Peripherally targeted analgesia via AAV-mediated sensory neuron-specific inhibition of multiple pronociceptive sodium channels.

This study reports that targeting intrinsically disordered regions of the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (NaV1.7) protein facilitates discovery of sodium channel inhibitory peptide aptamers (NaViPA) for adeno-associated virus-mediated (AAV-mediated), sensory neuron-specific analgesia. A multipronged inhibition of INa1.7, INa1.6, INa1.3, and INa1.1 - but not INa1.5 and INa1.8 - was found for a prototype and named NaViPA1, which was derived from the NaV1.7 intracellular loop 1, and is conserved among the TTXs NaV subtypes. NaViPA1 expression in primary sensory neurons (PSNs) of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) produced significant inhibition of TTXs INa but not TTXr INa. DRG injection of AAV6-encoded NaViPA1 significantly attenuated evoked and spontaneous pain behaviors in both male and female rats with neuropathic pain induced by tibial nerve injury (TNI). Whole-cell current clamp of the PSNs showed that NaViPA1 expression normalized PSN excitability in TNI rats, suggesting that NaViPA1 attenuated pain by reversal of injury-induced neuronal hypersensitivity. IHC revealed efficient NaViPA1 expression restricted in PSNs and their central and peripheral terminals, indicating PSN-restricted AAV biodistribution. Inhibition of sodium channels by NaViPA1 was replicated in the human iPSC-derived sensory neurons. These results summate that NaViPA1 is a promising analgesic lead that, combined with AAV-mediated PSN-specific block of multiple TTXs NaVs, has potential as a peripheral nerve-restricted analgesic therapeutic.

CaMKII Inhibition Attenuates Distinct Gain-of-Function Effects Produced by Mutant Nav1.6 Channels and Reduces Neuronal Excitability.

Aberrant Nav1.6 activity can induce hyperexcitability associated with epilepsy. Gain-of-function mutations in the SCN8A gene encoding Nav1.6 are linked to epilepsy development; however, the molecular mechanisms mediating these changes are remarkably heterogeneous and may involve post-translational regulation of Nav1.6. Because calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a powerful modulator of Nav1.6 channels, we investigated whether CaMKII modulates disease-linked Nav1.6 mutants. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in ND7/23 cells show that CaMKII inhibition of the epilepsy-related mutation R850Q largely recapitulates the effects previously observed for WT Nav1.6. We also characterized a rare missense variant, R639C, located within a regulatory hotspot for CaMKII modulation of Nav1.6. Prediction software algorithms and electrophysiological recordings revealed gain-of-function effects for R639C mutant channel activity, including increased sodium currents and hyperpolarized activation compared to WT Nav1.6. Importantly, the R639C mutation ablates CaMKII phosphorylation at a key regulatory site, T642, and, in contrast to WT and R850Q channels, displays a distinct response to CaMKII inhibition. Computational simulations demonstrate that modeled neurons harboring the R639C or R850Q mutations are hyperexcitable, and simulating the effects of CaMKII inhibition on Nav1.6 activity in modeled neurons differentially reduced hyperexcitability. Acute CaMKII inhibition may represent a promising mechanism to attenuate gain-of-function effects produced by Nav1.6 mutations.

Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Scorpion Toxin that Inhibits NaV1.8 via Interactions With the DI Voltage Sensor and DII Pore Module.

Voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8 regulates transmission of pain signals to the brain. While NaV1.8 has the potential to serve as a drug target, the molecular mechanisms that shape NaV1.8 gating are not completely understood, particularly mechanisms that couple activation to inactivation. Interactions between toxin producing animals and their predators provide a novel approach for investigating NaV structure-function relationships. Arizona bark scorpions produce Na+ channel toxins that initiate pain signaling. However, in predatory grasshopper mice, toxins inhibit NaV1.8 currents and block pain signals. A screen of synthetic peptide toxins predicted from bark scorpion venom showed that peptide NaTx36 inhibited Na+ current recorded from a recombinant grasshopper mouse NaV1.8 channel (OtNaV1.8). Toxin NaTx36 hyperpolarized OtNaV1.8 activation, steady-state fast inactivation, and slow inactivation. Mutagenesis revealed that the first gating charge in the domain I (DI) S4 voltage sensor and an acidic amino acid (E) in the DII SS2 - S6 pore loop are critical for the inhibitory effects of NaTx36. Computational modeling showed that a DI S1 - S2 asparagine (N) stabilizes the NaTx36 - OtNaV1.8 complex while residues in the DI S3 - S4 linker and S4 voltage sensor form electrostatic interactions that allow a toxin glutamine (Q) to contact the first S4 gating charge. Surprisingly, the models predicted that NaTx36 contacts amino acids in the DII S5 - SS1 pore loop instead of the SS2 - S6 loop; the DII SS2 - S6 loop motif (QVSE) alters the conformation of the DII S5 - SS1 pore loop, enhancing allosteric interactions between toxin and the DII S5 - SS1 pore loop. Few toxins have been identified that modify NaV1.8 gating. Moreover, few toxins have been described that modify sodium channel gating via the DI S4 voltage sensor. Thus, NaTx36 and OtNaV1.8 provide tools for investigating the structure-activity relationship between channel activation and inactivation gating, and the connection to alternative pain phenotypes.

Astrocytes modulate neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with glaucoma in OPTN(E50K) human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells.

Although the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a primary characteristic of glaucoma, astrocytes also contribute to their neurodegeneration in disease states. Although studies often explore cell-autonomous aspects of RGC neurodegeneration, a more comprehensive model of glaucoma should take into consideration interactions between astrocytes and RGCs. To explore this concept, RGCs and astrocytes were differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with a glaucoma-associated OPTN(E50K) mutation along with corresponding isogenic controls. Initial results indicated significant changes in OPTN(E50K) astrocytes, including evidence of autophagy dysfunction. Subsequently, co-culture experiments demonstrated that OPTN(E50K) astrocytes led to neurodegenerative properties in otherwise healthy RGCs, while healthy astrocytes rescued some neurodegenerative features in OPTN(E50K) RGCs. These results are the first to identify disease phenotypes in OPTN(E50K) astrocytes, including how their modulation of RGCs is affected. Moreover, these results support the concept that astrocytes could offer a promising target for therapeutic intervention in glaucoma.

Neural Activity Correlates With Behavior Effects of Anti-Seizure Drugs Efficacy Using the Zebrafish Pentylenetetrazol Seizure Model.

Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not achieve adequate seizure control through current anti-seizure drugs and treatment methods. Therefore, a critical need exists to efficiently screen anti-seizure drugs to enhance our ability to tailor treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes. The zebrafish pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure model has become an increasingly popular screening paradigm for novel anti-seizure compounds. However, previous research using this model was variable due to differing experimental methods. Here, we present a method that was optimized to improve reliability and reproducibility in our laboratory using this PTZ model to develop a more robust screening of anti-seizure drugs comparing behavior and neural activity. Our behavior assay, spanning 90 min using 10 mM PTZ on 7 days post fertilization zebrafish, provides a broad window to observe anti-seizure drug efficacy. To compare our method with previously published data, we tested carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and topiramate, which have been tested in previous PTZ zebrafish assays. In addition, we assessed the candidate anti-seizure compound GS967, which has not been previously tested in the zebrafish seizure model. We examined the efficacy of anti-seizure drugs by acute administration concurrent with PTZ application and by pretreatment prior to exposure with PTZ. Pretreatment permitted us to examine potential neuroprotection and determine whether treatment time affects anti-seizure drugs' responses. As independent validation of anti-seizure drugs' effects, we evaluated whether the anti-seizure drug efficacy in the behavioral assay correlated with neural activity measurements, using electroencephalogram (EEG) and calcium signaling using GCaMP. There was no significant difference in the reduction of PTZ-induced seizure behavior activity between the pretreatment groups and acute treatment groups. Acute treatment with anti-seizure drugs in the EEG and GCaMP assays from 15 to 30 min post-anti-seizure drug exposure revealed consistent results between behavioral, EEG, and GCaMP assays for two of the three anti-seizure drugs. Lamotrigine only reduced neural activity (EEG and GCaMP assays). Carbamazepine, topiramate, and GS967 reduced activity in all three assays. The findings show that EEG and GCaMP assays largely correlate with the behavior findings, helping us connect physiological and behavior responses to anti-seizure drug and better assess anti-seizure drug efficacy.

