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We report the case of a 79-year-old woman in good general health aside from early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who was enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of the novel therapeutic monoclonal antibody lecanemab where she was treated with the placebo, and subsequently in the open label extension study where she received lecanemab infusions every two weeks. After the third infusion, she suffered a seizure followed by aphasia and progressively worsening encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal cerebral edema and an increased burden of cerebral microhemorrhages compared to pre-trial imaging, consistent with Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormality (ARIA). She was treated with an antiepileptic regimen and high-dose intravenous corticosteroids but continued to worsen and expired after five days in the hospital. The family requested an autopsy and consented to evaluation of her brain for research. Post-mortem MRI confirmed extensive microhemorrhagic changes in the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes, some of which were visible on gross inspection of the brain. Autopsy confirmed APOE genotype of E4/E4 and the presence of typical neuropathological features of Alzheimer’s disease along with severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy with inflammatory features, including perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates, reactive macrophages and fibrinoid degeneration of vessel walls. There were deposits of β-amyloid in meningeal vessels and penetrating arterioles with numerous microaneurysms. Cerebral microhemorrhages were associated with arterioles harboring β-amyloid deposits and having degenerative morphologies. We conclude from these results that the patient likely died as a result of severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy with marked microvascular degeneration and meningoencephalitis. Further study of the mechanism of ARIA and the neuropathological changes associated with plaque clearance are needed.

Astrocytes become reactive in response to insults to the central nervous system by adopting context-specific cellular signatures and outputs, but a systematic understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is lacking. In this study, we developed CRISPR interference screening in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes coupled to single-cell transcriptomics to systematically interrogate cytokine-induced inflammatory astrocyte reactivity. We found that autocrine-paracrine IL-6 and interferon signaling downstream of canonical NF-κB activation drove two distinct inflammatory reactive signatures, one promoted by STAT3 and the other inhibited by STAT3. These signatures overlapped with those observed in other experimental contexts, including mouse models, and their markers were upregulated in human brains in Alzheimer's disease and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we validated that markers of these signatures were regulated by STAT3 in vivo using a mouse model of neuroinflammation. These results and the platform that we established have the potential to guide the development of therapeutics to selectively modulate different aspects of inflammatory astrocyte reactivity.

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) form A2AR-D2R-mGluR5 heteroreceptor complexes in living cells and in rat striatal neurons. In the current study, we present experimental data supporting the view that the A2AR protomer plays a major role in the inhibitory modulation of the density and the allosteric receptor-receptor interaction within the D2R-mGluR5 heteromeric component of the A2AR-D2R-mGluR5 complex in vitro and in vivo. The A2AR and mGluR5 protomers interact and modulate D2R protomer recognition and signalling upon forming a trimeric complex from these receptors. Expression of A2AR in HEK293T cells co-expressing D2R and mGluR5 resulted in a significant and marked increase in the formation of the D2R-mGluR5 heteromeric component in both bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and proximity ligation assays. A highly significant increase of the the high-affinity component of D2R (D2RKi High) values was found upon cotreatment with the mGluR5 and A2AR agonists in the cells expressing A2AR, D2R and mGluR5 with a significant effect observed also with the mGluR5 agonist alone compared to cells expressing only D2R and mGluR5. In cells co-expressing A2AR, D2R and mGluR5, stimulation of the cells with an mGluR5 agonist like or D2R antagonist fully counteracted the D2R agonist-induced inhibition of the cAMP levels which was not true in cells only expressing mGluR5 and D2R. In agreement, the mGluR5-negative allosteric modulator raseglurant significantly reduced the haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice, and in A2AR knockout mice, the haloperidol action had almost disappeared, supporting a functional role for mGluR5 and A2AR in enhancing D2R blockade resulting in catalepsy. The results represent a relevant example of integrative activity within higher-order heteroreceptor complexes.

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In response to central nervous system injury or disease, astrocytes become reactive, adopting context-dependent states and functional outputs. Certain inflammatory insults induce reactive astrocytes that lose homeostatic functions and gain harmful outputs through cellular pathways that are not fully understood. Here, we combined single-cell transcriptomics with CRISPRi screening in human iPSC-derived astrocytes to systematically interrogate inflammatory astrocyte reactivity. We found that autocrine-paracrine IL-6 and interferon signaling downstream of canonical NF-κB activation drove two distinct inflammatory reactive signatures – one promoted by and the other inhibited by STAT3. These signatures overlapped with those observed in other experimental contexts, including mouse models, and their markers were upregulated in the human brain in Alzheimer’s disease and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we validated that these signatures were regulated by Stat3in vivo.These results and the platform we established have the potential to guide the development of therapeutics to selectively modulate different aspects of inflammatory astrocyte reactivity.

Neurochemical studies were previously performed on the effects of a 10 day extinction learning from cocaine self-administration on D2R and A2AR recognition and D2R Gi/o coupling in the ventral striatum. In the present study biochemical receptor binding and proximity ligation assay were used to study possible changes in the allosteric receptor-receptor interactions and the density of the A2AR-D2R heterocomplexes in the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens shell) in extinction from cocaine self-administration including cue induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. A significant and clear-cut reduction of active lever pressing was observed in extinction on day 10 from cocaine use. In cue induced reinstatement of cocaine self-administration a significant return in active lever presses developed. In extinction, significant increases in the density of A2AR-D2R and D2R-Sigma1R heterocomplexes were observed in nucleus accumbens shell. In contrast, cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking produced no significant changes in these heteroreceptor complexes of the nucleus accumbens shell. In the 3H raclopride/quinpirole competition binding experiments, the extinction led to a significant increase in the D2R K

