The Ca(2+) channel TRPML3 regulates membrane trafficking and autophagy

MicroED structure of the NaK ion channel reveals a Na+ partition process into the selectivity filter

Sodium (Na⁺) is a ubiquitous and important inorganic salt mediating many critical biological processes such as neuronal excitation, signaling, and facilitation of various transporters. The hydration states of Na⁺ are proposed to play critical roles in determining the conductance and the selectivity of Na⁺ channels, yet they are rarely captured by conventional structural biology means. Here we use the emerging cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) method micro-electron diffraction (MicroED) to study the structure of a prototypical tetrameric Na⁺-conducting channel, NaK, to 2.5 Å resolution from nano-crystals. Two new conformations at the external site of NaK are identified, allowing us to visualize a partially hydrated Na⁺ ion at the entrance of the channel pore. A process of dilation coupled with Na⁺ movement is identified leading to valuable insights into the mechanism of ion conduction and gating. This study lays the ground work for future studies using MicroED in membrane protein biophysics.

Through a MicroED structure of NaK ion channel, Shian Liu and Tamir Gonen identify a process of dilation coupled with Na⁺ movement, providing mechanistic insights into ion conduction and gating. This study lays the ground work for future studies using MicroED in membrane protein biophysics.

The hidden potential of lysosomal ion channels: A new era of oncogenes

Lysosomes serve as the control centre for cellular clearance. These membrane-bound organelles receive biomolecules destined for degradation from intracellular and extracellular pathways; thus, facilitating the production of energy and shaping the fate of the cell. At the base of their functionality are the lysosomal ion channels which mediate the function of the lysosome through the modulation of ion influx and efflux. Ion channels form pores in the membrane of lysosomes and allow the passage of ions, a seemingly simple task which harbours the potential of overthrowing the cell's stability. Considered the master regulators of ion homeostasis, these integral membrane proteins enable the proper operation of the lysosome. Defects in the structure or function of these ion channels lead to the development of lysosomal storage diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Although more than 50 years have passed since their discovery, lysosomes are not yet fully understood, with their ion channels being even less well characterized. However, significant improvements have been made in the development of drugs targeted against these ion channels as a means of combating diseases. In this review, we will examine how Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺ and Cl^- ion channels affect the function of the lysosome, their involvement in hereditary and spontaneous diseases, and current ion channel-based therapies.

Mucolipin-2 Cation Channel Increases Trafficking Efficiency of Endocytosed Viruses

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a cellular process commonly hijacked by viruses to enter cells. The stages of entry are well described for certain viruses, but the host factors that mediate each step are less well characterized. We previously identified endosomal cation channel mucolipin-2 (MCOLN2) as a host factor that promotes viral infection. Here, we assign a role for MCOLN2 in modulating viral entry. We show that MCOLN2 specifically promotes viral vesicular trafficking and subsequent escape from endosomal compartments. This mechanism requires channel activity, occurs independently of antiviral signaling, and broadly applies to enveloped RNA viruses that require transport to late endosomes for infection, including influenza A virus, yellow fever virus, and Zika virus. We further identify a rare allelic variant of human MCOLN2 that has a loss-of-function phenotype with respect to viral enhancement. These findings establish a mechanistic link between an endosomal cation channel and late stages of viral entry.IMPORTANCE Viruses must co-opt cellular processes to complete their life cycle. To enter cells, viruses frequently take advantage of cellular receptor-mediated endocytosis pathways. A growing number of host proteins are implicated in these viral uptake pathways. Here, we describe a new role for the gated cation channel MCOLN2 in viral entry. This endosomal protein modulates viral entry by enhancing the efficiency of viral trafficking through the endosomal system. Thus, MCOLN2-mediated enhancement of infection may represent a key vulnerability in the viral life cycle that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Overexpression of transient receptor potential mucolipin-2 ion channels in gliomas: role in tumor growth and progression

The Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) superfamily consists of cation-selective and non-selective ion channels playing an important role both in sensory physiology and in physiopathology in several complex diseases including cancers. Among TRP family, the mucolipin (TRPML1, −2, and −3) channels represent a distinct subfamily of endosome/lysosome Ca²⁺ channel proteins. Loss-of-function mutations in human TRPML-1 gene cause a neurodegenerative disease, Mucolipidosis Type IV, whereas at present no pathology has been associated to human TRPML-2 channels.

Herein we found that human TRPML-2 is expressed both in normal astrocytes and neural stem/progenitor cells. By quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, cytofluorimetric and immunohistochemistry analysis we also demonstrated that TRPML-2 mRNA and protein are expressed at different levels in glioma tissues and high-grade glioma cell lines of astrocytic origin. TRPML-2 mRNA and protein levels increased with the pathological grade, starting from pylocitic astrocytoma (grade I) to glioblastoma (grade IV). Moreover, by RNA interference, we demonstrated a role played by TRPML-2 in survival and proliferation of glioma cell lines. In fact, knock-down of TRPML-2 inhibited the viability, altered the cell cycle, reduced the proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death in glioma cell lines. The DNA damage and apoptosis induced by TRPML-2 loss increased Ser139 H2AX phosphorylation and induced caspase-3 activation; furthermore, knock-down of TRPML-2 in T98 and U251 glioma cell lines completely abrogated Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, as compared to untreated cells.

Overall, the high TRPML-2 expression in glioma cells resulted in increased survival and proliferation signaling, suggesting a pro-tumorigenic role played by TRPML-2 in glioma progression.

Ion channels in the regulation of autophagy

Autophagy is a cellular process in which the cell degrades and recycles its own constituents. Given the crucial role of autophagy in physiology, deregulation of autophagic machinery is associated with various diseases. Hence, a thorough understanding of autophagy regulatory mechanisms is crucially important for the elaboration of efficient treatments for different diseases. Recently, ion channels, mediating ion fluxes across cellular membranes, have emerged as important regulators of both basal and induced autophagy. However, the mechanisms by which specific ion channels regulate autophagy are still poorly understood, thus underscoring the need for further research in this field. Here we discuss the involvement of major types of ion channels in autophagy regulation.