Whole exome sequencing and co-expression analysis identify an SCN1A variant that modifies pathogenicity in a family with genetic epilepsy and febrile seizures plus.

OBJECTIVE: Family members carrying the same SCN1A variant often exhibit differences in the clinical severity of epilepsy. This variable expressivity suggests that other factors aside from the primary sodium channel variant influence the clinical manifestation. However, identifying such factors has proven challenging in humans. METHODS: We perform whole exome sequencing (WES) in a large family in which an SCN1A variant (p.K1372E) is segregating that is associated with a broad spectrum of phenotypes ranging from lack of epilepsy, to febrile seizures and absence seizures, to Dravet syndrome. We assessed the hypothesis that the severity of the SCN1A-related phenotype was affected by alternate alleles at a modifier locus (or loci). RESULTS: One of our top candidates identified by WES was a second variant in the SCN1A gene (p.L375S) that was shared exclusively by unaffected carriers of the K1372E allele. To test the hypothesized that L375S variant nullifies the loss-of-function effect of K1372E, we transiently expressed Nav1.1 carrying the two variants in HEK293T cells and compared their biophysical properties with the wild-type (WT) variant, and then co-expressed WT with K1372E or L375S with K1372E in equal quantity and tested the functional consequence. The data demonstrated that co-expression of the L375S and K1372E alleles reversed the loss-of-function property brought by the K1372E variant, whereas WT-K1372E co-expression remained partial loss-of-function. SIGNIFICANCE: These results support the hypothesis that L375S counteracts the loss-of-function effect of K1372E such that individuals carrying both alleles in trans do not present epilepsy-related symptoms. We demonstrate that monogenic epilepsies with wide expressivity can be modified by additional variants in the disease gene, providing a novel framework for the gene-phenotype relationship in genetic epilepsies.

A-type FHFs mediate resurgent currents through TTX-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels.

Resurgent currents (INaR) produced by voltage-gated sodium channels are required for many neurons to maintain high-frequency firing and contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability and disease pathophysiology. Here, we show, for the first time, that INaR can be reconstituted in a heterologous system by coexpression of sodium channel α-subunits and A-type fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs). Specifically, A-type FHFs induces INaR from Nav1.8, Nav1.9 tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant neuronal channels, and, to a lesser extent, neuronal Nav1.7 and cardiac Nav1.5 channels. Moreover, we identified the N-terminus of FHF as the critical molecule responsible for A-type FHFs-mediated INaR. Among the FHFs, FHF4A is the most important isoform for mediating Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 INaR. In nociceptive sensory neurons, FHF4A knockdown significantly reduces INaR amplitude and the percentage of neurons that generate INaR, substantially suppressing excitability. Thus, our work reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying TTX-resistant INaR generation and provides important potential targets for pain treatment.

Identification and Characterization of Novel Proteins from Arizona Bark Scorpion Venom That Inhibit Nav1.8, a Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Regulator of Pain Signaling.

