Krzysztof L. Hyrc

Ionized Intracellular Calcium Concentration Predicts Excitotoxic Neuronal Death: Observations with Low-Affinity Fluorescent Calcium Indicators

Cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) is an important mediator of neuronal signal transduction, participating in diverse biochemical reactions that elicit changes in synaptic efficacy, metabolic rate, and gene transcription. Excessive [Ca2+]i also has been implicated as a cause of acute neuronal injury, although measurement of [Ca2+]i in living neurons by fluorescent calcium indicators has not consistently demonstrated a correlation between [Ca2+]i and the likelihood of neuronal death after a variety of potentially lethal insults. Using fluorescence videomicroscopy and microinjected calcium indicators, we measured [Ca2+]i in cultured cortical neurons during intense activation with either NMDA (300 μm) or AMPA (450 μm). At these concentrations NMDA killed >80% of the cultured neurons by the next day, whereas neuronal death from AMPA was <20%. Using the conventional calcium indicator, fura-2/AM, we estimated [Ca2+]i elevations to be ∼300–400 nm during exposure to either glutamate agonist. In contrast, indicators with lower affinity for calcium, benzothiazole coumarin (BTC), and fura-2/dextran reported [Ca2+]i levels >5 μmduring lethal NMDA exposure, but [Ca2+]i levels were <1.5 μm during nonlethal activation of AMPA receptors or voltage-gated calcium channels. Fura-2 reported [Ca2+]i responses during brief exposure to glutamate, NMDA, AMPA, kainate, and elevated extracellular K+ between 0.5 and 1 μm. With the use of BTC, only NMDA and glutamate exposures resulted in micromolar [Ca2+]i levels. Neurotoxic glutamate receptor activation is associated with sustained, micromolar [Ca2+]i elevation. The widely used calcium indicator fura-2 selectively underestimates [Ca2+]i, depending on the route of entry, even at levels that appear to be within its range of detection.

Covalent and Noncovalent Interactions Mediate Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor mGlu5 Dimerization

Some, perhaps all, G protein-coupled receptors form homo- or heterodimers. We have shown that metabotropic glutamate receptors are covalent dimers, held together by one or more disulfide bonds near the N terminus. Here we report how mutating cysteines in this region affect dimerization and function. Covalent dimerization is preserved when cysteines 57, 93, or 99 are mutated but lost with replacement at 129. Coimmunoprecipitation under nondenaturing conditions indicates that the C[129]S mutant receptor remains a dimer, via noncovalent interactions. Both C[93]S and C[129]S bind [3H]quisqualate, whereas binding to C[57]S or C[99]S mutants is absent or greatly attenuated. The C[93]S and C[129]S receptors have activity similar to wild-type when assayed by fura-2 imaging of intracellular calcium in human embryonic kidney cells or electrophysiologically in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In contrast, C[57]S or C[99]S are less active in both assays but do respond with higher glutamate concentrations in the oocyte assay. These results demonstrate that 1) covalent dimerization is not critical for mGlu5 binding or function; 2) mGlu5 remains a noncovalent dimer even in the absence of covalent dimerization; and 3) high-affinity binding requires Cys-57 and Cys-99.

Distinct roles for sodium, chloride, and calcium in excitotoxic dendritic injury and recovery

The postsynaptic neuronal dendrite is selectively vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and glutamate receptor overactivation. We explored the glutamate receptor pharmacology and ionic basis of rapid, reversible alterations in dendritic shape which occur in cultured neurons exposed to glutamate. Dendrite morphology was assessed with the fluorescent membrane tracer, DiI, or immunofluorescence labeling of the somatodendritic protein, MAP2. Cortical cultures derived from 15-day-old mouse embryos underwent segmental dendritic beading when exposed to NMDA, AMPA, or kainate, but not to metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists. Varicosity formation in response to NMDA or kainate application was substantially attenuated in reduced sodium buffer (substituted with N-methyl-D-glucamine). Furthermore, veratridine-induced sodium entry mimicked excitotoxic alterations in dendrites and additionally caused varicosity formation in axons. Solutions deficient in chloride (substituted with Na methylsulfate) and antagonists of chloride-permeable GABA/glycine receptors reduced NMDA- or kainate-induced varicosity formation. An increase in dendrite volume was observed as varicosities formed, and varicosity formation was attenuated in sucrose-supplemented hypertonic media. Despite marked structural changes affecting virtually all neurons, dendrite shape returned to normal within 2 h of terminating glutamate receptor agonist application. Neurons exposed to kainate recovered more rapidly than those exposed to NMDA, and neurons exposed to NMDA in calcium-free buffer recovered more rapidly than cells treated with NMDA in normal buffer. While sodium, chloride, and water entry contribute to excitotoxic dendritic injury acutely, calcium entry through NMDA receptors results in lasting structural changes in damaged dendrites.

