Reversal of neuropathic pain in diabetes by targeting glycosylation of Ca(V)3.2 T-type calcium channels

Diabetes. 2013 Nov;62(11):3828-38. doi: 10.2337/db13-0813. Epub 2013 Jul 8.

Abstract

It has been established that Ca(V)3.2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels (T-channels) play a key role in the sensitized (hyperexcitable) state of nociceptive sensory neurons (nociceptors) in response to hyperglycemia associated with diabetes, which in turn can be a basis for painful symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Unfortunately, current treatment for painful PDN has been limited by nonspecific systemic drugs with significant side effects or potential for abuse. We studied in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of plasticity of Ca(V)3.2 T-channel in a leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mouse model of PDN. We demonstrate that posttranslational glycosylation of specific extracellular asparagine residues in Ca(V)3.2 channels accelerates current kinetics, increases current density, and augments channel membrane expression. Importantly, deglycosylation treatment with neuraminidase inhibits native T-currents in nociceptors and in so doing completely and selectively reverses hyperalgesia in diabetic ob/ob mice without altering baseline pain responses in healthy mice. Our study describes a new mechanism for the regulation of Ca(V)3.2 activity and suggests that modulating the glycosylation state of T-channels in nociceptors may provide a way to suppress peripheral sensitization. Understanding the details of this regulatory pathway could facilitate the development of novel specific therapies for the treatment of painful PDN.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asparagine / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / drug effects
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / genetics
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / physiology*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / drug therapy*
  • Glycosylation / drug effects*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Obese
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Neuraminidase / metabolism
  • Nociceptors / drug effects
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl) Asparagine Amidase / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transfection

Substances

  • CACNA1H protein, human
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Asparagine
  • Neuraminidase
  • Peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl) Asparagine Amidase