Polyphosphoinositide Hydrolysis Research Articles

Blunted type-5 metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in two mouse models of monogenic autism

The involvement of the mGlu5 receptors in the pathophysiology of several forms of monogenic autism has been supported by numerous studies following the seminal observation that mGlu5 receptor-dependent long-term depression was enhanced in the hippocampus of mice modeling the fragile-X syndrome (FXS). Surprisingly, there are no studies examining the canonical signal transduction pathway activated by mGlu5 receptors (i.e. polyphosphoinositide – PI – hydrolysis) in mouse models of autism. We have developed a method for in vivo assessment of PI hydrolysis based on systemic injection of lithium chloride followed by treatment with the selective mGlu5 receptor PAM, VU0360172, and measurement of endogenous inositolmonophosphate (InsP) in brain tissue. Here, we report that mGlu5 receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis was blunted in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and corpus striatum of Ube3am−/p+ mice modeling Angelman syndrome (AS), and in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of Fmr1 knockout mice modeling FXS. In vivo mGlu5 receptor-mediated stimulation of Akt on threonine 308 was also blunted in the hippocampus of FXS mice. These changes were associated with a significant increase in cortical and striatal Homer1 levels and striatal mGlu5 receptor and Gαq levels in AS mice, and with a reduction in cortical mGlu5 receptor and hippocampal Gαq levels, and an increase in cortical phospholipase-Cβ and hippocampal Homer1 levels in FXS mice.This is the first evidence that the canonical transduction pathway activated by mGlu5 receptors is down-regulated in brain regions of mice modeling monogenic autism.

Changes in mGlu5 Receptor Signaling Are Associated with Associative Learning and Memory Extinction in Mice.

Using an in vivo method for the assessment of polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, we examine whether spatial learning and memory extinction cause changes in mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. We use the following five groups of mice: (i) naive mice; (ii) control mice exposed to the same environment as learner mice; (iii) leaner mice, trained for four days in a water maze; (iv) mice in which memory extinction was induced by six trials without the platform; (v) mice that spontaneously lost memory. The mGlu5 receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis was significantly reduced in the dorsal hippocampus of learner mice as compared to naive and control mice. The mGlu5 receptor signaling was also reduced in the ventral hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of learner mice, but only with respect to naive mice. Memory extinction was associated with a large up-regulation of mGlu5 receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis in the three brain regions and with increases in mGlu5 receptor and phospholipase-Cβ protein levels in the ventral and dorsal hippocampus, respectively. These findings support a role for mGlu5 receptors in mechanisms underlying spatial learning and suggest that mGlu5 receptors are candidate drug targets for disorders in which cognitive functions are impaired or aversive memories are inappropriately retained.

The bacterial quorum sensing molecule, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibits signal transduction mechanisms in brain tissue and is behaviorally active in mice

Interkingdom communication between bacteria and host organisms is one of the most interesting research topics in biology. Quorum sensing molecules produced by Gram-negative bacteria, such as acylated homoserine lactones and quinolones, have been shown to interact with host cell receptors, stimulating innate immunity and bacterial clearance. To our knowledge, there is no evidence that these molecules influence CNS function. Here, we have found that low micromolar concentrations of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing autoinducer, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibited polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in mouse brain slices, whereas four selected acylated homoserine lactones were inactive. PQS also inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in brain slices. We therefore focused on PQS in our study. Biochemical effects of PQS were not mediated by the bitter taste receptors, T2R4 and T2R16. Interestingly, submicromolar concentrations of PQS could be detected in the serum and brain tissue of adult mice under normal conditions. Levels increased in five selected brain regions after single i.p. injection of PQS (10 mg/kg), peaked after 15 min, and returned back to normal between 1 and 4 h. Systemically administered PQS reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, increased the immobility time in the forced swim test, and largely attenuated motor response to the psychostimulant, methamphetamine. These findings offer the first demonstration that a quorum sensing molecule specifically produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is centrally active and influences cell signaling and behavior. Quorum sensing autoinducers might represent new interkingdom signaling molecules between ecological communities of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms and the host CNS.