Enantioselective Protein-Sterol Interactions Mediate Regulation of Both Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Inward Rectifier K + Channels by Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the major sterol component of all mammalian cell plasma membranes and plays a critical role in cell function and growth. Previous studies have shown that cholesterol inhibits inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, but have not distinguished whether this is due directly to protein-sterol interactions or indirectly to changes in the physical properties of the lipid bilayer. Using purified bacterial and eukaryotic Kir channels reconstituted into liposomes of controlled lipid composition, we demonstrate by 86Rb+ influx assays that bacterial Kir channels (KirBac1.1 and KirBac3.1) and human Kir2.1 are all inhibited by cholesterol, most likely by locking the channels into prolonged closed states, whereas the enantiomer, ent-cholesterol, does not inhibit these channels. These data indicate that cholesterol regulates Kir channels through direct protein-sterol interactions likely taking advantage of an evolutionarily conserved binding pocket.

Characterization and evaluation of two novel fluorescent sigma-2 receptor ligands as proliferation probes.

We synthesized and characterized two novel fluorescent sigma-2 receptor selective ligands, SW120 and SW116, and evaluated these ligands as potential probes for imaging cell proliferation. Both ligands are highly selective for sigma-2 receptors versus sigma-1 receptors. SW120 and SW116 were internalized into MDA-MB-435 cells, and 50% of the maximum fluorescent intensity was reached in 11 and 24 minutes, respectively. In vitro studies showed that 50% of SW120 or SW116 washed out of cells in 1 hour. The internalization of SW120 was reduced ≈30% by phenylarsine oxide, an inhibitor of endocytosis, suggesting that sigma-2 ligands are internalized, in part, by an endocytotic pathway. Subcellular localization studies using confocal and two-photon microscopy showed that SW120 and SW116 partially colocalized with fluorescent markers of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and the plasma membrane, suggesting that sigma-2 receptors localized to the cytoplasmic organelles and plasma membrane. SW120 did not colocalize with the nuclear dye 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. In vivo studies showed that the uptake of SW120 in solid tumors and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of mice positively correlated with the expression level of the cell proliferation marker Ki-67, suggesting that sigma-2 fluorescent probes may be used to image cell proliferation in mice.

Maintaining energy homeostasis is an essential component of WldS-mediated axon protection

Wld(S) mutation protects axons from degeneration in diverse experimental models of neurological disorders, suggesting that the mutation might act on a key step shared by different axon degeneration pathways. Here we test the hypothesis that Wld(S) protects axons by preventing energy deficiency commonly encountered in many diseases. We subjected compartmentally cultured, mouse cortical axons to energy deprivation with 6mM azide and zero glucose. In wild-type (WT) culture, the treatment, which reduced axon ATP level ([ATP]axon) by 65%, caused immediate axon depolarization followed by gradual free calcium accumulation and subsequent irreversible axon damage. The calcium accumulation resulted from calcium influx partially via L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (L-VGCC). Blocking L-VGCC with nimodipine reduced calcium accumulation and protected axons. Without altering baseline [ATP]axon, the presence of Wld(S) mutation significantly reduced the axon ATP loss and depolarization, restrained the subsequent calcium accumulation, and protected axons against energy deprivation. Wld(S) neurons possessed higher than normal nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) activity. The intrinsic Wld(S) NMNAT activity was required for the Wld(S)-mediated energy preservation and axon protection during but not prior to energy deprivation. NMNAT catalyzes the reversible reaction that produces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) from nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Interestingly, preventing the production of NAD from NMN with FK866 increased [ATP]axon and protected axons from energy deprivation. These results indicate that the Wld(S) mutation depends on its intrinsic Wld(S) NMNAT activity and the subsequent increase in axon ATP but not NAD to protect axons, implicating a novel role of Wld(S) NMNAT in axon bioenergetics and protection.

Xenin-25 increases cytosolic free calcium levels and acetylcholine release from a subset of myenteric neurons

Xenin-25 (Xen) is a 25 amino acid neurotensin-related peptide reportedly produced with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) by a subset of K cells in the proximal gut. We previously showed exogenously administered Xen, with GIP but not alone, increases insulin secretion in humans and mice. In mice, this effect is indirectly mediated via a central nervous system-independent cholinergic relay in the periphery. Xen also delays gastric emptying, reduces food intake, induces gall bladder contractions, and increases gut motility and secretion from the exocrine pancreas, suggesting that some effects of Xen could be mediated by myenteric neurons (MENs). To determine whether Xen activates these neurons, MENs were isolated from guinea pig proximal small intestines. Cells expressed neuronal markers and exhibited typical neuron-like morphology with extensive outgrowths emanating from cell bodies. Cytosolic free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) were measured using Fura-2. ATP/UTP, KCl, and forskolin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in 99.6%, 92%, and 23% of the MENs imaged, respectively, indicating that they are functional and activated by nucleotide receptor signaling, direct depolarization, and cAMP. [Ca(2+)](i) increased in only 12.7% of MENs treated with Xen. This rise was blocked by pretreatment with EGTA, diazoxide, SR48692, and neurotensin. Thus the Xen-mediated increase in [Ca(2+)](i) involves influx of extracellular Ca(2+) and activation of neurotensin receptor-1 (NTSR1). Xen also increased acetylcholine release from MENs. Amylin, produced by β-and enteroendocrine cells, delays gastric emptying and increased [Ca(2+)](i) almost exclusively in Xen-responsive MENs. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated NTSR1 expression in human duodenal MENs. Thus myenteric rather than central neurons could mediate some effects of Xen and amylin.

