Calmodulin as a direct detector of Ca2+ signals

Oligomerization and Ca2+/calmodulin control binding of the ER Ca2+-sensors STIM1 and STIM2 to plasma membrane lipids

Ca²⁺ (calcium) homoeostasis and signalling rely on physical contacts between Ca²⁺ sensors in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) and Ca²⁺ channels in the PM (plasma membrane). STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) and STIM2 Ca²⁺ sensors oligomerize upon Ca²⁺ depletion in the ER lumen, contact phosphoinositides at the PM via their cytosolic lysine (K)-rich domains, and activate Ca²⁺ channels. Differential sensitivities of STIM1 and STIM2 towards ER luminal Ca²⁺ have been studied but responses towards elevated cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration and the mechanism of lipid binding remain unclear. We found that tetramerization of the STIM1 K-rich domain is necessary for efficient binding to PI(4,5)P₂-containing PM-like liposomes consistent with an oligomerization-driven STIM1 activation. In contrast, dimerization of STIM2 K-rich domain was sufficient for lipid binding. Furthermore, the K-rich domain of STIM2, but not of STIM1, forms an amphipathic α-helix. These distinct features of the STIM2 K-rich domain cause an increased affinity for PI(4,5)P₂, consistent with the lower activation threshold of STIM2 and a function as regulator of basal Ca²⁺ levels. Concomitant with higher affinity for PM lipids, binding of CaM (calmodulin) inhibited the interaction of the STIM2 K-rich domain with liposomes in a Ca²⁺ and PI(4,5)P₂ concentration-dependent manner. Therefore we suggest that elevated cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration down-regulates STIM2-mediated ER–PM contacts via CaM binding.

Ca2+ channel nanodomains boost local Ca2+ amplitude

Local Ca(2+) signals through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (CaVs) drive synaptic transmission, neural plasticity, and cardiac contraction. Despite the importance of these events, the fundamental relationship between flux through a single CaV channel and the Ca(2+) signaling concentration within nanometers of its pore has resisted empirical determination, owing to limitations in the spatial resolution and specificity of fluorescence-based Ca(2+) measurements. Here, we exploited Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of CaV channels as a nanometer-range Ca(2+) indicator specific to active channels. We observed an unexpected and dramatic boost in nanodomain Ca(2+) amplitude, ten-fold higher than predicted on theoretical grounds. Our results uncover a striking feature of CaV nanodomains, as diffusion-restricted environments that amplify small Ca(2+) fluxes into enormous local Ca(2+) concentrations. This Ca(2+) tuning by the physical composition of the nanodomain may represent an energy-efficient means of local amplification that maximizes information signaling capacity, while minimizing global Ca(2+) load.

Paired-pulse facilitation at recurrent Purkinje neuron synapses is independent of calbindin and parvalbumin during high-frequency activation

Paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) is a dynamic enhancement of transmitter release considered crucial in CNS information processing. The mechanisms of PPF remain controversial and may differ between synapses. Endogenous Ca(2+) buffers such as parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin-D28k (CB) are regarded as important modulators of PPF, with PV acting as an anti-facilitating buffer while saturation of CB can promote PPF. We analysed transmitter release and PPF at intracortical, recurrent Purkinje neuron (PN) to PN synapses, which show PPF during high-frequency activation (200 Hz) and strongly express both PV and CB. We quantified presynaptic Ca(2+) dynamics and quantal release parameters in wild-type (WT), and CB and PV deficient mice. Lack of CB resulted in increased volume averaged presynaptic Ca(2+) amplitudes and in increased release probability, while loss of PV had no significant effect on these parameters. Unexpectedly, none of the buffers significantly influenced PPF, indicating that neither CB saturation nor residual free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]res) was the main determinant of PPF. Experimentally constrained, numerical simulations of Ca(2+)-dependent release were used to estimate the contributions of [Ca(2+)]res, CB, PV, calmodulin (CaM), immobile buffer fractions and Ca(2+) remaining bound to the release sensor after the first of two action potentials ('active Ca(2+)') to PPF. This analysis indicates that PPF at PN-PN synapses does not result from either buffer saturation or [Ca(2+)]res but rather from slow Ca(2+) unbinding from the release sensor.

