Oligomerization is an intrinsic property of calsequestrin in normal and transformed skeletal muscle

The Structural-Functional Crosstalk of the Calsequestrin System: Insights and Pathological Implications

Calsequestrin (CASQ) is a key intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-handling protein that plays a pivotal role in the contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Its Ca2+-dependent polymerization dynamics shape the translation of electric excitation signals to the Ca2+-induced contraction of the actin-myosin architecture. Mutations in CASQ are linked to life-threatening pathological conditions, including tubular aggregate myopathy, malignant hyperthermia, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). The variability in the penetrance of these phenotypes and the lack of a clear understanding of the disease mechanisms associated with CASQ mutations pose a major challenge to the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In vitro studies have mainly focused on the polymerization and Ca2+-buffering properties of CASQ but have provided little insight into the complex interplay of structural and functional changes that underlie disease. In this review, the biochemical and structural natures of CASQ are explored in-depth, while emphasizing their direct and indirect consequences for muscle Ca2+ physiology. We propose a novel functional classification of CASQ pathological missense mutations based on the structural stability of the monomer, dimer, or linear polymer conformation. We also highlight emerging similarities between polymeric CASQ and polyelectrolyte systems, emphasizing the potential for the use of this paradigm to guide further research.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Technology and Its Application to Study Skeletal Muscle Cell Biology

Voluntary striated muscles are characterized by a highly complex and dynamic proteome that efficiently adapts to changed physiological demands or alters considerably during pathophysiological dysfunction. The skeletal muscle proteome has been extensively studied in relation to myogenesis, fiber type specification, muscle transitions, the effects of physical exercise, disuse atrophy, neuromuscular disorders, muscle co-morbidities and sarcopenia of old age. Since muscle tissue accounts for approximately 40% of body mass in humans, alterations in the skeletal muscle proteome have considerable influence on whole-body physiology. This review outlines the main bioanalytical avenues taken in the proteomic characterization of skeletal muscle tissues, including top-down proteomics focusing on the characterization of intact proteoforms and their post-translational modifications, bottom-up proteomics, which is a peptide-centric method concerned with the large-scale detection of proteins in complex mixtures, and subproteomics that examines the protein composition of distinct subcellular fractions. Mass spectrometric studies over the last two decades have decisively improved our general cell biological understanding of protein diversity and the heterogeneous composition of individual myofibers in skeletal muscles. This detailed proteomic knowledge can now be integrated with findings from other omics-type methodologies to establish a systems biological view of skeletal muscle function.

Fiber-Type Shifting in Sarcopenia of Old Age: Proteomic Profiling of the Contractile Apparatus of Skeletal Muscles

The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and concomitant reduction in contractile strength plays a central role in frailty syndrome. Age-related neuronal impairments are closely associated with sarcopenia in the elderly, which is characterized by severe muscular atrophy that can considerably lessen the overall quality of life at old age. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomic surveys of senescent human skeletal muscles, as well as animal models of sarcopenia, have decisively improved our understanding of the molecular and cellular consequences of muscular atrophy and associated fiber-type shifting during aging. This review outlines the mass spectrometric identification of proteome-wide changes in atrophying skeletal muscles, with a focus on contractile proteins as potential markers of changes in fiber-type distribution patterns. The observed trend of fast-to-slow transitions in individual human skeletal muscles during the aging process is most likely linked to a preferential susceptibility of fast-twitching muscle fibers to muscular atrophy. Studies with senescent animal models, including mostly aged rodent skeletal muscles, have confirmed fiber-type shifting. The proteomic analysis of fast versus slow isoforms of key contractile proteins, such as myosin heavy chains, myosin light chains, actins, troponins and tropomyosins, suggests them as suitable bioanalytical tools of fiber-type transitions during aging.

The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Skeletal Muscle Cells: A Labyrinth of Membrane Contact Sites

The sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle cells is a highly ordered structure consisting of an intricate network of tubules and cisternae specialized for regulating Ca2+ homeostasis in the context of muscle contraction. The sarcoplasmic reticulum contains several proteins, some of which support Ca2+ storage and release, while others regulate the formation and maintenance of this highly convoluted organelle and mediate the interaction with other components of the muscle fiber. In this review, some of the main issues concerning the biology of the sarcoplasmic reticulum will be described and discussed; particular attention will be addressed to the structure and function of the two domains of the sarcoplasmic reticulum supporting the excitation-contraction coupling and Ca2+-uptake mechanisms.

