RESUMO
We have developed a pipeline to express, purify, and characterize HIV envelope protein (Env) gp145 from Chinese hamster ovary cells, to accelerate the production of a promising vaccine candidate. First in shake flasks, then in bioreactors, we optimized the growth conditions. By adjusting the pH to 6.8, we increased expression levels to 101 mg/L in a 50 L bioreactor, nearly twice the previously reported titer value. A battery of analytical methods was developed in accordance with current good manufacturing practices to ensure a quality biopharmaceutical. Imaged capillary isoelectric focusing verified proper glycosylation of gp145; dynamic light scattering confirmed the trimeric arrangement; and bio-layer interferometry and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated native-like properties (i.e., antibody binding and secondary structure). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used as a multi-attribute platform for accurate mass determination, glycans analysis, and protein identification. Our robust analysis demonstrates that our gp145 product is very similar to a reference standard and emphasizes the importance of accurate characterization of a highly heterogeneous immunogen for the development of an effective vaccine. Finally, we present a novel guanosine microparticle with gp145 encapsulated and displayed on its surface. The unique properties of our gp145 microparticle make it amenable to use in future preclinical and clinical trials.
RESUMO
For a long time, traditional purification and extraction methods for the native Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in lipid-like detergent complex (nAChR-DC) have compromised its purity, functionality and X-ray structural studies possibility. The dataset presented in this article provide a characterization of the Torpedo californica nAChR-DC purified using a sequential purification processes developed in our laboratory [1]. This purification takes in consideration all of the physicochemical and functional requirements stablished by several researchers for the past three decades for the nAChR. These requirements were addressed in order to preserve the stability and functionality of nAChR-DC while ensuring the highest degree of protein purity. We focused on the effect of cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) supplementation on nAChR conformational changes during the purification process. Data from the size exclusion chromatography of the nAChR-DC supplemented with CHS in concentrations ranging from 0.01 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM and 0.5 mM consistently demonstrated that 0.5 mM CHS affects receptor stability via disassemble of the pentameric oligomer. However, 0.2 mM CHS produced negligible nAChR-DC subunit disruption. The purified nAChR-DC has been characterized by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), in order to assess its stability. The CD data was recorded in the wavelength range of 190-250 nm, showed that CHS induce a âº-helix to ß-sheet transition of the nAChR-DC. The nAChR-LFC-16 delipidation with Methyl-ß-Cyclodextrin decreased the percentage of α-helix and increased the ß-sheet antiparallel secondary structure and levels the percentage of turns to that of the nAChR-DC without CHS treatment. Additionally, the stability of the nAChR-DC supplemented with CHS and incorporated into lipid cubic phase (LCP) was monitored for a period of 30 days by means of FRAP. The LCP-FRAP data allowed to establish possible optimal crystallization conditions for the development of crystals from purified nAChR-conjugated to α-Bungarotoxin, Alexa Fluor ™ 488 (α-BTX) in order to obtain a high-resolution atomic structure by X-ray diffraction.
RESUMO
Over the past 10 years we have been developing a multi-attribute analytical platform that allows for the preparation of milligram amounts of functional, high-pure, and stable Torpedo (muscle-type) nAChR detergent complexes for crystallization purpose. In the present work, we have been able to significantly improve and optimize the purity and yield of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in detergent complexes (nAChR-DC) without compromising stability and functionality. We implemented new methods in the process, such as analysis and rapid production of samples for future crystallization preparations. Native nAChR was extracted from the electric organ of Torpedo californica using the lipid-like detergent LysoFos Choline 16 (LFC-16), followed by three consecutive steps of chromatography purification. We evaluated the effect of cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) supplementation during the affinity purification steps of nAChR-LFC-16 in terms of receptor secondary structure, stability and functionality. CHS produced significant changes in the degree of ß-secondary structure, these changes compromise the diffusion of the nAChR-LFC-16 in lipid cubic phase. The behavior was reversed by Methyl-ß-Cyclodextrin treatment. Also, CHS decreased acetylcholine evoked currents of Xenopus leavis oocyte injected with nAChR-LFC-16 in a concentration-dependent manner. Methyl-ß-Cyclodextrin treatment do not reverse functionality, however column delipidation produced a functional protein similar to nAChR-LFC-16 without CHS treatment.
