Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mehdi Yoosefian, Batool Tajaddini, Saeid Ahmadzadeh, Maryam Zeraati-Moghani, Zahra Pakdin-Parizi
Summary: Drinking excessive alcohol can cause chronic diseases and serious problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, digestive problems, and liver disease. A molecular dynamics simulation study found that ethanol blocks calcium channels and interferes with calcium ion passage. Furthermore, calcium ions have a greater tendency to interact with residues inside the protein channel in the presence of ethanol.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
G. M. Archana, R. C. Arunkumar, R. V. Omkumar
Summary: This study reports the presence of L-type VGCC subunit proteins in HEK-293 cells and develops simple methods for its assay. The activity of L-VGCC in HEK-293 cells can be detected through endogenous expression, eliminating the need for transfection. Different experimental methods were used to detect the activity, and the antagonist nifedipine was found to block the activity. These findings offer commercially viable assays for drug screening.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yangmei Li, Chao Chang, Zhi Zhu, Lan Sun, Chunhai Fan
Summary: The dysfunction of voltage-gated calcium channels leading to a deficiency in Ca2+ fluxes is associated with calcium channelopathies such as epilepsy and periodic paralysis. By using resonant terahertz waves, researchers have demonstrated enhanced selectivity and conductance of Ca2+, potentially offering therapeutic interventions in correcting calcium channel deficiencies and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Norbert Weiss, Gerald W. Zamponi
Summary: Neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels play a crucial role in regulating calcium entry into nerve endings and neurotransmitter release. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) not only modulate channel activity through second messengers, but also physically interact with calcium channels to regulate their function. Studying the regulation of calcium channels by classical opioid and nociceptin receptors is important for understanding neuronal functions and developing potential treatments for diseases.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas C. Vierra, Samantha C. O'Dwyer, Collin Matsumoto, L. Fernando Santana, James S. Trimmer
Summary: In mammalian brain neurons, membrane depolarization triggers Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, leading to diverse cellular responses, including gene expression. The L-type Ca2+ channels in neuronal soma and dendrites play a key role in this process. The organization of signaling complexes by Kv2.1 at endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions enhances the clustering and activity of Cav1.2 channels, impacting somatic Ca2+ signals and excitation-transcription coupling.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Jamie S. S. Lindner, Salil R. R. Rajayer, Briana J. J. Martiszus, Stephen M. M. Smith
Summary: The calcium-sensing receptor agonist, cinacalcet, regulates neuronal excitability by modulating the voltage-dependence of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) currents. This regulation is achieved by shifting the voltage-dependence of VGSC currents and involves an unidentified inhibitory molecule that is G-protein dependent.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert J. Lauerer, Holger Lerche
Summary: This review summarizes the importance of VGCC in the central nervous system and its association with epilepsy-related genes, providing guidance for disease-specific therapies when applicable.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming-Chi Lai, Sheng-Nan Wu, Chin-Wei Huang
Summary: In this study, the effects of Zingerone (ZO) on ionic currents in pituitary tumor cells and hippocampal neurons were investigated using patch clamp technology. The results showed that ZO had varying effects on the amplitude, gating, and hysteresis of ionic currents, which may significantly impact the functional activities of neuronal cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Philip Poillot, Joseph W. Snuggs, Christine L. Le Maitre, Jacques M. Huyghe
Summary: This study identifies the presence of multiple voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) in the intervertebral disc (IVD), with evidence supporting the role of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in mechanotransduction. These findings highlight the importance of further research in this area to fully elucidate the mechanotransduction pathways in the IVD and improve treatment strategies for IVD degeneration.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Clara Gravielle
Summary: GABA(A) receptors are pentameric ion channels crucial for inhibitory transmissions in the central nervous system, with their function regulated by various factors such as receptor subtypes and calcium channels. Dysfunctional alterations of these receptors are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and influence their plasticity.
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah Scheiblich, Joern R. Steinert
Summary: Regulation of neuronal activity through nitric oxide (NO) involves suppression of potassium and sodium channel activities, leading to decreased excitability. NO mediates these effects via redox signaling on ion channels, with an additional cGMP-mediated component specifically for sodium currents. The study provides new insights into nitrergic activities in modulating neuronal function following nNOS activation.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleni Kaisis, Laura J. J. Thei, Gary J. J. Stephens, Mark L. L. Dallas
Summary: Cav2.2 channels are modulated by Ab(1-42) peptides, and this modulation has different effects at different concentrations. This study reveals a potential mechanistic link between amyloid accumulation and Cav2.2 channel modulation.
