Biomedical subjects

Randy D Blakely

Publications and source records attributed to Randy D Blakely.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Regulation of choline transporter surface expression and phosphorylation by protein kinase C and protein phosphatase 1/2A.

The Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent, hemicholinium-3-sensitive choline transporter (CHT) provides choline for acetylcholine biosynthesis. Recent studies show that CHT contains canonical protein kinase C (PKC) serine and threonine residues. We examined the ability of PKC and serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1/2A (PP1/PP2A) to regulate CHT function, surface expression, and phosphorylation. In mouse crude striatal and hippocampal synaptosomes, PKC activators beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (beta-PMA) and beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate produced time- and concentration-dependent reductions in CHT function. PP1/PP2A inhibitors okadaic acid (OKA) and calyculin A (CL-A) produced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in CHT function. However, tautomycin (PP1 inhibitor) and cyclosporin A (PP2B inhibitor) failed to alter CHT-mediated choline uptake. Choline transport kinetic studies following beta-PMA, OKA, and CL-A treatment revealed a reduction in the maximal choline transport velocity (V(max)) with no change in K(m) for choline. These modulators also produced no change in the total levels of CHT protein in the crude hippocampal and striatal synaptosomes; however, surface biotinylation studies using the membrane-impermeant N-hydroxysuccinimide-biotin in crude synaptosomes following treatment with beta-PMA, OKA, and CL-A indicate significant reductions of CHT levels in biotinylated fractions. Pretreatment with OKA alone, but not beta-PMA, significantly augmented the phosphorylation level of CHT proteins. Our findings suggest that neuronal PKC and PP1/PP2A activity may establish the level of function and surface expression of CHT. These studies also provide the first evidence that CHT is a phosphoprotein and that the basal PP1/PP2A activity may have a dominant role in controlling the levels of CHT phosphorylation.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Localization of cholinergic innervation in guinea pig heart by immunohistochemistry for high-affinity choline transporters.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have used acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry to identify cholinergic nerves in the heart, but this enzyme is not a selective marker for cholinergic neurons. This study maps cholinergic innervation of guinea pig heart using a new antibody to the human high-affinity choline transporter (CHT), which is present only in cholinergic nerves. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to localize CHTs in frozen and paraffin sections of heart and whole mount preparations of atrial ganglionated nerve plexus. AChE-positive nerve fibers were identified in sections from separate hearts for comparison. RESULTS: Control experiments established that the antibody to human CHT selectively labeled cholinergic neurons in the guinea pig. CHT-immunoreactive nerve fibers and AChE-positive nerves were very abundant in the sinus and AV nodes, bundle of His, and bundle branches. Both markers also delineated a distinct nerve tract in the posterior wall of the right atrium. AChE-positive nerve fibers were more abundant than CHT-immunoreactive nerves in working atrial and ventricular myocardium. CHT-immunoreactive nerves were rarely observed in left ventricular free wall. Both markers were associated with numerous parasympathetic ganglia that were distributed along the posterior atrial walls and within the interatrial septum, including the region of the AV node. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of labeling patterns for CHT and AChE suggests that AChE histochemistry overestimates the density of cholinergic innervation in the heart. The distribution of CHT-immunoreactive nerve fibers and parasympathetic ganglia in the guinea pig heart suggests that heart rate, conduction velocity, and automaticity are precisely regulated by cholinergic innervation. In contrast, the paucity of CHT-immunoreactive nerve fibers in left ventricular myocardium implies that vagal efferent input has little or no direct influence on ventricular contractile function in the guinea pig.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2004

Acetylcholine is an autocrine or paracrine hormone synthesized and secreted by airway bronchial epithelial cells.

The role of acetylcholine (ACh) as a key neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous system is well established. However, the role of ACh may be broader because ACh may also function as an autocrine or paracrine signaling molecule in a variety of nonneuronal tissues. To begin to establish ACh of nonneuronal origin as a paracrine hormone in lung, we have examined neonatal and adult monkey bronchial epithelium for the components involved in nicotinic cholinergic signaling. Using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, we have demonstrated in lung bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) expression of choline acetyltransferase, the vesicular ACh transporter, the choline high-affinity transporter, alpha7, alpha4, and beta2 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subunits, and the nAChR accessory protein lynx1. Confocal microscopy demonstrates that these factors are expressed in epithelial cells and are clearly distinct from neighboring nerve fibers. Confirmation of RNA identity has been confirmed by partial sequence analysis of PCR products and by cDNA cloning. Primary culture of BECs confirms the synthesis and secretion of ACh and the activity of cholinesterases. Thus, ACh meets all the criteria for an autocrine/paracrine hormone in lung bronchial epithelium. The nonneuronal cholinergic signaling pathway in lung provides a potentially important target for cholinergic drugs. This pathway may also explain some of the effects of nicotine on fetal development and also provides additional mechanisms by which smoking affects lung cancer growth and development.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2004

The choline transporter resurfaces: new roles for synaptic vesicles?

