Novel functional interaction between the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump 4b and the proapoptotic tumor suppressor Ras-associated factor 1 (RASSF1)

Calcium Pumps in Health and Disease

Ca2+-ATPases (pumps) are key actors in the regulation of Ca2+ in eukaryotic cells and are thus essential to the correct functioning of the cell machinery. They have high affinity for Ca2+ and can efficiently regulate it down to very low concentration levels. Two of the pumps have been known for decades (the SERCA and PMCA pumps); one (the SPCA pump) has only become known recently. Each pump is the product of a multigene family, the number of isoforms being further increased by alternative splicing of the primary transcripts. The three pumps share the basic features of the catalytic mechanism but differ in a number of properties related to tissue distribution, regulation, and role in the cellular homeostasis of Ca2+. The molecular understanding of the function of the pumps has received great impetus from the solution of the three-dimensional structure of one of them, the SERCA pump. These spectacular advances in the structure and molecular mechanism of the pumps have been accompanied by the emergence and rapid expansion of the topic of pump malfunction, which has paralleled the rapid expansion of knowledge in the topic of Ca2+-signaling dysfunction. Most of the pump defects described so far are genetic: when they are very severe, they produce gross and global disturbances of Ca2+ homeostasis that are incompatible with cell life. However, pump defects may also be of a type that produce subtler, often tissue-specific disturbances that affect individual components of the Ca2+-controlling and/or processing machinery. They do not bring cells to immediate death but seriously compromise their normal functioning.

Tumor Suppressor Ras-Association Domain Family 1 Isoform A Is a Novel Regulator of Cardiac Hypertrophy

Background— Ras signaling regulates a number of important processes in the heart, including cell growth and hypertrophy. Although it is known that defective Ras signaling is associated with Noonan, Costello, and other syndromes that are characterized by tumor formation and cardiac hypertrophy, little is known about factors that may control it. Here we investigate the role of Ras effector Ras-association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in regulating myocardial hypertrophy.

Methods and Results— A significant downregulation of RASSF1A expression was observed in hypertrophic mouse hearts, as well as in failing human hearts. To further investigate the role of RASSF1A in cardiac (patho)physiology, we used RASSF1A knock-out (RASSF1A − / − ) mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with adenoviral overexpression of RASSF1A. Ablation of RASSF1A in mice significantly enhanced the hypertrophic response to transverse aortic constriction (64.2% increase in heart weight/body weight ratio in RASSF1A − / − mice compared with 32.4% in wild type). Consistent with the in vivo data, overexpression of RASSF1A in cardiomyocytes markedly reduced the cellular hypertrophic response to phenylephrine stimulation. Analysis of molecular signaling events in isolated cardiomyocytes indicated that RASSF1A inhibited extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 activation, likely by blocking the binding of Raf1 to active Ras.

Conclusions— Our data establish RASSF1A as a novel inhibitor of cardiac hypertrophy by modulating the extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 pathway.

How many Ca2+ATPase isoforms are expressed in a cell type? A growing family of membrane proteins illustrated by studies in platelets

Ca(2+) signaling plays a key role in normal and abnormal platelet functions. Understanding platelet Ca(2+) signaling requires the knowledge of proteins involved in this process. Among these proteins are Ca(2+)ATPases or Ca(2+) pumps that deplete the cytosol of Ca(2+) ions. Here, we will particularly focus on two Ca(2+) pump families: the plasma membrane Ca(2+)ATPases (PMCAs) that extrude cytosolic Ca(2+) towards the extracellular medium and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPases (SERCAs) that pump Ca(2+) into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the present review, we will summarize data on platelet Ca(2+)ATPases including their identification and biogenesis. First of all, we will present the Ca(2+)ATPase genes and their isoforms expressed in platelets. We will especially focus on a member of the SERCA family, SERCA3, recently found to give rise to a number of species-specific isoforms. Next, we will describe the differences in Ca(2+)ATPase patterns observed in human and rat platelets. Last, we will analyze how the expression of Ca(2+)ATPase isoforms changes during megakaryocytic maturation and show that megakaryocytopoiesis is associated with a profound reorganization of the expression and/or activity of Ca(2+)ATPases. Taken together, these data provide new aspects of investigations to better understand normal and abnormal platelet Ca(2+) signaling.

Specific role of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase when tethered to the plasma membrane calcium pump in regulating the beta-adrenergic signal in the myocardium

The cardiac neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) has been described as a modulator of cardiac contractility. We have demonstrated previously that isoform 4b of the sarcolemmal calcium pump (PMCA4b) binds to nNOS in the heart and that this complex regulates beta-adrenergic signal transmission in vivo. Here, we investigated whether the nNOS-PMCA4b complex serves as a specific signaling modulator in the heart. PMCA4b transgenic mice (PMCA4b-TG) showed a significant reduction in nNOS and total NOS activities as well as in cGMP levels in the heart compared with their wild type (WT) littermates. In contrast, PMCA4b-TG hearts showed an elevation in cAMP levels compared with the WT. Adult cardiomyocytes isolated from PMCA4b-TG mice demonstrated a 3-fold increase in Ser(16) phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation as well as Ser(22) and Ser(23) cardiac troponin I (cTnI) phosphorylation at base line compared with the WT. In addition, the relative induction of PLB phosphorylation and cTnI phosphorylation following isoproterenol treatment was severely reduced in PMCA4b-TG myocytes, explaining the blunted physiological response to the beta-adrenergic stimulation. In keeping with the data from the transgenic animals, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes overexpressing PMCA4b showed a significant reduction in nitric oxide and cGMP levels. This was accompanied by an increase in cAMP levels, which led to an increase in both PLB and cTnI phosphorylation at base line. Elevated cAMP levels were likely due to the modulation of cardiac phosphodiesterase, which determined the balance between cGMP and cAMP following PMCA4b overexpression. In conclusion, these results showed that the nNOS-PMCA4b complex regulates contractility via cAMP and phosphorylation of both PLB and cTnI.

Interaction of major genes predisposing to hepatocellular carcinoma with genes encoding signal transduction pathways influences tumor phenotype and prognosis

Studies on rodents and humans demonstrate an inherited predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Analysis of the molecular alterations involved in the acquisition of a phenotype resistant or susceptible to hepatocarcinogenesis showed a deregulation of G1 and S phases in HCC of genetically susceptible F344 rats and a G1-S block in lesions of resistant Brown norway (BN) rats. Unrestrained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity linked to proteasomal degradation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), a specific ERK inhibitor, by the CKS1-SKP2 ubiquitin ligase complex occurs in more aggressive HCC of F344 rats and humans. This mechanism is less active in HCC of BN rats and human HCC with better prognosis. Upregulation of iNos cross-talk with IKK/NF-κB and RAS/ERK pathways occurs in rodent liver lesions at higher levels in the most aggressive models represented by HCC of F344 rats and c-Myc-TGF-α transgenic mice. iNOS, IKK/NF-κB, and RAS/ERK upregulation is highest in human HCC with a poorer prognosis and positively correlates with tumor proliferation, genomic instability and microvascularization, and negatively with apoptosis. Thus, cell cycle regulation and the activity of signal transduction pathways seem to be modulated by HCC modifier genes, and differences in their efficiency influence the susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis and probably the prognosis of human HCC.

The plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase of animal cells: structure, function and regulation

Most important processes in cell life are regulated by calcium (Ca2+). A number of mechanisms have thus been developed to maintain the concentration of free Ca2+ inside cells at the level (100-200nM) necessary for the optimal operation of the targets of its regulatory function. The systems that move Ca2+ back and forth across membranes are important actors in its control. The plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA pump) which ejects Ca2+ from all eukaryotic cell types will be the topic of this contribution. The pump uses a molecule of ATP to transport one molecule of Ca2+ from the cytosol to the external environment. It is a P-type ATPase encoded by four genes (ATP2B1-4), the transcripts of which undergo different types of alternative splicing. Many pump variants thus exist. Their multiplicity is best explained by the specific Ca2+ demands in different cell types. In keeping with these demands, the isoforms are differently expressed in tissues and cell types and have differential Ca2+ extruding properties. At very low Ca2+ concentrations the PMCAs are nearly inactive. They must be activated by calmodulin, by acid phospholipids, by protein kinases, and by other means, e.g., a dimerization process. Other proteins interact with the PMCAs (i.e., MAGUK and NHERF at the PDZ domain and calcineurin A in the main intracellular domain) to sort them to specific regions of the cell membrane or to regulate their function. In some cases the interaction is isoform, or even splice variant specific. PMCAs knock out (KO) mice have been generated and have contributed information on the importance of PMCAs to cells and organisms. So far, only one human genetic disease, hearing loss, has been traced back to a PMCA defect.

Plasma-membrane calcium pumps and hereditary deafness

In mammals, four different genes encode four PMCA (plasma-membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase) isoforms. PMCA1 and 4 are expressed ubiquitously, and PMCA2 and 3 are expressed predominantly in the central nervous system. More than 30 variants are generated by mechanisms of alternative splicing. The physiological meaning of the existence of so many isoforms is not clear, but evidently it must be related to the cell-specific demands of Ca(2+) homoeostasis. Recent studies suggest that the alternatively spliced regions in PMCA are responsible for specific targeting to plasma membrane domains, and proteins that bind specifically to the pumps could contribute to further regulation of Ca(2+) control. In addition, the combination of proteins obtained by alternative splicing occurring at two different sites could be responsible for different functional characteristics of the pumps.

The RASSF1A tumor suppressor

RASSF1A (Ras association domain family 1 isoform A) is a recently discovered tumor suppressor whose inactivation is implicated in the development of many human cancers. Although it can be inactivated by gene deletion or point mutations, the most common contributor to loss or reduction of RASSF1A function is transcriptional silencing of the gene by inappropriate promoter methylation. This epigenetic mechanism can inactivate numerous tumor suppressors and is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of cancer. RASSF1A lacks apparent enzymatic activity but contains a Ras association (RA) domain and is potentially an effector of the Ras oncoprotein. RASSF1A modulates multiple apoptotic and cell cycle checkpoint pathways. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that it serves as a scaffold for the assembly of multiple tumor suppressor complexes and may relay pro-apoptotic signaling by K-Ras.

Inhibitory interaction of the 14-3-3 proteins with ubiquitous (PMCA1) and tissue-specific (PMCA3) isoforms of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump

A previous study has demonstrated that the ubiquitous plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump PMCA4 interacted with isoform epsilon of the 14-3-3 protein, whereas the nervous tissue-specific PMCA2 did not. The 14-3-3 proteins are widely expressed small acidic proteins, which modulate cell signaling, intracellular trafficking, transcription and apoptosis. The investigation has been extended to the other tissue-restricted pump (PMCA3) and to the other ubiquitous pump (PMCA1). At variance with PMCA2, PMCA3 interacted with the 14-3-3epsilon protein in a two-hybrid system assay, which could not be used for PMCA1. The 14-3-3epsilon protein immunoprecipitated with both PMCA3 and PMCA1 when expressed in HeLa cells. Pull-down experiments using GST-PMCA1 and GST-PMCA3 fusion products confirmed the interaction of both pumps with the 14-3-3epsilon protein. The binding was phosphorylation-independent with both PMCA3 and PMCA1. The 14-3-3zeta isoform also interacted with PMCA3; however, it did not interact with PMCA1. The effect of the interaction on the activity of the two pumps, and thus on the homeostasis of Ca(2+), was investigated by co-expressing the 14-3-3epsilon protein and PMCA3 or PMCA1 in CHO cells together with the recombinant Ca(2+) indicator aequorin: the ability of cells to re-establish the basal Ca(2+) concentration following a Ca(2+) transient induced by an InsP(3)-producing agonist was substantially decreased with both pumps, indicating that the interaction with the 14-3-3 protein inhibited the activity of both PMCA3 and PMCA1.

The regulatory function of plasma-membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in the heart

The PMCA (plasma-membrane Ca2+-ATPase) is a ubiquitously expressed calcium-extruding enzymatic pump important in the control of intracellular calcium concentration. Unlike in non-excitable cells, where PMCA is the only system for calcium extrusion, in excitable cells, such as cardiomyocytes, PMCA has been shown to play only a minor role in calcium homoeostasis compared with the NCX (sodium/calcium exchanger), another system of calcium extrusion. However, increasing evidence points to an important role for PMCA in signal transduction; of particular interest in cardiac physiology is the modulation of nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) by isoform 4b of PMCA. In the present paper, we will discuss recent advances that support a key role for PMCA4 in modulating the nitric oxide signalling pathway in the heart.

Ras proteins: paradigms for compartmentalised and isoform-specific signalling

Ras GTPases mediate a wide variety of cellular processes by converting a multitude of extracellular stimuli into specific biological responses including proliferation, differentiation and survival. In mammalian cells, three ras genes encode four Ras isoforms (H-Ras, K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B and N-Ras) that are highly homologous but functionally distinct. Differences between the isoforms, including their post-translational modifications and intracellular sorting, mean that Ras has emerged as an important model system of compartmentalised signalling and membrane biology. Ras isoforms in different subcellular locations are proposed to recruit distinct upstream and downstream accessory proteins and activate multiple signalling pathways. Here, we summarise data relating to isoform-specific signalling, its role in disease and the mechanisms promoting compartmentalised signalling. Further understanding of this field will reveal the role of Ras signalling in development, cellular homeostasis and cancer and may suggest new therapeutic approaches.

The interaction between endogenous calcineurin and the plasma membrane calcium-dependent ATPase is isoform specific in breast cancer cells

Plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent ATPases (PMCAs) are high affinity calcium pumps that extrude calcium from the cell. Emerging evidence suggests a novel role for PMCAs as regulators of calcium/calmodulin-dependent signal transduction pathways via interaction with specific partner proteins. In this work, we demonstrate that endogenous human PMCA2 and -4 both interact with the signal transduction phosphatase, calcineurin, whereas, no interaction was detected with PMCA1. The strongest interaction was observed between PMCA2 and calcineurin. The domain of PMCA2 involved in the interaction is equivalent to that reported for PMCA4b. PMCA2-calcineurin interaction results in inhibition of the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signalling pathway.

The Ras-association domain family (RASSF) members and their role in human tumourigenesis

Ras proteins play a direct causal role in human cancer with activating mutations in Ras occurring in approximately 30% of tumours. Ras effectors also contribute to cancer, as mutations occur in Ras effectors, notably B-Raf and PI3-K, and drugs blocking elements of these pathways are in clinical development. In 2000, a new Ras effector was identified, RAS-association domain family 1 (RASSF1), and expression of the RASSF1A isoform of this gene is silenced in tumours by methylation of its promoter. Since methylation is reversible and demethylating agents are currently being used in clinical trials, detection of RASSF1A silencing by promoter hypermethylation has potential clinical uses in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. RASSF1A belongs to a new family of RAS effectors, of which there are currently 8 members (RASSF1-8). RASSF1-6 each contain a variable N-terminal segment followed by a Ras-association (RA) domain of the Ral-GDS/AF6 type, and a specialised coiled-coil structure known as a SARAH domain extending to the C-terminus. RASSF7-8 contain an N-terminal RA domain and a variable C-terminus. Members of the RASSF family are thought to function as tumour suppressors by regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis. This review will summarise our current knowledge of each member of the RASSF family and in particular what role they play in tumourigenesis, with a special focus on RASSF1A, whose promoter methylation is one of the most frequent alterations found in human tumours.

Evaluation of the 3p21.3 tumour-suppressor gene cluster

Deletions of the 3p21.3 region are a frequent and early event in the formation of lung, breast, kidney and other cancers. Intense investigation of allelic losses and the discovery of overlapping homozygous deletions in lung and breast tumour-cell lines have defined a minimal critical 120 kb deletion region containing eight genes and likely to harbor one or more tumour-suppressor genes (TSGs). The candidate genes are HYAL2, FUS1, Ras-associated factor 1 (RASSF1), BLU/ZMYND10, NPR2L, 101F6, PL6 and CACNA2D2. Recent research indicates that several of these genes can suppress the growth of lung and other tumour cells. Furthermore, some genes (RASSF1A and BLU/ZMYND10) are very frequently inactivated by non-classical mechanisms such as promoter hypermethylation resulting in loss of expression. These data indicate that the 120 kb critical deletion region at 3p21.3 may represent a TSG cluster with preferential inactivation of particular genes depending on tumour type. The eight genes within this region and their potential role in cancer will be the focus of this review.

Plasma membrane calcium ATPase and its relationship to nitric oxide signaling in the heart

The plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent ATPase (PMCA) is a ubiquitously expressed calcium-extruding enzymatic pump. In the majority of cells the main function of PMCA is as the only system to extrude calcium from the cytosol, however, in the excitable cells of the heart it has only a minor role in the bulk removal of calcium compared to the sodium-calcium exchanger. There is increasing evidence to suggest that PMCA has an additional role as a potential modulator of a number of signal transduction pathways. Of key interest in the heart is the functional interaction between the calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and isoform 4 of PMCA. Nitric oxide production from nNOS is known to be important in the regulation of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and subsequently contractility. This article will focus on recent evidence suggesting that PMCA4 has a regulatory role in the nitric oxide signaling pathway in the heart.

Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases as dynamic regulators of cellular calcium handling

Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs) are essential components of the cellular toolkit to regulate and fine-tune cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Historically, the PMCAs have been assigned a housekeeping role in the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. More recent work has revealed a perplexing multitude of PMCA isoforms and alternative splice variants, raising questions about their specific role in Ca2+ handling under conditions of varying Ca2+ loads. Studies on the kinetics of individual isoforms, combined with expression and localization studies suggest that PMCAs are optimized to function in Ca2+ regulation according to tissue- and cell-specific demands. Different PMCA isoforms help control slow, tonic Ca2+ signals in some cells and rapid, efficient Ca2+ extrusion in others. Localized Ca2+ handling requires targeting of the pumps to specialized cellular locales, such as the apical membrane of cochlear hair cells or the basolateral membrane of kidney epithelial cells. Recent studies suggest that alternatively spliced regions in the PMCAs are responsible for their unique targeting, membrane localization, and signaling cross-talk. The regulated deployment and retrieval of PMCAs from specific membranes provide a dynamic system for a cell to respond to changing needs of Ca2+ regulation.

Isoform-specific up-regulation of plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase expression during colon and gastric cancer cell differentiation

In this work we demonstrate a differentiation-induced up-regulation of the expression of plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase (PMCA) isoforms being present in various gastric/colon cancer cell types. We found PMCA1b as the major isoform in non-differentiated cancer cell lines, whereas the expression level of PMCA4b was significantly lower. Cell differentiation initiated with short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and trichostatin A, or spontaneous differentiation of post-confluent cell cultures resulted in a marked induction of PMCA4b expression, while only moderately increased PMCA1b levels. Up-regulation of PMCA4b expression was demonstrated both at the protein and mRNA levels, and closely correlated with the induction of established differentiation markers. In contrast, the expression level of the Na+/K+-ATPase or that of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase 2 protein did not change significantly under these conditions. In membrane vesicles obtained from SCFA-treated gastric/colon cancer cells a marked increase in the PMCA-dependent Ca2+ transport activity was observed, indicating a general increase of PMCA function during the differentiation of these cancer cells. Because various PMCA isoforms display distinct functional characteristics, we suggest that up-regulated PMCA expression, together with a major switch in PMCA isoform pattern may significantly contribute to the differentiation of gastric/colon cancer cells. The analysis of PMCA expression may provide a new diagnostic tool for monitoring the tumor phenotype.

Functional Specificity of PMCA Isoforms?