Assuntos
Ésteres do Colesterol/química , Proteínas de Peixes/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Acetilcolina/farmacologia , Animais , Detergentes/química , Potenciais Evocados/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas de Peixes/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Peixes/metabolismo , Oócitos/fisiologia , Conformação Proteica em Folha beta , Receptores Nicotínicos/isolamento & purificação , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Torpedo/metabolismo , Xenopus laevis/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Xenopus laevis/metabolismo , beta-Ciclodextrinas/químicaRESUMO
The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been the primary target for the development of a protective vaccine against infection. The extensive N-linked glycosylation on Env is an important consideration as it may affect efficacy, stability, and expression yields. The expression host has been shown to influence the extent and type of glycosylation that decorates the protein target. Here, we report the glycosylation profile of the candidate subtype C immunogen CO6980v0c22 gp145, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials, produced in two different host cells: CHO-K1 and Expi293F. The amino acid sequence for both glycoproteins was confirmed to be identical by peptide mass fingerprinting. However, the isoelectric point of the proteins differed; 4.5-5.5 and 6.0-7.0 for gp145 produced in CHO-K1 and Expi293F, respectively. These differences in pI were eliminated by enzymatic treatment with sialidase, indicating a large difference in the incorporation of sialic acid between hosts. This dramatic difference in the number of sialylated glycans between hosts was confirmed by analysis of PNGase F-released glycans using MALDI-ToF MS. These differences in glycosylation, however, did not greatly translate into differences in antibody recognition. Biosensor assays showed that gp145 produced in CHO-K1 had similar affinity toward the broadly neutralizing antibodies, 2G12 and PG16, as the gp145 produced in Expi293F. Additionally, both immunogens showed the same reactivity against plasma of HIV-infected patients. Taken together, these results support the notion that there are sizeable differences in the glycosylation of Env depending on the expression host. How these differences translate to vaccine efficacy remains unknown.
Assuntos
Glicopeptídeos/análise , Anticorpos Anti-HIV/imunologia , HIV-1/metabolismo , Produtos do Gene env do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/imunologia , Adulto , Animais , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , Reações Antígeno-Anticorpo , Células CHO , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Feminino , Glicosilação , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteínas Recombinantes/biossíntese , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/isolamento & purificação , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz , Adulto Jovem , Produtos do Gene env do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/genética , Produtos do Gene env do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/metabolismoRESUMO
Macrophages are phagocytic immune cells that protect the body from foreign invaders and actively support the immune response by releasing anti- and proinflammatory cytokines. A seminal finding revolutionized the way macrophages are seen. The expression of the neuronal alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) in macrophages led to the establishment of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory response (CAR) in which the activation of this receptor inactivates macrophage production of proinflammatory cytokines. This novel neuroimmune response soon began to emerge as a potential target to counteract inflammation during illness and infection states. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals suffer from chronic inflammation that persists even under antiretroviral therapy. Despite the CAR's importance, few studies involving macrophages have been performed in the HIV field. Evidence demonstrates that monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) recovered from HIV-infected individuals are upregulated for α7-nAChR. Moreover, in vitro studies demonstrate that addition of an HIV viral constituent, gp120IIIB, to uninfected MDMs also upregulates the α7-nAChR. Importantly, contrary to what was expected, activation of upregulated α7-nAChRs in macrophages does not reduce inflammation, suggesting a CAR disruption. Although it is reasonable to consider this receptor as a pharmacological target, additional studies are necessary since its activity seems to differ from that observed in neurons.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/complicações , Inflamação/etiologia , Inflamação/metabolismo , Macrófagos/imunologia , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Acetilcolina/metabolismo , Acetilcolina/farmacologia , Animais , Citocinas/metabolismo , Descoberta de Drogas , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Humanos , Imunidade , Inflamação/patologia , Mediadores da Inflamação , Macrófagos/efeitos dos fármacos , Monócitos/imunologia , Monócitos/metabolismo , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa7/metabolismoRESUMO
Currently, there are no specific therapies to treat HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The HIV-1 envelope, gp120, induces neuropathological changes similar to those in HAND patients; furthermore, it triggers an upregulation of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), facilitating intracellular calcium overload and neuronal cell death. Using a gp120IIIB-transgenic mouse (gp120-tgm) model, we demonstrate that α7-nAChRs are upregulated on striatal neurons. Activation of α7-nAChRs leads to an increase in both intracellular calcium and percentage of apoptotic cells, which can be abrogated by antagonizing the receptor, suggesting a role for α7-nAChRs in gp120-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that gp120-tgm have learning deficiencies on a striatum-dependent behavioral task. They also show locomotor deficiencies, which improved with α7-nAChR antagonists, further supporting a role for this receptor in gp120-induced neurotoxicity. Together, these results uncover a new mechanism through which gp120-induced modulation of α7-nAChRs in the striatum can contribute to HAND development.