Review
Cell Biology
Petronel Tuluc, Tamara Theiner, Noelia Jacobo-Piqueras, Stefanie M. Geisler
Summary: Pancreatic islets secrete hormones critical for glucose homeostasis, with insulin from beta-cells being the main hormone for lowering blood glucose levels. Glucagon and somatostatin also play important roles in regulating hormone secretion. High voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are central in the release of pancreatic hormones and play a key role in diabetes.
Article
Cell Biology
Yiliam Cruz-Garcia, Katalin Barkovits, Michael Kohlhaas, Simone Pickel, Michelle Gulentz, Cornelia Heindl, Kathy Pfeiffer, Petra Eder-Negrin, Christoph Maack, Katrin Marcus, Michaela Kuhn, Erick Miranda-Laferte
Summary: Ca2+ influx through LTCCs in cardiomyocytes plays a crucial role in regulating Ca2+-dependent processes. In this study, proximity labeling and quantitative proteomics were used to identify proteins associated with Ca-v beta(2) in cardiomyocytes. These proteins are involved in diverse cellular functions. Additionally, interaction between Ca-v beta(2) and RyR2 was found to be necessary for the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release mechanism in cardiomyocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Milorad Dragic, Katarina Milicevic, Marija Adzic, Ivana Stevanovic, Milica Ninkovic, Ivana Grkovic, Pavle Andjus, Nadezda Nedeljkovic
Summary: Astrocytes play a critical role in the protection and damage of the nervous system, with complex pathological features and functions. In neuroinflammatory processes, astrocytes undergo cell differentiation and functional transition, leading to the production of various inflammatory mediators.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liang Ma, Stephen A. Semick, Qiang Chen, Chao Li, Ran Tao, Amanda J. Price, Joo Heon Shin, Yankai Jia, Nicholas J. Brandon, Alan J. Cross, Thomas M. Hyde, Joel E. Kleinman, Andrew E. Jaffe, Daniel R. Weinberger, Richard E. Straub
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaofan Li, Miho Terunuma, Tarek G. Deeb, Shari Wiseman, Menelas N. Pangalos, Angus C. Nairn, Stephen J. Moss, Paul A. Slesinger
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Heike J. Wobst, Korrie L. Mack, Dean G. Brown, Nicholas J. Brandon, James Shorter
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gonzalo S. Tejeda, Ellanor L. Whiteley, Tarek Z. Deeb, Roland W. Burli, Stephen J. Moss, Eamonn Sheridan, Nicholas J. Brandon, George S. Baillie
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Nicola Micali, Suel-Kee Kim, Marcelo Diaz-Bustamante, Genevieve Stein-O'Brien, Seungmae Seo, Joo-Heon Shin, Brian G. Rash, Shaojie Ma, Yanhong Wang, Nicolas A. Olivares, Jon Arellano, Kristen R. Maynard, Elana J. Fertig, Alan J. Cross, Roland W. Burli, Nicholas J. Brandon, Daniel R. Weinberger, Joshua G. Chenoweth, Daniel J. Hoeppner, Nenad Sestan, Pasko Rakic, Carlo Colantuoni, Ronald D. McKay
Article
Neurosciences
Wenchen Zhao, Jianjia Fan, Iva Kulic, Cheryl Koh, Amanda Clark, Johan Meuller, Ola Engkvist, Samantha Barichievy, Carina Raynoschek, Ryan Hicks, Marcello Maresca, Qi Wang, Dean G. Brown, Alvin Lok, Cameron Parro, Jerome Robert, Hsien-Ya Chou, Andrea M. Zuhl, Michael W. Wood, Nicholas J. Brandon, Cheryl L. Wellington
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Danijela Drakulic, Srdjan Djurovic, Yasir Ahmed Syed, Sebastiano Trattaro, Nicolo Caporale, Anna Falk, Rivka Ofir, Vivi M. Heine, Samuel J. R. A. Chawner, Antonio Rodriguez-Moreno, Marianne B. M. van den Bree, Giuseppe Testa, Spyros Petrakis, Adrian J. Harwood
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mouhamed Alsaqati, Vivi M. Heine, Adrian J. Harwood
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Samuel J. R. A. Chawner, Marina Mihaljevic, Sinead Morrison, Hale Yapici Eser, Anne M. Maillard, Beata Nowakowska, Marianne B. M. van den Bree, Ann Swillen
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Nicole Gruenheit, Amy Baldwin, Balint Stewart, Sarah Jaques, Thomas Keller, Katie Parkinson, William Salvidge, Robert Baines, Chris Brimson, Jason B. Wolf, Rex Chisholm, Adrian J. Harwood, Christopher R. L. Thompson