Small Molecules for Early Endosome-Specific Patch Clamping

To resolve the subcellular distribution of endolysosomal ion channels, we have established a novel experimental approach to selectively patch clamp Rab5 positive early endosomes (EE) versus Rab7/LAMP1-positive late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/LY). To functionally characterize ion channels in endolysosomal membranes with the patch-clamp technique, it is important to develop techniques to selectively enlarge the respective organelles. We found here that two small molecules, wortmannin and latrunculin B, enlarge Rab5-positive EE when combined but not Rab7-, LAMP1-, or Rab11 (RE)-positive vesicles. The two compounds act rapidly, specifically, and are readily applicable in contrast to genetic approaches or previously used compounds such as vacuolin, which enlarges EE, RE, and LE/LY. We apply this approach here to measure currents mediated by TRPML channels, in particular TRPML3, which we found to be functionally active in both EE and LE/LY in overexpressing cells as well as in endogenously expressing CD11b+ lung-tissue macrophages.

The regulation of autophagy by calcium signals: Do we have a consensus?

Macroautophagy (hereafter called 'autophagy') is a cellular process for degrading and recycling cellular constituents, and for maintenance of cell function. Autophagy initiates via vesicular engulfment of cellular materials and culminates in their degradation via lysosomal hydrolases, with the whole process often being termed 'autophagic flux'. Autophagy is a multi-step pathway requiring the interplay of numerous scaffolding and signalling molecules. In particular, orthologs of the family of ∼30 autophagy-regulating (Atg) proteins that were first characterised in yeast play essential roles in the initiation and processing of autophagic vesicles in mammalian cells. The serine/threonine kinase mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) is a master regulator of the canonical autophagic response of cells to nutrient starvation. In addition, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a key sensor of cellular energy status, can trigger autophagy by inhibiting mTOR, or by phosphorylating other downstream targets. Calcium (Ca²⁺) has been implicated in autophagic signalling pathways encompassing both mTOR and AMPK, as well as in autophagy seemingly not involving these kinases. Numerous studies have shown that cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals can trigger autophagy. Moreover, introduction of an exogenous chelator to prevent cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals inhibits autophagy in response to many different stimuli, with suggestions that buffering Ca²⁺ affects not only the triggering of autophagy, but also proximal and distal steps during autophagic flux. Observations such as these indicate that Ca²⁺ plays an essential role as a pro-autophagic signal. However, cellular Ca²⁺ signals can exert anti-autophagic actions too. For example, Ca²⁺ channel blockers induce autophagy due to the loss of autophagy-suppressing Ca²⁺ signals. In addition, the sequestration of Ca²⁺ by mitochondria during physiological signalling appears necessary to maintain cellular bio-energetics, thereby suppressing AMPK-dependent autophagy. This article attempts to provide an integrated overview of the evidence for the proposed roles of various Ca²⁺ signals, Ca²⁺ channels and Ca²⁺ sources in controlling autophagic flux.

IP3 Receptor-Mediated Calcium Signaling and Its Role in Autophagy in Cancer

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) play a complex role in orchestrating diverse cellular processes, including cell death and survival. To trigger signaling cascades, intracellular Ca²⁺ is shuffled between the cytoplasm and the major Ca²⁺ stores, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the mitochondria, and the lysosomes. A key role in the control of Ca²⁺ signals is attributed to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptors (IP₃Rs), the main Ca²⁺-release channels in the ER. IP₃Rs can transfer Ca²⁺ to the mitochondria, thereby not only stimulating core metabolic pathways but also increasing apoptosis sensitivity and inhibiting basal autophagy. On the other hand, IP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release enhances autophagy flux by providing cytosolic Ca²⁺ required to execute autophagy upon various cellular stresses, including nutrient starvation, chemical mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibition, or drug treatment. Similarly, IP₃Rs are able to amplify Ca²⁺ signals from the lysosomes and, therefore, impact autophagic flux in response to lysosomal channels activation. Furthermore, indirect modulation of Ca²⁺ release through IP₃Rs may also be achieved by controlling the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPases Ca²⁺ pumps of the ER. Considering the complex role of autophagy in cancer development and progression as well as in response to anticancer therapies, it becomes clear that it is important to fully understand the role of the IP₃R and its cellular context in this disease. In cancer cells addicted to ER–mitochondrial Ca²⁺ fueling, IP₃R inhibition leads to cancer cell death via mechanisms involving enhanced autophagy or mitotic catastrophe. Moreover, IP₃Rs are the targets of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors and the functional loss of these genes, as occurring in many cancer types, can result in modified Ca²⁺ transport to the mitochondria and in modulation of the level of autophagic flux. Similarly, IP₃R-mediated upregulation of autophagy can protect some cancer cells against natural killer cells-induced killing. The involvement of IP₃Rs in the regulation of both autophagy and apoptosis, therefore, directly impact cancer cell biology and contribute to the molecular basis of tumor pathology.

TRPML1: The Ca(2+)retaker of the lysosome

Efficient functioning of lysosome is necessary to ensure the correct performance of a variety of intracellular processes such as degradation of cargoes coming from the endocytic and autophagic pathways, recycling of organelles, and signaling mechanisms involved in cellular adaptation to nutrient availability. Mutations in lysosomal genes lead to more than 50 lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). Among them, mutations in the gene encoding TRPML1 (MCOLN1) cause Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), a recessive LSD characterized by neurodegeneration, psychomotor retardation, ophthalmologic defects and achlorhydria. At the cellular level, MLIV patient fibroblasts show enlargement and engulfment of the late endo-lysosomal compartment, autophagy impairment, and accumulation of lipids and glycosaminoglycans. TRPML1 is the most extensively studied member of a small family of genes that also includes TRPML2 and TRPML3, and it has been found to participate in vesicular trafficking, lipid and ion homeostasis, and autophagy. In this review we will provide an update on the latest and more novel findings related to the functions of TRPMLs, with particular focus on the emerging role of TRPML1 and lysosomal calcium signaling in autophagy. Moreover, we will also discuss new potential therapeutic approaches for MLIV and LSDs based on the modulation of TRPML1-mediated signaling.