Presynaptic choline uptake is vital to sustained neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) release; however, only with the recent cloning of choline transporters (CHTs) (i.e., SLC5A7), has a picture emerged of the regulatory pathways supporting CHT modulation. Studies arising from the development of CHT-specific antibodies reveal a large, intracellular reserve of CHT proteins, localized to ACh-containing, synaptic vesicles. The intersection of mechanisms supporting vesicular ACh release and choline uptake demonstrates an elegant mechanism for linking regulation of CHT membrane density to rates of ACh release. Furthermore, these studies point to control of the CHT endocytic process as an important target for novel therapeutics that could offset functional deficits in disorders bearing diminished cholinergic tone, including myasthenias and dementias.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2004

Adenosine receptor, protein kinase G, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent up-regulation of serotonin transporters involves both transporter trafficking and activation.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) transporters (SERTs) are critical determinants of synaptic 5-HT inactivation and the targets for multiple drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. In support of prior studies, we found that short-term (5-30 min) application of the adenosine receptor (AR) agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) induces an increase in 5-HT uptake Vmax in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells that is enhanced by pretreatment with the cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil. NECA stimulation is blocked by the A3 AR antagonist 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4(+/-)dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS1191), by the phospholipase C inhibitor 1-(6-[[17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl] amino]hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), by the intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester, and by the guanyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. Hydroxylamine, a nitric-oxide donor, and 8-bromo-cGMP, a membrane-permeant analog of cGMP, mimic the effects of NECA on 5-HT uptake, whereas the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor N-[2-(methylamino)ethy]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H8) blocks NECA, hydroxylamine, and 8-bromo-cGMP effects. NECA stimulation activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), whereas p38 MAPK inhibitors block NECA stimulation of SERT activity, as does the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibitor calyculin A. 5-HT-displaceable [125I]3beta-(4-iodophenyl)-tropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methylester tartrate (RTI-55) whole-cell binding is increased by NECA or sildenafil, and both surface binding and cell surface SERT protein are elevated after NECA or sildenafil stimulation of AR/SERT-cotransfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Whereas p38 MAPK inhibition blocks NECA stimulation of 5-HT activity, it fails to blunt stimulation of SERT surface density. Moreover, inactivation of existing surface SERTs fails to eliminate NECA stimulation of SERT. Together, these results reveal two PKG-dependent pathways supporting rapid SERT regulation by A3 ARs, one leading to enhanced SERT surface trafficking, and a separate, p38 MAPK-dependent process augmenting SERT intrinsic activity.

Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide)↗

PubMed2003

Ultrastructural localization of the norepinephrine transporter in superficial and deep layers of the rat prelimbic prefrontal cortex and its spatial relationship to probable dopamine terminals.

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a likely site of action for the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants that inhibit norepinephrine (NE) reuptake. Moreover, drugs that block the NE transporter (NET) increase extracellular levels of both NE and dopamine (DA), an interaction that may contribute to their therapeutic properties. To examine the subcellular localization of NET and to investigate the spatial relationships between presumed NE and DA axons within the rat prelimbic PFC, we combined immunogold-silver localization of NET with immunoperoxidase staining for the catecholamine synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). An additional aim was to quantify the proportion of profiles dually labeled for NET and TH to test the common observation that TH immunolabeling is relatively selective for DA axons. NET-immunoreactive (NET-ir) axonal profiles were typically unmyelinated and occasionally were observed to form symmetric axodendritic synapses. The majority of immunogold NET labeling was unexpectedly observed in the cytoplasm rather than on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, in tissue dually labeled for both NET and TH, only 8-10% of profiles contained both markers. Unlike observations for singly labeled profiles, gold-silver particles for NET in dually labeled axons were localized primarily to the plasmalemma. A systematic survey of terminals labeled only for TH revealed that they were typically separated by at least 1.2 mum from NET-ir varicosities, and the two profile types were not seen to contact common targets. These results suggest that, in the rat PFC, NE axons (1) contain predominantly cytoplasmic NET, (2) infrequently contain TH immunolabeling, and (3) may interact with probable DA afferents by means of extrasynaptic mechanisms.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Vesicular localization and activity-dependent trafficking of presynaptic choline transporters.

