Selective potentiation of 2-APB-induced activation of TRPV1-3 channels by acid

Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 15:6:20791. doi: 10.1038/srep20791.

Abstract

Temperature-sensitive TRP channels are important for responses to pain and inflammation, to both of which tissue acidosis is a major contributing factor. However, except for TRPV1, acid-sensing by other ThermoTRP channels remains mysterious. We show here that unique among TRPV1-3 channels, TRPV3 is directly activated by protons from cytoplasmic side. This effect is very weak and involves key cytoplasmic residues L508, D512, S518, or A520. However, mutations of these residues did not affect a strong proton induced potentiation of TRPV3 currents elicited by the TRPV1-3 common agonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), no matter if the ligand was applied from extracellular or cytoplasmic side. The acid potentiation was common among TRPV1-3 and only seen with 2-APB-related ligands. Using (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance to examine the solution structures of 2-APB and its analogs, we observed striking structural differences of the boron-containing compounds at neutral/basic as compared to acidic pH, suggesting that a pH-dependent configuration switch of 2-APB-based drugs may underlie their functionality. Supporting this notion, protons also enhanced the inhibitory action of 2-APB on TRPM8. Collectively, our findings reveal novel insights into 2-APB action on TRP channels, which should facilitate the design of new drugs for these channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • Boron Compounds / chemistry*
  • Gene Expression
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Plasmids / chemistry
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Protons*
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • TRPV Cation Channels / chemistry*
  • TRPV Cation Channels / genetics
  • TRPV Cation Channels / metabolism
  • Temperature
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Boron Compounds
  • Protons
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • Trpv1 protein, rat
  • Trpv2 protein, rat
  • Trpv3 protein, mouse
  • 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate