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J M Henley

Publications and source records attributed to J M Henley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Real-time imaging of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPA receptor) movements in neurons.

The mechanisms that regulate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) synthesis, transport, targeting and surface expression are of fundamental importance for fast excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the mammalian central nervous system. It has become apparent that these control processes involve complex sets of protein-protein interactions and many of the proteins responsible have been identified. We have been working to visualize AMPAR movement in living neurons in order to investigate the effects of blocking protein interactions. Here we outline the approaches used and the results obtained thus far.

Animals↗

Disruption of the GluR2-NSF interaction protects primary hippocampal neurons from ischemic stress.

A specific interaction between the AMPA receptor subunits GluR2 and GluR3 and the fusion protein NSF has recently been identified. Disruption of this interaction by adenoviral-mediated expression of a peptide (pep2m) corresponding to the NSF-binding region of GluR2 results in a dramatic reduction in surface expression of AMPA receptors in primary hippocampal neurons. Here we report that expression of pep2m from a recently developed neuronal-specific adenoviral system gave significant neuroprotection to primary CA1-CA3 hippocampal neurons following stimulation with kainate (KA) and this was accompanied by a reduction in Ca(2+) influx. Protection was also observed following glucose deprivation and exposure to ischemic buffer in the absence of any NMDA receptor antagonists. These results provide strong evidence that AMPA receptors play a direct role in mediating postischemic neurotoxicity.

Animals↗

GABA(B) receptors couple directly to the transcription factor ATF4.

The inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acts at ionotropic (GABA(A) and GABA(C)) and metabotropic (GABA(B)) receptors. Functional GABA(B) receptors are heterodimers of GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) subunits. Here we show a robust, direct, and specific interaction between the coiled-coil domain present in the C-terminus of the GABA(B(1)) subunit and the transcription factor ATF4 (also known as CREB2). ATF4 and GABA(B(2)) binding to the GABA(B(1)) subunit were mutually exclusive. In rat hippocampal neurons native GABA(B(1)) showed surprisingly little similarity to GABA(B(2)) in its subcellular distribution. GABA(B(1)) and ATF4, however, were highly colocalized throughout the cell and displayed a punctate distribution within the dendrites. Activation of GABA(B) receptors in hippocampal neurons caused a dramatic translocation of ATF4 out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm. These data suggest a novel neuronal signaling pathway that could regulate the functional expression of GABA(B) receptors and/or modulate gene transcription.

Activating Transcription Factor 4↗

Characterization of a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5-green fluorescent protein chimera (mGluR5-GFP): pharmacology, surface expression, and differential effects of Homer-1a and Homer-1c.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) can modulate synaptic transmission by increasing intracellular Ca2+ and it plays a role in several forms of synaptic plasticity. We have constructed a fusion of human mGluR5 and green fluorescent protein (mGluR5-GFP). Expression of mGluR5-GFP in clonal cell lines yielded a functional fluorescent receptor with pharmacological profiles similar to wild-type mGluR5. mGluR5-GFP coimmunoprecipitated with Homer-1c, indicating that addition of GFP to the C-terminal did not prevent Homer binding. Coexpression of wild-type mGluR5 or mGluR5-GFP with Homer 1c, but not Homer-1a, resulted in reduced receptor surface localization and the formation of intracellular clusters. Neither Homer-1a nor Homer-1c had any effect on mGluR1 or mGluR1-GFP distribution. mGluR5-GFP expressed alone or in combination with Homer-1a formed dimers in HEK cells. Coexpression with Homer-1c, however, prevented mGluR5-GFP dimerization. Neither Homer altered the agonist profiles of mGluR5 or mGluR5-GFP. These data indicate that the functional expression of mGluR5 is regulated by Homer-1c and demonstrate that mGluR5-GFP provides a useful tool to study the molecular pharmacology and cell biology of mGluRs in real-time.

Animals↗

Transient synaptic activation of NMDA receptors leads to the insertion of native AMPA receptors at hippocampal neuronal plasma membranes.

The molecular mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus are not well understood. Transient depolarisation of cultured postnatal hippocampal neurones (3x1 s exposure to 90 mM K+) induces a form of LTP that is manifest primarily as an increase in mEPSC frequency. Site-directed antibodies that recognise an extracellular region of all AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunits (GluR1-4) were used for the immunolabelling of living neurones. These antibodies were raised in two species to enable sequential immunofluorescent labelling of individual living neurones before and after the induction of LTP. High K+ treatment resulted in the appearance of new AMPAR clusters at sites on the neuronal surface that previously lacked detectable AMPARs. The appearance of new AMPAR clusters was NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent since it was antagonised by the application of NMDAR antagonists. Our data indicate that the transient synaptic activation of NMDARs can lead to the insertion of native AMPARs at sites on the neuronal membrane that initially lacks AMPARs.

Animals↗

An electrophysiological characterisation of long-term potentiation in cultured dissociated hippocampal neurones.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission is under intense investigation. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in its induction and expression are critically involved in synaptic processes that are important for learning and memory and other physiological functions. A reliable means of inducing LTP in dissociated cultured neurones would facilitate investigations into the molecular basis of LTP but has been hard to achieve. Here we report a mechanism for inducing LTP in postnatal dissociated hippocampal neurones using transient depolarisation. This form of LTP is prevented by NMDA receptor antagonists and by chelating Ca2+ in the postsynaptic neurone. It is manifest primarily as an increase in the frequency of mEPSCs.

Animals↗

Regulation of mglu(7) receptors by proteins that interact with the intracellular C-terminus.

The metabotropic glutamate type 7 (mglu(7)) receptor is a widely distributed, mainly presynaptic Group III mglu receptor that can regulate glutamate release. Recently, largely as a result of the identification of specific proteins that interact with the C-terminal domain of this receptor, considerable progress has been made towards understanding some of the mechanisms that underlie the regulation, signal transduction pathways and targeting of mglu(7) receptors. This has led to the proposal that there are three distinct functionally relevant domains present in the intracellular C-terminus of this receptor: (1) a proximal intracellular signalling domain that interacts with G-protein betagamma-subunits and the Ca(2+) sensor Ca(2+)-calmodulin, and is phosphorylated by protein kinase; (2) a central domain thought to provide a signal for axonal targeting; and (3) an extreme PDZ-binding motif that interacts with the protein kinase C interacting protein, PICK1.

Animals↗

Regional localization and developmental profile of acetylcholinesterase-evoked increases in [(3)H]-5-fluororwillardiine binding to AMPA receptors in rat brain.

In addition to its role in hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the synaptically enriched enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been reported to play an important role in the development and remodelling of neural processes and synapses. We have shown previously that AChE causes an increase in binding of the specific AMPA receptor ligand (S)-[(3)H]-5-fluorowillardiine ([(3)H]-FW) to rat brain membranes. In this study we have used quantitative autoradiography to investigate the regional distribution and age-dependence of AChE-evoked increases in the binding of [(3)H]-FW in rat brain. Pretreatment of rat brain sections with AChE caused a marked enhancement of [(3)H]-FW binding to many, but not all, brain areas. The increased [(3)H]-FW binding was blocked by the specific AChE inhibitor BW 284c51. The maximal potentiation of [(3)H]-FW binding occurred at different developmental age-points in different regions with a profile consistent with the peak periods for synaptogenesis in any given region. In addition to its effects on brain sections, AChE also strongly potentiated [(3)H]-FW binding to detergent solubilized AMPA receptors suggesting a direct action on the receptors themselves rather than an indirect effect on the plasma membrane. These findings suggest that modulation of AMPA receptors could provide one molecular mechanism for the previously reported effects of AChE on synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Developmental changes in synaptic AMPA and NMDA receptor distribution and AMPA receptor subunit composition in living hippocampal neurons.

AMPA and NMDA receptors mediate most excitatory synaptic transmission in the CNS. We have developed antibodies that recognize all AMPA or all NMDA receptor variants on the surface of living neurons. AMPA receptor variants were identified with a polyclonal antibody recognizing the conserved extracellular loop region of all four AMPA receptor subunits (GluR1-4, both flip and flop), whereas NMDA receptors were immunolabeled with a polyclonal antibody that binds to an extracellular N-terminal epitope of the NR1 subunit, common to all splice variants. In non-fixed brain sections these antibodies gave labeling patterns similar to autoradiographic distributions with particularly high levels in the hippocampus. Using these antibodies, in conjunction with GluR2-specific and synaptophysin antibodies, we have directly localized and quantified surface-expressed native AMPA and NMDA receptors on cultured living hippocampal neurons during development. Using a quantitative cell ELISA, a dramatic increase was observed in the surface expression of AMPA receptors, but not NMDA receptors, between 3 and 10 d in culture. Immunocytochemical analysis of hippocampal neurons between 3 and 20 d in vitro shows no change in the proportion of synapses expressing NMDA receptors (approximately 60%) but a dramatic increase (approximately 50%) in the proportion of them that also express AMPA receptors. Furthermore, over this period the proportion of AMPA receptor-positive synapses expressing the GluR2 subunit increased from approximately 67 to approximately 96%. These changes will dramatically alter the functional properties of hippocampal synapses.

Animals↗

PICK1 interacts with and regulates PKC phosphorylation of mGLUR7.

The G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7a (mGluR7a) is a member of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors that plays an important role as a presynaptic receptor in regulating transmitter release at glutamatergic synapses. Here we report that the protein interacting with C-kinase (PICK1) binds to the C terminus (ct) of mGluR7a. In the yeast two-hybrid system, the extreme ct of mGluR7a was shown to interact with the PSD-95/Discs large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain of PICK1. Pull-down assays indicated that PICK1 was retained by a glutathione S-transferase fusion of ct-mGluR7a. Furthermore, recombinant and native PICK1/mGluR7a complexes were coimmunoprecipitated from COS-7 cells and rat brain tissue, respectively. Confocal microscopy showed that both PICK1 and mGluR7a displayed synaptic colocalization in cultured hippocampal neurons. PICK1 has previously been shown to bind protein kinase C alpha-subunit (PKCalpha), and mGluR7a is known to be phosphorylated by PKC. We show a relationship between these three proteins using recombinant PICK1, mGluR7, and PKCalpha, where they were co-immunoprecipitated as a complex from COS-7 cells. In addition, PICK1 caused a reduction in PKCalpha-evoked phosphorylation of mGluR7a in in vitro phosphorylation assays. These results suggest a role for PICK1 in modulating PKCalpha-evoked phosphorylation of mGluR7a.

Animals↗

Interactions between AMPA receptors and intracellular proteins.

alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors mediate most fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian CNS. They play a central role in synapse stabilisation and plasticity and their prolonged activation is potently neurotoxic. Developmental and activity-dependent changes in the functional synaptic expression of these receptors are subject to tight cellular regulation. The molecular and cellular mechanisms which control the postsynaptic insertion and arrangement of individual AMPA receptor variants are therefore the subject of intense investigation and in the last two years there has been significant progress towards elucidating some of the processes involved. Much of the new information has come from the application of the yeast two-hybrid assay, which has led to the discovery of a hitherto unexpected complexity of proteins which selectively interact with individual AMPA receptor subunits. These proteins have been implicated in the regulation of AMPA receptor post-translational modification, targeting and trafficking, surface expression and anchoring. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the major interacting proteins described so far and to place these in the context of how they may participate in the well ordered series of events controlling the cell biology of AMPA receptors.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PDZ proteins interacting with C-terminal GluR2/3 are involved in a PKC-dependent regulation of AMPA receptors at hippocampal synapses.

We investigated the role of PDZ proteins (GRIP, ABP, and PICK1) interacting with the C-terminal GluR2 by infusing a ct-GluR2 peptide ("pep2-SVKI") into CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices using whole-cell recordings. Pep2-SVKI, but not a control or PICK1 selective peptide, caused AMPAR-mediated EPSC amplitude to increase in approximately one-third of control neurons and in most neurons following the prior induction of LTD. Pep2-SVKI also blocked LTD; however, this occurred in all neurons. A PKC inhibitor prevented these effects of pep2-SVKI on synaptic transmission and LTD. We propose a model in which the maintenance of LTD involves the binding of AMPARs to PDZ proteins to prevent their reinsertion. We also present evidence that PKC regulates AMPAR reinsertion during dedepression.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Characterisation and partial purification of the GABA(B) receptor from the rat cerebellum using the novel antagonist [3H]CGP 62349.

The novel GABA(B) receptor antagonist [3H]CGP 62349 binds rat cerebellar synaptosomal membranes with high affinity at a single population of sites (K(d) = 0.9 nM, B(max) = 760 fmol/mg protein). Solubilisation with 1% Triton X-100/0.5 M NaCl/10% glycerol resulted in a marked increase in [3H]CGP 62349 binding (K(d) = 0.5 nM, B(max) = 1285 fmol/mg protein). Competition of [3HCGP 35348 = CGP 36742. The GABA(A) ligand isoguvacine did not displace [3H]CGP 62349 binding. Partial purification of [3H]CGP 62349 binding sites was obtained by sucrose density centrifugation and a predominant protein in the peak binding fraction was recognised by an anti-GABA(B) receptor antibody and had a molecular weight similar to the recombinant expressed GABA(B)R1a. These results demonstrate that [3H]CGP 62349 provides a useful additional tool for further characterisation of the pharmacology and biochemistry of the native GABA(B) receptor.

Animals↗

Differential changes in the subcellular distribution of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in neonate and adult rat cortex.

