Ryanodine binding to sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane; comparison between cardiac and skeletal muscle

The structural basis of ryanodine receptor ion channel function

Large-conductance Ca²⁺ release channels known as ryanodine receptors (RyRs) mediate the release of Ca²⁺ from an intracellular membrane compartment, the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum. There are three mammalian RyR isoforms: RyR1 is present in skeletal muscle; RyR2 is in heart muscle; and RyR3 is expressed at low levels in many tissues including brain, smooth muscle, and slow-twitch skeletal muscle. RyRs form large protein complexes comprising four 560-kD RyR subunits, four ∼12-kD FK506-binding proteins, and various accessory proteins including calmodulin, protein kinases, and protein phosphatases. RyRs share ∼70% sequence identity, with the greatest sequence similarity in the C-terminal region that forms the transmembrane, ion-conducting domain comprising ∼500 amino acids. The remaining ∼4,500 amino acids form the large regulatory cytoplasmic "foot" structure. Experimental evidence for Ca²⁺, ATP, phosphorylation, and redox-sensitive sites in the cytoplasmic structure have been described. Exogenous effectors include the two Ca²⁺ releasing agents caffeine and ryanodine. Recent work describing the near atomic structures of mammalian skeletal and cardiac muscle RyRs provides a structural basis for the regulation of the RyRs by their multiple effectors.

Mapping the ruthenium red-binding site of the voltage-dependent anion channel-1

We have previously shown that ruthenium red (RuR) binds to the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in the outer mitochondrial membrane, decreasing channel conductance and protecting against apoptotic cell death. In this report, we define the murine and yeast VDAC1 amino acid residues involved in the interaction with RuR. Binding of RuR to bilayer-reconstituted mVDAC1 and the resulting channel closure was inhibited upon mutation of specific VDAC1 residues. RuR protection against cell death, as induced by overexpression of native or mutated mVDAC1, was also diminished upon mutation of these amino acids. Moreover, RuR-mediated inhibition of cytochrome c release normally induced by staurosporine was not observed in cells expressing mutants VDAC1. We found that four glutamate residues, two each located in the first and third mVDAC1 cytosolic loops, are required for the interaction of VDAC1 with RuR and subsequent protection against cell death. Similar results were obtained with Q72E-yeast VDAC1, except that only three glutamate residues, located in two cytosolic loops were required. As a hexavalent reagent, RuR is expected to bind to more than one negatively charged group. Our results thus clearly indicate that RuR protects against cell death via a direct interaction with VDAC1 to inhibit cytochrome c release and subsequent cell death.

Type 1 ryanodine receptor in cardiac mitochondria: transducer of excitation-metabolism coupling

Mitochondria in a variety of cell types respond to physiological Ca(2+) oscillations in the cytosol dynamically with Ca(2+) uptakes. In heart cells, mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptakes occur by a ruthenium red-sensitive Ca(2+) uniporter (CaUP), a rapid mode of Ca(2+) uptake (RaM) and a ryanodine receptor (RyR) localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Three subtypes of RyRs have been described and cloned, however, the subtype identity of the mitochondrial ryanodine receptor (mRyR) is unknown. Using subtype specific antibodies, we characterized the mRyR in the IMM from rat heart as RyR1. These results are substantiated by the absence of RyR protein in heart mitochondria from RyR1 knockout mice. The bell-shape Ca(2+)-dependent [(3)H]ryanodine binding curve and its modulation by caffeine and adenylylmethylenediphosphonate (AMPPCP) give further evidence that mRyR functions pharmacologically like RyR1. Ryanodine prevents mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake induced by raising extramitochondrial Ca(2+) to 10 microM. Similarly, ryanodine inhibits oxidative phosphorylation stimulated by 10 microM extramitochondrial Ca(2+). In summary, our results show that the mRyR in cardiac muscle has similar biochemical and pharmacological properties to the RyR1 in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. These results could also suggest an efficient mechanism by which mitochondria sequesters Ca(2+) via mRyR during excitation-contraction coupling to stimulate oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production to meet metabolic demands. Thus, the mRyR functions as a transducer for excitation-metabolism coupling.

Ryanodine receptor function in newborn rat heart

The role of ryanodine receptor (RyR) in cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in newborns (NB) is not completely understood. To determine whether RyR functional properties change during development, we evaluated cellular distribution and functionality of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in NB rats. Sarcomeric arrangement of immunostained SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and the presence of sizeable caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients demonstrated that functional SR exists in NB. E-C coupling properties were then defined in NB and compared with those in adult rats (AD). Ca2+ transients in NB reflected predominantly sarcolemmal Ca2+ entry, whereas the RyR-mediated component was ∼13%. Finally, the RyR density and functional properties at the single-channel level in NB were compared with those in AD. Ligand binding assays revealed that in NB, RyR density can be up to 36% of that found in AD, suggesting that some RyRs do not contribute to the Ca2+ transient. To test the hypothesis that RyR functional properties change during development, we incorporated single RyRs into lipid bilayers. Our results show that permeation and gating kinetics of NB RyRs are identical to those of AD. Also, endogenous ligands had similar effects on NB and AD RyRs: sigmoidal Ca2+ dependence, stronger Mg2+-induced inhibition at low cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations, comparable ATP-activating potency, and caffeine sensitivity. These observations indicate that NB rat heart contains fully functional RyRs and that the smaller contribution of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release to the intracellular Ca2+ transient in NB is not due to different single RyR channel properties or to the absence of functional intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Location of divergent region 2 on the three-dimensional structure of cardiac muscle ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are a family of calcium release channels found on intracellular calcium-handing organelles. Molecular cloning studies have identified three different RyR isoforms, which are 66-70% identical in amino acid sequence. In mammals, the three isoforms are encoded by three separate genes located on different chromosomes. The major variations among the isoforms occur in three regions, known as divergent regions 1, 2, and 3 (DR1, DR2, and DR3). In the present study, a modified RyR2 (cardiac isoform) cDNA was constructed, into which was inserted a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encoding cDNA within DR2, specifically after amino acid residue Thr1366 (RyR2(T1366-GFP)). HEK293 cells expressing RyR2(T1366-GFP) cDNAs showed caffeine-sensitive and ryanodine-sensitive calcium release, demonstrating that RyR2(T1366-GFP) forms functional calcium release channels. Cells expressing RyR2(T1366-GFP) were identified readily by the characteristic fluorescence of GFP, indicating that the overall structure of the inserted GFP was retained. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of purified RyR2(T1366-GFP) showed structurally intact receptors, and a three-dimensional reconstruction was obtained by single-particle image processing. The location of the inserted GFP was obtained by comparing this three-dimensional reconstruction to one obtained for wild-type RyR2. The inserted GFP and, consequently Thr1366 within DR2, was mapped on the three-dimensional structure of RyR2 to domain 6, one of the characteristic cytoplasmic domains that form part of the multi-domain "clamp" regions of RyR2. The three-dimensional location of DR2 suggests that it plays roles in the RyR conformational changes that occur during channel gating, and possibly in RyR's interaction with the dihydropyridine receptor in excitation-contraction coupling. This study further demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of the GFP insertion/cryo-EM approach for correlating RyR's amino acid sequence with its three-dimensional structure, thereby enhancing our understanding of the structural basis of RyR function.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the recombinant type 2 ryanodine receptor and localization of its divergent region 1

Isoform 2 of the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is the major calcium release channel in cardiac muscle. In the present study, two kinds of RyR2 cDNA were constructed, one encoding the wild type mouse RyR2 (RyR2(wt)) and the other encoding modified RyR2, into which was inserted a cDNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). GFP was inserted into the divergent region 1 (DR1) of RyR2, after the Asp-4365 (RyR2(D4365-GFP)). HEK293 cells expressing both RyR2(wt) and RyR2(D4365-GFP) cDNAs showed caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive calcium release, demonstrating that both wild type and modified RyR2s form functional calcium release channels. Cells expressing the fusion protein, RyR2(D4365-GFP), were readily identified by their fluorescence due to the presence of GFP, indicating that the inserted GFP folded properly. Both expressed RyR2s were purified from cell lysates in a single step by affinity chromatography using a GST-FKBP12.6 as the affinity ligand. Cryoelectron microscopy of purified RyR2s showed structurally intact receptors, and three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained by single particle image processing. The three-dimensional reconstruction of RyR2(wt) appeared very similar to that of the native RyR2 purified from dog heart. The location of the inserted GFP, and consequently of DR1, was mapped on the three-dimensional structure of RyR2 to one of the subunit's characteristic domains, domain 3, also known as the "handle" domain. This study describes the first internal fusion of a protein into a ryanodine receptor, and it demonstrates the potential of this technology for localizing functional and structural domains on the three-dimensional structure of RyR.

