Increased Susceptibility to Cortical Spreading Depression in the Mouse Model of Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 2

Summary

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2) is an autosomal dominant form of migraine with aura that is caused by mutations of the α2-subunit of the Na,K-ATPase, an isoform almost exclusively expressed in astrocytes in the adult brain. We generated the first FHM2 knock-in mouse model carrying the human W887R mutation in the Atp1a2 orthologous gene. Homozygous Atp1a2^R887/R887 mutants died just after birth, while heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 mice showed no apparent clinical phenotype. The mutant α2 Na,K-ATPase protein was barely detectable in the brain of homozygous mutants and strongly reduced in the brain of heterozygous mutants, likely as a consequence of endoplasmic reticulum retention and subsequent proteasomal degradation, as we demonstrate in transfected cells. In vivo analysis of cortical spreading depression (CSD), the phenomenon underlying migraine aura, revealed a decreased induction threshold and an increased velocity of propagation in the heterozygous FHM2 mouse. Since several lines of evidence involve a specific role of the glial α2 Na,K pump in active reuptake of glutamate from the synaptic cleft, we hypothesize that CSD facilitation in the FHM2 mouse model is sustained by inefficient glutamate clearance by astrocytes and consequent increased cortical excitatory neurotransmission. The demonstration that FHM2 and FHM1 mutations share the ability to facilitate induction and propagation of CSD in mouse models further support the role of CSD as a key migraine trigger.

Introduction

Migraine is a clinically heterogeneous disorder affecting more than 10% of the general population. It generally occurs with unilateral and pulsating severe headache often accompanied by nausea, photophobia and phonophobia. In approximately one third of migraineurs, the headache attack is preceded by aura, a transient neurological symptom that are most frequently visual but may involve other senses [1]. The migraine attack is triggered by a brain dysfunction that leads to activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system, particularly trigeminal nociceptive afferents innervating the meninges and lastly to headache [2], [3], [4]. Neuroimaging examination suggests that migraine aura is associated to cortical spreading depression (CSD), a short-lasting, intense wave of neuronal and glial cell depolarization. CSD spreads slowly over the cortex at a rate of approximately 2–5 mm/min and is followed by long lasting depression of neuronal activity [5], [6], [7], [8]. Experimental evidence on patients and animal models supports CSD as both underlying migraine aura [1], [7], [8], [9] and a key triggering event for trigeminal activation [10], [11], [12], although the role of CSD in migraine headache is still debated. As an indirect confirmation, several migraine prophylactic agents cause an increase of CSD initiation threshold [13].

Common migraine has a strong multifactorial genetic component, which is higher in migraine with aura (MA) than in migraine without aura (MO) [14], [15]. As for many other multifactorial diseases whose complexity hampers the investigation of the pathogenetic mechanisms, rare monogenic forms that phenocopy most or all the clinical features of the common disease are of great help for describing the complicated events leading to migraine. Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare autosomal dominant subtype of MA, whose aura symptoms include hemiparesis. Aura symptoms and headache duration are usually longer in FHM than MA, but all other headache properties are similar. FHM is genetically heterogeneous and is associated to mutations in three different genes. Mutations in CACNA1A [16], ATP1A2 [17] and SCN1A [18] genes are responsible for Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), type 2 (FHM2), and type 3 (FHM3), respectively. The CACNA1A and SCN1A genes both encode neuronal voltage-gated ion channels, whereas the ATP1A2 gene encodes the α2 subunit of the Na,K-ATPase, hence suggesting a key role of cation trafficking in the pathophysiology of FHM.

Until now, more than 50 FHM2 mutations have been identified and most of these are missense mutations. A small fraction of mutations is represented by microdeletions [19] and a single mutation affecting the stop codon, which causes an extension of the ATP1A2 protein by 27 aminoacid residues [20]. Most of the ATP1A2 mutations are associated with pure FHM without additional clinical symptoms [17], [19], [20], [21], [22]. However, a number of FHM2 mutations have been associated to complications like cerebellar ataxia [23], childhood convulsions [24], epilepsy [25] and mental retardation [26]. Interestingly, ATP1A2 mutations associated with non-hemiplegic migraine phenotypes, such as basilar migraine and even common migraine have been reported [27], [28].