Metal ions influx is a double edged sword for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common form of dementia in aged people, which is defined by two pathological characteristics: β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation. Although the mechanisms of AD development are still being debated, a series of evidence supports the idea that metals, such as copper, iron, zinc, magnesium and aluminium, are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. In particular, the processes of Aβ deposition in senile plaques (SP) and the inclusion of phosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are markedly influenced by alterations in the homeostasis of the aforementioned metal ions. Moreover, the mechanisms of oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, neurotoxicity, autophagy and apoptosis mediate the effects of metal ions-induced the aggregation state of Aβ and phosphorylated tau on AD development. More importantly, imbalance of these mechanisms finally caused cognitive decline in different experiment models. Collectively, reconstructing the signaling network that regulates AD progression by metal ions may provide novel insights for developing chelators specific for metal ions to combat AD.

From mucolipidosis type IV to Ebola: TRPML and two-pore channels at the crossroads of endo-lysosomal trafficking and disease

What do lysosomal storage disorders such as mucolipidosis type IV have in common with Ebola, cancer cell migration, or LDL-cholesterol trafficking? LDL-cholesterol, certain bacterial toxins and viruses, growth factors, receptors, integrins, macromolecules destined for degradation or secretion are all sorted and transported via the endolysosomal system (ES). There are several pathways known in the ES, e.g. the degradation, the recycling, or the retrograde trafficking pathway. The ES comprises early and late endosomes, lysosomes and recycling endosomes as well as autophagosomes and lysosome related organelles. Contact sites between the ES and the endoplasmic reticulum or the Golgi apparatus may also be considered part of it. Dysfunction of this complex intracellular machinery can cause or contribute to the development of a number of diseases ranging from neurodegenerative, infectious, or metabolic diseases to retinal and pigmentation disorders as well as cancer and autophagy-related diseases. Endolysosomal ion channels such as mucolipins (TRPMLs) and two-pore channels (TPCs) play an important role in intracellular cation/calcium signaling and homeostasis and appear to critically contribute to the proper function of the endolysosomal trafficking network.

NAADP-mediated Ca2+ signaling promotes autophagy and protects against LPS-induced liver injury

LPS has been shown to induce hepatocyte autophagy, but little is known about how LPS is able to do this during acute toxic liver injury. Our aim was to determine the existence of any selective Ca²⁺ signaling coupling to hepatocyte autophagy in response to LPS. LPS increased the autophagic process in hepatocytes, and CD38 knockdown prevented this response. Ned19, a specific inhibitor for nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), prevented LPS-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling and autophagosome formation in hepatocytes. CD38 overexpression protected the liver from LPS/d-galactosamine (GalN)-induced injury, and NAADP administration promoted autophagosome formation and protected hepatocytes from injury induced by LPS/GalN. Autophagy was promoted by the up-regulation of autophagy-related gene expression via NAADP-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in response to LPS. However, CD38-knockout mice displayed down-regulation in hepatocyte gene expression. Ned19 also inhibited the NAADP-stimulated induction of gene expression by inhibiting the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). Hepatocyte autophagy protects against LPS-induced liver injury via the CD38/NAADP/Ca²⁺/TFEB pathway. The role of NAADP-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in the autophagic process will help elucidate the complexities of autophagy regulation, which is essential toward the discovery of new therapeutic tools against acute liver injury.-Rah, S.-Y., Lee, Y.-H., Kim, U.-H. NAADP-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling promotes autophagy and protects against LPS-induced liver injury.

Role of KCNB1 in the prognosis of gliomas and autophagy modulation

Increasing evidence suggests that ion channel genes play an important role in the progression of gliomas. However, the mechanisms by which ion channel genes influence the progression of glioma are not fully understood. We identified KCNB1 as a novel ion gene, associated with malignant progression and favorable overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in glioma patients from three datasets (CGGA, GSE16011 and REMBRANDT). Moreover, we characterized a novel function of autophagy induction accompanied by increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation and invasion of glioma cells for KCNB1. KEGG pathway analysis and in vitro studies suggested that the ERK pathway is involved in KCNB1-mediated regulation of autophagy, which was confirmed by inhibition of KCNB1-induced autophagy by using a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) or siERK1/2. In vivo studies showed that KCNB1 induced autophagy while inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival. Overall, our studies define KCNB1 as a novel prognostic factor for gliomas that exerts its tumor suppressive function through autophagy induction.

Implication of CD38 gene in autophagic degradation of collagen I in mouse coronary arterial myocytes

Collagen deposition is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Although compromised collagen I degradation has been implied in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Thus, we determined the role of CD38, an enzyme involved in cellular calcium modulation and autophagic flux, in the regulation of collagen I degradation in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs).In primary cultured CAMs from CD38^-/- mice, collagen I protein accumulation but not mRNA abundance was significantly increased compared with cells from CD38^+/+ mice either under control or upon TGF-Beta stimulation. Pharmacological inhibition of the formation of autophagosomes with 3-methyladenine or of autophagolysosomes with a lysosomal functional blocker, bafilomycin A1, induced a similar increase in collagen protein levels, while inhibition of the proteasome by MG132 had no effects on collagen I accumulation. In addition, CD38-deficiency did not change the protein expression of matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in CAMs. Confocal microscopy showed that collagen I deposition was mainly lied within lysosomes or autophagosomes in CD38^-/- or TGF-Beta treated CAMs. Collagen I deposition increased when CAMs lack CD38 expression or if autophagy was blocked, which is associated with impaired autophagic degradation of collagen I. This CD38 regulation of autophagic flux may represent a novel mechanism for extracellular matrix (ECM) plasticity of coronary arteries upon atherogenic stimulation.