Doxorubicin directly binds to the cardiac-type ryanodine receptor

The clinical use of doxorubicin, an antineoplasmic agent, is limited by its extensive cardiotoxicity which is mediated by the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ from SR. In order to elucidate the mechanism of Ca2+ release, we analyzed the binding sites of doxorubicin on rabbit cardiac SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum). One of the binding sites was identified as cardiac-type ryanodine receptor (RyR2) which was purified by immunoprecipitation from solubilized cardiac SR in the presence of DTT. Ligand blot analysis revealed the direct binding of doxorubicin to RyR2. The binding of doxorubicin to RyR2 was specific and displaced by caffeine. Both doxorubicin and caffeine enhanced [3H]-ryanodine binding to RyR2 in a Ca2+ dependent manner. These results suggest that there is a doxorubicin binding site on RyR2.

Mutations to Gly2370, Gly2373 or Gly2375 in malignant hyperthermia domain 2 decrease caffeine and cresol sensitivity of the rabbit skeletal-muscle Ca2+-release channel (ryanodine receptor isoform 1)

Mutations G2370A, G2372A, G2373A, G2375A, Y3937A, S3938A, G3939A and K3940A were made in two potential ATP-binding motifs (amino acids 2370-2375 and 3937-3940) in the Ca(2+)-release channel of skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (ryanodine receptor or RyR1). Activation of [(3)H]ryanodine binding by Ca(2+), caffeine and ATP (adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-methylene]triphosphate, AMP-PCP) was used as an assay for channel opening, since ryanodine binds only to open channels. Caffeine-sensitivity of channel opening was also assayed by caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release in HEK-293 cells expressing wild-type and mutant channels. Equilibrium [(3)H]ryanodine-binding properties and EC(50) values for Ca(2+) activation of high-affinity [(3)H]ryanodine binding were similar between wild-type RyR1 and mutants. In the presence of 1 mM AMP-PCP, Ca(2+)-activation curves were shifted to higher affinity and maximal binding was increased to a similar extent for wild-type RyR1 and mutants. ATP sensitivity of channel opening was also similar for wild-type and mutants. These observations apparently rule out sequences 2370-2375 and 3937-3940 as ATP-binding motifs. Caffeine or 4-chloro-m-cresol sensitivity, however, was decreased in mutants G2370A, G2373A and G2375A, whereas the other mutants retained normal sensitivity. Amino acids 2370-2375 lie within a sequence (amino acids 2163-2458) in which some eight RyR1 mutations have been associated with malignant hyperthermia and shown to be hypersensitive to caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol activation. By contrast, mutants G2370A, G2373A and G2375A are hyposensitive to caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol. Thus amino acids 2163-2458 form a regulatory domain (malignant hyperthermia regulatory domain 2) that regulates caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol sensitivity of RyR1.

Characterization of RyR1-slow, a ryanodine receptor specific to slow-twitch skeletal muscle

Two distinct skeletal muscle ryanodine receptors (RyR1s) are expressed in a fiber type-specific manner in fish skeletal muscle (11). In this study, we compare [(3)H]ryanodine binding and single channel activity of RyR1-slow from fish slow-twitch skeletal muscle with RyR1-fast and RyR3 isolated from fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Scatchard plots indicate that RyR1-slow has a lower affinity for [(3)H]ryanodine when compared with RyR1-fast. In single channel recordings, RyR1-slow and RyR1-fast had similar slope conductances. However, the maximum open probability (P(o)) of RyR1-slow was threefold less than the maximum P(o) of RyR1-fast. Single channel studies also revealed the presence of two populations of RyRs in tuna fast-twitch muscle (RyR1-fast and RyR3). RyR3 had the highest P(o) of all the RyR channels and displayed less inhibition at millimolar Ca(2+). The addition of 5 mM Mg-ATP or 2.5 mM beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMP-PCP) to the channels increased the P(o) and [(3)H]ryanodine binding of both RyR1s but also caused a shift in the Ca(2+) dependency curve of RyR1-slow such that Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation was attenuated. [(3)H]ryanodine binding data also showed that Mg(2+)-dependent inhibition of RyR1-slow was reduced in the presence of AMP-PCP. These results indicate differences in the physiological properties of RyRs in fish slow- and fast-twitch skeletal muscle, which may contribute to differences in the way intracellular Ca(2+) is regulated in these muscle types.

Effects of cytoplasmic and luminal pH on Ca(2+) release channels from rabbit skeletal muscle

Ryanodine receptor (RyR)-Ca(2+) release channels from rabbit skeletal muscle were incorporated into lipid bilayers. The effects of cytoplasmic and luminal pH were studied separately over the pH range 5-8, using half-unit intervals. RyR activity (at constant luminal pH of 7.5) was inhibited at acidic cytoplasmic pH, with a half-inhibitory pH (pH(I)) approximately 6.5, irrespective of bilayer potential and of whether the RyRs were activated by cytoplasmic Ca(2+) (50 microM), ATP (2 or 5 mM), or both. Inhibition occurred within approximately 1 s and could be fully reversed within approximately 1 s after brief inhibition or within approximately 30-60 s after longer exposure to acidic cytosolic pH. There was no evidence of any hysteresis in the cytoplasmic pH effect. Ryanodine-modified channels were less sensitive to pH inhibition, with pH(I) at approximately 5.5, but the inhibition was similarly reversible. Steady-state open and closed dwell times of RyRs during cytoplasmic pH inhibition suggest a mechanism where the binding of one proton inhibits the channel and the binding of two to three additional protons promotes further inhibited states. RyR activity was unaffected by luminal pH in the pH range 7.5 to 6.0. At lower luminal pH (5-5.5) most RyRs were completely inhibited, and raising the pH again produced partial to full recovery in only approximately 50% of cases, with the extent of recovery not detectably different between pH 7.5 and pH 9. The results indicate that isolated skeletal muscle RyRs are not inhibited as strongly by low cytoplasmic and luminal pH, as suggested by previous single-channel studies.

Regulation of the rat sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel by calcium

The regulation by calcium of the ryanodine receptor/SR calcium release channel (RyR) from rat skeletal muscle was studied under isolated conditions and in situ. RyRs were either solubilized and incorporated into lipid bilayers or single fibres were mounted into a Vaseline gap voltage clamp. Single channel data were compared to parameters determined from the calculated calcium release flux. With K+ (250 mM) being the charge carrier the single channel conductance was 529 pS at 50 microM Ca2+ cis and trans, and decreased with increasing cis [Ca2+]. Open probability showed a bell shaped calcium dependence revealing an activatory and an inhibitory Ca2+ binding site (Hill coefficients of 1.18 and 1.28, respectively) with half activatory and inhibitory concentrations of 9.4 and 298 microM. The parameters of the inhibitory site agreed with the calcium dependence of channel inactivation deduced from the decline in SR calcium release in isolated fibres. Mean open time showed slight [Ca2+] dependence following a single exponential at every Ca2+ concentration tested. Closed time histograms, at high [Ca2+], were fitted with three exponentials, from which the longest was calcium independent, and resembled the recovery time constant of SR inactivation (115+/-15 ms) obtained in isolated fibres. The data are in agreement with a model where calcium binding to the inhibitory site on RyR would be responsible for the calcium dependent inactivation in situ.

