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Biomedical subjects

J M Henley

Publications and source records attributed to J M Henley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

(RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) activates mGlu5, but no mGlu1, receptors expressed in CHO cells and potentiates NMDA responses in the hippocampus.

A new phenylglycine derivative, (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG), has been synthesized and shown to selectively activate mGlu5a receptors, compared to mGlu1 alpha receptors, when expressed in CHO cells. This selective mGlu5 receptor agonist also potentiates NMDA-induced depolarizations in rat hippocampal slices. CHPG may be a useful tool for studying the role of mGlu5 receptors in the central nervous system.

Animals

Regulation of glutamate release by presynaptic kainate receptors in the hippocampus.

Most reported actions of kainate are mediated by AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate) receptors. Here we report that, unlike AMPA which stimulates, kainate elicits a dose-dependent decrease in L-glutamate release from rat hippocampal synaptosomes and also depresses glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Brief exposure to kainate inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent [3H]L-glutamate release by up to 80%. Inhibition was reversed by kainate antagonists but not by the AMPA-selective non-competitive antagonist 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (GYKI 52466). A corresponding reversible kainate-evoked depression of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (e.p.s.cs) was observed when AMPA receptors were blocked by GYKI 52466. The synaptic depression was preceded by a brief period of enhanced release and a small inward current was also observed. The effects of kainate were unaffected by metabotropic glutamate (mGlu), GABAA, GABAB, glycine and adenosine receptor antagonists. These results indicate that glutamate release can be modulated directly by kainate autoreceptors.

Animals

Localization of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 on the surface of living and within cultured hippocampal neurons.

The distribution of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 was investigated in cultured hippocampal neurons by confocal microscopy, using polyclonal antibodies directed against either the N- or C-terminal region. On living neurons, GluR1 immunofluorescence was detected with the N-terminal antibody only. GluR1 was localized in a highly punctate manner on the surface of neuronal soma and throughout the dendritic tree. Many GluR1 puncta co-localized with the synaptic marker synaptophysin, although extrasynaptic GluR1 puncta were also observed. A comparison of GluR1 subunit distribution of living neurons labelled with N-terminal antibody with that obtained after the cells had been fixed, permeabilized and subsequently reacted with C-terminal or additional N-terminal antibody showed a number of differences. In permeabilized cells additional, diffuse labelling was observed which was very pronounced in the soma and extended into the proximal dendrites. Furthermore, some spines showed little or no labelling of their membrane surface, but labelled strongly after the cells had been fixed and permeabilized. Such spines may be the postsynaptic components of silent or suboptimal synapses.

Animals

Characterisation of the interaction between guanyl nucleotides and AMPA receptors in rat brain.

Guanyl nucleotides inhibit the binding of the AMPA receptor agonists [3H]fluorowillardiine and [3H]AMPA and the competitive antagonist [3H]CNQX to rat brain cerebrocortical membranes. The rank order of inhibition for each of the radioligands tested was GTP > GDP > GMP. The nucleotides CTP and ATP showed no effect. GTP inhibition was unaffected by the presence or absence of NaCl and MgCl2. Pre-treatment of the membranes with GTP, and its removal before addition of radioligand, did not inhibit binding. Quantitative autoradiography demonstrated that GTP inhibition occurred throughout the brain. These results are consistent with guanyl nucleotides acting at an extracellular site present on all AMPA receptor subunits, occupation of which inhibits agonist and antagonist binding.

Alanine

Detection of protein-protein interactions in the nervous system using the two-hybrid system.

Specific interactions between proteins regulate nearly all cellular processes. In the nervous system specialized processes such as neuronal proliferation, differentiation and targeting, synapse formation and neurotransmitter release are all tightly controlled by cascades of protein-protein interactions. The extent and nature of these interactions is therefore a question of fundamental importance. The two-hybrid system, which is beginning to be widely applied in many other areas of cell biology, offers a novel and sensitive technique for the identification and analysis of these protein-protein interactions.

Animals

Pharmacology and regional distribution of the binding of 6-[3H]nitro-7-sulphamoylbenzo[f]-quinoxaline-2,3-dione to rat brain.