Functional role of TRP channels in modulating ER stress and Autophagy

Intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) levels play a vital role in regulating cellular fate. The coordination and interrelation among the cellular organelles, mainly the intracellular Ca(2+) stores in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), are crucial in maintaining cytosolic Ca(2+) levels and in general cellular homeostasis. Moreover, maintaining Ca(2+) homeostasis is essential for regulating diverse and sometimes opposing processes such as cell survival and cell death in disease conditions such as, neurodegeneration, cancer and aging. Ca(2+) is able to regulate opposing functions by either regulating the cellular "self-eating" phenomenon of autophagy to promote cell survival or by regulating the programmed cell death process of apoptosis. Autophagy is also important for cell survival especially after induction of ER stress and association between ER stress and autophagy may have relevance to numerous diseases. Moreover, a multitude of evidence is emerging that the functional regulation of TRP channels, their unique localization, and their interaction with other Ca(2+)-sensing elements define these diverse regulatory pathways. It is this unique function which allows individual TRP channels to contribute differently in the regulation of cell fate and, in turn, determines the precise effect of modulating Ca(2+) signaling via the particular channel. Thus, in this review we have focused on the aspects of TRP channel localization and function (Ca(2+) signaling) that affects the ER stress and autophagic process.

"TRP inflammation" relationship in cardiovascular system

Despite considerable advances in the research and treatment, the precise relationship between inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) disease remains incompletely understood. Therefore, understanding the immunoinflammatory processes underlying the initiation, progression, and exacerbation of many cardiovascular diseases is of prime importance. The innate immune system has an ancient origin and is well conserved across species. Its activation occurs in response to pathogens or tissue injury. Recent studies suggest that altered ionic balance, and production of noxious gaseous mediators link to immune and inflammatory responses with altered ion channel expression and function. Among plausible candidates for this are transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that function as polymodal sensors and scaffolding proteins involved in many physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we will first focus on the relevance of TRP channel to both exogenous and endogenous factors related to innate immune response and transcription factors related to sustained inflammatory status. The emerging role of inflammasome to regulate innate immunity and its possible connection to TRP channels will also be discussed. Secondly, we will discuss about the linkage of TRP channels to inflammatory CV diseases, from a viewpoint of inflammation in a general sense which is not restricted to the innate immunity. These knowledge may serve to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of various inflammatory CV diseases and their novel therapeutic strategies.

Novel Role of TRPML2 in the Regulation of the Innate Immune Response

TRPMLs (or mucolipins) constitute a family of endosomal cation channels with homology to the transient receptor potential superfamily. In mammals, the TRPML family includes three members: TRPML1-3. Although TRPML1 and TRPML3 have been well characterized, the cellular function of TRPML2 has remained elusive. To address TRPML2 function in a physiologically relevant cell type, we first analyzed TRPML2 expression in different mouse tissues and organs and found that it was predominantly expressed in lymphoid organs and kidney. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed tight regulation of TRPML2 at the transcriptional level. Although TRPML2 expression was negligible in resting macrophages, TRPML2 mRNA and protein levels dramatically increased in response to TLR activation both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, TRPML1 and TRPML3 levels did not change upon TLR activation. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that endogenous TRPML2 primarily localized to recycling endosomes both in culture and primary cells, in contrast with TRPML1 and TRPML3, which distribute to the late and early endosomal pathway, respectively. To better understand the in vivo function of TRPML2, we generated a TRPML2-knockout mouse. We found that the production of several chemokines, in particular CCL2, was severely reduced in TRPML2-knockout mice. Furthermore, TRPML2-knockout mice displayed impaired recruitment of peripheral macrophages in response to i.p. injections of LPS or live bacteria, suggesting a potential defect in the immune response. Overall, our study reveals interesting differences in the regulation and distribution of the members of the TRPML family and identifies a novel role for TRPML2 in the innate immune response.

The mucolipin-2 (TRPML2) ion channel: a tissue-specific protein crucial to normal cell function

The discovery of the TRPML subfamily of ion channels has created an exciting niche in the fields of membrane trafficking, signal transduction, autophagy, and metal homeostasis. The TRPML protein subfamily consists of three members, TRPML1, TRPML2, and TRPML3, which are encoded by MCOLN1, MCOLN2, and MCOLN3 genes, respectively. They are non-selective cation channels with six predicted transmembrane domains and intracellular amino- and carboxyl-terminus regions. They localize to the plasma membrane, endosomes, and lysosomes of cells. TRPML1 is associated with the human lysosomal storage disease known as mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), but TRPML2 and TRPML3 have not been linked with a human disease. Although TRPML1 is expressed in many tissues, TRPML3 is expressed in a varied but limited set of tissues, while TRPML2 has a more limited expression pattern where it is mostly detected in lymphoid and myeloid tissues. This review focuses on TRPML2 because it appears to play an important, yet unrecognized role in the immune system. While the evidence has been mostly indirect, we present and discuss relevant data that strengthen the connection of TRPML2 with cellular immunity. We also discuss the functional redundancy between the TRPML proteins, and how such features could be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy for MLIV disease. We present evidence that TRPML2 expression may complement certain phenotypic alterations in MLIV cells and briefly examine the challenges of functional complementation. In conclusion, the function of TRPML2 still remains obscure, but emerging data show that it may serve a critical role in immune cell development and inflammatory responses.

A novel homozygous MCOLN1 double mutant allele leading to TRP channel domain ablation underlies Mucolipidosis IV in an Italian Child

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a very rare disorder of late endosome/lysosome transport, characterized by neurodevelopmental abnormalities and progressive visual impairment owing to corneal clouding and retinal dystrophy. Greater than 70 % of MLIV patients are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Here we report a novel MCOLN1double mutant allele [c.395_397delCTG;c.468_474dupTTGGACC] which introduces a premature stop codon [p.Ala132del; p.Asn159LeufsX27] leading to almost complete abrogation of the region coding mucolipin-1, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family. The genomic lesion was identified in homozygous state, in a non-Jewish Italian MLIV patient, who also presented abnormal serum gastrin levels. Conventional and advanced MRI sequences, including diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, were used for the assessment of white matter involvement in the patient.