Genetically encoded calcium indicators for multi-color neural activity imaging and combination with optogenetics

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are powerful tools for systems neuroscience. Here we describe red, single-wavelength GECIs, “RCaMPs,” engineered from circular permutation of the thermostable red fluorescent protein mRuby. High-resolution crystal structures of mRuby, the red sensor RCaMP, and the recently published red GECI R-GECO1 give insight into the chromophore environments of the Ca²⁺-bound state of the sensors and the engineered protein domain interfaces of the different indicators. We characterized the biophysical properties and performance of RCaMP sensors in vitro and in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila larvae, and larval zebrafish. Further, we demonstrate 2-color calcium imaging both within the same cell (registering mitochondrial and somatic [Ca²⁺]) and between two populations of cells: neurons and astrocytes. Finally, we perform integrated optogenetics experiments, wherein neural activation via channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or a red-shifted variant, and activity imaging via RCaMP or GCaMP, are conducted simultaneously, with the ChR2/RCaMP pair providing independently addressable spectral channels. Using this paradigm, we measure calcium responses of naturalistic and ChR2-evoked muscle contractions in vivo in crawling C. elegans. We systematically compare the RCaMP sensors to R-GECO1, in terms of action potential-evoked fluorescence increases in neurons, photobleaching, and photoswitching. R-GECO1 displays higher Ca²⁺ affinity and larger dynamic range than RCaMP, but exhibits significant photoactivation with blue and green light, suggesting that integrated channelrhodopsin-based optogenetics using R-GECO1 may be subject to artifact. Finally, we create and test blue, cyan, and yellow variants engineered from GCaMP by rational design. This engineered set of chromatic variants facilitates new experiments in functional imaging and optogenetics.

The CaMKII/NMDAR complex as a molecular memory

CaMKII is a major synaptic protein that is activated during the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) by the Ca²⁺ influx through NMDARs. This activation is required for LTP induction, but the role of the kinase in the maintenance of LTP is less clear. Elucidating the mechanisms of maintenance may provide insights into the molecular processes that underlie the stability of stored memories. In this brief review, we will outline the criteria for evaluating an LTP maintenance mechanism. The specific hypothesis evaluated is that LTP is maintained by the complex of activated CaMKII with the NMDAR. The evidence in support of this hypothesis is substantial, but further experiments are required, notably to determine the time course and persistence of complex after LTP induction. Additional work is also required to elucidate how the CaMKII/NMDAR complex produces the structural growth of the synapse that underlies late LTP. It has been proposed by Frey and Morris that late LTP involves the setting of a molecular tag during LTP induction, which subsequently allows the activated synapse to capture the proteins responsible for late LTP. However, the molecular processes by which this leads to the structural growth that underlies late LTP are completely unclear. Based on known binding reactions, we suggest the first molecularly specific version of tag/capture hypothesis: that the CaMKII/NMDAR complex, once formed, serves as a tag, which then leads to a binding cascade involving densin, delta-catenin, and N-cadherin (some of which are newly synthesized). Delta-catenin binds AMPA-binding protein (ABP), leading to the LTP-induced increase in AMPA channel content. The addition of postsynaptic N-cadherin, and the complementary increase on the presynaptic side, leads to a trans-synaptically coordinated increase in synapse size (and more release sites). It is suggested that synaptic strength is stored stably through the combined actions of the CaMKII/NMDAR complex and N-cadherin dimers. These N-cadherin pairs have redundant storage that could provide informational stability in a manner analogous to the base-pairing in DNA.

Fast GCaMPs for improved tracking of neuronal activity

The use of genetically encodable calcium indicator proteins to monitor neuronal activity is hampered by slow response times and a narrow Ca(2+)-sensitive range. Here we identify three performance-limiting features of GCaMP3, a popular genetically encodable calcium indicator protein. First, we find that affinity is regulated by the calmodulin domain's Ca(2+)-chelating residues. Second, we find that off-responses to Ca(2+) are rate-limited by dissociation of the RS20 domain from calmodulin's hydrophobic pocket. Third, we find that on-responses are limited by fast binding to the N-lobe at high Ca(2+) and by slow binding to the C-lobe at lower Ca(2+). We develop Fast-GCaMPs, which have up to 20-fold accelerated off-responses and show that they have a 200-fold range of K(D), allowing coexpression of multiple variants to span an expanded range of Ca(2+) concentrations. Finally, we show that Fast-GCaMPs track natural song in Drosophila auditory neurons and generate rapid responses in mammalian neurons, supporting the utility of our approach.

