Attenuation of fear conditioning by antisense inhibition of brain corticotropin releasing factor-2 receptor.

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is an important regulator of the endocrine, behavioral, autonomic and immune responses to stress. Two high affinity CRF receptors have been identified, which are distributed in distinct anatomical regions. CRF(1) receptors have been relatively well characterized and antagonists to this receptor effectively block stress-induced behaviors in rodents. The function of CRF(2) receptors, which are highly expressed in limbic brain regions, is less well understood. Therefore, an antisense oligonucleotide approach was used to study the role of CRF(2) receptors in the lateral septum in rats. An antisense oligonucleotide directed against the CRF(2) receptor mRNA reduced expression of CRF(2) receptors by 60--80%. In shock-induced freezing tests, animals administered the antisense oligonucleotide exhibited a significant reduction in freezing duration. However, pain sensitivity and locomotor activity were unaltered. A four-base mismatch of the antisense sequence had no significant effects on CRF(2) receptor density and on freezing behavior. These data support the involvement of CRF(2) receptors in fear conditioning. CRF(1) receptor antagonists also reduce freezing in this test. Additional studies to determine the effects of simultaneous inhibition of both receptor subtypes show that rats receiving both CRF(2) receptor antisense oligonucleotide and CRF(1) receptor antagonist froze significantly less than animals treated with either agent alone. These results provide additional evidence for the role of CRF(2) receptors in mediating the stress-induced actions of endogenous CRF.

Presenilin-1 and -2 are molecular targets for gamma-secretase inhibitors.

Presenilins are integral membrane protein involved in the production of amyloid beta-protein. Mutations of the presenilin-1 and -2 gene are associated with familial Alzheimer's disease and are thought to alter gamma-secretase cleavage of the beta-amyloid precursor protein, leading to increased production of longer and more amyloidogenic forms of A beta, the 4-kDa beta-peptide. Here, we show that radiolabeled gamma-secretase inhibitors bind to mammalian cell membranes, and a benzophenone analog specifically photocross-links three major membrane polypeptides. A positive correlation is observed among these compounds for inhibition of cellular A beta formation, inhibition of membrane binding and cross-linking. Immunological techniques establish N- and C-terminal fragments of presenilin-1 as specifically cross-linked polypeptides. Furthermore, binding of gamma-secretase inhibitors to embryonic membranes derived from presenilin-1 knockout embryos is reduced in a gene dose-dependent manner. In addition, C-terminal fragments of presenilin-2 are specifically cross-linked. Taken together, these results indicate that potent and selective gamma-secretase inhibitors block A beta formation by binding to presenilin-1 and -2.

Possible role of valvular serotonin 5-HT(2B) receptors in the cardiopathy associated with fenfluramine.

Dexfenfluramine was approved in the United States for long-term use as an appetite suppressant until it was reported to be associated with valvular heart disease. The valvular changes (myofibroblast proliferation) are histopathologically indistinguishable from those observed in carcinoid disease or after long-term exposure to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2)-preferring ergot drugs (ergotamine, methysergide). 5-HT(2) receptor stimulation is known to cause fibroblast mitogenesis, which could contribute to this lesion. To elucidate the mechanism of "fen-phen"-associated valvular lesions, we examined the interaction of fenfluramine and its metabolite norfenfluramine with 5-HT(2) receptor subtypes and examined the expression of these receptors in human and porcine heart valves. Fenfluramine binds weakly to 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B), and 5-HT(2C) receptors. In contrast, norfenfluramine exhibited high affinity for 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(2C) receptors and more moderate affinity for 5-HT(2A) receptors. In cells expressing recombinant 5-HT(2B) receptors, norfenfluramine potently stimulated the hydrolysis of inositol phosphates, increased intracellular Ca(2+), and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, the latter of which has been linked to mitogenic actions of the 5-HT(2B) receptor. The level of 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(2A) receptor transcripts in heart valves was at least 300-fold higher than the levels of 5-HT(2C) receptor transcript, which were barely detectable. We propose that preferential stimulation of valvular 5-HT(2B) receptors by norfenfluramine, ergot drugs, or 5-HT released from carcinoid tumors (with or without accompanying 5-HT(2A) receptor activation) may contribute to valvular fibroplasia in humans.