Presynaptic synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) requires a steady supply of choline, acquired by a plasma membrane, hemicholinium-3-sensitive (HC-3) choline transporter (CHT). A significant fraction of synaptic choline is recovered from ACh hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after vesicular release. Although antecedent neuronal activity is known to dictate presynaptic CHT activity, the mechanisms supporting this regulation are unknown. We observe an exclusive localization of CHT to cholinergic neurons and demonstrate that the majority of CHTs reside on small vesicles within cholinergic presynaptic terminals in the rat and mouse brain. Furthermore, immunoisolation of presynaptic vesicles with multiple antibodies reveals that CHT-positive vesicles carry the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and synaptic vesicle markers such as synaptophysin and Rab3A and also contain acetylcholine. Depolarization of synaptosomes evokes a Ca2+-dependent botulinum neurotoxin C-sensitive increase in the Vmax for HC-3-sensitive choline uptake that is accompanied by an increase in the density of CHTs in the synaptic plasma membrane. Our study leads to the novel hypothesis that CHTs reside on a subpopulation of synaptic vesicles in cholinergic terminals that can transit to the plasma membrane in response to neuronal activity to couple levels of choline re-uptake to the rate of ACh release.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Distribution of high affinity choline transporter immunoreactivity in the primate central nervous system.

A mouse monoclonal antibody (clone 62-2E8) raised against a human recombinant high-affinity choline transporter (CHT)-glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein was used to determine the distribution of immunoreactive profiles containing this protein in the monkey central nervous system (CNS). Within the monkey telencephalon, CHT-immunoreactive perikarya were found in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, medial septum, vertical and horizontal limb nuclei of the diagonal band, nucleus basalis complex, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Dense fiber staining was observed within the islands of Calleja, olfactory tubercle, hippocampal complex, amygdala; moderate to light fiber staining was seen in iso- and limbic cortices. CHT-containing fibers were also present in sensory and limbic thalamic nuclei, preoptic and hypothalamic areas, and the floccular lobe of the cerebellum. In the brainstem, CHT-immunoreactive profiles were observed in the pedunculopontine and dorsolateral tegmental nuclei, the Edinger-Westphal, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, ambiguus, dorsal vagal motor, and hypoglossal nuclei. In the spinal cord, CHT-immunoreactive ventral horn motoneurons were seen in close apposition to intensely immunoreactive C-terminals at the level of the cervical spinal cord. CHT immunostaining revealed a similar distribution of labeled profiles in the aged human brain and spinal cord. Dual fluorescent confocal microscopy revealed that the majority of CHT immunoreactive neurons contained the specific cholinergic marker, choline acetyltransferase, at all levels of the monkey CNS. The present observations indicate that the present CHT antibody labels cholinergic structures within the primate CNS and provides an additional marker for the investigation of cholinergic neuronal function in aging and disease.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Serotonin and cocaine-sensitive inactivation of human serotonin transporters by methanethiosulfonates targeted to transmembrane domain I.

To explore aqueous accessibility and functional contributions of transmembrane domain (TM) 1 in human serotonin transporter (hSERT) proteins, we utilized the largely methanethiosulfonate (MTS) insensitive hSERT C109A mutant and mutated individual residues of hSERT TM1 to Cys followed by tests of MTS inactivation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transport. Residues in TM1 cytoplasmic to Gly-94 were largely unaffected by Cys substitution, whereas the mutation of residues extracellular to Ile-93 variably diminished transport activity. TM1 Cys substitutions displayed differential sensitivity to MTS reagents, with residues more cytoplasmic to Asp-98 being largely insensitive to MTS inactivation. Aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate (MTSEA), [2-(trimethylammonium) ethyl]methanethiosulfonate bromide (MTSET), and sodium (2-sulfonatoethyl)-methanethiosulfonate (MTSES) similarly and profoundly inactivated 5-HT transport by SERT mutants D98C, G100C, W103C, and Y107C. MTSEA uniquely inactivated transport activity of S91C, G94C, Y95C but increased activity at I108C. MTSEA and MTSET, but not MTSES, inactivated transport function at N101C. Notably, 5-HT provided partial to complete protection from MTSET inactivation for D98C, G100C, N101C, and Y107C. Equivalent blockade of MTSET inactivation at N101C was observed with 5-HT at both room temperature and at 4 degrees C, inconsistent with major conformational changes leading to protection. Notably, cocaine also protected MTSET inactivation of G100C and N101C, although MTS incubations with N101C that eliminate 5-HT transport do not preclude cocaine analog binding nor its inhibition by 5-HT. 5-HT modestly enhanced the inactivation by MTSET at I93C and Y95C, whereas cocaine significantly enhanced MTSET sensitivity at Y107C and I108C. In summary, our studies reveal physical differences in TM1 accessibility to externally applied MTS reagents and reveal sites supporting substrate and antagonist modulation of MTS inactivation. Moreover, we identify a limit to accessibility for membrane-impermeant MTS reagents that may reflect aspects of an occluded permeation pathway.