Human calmodulin methyltransferase: expression, activity on calmodulin, and Hsp90 dependence

Deletion of the first exon of calmodulin-lysine N-methyltransferase (CaM KMT, previously C2orf34) has been reported in two multigene deletion syndromes, but additional studies on the gene have not been reported. Here we show that in the cells from 2p21 deletion patients the loss of CaM KMT expression results in accumulation of hypomethylated calmodulin compared to normal controls, suggesting that CaM KMT is essential for calmodulin methylation and there are no compensatory mechanisms for CaM methylation in humans. We have further studied the expression of this gene at the transcript and protein levels. We have identified 2 additional transcripts in cells of the 2p21 deletion syndrome patients that start from alternative exons positioned outside the deletion region. One of them starts in the 2^nd known exon, the other in a novel exon. The transcript starting from the novel exon was also identified in a variety of tissues from normal individuals. These new transcripts are not expected to produce proteins. Immunofluorescent localization of tagged CaM KMT in HeLa cells indicates that it is present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells whereas the short isoform is localized to the Golgi apparatus. Using Western blot analysis we show that the CaM KMT protein is broadly expressed in mouse tissues. Finally we demonstrate that the CaM KMT interacts with the middle portion of the Hsp90 molecular chaperon and is probably a client protein since it is degraded upon treatment of cells with the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin. These findings suggest that the CaM KMT is the major, possibly the single, methyltransferase of calmodulin in human cells with a wide tissue distribution and is a novel Hsp90 client protein. Thus our data provides basic information for a gene potentially contributing to the patient phenotype of two contiguous gene deletion syndromes.

Augmented generation of protein fragments during wakefulness as the molecular cause of sleep: a hypothesis

Despite extensive understanding of sleep regulation, the molecular-level cause and function of sleep are unknown. I suggest that they originate in individual neurons and stem from increased production of protein fragments during wakefulness. These fragments are transient parts of protein complexes in which the fragments were generated. Neuronal Ca²⁺ fluxes are higher during wakefulness than during sleep. Subunits of transmembrane channels and other proteins are cleaved by Ca²⁺-activated calpains and by other nonprocessive proteases, including caspases and secretases. In the proposed concept, termed the fragment generation (FG) hypothesis, sleep is a state during which the production of fragments is decreased (owing to lower Ca²⁺ transients) while fragment-destroying pathways are upregulated. These changes facilitate the elimination of fragments and the remodeling of protein complexes in which the fragments resided. The FG hypothesis posits that a proteolytic cleavage, which produces two fragments, can have both deleterious effects and fitness-increasing functions. This (previously not considered) dichotomy can explain both the conservation of cleavage sites in proteins and the evolutionary persistence of sleep, because sleep would counteract deleterious aspects of protein fragments. The FG hypothesis leads to new explanations of sleep phenomena, including a longer sleep after sleep deprivation. Studies in the 1970s showed that ethanol-induced sleep in mice can be strikingly prolonged by intracerebroventricular injections of either Ca²⁺ alone or Ca²⁺ and its ionophore (Erickson et al., Science 1978;199:1219-1221; Harris, Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1979;10:527-534; Erickson et al., Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1980;12:651-656). These results, which were never interpreted in connection to protein fragments or the function of sleep, may be accounted for by the FG hypothesis about molecular causation of sleep.

Genetic inhibition of CaMKII in dorsal striatal medium spiny neurons reduces functional excitatory synapses and enhances intrinsic excitability

Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is abundant in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). CaMKII is dynamically regulated by changes in dopamine signaling, as occurs in Parkinson's disease as well as addiction. Although CaMKII has been extensively studied in the hippocampus where it regulates excitatory synaptic transmission, relatively little is known about how it modulates neuronal function in the striatum. Therefore, we examined the impact of selectively overexpressing an EGFP-fused CaMKII inhibitory peptide (EAC3I) in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) using a novel transgenic mouse model. EAC3I-expressing cells exhibited markedly decreased excitatory transmission, indicated by a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). This decrease was not accompanied by changes in the probability of release, levels of glutamate at the synapse, or changes in dendritic spine density. CaMKII regulation of the AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 is a major means by which the kinase regulates neuronal function in the hippocampus. We found that the decrease in striatal excitatory transmission seen in the EAC3I mice is mimicked by deletion of GluA1. Further, while CaMKII inhibition decreased excitatory transmission onto MSNs, it increased their intrinsic excitability. These data suggest that CaMKII plays a critical role in setting the excitability rheostat of striatal MSNs by coordinating excitatory synaptic drive and the resulting depolarization response.

