Ion channel clustering enhances weak electric field detection by neutrophils: apparent roles of SKF96365-sensitive cation channels and myeloperoxidase trafficking in cellular responses

The voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3 modulates platelet motility and α2β1 integrin-dependent adhesion to collagen

Kv1.3 is a voltage-gated K+-selective channel with roles in immunity, insulin-sensitivity, neuronal excitability and olfaction. Despite being one of the largest ionic conductances of the platelet surface membrane, its contribution to platelet function is poorly understood. Here we show that Kv1.3-deficient platelets display enhanced ADP-evoked platelet aggregation and secretion, and an increased surface expression of platelet integrin αIIb. In contrast, platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in vitro under arterial shear conditions on surfaces coated with collagen were reduced for samples from Kv1.3-/- compared to wild type mice. Use of collagen-mimetic peptides revealed a specific defect in the engagement with α2β1. Kv1.3-/- platelets developed significantly fewer, and shorter, filopodia than wild type platelets during adhesion to collagen fibrils. Kv1.3-/- mice displayed no significant difference in thrombus formation within cremaster muscle arterioles using a laser-induced injury model, thus other pro-thrombotic pathways compensate in vivo for the adhesion defect observed in vitro. This may include the increased platelet counts of Kv1.3-/- mice, due in part to a prolonged lifespan. The ability of Kv1.3 to modulate integrin-dependent platelet adhesion has important implications for understanding its contribution to normal physiological platelet function in addition to its reported roles in auto-immune diseases and thromboinflammatory models of stroke.

Why do platelets express K+ channels?

Potassium ions have widespread roles in cellular homeostasis and activation as a consequence of their large outward concentration gradient across the surface membrane and ability to rapidly move through K+-selective ion channels. In platelets, the predominant K+ channels include the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3, and the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1, also known as the Gardos channel. Inwardly rectifying potassium GIRK channels and KCa1.1 large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels have also been reported in the platelet, although they remain to be demonstrated using electrophysiological techniques. Whole-cell patch clamp and fluorescent indicator measurements in the platelet or their precursor cell reveal that Kv1.3 sets the resting membrane potential and KCa3.1 can further hyperpolarize the cell during activation, thereby controlling Ca2+ influx. Kv1.3-/- mice exhibit an increased platelet count, which may result from an increased splenic megakaryocyte development and longer platelet lifespan. This review discusses the evidence in the literature that Kv1.3, KCa3.1. GIRK and KCa1.1 channels contribute to a number of platelet functional responses, particularly collagen-evoked adhesion, procoagulant activity and GPCR function. Putative roles for other K+ channels and known accessory proteins which to date have only been detected in transcriptomic or proteomic studies, are also discussed.

Electrified microglia: Impact of direct current stimulation on diverse properties of the most versatile brain cell

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct current stimulation [(t)DCS], modulates cortical excitability and promotes neuroplasticity. Microglia has been identified to respond to electrical currents as well as neuronal activity, but its response to DCS is mostly unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study addresses effects of DCS applied in vivo to the sensorimotor cortex on physiological microglia properties and neuron-microglia communication.

METHODS

Time lapse in vivo 2-photon microscopy in anaesthetized mice was timely coupled with DCS of the sensorimotor cortex to observe microglia dynamics on a population-based and single cell level. Neuron-microglia communication during DCS was investigated in mice with a functional knock out of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1. Moreover, the role of voltage gated microglial channels and DCS effects on phagocytosis were studied.

RESULTS

DCS promoted several physiological microglia properties, depending on the glial activation state and stimulation intensity. On a single cell level, process motility was predominantly enhanced in ramified cells whereas horizontal soma movement and galvanotaxis was pronounced in reactive microglia. Blockage of voltage sensitive microglial channels suppressed DCS effects in vivo and in vitro. Microglial motility changes were partially driven by the fractalkine signaling pathway. Moreover, phagocytosis increased after DCS in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Microglia dynamics are rapidly influenced by DCS. This is the first in vivo demonstration of a direct effect of electrical currents on microglia and indirect effects potentially driven by neuronal activity via the fractalkine pathway.

Ion Channels Orchestrate Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease with a dismal prognosis. Therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective. A better understanding of the pathophysiology is required. Ion channels contribute substantially to the "hallmarks of cancer." Their expression is dysregulated in cancer, and they are "misused" to drive cancer progression, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Ion channels are located in the cell membrane at the interface between the intracellular and extracellular space. They sense and modify the tumor microenvironment which in itself is a driver of PDAC aggressiveness. Ion channels detect, for example, locally altered proton and electrolyte concentrations or mechanical stimuli and transduce signals triggered by these microenvironmental cues through association with intracellular signaling cascades. While these concepts have been firmly established for other cancers, evidence has emerged only recently that ion channels are drivers of PDAC aggressiveness. Particularly, they appear to contribute to two of the characteristic PDAC features: the massive fibrosis of the tumor stroma (desmoplasia) and the efficient immune evasion. Our critical review of the literature clearly shows that there is still a remarkable lack of knowledge with respect to the contribution of ion channels to these two typical PDAC properties. Yet, we can draw parallels from ion channel research in other fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. Evidence is accumulating that pancreatic stellate cells express the same "profibrotic" ion channels. Similarly, it is at least in part known which major ion channels are expressed in those innate and adaptive immune cells that populate the PDAC microenvironment. We explore potential therapeutic avenues derived thereof. Since drugs targeting PDAC-relevant ion channels are already in clinical use, we propose to repurpose those in PDAC. The quest for ion channel targets is both motivated and complicated by the fact that some of the relevant channels, for example, KCa3.1, are functionally expressed in the cancer, stroma, and immune cells. Only in vivo studies will reveal which arm of the balance we should put our weights on when developing channel-targeting PDAC therapies. The time is up to explore the efficacy of ion channel targeting in (transgenic) murine PDAC models before launching clinical trials with repurposed drugs.

Calcium signalling and related ion channels in neutrophil recruitment and function

The recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation, their battle against invading microorganisms through phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial agents is a highly coordinated and tightly regulated process that involves the interplay of many different receptors, ion channels and signalling pathways. Changes in intracellular calcium levels, caused by cytosolic Ca2+ store depletion and the influx of extracellular Ca2+ via ion channels, play a critical role in synchronizing neutrophil activation and function. In this review, we provide an overview of how Ca2+ signalling is initiated in neutrophils and how changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels modulate neutrophil function.

Endogenous electric fields as guiding cue for cell migration

This review covers two topics: (1) "membrane potential of low magnitude and related electric fields (bioelectricity)" and (2) "cell migration under the guiding cue of electric fields (EF)."Membrane potentials for this "bioelectricity" arise from the segregation of charges by special molecular machines (pumps, transporters, ion channels) situated within the plasma membrane of each cell type (including eukaryotic non-neural animal cells). The arising patterns of ion gradients direct many cell- and molecular biological processes such as embryogenesis, wound healing, regeneration. Furthermore, EF are important as guiding cues for cell migration and are often overriding chemical or topographic cues. In osteoblasts, for instance, the directional information of EF is captured by charged transporters on the cell membrane and transferred into signaling mechanisms that modulate the cytoskeleton and motor proteins. This results in a persistent directional migration along an EF guiding cue. As an outlook, we discuss questions concerning the fluctuation of EF and the frequencies and mapping of the "electric" interior of the cell. Another exciting topic for further research is the modeling of field concepts for such distant, non-chemical cellular interactions.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote osteoblast mineralization and maturation needing the existence of primary cilia

Although pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been approved as a therapy for osteoporosis, action mechanisms and optimal parameters are elusive. To determine the optimal intensity, exposure effects of 50 Hz PEMFs of 0.6-3.6 mT (0.6 interval at 90 min/day) were investigated on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cultured calvarial osteoblasts. All intensity groups stimulated proliferation significantly with the highest effect at 0.6 mT. The 0.6 mT group also obtained the optimal osteogenic effect as demonstrated by the highest ALP activity, ALP(+) CFU-f colony formation, nodule mineralization, and expression of COL-1 and BMP-2. To verify our hypothesis that the primary cilia are the cellular sensors for PEMFs, osteoblasts were also transfected with IFT88 siRNA or scrambled control, and osteogenesis-promoting effects of 0.6 mT PEMFs were found abrogated when primary cilia were inhibited by IFT88 siRNA. Thus primary cilia of osteoblasts play an indispensable role in mediating PEMF osteogenic effect in vitro.

Roles of ion transport in control of cell motility

Cell motility is an essential feature of life. It is essential for reproduction, propagation, embryonic development, and healing processes such as wound closure and a successful immune defense. If out of control, cell motility can become life-threatening as, for example, in metastasis or autoimmune diseases. Regardless of whether ciliary/flagellar or amoeboid movement, controlled motility always requires a concerted action of ion channels and transporters, cytoskeletal elements, and signaling cascades. Ion transport across the plasma membrane contributes to cell motility by affecting the membrane potential and voltage-sensitive ion channels, by inducing local volume changes with the help of aquaporins and by modulating cytosolic Ca(2+) and H(+) concentrations. Voltage-sensitive ion channels serve as voltage detectors in electric fields thus enabling galvanotaxis; local swelling facilitates the outgrowth of protrusions at the leading edge while local shrinkage accompanies the retraction of the cell rear; the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration exerts its main effect on cytoskeletal dynamics via motor proteins such as myosin or dynein; and both, the intracellular and the extracellular H(+) concentration modulate cell migration and adhesion by tuning the activity of enzymes and signaling molecules in the cytosol as well as the activation state of adhesion molecules at the cell surface. In addition to the actual process of ion transport, both, channels and transporters contribute to cell migration by being part of focal adhesion complexes and/or physically interacting with components of the cytoskeleton. The present article provides an overview of how the numerous ion-transport mechanisms contribute to the various modes of cell motility.

Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects

The direct targets of extremely low and microwave frequency range electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in producing non-thermal effects have not been clearly established. However, studies in the literature, reviewed here, provide substantial support for such direct targets. Twenty-three studies have shown that voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) produce these and other EMF effects, such that the L-type or other VGCC blockers block or greatly lower diverse EMF effects. Furthermore, the voltage-gated properties of these channels may provide biophysically plausible mechanisms for EMF biological effects. Downstream responses of such EMF exposures may be mediated through Ca²⁺/calmodulin stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Potentially, physiological/therapeutic responses may be largely as a result of nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway stimulation. A well-studied example of such an apparent therapeutic response, EMF stimulation of bone growth, appears to work along this pathway. However, pathophysiological responses to EMFs may be as a result of nitric oxide-peroxynitrite-oxidative stress pathway of action. A single such well-documented example, EMF induction of DNA single-strand breaks in cells, as measured by alkaline comet assays, is reviewed here. Such single-strand breaks are known to be produced through the action of this pathway. Data on the mechanism of EMF induction of such breaks are limited; what data are available support this proposed mechanism. Other Ca²⁺-mediated regulatory changes, independent of nitric oxide, may also have roles. This article reviews, then, a substantially supported set of targets, VGCCs, whose stimulation produces non-thermal EMF responses by humans/higher animals with downstream effects involving Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide increases, which may explain therapeutic and pathophysiological effects.

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.

KCa3.1 and TRPM7 channels at the uropod regulate migration of activated human T cells

The migration of T lymphocytes is an essential part of the adaptive immune response as T cells circulate around the body to carry out immune surveillance. During the migration process T cells polarize, forming a leading edge at the cell front and a uropod at the cell rear. Our interest was in studying the involvement of ion channels in the migration of activated human T lymphocytes as they modulate intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Ca(2+) is a key regulator of cellular motility. To this purpose, we created protein surfaces made of the bio-polymer PNMP and coated with ICAM-1, ligand of LFA-1. The LFA-1 and ICAM-1 interaction facilitates T cell movement from blood into tissues and it is critical in immune surveillance and inflammation. Activated human T lymphocytes polarized and migrated on ICAM-1 surfaces by random walk with a mean velocity of ∼6 µm/min. Confocal microscopy indicated that Kv1.3, CRAC, and TRPM4 channels positioned in the leading-edge, whereas KCa3.1 and TRPM7 channels accumulated in the uropod. The localization of KCa3.1 and TRPM7 at the uropod was associated with oscillations in intracellular Ca(2+) levels that we measured in this cell compartment. Further studies with blockers against Kv1.3 (ShK), KCa3.1 (TRAM-34), CRAC (SKF-96365), TRPM7 (2-APB), and TRPM4 (glibenclamide) indicated that blockade of KCa3.1 and TRPM7, and not Kv1.3, CRAC or TRPM4, inhibits the T cell migration. The involvement of TRPM7 in cell migration was confirmed with siRNAs against TRPM7. Downregulation of TRPM7 significantly reduced the number of migrating T cells and the mean velocity of the migrating T cells. These results indicate that KCa3.1 and TRPM7 selectively localize at the uropod of migrating T lymphocytes and are key components of the T cell migration machinery.