Assuntos
Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/metabolismo , Infecções por HIV/metabolismo , HIV-1/metabolismo , Transtornos Neurocognitivos/metabolismo , Neurônios/metabolismo , Síndromes Neurotóxicas/metabolismo , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa7/metabolismo , Animais , Morte Celular/fisiologia , Corpo Estriado/metabolismo , Feminino , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Transgênicos , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismoRESUMO
This study compares the lipid composition, including individual phospholipid molecular species of solubilized nAChR detergent complexes (nAChR-DCs) with those of the bulk lipids from their source, Torpedo californica (Tc) electric tissue. This lipidomic analysis revealed seventy-seven (77) phospholipid species in the Tc tissue. Analysis of affinity-purified nAChR-DCs prepared with C-12 to C-16 phospholipid analog detergents alkylphosphocholine (FC) and lysofoscholine (LFC) demonstrated that nAChR-DCs prepared with FC12, LFC14, and LFC16 contained >60 phospholipids/nAChR, which was more than twice of those prepared with FC14, FC16, and LFC12. Significantly, all the nAChR-DCs lacked ethanolamine and anionic phospholipids, contained only four cholesterol molecules, and a limited number of phospholipid molecular species per nAChR. Upon incorporation into oocytes, FC12 produce significant functionality, whereas LFC14 and LFC16 nAChR-DCs displayed an increased functionality as compared to the crude Tc membrane. All three nAChR-DCs displayed different degrees of alterations in macroscopic activation and desensitization kinetics.
Assuntos
Detergentes/química , Lipídeos/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Acetilcolina/farmacologia , Animais , Catálise , Cromatografia de Afinidade , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Cromatografia em Camada Fina , Órgão Elétrico/metabolismo , Eletrodos , Hidrólise , Lipídeos/isolamento & purificação , Oócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Oócitos/metabolismo , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização por Electrospray , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem , Torpedo , XenopusRESUMO
The mechanisms leading to the neurocognitive deficits in humans with immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are not well resolved. A number of cell culture models have demonstrated that the HIV-envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) decreases the reuptake of glutamate, which is necessary for learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. However, the impact of brain HIV-1 gp120 on glutamate uptake systems in vivo remains unknown. Notably, alterations in brain glutamate uptake systems are implicated in a number of neurodegenerative and neurocognitive disorders. We characterized the kinetic properties of system XAG (sodium-dependent) and systems xc- (sodium-independent) [3H]-L-glutamate uptake in the striatum and hippocampus of HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice, an established model of HIV neuropathology. We determined the kinetic constant Vmax (maximal velocity) and Km (affinity) of both systems XAG and xc- using subcellular preparations derived from neurons and glial cells. We show significant (30-35 %) reductions in the Vmax of systems XAG and xc- in both neuronal and glial preparations derived from the striatum, but not from the hippocampus of gp120 mice relative to wild-type (WT) controls. Moreover, immunoblot analysis showed that the protein expression of glutamate transporter subtype-1 (GLT-1), the predominant brain glutamate transporter, was significantly reduced in the striatum but not in the hippocampus of gp120 mice. These extensive and region-specific deficits of glutamate uptake likely contribute to the development and/or severity of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Understanding the role of striatal glutamate uptake systems in HIV-1 gp120 may advance the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent neuronal damage and improve cognitive function in HIV patients.
