Klaus Schicker

The Mechanistic Basis for Noncompetitive Ibogaine Inhibition of Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters

Background: Ibogaine is a noncompetitive inhibitor of SERT that stabilizes the transporter in an inward-open conformation. Results: Ibogaine binds to a site accessible from the cell exterior that does not overlap with the substrate-binding site. Conclusion: Ibogaine binds to a novel binding site on SERT and DAT. Significance: This study provides a mechanistic understanding of an unique inhibitor of SERT and DAT. Ibogaine, a hallucinogenic alkaloid proposed as a treatment for opiate withdrawal, has been shown to inhibit serotonin transporter (SERT) noncompetitively, in contrast to all other known inhibitors, which are competitive with substrate. Ibogaine binding to SERT increases accessibility in the permeation pathway connecting the substrate-binding site with the cytoplasm. Because of the structural similarity between ibogaine and serotonin, it had been suggested that ibogaine binds to the substrate site of SERT. The results presented here show that ibogaine binds to a distinct site, accessible from the cell exterior, to inhibit both serotonin transport and serotonin-induced ionic currents. Ibogaine noncompetitively inhibited transport by both SERT and the homologous dopamine transporter (DAT). Ibogaine blocked substrate-induced currents also in DAT and increased accessibility of the DAT cytoplasmic permeation pathway. When present on the cell exterior, ibogaine inhibited SERT substrate-induced currents, but not when it was introduced into the cytoplasm through the patch electrode. Similar to noncompetitive transport inhibition, the current block was not reversed by increasing substrate concentration. The kinetics of inhibitor binding and dissociation, as determined by their effect on SERT currents, indicated that ibogaine does not inhibit by forming a long-lived complex with SERT, but rather binds directly to the transporter in an inward-open conformation. A kinetic model for transport describing the noncompetitive action of ibogaine and the competitive action of cocaine accounts well for the results of the present study.

Unifying Concept of Serotonin Transporter-associated Currents

Background: hSERT is a neurotransmitter transporter driven by ion gradients with electroneutral stoichiometry but rheogenic properties. Results: hSERT displays coupled and uncoupled currents. The uncoupled current depends on internal K+. Conclusion: The conducting state of hSERT is in equilibrium with an inward facing K+-bound state. Significance: This study provides a framework for exploring transporter-associated currents. Serotonin (5-HT) uptake by the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) is driven by ion gradients. The stoichiometry of transported 5-HT and ions is predicted to result in electroneutral charge movement. However, hSERT mediates a current when challenged with 5-HT. This discrepancy can be accounted for by an uncoupled ion flux. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of the uncoupled currents and its relation to the conformational cycle of hSERT. Our observations support the conclusion that the conducting state underlying the uncoupled ion flux is in equilibrium with an inward facing state of the transporter with K+ bound. We identified conditions associated with accumulation of the transporter in inward facing conformations. Manipulations that increased the abundance of inward facing states resulted in enhanced steady-state currents. We present a comprehensive kinetic model of the transport cycle, which recapitulates salient features of the recorded currents. This study provides a framework for exploring transporter-associated currents.

Amphetamine actions at the serotonin transporter rely on the availability of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate

Nerve functions require phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) that binds to ion channels, thereby controlling their gating. Channel properties are also attributed to serotonin transporters (SERTs); however, SERT regulation by PIP2 has not been reported. SERTs control neurotransmission by removing serotonin from the extracellular space. An increase in extracellular serotonin results from transporter-mediated efflux triggered by amphetamine-like psychostimulants. Herein, we altered the abundance of PIP2 by activating phospholipase-C (PLC), using a scavenging peptide, and inhibiting PIP2-synthesis. We tested the effects of the verified scarcity of PIP2 on amphetamine-triggered SERT functions in human cells. We observed an interaction between SERT and PIP2 in pull-down assays. On decreased PIP2 availability, amphetamine-evoked currents were markedly reduced compared with controls, as was amphetamine-induced efflux. Signaling downstream of PLC was excluded as a cause for these effects. A reduction of substrate efflux due to PLC activation was also found with recombinant noradrenaline transporters and in rat hippocampal slices. Transmitter uptake was not affected by PIP2 reduction. Moreover, SERT was revealed to have a positively charged binding site for PIP2. Mutation of the latter resulted in a loss of amphetamine-induced SERT-mediated efflux and currents, as well as a lack of PIP2-dependent effects. Substrate uptake and surface expression were comparable between mutant and WT SERTs. These findings demonstrate that PIP2 binding to monoamine transporters is a prerequisite for amphetamine actions without being a requirement for neurotransmitter uptake. These results open the way to target amphetamine-induced SERT-dependent actions independently of normal SERT function and thus to treat psychostimulant addiction.