In mammals, four different genes encode four PMCA isoforms. PMCA1 and PMCA4 are expressed ubiquitously. PMCA2 and PMCA3 are expressed prevalently in the central nervous systems. More than 30 variants are generated by mechanisms of alternative splicing. The physiological meaning of the existence of such elevated number of isoforms is not clear, but it would be plausible to relate it to the cell-specific demands of Ca2+ homeostasis. To characterize functional specificity of PMCA variants we have investigated two aspects: the effects of the overexpression of the different PMCA variants on cellular Ca2+ handling and the existence of possible isoform-specific interactions with partner proteins using a yeast two-hybrid technique. The four basic PMCA isoforms were coexpressed in CHO cells together with the Ca2+-sensitive recombinant photoprotein aequorin. The effects of their overexpression on Ca2+ homeostasis were monitored in the living cells. They had revealed that the ubiquitous isoforms 1 and 4 are less effective in reducing the Ca2+ peaks generated by cell stimulation as compared to the neuron-specific isoforms 2 and 3. To establish whether these differences were related to different and new physiological regulators of the pump, the 90 N-terminal residues of PMCA2 and PMCA4 have been used as baits for the search of molecular partners. Screening of a human brain cDNA library with the PMCA4 bait specified the epsilon-isoform of protein 14-3-3, whereas no 14-3-3 epsilon clone was obtained with the PMCA2 bait. Overexpression of PMCA4/14-3-3 epsilon (but not of PMCA2/14-3-3 epsilon) in HeLa cells together with targeted aequorins showed that the ability of the cells to export Ca2+ was impaired. Thus, the interaction with 14-3-3 epsilon inhibited PMCA4 but not PMCA2. The role of PMCA2 has been further characterized by Ca2+ measurements in cells overexpressing different splicing variants. The results indicated that the combination of alternative splicing at two different sites in the pump structure was responsible for different functional characteristics of the pumps.

Cleavage of the Plasma Membrane Ca+ATPase during Apoptosis

Maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for normal cellular function and survival. Recent evidences suggest that Ca2+ is also an important player of apoptosis. We demonstrated that the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) isoform 4b, a key element of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, was cleaved by caspase-3 during the course of apoptosis. This cleavage of PMCA removed the entire regulatory region from the C terminus, leaving behind a 120-kDa catalytic fragment. Since loss of PMCA activity could lead to intracellular Ca2+ overload and consequently necrotic cell death, an important question is whether the apoptotic fragment of PMCA retains full activity or it is inactivated. To address this question, we constructed a C-terminally truncated mutant that corresponded to the caspase-3 fragment of PMCA4b and showed that it was fully and constitutively active. This mutant was targeted properly to the plasma membrane when it was expressed stably or transiently in several different cell lines. We followed truncation of PMCA during apoptosis induced by mitochondrial or receptor-mediated pathways and found that a similar fragment of 120 kDa was formed and remained intact for several hours after treatment. We have also demonstrated that the caspase-3 cleavage site is an important structural element of PMCA and found that the accessibility of the caspase-3 site depended strongly on the conformational state of the protein.

Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Signaling in the Heart Is Regulated by the Sarcolemmal Calcium Pump 4b

Background— Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has recently been shown to be a major regulator of cardiac contractility. In a cellular system, we have previously shown that nNOS is regulated by the isoform 4b of plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent ATPase (PMCA4b) through direct interaction mediated by a PDZ domain (PSD 95, Drosophilia Discs large protein and Zona occludens-1) on nNOS and a cognate ligand on PMCA4b. It remains unknown, however, whether this interaction has physiological relevance in the heart in vivo.

Methods and Results— We generated 2 strains of transgenic mice overexpressing either human PMCA4b or PMCA ct120 in the heart. PMCA ct120 is a highly active mutant form of the pump that does not interact with or modulate nNOS function. Calcium was extruded normally from PMCA4b-overexpressing cardiomyocytes, but in vivo, overexpression of PMCA4b reduced the β-adrenergic contractile response. This attenuated response was not observed in ct120 transgenic mice. Treatment with a specific nNOS inhibitor ( N ω-propyl- l -arginine) reduced the β-adrenergic response in wild-type and ct120 transgenic mice to levels comparable to those of PMCA4b transgenic animals. No differences in lusitropic response were observed in either transgenic strain compared with wild-type littermates.

Conclusions— These data demonstrate the physiological relevance of the interaction between PMCA4b and nNOS and suggests its signaling role in the heart.

Inhibition of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase by heparin is modulated by potassium

Heparin is related to several protein receptors that control Ca2+ homeostasis. Here, we studied the effects of heparin on the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase from erythrocytes. Both ATP hydrolysis and Ca2+ uptake were inhibited by heparin without modification of the steady-state level of phosphoenzyme formed by ATP. Calmodulin did neither modify the inhibition nor the binding of heparin. Inhibition by heparin was counteracted by K+ but not by Li+. This effect was extended to other sulfated polysaccharides with high number of sulfate residues. Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate was equally inhibited by heparin. No evidence for enzyme uncoupling was observed: Ca2+ uptake and ATP hydrolysis remained tightly associated at any level of heparin, and heparin did not increase the passive Ca2+ efflux of inside-out vesicles. Vanadate blocked this efflux, indicating that the main point of Ca2+ escape from these vesicles was linked to the Ca2+ pump. It is discussed that sulfated polysaccharides may physiologically increase the steady-state level of Ca2+ in the cytosol by inhibiting the Ca2+ pumps in a K+ (and tissue) regulated way. It is suggested that heparin regulates the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase by binding to the E2 conformer.

