scholarly journals Insights into Potential Targets for Therapeutic Intervention in Epilepsy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8573
Author(s):  
Cecilia Zavala-Tecuapetla ◽  
Manola Cuellar-Herrera ◽  
Hiram Luna-Munguia
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Melatonin Receptors ◽  
Neuroprotective Activity ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Preclinical Research ◽  
Drug Resistant Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. However, despite the continuous development of antiepileptic drugs, over 30% patients with epilepsy progress to drug-resistant epilepsy. For this reason, it is a high priority objective in preclinical research to find novel therapeutic targets and to develop effective drugs that prevent or reverse the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy progression. Among these potential therapeutic targets, we highlight currently available information involving signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and zinc signaling), enzymes (carbonic anhydrase), proteins (erythropoietin, copine 6 and complement system), channels (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) channel) and receptors (galanin and melatonin receptors). All of them have demonstrated a certain degree of efficacy not only in controlling seizures but also in displaying neuroprotective activity and in modifying the progression of epilepsy. Although some research with these specific targets has been done in relation with epilepsy, they have not been fully explored as potential therapeutic targets that could help address the unsolved issue of drug-resistant epilepsy and develop new antiseizure therapies for the treatment of epilepsy.

scholarly journals Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1863
Author(s):  
Philippe A. Melas ◽  
Maria Scherma ◽  
Walter Fratta ◽  
Carlo Cifani ◽  
Paola Fadda
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Preclinical Research ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
Transient Receptor

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant non-psychoactive component of cannabis; it displays a very low affinity for cannabinoid receptors, facilitates endocannabinoid signaling by inhibiting the hydrolysis of anandamide, and stimulates both transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2 and serotonin type 1A receptors. Since CBD interacts with a wide variety of molecular targets in the brain, its therapeutic potential has been investigated in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and mood disorders. Specifically, CBD has received growing attention due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a consequence, and given its safety profile, CBD is considered a promising new agent in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. However, the exact molecular mechanism of action of CBD still remains unknown. In the present preclinical review, we provide a summary of animal-based studies that support the use of CBD as an anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like compound. Next, we describe neuropharmacological evidence that links the molecular pharmacology of CBD to its behavioral effects. Finally, by taking into consideration the effects of CBD on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, we elaborate on the putative role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating CBD’s therapeutic outcomes.

scholarly journals Eugenol Inhibits Sodium Currents in Dental Afferent Neurons

2006 ◽  
Vol 85 (10) ◽  
pp. 900-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.-K. Park ◽  
H.Y. Li ◽  
K.-Y. Yeon ◽  
S.J. Jung ◽  
S.-Y. Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Afferent Neurons ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Transient Receptor

Although eugenol is widely used in dentistry, little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for its anesthetic properties. In addition to calcium channels, recently demonstrated by our group, there could be another molecular target for eugenol. Using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the effect of eugenol on voltage-gated sodium channel currents ( I Na) in rat dental primary afferent neurons identified by retrograde labeling with a fluorescent dye in maxillary molars. Eugenol inhibited action potentials and I Na in both capsaicin-sensitive and capsaicin-insensitive neurons. The pre-treatment with capsazepine, a competitive antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), failed to block the inhibitory effect of eugenol on I Na, suggesting no involvement of TRPV1. Two types of I Na, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant and TTX-sensitive I Na, were inhibited by eugenol. Our results demonstrated that eugenol inhibits I Na in a TRPV1-independent manner. We suggest that I Na inhibition by eugenol contributes to its analgesic effect.

scholarly journals TRPM4 is required for calcium oscillations downstream from the stretch-activated TRPV4 channel

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg Yarishkin ◽  
Tam T. Phuong ◽  
Felix Vazquez-Chona ◽  
Jacques A Bertrand ◽  
Sarah Redmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Signaling ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Calcium Oscillations ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin ◽  
Transient Receptor ◽  
Insight Into