BackgroundAntagonistic adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) receptor–receptor interactions have previously been demonstrated in A2AR–D2R heteroreceptor complexes in the rat dorsal striatum. They mainly involve a reduction of affinity in the high-affinity component of the D2R agonist binding site upon activation in vivo of the A2AR by an A2AR agonist. Upon cocaine self-administration, this antagonistic A2AR–D2R interaction disappeared in the dorsal striatum.MethodsIn the current experiments, it was tested whether such modifications in the antagonistic A2AR–D2R receptor–receptor interactions can develop also after an acute systemic injection of a low cocaine dose (1 mg/kg; sc).ResultsMicrodialysis experiments indicated that acute cocaine did not significantly alter the extracellular dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum of the awake Wistar rats. Competition dopamine receptor binding experiments demonstrated that in the acute cocaine group, the A2AR agonist CGS-21680 produced significantly larger increases in the D2RKi, Highvalues (reduction of high-affinity) versus the saline-injected (i.e. control) group. Furthermore, in the dorsal striatum membrane preparation from acute cocaine-injected rats, CGS-21680 also produced significant increases in the D2RKi, Lowvalues (reduction of low-affinity) and in the proportion of D2Rs in the high-affinity state (RH). Such significant effects were not observed with CGS-21680 in the control group.ConclusionsThe molecular mechanism involved in the acute cocaine-induced increase in the antagonistic allosteric A2AR–D2R receptor–receptor interactions may be an increased formation of higher-order complexes A2AR–D2R-sigma1R in which cocaine by binding to the sigma1R protomer also allosterically enhances the inhibitory A2AR–D2R interaction in this receptor complex.

Cocaine was previously shown to act at the Sigma1R which is a target for counteracting cocaine actions. It therefore becomes of interest to test if the monoamine stabilizer (–) OSU-6162 (OSU-6162) with a nanomolar affinity for the Sigma1R can acutely modulate in low doses the effects of cocaine self-administration. In behavioral studies, OSU-6162 (5 mg/kg, s.c.) did not significantly change the number of active lever pressing and cocaine infusions. However, a trend to reduce cocaine readouts was found after 3 days of treatment. In contrast, in maintenance of cocaine self-administration, the proximity ligation assay performed on brains from rats pretreated with OSU-6162 showed highly significant increases in the density of the D2R-Sigma1R heteroreceptor complexes in the shell of the nucleus accumbens versus OSU-6162 induced increases in this region of yoked saline rats. In cocaine self-administration, highly significant increases were also induced by OSU-6162 in the A2AR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes in the nucleus accumbens shell versus vehicle-treated rats. Furthermore, ex vivo, the A2AR agonist CGS21680 (100 nM) produced a marked and significant increase of the D2R Ki high values in the OSU-6162-treated versus vehicle-treated rats under maintenance of cocaine self-administration. These results indicate a substantial increase in the inhibitory allosteric A2AR-D2R interactions following cocaine self-administration upon activation by the A2AR agonist ex vivo. The current results indicate that OSU-6162 via its high affinity for the Sigma1R may increase the number of accumbal shell D2R-Sigma1R and A2AR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes associated with further increases in the antagonistic A2AR-D2R interactions in cocaine self-administration.

The current study was performed to establish the actions of nanomolar concentrations of cocaine, not blocking the dopamine transporter, on dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-sigma 1 receptor (delta 1R) heteroreceptor complexes and the D2R protomer recognition, signaling and internalization in cellular models. We report the existence of D2R-delta 1R heteroreceptor complexes in subcortical limbic areas as well as the dorsal striatum, with different distribution patterns using the in situ proximity ligation assay. Also, through BRET, these heteromers were demonstrated in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, saturation binding assay demonstrated that in membrane preparations of HEK293 cells coexpressing D2R and delta 1R, cocaine (1 nM) significantly increased the D2R B-max values over cells singly expressing D2R. CREB reporter luc-gene assay indicated that coexpressed delta 1R significantly reduced the potency of the D2R-like agonist quinpirole to inhibit via D2R activation the forskolin induced increase of the CREB signal. In contrast, the addition of 100 nM cocaine was found to markedly increase the quinpirole potency to inhibit the forskolin-induced increase of the CREB signal in the D2R-delta 1R cells. These events were associated with a marked reduction of cocaine-induced internalization of D2R protomers in D2R-delta 1R heteromer-containing cells vs D2R singly expressing cells as studied by means of confocal analysis of D2R-delta 1R trafficking and internalization. Overall, the formation of D2R-delta 1R heteromers enhanced the ability of cocaine to increase the D2R protomer function associated with a marked reduction of its internalization. The existence of D2R-delta 1R heteromers opens up a new understanding of the acute actions of cocaine.

Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors critically involved in locomotion, reward, and cognitive processes. Export of dopamine receptors to the plasma membrane is thought to follow the default secretory pathway, whereby proteins travel from the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), through the Golgi apparatus, to arrive at the cell surface. Several observations indicate that trafficking from the ER to the plasma membrane is tightly regulated, and that correct folding in the ER acts as a bottle neck to the maturation of the dopamine D4 receptors. The dopamine D(4) receptor is an interesting receptor since it has a polymorphic region in its third intracellular loop, resulting in receptor isoforms of varying length and amino acid composition. Correct folding is enhanced by: (1) interaction with specific proteins, such as ER resident chaperones, (2) interaction with pharmacological chaperones, for example, ligands that are membrane permeable and can bind to the receptor in the ER, and (3) receptor dimerization; the assembly of multisubunit proteins into a quaternary structure is started in the ER before cell surface delivery, which helps in correct folding and subsequent expression. These interactions help the process of GPCR folding, but more importantly they ensure that only properly folded proteins proceed from the ER to the trans-Golgi network. In this review we will mainly focus on the role of receptor dimerization in dopamine D(4) receptor maturation.