We compared the distribution of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptors and their individual subunits in synaptosomal and microsomal fractions prepared from 2-day-old (P2) and adult rat cortex. In P2 cortex more [3H]-(S)-fluorowillardiine ([3H]FW) binding to AMPA receptors was in the intracellular microsomal fraction than in the synaptosomal fraction whereas in adult rats the reverse was observed. Immunoblots with GluR1, GluR2/3, GluR4 and pan-AMPA antibodies showed the same profile. In contrast, the majority of [3H]MK-801 binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and NR1 subunit immunoreactivity was present in the synaptosomal fraction at both developmental time points. These results suggest a developmental rearrangement of the distribution of AMPA receptors within neurons, a process which is likely to be important in synaptic stabilization and plasticity.

Aging↗

Rapid internalization and surface expression of a functional, fluorescently tagged G-protein-coupled glutamate receptor.

l-Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system, where it mediates many of its actions via G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. Since little is known about the dynamics of mGlu receptors at the plasma membrane, we have constructed a fusion protein comprising the mGlu receptor subtype 1alpha (mGlu1alpha) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Using imaging of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores as a functional assay, the agonist pharmacology of this fluorescently tagged receptor was found to be similar to that of the wild-type receptor when expressed in HEK-293 cells. Receptor movement and function were measured simultaneously by combined imaging of Ca2+, using fura-red, and GFP fluorescence in single cells. Exposure to agonist induced a rapid loss of up to 30% of membrane-associated fluorescence, with a corresponding decrease in the functional response. Following removal of the agonist there was recovery of both the membrane fluorescence and the functional response. These data suggest that the surface expression of G-protein-coupled glutamate receptors might be rapidly regulated in response to agonist activation.

Biological Transport↗

Acetylcholinesterase potentiates [3H]fluorowillardiine and [3H]AMPA binding to rat cortical membranes.

In addition to its action at cholinergic synapses acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been proposed to modulate neuronal activity by mechanisms unrelated to the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. We have investigated the effects of AChE on the binding of the specific AMPA receptor agonists (S)-[3H]5-fluorowillardiine ([3H]FW) and [3H]AMPA to rat cortical membranes. Pretreatment of membranes with AChE causes a dose-dependent increase in the binding of both radiolabelled agonists with a maximal increase to approximately 60% above control. This increase is completely blocked by the specific AChE inhibitors propidium, physostigmine, DFP and BW 284C51. AChE pretreatment had no effect on [3H]kainate binding. [3H]FW binding to membranes from young (15-day-old) rats is four orders of magnitude more sensitive to AChE modulation than membranes from adult rats (EC50 values of 4x10(-5) and 0.1 unit/ml, respectively) although the total percentage increase in binding is similar. Furthermore, the AChE-induced potentiation of [3H]FW binding is Ca2+ - and temperature-dependent suggesting an enzymatic action for AChE in this system. Saturation binding experiments with [3H]FW to adult membranes reveal high and low affinity binding sites and demonstrate that the main action of AChE is to increase the Bmax of both sites. These findings suggest that modulation of AMPA receptors could provide a molecular mechanism of action for the previously reported effects of AChE in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

The protein kinase C alpha binding protein PICK1 interacts with short but not long form alternative splice variants of AMPA receptor subunits.

Here we report an interaction between AMPA receptor subunits and a single PDZ domain-containing protein called PICK1 which is known to bind protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha). The interaction occurs within the last ten amino acid residues containing a novel PDZ binding motif (E S V/I K I) of the short C-terminal alternative splice variants of AMPA receptor subunits. No interaction occurs with the corresponding long splice variants which do not contain the E S V/I K I motif. The PDZ domain of PICK1 is required for the interaction and the mutation of a single amino acid in this region (Lys-27 to Glu) prevents interaction between PICK1 and GluR2 in the yeast two-hybrid assay. A similar mutation has been reported to prevent the binding of PICK1 to PKC alpha indicating that the same domain of PICK1 binds both PKC alpha and GluRs. Flag-tagged PICK1 is retained by a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion of the C-terminal of GluR2 (GST-ct-GluR2; short splice variant) but not by GST-ct-GluR1 (long splice variant). Recombinant full length GluR2 is coimmunoprecipitated with flag-PICK1 using an anti-flag antibody and flag-PICK1 is coimmunoprecipitated with an N-terminal directed anti-GluR2 antibody. Transient expression of both proteins in COS cells reveals colocalization and an altered pattern of distribution for each protein from when they are expressed individually. This novel interaction provides a possible regulatory mechanism to specifically modulate distinct splice variants and may be involved in targeting the phosphorylation of short form GluRs by PKC alpha.

Animals↗