Missense mutations in Otopetrin 1 affect subcellular localization and inhibition of purinergic signaling in vestibular supporting cells.

Otopetrin 1 (Otop1) encodes a protein that is essential for the development of otoconia. Otoconia are the extracellular calcium carbonate containing crystals that are important for vestibular mechanosensory transduction of linear motion and gravity. There are two mutant alleles of Otop1 in mice, titled (tlt) and mergulhador (mlh), which result in non-syndromic otoconia agenesis and a consequent balance defect. Biochemically, Otop1 has been shown to modulate purinergic control of intracellular calcium in vestibular supporting cells, which could be one of the mechanisms by which Otop1 participates in the mineralization of otoconia. To understand how tlt and mlh mutations affect the biochemical function of Otop1, we examined the purinergic response of COS7 cells expressing mutant Otop1 proteins, and dissociated sensory epithelial cells from tlt and mlh mice. We also examined the subcellular localization of Otop1 in whole sensory epithelia from tlt and mlh mice. Here we show that tlt and mlh mutations uncouple Otop1 from inhibition of P2Y receptor function. Although the in vitro biochemical function of the Otop1 mutant proteins is normal, in vivo they behave as null alleles. We show that in supporting cells the apical membrane localization of the mutant Otop1 proteins is lost. These data suggest that the tlt and mlh mutations primarily affect the localization of Otop1, which interferes with its ability to interact with other proteins that are important for its cellular and biochemical function.

Calcium-Independent Inhibitory G-Protein Signaling Induces Persistent Presynaptic Muting of Hippocampal Synapses

Adaptive forms of synaptic plasticity that reduce excitatory synaptic transmission in response to prolonged increases in neuronal activity may prevent runaway positive feedback in neuronal circuits. In hippocampal neurons, for example, glutamatergic presynaptic terminals are selectively silenced, creating “mute” synapses, after periods of increased neuronal activity or sustained depolarization. Previous work suggests that cAMP-dependent and proteasome-dependent mechanisms participate in silencing induction by depolarization, but upstream activators are unknown. We, therefore, tested the role of calcium and G-protein signaling in silencing induction in cultured hippocampal neurons. We found that silencing induction by depolarization was not dependent on rises in intracellular calcium, from either extracellular or intracellular sources. Silencing was, however, pertussis toxin sensitive, which suggests that inhibitory G-proteins are recruited. Surprisingly, blocking four common inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) (adenosine A1 receptors, GABAB receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptors, and CB1 cannabinoid receptors) and one ionotropic receptor with metabotropic properties (kainate receptors) failed to prevent depolarization-induced silencing. Activating a subset of these GPCRs (A1 and GABAB) with agonist application induced silencing, however, which supports the hypothesis that G-protein activation is a critical step in silencing. Overall, our results suggest that depolarization activates silencing through an atypical GPCR or through receptor-independent G-protein activation. GPCR agonist-induced silencing exhibited dependence on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, as was shown previously for depolarization-induced silencing, implicating the degradation of vital synaptic proteins in silencing by GPCR activation. These data suggest that presynaptic muting in hippocampal neurons uses a G-protein-dependent but calcium-independent mechanism to depress presynaptic vesicle release.

Global Biochemical Profiling Identifies β-Hydroxypyruvate as a Potential Mediator of Type 2 Diabetes in Mice and Humans

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 are incretins secreted by respective K and L enteroendocrine cells after eating and amplify glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). This amplification has been termed the “incretin response.” To determine the role(s) of K cells for the incretin response and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diphtheria toxin–expressing (DT) mice that specifically lack GIP-producing cells were backcrossed five to eight times onto the diabetogenic NONcNZO10/Ltj background. As in humans with T2DM, DT mice lacked an incretin response, although GLP-1 release was maintained. With high-fat (HF) feeding, DT mice remained lean but developed T2DM, whereas wild-type mice developed obesity but not diabetes. Metabolomics identified biochemicals reflecting impaired glucose handling, insulin resistance, and diabetes complications in prediabetic DT/HF mice. β-Hydroxypyruvate and benzoate levels were increased and decreased, respectively, suggesting β-hydroxypyruvate production from d-serine. In vitro, β-hydroxypyruvate altered excitatory properties of myenteric neurons and reduced islet insulin content but not GSIS. β-Hydroxypyruvate–to–d-serine ratios were lower in humans with impaired glucose tolerance compared with normal glucose tolerance and T2DM. Earlier human studies unmasked a neural relay that amplifies GIP-mediated insulin secretion in a pattern reciprocal to β-hydroxypyruvate–to–d-serine ratios in all groups. Thus, K cells may maintain long-term function of neurons and β-cells by regulating β-hydroxypyruvate levels.