The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 is linked to neuropathic and inflammatory pain, highlighting the potential to serve as a drug target. However, the biophysical mechanisms that regulate Nav1.8 activation and inactivation gating are not completely understood. Progress has been hindered by a lack of biochemical tools for examining Nav1.8 gating mechanisms. Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) venom proteins inhibit Nav1.8 and block pain in grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus). These proteins provide tools for examining Nav1.8 structure-activity relationships. To identify proteins that inhibit Nav1.8 activity, venom samples were fractioned using liquid chromatography (reversed-phase and ion exchange). A recombinant Nav1.8 clone expressed in ND7/23 cells was used to identify subfractions that inhibited Nav1.8 Na+ current. Mass-spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomic analyses identified unique peptides from inhibitory subfractions. A search of the peptides against the AZ bark scorpion venom gland transcriptome revealed four novel proteins between 40 and 60% conserved with venom proteins from scorpions in four genera (Centruroides, Parabuthus, Androctonus, and Tityus). Ranging from 63 to 82 amino acids, each primary structure includes eight cysteines and a "CXCE" motif, where X = an aromatic residue (tryptophan, tyrosine, or phenylalanine). Electrophysiology data demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of bioactive subfractions can be removed by hyperpolarizing the channels, suggesting that proteins may function as gating modifiers as opposed to pore blockers.

Distinctive Properties and Powerful Neuromodulation of Nav1.6 Sodium Channels Regulates Neuronal Excitability.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) are critical determinants of cellular excitability. These ion channels exist as large heteromultimeric structures and their activity is tightly controlled. In neurons, the isoform Nav1.6 is highly enriched at the axon initial segment and nodes, making it critical for the initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Changes in Nav1.6 expression and function profoundly impact the input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. While mutations in Nav1.6 may cause channel dysfunction, aberrant changes may also be the result of complex modes of regulation, including various protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which can alter membrane excitability and neuronal firing properties. Despite decades of research, the complexities of Nav1.6 modulation in health and disease are still being determined. While some modulatory mechanisms have similar effects on other Nav isoforms, others are isoform-specific. Additionally, considerable progress has been made toward understanding how individual protein interactions and/or modifications affect Nav1.6 function. However, there is still more to be learned about how these different modes of modulation interact. Here, we examine the role of Nav1.6 in neuronal function and provide a thorough review of this channel's complex regulatory mechanisms and how they may contribute to neuromodulation.

CaMKII enhances voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 activity and neuronal excitability.

Nav1.6 is the primary voltage-gated sodium channel isoform expressed in mature axon initial segments and nodes, making it critical for initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Thus, Nav1.6 modulation and dysfunction may have profound effects on input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. Phosphorylation is a powerful and reversible mechanism regulating ion channel function. Because Nav1.6 and the multifunctional Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) are independently linked to excitability disorders, we sought to investigate modulation of Nav1.6 function by CaMKII signaling. We show that inhibition of CaMKII, a Ser/Thr protein kinase associated with excitability, synaptic plasticity, and excitability disorders, with the CaMKII-specific peptide inhibitor CN21 reduces transient and persistent currents in Nav1.6-expressing Purkinje neurons by 87%. Using whole-cell voltage clamp of Nav1.6, we show that CaMKII inhibition in ND7/23 and HEK293 cells significantly reduces transient and persistent currents by 72% and produces a 5.8-mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Immobilized peptide arrays and nanoflow LC-electrospray ionization/MS of Nav1.6 reveal potential sites of CaMKII phosphorylation, specifically Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 within the first intracellular loop of the channel. Using site-directed mutagenesis to test multiple potential sites of phosphorylation, we show that Ala substitutions of Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 recapitulate the depolarizing shift in activation and reduction in current density. Computational simulations to model effects of CaMKII inhibition on Nav1.6 function demonstrate dramatic reductions in spontaneous and evoked action potentials in a Purkinje cell model, suggesting that CaMKII modulation of Nav1.6 may be a powerful mechanism to regulate neuronal excitability.

Retinal Ganglion Cells With a Glaucoma OPTN(E50K) Mutation Exhibit Neurodegenerative Phenotypes when Derived from Three-Dimensional Retinal Organoids.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) serve as the connection between the eye and the brain, with this connection disrupted in glaucoma. Numerous cellular mechanisms have been associated with glaucomatous neurodegeneration, and useful cellular models of glaucoma allow for the precise analysis of degenerative phenotypes. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) serve as powerful tools for studying human disease, particularly cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Thus, efforts focused upon hPSCs with an E50K mutation in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene, a leading cause of inherited forms of glaucoma. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing introduced the OPTN(E50K) mutation into existing lines of hPSCs, as well as generating isogenic controls from patient-derived lines. RGCs differentiated from OPTN(E50K) hPSCs exhibited numerous neurodegenerative deficits, including neurite retraction, autophagy dysfunction, apoptosis, and increased excitability. These results demonstrate the utility of OPTN(E50K) RGCs as an in vitro model of neurodegeneration, with the opportunity to develop novel therapeutic approaches for glaucoma.