Distinct mechanisms of calmodulin binding and regulation of adenylyl cyclases 1 and 8

Calmodulin (CaM), by mediating the stimulation of the activity of two adenylyl cyclases (ACs), plays a key role in integrating the cAMP and Ca(2+) signaling systems. These ACs, AC1 and AC8, by decoding discrete Ca(2+) signals can contribute to fine-tuning intracellular cAMP dynamics, particularly in neurons where they predominate. CaM comprises an α-helical linker separating two globular regions at the N-terminus and the C-terminus that each bind two Ca(2+) ions. These two lobes have differing affinities for Ca(2+), and they can interact with target proteins independently. This study explores previous indications that the two lobes of CaM can regulate AC1 and AC8 differently and thereby yield different responses to cellular transitions in [Ca(2+)](i). We first compared by glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays and offline nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry the interaction of CaM and Ca(2+)-binding deficient mutants of CaM with the internal CaM binding domain (CaMBD) of AC1 and the two terminal CaMBDs of AC8. We then examined the influence of these three CaMBDs on Ca(2+) binding by native and mutated CaM in stopped-flow experiments to quantify their interactions. The three CaMBDs show quite distinct interactions with the two lobes of CaM. These findings establish the critical kinetic differences between the mechanisms of Ca(2+)-CaM activation of AC1 and AC8, which may underpin their different physiological roles.

Calbindin controls release probability in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons

Relatively little is known about the molecular control of midbrain dopamine release. Using high-fidelity imaging of pHluorin-tagged vesicular monoamine transporter 2 in dopamine neurons, we found that exocytosis was more loosely coupled to calcium entry than in fast synapses. In ventral tegmental area neurons, this allows exocytosis to be efficiently controlled by a native fast calcium buffer, calbindin-D28k, maintaining a lower vesicular release probability compared with substantia nigra neurons.

Developmental profile of localized spontaneous Ca(2+) release events in the dendrites of rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Recent experiments demonstrate that localized spontaneous Ca(2+) release events can be detected in the dendrites of pyramidal cells in the hippocampus and other neurons (J. Neurosci. 29 (2009) 7833-7845). These events have some properties that resemble ryanodine receptor mediated "sparks" in myocytes, and some that resemble IP(3) receptor mediated "puffs" in oocytes. They can be detected in the dendrites of rats of all tested ages between P3 and P80 (with sparser sampling in older rats), suggesting that they serve a general signaling function and are not just important in development. However, in younger rats the amplitudes of the events are larger than the amplitudes in older animals and almost as large as the amplitudes of Ca(2+) signals from backpropagating action potentials (bAPs). The rise time of the event signal is fast at all ages and is comparable to the rise time of the bAP fluorescence signal at the same dendritic location. The decay time is slower in younger animals, primarily because of weaker Ca(2+) extrusion mechanisms at that age. Diffusion away from a brief localized source is the major determinant of decay at all ages. A simple computational model closely simulates these events with extrusion rate the only age dependent variable.

Calcium and cAMP levels interact to determine attraction versus repulsion in axon guidance

Correct guidance of axons to their targets depends on an intricate network of signaling molecules in the growth cone. Calcium and cAMP are two key regulators of whether axons are attracted or repelled by molecular gradients, but how these molecules interact to determine guidance responses remains unclear. Here, we constructed a mathematical model for the relevant signaling network, which explained a large range of previous biological data and made predictions for when axons will be attracted or repelled. We then confirmed these predictions experimentally, in particular showing that while small increases in cAMP levels promote attraction large increases do not, and that under some circumstances reducing cAMP levels promotes attraction. Together, these results show that a relatively simple mathematical model can quantitatively predict guidance decisions across a wide range of conditions, and that calcium and cAMP levels play a more complex role in these decisions than previously determined.

