2-Methoxyestradiol and its derivatives inhibit store-operated Ca2+ entry in T cells: Identification of a new and potent inhibitor

T cell activation starts with formation of second messengers that release Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and thereby activate store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), one of the essential signals for T cell activation. Recently, the steroidal 2-methoxyestradiol was shown to inhibit nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). We therefore investigated 2-methoxyestradiol for inhibition of Ca²⁺ entry in T cells, screened a library of 2-methoxyestradiol analogues, and characterized the derivative 2-ethyl-3-sulfamoyloxy-17β-cyanomethylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene (STX564) as a novel, potent and specific SOCE inhibitor. STX564 inhibits Ca²⁺ entry via SOCE without affecting other ion channels and pumps involved in Ca²⁺ signaling in T cells. Downstream effects such as cytokine expression and cell proliferation were also inhibited by both 2-methoxyestradiol and STX564, which has potential as a new chemical biology tool.

Emerging roles of the CBL-CIPK calcium signaling network as key regulatory hub in plant nutrition

Plant physiology and development essentially depend on sufficient uptake of various essential nutritive ions via their roots and their appropriate transport and distribution within the organism. Many of these essential nutrients are heterogeneously distributed in the soil or are available in fluctuating concentrations. This natural situation requires constant regulatory adjustment and balancing of nutrient uptake and homeostasis. Here, we review recent findings on the role of Ca²⁺ signals and Ca²⁺-dependent regulation via the CBL-CIPK Ca²⁺ sensor-protein kinase network in these processes. We put special emphasis on Ca²⁺ controlled processes that contribute to establishing the homeostasis of macro-nutrients like potassium (K⁺), nitrogen (N), and magnesium (Mg²⁺) and on the micro-nutrient iron (Fe). Increasing experimental evidence indicates the occurrence of nutrient-specific, spatially and temporally defined cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ elevations as early responses to nutrient fluctuations. Specific CBL-CIPK complexes translate these signals into phosphorylation regulation of important channels and transporters like AKT1, NPF6.3/NRT1.1, AMT1, SLAC1, TPK1 and IRT1. We discuss a crucial and coordinating role for these Ca²⁺ signaling mechanisms in regulating the sensing, uptake, distribution and storage of various ions. Finally, we reflect on the emerging multifaceted and potentially integrating role of the "nutrient" kinase CIPK23 in regulating multiple nutrient responses. From this inventory, we finally deduce potential mechanisms that can convey the coordinated regulation of distinct steps in the transport of one individual ion and mechanisms that can bring about the integration of adaptive responses to fluctuations of different ions to establish a faithfully balanced plant nutrient homeostasis.

Mitochondrial Ca2+, redox environment and ROS emission in heart failure: Two sides of the same coin?

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive, debilitating condition characterized, in part, by altered ionic equilibria, increased ROS production and impaired cellular energy metabolism, contributing to variable profiles of systolic and diastolic dysfunction with significant functional limitations and risk of premature death. We summarize current knowledge concerning changes of intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ control mechanisms during the disease progression and their consequences on mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and the shift in redox balance. Absent existing biological data, our computational modeling studies advance a new 'in silico' analysis to reconcile existing opposing views, based on different experimental HF models, regarding variations in mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration that participate in triggering and perpetuating oxidative stress in the failing heart and their impact on cardiac energetics. In agreement with our hypothesis and the literature, model simulations demonstrate the possibility that the heart's redox status together with cytoplasmic Na+ concentrations act as regulators of mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in HF and of the bioenergetics response that will ultimately drive ATP supply and oxidative stress. The resulting model predictions propose future directions to study the evolution of HF as well as other types of heart disease, and to develop novel testable mechanistic hypotheses that may lead to improved therapeutics.

Adult neural stem cell activation in mice is regulated by the day/night cycle and intracellular calcium dynamics

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain transit from the quiescent state to proliferation to produce new neurons. The mechanisms regulating this transition in freely behaving animals are, however, poorly understood. We customized in vivo imaging protocols to follow NSCs for several days up to months, observing their activation kinetics in freely behaving mice. Strikingly, NSC division is more frequent during daylight and is inhibited by darkness-induced melatonin signaling. The inhibition of melatonin receptors affected intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics and promoted NSC activation. We further discovered a Ca²⁺ signature of quiescent versus activated NSCs and showed that several microenvironmental signals converge on intracellular Ca²⁺ pathways to regulate NSC quiescence and activation. In vivo NSC-specific optogenetic modulation of Ca²⁺ fluxes to mimic quiescent-state-like Ca²⁺ dynamics in freely behaving mice blocked NSC activation and maintained their quiescence, pointing to the regulatory mechanisms mediating NSC activation in freely behaving animals.

Mechanisms and functions of calcium microdomains produced by ORAI channels, d-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, or ryanodine receptors

With the discovery of local Ca²⁺ signals in the 1990s the concept of 'elementary Ca²⁺ signals' and 'fundamental Ca²⁺ signals' was developed. While 'elementary Ca²⁺signals' relate to optical signals gained by activity of small clusters of Ca²⁺channels, 'fundamental signals' describe such optical signals that arise from opening of single Ca²⁺channels. In this review, we discuss (i) concepts of local Ca²⁺ signals and Ca²⁺ microdomains, (ii) molecular mechanisms underlying Ca²⁺ microdomains, (iii) functions of Ca²⁺ microdomains, and (iv) mathematical modelling of Ca²⁺ microdomains. We focus on Ca²⁺ microdomains produced by ORAI channels, D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, or ryanodine receptors. In summary, research on local Ca²⁺ signals in different cell models aims to better understand how cells use the Ca²⁺ toolkit to produce Ca²⁺ microdomains as relevant signals for specific cellular responses, but also how local Ca²⁺ signals as building blocks merge into global Ca²⁺ signaling.

A Novel Ca2+ Signaling Pathway Coordinates Environmental Phosphorus Sensing and Nitrogen Metabolism in Marine Diatoms

Diatoms are a diverse and globally important phytoplankton group, responsible for an estimated 20% of carbon fixation on Earth. They frequently form spatially extensive phytoplankton blooms, responding rapidly to increased availability of nutrients, including phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Although it is well established that diatoms are common first responders to nutrient influxes in aquatic ecosystems, little is known of the sensory mechanisms that they employ for nutrient perception. Here, we show that P-limited diatoms use a Ca²⁺-dependent signaling pathway, not previously described in eukaryotes, to sense and respond to the critical macronutrient P. We demonstrate that P-Ca²⁺ signaling is conserved between a representative pennate (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and centric (Thalassiosira pseudonana) diatom. Moreover, this pathway is ecologically relevant, being sensitive to sub-micromolar concentrations of inorganic phosphate and a range of environmentally abundant P forms. Notably, we show that diatom recovery from P limitation requires rapid and substantial increases in N assimilation and demonstrate that this process is dependent on P-Ca²⁺ signaling. P-Ca²⁺ signaling thus governs the capacity of diatoms to rapidly sense and respond to P resupply, mediating fundamental cross-talk between the vital nutrients P and N and maximizing diatom resource competition in regions of pulsed nutrient supply.

Alterations in inter-organelle crosstalk and Ca2+ signaling through mitochondria during proteotoxic stresses

BACKGROUND

Biogenesis and function of mitochondria is profoundly dependent on cytosolic translation of mitochondrial pre-proteins and its subsequent translocation and folding inside the organelle. Continuous exposure of non-native precursor proteins, exposure to damaging by-products of oxidative phosphorylation, load of mis-targeted or misfolded proteins from neighbouring compartments and unremitting demand of communication between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, continuously pose proteotoxic threats to the organelle. Our knowledge of cellular mechanisms to cope up with such impending threat of proteotoxicity to mitochondria, is currently evolving. In recent years, several unique response and survival pathways have been discovered shedding light on cellular strategies to cope with stressed and dysfunctional mitochondria. As mitochondria compulsorily communicate with nucleus, cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for its own biogenesis and function and in turn maintain critical cellular processes for survival, any impairment in communication by stressed or dysfunctional mitochondria may end up with fatal consequences.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATION

In this review, we have discussed about possible sources of mitochondrial proteotoxicity and the recent developments regarding cellular strategies to counter such stress to overcome dysfunctions of the organelle. Mitochondrial communication with neighbouring subcellular compartments like ER and cytosol during proteotoxic stress have been explored. In the context of mitochondrial proteotoxicity, alterations of crucial inter-organelle connections like ER-mitochondria contact sites and its implication on mitochondrial signaling activity like Ca²⁺ signaling have been dissected. Furthermore, an overview of pathological conditions, mainly neurodegenerative disorders that are known to be associated with mitochondrial proteotoxicity and Ca²⁺ dysregulation has been presented.