Ca(2+) inactivation sites are located in the COOH-terminal quarter of recombinant rabbit skeletal muscle Ca(2+) release channels (ryanodine receptors)

Ca(2+) activation of skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) muscle Ca(2+) release channels (ryanodine receptors) occurs with EC(50) values of about 1 microM. Ca(2+) inactivation occurs with an IC(50) value of about 3.7 mM for RyR1, but RyR2 shows little inactivation, even at >100 mM Ca(2+). In an attempt to localize the low affinity Ca(2+) binding sites responsible for Ca(2+) inactivation in RyR1, chimeric RyR1/RyR2 molecules were constructed. Because [(3)H]ryanodine binds only to open channels, and because channel opening and closing are Ca(2+)-dependent, the Ca(2+) dependence of [(3)H]ryanodine binding was used as an indirect measurement of Ca(2+) release channel opening and closing. IC(50) values for [(3)H]ryanodine binding suggested that Ca(2+) affinity for the low affinity Ca(2+) inactivation sites was unchanged in a chimera in which a glutamate-rich sequence (amino acids 1743-1964) in RyR1 was replaced with the corresponding, less acidic sequence from RyR2. Ca(2+) affinity (IC(50)) for low affinity Ca(2+) inactivation sites was intermediate in RyR1/RyR2 chimeras containing RyR2 amino acids 3726-4186 (RF9), 4187-4628 (RF10), or 4629-5037 (RF11), was closer to RyR2 values in RyR1 chimeras with longer RyR2 replacements (RF9/10 or RF10/11), and was indistinguishable from RyR2 in RyR1 containing all three RyR2 replacements (RF9/10/11). These data suggest that multiple low affinity Ca(2+) binding sites or multiple components of a low affinity Ca(2+) binding site are located between amino acids 3726 and 5037 and that their effects on Ca(2+) inactivation of the release channel are cooperative. Measurement of Ca(2+) activation of [(3)H]ryanodine binding showed that chimeras RF10, RF9/10, and RF9/10/11 were more sensitive to Ca(2+) than was either RyR1 or RyR2. Measurement of caffeine activation of Ca(2+) release in vivo showed that chimeras RF9, RF10, RF9/10, RF10/11, and RF9/10/11 were more sensitive to caffeine than wild-type RyR1. These results suggest that Ca(2+) and caffeine activation sites also involve COOH-terminal sequences in RyR1 and RyR2.

Alterations in the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel correlate with Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary and beta-amyloid pathologies

Investigation of the integrity of the ryanodine receptor in Alzheimer's disease is important because it plays a critical role in the regulation of calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum in brain, impairment of which is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The present study compared ryanodine receptor levels and their functional modulation in particulate fractions from control and Alzheimer's disease temporal cortex, occipital cortex and putamen. Relationships between ryanodine receptor changes and the progression of Alzheimer's disease pathology were determined by examining autoradiographic [3H]ryanodine binding in entorhinal cortex/anterior hippocampus sections from 22 cases that had been staged for neurofibrillary changes and beta-amyloid deposition. A significant (P < 0.02) 40% decrease in the Bmax for [3H]ryanodine binding and significantly higher IC50 values for both magnesium and Ruthenium Red inhibition of [3H]ryanodine binding were detected in Alzheimer's disease temporal cortex particulate fractions compared to controls. Immunoblot analyses showed Type 2 ryanodine receptor holoprotein levels to be decreased by 20% (P < 0.05) in these Alzheimer's disease cases compared to controls. No significant differences were detected in [3H]ryanodine binding comparing control and Alzheimer's disease occipital cortex or putamen samples. The autoradiography study detected increased [3H]ryanodine binding in the subiculum, CA2 and CA1 regions in cases with early (stage I-II) neurofibrillary pathology when compared to Stage 0 cases. Analysis of variance of data with respect to the different stages of neurofibrillary pathology revealed significant stage-related declines of [3H]ryanodine binding in the subiculum (P < 0.02) with trends towards significant decreases in CA1, CA2 and CA4. Post-hoc testing with Fisher's PLSD showed significant reductions (74-94%) of [3H]ryanodine binding in the subiculum, and CA1-CA4 regions of the late isocortical stage (V-VI) cases compared to the early entorhinal stage I-II cases. [3H]Ryanodine binding also showed significant declines with staging for beta-amyloid deposition in the entorhinal cortex (P < 0.01) and CA4 (P < 0.05) with trends towards a significant decrease in the dentate gyrus. We conclude that alterations in ryanodine receptor binding and function are very early events in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and may be fundamental to the progression of both neurofibrillary and beta-amyloid pathologies.

Role of the ryanodine receptor in ischemic brain damage--localized reduction of ryanodine receptor binding during ischemia in hippocampus CA1

1. The ryanodine receptor has recently been shown to play a pivotal role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration via Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR). Effects of ischemia on CICR in the brain tissue, however, remain largely unknown since only a few reports have been published on this subject. In this paper we report on work in this area by our group and review related progress in this field. 2. We examined alterations of ryanodine receptor binding and local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) at 15 min, 30 min, and 2 hr after occlusion of the right common carotid artery in the gerbil brain. A quantitative autoradiographic method permitted simultaneous measurement of these parameters in the same brain. The LCBF was significantly reduced in most of the cerebral regions on the occluded side during each time period of ischemia. In contrast, only in the hippocampus CA1 on the occluded side was a significant reduction in ryanodine binding found at 15 min, 30 min and 2 hr after the occlusion. 3. These findings suggest that suppression of ryanodine binding in the hippocampus CA1 may be attributable to a regionally specific perturbation of CICR and that this perturbation may be closely associated with the pathophysiological mechanism that leads to be selective ischemic vulnerability of this region. 4. Other recent studies have also reported an important role for ryanodine receptors in neuronal injury such as the delayed neuronal death in the hippocampus CA1. These data suggest that derangement of CICR is likely to be involved in acute neuronal necrosis as well as in delayed neuronal death in ischemia. 5. Further studies on clarifying the role of CICR in ischemic brain damage are needed in order to develop new therapeutic strategies for stroke patients.

Characterization of recombinant rabbit cardiac and skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors) with a novel [3H]ryanodine binding assay

A rapid assay for high affinity [3H]ryanodine binding to 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS)-solubilized recombinant or native Ca2+ release channel proteins (ryanodine receptor, RyR) was devised. The key to preservation of high affinity [3H]ryanodine binding sites in the presence of increasing concentrations of CHAPS was the addition of phosphatidylcholine. This assay was used to characterize the equilibrium and kinetic properties of [3H]ryanodine binding to recombinant skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) Ca2+ release channels and the effects on binding of physiological modulators including ATP, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Both RyR1 and RyR2 had a single high affinity ryanodine binding site and low affinity sites, but [3H]ryanodine binding to recombinant RyR2 was not sensitive to ATP activation or Ca2+ inactivation and was less sensitive to Mg2+ inhibition. The [3H]ryanodine binding assay was used to estimate the expression level of recombinant RyR2 and RyR1, and to show that RyR2 can be expressed at very high levels in HEK-293 cells. Analysis of the properties of recombinant RyR2 and RyR1 by measurement of intracellular Fura-2 fluorescence revealed that the different properties of RyR2 and RyR1 are retained in the recombinant expressed proteins.

Characterization of brain-type ryanodine receptor permanently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

To clarify a function of brain-type ryanodine receptor (RyR3) and its regulation, we established a stable cell line expressing rabbit RyR3 by transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells) with the cDNA and investigated characteristics of the RyR3. Scatchard analysis of [3H]-ryanodine binding to the membrane from CHO cells expressing RyR3 showed two distinct binding sites. The Kd values of high and low affinity binding sites were 1.92 and 25.9 nM, respectively. [3H]-ryanodine binding to the membrane from CHO cells expressing RyR3 was dependent on pCa. Extracellular Ca2+ (2-10 mM) and high concentration (more than 30 mM) of caffeine activated the RyR3 in CHO cells and increased its intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The enhancement of [3H]-ryanodine binding to the membrane from CHO cells expressing RyR3 was observed by bromoeudistomin D (BED), a caffeine-like powerful Ca2+ releaser, at pCa 5.5. Stably expressed RyR3 in CHO is useful for characterization of its function.

The structure, function, and cellular regulation of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels

The fundamental biological process of Ca2+ signaling is known to be important in most eukaryotic cells, and inositol 1,2,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors, intracellular Ca2+ release channels encoded by two distantly related gene families, are central to this phenomenon. Ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal and cardiac muscle have a predominant role in excitation-contraction coupling, but the channels are also present in the endoplasmic reticulum of noncontractile tissues including the central nervous system and the immune system. In all, three highly homologous ryanodine receptor isoforms have been identified, all very large proteins which assemble as (homo)tetramers of approximately 2 MDa. They contain large cytoplasmically disposed regulatory domains and are always associated with other structural or regulatory proteins, including calmodulin and immunophilins, which can have marked effects on channel function. The type 1 isoform in skeletal muscle is electromechanically coupled to surface membrane voltage sensors, whereas the remaining isoforms appear to be activated solely by endogenous cytoplasmic second messengers or other ligands, including Ca2+ itself ("Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release"). This review concentrates on ryanodine receptor structure-function relationships as probed by a variety of methods and on the molecular mechanisms of channel modulation at the cellular level (including evidence for the regulation of gene expression and transcription). It also touches on the relevance of ryanodine receptors to complex cellular functions and disease.