Assuntos
Disfunção Cognitiva/metabolismo , Corpo Estriado/metabolismo , Transportador 2 de Aminoácido Excitatório/genética , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/genética , Infecções por HIV/metabolismo , HIV-1/patogenicidade , Neuroglia/metabolismo , Animais , Disfunção Cognitiva/complicações , Disfunção Cognitiva/genética , Disfunção Cognitiva/virologia , Corpo Estriado/virologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Transportador 2 de Aminoácido Excitatório/deficiência , Ácido Glutâmico/metabolismo , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/metabolismo , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Infecções por HIV/genética , Infecções por HIV/virologia , HIV-1/fisiologia , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Hipocampo/virologia , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Neuroglia/virologia , Neurônios/metabolismo , Neurônios/virologia , Especificidade de Órgãos , Sinapses/metabolismo , Sinapses/virologia , TransgenesRESUMO
Despite the recent advances in antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a global health threat. HIV-1 affects the central nervous system by releasing viral proteins that trigger neuronal death and neuroinflammation, and promotes alterations known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). This disorder is not fully understood, and no specific treatments are available. Recently, we demonstrated that the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120IIIB induces a functional upregulation of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7) in neuronal cells. Furthermore, this upregulation promotes cell death that can be abrogated with receptor antagonists, suggesting that α7 may play an important role in the development of HAND. The partial duplication of the gene coding for the α7, known as CHRFAM7A, negatively regulates α7 expression but its role in HIV infection has not been studied. Hence, we studied both CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A regulation patterns in various gp120IIIB in vitro conditions. In addition, we measured CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A expression levels in postmortem brain samples from patients suffering from different stages of HAND. Our results demonstrate the induction of CHRNA7 expression accompanied by a significant downregulation of CHRFAM7A in neuronal cells when exposed to pathophysiological concentrations of gp120IIIB. Our results suggest a dysregulation of CHRFAM7A and CHRNA7 expressions in the basal ganglia from postmortem brain samples of HIV+ subjects and expand the current knowledge about the consequences of HIV infection in the brain.
Assuntos
Complexo AIDS Demência/genética , Encéfalo/virologia , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/genética , HIV-1/genética , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa7/genética , Complexo AIDS Demência/metabolismo , Complexo AIDS Demência/patologia , Complexo AIDS Demência/virologia , Adulto , Autopsia , Gânglios da Base/metabolismo , Gânglios da Base/patologia , Gânglios da Base/virologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patologia , Morte Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/metabolismo , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/farmacologia , HIV-1/metabolismo , HIV-1/patogenicidade , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neurônios/citologia , Neurônios/efeitos dos fármacos , Neurônios/metabolismo , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Transdução de Sinais , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa7/metabolismoRESUMO
In our previous study we examined the functionality and stability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-detergent complexes (nAChR-DCs) from affinity-purified Torpedo californica (Tc) using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) and planar lipid bilayer (PLB) recordings for phospholipid and cholesterol like detergents. In the present study we enhanced the functional characterization of nAChR-DCs by recording macroscopic ion channel currents in Xenopus oocytes using the two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). The use of TEVC allows for the recording of macroscopic currents elicited by agonist activation of nAChR-DCs that assemble in the oocyte plasma membrane. Furthermore, we examined the stability of nAChR-DCs, which is obligatory for the nAChR crystallization, using a 30 day FRAP assay in LCP for each detergent. The present results indicate a marked difference in the fractional fluorescence recovery (ΔFFR) within the same detergent family during the 30 day period assayed. Within the cholesterol analog family, sodium cholate and CHAPSO displayed a minimum ΔFFR and a mobile fraction (MF) over 80%. In contrast, CHAPS and BigCHAP showed a marked decay in both the mobile fraction and diffusion coefficient. nAChR-DCs containing phospholipid analog detergents with an alkylphosphocholine (FC) and lysofoscholine (LFC) of 16 carbon chains (FC-16, LFC-16) were more effective in maintaining a mobile fraction of over 80% compared to their counterparts with shorter acyl chain (C12, C14). The significant differences in macroscopic current amplitudes, activation and desensitization rates among the different nAChR-DCs evaluated in the present study allow to dissect which detergent preserves both, agonist activation and ion channel function. Functionality assays using TEVC demonstrated that LFC16, LFC14, and cholate were the most effective detergents in preserving macroscopic ion channel function, however, the nAChR-cholate complex display a significant delay in the ACh-induce channel activation. In summary, these results suggest that the physical properties of the lipid analog detergents (headgroup and acyl chain length) are the most effective in maintaining both the stability and functionality of the nAChR in the detergent solubilized complex.