In Vivo Non-radioactive Assessment of mGlu5 Receptor-Activated Polyphosphoinositide Hydrolysis in Response to Systemic Administration of a Positive Allosteric Modulator.

mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis is classically measured by determining the amount of radioactivity incorporated in inositolmonophosphate (InsP) after labeling of membrane phospholipids with radioactive inositol. Although this method is historically linked to the study of mGlu receptors, it is inappropriate for the assessment of mGlu5 receptor signaling in vivo. Using a new ELISA kit we showed that systemic treatment with the selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of mGlu5 receptors VU0360172 enhanced InsP formation in different brain regions of CD1 or C57Black mice. The action of VU0360172 was sensitive to the mGlu5 receptor, negative allosteric modulator (NAM), MTEP, and was abolished in mice lacking mGlu5 receptors. In addition, we could demonstrate that endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors largely accounted for the basal PI hydrolysis particularly in the prefrontal cortex. This method offers opportunity for investigation of mGlu5 receptor signaling in physiology and pathology, and could be used for the functional screening of mGlu5 receptor PAMs in living animals.

Five Different Phosphorylation Sites in the C‐Terminal regulate a1b‐Adrenergic Receptor Signaling and Regulations

The G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit a variety of signals across the cell membrane and regulate cellular activity via the intermediary role of guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G proteins). Among these receptors, the a1B‐Adrenergic (a1B‐AR) receptor mediates the effects of catecholamines, like epinephrine and norepinephrine, through coupling to Gq. The activation of the a1B‐AR causes polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase C (PLC), generating inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, which together lead to calcium signaling and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Subsequently, receptors are phosphorylated, triggering their desensitization and internalization, a process mediated by members of the G proteins‐coupled receptor kinases (GRK) family and/or by PKC.It is currently known the a1B‐AR is phosphorylated in two separate groups of serine residues in the carboxyl terminal tail, one by PKC (S396 and S402) and one by GRK (S406, S410 and S412) during the desensitization and internalization of the receptor. The mutation of these residues prevents agonist induced desensitization and blocks the receptor internalization into the plasma membrane.Because the role of these specific sites remains unknown in different down‐process of the a1B‐AR, we investigated the importance of phosphorylation by PKC and GRK in calcium desensitization signal, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and receptor phosphorylation. To achieve this,, we generated three site specific mutants of the a1B‐AR in which the serine residues phosphorylated by the two kinases were mutated to alanine, alone or in tandem. We found that any of these mutations in the phosphorylation sites produces changes in the heterologous desensitization of the receptor detected by intracellular calcium response and in the activation of the MAPK, when compared to the wild type. Finally, we obtained clear differences in the phosphorylation pattern of each mutant during noradrenaline stimulation.Support or Funding InformationPartially supported by Grants from CONACYT (253156 and 882) and DGAPA (IN200915).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Functional partnership between mGlu3 and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system

mGlu5 receptors are involved in mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, and are targeted by drugs developed for the treatment of CNS disorders. We report that mGlu3 receptors, which are traditionally linked to the control of neurotransmitter release, support mGlu5 receptor signaling in neurons and largely contribute to the robust mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in the early postnatal life. In cortical pyramidal neurons, mGlu3 receptor activation potentiated mGlu5 receptor-mediated somatic Ca2+ mobilization, and mGlu3 receptor-mediated long-term depression in the prefrontal cortex required the endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors. The interaction between mGlu3 and mGlu5 receptors was also relevant to mechanisms of neuronal toxicity, with mGlu3 receptors shaping the influence of mGlu5 receptors on excitotoxic neuronal death. These findings shed new light into the complex role played by mGlu receptors in physiology and pathology, and suggest reconsideration of some of the current dogmas in the mGlu receptor field.

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a is required for mGlu receptor dependent long-term depression in the hippocampus

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), members of the degenerin/epithelial Na+ channel superfamily, are widely distributed in the mammalian nervous system. ASIC1a is highly permeable to Ca2+ and are thought to be important in a variety of physiological processes, including synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. To further understand the role of ASIC1a in synaptic transmission and plasticity, we investigated metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus. We found that ASIC1a channels mediate a component of LTD in P30-40 animals, since the ASIC1a selective blocker psalmotoxin-1 (PcTx1) reduced the magnitude of LTD induced by application of the group I mGlu receptor agonist (S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) or induced by paired-pulse low frequency stimulation (PP-LFS). Conversely, PcTx1 did not affect LTD in P13-18 animals. We also provide evidence that ASIC1a is involved in group I mGlu receptor-induced increase in action potential firing. However, blockade of ASIC1a did not affect DHPG-induced polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, suggesting the involvement of some other molecular partners in the functional crosstalk between ASIC1a and group I mGlu receptors. Notably, PcTx1 was able to prevent the increase in GluA1 S845 phosphorylation at the post-synaptic membrane induced by group I mGlu receptor activation. These findings suggest a novel function of ASIC1a channels in the regulation of group I mGlu receptor synaptic plasticity and intrinsic excitability.