The Na,K ATPase is a P-type ion pump that utilizes the free energy of ATP hydrolysis to exchange Na⁺ for K⁺ and maintains gross cellular homeostasis. The functional pump is a heterodimer, consisting of one α catalytic subunit and one β subunit that is required for protein folding, assembling, membrane-addressing, and modulates substrate affinity [29]. The α subunit exposes both the amino- and carboxy- termini in the cytoplasm and crosses the plasma membrane with ten transmembrane segments (M1–M10) [30]. Four isoforms of α Na,K-ATPase (α1, α2, α3 and α4) are present in mammals [29], [31]. While no pathogenic mutations are known for the ubiquitous α1- and the testis α4-subunits, mutation in both α2 and α3 isoforms cause neurological diseases when mutated, FHM2 and rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism, respectively [32]. While in the adult brain the α1 isoform is nonspecifically present in both neurons and glial cells and α3 is neuron-specific, the α2 isoform is essentially expressed in astrocytes [33].

Investigation of the functional consequences of FHM2 mutations in heterologous expression systems revealed that these mutations produce partial or complete loss of function of the α2 Na,K pump [34], [35], [36]. Here, we report the generation of the first mouse model of FHM type 2, a knock-in mutant harboring the W887R ATP1A2 mutation.

The W887R mutation localizes to the extracellular loop between M7 and M8, which includes the β subunit binding site [37] and was shown to produce the almost complete loss of pump activity [17], [38]. Homozygous Atp1a2^R887/R887 mutants die just after birth, while heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 mice are fertile and show no apparent clinical phenotype. However, heterozygous FHM2 mouse displays altered CSD properties, such as decreased threshold and increased velocity of propagation. We hypothesize that inefficient astrocyte-mediated clearance of glutamate from the synaptic cleft is a key event for the enhanced susceptibility to CSD in the FHM2 mouse.

Results

Generation of FHM2 knock-in mutant mouse

With the aim of investigating the molecular pathogenesis of FHM type 2, we generated a knock-in mouse model by inserting an FHM2 mutation, the transition T2763C that causes the aminoacid replacement W887R in the Atp1a2 murine gene (construct details in M&M). The amino acid sequence conservation between human and mouse α2 Na,K-ATPase proteins is very high and, in particular, in the extracellular domain between transmembrane domains M7–M8, where W887R is located [17]. This mutation was one of the first two mutations reported to be associated to typical cases of the disease. Embryonic stem cells harboring the R887 and the neo cassette were injected in C57Bl/6J blastocysts and then transferred to pseudopregnant CD1 females. We obtained three chimeric mice, one of which transmitted the Atp1a2^+/R887-neo allele through germline (Figure 1A). Heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887-neo mice were genotyped by Southern blot analysis (Figure 1C), are fertile and display no apparent phenotype. To remove the neo cassette that hampers the natural expression of the mutant allele, we crossed the Atp1a2^+/R887-neo mice with transgenic mice expressing the Flippase recombination enzyme (FLPe) under the control of the human ACTB promoter (TgN(ACTFLPe)9205Dym; The Jackson Laboratory). Hence, we obtained the heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 knock-in mice (Figure 1B), which are fertile as well and show no visible clinical phenotype. Contrary to heterozygous mice, homozygous Atp1a2^R887/R887 mutants do not survive beyond the first day post partum, thus resembling the neonatal lethal phenotype of the Atp1a2 null mutant [39], which succumbs for dysfunctional neuronal activity and respiratory distress. Therefore, we addressed our investigation onto the heterozygous knock-in mouse, which shares the Atp1a2 gene asset with FHM2 patient. The general behavior of heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 mice was tested by a modified SHIRPA protocol [40] that provides comparable quantitative data on animal motor, sensory, autonomic and neuropsychiatric functions. The scored parameters are summarized in Table 1. No major differences in the sensory-motor functions were observed between heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 (n = 8) and wild-type (n = 6) mice, except for a higher fear and anxiety of Atp1a2^+/R887 at the specific tests of transfer arousal and fear (p<0.05; Table 2).

In vivo expression of mutant α2- Na,K-ATPase

Mutant and wild type Atp1a2 gene expression was evaluated at E19.5 in Atp1a2^R887/R887 for lethality constrain and at adult age in Atp1a2^+/R887 mutants. Semi quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analysis showed that both wild type and mutant Atp1a2^R887 alleles express equal amount of transcripts (Figure 2A, left panel). Each RT-PCR experiment was normalized on intra-sample actin transcript level. The nucleotide replacement resulting in the W887R mutation creates a new MspI restriction site that we used to confirm the R887 mutation in the Atp1a2^R887 transcript and to quantify the mutant transcript in heterozygous mice as intra-sample control (Figure 2A, right panel). The expression of α2 Na,K-ATPase protein was assessed in embryonic brain. Immunoblot of total lysate and microsomal fractions revealed a markedly reduced amount of α2 Na,K-ATPase in the mutants, which displayed approximately half the level of wild type in the Atp1a2^+/R887 mice. In the Atp1a2^R887/R887 mutant, the R887 α2 Na,K-ATPase is barely observable (Figure 2B). In order to investigate whether the reduced amount of α2 isoform induces a compensatory increase of expression of the paralogous α1 and α3 isoforms in the adult, when the principal phenotype, CSD, is assessable, we analyzed brain tissues with specific α isoform antibodies. No differences in the level of α1 and α3 isoforms were observed in whole brain of Atp1a2^+/R887 mice (Figure 2C) compared to wild type ones. On the contrary, the Atp1a2^+/R887 model displays an α2 expression level reduced to approximately 50% in the cortex, 35% in cerebellum and 40% in total brain (Figure 2D).

Mutant R887 alpha 2 ATPase is poorly exported to the plasmamembrane

The loss of α2 protein in the Atp1a2^R887/R887 prompted us to investigate the fate of wild-type and mutant α2 proteins by cell transfections. HeLa cells were co-transfected with pA2-R887 or pA2-wt constructs, which express, respectively, mutant and wild type full length c-myc-tagged ATP1A2 cDNAs, each together with pB2 expressing the β2 subunit (as described in [17]). Immunoblot revealed a decreased amount of R887 mutant (Figure 3A), thus confirming the in vivo results on Atp1a2^R887/R887 and Atp1a2^+/R887 mutant mice. More important, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated a different subcellular localization. Wild type α2 Na,K ATPase showed a typical plasmamembrane and slightly endoplasmic reticulum staining (Figure 3B, upper panels). Differently, most of R887 mutant protein appeared as punctuated pattern localized in the perinuclear region, which overlapped with the endoplasmic reticulum marker calnexin (Figure 3B; a colocalization quantification appears on right panels). Misfolding of the mutant α2 Na,K ATPase induced by the R887 mutation causes very likely the endoplasmic reticulum retention and the inefficient and delayed secretion process. In fact, by inhibiting the proteasome activity with MG132, wild-type and more consistently mutant α2 subunits accumulated in transfected cells (Figure 3C).

Atp1a2^+/R887 knock-in mice are more prone to cortical spreading depression

Migraine is a complex phenotype that hampers the objective and quantitative evaluation in animal models. In order to assess the effect of the R887 ATP1A2 mutation on an important component of the migraine attack, cortical spreading depression (CSD), we analyzed this neuronal phenomenon in adult Atp1a2^+/R887 mice and in their wild type littermates. CSD was induced by electrical stimulation of the visual cortex using a bipolar electrode and recorded at two sites of somatosensory and motor cortex (Figure 4A). Incremental current stimuli were delivered up to CSD induction and the charge delivered at CSD activation was considered as threshold.

Atp1a2^+/R887mutants were more susceptible to undergo CSD. Indeed the threshold for induction of CSD in mutant animals was significantly lower than wild type animals (Atp1a2^+/R887, 13.00±1.7 µC, n = 20; wild type, 19.9±1.9 µC, n = 18; t-test p<0.01) (Figure 4B, left graph). Moreover, CSD propagation rate was altered in the mutant, which showed higher CSD velocity rising from 3.85±0.35 mm/min (wild type, n = 18) to 5.41±0.41 mm/min (n = 20; t-test p<0.01) in Atp1a2^+/R887 mice (Figure 4B, middle graph). No significant difference was observed in CSD duration (Atp1a2^+/R887 40.1±3.19 sec, n = 20; wild type 41.1±3.5 sec, n = 18; t-test p = 0.83) (Figure 4B, right graph). After the first CSD, the trace was monitored for further 90 minutes to reveal repetitive CSDs, a parameter correlated with the phenotype severity of FHM models [41]. Heterozygous R887 mutation did not modify the proportion of mice showing repetitive CSD (Atp1a2^+/R887 4 out of 20 mice, wild type 4 out of 18 mice). We conclude that the R887 α2 Na,K-ATPase facilitates CSD induction and propagation, but it neither affects its duration nor promotes the induction of repetitive CSDs. Within groups, no difference in CSD threshold and propagation rate was observed between male and female (see Methods).

