Determinants of the voltage dependence of G protein modulation within calcium channel beta subunits

Regulation of Presynaptic Calcium Channels

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), especially Cav2.1 and Cav2.2, are the major mediators of Ca2+ influx at the presynaptic membrane in response to neuron excitation, thereby exerting a predominant control on synaptic transmission. To guarantee the timely and precise release of neurotransmitters at synapses, the activity of presynaptic VGCCs is tightly regulated by a variety of factors, including auxiliary subunits, membrane potential, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), calmodulin (CaM), Ca2+-binding proteins (CaBP), protein kinases, various interacting proteins, alternative splicing events, and genetic variations.

Presynaptic Calcium Channels

Presynaptic Ca²⁺ entry occurs through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channels which are activated by membrane depolarization. Depolarization accompanies neuronal firing and elevation of Ca²⁺ triggers neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicles. For synchronization of efficient neurotransmitter release, synaptic vesicles are targeted by presynaptic Ca²⁺ channels forming a large signaling complex in the active zone. The presynaptic Ca_V2 channel gene family (comprising Ca_V2.1, Ca_V2.2, and Ca_V2.3 isoforms) encode the pore-forming α1 subunit. The cytoplasmic regions are responsible for channel modulation by interacting with regulatory proteins. This article overviews modulation of the activity of Ca_V2.1 and Ca_V2.2 channels in the control of synaptic strength and presynaptic plasticity.

Increase of CaV3 channel activity induced by HVA β1b-subunit is not mediated by a physical interaction

Objective

Low voltage-activated (LVA) calcium channels are crucial for regulating oscillatory behavior in several types of neurons and other excitable cells. LVA channels dysfunction has been implicated in epilepsy, neuropathic pain, cancer, among other diseases. Unlike for High Voltage-Activated (HVA) channels, voltage-dependence and kinetics of currents carried by recombinant LVA, i.e., Ca_V3 channels, are quite similar to those observed in native currents. Therefore, whether these channels are regulated by HVA auxiliary subunits, remain controversial. Here, we used the α1-subunits of Ca_V3.1, Ca_V3.2, and Ca_V3.3 channels, together with HVA auxiliary β-subunits to perform electrophysiological, confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation experiments, in order to further explore this possibility.

Results

Functional expression of Ca_V3 channels is up-regulated by all four β-subunits, although most consistent effects were observed with the β1b-subunit. The biophysical properties of Ca_V3 channels were not modified by any β-subunit. Furthermore, although β1b-subunits increased colocalization of GFP-tagged Ca_V3 channels and the plasma membrane of HEK-293 cells, western blots analysis revealed the absence of physical interaction between Ca_V3.3 and β1b-subunits as no co-immunoprecipitation was observed. These results provide solid evidence that the up-regulation of LVA channels in the presence of HVA-β1b subunit is not mediated by a high affinity interaction between both proteins.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3917-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Protein partners of the calcium channel β subunit highlight new cellular functions

Calcium plays a key role in cell signalling by its intervention in a wide range of physiological processes. Its entry into cells occurs mainly via voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), which are found not only in the plasma membrane of excitable cells but also in cells insensitive to electrical signals. VGCC are composed of different subunits, α1, β, α2δ and γ, among which the cytosolic β subunit (Cavβ) controls the trafficking of the channel to the plasma membrane, its regulation and its gating properties. For many years, these were the main functions associated with Cavβ. However, a growing number of proteins have been found to interact with Cavβ, emphasizing the multifunctional role of this versatile protein. Interestingly, some of the newly assigned functions of Cavβ are independent of its role in the regulation of VGCC, and thus further increase its functional roles. Based on the identity of Cavβ protein partners, this review emphasizes the diverse cellular functions of Cavβ and summarizes both past findings as well as recent progress in the understanding of VGCC.

Phosphorylation sites in the Hook domain of CaVβ subunits differentially modulate CaV1.2 channel function

Regulation of L-type calcium current is critical for the development, function, and regulation of many cell types. Ca(V)1.2 channels that conduct L-type calcium currents are regulated by many protein kinases, but the sites of action of these kinases remain unknown in most cases. We combined mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and whole-cell patch clamp techniques in order to identify sites of phosphorylation of Ca(V)β subunits in vivo and test the impact of mutations of those sites on Ca(V)1.2 channel function in vitro. Using the Ca(V)1.1 channel purified from rabbit skeletal muscle as a substrate for phosphoproteomic analysis, we found that Ser(193) and Thr(205) in the HOOK domain of Ca(V)β1a subunits were both phosphorylated in vivo. Ser(193) is located in a potential consensus sequence for casein kinase II, but it was not phosphorylated in vitro by that kinase. In contrast, Thr(205) is located in a consensus sequence for cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, and it was robustly phosphorylated in vitro by PKA. These two sites are conserved in multiple Ca(V)β subunit isoforms, including the principal Ca(V)β subunit of cardiac Ca(V)1.2 channels, Ca(V)β2b. In order to assess potential modulatory effects of phosphorylation at these sites separately from the effects of phosphorylation of the α11.2 subunit, we inserted phosphomimetic or phosphoinhibitory mutations in Ca(V)β2b and analyzed their effects on Ca(V)1.2 channel function in transfected nonmuscle cells. The phosphomimetic mutation Ca(V)β2b(S152E) decreased peak channel currents and shifted the voltage dependence of both activation and inactivation to more positive membrane potentials. The phosphoinhibitory mutation Ca(V)β2b(S152A) had opposite effects. There were no differences in peak Ca(V)1.2 currents or voltage dependence between the phosphomimetic mutation Ca(V)β2b(T164D) and the phosphoinhibitory mutation Ca(V)β2b(T164A). However, calcium-dependent inactivation was significantly increased for the phosphomimetic mutation Ca(V)β2b(T164D). This effect was subunit-specific, as the corresponding mutation in the palmitoylated isoform, Ca(V)β2a, had no effect. Overall, our data identify two conserved sites of phosphorylation of the Hook domain of Ca(V)β subunits in vivo and reveal differential modulatory effects of phosphomimetic mutations in these sites. These results reveal a new dimension of regulation of Ca(V)1.2 channels through phosphorylation of the Hook domains of their β subunits.

Calcium-permeable ion channels in pain signaling

The detection and processing of painful stimuli in afferent sensory neurons is critically dependent on a wide range of different types of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, including sodium, calcium, and TRP channels, to name a few. The functions of these channels include the detection of mechanical and chemical insults, the generation of action potentials and regulation of neuronal firing patterns, the initiation of neurotransmitter release at dorsal horn synapses, and the ensuing activation of spinal cord neurons that project to pain centers in the brain. Long-term changes in ion channel expression and function are thought to contribute to chronic pain states. Many of the channels involved in the afferent pain pathway are permeable to calcium ions, suggesting a role in cell signaling beyond the mere generation of electrical activity. In this article, we provide a broad overview of different calcium-permeable ion channels in the afferent pain pathway and their role in pain pathophysiology.

Modulation of neurotransmission by GPCRs is dependent upon the microarchitecture of the primed vesicle complex

G(i/o)-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) ubiquitously inhibit neurotransmission, principally via Gβγ, which acts via a number of possible effectors. GPCR effector specificity has traditionally been attributed to Gα, based on Gα's preferential effector targeting in vitro compared with Gβγ's promiscuous targeting of various effectors. In synapses, however, Gβγ clearly targets unique effectors in a receptor-dependent way to modulate synaptic transmission. It remains unknown whether Gβγ specificity in vivo is due to specific Gβγ isoform-receptor associations or to spatial separation of distinct Gβγ pathways through macromolecular interactions. We thus sought to determine how Gβγ signaling pathways within axons remain distinct from one another. In rat hippocampal CA1 axons, GABA(B) receptors (GABA(B)Rs) inhibit presynaptic Ca(2+) entry, and we have now demonstrated that 5-HT(1B) receptors (5-HT(1B)Rs) liberate Gβγ to interact with SNARE complex C terminals with no effect on Ca(2+) entry. Both GABA(B)Rs and 5-HT(1B)Rs inhibit Ca(2+)-evoked neurotransmitter release, but 5-HT(1B)Rs have no effect on Sr(2+)-evoked release. Sr(2+), unlike Ca(2+), does not cause synaptotagmin to compete with Gβγ binding to SNARE complexes. 5-HT(1B)Rs also fail to inhibit release following cleavage of the C terminus of the SNARE complex protein SNAP-25 with botulinum A toxin. Thus, GABA(B)Rs and 5-HT(1B)Rs both localize to presynaptic terminals, but target distinct effectors. We demonstrate that disruption of SNARE complexes and vesicle priming with botulinum C toxin eliminates this selectivity, allowing 5-HT(1B)R inhibition of Ca(2+) entry. We conclude that receptor-effector specificity requires a microarchitecture provided by the SNARE complex during vesicle priming.

