A1R-A2AR heteromers coupled to Gs and G i/0 proteins modulate GABA transport into astrocytes

Purinergic Signal. 2013 Sep;9(3):433-49. doi: 10.1007/s11302-013-9364-5. Epub 2013 May 10.

Abstract

Astrocytes play a key role in modulating synaptic transmission by controlling extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels via GAT-1 and GAT-3 GABA transporters (GATs). Using primary cultures of rat astrocytes, we show here that a further level of regulation of GABA uptake occurs via modulation of the GATs by the adenosine A1 (A1R) and A2A (A2AR) receptors. This regulation occurs through A1R-A2AR heteromers that signal via two different G proteins, Gs and Gi/0, and either enhances (A2AR) or inhibits (A1R) GABA uptake. These results provide novel mechanistic insight into how GPCR heteromers signal. Furthermore, we uncover a previously unknown mechanism where adenosine, in a concentration-dependent manner, acts via a heterocomplex of adenosine receptors in astrocytes to significantly contribute to neurotransmission at the tripartite (neuron-glia-neuron) synapse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Female
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / metabolism*
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptor, Adenosine A1 / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • Transfection
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Receptor, Adenosine A1
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs
  • Adenosine