Nucleotides control the excitability of sensory neurons via two P2Y receptors and a bifurcated signaling cascade.

Summary Adenosine triphosphate and its degradation product adenosine diphosphate excite sensory neurons via 2 different G protein‐coupled receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y2, which mediate inhibition KV7 and sensitization of TRPV1 channels. ABSTRACT Nucleotides contribute to the sensation of acute and chronic pain, but it remained enigmatic which G protein‐coupled nucleotide (P2Y) receptors and associated signaling cascades are involved. To resolve this issue, nucleotides were applied to dorsal root ganglion neurons under current‐ and voltage‐clamp. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and uridine triphosphate (UTP), but not uridine diphosphate (UDP), depolarized the neurons and enhanced action potential firing in response to current injections. The P2Y2 receptor preferring agonist 2‐thio‐UTP was equipotent to UTP in eliciting these effects. The selective P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2179 largely attenuated the excitatory effects of ADP, but left those of 2‐thio‐UTP unaltered. Thus, the excitatory effects of the nucleotides were mediated by 2 different P2Y receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y2. Activation of each of these 2 receptors by either ADP or 2‐thio‐UTP inhibited currents through KV7 channels, on one hand, and facilitated currents through TRPV1 channels, on the other hand. Both effects were abolished by inhibitors of phospholipase C or Ca2+‐ATPase and by chelation of intracellular Ca2+. The facilitation of TRPV1, but not the inhibition KV7 channels, was prevented by a protein kinase C inhibitor. Simultaneous blockage of KV7 channels and of TRPV1 channels prevented nucleotide‐induced membrane depolarization and action potential firing. Thus, P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors mediate an excitation of dorsal root ganglion neurons by nucleotides through the inhibition of KV7 channels and the facilitation of TRPV1 channels via a common bifurcated signaling pathway relying on an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and an activation of protein kinase C, respectively.

Cav1.4 IT mouse as model for vision impairment in human congenital stationary night blindness type 2

Mutations in the CACNA1F gene encoding the Cav1.4 Ca2+ channel are associated with X-linked congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2). Despite the increasing knowledge about the functional behavior of mutated channels in heterologous systems, the pathophysiological mechanisms that result in vision impairment remain to be elucidated. This work provides a thorough functional characterization of the novel IT mouse line that harbors the gain-of-function mutation I745T reported in a New Zealand CSNB2 family.1 Electroretinographic recordings in IT mice permitted a direct comparison with human data. Our data supported the hypothesis that a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of channel activation—as seen in the IT gain-of-function mutant2—may reduce the dynamic range of photoreceptor activity. Morphologically, the retinal outer nuclear layer in adult IT mutants was reduced in size and cone outer segments appeared shorter. The organization of the outer plexiform layer was disrupted, and synaptic structures of photoreceptors had a variable, partly immature, appearance. The associated visual deficiency was substantiated in behavioral paradigms. The IT mouse line serves as a specific model for the functional phenotype of human CSNB2 patients with gain-of-function mutations and may help to further understand the dysfunction in CSNB.

A quantitative model of amphetamine action on the 5‐HT transporter

Amphetamines bind to the plasmalemmal transporters for the monoamines dopamine (DAT), noradrenaline (NET) and 5‐HT (SERT); influx of amphetamine leads to efflux of substrates. Various models have been proposed to account for this amphetamine‐induced reverse transport in mechanistic terms. A most notable example is the molecular stent hypothesis, which posits a special amphetamine‐induced conformation that is not likely in alternative access models of transport. The current study was designed to evaluate the explanatory power of these models and the molecular stent hypothesis.

P2Y1 receptors mediate an activation of neuronal calcium-dependent K+ channels

Molecularly defined P2Y receptor subtypes are known to regulate the functions of neurons through an inhibition of KV7 K+ and CaV2 Ca2+ channels and via an activation or inhibition of Kir3 channels. Here, we searched for additional neuronal ion channels as targets for P2Y receptors. Rat P2Y1 receptors were expressed in PC12 cells via an inducible expression system, and the effects of nucleotides on membrane currents and intracellular Ca2+ were investigated. At a membrane potential of −30 mV, ADP induced transient outward currents in a concentration‐dependent manner with half‐maximal effects at 4 μm. These currents had reversal potentials close to the K+ equilibrium potential and changed direction when extracellular Na+ was largely replaced by K+, but remained unaltered when extracellular Cl− was changed. Currents were abolished by P2Y1 antagonists and by blockade of phospholipase C. ADP also caused rises in intracellular Ca2+, and ADP‐evoked currents were abolished when inositol trisphosphate‐sensitive Ca2+ stores were depleted. Blockers of KCa2, but not those of KCa1.1 or KCa3.1, channels largely reduced ADP‐evoked currents. In hippocampal neurons, ADP also triggered outward currents at −30 mV which were attenuated by P2Y1 antagonists, depletion of Ca2+ stores, or a blocker of KCa2 channels. These results demonstrate that activation of neuronal P2Y1 receptors may gate Ca2+‐dependent K+ (KCa2) channels via phospholipase C‐dependent increases in intracellular Ca2+ and thereby define an additional class of neuronal ion channels as novel effectors for P2Y receptors. This mechanism may form the basis for the control of synaptic plasticity via P2Y1 receptors.