Exploiting Ca2+ signaling in T cells to advance cancer immunotherapy

Decades of basic research has established the importance of Ca²⁺ to various T cell functions, such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, differentiation and cytokine secretion. We now have a good understanding of how proximal TCR signaling initiates Ca²⁺ influx and how this influx subsequently changes transcriptional activities in T cells. As chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy has achieved great clinical success, is it possible to harness Ca²⁺ signaling to further advance CAR-T research? How is CAR signaling different from TCR signaling? How can functional CARs be identified in a high-throughput way? Quantification of various Ca²⁺ signals downstream of CAR/TCR activation might help answer these questions. Here we first summarized recent studies that used Ca²⁺ dye, genetically-encoded Ca²⁺ indicators (GECI) or transcriptional activity reporters to understand CAR activation in vitro and in vivo. We next reviewed several proof-of-concept reports that manipulate Ca²⁺ signaling by light or ultrasound to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of T cell functions. These efforts, though preliminary, opened up new avenues to solve the on-target/off-tumor problem of therapeutic T cells. Other modalities to regulate Ca²⁺ signaling, such as radio wave and electrical pulse, were also discussed. Thus, monitoring or manipulating Ca²⁺ signaling in T cells provides us many opportunities to advance cancer immunotherapy.

Heterotrimeric G Protein Subunit Gαq Is a Master Switch for Gβγ-Mediated Calcium Mobilization by Gi-Coupled GPCRs

Mechanisms that control mobilization of cytosolic calcium [Ca²⁺]_i are key for regulation of numerous eukaryotic cell functions. One such paradigmatic mechanism involves activation of phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) enzymes by G protein βγ subunits from activated Gα_i-Gβγ heterotrimers. Here, we report identification of a master switch to enable this control for PLCβ enzymes in living cells. We find that the Gα_i-Gβγ-PLCβ-Ca²⁺ signaling module is entirely dependent on the presence of active Gα_q. If Gα_q is pharmacologically inhibited or genetically ablated, Gβγ can bind to PLCβ but does not elicit Ca²⁺ signals. Removal of an auto-inhibitory linker that occludes the active site of the enzyme is required and sufficient to empower "stand-alone control" of PLCβ by Gβγ. This dependence of Gi-Gβγ-Ca²⁺ on Gα_q places an entire signaling branch of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) under hierarchical control of Gq and changes our understanding of how Gi-GPCRs trigger [Ca²⁺]_i via PLCβ enzymes.

Chronic resveratrol consumption prevents hypertension development altering electrophysiological currents and Ca2+ signaling in chromaffin cells from SHR rats

Resveratrol (RESV) is one of the most abundant polyphenol-stilbene compounds found in red wine with well-established cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects. Hyperactivity of the sympathoadrenal axis seems to be one of the major contributing factors in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension. Alterations in outward voltage-dependent potassium currents (I_K) and inward voltage-dependent sodium (I_Na), calcium (I_Ca) and nicotinic (I_ACh) currents, CCs excitability, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and catecholamine exocytosis were previously related to the hypertensive state. This raised the issue of whether in vivo long-term RESV treatment can directly act as a modulator of Ca²⁺ influx or a regulator of ion channel permeability in CCs. We monitored outward and inward currents, and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_c) using different pharmacological approaches in CCs from normotensive (WKY) and hypertensive (SHR) animals chronically exposed to trans-RESV (50 mg/L/v.o, 28 days). The long-term RESV treatment prevented the increase of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR, without reversion of cardiac hypertrophy. We also found an increase of the outward I_K, reduction in inward I_Na,I_Ca, and I_ACh, and the mitigation of [Ca²⁺]_c overload in CCs from SHR at the end of RESV treatment. Our data revealed that electrophysiological alterations of the CCs and in its Ca²⁺ homeostasis are potential new targets related to the antihypertensive effects of long-term RESV treatment.

Mitochondria as the decision makers for cancer cell fate: from signaling pathways to therapeutic strategies

As pivotal players in cellular metabolism, mitochondria have a double-faceted role in the final decision of cell fate. This is true for all cell types, but it is even more important and intriguing in the cancer setting. Mitochondria regulate cell fate in many diverse ways: through metabolism, by producing ATP and other metabolites deemed vital or detrimental for cancer cells; through the regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis, especially by the joint participation of the endoplasmic reticulum in a membranous tethering system for Ca²⁺ signaling called mitochondria-ER associated membranes (MAMs); and by regulating signaling pathways involved in the survival of cancer cells such as mitophagy. Recent studies have shown that mitochondria can also play a role in the regulation of inflammatory pathways in cancer cells, for example, through the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) involved in the activation of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway. In this review, we aim to explore the role of mitochondria as decision makers in fostering cancer cell death or survival depending on the tumor cell stage and describe novel anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria.

Stem cell plasticity and regenerative potential regulation through Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial nuclear crosstalk

The multi-lineage differentiation potential is one of the prominent mechanisms through which stem cells can repair damaged tissues. The regenerative potential of stem cells is the manifestation of several changes at the structural and molecular levels in stem cells that are regulated through intricate mitochondrial-nuclear interactions maintained by Ca²⁺ ion signaling. Despite the exhilarating evidences strengthening the versatile and indispensible role of Ca²⁺ in regulating mitochondrial-nuclear interactions, the extensive details of signaling mechanisms remains largely unexplored. In this review we have discussed the effect of Ca²⁺ ion mediated mitochondrial-nuclear interactions participating in stem plasticity and its regenerative potential.

BONZAI Proteins Control Global Osmotic Stress Responses in Plants

Hyperosmotic stress caused by drought and salinity is a significant environmental threat that limits plant growth and agricultural productivity. Osmotic stress induces diverse responses in plants including Ca²⁺ signaling, accumulation of the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA), reprogramming of gene expression, and altering of growth. Despite intensive investigation, no global regulators of all of these responses have been identified. Here, we show that the Ca²⁺-responsive phospholipid-binding BONZAI (BON) proteins are critical for all of these osmotic stress responses. A Ca²⁺-imaging-based forward genetic screen identified a loss-of-function bon1 mutant with a reduced cytosolic Ca²⁺ signal in response to hyperosmotic stress. The loss-of-function mutants of the BON1 gene family, bon1bon2bon3, are impaired in the induction of gene expression and ABA accumulation in response to osmotic stress. In addition, the bon mutants are hypersensitive to osmotic stress in growth inhibition. BON genes have been shown to negatively regulate plant immune responses mediated by intracellular immune receptor NLR genes including SNC1. We found that the defects of the bon mutants in osmotic stress responses were suppressed by mutations in the NLR gene SNC1 or the immunity regulator PAD4. Our findings indicate that NLR signaling represses osmotic stress responses and that BON proteins suppress NLR signaling to enable global osmotic stress responses in plants.

The functional significance of redox-mediated intersubunit cross-linking in regulation of human type 2 ryanodine receptor

The type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) plays a key role in the cardiac intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) regulation. We have previously shown that oxidative stress activates RyR2 in rabbit cardiomyocytes by promoting the formation of disulfide bonds between neighboring RyR2 subunits. However, the functional significance of this redox modification for human RyR2 (hRyR2) remains largely unknown. Here, we studied the redox regulation of hRyR2 in HEK293 cells transiently expressing the ryr2 gene. Analysis of hRyR2 cross-linking and of the redox-GFP readout response to diamide oxidation revealed that hRyR2 cysteines involved in the intersubunit cross-linking are highly sensitive to oxidative stress. In parallel experiments, the effect of diamide on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ release was studied in cells co-transfected with hRyR2, ER Ca²⁺ pump (SERCA2a) and the ER-targeted Ca²⁺ sensor R-CEPIA1er. Expression of hRyR2 and SERCA2a produced “cardiac-like” Ca²⁺ waves due to spontaneous hRyR2 activation. Incubation with diamide caused a fast decline of the luminal ER Ca²⁺ (or ER Ca²⁺ load) followed by the cessation of Ca²⁺ waves. The maximal effect of diamide on ER Ca²⁺ load and Ca²⁺ waves positively correlates with the maximum level of hRyR2 cross-linking, indicating a functional significance of this redox modification. Furthermore, the level of hRyR2 cross-linking positively correlates with the degree of calmodulin (CaM) dissociation from the hRyR2 complex. In skeletal muscle RyR (RyR1), cysteine 3635 (C3635) is viewed as dominantly responsible for the redox regulation of the channel. Here, we showed that the corresponding cysteine 3602 (C3602) in hRyR2 does not participate in intersubunit cross-linking and plays a limited role in the hRyR2 regulation by CaM during oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggest that redox-mediated intersubunit cross-linking is an important regulator of hRyR2 function under pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress.

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Oxidative stress promotes cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) intersubunit crosslinking.

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Human RyR2 crosslinking promotes Ca leak and calmodulin dissociation.

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RyR2 C3602 is not involved in crosslinking, slightly affects calmodulin binding.

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RyR2 crosslinking is an important pathology related RyR2 regulator.

Expression of CaV3.1 T-type Calcium Channels in Acutely Isolated Adult Rat Odontoblasts

OBJECTIVE

Odontoblasts, which consist the outermost compartment of the dental pulp, are primarily engaged in dentin formation. Earlier evidence suggests that voltage-gated calcium channels, such as the high voltage-activated L-type calcium channels, serve as a calcium entry route to mediate dentin formation in odontoblasts. However, the involvement of other voltage-gated calcium channels in regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ remain unanswered.

DESIGN

The expression of voltage-gated calcium channel subtypes of the P/Q- (Ca_V2.1), N-(Ca_V2.2), R- (Ca_V2.3), and T- (Ca_V3.1-3.3) type were screened in adult rat odontoblasts by single cell RT-PCR. Among these candidates, immunopositivity against Ca_V3.1 was examined in the odontoblastic layer in teeth sections and dissociated odontoblasts. To confirm the functional expression of Ca_V3.1 in odontoblasts, intracellular Ca²⁺ increase in response to membrane depolarization was monitored with Fura-2-based ratiometric calcium imaging.

RESULTS

Among the candidate calcium channels, we found that mRNA for Ca_V3.1 is mainly detected in odontoblasts, with its expression being detected in the odontoblastic layer and dissociated odontoblasts. High extracellular K⁺-induced membrane depolarization was inhibited by pharmacological blockers for T-type calcium channels such as amiloride or ML218.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that among P/Q-, N-, R-, and T-type calcium channels, Ca_V3.1 is mainly expressed in odontoblasts to mediate intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling in response to membrane depolarization. These findings suggest that Ca_V3.1 may facilitate intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics especially in the range of subliminal depolarizations near resting membrane potentials where other high voltage-gated calcium channels such as the L-type are likely to be inactive.

In vivo characterization of functional states of cortical microglia during peripheral inflammation

Peripheral inflammation is known to trigger a mirror inflammatory response in the brain, involving brain's innate immune cells - microglia. However, the functional phenotypes, which these cells adopt in the course of peripheral inflammation, remain obscure. In vivo two-photon imaging of microglial Ca²⁺ signaling as well as process motility reveals two distinct functional states of cortical microglia during a lipopolysaccharide-induced peripheral inflammation: an early "sensor state" characterized by dramatically increased intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling but ramified morphology and a later "effector state" characterized by slow normalization of intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling but hypertrophic morphology, substantial IL-1β production in a subset of cells as well as increased velocity of directed process extension and loss of coordination between individual processes. Thus, lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial Ca²⁺ signaling might represent the central element connecting receptive and executive functions of microglia.

Dual phosphorylation of protein phosphatase PPM1H promotes dephosphorylation of Smad1 in cellulo

Protein phosphatase PPM1H is known to participate in various biological or pathophysiological mechanisms. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of its regulation. In this study, we investigated the protein kinases that directly phosphorylate PPM1H, identifying them as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI). In vitro and in silico analyses showed that the phosphorylation sites of PPM1H by PKA and CaMKI were Ser-123 and Ser-210, respectively. The phosphorylation state of PPM1H in cells exhibited the kinase activator- and inhibitor-dependent changes. In mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a cells, phosphorylation of Ser-210 was much higher in the phospho-mimetic mutant (S123D) than in the non-phosphorylatable mutant (S123A) when they were treated with ionomycin. This suggests that a hierarchical phosphorylation, with initial phosphorylation of Ser-123 promoting subsequent phosphorylation of Ser-210, occurs in these neuron-like cells. Moreover, in cell-based assay a PPM1H(S123A/S210A) double mutant barely dephosphorylated Smad1, a transcription factor known as an endogenous substrate of PPM1H. These results suggest that cAMP and Ca²⁺/calmodulin regulate dephosphorylation of Smad1 through the dual phosphorylation of PPM1H at Ser-123 and Ser-210.

Ca2+ signaling of human pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes as compared to adult mammalian cardiomyocytes

Human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been extensively used for in vitro modeling of human cardiovascular disease, drug screening and pharmacotherapy, but little rigorous studies have been reported on their biophysical or Ca²⁺ signaling properties. There is also considerable concern as to the level of their maturity and whether they can serve as reliable models for adult human cardiac myocytes. Ultrastructural difference such as lack of t-tubular network, their polygonal shapes, disorganized sarcomeric myofilament, and their rhythmic automaticity, among others, have been cited as evidence for immaturity of hiPSC-CMs. In this review, we will deal with Ca²⁺ signaling, its regulation, and its stage of maturity as compared to the mammalian adult cardiomyocytes. We shall summarize the data on functional aspects of Ca²⁺signaling and its parameters that include: L-type calcium channel (Cav1.2), I_Ca-induced Ca²⁺release, CICR, and its parameters, cardiac Na/Ca exchanger (NCX1), the ryanodine receptors (RyR2), sarco-reticular Ca²⁺pump, SERCA2a/PLB, and the contribution of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ to hiPSC-CMs excitation-contraction (EC)-coupling as compared with adult mammalian cardiomyocytes. The comparative studies suggest that qualitatively hiPSC-CMs have similar Ca²⁺signaling properties as those of adult cardiomyocytes, but quantitative differences do exist. This review, we hope, will allow the readers to judge for themselves to what extent Ca²⁺signaling of hiPSC-CMs represents the adult form of this signaling pathway, and whether these cells can be used as good models of human cardiomyocytes.

Calcium signaling mediated by aminergic GPCRs is impaired by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and its analog LY303511 in a PI3K-independent manner

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 (LY294) and its much less active analog LY303511 (LY303) constitute the paired probe that is commonly used to demonstrate the involvement of PI3K in intracellular signaling. We studied effects of LY294 and LY303 on Ca²⁺ signaling initiated by certain GPCR agonists in cells of several lines, including CHO cells expressing the recombinant serotonin receptor 5-HT2C and mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the human adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) and umbilical cord (UD-MSCs). The LY294/LY303 pair exerted apparently specific effects on responsiveness of AD-MSCs to ATP, suggesting the involvement of PI3K in ATP transduction. Surprisingly, LY303 inhibited Ca²⁺ transients elicited by histamine in the same cells, while LY294 was ineffective. This observation and other findings implicated a PI3K-unrelated mechanism in mediating effects of the LY compound on AD-MSC responsiveness to histamine. With LY303 in the bath, the dose dependence of histamine responses was shifted positively at the invariable number of responsive cells, as would be the case with a competitive antagonist of histamine receptors. Moreover, LY303 and LY294 inhibited Ca²⁺ transients elicited by acetylcholine and serotonin in UD-MSCs and CHO/5-HT2C cells, respectively. Our overall results argued for the possibility that LY294 and LY303 could directly affect activity of aminergic GPCRs. Thus, LY303511 and LY294002 should be used cautiously in studies of PI3K as a factor of GPCR signaling.