Calsequestrin: a well-known but curious protein in skeletal muscle

Calsequestrin (CASQ) was discovered in rabbit skeletal muscle tissues in 1971 and has been considered simply a passive Ca²⁺-buffering protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that provides Ca²⁺ ions for various Ca²⁺ signals. For the past three decades, physiologists, biochemists, and structural biologists have examined the roles of the skeletal muscle type of CASQ (CASQ1) in skeletal muscle and revealed that CASQ1 has various important functions as (1) a major Ca²⁺-buffering protein to maintain the SR with a suitable amount of Ca²⁺ at each moment, (2) a dynamic Ca²⁺ sensor in the SR that regulates Ca²⁺ release from the SR to the cytosol, (3) a structural regulator for the proper formation of terminal cisternae, (4) a reverse-directional regulator of extracellular Ca²⁺ entries, and (5) a cause of human skeletal muscle diseases. This review is focused on understanding these functions of CASQ1 in the physiological or pathophysiological status of skeletal muscle.

Calsequestrin, a key protein in striated muscle health and disease

Calsequestrin (CASQ) is the most abundant Ca²⁺ binding protein localized in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal and cardiac muscle. The genome of vertebrates contains two genes, CASQ1 and CASQ2. CASQ1 and CASQ2 have a high level of homology, but show specific patterns of expression. Fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibers express only CASQ1, both CASQ1 and CASQ2 are present in slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers, while CASQ2 is the only protein present in cardiomyocytes. Depending on the intraluminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, CASQ monomers assemble to form large polymers, which increase their Ca²⁺ binding ability. CASQ interacts with triadin and junctin, two additional SR proteins which contribute to localize CASQ to the junctional region of the SR (j-SR) and also modulate CASQ ability to polymerize into large macromolecular complexes. In addition to its ability to bind Ca²⁺ in the SR, CASQ appears also to be able to contribute to regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in muscle cells. Both CASQ1 and CASQ2 are able to either activate and inhibit the ryanodine receptors (RyRs) calcium release channels, likely through their interactions with junctin and triadin. Additional evidence indicates that CASQ1 contributes to regulate the mechanism of store operated calcium entry in skeletal muscle via a direct interaction with the Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1). Mutations in CASQ2 and CASQ1 have been identified, respectively, in patients with catecholamine-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and in patients with some forms of myopathy. This review will highlight recent developments in understanding CASQ1 and CASQ2 in health and diseases.

A Screen for Protein-Protein Interactions in Live Mycobacteria Reveals a Functional Link between the Virulence-Associated Lipid Transporter LprG and the Mycolyltransferase Antigen 85A

Outer membrane lipids in pathogenic mycobacteria are important for virulence and survival. Although the biosynthesis of these lipids has been extensively studied, mechanisms responsible for their assembly in the outer membrane are not understood. In the study of Gram-negative outer membrane assembly, protein-protein interactions define transport mechanisms, but analogous interactions have not been explored in mycobacteria. Here we identified interactions with the lipid transport protein LprG. Using site-specific photo-cross-linking in live mycobacteria, we mapped three major interaction interfaces within LprG. We went on to identify proteins that cross-link at the entrance to the lipid binding pocket, an area likely relevant to LprG transport function. We verified LprG site-specific interactions with two hits, the conserved lipoproteins LppK and LppI. We further showed that LprG interacts physically and functionally with the mycolyltransferase Ag85A, as loss of either protein leads to similar defects in cell growth and mycolylation. Overall, our results support a model in which protein interactions coordinate multiple pathways in outer membrane biogenesis and connect lipid biosynthesis to transport.