Messenger RNA editing of the human serotonin 5-HT2C receptor.

RNA encoding the rat serotonin 5-HT2C receptor undergoes editing whereby one to four adenosines are converted to inosines. This conversion can change up to three codons out of a stretch of five in the second intracellular loop of the receptor. RNA editing of the rat 5-HT2C receptor that changes all three codons was shown previously to alter intracellular signaling by 5-HT without changing its receptor-binding affinity. We analyzed 5-HT2C receptor editing in human brain and hypothalamic RNA samples and confirmed that all four adenosine editing sites observed in rat were also present in human samples. Additionally, we identified a novel editing site in the middle edited codon that extends the repertoire of 5-HT2C receptors by six additional protein isoforms. We observed that editing reduces both the binding affinity and functional potency of agonists for recombinant human 5-HT2C receptor isoforms. This effect on binding affinity was proportional to the agonist's intrinsic activity, with full agonists most affected, and antagonists showing no effect. These data suggest that RNA editing may alter coupling energetics within the ternary complex, thereby altering agonist binding affinities, G protein coupling, and functional responses. RNA editing may thus provide a novel mechanism for regulating 5-HT synaptic signaling and plasticity.

High-affinity agonist binding correlates with efficacy (intrinsic activity) at the human serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors: evidence favoring the ternary complex and two-state models of agonist action.

Many modern models of receptor-G protein function assume that there is a direct relationship between high-affinity agonist binding and efficacy. The validity of this assumption has been recently questioned for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. We examined the intrinsic activities of various ligands in activating phosphoinositide hydrolysis and measured their respective binding affinities to the high- and low-affinity states of the 5-HT2C (VNV isoform) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Ligand binding affinities for the high-affinity state of the receptors were determined using 1-(4-[125I]iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)2-aminopropane, whereas [3H]mesulergine and N-[3H]methylspiperone were used, in the presence of excess guanine nucleotide [guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)], to define binding to the low-affinity state of the 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptors, respectively. Antagonists labeled the high- and low-affinity states of each receptor with comparable affinities. Previously identified inverse agonists of the 5-HT2C receptor behaved as silent antagonists in our systems even when the receptor was overexpressed at a relatively high density. In contrast, the ability of agonists to bind differentially to the high- and low-affinity states of the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors was highly correlated (r2 = 0.86 and 0.96, respectively) with their intrinsic activities. These data suggest that high-affinity agonist states can account for agonist efficacy at human 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors without the need for considering additional transition or active states of the receptor-ligand complex. The procedure described herein may expedite drug discovery efforts by predicting intrinsic activities of ligands solely from ligand binding assays.

Antisense oligonucleotides for target validation in the CNS.

Although antisense oligonucleotides have been used in cell-based antisense experiments for nearly two decades, studies to investigate the function of CNS proteins in living animals were not successfully conducted until recently. Oligonucleotides are not transported across the blood-brain barrier to any appreciable extent. Consequently, these molecules need to be administered directly into the brain. Antisense approaches may be especially suited to investigation of CNS proteins. Due to their specificity, antisense sequences can more easily and selectively distinguish between closely related proteins, such as receptor subtypes, in contrast to the more traditional pharmacological agents such as small molecule ligands. This review discusses some unique technical aspects surrounding oligonucleotide delivery to the brain, and summarizes some of the more noteworthy applications of antisense tools to the study of CNS protein function during the past two years.

Intrastriatal and intraventricular injections of oligodeoxynucleotides in the rat brain: tissue penetration, intracellular distribution and c-fos antisense effects.