Polylysine-induced rapid Ca2+ release from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

The rapid kinetics of polylysine-induced Ca2+ release from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was assessed in combination with its effect on ryanodine binding. SR vesicles were isolated from canine cardiac SR. The time course of SR Ca2+ release was continuously monitored by a stopped-flow apparatus, and [3H]ryanodine binding was done by using the filtration method. The initial rate of polylysine-induced Ca2+ release from cardiac SR revealed different concentration dependence from those observed in skeletal SR. The initial rate peaked at 0.11 microM, followed by a decrease at higher concentrations in skeletal SR, whereas it increased to 3.7 microM in cardiac SR. The [3H]ryanodine binding was also stimulated by polylysine with an identical parallelism with Ca2+ release in terms of polylysine concentration dependence. Thus we demonstrated that the cardiac SR Ca2+ release channel is sensitive to activation by polylysine and that there is a difference in the concentration dependence of polylysine-induced activation of cardiac and skeletal SR Ca2+ release channels.

Modulation of Ca(2+)-gated cardiac muscle Ca(2+)-release channel (ryanodine receptor) by mono- and divalent ions

The effects of mono- and divalent ions on Ca(2+)-gated cardiac muscle Ca(2+)-release channel (ryanodine receptor) activity were examined in [3H]ryanodine-binding measurements. Ca2+ bound with the highest apparent affinity to Ca2+ activation sites in choline chloride medium, followed by KCl, CsCl, NaCl, and LiCl media. The apparent Ca2+ binding affinities of Ca2+ inactivation sites were lower in choline chloride and CsCl media than in LiCl, NaCl, and KCl media. Sr2+ activated the ryanodine receptor with a lower efficacy than Ca2+. Competition studies indicated that Li+, K+, Mg2+, and Ba2+ compete with Ca2+ for Ca2+ activation sites. In 0.125 M KCl medium, the Ca2+ dependence of [3H]ryanodine binding was modified by 5 mM Mg2+ and 5 mM beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog). The addition of 5 mM glutathione was without appreciable effect. Substitution of Cl- by 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid ion caused an increase in the apparent Ca2+ affinity of the Ca2+ inactivation sites, whereas an increase in KCl concentration had the opposite effect. These results suggest that cardiac muscle ryanodine receptor activity may be regulated by 1) competitive binding of mono- and divalent cations to Ca2+ activation sites, 2) binding of monovalent cations to Ca2+ inactivation sites, and 3) binding of anions to anion regulatory sites.

Stimulation by polyols of the two ryanodine receptor isoforms of frog skeletal muscle

While the stimulating effect of concentrated salts on ryanodine receptor (RyR) is widely accepted in Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) and [3H]ryanodine binding, the effect of non-ionic solutes on RyR is controversial. We investigated the effects of polyols on [3H]ryanodine binding to alpha- and beta-RyR purified from bullfrog skeletal muscle, and on CICR from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in a skinned frog skeletal muscle fibre. Addition of polyols (glucose, sucrose, sorbitol, glycerol and ethylene glycol) in submolar to molar concentrations to an isotonic salt medium increased dose-dependently Ca(2+)-activated [3H]ryanodine binding to alpha- and beta-RyR of a similar magnitude. The increase is due to the rise in both apparent affinity (1/KD) and maximal numbers of binding sites (Bmax) for ryanodine. In addition to this stimulating effect, glucose sensitized both isoforms to Ca2+ in the Ca(2+)-activated reaction, which is distinct in mechanism(s) from caffeine. These stimulating effects of polyols were not observed unless some NaCl was present, which might explain the discrepancy among reported results. Consistent with these findings, polyols reversibly enhanced the rate of CICR from SR in skinned fibres with an increase in the Ca2+ sensitivity. The enhanced CICR was still sensitive to well-known modulators for CICR (Ca2+, Mg2+, adenine nucleotides and procaine), as with [3H]ryanodine binding. The results of this study reveal that polyols stimulate alpha- and beta-RyR in frog skeletal muscle, bringing about increased CICR activity. The finding that the specific activity of polyols in stimulation of [3H]ryanodine binding was approximately proportional to their molecular weights leads us to discuss the possible modification of protein surface-water molecule interaction as an underlying mechanism.

Ryanodine binding sites measured in small skeletal muscle biopsies

A method allowing measurement of the concentration of [3H]ryanodine binding sites in small skeletal muscle specimens (> 10-20 mg) was developed. A membrane fraction containing 87% of the [3H]ryanodine binding sites of the tissue and exhibiting one single KD of 18-27 nmol l-1 in rat and 8 nmol l-1 in human muscles (p < 0.05) was obtained. Maximum binding to rat EDL and soleus muscles equalled 59.1 and 16.2 pmol g-1 wet wt, whereas in human gluteus muscles binding was 12.3 pmol g-1 wet wt. The [3H]ryanodine binding showed a dependency on Mg2+ and pH similar to previously published results. As measured by Ca2+ selective mini-electrodes, the [Ca2+] causing 50% of maximum [3H]ryanodine binding (K0.5) was 200-400 nmol l-1 for different muscles. [Ca2+] higher than 1 mmol l-1 caused strong inhibition of the [3H]ryanodine binding, and both high and low [Ca2+] caused rapid dissociation of the complex. At ionic strength lower than 100 mmol l-1, more than 50% of the [3H]ryanodine was bound to particles with size less than 1.2 microns which were not retained by GF/C filters. Thus, we have obtained an almost complete quantitative recovery of functional RyRs from small muscle specimens exhibiting high affinity for Ca2+, which stimulated ligand binding.

Functional behaviour of the ryanodine receptor/Ca(2+)-release channel in vesiculated derivatives of the junctional membrane of terminal cisternae of rabbit fast muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

We have devised a novel procedure, employing Chaps rather than Triton [Costello B., Chadwick C., Saito A., Chu A., Maurer A., Fleischer S. J Cell Biol 1986; 103: 741-753], for obtaining vesiculated derivatives of the junctional face membrane (JFM) domain of isolated terminal cisternae (TC) from fast skeletal muscle of the rabbit. Enriched JFM is minimally contaminated with junctional transverse tubules. The characteristic ultrastructural features and the most essential features of TC function relating to this membrane domain-i.e. both the Ca(2+)-release system and the Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaM I PK) system-appear to be retained in enriched JFM. We show that our isolation procedure, yielding up to a 2.5-fold enrichment in ryanodine receptor (RyR) protein and in the maximum number of high affinity [3H]-ryanodine binding sites, does not alter the assembly for integral proteins associated with the receptor in its native membrane environment, i.e. FKBP-12, triadin and the structurally related protein junction [Jones L.R., Zhang L., Sanborn K., Jorgensen A., Kelley J. J Biol Chem 1995; 270: 30787-30796] having, in common, the property to bind calsequestrin (CS) in overlays in the presence of EGTA. The substrate specificity of endogenous CaM I PK is also the same as that of parent TC vesicles. Phosphorylation of mainly triadin and of a high M(r) polypeptide, and not of the RyR, is the most remarkable common property. Retention of peripheral proteins, like CS and histidine-rich Ca(2+)-binding protein, although not that endogenous CaM, and of a unique set of CaM-binding proteins, unlike that of junctional SR-specific integral proteins, is shown to be influenced by the concentration of Ca2+ during incubation of TC vesicles with Chaps. Characterization of RyR functional behaviour with [3H]-ryanodine has indicated extensive similarities between the enriched JFM and parent TC vessicles, as far as the characteristic bell shaped Ca(2+)-dependence of [3H]-ryanodine binding and the dose-dependent sensitization to Ca2+ by caffeine, reflecting the inherent properties of SR Ca(2+)-release channel, as well as concerning the stimulation of [3H]-ryanodine binding by increasing concentrations of KCl. Stabilizing the RyR in a maximally active state by optimizing concentrations of KCl (1 M), at also optimal concentrations of Ca2+ (pCa 4), rendered the receptor less sensitive to inhibition by 1 microM CaM, to a greater extent in the case of enriched JFM. That was not accounted for by any significant difference in the IC50 concentrations of CaM varying between 40 nM to approximately 80 nM, at low-intermediate and at high KCl concentrations, respectively. Additional results with enriched JFM using doxorubicin, a pharmacological Ca2+ channel allosteric modifier, strengthen the hypothesis that the conformational state at which RyR is stabilized, according to the experimental assay conditions for [3H]-ryanodine binding, directly influences CaM-sensitivity.