Regulation of Ca(V)2 calcium channels by G protein coupled receptors

Voltage gated calcium channels (Ca²⁺ channels) are key mediators of depolarization induced calcium influx into excitable cells, and thereby play pivotal roles in a wide array of physiological responses. This review focuses on the inhibition of Ca(V)2 (N- and P/Q-type) Ca²⁺-channels by G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which exerts important autocrine/paracrine control over synaptic transmission and neuroendocrine secretion. Voltage-dependent inhibition is the most widespread mechanism, and involves direct binding of the G protein βγ dimer (Gβγ) to the α1 subunit of Ca(V)2 channels. GPCRs can also recruit several other distinct mechanisms including phosphorylation, lipid signaling pathways, and channel trafficking that result in voltage-independent inhibition. Current knowledge of Gβγ-mediated inhibition is reviewed, including the molecular interactions involved, determinants of voltage-dependence, and crosstalk with other cell signaling pathways. A summary of recent developments in understanding the voltage-independent mechanisms prominent in sympathetic and sensory neurons is also included. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium channels.

Structure and function of the β subunit of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels

The voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel β subunit (Ca(v)β) is a cytosolic auxiliary subunit that plays an essential role in regulating the surface expression and gating properties of high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca²⁺ channels. It is also crucial for the modulation of HVA Ca²⁺ channels by G proteins, kinases, Ras-related RGK GTPases, and other proteins. There are indications that Ca(v)β may carry out Ca²⁺ channel-independent functions. Ca(v)β knockouts are either non-viable or result in a severe pathophysiology, and mutations in Ca(v)β have been implicated in disease. In this article, we review the structure and various biological functions of Ca(v)β, as well as recent advances. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium channels.

A quartet of leucine residues in the guanylate kinase domain of CaVβ determines the plasma membrane density of the CaV2.3 channel

Ca(V)β subunits are formed by a Src homology 3 domain and a guanylate kinase-like (GK) domain connected through a variable HOOK domain. Complete deletion of the Src homology 3 domain (75 residues) as well as deletion of the HOOK domain (47 residues) did not alter plasma membrane density of Ca(V)2.3 nor its typical activation gating. In contrast, six-residue deletions in the GK domain disrupted cell surface trafficking and functional expression of Ca(V)2.3. Mutations of residues known to carry nanomolar affinity binding in the GK domain of Ca(V)β (P175A, P179A, M195A, M196A, K198A, S295A, R302G, R307A, E339G, N340G, and A345G) did not significantly alter cell surface targeting or gating modulation of Ca(V)2.3. Nonetheless, mutations of a quartet of leucine residues (either single or multiple mutants) in the α3, α6, β10, and α9 regions of the GK domain were found to significantly impair cell surface density of Ca(V)2.3 channels. Furthermore, the normalized protein density of Ca(V)2.3 was nearly abolished with the quadruple Ca(V)β3 Leu mutant L200G/L303G/L337G/L342G. Altogether, our observations suggest that the four leucine residues in Ca(V)β3 form a hydrophobic pocket surrounding key residues in the α-interacting domain of Ca(V)2.3. This interaction appears to play an essential role in conferring Ca(V)β-induced modulation of the protein density of Ca(V)α1 subunits in Ca(V)2 channels.

The ß subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Calcium regulates a wide spectrum of physiological processes such as heartbeat, muscle contraction, neuronal communication, hormone release, cell division, and gene transcription. Major entryways for Ca(2+) in excitable cells are high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels. These are plasma membrane proteins composed of several subunits, including α(1), α(2)δ, β, and γ. Although the principal α(1) subunit (Ca(v)α(1)) contains the channel pore, gating machinery and most drug binding sites, the cytosolic auxiliary β subunit (Ca(v)β) plays an essential role in regulating the surface expression and gating properties of HVA Ca(2+) channels. Ca(v)β is also crucial for the modulation of HVA Ca(2+) channels by G proteins, kinases, and the Ras-related RGK GTPases. New proteins have emerged in recent years that modulate HVA Ca(2+) channels by binding to Ca(v)β. There are also indications that Ca(v)β may carry out Ca(2+) channel-independent functions, including directly regulating gene transcription. All four subtypes of Ca(v)β, encoded by different genes, have a modular organization, consisting of three variable regions, a conserved guanylate kinase (GK) domain, and a conserved Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain, placing them into the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein family. Crystal structures of Ca(v)βs reveal how they interact with Ca(v)α(1), open new research avenues, and prompt new inquiries. In this article, we review the structure and various biological functions of Ca(v)β, with both a historical perspective as well as an emphasis on recent advances.

