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Munaron L, Chinigò G, Scarpellino G, Ruffinatti FA. The fallacy of functional nomenclature in the kingdom of biological multifunctionality: physiological and evolutionary considerations on ion channels. J Physiol 2024; 602:2367-2381. [PMID: 37635695 DOI: 10.1113/jp284422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms are multiscale complex systems that have evolved high degrees of multifunctionality and redundancy in the structure-function relationship. A number of factors, only in part determined genetically, affect the jobs of proteins. The overall structural organization confers unique molecular properties that provide the potential to perform a pattern of activities, some of which are co-opted by specific environments. The variety of multifunctional proteins is expanding, but most cases are handled individually and according to the still dominant 'one structure-one function' approach, which relies on the attribution of canonical names typically referring to the first task identified for a given protein. The present topical review focuses on the multifunctionality of ion channels as a paradigmatic example. Mounting evidence reports the ability of many ion channels (including members of voltage-dependent, ligand-gated and transient receptor potential families) to exert biological effects independently of their ion conductivity. 'Functionally based' nomenclature (the practice of naming a protein or family of proteins based on a single purpose) is a conceptual bias for three main reasons: (i) it increases the amount of ambiguity, deceiving our understanding of the multiple contributions of biomolecules that is the heart of the complexity; (ii) it is in stark contrast to protein evolution dynamics, largely based on multidomain arrangement; and (iii) it overlooks the crucial role played by the microenvironment in adjusting the actions of cell structures and in tuning protein isoform diversity to accomplish adaptational requirements. Biological information in protein physiology is distributed among different entwined layers working as the primary 'locus' of natural selection and of evolutionary constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Chinigò
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Moccia F, Fiorio Pla A, Lim D, Lodola F, Gerbino A. Intracellular Ca 2+ signalling: unexpected new roles for the usual suspect. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1210085. [PMID: 37576340 PMCID: PMC10413985 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1210085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic Ca2+ signals are organized in complex spatial and temporal patterns that underlie their unique ability to regulate multiple cellular functions. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are finely tuned by the concerted interaction of membrane receptors and ion channels that introduce Ca2+ into the cytosol, Ca2+-dependent sensors and effectors that translate the elevation in [Ca2+]i into a biological output, and Ca2+-clearing mechanisms that return the [Ca2+]i to pre-stimulation levels and prevent cytotoxic Ca2+ overload. The assortment of the Ca2+ handling machinery varies among different cell types to generate intracellular Ca2+ signals that are selectively tailored to subserve specific functions. The advent of novel high-speed, 2D and 3D time-lapse imaging techniques, single-wavelength and genetic Ca2+ indicators, as well as the development of novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate single cells and whole animals, has shed novel light on the regulation of cellular activity by the Ca2+ handling machinery. A symposium organized within the framework of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Italian Society of Physiology, held in Bari on 14-16th September 2022, has recently addressed many of the unexpected mechanisms whereby intracellular Ca2+ signalling regulates cellular fate in healthy and disease states. Herein, we present a report of this symposium, in which the following emerging topics were discussed: 1) Regulation of water reabsorption in the kidney by lysosomal Ca2+ release through Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1); 2) Endoplasmic reticulum-to-mitochondria Ca2+ transfer in Alzheimer's disease-related astroglial dysfunction; 3) The non-canonical role of TRP Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) as a Rap1A inhibitor in the definition of some cancer hallmarks; and 4) Non-genetic optical stimulation of Ca2+ signals in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Moccia F, Montagna D. Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) Channel as a Sensor of Oxidative Stress in Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091261. [PMID: 37174661 PMCID: PMC10177399 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), fuel tumor metastasis and invasion in a variety of cancer types. Conversely, excessive ROS levels can impair tumor growth and metastasis by triggering cancer cell death. In order to cope with the oxidative stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment, malignant cells exploit a sophisticated network of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Targeting the antioxidant capacity of cancer cells or enhancing their sensitivity to ROS-dependent cell death represent a promising strategy for alternative anticancer treatments. Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a redox-sensitive non-selective cation channel that mediates extracellular Ca2+ entry upon an increase in intracellular ROS levels. The ensuing increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration can in turn engage a non-canonical antioxidant defense program or induce mitochondrial Ca2+ dysfunction and apoptotic cell death depending on the cancer type. Herein, we sought to describe the opposing effects of ROS-dependent TRPA1 activation on cancer cell fate and propose the pharmacological manipulation of TRPA1 as an alternative therapeutic strategy to enhance cancer cell sensitivity to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Montagna
- Department of Sciences Clinic-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Clinic, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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The Impact of Plasma Membrane Ion Channels on Bone Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Stress, Oxidative Imbalance, and Acidosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030689. [PMID: 36978936 PMCID: PMC10045377 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular milieu is a rich source of different stimuli and stressors. Some of them depend on the chemical–physical features of the matrix, while others may come from the ‘outer’ environment, as in the case of mechanical loading applied on the bones. In addition to these forces, a plethora of chemical signals drives cell physiology and fate, possibly leading to dysfunctions when the homeostasis is disrupted. This variety of stimuli triggers different responses among the tissues: bones represent a particular milieu in which a fragile balance between mechanical and metabolic demands should be tuned and maintained by the concerted activity of cell biomolecules located at the interface between external and internal environments. Plasma membrane ion channels can be viewed as multifunctional protein machines that act as rapid and selective dual-nature hubs, sensors, and transducers. Here we focus on some multisensory ion channels (belonging to Piezo, TRP, ASIC/EnaC, P2XR, Connexin, and Pannexin families) actually or potentially playing a significant role in bone adaptation to three main stressors, mechanical forces, oxidative stress, and acidosis, through their effects on bone cells including mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Ion channel-mediated bone remodeling occurs in physiological processes, aging, and human diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, and traumatic events.