Type-7 metabotropic glutamate receptors negatively regulate α1-adrenergic receptor signalling

We studied the interaction between mGlu7 and α1-adrenergic receptors in heterologous expression systems, brain slices, and living animals. L-2-Amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (L-AP4), and l-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP), which activate group III mGlu receptors, restrained the stimulation of polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis induced by the α1-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine, in HEK 293 cells co-expressing α1-adrenergic and mGlu7 receptors. The inibitory action of L-AP4 was abrogated by (i) the mGlu7 receptor antagonist, XAP044; (ii) the C-terminal portion of type-2 G protein coupled receptor kinase; and (iii) the MAP kinase inhibitors, UO126 and PD98059. This suggests that the functional interaction between mGlu7 and α1-adrenergic receptors was mediated by the βγ-subunits of the Gi protein and required the activation of the MAP kinase pathway. Remarkably, activation of neither mGlu2 nor mGlu4 receptors reduced α1-adrenergic receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis. In mouse cortical slices, both L-AP4 and L-SOP were able to attenuate norepinephrine- and phenylephrine-stimulated PI hydrolysis at concentrations consistent with the activation of mGlu7 receptors. L-AP4 failed to affect norepinephrine-stimulated PI hydrolysis in cortical slices from mGlu7−/− mice, but retained its inhibitory activity in slices from mGlu4−/− mice. At behavioural level, i.c.v. injection of phenylephrine produced antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. The action of phenylephrine was attenuated by L-SOP, which was inactive per se. Finally, both phenylephrine and L-SOP increased corticosterone levels in mice, but the increase was halved when the two drugs were administered in combination. Our data demonstrate that α1-adrenergic and mGlu7 receptors functionally interact and suggest that this interaction might be targeted in the treatment of stress-related disorders.

Type-1, but Not Type-5, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors are Coupled to Polyphosphoinositide Hydrolysis in the Retina.

mGlu1 and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in the vertebrate retina, and are co-localized in some retinal neurons. It is believed that both receptors are coupled to polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in the retina and their function may diverge in some cells because of a differential engagement of downstream signaling molecules. Here, we show that it is only the mGlu1 receptor that is coupled to PI hydrolysis in the retina. We used either bovine retinal slices or intact mouse retinas challenged with the mixed mGlu1/5 receptor agonist, DHPG. In both models, DHPG-stimulated PI hydrolysis was abrogated by the selective mGlu1 receptor antagonist, JNJ16259685, but was insensitive to the mGlu5 receptor antagonist, MPEP. In addition, the PI response to DHPG was unchanged in the retina of mGlu5(-/-) mice but was abolished in the retina of crv4 mice lacking mGlu1 receptors. Stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by DHPG in intact mouse retinas were also entirely mediated by mGlu1 receptors. Our data provide the first example of a tissue in which a biochemically detectable PI response is mediated by mGlu1, but not mGlu5, receptors. Hence, bovine retinal slices might be used as a model for the functional screening of mGlu1 receptor ligands. In addition, the mGlu1 receptor caters the potential as a drug target in the experimental treatment of degenerative disorders of the retina.

Changes in mGlu5 Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity and Coupling to Homer Proteins in the Hippocampus of Ube3A Hemizygous Mice Modeling Angelman Syndrome

Angelman syndrome (AS) is caused by the loss of Ube3A, an ubiquitin ligase that commits specific proteins to proteasomal degradation. How this defect causes autism and other pathological phenotypes associated with AS is unknown. Long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu5) receptors was enhanced in hippocampal slices of Ube3A(m-/p+) mice, which model AS. No changes were found in NMDA-dependent LTD induced by low-frequency stimulation. mGlu5 receptor-dependent LTD in AS mice was sensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin, and relied on the same signaling pathways as in wild-type mice, e.g., the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycine pathway, and protein tyrosine phosphatase. Neither the stimulation of MAPK and PI3K nor the increase in Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) levels in response to mGlu5 receptor activation were abnormal in hippocampal slices from AS mice compared with wild-type mice. mGlu5 receptor expression and mGlu1/5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis were also unchanged in the hippocampus of AS mice. In contrast, AS mice showed a reduced expression of the short Homer protein isoform Homer 1a, and an increased coupling of mGlu5 receptors to Homer 1b/c proteins in the hippocampus. These findings support the link between Homer proteins and monogenic autism, and lay the groundwork for the use of mGlu5 receptor antagonists in AS.

