Importance of non-selective cation channel TRPV4 interaction with cytoskeleton and their reciprocal regulations in cultured cells

The puzzle of TRPV4 channelopathies

Hereditary channelopathies, that is, mutations in channel genes that alter channel function and are causal for the pathogenesis of the disease, have been described for several members of the transient receptor potential channel family. Mutations in the TRPV4 gene, encoding a polymodal Ca(2+) permeable channel, are causative for several human diseases, which affect the skeletal system and the peripheral nervous system, with highly variable phenotypes. In this review, we describe the phenotypes of TRPV4 channelopathies and overlapping symptoms. Putative mechanisms to explain the puzzle, and how mutations in the same region of the channel cause different diseases, are discussed and experimental approaches to tackle this surprising problem are suggested.

Role of ion channels and transporters in cell migration

Cell motility is central to tissue homeostasis in health and disease, and there is hardly any cell in the body that is not motile at a given point in its life cycle. Important physiological processes intimately related to the ability of the respective cells to migrate include embryogenesis, immune defense, angiogenesis, and wound healing. On the other side, migration is associated with life-threatening pathologies such as tumor metastases and atherosclerosis. Research from the last ≈ 15 years revealed that ion channels and transporters are indispensable components of the cellular migration apparatus. After presenting general principles by which transport proteins affect cell migration, we will discuss systematically the role of channels and transporters involved in cell migration.

TRPV1-tubulin complex: involvement of membrane tubulin in the regulation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Existence of microtubule cytoskeleton at the membrane and submembranous regions, referred as 'membrane tubulin' has remained controversial for a long time. Since we reported physical and functional interaction of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Sub Type 1 (TRPV1) with microtubules and linked the importance of TRPV1-tubulin complex in the context of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a few more reports have characterized this interaction in in vitro and in in vivo condition. However, the cross-talk between TRPs with microtubule cytoskeleton, and the complex feedback regulations are not well understood. Sequence analysis suggests that other than TRPV1, few TRPs can potentially interact with microtubules. The microtubule interaction with TRPs has evolutionary origin and has a functional significance. Biochemical evidence, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer analysis along with correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence anisotropy measurements have confirmed that TRPV1 interacts with microtubules in live cell and this interaction has regulatory roles. Apart from the transport of TRPs and maintaining the cellular structure, microtubules regulate signaling and functionality of TRPs at the single channel level. Thus, TRPV1-tubulin interaction sets a stage where concept and parameters of 'membrane tubulin' can be tested in more details. In this review, I critically analyze the advancements made in biochemical, pharmacological, behavioral as well as cell-biological observations and summarize the limitations that need to be overcome in the future.

TRPM7 is required for breast tumor cell metastasis

TRPM7 encodes a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel with kinase activity. TRPM7 has been implicated in control of cell adhesion and migration, but whether TRPM7 activity contributes to cancer progression has not been established. Here we report that high levels of TRPM7 expression independently predict poor outcome in breast cancer patients and that it is functionally required for metastasis formation in a mouse xenograft model of human breast cancer. Mechanistic investigation revealed that TRPM7 regulated myosin II-based cellular tension, thereby modifying focal adhesion number, cell-cell adhesion and polarized cell movement. Our findings therefore suggest that TRPM7 is part of a mechanosensory complex adopted by cancer cells to drive metastasis formation.

Involvement of TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels in migration of rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Pulmonary hypertension, the main disease of the pulmonary circulation, is characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, involving proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC). However, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain to be identified. In the present study, we thus investigated in rat intrapulmonary arteries (1) the expression and the functional activity of TRPV1 and TRPV4, (2) the PASMC migration triggered by these TRPV channels, and (3) the associated reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated expression of TRPV1 and TRPV4 mRNA in rat intrapulmonary arteries. These results were confirmed at the protein level by western blot. Using microspectrofluorimetry (indo-1), we show that capsaicin and 4α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD), selective agonists of TRPV1 and TRPV4, respectively, increased the intracellular calcium concentration of PASMC. Furthermore, stimulation of TRPV1 and TRPV4 induced PASMC migratory responses, as assessed by two different methods (a modified Boyden chamber assay and a wound-healing migration assay). This response cannot seem to be attributed to a proliferative effect as assessed by BrdU and Wst-1 colorimetric methods. Capsaicin- and 4α-PDD-induced calcium and migratory responses were inhibited by the selective TRPV1 and TRPV4 blockers, capsazepine and HC067047, respectively. Finally, as assessed by immunostaining, these TRPV-induced migratory responses were associated with reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton and the tubulin and intermediate filament networks. In conclusion, these data point out, for the first time, the implication of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in rat PASMC migration, suggesting the implication of these TRPV channels in the physiopathology of pulmonary hypertension.

Mechanoregulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by TRP channels

The ability of cells to respond to mechanical stimulation is crucial to a variety of biological processes, including cell migration, axonal outgrowth, perception of pain, cardiovascular responses and kidney physiology. The translation of mechanical cues into cellular responses, a process known as mechanotransduction, typically takes place in specialized multiprotein structures such as cilia, cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesions. Within these structures, mechanical forces such as shear stress and membrane stretch activate mechanosensitive proteins, which set off a series of events that lead to altered cell behavior. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels are emerging as important players in mechanotransductory pathways. Localized within mechanosensory structures, they are activated by mechanical stimuli and trigger fast as well as sustained cytoskeletal responses. In this review, we will provide an overview of how TRP channels affect cytoskeletal dynamics in various mechano-regulated processes.

Conservation of tubulin-binding sequences in TRPV1 throughout evolution

Background

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid sub type 1 (TRPV1), commonly known as capsaicin receptor can detect multiple stimuli ranging from noxious compounds, low pH, temperature as well as electromagnetic wave at different ranges. In addition, this receptor is involved in multiple physiological and sensory processes. Therefore, functions of TRPV1 have direct influences on adaptation and further evolution also. Availability of various eukaryotic genomic sequences in public domain facilitates us in studying the molecular evolution of TRPV1 protein and the respective conservation of certain domains, motifs and interacting regions that are functionally important.

Methodology and Principal Findings

Using statistical and bioinformatics tools, our analysis reveals that TRPV1 has evolved about ∼420 million years ago (MYA). Our analysis reveals that specific regions, domains and motifs of TRPV1 has gone through different selection pressure and thus have different levels of conservation. We found that among all, TRP box is the most conserved and thus have functional significance. Our results also indicate that the tubulin binding sequences (TBS) have evolutionary significance as these stretch sequences are more conserved than many other essential regions of TRPV1. The overall distribution of positively charged residues within the TBS motifs is conserved throughout evolution. In silico analysis reveals that the TBS-1 and TBS-2 of TRPV1 can form helical structures and may play important role in TRPV1 function.

Conclusions and Significance

Our analysis identifies the regions of TRPV1, which are important for structure – function relationship. This analysis indicates that tubulin binding sequence-1 (TBS-1) near the TRP-box forms a potential helix and the tubulin interactions with TRPV1 via TBS-1 have evolutionary significance. This interaction may be required for the proper channel function and regulation and may also have significance in the context of Taxol®-induced neuropathy.

TRPV4 in porcine lens epithelium regulates hemichannel-mediated ATP release and Na-K-ATPase activity

In several tissues, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are involved in the response to hyposmotic challenge. Here we report TRPV4 protein in porcine lens epithelium and show that TRPV4 activation is an important step in the response of the lens to hyposmotic stress. Hyposmotic solution (200 mosM) elicited ATP release from intact lenses and TRPV4 antagonists HC 067047 and RN 1734 prevented the release. In isosmotic solution, the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A (GSK) elicited ATP release. When propidium iodide (PI) (MW 668) was present in the bathing medium, GSK and hyposmotic solution both increased PI entry into the epithelium of intact lenses. Increased PI uptake and ATP release in response to GSK and hyposmotic solution were abolished by a mixture of agents that block connexin and pannexin hemichannels, 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid and probenecid. Increased Na-K-ATPase activity occurred in the epithelium of lenses exposed to GSK and 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid + probenecid prevented the response. Hyposmotic solution caused activation of Src family kinase and increased Na-K-ATPase activity in the lens epithelium and TRPV4 antagonists prevented the response. Ionomycin, which is known to increase cytoplasmic calcium, elicited ATP release, the magnitude of which was no greater when lenses were exposed simultaneously to ionomycin and hyposmotic solution. Ionomycin-induced ATP release was significantly reduced in calcium-free medium. TRPV4-mediated calcium entry was examined in Fura-2-loaded cultured lens epithelium. Hyposmotic solution and GSK both increased cytoplasmic calcium that was prevented by TRPV4 antagonists. The cytoplasmic calcium rise in response to hyposmotic solution or GSK was abolished when calcium was removed from the bathing solution. The findings are consistent with hyposmotic shock-induced TRPV4 channel activation which triggers hemichannel-mediated ATP release. The results point to TRPV4-mediated calcium entry that causes a cytoplasmic calcium increase which is an essential early step in the mechanism used by the lens to sense and respond to hyposmotic stress.

The plasma membrane potential and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton of epithelial cells

The establishment and maintenance of the polarized epithelial phenotype require a characteristic organization of the cytoskeletal components. There are many cellular effectors involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. Recently, modifications in the plasma membrane potential (PMP) have been suggested to participate in the modulation of the cytoskeletal organization of epithelia. Here, we review evidence showing that changes in the PMP of diverse epithelial cells promote characteristic modifications in the cytoskeletal organization, with a focus on the actin cytoskeleton. The molecular paths mediating these effects may include voltage-sensitive integral membrane proteins and/or peripheral proteins sensitive to surface potentials. The voltage dependence of the cytoskeletal organization seems to have implications in several physiological processes, including epithelial wound healing and apoptosis.

Phosphorylation on the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 prefers to bind with F-actin than with microtubules to expand the cell surface area

Previously, we demonstrated that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is one of the serum glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase1 (SGK1) authentic substrate proteins, and that the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 is phosphorylated by SGK1. In this study, we demonstrated that phosphorylation on the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 is required for its interaction with F-actin, using TRPV4 mutants (S824D; a phospho-mimicking TRPV4 mutant and S824A; a non-phosphorylatable TRPV4 mutant) and its proper subcellular localization. Additionally, we noted that the phosphorylation of the Ser824 residue promotes its single channel activity, Ca(2+) influx, protein stability, and cell surface area (expansion of plasma membrane).

Osmosensory mechanisms in cellular and systemic volume regulation

Perturbations of cellular and systemic osmolarity severely challenge the function of all organisms and are consequently regulated very tightly. Here we outline current evidence on how cells sense volume perturbations, with particular focus on mechanisms relevant to the kidneys and to extracellular osmolarity and whole body volume homeostasis. There are a variety of molecular signals that respond to perturbations in cell volume and osmosensors or volume sensors responding to these signals. The early signals of volume perturbation include integrins, the cytoskeleton, receptor tyrosine kinases, and transient receptor potential channels. We also present current evidence on the localization and function of central and peripheral systemic osmosensors and conclude with a brief look at the still limited evidence on pathophysiological conditions associated with deranged sensing of cell volume.

TRPV4 mediates tumor-derived endothelial cell migration via arachidonic acid-activated actin remodeling

Changes in intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) levels control critical cytosolic and nuclear events that are involved in the initiation and progression of tumor angiogenesis in endothelial cells (ECs). Therefore, the mechanism(s) involved in agonist-induced Ca(2+)(i) signaling is a potentially important molecular target for controlling angiogenesis and tumor growth. Several studies have shown that blood vessels in tumors differ from normal vessels in their morphology, blood flow and permeability. We had previously reported a key role for arachidonic acid (AA)-mediated Ca(2+) entry in the initial stages of tumor angiogenesis in vitro. In this study we assessed the mechanism involved in AA-induced EC migration. We report that TRPV4, an AA-activated channel, is differentially expressed in EC derived from human breast carcinomas (BTEC) as compared with 'normal' EC (HMVEC). BTEC display a significant increase in TRPV4 expression, which was correlated with greater Ca(2+) entry, induced by AA or 4αPDD (a selective TRPV4 agonist) in the tumor-derived ECs. Wound-healing assays revealed a key role of TRPV4 in regulating cell migration of BTEC but not HMVEC. Knockdown of TRPV4 expression completely abolished AA-induced BTEC migration, suggesting that TRPV4 mediates the pro-angiogenic effects promoted by AA. Furthermore, pre-incubation of BTEC with AA induced actin remodeling and a subsequent increase in the surface expression of TRPV4. This was consistent with the increased plasma membrane localization of TRPV4 and higher AA-stimulated Ca(2+) entry in the migrating cells. Together, the data presented herein demonstrate that: (1) TRPV4 is differentially expressed in tumor-derived versus 'normal' EC; (2) TRPV4 has a critical role in the migration of tumor-derived but not 'normal' EC migration; and (3) AA induces actin remodeling in BTEC, resulting in a corresponding increase of TRPV4 expression in the plasma membrane. We suggest that the latter is critical for migration of EC and thus in promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Activation of TRPV4 channels reduces migration of immortalized neuroendocrine cells

Calcium is a universal signal, and its capacity to encode intracellular messages via spatial, temporal and amplitude characteristics allows it to participate in most cellular events. In a specific context, calcium plays a pivotal role in migration, although its role has not been elucidated fully. By using immortalized gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting neurons (GN11), we have now investigated the role of TRPV4, a member of the vanilloid family of Ca(2+) channels, in neuronal migration. Our results show that TRPV4 channels are present and functional in GN11 cells and their localization is polarized and enriched in lamellipodial structures. TRPV4 activation leads to a retraction of the lamellipodia and to a decrease in migratory behaviour; moreover cells migrate slower and in a more random manner. We therefore provide evidence for a new regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and a new role for calcium at the leading edge of migratory cells.

Structural and functional regulation of growth cone, filopodia and synaptic sites by TRPV1

Specialized neuronal structures namely growth cones, filopodia and spines are important entities by which neurons communicate with each other, integrate multiple signaling events, consolidate interacting structures and exchange synaptic information. Recent studies confirmed that Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid sub type 1 (TRPV1), alternatively known as capsaicin receptor, forms a signaling complex at the plasma membrane and integrate multiple exogenous and endogenous signaling cues there. This receptor localizes in the neuronal growth cones and also in filopodial tips. In addition, TRPV1 is endogenously present in synaptic structures and located both in pre- and post-synaptic spines of cortical neurons. Being nonselective Ca(2+)-channel, TRPV1 regulates the morphology and the functions of these structures by various mechanisms. Our studies indicated that physical interaction with signaling and structural molecules, modulation of different cytoskeleton, synaptic scaffolding structures and vesicle recycling by Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent events are the key mechanisms by which TRPV1 regulates growth cone, filopodia and spines in a coordinated manner. TRPV1 not only regulates the morphology, but also regulates the functions of these entities. Thus TRPV1 is important not only for the detection of noxious stimuli and transmission of pain signaling, but also are for the neuronal communications and network formation.

Calcium wave signaling in cancer cells

Ca(2+) functions as an important signaling messenger right from beginning of life to the final moments of the end of life. Ca(2+) is needed at several steps of the cell cycle such as early G(1), at the G(1)/S, and G(2)/M transitions. The Ca(2+) signals in the form of time-dependent changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, [Ca(2+)](i), are presented as brief spikes organized into regenerative Ca(2+) waves. Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathways have also been shown to play important roles in carcinogenesis such as transformation of normal cells to cancerous cells, tumor formation and growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Since the global Ca(2+) oscillations arise from Ca(2+) waves initiated locally, it results in stochastic oscillations because although each cell has many IP(3)Rs and Ca(2+) ions, the law of large numbers does not apply to the initiating event which is restricted to very few IP(3)Rs due to steep Ca(2+) concentration gradients. The specific Ca(2+) signaling information is likely to be encoded in a calcium code as the amplitude, duration, frequency, waveform or timing of Ca(2+) oscillations and decoded again at a later stage. Since Ca(2+) channels or pumps involved in regulating Ca(2+) signaling pathways show altered expression in cancer, one can target these Ca(2+) channels and pumps as therapeutic options to decrease proliferation of cancer cells and to promote their apoptosis. These studies can provide novel insights into alterations in Ca(2+) wave patterns in carcinogenesis and lead to the development of newer technologies based on Ca(2+) waves for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.