Polycystins as components of large multiprotein complexes of polycystin interactors

Naturally occurring mutations in two separate genes, PKD1 and PKD2, are responsible for the vast majority of all cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), one of the most common genetic diseases affecting 1 in 1000 Americans. The hallmark of ADPKD is the development of epithelial cysts in the kidney, liver, and pancreas. PKD1 encodes a large plasma membrane protein (PKD1, PC1, or Polycystin-1) with a long extracellular domain and has been speculated to function as an atypical G protein coupled receptor. PKD2 encodes an ion channel of the Transient Receptor Potential superfamily (TRPP2, PKD2, PC2, or Polycystin-2). Despite the identification of these genes more than 20 years ago, the molecular function of their encoded proteins and the mechanism(s) by which mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 cause ADPKD remain elusive. Genetic, biochemical, and functional evidence suggests they form a multiprotein complex present in multiple locations in the cell, including the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and the primary cilium. Over the years, numerous interacting proteins have been identified using directed and unbiased approaches, and shown to modulate function, cellular localization, and protein stability and turnover of Polycystins. Delineation of the molecular composition of the Polycystin complex can have a significant impact on understanding their cellular function in health and disease states and on the identification of more specific and effective therapeutic targets.

ORP4L Extracts and Presents PIP2 from Plasma Membrane for PLCβ3 Catalysis: Targeting It Eradicates Leukemia Stem Cells

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a rare subpopulation of abnormal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that propagates leukemia and are responsible for the high frequency of relapse in therapies. Detailed insights into LSCs' survival will facilitate the identification of targets for therapeutic approaches. Here, we develop an inhibitor, LYZ-81, which targets ORP4L with high affinity and specificity and selectively eradicates LCSs in vitro and in vivo. ORP4L is expressed in LSCs but not in normal HSCs and is essential for LSC bioenergetics and survival. It extracts PIP₂ from the plasma membrane and presents it to PLCβ3, enabling IP₃ generation and subsequent Ca²⁺-dependent bioenergetics. LYZ-81 binds ORP4L competitively with PIP₂ and blocks PIP₂ hydrolysis, resulting in defective Ca²⁺ signaling. The results provide evidence that LSCs can be eradicated through the inhibition of ORP4L by LYZ-81, which may serve as a starting point of drug development for the elimination of LSCs to eventually cure leukemia.

Heterosynaptic Plasticity Determines the Set Point for Cortical Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance

Excitation in neural circuits must be carefully controlled by inhibition to regulate information processing and network excitability. During development, cortical inhibitory and excitatory inputs are initially mismatched but become co-tuned or balanced with experience. However, little is known about how excitatory-inhibitory balance is defined at most synapses or about the mechanisms for establishing or maintaining this balance at specific set points. Here we show how coordinated long-term plasticity calibrates populations of excitatory-inhibitory inputs onto mouse auditory cortical pyramidal neurons. Pairing pre- and postsynaptic activity induced plasticity at paired inputs and different forms of heterosynaptic plasticity at the strongest unpaired synapses, which required minutes of activity and dendritic Ca²⁺ signaling to be computed. Theoretical analyses demonstrated how the relative rate of heterosynaptic plasticity could normalize and stabilize synaptic strengths to achieve any possible excitatory-inhibitory correlation. Thus, excitatory-inhibitory balance is dynamic and cell specific, determined by distinct plasticity rules across multiple excitatory and inhibitory synapses.

Orai calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) plays a role in endoplasmic reticulum stress in bovine mammary epithelial cells challenged with physiological levels of ketone bodies

The Orai calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) is a key component of the store-operated Ca²⁺ entry mechanism regulating cellular Ca²⁺ balance in nonruminants. Alterations in ORAI1 abundance have been associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and changes in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes, an important lipogenic organ in nonruminants. Objectives were to (1) determine abundance of ORAI1 and components of the ER stress response in mammary tissue of ketotic cows, and (2) the potential role of ORAI1 on mammary cell responses to high levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Healthy (n = 6, plasma BHB < 0.60 mmol/L) and clinically ketotic (n = 6, plasma BHB > 2.0 mmol/L) Holstein cows (days in milk = 10.13 ± 1.90) were used for mammary gland tissue and blood sample collection. Although milk production (22.5 ± 1.26, 33 ± 1.59, kg of milk/cow per day) and dry matter intake (19.5 ± 1.05, 21.9 ± 0.95, kg/d) were lower in ketotic cows, abundance of ORAI1 protein was greater and was associated with greater mRNA abundance of ER stress proteins (PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and GRP78) and lipogenic genes (FASN, SREBP1, and ACACA). Cellular mechanisms to establish links between BHB and mammary cell responses were evaluated using the immortalized cell line bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T). First, a dose response study was performed with 0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, or 4.8 mM BHB for 24 h. The mRNA abundance of FASN, SREBP1, and ACACA and lipid droplet formation peaked at 1.2 mM BHB. A subsequent study involved transfecting MAC-T with small interfering Orai 1 (siORAI1) or the ORAI1 inhibitor BTP₂ for 24 h followed by a challenge with 1.2 mM BHB for 24 h. Transcription and protein abundance of FASN, SREBP1, ACACA, and ER stress proteins returned to basal levels when ORAI1 was silenced or inhibited. Furthermore, the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin (raises the intracellular level of Ca²⁺) also increased abundance of ORAI1, FASN, SREBP1, ACACA, and ER stress proteins. Data suggest that the mammary gland experiences ER stress during ketosis, partly due to the greater supply of BHB originating from ketogenesis in the liver. Intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling and ORAI1 seem to mediate in part the BHB-induced ER stress in mammary cells.

TRPM7 activation potentiates SOCE in enamel cells but requires ORAI

Calcium (Ca²⁺) release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channels mediated by STIM1/2 and ORAI (ORAI1-3) proteins form the dominant store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) pathway in a wide variety of cells. Among these, the enamel-forming cells known as ameloblasts rely on CRAC channel function to enable Ca²⁺ influx, which is important for enamel mineralization. This key role of the CRAC channel is supported by human mutations and animal models lacking STIM1 and ORAI1, which results in enamel defects and hypomineralization. A number of recent reports have highlighted the role of the chanzyme TRPM7 (transient receptor potential melastanin 7), a transmembrane protein containing an ion channel permeable to divalent cations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺), as a modulator of SOCE. This raises the question as to whether TRPM7 should be considered an alternative route for Ca²⁺ influx, or if TRPM7 modifies CRAC channel activity in enamel cells. To address these questions, we monitored Ca²⁺ influx mediated by SOCE using the pharmacological TRPM7 activator naltriben and the inhibitor NS8593 in rat primary enamel cells and in the murine ameloblast cell line LS8 cells stimulated with thapsigargin. We also measured Ca²⁺ dynamics in ORAI1/2-deficient (shOrai1/2) LS8 cells and in cells with siRNA knock-down of Trpm7. We found that primary enamel cells stimulated with the TRPM7 activator potentiated Ca²⁺ influx via SOCE compared to control cells. However, blockade of TRPM7 with NS8593 did not decrease the SOCE peak. Furthermore, activation of TRPM7 in shOrai1/2 LS8 cells lacking SOCE failed to elicit Ca²⁺ influx, and Trpm7 knock-down had no effect on SOCE. Taken together, our data suggest that TRPM7 is a positive modulator of SOCE potentiating Ca²⁺ influx in enamel cells, but its function is fully dependent on the prior activation of the ORAI channels.

Dual real-time in vivo monitoring system of the brain-gut axis

The brain-gut axis which is an interaction between recognition and emotion and the gut sensory system for food and microbiota is important for health. However, there is no real-time monitoring system of the brain and the gut simultaneously so far. We attempted to establish a dual real-time monitoring system for the brain-gut axis by a combination of intravital Ca²⁺ imaging of the gut and electroencephalogram. Using a conditional Yellow Cameleon 3.60 expression mouse line, we performed intravital imaging of the gut, electrophysiological recordings of the vagus nerve, and electroencephalogram recordings of the various cortical regions simultaneously upon capsaicin stimuli as a positive control. Upon capsaicin administration into the small intestinal lumen, a simultaneous response of Ca²⁺ signal in the enteric nervous system and cortical local field potentials (LFPs) was successfully observed. Both of them responded immediately upon capsaicin stimuli. Capsaicin triggered a significant increase in the frequency of vagus nerve spikes and a significant decrease in the slow-wave power of cortical LFPs. Furthermore, capsaicin induced delayed and sustained Ca²⁺ signal in intestinal epithelial cells and then suppressed intestinal motility. The dual real-time monitoring system of the brain and the gut enables to dissect the interaction between the brain and the gut over time with precision.