Cocaine↗

PubMed2003

A mutation in the human norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) associated with orthostatic intolerance disrupts surface expression of mutant and wild-type transporters.

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) mediates reuptake of norepinephrine released from neurons, and, as such, it is an important regulator of noradrenergic neurotransmission. Recently, our laboratory reported a polymorphism in the human NET (hNET) gene A457P in an individual with the autonomic disorder orthostatic intolerance (OI). The presence of the hNET-A457P allele tracked with elevated heart rates and plasma NE levels in family members. hNET-A457P lacks >98% transport activity in several heterologous expression systems. In the present work, Western blot and biotinylation analyses performed in transiently transfected COS-7 cells revealed impairment in processing of hNET-A457P to the fully glycosylated form and a decrease in surface expression to approximately 30% of hNET-wild type (hNET-wt). Because the hNET-A457P mutation is carried on a single allele in OI subjects, we examined the influence of cotransfection of hNET-wt and hNET-A457P and found that hNET-A457P exerts a dominant-negative effect on hNET-wt uptake activity. Experiments to determine oligomerization as a potential mechanism of the dominant-negative effect demonstrated that hNET-A457P coimmunoprecipitates with, and diminishes surface expression of, hNET-wt. These results reveal that hNET-A457P causes a conformational disruption that interferes with transporter biosynthetic progression and trafficking of both the mutant transporter and hNET-wt. These results elucidate a molecular mechanism for the disrupted NE homeostasis and cardiovascular function evident in OI patients with the hNET-A457P mutation.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2003

Calcium-dependent inhibition of synaptosomal serotonin transport by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist 5-bromo-N-[4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-6-quinoxalinamine (UK14304).

Termination of serotonergic transmission is the function of the plasma membrane 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) transporter (SERT), which is also a high-affinity target in vivo for antidepressants, amphetamines, and cocaine. Studies show that SERT is regulated by protein kinase- and phosphataselinked pathways. In contrast, receptor-linked modulation of SERT is only minimally defined. Because noradrenergic stimulation is reported to influence 5-HT release, we explored possible presynaptic adrenoceptor-mediated regulation of SERT. In mouse forebrain synaptosomes, alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists, particularly 5-bromo-N-[4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-6-quinoxalinamine (UK14304), triggered a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in 5-HT transport. In contrast, 5-HT uptake was unaffected by pharmacological alpha1-adrenoceptor activation. Kinetically, UK14304 significantly decreased the apparent substrate affinity, Km without altering transport capacity, Vmax. At concentrations of UK14304 supporting maximal inhibition of SERT in synaptosomes, no effect on SERT in transfected cells was observed, suggesting that UK14304 acts indirectly to reduce SERT activity. The effect of UK14304 on 5-HT uptake was not shared by other Na+ and Cl--dependent transporters. UK14304-mediated inhibition of SERT function was yohimbine-sensitive, as was inhibition triggered by norepinephrine, and was abolished in the absence of added Ca2+. Moreover, UK14304 effects were attenuated by voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel antagonists, consistent with a role for Ca2+ in UK14304 effects. In agreement with altered 5-HT transport activity in vitro, in vivo chronoamperometry studies revealed that UK14304 significantly prolonged 5-HT clearance. Our findings suggest that UK14304 modulates SERT function in vitro and in vivo via signaling pathways, possibly supported by an influx of Ca2+ through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists↗

PubMed2003

A regulated interaction of syntaxin 1A with the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter establishes catecholamine clearance capacity.

