosteric modulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by HEPES

A number of new positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been reported that enhance responses of neuronal alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to orthosteric ligands. PAMs represent promising new leads for the development of therapeutic agents for disorders involving alterations in nicotinic neurotransmission including Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. During our recent studies of alpha4beta2 PAMs, we identified a novel effect of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The effects of HEPES were evaluated in a phosphate buffered recording solution using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Acetylcholine induced responses of high-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors were potentiated 190% by co-exposure to HEPES. Responses were inhibited at higher concentrations (bell-shaped concentration/response curve). Coincidentally, at concentrations of HEPES typically used in oocyte recording (5-10mM), the potentiating effects of HEPES are matched by its inhibitory effects, thus producing no net effect. Mutagenesis results suggest HEPES potentiates the high-sensitivity stoichiometry of the alpha4beta2 receptors through action at the beta2+/beta2- interface and is dependent on residue beta2D218. HEPES did not potentiate low-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors and did not produce any observable effect on acetylcholine induced responses on alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.