S100 family proteins in inflammation and beyond

The S100 family proteins possess a variety of intracellular and extracellular functions. They interact with multiple receptors and signal transducers to regulate pathways that govern inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, energy metabolism, apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, cell cytoskeleton and microbial resistance. S100 proteins are also emerging as novel diagnostic markers for identifying and monitoring various diseases. Strategies aimed at targeting S100-mediated signaling pathways hold a great potential in developing novel therapeutics for multiple diseases. In this chapter, we aim to summarize the current knowledge about the role of S100 family proteins in health and disease with a major focus on their role in inflammatory conditions.

Sarcolipin Signaling Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Oxidative Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle

The major objective of this study was to understand the molecular basis of how sarcolipin uncoupling of SERCA regulates muscle oxidative metabolism. Using genetically engineered sarcolipin (SLN) mouse models and primary muscle cells, we demonstrate that SLN plays a crucial role in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in muscle. Loss of SLN severely compromised muscle oxidative capacity without affecting fiber-type composition. Mice overexpressing SLN in fast-twitch glycolytic muscle reprogrammed mitochondrial phenotype, increasing fat utilization and protecting against high-fat dietinduced lipotoxicity. We show that SLN affects cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients and activates the Ca²⁺/ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CamKII) and PGC1α axis to increase mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. These studies provide a fundamental framework for understanding the role of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-Ca²⁺ cycling as an important factor in mitochondrial health and muscle metabolism. We propose that SLN can be targeted to enhance energy expenditure in muscle and prevent metabolic disease.

Maurya et al. report that sarcolipin, a regulator of the SERCA pump, promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phenotype in muscle. Loss of SLN decreases fat oxidation, whereas overexpression of SLN in muscle provides resistance against diet-induced lipotoxicity. By increasing cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients, SLN activates the CamKII-PGC1α signaling pathway to promote mitochondrial biogenesis.

l-ornithine activates Ca2+ signaling to exert its protective function on human proximal tubular cells

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can be influenced by G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) signaling. ROS production are much higher in proximal tubular (PT) cells; in addition, the lack of antioxidants enhances the vulnerability to oxidative damage. Despite such predispositions, PT cells show resiliency, and therefore must possess some inherent mechanism to protect from oxidative damage. While the mechanism in unknown, we tested the effect of l-ornithine, since it is abundantly present in PT luminal fluid and can activate Ca²⁺-sensing receptor (CaSR), a GPCR, expressed in the PT luminal membrane. We used human kidney 2 (HK2) cells, a PT cell line, and performed Ca²⁺ imaging and electrophysiological experiments to show that l-ornithine has a concentration-dependent effect on CaSR activation. We further demonstrate that the operation of CaSR activated Ca²⁺ signaling in HK-2 cells mediated by the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) dependent receptor-operated Ca²⁺ entry (ROCE) using pharmacological and siRNA inhibitors. Since PT cells are vulnerable to ROS, we simulated such deleterious effects using genetically encoded peroxide-induced ROS production (HyperRed indicator) to show that the l-ornithine-induced ROCE mediated [Ca²⁺]_i signaling protects from ROS production. Furthermore, we performed cell viability, necrosis and apoptosis assays, and mitochondrial oxidative gene expression to establish that presence of l-ornithine rescued the ROS-induced damage in HK-2 cells. Moreover, l-ornithine-activation of CaSR can reverse ROS production and apoptosis via mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 activation. Such nephroprotective role of l-ornithine can be useful as the translational option for reversing kidney diseases involving PT cell damage due to oxidative stress or crystal nephropathies.

The CaV1.2 L-type calcium channel regulates bone homeostasis in the middle and inner ear

Bone remodeling of the auditory ossicles and the otic capsule is highly restricted and tightly controlled by the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (RANK) system. In these bony structures, a pathological decrease in OPG expression stimulates osteoclast differentiation and excessive resorption followed by accrual of sclerotic bone, ultimately resulting in the development of otosclerosis, a leading cause of deafness in adults. Understanding the signaling pathways involved in maintaining OPG expression in the ear would shed light on the pathophysiology of otosclerosis and other ear bone-related diseases. We and others previously demonstrated that Ca2+ signaling through the L-type CaV1.2 Ca2+ channel positively regulates OPG expression and secretion in long bone osteoblasts and their precursor cells in vitro and in vivo. Whether CaV1.2 regulates OPG expression in ear bones has not been investigated. We drove expression of a gain-of-function CaV1.2 mutant channel (CaV1.2TS) using Col2a1-Cre, which we found to target osteochondral/osteoblast progenitors in the auditory ossicles and the otic capsule. Col2a1-Cre;CaV1.2TS mice displayed osteopetrosis of these bones shown by μCT 3D reconstruction, histological analysis, and lack of bone sculpting, findings similar to phenotypes seen in mice with an osteoclast defect. Consistent with those observations, we found that Col2a1-Cre;CaV1.2TS mutant mice showed reduced osteoclasts in the otic capsule, upregulated mRNA expression of Opg and Opg/Rankl ratio, and increased mRNA expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes in the otic capsule, suggesting both an anti-catabolic and anabolic effect of CaV1.2TS mutant channel contributed to the observed morphological changes of the ear bones. Further, we found that Col2a1-Cre;CaV1.2TS mice experienced hearing loss and displayed defects of body balance in behavior tests, confirming that the CaV1.2-dependent Ca2+ influx affects bone structure in the ear and consequent hearing and vestibular functions. Together, these data support our hypothesis that Ca2+ influx through CaV1.2TS promotes OPG expression from osteoblasts, thereby affecting bone modeling/remodeling in the auditory ossicles and the otic capsule. These data provide insight into potential pathological mechanisms underlying perturbed OPG expression and otosclerosis.

Differential enhancement of ERK, PKA and Ca2+ signaling in direct and indirect striatal neurons of Parkinsonian mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by severe locomotor deficits due to the disappearance of dopamine (DA) from the dorsal striatum. The development of PD symptoms and treatment-related complications such as dyskinesia have been proposed to result from complex alterations in intracellular signaling in both direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs, respectively) following loss of DA afferents. To identify cell-specific and dynamical modifications of signaling pathways associated with PD, we used a hemiparkinsonian mouse model with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion combined with two-photon fluorescence biosensors imaging in adult corticostriatal slices. After DA lesion, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was increased in response to DA D1 receptor (D1R) or α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) stimulation. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathway contributing to ERK activation displayed supersensitive responses to D1R stimulation after 6-OHDA lesion. This cAMP/PKA supersensitivity was specific of D1R-responding SPNs and resulted from Gα_olf upregulation and deficient phosphodiesterase activity. In lesioned striatum, the number of D1R-SPNs with spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients augmented while Ca²⁺ response to AMPA receptor stimulation specifically increased in iSPNs. Our work reveals distinct cell type-specific signaling alterations in the striatum after DA denervation. It suggests that over-activation of ERK pathway, observed in PD striatum, known to contribute to dyskinesia, may be linked to the combined dysregulation of DA and glutamate signaling pathways in the two populations of SPNs. These findings bring new insights into the implication of these respective neuronal populations in PD motor symptoms and the occurrence of PD treatment complications.

Uncovering malathion (an organophosphate insecticide) action on Ca2+ signal transduction and investigating the effects of BAPTA-AM (a cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator) on protective responses in glial cells

Malathion, one of commonly used organophosphate insecticides, has a wide range of toxic actions in different models. However, the effect of this compound on Ca²⁺ homeostasis and its related cytotoxicity in glial cells is elusive. This study examined whether malathion evoked intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) rises and established the relationship between Ca²⁺ signaling and cytotoxicity in normal human astrocytes, rat astrocytes and human glioblastoma cells. The data show that malathion induced concentration-dependent [Ca²⁺]_i rises in Gibco^® Human Astrocytes (GHA cells), but not in DI TNC1 normal rat astrocytes and DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells. In GHA cells, this Ca²⁺ signal response was reduced by removing extracellular Ca²⁺. In Ca²⁺-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished malathion-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Conversely, incubation with malathion abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 also blocked malathion-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. In Ca²⁺-containing medium, malathion-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises was inhibited by store-operated Ca²⁺ channel blockers (2-APB, econazole or SKF96365) and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X. Malathion (5-25 μM) concentration-dependently caused cytotoxicity in GHA, DI TNC1 and DBTRG-05MG cells. This cytotoxic effect was partially prevented by prechelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ with BAPTA-AM (a selective Ca²⁺ chelator) only in GHA cells. Together, in GHA but not in DI TNC1 and DBTRG-05MG cells, malathion induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises by inducing PLC-dependent Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca²⁺ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. Furthermore, malathion induced Ca²⁺-associated cytotoxicity, suggesting that Ca²⁺ chelating may have a protective effect on malathion-induced cytotoxicity in normal human astrocytes.

Interrupting Toxoplasma's Regularly Scheduled Program of Egress

Although many cellular components of the Ca²⁺ signaling pathway dictating Toxoplasma gondii egress have been identified, whether the parasite secretes protein activators of this pathway remained unknown. Bisio et al. (Nat. Microbiol. 2019;4:420-428) identify a parasite-secreted diacylglycerol kinase as a key upstream activator of signaling for 'programmed' egress from host cells.

Spatial-temporal patterning of Ca2+ signals by the subcellular distribution of IP3 and IP3 receptors

The patterning of cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals in space and time underlies their ubiquitous ability to specifically regulate numerous cellular processes. Signals mediated by liberation of Ca²⁺ sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R) channels constitute a hierarchy of events; ranging from openings of individual IP₃ channels, through the concerted openings of several clustered IP₃Rs to generate local Ca²⁺ puffs, to global Ca²⁺ waves and oscillations that engulf the entire cell. Here, we review recent progress in elucidating how this hierarchy is shaped by an interplay between the functional gating properties of IP₃Rs and their spatial distribution within the cell. We focus in particular on the subset of IP₃Rs that are organized in stationary clusters and are endowed with the ability to preferentially liberate Ca²⁺.

STIM1 activation of Orai1

A primary calcium (Ca2+) entry pathway into non-excitable cells is through the store-operated Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Ca2+ entry into cells is responsible for the initiation of diverse signalling cascades that affect essential cellular processes like gene regulation, cell growth and death, secretion and gene transcription. Upon depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the CRAC channel opens to refill depleted stores. The two key limiting molecular players of the CRAC channel are the stromal interaction molecule (STIM1) embedded in the ER-membrane and Orai1, residing in the plasma membrane (PM), respectively. Together, they form a highly Ca2+ selective ion channel complex. STIM1 senses the Ca2+ content of the ER and confers Ca2+ store-depletion into the opening of Orai1 channels in the PM for triggering Ca2+-dependent gene transcription, T-cell activation or mast cell degranulation. The interplay of Orai and STIM proteins in the CRAC channel signalling cascade has been the main focus of research for more than twelve years. This chapter focuses on current knowledge and main experimental advances in the understanding of Orai1 activation by STIM1, thereby portraying key mechanistic steps in the CRAC channel signalling cascade.

Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum by AMP-activated kinase modulators

The 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a nutrient-sensitive kinase that plays a key role in the control of cellular energy metabolism. We have explored here the relationship between AMPK and Ca²⁺ signaling by looking at the effect of an AMPK activator (A769662) and an AMPK inhibitor (dorsomorphin) on histamine-induced Ca²⁺-release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in HeLa cells. Our data show that incubation with A769662 (EC₅₀ = 29 μM) inhibited histamine-induced Ca²⁺-release from the ER in intact cells, as well as inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)-induced Ca²⁺ release in permeabilized cells. On the contrary, dorsomorphin (EC₅₀ = 0.4 μM) activated both histamine and IP₃-induced Ca²⁺-release and reversed the effect of A769662. These results suggest a direct effect of AMPK regulation on IP₃ receptor (IP₃R) function. A phosphoproteomic study did not reveal changes in IP₃R phosphorylation, but showed significant changes in phosphorylation of proteins placed upstream in the IP₃R interactome and in several proteins related with Ca²⁺ metabolism, which could be candidates to mediate the effects observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that AMPK negatively regulates IP₃R. This effect constitutes a novel and very important link between Ca²⁺ signaling and the AMPK pathway.

Applications of FLIKA, a Python-based image processing and analysis platform, for studying local events of cellular calcium signaling

The patterning of cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals underlies their ubiquitous ability to specifically regulate numerous cellular processes. Advances in fluorescence microscopy have made it possible to image these signals with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. However, this is a double-edged sword, as the resulting enormous data sets necessitate development of software to automate image processing and analysis. Here, we describe Flika, an open source, graphical user interface program written in the Python environment that contains a suite of built-in image processing tools to enable intuitive visualization of image data and analysis. We illustrate the utility and power of Flika by three applications for studying cellular Ca²⁺ signaling: a script for measuring single-cell global Ca²⁺ signals; a plugin for the detection, localization and analysis of subcellular Ca²⁺ puffs; and a script that implements a novel approach for fluctuation analysis of transient, local Ca²⁺ fluorescence signals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

Characterization of ADP-ribosyl cyclase 1-like (ARC1-like) activity and NAADP signaling during slow muscle cell development in zebrafish embryos

We recently demonstrated the requirement of two-pore channel type 2 (TPC2)-mediated Ca²⁺ release during slow muscle cell differentiation and motor circuit maturation in intact zebrafish embryos. However, the upstream trigger(s) of TPC2/Ca²⁺ signaling during these developmental processes remains unclear. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a potent Ca²⁺ mobilizing messenger, which is suggested to target TPC2 in mediating the release of Ca²⁺ from acidic vesicles. Here, we report the molecular cloning of the zebrafish ADP ribosyl cyclase (ARC) homolog (i.e., ARC1-like), which is a putative enzyme for generating NAADP. We characterized the expression of the arc1-like transcript and the NAADP levels between ~ 16 h post-fertilization (hpf) and ~ 48 hpf in whole zebrafish embryos. We showed that if ARC1-like (when fused with either EGFP or tdTomato) was overexpressed it localized in the plasma membrane, and associated with intracellular organelles, such as the acidic vesicles, Golgi complex and sarcoplasmic reticulum, in primary muscle cell cultures. Morpholino (MO)-mediated knockdown of arc1-like or pharmacological inhibition of ARC1-like (via treatment with nicotinamide), led to an attenuation of Ca²⁺ signaling and disruption of slow muscle cell development. In addition, the injection of arc1-like mRNA into ARC1-like morphants partially rescued the Ca²⁺ signals and slow muscle cell development. Together, our data might suggest a link between ARC1-like, NAADP, TPC2 and Ca²⁺ signaling during zebrafish myogenesis.

Bi-allelic CCDC47 Variants Cause a Disorder Characterized by Woolly Hair, Liver Dysfunction, Dysmorphic Features, and Global Developmental Delay

Ca2+ signaling is vital for various cellular processes including synaptic vesicle exocytosis, muscle contraction, regulation of secretion, gene transcription, and cellular proliferation. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest intracellular Ca2+ store, and dysregulation of ER Ca2+ signaling and homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of various complex disorders and Mendelian disease traits. We describe four unrelated individuals with a complex multisystem disorder characterized by woolly hair, liver dysfunction, pruritus, dysmorphic features, hypotonia, and global developmental delay. Through whole-exome sequencing and family-based genomics, we identified bi-allelic variants in CCDC47 that encodes the Ca2+-binding ER transmembrane protein CCDC47. CCDC47, also known as calumin, has been shown to bind Ca2+ with low affinity and high capacity. In mice, loss of Ccdc47 leads to embryonic lethality, suggesting that Ccdc47 is essential for early development. Characterization of cells from individuals with predicted likely damaging alleles showed decreased CCDC47 mRNA expression and protein levels. In vitro cellular experiments showed decreased total ER Ca2+ storage, impaired Ca2+ signaling mediated by the IP3R Ca2+ release channel, and reduced ER Ca2+ refilling via store-operated Ca2+ entry. These results, together with the previously described role of CCDC47 in Ca2+ signaling and development, suggest that bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in CCDC47 underlie the pathogenesis of this multisystem disorder.

Synaptotagmin-1 overexpression under inflammatory conditions affects secretion in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome patients

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy associated with severe secretory alterations by disruption of the glandular architecture integrity, which is fundamental for a correct function and localization of the secretory machinery. Syt-1, PI(4,5)P₂ and Ca²⁺ are significant factors controlling exocytosis in different secretory cells, the Ca²⁺ role being the most studied. Salivary acinar cells from SS-patients show a defective agonist-regulated intracellular Ca²⁺ release together with a decreased IP3R expression level, and this condition may explain a reduced water release. However, there are not reports where Syt-1, PI(4,5)P₂ and Ca²⁺ in acinar cells of SS patients had been studied. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and/or localization of Syt-1 and PI(4,5)P₂ in acinar cells of labial salivary gland biopsies from SS-patients and control individuals. Also, we evaluated whether the overexpression of Syt-1 and the loss of cell polarity induced by TNF-α or loss of interaction between acinar cell and basal lamina, alters directionality of the exocytosis process, Ca²⁺ signaling and α-amylase secretion in a 3D-acini model stimulated with cholinergic or β-adrenergic agonists. In addition, the correlation between Syt-1 protein levels and clinical parameters was evaluated. The results showed an increase of Syt-1 mRNA and protein levels, and a high number of co-localization points of Syt-1/STX4 and PI(4,5)P₂/Ezrin in the acinar basolateral region of LSG from SS-patients. With regard to 3D-acini, Syt-1 overexpression increased exocytosis in the apical pole compared to control acini. TNF-α stimulation increased exocytic events in the basal pole, which was further enhanced by Syt-1 overexpression. Additionally, altered acinar cell polarity affected Ca²⁺ signaling and amylase secretion. Overexpression of Syt-1 was associated with salivary gland alterations revealing that the secretory dysfunction in SS-patients is linked to altered expression and/or localization of secretory machinery components together with impaired epithelial cell polarity. These findings provide a novel insight on the pathological mechanism implicated in ectopic secretory products to the extracellular matrix of LSG from SS-patients, which might initiate inflammation.

Role of STIM1/ORAI1-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry in skeletal muscle physiology and disease

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is a Ca²⁺ entry mechanism activated by depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. In skeletal muscle, SOCE is mediated by an interaction between stromal-interacting molecule-1 (STIM1), the Ca²⁺ sensor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and ORAI1, the Ca²⁺-release-activated-Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channel located in the transverse tubule membrane. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms and physiological role of SOCE in skeletal muscle, as well as how alterations in STIM1/ORAI1-mediated SOCE contribute to muscle disease. Recent evidence indicates that SOCE plays an important role in both muscle development/growth and fatigue. The importance of SOCE in muscle is further underscored by the discovery that loss- and gain-of-function mutations in STIM1 and ORAI1 result in an eclectic array of disorders with clinical myopathy as central defining component. Despite differences in clinical phenotype, all STIM1/ORAI1 gain-of-function mutations-linked myopathies are characterized by the abnormal accumulation of intracellular membranes, known as tubular aggregates. Finally, dysfunctional STIM1/ORAI1-mediated SOCE also contributes to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy, malignant hyperthermia, and sarcopenia. The picture to emerge is that tight regulation of STIM1/ORAI1-dependent Ca²⁺ signaling is critical for optimal skeletal muscle development/function such that either aberrant increases or decreases in SOCE activity result in muscle dysfunction.

Non-centrosomal microtubule structures regulated by egg activation signaling contribute to cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization in the ascidian egg

In the first ascidian cell cycle, cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization is required for distributing maternal factors to their appropriate positions, resulting in the formation of the embryonic axis. This cytoplasmic reorganization is considered to depend on the cortical microfilament network in the first phase and on the sperm astral microtubule (MT) in the second phase. Recently, we described three novel MT structures: a deeply extended MT meshwork (DEM) in the entire subcortical region of the unfertilized egg, transiently accumulated MT fragments (TAF) in the vegetal pole, and a cortical MT array in the posterior vegetal cortex (CAMP). Particularly, our previous study showed CAMP to contribute to the movement of myoplasm. In addition, it is very similar to the parallel MT array, which appears during cortical rotation in Xenopus eggs. However, how these MT structures are organized is still unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between the egg activation pathway and MT structures during the first ascidian cell cycle. First, we carefully analyzed cell cycle progression through meiosis I and II and the first mitosis, and successfully established a standard time table of cell cycle events. Using this time table as a reference, we precisely described the behavior of novel MT structures and revealed that it was closely correlated with cell cycle events. Moreover, pharmacological experiments supported the relationship between these MT structures and the signal transduction mechanisms that begin after fertilization, including Ca²⁺ signaling, MPF signaling, and MEK/MAPK signaling. Especially, CAMP formation was directed by activities of cyclin-dependent kinases. As these MT structures are conserved, at least, within chordate group, we emphasize the importance of understanding the controlling mechanisms of MT dynamics, which is important for embryonic axis determination in the ascidian egg.

Effective Glucose Uptake by Human Astrocytes Requires Its Sequestration in the Endoplasmic Reticulum by Glucose-6-Phosphatase-β

After its uptake into the cytosol, intracellular glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), trapping it within the cell and preparing it for metabolism. In glucose-exporting tissues, like liver, G6P is transported into the ER, where it is dephosphorylated by G6Pase-α. The glucose is then returned to the cytosol for export [1, 2]. Defects in these pathways cause glycogen storage diseases [1]. G6Pase-β, an isozyme of G6Pase-α, is widely expressed [3, 4]. Its role in cells that do not export glucose is unclear, although mutations in G6Pase-β cause severe and widespread abnormalities [5, 6, 7]. Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, provide metabolic support to neurons, facilitated by astrocytic endfeet that contact blood capillaries or neurons [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]. Perivascular endfeet are the main site of glucose uptake by astrocytes [13], but in human brain they may be several millimeters away from the perineuronal processes [14]. We show that cultured human fetal astrocytes express G6Pase-β, but not G6Pase-α. ER-targeted glucose sensors [15, 16] reveal that G6Pase-β allows the ER of human astrocytes to accumulate glucose by importing G6P from the cytosol. Glucose uptake by astrocytes, ATP production, and Ca²⁺ accumulation by the ER are attenuated after knockdown of G6Pase-β using lentivirus-delivered shRNA and substantially rescued by expression of G6Pase-α. We suggest that G6Pase-β activity allows effective uptake of glucose by astrocytes, and we speculate that it allows the ER to function as an intracellular “highway” delivering glucose from perivascular endfeet to the perisynaptic processes.

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Glucose-6-phosphatase-β (G6Pase-β) is expressed in human astrocytes

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G6P is sequestered by ER and dephosphorylated to glucose in the lumen by G6Pase-β

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Loss of G6Pase-β reduces glucose uptake, intracellular ATP, and ER Ca²⁺ content

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ER may provide a protected highway for long-range glucose transport in astrocytes

Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine TRPC6 antagonists for the treatment of gastric cancer

Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) proteins form receptor-operated Ca2+-permeable channels, which have been thought to bring benefit to the treatment of diseases, including cancer. However, selective antagonists for TRPC channels are rare and none of them has been tested against gastric cancer. Compound 14a and analogs were synthesized by chemical elaboration of previously reported TRPC3/6/7 agonist 4o. 14a had very weak agonist activity at TRPC6 expressed in HEK293 cells but exhibited strong inhibition on both 4o-mediated and receptor-operated activation of TRPC6 with an IC50 of about 1 μM. When applied to the culture media, 14a suppressed proliferation of AGS and MKN45 cells with IC50 values of 17.1 ± 0.3 and 18.5 ± 1.0 μM, respectively, and inhibited tube formation and migration of cultured human endothelial cells. This anti-tumor effect on gastric cancer was further verified in xenograft models using nude mice. This study has found a new tool compound which shows excellent therapeutic potential against human gastric cancer most likely through targeting TRPC6 channels.

NAADP-dependent Ca2+ signaling regulates Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus pseudovirus translocation through the endolysosomal system

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Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) releases Ca²⁺ from acidic organelles.

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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) traffics through host-cell acidic organelles.

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Blockers of NAADP action inhibited pseudotyped MERS-CoV infectivity.

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Knockdown of two-pore channels (TPCs), a target of NAADP, also blocked MERS-CoV infectivity.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections are associated with a significant mortality rate, and existing drugs show poor efficacy. Identifying novel targets/pathways required for MERS infectivity is therefore important for developing novel therapeutics. As an enveloped virus, translocation through the endolysosomal system provides one pathway for cellular entry of MERS-CoV. In this context, Ca²⁺-permeable channels within the endolysosomal system regulate both the luminal environment and trafficking events, meriting investigation of their role in regulating processing and trafficking of MERS-CoV. Knockdown of endogenous two-pore channels (TPCs), targets for the Ca²⁺ mobilizing second messenger NAADP, impaired infectivity in a MERS-CoV spike pseudovirus particle translocation assay. This effect was selective as knockdown of the lysosomal cation channel mucolipin-1 (TRPML1) was without effect. Pharmacological inhibition of NAADP-evoked Ca²⁺ release using several bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids also blocked MERS pseudovirus translocation. Knockdown of TPC1 (biased endosomally) or TPC2 (biased lysosomally) decreased the activity of furin, a protease which facilitates MERS fusion with cellular membranes. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of TPC1 activity also inhibited endosomal motility impairing pseudovirus progression through the endolysosomal system. Overall, these data support a selective, spatially autonomous role for TPCs within acidic organelles to support MERS-CoV translocation.

CeO2 nanoparticles attenuate airway mucus secretion induced by TiO2 nanoparticles

Nanotoxicity studies associated with various nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted intense research interest due to the broader applications of nanoparticles in our daily lives. The exposure of nanoparticles can lead to hypersecretion and accumulation of airway mucus which are closely associated with many respiratory diseases. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), one of the PM10 components, is a major NP that is widely utilized in many commercial products. Our previous study established the connection between induced airway mucus secretion and TiO2 NPs. However, the countermeasure to reduce the harmful effects of TiO2 NPs, especially airway mucus secretion, remains unexplored. One of the potential candidates to reduce airway mucus secretion is cerium oxide (CeO2) NPs. It has been reported that CeO2 NPs can protect cells by diminishing ROS and inflammatory responses. Herein, our study shows that CeO2 NPs are able to reduce cytosolic Ca2+ changes and mitochondrial damage caused by TiO2 NPs. Our results provide the evidence that hypersecretion of mucus and apoptosis progression induced by TiO2 NPs can be attenuated by CeO2 NPs. This study highlights the potential capacity of CeO2 NPs as a supplementary material for TiO2 NPs applications in the future.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling

Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulation is crucial for bioenergetics and cellular signaling. The mechanisms controlling mitochondrial calcium homeostasis have been recently unraveled with the discovery of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that regulate mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and extrusion. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake depends on a large complex of proteins centered around the Ca²⁺ channel protein, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) in close interactions with several regulatory subunits (MCUb, EMRE, MICU1, MICU2). Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ extrusion is mainly mediated by the mitochondrial Na⁺/Ca²⁺/Li⁺ exchanger (NCLX). Here, we review the major players of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis and their physiological functions.

Silver nanoparticles impair zebrafish skeletal and cardiac myofibrillogenesis and sarcomere formation

Metal nanoparticles from industries contaminate the environment and affect the normal development of fish even human health. However, little is known about their biological effects on fish embryogenesis and the potential mechanisms. In this study, zebrafish embryos exposed to/injected with silver nanopaticles (AgNPs) exhibited shorter body, reduced heartbeats, and dysfunctional movements. Less, loose, and unassembled myofibrils were observed in AgNPs-treated embryos, and genes in myofibrillogenesis and sarcomere formation were found to be down-regulated in treated embryos. Down-regulated calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling and loci-specific DNA methylation in specific muscle genes, such as bves, shroom1, and arpc1a, occurred in AgNPs-treated embryos, which might result in the down-regulated expression of myofibrillogenesis genes and muscle dysfunctions in the treated embryos. Our results for the first time reveal that through down-regulating Ca²⁺ signaling and myogenic loci-specific DNA methylation in zebrafish embryos, AgNPs might induce defects of myofibril assembly and sarcomere formation via their particles mostly, which may subsequently cause heartbeat reduction and behavior dysfunctions.

Pathophysiological consequences of isoform-specific IP3 receptor mutations

Ca²⁺ signaling governs a diverse range of cellular processes and, as such, is subject to tight regulation. A main component of the complex intracellular Ca²⁺-signaling network is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor (IP₃R), a tetrameric channel that mediates Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in response to IP₃. IP₃R function is controlled by a myriad of factors, such as Ca²⁺, ATP, kinases and phosphatases and a plethora of accessory and regulatory proteins. Further complexity in IP₃R-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling is the result of the existence of three main isoforms (IP₃R1, IP₃R2 and IP₃R3) that display distinct functional characteristics and properties. Despite their abundant and overlapping expression profiles, IP₃R1 is highly expressed in neurons, IP₃R2 in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes and IP₃R3 in rapidly proliferating cells as e.g. epithelial cells. As a consequence, dysfunction and/or dysregulation of IP₃R isoforms will have distinct pathophysiological outcomes, ranging from neurological disorders for IP₃R1 to dysfunctional exocrine tissues and autoimmune diseases for IP₃R2 and -3. Over the past years, several IP₃R mutations have surfaced in the sequence analysis of patient-derived samples. Here, we aimed to provide an integrative overview of the clinically most relevant mutations for each IP₃R isoform and the subsequent molecular mechanisms underlying the etiology of the disease.

Cancer Cells Co-opt the Neuronal Redox-Sensing Channel TRPA1 to Promote Oxidative-Stress Tolerance

Cancer cell survival is dependent on oxidative-stress defenses against reactive oxygen species (ROS) that accumulate during tumorigenesis. Here, we show a non-canonical oxidative-stress defense mechanism through TRPA1, a neuronal redox-sensing Ca²⁺-influx channel. In TRPA1-enriched breast and lung cancer spheroids, TRPA1 is critical for survival of inner cells that exhibit ROS accumulation. Moreover, TRPA1 promotes resistance to ROS-producing chemotherapies, and TRPA1 inhibition suppresses xenograft tumor growth and enhances chemosensitivity. TRPA1 does not affect redox status but upregulates Ca²⁺-dependent anti-apoptotic pathways. NRF2, an oxidant-defense transcription factor, directly controls TRPA1 expression, thus providing an orthogonal mechanism for protection against oxidative stress together with canonical ROS-neutralizing mechanisms. These findings reveal an oxidative-stress defense program involving TRPA1 that could be exploited for targeted cancer therapies.

Secretagogin protects Pdx1 from proteasomal degradation to control a transcriptional program required for β cell specification

OBJECTIVE

Specification of endocrine cell lineages in the developing pancreas relies on extrinsic signals from non-pancreatic tissues, which initiate a cell-autonomous sequence of transcription factor activation and repression switches. The steps in this pathway share reliance on activity-dependent Ca²⁺ signals. However, the mechanisms by which phasic Ca²⁺ surges become converted into a dynamic, cell-state-specific and physiologically meaningful code made up by transcription factors constellations remain essentially unknown.

METHODS

We used high-resolution histochemistry to explore the coincident expression of secretagogin and transcription factors driving β cell differentiation. Secretagogin promoter activity was tested in response to genetically manipulating Pax6 and Pax4 expression. Secretagogin null mice were produced with their pancreatic islets morphologically and functionally characterized during fetal development. A proteomic approach was utilized to identify the Ca²⁺-dependent interaction of secretagogin with subunits of the 26S proteasome and verified in vitro by focusing on Pdx1 retention.

RESULTS

Here, we show that secretagogin, a Ca²⁺ sensor protein that controls α and β cell turnover in adult, is in fact expressed in endocrine pancreas from the inception of lineage segregation in a Pax4-and Pax6-dependent fashion. By genetically and pharmacologically manipulating secretagogin expression and interactome engagement in vitro, we find secretagogin to gate excitation-driven Ca²⁺ signals for β cell differentiation and insulin production. Accordingly, secretagogin^-/- fetuses retain a non-committed pool of endocrine progenitors that co-express both insulin and glucagon. We identify the Ca²⁺-dependent interaction of secretagogin with subunits of the 26S proteasome complex to prevent Pdx1 degradation through proteasome inactivation. This coincides with retained Nkx6.1, Pax4 and insulin transcription in prospective β cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In sum, secretagogin scales the temporal availability of a Ca²⁺-dependent transcription factor network to define β cell identity.