CaMKII activation and dynamics are independent of the holoenzyme structure: an infinite subunit holoenzyme approximation

The combinatorial explosion produced by the multi-state, multi-subunit character of CaMKII has made analysis and modeling of this key signaling protein a significant challenge. Using rule-based and particle-based approaches, we construct exact models of CaMKII holoenzyme dynamics and study these models as a function of the number of subunits per holoenzyme, N. Without phosphatases the dynamics of activation are independent of the holoenzyme structure unless phosphorylation significantly alters the kinase activity of a subunit. With phosphatases the model is independent of holoenzyme size for N > 6. We introduce an infinite subunit holoenzyme approximation (ISHA), which simplifies the modeling by eliminating the combinatorial complexities encountered in any finite holoenzyme model. The ISHA is an excellent approximation to the full system over a broad range of physiologically relevant parameters. Finally, we demonstrate that the ISHA reproduces the behavior of exact models during synaptic plasticity protocols, which justifies its use as a module in large models of synaptic plasticity.

Ca(2+) sensor proteins in dendritic spines: a race for Ca(2+)

Dendritic spines are believed to be micro-compartments of Ca²⁺ regulation. In a recent study, it was suggested that the ubiquitous and evolutionarily conserved Ca²⁺ sensor, calmodulin (CaM), is the first to intercept Ca²⁺ entering the spine and might be responsible for the fast decay of Ca²⁺ transients in spines. Neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) and neuronal calcium-binding protein (nCaBP) families consist of Ca²⁺ sensors with largely unknown synaptic functions despite an increasing number of interaction partners. Particularly how these sensors operate in spines in the presence of CaM has not been discussed in detail before. The limited Ca²⁺ resources and the existence of common targets create a highly competitive environment where Ca²⁺ sensors compete with each other for Ca²⁺ and target binding. In this review, we take a simple numerical approach to put forth possible scenarios and their impact on signaling via Ca²⁺ sensors of the NCS and nCaBP families. We also discuss the ways in which spine geometry and properties of ion channels, their kinetics and distribution, alter the spatio-temporal aspects of Ca²⁺ transients in dendritic spines, whose interplay with Ca²⁺ sensors in turn influences the race for Ca²⁺.

Three functional facets of calbindin D-28k

Many neurons of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) express the Ca²⁺ binding protein calbindin D-28k (CB), including important projection neurons like cerebellar Purkinje cells but also neocortical interneurons. CB has moderate cytoplasmic mobility and comprises at least four EF-hands that function in Ca²⁺ binding with rapid to intermediate kinetics and affinity. Classically it was viewed as a pure Ca²⁺ buffer important for neuronal survival. This view was extended by showing that CB is a critical determinant in the control of synaptic Ca²⁺ dynamics, presumably with strong impact on plasticity and information processing. Already 30 years ago, in vitro studies suggested that CB could have an additional Ca²⁺ sensor function, like its prominent acquaintance calmodulin (CaM). More recent work substantiated this hypothesis, revealing direct CB interactions with several target proteins. Different from a classical sensor, however, CB appears to interact with its targets both, in its Ca²⁺-loaded and Ca²⁺-free forms. Finally, CB has been shown to be involved in buffered transport of Ca²⁺, in neurons but also in kidney. Thus, CB serves a threefold function as buffer, transporter and likely as a non-canonical sensor.

Calcium signaling in closely related protozoan groups (Alveolata): non-parasitic ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) vs. parasitic Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma)

The importance of Ca2+-signaling for many subcellular processes is well established in higher eukaryotes, whereas information about protozoa is restricted. Recent genome analyses have stimulated such work also with Alveolates, such as ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) and their pathogenic close relatives, the Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma). Here we compare Ca2+ signaling in the two closely related groups. Acidic Ca2+ stores have been characterized in detail in Apicomplexa, but hardly in ciliates. Two-pore channels engaged in Ca2+-release from acidic stores in higher eukaryotes have not been stingently characterized in either group. Both groups are endowed with plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA, SERCA), respectively. Only recently was it possible to identify in Paramecium a number of homologs of ryanodine and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate receptors (RyR, IP3R) and to localize them to widely different organelles participating in vesicle trafficking. For Apicomplexa, physiological experiments suggest the presence of related channels although their identity remains elusive. In Paramecium, IP3Rs are constitutively active in the contractile vacuole complex; RyR-related channels in alveolar sacs are activated during exocytosis stimulation, whereas in the parasites the homologous structure (inner membrane complex) may no longer function as a Ca2+ store. Scrutinized comparison of the two closely related protozoan phyla may stimulate further work and elucidate adaptation to parasitic life. See also "Conclusions" section.

The rate of change in Ca(2+) concentration controls sperm chemotaxis

Sperm navigate in a chemoattractant gradient by translating changes in intracellular calcium concentration over time into changes in curvature of the swimming path.