Role of the JP45-Calsequestrin Complex on Calcium Entry in Slow Twitch Skeletal Muscles

We exploited a variety of mouse models to assess the roles of JP45-CASQ1 (CASQ, calsequestrin) and JP45-CASQ2 on calcium entry in slow twitch muscles. In flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers isolated from JP45-CASQ1-CASQ2 triple KO mice, calcium transients induced by tetanic stimulation rely on calcium entry via La³⁺- and nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels. The comparison of excitation-coupled calcium entry (ECCE) between FDB fibers from WT, JP45KO, CASQ1KO, CASQ2KO, JP45-CASQ1 double KO, JP45-CASQ2 double KO, and JP45-CASQ1-CASQ2 triple KO shows that ECCE enhancement requires ablation of both CASQs and JP45. Calcium entry activated by ablation of both JP45-CASQ1 and JP45-CASQ2 complexes supports tetanic force development in slow twitch soleus muscles. In addition, we show that CASQs interact with JP45 at Ca²⁺ concentrations similar to those present in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum at rest, whereas Ca²⁺ concentrations similar to those present in the SR lumen after depolarization-induced calcium release cause the dissociation of JP45 from CASQs. Our results show that the complex JP45-CASQs is a negative regulator of ECCE and that tetanic force development in slow twitch muscles is supported by the dynamic interaction between JP45 and CASQs.

Expression of the Skeletal Calsequestrin Isoform in Normal and Regenerated Skeletal Muscles and in the Hearts of Rats With Altered Thyroid Status

We have investigated expression of skeletal calsequestrin (CSQ1) and fiber type composition in normal and regenerated fast and slow skeletal muscles and in the left heart ventricles of euthyroid (EU), hypothyroid (HY) and hyperthyroid (TH) adult inbred Lewis strain rats. The CSQ1 level was determined by SDS-PAGE followed by Western blot analysis. CSQ1 gene expression was assessed using reverse transcription and subsequent real time polymerase chain reaction. Muscle regeneration was achieved by intramuscular grafting of either soleus or extensor digitorum longus (EDL) from 3- to 4-week-old rats to either EDL or soleus muscle of 2-month-old rats. The fiber type composition was assessed by a stereological method applied to stained muscle cross sections. We found that the protein and mRNA levels for CSQ1 were highest in the EDL muscle, the relative CSQ1 protein levels in the soleus muscle were two times lower and the transcript levels more than 5 times lower compared to the EDL. In the left heart ventricle, protein isoform and CSQ1 transcript were also present, although at protein level, CSQ1 was hardly detectable. TH status increased and HY status decreased the expression of CSQ1 in the EDL, but its relative levels in the soleus and in the heart did not change. The regenerated soleus transplanted into EDL, as well as EDL transplanted into soleus exhibited protein and mRNA levels of CSQ1 corresponding to the host muscle and not to the graft source. TH status increased the percentages of the fastest 2X/D and 2B fibers at the expense of slow type 1 and fast 2A fibers in the EDL and that of fast 2A fibers in the soleus at the expense of slow type 1 fibers. HY status led to converse fiber type changes. We suggest that the observed changes in CSQ1 levels in TH and HY compared to EU rats can be related to fiber type changes caused by alteration of the thyroid status rather than to the direct effect of thyroid hormones on CSQ1 gene expression.

Role of Junctin protein interactions in cellular dynamics of calsequestrin polymer upon calcium perturbation

Calsequestrin (CSQ), the major intrasarcoplasmic reticulum calcium storage protein, undergoes dynamic polymerization and depolymerization in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. However, no direct evidence of CSQ depolymerization in vivo with physiological relevance has been obtained. In the present study, live cell imaging analysis facilitated characterization of the in vivo dynamics of the macromolecular CSQ structure. CSQ2 appeared as speckles in the presence of normal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) that were decondensed upon Ca(2+) depletion. Moreover, CSQ2 decondensation occurred only in the stoichiometric presence of junctin (JNT). When expressed alone, CSQ2 speckles remained unchanged, even after Ca(2+) depletion. FRET analysis revealed constant interactions between CSQ2 and JNT, regardless of the SR Ca(2+) concentration, implying that JNT is an essential component of the CSQ scaffold. In vitro solubility assay, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy studies using purified recombinant proteins confirmed Ca(2+) and JNT-dependent disassembly of the CSQ2 polymer. Accordingly, we conclude that reversible polymerization and depolymerization of CSQ are critical in SR Ca(2+) homeostasis.

Calsequestrin distribution, structure and function, its role in normal and pathological situations and the effect of thyroid hormones

Calsequestrin is the main calcium binding protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, serving as an important regulator of Ca(2+). In mammalian muscles, it exists as a skeletal isoform found in fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles and a cardiac isoform expressed in the heart and slow-twitch muscles. Recently, many excellent reviews that summarised in great detail various aspects of the calsequestrin structure, localisation or function both in skeletal and cardiac muscle have appeared. The present review focuses on skeletal muscle: information on cardiac tissue is given, where differences between both tissues are functionally important. The article reviews the known multiple roles of calsequestrin including pathology in order to introduce this topic to the broader scientific community and to stimulate an interest in this protein. Newly we describe our results on the effect of thyroid hormones on skeletal and cardiac calsequestrin expression and discuss them in the context of available literary data on this topic.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia-related mutations R33Q and L167H alter calcium sensitivity of human cardiac calsequestrin

Two missense mutations, R33Q and L167H, of hCASQ2 (human cardiac calsequestrin), a protein segregated to the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, are linked to the autosomal recessive form of CPVT (catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia). The effects of these mutations on the conformational, stability and Ca(2+) sensitivity properties of hCASQ2, were investigated. Recombinant WT (wild-type) and mutant CASQ2s were purified to homogeneity and characterized by spectroscopic (CD and fluorescence) and biochemical (size-exclusion chromatography and limited proteolysis) methods at 500 and 100 mM KCl, with or without Ca(2+) at a physiological intraluminal concentration of 1 mM; Ca(2+)-induced polymerization properties were studied by turbidimetry. In the absence of Ca(2+), mutations did not alter the conformation of monomeric CASQ2. For L167H only, at 100 mM KCl, emission fluorescence changes suggested tertiary structure alterations. Limited proteolysis showed that amino acid substitutions enhanced the conformational flexibility of CASQ2 mutants, which became more susceptible to tryptic cleavage, in the order L167H>R33Q>WT. Ca(2+) at a concentration of 1 mM amplified such differences: Ca(2+) stabilized WT CASQ2 against urea denaturation and tryptic cleavage, whereas this effect was reduced in R33Q and absent in L167H. Increasing [Ca(2+)] induced polymerization and precipitation of R33Q, but not that of L167H, which was insensitive to Ca(2+). Based on CASQ2 models, we propose that the Arg(33)-->Gln exchange made the Ca(2+)-dependent formation of front-to-front dimers more difficult, whereas the Leu(167)-->His replacement almost completely inhibited back-to-back dimer interactions. Initial molecular events of CPVT pathogenesis begin to unveil and appear to be different depending upon the specific CASQ2 mutation.

Characterization of human cardiac calsequestrin and its deleterious mutants

Mutations of conserved residues of human cardiac calsequestrin (hCSQ2), a high-capacity, low-affinity Ca2+-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, have been associated with catecholamine-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). In order to understand the molecular mechanism and pathophysiological link between these CPVT-related missense mutations of hCSQ2 and the resulting arrhythmias, we generated three CPVT-causing mutants of hCSQ2 (R33Q, L167H, and D307H) and two non-pathological mutants (T66A and V76M) and investigated the effect of these mutations. In addition, we determined the crystal structure of the corresponding wild-type hCSQ2 to gain insight into the structural effects of those mutations. Our data show clearly that all three CPVT-related mutations lead to significant reduction in Ca2+-binding capacity in spite of the similarity of their secondary structures to that of the wild-type hCSQ2. Light-scattering experiments indicate that the Ca2+-dependent monomer-polymer transitions of the mutants are quite different, confirming that the linear polymerization behavior of CSQ is linked directly to its high-capacity Ca2+ binding. R33Q and D307H mutations result in a monomer that appears to be unable to form a properly oriented dimer. On the other hand, the L167H mutant has a disrupted hydrophobic core in domain II, resulting in high molecular aggregates, which cannot respond to Ca2+. Although one of the non-pathological mutants, T66A, shares characteristics with the wild-type, the other null mutant, V76M, shows significantly altered Ca2+-binding and polymerization behaviors, calling for careful reconsideration of its status.

Reduced expression of regucalcin in young and aged mdx diaphragm indicates abnormal cytosolic calcium handling in dystrophin-deficient muscle