6-Nitro-7-sulphamoylbenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX) is a competitive antagonist selective for alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors. Here we report the pharmacological characteristics and anatomical distribution of [3H]NBQX binding to rat brain. The association rate of [3H]NBQX to rat cerebrocortical membranes was rapid, with peak binding occurring within 10 min at 0 degree C. The off-rate was also rapid, with near-complete dissociation of the radioligand within 5 min of addition of 1 mM unlabelled L-glutamate. [3H]NBQX bound to a single class of sites with KD and Bmax values of 47 nM and 2.6 pmol mg-1 of protein, respectively. The rank order of inhibition of [3H]NBQX binding by AMPA receptor ligands was NBQX > > 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) > or = (S)-5-fluorowillardiine > or = AMPA > > L-glutamate. The chaotrope KSCN had no effect on the IC50 value of unlabelled NBQX displacement of [3H]NBQX binding. The kainate receptor-selective ligands NS102 and kainate were only very weak displacers. It is interesting that NBQX and CNQX displaced significantly more [3H]NBQX than any of the agonists tested. Autoradiographic analysis of the binding of [3H]NBQX to coronal sections showed a distribution compatible with that of [3H]AMPA binding. These data indicate that [3H]NBQX provides a useful novel tool to characterise the antagonist binding properties of AMPA receptors.

Animals

Effects of memantine on recombinant rat NMDA receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells.

1. The actions of the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane) and (+)-MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate, dizocilpine), on recombinant NMDA receptors has been studied by use of the whole-cell patch clamp technique. 2. Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells were transiently transfected with different NMDA receptor subunit combinations (NR1a/NR2A, NR1a/NR2B and NR1a/NR2D). A mutant form of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) cotransfected with the NMDA receptor subunits to enable the visualization of transfected cells. 3. Memantine (0.3-30 microM) blocked L-glutamate (100 microM)-mediated currents in a concentration-dependent manner in NR1a/NR2A, NR1a/NR2B and NR1a/NR2D transfected cells with IC50 values (at -70 mV) of 0.93 +/- 0.15 microM, 0.82 +/- 0.12 microM and 0.47 +/- 0.06 microM (mean +/- s.c. mean), respectively. 4. The memantine-induced block was strongly voltage-dependent. Alteration of the holding potential from -70 mV to +60 mV resulted in an e-fold increase in the IC50 values per 30-33 mV change in membrane potential, for all 3 subunit combinations investigated. 5. The kinetics of the actions of memantine (30 microM) were investigated for the NR1a/2A combination, in 6 cells (13-15 determinations). At -70 mV, the block and recovery from block were both best described by two exponentials with time-constants of 201 +/- 23 ms (81 +/- 2%) and 3.9 +/- 0.6 s and 597 +/- 94 ms (18 +/- 1%) and 18.6 +/- 2.4 s, respectively. The predominant effect of depolarization was to increase the weight of the faster recovery time-constant. Kinetic analysis suggests that these results are consistent with previously proposed Markov models. 6. (+)-MK-801 was studied briefly for comparative purposes. (+)-MK-801 (200 nM) preferentially blocked NMDA receptor currents (at -70 mV) in NR1a/NR2A and NR1a/NR2B (82 +/- 10% and 93 +/- 2% depressions) compared to NR1a/NR2D (38 +/- 7%) transfected cells. (+)-MK-801 appeared to be less voltage-dependent than memantine on all three receptor combinations. 7. In conclusion, memantine was a voltage-dependent antagonist of recombinant rat NMDA receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells but showed little selectivity between the subunits investigated. Its actions on these recombinant receptor combinations are similar to its actions on native NMDA receptors.

Binding, Competitive

A unitary non-NMDA receptor short subunit from Xenopus: DNA cloning and expression.