During chemotaxis and phototaxis, sperm, algae, marine zooplankton, and other microswimmers move on helical paths or drifting circles by rhythmically bending cell protrusions called motile cilia or flagella. Sperm of marine invertebrates navigate in a chemoattractant gradient by adjusting the flagellar waveform and, thereby, the swimming path. The waveform is periodically modulated by Ca²⁺ oscillations. How Ca²⁺ signals elicit steering responses and shape the path is unknown. We unveil the signal transfer between the changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and path curvature (κ). We show that κ is modulated by the time derivative d[Ca²⁺]_i/dt rather than the absolute [Ca²⁺]_i. Furthermore, simulation of swimming paths using various Ca²⁺ waveforms reproduces the wealth of swimming paths observed for sperm of marine invertebrates. We propose a cellular mechanism for a chemical differentiator that computes a time derivative. The cytoskeleton of cilia, the axoneme, is highly conserved. Thus, motile ciliated cells in general might use a similar cellular computation to translate changes of [Ca²⁺]_i into motion.

Stable learning in stochastic network states

The mammalian cerebral cortex is characterized in vivo by irregular spontaneous activity, but how this ongoing dynamics affects signal processing and learning remains unknown. The associative plasticity rules demonstrated in vitro, mostly in silent networks, are based on the detection of correlations between presynaptic and postsynaptic activity and hence are sensitive to spontaneous activity and spurious correlations. Therefore, they cannot operate in realistic network states. Here, we present a new class of spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning rules with local floating plasticity thresholds, the slow dynamics of which account for metaplasticity. This novel algorithm is shown to both correctly predict homeostasis in synaptic weights and solve the problem of asymptotic stable learning in noisy states. It is shown to naturally encompass many other known types of learning rule, unifying them into a single coherent framework. The mixed presynaptic and postsynaptic dependency of the floating plasticity threshold is justified by a cascade of known molecular pathways, which leads to experimentally testable predictions.

Mechanisms of CaMKII action in long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic strength occurs during learning and can last for long periods, making it a probable mechanism for memory storage. LTP induction results in calcium entry, which activates calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). CaMKII subsequently translocates to the synapse, where it binds to NMDA-type glutamate receptors and produces potentiation by phosphorylating principal and auxiliary subunits of AMPA-type glutamate receptors. These processes are all localized to stimulated spines and account for the synapse-specificity of LTP. In the later stages of LTP, CaMKII has a structural role in enlarging and strengthening the synapse.

Subcellular location of PKA controls striatal plasticity: stochastic simulations in spiny dendrites

Dopamine release in the striatum has been implicated in various forms of reward dependent learning. Dopamine leads to production of cAMP and activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which are involved in striatal synaptic plasticity and learning. PKA and its protein targets are not diffusely located throughout the neuron, but are confined to various subcellular compartments by anchoring molecules such as A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs). Experiments have shown that blocking the interaction of PKA with AKAPs disrupts its subcellular location and prevents LTP in the hippocampus and striatum; however, these experiments have not revealed whether the critical function of anchoring is to locate PKA near the cAMP that activates it or near its targets, such as AMPA receptors located in the post-synaptic density. We have developed a large scale stochastic reaction-diffusion model of signaling pathways in a medium spiny projection neuron dendrite with spines, based on published biochemical measurements, to investigate this question and to evaluate whether dopamine signaling exhibits spatial specificity post-synaptically. The model was stimulated with dopamine pulses mimicking those recorded in response to reward. Simulations show that PKA colocalization with adenylate cyclase, either in the spine head or in the dendrite, leads to greater phosphorylation of DARPP-32 Thr34 and AMPA receptor GluA1 Ser845 than when PKA is anchored away from adenylate cyclase. Simulations further demonstrate that though cAMP exhibits a strong spatial gradient, diffusible DARPP-32 facilitates the spread of PKA activity, suggesting that additional inactivation mechanisms are required to produce spatial specificity of PKA activity.

The striatum is a part of the basal ganglia which plays a role in addiction and reward learning. Its importance is underscored by pathologies such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease in which degeneration of the dopamine inputs to the striatum or degeneration of neurons in the striatum, respectively, produces motor dysfunction. Dopamine in the striatum activates cascades of signaling molecules, ultimately producing an activity dependent change in the strength of connections between neurons. However, the dispersive movement of signaling molecules seems incompatible with the strengthening of specific subsets of connections, which is required for formation of distinct memories. Anchoring proteins, which restrict molecules to particular compartments within the neuron, are proposed to achieve specificity. We develop a reaction-diffusion model of dopamine activated signaling pathways to explore mechanisms whereby anchoring proteins can produce specificity. We use an efficient Monte-Carlo simulator to implement the cascades of signaling molecules in a neuronal dendrite with multiple dendritic spines. Simulations demonstrate that spatial specificity requires both anchoring proteins and inactivation mechanisms that limit the diffusion of signaling molecules.

Understanding the physiological roles of the neuronal calcium sensor proteins

Calcium signalling plays a crucial role in the control of neuronal function and plasticity. Changes in neuronal Ca²⁺ concentration are detected by Ca²⁺-binding proteins that can interact with and regulate target proteins to modify their function. Members of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) protein family have multiple non-redundant roles in the nervous system. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of the physiological roles of the NCS proteins and the molecular basis for their specificity.

Nanodomain coupling between Ca²⁺ channels and sensors of exocytosis at fast mammalian synapses

The physical distance between presynaptic Ca(2+) channels and the Ca(2+) sensors that trigger exocytosis of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles is a key determinant of the signalling properties of synapses in the nervous system. Recent functional analysis indicates that in some fast central synapses, transmitter release is triggered by a small number of Ca(2+) channels that are coupled to Ca(2+) sensors at the nanometre scale. Molecular analysis suggests that this tight coupling is generated by protein-protein interactions involving Ca(2+) channels, Ca(2+) sensors and various other synaptic proteins. Nanodomain coupling has several functional advantages, as it increases the efficacy, speed and energy efficiency of synaptic transmission.

How the 'slow' Ca(2+) buffer parvalbumin affects transmitter release in nanodomain-coupling regimes

Parvalbumin is thought to act in a manner similar to EGTA, but how a slow Ca(2+) buffer affects nanodomain-coupling regimes at GABAergic synapses is unclear. Direct measurements of parvalbumin concentration and paired recordings in rodent hippocampus and cerebellum revealed that parvalbumin affects synaptic dynamics only when expressed at high levels. Modeling suggests that, in high concentrations, parvalbumin may exert BAPTA-like effects, modulating nanodomain coupling via competition with local saturation of endogenous fixed buffers.

Activity-dependent regulation of synaptic strength by PSD-95 in CA1 neurons

CaMKII and PSD-95 are the two most abundant postsynaptic proteins in the postsynaptic density (PSD). Overexpression of either can dramatically increase synaptic strength and saturate long-term potentiation (LTP). To do so, CaMKII must be activated, but the same is not true for PSD-95; expressing wild-type PSD-95 is sufficient. This raises the question of whether PSD-95's effects are simply an equilibrium process [increasing the number of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) slots] or whether activity is somehow involved. To examine this question, we blocked activity in cultured hippocampal slices with TTX and found that the effects of PSD-95 overexpression were greatly reduced. We next studied the type of receptors involved. The effects of PSD-95 were prevented by antagonists of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) but not by antagonists of ionotropic glutamate receptors. The inhibition of PSD-95-induced strengthening was not simply a result of inhibition of PSD-95 synthesis. To understand the mechanisms involved, we tested the role of CaMKII. Overexpression of a CaMKII inhibitor, CN19, greatly reduced the effect of PSD-95. We conclude that PSD-95 cannot itself increase synaptic strength simply by increasing the number of AMPAR slots; rather, PSD-95's effects on synaptic strength require an activity-dependent process involving mGluR and CaMKII.

Depolarization gates spine calcium transients and spike-timing-dependent potentiation

Timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP) is induced when synaptic activity is immediately followed by one or more back-propagating action potentials (bAPs) in the postsynaptic cell. As a mechanistic explanation, it has been proposed that the bAP removes the Mg2+ block of synaptic NMDA receptors, allowing for rapid Ca2+ entry at the active synapse. Recent experimental studies suggest that this model is incomplete: NMDA receptor-based coincidence detection requires strong postsynaptic depolarization, usually provided by AMPA receptor currents. Apparently, the brief AMPA-EPSP does not only enable t-LTP, it is also responsible for the very narrow time window for t-LTP induction. The emerging consensus puts the spine in the center of coincidence detection, as active conductances on the spine together with the electrical resistance of the spine neck regulate the depolarization of the spine head and thus Ca2+ influx during pairing. A focus on postsynaptic voltage during synaptic activation not only encompasses spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), but explains also the cooperativity and frequency-dependence of plasticity.