Mucolipin co-deficiency causes accelerated endolysosomal vacuolation of enterocytes and failure-to-thrive from birth to weaning

During the suckling period, intestinal enterocytes are richly endowed with endosomes and lysosomes, which they presumably utilize for the uptake and intracellular digestion of milk proteins. By weaning, mature intestinal enterocytes replace those rich in lysosomes. We found that mouse enterocytes before weaning express high levels of two endolysosomal cation channels, mucolipins 3 and 1 -products of Trpml3 and Trpml1 genes; moreover neonatal enterocytes of mice lacking both mucolipins (Trpml3-/-;Trpml1-/-) vacuolated pathologically within hours of birth and remained so until weaning. Ultrastructurally and chemically these fast-forming vacuoles resembled those that systemically appear in epithelial cells of mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) patients, which bear mutations in Trpml1. Hence, lack of both mucolipins 1 and 3 causes an accelerated MLIV-type of vacuolation in enterocytes. The vacuoles were aberrant hybrid organelles with both endosomal and lysosomal components, and were not generated by alterations in endocytosis or exocytosis, but likely by an imbalance between fusion of lysosomes and endosomes and their subsequent scission. However, upon extensive vacuolation enterocytes displayed reduced endocytosis from the intestinal lumen, a defect expected to compromise nutrient uptake. Mice lacking both mucolipins suffered a growth delay that began after birth and continued through the suckling period but recovered after weaning, coinciding with the developmental period of enterocyte vacuolation. Our results demonstrate genetic redundancy between lysosomal mucolipins 3 and 1 in neonatal enterocytes. Furthermore, our Trpml3-/-;Trpml1-/- mice represent a polygenic animal model of the poorly-understood, and often intractable, neonatal failure-to-thrive with intestinal pathology. Our results implicate lysosomes in neonatal intestinal pathologies, a major cause of infant mortality worldwide, and suggest transient intestinal dysfunction might affect newborns with lysosomal storage disorders. Finally, we conclude that mucolipin-endowed lysosomes in the young play an evolutionarily-conserved role in the intracellular digestion of maternally-provided nutrients, whether milk in mammals or yolk in oviparous species.

The role of TRPMLs in endolysosomal trafficking and function

Members of the Transient Receptor Potential-Mucolipin (TRPML) constitute a family of evolutionarily conserved cation channels that function predominantly in endolysosomal vesicles. Whereas loss-of-function mutations in human TRPML1 were first identified as being causative for the lysosomal storage disease, Mucolipidosis type IV, most mammals also express two other TRPML isoforms called TRPML2 and TRPML3. All three mammalian TRPMLs as well as TRPML related genes in other species including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila exhibit overlapping functional and biophysical properties. The functions of TRPML proteins include roles in vesicular trafficking and biogenesis, maintenance of neuronal development, function, and viability, and regulation of intracellular and organellar ionic homeostasis. Biophysically, TRPML channels are non-selective cation channels exhibiting variable permeability to a host of cations including Na(+), Ca(2+), Fe(2+), and Zn(2+), and are activated by a phosphoinositide species, PI(3,5)P2, that is mostly found in endolysosomal membranes. Here, we review the functional and biophysical properties of these enigmatic cation channels, which represent the most ancient and archetypical TRP channels.

Acidic intracellular Ca(2+) stores and caveolae in Ca(2+) signaling and diabetes

Acidic Ca(2+) stores, particularly lysosomes, are newly discovered players in the well-orchestrated arena of Ca(2+) signaling and we are at the verge of understanding how lysosomes accumulate Ca(2+) and how they release it in response to different chemical, such as NAADP, and physical signals. Additionally, it is now clear that lysosomes play a key role in autophagy, a process that allows cells to recycle components or to eliminate damaged structures to ensure cellular well-being. Moreover, lysosomes are being unraveled as hubs that coordinate both anabolism via insulin signaling and catabolism via AMPK. These acidic vesicles have close contact with the ER and there is a bidirectional movement of information between these two organelles that exquisitely regulates cell survival. Lysosomes also connect with plasma membrane where caveolae are located as specialized regions involved in Ca(2+) and insulin signaling. Alterations of all these signaling pathways are at the core of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Ca²⁺-sensor proteins in the autophagic and endocytic traffic

Autophagy and endocytosis are two evolutionarily conserved catabolic processes that comprise vesicle trafficking events for the clearance of the sequestered intracellular and extracellular cargo. Both start differently but end in the same compartment, the lysosome. Mounting evidences from the last years have established the involvement of proteins sensitive to intracellular Ca²⁺ in the control of the early autophagic steps and in the traffic of autophagic, endocytic and lysosomal vesicles. However, this knowledge is based on dispersed outcomes that do not set up a consensus model of the Ca²⁺-dependent control of autophagy and endocytosis. Here, we will provide a critical synopsis of insights from the last decade on the involvement of Ca²⁺-sensor proteins in the activation of autophagy and in fusion events of endocytic vesicles, autophagosomes and lysosomes.

Defective autophagosome trafficking contributes to impaired autophagic flux in coronary arterial myocytes lacking CD38 gene

AIM

Autophagic flux is an important process during autophagy maturation in smooth muscle cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagic flux in these cells are largely unknown. Here, we revealed a previously undefined role of CD38, an enzyme that metabolizes NADP(+) into NAADP, in the regulation of autophagic flux in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vivo CD38 gene knockout mice (CD38(-/-)) fed the high-fat Western diet showed increased accumulation of autophagosomes in coronary arterial media compared with that in wild-type (CD38(+/+)) mice, suggesting that CD38 gene deletion results in a defective autophagic process in CAMs of coronary arteries. In primary cultured CAMs, CD38 gene deletion markedly enhanced 7-ketocholesterol (7-Ket, an atherogenic stimulus and autophagy inducer)-induced accumulation of autophagosomes and increased expression of an autophagic marker, LC3B. However, no difference in autophagosome formation was observed between CD38(+/+) and CD38(-/-) CAMs when autophagic flux was blocked, which indicates that CD38 regulates autophagic flux rather than induction of autophagosome formation. Further, 7-Ket-induced formation of autophagolysosomes was markedly attenuated in CD38(-/-) CAMs compared with CD38(+/+) CAMs. Mechanistically, CD38 gene deletion markedly inhibited 7-Ket-induced dynein activation and autophagosome trafficking, which were associated with attenuated lysosomal Ca(2+) release. Importantly, coronary arterial smooth muscle from CD38(-/-) mice fed the Western diet exhibited phenotypic changes towards a more dedifferentiated state with abnormal extracellular matrix metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that CD38 plays a critical role in autophagosome trafficking and fusion with lysosomes, thus controlling autophagic flux in CAMs under atherogenic stimulation.