Transduction of mechanical information is influenced by physical, chemical and thermal cues but the molecular mechanisms through which transducer activation shapes temporal signaling remain underexplored. In the present study, electrophysiology, histochemistry and functional imaging were combined with gene silencing and heterologous expression to gain insight into calcium signaling downstream from TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4), a stretch-activated nonselective cation channel. We show that trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, which employ mechanotransduction to actively regulate intraocular pressure, respond to the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A with fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and an increase in [Na+]i. [Ca2+]i oscillations coincided with a monovalent cation current that was suppressed by BAPTA, Ruthenium Red and 9-phenanthrol, an inhibitor of TRPM4 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4) channels. Accordingly, TM cells expressed TRPM4 mRNA, protein at the expected 130-150 kDa and showed punctate TRPM4 immunoreactivity at the membrane surface. Genetic silencing of TRPM4 antagonized TRPV4-evoked oscillatory signaling whereas TRPV4 and TRPM4 co-expression in HEK-293 cells reconstituted the oscillations. Membrane potential recordings indicated that TRPM4-dependent oscillations required release of Ca2+ from internal stores. 9-phenanthrol did not affect the outflow facility in mouse eyes. Collectively, our results show that TRPV4 activity initiates dynamic calcium signaling in TM cells by stimulating TRPM4 channels and intracellular Ca2+ release. These findings provide insight into the complexity of membrane-cytosolic interactions during TRPV4 signaling and may foster strategies to promote homeostatic regulation and counter pathological remodeling within the conventional outflow pathway of the mammalian eye.

scholarly journals Cryo-EM structural studies of the agonist complexed human TRPV4 ion-channel reveals novel structural rearrangements resulting in an open-conformation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Botte ◽  
Alexander K. C. Ulrich ◽  
Ricardo Adaixo ◽  
David Gnutt ◽  
Andreas Brockmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Open Conformation ◽  
Transient Receptor

ABSTRACTThe human transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (hTRPV4) ion channel plays a critical role in a variety of biological processes. Whilst the activation of hTRPV4 gating properties has been reported for a broad spectrum of stimuli, including synthetic 4α-phorbols, the molecular basis of the activation is poorly understood. Here we report the novel cryo-EM structure of the hTRPV4 determined in the presence of the archetypical phorbol acid agonist, 4α-PDD. Complementary mutagenesis experiments support the EM-identified binding site as well as allowing rationalization of disruptive mutants located outside of the 4α-PDD binding site. This work represents the first structural information of hTRPV4 in a ligand-induced open conformation. Together, our data reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms resulting in the opening of the central pore and ion-channel activation and provide a structural template for designing inhibitors targeting the open-state conformation of hTRPV4.

scholarly journals Monoterpenoids Induce Agonist-Specific Desensitization of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-3 (TRPV3) ion Channels

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azhar Sherkheli ◽  
Heike Benecke ◽  
Julia Franca Doerner ◽  
Olaf Kletke ◽  
A. K. Vogt-Eisele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Trp Channels ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Transient Receptor

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-3 (TRPV3) is a thermo-sensitive ion channel expressed in skin keratinocytes and in a variety of neural cells. It is activated by warmth as well as monoterpenoids including camphor, menthol, dihydrocarveol and 1,8-cineol. TRPV3 is described as a putative nociceptor and previous studies revealed sensitization of the channel during repeated short-term stimulation with different agonists. In the present investigation TRPV3 was transiently expressed in either Xenopus oocytes or HEK293 cells. Whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques were used to characterize the behavior of TRPV3 when challenged with different agonists. Similarly, a human keratinocyte-derived cell line (HaCaT cells) was used to monitor the behavior of native TRPV3 when challenged with different agonists. We report here that prolonged exposure (5-15 minutes) of monoterpenoids results in agonist-specific desensitization of TRPV3. Long-term exposure to camphor and 1,8-cineol elicits desensitizing currents in TRPV3 expressing oocytes, whereas the non-terpenoid agonist 2-APB induces sustained currents. Agonist-specific desensitization of endogenous TRPV3 was also found in HaCaT cells, which may be taken as a representative for the native system. Terpenoids have a long history of use in therapeutics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics but knowledge about underpinning molecular mechanisms is incomplete. Our finding on agonist-induced desensitization of TRPV3 by some monoterpenoids displays a novel mechanism through which TRP channels could be functionally modulated. Therefore, we conclude that desensitization of TRPV3 channels might be the molecular basis of action for some of the medicinal properties of camphor and 1,8-cineol.

scholarly journals Emerging Role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) Ion Channel in Acute and Chronic Itch

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7591
Author(s):  
Qiaojuan Zhang ◽  
Gwendolyn Henry ◽  
Yong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Chronic Itch ◽  
Transient Receptor