Differential Inhibition of Human Nav1.2 Resurgent and Persistent Sodium Currents by Cannabidiol and GS967.

Many epilepsy patients are refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Resurgent and persistent currents can be enhanced by epilepsy mutations in the Nav1.2 channel, but conventional antiepileptic drugs inhibit normal transient currents through these channels, along with aberrant resurgent and persistent currents that are enhanced by Nav1.2 epilepsy mutations. Pharmacotherapies that specifically target aberrant resurgent and/or persistent currents would likely have fewer unwanted side effects and be effective in many patients with refractory epilepsy. This study investigated the effects of cannbidiol (CBD) and GS967 (each at 1 µM) on transient, resurgent, and persistent currents in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing wild-type hNav1.2 channels. We found that CBD preferentially inhibits resurgent currents over transient currents in this paradigm; and that GS967 preferentially inhibits persistent currents over transient currents. Therefore, CBD and GS967 may represent a new class of more targeted and effective antiepileptic drugs.

S-Palmitoylation of the sodium channel Nav1.6 regulates its activity and neuronal excitability.

S-Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational lipid modification that dynamically regulates protein functions. Voltage-gated sodium channels are subjected to S-palmitoylation and exhibit altered functions in different S-palmitoylation states. Our aim was to investigate whether and how S-palmitoylation regulates Nav1.6 channel function and to identify S-palmitoylation sites that can potentially be pharmacologically targeted. Acyl-biotin exchange assay showed that Nav1.6 is modified by S-palmitoylation in the mouse brain and in a Nav1.6 stable HEK 293 cell line. Using whole-cell voltage clamp, we discovered that enhancing S-palmitoylation with palmitic acid increases Nav1.6 current, whereas blocking S-palmitoylation with 2-bromopalmitate reduces Nav1.6 current and shifts the steady-state inactivation in the hyperpolarizing direction. Three S-palmitoylation sites (Cys1169, Cys1170, and Cys1978) were identified. These sites differentially modulate distinct Nav1.6 properties. Interestingly, Cys1978 is exclusive to Nav1.6 among all Nav isoforms and is evolutionally conserved in Nav1.6 among most species. Cys1978S-palmitoylation regulates current amplitude uniquely in Nav1.6. Furthermore, we showed that eliminating S-palmitoylation at specific sites alters Nav1.6-mediated excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Therefore, our study reveals S-palmitoylation as a potential isoform-specific mechanism to modulate Nav activity and neuronal excitability in physiological and diseased conditions.

Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Superoxide Anion Production in Pre-symptomatic Striatal Neurons Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Expressing Mutant Huntingtin.

In the present study, we investigated whether mutant huntingtin (mHTT) impairs mitochondrial functions in human striatal neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Striatal neurons and astrocytes derived from iPSCs from unaffected individuals (Ctrl) and Huntington's disease (HD) patients with HTT gene containing increased number of CAG repeats were used to assess the effect of mHTT on bioenergetics and mitochondrial superoxide anion production. The human neurons were thoroughly characterized and shown to express MAP2, DARPP32, GABA, synapsin, and PSD95. In human neurons and astrocytes expressing mHTT, the ratio of mHTT to wild-type huntingtin (HTT) was 1:1. The human neurons were excitable and could generate action potentials, confirming successful conversion of iPSCs into functional neurons. The neurons and astrocytes from Ctrl individuals and HD patients had similar levels of ADP and ATP and comparable respiratory and glycolytic activities. The mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, and superoxide anion production in human neurons appeared to be similar regardless of mHTT presence. The present results are in line with the results obtained in our previous studies with isolated brain mitochondria and cultured striatal neurons from YAC128 and R6/2 mice, in which we demonstrated that mutant huntingtin at early stages of HD pathology does not deteriorate mitochondrial functions. Overall, our results argue against bioenergetic deficits as a factor in HD pathogenesis and suggest that other detrimental processes might be more relevant to the development of HD pathology.

