Receptor- and store-operated mechanisms of calcium entry during the nanosecond electric pulse-induced cellular response

Divergent roles of estrogen receptor subtypes in regulating estrogen-modulated colonic ion transports and epithelial repair

Although it was described previously for estrogen (E2) regulation of intestinal epithelial Cl- and HCO3- secretion in sex difference, almost nothing is known about the roles of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in regulating E2-modulated epithelial ion transports and epithelial restitution. Here, we aimed to investigate ERα and ERβ subtypes in the regulation of E2-modulated colonic epithelial HCO3- and Cl- secretion and epithelial restitution. Through physiological and biochemical studies, in combination of genetic knockdown, we showed that ERα attenuated female colonic Cl- secretion but promoted Ca2+-dependent HCO3- secretion via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism in mice. However, ERβ attenuated HCO3- secretion by inhibiting Ca2+via the SOCE and inhibiting cAMP via protein kinases. Moreover, ERα but not ERβ promoted epithelial cell restitution via SOCE/Ca2+ signaling. ERα also enhanced cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and β-catenin expression in normal human colonic epithelial cells. All ERα-mediated biological effects could be attenuated by its selective antagonist and genetic knockdown. Finally, both ERα and ERβ were expressed in human colonic epithelial cells and mouse colonic tissues. We therefore conclude that E2 modulates complex colonic epithelial HCO3- and Cl- secretion via ER subtype-dependent mechanisms and that ERα is specifically responsible for colonic epithelial regeneration. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of how ERα and ERβ subtypes orchestrate functional homeostasis of normal colonic epithelial cells.

Delineating Zinc Influx Mechanisms during Platelet Activation

Zinc (Zn2+) is released by platelets during a hemostatic response to injury. Extracellular zinc ([Zn2+]o) initiates platelet activation following influx into the platelet cytosol. However, the mechanisms that permit Zn2+ influx are unknown. Fluctuations in intracellular zinc ([Zn2+]i) were measured in fluozin-3-loaded platelets using fluorometry and flow cytometry. Platelet activation was assessed using light transmission aggregometry. The detection of phosphoproteins was performed by Western blotting. [Zn2+]o influx and subsequent platelet activation were abrogated by blocking the sodium/calcium exchanged, TRP channels, and ZIP7. Cation store depletion regulated Zn2+ influx. [Zn2+]o stimulation resulted in the phosphorylation of PKC substates, MLC, and β3 integrin. Platelet activation via GPVI or Zn2+ resulted in ZIP7 phosphorylation in a casein kinase 2-dependent manner and initiated elevations of [Zn2+]i that were sensitive to the inhibition of Orai1, ZIP7, or IP3R-mediated pathways. These data indicate that platelets detect and respond to changes in [Zn2+]o via influx into the cytosol through TRP channels and the NCX exchanger. Platelet activation results in the externalization of ZIP7, which further regulates Zn2+ influx. Increases in [Zn2+]i contribute to the activation of cation-dependent enzymes. Sensitivity of Zn2+ influx to thapsigargin indicates a store-operated pathway that we term store-operated Zn2+ entry (SOZE). These mechanisms may affect platelet behavior during thrombosis and hemostasis.

Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model

Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.

Mechanisms Underlying Dichotomous Procoagulant COAT Platelet Generation-A Conceptual Review Summarizing Current Knowledge

Procoagulant platelets are a subtype of activated platelets that sustains thrombin generation in order to consolidate the clot and stop bleeding. This aspect of platelet activation is gaining more and more recognition and interest. In fact, next to aggregating platelets, procoagulant platelets are key regulators of thrombus formation. Imbalance of both subpopulations can lead to undesired thrombotic or bleeding events. COAT platelets derive from a common pro-aggregatory phenotype in cells capable of accumulating enough cytosolic calcium to trigger specific pathways that mediate the loss of their aggregating properties and the development of new adhesive and procoagulant characteristics. Complex cascades of signaling events are involved and this may explain why an inter-individual variability exists in procoagulant potential. Nowadays, we know the key agonists and mediators underlying the generation of a procoagulant platelet response. However, we still lack insight into the actual mechanisms controlling this dichotomous pattern (i.e., procoagulant versus aggregating phenotype). In this review, we describe the phenotypic characteristics of procoagulant COAT platelets, we detail the current knowledge on the mechanisms of the procoagulant response, and discuss possible drivers of this dichotomous diversification, in particular addressing the impact of the platelet environment during in vivo thrombus formation.

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Only Transiently Affects the Cellular and Molecular Processes of Leydig Cells

The purpose of this study was to verify whether the nanosecond pulsed electric field, not eliciting thermal effects, permanently changes the molecular processes and gene expression of Leydig TM3 cells. The cells were exposed to a moderate electric field (80 quasi-rectangular shape pulses, 60 ns pulse width, and an electric field of 14 kV/cm). The putative disturbances were recorded over 24 h. After exposure to the nanosecond pulsed electric field, a 19% increase in cell diameter, a loss of microvilli, and a 70% reduction in cell adhesion were observed. Some cells showed the nonapoptotic externalization of phosphatidylserine through the pores in the plasma membrane. The cell proportion in the subG1 phase increased by 8% at the expense of the S and G2/M phases, and the DNA was fragmented in a small proportion of the cells. The membrane mitochondrial potential and superoxide content decreased by 37% and 23%, respectively. Microarray’s transcriptome analysis demonstrated a negative transient effect on the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair, cell proliferation, and the overexpression of plasma membrane proteins. We conclude that nanosecond pulsed electric field affected the physiology and gene expression of TM3 cells transiently, with a noticeable heterogeneity of cellular responses.

Intrinsic properties of primary hippocampal neurons contribute to PIP2 depletion during nsEP-induced physiological response

High-energy, short-duration electric pulses (EPs) are known to be effective in neuromodulation, but the biological mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Recently, we discovered that nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs) could initiate the phosphatidylinositol_4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) depletion in non-excitable cells identical to agonist-induced activation of the G_q11 coupled receptors. PIP₂ is the precursor for multiple intracellular second messengers critically involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis and plasma membrane (PM) ion channels responsible for the control of neuronal excitability. In this paper we demonstrate a novel finding that five day in vitro (DIV5) primary hippocampal neurons (PHNs) undergo significantly higher PIP₂ depletion after 7.5 kV/cm 600 ns EP exposure than DIV1 PHNs and day 1-5 (D1-D5) non-excitable Chinese hamster ovarian cells with muscarinic receptor 1 (CHO-hM₁). Despite the age of development, the stronger 15 kV/cm 600 ns or longer 7.5 kV/cm 12 µs EP initiated profound PIP₂ depletion in all cells studied, outlining damage of the cellular PM and electroporation. Therefore, the intrinsic properties of PHNs in concert with nanoporation explain the stronger neuronal response to nsEP at lower intensity exposures. PIP₂ reduction in neurons could be a primary biological mechanism responsible for the stimulation or inhibition of neuronal tissues.

Caveolin-1 is Involved in Regulating the Biological Response of Cells to Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) induce changes in the plasma membrane (PM), including PM permeabilization (termed nanoporation), allowing free passage of ions into the cell and, in certain cases, cell death. Recent studies from our laboratory show that the composition of the PM is a critical determinant of PM nanoporation. Thus, we hypothesized that the biological response to nsPEF exposure could be influenced by lipid microdomains, including caveolae, which are specialized invaginations of the PM that are enriched in cholesterol and contain aggregates of important cell signaling proteins, such as caveolin-1 (Cav1). Caveolae play a significant role in cellular signal transduction, including control of calcium influx and cell death by interaction of Cav1 with regulatory signaling proteins. Present results show that depletion of Cav1 increased the influx of calcium, while Cav1 overexpression produced the opposite effect. Additionally, Cav1 is known to bind and sequester important cell signaling proteins within caveolae, rendering the binding partners inactive. Imaging of the PM after nsPEF exposure showed localized depletion of PM Cav1 and results of co-immunoprecipitation studies showed dissociation of two critical Cav1 binding partners (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C1 (TRPC₁) and inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R)) after exposure to nsPEFs. Release of TRPC₁ and IP₃R from Cav1 would activate downstream signaling cascades, including store-operated calcium entry, which could explain the influx in calcium after nsPEF exposure. Results of the current study establish a significant relationship between Cav1 and the activation of cell signaling pathways in response to nsPEFs.

Probing Nanoelectroporation and Resealing of the Cell Membrane by the Entry of Ca2+ and Ba2+ Ions

The principal bioeffect of the nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is a lasting cell membrane permeabilization, which is often attributed to the formation of nanometer-sized pores. Such pores may be too small for detection by the uptake of fluorescent dyes. We tested if Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ba²⁺ ions can be used as nanoporation markers. Time-lapse imaging was performed in CHO, BPAE, and HEK cells loaded with Fluo-4, Calbryte, or Fluo-8 dyes. Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ did not change fluorescence in intact cells, whereas their entry after nsPEF increased fluorescence within <1 ms. The threshold for one 300-ns pulse was at 1.5–2 kV/cm, much lower than >7 kV/cm for the formation of larger pores that admitted YO-PRO-1, TO-PRO-3, or propidium dye into the cells. Ba²⁺ entry caused a gradual emission rise, which reached a stable level in 2 min or, with more intense nsPEF, kept rising steadily for at least 30 min. Ca²⁺ entry could elicit calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) followed by Ca²⁺ removal from the cytosol, which markedly affected the time course, polarity, amplitude, and the dose-dependence of fluorescence change. Both Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ proved as sensitive nanoporation markers, with Ba²⁺ being more reliable for monitoring membrane damage and resealing.