The sarcolemmal calcium pump, alpha-1 syntrophin, and neuronal nitric-oxide synthase are parts of a macromolecular protein complex

The main role of the plasma membrane Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent ATPase (PMCA) is in the removal of Ca2+ from the cytosol. Recently, we and others have suggested a new function for PMCA as a modulator of signal transduction pathways. This paper shows the physical interaction between PMCA (isoforms 1 and 4) and alpha-1 syntrophin and proposes a ternary complex of interaction between endogenous PMCA, alpha-1 syntrophin, and NOS-1 in cardiac cells. We have identified that the linker region between the pleckstrin homology 2 (PH2) and the syntrophin unique (SU) domains, corresponding to amino acids 399-447 of alpha-1 syntrophin, is crucial for interaction with PMCA1 and -4. The PH2 and the SU domains alone failed to interact with PMCA. The functionality of the interaction was demonstrated by investigating the inhibition of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase-1 (NOS-1); PMCA is a negative regulator of NOS-1-dependent NO production, and overexpression of alpha-1 syntrophin and PMCA4 resulted in strongly increased inhibition of NO production. Analysis of the expression levels of alpha-1 syntrophin protein in the heart, skeletal muscle, brain, uterus, kidney, or liver of PMCA4-/- mice, did not reveal any differences when compared with those found in the same tissues of wild-type mice. These results suggest that PMCA4 is tethered to the syntrophin complex as a regulator of NOS-1, but its absence does not cause collapse of the complex, contrary to what has been reported for other proteins within the complex, such as dystrophin. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate for the first time the localization of PMCA1b and -4b to the syntrophin.dystrophin complex in the heart and provide a specific molecular mechanism of interaction as well as functionality.

Sperm phenotype of mice carrying a gene deletion for the plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin dependent ATPase 4

The sarcolemmal calcium pumps (PMCA for plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin dependent ATPase) are a family of 10 transmembrane domain proteins ejecting calcium from the cytosol. They are encoded by four independent genes and at least 21 splice variants have been described. Isoforms 1 and 4 are ubiquitous, whereas isoforms 2 and 3 are confined to neurons and few other cells (e.g. isoform 2 in the myocardium). In non-excitable cells they are thought to be the only calcium ejection systems and their function as governors of calcium balance is hence intuitive since cells cannot survive in a state of calcium overload. Differences in the affinity of the various isoforms for calcium, ATP and calmodulin have been described, but it is unclear whether the pumps have specialized functions over and above their 'housekeeping' role. In particular, in excitable cells, most calcium is ejected by the sodium/calcium exchanger suggesting that the PMCAs may have evolved into a specialized role. Recently, our group has identified a number of specialized functions of the PMCAs, notably a prominent regulatory role of PMCA4 (splice variant b) for neuronal NO synthase as well as for the Ras pathway. In addition, mice carrying a genetic deletion of the PMCA4 gene showed normal female, but completely infertile male animals. This is due to a highly specific defect in sperm motility, which is reduced to zero, with normal fertilization capacity. Overall, a scenario emerges where the plasma membrane calcium pumps fulfil roles far beyond the traditional housekeeping function, notably in cell signaling, sperm motility, and potentially in cell division. Consequently, we are currently exploring their potential as future drug targets for a variety of conditions, as well as their potential use in the development of a male contraception.

Ubiquitous activation of Ras and Jak/Stat pathways in human HCC

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although the natural history and pathologic characteristics of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are well documented, the molecular pathogenesis of HCC remains poorly understood. Here, we define the role for Ras and Janus kinase (Jak)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) pathways in human HCC.

METHODS

Promoter and genomic status of Ras and Jak/Stat inhibitors were assessed in 80 HCCs by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and microsatellite analysis. Activation of Ras and Jak/Stat signaling pathways was determined by DNA sequencing, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation analysis. Suppression of Ras and Jak/Stat pathways in HCC cell lines was evaluated by viability and apoptosis assays.

RESULTS

Activation of Ras and Jak/Stat pathways was enhanced in all HCCs when compared with nonneoplastic surrounding and normal livers coincidently with the suppression of at least 1 Ras (RASSF1A and/or NORE1A) and 2 Jak/Stat inhibitors (cytokine-inducible SH2-protein [CIS]; suppressor of cytokine signaling [SOCS]1, 2, 3; and SH2-containing phosphatases [SHP1]). HCC associated with cirrhosis showed significantly higher frequency of RASSF1A, CIS, and SOCS1 promoter methylation than HCC without cirrhosis (P < .002, P < .02, and P < .02, respectively). Furthermore, aberrant methylation of NORE1A and SOCS3 promoters was observed only in a subclass of HCC with poor survival, suggesting that inactivation of these 2 genes might be involved in HCC progression. Combined treatment of HCC cell lines with Ras and Jak/Stat inhibitors as well as with the demethylating agent zebularine induced a strong apoptotic response.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the ubiquitous activation of Ras and Jak/Stat pathways in HCC and suggest the potential use of Ras and Jak/Stat inhibitors and demethylating agents as therapeutic modality for human liver cancer.