Dopamine D2LR-serotonin 5-HT2AR heteromers were demonstrated in HEK293 cells after cotransfection of the two receptors and shown to have bidirectional receptor–receptor interactions. In the current study the existence of D2L-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complexes was demonstrated also in discrete regions of the ventral and dorsal striatum with in situ proximity ligation assays (PLA). The hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists LSD and DOI but not the standard 5-HT2AR agonist TCB2 and 5-HT significantly increased the density of D2like antagonist 3H-raclopride binding sites and significantly reduced the pKiH values of the high affinity D2R agonist binding sites in 3H-raclopride/DA competition experiments. Similar results were obtained in HEK293 cells and in ventral striatum. The effects of the hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists on D2R density and affinity were blocked by the 5-HT2A antagonist ketanserin. In a forskolin-induced CRE-luciferase reporter gene assay using cotransfected but not D2R singly transfected HEK293 cells DOI and LSD but not TCB2 significantly enhanced the D2LR agonist quinpirole induced inhibition of CRE-luciferase activity. Haloperidol blocked the effects of both quinpirole alone and the enhancing actions of DOI and LSD while ketanserin only blocked the enhancing actions of DOI and LSD. The mechanism for the allosteric enhancement of the D2R protomer recognition and signalling observed is likely mediated by a biased agonist action of the hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists at the orthosteric site of the 5-HT2AR protomer. This mechanism may contribute to the psychotic actions of LSD and DOI and the D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complex may thus be a target for the psychotic actions of hallunicogenic 5-HT2A agonists.

Volume transmission (VT) is a widespread mode of intercellular communication that occurs in the extracellular fluid (ECF) and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the brain with VT signals moving from source to target cells via energy gradients leading to diffusion and convection (flow). The VT channels are diffuse forming a plexus in the extracellular space, while in wiring transmission (WT) the channels (axons, terminals) are private. The speed is slow (seconds-minutes) in VT while rapid in the millisecond range in WT. The extracellular space is the substrate for VT, which is modulated by the extracellular matrix. Extrasynaptic VT is linked to synaptic transmission and likely often takes place due to incomplete diffusion barriers with the synaptic transmitter reaching extrasynaptic domains of the pre-and post-synaptic membrane of the synapse, the astroglia, and even adjacent synapses. Indications exist for the existence of striatal D2-like receptor-mediated extrasynaptic form of dopamine (DA) VT at the local circuit level in vivo in the human striatum. Synaptic glutamate via extrasynaptic VT can act on extrasynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors located on the astroglia leading to Ca(2+) mediated astrocytic glutamate release into the extracellular space (ECS). Long distance peptide VT and CSF VT is the major long distance VT with distances more than 1 mm and flow in the CSF. Indications for long distance VT of beta-endorphin and oxytocin are obtained. We propose that monogamy in the female prairie vole may take place through an increase in oxytocin VT, especially in nucleus accumbens. Release of extracellular vesicles containing receptors, proteins, RNAs and mtDNA from cellular networks in the central nervous system (CNS) into the ECF and CSF may be a fundamental communication in the CNS. It represents a special form of volume transmission, the Roamer subtype of VT. It may greatly contribute to dynamic events of synaptic plasticity but also to spread of pathological proteins in protein conformational disorders. VT also occurs in the peripheral nervous system and associated cells. Short and long distance VT may take place in meridian channels via diffusion and flow in the interstitial fluid. Acupuncture can produce VT signals by releasing transmitters and modulators from nerve terminals and mast cells.

This article is focused on understanding the mechanisms for the interactions between the central catecholamine (CA) and oxytocin (OXY) neurons and their relevance for brain function especially social behaviour in the field of pair bonding. Such a topic is analysed under two perspectives namely the intercellular communication modes between CA and OXT neurons and the molecular integrative mechanisms at the plasma membrane level between their respective decoding systems. As a matter of fact, recent observations strongly indicate a major role of volume transmission and receptor-receptor interactions in the CA/OXT neuron interplay in the brain control of social behaviour and pair bonding. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Brain Integration.

Background The hippocampus and its 5-hydroxytryptamine transmission plays an important role in depression related to its involvement in limbic circuit plasticity. Methods The analysis was made with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, co-immunoprecipitation, in situ proximity ligation assay, binding assay, in cell western and the forced swim test. Results Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer analysis, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1)-5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor complexes have been demonstrated and their specificity and agonist modulation characterized. Their presence based on co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay has also been indicated in hippocampal cultures and rat dorsal hippocampal formation showing a neuronal location. In vitro assays on extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 phosphorylation have shown synergistic increases in signaling on coactivation with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and a 5-HT1A agonist, and dependent on the heteroreceptor interface. In vitro and in vivo studies also revealed a 5-HT1A agonist induced phosphorylation of FGFR1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in rat hippocampus without changing FGF2 levels. Co-activation of the heteroreceptor also resulted in synergistic increases in extensions of PC12 cells and neurite densities and protrusions in primary hippocampal cultures dependent on the receptor interface. The combined acute and repeated intracerebroventricular treatment with FGF2 and 8-OH-DPAT was found to produce evidence of highly significant antidepressant actions in the forced swim test. Conclusions The findings indicate that neurotrophic and antidepressant effects of 5-HT in brain may, in part, be mediated by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor protomer in the hippocampal FGFR1–5-HT1A receptor complex enhancing the FGFR1 signaling.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expression and signaling in the human Jurkat T cell line were investigated. Semiquantitative real-time PCR and radioligand binding studies, using a wide set of antagonist compounds, showed the co-existence of M(3), M(4), and M(5) subtypes. Stimulation of these subpopulations caused a concentration and time- dependent activation of second messengers and ERK signaling pathways, with a major contribution of the M(3) subtype in a G(q/11)-mediated response. In addition, we found that T-cell stimulation leads to increased expression of M(3) and M(5) both at transcriptional and protein levels in a PLC/PKCθ dependent manner. Our data clarifies the functional role of AChR subtypes in Jurkat cells and pave the way to future studies on the potential cross-talk among these subpopulations and their regulation of T lymphocytes immune function.