Summary: In this study, REMI-seq, an adaptation of Tn-seq, is described as a powerful tool for high throughput gene function analysis in the model system Dictyostelium discoideum. The method allows quantitative identification of genomic insertion sites of a drug resistance marker, enabling efficient linkage between genotype and phenotype. The resources developed using REMI-seq, including a near genome-wide resource of individual mutants and a defined pool of 'barcoded' mutants, facilitate rapid identification of novel regulators of cellular processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alicyia Walczyk-Mooradally, Jennifer Holborn, Karamjeet Singh, Marshall Tyler, Debasis Patnaik, Hendrik Wesseling, Nicholas J. Brandon, Judith Steen, Steffen P. Graether, Stephen J. Haggarty, Jasmin Lalonde
Summary: Arc is a protein crucial for cognitive function and memory formation, able to self-assemble into virus-like capsids for mRNA transportation. The study shows that TNIK kinase can modify Arc at Serine 67 and Threonine 278, influencing its subcellular distribution and self-assembly. Understanding the interaction between Arc and TNIK in neuronal cells could offer new insights into psychiatric disorders.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gareth Chapman, Mouhamed Alsaqati, Sharna Lunn, Tanya Singh, Stefanie C. Linden, David E. J. Linden, Marianne B. M. van den Bree, Mike Ziller, Michael J. Owen, Jeremy Hall, Adrian J. Harwood, Yasir Ahmed Syed
Summary: Copy Number Variation (CNV) at the 1q21.1 locus is associated with a range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in humans, with deletion or duplication of this locus leading to reciprocal phenotypes in neuronal development. These differences are also conserved in a mouse model of 1q21.1 deletion, indicating potential for drug interventions through targeting calcium channels in neurons with 1q21.1 deletion or duplication.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bret Sanders, Daniel D'Andrea, Mark O. Collins, Elliott Rees, Tom G. J. Steward, Ying Zhu, Gareth Chapman, Sophie E. Legge, Antonio F. Pardinas, Adrian J. Harwood, William P. Gray, Michael C. O'Donovan, Michael J. Owen, Adam C. Errington, Derek J. Blake, Daniel J. Whitcomb, Andrew J. Pocklington, Eunju Shin
Summary: The coordinated programs of gene expression driving brain development have been studied in relation to neuropsychiatric disorders and cognition. This research combines human genetics with transcriptomic data and analyzes genetic variants and GWAS statistics to reveal the convergence on transcriptional programs regulating excitatory cortical neurogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Balint Stewart, Nicole Gruenheit, Amy Baldwin, Rex Chisholm, Daniel Rozen, Adrian Harwood, Jason B. Wolf, Christopher R. L. Thompson
Summary: This study investigates natural variation in predatory performance in the microbial predator Dictyostelium discoideum. The researchers found widespread nontransitive differences among strains in predatory success across different bacterial prey, which can facilitate strain coexistence in multi-prey environments. Furthermore, most mutations had prey-specific effects, highlighting the potential for prey-specific effects to weaken selection and prevent the emergence of an optimal generalist predator.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Mouhamed Alsaqati, Brittany A. Davis, Jamie Wood, Megan M. Jones, Lora Jones, Aishah Westwood, Olena Petter, Anthony R. Isles, David Linden, Marianne Van den Bree, Michael Owen, Jeremy Hall, Adrian J. Harwood
Summary: Genetic evidence suggests that disrupted epigenetic regulation is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. This study reveals that EHMT1, an epigenetic repressor, indirectly regulates NRSF/REST through repression of miRNA, leading to abnormal neuronal gene expression and neurodevelopment timing. The findings highlight the broad molecular interaction between H3K9 demethylation, NSRF/REST regulation, and the risk for intellectual disability and schizophrenia.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)