The cytosolic Ca2+ -binding protein regucalcin is involved in intracellular signaling and present in high abundance in the liver. Here, we could show by comparative mass spectrometry-based proteomics screening of normal versus dystrophic fibres that regucalcin of 33.9 kDa and pI5.2 also exists in diaphragm muscle. Since the expression of sarcolemmal Ca2+ -leak channels and luminal Ca2+ -binding elements is altered in dystrophin-deficient muscle, we initiated this study in order to determine whether additional soluble muscle proteins involved in Ca2+ -handling are affected in muscular dystrophy. Following separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, the spot pattern of the normal versus the mdx diaphragm muscle proteome was evaluated by densitometry. The expression levels of 20 major protein spots were shown to change and their identity determined by mass spectrometry. A 2-fold reduction of regucalcin in mdx diaphragm, as well as in dystrophic limb muscle and heart, was confirmed by immunoblotting in both young and aged mdx mice. The results from our proteomics analysis of dystrophic diaphragm support the concept that abnormal Ca2+ -handling is involved in x-linked muscular dystrophy. The reduction in key Ca2+ -handling proteins may result in an insufficient maintenance of Ca2+ -homeostasis and an abnormal regulation of Ca2+ -dependent enzymes resulting in disturbed intracellular signaling mechanisms in dystrophinopathies.

Interaction between cardiac calsequestrin and drugs with known cardiotoxicity

Ca(2+) regulation is coupled to critical signals in eucaryotic cells, and calsequestrin is one of the crucial components for this calcium regulation. Our previous observations of calsequestrins revealed the existence of three thioredoxin-like folds, a basic motif that often provides the platform for small molecule binding. Therefore, we have examined the previously reported trifluoperazine and other pharmaceuticals that have similar heart-related side effects (such as tachycardia; bradycardia; palpitation; changing PR, QRS, QTc intervals in electrocardiogram; heart failure) for their binding affinity to cardiac calsequestrin (cCSQ) using isothermal titration calorimetry. Our results showed that several antipsychotic phenothiazine derivatives, tricyclic antidepressants, and anthracycline derivatives bind cCSQ with K(d) in the micromolar range. For these compounds that have a significantly low K(d), their effect on Ca(2+) binding capacity of cCSQ was checked using equilibrium dialysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy, which clearly showed a significant reduction in Ca(2+) binding capacity of cCSQ as a result of this interaction. Furthermore, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) binding to cCSQ closely resembles ANS binding to flavine or nucleotide binding sites. The combination of this information with the high abundance of CSQ in SR and the high membrane permeability of those drugs led us to the specific hypothesis that there are undesirable and damaging interactions between cCSQ and tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazine derivatives, anthracyclines, and many other pharmaceutical compounds and to the corollary hypothesis that better understanding of the molecular details of cCSQ-drug interactions could lead to modified drug molecules with reduced heart-related side effects.

Tubular aggregates are from whole sarcoplasmic reticulum origin: alterations in calcium binding protein expression in mouse skeletal muscle during aging

Tubular aggregates are observed in various muscle disorders and appear as densely packed tubules believed to arise from sarcoplasmic reticulum of striated muscle. They are found both in human skeletal muscle, especially from patients suffering from 'tubular aggregate myopathy' and in fast twitch skeletal muscle of the male inbred mouse during aging. In this work, we studied tubular aggregates present in inbred male mouse skeletal muscle using electron microscopy as well as histochemistry and Western blotting with the main markers of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We show that mouse tubular aggregates include the proteins SERCA 1, sarcalumenin (longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum), calsequestrin (terminal cisternae) and RyR1 (junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum). We demonstrate also that 95 and 51 kDa triadin isoforms are present in mouse skeletal muscle and are both components of tubular aggregates. These results support the hypothesis that tubular aggregates form a tubular arrangement of a complete sarcoplasmic reticulum containing the junctional, cisternae and longitudinal components of sarcoplasmic reticulum implicated in calcium homeostasis. During mouse skeletal muscle aging, however, densitometry of Western blots reveals a persistent decrease in the expression of the calcium binding protein calreticulin as well as a continuous increase in calsequestrin-like protein expression which both appear unrelated to the tubular aggregate formation.

Negatively charged amino acids within the intraluminal loop of ryanodine receptor are involved in the interaction with triadin