Discussion

Genetic mouse models are essential tools to dissect complex pathogenic mechanisms leading to human diseases. Here, we report data on the generation of the first knock-in mouse carrying the W887R ATP1A2 mutation causing FHM2. The R887 allele has been associated to a typical form of FHM with hemiparesis and epileptic episodes [17]. Since the effect of this mutation is an almost complete loss of function [17], [38], we expected a neonatal lethality of homozygous mutant mice. In fact, Atp1a2^R887/R887 mutants die few minutes after birth, closely resembling the knock-out models [39], [42], which fail to develop a regular respiratory rhythm [43], [44]. Heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887 mice are viable and fertile. A general behavior characterization by a modified SHIRPA protocol [40] shows a higher susceptibility to fear and anxiety in Atp1a2^+/R887 mice. This result resembles the previous reports by Ikeda et al. [42] and Moseley et al [45] showing similar phenotype in the null allele heterozygous Atp1a2^+/− mice by more specific tests for anxiety and conditioned fear.

As we demonstrate, the mutant gene is correctly transcribed and translated. However, the mutant R887 protein is ineffectively exported from the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi system. Mutant R887 isoform is mostly degraded by the proteasomal system as demonstrated by the remarkable accumulation of mutant protein under proteasomal inhibition. This is particularly evident in vivo, where the mutant protein is barely detectable in the homozygous mutant brain. This finding is apparently in contrast with our previous result [17] that showed the mutant R887 subunit localized all over the cytoplasm in COS7 transfected cells and seemingly to plasmamembrane as well. By the recent confocal analysis and employing a transfection system that does not saturate, like the COS7 cells, the cytoplasm of exogenous protein, the mutant protein is shown as mostly endoplasmic reticulum-retained.

It is worth noting that Koenderink and coworkers proposed a plasmamembrane localization of the R887 protein by centrifugal fractionation in Xenopus oocytes, probably due to the different cellular system and conditions (room temperature) and the indirect method of localization [38]. Infact, this test at room temperature may favor the mislocalization of the α2 ATPase mutant protein, as reported in [36]. Considering the autosomal dominant inheritance of FHM, we have addressed our attention to the phenotype analysis of the heterozygous knock-in mouse. CSD represents an excellent phenotype to be analyzed in animal models of migraine as CSD underlies migraine aura in patients [1], [7], [8], [9] and can activate the meningeal trigeminal nociceptors in animals [12]. Atp1a2^+/R887 mutant mice, our FHM2 model, are more susceptible to CSD as shown by the decreased threshold of induction and the increased velocity of propagation of CSD induced by electrical stimulation of the cortex in vivo. Duration of CSD in Atp1a2^+/R887 mice is unchanged. The facilitation of CSD in our FHM2 mouse model is thus very similar to that previously described in Cacna1a knock-in mice representing the FHM1 models [41], [46]. In fact, both homozygous and heterozygous S218L and homozygous R192Q FHM1 models showed a lower threshold for CSD induction and a higher velocity of CSD propagation, whereas CSD duration was not significantly prolonged. Interestingly, the extent of CSD facilitation correlated with the severity of the clinical phenotype of the two FHM1 mutations in humans [41], [46], [47]. The demonstration that FHM2 and FHM1 mutations share the ability to facilitate induction and propagation of CSD in mouse models further support the role of CSD as a key migraine trigger.