Ryanodine receptor type III (Ry3R) identification in mouse parotid acini. Properties and modulation of [3H]ryanodine-binding sites

Immunoblot analysis and [3H]ryanodine binding were used to characterize and identify ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in nonexcitable mouse parotid acini. Western analysis revealed ryanodine receptor type III (Ry3R) to be the only detectable isoform in parotid microsomal membranes. Binding of [3H]ryanodine to microsomal fractions was dependent on Ca2+, salt, pH, and temperature. At 23 degrees C, and in the presence of 0.5 M KCl and 100 microM Ca2+, [3H]ryanodine bound specifically to membranes with high affinity (Kd = 6 nM); maximum binding capacity (Bmax) was 275 fmol/mg protein. Mg2+ and ruthenium red inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding (IC50 = 1.4 mM and 0.5 microM, respectively). 4-Chloro-3-ethylphenol enhanced the binding of [3H]ryanodine 2.5-fold; whereas ATP and caffeine were much less efficacious toward activating Ry3R (56% and 18% maximal enhancement, respectively). Bastadin, a novel modulator of the 12-kDa FK506 binding protein.RyR complex, increased [3H]ryanodine binding 3-4-fold by enhancing Kd. The immunosuppressant FK506 enhanced [3H]ryanodine receptor occupancy at >100 microM and antagonized the action of bastadin, suggesting that an immunophilin modulates Ry3R in parotid acini. These results suggest that Ry3R may play an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis in mouse parotid acini.

Functional characterization of a distinct ryanodine receptor mutation in human malignant hyperthermia-susceptible muscle

Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited autosomal disorder of skeletal muscle in which certain volatile anesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants trigger an abnormally high release of Ca2+ from the intracellular Ca2+ store, the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In about 50% of cases, malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is linked to the gene encoding the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel (RYR1). To date, eight point mutations have been identified in human RYR1. Although these mutations are thought to lead to an increased caffeine and halothane sensitivity in the contractile response of skeletal muscle, their functional consequences have not been investigated on the molecular level. In the present study, we provide the first functional characterization of a point mutation located in the central part of RYR1, Gly2434 --> Arg. Using high affinity [3H]ryanodine binding as the experimental approach, we show that this mutation enhances the sensitivity of RYR1 to activating concentrations of Ca2+ and to the exogenous and diagnostically used ligands caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol. In parallel, the sensitivity to inhibiting concentrations of Ca2+ and calmodulin was reduced, transferring the mutant Ca2+ release channel into a hyperexcitable state.

Rapid, simple and sensitive microassay for skeletal muscle homogenates in the functional assessment of the Ca-release channel of sarcoplasmic reticulum: application to diagnosis of susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia

A microassay is demonstrated for functional characterization of the Ca(2+)-release channel (CRC) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle using swine with susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH). Diluted muscle homogenates, indo-1 and ratiometric dual-emission spectrofluorometry are used to monitor Ca(2+)-lowering activity in real-time in the presence and absence of ryanodine at exposures that open and close the CRC. Reactions are initiated with 50 microM CaCl2 to raise ionized Ca2+ concentration near 1 microM and MgATP to activate the Ca(2+)-ATPase pump. Oxalate is included to precipitate Ca2+ within the SR. The assay requires less than 30 mg muscle, which may be cryopreserved, and is completed within 20 min of thawing the tissue. Maximum SR Ca(2+)-ATPase pumping and CRC activities, degree of CRC activation, and Ca(2+)-buffering capacity can be determined. Using this assay we studied muscle from MH-susceptible swine and demonstrated that whereas maximal Ca(2+)-ATPase pumping and CRC activities are normal, the CRC activity after addition of a bolus of Ca2+ is 50% greater in heterozygotes and 100% greater in homozygotes for the MH mutation. Hypersensitivity to CRC agonists, such as caffeine, and an associated hyposensitivity to CRC antagonists such as Mg2+ is also demonstrated. Genotypes for the MH mutation site can be discriminated from each other by determining Ca(2+)-lowering activities and the effect of ryanodine on them.

Regulation of skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) by Ca2+ and monovalent cations and anions

The effects of ionic composition and strength on rabbit skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) activity were investigated in vesicle-45Ca2+ flux, single channel and [3H]ryanodine binding measurements. In <0.01 microM Ca2+ media, the highest 45Ca2+ efflux rate was measured in 0.25 M choline-Cl medium followed by 0.25 M KCl, choline 4-morpholineethanesulfonic acid (Mes), potassium 1,4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid (Pipes), and K-Mes medium. In all five media, the 45Ca2+ efflux rates were increased when the free [Ca2+] was raised from <0.01 microM to 20 microM and decreased as the free [Ca2+] was further increased to 1 mM. An increase in [KCl] augmented Ca2+-gated single channel activity and [3H]ryanodine binding. In [3H]ryanodine binding measurements, bell-shaped Ca2+ activation/inactivation curves were obtained in media containing different monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, and choline+) and anions (Cl-, Mes-, and Pipes-). In choline-Cl medium, substantial levels of [3H]ryanodine binding were observed at [Ca2+] <0.01 microM. Replacement of Cl- by Mes- or Pipes- reduced [3H]ryanodine binding levels at all [Ca2+]. In all media, the Ca2+-dependence of [3H]ryanodine binding could be well described assuming that the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor possesses cooperatively interacting high-affinity Ca2+ activation and low-affinity Ca2+ inactivation sites. AMP primarily affected [3H]ryanodine binding by decreasing the apparent affinity of the Ca2+ inactivation site(s) for Ca2+, while caffeine increased the apparent affinity of the Ca2+ activation site for Ca2+. Competition studies indicated that ionic composition affected Ca2+-dependent receptor activity by at least three different mechanisms: (i) competitive binding of Mg2+ and monovalent cations to the Ca2+ activation sites, (ii) binding of divalent cations to the Ca2+ inactivation sites, and (iii) binding of anions to specific anion regulatory sites.

Characterization of a ryanodine receptor in Periplaneta americana

Specific binding sites for the alkaloid ryanodine were characterized in membrane preparations from sarcoplasmatic reticulum of Periplaneta americana skeletal muscle. Binding of [3H]ryanodine was optimal at pH 8 and at CaCl2 concentration of about 300 mumol l-1. The Ca-chelating agents EGTA (100 mumol l-1) and EDTA (100 mumol l-1) abolished 95% and 90% of the [3H]ryanodine binding respectively. Preincubation with Ca2+ (100 mumol l-1) restored the ryanodine binding in presence of up to 300 mumol l-1 EGTA. Radioligand binding experiments showed one class of high affinity binding sites for ryanodine. Determination of rate constants revealed 7.05 x 10(6) l mol-1 min-1 for associating and 3.77 x 10(-3) min-1 for the dissociating [3H]ryanodine ryanodine receptor complex. Solubility of the ryanodine receptor was examined with different anionic, non-ionic and zwitterionic detergents. Best solubilization results of "calcium release channel" of cockroach muscle membrane preparations were obtained with the detergent CHAPS in a concentration of 5 mg ml-1.

Calmodulin sensitivity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptor from normal and malignant-hyperthermia-susceptible muscle

Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of malignant-hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) muscle is hypersensitive to Ca2+ and caffeine. To determine if an abnormal calmodulin (CaM) regulation of the SR Ca(2+)-release-channel-ryanodine-receptor complex (RYR1) contributes to this hypersensitivity, we investigated the effect of CaM on high-affinity [3H]ryanodine binding to isolated SR vesicles from normal and MHS pig skeletal muscle. CaM modulated [3H]ryanodine binding in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. In the presence of maximally activating Ca2+ concentrations, CaM inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding with no differences between normal and MHS vesicles. In the absence of Ca2+, however, CaM activated [3H]ryanodine binding with a 2-fold-higher potency in MHS vesicles. Significant differences between normal and MHS tissue were observed for CaM concentrations between 50 nM and 10 microM. A polyclonal antibody raised against the central region of RYR1 specifically inhibited this activating effect of CaM without affecting the inhibition by CaM. This indicates that the central region of RYR1 is a potential binding domain for CaM in the absence of Ca2+. It is suggested that in vivo an enhanced CaM sensitivity of RYR1 might contribute to the abnormal high release of Ca2+ from the SR of MHS muscle.