Potentiation of mGlu5 receptors with the novel enhancer, VU0360172, reduces spontaneous absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats

Absence epilepsy is generated by the cortico-thalamo-cortical network, which undergoes a finely tuned regulation by metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. We have shown previously that potentiation of mGlu1 receptors reduces spontaneous occurring spike and wave discharges (SWDs) in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy, whereas activation of mGlu2/3 and mGlu4 receptors produces the opposite effect. Here, we have extended the study to mGlu5 receptors, which are known to be highly expressed within the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. We used presymptomatic and symptomatic WAG/Rij rats and aged-matched ACI rats. WAG/Rij rats showed a reduction in the mGlu5 receptor protein levels and in the mGlu5-receptor mediated stimulation of polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in the ventrobasal thalamus, whereas the expression of mGlu5 receptors was increased in the somatosensory cortex. Interestingly, these changes preceded the onset of the epileptic phenotype, being already visible in pre-symptomatic WAG/Rij rats. SWDs in symptomatic WAG/Rij rats were not influenced by pharmacological blockade of mGlu5 receptors with MTEP (10 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.), but were significantly decreased by mGlu5 receptor potentiation with the novel enhancer, VU0360172 (3 or 10 mg/kg, s.c.), without affecting motor behaviour. The effect of VU0360172 was prevented by co-treatment with MTEP. These findings suggest that changes in mGlu5 receptors might lie at the core of the absence-seizure prone phenotype of WAG/Rij rats, and that mGlu5 receptor enhancers are potential candidates to the treatment of absence epilepsy.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors’.

Protective role for type-1 metabotropic glutamate receptors against spike and wave discharges in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy

Eight-month old WAG/Rij rats, which developed spontaneous occurring absence seizures, showed a reduced function of mGlu1 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the thalamus, as assessed by in vivo measurements of DHPG-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, in the presence of the mGlu5 antagonist MPEP as compared to age-matched non-epileptic control rats. These symptomatic 8-month old WAG/Rij rats also showed lower levels of thalamic mGlu1α receptors than age-matched controls and 2-month old (pre-symptomatic) WAG/Rij rats, as detected by immunoblotting. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analysis indicated that the reduced expression of mGlu1 receptors found in symptomatic WAG/Rij rats was confined to an area of the thalamus that excluded the ventroposterolateral nucleus. No mGlu1 receptor mRNA was detected in the reticular thalamic nucleus. Pharmacological manipulation of mGlu1 receptors had a strong impact on absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Systemic treatment with the mGlu1 receptor enhancer SYN119, corresponding to compound RO0711401, reduced spontaneous spike and wave discharges spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in epileptic rats. Subcutaneous doses of 10 mg/kg of SYN119 only reduced the incidence of SWDs, whereas higher doses (30 mg/kg) also reduced the mean duration of SWDs. In contrast, treatment with the non-competitive mGlu1 receptor antagonist, JNJ16259685 (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the incidence of SWDs. These data suggest that absence epilepsy might be associated with a reduction of mGlu1 receptors in the thalamus, and that compounds that amplify the activity of mGlu1 receptors might be developed as novel anti-absence drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Trends in Neuropharmacology: In Memory of Erminio Costa’.

Membrane surface charge dictates the structure and function of the epithelial Na+/H+exchanger

The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 plays a central role in intravascular volume and acid-base homeostasis. Ion exchange activity is conferred by its transmembrane domain, while regulation of the rate of transport by a variety of stimuli is dependent on its cytosolic C-terminal region. Liposome- and cell-based assays employing synthetic or recombinant segments of the cytosolic tail demonstrated preferential association with anionic membranes, which was abrogated by perturbations that interfere with electrostatic interactions. Resonance energy transfer measurements indicated that segments of the C-terminal domain approach the bilayer. In intact cells, neutralization of basic residues in the cytosolic tail by mutagenesis or disruption of electrostatic interactions inhibited Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity. An electrostatic switch model is proposed to account for multiple aspects of the regulation of NHE3 activity.