The facilitation of CSD in Atp1a2^+/R887 mice could be due to impaired clearance of K⁺ and/or glutamate by astrocytes during cortical neuronal activity consequent to loss-of-function of the α2 Na,K ATPase pump, as previously suggested [34], [48]. Pharmacological evidence shows that α3 and/or α2 Na,K pumps participate in the clearance of K⁺ from the extracellular space during intense neuronal activity, although the relative importance of α3 and α2 Na,K pumps is unclear[49], [50]. Most models of CSD include local increase of extracellular [K⁺] above a critical value as a triggering event in the initiation of CSD, hence predicting that a reduced K⁺ clearance would result in a lower threshold for CSD induction [51]. Indeed, in hippocampal slices the inhibition of α2 and α3 Na,K pumps by local administration of ouabain (at a concentration which only partially affects the low affinity α1 Na,K pump) reduced the threshold for CSD induction by local pulses of high [K⁺] [52]. This reduced CSD threshold was accompanied by a large increase in CSD duration (and decrease in post-CSD undershoots of membrane potential and external [K⁺]), pointing to the involvement of α3 and/or α2 Na,K pump activity in CSD termination. We speculate that our findings of a lower threshold for CSD induction but unaltered CSD duration in Atp1a2^+/R887 mice suggest a relatively minor role of the glial α2 Na,K pump in K⁺ clearance. This is in agreement with the evidence that the α3 isoform contributes most of the Na,K ATPase activity in mouse brain homogenates [53] and, therefore, we suggest that the reduced CSD threshold in FHM2 knockin mice is not primarily due to impaired K⁺ clearance by astrocytes.

Several lines of evidence indicate a specific role of the α2 Na,K pump in glutamate clearance during synaptic transmission. The α2 Na,K pump is specifically stimulated by glutamate in cultured astrocytes [54]. In the adult somatosensory cortex the α2 Na,K pump shows a specific localization in astrocyte processes surrounding glutamatergic synaptic junctions, which coincides with that of the glial glutamate transporters GLAST and GLT1 [55], [56]. Also, a physical association and functional coupling between the α2 Na,K pump and glutamate transporters has been demonstrated [56].

We therefore hypothesize that CSD facilitation in the FHM2 mouse model is sustained by inefficient glutamate clearance by astrocytes and consequent enhanced cortical excitatory neurotransmission, particularly the NMDA receptor-mediated transmission during high-frequency action potential trains [57]. This glutamatergic hypothesis finds suggestive echoes in the recent report by Anttila et al. [58], where MTDH, a modulator of glutamate transporters has been associated to the common form of migraine with aura. In addition, a mutation of the glial excitatory aminoacid transporter type 1 (EAAT1) leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and subsequent seizures, hemiplegia, and episodic ataxia by impaired glutamate uptake [59]. While this scenario remains to be confirmed in the FHM2 mouse model, FHM1 models displayed an enhanced glutamatergic synaptic transmission due to increased Ca²⁺ influx through the mutant presynaptic CaV2.1 channels and increased probability of glutamate release at cortical pyramidal cell synapses [60]. A causative link between gain of function of glutamatergic transmission at recurrent cortical pyramidal cell synapses and facilitation of experimental CSD was demonstrated in the FHM1 mouse model [60]. Both FHM1 and FHM2 mice point to a model of CSD initiation, where the activation of NMDA receptors by glutamate released from recurrent cortical pyramidal cell synapses plays a key role in the positive feedback cycle that provokes CSD [4].

Furthermore, the absence of the α2 Na,K pump from the glial processes surrounding GABAergic terminals [55] suggests that FHM2 mutations fail to affect inhibitory neurotransmission, similarly to the FHM1 model, which showed unaltered inhibitory neurotransmission at synapses between fast-spiking interneurons and pyramidal cells [60].

We therefore propose that episodic disruptions of the excitation-inhibition balance and hyperactivity of cortical circuits due to excessive recurrent excitation underlie the vulnerability to “spontaneous” CSD ignition in both the rare forms of FHM1 and FHM2 and, probably, at least a fraction of common migraine cases.