Alteration of ryanodine receptor in the hippocampus CA1 after hemispheric cerebral ischemia

Alterations in ryanodine binding and local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) were examined at 30 minutes and 2 hours post-ischemia in the gerbil brain in order to evaluate the influence of cerebral ischemia on the intracellular channels of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR). Severe hemispheric cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding the right common carotid artery. LCBF was measured at the end of the experiment using [14C]iodoantipyrine method, and the ryanodine binding was evaluated in vitro using [3H]ryanodine as a specific ligand for CICR channels. An autoradiographic method developed in our laboratory enabled us to determine both parameters within the same brain. A group of gerbils who underwent a sham procedure served as controls. LCBF was found to be significantly reduced in most of the cerebral regions on the occluded side at both 30 minutes as well as 2 hours post-ischemia. In contrast, a significant reduction in ryanodine binding was noted only in the hippocampus CA1 on the occluded side at 30 minutes and 2 hours after the occlusion. These findings suggest that regionally specific changes of CICR may be the cause of decreased ryanodine binding in the hippocampus CA1, and that these changes may be related to the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause this region to be particularly vulnerable to ischemia.

4-Chloro-m-cresol: a specific tool to distinguish between malignant hyperthermia-susceptible and normal muscle

Single-channel recordings have indicated that ryanodine receptor (RyR1) mutation Arg615Cys of porcine malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) muscle is not directly associated with the enhanced caffeine sensitivity of MH(S) muscle [1]. In the present study, the effect of a novel activator of RyR1, 4-chlorom-cresol (4-CmC), was investigated on high-affinity [3H]ryanodine binding to porcine skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum. The 4-CmC affinity of [3H]ryanodine binding to MHS vesicles was 2-fold higher compared to that in normal tissue. This enhanced affinity was confirmed when the effect of 4-CmC on [3H]ryanodine binding to the isolated CHAPS-solubilized MHS RyR1 was investigated. 4-CmC is, therefore, suggested to be a potent tool to distinguish between Ca2+ release from MHS and normal muscle.

Ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel conformations as reflected in the different effects of propranolol on its ryanodine binding and channel activity

1. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, inhibited or stimulated ryanodine binding to both the membrane-bound and purified ryanodine receptor (RyR) depending on the assay conditions. At high NaCl concentrations, propranolol increased the number of ryanodine-binding sites (Bmax) with no effect on the binding affinity. In the presence of 0.2 M NaCl, ryanodine binding was inhibited by propranolol. Half-maximal inhibition was obtained at 1.2 mM and complete inhibition at 2 mM propranolol. The inhibitory effect of propranolol obtained at low NaCl concentration was not restored by increasing the NaCl concentration to 1 M. 2. Modulators of the RyR that are known to alter its conformational states, such as adenine nucleotides, Ca2+ concentration and pH, modified the effect of propranolol on ryanodine binding. In the presence of propranolol and at low NaCl concentrations, ryanodine binding was inhibited and showed no Ca(2+)-, pH-, or time-dependence. 3. Propranolol immediately and completely blocked the channel opening of RyR reconstituted into a planar lipid bilayer. Propranolol-modified non-active channel was reactivated to a subconductive state (about 40% of the control conductance) by ATP. 4. Competition experiments between lidocaine (a stimulatory drug) or tetracaine (an inhibitory drug) and propranolol at 0.2 or 1.0 M NaCl, respectively, suggest the existence of different interaction sites for local anaesthetics and propranolol. 5. These results suggest that propranolol interacts directly with the RyR and modifies its ryanodine binding and single-channel activities. Propranolol effects are altered by the RyR conformational state, suggesting its possible use as a conformational probe for RyR.

The action of carboxyl modifying reagents on the ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

In this work we show that ryanodine binding to junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes or purified ryanodine receptor (RyR) is inhibited in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion by prior treatment with the carboxyl reagent dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD). Exposure of the membrane-bound RyR to the water soluble carboxyl reagents 1-ethyl-3 (3-(dimethylamino) propyl carbodiimide (EDC) or N-ethyl-pheny-lisoxazolium-3'-sulfonate (WRK) only slightly affects their ryanodine binding capacity. The amphipathic reagent N-ethoxy cabonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinaline (EEDQ) inhibited ryanodine binding at relatively high concentrations. DCCD-modification of the SR decreased the binding affinities of the RyR for ryanodine and Ca2+ by about 3- and 18-fold, respectively. The single channel activity of SR membranes modified with DCCD and then incorporated into planar lipid bilayers is very low (5-8%) in comparison to control membranes. Application of DCCD to either the myoplasmic (cis) or luminal (trans) side of the reconstituted unmodified channels resulted in complete inhibition of their single channel activities. Similar results were obtained with the water soluble reagent WRK applied to the myoplasmic, but not to the luminal side. The DCCD-modified non-active channel is re-activated by addition of ryanodine in the presence of 250 microM Ca2+ and is stabilized in a sub-conductance state. With caffeine, ryanodine re-activated the channel in the presence of 100 microM of Ca2+. The results suggest that a carboxyl residue(s) in the RyR is involved either in the binding of Ca2+, or in conformational changes that are produced by Ca2+ binding, and are required for the binding of ryanodine and the opening of the Ca2+ release channel.

Characteristics of cocaine block of purified cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channels

We have examined the effects of cocaine on the SR Ca2+ release channel purified from canine cardiac muscle. Cocaine induced a flicker block of the channel from the cytoplasmic side, which resulted in an apparent reduction in the single-channel current amplitude without a marked reduction in the single-channel open probability. This block was evident only at positive holding potentials. Analysis of the block revealed that cocaine binds to a single site with an effective valence of 0.93 and an apparent dissociation constant at 0 mV (Kd(0)) of 38 mM. The kinetics of cocaine block were analyzed by amplitude distribution analysis and showed that the voltage and concentration dependence lay exclusively in the blocking reaction, whereas the unblocking reaction was independent of both voltage and concentration. Modification of the channel by ryanodine dramatically attenuated the voltage and concentration dependence of the on rates of cocaine block while diminishing the off rates to a lesser extent. In addition, ryanodine modification changed the effective valence of cocaine block to 0.52 and the Kd(0) to 110 mM, suggesting that modification of the channel results in an alteration in the binding site and its affinity for cocaine. These results suggest that cocaine block of the SR Ca2+ release channel is due to the binding at a single site within the channel pore and that modification of the channel by ryanodine leads to profound changes in the kinetics of cocaine block.

4-Chloro-m-cresol, a potent and specific activator of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of 4-chloro-m-cresol (4-CmC), a preservative often added to drugs intravenously administered, on the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channel/ryanodine receptor. In heavy SR vesicles obtained from rabbit back muscles, 4-CmC stimulated (Ca2+)-activated [3H]ryanodine binding with an EC50 of about 100 microM. In the same concentration range, 4-CmC directly activated the isolated Ca2+ release channel reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. The sensitivity to 4-CmC was found to be higher when applied to the luminal side of the channel suggesting binding site(s) different from those of nucleotides and caffeine. In skeletal muscle fibre bundles obtained from biopsies of patients susceptible to malignant hyperthermia, a skeletal muscle disease caused by point mutations in the ryanodine receptor, 4-CmC evoked caffeine-like contractures. Contrary to caffeine which induces contractures in millimolar concentrations, the threshold concentration for 4-CmC was 25 microM compared to 75 microM for non-mutated control fibres. Since these data strongly indicate that 4-CmC specifically activates SR Ca2+ release also in intact cell systems, this substance might become a powerful tool to investigate ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release in muscle and non-muscle tissue.

Modulation of cardiac ryanodine receptors of swine and rabbit by a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mechanism

1. The regulation of the cardiac Ca2+ release channel-ryanodine receptor (RyR) by exogenous acid phosphatase (AcPh) and purified Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was studied in swine and rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles using [3H]ryanodine binding and planar bilayer reconstitution experiments. 2. Addition of AcPh (1-20 U ml-1) to a standard incubation medium increased [3H]ryanodine binding in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Stimulation was only readily apparent in media containing micromolar Ca2+ concentrations. 3. Scatchard analysis of [3H]ryanodine binding curves revealed that AcPh enhanced binding by increasing the affinity of the receptor for [3H]ryanodine without recruiting additional receptor sites (Kd, 9.8 +/- 0.85 and 3.9 +/- 0.65 nM; Bmax (the maximal receptor density), 1.45 +/- 0.14 and 1.47 +/- 0.12 pmol mg-1 for control and AcPh, respectively). The failure of AcPh to increase Bmax suggested that the number of receptors that were 'dormant' due to phosphorylation in the SR preparation was very small. 4. At the single channel level, AcPh increased the open probability (Po) of RyR channels by increasing the opening rate and inducing the appearance of a longer open state while having no effect on single channel conductance. Thus AcPh acted directly on RyR channels or a closely associated regulatory protein. 5. CaMKII decreased both [3H]ryanodine binding and Po of RyRs when added to medium supplemented with micromolar levels of Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM). Addition of a synthetic peptide inhibitor of CaMKII, or replacement of ATP with the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue adenylyl[beta, gamma-methylene]-diphosphate (AMP-PCP), prevented CaMKII inhibition of RyRs, suggesting that CaMKII acted specifically through a phosphorylation mechanism. 6. The inhibition of RyR channel activity by CaMKII was reversed by the addition of AcPh. Thus we showed that an in vitro phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mechanism effectively regulates RyRs. 7. The results suggest that intracellular signalling pathways that lead to activation of CaMKII may reduce efflux of Ca2+ from the SR by inhibition of RyR channel activity. The Ca2+ dependence of CaMKII inhibition suggests that the role of the phosphorylation mechanism is to modulate the RyR response to Ca2+.

Basic properties of a novel ryanodine-sensitive, caffeine-insensitive calcium-induced calcium release mechanism in permeabilised human vascular smooth muscle cells

The efflux of 45Ca2+ from preloaded intracellular stores of saponin-permeabilised human uterine artery smooth muscle cultured cells was used to study the mechanisms underlying Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The present paper demonstrates directly a functional Ca2+ release mechanism that is dependent on an increase in free Ca2+ (100 nM-30 microM) and is completely inhibited by 20 microM Ruthenium red. The amount of Ca2+ released at 30 microM free Ca2+ was reduced by approximately 50% compared to the release at 10 microM. This Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) mechanism was not sensitive to caffeine. Exposure of cells to low free Ca(2+)-containing solutions (10 nM) indicated that a component of the CICR mechanism may be functional at basal free Ca2+ levels of 100 nM. Application of ryanodine (0.1-100 microM) induced 45Ca2+ efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and this release was also inhibited by 20 microM Ruthenium red.

Postischemic changes in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channels. A possible mechanism of ischemic preconditioning

We investigated the modifications of cardiac ryanodine receptors/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels occurring in ischemic preconditioning. In an isolated rat heart model, the injury produced by 30 minutes of global ischemia was reduced by preexposure to three 3-minute periods of global ischemia (preconditioning ischemia). The protection was still present 120 minutes after preconditioning ischemia but disappeared after 240 minutes. Three 1-minute periods of global ischemia did not provide any protection. In the crude homogenate obtained from ventricular myocardium, the density of [3H]ryanodine binding sites averaged 372 +/- 18 fmol/mg of protein in the control condition, decreased 5 minutes after preconditioning ischemia (290 +/- 15 fmol/mg, P < .01), was still significantly reduced after 120 minutes (298 +/- 17 fmol/mg, P < .05), and recovered after 240 minutes (341 +/- 21 fmol/mg). Three 1-minute periods of ischemia did not produce any change in ryanodine binding. The Kd for ryanodine (1.5 +/- 0.3 nmol/L) was unchanged in all cases. In parallel experiments, the crude homogenate or a microsomal fraction was passively loaded with 45Ca, and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release was studied by the quick filtration technique. In both preparations, the rate constant of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release decreased 5 and 120 minutes after preconditioning ischemia (homogenate values: 19.7 +/- 1.4 and 18.9 +/- 0.9 s-1 vs a control value of 25.4 +/- 1.7 s-1, P < .05 in both cases) and recovered after 240 minutes (23.0 +/- 1.9 s-1). The Ca2+ dependence of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release was not affected by preconditioning ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4,6-Dibromo-3-hydroxycarbazole (an analogue of caffeine-like Ca2+ releaser), a novel type of inhibitor of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

1. 4,6-Dibromo-3-hydroxycarbazole (DBHC) was synthesized as an analogue of bromoeudistomin D (BED), a powerful Ca2+ releaser, and its pharmacological properties were examined. 2. In Ca2+ electrode experiments, DBHC (100 microM) markedly inhibited Ca2+ release from the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (HSR) induced by caffeine (1 mM) and BED (10 microM). 3. DBHC (0.1 to 100 microM) inhibited 45Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ from HSR in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. DBHC (100 microM) abolished 45Ca2+ release induced by caffeine (1 mM) and BED (10 microM) in HSR. 5. Inhibitory effects of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) blockers such as procaine, ruthenium red and Mg2+ on 45Ca2+ release were clearly observed at Ca2+ concentrations from pCa 7 to pCa 5.5, and were decreased at Ca2+ concentrations higher than pCa 5.5 or lower than pCa 7. However, DBHC decreased Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ over the wide range of extravesicular Ca2+ concentrations. 6. [3H]-ryanodine binding to HSR was suppressed by ruthenium red, Mg2+ and procaine, but was not affected by DBHC up to 100 microM. 7. [3H]-ryanodine binding to HSR was enhanced by caffeine and BED. DBHC antagonized the enhancement in a concentration-dependent manner. 8. 9-[3H]-Methyl-7-bromo-eudistomin D, an 3H-labelled analogue of BED, specifically bound to HSR. Both DBHC and caffeine increased the KD value without affecting the Bmax value, indicating a competitive mode of inhibition. 9. These results suggest that DBHC binds to the caffeine binding site to block Ca2+ release from HSR. This drug is a novel type of inhibitor for the CICR channels in SR and may provide a useful tool for clarifying the Ca2+ releasing mechanisms in SR.

Desensitization of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor: evidence for heterogeneity of calcium release channels

Ca release channels from the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes of rabbit skeletal muscle were incorporated into the lipid bilayer membrane, and the inactivation kinetics of the channel were studied at large membrane potentials. The channels conducting Cs currents exhibited a characteristic desensitization that is both ligand and voltage dependent: 1) with a test pulse to -100 mV (myoplasmic minus luminal SR), the channel inactivated with a time constant of 3.9 s; 2) the inactivation had an asymmetric voltage dependence; it was only observed at voltages more negative than -80 mV; and 3) repetitive tests to -100 mV usually led to immobilization of the channel, which could be recovered by a conditioning pulse to positive voltages. The apparent desensitization was seen in approximately 50% of the experiments, with both the native Ca release channel (in the absence of ryanodine) and the ryanodine-activated channel (1 microM ryanodine). The native Ca release channels revealed heterogeneous gating with regard to activation by ATP and binding to ryanodine. Most channels had high affinity to ATP activation (average open probability (po) = 0.55, 2 mM ATP, 100 microM Ca), whereas a small portion of channels had low affinity to ATP activation (po = 0.11, 2 mM ATP, 100 microM Ca), and some channels bound ryanodine faster (< 2 min), whereas others bound much slower (> 20 min). The faster ryanodine-binding channels always desensitized at large negative voltages, whereas those that bound slowly did not show apparent desensitization. The heterogeneity of the reconstituted Ca release channels is likely due to the regulatory roles of other junctional SR membrane proteins on the Ca release channel.

Structure-activity relationship of bromoeudistomin D, a powerful Ca2+ releaser in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

Bromoeudistomin D and 9-methyl-7-bromoeudistomin D which have a beta-carboline skeleton are powerful Ca2+ releasers from skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum exhibiting caffeine-like properties. We examined the effects of bromoeudistomin D analogues on Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release from skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. Among bromoeudistomin D analogues, the Ca(2+)-releasing activities of carboline derivatives were higher than those of carbazole derivatives, suggesting that a carboline skeleton is significantly important for the manifestation of Ca(2+)-releasing activity and Ca2+ sensitivity of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. On the contrary, the analogues which have a carbazole skeleton and bromine at C-6 inhibit both Ca(2+)- and caffeine-induced Ca2+ release. 9-Methyl-substitution of the analogue elevated its Ca(2+)-releasing activity. Moreover, there is a close correlation between the enhancement of [3H]ryanodine binding to sarcoplasmic reticulum by the analogues and the activation of Ca2+ release by them. Bromoudistomin D analogues may provide valuable information about the structure-function relationship of the ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channels in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Physiological differences between the alpha and beta ryanodine receptors of fish skeletal muscle

Two isoforms of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor or RYR) are expressed together in the skeletal muscles of most vertebrates. We have studied physiological properties of the two isoforms (alpha and beta) by comparing SR preparations from specialized fish muscles that express the alpha isoform alone to preparations from muscles containing both alpha and beta. Regulation of channel activity was assessed through [3H]ryanodine binding and reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers. Distinct differences were observed in the calcium-activation and -inactivation properties of the two isoforms. The fish alpha isoform, expressed alone in extraocular muscles, closely resembled the rabbit skeletal muscle RYR. Maximum [3H]ryanodine binding and maximum open probability (Po) of the alpha RYR were achieved from 1 to 10 microM free Ca2+. Millimolar Ca2+ reduced [3H]ryanodine binding and Po close to zero. The beta isoform more closely resembled the fish cardiac RYR in Ca2+ activation of [3H]ryanodine binding. The most prominent difference of the beta and cardiac isoforms from the alpha isoform was the lack of inactivation of [3H]ryanodine binding and Po by millimolar free Ca2+. Differences in activation of [3H]ryanodine binding by adenine nucleotides and inhibition by Mg2+ suggest that the beta and cardiac RYRs are not identical, however. [3H]ryanodine binding by the alpha RYR was selectively inhibited by 100 microM tetracaine, whereas cardiac and beta RYRs were much less affected. Tetracaine can thus be used to separate the properties of the alpha and beta RYRs in preparations in which both are present. The distinct physiological properties of the alpha and beta RYRs that are present together in most vertebrate muscles support models of EC coupling incorporating both directly coupled and Ca(2+)-coupled channels within a single triad junction.

Interaction between gallopamil and cardiac ryanodine receptors

1. In a sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction obtained from rat hearts, the analysis of equilibrium [3H]-ryanodine binding showed high and low affinity sites (KD = 1.3 nM and 2.8 microM, Bmax = 2.2 pmol mg-1 and 27.8 pmol mg-1). The dissociation rate constant increased at 1 microM vs 4 nM [3H]-ryanodine concentration, and micromolar ryanodine slowed the dissociation of nanomolar ryanodine. 2. The binding of 4 nM [3H]-ryanodine was not affected by gallopamil, while the binding of 100 nM to 18 microM [3H]-ryanodine was partly displaced. Data analysis suggested that gallopamil inhibited low affinity [3H]-ryanodine binding, with IC50 in the micromolar range. 3. Gallopamil decreased the dissociation rate constant of 1 microM [3H]-ryanodine. While gallopamil alone did not affect the dissociation of 4 nM [3H]-ryanodine, gallopamil and micromolar ryanodine slowed it to a greater extent than micromolar ryanodine alone. 4. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the ryanodine receptor is a negatively cooperative oligomer, which undergoes a sequential alteration after ryanodine binding. Gallopamil has complex actions: it inhibits ryanodine binding to its low affinity site(s), and probably modulates the cooperativity of ryanodine binding and/or the transition to a receptor state characterized by slow ryanodine dissociation. These molecular actions could account for the previously reported effect of gallopamil on the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel.

Anesthetic alteration of ryanodine binding by cardiac calcium release channels

Differential cardiac contractile depression by volatile anesthetics is well documented, and evidence points to differing actions on the myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Since the Ca(2+)-release channel (CaRC) of the SR binds ryanodine with high-affinity when opened by micromolar Ca2+ concentrations, ryanodine binding to cardiac SR membrane vesicles was employed as an assay of anesthetic modulation of CaRC activity. Canine ventricle was homogenized, centrifuged preparatively and then differentially on a sucrose gradient. A fraction enriched with CaRCs was defined by: the presence of a approximately 450 kDa protein consistent with CaRC; approximately 3-fold enhancement of vesicular 45Ca2+ uptake by ruthenium red; Ca(2+)-activated [3H]ryanodine binding. Specific binding of 10 nM ryanodine was activated by > 0.5 microM Ca2+ and was maximal at approximately 6 pmol/mg protein in > or = 20 microM Ca2+. Halothane (1.5%), but not isoflurane, shifted the Ca(2+)-dependence of ryanodine binding to lower [Ca2+]. With submaximal activation by 5 microM Ca2+, 1.5% and 0.75% halothane enhanced binding of 10-80 microM ryanodine, while 2.5% isoflurane and 3.5% enflurane did not. A plot of bound/free vs. bound ryanodine suggests that halothane causes a dose-dependent increase in ryanodine binding to a high-affinity site, while isoflurane has no such action. In intact myocardium, this effect will decrease Ca2+ retention in the SR so that less Ca2+ will be available to activate contractions, consistent with halothane's depressant action.

Ionic strength dependence of calcium, adenine nucleotide, magnesium, and caffeine actions on ryanodine receptors in rat brain

[3H]Ryanodine binding studies of ryanodine receptors in brain membrane preparations typically require the presence of high salt concentrations in assay incubations to yield optimal levels of binding. Here, radioligand binding measurements on rat cerebral cortical tissues were conducted under high (1.0 M KCl) and low (200 mM KCl) salt buffer conditions to determine the effects of ionic strength on receptor binding properties as well as on modulation of ligand binding by Ca2+, Mg2+, beta, gamma-methylene-adenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMP-PCP), and caffeine. In 1.0 M KCl buffer, labeled titration/equilibrium analyses yielded two classes of binding sites with apparent KD (nM) and Bmax (fmol/mg of protein) values of 2.4 and 34, respectively, for the high-affinity site and 19.9 and 157, respectively, for the low-affinity site. Unlabeled titration/equilibrium measurements gave a single high-affinity site with a KD value of 1.9 nM and a Bmax value of 95 fmol/mg of protein. The apparent KD value derived from association and dissociation studies was 20 pM. Equilibrium binding was activated by Ca2+ (KD/Ca2+ = 14 nM), inhibited by Mg2+ (IC50 = 5.0 mM), and unaffected by AMP-PCP or caffeine. In 200 mM KCl buffer conditions, labeled titration analyses gave only a single site with a KD value similar to and a Bmax value 1.8-fold greater than those obtained for the low-affinity site in 1.0 M KCl buffer. In unlabeled titration measurements, the KD value was fivefold lower, whereas the Bmax value was unaffected. The KD value derived from association and dissociation analysis was 2.4-fold greater in 200 mM KCl compared with 1.0 M KCl buffer conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phosphoinositides in membranes that build up the triads of rabbit skeletal muscle

The total membrane concentrations of PtdIns, PtdIns4P, and PtdIns(4,5)P2 contribute to the functional capacity of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 signalling system which is operating in skeletal muscle but the function of which is still unknown. Total amounts of these phosphoinositides have been determined in purified membranes of transverse tubules (TT) and terminal cisternae (TC) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of rabbit skeletal muscle. PtdIns and PtdIns4P have been detected in both membrane systems whereas PtdIns(4,5)P2 (290 mumol/mol phospholipid) is confined only to TT. A much greater pool of PtdIns(4,5)P2 seems, however, to be located in the sarcolemma away from the triadic junction.

Diethyl pyrocarbonate modification of the ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channel from skeletal muscle

Exposure of junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes or purified ryanodine receptor to the histidine-specific reagent diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) led to concentration- and time-dependent inactivation of ryanodine binding. The pH-dependence of the inactivation of ryanodine binding by DEPC and the reversal of this inactivation by hydroxylamine suggests the modification of histidine residue(s) by the reagent. Kinetic analysis of the time course of inactivation of ryanodine binding by DEPC suggests that the inactivation resulted from modification of a single class of histidine residue per ryanodine-binding site. The degree of inactivation of ryanodine binding by DEPC was decreased when high NaCl concentrations were present in the modification medium. The binding affinities for ryanodine and Ca2+ were not altered by DEPC modification. This modification decreased the total ryanodine-binding sites. DEPC modification increased the Ca(2+)-permeability of the SR vesicles. A variety of bivalent cations prevented the DEPC inactivation of ryanodine binding in a series of decreasing efficiency: Mn2+ > Ba2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+, similar to their effectiveness in inhibiting ryanodine binding. It is suggested that a histidine residue(s) in the ryanodine receptor is involved, either in the binding of Ca2+, or in a conformational change that may be required for Ca2+ binding to its binding site(s). This modification of the ryanodine receptor resulted in inactivation of ryanodine binding and activation of Ca2+ release.