We have determined the time course, the spatial spread in brain tissue, and the intracellular distribution of biotin- and fluorescein-labeled phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) following single injections into the rat striatum or the lateral ventricle. These time and space parameters were correlated with the ability of c-fos phosphorothioate antisense ODNs to suppress the induction of Fos protein by cocaine. A rapid and dose-dependent tissue penetration of labeled ODNs was observed following either intrastriatal or intraventricular injections of a constant sample volume. Inspection of tissue sections by confocal microscopy uncovered a distinct change in the intracellular disposition of labeled ODNs during the 24 h post-injection period. At 1, 6 and 12 h, the vast majority of the fluorescent signal was confined to the interstitial spaces throughout the zone penetrated by ODNs. Neuronal nuclei displayed faint labeling along the outer portion of the nucleus at 1 and 6 h post-injection. At these time-points, ODNs were not detected in the cytoplasm. By 16 h, ODNs were barely detectable in the extracellular space and absent from neuronal nuclei. Instead, ODNs were seen in large cytoplasmic granules of neurons throughout the tissue zone penetrated by the ODNs. Experiments with intrastriatal injections of antisense ODNs to c-fos mRNA revealed Fos suppression between 3 and 12 h, but not at 16 and 24 h. This combined analysis has revealed that (1) restricted tissue penetration by ODNs limits their antisense effects on protein expression, and (2) depletion of extracellular ODNs and sequestration of c-fos antisense ODNs into large intracellular granules coincides with the loss of their biological activity.

Alignment of receptor nomenclature with the human genome: classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes.

The continuing rapid progress towards a complete database of structural information on the human genome creates a challenge of ensuring that current schemes for classifying and naming receptors and ion channels effectively integrate this information with functional data to provide unambiguous principles for classification. In this article, Paul Hartig and colleagues review the recent deliberations of the Serotonin Club Nomenclature Committee and outline a number of its recommendations aimed at encouraging consistency in current and future receptor nomenclature. Based on these principles, the present classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors is reconsidered, and a revised nomenclature for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes is suggested.

Modeling and mutagenesis of the human alpha 1a-adrenoceptor: orientation and function of transmembrane helix V sidechains.

A 3-dimensional model of the seven transmembrane helical segments (TMs) of the human alpha 1a-adrenoceptor was initially built by analogy to the known structure of bacteriorhodopsin. However, the rotational orientation of TM V about its helical axis, and the roles of several TM V residues in ligand binding and receptor activation remained in question. Accordingly, we determined the effects of six site-specific mutations in TM V on binding affinity and functional potency of a structurally diverse series of agonists and antagonists. Mutation of Ser 192 and Phe 193 disrupted the binding of many of the tested ligands, as measured by displacement of [3H]prazosin. In addition, mutation of Ser 188, Ser 192, and Phe 193 disrupted receptor activation, as measured by [3H]inositol phosphate formation. On the basis of these results, a specific rotational orientation of TM V is proposed as part of a revised receptor model, which also takes into account more recently reported information about the structure of rhodopsin. This revised alpha 1a-adrenoceptor model accounts for direct interactions which are proposed between Ser 188 and Ser 192 and the meta and para hydroxyl groups of norepinephrine, respectively, in the G-protein coupled receptor state.

The 5-HT4 receptor: molecular cloning and pharmacological characterization of two splice variants.

Molecular cloning efforts have provided primary amino acid sequence and signal transduction data for a large collection of serotonin receptor subtypes. These include five 5-HT1-like receptors, three 5-HT2 receptors, one 5-HT3 receptor, two 5-HT5 receptors, one 5-HT6 receptor and one 5-HT7 receptor. Molecular biological information on the 5-HT4 receptor is notably absent from this list. We now report the cloning of the pharmacologically defined 5-HT4 receptor. Using degenerate oligonucleotide primers, we identified a rat brain PCR fragment which encoded a '5-HT receptor-like' amino acid sequence. The corresponding full length cDNA was isolated from a rat brain cDNA library. Transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, this receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity and is sensitive to the benzamide derivative cisapride. The response is also blocked by ICS-205930. Interestingly, we isolated two splice variants of the receptor, 5-HT4L and 5-HT4S, differing in the length and sequence of their C-termini. In rat brain, the 5-HT4S transcripts are restricted to the striatum, but the 5-HT4L transcripts are expressed throughout the brain, except in the cerebellum where it was barely detectable. In peripheral tissues, differential expression was also observed in the atrium of the heart where only the 5-HT4S isoform was detectable.