Nitric oxide-induced calcium release via ryanodine receptors regulates neuronal function

Mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores regulates a multitude of cellular functions, but the role of intracellular Ca(2+) release via the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in the brain remains incompletely understood. We found that nitric oxide (NO) directly activates RyRs, which induce Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores of central neurons, and thereby promote prolonged Ca(2+) signalling in the brain. Reversible S-nitrosylation of type 1 RyR (RyR1) triggers this Ca(2+) release. NO-induced Ca(2+) release (NICR) is evoked by type 1 NO synthase-dependent NO production during neural firing, and is essential for cerebellar synaptic plasticity. NO production has also been implicated in pathological conditions including ischaemic brain injury, and our results suggest that NICR is involved in NO-induced neuronal cell death. These findings suggest that NICR via RyR1 plays a regulatory role in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the brain.

Measuring the kinetics of calcium binding proteins with flash photolysis

BACKGROUND

Calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) are instrumental in the control of Ca2+ signaling. They are the fastest players within the Ca2+ toolkit responding within microseconds to [Ca2+] changes. The CBPs compete for Ca2+ which plays a direct role in modulating Ca2+ transients and the resulting biochemical message. The kinetic properties of the CBPs have to be known to have a good understanding of Ca2+ signaling.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Most techniques used to measure binding kinetics are too slow to accurately determine the fast kinetics of most CBP. Furthermore, many CBPs bind Ca2+ in a cooperative way, which should be incorporated in the kinetic modeling. Here we will review a new ultra-fast in vitro technique for measuring Ca2+ binding properties of CBPs following flash photolysis of caged Ca2+. Compartmental modeling is used to resolve the kinetics of fast cooperative Ca2+ binding to CBPs.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Currently this technique has only been used to quantify the kinetics of three CBPs (calbindin, calretinin and calmodulin), but has already provided remarkable insights into the specific role that these kinetics in Ca2+ signaling.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The potential to gain novel insights into Ca2+ signaling by quantifying kinetics of other CBPs using this technique is very promising. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signaling.

Quantitative estimates of the cytoplasmic, PSD, and NMDAR-bound pools of CaMKII in dendritic spines

CaMKII plays a critical role in long-term potentiation (LTP). The kinase is a major component of the postsynaptic density (PSD); however, it is also contained in the spine cytoplasm. CaMKII can now be monitored optically in living neurons, and it is therefore important to understand the contribution of the PSD and cytoplasmic pools to optical signals. Here, we estimate the size of these pools under basal conditions. From EM immunolabeling data, we calculate that the PSD/cytoplasmic ratio is ~5%. A second independent estimate is derived from measurements indicating that the average mushroom spine PSD contains 90 to 240 holoenzymes. A cytoplasmic concentration of 16 μM (~2590 holoenzymes) in the spine can be estimated from the total measured CaMKII content of hippocampal tissue, the relative volume of different compartments, and the spine-dendrite ratio of CaMKII (2:1). These numbers yield a second estimate (6%) of the PSD/spine ratio in good agreement with the first. The CaMKII bound to the NMDAR is important because preventing the formation of this complex blocks LTP induction. We estimate that the percentage of spine CaMKII held active by binding to the NMDAR is ~0.2%. Implications of the high spine concentration of CaMKII (> 100 μM alpha subunits) and the small fraction within the PSD are discussed. Of particular note, the finding that the CaMKII signal in spines shows only transient activation (open state) after LTP induction is subject to the qualification that it does not reflect the small but important pool bound to the NMDAR.

Between promiscuity and specificity: novel roles of EF-hand calcium sensors in neuronal Ca2+ signalling

In recent years, substantial progress has been made towards an understanding of the physiological function of EF-hand calcium sensor proteins of the Calmodulin (CaM) superfamily in neurons. This deeper appreciation is based on the identification of novel target interactions, structural studies and the discovery of novel signalling mechanisms in protein trafficking and synaptic plasticity, in which CaM-like sensor proteins appear to play a role. However, not all interactions are of plausible physiological relevance and in many cases it is not yet clear how the CaM signaling network relates to the proposed function of other EF-hand sensors. In this review, we will summarize these findings and address some of the open questions on the functional role of EF-hand calcium binding proteins in neurons.