D-Aspartate activates mGlu receptors coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in neonate rat brain slices

The d-amino acid, d-aspartate, is abundant in the developing brain, yet its function is unknown. Addition of d-aspartate to hippocampal or cortical slices prepared from 8- to 9-day-old rats stimulated polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis to a slightly greater extent than l-glutamate. The action of d-aspartate was concentration-dependent with an apparent EC 50 value of 1 mM and a maximal stimulation of 6- and 20-fold in cortical and hippocampal slices, respectively. Stimulation of PI hydrolysis by d-aspartate was largely reduced by pharmacological blockade of mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors with 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine. These findings suggest that d-aspartate behaves as an endogenous agonist of mGlu5 receptors during early postnatal life.

Activation of mGlu2/3 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Negatively Regulates the Stimulation of Inositol Phospholipid Hydrolysis Mediated by 5-Hydroxytryptamine2A Serotonin Receptors in the Frontal Cortex of Living Mice

The interaction between 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) (5-HT(2A)) serotonin receptors and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2/3 receptors underlies the antipsychotic activity of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists in experimental animals and humans. The molecular nature of this interaction is only partially known. We here report for the first time that pharmacological activation of mGlu2/3 receptors attenuates the stimulation of polyphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis mediated by 5-HT(2A) receptors in the frontal cortex of living mice. Mice were injected intracerebroventricularly with [myo-(3)H]inositol and treated with drugs 1 h after a pretreatment with lithium, which blocks the conversion of inositol monophosphate into free inositol. Systemic injection of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist (-)-2-oxa-4-aminocyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY379268) inhibited the stimulation of PI hydrolysis induced by the hallucinogenic 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) without affecting the stimulation by mGlu1/5 or muscarinic receptors. The action of LY379268 was prevented by the preferential mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(9-xanthylmethyl)-2-(2'-carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (LY341495). N-(4'-cyano-biphenyl-3-yl)-N-(3-pyridinylmethyl)-ethanesulfonamide hydrochloride (LY566332), a selective mGlu2 receptor enhancer, also reduced DOI-stimulated PI hydrolysis when combined with subthreshold doses of LY379268. Systemic LY379268 inhibited DOI-stimulated PI hydrolysis in mice lacking either mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptors but was inactive in double mGlu2/mGlu3 receptor knockout mice, suggesting that both mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors interact with 5-HT(2A) receptors. Surprisingly, contrasting results were obtained in cortical slice preparations, where LY379268 amplified both DOI- and 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine-stimulated PI hydrolysis. Amplification was abrogated by the mGlu5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine, suggesting that experiments in brain slices are biased by an additional component of receptor-stimulated PI hydrolysis. This highlights the importance of in vivo models for the study of the interaction between 5-HT(2A) and mGlu2/3 receptors.

Does ivabradine exhibit a role in the reduction of bladder overactivity?

Dear Editor, Ivabradine is a novel selective and specific inhibitor of the sinus node If current that induces heart rate reduction in a dose-dependent manner, with no direct hemodynamic effects [1, 2]. Moreover, it has been proved that it improves LV systolic function, reduces collagen density in the non-infarcted myocardium, and improves myocardial perfusion and the coronary reserve [3, 4]. It is less than a decade since it was first used for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Our anecdotal experience, however, suggests that it could possibly play a role in the reduction of bladder overactivity. Three months ago, a patient with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), suggestive for benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with an a-blocker (AB), reported a significant reduction of storage symptoms after the introduction of ivabradine therapy for the treatment of co-morbitant chronic stable angina. In order to verify if the above-mentioned observation is a correlation or a coincidence, we asked five more patients with diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia suffering from storage LUTS (daytime urinary frequency, nocturia and urgency) and chronic stable angina to complete the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire prior and after ivabradine treatment. Surprisingly four out of five patients reported a significant reduction of storage LUTS (especially nocturia), resulting in an overall reduction of symptom bothersomeness (from moderately symptomatic to mildly symptomatic). In contrast, the IPSS of the remaining patient remained unchanged. Current knowledge on bladder patho-physiology does not allow for the evaluation of the abovementioned observation. However, the failure of prostate-directed treatments to help all men or all symptoms has led investigators to question the longstanding assumption that the prostate is at the root of all male urinary symptoms [5]. It is now widely recognized that bladder dysfunction plays a role in some, if not most, cases, and recent prospective studies and post-hoc analyses have suggested that pharmacotherapies that target the bladder, such as antimuscarinics, may improve storage urinary symptoms [6]. Indeed, the current mainstays of overactive bladder (OAB) pharmacotherapy are antimuscarinic agents, with mixed actions, including musculotropic (calcium antagonistic) activity [7, 8]. Although the exact mechanism is not clearly understood it could be assumed that it involves interplay between several ionic currents: whole-cell patch clamp studies showed that acetylcholine causes an outward K + current, presumably mediated through Ca 2+ -activated K + channels. Muscarinic M3 receptors are thought to act through increased polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP 3) K. Stamatiou (&) I. Heretis Faculty of Medicine, Urology Department, University of Crete, Voutes Point, Iraklio, Crete 71110, Greece e-mail: stamatiouk@yahoo.com; stamatiouk@gmail.com

Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: A Role in Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5) are coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and are involved in activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, both during development and in the adult life. Group I mGlu receptors can also regulate proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neural stem/progenitor cells, which further support their role in brain development. An exaggerated response to activation of mGlu5 receptors may underlie synaptic dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation. In addition, group I mGlu receptors are overexpressed in dysplastic neurons of focal cortical dysplasia and hemimegaloencephaly, which are disorders of cortical development associated with chronic epilepsy. Drugs that block the activity of group I mGlu receptors (in particular, mGlu5 receptors) are potentially helpful for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome and perhaps other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Activation of Phospholipase Cε by Free Fatty Acids and Cross Talk with Phospholipase D and Phospholipase A2

This paper uses phospholipase Cepsilon as a model to demonstrate that lipids can act as ligands to bind to specific motifs and regulate protein activity via allosteric effects. Phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid and free fatty acids such as arachidonate are potent activators of PLCepsilon, increasing the rate of PI hydrolysis by 8-fold and 50-fold, respectively. The mechanism appears to be a reduction of K(m), as the substrate dependence curve is shifted to the left and K(m) is reduced 10-fold. The regulation of PLCepsilon by lipids appears to be physiologic, as reconstitution or cotransfection of either cPLA(2) or PLD with PLCepsilon leads to activation of phosphodiesterase activity. Additionally, TSA-201 cells transfected with PLCepsilon and fed arachidonic acid complexed with BSA had increased (4-5-fold) hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides. This study demonstrates the ability of lipids to act as potent and direct mediators of protein function and identifies cross talk between different classes of phospholipase (PLD and PLA(2) with PLC) mediated via lipid products.

Subcellular localization of phosphatidylinositol synthesis

It is well-established that the endoplasmic reticulum is the major site of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) synthesis. The PtdIns synthetic ability of other organelles, such as plasma membrane and nucleus, remains controversial. In the present study, we re-examine this question by comparing PtdIns synthesis in isolated cytoplasts (enucleated cells) with that in corresponding karyoplasts (nuclei surrounded by plasma membrane but lacking most cytoplasmic components). We report that cytoplasts are competent to carry out both basal and stimulated PtdIns synthesis as well as polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, while karyoplasts can neither synthesize PtdIns nor hydrolyze phosphoinositides in response to agonists. The karyoplasts are, however, capable of synthesizing phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), as previously reported. From these data, we conclude that PtdIns synthesis is limited to cytoplasmic components, and cannot be sustained by either plasma membrane or nucleus under conditions that permit robust PtdCho synthesis.

Direct Activation of PLC Epsilon via Free Fatty Acids and Cross Talk with PLD and PLA2

The cellular lipidome is large and diverse comprising over 1000 different lipids. Increasingly, new roles for lipids in maintaining cellular homeostasis and roles as contributors to human disease such as obesity, cancer and Alzheimer’s are being recognized. Many investigators believe that lipid effects are mediated via an indirect and non-specific manner. We have used phospholipase C epsilon as a model to demonstrate that lipids can act as ligands to bind to specific motifs and regulate protein activity via allosteric effects. Phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid and free fatty acids such as arachidonate are potent activators of PLC epsilon, increasing the rate of PI hydrolysis by 8 and 50 fold respectively. The mechanism appears to be reduction of Km, as the substrate dependence curve is shifted to the left and Km reduced 10 fold. The regulation of PLC epsilon by lipids appears to be physiologic, as reconstitution or co-transfection of either cPLA2 or PLD with PLC epsilon leads to activation of phosphodiesterase activity. Additionally, TSA-201 cells transfected with PLC epsilon and fed arachidonic acid complexed with BSA had markedly increased (4–5 fold) hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides. This study demonstrates the ability of lipids to act as potent and direct mediators of protein function and identifies cross talk between different classes of phospholipase (PLD and PLA2 with PLC) mediated via lipid products.