Distinct functional alterations in SCN8A epilepsy mutant channels.

KEY POINTS: Mutations in the SCN8A gene cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in the human SCN8A channel and present gain-of-function properties of the mutant channel. Systematic comparison of R850Q with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T761I, R1617Q and R1872Q, identifies one common dysfunction in resurgent current, although these mutations alter distinct properties of the channel. Computational simulations in two different neuron models predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations, which explains the over-excitation that underlies seizure activities in patients. These data provide further insight into the mechanism of SCN8A-related epilepsy and reveal subtle but potentially important distinction of functional characterization performed in the human vs. rodent channels. ABSTRACT: SCN8A is a novel causal gene for early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. It is well accepted that gain-of-function mutations in SCN8A underlie the disorder, although the remarkable heterogeneity of its clinical presentation and poor treatment response demand a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in human Nav1.6. We show that it is a gain-of-function mutation, with a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, a two-fold increase of persistent current and a slowed decay of resurgent current. We systematically compare its biophysics with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T767I, R1617Q and R1872Q, in the human Nav1.6 channel. Although all of these mutations are gain-of-function, the mutations affect different aspects of channel properties. One commonality that we discovered is an alteration of resurgent current kinetics, although the mechanisms by which resurgent currents are augmented remain unclear for all of the mutations. Computational simulations predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations with differential enhancement by open channel blockade.

Resurgent and Gating Pore Currents Induced by De Novo SCN2A Epilepsy Mutations.

Over 150 mutations in the SCN2A gene, which encodes the neuronal Nav1.2 protein, have been implicated in human epilepsy cases. Of these, R1882Q and R853Q are two of the most commonly reported mutations. This study utilized voltage-clamp electrophysiology to characterize the biophysical effects of the R1882Q and R853Q mutations on the hNav1.2 channel, including their effects on resurgent current and gating pore current, which are not typically investigated in the study of Nav1.2 channel mutations. HEK cells transiently transfected with DNA encoding either wild-type (WT) or mutant hNav1.2 revealed that the R1882Q mutation induced a gain-of-function phenotype, including slowed fast inactivation, depolarization of the voltage dependence of inactivation, and increased persistent current. In this model system, the R853Q mutation primarily produced loss-of-function effects, including reduced transient current amplitude and density, hyperpolarization of the voltage dependence of inactivation, and decreased persistent current. The presence of a Navß4 peptide (KKLITFILKKTREK-OH) in the pipette solution induced resurgent currents, which were increased by the R1882Q mutation and decreased by the R853Q mutation. Further study of the R853Q mutation in Xenopus oocytes indicated a reduced surface expression and revealed a robust gating pore current at negative membrane potentials, a function absent in the WT channel. This not only shows that different epileptogenic point mutations in hNav1.2 have distinct biophysical effects on the channel, but also illustrates that individual mutations can have complex consequences that are difficult to identify using conventional analyses. Distinct mutations may, therefore, require tailored pharmacotherapies in order to eliminate seizures.

Hedgehog Pathway Activation Alters Ciliary Signaling in Primary Hypothalamic Cultures.