A high-affinity homomeric, non-NMDA glutamate receptor was previously purified from the amphibian Xenopus laevis. We have obtained nine peptide sequences from its subunit, applied in cDNA cloning. The cDNA encodes a subunit (XenU1) containing all nine sequences. The 51,600-dalton mature subunit has four hydrophobic domains homologous to the four in the C-terminal half of mammalian non-NMDA receptor subunits. Transient expression in COS cells showed 1:1 binding (at Bmax) of [3H] kainate (KD = 9.1 nM) and of [3H] AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid; KD = 62 nM). The competitive binding series domoate > kainate > AMPA > NBQX > glutamate was established (where NBQX is 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulphamoyl-benzo (f) quinoxaline). Each agonist shows the same KI value against [3H] kainate and [3H] AMPA binding, suggesting a common agonist site, but two conformations thereof are distinguishable by their different affinities for the antagonist NBQX and by the allosteric effect of thiocyanate anion (greatly potentiating AMPA binding, inert with kainate). XenU1 is exceptional among non-NMDA receptor subunits because it lacks most of the large N-terminal domain found in those of mammals and it has high affinity for both kainate and AMPA. It differs from the similarly-short "kainate-binding proteins" (KBPs), in binding AMPA and in forming glutamate receptor channels when the native protein is reconstituted. Moreover, whereas a full-length kainate receptor of mammals, GluR6, is shown here (from a partial cDNA sequence) to exist also in Xenopus, with approximately 97% sequence identity to rat GluR6, XenU1 is much less homologous to any rat kainate or AMPA receptor and also to the KBPs, even from another amphibian, Rana. Another difference is that a potential concensus sequence ("EF hand") for Ca2+ binding is present in the N-terminal domain of XenU1, but not in the chicken (glial) KBP. XenU1 is deduced to be in a new family of non-NMDA receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence

An investigation of the membrane topology of the ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 in a cell-free system.

We have utilized cell-free translation in rabbit-reticulocyte lysate supplemented with canine pancreatic microsomal membranes to study the processing and membrane topology of the rat ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit GluR1. In vitro-synthesized RNA encoding GluR1 was translated to yield a primary translation product with an apparent molecular mass of 99 kDa. In the presence of microsomal membranes this protein was processed to give a band of 107 kDa. Treatment with peptide-N-glycosidase F showed that this increase in molecular mass was due to N-linked glycosylation. Incubation of the processed receptor with proteinase K revealed the presence of a 68 kDa protease-resistant band which decreased to 56 kDa following deglycosylation. A deletion mutant (GluR1M1) lacking the predicted transmembrane domains was fully translocated across the microsomal membrane and protected from the action of the protease. The mutant and wild-type receptor could be immunoprecipitated by anti-peptide antibodies directed against the C-terminus. Following translocation of the wild-type and mutant receptor across the microsomal membrane and treatment with proteinase K the antibody binding to GluR1 was abolished, but was retained for GluR1M1. These data allow identification of the orientation of the N- and C-termini of GluR1 within the microsome; results which are consistent with an extracellular N-terminal and intracellular C-terminal localization following incorporation into the plasma membrane.

Animals

Phospholipase A2 down-regulates the affinity of [3H]AMPA binding to rat cortical membranes.

The effects of exogenous phospholipase A2 on the binding of alpha-[3H]amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate ([3H]AMPA) to rat cortical membranes in the presence of the chaotrope potassium thiocyanate were assessed. Pretreatment of membranes with secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in specific [3H]AMPA binding due mainly to a decrease in affinity (KD). This observation, together with protease inhibitor and western blot evidence, suggest that the sPLA2 effect is not due to proteolysis. The sPLA2-evoked decrease was temperature and calcium dependent. Inclusion of the specific inhibitor oleoyloxyethyl phosphocholine or preincubation of the enzyme with reducing agents to degrade its secondary structure significantly reduced the sPLA2 inhibition. These results suggest that the effects of sPLA2 arise from an enzymatic action rather than a competitive interaction at the AMPA binding site. However, arachidonic acid, a major metabolite of sPLA2 action, did not cause a similar decrease in the affinity of [3H]AMPA binding. In contrast to the effects on [3H]AMPA binding, sPLA2 caused an increase in [3H]CNQX binding, which is in accordance with the functionality of the AMPA receptor complex. These results suggest that sPLA2 may play a role in the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of AMPA receptors.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione

Subcellular localization and molecular pharmacology of distinct populations of [3H]-AMPA binding sites in rat hippocampus.

1. The subcellular distributions of [3H]-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5- methylisoxazolepropionate ([3H]-AMPA) and [3H]-kainate binding sites in rat hippocampus were investigated by cell fractionation techniques. 2. Two major populations of [3H]-AMPA sites were detected with the majority of binding located intracellularly in the microsomal (P3) fraction. Most of the remaining sites were in the synaptosomal membrane fraction but some were also present in the nuclear fraction. In contrast, essentially all of the [3H]-kainate binding sites were in the synaptosomal membrane fraction. 3. Saturation binding analysis yielded KD and Bmax values for [3H]-AMPA of 147 nM and 2.6 pmol mg-1 protein respectively for the synaptosomal membrane-associated sites and 129 nM and 5.3 pmol mg-1 protein respectively for the microsomal sites. 4. Both main populations of [3H]-AMPA sites displayed the same rank order of inhibition by competitive ligands, the apparent Mr values of GluR1 subunits were equivalent, suggesting the same degree of post-translational modification and the hydrodynamic properties of the receptor complexes were identical. 5. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the movement of AMPA receptors between cellular compartments in the postsynaptic neurone could constitute one mechanism underlying long-term potentiation in the hippocampus.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione

Quantitative analysis of the distributions of glutamatergic ligand binding sites in goldfish brain.