Extracellular ATP induces spikes in cytosolic free Ca(2+) but not in NADPH oxidase activity in neutrophils

In order to establish whether non-mitochondrial oxidase activity in human neutrophils is tightly related to cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, we simultaneously measured Ca(2+) oscillations induced by ATP and oxidant production in single adherent neutrophils using confocal microscopy. ATP induced fast damped Ca(2+) spikes with a period of 15s and slower irregular spikes with a period greater than 50s. Spikes in Ca(2+) occurred in the absence of Ca(2+) influx, but the amplitude was damped by inhibition of Ca(2+) influx. Using the oxidation of hydroethidine as a cytosolic marker of oxidant production, we show that the generation of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils adherent to glass was accelerated by ATP. The step-up in NADPH oxidase activity followed the first elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) but, despite subsequent spikes in Ca(2+) concentration, no oscillations in oxidase activity could be detected. ATP induced spikes in Ca(2+) in a very reproducible way and we propose that the Ca(2+) signal is an on-switch for oxidase activity, but the activity is apparently not directly correlated with spiking activity in cytosolic Ca(2+).

On the mechanism of oscillations in neutrophils

We have investigated the regulation of the oscillatory generation of H(2)O(2) and oscillations in shape and size in neutrophils in suspension. The oscillations are independent of cell density and hence do not represent a collective phenomena. Furthermore, the oscillations are independent of the external glucose concentration and the oscillations in H(2)O(2) production are 180 degrees out of phase with the oscillations in NAD(P)H. Cytochalasin B blocked the oscillations in shape and size whereas it increased the period of the oscillations in H(2)O(2) production. 1- and 2-butanol also blocked the oscillations in shape and size, but only 1-butanol inhibited the oscillations in H(2)O(2) production. We conjecture that the oscillations are likely to be due to feedback regulations in the signal transduction cascade involving phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K). We have tested this using a simple mathematical model, which explains most of our experimental observations.

Electromagnetic effects - From cell biology to medicine

In this review we compile and discuss the published plethora of cell biological effects which are ascribed to electric fields (EF), magnetic fields (MF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF). In recent years, a change in paradigm took place concerning the endogenously produced static EF of cells and tissues. Here, modern molecular biology could link the action of ion transporters and ion channels to the "electric" action of cells and tissues. Also, sensing of these mainly EF could be demonstrated in studies of cell migration and wound healing. The triggers exerted by ion concentrations and concomitant electric field gradients have been traced along signaling cascades till gene expression changes in the nucleus. Far more enigmatic is the way of action of static MF which come in most cases from outside (e.g. earth magnetic field). All systems in an organism from the molecular to the organ level are more or less in motion. Thus, in living tissue we mostly find alternating fields as well as combination of EF and MF normally in the range of extremely low-frequency EMF. Because a bewildering array of model systems and clinical devices exits in the EMF field we concentrate on cell biological findings and look for basic principles in the EF, MF and EMF action. As an outlook for future research topics, this review tries to link areas of EF, MF and EMF research to thermodynamics and quantum physics, approaches that will produce novel insights into cell biology.

Potassium Channels Keep Mobile Cells on the Go

Cell motility is a prerequisite for the creation of new life, and it is required for maintaining the integrity of an organism. Under pathological conditions, “too much” motility may cause premature death. Studies over the past few years have revealed that ion channels are essential for cell motility. This review highlights the importance of K+ channels in regulating cell motility.

TRPC1 channels regulate directionality of migrating cells

Cell migration depends on the generation of structural asymmetry and on different steps: protrusion and adhesion at the front and traction and detachment at the rear part of the cell. The activity of Ca(2+) channels coordinate these steps by arranging intracellular Ca(2+) signals along the axis of movement. Here, we investigated the role of the putative mechanosensitive canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) in cell migration. We analyzed its function in transformed renal epithelial (Madin-Darby canine kidney-focus) cells with variation of TRPC1 expression. As shown by time lapse video microscopy, TRPC1 knockdown cells have partially lost their polarity and the ability to persistently migrate into a given direction. This failure is linked to the suppression of a local Ca(2+) gradient at the front of migrating TRPC1 knockdown cells, whereas TRPC1 overexpression leads to steeper Ca(2+) gradients. We propose that the Ca(2+) signaling events regulated by TRPC1 within the lamellipodium determine polarity and directed cell migration.

KCNA1 and TRPC6 ion channels and NHE1 exchanger operate the biological outcome of HGF/scatter factor in renal tubular cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a glycoprotein that induces in vitro epithelial tubular cell growth, motility, scattering and branching morphogenesis. The cell machineries that account for HGF biological effects are still unclear. In previous study, we found that HGF upregulated in epithelial tubular cell line (HK2) 3 genes: potassium channel KCNA1, calcium channel (transient receptor potential channel, subfamily C, member 6, TRPC6) and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger-1 (NHE1). In this study, we validated these results with reverse transcription PCR and WB analysis. To investigate whether KCNA1, TRPC6, NHE1 mediate the changes induced by HGF in HK2, we studied the effects of their inhibitors: 4-aminopyridine, charybdotoxin, dendrotoxin K inhibitors of KCNA1, lanthanum, N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid inhibitors of TRPC6, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride, cariporide inhibitors of NHE1. The inhibitors prevented HGF-induced growth, migration, cytoskeletal reorganization and tubulogenesis in HK2. These results indicate that KCNA1, TRPC6 and NHE1 are cell machineries that are exploited by HGF to effect its biological outcome in renal tubular cells.

A novel function of capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1 channels: Involvement in cell migration

Cell migration relies on a tight temporal and spatial regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). [Ca2+]i in turn depends on Ca2+ influx via channels in the plasma membrane whose molecular nature is still largely unknown for migrating cells. A mechanosensitive component of the Ca2+ influx pathway was suggested. We show here that the capsaicin-sensitive transient receptor potential channel TRPV1, that plays an important role in pain transduction, is one of the Ca2+ influx channels involved in cell migration. Activating TRPV1 channels with capsaicin leads to an acceleration of human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells pretreated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The speed rises by up to 50% and the displacement is doubled. Patch clamp experiments revealed the presence of capsaicin and resiniferatoxin (RTX)-sensitive currents. In contrast, HepG2 cells kept in the absence of HGF are not accelerated by capsaicin and express no capsaicin- or RTX-sensitive current. The TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine prevents the stimulation of migration and inhibits capsaicin-sensitive currents. Finally, we compared the contribution of capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1 channels to cell migration with that of mechanosensitive TRPV4 channels that are also expressed in HepG2 cells. A specific TRPV4 agonist, 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, does not increase the displacement. In summary, we assigned a novel role to capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1 channels. They are important Ca2+ influx channels required for cell migration.

Cells move when ions and water flow

Cell migration is a process that plays an important role throughout the entire life span. It starts early on during embryogenesis and contributes to shaping our body. Migrating cells are involved in maintaining the integrity of our body, for instance, by defending it against invading pathogens. On the other side, migration of tumor cells may have lethal consequences when tumors spread metastatically. Thus, there is a strong interest in unraveling the cellular mechanisms underlying cell migration. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the functional importance of ion and water channels as part of the cellular migration machinery. Ion and water flow is required for optimal migration, and the inhibition or genetic ablation of channels leads to a marked impairment of migration. We briefly touch cytoskeletal mechanisms of migration as well as cell-matrix interactions. We then present some general principles by which channels can affect cell migration before we discuss each channel group separately.