The human M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor is present in both the central and peripheral nervous system, and it is involved in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. We suggested a possible N-glycosylation map for the M(3) muscarinic receptor expressed in COS-7 cells. Here, we examined the role that N-linked glycans play in the folding and in the cell surface trafficking of this receptor. The five potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites in the muscarinic receptor were mutated and transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. The elimination of N-glycan attachment sites did not affect the cellular expression levels of the receptor. However, proper receptor localization to the plasma membrane was affected as suggested by reduced [(3)H]-N-methylscopolamine binding. Confocal microscopy confirmed this observation and showed that the nonglycosylated receptor was primarily localized in the intracellular compartments. The mutant variant showed an increase in phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eukaryote initiation factor 2, and other well-known endoplasmic reticulum stress markers of the unfolded protein response pathway, which further supports the proposal of the improper intracellular accumulation of the nonglycosylated receptor. The receptor devoid of glycans showed more susceptibility to events that culminate in apoptosis reducing cell viability. Our findings suggest up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein, down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and cleavage of caspase-3 effectors. Collectively, our data provide experimental evidence of the critical role that N-glycan chains play in determining muscarinic receptor distribution, localization, as well as cell integrity.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is known to be activated by homodimerization in the presence of both the FGF agonist ligand and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan. FGFR1 homodimers in turn trigger a variety of downstream signaling cascades via autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of FGFR1. By means of Bioluminescence Energy Resonance Transfer (BRET) as a sign of FGFR1 homodimerization, we evaluated in HEK293T cells the effects of all known FGF agonist ligands on homodimer formation. A significant correlation between BRET(2) signaling and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed, leading to a further characterization of the binding and signaling properties of the FGF subfamilies. FGF agonist ligand-FGFR1 binding interactions appear as the main mechanism for the control of FGFR1 homodimerization and MAPK signaling which demonstrated a high correlation. The bioinformatic analysis demonstrates the interface of the two pro-triplets SSS (Ser-Ser-Ser) and YGS (Tyr-Gly-Ser) located in the extracellular and intracellular domain of the FGFR1. These pro-triplets are postulated participate in the FGFR1 homodimerization interface interaction. The findings also reveal that FGF agonist ligands within the same subfamily of the FGF gene family produced similar increases in FGFR1 homodimer formation and MAPK signaling. Thus, the evolutionary relationship within this gene family appears to have a distinct functional relevance.

Human M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R), present in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, is involved in several neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Recently, M3R overexpression has been suggested to play a role in certain forms of cancer, showing promise as a new potential pharmacological target. However, the lack of structural information hampered to develop a new potent selective and potent antagonist. We describe here different strategies for overexpressing functional M3R on the perspective of future biophysical studies. To achieve this goal, four tagged M3R genes were engineered and codon optimized. Different heterologous expression systems, including mammalian cells and viral transfection, were employed to overexpress M3R. Although codon optimization resulted in only twofold to threefold increase of M3R expression, we found that epitope tagging of the synthetic M3R, especially with hemagglutinin and Flag epitope tags, could improve M3R expression levels. On the other hand, viral transfection led to a yield of 27 pmol/mg protein that is the highest level reported so far for this receptor subtype in mammalian cells. Taking together several of the strategies used can help increasing M3R expression, not only to start purification efforts but also for secondary structural analysis trial and functional analyses. V

Acetylcholine challenge produces M 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation and accessory/ scaffold proteins recruitment into a signalsome complex. The dynamics of such a complex is not well understood but a conserved NPxxY motif located within transmembrane 7 and juxtamembrane helix 8 of the receptor was found to modulate G protein activation. Here by means of receptor mutagenesis we unravel the role of the conserved M 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor NPxxY motif on ligand binding, signaling and multiprotein complex formation. Interestingly, while a N7.49D receptor mutant showed normal ligand binding properties a N7.49A mutant had reduced antagonist binding and increased affinity for carbachol. Also, besides this last mutant was able to physically couple to Gα q/11 after carbachol challenge it was neither capable to activate phospholipase C nor phospholipase D. On the other hand, we demonstrated that the Asn-7.49 is important for the interaction between M 3 R and ARF1 and also for the formation of the ARF/Rho/βγ signaling complex, a complex that might determine the rapid activation and desensitization of PLD. Overall, these results indicate that the NPxxY motif of the M 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor acts as key conformational switch for receptor signaling and multiprotein complex formation.

Dopamine D(2) and D(4) receptors partially codistribute in the dorsal striatum and appear to play a fundamental role in complex behaviors and motor function. The discovery of D(2)R-D(4.)(x)R (D(4.2)R, D(4.4)R or D(4.7)R) heteromers has been made in cellular models using co-immunoprecipitation, in situ Proximity Ligation Assays and BRET(1) techniques with the D(2)R and D(4.7)R receptors being the least effective in forming heteromers. Allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in D(2)R-D(4.2)R and D(2)R-D(4.4) R heteromers were observed using the MAPK assays indicating the existence of an enhancing allosteric receptor-receptor interaction in the corresponding heteromers between the two orthosteric binding sites. The bioinformatic predictions suggest the existence of a basic set of common triplets (ALQ and LRA) in the two participating receptors that may contribute to the receptor-receptor interaction interfaces.