Serotonin 5-HT2C receptor stimulates cyclic GMP formation in choroid plexus.

The serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (formerly designated the 5-HT1C receptor) of the choroid plexus triggers phosphoinositide turnover. In the present study, we demonstrate that receptor activation also triggers the formation of cyclic GMP (cGMP). Application of 1 microM 5-HT to porcine choroid plexus tissue slices resulted in stimulation of cGMP formation to a maximum of five-fold basal level, with an EC50 of 11 nM. This response was not inhibited by muscarinic or beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Serotonin receptor antagonists inhibited cGMP formation with apparent Ki values of 1.3 (mianserin), 200 (ketanserin), and 5,500 (spiperone) nM, respectively. Neither serotonin-stimulated cGMP formation nor PI turnover was inhibited by pertussis toxin pretreatment. Preliminary biochemical studies suggested that serotonin-stimulated cGMP formation was calcium, phospholipase A2, and lipoxygenase dependent, as incubation in low calcium buffers or inclusion of the phospholipase A2 or lipoxygenase inhibitors p-bromophenacylbromide or BW 755c resulted in significant reduction of cGMP formation. The present results suggest that in addition to triggering phosphoinositide turnover, choroid plexus serotonin 5-HT2C receptors trigger cGMP formation in a calcium-sensitive manner.

International Union of Pharmacology classification of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin).

It is evident that in the last decade or so, a vast amount of new information has become available concerning the various 5-HT receptor types and their characteristics. This derives from two main research approaches, operational pharmacology, using selective ligands (both agonists and antagonists), and, more recently, molecular biology. Although the scientific community continues to deliberate about the hierarchy of criteria for neurotransmitter receptor characterisation, there seems good agreement between the two approaches regarding 5-HT receptor classification. In addition, the information regarding transduction mechanisms and second messengers is also entirely consistent. Thus, on the basis of these essential criteria for receptor characterisation and classification, there are at least three main groups or classes of 5-HT receptor: 5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3. Each group is not only operationally but also structurally distinct, with each receptor group having its own distinct transducing system. The more recently identified 5-HT4 receptor almost undoubtedly represents a fourth 5-HT receptor class on the basis of operational and transductional data, but this will only be definitively shown when the cDNA for the receptor has been cloned and the amino acid sequence of the protein is known. Although those 5-HT receptors that have been fully characterised and classified to date (and, hence, named with confidence) would seem to mediate the majority of the actions of 5-HT throughout the mammalian body, not all receptors for 5-HT are fully encompassed within our scheme of classification. These apparent anomalies must be recognised and need further study. They may or may not represent new groups of 5-HT receptor or subtypes of already known groups of 5-HT receptor. Even though the cDNAs for the 5-ht1E, 5-ht1F, 5-ht5, 5-ht6, and 5-ht7 receptors have been cloned and their amino acid sequence defined, more data are necessary concerning their operational and transductional characteristics before one can be confident of the suitability of their appellations. Therefore, it is important to rationalise in concert all of the available data from studies involving both operational approaches of the classical pharmacological type and those from molecular and cellular biology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The alpha 1-adrenergic receptor that mediates smooth muscle contraction in human prostate has the pharmacological properties of the cloned human alpha 1c subtype.