Goldfish brain is a widely used model system for the study of the mechanisms involved in neuronal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. Because of the proposed role of glutamate receptors in these processes we have investigated the anatomical localisations of [3H]AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate), [3H]kainate, [3H]CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione) and [3H]L-glutamate binding sites in horizontal and sagittal sections. Binding sites for [3H]L-glutamate were the most widespread and both NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and non-NMDA sensitive components were detected. The density of [3H]kainate binding was very high in the cerebellum compared to other regions and in comparison with the other radioligands used. Conversely, relatively low amounts of [3H]AMPA binding were present with the telencephalon being the most densely labelled structure. [3H]CNQX binding was most densely localised in the tectum with the cerebellum also possessing high binding. In addition, there was a small population of [3H]CNQX binding sites located in the telencephalon and lobus vagi that appeared insensitive to AMPA and kainate.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione

Phospholipase A2 enhances [3H]AMPA binding to a putative homomeric GluR-B receptor in the rat spinal cord.

[3H]AMPA and [3H]kainate binding to rat spinal cord was localised most densely in the substantia gelatinosa of the dorsal horn. Phospholipase A2 elicited a dose-dependent increase in specific [3H]AMPA binding but not in [3H]kainate binding. The enhancement of [3H]AMPA binding was blocked by bromophenacyl bromide and at 0 degree C and was not mimicked by arachidonic acid. Since GluR-B is the only AMPA receptor subunit detectable in the rat spinal cord, and recombinant homomeric GluR-B assemblies do not bind [3H]kainate, these results suggest phospholipase A2 may modulate [3H]AMPA binding to putative homomeric GluR-B receptors.

Acetophenones

In vitro translation and membrane topology of rat recombinant mGluR1 alpha.

The structure and post-translational processing of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 alpha (mGluR1 alpha) was analysed by in vitro cell-free translation, protease protection and deglycosylation. We show that mGluR1 alpha can be synthesized in the rabbit-reticulocyte translation system to yield a predominant polypeptide product with an apparent molecular weight of 142 kDa. In the presence of dog-pancreatic microsomes this polypeptide was processed to an apparent molecular weight of 147 kDa. Treatment with the enzyme peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGF) demonstrated that the increase in the apparent molecular weight of the processed translation product was due to N-linked glycosylation. Addition of the non-selective protease, proteinase K; resulted in the loss of this 147 kDa band and the appearance of a protected fragment of approx 92 kDa. A carboxy-terminal deletion mutant of mGluR1 alpha was almost completely protected from protease action. These data show that the amino terminal of mGluR1 alpha is translocated into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and will consequently be located extracellularly when targeted to the plasma membrane. The data presented here on mGluR1 alpha indicates the potential of in vitro translation and protease protection in the study of the molecular structure and processing of glutamate receptors.

Amidohydrolases

Kainate-binding proteins: phylogeny, structures and possible functions.

Recent advances have demonstrated that the family of [3H]kainate-binding proteins and kainate receptors comprise a number of related polypeptides. In all the cases so far investigated, the kainate-binding proteins from non-mammalian vertebrates have M(r) values in the range of 40-50 kDa whereas mammalian kainate receptors and kainate-binding proteins have M(r) values in the order of 100 kDa. There have not, as yet, been any reports of 40-50 kDa kainate-binding proteins in mammalian CNS and, despite the cloning of increasing numbers of cDNAs encoding new kainate-binding proteins, the relationships between these two general groups of polypeptides remain unclear. Nonetheless, there is now a wealth of phylogenetic, structural and molecular biological data available about these proteins. In this review, Jeremy Henley outlines the properties and structures of kainate-binding proteins and offers some possibilities as to the roles of these often hugely abundant proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence