Molecular mechanisms of intracellular calcium excitability in X. laevis oocytes

Hijacking of internal calcium dynamics by intracellularly residing viral rhodopsins

Rhodopsins are ubiquitous light-driven membrane proteins with diverse functions, including ion transport. Widely distributed, they are also coded in the genomes of giant viruses infecting phytoplankton where their function is not settled. Here, we examine the properties of OLPVR1 (Organic Lake Phycodnavirus Rhodopsin) and two other type 1 viral channelrhodopsins (VCR1s), and demonstrate that VCR1s accumulate exclusively intracellularly, and, upon illumination, induce calcium release from intracellular IP3-dependent stores. In vivo, this light-induced calcium release is sufficient to remote control muscle contraction in VCR1-expressing tadpoles. VCR1s natively confer light-induced Ca2+ release, suggesting a distinct mechanism for reshaping the response to light of virus-infected algae. The ability of VCR1s to photorelease calcium without altering plasma membrane electrical properties marks them as potential precursors for optogenetics tools, with potential applications in basic research and medicine.

Quantification of fluctuations from fluorescence correlation spectroscopy experiments in reaction-diffusion systems

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is commonly used to estimate diffusion and reaction rates. In FCS the fluorescence coming from a small volume is recorded and the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the fluorescence fluctuations is computed. Scaling out the fluctuations due to the emission process, this ACF can be related to the ACF of the fluctuations in the number of observed fluorescent molecules. In this paper the ACF of the molecule number fluctuations is studied theoretically, with no approximations, for a reaction-diffusion system in which the fluorescence changes with binding and unbinding. Theoretical ACFs are usually derived assuming that fluctuations in the number of molecules of one species are instantaneously uncorrelated to those of the others and obey Poisson statistics. Under these assumptions, the ACF derived in this paper is characterized only by the diffusive timescale of the fluorescent species and its total weight is the inverse of the mean number of observed fluorescent molecules. The theory is then scrutinized in view of previous experimental results which, for a similar system, gave a different total weight and correct estimates of other diffusive timescales. The total weight mismatch is corrected by assuming that the variance of the number of fluorescent molecules depends on the variance of the particle numbers of the other species, as in the variance decomposition formula. Including the finite acquisition time in its computation, it is shown that the ACF depends on various timescales of the system and that its total weight coincides with the one obtained with the variance decomposition formula. This calculation implies that diffusion coefficients of nonobservable species can be estimated with FCS experiments performed in reaction-diffusion systems. Ways to proceed in future experiments are also discussed.

Effects of store-operated and receptor-operated calcium channels on synchronization of calcium oscillations in astrocytes

Intercellular calcium signaling allows cells to communicate with each other and to interact with adjacent cells. Gap junction is the most common and important way for cellular communication. Recently, mathematical models have been widely used to gain a precise and quantitative understanding of the dynamics of intracellular calcium ions (Ca^2＋). In this paper, we establish a mathematical model considering the gap junction permeable to Ca^2＋ and to IP₃ for describing the calcium oscillations in coupled astrocytes. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is viewed as the main process which controls the non-excitable cells, hence, we focus on the effect of store-operated calcium channel (SOCC) and receptor-operated calcium channel (ROCC) on the intercellular synchronization, respectively. By employing bifurcation analysis on this model, the dynamic behaviors of the coupled system with different physiological state cells is obtained with changes in the maximum capacity of the SOCC and the ROCC. The synchronization boundaries for different conditions are gained in the two parameters space of the channel parameters and the coupling strength. The results suggest that the variation of the maximum flow for different calcium channels determines the stable oscillations of the coupled system, as well as for the frequency and amplitude of oscillations. The SOCC has an expected effect on the change of the oscillatory interval while the ROCC demonstrated the influence on the amplitude modulation. Furthermore, the coupling strength and channel parameters could induce 1:1 locking of intercellular Ca^2＋ oscillations and the synchronization region like Arnol'd tongue is found.

Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors Illuminate the Spatiotemporal Regulation of Signaling Networks

Cellular signaling networks are the foundation which determines the fate and function of cells as they respond to various cues and stimuli. The discovery of fluorescent proteins over 25 years ago enabled the development of a diverse array of genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors that are capable of measuring the spatiotemporal dynamics of signal transduction pathways in live cells. In an effort to encapsulate the breadth over which fluorescent biosensors have expanded, we endeavored to assemble a comprehensive list of published engineered biosensors, and we discuss many of the molecular designs utilized in their development. Then, we review how the high temporal and spatial resolution afforded by fluorescent biosensors has aided our understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of signaling networks at the cellular and subcellular level. Finally, we highlight some emerging areas of research in both biosensor design and applications that are on the forefront of biosensor development.

Slow calcium waves mediate furrow microtubule reorganization and germ plasm compaction in the early zebrafish embryo

Zebrafish germ plasm ribonucleoparticles (RNPs) become recruited to furrows of early zebrafish embryos through their association with astral microtubules ends. During the initiation of cytokinesis, microtubules are remodeled into a furrow microtubule array (FMA), which is thought to be analogous to the mammalian midbody involved in membrane abscission. During furrow maturation, RNPs and FMA tubules transition from their original distribution along the furrow to enrichments at the furrow distal ends, which facilitates germ plasm mass compaction. We show that nebel mutants exhibit reduced furrow-associated slow calcium waves (SCWs), caused at least in part by defective enrichment of calcium stores. RNP and FMA distal enrichment mirrors the medial-to-distal polarity of SCWs, and inhibition of calcium release or downstream mediators such as Calmodulin affects RNP and FMA distal enrichment. Blastomeres with reduced or lacking SCWs, such as early blastomeres in nebel mutants and wild-type blastomeres at later stages, exhibit medially bundling microtubules similar to midbodies in other cell types. Our data indicate that SCWs provide medial-to-distal directionality along the furrow to facilitate germ plasm RNP enrichment at the furrow ends.

Luminal Ca(2+) dynamics during IP3R mediated signals

The role of cytosolic Ca(2+) on the kinetics of Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and on the dynamics of IP3R-mediated Ca(2+) signals has been studied at large both experimentally and by modeling. The role of luminal Ca(2+) has not been investigated with that much detail although it has been found that it is relevant for signal termination in the case of Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptors. In this work we present the results of observing the dynamics of luminal and cytosolic Ca(2+) simultaneously in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Combining observations and modeling we conclude that there is a rapid mechanism that guarantees the availability of free Ca(2+) in the lumen even when a relatively large Ca(2+) release is evoked. Comparing the dynamics of cytosolic and luminal Ca(2+) during a release, we estimate that they are consistent with a 80% of luminal Ca(2+) being buffered. The rapid availability of free luminal Ca(2+) correlates with the observation that the lumen occupies a considerable volume in several regions across the images.

Glutamate and ATP at the Interface Between Signaling and Metabolism in Astroglia: Examples from Pathology

Glutamate is the main excitatory transmitter in the brain, while ATP represents the most important energy currency in any living cell. Yet, these chemicals play an important role in both processes, enabling them with dual-acting functions in metabolic and intercellular signaling pathways. Glutamate can fuel ATP production, while ATP can act as a transmitter in intercellular signaling. We discuss the interface between glutamate and ATP in signaling and metabolism of astrocytes. Not only do glutamate and ATP cross each other's paths in physiology of the brain, but they also do so in its pathology. We present the fabric of this process in (patho)physiology through the discussion of synthesis and metabolism of ATP and glutamate in astrocytes as well as by providing a general description of astroglial receptors for these molecules along with the downstream signaling pathways that may be activated. It is astroglial receptors for these dual-acting molecules that could hold a key for medical intervention in pathological conditions. We focus on two examples disclosing the role of activation of astroglial ATP and glutamate receptors in pathology of two kinds of brain tissue, gray matter and white matter, respectively. Interventions at the interface of metabolism and signaling show promise for translational medicine.

Hormone-induced calcium oscillations depend on cross-coupling with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate oscillations

Receptor-mediated oscillations in cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) could originate either directly from an autonomous Ca²⁺ feedback oscillator at the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor or as a secondary consequence of IP₃ oscillations driven by Ca²⁺ feedback on IP₃ metabolism. It is challenging to discriminate these alternatives, because IP₃ fluctuations could drive Ca²⁺ oscillations or could just be a secondary response to the [Ca²⁺]_i spikes. To investigate this problem, we constructed a recombinant IP₃ buffer using type-I IP₃ receptor ligand-binding domain fused to GFP (GFP-LBD), which buffers IP₃ in the physiological range. This IP₃ buffer slows hormone-induced [IP₃] dynamics without changing steady-state [IP₃]. GFP-LBD perturbed [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations in a dose-dependent manner: it decreased both the rate of [Ca²⁺]_i rise and the speed of Ca²⁺ wave propagation and, at high levels, abolished [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations completely. These data, together with computational modeling, demonstrate that IP₃ dynamics play a fundamental role in generating [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations and waves.

Gaspers et al. use a genetically encoded IP₃ buffer to suppress IP₃ dynamics during hormonal stimulation. Using this approach, they find that positive feedback of Ca²⁺ on IP₃ formation is an essential component, generating long-period, baseline-separated Ca²⁺ oscillations and intracellular Ca²⁺ waves.

Purinergic receptor stimulation decreases ischemic brain damage by energizing astrocyte mitochondria

As a leading cause of death in the world, cerebral ischemic stroke has limited treatment options. The lack of glucose and oxygen after stroke is particularly harmful in the brain because neuronal metabolism accounts for significantly more energy consumption per gram of body weight compared to other organs. Our laboratory has identified mitochondrial metabolism of astrocytes to be a key target for pharmacologic intervention, not only because astrocytes play a central role in regulating brain metabolism, but also because they are essential for neuronal health and support. Here we review current literature pertaining to the pathobiology of stroke, along with the role of astrocytes and metabolism in stroke. We also discuss our research, which has revealed that pharmacologic stimulation of metabotropic P2Y1 receptor signaling in astrocytes can increase mitochondrial energy production and also reduce damage after stroke.

Mechanical signaling via nonlinear wavefront propagation in a mechanically excitable medium

Models that invoke nonlinear wavefront propagation in a chemically excitable medium are rife in the biological literature. Indeed, the idea that wavefront propagation can serve as a signaling mechanism has often been invoked to explain synchronization of developmental processes. In this paper we suggest a kind of signaling based not on diffusion of a chemical species but on the propagation of mechanical stress. We construct a theoretical approach to describe mechanical signaling as a nonlinear wavefront propagation problem and study its dependence on key variables such as the effective elasticity and damping of the medium.

Temperature dependence of IP3-mediated local and global Ca2+ signals

We examined the effect of temperature (12-40°C) on local and global Ca2+ signals mediated by inositol trisphosphate receptor/channels (IP3R) in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The amplitudes and spatial spread of local signals arising from single IP3R (blips) and clusters of IP3R (puffs) showed little temperature dependence, whereas their kinetics (durations and latencies) were markedly accelerated by increasing temperature. In contrast, the amplitude of global Ca2+ waves increased appreciably at lower temperatures, probably as a result of the longer duration of IP(3)R channel opening. Several parameters, including puff and blip durations, puff latency and frequency, and frequency of repetitive Ca2+ waves, showed a biphasic temperature dependence on Arrhenius plots. In all cases the transition temperature occurred at ∼25°C, possibly reflecting a phase transition in the lipids of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Although the IP3-evoked Ca2+ signals were qualitatively similar at 25°C and 36°C, one should consider the temperature sensitivity of IP3-mediated signal amplitudes when extrapolating from room temperature to physiological temperature. Conversely, further cooling may be advantageous to improve the optical resolution of channel gating kinetics.

Cytosolic [Ca2+] regulation of InsP3-evoked puffs

InsP3-mediated puffs are fundamental building blocks of cellular Ca2+ signalling, and arise through the concerted opening of clustered InsP3Rs (InsP3 receptors) co-ordinated via Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Although the Ca2+ dependency of InsP3Rs has been extensively studied at the single channel level, little is known as to how changes in basal cytosolic [Ca2+] would alter the dynamics of InsP3-evoked Ca2+ signals in intact cells. To explore this question, we expressed Ca2+-permeable channels (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) in the plasma membrane of voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes to regulate cytosolic [Ca2+] by changing the electrochemical gradient for extracellular Ca2+ entry, and imaged Ca2+ liberation evoked by photolysis of caged InsP3. Elevation of basal cytosolic [Ca2+] strongly increased the amplitude and shortened the latency of global Ca2+ waves. In oocytes loaded with EGTA to localize Ca2+ signals, the number of sites at which puffs were observed and the frequency and latency of puffs were strongly dependent on cytosolic [Ca2+], whereas puff amplitudes were only weakly affected. The results of the present study indicate that basal cytosolic [Ca2+] strongly affects the triggering of puffs, but has less of an effect on puffs once they have been initiated.

How to make a good egg!: The need for remodeling of oocyte Ca(2+) signaling to mediate the egg-to-embryo transition

The egg-to-embryo transition marks the initiation of multicellular organismal development and is mediated by a specialized Ca(2+) transient at fertilization. This explosive Ca(2+) signal has captured the interest and imagination of scientists for many decades, given its cataclysmic nature and necessity for the egg-to-embryo transition. Learning how the egg acquires the competency to generate this Ca(2+) transient at fertilization is essential to our understanding of the mechanisms controlling egg and the transition to embryogenesis. In this review we discuss our current knowledge of how Ca(2+) signaling pathways remodel during oocyte maturation in preparation for fertilization with a special emphasis on the frog oocyte as additional reviews in this issue will touch on this in other species.

Do calcium buffers always slow down the propagation of calcium waves?

Calcium buffers are large proteins that act as binding sites for free cytosolic calcium. Since a large fraction of cytosolic calcium is bound to calcium buffers, calcium waves are widely observed under the condition that free cytosolic calcium is heavily buffered. In addition, all physiological buffered excitable systems contain multiple buffers with different affinities. It is thus important to understand the properties of waves in excitable systems with the inclusion of buffers. There is an ongoing controversy about whether or not the addition of calcium buffers into the system always slows down the propagation of calcium waves. To solve this controversy, we incorporate the buffering effect into the generic excitable system, the FitzHugh-Nagumo model, to get the buffered FitzHugh-Nagumo model, and then to study the effect of the added buffer with large diffusivity on traveling waves of such a model in one spatial dimension. We can find a critical dissociation constant (K = K(a)) characterized by system excitability parameter a such that calcium buffers can be classified into two types: weak buffers (K ∈ (K(a), ∞)) and strong buffers (K ∈ (0, K(a))). We analytically show that the addition of weak buffers or strong buffers but with its total concentration b(0)(1) below some critical total concentration b(0,c)(1) into the system can generate a traveling wave of the resulting system which propagates faster than that of the origin system, provided that the diffusivity D1 of the added buffers is sufficiently large. Further, the magnitude of the wave speed of traveling waves of the resulting system is proportional to √D1 as D1 --> ∞. In contrast, the addition of strong buffers with the total concentration b(0)(1) > b(0,c)(1) into the system may not be able to support the formation of a biologically acceptable wave provided that the diffusivity D1 of the added buffers is sufficiently large.

Calcium signalling in platelets and other cells

Reviewed are new concepts and models of Ca(2+) signalling originating from work with various animal cells, as well as the applicability of these models to the signalling systems used by blood platelets. The following processes and mechanisms are discussed: Ca(2+) oscillations and waves; Ca(2+) -induced Ca(2+) release; involvement of InsP(3)-receptors and quanta1 release of Ca(2+); different pathways of phospholipase C activation; heterogeneity in the intracellular Ca(2+) stores; store-and receptor-regulated Ca(2+) entry. Additionally, some typical aspects of Ca(2+) signalling in platelets are reviewed: involvement of protein serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases in the regulation of signal transduction; possible functions of platelet glycoproteins; and the importance of Ca(2+) for the exocytotic and procoagulant responses.

Ancient Chinese medicine and mechanistic evidence of acupuncture physiology

Acupuncture has been widely used in China for three millennia as an art of healing. Yet, its physiology is not yet understood. The current interest in acupuncture started in 1971. Soon afterward, extensive research led to the concept of neural signaling with possible involvement of opioid peptides, glutamate, adenosine and identifying responsive parts in the central nervous system. In the last decade scientists began investigating the subject with anatomical and molecular imaging. It was found that mechanical movements of the needle, ignored in the past, appear to be central to the method and intracellular calcium ions may play a pivotal role. In this review, we trace the technique of clinical treatment from the first written record about 2,200 years ago to the modern time. The ancient texts have been used to introduce the concepts of yin, yang, qi, de qi, and meridians, the traditional foundation of acupuncture. We explore the sequence of the physiological process, from the turning of the needle, the mechanical wave activation of calcium ion channel to beta-endorphin secretion. By using modern terminology to re-interpret the ancient texts, we have found that the 2nd century b.c. physiologists were meticulous investigators and their explanation fits well with the mechanistic model derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confocal microscopy. In conclusion, the ancient model appears to have withstood the test of time surprisingly well confirming the popular axiom that the old wine is better than the new.

Custom-made modification of a commercial confocal microscope to photolyze caged compounds using the conventional illumination module and its application to the observation of Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium signals

The flash photolysis of "caged" compounds is a powerful experimental technique for producing rapid changes in concentrations of bioactive signaling molecules. These caged compounds are inactive and become active when illuminated with ultraviolet light. This paper describes an inexpensive adaptation of an Olympus confocal microscope that uses as source of ultraviolet light the mercury lamp that comes with the microscope for conventional fluorescence microscopy. The ultraviolet illumination from the lamp (350 - 400 nm) enters through an optical fiber that is coupled to a nonconventional port of the microscope. The modification allows to perform the photolysis of caged compounds over wide areas (∼ 200 μm) and obtain confocal fluorescence images simultaneously. By controlling the ultraviolet illumination exposure time and intensity it is possible to regulate the amount of photolyzed compounds. In the paper we characterize the properties of the system and show its capabilities with experiments done in aqueous solution and in Xenopus Laevis oocytes. The latter demonstrate its applicability for the study of Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated intracellular calcium signals.

[Experimental and computational approach of calcium signaling]

In many cell types, specific and robust signalling relies on a high level of spatiotemporal organization of Ca(2+) dynamics. In response to external stimulation, Ca(2+) signals ranging from a small increase of a few tens of nanomolar concentrations at the mouth of an inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor to the periodic propagation of waves invading an organ or a tissue, can be observed. Here, we review our combined experimental and computational approach of Ca(2+) dynamics, which has been mainly carried out on liver hepatocytes. We focus in particular on the understanding of the relationship between elementary Ca(2+) increases, Ca(2+) oscillations and intra- or intercellular Ca(2+) waves. The physiological impact of such signalling on liver function is also discussed.

Agonist-evoked Ca(2+) wave progression requires Ca(2+) and IP(3)

Smooth muscle responds to IP(3)-generating agonists by producing Ca(2+) waves. Here, the mechanism of wave progression has been investigated in voltage-clamped single smooth muscle cells using localized photolysis of caged IP(3) and the caged Ca(2+) buffer diazo-2. Waves, evoked by the IP(3)-generating agonist carbachol (CCh), initiated as a uniform rise in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) over a single though substantial length (approximately 30 microm) of the cell. During regenerative propagation, the wave-front was about 1/3 the length (approximately 9 microm) of the initiation site. The wave-front progressed at a relatively constant velocity although amplitude varied through the cell; differences in sensitivity to IP(3) may explain the amplitude changes. Ca(2+) was required for IP(3)-mediated wave progression to occur. Increasing the Ca(2+) buffer capacity in a small (2 microm) region immediately in front of a CCh-evoked Ca(2+) wave halted progression at the site. However, the wave front does not progress by Ca(2+)-dependent positive feedback alone. In support, colliding [Ca(2+)](c) increases from locally released IP(3) did not annihilate but approximately doubled in amplitude. This result suggests that local IP(3)-evoked [Ca(2+)](c) increases diffused passively. Failure of local increases in IP(3) to evoke waves appears to arise from the restricted nature of the IP(3) increase. When IP(3) was elevated throughout the cell, a localized increase in Ca(2+) now propagated as a wave. Together, these results suggest that waves initiate over a surprisingly large length of the cell and that both IP(3) and Ca(2+) are required for active propagation of the wave front to occur.

Reaction-diffusion systems in intracellular molecular transport and control

Chemical reactions make cells work only if the participating chemicals are delivered to desired locations in a timely and precise fashion. Most research to date has focused on active-transport mechanisms, although passive diffusion is often equally rapid and energetically less costly. Capitalizing on these advantages, cells have developed sophisticated reaction-diffusion (RD) systems that control a wide range of cellular functions-from chemotaxis and cell division, through signaling cascades and oscillations, to cell motility. These apparently diverse systems share many common features and are "wired" according to "generic" motifs such as nonlinear kinetics, autocatalysis, and feedback loops. Understanding the operation of these complex (bio)chemical systems requires the analysis of pertinent transport-kinetic equations or, at least on a qualitative level, of the characteristic times of the constituent subprocesses. Therefore, in reviewing the manifestations of cellular RD, we also describe basic theory of reaction-diffusion phenomena.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca2+ signaling and its physiological roles

Changes in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration regulate numerous cell functions and display diverse spatiotemporal dynamics, which underlie the versatility of Ca(2+) in cell signaling. In many cell types, an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration starts locally, propagates within the cell (Ca(2+) wave) and makes oscillatory changes (Ca(2+) oscillation). Studies of the intracellular Ca(2+) release mechanism from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) showed that the Ca(2+) release mechanism has inherent regenerative properties, which is essential for the generation of Ca(2+) waves and oscillations. Ca(2+) may shuttle between the ER and mitochondria, and this appears to be important for pacemaking of Ca(2+) oscillations. Importantly, Ca(2+) oscillations are an efficient mechanism in regulating cell functions, having effects supra-proportional to the sum of duration of Ca(2+) increase. Furthermore, Ca(2+) signaling mechanism studies have led to the development of a method for specific inhibition of Ca(2+) signaling, which has been used to identify hitherto unrecognized functions of Ca(2+) signals.

Transition of spiral calcium waves between multiple stable patterns can be triggered by a single calcium spark in a fire-diffuse-fire model

Spiral patterns have been found in various nonequilibrium systems. The Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release system in single cardiac cells is unique for highly discrete reaction elements, each giving rise to a Ca(2+) spark upon excitation. We imaged the spiral Ca(2+) waves in isolated cardiac cells and numerically studied the effect of system excitability on spiral patterns using a two-dimensional fire-diffuse-fire model. We found that under certain conditions, the system was able to display multiple stable patterns of spiral waves, each exhibiting different periods and distinct routines of spiral tips. Transition between these different patterns could be triggered by an internal fluctuation in the form of a single Ca(2+) spark.

Synaptic activation and membrane potential changes modulate the frequency of spontaneous elementary Ca2+ release events in the dendrites of pyramidal neurons

In most neurons postsynaptic [Ca(2+)](i) changes result from synaptic activation opening voltage gated channels, ligand gated channels, or mobilizing Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. In addition to these changes that result directly from stimulation we found that in pyramidal cells there are spontaneous, rapid, Ca(2+) release events, predominantly, but not exclusively localized at dendritic branch points. They are clearest on the main apical dendrite but also have been detected in the finer branches and in the soma. Typically they have a spatial extent at initiation of approximately 2 microm, a rise time of <15 ms, duration <100 ms, and amplitudes of 10-70% of that generated by a backpropagating action potential at the same location. These events are not caused by background electrical or synaptic activity. However, their rate can be increased by repetitive synaptic stimulation at moderate frequencies, mainly through metabotropic glutamate receptor mobilization of IP(3). In addition, their frequency can be modulated by changes in membrane potential in the subthreshold range, predominantly by affecting Ca(2+) entry through L-type channels. They resemble the elementary events ("sparks" and "puffs") mediated by IP(3) receptors and ryanodine receptors that have been described primarily in non-neuronal preparations. These spontaneous Ca(2+) release events may be the fundamental units underlying some postsynaptic signaling cascades in mature neurons.

Mechanism of asynchronous Ca(2+) waves underlying agonist-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) is a potent vasoconstrictor of cerebral arteries and induces Ca(2+) waves in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying UTP-induced Ca(2+) waves in VSMCs of the rat basilar artery.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Isometric force and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) were measured in endothelium-denuded rat basilar artery using wire myography and confocal microscopy respectively.

KEY RESULTS

Uridine 5'-triphosphate (0.1-1000 micromol.L(-1)) concentration-dependently induced tonic contraction (pEC(50) = 4.34 +/- 0.13), associated with sustained repetitive oscillations in [Ca(2+)](i) propagating along the length of the VSMCs as asynchronized Ca(2+) waves. Inhibition of Ca(2+) reuptake in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by cyclopiazonic acid abolished the Ca(2+) waves and resulted in a dramatic drop in tonic contraction. Nifedipine reduced the frequency of Ca(2+) waves by 40% and tonic contraction by 52%, and the nifedipine-insensitive component was abolished by SKF-96365, an inhibitor of receptor- and store-operated channels, and KB-R7943, an inhibitor of reverse-mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. Ongoing Ca(2+) waves and tonic contraction were also abolished after blockade of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive receptors by 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate, but not by high concentrations of ryanodine or tetracaine. However, depletion of ryanodine-sensitive SR Ca(2+) stores prior to UTP stimulation prevented Ca(2+) waves.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Uridine 5'-triphosphate-induced Ca(2+) waves may underlie tonic contraction and appear to be produced by repetitive cycles of regenerative Ca(2+) release from the SR through inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive receptors. Maintenance of Ca(2+) waves requires SR Ca(2+) reuptake from Ca(2+) entry across the plasma membrane via L-type Ca(2+) channels, receptor- and store-operated channels, and reverse-mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange.

Metabolic patterns (NAD(P)H) in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells with autofluorescence imaging

Although the spatial and temporal distributions of cellular NAD(P)H concentrations have been theoretically predicted as typical patterns of the metabolism in living cells, so far such a pattern was observed only in neutrophils. In this work, the dynamic NAD(P)H distributions in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells were studied by imaging the autofluorescence of cellular NAD(P)H with a sensitive CCD detector in a confocal microscope. The typical pattern of the cytoplasmic NAD(P)H wave traveling along the long axis of the elongated cell with a velocity of 2.2+/-0.6 mircom/s was detected in RBL-2H3 cells. While in the case of Hep G2 cells, only the oscillation of the mitochondrial NAD(P)H was observed because the NAD(P)H mainly localized in mitochondria of Hep G2 cells. These results confirm the metabolic pattern of NAD(P)H in living cells and suggest that the expression of the metabolic pattern probably differs in different cell lines.

Calcium sparks

The calcium ion (Ca(2+)) is the simplest and most versatile intracellular messenger known. The discovery of Ca(2+) sparks and a related family of elementary Ca(2+) signaling events has revealed fundamental principles of the Ca(2+) signaling system. A newly appreciated "digital" subsystem consisting of brief, high Ca(2+) concentration over short distances (nanometers to microns) comingles with an "analog" global Ca(2+) signaling subsystem. Over the past 15 years, much has been learned about the theoretical and practical aspects of spark formation and detection. The quest for the spark mechanisms [the activation, coordination, and termination of Ca(2+) release units (CRUs)] has met unexpected challenges, however, and raised vexing questions about CRU operation in situ. Ample evidence shows that Ca(2+) sparks catalyze many high-threshold Ca(2+) processes involved in cardiac and skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling, vascular tone regulation, membrane excitability, and neuronal secretion. Investigation of Ca(2+) sparks in diseases has also begun to provide novel insights into hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and muscular dystrophy. An emerging view is that spatially and temporally patterned activation of the digital subsystem confers on intracellular Ca(2+) signaling an exquisite architecture in space, time, and intensity, which underpins signaling efficiency, stability, specificity, and diversity. These recent advances in "sparkology" thus promise to unify the simplicity and complexity of Ca(2+) signaling in biology.

Type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors mediate UTP-induced cation currents, Ca2+ signals, and vasoconstriction in cerebral arteries

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) regulate diverse physiological functions, including contraction and proliferation. There are three IP(3)R isoforms, but their functional significance in arterial smooth muscle cells is unclear. Here, we investigated relative expression and physiological functions of IP(3)R isoforms in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. We show that 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and xestospongin C, membrane-permeant IP(3)R blockers, reduced Ca(2+) wave activation and global intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) elevation stimulated by UTP, a phospholipase C-coupled purinergic receptor agonist. Quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence indicated that all three IP(3)R isoforms were expressed in acutely isolated cerebral artery smooth muscle cells, with IP(3)R1 being the most abundant isoform at 82% of total IP(3)R message. IP(3)R1 knockdown with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) did not alter baseline Ca(2+) wave frequency and global [Ca(2+)](i) but abolished UTP-induced Ca(2+) wave activation and reduced the UTP-induced global [Ca(2+)](i) elevation by approximately 61%. Antibodies targeting IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R1 knockdown reduced UTP-induced nonselective cation current (I(cat)) activation. IP(3)R1 knockdown also reduced UTP-induced vasoconstriction in pressurized arteries with both intact and depleted sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) by approximately 45%. These data indicate that IP(3)R1 is the predominant IP(3)R isoform expressed in rat cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. IP(3)R1 stimulation contributes to UTP-induced I(cat) activation, Ca(2+) wave generation, global [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, and vasoconstriction. In addition, IP(3)R1 activation constricts cerebral arteries in the absence of SR Ca(2+) release by stimulating plasma membrane I(cat).

Calcium signaling and T-type calcium channels in cancer cell cycling

Regulation of intracellular calcium is an important signaling mechanism for cell proliferation in both normal and cancerous cells. In normal epithelial cells, free calcium concentration is essential for cells to enter and accomplish the S phase and the M phase of the cell cycle. In contrast, cancerous cells can pass these phases of the cell cycle with much lower cytoplasmic free calcium concentrations, indicating an alternative mechanism has developed for fulfilling the intracellular calcium requirement for an increased rate of DNA synthesis and mitosis of fast replicating cancerous cells. The detailed mechanism underlying the altered calcium loading pathway remains unclear; however, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests the T-type Ca²⁺ channel is abnormally expressed in cancerous cells and that blockade of these channels may reduce cell proliferation in addition to inducing apoptosis. Recent studies also show that the expression of T-type Ca²⁺ channels in breast cancer cells is proliferation state dependent, i.e. the channels are expressed at higher levels during the fast-replication period, and once the cells are in a non-proliferation state, expression of this channel is minimal. Therefore, selectively blocking calcium entry into cancerous cells may be a valuable approach for preventing tumor growth. Since T-type Ca²⁺ channels are not expressed in epithelial cells, selective T-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers may be useful in the treatment of certain types of cancers.

Localization of puff sites adjacent to the plasma membrane: functional and spatial characterization of Ca2+ signaling in SH-SY5Y cells utilizing membrane-permeant caged IP3

The Xenopus oocyte has been a favored model system in which to study spatio-temporal mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, in large part because this giant cell facilitates intracellular injections of Ca2+ indicator dyes, buffers and caged compounds. However, the recent commercial availability of membrane-permeant ester forms of caged IP3 (ci-IP3) and EGTA, now allows for facile loading of these compounds into smaller mammalian cells, permitting control of [IP3]i and cytosolic Ca2+ buffering. Here, we establish the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as an advantageous experimental system for imaging Ca2+ signaling, and characterize IP3-mediated Ca2+ signaling mechanisms in these cells. Flash photo-release of increasing amounts of i-IP3 evokes Ca2+ puffs that transition to waves, but intracellular loading of EGTA decouples release sites, allowing discrete puffs to be studied over a wide range of [IP3]. Puff activity persists for minutes following a single photo-release, pointing to a slow rate of i-IP3 turnover in these cells and suggesting that repetitive Ca2+ spikes with periods of 20-30s are not driven by oscillations in [IP3]. Puff amplitudes are independent of [IP3], whereas their frequencies increase with increasing photo-release. Puff sites in SH-SY5Y cells are not preferentially localized near the nucleus, but instead are concentrated close to the plasma membrane where they can be visualized by total internal reflection microscopy, offering the potential for unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution of Ca2+ puff kinetics.

Dynamic simulation of the effect of calcium-release activated calcium channel on cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillation

A mathematical model is proposed to illustrate the activation of STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) protein, the assembly and activation of calcium-release activated calcium (CRAC) channels in T cells. In combination with De Young-Keizer-Li-Rinzel model, we successfully reproduce a sustained Ca(2+) oscillation in cytoplasm. Our results reveal that Ca(2+) oscillation dynamics in cytoplasm can be significantly affected by the way how the Orai1 CRAC channel are assembled and activated. A low sustained Ca(2+) influx is observed through the CRAC channels across the plasma membrane. In particular, our model shows that a tetrameric channel complex can effectively regulate the total quantity of the channels and the ratio of the active channels to the total channels, and a period of Ca(2+) oscillation about 29 s is in agreement with published experimental data. The bifurcation analyses illustrate the different dynamic properties between our mixed Ca(2+) feedback model and the single positive or negative feedback models.

Modeling Ca2+ signaling differentiation during oocyte maturation

Ca2+ is a fundamental intracellular signal that mediates a variety of disparate physiological functions often in the same cell. Ca2+ signals span a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, which endow them with the specificity required to induce defined cellular functions. Furthermore, Ca2+ signaling is highly plastic as it is modulated dynamically during normal physiological development and under pathological conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signaling differentiation during cellular development remain poorly understood. Oocyte maturation in preparation for fertilization provides an exceptionally well-suited model to elucidate Ca2+ signaling regulation during cellular development. This is because a Ca2+ signal with specialized spatial and temporal dynamics is universally essential for egg activation at fertilization. Here we use mathematical modeling to define the critical determinants of Ca2+ signaling differentiation during oocyte maturation. We show that increasing IP3 receptor (IP3R) affinity replicates both elementary and global Ca2+ dynamics observed experimentally following oocyte maturation. Furthermore, our model reveals that because of the Ca2+ dependency of both SERCA and the IP3R, increased IP3R affinity shifts the system's equilibrium to a new steady state of high cytosolic Ca2+, which is essential for fertilization. Therefore our model provides unique insights into how relatively small alterations of the basic molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling components can lead to dramatic alterations in the spatio-temporal properties of Ca2+ dynamics.

Calcium signalling during mammalian fertilization

The fertilized mammalian egg is a nice model system for analysing spatiotemporal Ca2+ signalling in the intact cell. Hamster eggs show repetitive Ca2+ transients, associated in the initial response with Ca2+ waves which begin from the site of sperm attachment and are propagated across the deep cytoplasm to the opposite pole. In unfertilized eggs, a regenerative Ca2+ wave is induced by injection of either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) or Ca2+, and Ca2+ oscillations are produced by continuous injection of InsP3. These Ca2+ waves and oscillations in both fertilized and unfertilized eggs are inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by a monoclonal antibody to the type 1 InsP3 receptor. Ryanodine receptors (both skeletal and cardiac types) are not detected by physiological or immunoblot analyses. Positive and negative feedback between cytosolic Ca2+ and Ca2+ release from InsP3-sensitive pools accounts for the spatiotemporal Ca2+ signalling. In addition to intracellular Ca2+ release, Ca2+ entry from outside the egg is necessary to refill the Ca2+ pools and maintain Ca2+ oscillations. Evidence suggests that inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate activates the Ca2+ influx. The signal transduction process leading to the production of InsP3 and the mechanism of egg activation following the Ca2+ response still remain to be elucidated.

Calcium puffs in Xenopus oocytes

The second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) functions in large part by liberating calcium ions from intracellular stores. This release process is highly non-linear and shows a regenerative characteristic that allows production of all-or-none calcium spikes which propagate as waves. However, at low concentrations of InsP3 an additional mode of calcium liberation is seen in Xenopus oocytes, transient 'puffs' of cytosolic calcium that last for a few hundred milliseconds and are restricted to within a few micrometres. Puffs are generally of similar size and the amount of calcium released (about 3 x 10(-18) mol) suggests that they arise through the concerted opening of several InsP3-gated calcium release channels. Puff sites are present at a density of about one per 30 microns 2 in the animal hemisphere of the oocyte. Each site functions autonomously, producing puffs at largely random intervals. We conclude that calcium puffs represent 'quantal' units of InsP3-evoked calcium liberation, which may result from local regenerative feedback by cytosolic calcium ions at functionally discrete release sites.

Spiral calcium waves: implications for signalling

Spiral patterns of intracellular Ca2+ release demonstrate a direct relationship between increasing wavefront curvature and increasing propagation velocity. An equally important phenomenon is the annihilation of colliding Ca2+ waves, which reveals an underlying refractory period during which further Ca2+ release is temporarily inhibited. Treatment of intracellular Ca2+ release as an excitable medium accounts for both observations. This theoretical framework is analogous to the more familiar concept of electrical excitability in neuronal membranes. In this analogy, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor ion channel plays a role analogous to that of Na+ channels while Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release provides the mechanism for excitation. Furthermore, Ca(2+)-ATPases play a role similar to that of the K+ channels in neuronal excitation, that is, they return the system to rest. We demonstrated that overexpression of a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase increases the frequency of Ca2+ wave activity. More recent experiments reveal a strong dependence of the propagation velocity on wavelength as predicted by the dispersion relation of excitability. This important result accounts for an observed correlation between wave frequency and spatial dominance of Ca2+ foci and suggests a new mechanism for the encoding of signal information.

Are buffers boring? Uniqueness and asymptotical stability of traveling wave fronts in the buffered bistable system

Traveling waves of calcium are widely observed under the condition that the free cytosolic calcium is buffered. Thus it is of physiological interest to determine how buffers affect the properties of calcium waves. Here we summarise and extend previous results on the existence, uniqueness and stability of traveling wave solutions of the buffered bistable equation, which is the simplest possible model of the upstroke of a calcium wave. Taken together, the results show that immobile buffers do not change the existence, uniqueness or stability of the traveling wave, while mobile buffers can eliminate a traveling wave. However, if a wave exists in the latter case, it remains unique and stable.

A bidomain threshold model of propagating calcium waves

We present a bidomain fire-diffuse-fire model that facilitates mathematical analysis of propagating waves of elevated intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) in living cells. Modeling Ca(2+) release as a threshold process allows the explicit construction of traveling wave solutions to probe the dependence of Ca(2+) wave speed on physiologically important parameters such as the threshold for Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytosol, the rate of Ca(2+) resequestration from the cytosol to the ER, and the total [Ca(2+)] (cytosolic plus ER). Interestingly, linear stability analysis of the bidomain fire-diffuse-fire model predicts the onset of dynamic wave instabilities leading to the emergence of Ca(2+) waves that propagate in a back-and-forth manner. Numerical simulations are used to confirm the presence of these so-called 'tango waves' and the dependence of Ca(2+) wave speed on the total [Ca(2+)].

Traveling waves in the discrete fast buffered bistable system

We study the existence and uniqueness of traveling wave solutions of the discrete buffered bistable equation. Buffered excitable systems are used to model, among other things, the propagation of waves of increased calcium concentration, and discrete models are often used to describe the propagation of such waves across multiple cells. We derive necessary conditions for the existence of waves, and, under some restrictive technical assumptions, we derive sufficient conditions. When the wave exists it is unique and stable.

Calcium Dynamics: Spatio‐Temporal Organization from the Subcellular to the Organ Level

Many essential physiological processes are controlled by calcium. To ensure reliability and specificity, calcium signals are highly organized in time and space in the form of oscillations and waves. Interesting findings have been obtained at various scales, ranging from the stochastic opening of a single calcium channel to the intercellular calcium wave spreading through an entire organ. A detailed understanding of calcium dynamics thus requires a link between observations at different scales. It appears that some regulations such as calcium-induced calcium release or PLC activation by calcium, as well as the weak diffusibility of calcium ions play a role at all levels of organization in most cell types. To comprehend how calcium waves spread from one cell to another, specific gap-junctional coupling and paracrine signaling must also be taken into account. On the basis of a pluridisciplinar approach ranging from physics to physiology, a unified description of calcium dynamics is emerging, which could help understanding how such a small ion can mediate so many vital functions in living systems.

Ca2+ signaling differentiation during oocyte maturation

Oocyte maturation is an essential cellular differentiation pathway that prepares the egg for activation at fertilization leading to the initiation of embryogenesis. An integral attribute of oocyte maturation is the remodeling of Ca2+ signaling pathways endowing the egg with the capacity to produce a specialized Ca2+ transient at fertilization that is necessary and sufficient for egg activation. Consequently, mechanistic elucidation of Ca2+ signaling differentiation during oocyte maturation is fundamental to our understanding of egg activation, and offers a glimpse into Ca2+ signaling regulation during the cell cycle.

'Trigger' events precede calcium puffs in Xenopus oocytes

The liberation of calcium ions sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors/channels (IP(3)Rs) results in a spatiotemporal hierarchy of calcium signaling events that range from single-channel openings to local Ca(2+) puffs believed to arise from several to tens of clustered IP(3)Rs to global calcium waves. Using high-resolution confocal linescan imaging and a sensitive Ca(2+) indicator dye (fluo-4-dextran), we show that puffs are often preceded by small, transient Ca(2+) elevations that we christen "trigger events". The magnitude of triggers is consistent with their arising from the opening of a single IP(3) receptor/channel, and we propose that they initiate puffs by recruiting neighboring IP(3)Rs within the cluster by a regenerative process of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release. Puff amplitudes (fluorescence ratio change) are on average approximately 6 times greater than that of the triggers, suggesting that at least six IP(3)Rs may simultaneously be open during a puff. Trigger events have average durations of approximately 12 ms, as compared to 19 ms for the mean rise time of puffs, and their spatial extent is approximately 3 times smaller than puffs (respective widths at half peak amplitude 0.6 and 1.6 micro m). All these parameters were relatively independent of IP(3) concentration, although the proportion of puffs showing resolved triggers was greatest (approximately 80%) at low [IP(3)]. Because Ca(2+) puffs constitute the building blocks from which cellular IP(3)-mediated Ca(2+) signals are constructed, the events that initiate them are likely to be of fundamental importance for cell signaling. Moreover, the trigger events provide a useful yardstick by which to derive information regarding the number and spatial arrangement of IP(3)Rs within clusters.