Assuntos
Detergentes/química , Bicamadas Lipídicas/química , Oócitos/fisiologia , Fosfolipídeos/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Torpedo/metabolismo , Animais , Membrana Celular/química , Membrana Celular/fisiologia , Colesterol/química , Ácidos Cólicos/química , Cristalização , Detergentes/classificação , Potenciais Evocados/fisiologia , Recuperação de Fluorescência Após Fotodegradação , Microinjeções , Oócitos/química , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Ligação Proteica , Estabilidade Proteica , Receptores Nicotínicos/isolamento & purificação , Receptores Nicotínicos/fisiologia , Colato de Sódio/química , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Termodinâmica , Xenopus laevis/metabolismoRESUMO
The α4ß2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a crucial role in nicotine addiction. These receptors are known to desensitize and up-regulate after chronic nicotine exposure, but the mechanism remains unknown. Currently, the structure and functional role of the intracellular domains of the nAChR are obscure. To study the effect of subunit phosphorylation on α4ß2 nAChR function and expression, eleven residues located in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop were mutated to alanine and aspartic acid. Two-electrode voltage clamp and 125I-labeled epibatidine binding assays were performed on Xenopus oocytes to assess agonist activation and receptor expression. When ACh was used as an agonist, a decrease in receptor activation was observed for the majority of the mutations. When nicotine was used as an agonist, four mutations exhibited a statistically significant hypersensitivity to nicotine (S438D, S469A, Y576A, and S589A). Additionally, two mutations (S516D and T536A) that displayed normal activation with ACh displayed remarkable reductions in sensitivity to nicotine. Binding assays revealed a constitutive up-regulation in these two nicotine mutations with reduced nicotine sensitivity. These results suggest that consensus phosphorylation residues in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop of the α4 subunit play a crucial role in regulating α4ß2 nAChR agonist selectivity and functional expression. Furthermore, these results suggest that disruption of specific interactions at PKC putative consensus sites can render α4ß2 nAChRs almost insensitive to nicotine without substantial effects on normal AChR function. Therefore, these PKC consensus sites in the M3-M4 cytoplasmic loop of the α4 nAChR subunit could be a target for smoking cessation drugs.
Assuntos
Agonistas Nicotínicos/farmacologia , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Acetilcolina/farmacologia , Animais , Compostos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos com Pontes/farmacologia , Caseína Quinase II/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Citoplasma , Radioisótopos do Iodo , Potenciais da Membrana/efeitos dos fármacos , Potenciais da Membrana/fisiologia , Mutagênese Sítio-Dirigida , Mutação , Oócitos , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Fosforilação , Proteína Quinase C/metabolismo , Piridinas/farmacologia , Ratos , XenopusRESUMO
Antiretroviral therapy partially restores the immune system and markedly increases life expectancy of HIV-infected patients. However, antiretroviral therapy does not restore full health. These patients suffer from poorly understood chronic inflammation that causes a number of AIDS and non-AIDS complications. Here we show that chronic inflammation in HIV+ patients may be due to the disruption of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by HIV envelope protein gp120IIIB. Our results demonstrate that HIV gp120IIIB induces α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7) upregulation and a paradoxical proinflammatory phenotype in macrophages, as activation of the upregulated α7 is no longer capable of inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Our results demonstrate that disruption of the cholinergic-mediated anti-inflammatory response can result from an HIV protein. Collectively, these findings suggest that HIV tampering with a natural strategy to control inflammation could contribute to a crucial, unresolved problem of HIV infection: chronic inflammation.
RESUMO
The lipid-protein interface is an important domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) that has recently garnered increased relevance. Several studies have made significant advances toward determining the structure and dynamics of the lipid-exposed domains of the nAChR. However, there is still a need to gain insight into the mechanism by which lipid-protein interactions regulate the function and conformational transitions of the nAChR. In this study, we extended the tryptophan scanning mutagenesis (TrpScanM) approach to dissect secondary structure and monitor the conformational changes experienced by the δM4 transmembrane domain (TMD) of the Torpedo californica nAChR, and to identify which positions on this domain are potentially linked to the regulation of ion channel kinetics. The difference in oscillation patterns between the closed- and open-channel states suggests a substantial conformational change along this domain as a consequence of channel activation. Furthermore, TrpScanM revealed distortions along the helical structure of this TMD that are not present on current models of the nAChR. Our results show that a Thr-Pro motif at positions 462-463 markedly bends the helical structure of the TMD, consistent with the recent crystallographic structure of the GluCl Cys-loop receptor which reveals a highly bent TMD4 in each subunit. This Thr-Pro motif acts as a molecular hinge that delineates two gating blocks in the δM4 TMD. These results suggest a model in which a hinge-bending motion that tilts the helical structure is combined with a spring-like motion during transition between the closed- and open-channel states of the δM4 TMD.