Itch is a clinical problem that leaves many sufferers insufficiently treated, with over 20 million cases in the United States. This is due to incomplete understanding of its molecular, cellular, and cell-to-cell signaling mechanisms. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are involved in several sensory modalities including pain, vision, taste, olfaction, hearing, touch, and thermosensation, as well as itch. Relative to the extensive studies on TRPV1 and TRPA1 ion channels in itch modulation, TRPV4 has received relatively little research attention and its mechanisms have remained poorly understood until recently. TRPV4 is expressed in ganglion sensory neurons and a variety of skin cells. Growing evidence in the past few years strongly suggests that TRPV4 in these cells contributes to acute and chronic disease-associated itch. This review focuses on the current experimental evidence involving TRPV4 in itch under pathophysiological conditions and discusses its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms.

scholarly journals The Cutting Edge Research of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Japan: Review on JGA Core Symposium 2018–2020

Digestion ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Toshiro Sugiyama ◽  
Akiko Shiotani
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Nerve Endings ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Α Diversity

Highly impacted articles on functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders research presented at the core symposium held in the Japanese Gastroenterological Association (JGA) annual meeting 2018–2020 are selected and summarized. Regarding visceral hypersensitivity and sensor in GI tracts, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 ion channel and acid-sensitive ion channel were candidates for hypersensitivity in GI tracts. ATP release from vesicular nucleotide transporter may be a key pathway to sensitize the nerve endings. Regarding inflammation and mucosal immune responses, patients infected with <i>H. pylori</i> having Ser70 type single nucleotide polymorphism of NapA gene was associated with <i>H. pylor</i>i-related dyspepsia via gastric dysmotility. Gastric histology infected with Ser70 type NapA was shown severe infiltration of neutrophils into intramuscular layer. Macrophages, mast cells, and neutrophils are infiltrated in the colon of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and the locally produced IL-1β upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in enteric glia cells. BDNF can also stimulate nerve endings and might be linked to pain in the colon. Dysbiosis in the composition of commensal bacteria communities is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases including IBS and gut-brain interaction. The investigation on the mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) is essential for understanding the interactions. The α-diversity and β-diversity of MAM indices are significantly different among IBS-D, IBS-C, and controls, and the different diversity might contribute to the pathophysiology of IBS. As research works on psychosocial factors show, maternal separation animal model was used and it is early life stress. The stress had induced colonic hyper-contraction, gastric hypersensitivity, and delayed emptying. The precise molecular mechanisms are still under investigations.

Emodin Down-Regulates Expression of TRPV1 mRNA and Its Function in DRG Neurons in Vitro

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 789-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Sui ◽  
Hai-Ru Huo ◽  
Chang-Bin Zhang ◽  
Na Yang ◽  
Jian-You Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Drg Neurons ◽  
Fluorescent Intensity ◽  
Inflammatory Stimuli ◽  
Transient Receptor

Emodin is a principle ingredient isolated from rhubarb rhizome, which is commonly used for constipation or pain-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channel proteins (TRPV1) are abundantly expressed in the peripheral sensory neurons and are assumed to act as a kind of nociceptor involved in the perception of pain and development of hyperalgesia. The aim of this study was to further unravel the analgesic mechanisms of rhubarb through investigating the effects of its main constitutive ingredient emodin on the expression of TRPV1 mRNA as well as on its calcium- mediating functions in vitro. The primary DRG neurons with a high purity and viability were obtained, and the TRPV1 mRNA expression levels were examined by using real-time RT-PCR and the elevated amplitudes of intracellular [ Ca2+ ] i in the DRG neurons evoked by TRPV1 agonist capsaicin were examined by confocal microscopy. The results showed that emodin could significantly down-regulate both the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and the capsaicin-evoked intracellular fluorescent intensity in the DRG neurons under both 37°C and 39°C in vitro. Concomitantly, all of the changes induced by emodin could not be blocked by pretreatment of the primary neurons with capsazepine, an antagonist of TRPV1. In conclusion, we established that the mRNA expression level of TRPV1 and its calcium-mediating function in naive DRG neurons could be down-regulated by emodin through perhaps the non-TRPV1 channel pathways, and this might be the molecular mechanisms for rhubarb to inhibit hyperalgesia induced by inflammatory stimuli.

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