Materials and Methods

Antibodies

Commercially available rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against α2 Na,K-ATPase isoform (cat. AB9094. Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA); mouse monoclonal antibodies for Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 isoform (α6F; Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Iowa City, IA, USA), for Na,K-ATPase alpha 3 isoform (cat. MA3-915, Affinity Bio Reagents Suite 600 Golden, CO, USA), anti-bovine α-tubulin, mouse monoclonal antibody (cat. A11126, Molecular probes, Inc. 29851 Willow Creek Road, Eugene, OR, USA); GAPDH (6C5) mouse monoclonal antibody (sc-32233, Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., California, USA); Ubiquitin (P4D1), mouse monoclonal antibody (sc-8017, Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc. CA, USA). ECL anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-linked species-specific whole antibodies were purchased from GE Healthcare. Polyclonal rabbit anti-goat IgG/HRP was obtained from Dako (Glostrup, Denmark). For immunofluorescence experiments, the following antibodies were used: monoclonal anti c-Myc (9E10) and rabbit anti- calnexin (Sigma-Aldrich, Milan, Italy). Secondary antibodies were conjugated with Alexa 488 and Alexa 596 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA).

Generation of R887 knock-in mice

Procedures involving animals and their care were conducted in conformity with guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) in compliance with national (D.L. No. 116, G.U. Suppl. 40. Feb 18, 1992, Circolare No. 8 G.U., 14 Lug. 1994) and international (EEC Council Directive 86/609, OJ L 358, 1 DEC.12, 1987; National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, U.S. National Research Council, 1996) laws and policies. Animals were housed in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) conditions, maintained on a 12-h light/dark cycle, with free access to food and water. Atp1a2^+/R887-neo knock-in mice were generated using homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells to modify the Atp1a2 gene such that the exon 19 contained the human FHM-2 W887R mutation. In the targeting vector, the original TGG triplet codon (POSITION 2763, CODON 921) was changed into CGG by mutagenesis, creating the W887R mutation. Downstream of exon 19, a PGK-driven neo cassette flanked by LoxP sites was present. ES cells were electroporated, and clones were selected for homologous recombination by Southern blot analysis. The presence of the W887R mutation was tested by PCR using primers 5′-GGCTTCTTTACCTACTTTGTGATA-3′ and 5′-ATGCCCTGCTGGAACACTGAGTTG-3′ and subsequent sequencing analysis of exon 19. Targeted ES cells were injected into C57Bl/6J blastocysts and these transferred into pseudopregnant CD1 females to create chimeric animals. Chimeras were backcrossed with wild-type C57Bl/6J to generate F1 progeny and the agouti offsprings were genotyped for transmission of the mutant allele, generating transgenic line Atp1a2^+/R887-neo knock-in mice. Heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R887-neo knock-in mice were bred with transgenic mice expressing FLPe recombinase under the control of the human ACTB promoter (TgN(ACTFLPe)9205Dym; The Jackson Laboratory) to remove the neo cassette. Expression of FLPe recombinase as early as embryonic day 10.5 causes the Flippase recognition target (FRT) sites recombination and the removal of the neo cassette. Germ line transmission was obtained and transgenic line Atp1a2^+/R887-neo was established. Mice were further bred with C57Bl/6J for seven generations, at this stage the background would nevertheless be >90% congenic. Heterozygous Atp1a2^+/R88 and Atp1a2^+/+ littermates were used for further analysis.

Behavioral analysis

Sensory-motor function of mutant mice compared with controls was assessed by a modified version of the SHIRPA protocol primary screening [40]. Briefly, undisturbed behavior of each animal was first observed in its own home cage: body position, spontaneous activity and respiration rate were recorded, assigning a score to each behavior. In addition, manifestations of tremors, bizarre behaviors, stereotypes or convulsions were checked at this stage of the protocol. Thereafter mice were transferred individually to a new arena and were tested for transfer arousal, palpebral closing, piloerection, gait, pelvic and tail elevation, touch escape and positional passivity. There followed a sequence of manipulations using tail suspension and a grid across the width of the arena; animals were scored for trunk curl, limb grasping and grip strength. To complete the assessment, the animals were restrained in a supine position to record autonomic behaviors (heart rate, skin color, limb and abdominal tone, lacrimation, salivation) prior to measurement of the righting reflex after flip of the animal. Vocalizations and irritability (during supine restrain) were also recorded. Fear was assessed based on reaction to transfer to a new environment. A score was assigned to each behavioral test as described in Table 1.

RT-PCR

Total RNA was extracted from embryonic mice (E19.5) (n = 9, 3 embryos for each genotype) neuronal (brain) tissues by Trizol method (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). RNA was reverse transcribed using random hexamers SuperScript® First-Strand Synthesis System (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Atp1a2 cDNA was amplified using forward primer on exon 19 (5′-GGCTTCTTTACCTACTTTGTGATA-3′) and reverse primer on exon 20 (5′-ATGCCCTGCTGGAACACTGAGTTG-3′) with Hot Master Taq DNA polymerase (Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany) at 94°C for 2 min, 35 cycles at 94°C for 30 s, 58°C for 30 s, 65°C for 30 s, and 65°C for 5 min. This strategy allows amplification of both endogenous wild-type and mutant allele (PCR product: 254 bp). The relative Atp1a2 amount was normalized to the β-actin expression levels (610 bp PCR product). Since the R887 missense mutation introduces a new restriction site for MspI enzyme, the PCR product was subsequently digested with MspI (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, USA) to discriminate the endogenous gene (uncut, band size: 254 bp band) and the mutant (cut, bands size: 178 bp+76 bp). PCR products were run on a 2% agarose gel in TAE buffer.

Western blot analysis

To prevent proteolysis during the procedure, all steps were carried out on ice, and all buffers contained protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche, Mannheim, Germany) and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (1 mM). Embryonic brains of the various genotypes (n = 12, 4 for each genotype) were processed simultaneously. For the extraction of membrane proteins, whole brain was homogenized with a glass-Teflon homogenizer in Sucrose solution (0.32 M Sucrose, 5 mM Hepes pH 7.4, 2 mM EDTA). After a short centrifugation (5000 rpm, 20′4°C) the supernatant was centrifuged for 1 hr at 42,000 rpm 1 h 4°C (Beckman, ultraTL100, rotor TL100.3) and the pellet resuspended in Sucrose buffer. Protein concentration was measured using the Bio-Rad Protein Assay according to the manufacturer's instructions. The preparation of cells and tissues (total brain, cortex and cerebellum) total lysates were performed adding RIPA buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 2 mM EDTA, and 1% Igepal CA-630) to the collected samples and left 30′ on ice than the lysates were centrifuged 13000 g 20′4°C. The protein content of the supernatant was measured using the BCA protein assay with bovine serum albumin as standard. We resuspended equal amounts of proteins (15 µg each sample in 20 µl) in SDS-PAGE buffer (100 mM Tris-Glycine pH 6.8, 0.56 M mercaptoethanol, 2% SDS, 15% glycerol, and 0.1% BFB), and separated them for 2 h at 100volt in 8% SDS-polyacrilamide gels. Proteins were electrophoretically transferred to hybond ECL nitrocellulose membranes (GE Healthcare, Munich, Germany) and blots were blocked overnight with 5% non-fat milk 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS. The blocked blots were incubated for 2 h with subunit specific antibodies, washed three times for 10 minutes each with 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS then incubated with the appropriate peroxidase conjugated secondary antibodies. After another series of washes (three times for 10 minutes each) peroxidase was detected using a chemiluminescent substrate (GE Healthcare, Munich, Germany).

Transfections and immunocytochemistry

Plasmid constructs were the same as in [17]) by metafectene (Biontex, Martinsried/Planegg, Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions. We selected the ratio range of Metafectene (µl) to plasmids DNA (µg) of 5∶1. 48 h after transfection, we fixed HeLa cells in 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 30 min at RT and blocked and permeabilized with 10% donkey serum 0.2% Triton-X100 in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) for 30 min at RT. Permeabilized cells were then incubated with primary antibodies for 2 hr at RT, than washed (three times) in PBS, incubated with appropriate secondary antibodies and washed three times with PBS solution. We placed cells in fluorescent mounting medium (Dako Cytomation, Glostrup, Denmark) over microscope slides and confocal microscopy was performed on the Perkin Elmer UltraVIEW.

Colocalization analysis

Immunofluorescence colocalization was visualized by confocal microscopy and analyzed by Wright Cell Imaging Facility (WCIF) colocalization plug-in of Image J software (http://www.uhnresearch.ca/facilities/wcif/imagej/colour_analysis.htm). The following parameters were measured: Pearson's correlation coefficient (Rr; 1, perfect correlation, to −1, perfect exclusion); Mander's overlap coefficient (R; 1, highest, to 0, random correlation); Ch1∶Ch2, the red∶green pixel ratio.

Proteasome inhibitor

Proteasome inhibitor MG132 (carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-leucinal) was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milan, Italy (cat. C2211). MG132 were dissolved in DMSO and applied to cells at the concentration of 10 µM, after 48 hours of transfection for the time periods indicated in the text and. An equivalent volume of DMSO was added to control cells. Anti ubiquitin antibody was used to reveal the increase of ubiquitinated proteins after proteasome inhibition.

Cortical spreading depression

CSD was recorded as described in Van den Maagdenberg, et al. [46]. Briefly, mice (20–30 g) were anaesthetized with urethane (20% in saline; 6 ml/kg i.p.). Animals, mounted on a stereotaxic apparatus were continuously monitored for adequate level of anesthesia, temperature, heart rate and nociceptive reflexes. Blood oxygen saturation and flux as well as heart and breathing rates were monitored non-invasively using an oximeter (Starr, Life Science Corp.). Oxygen was supplied to maintain blood oxygenation above 93% for the entire duration of the experiment. Heart rate was between 400–600 beats/min, and breathing rate approximately 200 breaths/min. Animals not meeting these criteria were excluded from our sample. To record CSD three holes were drilled in the skull over the left hemisphere. The first corresponded to the occipital cortex and was used for access of the electrical stimulation electrode (0 mm A-P, 2 mm M-L from lambda). The second hole, at the parietal cortex (1 mm M-L, 1 mm caudal to bregma) and the third hole, at the frontal cortex (1 mm M-L, 1 mm rostral to bregma), were used for placement of the CSD recording electrodes. The steady (DC) potential was recorded with glass micropipettes filled with NaCl (3 M, tip resistance 1–2 MΩ) inserted 200 µm below the dural surface. An Ag/AgCl reference electrode was placed subcutaneous above the nose. Cortical stimulation was conducted using a copper bipolar electrode (0.2 mm tip diameter, 0.3 mm intertip distance) placed on the cortex surface after removing the dura. Single pulses of increasing intensity (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 230, 260, 290, 320, 350, 380, 430, 480, 530, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 µA) were applied for 100 ms at 3-min intervals by using a stimulus isolator/constant current unit (WPI, USA) until a CSD event was observed [13]. DC cortical potential was amplified (10×) and low-pass filtered at 200 Hz (Cyberamp, Axon Instruments, Union City, CA). Signals were continuously digitized and recorded using Labview data acquisition and analysis system. The minimal stimulus intensity at which a CSD event was elicited was taken as the CSD threshold. In all mice, when CSD was elicited, recordings were continued for 90 min to detect multiple CSDs. To estimate CSD propagation velocity, the distance between the two recording electrodes was divided by the time elapsed between the CSD onsets at the first and second recording sites. The percentage of mice with multiple CSD events was determined only from the mice that could be recorded for one full 90 min following the first detected event. CSD duration was measured at half-maximal amplitude [13]. Because no difference in CSD threshold and propagation rate was observed between male (N = 11 wild type and N = 11 mutants) and female (N = 7 wild type and N = 9 mutants) within each genotype (wild type: threshold male 20.7±2.1 µC, female 18.7±3.5 Mann-Whitney test p = 0.61; propagation rate male 3.9±0.42 mm/min, female 3.8±0.66 mm/min Mann-Whitney test p = 0.86; mutants: threshold male 13.4±3.0 µC, female 12.6±1.3 t-test p = 0.82; propagation rate male 5.2±0.32 mm/min, female 5.6±0.84 mm/min Mann-Whitney test p = 0.94) the results from males and females were pooled.

Statistical analysis

For SHIRPA protocol primary screening, comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. The Student's t-test with one-tail distribution was used for significance calculation in densitometric analysis.

Statistical analysis for CSD recordings was performed using Sigma Stat 3.1 (Systat Software, Chicago IL USA). Multiple groups were compared by ANOVA followed by post-hoc comparisons applying Bonferroni correction or Holm-Sidak test. When two groups were compared, t-test was applied. Normality and homoschedasticity of the data was checked. Data not normally distributed were compared using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA or Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Significance level was equal to 0.05. Data are reported as average ± SEM.