Sophie Restituito

CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALTERNATIVE MRNA FORMS FOR THE RAT METABOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS MGLUR7 AND MGLUR8

Novel mRNA isoforms for two members of the group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), called mGluR7b and mGluR8b, were identified from rat brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In both cases, the alternative splicing is generated by a similar out‐of‐frame insertion in the carboxyl‐terminus that results in the replacement of the last 16 amino acids of mGluR7 and mGluR8 by 23 and 16 different amino acids, respectively. Distribution analysis for mGluR7 and mGluR8 isoforms revealed that the two splice variants are generally coexpressed in the same brain areas. The few exceptions were the olfactory bulb, in which only the mGluR7a form could be detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and the lateral reticular and ambiguus nuclei, which showed only mGluR8a labelling. Despite expression in the same regions, different mRNA abundance for the two variants of each receptor were observed. When transiently coexpressed in HEK 293 cells with the phospholipase C‐activating chimeric Gαqi9‐G‐protein, the a and b forms for both receptor subtypes showed a similar pharmacological profile. The rank order of potencies for both was: dl‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyrate > l‐serine‐O‐phosphate > glutamate. However, the agonist potencies were significantly higher for mGluR8a, b compared with mGluR7a,b. In Xenopus oocytes, glutamate evoked currents only with mGluR8 when coexpressed with Kir 3.1 and 3.4. Glutamate‐induced currents were antagonized by the group II/III antagonist (RS)‐α‐cyclopropyl‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine. In conclusion, the two isoforms of each receptor have identical pharmacological profiles when expressed in heterologous systems, despite structural differences in the carboxyl‐terminal domains.

Voltage and Calcium Use the Same Molecular Determinants to Inactivate Calcium Channels

During sustained depolarization, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels progressively undergo a transition to a nonconducting, inactivated state, preventing Ca2+ overload of the cell. This transition can be triggered either by the membrane potential (voltage-dependent inactivation) or by the consecutive entry of Ca2+(Ca2+-dependent inactivation), depending on the type of Ca2+ channel. These two types of inactivation are suspected to arise from distinct underlying mechanisms, relying on specific molecular sequences of the different pore-forming Ca2+ channel subunits. Here we report that the voltage-dependent inactivation (of the α1ACa2+ channel) and the Ca2+-dependent inactivation (of the α1C Ca2+ channel) are similarly influenced by Ca2+ channel β subunits. The same molecular determinants of the β subunit, and therefore the same subunit interactions, influence both types of inactivation. These results strongly suggest that the voltage and the Ca2+-dependent transitions leading to channel inactivation use homologous structures of the different α1 subunits and occur through the same molecular process. A model of inactivation taking into account these new data is presented.

Synaptic Anchorage of AMPA Receptors by Cadherins through Neural Plakophilin-Related Arm Protein–AMPA Receptor-Binding Protein Complexes

Cadherins function in the adhesion of presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes at excitatory synapses. Here we show that the cadherin-associated protein neural plakophilin-related arm protein (NPRAP; also called δ-catenin) binds via a postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95)/discs large/zona occludens-1 (PDZ) interaction to AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-binding protein (ABP) and the related glutamate receptor (GluR)-interacting protein (GRIP), two multi-PDZ proteins that bind the GluR2 and GluR3 AMPAR subunits. The resulting cadherin–NPRAP–ABP/GRIP complexes serve as anchorages for AMPARs. Exogenous NPRAP that was bound to cadherins at adherens junctions of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells recruited ABP from the cytosol to form cadherin–NPRAP–ABP complexes, dependent on NPRAP interaction with the ABP PDZ domain 2. The cadherin–NPRAP–ABP complexes also bound GluR2. In cultured hippocampal neurons, dominant-negative mutants of NPRAP designed to disrupt tethering of ABP to NPRAP–cadherin complexes reduced surface levels of endogenous GluR2, indicating that interaction with cadherin–NPRAP–ABP complexes stabilized GluR2 at the neuronal plasma membrane. Cadherins, NPRAP, GRIP, and GluR2 copurified in the fractionation of synaptosomes and the postsynaptic density, two fractions enriched in synaptic proteins. Furthermore, synaptosomes contain NPRAP–GRIP complexes, and NPRAP localizes with the postsynaptic marker PSD-95 and with AMPARs and GRIP at spines of hippocampal neurons. Thus, tethering is likely to take place at synaptic or perisynaptic sites. NPRAP also binds PSD-95, which is a scaffold for NMDA receptors, for AMPARs in complexes with auxiliary subunits, the TARPs (transmembrane AMPA receptor regulator proteins), and for adhesion molecules. Thus, the interaction of scaffolding proteins with cadherin–NPRAP complexes may anchor diverse signaling and adhesion molecules at cadherins.