Norepinephrine (NE) transporters (NETs) terminate noradrenergic synaptic transmission and represent a major therapeutic target for antidepressant medications. NETs and related transporters are under intrinsic regulation by receptor and kinase-linked pathways, and clarification of these pathways may suggest candidates for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Syntaxin 1A, a presynaptic soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein, interacts with NET and modulates NET intrinsic activity. NETs colocalize with and bind to syntaxin 1A in both native preparations and heterologous systems. Protein kinase C activation disrupts surface NET/syntaxin 1A interactions and downregulates NET activity in a syntaxin-dependent manner. Syntaxin 1A binds the NH(2) terminal domain of NET, and a deletion of this domain both eliminates NET/syntaxin 1A associations and prevents phorbol ester-triggered NET downregulation. Whereas syntaxin 1A supports the surface trafficking of NET proteins, its direct interaction with NET limits transporter catalytic function. These two contradictory roles of syntaxin 1A on NET appear to be linked and reveal a dynamic cycle of interactions that allow for the coordinated control between NE release and reuptake.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Cell surface trafficking of the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter revealed with an ectodomain antibody.

The antidepressant-sensitive L-norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET;SLC6A2) is a critical determinant of neurotransmitter inactivation following NE release at synapses. Although regulated trafficking of NET has been documented in transfected cells, a lack of reagents suitable for reporting native NET surface exposition has limited validation of this concept in neurons. In the current report, we document the utility of a novel antibody (43408) directed at conserved sequences in the NET second extracellular loop. Using human NET (hNET) stably transfected cells, we document loss of NET surface expression following acute (30 min) phorbol ester treatments. In superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cultures, NET surface expression is prominent on varicosities defined by FM1-43 labeling of living neurons or synaptophysin labeling of fixed preparations. Moreover, NET surface density can be rapidly augmented by brief depolarization (5 min, 40 mM K(+)). Similarly, in brainstem cultures, we demonstrate an increase in NET surface labeling following either depolarization or angiotensin II stimulation. These findings provide the first evidence for regulated trafficking of NET in neurons and support the suggestion that activity-dependent NET trafficking may provide additional modulatory capacity for noradrenergic signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Dopaminergic neuronal loss and motor deficits in Caenorhabditis elegans overexpressing human alpha-synuclein.

Overexpression of human alpha-synuclein in model systems, including cultured neurons, drosophila and mice, leads to biochemical and pathological changes that mimic synucleopathies including Parkinson's disease. We have overexpressed both wild-type (WT) and mutant alanine53-->threonine (A53T) human alpha-synuclein by transgenic injection into Caenorhabditis elegans. Motor deficits were observed when either WT or A53T alpha-synuclein was overexpressed with a pan-neuronal or motor neuron promoter. Neuronal and dendritic loss were accelerated in all three sets of C. elegans dopaminergic neurons when human alpha-synuclein was overexpressed under the control of a dopaminergic neuron or pan-neuronal promoter, but not with a motor neuron promoter. There were no significant differences in neuronal loss between overexpressed WT and A53T forms or between worms of different ages (4 days, 10 days or 2 weeks). These results demonstrate neuronal and behavioral perturbations elicited by human alpha-synuclein in C. elegans that are dependent upon expression in specific neuron subtypes. This transgenic model in C. elegans, an invertebrate organism with excellent experimental resources for further genetic manipulation, may help facilitate dissection of pathophysiologic mechanisms of various synucleopathies.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Altered striatal function and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in acetylcholinesterase knockout mice.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly used to improve cognition and treat psychosis and other behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. However, mechanisms may exist that down-regulate the synaptic response to altered cholinergic transmission, thus limiting the efficacy of cholinomimetics in treating disease. Acetylcholinesterase knockout (AChE-/-) mice were used to investigate the neuronal adaptations to diminished synaptic acetylcholine (ACh) metabolism. The striatum of AChE-/- mice showed no changes in choline acetyltransferase activity or levels of the vesicular ACh transporter but showed striking 60% increases in the levels of the highaffinity choline transporter. This transporter takes choline from the synapse into the neuron for resynthesis of ACh. In addition, the striata of AChE-/- mice showed dramatic reductions in levels of the M1, M2, and M4 muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs), but no alterations in dopamine receptors or the beta2 subunit of nicotinic receptors. M1, M2, and M4 also showed decreased dendritic and cell surface distributions and enhanced intracellular localizations in striatal neurons of AChE-/- mice. mAChR antagonist treatment reversed the shifts in mAChR distribution, indicating that internalized receptors in AChE-/- mice can recover to basal distributions. Finally, AChE-/- mice showed increased sensitivity to mAChR antagonist-induced increases in locomotor activity, demonstrating functional mAChR down-regulation. mAChR downregulation in AChE-/- mice has important implications for the long-term use of cholinesterase inhibitors and other cholinomimetics in treating disorders characterized by perturbed cholinergic function.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2002

Binding and transport in norepinephrine transporters. Real-time, spatially resolved analysis in single cells using a fluorescent substrate.