TRPML1: an ion channel in the lysosome

The first member of the mammalian mucolipin TRP channel subfamily (TRPML1) is a cation-permeable channel that is predominantly localized on the membranes of late endosomes and lysosomes (LELs) in all mammalian cell types. In response to the regulatory changes of LEL-specific phosphoinositides or other cellular cues, TRPML1 may mediate the release of Ca(2+) and heavy metal Fe(2+)/Zn(2+)ions into the cytosol from the LEL lumen, which in turn may regulate membrane trafficking events (fission and fusion), signal transduction, and ionic homeostasis in LELs. Human mutations in TRPML1 result in type IV mucolipidosis (ML-IV), a childhood neurodegenerative lysosome storage disease. At the cellular level, loss-of-function mutations of mammalian TRPML1 or its C. elegans or Drosophila homolog gene results in lysosomal trafficking defects and lysosome storage. In this chapter, we summarize recent advances in our understandings of the cell biological and channel functions of TRPML1. Studies on TRPML1's channel properties and its regulation by cellular activities may provide clues for developing new therapeutic strategies to delay neurodegeneration in ML-IV and other lysosome-related pediatric diseases.

TRPML3

TRPML3 belongs to the MCOLN (TRPML) subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprising three genes in mammals. Since the discovery of the pain sensing, capsaicin- and heat-activated vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), TRP channels have been found to be involved in regulating almost all kinds of our sensory modalities. Thus, TRP channel members are sensitive to heat or cold; they are involved in pain or osmosensation, vision, hearing, or taste sensation. Loss or mutation of TRPML1 can cause retina degeneration and eventually blindness in mice and men (mucolipidosis type IV). Gain-of-function mutations in TRPML3 cause deafness and circling behavior in mice. A special feature of TRPML channels is their intracellular expression. They mostly reside in membranes of organelles of the endolysosomal system such as early and late endosomes, recycling endosomes, lysosomes, or lysosome-related organelles. Although the physiological roles of TRPML channels within the endolysosomal system are far from being fully understood, it is speculated that they are involved in the regulation of endolysosomal pH, fusion/fission processes, trafficking, autophagy, and/or (hormone) secretion and exocytosis.

Drosophila TRPML forms PI(3,5)P2-activated cation channels in both endolysosomes and plasma membrane

Transient Receptor Potential mucolipin (TRPML) channels are implicated in endolysosomal trafficking, lysosomal Ca(2+) and Fe(2+) release, lysosomal biogenesis, and autophagy. Mutations in human TRPML1 cause the lysosome storage disease, mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). Unlike vertebrates, which express three TRPML genes, TRPML1-3, the Drosophila genome encodes a single trpml gene. Although the trpml-deficient flies exhibit cellular defects similar to those in mammalian TRPML1 mutants, the biophysical properties of Drosophila TRPML channel remained uncharacterized. Here, we show that transgenic expression of human TRPML1 in the neurons of Drosophila trpml mutants partially suppressed the pupal lethality phenotype. When expressed in HEK293 cells, Drosophila TRPML was localized in both endolysosomes and plasma membrane and was activated by phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2) applied to the cytoplasmic side in whole lysosomes and inside-out patches excised from plasma membrane. The PI(3,5)P2-evoked currents were blocked by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), but not other phosphoinositides. Using TRPML A487P, which mimics the varitint-waddler (Va) mutant of mouse TRPML3 with constitutive whole-cell currents, we show that TRPML is biphasically regulated by extracytosolic pH, with an optimal pH about 0.6 pH unit higher than that of human TRPML1. In addition to monovalent cations, TRPML exhibits high permeability to Ca(2+), Mn(2+), and Fe(2+), but not Fe(3+). The TRPML currents were inhibited by trivalent cations Fe(3+), La(3+), and Gd(3+). These features resemble more closely to mammalian TRPML1 than TRPML2 and TRPML3, but with some obvious differences. Together, our data support the use of Drosophila for assessing functional significance of TRPML1 in cell physiology.

Loss of TRPML1 promotes production of reactive oxygen species: is oxidative damage a factor in mucolipidosis type IV?

TRPML1 is a lysosomal ion channel permeable to cations, including Fe2+. Our data suggest that TRPML1 redistributes Fe2+ between the lysosomes and the cytoplasm. Loss of TRPML1 leads to production of reactive oxygen species, and to mitochondrial deterioration.

The regulation of the autophagic network and its implications for human disease

Autophagy has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. More and more proteins and signaling pathways have been discovered that somehow feed into the autophagy regulatory pathways. Regulation of autophagy is complex and condition-specific, and in several diseases, autophagic fluxes are changed. Here, we review the most well-established concepts in this field as well as the reported signaling pathways or components which steer the autophagy machinery. Furthermore, we will highlight how autophagic fluxes are changed in various diseases either as cause for or as response to deal with an altered cellular homeostasis and how modulation of autophagy might be used as potential therapy for such diseases.