In mammalian striated muscles, ryanodine receptor (RyR), triadin, junctin, and calsequestrin form a quaternary complex in the lumen of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Such intermolecular interactions contribute not only to the passive buffering of sarcoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca2+, but also to the active Ca2+ release process during excitation-contraction coupling. Here we tested the hypothesis that specific charged amino acids within the luminal portion of RyR mediate its direct interaction with triadin. Using in vitro binding assay and site-directed mutagenesis, we found that the second intraluminal loop of the skeletal muscle RyR1 (amino acids 4860-4917), but not the first intraluminal loop of RyR1 (amino acids 4581-4640) could bind triadin. Specifically, three negatively charged residues Asp4878, Asp4907, and Glu4908 appear to be critical for the association with triadin. Using deletional approaches, we showed that a KEKE motif of triadin (amino acids 200-232) is essential for the binding to RyR1. Because the second intraluminal loop of RyR has been previously shown to contain the ion-conducting pore as well as the selectivity filter of the Ca2+ release channel, and Asp4878, Asp4907, and Glu4908 residues are predicted to locate at the periphery of the pore assembly of the channel, our data suggest that a physical interaction between RyR1 and triadin could play an active role in the overall Ca2+ release process of excitation-contraction coupling in muscle cells.

Polymerization of calsequestrin. Implications for Ca2+ regulation

Two distinct dimerization contacts in calsequestrin crystals suggested a mechanism for Ca(2+) regulation resulting from the occurrence of coupled Ca(2+) binding and protein polymerization. Ca(2+)-induced formation of one contact was proposed to lead to dimerization followed by Ca(2+)-induced formation of the second contact to bring about polymerization (). To test this mechanism, we compared canine cardiac calsequestrin and four truncation mutants with regard to their folding properties, structures, and Ca(2+)-induced polymerization. The wild-type calsequestrin and truncation mutants exhibited similar K(+)-induced folding and end-point structures as indicated by intrinsic fluorescence and circular dichroism, respectively, whereas the polymerization tendencies of the wild-type calsequestrin differed markedly from the polymerization tendencies of the truncation mutants. Static laser light scattering and 3,3'-dithiobis sulfosuccinimidyl-propionate cross-linking indicated that wild-type protein exhibited an initial Ca(2+)-induced dimerization, followed by additional oligomerization as the Ca(2+) concentration was raised or as the K(+) concentration was lowered. None of the truncation mutants exhibited clear stepwise oligomerization that depended on increasing Ca(2+) concentration. Comparison of the three-dimensional structure of rabbit skeletal calsequestrin with a homology model of canine cardiac calsequestrin from the point of view of our coupled Ca(2+) binding and polymerization mechanism leads to a possible explanation for the 2-fold reduced Ca(2+) binding capacity of cardiac calsequestrin despite very similar overall net negative charge for the two proteins.

A retrograde signal from calsequestrin for the regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry in skeletal muscle

Calsequestrin (CSQ) is a high capacity Ca(2+)-binding protein present in the lumen of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in striated muscle cells and has been shown to regulate the ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channel activity through interaction with other proteins present in the SR. Here we show that overexpression of wild-type CSQ or a CSQ mutant lacking the junction binding region (amino acids 86-191; Delta junc-CSQ) in mouse skeletal C2C12 myotube enhanced caffeine- and voltage-induced Ca(2+) release by increasing the Ca(2+) load in SR, whereas overexpression of a mutant CSQ lacking a Ca(2+) binding, aspartate-rich domain (amino acids 352-367; Delta asp-CSQ) showed the opposite effects. Depletion of SR Ca(2+) by thapsigargin initiated store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) in C2C12 myotubes. A large component of SOCE was inhibited by overexpression of wild-type CSQ or Delta junc-CSQ, whereas myotubes transfected with Delta asp-CSQ exhibited normal function of SOCE. These results indicate that the aspartate-rich segment of CSQ, under conditions of overexpression, can sustain structural interactions that interfere with the SOCE mechanism. Such retrograde activation mechanisms are possibly taking place at the junctional site of the SR.

Drastic reduction of calsequestrin-like proteins and impaired calcium binding in dystrophic mdx muscle

Although the reduction in dystrophin-associated glycoproteins is the primary pathophysiological consequence of the deficiency in dystrophin, little is known about the secondary abnormalities leading to x-linked muscular dystrophy. As abnormal Ca(2+) handling may be involved in myonecrosis, we investigated the fate of key Ca(2+) regulatory membrane proteins in dystrophic mdx skeletal muscle membranes. Whereas the expression of the ryanodine receptor, the dihydropyridine receptor, the Ca(2+)-ATPase, and calsequestrin was not affected, a drastic decline in calsequestrin-like proteins of 150-220 kDa was observed in dystrophic microsomes using one-dimensional immunoblotting, two-dimensional immunoblotting with isoelectric focusing, diagonal two-dimensional blotting technique, and immunoprecipitation. In analogy, overall Ca(2+) binding was reduced in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of dystrophic muscle. The reduction in Ca(2+) binding proteins might be directly involved in triggering impaired Ca(2+) sequestration within the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Thus disturbed sarcolemmal Ca(2+) fluxes seem to influence overall Ca(2+) homeostasis, resulting in distinct changes in the expression profile of a subset of Ca(2+) handling proteins, which might be an important factor in the progressive functional decline of dystrophic muscle fibers.