Assuntos
Ativação do Canal Iônico/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Substituição de Aminoácidos , Animais , Bungarotoxinas/farmacologia , Ativação do Canal Iônico/efeitos dos fármacos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mutagênese Sítio-Dirigida , Oócitos , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Estrutura Secundária de Proteína , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Torpedo , Triptofano/química , Xenopus laevisRESUMO
Approximately 30-50% of the >30 million HIV-infected subjects develop neurological complications ranging from mild symptoms to dementia. HIV does not infect neurons, and the molecular mechanisms behind HIV-associated neurocognitive decline are not understood. There are several hypotheses to explain the development of dementia in HIV(+) individuals, including neuroinflammation mediated by infected microglia and neuronal toxicity by HIV proteins. A key protein associated with the neurological complications of HIV, gp120, forms part of the viral envelope and can be found in the CSF of infected individuals. HIV-1-gp120 interacts with several receptors including CD4, CCR5, CXCR4, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the role of nAChRs in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder has not been investigated. We studied the effects of gp120(IIIB) on the expression and function of the nicotinic receptor α7 (α7-nAChR). Our results show that gp120, through activation of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor, induces a functional up-regulation of α7-nAChRs. Because α7-nAChRs have a high permeability to Ca(2+), we performed TUNEL staining to investigate the effects of receptor up-regulation on cell viability. Our data revealed an increase in cell death, which was blocked by the selective antagonist α-bungarotoxin. The in vitro data are supported by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, confirming a remarkable up-regulation of the α7-nAChR in gp120-transgenic mice brains. Specifically, α7-nAChR up-regulation is observed in mouse striatum, a region severely affected in HIV(+) patients. In summary, CXCR4 activation induces up-regulation of α7-nAChR, causing cell death, suggesting that α7-nAChR is a previously unrecognized contributor to the neurotoxicity associated with HIV infection.
Assuntos
Complexo AIDS Demência/metabolismo , Corpo Estriado/metabolismo , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/metabolismo , HIV-1/metabolismo , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/metabolismo , Receptores CXCR4/metabolismo , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Complexo AIDS Demência/genética , Animais , Bungarotoxinas/farmacologia , Morte Celular/genética , Corpo Estriado/virologia , Proteína gp120 do Envelope de HIV/genética , HIV-1/genética , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/genética , Receptores CXCR4/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Regulação para Cima/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação para Cima/genética , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa7RESUMO
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a member of a family of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate diverse physiological functions, including fast synaptic transmission along the peripheral and central nervous systems. Several studies have made significant advances toward determining the structure and dynamics of the lipid-exposed domains of the nAChR. However, a high-resolution atomic structure of the nAChR still remains elusive. In this study, we extended the Fourier transform coupled tryptophan scanning mutagenesis (FT-TrpScanM) approach to gain insight into the secondary structure of the δM3 transmembrane domain of the Torpedo californica nAChR, to monitor conformational changes experienced by this domain during channel gating, and to identify which lipid-exposed positions are linked to the regulation of ion channel kinetics. The perturbations produced by periodic tryptophan substitutions along the δM3 transmembrane domain were characterized by two-electrode voltage clamp and (125)I-labeled α-bungarotoxin binding assays. The periodicity profiles and Fourier transform spectra of this domain revealed similar helical structures for the closed- and open-channel states. However, changes in the oscillation patterns observed between positions Val-299 and Val-304 during transition between the closed- and open-channel states can be explained by the structural effects caused by the presence of a bending point introduced by a Thr-Gly motif at positions 300-301. The changes in periodicity and localization of residues between the closed-and open-channel states could indicate a structural transition between helix types in this segment of the domain. Overall, the data further demonstrate a functional link between the lipid-exposed transmembrane domain and the nAChR gating machinery.
Assuntos
Membrana Celular/química , Proteínas de Peixes/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Torpedo , Animais , Membrana Celular/genética , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Proteínas de Peixes/genética , Proteínas de Peixes/metabolismo , Análise de Fourier , Ativação do Canal Iônico/fisiologia , Mutagênese , Estrutura Secundária de Proteína , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Xenopus laevisRESUMO
Thyroid hormones--particularly triiodothyronine, T3--play a critical role in the morphological transformations comprising metamorphosis in larval bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). Traditional staging criteria for anuran larvae incompletely distinguish physiological and behavioral changes during growth. We therefore first developed a new parameter to describe larval growth, the developmental index (DI), which is simply the ratio between the tail length of the larva and its head diameter. Using the DI we were able to identify two distinct populations classifying the larvae during growth along a continuous linear scale with a cutoff value of DI at 2.8. Classification based on the DI, used in this study, proved an effective complement to existing classifications based on developmental staging into pre- or pro-metamorphic stages. Exposure to T3 in the water induced a rapid (beginning within 5 min) and significant decrease (approximately 20-40%) in locomotor activity, measured as total distance traversed and velocity. The largest decrease occurred in more developed larvae (DI<2.8). To determine correlated changes in the neuromuscular junctions during metamorphosis and apoptotic tail loss, miniature endplate currents from tail muscle were recorded during acute exposure to a hypertonic solution, which simulates an apoptotic volume decrease. Our results support a role for T3 in regulating larval locomotor activity during development, and suggest an enhanced response to volume depletion at the neuromuscular junction of older larvae (DI<2.8) compared to younger animals (DI> or =2.8). We discuss the significance of the possible role of an apoptotic volume decrease at the level of the neuromuscular junction.
Assuntos
Locomoção/efeitos dos fármacos , Locomoção/fisiologia , Metamorfose Biológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Rana catesbeiana/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Natação/fisiologia , Tri-Iodotironina/farmacologia , Animais , Bochecha/fisiologia , Fenômenos EletrofisiológicosRESUMO
Cholesterol modulates the plasmalemma's biophysical properties and influences the function and trafficking of membrane proteins. A fundamental phenomenon that remains obscure is how the plasmalemma's lipid composition regulates the activatable pool of membrane receptors. An outstanding model to study this phenomenon is the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), since the nAChR activatable pool has been estimated to be but a small fraction of the receptors present in the plasmalemma. Studies on the effect of cholesterol depletion in the function of the Torpedo californica nAChR, using the lipid-exposed nAChR mutation (alpha C418W) that produces a congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), demonstrated that cholesterol depletion causes a remarkable increase in the alpha C418W nAChR's macroscopic current whereas not in the wild-type (WT). A variety of approaches were used to define the mechanism responsible for the cholesterol depletion mediated-increase in the alpha C418W nAChR's macroscopic current. The present study suggests that a substantial fraction of the alpha C418W nAChRs is located in caveolin-1-positive domains, "trapped" in a non-activatable state, and that membrane cholesterol depletion results in the relocation of these receptors to the activatable pool. Co-fractionation and co-immunoprecipitation of the alpha C418W nAChR and the membrane raft protein caveolin-1 (cav1) support the notion that interactions at lipid-exposed domains regulate the partition of the receptor into membrane raft microdomains. These results have potential implications as a novel mechanism to fine-tune cholinergic transmission in the nervous system and in the pathogenesis associated to the alpha C418W nAChR.