Autophagy maturation associated with CD38-mediated regulation of lysosome function in mouse glomerular podocytes

Podocytes are highly differentiated glomerular epithelial cells that contribute to the glomerular barrier function of kidney. A role for autophagy has been proposed in maintenance of their cellular integrity, but the mechanisms controlling autophagy in podocytes are not clear. The present study tested whether CD38-mediated regulation of lysosome function contributes to autophagic flux or autophagy maturation in podocytes. Podocytes were found to exhibit a high constitutive level of LC3-II, a robust marker of autophagosomes (APs), suggesting a high basal level of autophagic activity. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, increased LC3-II and the content of both APs detected by Cyto-ID Green staining and autophagolysosomes (APLs) measured by acridine orange staining and colocalization of LC3 and Lamp1. Lysosome function inhibitor bafilomycin A1 increased APs, but decreased APLs content under both basal and rapamycin-induced conditions. Inhibition of CD38 activity by nicotinamide or silencing of CD38 gene produced the similar effects to that bafilomycin A1 did in podocytes. To explore the possibility that CD38 may control podocyte autophagy through its regulation of lysosome function, the fusion of APs with lysosomes in living podocytes was observed by co-transfection of GFP-LC3B and RFP-Lamp1 expression vectors. A colocalization of GFP-LC3B and RFP-Lamp1 upon stimulation of rapamycin became obvious in transfected podocytes, which could be substantially blocked by nicotinamide, CD38 shRNA, and bafilomycin. Moreover, blockade of the CD38-mediated regulation by PPADS completely abolished rapamycin-induced fusion of APs with lysosomes. These results indicate that CD38 importantly control lysosomal function and influence autophagy at the maturation step in podocytes.

TRP channels

TRP channels constitute a large superfamily of cation channel forming proteins, all related to the gene product of the transient receptor potential (trp) locus in Drosophila. In mammals, 28 different TRP channel genes have been identified, which exhibit a large variety of functional properties and play diverse cellular and physiological roles. In this article, we provide a brief and systematic summary of expression, function, and (patho)physiological role of the mammalian TRP channels.

Calcium-permeable ion channels in control of autophagy and cancer

Autophagy, or cellular self-eating, is a tightly regulated cellular pathway the main purpose of which is lysosomal degradation and subsequent recycling of cytoplasmic material to maintain normal cellular homeostasis. Defects in autophagy are linked to a variety of pathological states, including cancer. Cancer is the disease associated with abnormal tissue growth following an alteration in such fundamental cellular processes as apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, migration and autophagy. The role of autophagy in cancer is complex, as it can promote both tumor prevention and survival/treatment resistance. It's now clear that modulation of autophagy has a great potential in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Recent findings identified intracellular calcium as an important regulator of both basal and induced autophagy. Calcium is a ubiquitous secondary messenger which regulates plethora of physiological and pathological processes such as aging, neurodegeneration and cancer. The role of calcium and calcium-permeable channels in cancer is well-established, whereas the information about molecular nature of channels regulating autophagy and the mechanisms of this regulation is still limited. Here we review existing mechanisms of autophagy regulation by calcium and calcium-permeable ion channels. Furthermore, we will also discuss some calcium-permeable channels as the potential new candidates for autophagy regulation. Finally we will propose the possible link between calcium permeable channels, autophagy and cancer progression and therapeutic response.

Ca2+ in quality control: an unresolved riddle critical to autophagy and mitophagy

Calcium (Ca (2+)) has long been known as a ubiquitous intracellular second messenger, exploited by cells to control processes as diverse as development, proliferation, learning, muscle contraction and secretion. The spatial and temporal patterns of these Ca (2+)-associated signals, as well as their amplitude, is precisely controlled to create gradients of the ion, varying considerably depending on cell type and function. Tuning of intracellular Ca (2+) is achieved in part by the buffering role of mitochondria, whose unperturbed function is essential for maintaining cellular energy balance. Quality of mitochondria is ensured by the process of targeted autophagy or mitophagy, which depends on a molecular cascade driving the catabolic process of autophagy toward damaged or deficient organelles for elimination via the lysosomal pathway. Nonspecific and targeted autophagy are highly regulated processes fundamental to cell growth and tissue homeostasis, allowing resources to be reallocated in nutrient-deprived cells as well as being instrumental in the repair of damaged organelles or the elimination of those in excess. Given the role of Ca (2+) signaling in many fundamental cellular processes requiring precise regulation, the involvement of Ca (2+) in autophagy is still somewhat ill-defined, and only in the past few years has evidence emerged linking the two. This mini-review aims to summarize recent work implicating Ca (2+) as an important regulator of autophagy, outlining a role for Ca (2+) that may be even more critical in the regulation of targeted mitochondrial autophagy.

A novel ion channel formed by interaction of TRPML3 with TRPV5

TRPML3 and TRPV5 are members of the mucolipin (TRPML) and TRPV subfamilies of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels. Based on sequence similarities of the pore forming regions and on structure-function evidence, we hypothesized that the pore forming domains of TRPML and TRPV5/TRPV6 channels have similarities that indicate possible functional interactions between these TRP channel subfamilies. Here we show that TRPML3 and TRPV5 associate to form a novel heteromeric ion channel. This novel conductance is detectable under conditions that do not activate either TRPML3 or TRPV5. It has pharmacological similarity with TRPML3 and requires functional TRPML3 as well as functional TRPV5. Single channel analyses revealed that TRPML3 and TRPV5 heteromers have different features than the respective homomers, and furthermore, that they occur in potentially distinct stoichiometric configurations. Based on overlapping expression of TRPML3 and TRPV5 in the kidney and the inner ear, we propose that TRPML3 and TRPV5 heteromers could have a biological function in these organs.

The intracellular Ca²⁺ channels of membrane traffic

Regulation of organellar fusion and fission by Ca ( 2+) has emerged as a central paradigm in intracellular membrane traffic. Originally formulated for Ca ( 2+) -driven SNARE-mediated exocytosis in the presynaptic terminals, it was later expanded to explain membrane traffic in other exocytic events within the endo-lysosomal system. The list of processes and conditions that depend on the intracellular membrane traffic includes aging, antigen and lipid processing, growth factor signaling and enzyme secretion. Characterization of the ion channels that regulate intracellular membrane fusion and fission promises novel pharmacological approaches in these processes when their function becomes aberrant. The recent identification of Ca ( 2+) permeability through the intracellular ion channels comprising the mucolipin (TRPMLs) and the two-pore channels (TPCs) families pinpoints the candidates for the Ca ( 2+) channel that drive intracellular membrane traffic. The present review summarizes the recent developments and the current questions relevant to this topic.