Head-to-tail oligomerization of calsequestrin: a novel mechanism for heterogeneous distribution of endoplasmic reticulum luminal proteins

Many proteins retained within the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) lumen express the COOH-terminal tetrapeptide KDEL, by which they continuously recycle from the Golgi complex; however, others do not express the KDEL retrieval signal. Among the latter is calsequestrin (CSQ), the major Ca2+-binding protein condensed within both the terminal cisternae of striated muscle SR and the ER vacuolar domains of some neurons and smooth muscles. To reveal the mechanisms of condensation and establish whether it also accounts for ER/SR retention of CSQ, we generated a variety of constructs: chimeras with another similar protein, calreticulin (CRT); mutants truncated of COOH- or NH2-terminal domains; and other mutants deleted or point mutated at strategic sites. By transfection in L6 myoblasts and HeLa cells we show here that CSQ condensation in ER-derived vacuoles requires two amino acid sequences, one at the NH2 terminus, the other near the COOH terminus. Experiments with a green fluorescent protein GFP/CSQ chimera demonstrate that the CSQ-rich vacuoles are long-lived organelles, unaffected by Ca2+ depletion, whose almost complete lack of movement may depend on a direct interaction with the ER. CSQ retention within the ER can be dissociated from condensation, the first identified process by which ER luminal proteins assume a heterogeneous distribution. A model is proposed to explain this new process, that might also be valid for other luminal proteins.

The asp-rich region at the carboxyl-terminus of calsequestrin binds to Ca(2+) and interacts with triadin

Calsequestrin (CSQ) is a high capacity Ca(2+) binding protein in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of striated muscles, and has been shown to regulate the ryanodine receptor (RyR) through triadin and junctin. In order to identify the functional roles of specific regions on CSQ, several CSQ deletion mutants were prepared by molecular cloning and Escherichia coli expression. 45Ca(2+) overlay assay using a native gel system revealed that the major Ca(2+) binding motif of CSQ resides in the asp-rich region (amino acids 354-367). In an in vitro binding assay using a glutathione-S-transferase affinity column, the interaction between CSQ and triadin was found to be Ca(2+)-dependent, and the site of interaction was confined to the asp-rich region of CSQ. Our results suggest that the asp-rich region of CSQ could participate in the RyR-mediated Ca(2+) release process by offering a direct binding site to luminal Ca(2+) as well as triadin.

Comparative analysis of the isoform expression pattern of Ca(2+)-regulatory membrane proteins in fast-twitch, slow-twitch, cardiac, neonatal and chronic low-frequency stimulated muscle fibers

Although all muscle cells generate contractile forces by means of organized filament systems, isoform expression patterns of contractile and regulatory proteins in heart are not identical compared to developing, conditioned or mature skeletal muscles. In order to determine biochemical parameters that may reflect functional variations in the Ca(2+)-regulatory membrane systems of different muscle types, we performed a comparative immunoblot analysis of key membrane proteins involved in ion homeostasis. Cardiac isoforms of the alpha(1)-dihydropyridine receptor, Ca(2+)-ATPase and calsequestrin are also present in skeletal muscle and are up-regulated in chronic low-frequency stimulated fast muscle. In contrast, the cardiac RyR2 isoform of the Ca(2+)-release channel was not found in slow muscle but was detectable in neonatal skeletal muscle. Up-regulation of RyR2 in conditioned muscle was probably due to degeneration-regeneration processes. Fiber type-specific differences were also detected in the abundance of auxiliary subunits of the dihydropyridine receptor, the ryanodine receptor and the Ca(2+)-ATPase, as well as triad markers and various Ca(2+)-binding and ion-regulatory proteins. Hence, the variation in innervation of different types of muscle appears to have a profound influence on the levels and pattern of isoform expression of Ca(2+)-regulatory membrane proteins reflecting differences in the regulation of Ca(2+)-homeostasis. However, independent of the muscle cell type, key Ca(2+)-regulatory proteins exist as oligomeric complexes under native conditions.