Molecular cloning studies have revealed the existence of three subtypes of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. However, the link between any individual subtype and its functional role in the body has remained elusive. In an effort to bridge the gap between molecular biology and pathophysiology, we have chosen a model smooth muscle system, the human prostate, and investigated the role of alpha 1 subtypes in this tissue. To determine which alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtype mediates the contractile response of the human prostate, we first studied the pharmacological properties of three cloned human alpha 1 subtypes (alpha 1a/d, alpha 1b, and alpha 1c). Prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, and abanoquil showed no selectivity for the human alpha 1 subtypes. WB-4101 and 5-methylurapidil showed a rank order of potency of alpha 1c > alpha 1a/d >> alpha 1b. Indoramin and (+)-niguldipine were selective for the alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor, with at least 10-fold lower affinity at either alpha 1a/d or alpha 1b subtypes. SK&F104856 was found to be 6-fold more potent at the alpha 1a/d receptor subtype than at alpha 1b- or alpha 1c-adrenergic receptors. We next determined the potency of these antagonists to inhibit the phenylephrine-induced contraction of human prostatic tissue in vitro. The potencies of indoramin, 5-methylurapidil, and SK&F104856 to inhibit the contractile response and to displace [3H]prazosin from the cloned human alpha 1c subtype were similar. Our data suggest that the alpha 1 receptor that mediates the contraction of human prostate smooth muscle has the pharmacological properties of the cloned human alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor. The findings of the present study suggest that selective alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor antagonists may be clinically more efficacious and better tolerated agents for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Molecular pharmacology of serotonin receptors.

The serotonin system has long been thought to play a role at several steps in the cycle of alcohol abuse. Initial motivation may be triggered by anxiety, which may exhibit a serotonergic component (5-HT1A receptor). Alcohol can potentiate the opening of 5-HT3 receptor ion channels, and agents which elevate serotonergic tone, including serotonergic agonists, uptake inhibitors and releasers, have shown promise in assisting with recovery from alcoholism. In this review, recent advances in serotonin receptor research are presented, with a special emphasis on the impact and interpretation of molecular biological data. Genetic and pharmacological concepts of receptor subtypes are reviewed and related to a new classification system for the 14 currently recognized subtypes of serotonin receptors. The current and likely future impact on drug design of the molecular approach to serotonin receptors is discussed. Finally, the question of why there are so many serotonin receptor subtypes is examined, along with possible roles of multiple G protein and second messenger pathways, and their effect on conserved domains of these receptor proteins.

Cloning of another human serotonin receptor (5-HT1F): a fifth 5-HT1 receptor subtype coupled to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

An intronless gene encoding an additional human serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT1-like receptor subtype was isolated from a human genomic library with probes obtained from degenerate PCR primers used to amplify 5-HT-receptor-specific sequences. The highest degree of homology was found with the 5-HT1E subtype (70%) and the 5-HT1D alpha (63%) and 5-HT1D beta (60%) receptors. RNA for this gene was detected in the human brain but was not detected in kidney, liver, spleen, heart, pancreas, and testes. High-affinity (Kd = 9.2 nM) 3H-labeled 5-HT binding was detected. Competition studies revealed the following rank order of potencies for serotonergic ligands: 5-HT > sumatriptan >> 5-carboxyamidotryptamine > 8-hydroxy-2(di-1-propylamino)tetralin > spiperone. 5-HT produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation (EC50 = 7.9 nM) in transfected cells. These properties distinguish this receptor from any previously characterized and establish a fifth 5-HT1-like receptor subtype (5-HT1F) coupled to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

Molecular heterogeneity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transport system. Cloning of two novel high affinity GABA transporters from rat brain.

cDNA clones encoding two novel gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters (designated GAT-2 and GAT-3) have been isolated from rat brain, and their functional properties have been examined in mammalian cells. The transporters display high affinity for GABA (Km approximately 10 microM) and exhibit pharmacological properties distinct from the previously cloned neuronal GABA transporter (GAT-1). Both transporters require sodium and chloride for transport activity. The nucleotide sequences of GAT-2 and GAT-3 predict proteins of 602 and 627 amino acids, respectively, which can be modeled with 12 transmembrane domains, similar to the topology proposed for other cloned neurotransmitter transporters. Localization studies indicate that both transporters are present in brain and retina, while GAT-2 is also present in peripheral tissues. The cloning of these transporter genes from rat brain reveals previously undescribed heterogeneity in GABA transporters.