Autophagy Contributes to the Death/Survival Balance in Cancer PhotoDynamic Therapy

Autophagy is an important cellular program with a “double face” role, since it promotes either cell survival or cell death, also in cancer therapies. Its survival role occurs by recycling cell components during starvation or removing stressed organelles; when damage becomes extensive, autophagy provides another programmed cell death pathway, known as Autophagic Cell Death (ACD). The induction of autophagy is a common outcome in PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT), a two-step process involving the irradiation of photosensitizer (PS)-loaded cancer cells. Upon tissue oxygen interaction, PS provokes immediate and direct Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-induced damage to Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), mitochondria, plasma membrane, and/or lysosomes. The main biological effects carried out in cancer PDT are direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells, vasculature damage and induction of inflammatory reactions stimulating immunological responses. The question about the role of autophagy in PDT and its putative immunological impact is hotly controversial and largely studied in recent times. This review deals with the induction of autophagy in PDT protocols and its dual role, also considering its interrelationship with apoptosis, the preferential cell death program triggered in the photodynamic process.

Autophagy in lysosomal storage disorders

Lysosomes are ubiquitous intracellular organelles that have an acidic internal pH, and play crucial roles in cellular clearance. Numerous functions depend on normal lysosomes, including the turnover of cellular constituents, cholesterol homeostasis, downregulation of surface receptors, inactivation of pathogenic organisms, repair of the plasma membrane and bone remodeling. Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are characterized by progressive accumulation of undigested macromolecules within the cell due to lysosomal dysfunction. As a consequence, many tissues and organ systems are affected, including brain, viscera, bone and cartilage. The progressive nature of phenotype development is one of the hallmarks of LSDs. In recent years biochemical and cell biology studies of LSDs have revealed an ample spectrum of abnormalities in a variety of cellular functions. These include defects in signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, lipid biosynthesis and degradation and intracellular trafficking. Lysosomes also play a fundamental role in the autophagic pathway by fusing with autophagosomes and digesting their content. Considering the highly integrated function of lysosomes and autophagosomes it was reasonable to expect that lysosomal storage in LSDs would have an impact upon autophagy. The goal of this review is to provide readers with an overview of recent findings that have been obtained through analysis of the autophagic pathway in several types of LSDs, supporting the idea that LSDs could be seen primarily as "autophagy disorders."

Mucolipin controls lysosome exocytosis in Dictyostelium

Mucolipidosis type IV is a poorly understood lysosomal storage disease caused by alterations in the mucolipin lysosomal Ca(2+) channel. In this study, we generated mucolipin-knockout Dictyostelium cells, and observed that lysosome exocytosis was markedly increased in these cells compared with wild-type cells. In addition, mucolipin-knockout cells were more resistant to Ca(2+) deprivation, and the Ca(2+) concentration in their secretory lysosomes was decreased, suggesting that mucolipin transfers Ca(2+) ions from the cytosol to the lumen of secretory lysosomes. We speculate that mucolipin attenuates the fusogenic effect of local cytosolic increases in Ca(2+) by dissipating them into the lumen of lysosomal compartments.

Two-pore channels form homo- and heterodimers

Two-pore channels (TPCs) have been recently identified as NAADP-regulated Ca²⁺ release channels, which are localized on the endolysosomal system. TPCs have a 12-transmembrane domain (TMD) structure and are evolutionary intermediates between the 24-TMD α-subunits of Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ channels and the transient receptor potential channel superfamily, which have six TMDs in a single subunit and form tetramers with 24 TMDs as active channels. Based on this relationship, it is predicted that TPCs dimerize to form functional channels, but the dimerization of human TPCs has so far not been studied. Using co-immunoprecipitation studies and a mass spectroscopic analysis of the immunocomplex, we show the presence of homo- and heteromeric complexes for human TPC1 and TPC2. Despite their largely distinct localization, we identified a discrete number of endosomes that coexpressed TPC1 and TPC2. Homo- and heteromerization were confirmed by a FRET study, showing that both proteins interacted in a rotational (N- to C-terminal/head-to-tail) symmetry. This is the first report describing the presence of homomultimeric TPC1 channels and the first study showing that TPCs are capable of forming heteromers.

Role of TRP channels in the regulation of the endosomal pathway

Some members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily have proved to be essential in maintaining adequate ion homeostasis, signaling, and membrane trafficking in the endosomal pathway. The unique properties of the TRP channels confer cells the ability to integrate cytosolic and intraluminal stimuli and allow maintained and regulated release of Ca(2+) from endosomes and lysosomes.

Ion flux and the function of endosomes and lysosomes: pH is just the start: the flux of ions across endosomal membranes influences endosome function not only through regulation of the luminal pH

The ionic nature of endosomes varies considerably in character along the endocytic pathway. Counter-ion flux across the limiting membrane of endosomes has long been considered essential for full acidification and normal endosome/lysosomal function. The proximal functions of luminal ions, however, have been difficult to assess. The recent development of transgenic mice carrying mutations in the intracellular chloride channels (ClCs) has provided a tool to uncouple Cl(-) influx from endosomal acidification. Intriguingly, many of the defects of the endo-lysomal system attributed to aberrant pH persist in the Cl(-)-deficient mice implying a direct regulatory role for Cl(-) influx in endosome function. These observations may begin to explain the abundance of endosomal ion transporters, including ClCs, sodium-proton exchangers, two-pore channels and mucolipins, that have been localized to endo-lysosomes, and the extensive changes in luminal ion composition therein. In this review, we summarize what is known regarding the mediators of endosomal ion flux, and discuss the implications of changing ionic content on endo-lysosomal function.