Oligomerization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase SERCA2 in cardiac muscle

The slow/cardiac isoform of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase plays an important role in cardiac muscle Ca2+-homeostasis. To determine the native configuration of the SERCA2 ion pump, a chemical cross-linking analysis of heart microsomes was performed. Using one- and two-dimensional immunoblotting following incubation with the hydrophilic probe bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate or the hydrophobic crosslinker dithiobis-succinimidyl-propionate, we demonstrate here that SERCA2 forms high-molecular-mass aggregates. In contrast to the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger, Ca2+-ATPase clusters can be stabilized by hydrophilic 1.2 nm crosslinkers and are sensitive to chemical reduction. Hence, the native form of this important Ca2+-regulatory membrane protein involved in cardiac muscle relaxation appears not to exist as a monomeric ion pump unit. Protein-protein interactions might play an important role in the physiological functioning of this Ca2+-ATPase isoform, as has previously been shown for skeletal muscle Ca2+-pumps, Ca2+-binding proteins and Ca2+-channels.

Complex formation of skeletal muscle Ca2+-regulatory membrane proteins by halothane

In skeletal muscle, halothane affects the functions of several Ca2+-regulatory membrane proteins involved in the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle. To investigate the mechanism by which this volatile anesthetic interferes with Ca2+-homeostasis, we studied potential changes in protein-protein interactions by halothane. Using comparative immunoblotting of microsomal muscle proteins separated on native and denaturing gels, we show here that halothane induces oligomerization of the terminal cisternae Ca2+-binding protein calsequestrin, the junctional ryanodine receptor Ca2+-release channel and the transverse-tubular alpha1-dihydropyridine receptor. This agrees with previous reports on the modulation of Ca2+-release activity by halothane since interactions between the voltage-sensing alpha1-dihydropyridine receptor, the ryanodine receptor and the luminal Ca2+-reservoir might result in a rapid release of Ca2+-ions. Furthermore, this study supports the idea that specific protein sites are involved in the action of inhalational anesthetics and that halothane might trigger abnormal Ca2+-homeostasis in malignant hyperthermia via oligomerization of the mutated ryanodine receptor.

Oligomerisation of Ca2+-regulatory membrane components involved in the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle during postnatal development of rabbit skeletal muscle

The skeletal muscle excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle matures during the first weeks after birth and protein-protein interactions are believed to be essential for proper Ca2+ regulation. We therefore studied potential changes in the oligomerisation of key components of the Ca2+-regulatory membrane system during postnatal myogenesis. In contrast to a decrease in calreticulin, the Ca2+-binding proteins calsequestrin and sarcalumenin increased in abundance in microsomes isolated from muscle between postnatal days 1 and 41. While the expression of the fast Ca2+-ATPase increased, its slow-twitch isoform decreased. The junctional component triadin, the 53 kDa sarcoplasmic reticulum glycoprotein, as well as the dihydropyridine receptor increased in abundance, while no major changes in the expression of the ryanodine receptor were observed. Crosslinking analysis revealed that the fast Ca2+-ATPase, alpha1-dihydropyridine receptor and calsequestrin exhibit a more pronounced tendency to oligomerise in adult muscle fibres as compared to early postnatal stages. Interestingly, adult calsequestrin exists not only as a 63 kDa form but also as stable molecular species of higher molecular mass. These findings imply that during postnatal development, protein-protein interactions within the Ca2+-regulatory membrane system become more complex and oligomerisation appears to be an essential prerequisite for the proper physiological functioning of key membrane proteins in matured skeletal muscle fibres.

Complex formation between calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor in fast- and slow-twitch rabbit skeletal muscle

Linkage between the high-capacity Ca2+-binding protein calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor is proposed to be essential for proper Ca2+-release during skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling. However, no direct biochemical evidence exists showing a connection between these high-molecular-mass complexes in native skeletal muscle membranes. Here, using immunoblot analysis of chemically crosslinked membrane vesicles enriched in triad junctions, we have demonstrated that a very close neighborhood relationship exists between calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor in both main fiber types. Hence, the luminal Ca2+-reservoir complex appears to be directly coupled to the membrane Ca2+-release complex and oligomerization seems to be of functional importance.