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Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Tumor Vascularization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214253. [PMID: 36430727 PMCID: PMC9692925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases are unfortunately quick spreading, even though numerous studies are under way to improve early diagnosis and targeted treatments that take into account both the different characteristics associated with the various tumor types and the conditions of individual patients. In recent years, studies have focused on the role of ion channels in tumor development, as these proteins are involved in several cellular processes relevant to neoplastic transformation. Among all ion channels, many studies have focused on the superfamily of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are non-selective cation channels mediating extracellular Ca2+ influx. In this review, we examined the role of different endothelial TRP channel isoforms in tumor vessel formation, a process that is essential in tumor growth and metastasis.
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Scarpellino G, Genova T, Quarta E, Distasi C, Dionisi M, Fiorio Pla A, Munaron L. P2X Purinergic Receptors Are Multisensory Detectors for Micro-Environmental Stimuli That Control Migration of Tumoral Endothelium. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112743. [PMID: 35681724 PMCID: PMC9179260 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Extracellular ATP is highly concentrated in tumor stroma. In this study, we investigated the effects of the synthetic ATP analog Benzoylbenzoyl-ATP, 2′(3′)-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5′-triphosphate (BzATP), an agonist for P2X receptors, on tumor-derived endothelial cells (TEC) obtained from three different human tumors (breast, kidney and prostate carcinomas, respectively, BTEC, RTEC and PTEC). Treatment with high BzATP concentrations (100 µM) significantly reduced migration of all TEC types, resulting ineffective on human normal microvascular endothelium (HMEC); intriguingly, both the functional effect and associated calcium signals are sensitive to some key biological parameters of tumor stroma that include pH, Ca2+ and Zn2+. The lack of calcium signals selectively observed in PTEC, in which BzATP still retains its functional effect, suggests variability of intracellular signaling among TEC. These findings provide novel insights into the role of extracellular ATP as a multisensory regulator of migratory potential in tumoral endothelium. Abstract The tumoral microenvironment often displays peculiar features, including accumulation of extracellular ATP, hypoxia, low pH-acidosis, as well as an imbalance in zinc (Zn2+) and calcium (Ca2+). We previously reported the ability of some purinergic agonists to exert an anti-migratory activity on tumor-derived human endothelial cells (TEC) only when applied at a high concentration. They also trigger calcium signals associated with release from intracellular stores and calcium entry from the external medium. Here, we provide evidence that high concentrations of BzATP (100 µM), a potent agonist of P2X receptors, decrease migration in TEC from different tumors, but not in normal microvascular ECs (HMEC). The same agonist evokes a calcium increase in TEC from the breast and kidney, as well as in HMEC, but not in TEC from the prostate, suggesting that the intracellular pathways responsible for the P2X-induced impairment of TEC migration could vary among different tumors. The calcium signal is mainly due to a long-lasting calcium entry from outside and is strictly dependent on the presence of the receptor occupancy. Low pH, as well as high extracellular Zn2+ and Ca2+, interfere with the response, a distinctive feature typically found in some P2X purinergic receptors. This study reveals that a BzATP-sensitive pathway impairs the migration of endothelial cells from different tumors through mechanisms finely tuned by environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Scarpellino
- Department of Life Sciences & Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (T.G.); (E.Q.); (A.F.P.)
| | - Tullio Genova
- Department of Life Sciences & Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (T.G.); (E.Q.); (A.F.P.)
| | - Elisa Quarta
- Department of Life Sciences & Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (T.G.); (E.Q.); (A.F.P.)
| | - Carla Distasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.D.); (M.D.)
| | - Marianna Dionisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.D.); (M.D.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorio Pla
- Department of Life Sciences & Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (T.G.); (E.Q.); (A.F.P.)
| | - Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences & Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (T.G.); (E.Q.); (A.F.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Chen T, Li T, Wang J. Nanoscale Au@SiO 2-drug/VEGF as an in vivo probe for osteosarcoma diagnosis and therapy. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:766. [PMID: 34589145 PMCID: PMC8442140 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a common primary bone malignancy, with a 5-year survival rate of only 20–30% in patients undergoing surgical treatment. Thus, it is important to identify novel methods for diagnosing and treating osteosarcoma, which was the aim of the present study. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was used as the tumor-targeting protein to synthesize a multifunctional core-shell nanostructure, Au@SiO2-drug/VEGF, in which the drug can be indocyanine green (ICG; as an optical tracer) or doxorubicin (DOX; as a chemotherapeutic agent). With VEGF as the osteosarcoma-targeting protein, Au exhibited optimal photothermal transformation performance, while SiO2 served as the carrier for the drug. Au@SiO2-ICG/VEGF nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated for imaging and for the monitoring of drug accumulation in a tumor region in mice. Once the optimal drug accumulation was achieved, combined treatment of osteosarcoma (chemotherapy and photothermal therapy) was assessed. In the perioperative period associated with minimal invasive embolization of osteosarcoma, photothermal therapy and chemotherapy were applied for osteosarcoma diagnosis using Au@SiO2-DOX/VEGF NPs. Taken together, the results of the present study provide a promising strategy for tumor detection prior to surgical treatment to improve the survival outcome of patients with osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiangui Chen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Tianbo Li
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Jiangning Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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Schwab A, Loeck T, Najder-Nalepa K. STIM2: Redox-sensor and effector of the (tumor) microenvironment. Cell Calcium 2020; 94:102335. [PMID: 33387846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels and their associated proteins are at the interface between the cytosol and the extracellular space. In cancer, this allows them to sense and transduce physico-chemical cues from the tumor microenvironment and thereby shape the aggressive cell behavior. In a recent paper Gibhardt et al. provide profound mechanistic insight how STIM2, an integral component of the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism in melanoma cells, is redox-regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Schwab
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, D-48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Loeck
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, D-48149, Münster, Germany
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Chinigò G, Fiorio Pla A, Gkika D. TRP Channels and Small GTPases Interplay in the Main Hallmarks of Metastatic Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:581455. [PMID: 33132914 PMCID: PMC7550629 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.581455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) cations channels, as key regulators of intracellular calcium homeostasis, play a central role in the essential hallmarks of cancer. Among the multiple pathways in which TRPs may be involved, here we focus our attention on the ones involving small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), summarizing the main processes associated with the metastatic cascade, such as migration, invasion and tumor vascularization. In the last decade, several studies have highlighted a bidirectional interplay between TRPs and small GTPases in cancer progression: TRP channels may affect small GTPases activity via both Ca2+-dependent or Ca2+-independent pathways, and, conversely, some small GTPases may affect TRP channels activity through the regulation of their intracellular trafficking to the plasma membrane or acting directly on channel gating. In particular, we will describe the interplay between TRPC1, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRPM4, TRPM7 or TRPV4, and Rho-like GTPases in regulating cell migration, the cooperation of TRPM2 and TRPV2 with Rho GTPases in increasing cell invasiveness and finally, the crosstalk between TRPC1, TRPC6, TRPM8, TRPV4 and both Rho- and Ras-like GTPases in inducing aberrant tumor vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Chinigò
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Angiogenesis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Laboratoire de Cell Physiology, Université de Lille, Department of Life Sciences, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U1003-PHYCEL, Lille, France
| | - Alessandra Fiorio Pla
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Angiogenesis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Laboratoire de Cell Physiology, Université de Lille, Department of Life Sciences, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U1003-PHYCEL, Lille, France
| | - Dimitra Gkika
- Laboratoire de Cell Physiology, Université de Lille, Department of Life Sciences, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U1003-PHYCEL, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Centre Oscar Lambret, UMR 9020-UMR 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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