Nore1 and RASSF1 Regulation of Cell Proliferation and of the MST1/2 Kinases

The six human Nore1/RASSF genes encode a family of putative tumor suppressor proteins, each expressed as multiple mRNA splice variants. The predominant isoforms of these noncatalytic polypeptides are characterized by the presence in their carboxyterminal segments of a Ras-Association (RA) domain followed by a SARAH domain. The expression of the RASSF1A and Nore1A isoforms is extinguished selectively by gene loss and/or epigenetic mechanisms in a considerable fraction of epithelial cancers and cell lines derived therefrom, and reexpression usually suppresses the proliferation and tumorigenicity of these cells. RASSF1A/Nore1A can cause cell cycle delay in G1 and/or M and may promote apoptosis. The founding member, Nore1A, binds preferentially through its RA domain to the GTP-charged forms of Ras, Rap-1, and several other Ras subfamily GTPases with high affinity. By contrast, RASSF1, despite an RA domain 50% identical to Nore1, exhibits relatively low affinity for Ras-like GTPases but may associate with Ras-GTP indirectly. Each of the RASSF polypeptides, including the C. elegans ortholog encoded by T24F1.3, binds to the Ste20-related protein kinases MST1 and MST2 through the SARAH domains of each partner. The recombinant MST1/2 kinases, spontaneous dimers, autoactivate in vitro through an intradimer transphosphorylation of the activation loop, and the Nore1/RASSF1 polypeptides inhibit this process. Recombinant MST1 is strongly activated in vivo by recruitment to the membrane; the recombinant MST1 that is bound to RasG12V through Nore1A is activated; however, the bulk of MST1 is not. Endogenous complexes of MST1 with both Nore1A and RASSF1A are detectable, and Nore1A/MST1 can associate with endogenous Ras in response to serum addition. Nevertheless, the physiological functions of the Nore1/RASSF polypeptides in mammalian cells, as well as the role of the MST1/2 kinases in their growth-suppressive actions, remain to be established. The Drosophila MST1/2 ortholog hippo is a negative regulator of cell cycle progression and is necessary for developmental apoptosis. Overexpression of mammalian MST1 or MST2 promotes apoptosis, as does overexpression of mutant active Ki-Ras. Interference with the ability of endogenous MST1/2 to associate with the Nore1/RASSF polypeptides inhibits Ras-induced apoptosis. At present, however, the relevance of Ki-Ras-induced apoptosis to the physiological functions of c-Ras and to the growth-regulating actions of spontaneously occurring oncogenic Ras mutants is not known.

Calcium transport and signaling in the mammary gland: targets for breast cancer

The mammary gland is subjected to extensive calcium loads during lactation to support the requirements of milk calcium enrichment. Despite the indispensable nature of calcium homeostasis and signaling in regulating numerous biological functions, the mechanisms by which systemic calcium is transported into milk by the mammary gland are far from completely understood. Furthermore, the implications of calcium signaling in terms of regulating proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in the breast are currently uncertain. Deregulation of calcium homeostasis and signaling is associated with mammary gland pathophysiology and as such, calcium transporters, channels and binding proteins represent potential drug targets for the treatment of breast cancer.

Inhibitory Interaction of the 14-3-3ϵ Protein with Isoform 4 of the Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase Pump

The isoform-specific interaction of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) pumps with partner proteins has been explored using a yeast two-hybrid technique. The 90 N-terminal residues of two pump isoforms (PMCA2 and PMCA4), which have a low degree of sequence homology, have been used as baits. Screening of 5 x 10(6) clones of a human brain cDNA library yielded approximately 100 LEU2- and galactoside-positive clones for both pumps. A clone obtained with the PMCA4 bait specified the epsilon-isoform of the 14-3-3 protein, whereas no 14-3-3epsilon clone was obtained with the PMCA2 bait. The 14-3-3epsilon protein immunoprecipitated with PMCA4 (not with PMCA2) when expressed in HeLa cells. Overexpression of 14-3-3epsilon in HeLa cells together with targeted aequorins showed that the ability of the cells to export Ca(2+) was impaired; stimulation with histamine, an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-producing agonist, generated higher cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transients, higher post-transient plateaus of the cytosolic [Ca(2+)], and higher Ca(2+) levels in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and in the subplasmalemmal domain. Thus, the interaction with 14-3-3epsilon inhibited PMCA4. Silencing of the 14-3-3epsilon gene by RNA interference significantly reduced the expression of 14-3-3epsilon, substantially decreasing the height of the histamine-induced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transient and of the post-transient cytosolic [Ca(2+)] plateau.