Assuntos
Caveolina 1/biossíntese , Síndromes Miastênicas Congênitas/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Animais , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Colesterol/química , Colesterol/metabolismo , Humanos , Cinética , Microdomínios da Membrana , Síndromes Miastênicas Congênitas/metabolismo , Oócitos/metabolismo , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Síndrome , Torpedo , Xenopus laevis/metabolismoRESUMO
Almost all lipid-exposed transmembrane domains of integral proteins contain aromatic residues flanking the hydrophobic segment of the domains. These residues generally reside close to the carbonyl region of the membrane, and several structural and functional roles have been associated to these residues. Although the roles and physicochemical reasons for aromatic preference have been extensively studied using model systems, few studies have been done in a native membrane system. To gain insight about the mechanistic implication for this aromatic preference, we selected position alpha F426 of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). alpha F426 is a lipid-exposed residue at the extracellular segment of the alpha M4 transmembrane domain and is highly conserved among different nAChR subunits and species. We used site-directed mutagenesis, alpha-Bungarotoxin-binding assay, and two-electrodes voltage clamp in Xenopus laevis oocytes to characterize mutations at position alpha F426, which impart different physicochemical properties like volume, polarity, hydrogen bonds, aromaticity and net electrical charge. All mutations except the aromatic residues resulted in a significant reduction of the nAChR cell-surface levels and the macroscopic currents to acetylcholine. These results suggest that position alpha F426 contributes to structural stability and open-close transitions of the nAChR. Finally, the present study also provides information about how intermolecular interactions at position alpha 426 modulate open-close transitions of the nAChR.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Água/química , Aminoácidos/química , Animais , Bungarotoxinas/química , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Humanos , Lipídeos/química , Camundongos , Modelos Biológicos , Modelos Moleculares , Conformação Molecular , Mutagênese Sítio-Dirigida , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Xenopus laevis/metabolismoRESUMO
The second transmembrane domain (TMD2) of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels forms the channel pore. The functional role of the amino acid residues contributing to the channel pore in neuronal nicotinic alpha3 receptors is not well understood. We characterized the contribution of TMD2 position V7' to channel gating in neuronal nicotinic alpha3 receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute position alpha3 (V7') with four different amino acids (A, F, S, or Y) and coexpressed each mutant subunit with wild-type (WT) beta2 or beta4 subunits in Xenopus oocytes. Whole-cell voltage clamp experiments show that substitution for an alanine, serine, or phenylalanine decreased by 2.3-6.2-fold the ACh-EC(50) for alpha3beta2 and alpha3beta4 receptor subtypes. Interestingly, mutation V7'Y did not produce a significant change in ACh-EC(50) when coexpressed with the beta2 subunit but showed a significant approximately two-fold increase with beta4. Similar responses were obtained with nicotine as the agonist. The antagonist sensitivity of the mutant channels was assessed by using dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) and methyllycaconitine (MLA). The apparent potency of DHbetaE as an antagonist increased by approximately 3.7- and 11-fold for the alpha3beta2 V7'S and V7'F mutants, respectively, whereas no evident changes in antagonist potency were observed for the V7'A and V7'Y mutants. The V7'S and V7'F mutations increase MLA antagonist potency for the alpha3beta4 receptor by approximately 6.2- and approximately 9.3-fold, respectively. The V7'A mutation selectively increases the MLA antagonist potency for the alpha3beta4 receptor by approximately 18.7-fold. These results indicate that position V7' contributes to channel gating kinetics and pharmacology of the neuronal nicotinic alpha3 receptors.
Assuntos
Ativação do Canal Iônico/fisiologia , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Valina/metabolismo , Acetilcolina/farmacologia , Aconitina/análogos & derivados , Aconitina/farmacologia , Animais , Di-Hidro-beta-Eritroidina/farmacologia , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Relação Dose-Resposta à Radiação , Estimulação Elétrica/métodos , Ativação do Canal Iônico/efeitos dos fármacos , Ativação do Canal Iônico/genética , Potenciais da Membrana/efeitos dos fármacos , Potenciais da Membrana/genética , Potenciais da Membrana/efeitos da radiação , Mutagênese/fisiologia , Nicotina/farmacologia , Agonistas Nicotínicos/farmacologia , Antagonistas Nicotínicos/farmacologia , Oócitos , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp/métodos , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína/fisiologia , Ratos , Receptores Nicotínicos/química , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Fatores de Tempo , Xenopus laevisRESUMO
Thyroid hormones (THs), primarily 3,3',5-triiode-(L)-thyronine (T(3)), have been clearly established as natural inducers of apoptosis during metamorphosis of anuran embryos. We decided to use this phenomenon to test the hypothesis that, prior to genomic activation, T(3) has acute actions in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of the tail of amphibian embryos. We detected a dramatic increase in the production of miniature end-plate currents (MEPCs) 2-5 min after continuous application of T(3) (250 nM) using focal recordings under voltage clamp. Furthermore, this increase in the spontaneous release of neurotransmitter, evaluated by the MEPC frequency, was maintained for several hours. Reverse-T(3), the "inhibitory" form of THs, prevented this increase in MEPC frequency, suggesting that this is probably a highly specific action of T(3). In addition, the elevation in MEPC frequency induced by T(3) was unchanged in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium. The T(3)-mediated increase in MEPC frequency was blocked by niflumic acid, a nonsteroidal antinflammatory fenamate used to prevent the apoptotic volume decrease observed in many systems. The present study demonstrated that T(3) induces a remarkable nongenomic action in the NMJ of the tadpole tail at pre- and promatamorphic stages.