A single serine point mutation (S374A) in the adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) C-terminal tail reduces A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromerization and prevents its allosteric modulation of the dopamine D(2) receptor (D(2)R). By means of site directed mutagenesis of the A(2A)R and synthetic transmembrane (TM) α-helix peptides of the D(2)R we further explored the role of electrostatic interactions and TM helix interactions of the A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromer interface. We found evidence that the TM domains IV and V of the D(2)R play a major role in the A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromer interface since the incubation with peptides corresponding to these domains significantly reduced the ability of A(2A)R and D(2)R to heteromerize. In addition, the incubation with TM-IV or TM-V blocked the allosteric modulation normally found in A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromers. The mutation of two negatively charged aspartates in the A(2A)R C-terminal tail (D401A/D402A) in combination with the S374A mutation drastically reduced the physical A(2A)R-D(2)R interaction and lost the ability of antagonistic allosteric modulation over the A(2A)R-D(2)R interface, suggesting further evidence for the existence of an electrostatic interaction between the C-terminal tail of A(2A)R and the intracellular loop 3 (IL3) of D(2)R. On the other hand, molecular dynamic model and bioinformatic analysis propose that specific AAR, AQE, and VLS protriplets as an important motive in the A(2A)R-D(2L)R heteromer interface together with D(2L)R TM segments IV/V interacting with A(2A)R TM-IV/V or TM-I/VII.

In view of the co-distribution of dopamine D2LR and 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT2A receptors (D2LR and 5-HT2AR, respectively) within inter alia regions of the dorsal and ventral striatum and their role as a target of antipsychotic drugs; in this study we assessed the potential existence of D2LR-5-HT2AR heteromers in living cells and the functional consequences of this interaction. Thus, by means of a proximity-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) approach we demonstrated that the D2LR and the 5-HT2AR form stable and specific heteromers when expressed in HEK293T mammalian cells. Furthermore, when the D2LR-5-HT2AR heteromeric signaling was analyzed we found that the 5-HT2AR-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activation was synergistically enhanced by the concomitant activation of the D2LR as shown in a NFAT-luciferase reporter gene assay and a specific and significant rise of the intracellular calcium levels were observed when both receptors were simultaneously activated. Conversely, when the D2LR-mediated adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibition was assayed we showed that costimulation of D2LR and 5-HT2AR within the heteromer led to inhibition of the D2LR functioning, thus suggesting the existence of a 5-HT2AR-mediated D2LR trans-inhibition phenomenon. Finally, a bioinformatics study reveals that the triplet amino acid homologies LLT (Leu-Leu-Thr) and AIS (Ala-Ile-Ser) in TM1 and TM3, respectively of the D2R-5-HT2AR may be involved in the receptor interface. Overall, the presence of the D2LR-5-HT2AR heteromer in discrete brain regions is postulated based on the existence of D2LR-5-HT2A receptor–receptor interactions in living cells and their codistribution inter alia in striatal regions. Possible novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of schizophrenia should be explored by targeting this heteromer.

Due to the binding to a number of proteins to the receptor protomers in receptor heteromers in the brain, the term “heteroreceptor complexes” was introduced. A number of serotonin 5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes were recently found to be linked to the ascending 5-HT pathways known to have a significant role in depression. The 5-HT1A–FGFR1 heteroreceptor complexes were involved in synergistically enhancing neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and in the dorsal raphe 5-HT nerve cells. The 5-HT1A protomer significantly increased FGFR1 protomer signaling in wild-type rats. Disturbances in the 5-HT1A–FGFR1 heteroreceptor complexes in the raphe-hippocampal 5-HT system were found in a genetic rat model of depression (Flinders sensitive line (FSL) rats). Deficits in FSL rats were observed in the ability of combined FGFR1 and 5-HT1A agonist cotreatment to produce antidepressant-like effects. It may in part reflect a failure of FGFR1 treatment to uncouple the 5-HT1A postjunctional receptors and autoreceptors from the hippocampal and dorsal raphe GIRK channels, respectively. This may result in maintained inhibition of hippocampal pyramidal nerve cell and dorsal raphe 5-HT nerve cell firing. Also, 5-HT1A–5-HT2A isoreceptor complexes were recently demonstrated to exist in the hippocampus and limbic cortex. They may play a role in depression through an ability of 5-HT2A protomer signaling to inhibit the 5-HT1A protomer recognition and signaling. Finally, galanin (1–15) was reported to enhance the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine through the putative formation of GalR1–GalR2–5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes. Taken together, these novel 5-HT1A receptor complexes offer new targets for treatment of depression.

We present and describe the construction of tagging cassettes and plasmids for tandem affinity purification (TAP) of proteins in Neisseria meningitidis. The tagging cassette is designed for carboxyl-terminal tagging of proteins and it contains only two repeats of IgG-binding units. P64k protein from N. meningitidis was chosen to fuse at these new affinity tags. This protein is well recognized in immunoassays by serum from human convalescent meningococcal disease and it is highly immunogenic in animals. To continue the characterization of this meningococcal antigen, we designed and constructed two vectors for use in TAP purification method. We also carried-out preliminary test to check the correct expression of the protein fused in these vectors.