Primary cilia dysfunction has been associated with hyperphagia and obesity in both ciliopathy patients and mouse models of cilia perturbation. Neurons throughout the brain possess these solitary cellular appendages, including in the feeding centers of the hypothalamus. Several cell biology questions associated with primary neuronal cilia signaling are challenging to address in vivo. Here we utilize primary hypothalamic neuronal cultures to study ciliary signaling in relevant cell types. Importantly, these cultures contain neuronal populations critical for appetite and satiety such as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti related peptide (AgRP) expressing neurons and are thus useful for studying signaling involved in feeding behavior. Correspondingly, these cultured neurons also display electrophysiological activity and respond to both local and peripheral signals that act on the hypothalamus to influence feeding behaviors, such as leptin and melanin concentrating hormone (MCH). Interestingly, we found that cilia mediated hedgehog signaling, generally associated with developmental processes, can influence ciliary GPCR signaling (Mchr1) in terminally differentiated neurons. Specifically, pharmacological activation of the hedgehog-signaling pathway using the smoothened agonist, SAG, attenuated the ability of neurons to respond to ligands (MCH) of ciliary GPCRs. Understanding how the hedgehog pathway influences cilia GPCR signaling in terminally differentiated neurons could reveal the molecular mechanisms associated with clinical features of ciliopathies, such as hyperphagia-associated obesity.

The Diurnal Rhythm of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) and Kir4.1 in Diabetes: Implications for a Clock Gene Bmal1.

Purpose: Diabetes leads to the downregulation of the retinal Kir4.1 channels and Müller cell dysfunction. The insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is a critical regulator of insulin signaling in Müller cells. Circadian rhythms play an integral role in normal physiology; however, diabetes leads to a circadian dysrhythmia. We hypothesize that diabetes will result in a circadian dysrhythmia of IRS-1 and Kir4.1 and disturbed clock gene function will have a critical role in regulating Kir4.1 channels. Methods: We assessed a diurnal rhythm of retinal IRS-1 and Kir4.1 in db/db mice. The Kir4.1 function was evaluated using a whole-cell recording of Müller cells. The rat Müller cells (rMC-1) were used to undertake in vitro studies using a siRNA. Results: The IRS-1 exhibited a diurnal rhythm in control mice; however, with diabetes, this natural rhythm was lost. The Kir4.1 levels peaked and troughed at times similar to the IRS-1 rhythm. The IRS-1 silencing in the rMC-1 led to a decrease in Kir4.1 and BMAL1. The insulin treatment of retinal explants upregulated Kir4.1 possibly via upregulation of BMAL1 and phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt-1. Conclusions: Our studies highlight that IRS-1, by regulating BMAL1, is an important regulator of Kir4.1 in Müller cells and the dysfunctional signaling mediated by IRS-1 may be detrimental to Kir4.1.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases mediate the enhancing effects of inflammatory mediators on resurgent currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Previously we reported that a group of inflammatory mediators significantly enhanced resurgent currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. To understand the underlying intracellular signaling mechanism, we investigated the effects of inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase C on the enhancing effects of inflammatory mediators on resurgent currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. We found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibitor U0126 completely prevented the enhancing effects of the inflammatory mediators on both Tetrodotoxin-sensitive and Tetrodotoxin-resistant resurgent currents in both small and medium dorsal root ganglion neurons. U0126 substantially reduced repetitive firing in small dorsal root ganglion neurons exposed to inflammatory mediators, consistent with prevention of resurgent current amplitude increases. The protein kinase C inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide I also showed attenuating effects on resurgent currents, although to a lesser extent compared to extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibition. These results indicate a critical role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases signaling in modulating resurgent currents and membrane excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons treated with inflammatory mediators. It is also suggested that targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases-resurgent currents might be a useful strategy to reduce inflammatory pain.

Astrocytes Regulate the Development and Maturation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the connection between the eye and the brain, with this connectivity disrupted in numerous blinding disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability to derive RGCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); however, these cells exhibited some characteristics that indicated a limited state of maturation. Among the many factors known to influence RGC development in the retina, astrocytes are known to play a significant role in their functional maturation. Thus, efforts of the current study examined the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs, including the ability of astrocytes to modulate this developmental timeline. Morphological and functional properties of RGCs were found to increase over time, with astrocytes significantly accelerating the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the functional and morphological maturation of RGCs in vitro, including the effects of astrocytes on the maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs.