Timur A. Mavlyutov

THE SIGMA-1 RECEPTOR IS ENRICHED IN POSTSYNAPTIC SITES OF C-TERMINALS IN MOUSE MOTONEURONS. AN ANATOMICAL AND BEHAVIORAL STUDY

The sigma-1 receptor regulates various ion channel activity and possesses protein chaperone function. Using an antibody against the full sequence of the sigma-1 receptor we detected immunostaining in wild type but not in knockout mice. The receptor was found primarily in motoneurons localized to the brainstem and spinal cord. At the subcellular level the receptor is restricted to large cholinergic postsynaptic densities on the soma of motoneurons and is colocalized with the Kv2.1 potassium channel and the muscarinic type 2 cholinergic receptor. Ultrastructural analysis of the neurons indicates that the immunostained receptor is located close but separate from the plasma membrane, possibly in subsurface cisternae formed from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which are a prominent feature of cholinergic postsynaptic densities. Behavioral testing on a rotorod revealed that Sigma-1 receptor knockout mice remained on the rotorod for significantly less time (a shorter latency period) compared to the wild type mice. Together these data indicate that the sigma-1 receptor may play a role in the regulation of motor behavior.

Identification of Regions of the σ-1 Receptor Ligand Binding Site Using a Novel Photoprobe

σ Receptors, once considered a class of opioid receptors, are now regarded as a unique class of receptors that contain binding sites for a wide range of ligands, including the drug 1-N(2′,6′-dimethylmorpholino)3-(4-t-butylpropylamine) (fenpropimorph), a yeast sterol isomerase inhibitor. Because fenpropimorph has high-binding affinity to the σ-1 receptor, we have synthesized a series of fenpropimorph-like derivatives with varying phenyl ring substituents and have characterized their binding affinities to the σ-1 receptor. In addition, we have synthesized a carrier-free, radioiodinated fenpropimorph-like photoaffinity label, 1-N-(2′,6′-dimethyl-morpholino)-3-(4-azido-3-[125I]iodo-phenyl)propane ([125I]IAF), which covalently derivatized the σ-1 receptor (25.3 kDa) in both the rat liver and guinea pig liver membranes and the σ-2 receptor (18 kDa) in rat liver membranes with high specificity. Furthermore, after cleaving the specific [125I]IAF-photolabeled σ-1 receptor in guinea pig and rat liver membranes and the pure guinea pig σ-1 receptor with EndoLys-C and cyanogen bromide, the [125I]IAF label was identified both in a peptide containing steroid binding domain-like I (SBDLI) (amino acids 91–109) and in a peptide containing steroid binding domain-like II (SBDLII) (amino acids 176–194). Because a single population of binding sites (R2 = 0.992) for [125I]IAF interaction with the σ-1 receptor was identified by (+)-[3H]pentazocine competitive binding with nonradioactive [127I]IAF, it was concluded that SBDLI (amino acids 91–109) and SBDLII (amino acids 176–194) comprises, at least in part, regions of the σ-1 receptor ligand binding site(s).

The sigma1 receptor interacts with N-alkyl amines and endogenous sphingolipids☆

The sigma1 receptor is distinguished for its ability to bind various pharmacological agents including drugs of abuse such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Some endogenous ligands have been identified as putative sigma1 receptor regulators. High affinity ligands for the sigma1 receptor contain a nitrogen atom connected to long alkyl chains. We found that long alkyl chain primary amines including endogenous amines belonging to the sphingolipid family such as D-erythro-sphingosine and sphinganine bind with considerable affinity to the sigma1 receptor but not to the sigma2 receptor. The binding of D-erythro-sphingosine to the sigma1 receptor appears to be competitive in nature as assessed against the radioligand [3H]-(+)-pentazocine. Interestingly, the well studied sphingolipid mediator sphingosine-1 phosphate did not bind to the sigma1 or the sigma2 receptor. Sphingosine is converted to sphingosine-1 phosphate by a family of sphingosine kinases that regulate the relative levels of these two bioactive lipids in the cell. The selective binding of sphingosine but not sphingosine-1 phosphate to the sigma1 receptor suggests a mechanism for regulation of sigma1 receptor activity by the sphingosine kinase. We have successfully reconstituted this hypothetical model in HEK-293 cells overexpressing both the sigma1 receptor and sphingosine kinase-1. The data presented here strongly supports sphingosine as an endogenous modulator of the sigma1 receptor.

Lack of sigma-1 receptor exacerbates ALS progression in mice.

The function of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been implicated in modulating the activity of various ion channels. In the CNS S1R is enriched in cholinergic postsynaptic densities in spinal cord motoneurons (MNs). Mutations in S1R have been found in familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we show that a knockout of S1R in the SOD1*G93A mouse model of ALS significantly reduces longevity (end stage). Electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that MN of mice lacking S1R exhibit increased excitability. Taken together the data suggest the S1R acts as a brake on excitability, an effect that might enhance longevity in an ALS mouse model.

Control of Autophagosome Axonal Retrograde Flux by Presynaptic Activity Unveiled Using Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a highly potent neurotoxin that elicits flaccid paralysis by enzymatic cleavage of the exocytic machinery component SNAP25 in motor nerve terminals. However, recent evidence suggests that the neurotoxic activity of BoNT/A is not restricted to the periphery, but also reaches the CNS after retrograde axonal transport. Because BoNT/A is internalized in recycling synaptic vesicles, it is unclear which compartment facilitates this transport. Using live-cell confocal and single-molecule imaging of rat hippocampal neurons cultured in microfluidic devices, we show that the activity-dependent uptake of the binding domain of the BoNT/A heavy chain (BoNT/A-Hc) is followed by a delayed increase in retrograde axonal transport of BoNT/A-Hc carriers. Consistent with a role of presynaptic activity in initiating transport of the active toxin, activity-dependent uptake of BoNT/A in the terminal led to a significant increase in SNAP25 cleavage detected in the soma chamber compared with nonstimulated neurons. Surprisingly, most endocytosed BoNT/A-Hc was incorporated into LC3-positive autophagosomes generated in the nerve terminals, which then underwent retrograde transport to the cell soma, where they fused with lysosomes both in vitro and in vivo. Blocking autophagosome formation or acidification with wortmannin or bafilomycin A1, respectively, inhibited the activity-dependent retrograde trafficking of BoNT/A-Hc. Our data demonstrate that both the presynaptic formation of autophagosomes and the initiation of their retrograde trafficking are tightly regulated by presynaptic activity.

Development of the sigma-1 receptor in C-terminals of motoneurons and colocalization with the N,N′-dimethyltryptamine forming enzyme, indole-N-methyl transferase

The function of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been linked to modulating the activities of ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). In the CNS, the S1R is expressed ubiquitously but is enriched in mouse motoneurons (MN), where it is localized to subsurface cisternae of cholinergic postsynaptic densities, also known as C-terminals. We found that S1R is enriched in mouse spinal MN at late stages of embryonic development when it is first visualized in the endoplasmic reticulum. S1Rs appear to concentrate at C-terminals of mouse MN only on the second week of postnatal development. We found that indole-N-methyl transferase (INMT), an enzyme that converts tryptamine into the sigma-1 ligand dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is also localized to postsynaptic sites of C-terminals in close proximity to the S1R. This close association of INMT and S1Rs suggest that DMT is synthesized locally to effectively activate S1R in MN.

Antagonist action of progesterone at σ-receptors in the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels.

σ-Receptors are integral membrane proteins that have been implicated in a number of biological functions, many of which involve the modulation of ion channels. A wide range of synthetic ligands activate σ-receptors, but endogenous σ-receptor ligands have proven elusive. One endogenous ligand, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), has been shown to act as a σ-receptor agonist. Progesterone and other steroids bind σ-receptors, but the functional consequences of these interactions are unclear. Here we investigated progesterone binding to σ(1)- and σ(2)-receptors and evaluated its effect on σ-receptor-mediated modulation of voltage-gated Na(+) channels. Progesterone binds both σ-receptor subtypes in liver membranes with comparable affinities and blocks photolabeling of both subtypes in human embryonic kidney 293 cells that stably express the human cardiac Na(+) channel Na(v)1.5. Patch-clamp recording in this cell line tested Na(+) current modulation by the σ-receptor ligands ditolylguanidine, PB28, (+)SKF10047, and DMT. Progesterone inhibited the action of these ligands to varying degrees, and some of these actions were reduced by σ(1)-receptor knockdown with small interfering RNA. Progesterone inhibition of channel modulation by drugs was consistent with stronger antagonism of σ(2)-receptors. By contrast, progesterone inhibition of channel modulation by DMT was consistent with stronger antagonism of σ(1)-receptors. Progesterone binding to σ-receptors blocks σ-receptor-mediated modulation of a voltage-gated ion channel, and this novel membrane action of progesterone may be relevant to changes in brain and cardiovascular function during endocrine transitions.

The Sigma-2 Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 are Different Binding Sites Derived From Independent Genes

The sigma-2 receptor (S2R) is a potential therapeutic target for cancer and neuronal diseases. However, the identity of the S2R has remained a matter of debate. Historically, the S2R has been defined as (1) a binding site with high affinity to 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) and haloperidol but not to the selective sigma-1 receptor ligand (+)-pentazocine, and (2) a protein of 18–21 kDa, as shown by specific photolabeling with [3H]-Azido-DTG and [125I]-iodoazido-fenpropimorph ([125I]-IAF). Recently, the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), a 25 kDa protein, was reported to be the S2R (Nature Communications, 2011, 2:380). To confirm this identification, we created PGRMC1 knockout NSC34 cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We found that in NSC34 cells devoid of or overexpressing PGRMC1, the maximum [3H]-DTG binding to the S2R (Bmax) as well as the DTG-protectable [125I]-IAF photolabeling of the S2R were similar to those of wild-type control cells. Furthermore, the affinities of DTG and haloperidol for PGRMC1 (KI = 472 μM and 350 μM, respectively), as determined in competition with [3H]-progesterone, were more than 3 orders of magnitude lower than those reported for the S2R (20–80 nM). These results clarify that PGRMC1 and the S2R are distinct binding sites expressed by different genes.

Ligand-dependent localization and intracellular stability of sigma-1 receptors in CHO-K1 cells

Background Sigma-1 receptors are involved in regulation of neuronal activities presumably through regulation of the activity of ion channels. Sigma-1 receptors also play a role in growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. Intracellular distribution of sigma-1 receptors have been linked to sphingolipid-enriched domains. Results We report that in CHO-K1 cells sigma-1 receptors target to focal adhesion contacts (FAC) where they colocalize with Talin and Kv1.4 potassium channels. The levels of sigma-1 receptors in the FAC were significantly increased by application of sigma-1 receptor ligands and by filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization with phalloidin. The total length of FAC (measured by the focal adhesion marker, talin) was concomitantly increased in the presence of sigma-1 receptors upon phalloidin treatment. Only sigma-1 receptor ligands, however, resulted in an increase of sigma-1 receptors in the FAC, independent of talin. Additionally, a novel approach was utilized to allow an assessment of the half life of endogenous sigma-1 receptors in CHO-K1 cells, which was measured to be at least 72 hours. Conclusion Ligand activated sigma-1 receptors translocate into FAC from a pool of receptors stored in ER lipid rafts presumably for inhibition of Kv1.4 channels. Stabilization of actin filaments is likely to be important for targeting sigma-1 receptors to Focal Adhesion Contacts in CHO-K1 cells.

Role of the Sigma-1 receptor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting spinal cord motoneurons (MN) with an associative connection to Frontotemporal Lobar Dementia (FTLD). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bound Sigma-1 Receptor (S1R) chaperone protein localizes to specialized ER cisternae within 10 nm of the plasma membrane in spinal cord ventral horn cholinergic post synaptic C-terminals. Removal of the S1R gene in the Superoxide Dismutase-1 (SOD-1) mouse model of ALS exacerbated the neurodegenerative condition and resulted in a significantly reduced longevity when compared to the SOD-1/S1R wild type (WT) mouse. The proposed amelioration of the ALS phenotype by the S1R is likely due to a “brake” on excitation of the MN as evidenced by a reduction in action potential generation in the MN of the WT when compared to the S1R KO mouse MN. Although the precise signal transduction pathway(s) regulated by the S1R in the MN has/have not been elucidated at present, it is likely that direct or indirect functional interactions occur between the S1R in the ER cisternae with voltage gated potassium channels and/or with muscarinic M2 receptor signaling in the post synaptic plasma membrane. Possible mechanisms for regulation of MN excitability by S1R are discussed.