Dopamine D1 and D2 receptor immunohistochemistry and Golgi techniques were used to study the structure of the adult rat arcuate-median eminence complex, and determine the distribution of the dopamine D1 and D2 receptor immunoreactivities therein, particularly in relation to the tubero-infundibular dopamine neurons. Punctate dopamine D1 and D2 receptor immunoreactivities, likely located on nerve terminals, were enriched in the lateral palisade zone built up of nerve terminals, while the densities were low to modest in the medial palisade zone. A codistribution of dopamine D1 receptor or dopamine D2 receptor immunoreactive puncta with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive nerve terminals was demonstrated in the external layer. Dopamine D1 receptor but not dopamine D2 receptor immnunoreactivites nerve cell bodies were found in the ventromedial part of the arcuate nucleus and in the lateral part of the internal layer of the median eminence forming a continuous cell mass presumably representing neuropeptide Y immunoreactive nerve cell bodies. The major arcuate dopamine/ tyrosine hydroxylase nerve cell group was found in the dorsomedial part. A large number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive nerve cell bodies in this region demonstrated punctate dopamine D1 receptor immunoreactivity but only a few presented dopamine D2 receptor immunoreactivity which were mainly found in a substantial number of tyrosine hydroxylase cell bodies of the ventral periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, also belonging to the tubero-infundibular dopamine neurons. Structural evidence for projections of the arcuate nerve cells into the median eminence was also obtained. Distal axons formed horizontal axons in the internal layer issuing a variable number of collaterals classified into single or multiple strands located in the external layer increasing our understanding of the dopamine nerve terminal networks in this region. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors may therefore directly and differentially modulate the activity and /or Dopamine synthesis of substantial numbers of tubero-infundibular dopamine neurons at the somatic and terminal level. The immunohistochemical work also gives support to the view that dopamine D1 receptors and/or dopamine D2 receptors in the lateral palisade zone by mediating dopamine volume transmission may contribute to the inhibition of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone release from nerve terminals in this region.

This review is focused on the D2 heteroreceptor complexes within the ventral striatum with their receptor-receptor interactions and relevance for the treatment of schizophrenia. A "guide-and-clasp" manner for receptor-receptor interactions is proposed where "adhesive guides" may be amino acid triplet homologies, which were determined for different kinds of D2 heteroreceptor complexes. The first putative D2 heteroreceptor complex to be discovered in relation to schizophrenia was the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex where antagonistic A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions were demonstrated after A2A agonist treatment in the ventral striatum. The A2A agonist CGS 21680 with atypical antipsychotic properties may at least in part act by increasing β-arrestin2 signaling over the D2 protomer in the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. The antagonistic NTS1-D2 interactions in the NTS1-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum are proposed as one molecular mechanism for the potential antipsychotic effects of NT. Indications were obtained that the psychotic actions of the 5-HT2AR hallucinogens LSD and DOI can involve enhancement of D2R protomer signaling via a biased agonist action at the 5-HT2A protomer in the D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. Facilitatory allosteric D2likeR-OTR interactions in heteroreceptor complexes in nucleus accumbens may have a role in social and emotional behaviors. By blocking the D2 protomers of these heteroreceptor complexes, antipsychotics can fail to reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The discovery of different types of D2 heteroreceptor complexes gives an increased understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in causing schizophrenia and new strategies for its treatment and understanding the side effects of antipsychotics.

Allosteric receptor–receptor interactions in GPCR heteromers appeared to introduce an intermolecular allosteric mechanism contributing to the diversity and bias in the protomers. Examples of dopamine D2R heteromerization are given to show how such allosteric mechanisms significantly change the receptor protomer repertoire leading to diversity and biased recognition and signaling. In 1980s and 1990s, it was shown that neurotensin (NT) through selective antagonistic NTR–D2 like receptor interactions increased the diversity of DA signaling by reducing D2R-mediated dopamine signaling over D1R-mediated dopamine signaling. Furthermore, D2R protomer appeared to bias the specificity of the NTR orthosteric binding site toward neuromedin N vs. NT in the heteroreceptor complex. Complex CCK2R–D1R–D2R interactions in possible heteroreceptor complexes were also demonstrated further increasing receptor diversity. In D2R–5-HT2AR heteroreceptor complexes, the hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists LSD and DOI were recently found to exert a biased agonist action on the orthosteric site of the 5-HT2AR protomer leading to the development of an active conformational state different from the one produced by 5-HT. Furthermore, as recently demonstrated allosteric A2A–D2R receptor–receptor interaction brought about not only a reduced affinity of the D2R agonist binding site but also a biased modulation of the D2R protomer signaling in A2A–D2R heteroreceptor complexes. A conformational state of the D2R was induced, which moved away from Gi/o signaling and instead favored ß-arrestin2-mediated signaling. These examples on allosteric receptor–receptor interactions obtained over several decades serve to illustrate the significant increase in diversity and biased recognition and signaling that develop through such mechanisms

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) oligomerization has emerged as a vital characteristic of receptor structure. Substantial experimental evidence supports the existence of GPCR-GPCR interactions in a coordinated and cooperative manner. However, despite the current development of experimental techniques for large-scale detection of GPCR heteromers, in order to understand their connectivity it is necessary to develop novel tools to study the global heteroreceptor networks. To provide insight into the overall topology of the GPCR heteromers and identify key players, a collective interaction network was constructed. Experimental interaction data for each of the individual human GPCR protomers was obtained manually from the STRING and SCOPUS databases. The interaction data were used to build and analyze the network using Cytoscape software. The network was treated as undirected throughout the study. It is comprised of 156 nodes, 260 edges and has a scale-free topology. Connectivity analysis reveals a significant dominance of intrafamily versus interfamily connections. Most of the receptors within the network are linked to each other by a small number of edges. DRD2, OPRM, ADRB2, AA2AR, AA1R, OPRK, OPRD and GHSR are identified as hubs. In a network representation 10 modules/clusters also appear as a highly interconnected group of nodes. Information on this GPCR network can improve our understanding of molecular integration. GPCR-HetNet has been implemented in Java and is freely available at http://www.iiia.csic.es/~ismel/GPCR-Nets/index.html. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland., This work has been supported by the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences (Stiftelsen B. von Beskows Fond and Stiftelsen Hierta-Retzius stipendiefond) and Karolinska Institutets Forskningsstiftelser 2011 and 2012 to D.O.B.-E., by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (04X-715), Telethon TV3’s La Marató Foundation 2008 and Hjärnfonden to K.F., D.O.B.-E., I.B. and W.R.-F. belong to the “Academia de Biólogos Cubanos” group. Feliciano Calvo and Carmelo Million are acknowledged for their support during the GPCR heterodimer list preparation.

This review is focused on the D2 heteroreceptor complexes within the ventral striatum with their receptor-receptor interactions and relevance for the treatment of schizophrenia. A "guide-and-clasp" manner for receptor-receptor interactions is proposed where "adhesive guides" may be amino acid triplet homologies, which were determined for different kinds of D2 heteroreceptor complexes. The first putative D2 heteroreceptor complex to be discovered in relation to schizophrenia was the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex where antagonistic A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions were demonstrated after A2A agonist treatment in the ventral striatum. The A2A agonist CGS 21680 with atypical antipsychotic properties may at least in part act by increasing β-arrestin2 signaling over the D2 protomer in the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. The antagonistic NTS1-D2 interactions in the NTS1-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum are proposed as one molecular mechanism for the potential antipsychotic effects of NT. Indications were obtained that the psychotic actions of the 5-HT2AR hallucinogens LSD and DOI can involve enhancement of D2R protomer signaling via a biased agonist action at the 5-HT2A protomer in the D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. Facilitatory allosteric D2likeR-OTR interactions in heteroreceptor complexes in nucleus accumbens may have a role in social and emotional behaviors. By blocking the D2 protomers of these heteroreceptor complexes, antipsychotics can fail to reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The discovery of different types of D2 heteroreceptor complexes gives an increased understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in causing schizophrenia and new strategies for its treatment and understanding the side effects of antipsychotics.

There is serious interest in understanding the dynamics of the receptor–receptor and receptor–protein interactions in space and time and their integration in GPCR heteroreceptor complexes of the CNS. Moonlighting proteins are special multifunctional proteins because they perform multiple autonomous, often unrelated, functions without partitioning into different protein domains. Moonlighting through receptor oligomerization can be operationally defined as an allosteric receptor–receptor interaction, which leads to novel functions of at least one receptor protomer. GPCR-mediated signaling is a more complicated process than previously described as every GPCR and GPCR heteroreceptor complex requires a set of G protein interacting proteins, which interacts with the receptor in an orchestrated spatio-temporal fashion. GPCR heteroreceptor complexes with allosteric receptor–receptor interactions operating through the receptor interface have become major integrative centers at the molecular level and their receptor protomers act as moonlighting proteins. The GPCR heteroreceptor complexes in the CNS have become exciting new targets for neurotherapeutics in Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and anxiety and depression opening a new field in neuropsychopharmacology.

Biochemical, histochemical and coimmunoprecipitation experiments have indicated the existence of antagonistic dopamine D2 (D2R) and neurotensin 1 (NTS1R) receptor–receptor interactions in the dorsal and ventral striatum indicating a potential role of these receptor–receptor interactions in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. By means of Bioluminiscence Resonance energy transfer (BRET2) evidence has for the first time been obtained in the current study for the existence of both D2LR/NTS1R and D2SR/NTS1R heteromers in living HEK293T cells. Through confocal laser microscopy the NTS1RGFP2 and D2RYFP were also shown to be colocated in the plasma membrane of these cells. A bioinformatic analysis suggests the existence of a basic set of three homology protriplets (TVM, DLL and/or LRA) in the two participating receptors which may contribute to the formation of the D2R/NTS1R heteromers by participating in guide–clasp interactions in the receptor interface. The CREB reporter gene assay indicated that the neurotensin receptor agonist JMV 449 markedly reduced the potency of the D2R like agonist quinpirole to inhibit the forskolin induced increase of the CREB signal. In contrast, the neurotensin agonist was found to markedly increase the quinpirole potency to activate the MAPK pathway as also studied with luciferase reporter gene assay measuring the degree of SRE activity as well as with ERK1/2 phosphorylation assays. These dynamic changes in D2R signaling produced by the neurotensin receptor agonist may involve antagonistic allosteric receptor–receptor interactions in the D2LR–NTS1R heteromers at the plasma membrane level (CREB pathway) and synergistic interactions in PKC activation at the cytoplasmatic level (MAPK pathway).

Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors critically involved in locomotion, reward, and cognitive processes. Export of dopamine receptors to the plasma membrane is thought to follow the default secretory pathway, whereby proteins travel from the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), through the Golgi apparatus, to arrive at the cell surface. Several observations indicate that trafficking from the ER to the plasma membrane is tightly regulated, and that correct folding in the ER acts as a bottle neck to the maturation of the dopamine D4 receptors. The dopamine D(4) receptor is an interesting receptor since it has a polymorphic region in its third intracellular loop, resulting in receptor isoforms of varying length and amino acid composition. Correct folding is enhanced by: (1) interaction with specific proteins, such as ER resident chaperones, (2) interaction with pharmacological chaperones, for example, ligands that are membrane permeable and can bind to the receptor in the ER, and (3) receptor dimerization; the assembly of multisubunit proteins into a quaternary structure is started in the ER before cell surface delivery, which helps in correct folding and subsequent expression. These interactions help the process of GPCR folding, but more importantly they ensure that only properly folded proteins proceed from the ER to the trans-Golgi network. In this review we will mainly focus on the role of receptor dimerization in dopamine D(4) receptor maturation.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in cellular processes and signaling and have been shown to form heteromers with diverge biochemical and/or pharmacological activities that are different from those of the corresponding monomers or homomers. However, despite extensive experimental results supporting the formation of GPCR heteromers in heterologous systems, the existence of such receptor heterocomplexes in the brain remains largely unknown, mostly because of the lack of appropriate methodology. Herein, we describe the in situ proximity ligation assay procedure underlining its high selectivity and sensitivity to image GPCR heteromers with confocal microscopy in brain sections. We describe here how the assay is performed and discuss advantages and disadvantages of this method compared with other available techniques.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in cellular processes and signaling and have been shown to form heteromers with diverge biochemical and/or pharmacological activities that are different from those of the corresponding monomers or homomers. However, despite extensive experimental results supporting the formation of GPCR heteromers in heterologous systems, the existence of such receptor heterocomplexes in the brain remains largely unknown, mostly because of the lack of appropriate methodology. Herein, we describe the in situ proximity ligation assay procedure underlining its high selectivity and sensitivity to image GPCR heteromers with confocal microscopy in brain sections. We describe here how the assay is performed and discuss advantages and disadvantages of this method compared with other available techniques.