G protein modulation of CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels translate the electrical inputs of excitable cells into biochemical outputs by controlling influx of the ubiquitous second messenger Ca(2+) . As such the channels play pivotal roles in many cellular functions including the triggering of neurotransmitter and hormone release by CaV2.1 (P/Q-type) and CaV2.2 (N-type) channels. It is well established that G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) orchestrate precise regulation neurotransmitter and hormone release through inhibition of CaV2 channels. Although the GPCRs recruit a number of different pathways, perhaps the most prominent, and certainly most studied among these is the so-called voltage-dependent inhibition mediated by direct binding of Gβγ to the α1 subunit of CaV2 channels. This article will review the basics of Ca(2+) -channels and G protein signaling, and the functional impact of this now classical inhibitory mechanism on channel function. It will also provide an update on more recent developments in the field, both related to functional effects and crosstalk with other signaling pathways, and advances made toward understanding the molecular interactions that underlie binding of Gβγ to the channel and the voltage-dependence that is a signature characteristic of this mechanism.

Calcium channel diversity: multiple roles of calcium channel subunits

Until recently we held the simple view that voltage-gated calcium channels consisted of an alpha1 subunit, usually associated with auxiliary beta subunits and alpha(2)delta subunits and that skeletal muscle calcium channels were also associated with a gamma subunit. However, as discussed here, there is now evidence that the auxiliary subunits may also perform other roles unrelated to voltage-gated calcium entry. In the past students were taught the simplistic view that second messenger signaling to voltage-gated calcium channels involved mainly phosphorylation of L-type calcium channels, Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation via calmodulin, and direct G-protein-mediated inhibition of the neuronal N and P/Q channels. However, it is now clear that there are many other means of modulating calcium channel activity, including receptor-mediated internalization, proteolytic cleavage, phosphorylation of beta subunits, and interaction of calcium channels with other proteins, including enzymes masquerading as scaffold proteins.

Functional dissection of the intramolecular Src homology 3-guanylate kinase domain coupling in voltage-gated Ca2+ channel beta-subunits

The beta-subunit of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels is essential for trafficking the channels to the plasma membrane and regulating their gating. It contains a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and a guanylate kinase (GK) domain, which interact intramolecularly. We investigated the structural underpinnings of this intramolecular coupling and found that in addition to a previously described SH3 domain beta strand, two structural elements are crucial for maintaining a strong and yet potentially modifiable SH3-GK intramolecular coupling: an intrinsically weak SH3-GK interface and a direct connection of the SH3 and GK domains. Alterations of these elements uncouple the two functions of the beta-subunit, degrading its ability to regulate gating while leaving its chaperone effect intact.

Origin of the voltage dependence of G-protein regulation of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels

G-protein (Gbetagamma)-mediated voltage-dependent inhibition of N- and P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels contributes to presynaptic inhibition and short-term synaptic plasticity. The voltage dependence derives from the dissociation of Gbetagamma from the inhibited channels, but the underlying molecular and biophysical mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study we investigated the role in this process of Ca(2+) channel beta subunit (Ca(v)beta) and a rigid alpha-helical structure between the alpha-interacting domain (AID), the primary Ca(v)beta docking site on the channel alpha(1) subunit, and the pore-lining IS6 segment. Gbetagamma inhibition of P/Q-type channels was reconstituted in giant inside-out membrane patches from Xenopus oocytes. Large populations of channels devoid of Ca(v)beta were produced by washing out a mutant Ca(v)beta with a reduced affinity for the AID. These beta-less channels were still inhibited by Gbetagamma, but without any voltage dependence, indicating that Ca(v)beta is indispensable for voltage-dependent Gbetagamma inhibition. A truncated Ca(v)beta containing only the AID-binding guanylate kinase (GK) domain could fully confer voltage dependence to Gbetagamma inhibition. Gbetagamma did not alter inactivation properties, and channels recovered from Gbetagamma inhibition exhibited the same activation property as un-inhibited channels, indicating that Gbetagamma does not dislodge Ca(v)beta from the inhibited channel. Furthermore, voltage-dependent Gbetagamma inhibition was abolished when the rigid alpha-helix between the AID and IS6 was disrupted by insertion of multiple glycines, which also eliminated Ca(v)beta regulation of channel gating, revealing a pivotal role of this rigid alpha-helix in both processes. These results suggest that depolarization-triggered movement of IS6, coupled to the subsequent conformational change of the Gbetagamma-binding pocket through a rigid alpha-helix induced partly by the Ca(v)beta GK domain, causes the dissociation of Gbetagamma and is fundamental to voltage-dependent Gbetagamma inhibition.