Modulation of transmitter release via presynaptic ligand-gated ion channels.

Neurons communicate through the exocytotic release of transmitters from presynaptic axon terminals and the ensuing activation of postsynaptic receptors. Instantaneous responses of postsynaptic cells to released neurotransmitters are mediated by ligand-gated ion channels, whereas G protein-coupled receptors mediate rather delayed effects. Moreover, the actions of ionotropic receptors are transient (milliseconds to seconds) and those of G protein-coupled receptors are more long lasting (seconds to minutes). Accordingly, neuronal signalling via ligand-gated ion channels is termed neurotransmission, whereas signalling via G protein-coupled receptors is termed neuromodulation. Exocytotic transmitter release is modulated by a variety of mechanisms such as previous activity at the synapse and the presence of extracellular neurotransmitters. Like the postsynaptic responses, presynaptic modulation is not only mediated by slowly acting G protein-coupled receptors, but also by fast acting ligand-gated ion channels. Accordingly, members of all known families of ligand-gated ion channels (cys-loop receptors, such as GABA(A), glycine, nicotinic acetylcholine, and 5-HT(3) receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors, P2X receptors, and vanilloid receptors) are known to control transmitter release. All these ligand-gated ion channels display heterogeneous structures and functions. Therefore, activation of such presynaptic receptors can control transmitter release in different ways and through a multitude of mechanisms. This review provides a summary of the functions of the different presynaptic ligand-gated ion channels and presents prototypic examples for the physiological and pharmacological relevance of these presynaptic receptors.

Ligand Selectivity among the Dopamine and Serotonin Transporters Specified by the Forward Binding Reaction.

The membrane transporters for the monoamines serotonin (SERT) and dopamine (DAT) are prominent targets of various psychoactive substances, including competitive inhibitors, such as tricyclic antidepressants, methylphenidate, and cocaine. Upon rapid application of a substrate, SERT and DAT display an inwardly directed current comprised of a peak and a steady-state component. Binding of a competitive inhibitor to the transporter leads to reduction of the peak current amplitude because occupancy of the transporter by an inhibitor prevents the induction of the peak current by the substrate. We show that the inhibitory effect on the peak current can be used to study the association rate constant (kon), dissociation rate constant (koff), and equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of chemically distinct SERT and DAT inhibitors, with high temporal precision and without the need of high-affinity radioligands as surrogates. We exemplify our approach by measuring the kinetics of cocaine, methylphenidate, and desipramine binding to SERT and DAT. Our analysis revealed that the selectivity of methylphenidate and desipramine for DAT and SERT, respectively, can be accounted for by their rate of association and not by the residence time in their respective binding sites.

Spectrum of Cav1.4 dysfunction in congenital stationary night blindness type 2.

Defective retinal synaptic transmission in patients affected with congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2) can result from different dysfunction phenotypes in Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels. Here we investigated two prototypical Cav1.4 variants from either end of the functional spectrum. Using whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp techniques, we provide analysis of the biophysical characteristics of the point mutation L860P and the C-terminal truncating mutation R1827X. L860P showed a typical loss-of-function phenotype attributed to a reduced number of functional channels expressed at the plasma membrane as implied by gating current and non-stationary noise analyses. This phenotype can be rationalized, because the inserted proline is predicted to break an amphipatic helix close to the transmembrane segment IIIS1 and thus to reduce channel stability and promote misfolding. In fact, L860P was subject to an increased turnover. In contrast, R1827X displayed an apparent gain-of-function phenotype, i.e., due to a hyperpolarizing shift of the IV-curve and increased single-channel activity. However, truncation also resulted in the loss of functional C-terminal modulation and thus unmasked calcium-dependent inactivation. Thus R1827X failed to support continuous calcium influx. Current inactivation curtails the dynamic range of photoreceptors (e.g., when adapting to variation in illumination). Taken together, the analysis of two representative mutations that occur in CSNB2 patients revealed fundamental differences in the underlying defect. These may explain subtle variations in the clinical manifestation and must be taken into account, if channel function is to be restored by pharmacochaperones or related approaches.