The Sarcolemmal Calcium Pump Inhibits the Calcineurin/Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cell Pathway via Interaction with the Calcineurin A Catalytic Subunit

The calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) pathway represents a crucial transducer of cellular function. There is increasing evidence placing the sarcolemmal calcium pump, or plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin ATPase pump (PMCA), as a potential modulator of signal transduction pathways. We demonstrate a novel interaction between PMCA and the calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase, calcineurin, in mammalian cells. The interaction domains were located to the catalytic domain of PMCA4b and the catalytic domain of the calcineurin A subunit. Endogenous calcineurin activity, assessed by measuring the transcriptional activity of its best characterized substrate, NFAT, was significantly inhibited by 60% in the presence of ectopic PMCA4b. This inhibition was notably reversed by the co-expression of the PMCA4b interaction domain, demonstrating the functional significance of this interaction. PMCA4b was, however, unable to confer its inhibitory effect in the presence of a calcium/calmodulin-independent constitutively active mutant calcineurin A suggesting a calcium/calmodulin-dependent mechanism. The modulatory function of PMCA4b is further supported by the observation that endogenous calcineurin moves from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane when PMCA4b is overexpressed. We suggest recruitment by PMCA4b of calcineurin to a low calcium environment as a possible explanation for these findings. In summary, our results offer strong evidence for a novel functional interaction between PMCA and calcineurin, suggesting a role for PMCA as a negative modulator of calcineurin-mediated signaling pathways in mammalian cells. This study reinforces the emerging role of PMCA as a molecular organizer and regulator of signaling transduction pathways.

Plasma membrane calcium pumps in smooth muscle: from fictional molecules to novel inhibitors

Plasma membrane Ca2+pumps (PMCA pumps) are Ca2+-Mg2+ATPases that expel Ca2+from the cytosol to extracellular space and are pivotal to cell survival and function. PMCA pumps are encoded by the genes PMCA1, -2, -3, and -4. Alternative splicing results in a large number of isoforms that differ in their kinetics and activation by calmodulin and protein kinases A and C. Expression by 4 genes and a multifactorial regulation provide redundancy to allow for animal survival despite genetic defects. Heterozygous mice with ablation of any of the PMCA genes survive and only the homozygous mice with PMCA1 ablation are embryolethal. Some PMCA isoforms may also be involved in other cell functions. Biochemical and biophysical studies of PMCA pumps have been limited by their low levels of expression. Delineation of the exact physiological roles of PMCA pumps has been difficult since most cells also express sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pumps and a Na+-Ca2+-exchanger, both of which can lower cytosolic Ca2+. A major limitation in the field has been the lack of specific inhibitors of PMCA pumps. More recently, a class of inhibitors named caloxins have emerged, and these may aid in delineating the roles of PMCA pumps.Key words: ATPases, hypertension, caloxin, protein kinase A, protein kinase C, calmodulin.

Role of the Ras-association domain family 1 tumor suppressor gene in human cancers

In recent years, the list of tumor suppressor genes (or candidate TSG) that are inactivated frequently by epigenetic events rather than classic mutation/deletion events has been growing. Unlike mutational inactivation, methylation is reversible and demethylating agents and inhibitors of histone deacetylases are being used in clinical trails. Highly sensitive and quantitative assays have been developed to assess methylation in tumor samples, early lesions, and bodily fluids. Hence, gene silencing by promoter hypermethylation has potential clinical benefits in early cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention. The hunt for a TSG located at 3p21.3 resulted in the identification of the RAS-association domain family 1, isoform A gene (RASSF1A). RASSF1A falls into the category of genes frequently inactivated by methylation rather than mutational events. This gene is silenced and frequently inactivated by promoter region hypermethylation in many adult and childhood cancers, including lung, breast, kidney, gastric, bladder, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, gliomas and it has homology to a mammalian Ras effector (i.e., Nore1). RASSF1A inhibits tumor growth in both in vitro and in vivo systems, further supporting its role as a TSG. We and others identified the gene in 2000, but already there are over a 150 publications demonstrating RASSF1A methylation in a large number of human cancers. Many laboratories including ours are actively investigating the biology of this novel protein family. Thus far, it has been shown to play important roles in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and microtubule stability. This review summarizes our current knowledge on genetic, epigenetic, and functional analysis of RASSF1A tumor suppressor gene and its homologues.

Integration of signalling pathways regulated by small GTPases and calcium

The Ras superfamily of small GTPases constitutes a large group of structurally and functionally related proteins. They function as signalling switches in numerous signalling cascades in the cell. During the recent years, an increased awareness of a communication between signalling systems employing Ras-like GTPases and signalling systems employing calcium has emerged. For instance, the intensity of the activation of Ras-like GTPases is regulated by calcium-dependent mechanisms, acting on proteins that facilitate the activation or inactivation of the small GTPases. Other Ras-like GTPases have a direct influence on calcium signalling by regulating the activity of certain calcium channels. In addition, several small GTPases collaborate with calcium signalling in regulating cellular processes, such as cell adhesion, cell migration and exocytosis.