Cntnap4 differentially contributes to GABAergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission

Although considerable evidence suggests that the chemical synapse is a lynchpin underlying affective disorders, how molecular insults differentially affect specific synaptic connections remains poorly understood. For instance, Neurexin 1a and 2 (NRXN1 and NRXN2) and CNTNAP2 (also known as CASPR2), all members of the neurexin superfamily of transmembrane molecules, have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, their loss leads to deficits that have been best characterized with regard to their effect on excitatory cells. Notably, other disease-associated genes such as BDNF and ERBB4 implicate specific interneuron synapses in psychiatric disorders. Consistent with this, cortical interneuron dysfunction has been linked to epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. Using a microarray screen that focused upon synapse-associated molecules, we identified Cntnap4 (contactin associated protein-like 4, also known as Caspr4) as highly enriched in developing murine interneurons. In this study we show that Cntnap4 is localized presynaptically and its loss leads to a reduction in the output of cortical parvalbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic (γ-aminobutyric acid producing) basket cells. Paradoxically, the loss of Cntnap4 augments midbrain dopaminergic release in the nucleus accumbens. In Cntnap4 mutant mice, synaptic defects in these disease-relevant neuronal populations are mirrored by sensory-motor gating and grooming endophenotypes; these symptoms could be pharmacologically reversed, providing promise for therapeutic intervention in psychiatric disorders.

Functional roles of γ2, γ3 and γ4, three new Ca2+ channel subunits, in P/Q-type Ca2+ channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes

1 Stargazin or γ2, the product of the gene mutated in the stargazer mouse, is a homologue of the γ1 protein, an accessory subunit of the skeletal muscle L‐type Ca2+ channel. γ2 is selectively expressed in the brain, and considered to be a putative neuronal Ca2+ channel subunit based mainly on homology to γ1. Two new members of the γ family expressed in the brain have recently been identified: γ3 and γ4. 2 We have co‐expressed, in Xenopus oocytes, the human γ2,γ3 and γ4 subunits with the P/Q‐type (CaV2.1) Ca2+ channel and different regulatory subunits (α2‐δ; β1, β2, β3 or β4). 3 Subcellular distribution of the γ subunits confirmed their membrane localization. 4 Ba2+ currents, recorded using two‐electrode voltage clamp, showed that the effects of the γ subunits on the electrophysiological properties of the channel are, most of the time, minor. However, a fraction of the oocytes expressing β subunits displayed an unusual slow‐inactivating Ba2+ current. Expression of both β and γ subunits increased the appearance of the slow‐inactivating current. 5 Our data support a role for the γ subunit as a brain Ca2+ channel modulatory subunit and suggest that β and γ subunits are involved in a switch between two regulatory modes of the P/Q‐type channel inactivation.

A Role for Huntington Disease Protein in Dendritic RNA Granules

Regulated transport and local translation of mRNA in neurons are critical for modulating synaptic strength, maintaining proper neural circuitry, and establishing long term memory. Neuronal RNA granules are ribonucleoprotein particles that serve to transport mRNA along microtubules and control local protein synthesis in response to synaptic activity. Studies suggest that neuronal RNA granules share similar structures and functions with somatic P-bodies. We recently reported that the Huntington disease protein huntingtin (Htt) associates with Argonaute (Ago) and localizes to cytoplasmic P-bodies, which serve as sites of mRNA storage, degradation, and small RNA-mediated gene silencing. Here we report that wild-type Htt associates with Ago2 and components of neuronal granules and co-traffics with mRNA in dendrites. Htt was found to co-localize with RNA containing the 3′-untranslated region sequence of known dendritically targeted mRNAs. Knockdown of Htt in neurons caused altered localization of mRNA. When tethered to a reporter construct, Htt down-regulated reporter gene expression in a manner dependent on Ago2, suggesting that Htt may function to repress translation of mRNAs during transport in neuronal granules.

Promotion and Inhibition of L-type Ca2+Channel Facilitation by Distinct Domains of the β Subunit

Ca2+ current potentiation by conditioning depolarization is a general mechanism by which excitable cells can control the level of Ca2+ entry during repetitive depolarizations. Several types of Ca2+ channels are sensitive to conditioning depolarization, however, using clearly distinguishable mechanisms. In the case of L-type Ca2+ channels, prepulse-induced current facilitation can only be recorded when the pore-forming α1C subunit is coexpressed with the auxiliary β1, β3, or β4, but not β2, subunit. These four β subunits are composed of two conserved domains surrounded by central, N-terminal, and C-terminal variable regions. Using different deleted and chimeric forms of the β1 and β2subunits, we have mapped essential sequences for L-type Ca2+ channel facilitation. A first sequence, located in the second conserved domain of all β subunits, is responsible for the promotion of current facilitation by the β subunit. A second sequence of 16 amino acids, located on the N-terminal tail of the β2 subunit, induces a transferable block ofL-type current facilitation. Site-specific mutations reveal the essential inhibitory role played by three positive charges on this segment. The lack of prepulse-induced current facilitation recorded with some truncated forms of the β2 subunit suggests the existence of an additional inhibitory sequence in the β2subunit.

AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 downstream of D-1 dopamine receptor stimulation in nucleus accumbens shell mediates increased drug reward magnitude in food-restricted rats.

Previous findings suggest that neuroadaptations downstream of D-1 dopamine (DA) receptor stimulation in nucleus accumbens (NAc) are involved in the enhancement of drug reward by chronic food restriction (FR). Given the high co-expression of D-1 and GluR1 AMPA receptors in NAc, and the regulation of GluR1 channel conductance and trafficking by D-1-linked intracellular signaling cascades, the present study examined effects of the D-1 agonist, SKF-82958, on NAc GluR1 phosphorylation, intracranial electrical self-stimulation reward (ICSS), and reversibility of reward effects by a polyamine GluR1 antagonist, 1-NA-spermine, in ad libitum fed (AL) and FR rats. Systemically administered SKF-82958, or brief ingestion of a 10% sucrose solution, increased NAc GluR1 phosphorylation on Ser845, but not Ser831, with a greater effect in FR than AL rats. Microinjection of SKF-82958 in NAc shell produced a reward-potentiating effect that was greater in FR than AL rats, and was reversed by co-injection of 1-NA-spermine. GluR1 abundance in whole cell and synaptosomal fractions of NAc did not differ between feeding groups, and microinjection of AMPA, while affecting ICSS, did not exert greater effects in FR than AL rats. These results suggest a role of NAc GluR1 in the reward-potentiating effect of D-1 DA receptor stimulation and its enhancement by FR. Moreover, GluR1 involvement appears to occur downstream of D-1 DA receptor stimulation rather than reflecting a basal increase in GluR1 expression or function. Based on evidence that phosphorylation of GluR1 on Ser845 primes synaptic strengthening, the present results may reflect a mechanism via which FR normally facilitates reward-related learning to re-align instrumental behavior with environmental contingencies under the pressure of negative energy balance.

Synaptic Autoregulation by Metalloproteases and γ-Secretase

The proteolytic machinery comprising metalloproteases and γ-secretase, an intramembrane aspartyl protease involved in Alzheimers disease, cleaves several substrates in addition to the extensively studied amyloid precursor protein. Some of these substrates, such as N-cadherin, are synaptic proteins involved in synapse remodeling and maintenance. Here we show, in rats and mice, that metalloproteases and γ-secretase are physiologic regulators of synapses. Both proteases are synaptic, with γ-secretase tethered at the synapse by δ-catenin, a synaptic scaffolding protein that also binds to N-cadherin and, through scaffolds, to AMPA receptor and a metalloprotease. Activity-dependent proteolysis by metalloproteases and γ-secretase takes place at both sides of the synapse, with the metalloprotease cleavage being NMDA receptor-dependent. This proteolysis decreases levels of synaptic proteins and diminishes synaptic transmission. Our results suggest that activity-dependent substrate cleavage by synaptic metalloproteases and γ-secretase modifies synaptic transmission, providing a novel form of synaptic autoregulation.

Multiple motifs regulate the trafficking of GABAB receptors at distinct checkpoints within the secretory pathway

gamma-Aminobutyric acid type B receptors (GABA(B)) are G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate GABAergic inhibition in the brain. Their functional expression is dependent upon the formation of heterodimers between GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2 subunits, a process that occurs within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the mechanisms that regulate receptor surface expression remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that access to the cell surface for GABA(B)R1 is sequentially controlled by an RSR(R) motif and a LL motif within its cytoplasmic domain. In addition, we reveal that msec7-1, a guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) for the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family of GTPases, critical regulators of vesicular membrane trafficking, interacts with GABA(B)R1 via the LL motif in this subunit. Finally, we establish that msec7-1 modulates the cell surface expression of GABA(B) receptors, a process that is dependent upon the integrity of the LL motif in GABA(B)R1. Together, our results demonstrate that the cell surface expression of the GABA(B)R1 subunit is regulated by multiple motifs, which act at distinct checkpoints in the secretory pathway, and also suggest a novel role for msec7-1 in regulating the membrane trafficking of GABA(B)R1 subunits.