5-HT3 receptor

Structure

The 5-HT3 receptor differs markedly in structure and mechanism from the other 5-HT receptor subtypes, which are all G-protein-coupled. A functional channel may be composed of five identical 5-HT3A subunits (homopentameric) or a mixture of 5-HT3A and one of the other four 5-HT3B, 5-HT3C, 5-HT3D, or 5-HT3E subunits (heteropentameric). It appears that only the 5-HT3A subunits form functional homopentameric channels. All other subunit subtypes must heteropentamerize with 5-HT3A subunits to form functional channels. Additionally, there has not currently been any pharmacological difference found between the heteromeric 5-HT3AC, 5-HT3AD, 5-HT3AE, and the homomeric 5-HT3A receptor. N-terminal glycosylation of receptor subunits is critical for subunit assembly and plasma membrane trafficking. [[File:Ionophore receptor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Figure 1. The subunits are assembled as a pentamer (right) and each subunit has four transmembrane domains (left).]] The subunits surround a central ion channel in a pseudo-symmetric manner (Fig.1). Each subunit comprises an extracellular N-terminal domain which comprises the orthosteric ligand-binding site; a transmembrane domain consisting of four interconnected alpha helices (M1-M4), with the extracellular M2-M3 loop involved in the gating mechanism; a large cytoplasmic domain between M3 and M4 involved in receptor trafficking and regulation; and a short extracellular C-terminus (Fig.1). Whereas extracellular domain is the site of action of agonists and competitive antagonists, the transmembrane domain contains the central ion pore, receptor gate, and principle selectivity filter that allows ions to cross the cell membrane.

Human and mouse genes

The genes encoding human 5-HT3 receptors are located on chromosomes 11 (HTR3A, HTR3B) and 3 (HTR3C, HTR3D, HTR3E), so it appears that they have arisen from gene duplications. The genes HTR3A and HTR3B encode the 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B subunits and HTR3C, HTR3D and HTR3E encode the 5-HT3C, 5-HT3D and 5-HT3E subunits. HTR3C and HTR3E do not seem to form functional homomeric channels, but when co-expressed with HTR3A they form heteromeric complex with decreased or increased 5-HT efficacies. The pathophysiological role for these additional subunits has yet to be identified.

The human 5-HT3A receptor gene is similar in structure to the mouse gene which has 9 exons and is spread over ~13 kb. Four of its introns are exactly in the same position as the introns in the homologous α7-acetylcholine receptor gene, clearly showing their evolutionary relationship.

Expression. The 5-HT3C, 5-HT3D and 5-HT3E genes tend to show peripherally restricted pattern of expression, with high levels in the gut. In human duodenum and stomach, for example, 5-HT3C and 5-HT3E mRNA might be greater than for 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B.

Polymorphism. In patients treated with chemotherapeutic drugs, certain polymorphism of the HTR3B gene could predict successful antiemetic treatment. This could indicate that the 5-HTR3B receptor subunit could be used as biomarker of antiemetic drug efficacy.

Tissue distribution

The 5-HT3 receptor is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and mediates a variety of physiological functions. On a cellular level, it has been shown that postsynaptic 5-HT3 receptors mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in rat neocortical interneurons, amygdala, and hippocampus, and in ferret visual cortex. 5-HT3 receptors are also present on presynaptic nerve terminals. There is some evidence for a role in modulation of neurotransmitter release, but evidence is inconclusive.

Effects

When the receptor is activated to open the ion channel by agonists, the following effects are observed:

• CNS: nausea and vomiting center in brain stem, anxiety, and pro-nociceptive activity.
• PNS: neuronal excitation (in autonomic, nociceptive neurons), emesis.

Ligands

Agonists

Agonists for the receptor include:

• Cereulide
• 2-methyl-5-HT
• Alpha-Methyltryptamine
• Bufotenin
• Chlorophenylbiguanide
• Ibogaine
• Phenylbiguanide
• Quipazine
• RS-56812 Potent and selective 5-HT3 partial agonist, 1000× selectivity over other serotonin receptors
• SR-57227
• Varenicline
• YM-31636
• S 21007 (SAR c.f. CGS-12066A)

Antagonists

Main article: 5-HT3 antagonist

Antagonists for the receptor (sorted by their respective therapeutic application) include:

• Antiemetics
  • AS-8112
  • Granisetron
  • Ondansetron
  • Tropisetron
• Gastroprokinetics
  • Alosetron
  • Batanopride
  • Metoclopramide (high doses)
  • Renzapride
  • Zacopride
  • M1, the major active metabolite of mosapride
• Antidepressants
  • Bupropion
  • Mianserin
  • Mirtazapine
  • Vortioxetine
• Antipsychotics
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine
  • Quetiapine
• Antimalarials
  • Quinine
  • Chloroquine
  • Mefloquine
• Others
  • 3-Tropanyl indole-3-carboxylate
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
  • Lamotrigine (epilepsy and bipolar disorder)
  • Memantine (Alzheimer's disease medication)
  • Menthol
  • Thujone

Positive allosteric modulators

These agents are not agonists at the receptor, but increase the affinity or efficacy of the receptors for an agonist:

• Indole Derivatives
  • 5-chloroindole
• Small Organic Anaesthetics
  • Ethanol
  • Chloroform
  • Halothane
  • Isoflurane

Negative allosteric modulators

Negative allostric modulators of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor include bupropion and hydroxybupropion.

Discovery

Identification of the 5-HT3 receptor did not take place until 1986, lacking selective pharmacological tools. and therefore the identification of 5-HT3 receptors in cell lines and native tissues quickly followed.

References

References

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