Galanin receptor (GalR) subtypes1-3 linked to central galanin neurons may form heteromers with each other and other types of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the Central Nervous System (CNS). These heteromers may be one molecular mechanism for galanin peptides and their N-terminal fragments (gal 1-15) to modulate the function of different types of glia-neuronal networks in the CNS, especially the emotional and the cardiovascular networks. GalR-5-HT1A heteromers likely exist with antagonistic GalR-5-HT1A receptor-receptor interactions in the ascending midbrain raphe 5-HT neuron systems and their target regions. They represent a novel target for antidepressant drugs. Evidence is given for the existence of GalR1-5-HT1A heteromers in cellular models with transinhibition of the protomer signaling. A GalR1-GalR2 heteromer is proposed to be a galanin N-terminal fragment preferring receptor (1-15) in the CNS. Furthermore, a GalR1-GalR2-5-HT1A heterotrimer is postulated to explain why only galanin (1-15) but not galanin (1-29) can antagonistically modulate the 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal hippocampus rich in gal fragment binding sites. The results underline a putative role of different types of GalR-5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes in depression. GalR antagonists may also have therapeutic actions in depression by blocking the antagonistic GalR-NPYY1 receptor interactions in putative GalR-NPYY1 receptor heteromers in the CNS resulting in increases in NPYY1 transmission and antidepressant effects. In contrast the galanin fragment receptor (a postulated GalR1-GalR2 heteromer) appears to be linked to the NPYY2 receptor enhancing the affinity of the NPYY2 binding sites in a putative GalR1-GalR2-NPYY2 heterotrimer. Finally, putative GalR-α2-adrenoreceptor heteromers with antagonistic receptor-receptor interactions may be a widespread mechanism in the CNS for integration of galanin and noradrenaline signals also of likely relevance for depression.

Evidence for the existence of dopamine d2-oxytocin receptor heteromers in the ventral and dorsal striatum with facilitatory receptor–receptor interactions

The ascending midbrain 5-HT neurons to the forebrain may be dysregulated in depression and have a reduced trophic support. Within situproximity ligation assay (PLA) and supported by coimmunoprecipitation and colocation of the FGFR1 and 5-HT1A immunoreactivities in the midbrain raphe cells, evidence for the existence of FGFR1–5-HT1A receptor heterocomplexes in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei of the Sprague Dawley rat as well as in the rat medullary raphe RN33B cells has been obtained. Especially after combined FGF-2 and 8-OH-DPAT treatment, a marked and significant increase in PLA clusters was found in the RN33B cells. Similar results were reached with the FRET technique in HEK293T cells, where TM-V of the 5HT1A receptor was found to be part of the receptor interface. The combined treatment with FGF-2 and the 5-HT1A agonist also synergistically increased FGFR1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the raphe midline area of the midbrain and the RN33B cells as well as their differentiation, as seen from development of the increased number and length of extensions per cell and their increased 5-HT immunoreactivity. These signaling and differentiation events were dependent on the receptor interface since they were blocked by incubation with TM-V but not by TM-II. Together, the results indicate that the 5-HT1A autoreceptors by being part of a FGFR1–5-HT1A receptor heterocomplex in the midbrain raphe 5-HT nerve cells appear to have a trophic role in the central 5-HT neuron systems in addition to playing a key role in reducing the firing of these neurons.

Extrasynaptic neurotransmission is an important short distance form of volume transmission (VT) and describes the extracellular diffusion of transmitters and modulators after synaptic spillover or extrasynaptic release in the local circuit regions binding to and activating mainly extrasynaptic neuronal and glial receptors in the neuroglial networks of the brain. Receptor-receptor interactions in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromers play a major role, on dendritic spines and nerve terminals including glutamate synapses, in the integrative processes of the extrasynaptic signaling. Heteromeric complexes between GPCR and ion-channel receptors play a special role in the integration of the synaptic and extrasynaptic signals. Changes in extracellular concentrations of the classical synaptic neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA found with microdialysis is likely an expression of the activity of the neuron-astrocyte unit of the brain and can be used as an index of VT-mediated actions of these two neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the activity of neurons may be functionally linked to the activity of astrocytes, which may release glutamate and GABA to the extracellular space where extrasynaptic glutamate and GABA receptors do exist. Wiring transmission (WT) and VT are fundamental properties of all neurons of the CNS but the balance between WT and VT varies from one nerve cell population to the other. The focus is on the striatal cellular networks, and the WT and VT and their integration via receptor heteromers are described in the GABA projection neurons, the glutamate, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and histamine striatal afferents, the cholinergic interneurons, and different types of GABA interneurons. In addition, the role in these networks of VT signaling of the energy-dependent modulator adenosine and of endocannabinoids mainly formed in the striatal projection neurons will be underlined to understand the communication in the striatal cellular networks.