Monoamine transporters, the molecular targets for drugs of abuse and antidepressants, clear norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin from the synaptic cleft. Neurotransmitters, amphetamines, and neurotoxins bind before being transported, whereas cocaine and antidepressants bind to block transport. Although binding is crucial to transport, few assays separate binding from transport, nor do they provide adequate temporal or spatial resolution to describe real-time kinetics or localize sites of active uptake. Here, we report a new method that distinguishes substrate binding from substrate transport using single-cell, space-resolved, real-time fluorescence microscopy. For these studies we use a fluorescent analogue of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, a neurotoxic metabolite and known substrate of monoamine transporters, to assess binding and transport with 50-ms, sub-micron resolution. We show that ASP(+) (4-(4-(dimethylamino)styrl)-N-methylpyridinium) has micromolar potency for the human norepinephrine transporter, that ASP(+) accumulation is Na(+)-, Cl(-)-, cocaine-, and desipramine-sensitive and temperature-dependent, and that ASP(+) competes with norepinephrine uptake. Using this method we demonstrate that norepinephrine transporters are efficient buffers for substrate, with binding rates exceeding transport rates by 100-fold. Furthermore, substrates bind deep within the transporter, isolated from both the bath and the lipid bilayer. Although transport per se depends on Na(+) and Cl(-), binding is independent of Na(+) and actually increases in low Cl(-). We further demonstrate that ASP(+) interacts with transporters not only in transfected cells but in cultured neurons. ASP(+) is also a substrate for dopamine and serotonin transporters and therefore represents a powerful new technique for studying the biophysical properties of monoamine transporters, an approach also amenable to high throughput assays for drug discovery.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

PubMed2002

Developing novel treatments for mood disorders: accelerating discovery.

This review was generated from discussions by the Pharmacologic and Somatic Treatments Section of the National Institute of Mental Health Strategic Plan for Mood Disorders Committee on advancing novel pharmacologic and somatic treatments for mood disorders. The opening section of the article summarizes in broad strokes, current pharmacologic treatments, and new directions in the field. Thereafter the topics focus on specific research initiatives that could advance the current therapeutics for mood disorders including new basic and clinical research in vivo human imaging procedures, somatic therapeutics, and the vast new area of pharmacogenetics. New scientific and technical opportunities exist today based on advances in basic neuroscience, opportunities in clinical testing, industry interest in advancing central nervous system therapeutics, and on active consumer advocacy groups. The question of how to bring all of these positive forces together to accelerate discovery in mood disorder thera-peutics is the topic of this article.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Determinants within the C-terminus of the human norepinephrine transporter dictate transporter trafficking, stability, and activity.

The function of the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) depends on its presence at the cell surface. A role for the hNET C-terminus in trafficking the transporter to the surface has been suggested by the report of a bovine NET C-terminal splice variant that accumulates within heterologous host cells, and a human variant homolog has also been reported. We examined the relevance of the C-terminus of hNET to trafficking and function using transfected LLC-PK1 cells. The intracellular and surface expression of NET proteins was evaluated by Western blots, and their functional capacities were assessed using transport assays. We found that the C-terminal residues encoded by hNET 1a enable the efficient maturation and surface expression of hNET and therefore critically impact transporter activity. Alternative splicing causes the retention of immature hNETs within the cell, whereas introduced C-terminal deletions result in significant degradation. The loss of the terminal isoleucine alone (Delta617-hNET) is sufficient to cause the degradation of hNET, an effect that can be mimicked by nonconservative point mutations at the terminal position. The phenotype of Delta617-hNET is recapitulated in neuronal SK-N-MC cells, but is significantly less severe in HEK-293 cells, suggesting a role for host cell factors in enabling the biosynthetic progression of wild-type hNET. Additional proximal residues may act at other steps to affect the expression of the fully mature protein on the cell surface (Q608A) and to more directly affect transporter activity (F609A). Together our studies document a critical contribution of the hNET C-terminus to transporter trafficking, stability, and function.

Alternative Splicing↗