Functional expression of Ca2+ signaling pathways in mouse embryonic stem cells

Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis in cancer and its role in chemoresistance

Globally, cancer, as a major public health concern, poses a severe threat to people's well-being. Advanced and specialized therapies can now cure the majority of people with early-stage cancer. However, emerging resistance to traditional and novel chemotherapeutic drugs remains a serious issue in clinical medicine. Chemoresistance often leads to cancer recurrence, metastasis, and increased mortality, accounting for 90% of chemotherapy failures. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and find novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Among the several factors responsible for chemoresistance, calcium (Ca2+) dysregulation plays a significant role in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Therefore, targeting this derailed Ca2+ signalling for cancer therapy has become an emerging research area. Of note, the Ca2+ signal and its proteins are a multifaceted and potent tool by which cells achieve specific outcomes. Depending on cell survival needs, Ca2+ is either upregulated or downregulated in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant cancer cells. Consequently, the appropriate treatment should be selected based on Ca2+ signalling dysregulation. This review discusses the role of Ca2+ in cancer cells and the targeting of Ca2+ channels, pumps, and exchangers. Furthermore, we have emphasised the role of Ca2+ in chemoresistance and therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, targeting Ca2+ signalling is a multifaceted process. Methods such as site-specific drug delivery, target-based drug-designing, and targeting two or more Ca2+ proteins simultaneously may be explored; however, further clinical studies are essential to validate Ca2+ blockers' anti-cancer efficacy.

Reduced Plasma-Membrane Calcium ATPase Activity and Extracellular Acidification Trigger Presynaptic Homeostatic Potentiation at the Mouse Neuromuscular Junction

At the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) refers to an increase in neurotransmitter release that restores the strength of synaptic transmission following a blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Mechanisms informing the presynaptic terminal of the loss of postsynaptic receptivity remain poorly understood. Previous research at the mouse NMJ suggests that extracellular protons may function as a retrograde signal that triggers an upregulation of neurotransmitter output (measured by quantal content, QC) through the activation of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). We further investigated the pH-dependency of PHP in an ex-vivo mouse muscle preparation. We observed that increasing the buffering capacity of the perfusion saline with HEPES abolishes PHP and that acidifying the saline from pH 7.4 to pH 7.2-7.1 increases QC, demonstrating the necessity and sufficiency of extracellular acidification for PHP. We then sought to uncover how the blockade of nAChRs leads to the pH decrease. Plasma-membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA), a calcium-proton antiporter, is known to alkalize the synaptic cleft following neurotransmission in a calcium-dependent manner. We hypothesize that since nAChR blockade reduces postsynaptic calcium entry, it also reduces the alkalizing activity of the PMCA, thereby causing acidosis, ASIC activation, and QC upregulation. In line with this hypothesis, we found that pharmacological inhibition of the PMCA with carboxyeosin induces QC upregulation and that this effect requires functional ASICs. We also demonstrated that muscles pre-treated with carboxyeosin fail to generate PHP. These findings suggest that reduced PMCA activity causes presynaptic homeostatic potentiation by activating ASICs at the mouse NMJ.

MicroRNAs Regulate Ca2+ Homeostasis in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of embryonic stem cell (ESC) biology, and their study has identified key regulatory mechanisms. To find novel pathways regulated by miRNAs in ESCs, we undertook a bioinformatics analysis of gene pathways differently expressed in the absence of miRNAs due to the deletion of Dicer, which encodes an RNase that is essential for the synthesis of miRNAs. One pathway that stood out was Ca2+ signaling. Interestingly, we found that Dicer-/- ESCs had no difference in basal cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels but were hyperresponsive when Ca2+ import into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was blocked by thapsigargin. Remarkably, the increased Ca2+ response to thapsigargin in ESCs resulted in almost no increase in apoptosis and no differences in stress response pathways, despite the importance of miRNAs in the stress response of other cell types. The increased Ca2+ response in Dicer-/- ESCs was also observed during purinergic receptor activation, demonstrating a physiological role for the miRNA regulation of Ca2+ signaling pathways. In examining the mechanism of increased Ca2+ responsiveness to thapsigargin, neither store-operated Ca2+ entry nor Ca2+ clearance mechanisms from the cytoplasm appeared to be involved. Rather, it appeared to involve an increase in the expression of one isoform of the IP3 receptors (Itpr2). miRNA regulation of Itpr2 expression primarily appeared to be indirect, with transcriptional regulation playing a major role. Therefore, the miRNA regulation of Itpr2 expression offers a unique mechanism to regulate Ca2+ signaling pathways in the physiology of pluripotent stem cells.

Minimal contribution of IP3R2 in cardiac differentiation and derived ventricular-like myocytes from human embryonic stem cells

Type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R2) regulates the intracellular Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), cardiovascular progenitor cells (CVPCs), and mammalian cardiomyocytes. However, the role of IP₃R2 in human cardiac development is unknown and its function in mammalian cardiomyocytes is controversial. hESC-derived cardiomyocytes have unique merits in disease modeling, cell therapy, and drug screening. Therefore, understanding the role of IP₃R2 in the generation and function of human cardiomyocytes would be valuable for the application of hESC-derived cardiomyocytes. In the current study, we investigated the role of IP₃R2 in the differentiation of hESCs to cardiomyocytes and in the hESC-derived cardiomyocytes. By using IP₃R2 knockout (IP₃R2KO) hESCs, we showed that IP₃R2KO did not affect the self-renewal of hESCs as well as the differentiation ability of hESCs into CVPCs and cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ventricular-like myocyte characteristics of hESC-derived cardiomyocytes. Under the α₁-adrenergic stimulation by phenylephrine (10 μmol/L), the amplitude and maximum rate of depolarization of action potential (AP) were slightly affected in the IP₃R2KO hESC-derived cardiomyocytes at differentiation day 90, whereas the other parameters of APs and the Ca²⁺ transients did not show significant changes compared with these in the wide-type ones. These results demonstrate that IP₃R2 has minimal contribution to the differentiation and function of human cardiomyocytes derived from hESCs, thus provide the new knowledge to the function of IP₃R2 in the generation of human cardiac lineage cells and in the early cardiomyocytes.

Calcium regulation of stem cells

Pluripotent and post-natal, tissue-specific stem cells share functional features such as the capacity to differentiate into multiple lineages and to self-renew, and are endowed with specific cell maintenance mechanism as well as transcriptional and epigenetic signatures that determine stem cell identity and distinguish them from their progeny. Calcium is a highly versatile and ubiquitous second messenger that regulates a wide variety of cellular functions. Specific roles of calcium in stem cell niches and stem cell maintenance mechanisms are only beginning to be explored, however. In this review, I discuss stem cell-specific regulation and roles of calcium, focusing on its potential involvement in the intertwined metabolic and epigenetic regulation of stem cells.

Evaluation of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 and ATP2B1 Genes as Cardiovascular Risk Predictors in Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and premature mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene product TCF4 is a transcription factor that acts as a downstream effector in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and may be important in the development of both type 2 diabetes and renal development and disease. It is, therefore, plausible that mutations in this gene could manifest themselves in reduced kidney function or kidney disease through their effects on hyperglycemia as well as independent of this mechanism. The ATP2B1 gene encodes the plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoform 1, which removes bivalent calcium ions from eukaryotic cells against very large concentration gradients and is responsible for controlling the contraction and dilation of vascular smooth muscles.

Aim and Objectives:

The aims of this study are (1) to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TCF7L2 gene as cardiovascular risk predictors in CKD and (2) to evaluate SNPs of ATP2B1 gene as cardiovascular risk predictors in CKD.

Subjects and Methods:

Fifty clinically diagnosed CKD patients in the age group between 20 and 60 years of both genders were selected as cases and fifty healthy participants from the master health checkup department were selected as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted based on the spin column kit method. The DNA samples were stored at −20°C until analysis. Genotyping for TCF7L2 gene rs7903146 (C/T) and ATP2B1 gene rs11105354 (A/G) was carried out through polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

T allele frequency was observed in 12 controls and 23 cases (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–4.7). CC genotype was observed in 38 controls and 27 cases and CT genotype in 22 cases and 12 controls. A allele was found in 38 cases and 23 controls (OR = 2, 95% CI: 1.1–3.8). The mean values of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, urea, and creatinine were high in cases when compared to controls.

Conclusion:

T allele of TCF7L2 gene rs7903146 (C/T) and A allele of ATP2B1 (A/G) gene rs11105354 (A/G) are associated with CVD in CKD patients.

Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis and Nuclear Export Mediate Exit from Naive Pluripotency

Progression through states of pluripotency is required for cells in early mammalian embryos to transition away from heightened self-renewal and toward competency for lineage specification. Here, we use a CRISPR mutagenesis screen in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to identify unexpected roles for nuclear export and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis during the exit out of the naive state of pluripotency. Mutation of a plasma membrane Ca2+ pump encoded by Atp2b1 increased intracellular Ca2+ such that it overcame effects of intracellular Ca2+ reduction, which is required for naive exit. Persistent self-renewal of ESCs was supported both in Atp2b1-/-Tcf7l1-/- double-knockout ESCs passaged in defined media alone (no LIF or inhibitors) and in wild-type cells passaged in media containing only calcitonin and a GSK3 inhibitor. These new findings suggest a central role for intracellular Ca2+ in safeguarding naive pluripotency.

Calcium channels and cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSC's) have emerged as a key area of investigation due to associations with cancer development and treatment resistance, related to their ability to remain quiescent, self-renew and terminally differentiate. Targeting CSC's in addition to the tumour bulk could ensure complete removal of the cancer, lessening the risk of relapse and improving patient survival. Understanding the mechanisms supporting the functions of CSC's is essential to highlight targets for the development of therapeutic strategies. Changes in intracellular calcium through calcium channel activity is fundamental for integral cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival in a range of cell types, under both normal and pathological conditions. Here in we highlight how calcium channels represent a key mechanism involved in CSC function. It is clear that expression and or function of a number of channels involved in calcium entry and intracellular store release are altered in CSC's. Correlating with aberrant proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation, which in turn promoted cancer progression and treatment resistance. Research outlined has demonstrated that targeting altered calcium channels in CSC populations can reduce their stem properties and induce terminal differentiation, sensitising them to existing cancer treatments. Overall this highlights calcium channels as emerging novel targets for CSC therapies.

The T-type Ca2+ Channel Cav3.2 Regulates Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells during Cortical Development via Caspase-3

Here we report that the low-voltage-dependent T-type calcium (Ca²⁺) channel Ca_v3.2, encoded by the CACNA1H gene, regulates neuronal differentiation during early embryonic brain development through activating caspase-3. At the onset of neuronal differentiation, neural progenitor cells exhibited spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity. This activity strongly correlated with the upregulation of CACNA1H mRNA. Cells exhibiting robust spontaneous Ca²⁺ signaling had increased caspase-3 activity unrelated to apoptosis. Inhibition of Ca_v3.2 by drugs or viral CACNA1H knock down resulted in decreased caspase-3 activity followed by suppressed neurogenesis. In contrast, when CACNA1H was overexpressed, increased neurogenesis was detected. Cortical slices from Cacna1h knockout mice showed decreased spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity, a significantly lower protein level of cleaved caspase-3, and microanatomical abnormalities in the subventricular/ventricular and cortical plate zones when compared to their respective embryonic controls. In summary, we demonstrate a novel relationship between Ca_v3.2 and caspase-3 signaling that affects neurogenesis in the developing brain.

IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signals govern hematopoietic and cardiac divergence of Flk1+ cells via the calcineurin-NFATc3-Etv2 pathway

Ca2+ signals participate in various cellular processes with spatial and temporal dynamics, among which, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs)-mediated Ca2+ signals are essential for early development. However, the underlying mechanisms of IP3R-regulated cell fate decision remain largely unknown. Here we report that IP3Rs are required for the hematopoietic and cardiac fate divergence of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Deletion of IP3Rs (IP3R-tKO) reduced Flk1+/PDGFRα- hematopoietic mesoderm, c-Kit+/CD41+ hematopoietic progenitor cell population, and the colony-forming unit activity, but increased cardiac progenitor markers as well as cardiomyocytes. Concomitantly, the expression of a key regulator of hematopoiesis, Etv2, was reduced in IP3R-tKO cells, which could be rescued by the activation of Ca2+ signals and calcineurin or overexpression of constitutively active form of NFATc3. Furthermore, IP3R-tKO impaired specific targeting of Etv2 by NFATc3 via its evolutionarily conserved cis-element in differentiating ESCs. Importantly, the activation of Ca2+-calcineurin-NFAT pathway reversed the phenotype of IP3R-tKO cells. These findings reveal an unrecognized governing role of IP3Rs in hematopoietic and cardiac fate commitment via IP3Rs-Ca2+-calcineurin-NFATc3-Etv2 pathway.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Progenitors Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveal a Unique Temporal and Cell-Type Specific Expression of PMCAs

The P-type ATPases family consists of ion and lipid transporters. Their unique diversity in function and expression is critical for normal development. In this study we investigated human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and different neural progenitor states to characterize the expression of the plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) during human neural development and in mature mesencephalic dopaminergic (mesDA) neurons. Our RNA sequencing data identified a dynamic change in ATPase expression correlating with the differentiation time of the neural progenitors, which was independent of the neuronal progenitor type. Expression of ATP2B1 and ATP2B4 were the most abundantly expressed, in accordance with their main role in Ca²⁺ regulation and we observed all of the PMCAs to have a subcellular punctate localization. Interestingly in hPSCs ATP2B1 and ATP2B3 were highly expressed in a cell cycle specific manner and ATP2B2 and ATP2B4 were highly expressed in a hPSC sub-population. In neural rosettes a strong apical PMCA expression was identified in the luminal region. Lastly, we confirmed all PMCAs to be expressed in mesDA neurons, however at varying levels. Our results reveal that PMCA expression dynamically changes during stem cell differentiation and highlights the diverging needs of cell populations to regulate and properly integrate Ca²⁺ changes, which can ultimately correspond to changes in specific stem cell transcription states.

Comparative Analysis of Spontaneous and Stimulus-Evoked Calcium Transients in Proliferating and Differentiating Human Midbrain-Derived Stem Cells

Spontaneous cytosolic calcium transients and oscillations have been reported in various tissues of nonhuman and human origin but not in human midbrain-derived stem cells. Using confocal microfluorimetry, we studied spontaneous calcium transients and calcium-regulating mechanisms in a human ventral mesencephalic stem cell line undergoing proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Spontaneous calcium transients were detected in a large fraction of both proliferating (>50%) and differentiating (>55%) cells. We provide evidence for the existence of intracellular calcium stores that respond to muscarinic activation of the cells, having sensitivity for ryanodine and thapsigargin possibly reflecting IP₃ receptor activity and the presence of ryanodine receptors and calcium ATPase pumps. The observed calcium transient activity potentially supports the existence of a sodium-calcium antiporter and the existence of calcium influx induced by depletion of calcium stores. We conclude that the cells have developed the most important mechanisms governing cytosolic calcium homeostasis. This is the first comparative report of spontaneous calcium transients in proliferating and differentiating human midbrain-derived stem cells that provides evidence for the mechanisms that are likely to be involved. We propose that the observed spontaneous calcium transients may contribute to mechanisms involved in cell proliferation, phenotypic differentiation, and general cell maturation.

Functional expression of the Ca2+ signaling machinery in human embryonic stem cells

Emerging evidence suggests that Ca²⁺ signals are important for the self-renewal and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, little is known about the physiological and pharmacological properties of the Ca²⁺-handling machinery in hESCs. In this study we used RT-PCR and Western blotting to analyze the expression profiles of genes encoding Ca²⁺-handling proteins; we also used confocal Ca²⁺ imaging and pharmacological approaches to determine the contribution of the Ca²⁺-handling machinery to the regulation of Ca²⁺ signaling in hESCs. We revealed that hESCs expressed pluripotent markers and various Ca²⁺-handling-related genes. ATP-induced Ca²⁺ transients in almost all hESCs were inhibited by the inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP₃R) blocker 2-APB or xestospongin C. In addition, Ca²⁺ transients were induced by a ryanodine receptor (RyR) activator, caffeine, in 10%-15% of hESCs and were blocked by ryanodine, whereas caffeine and ATP did not have additive effects. Moreover, store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) but not voltage-operated Ca²⁺ channel-mediated Ca²⁺ entry was observed. Inhibition of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) by thapsigargin induced a significant increase in the cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). For the Ca²⁺ extrusion pathway, inhibition of plasma membrane Ca²⁺ pumps (PMCAs) by carboxyeosin induced a slow increase in [Ca²⁺]_i, whereas the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor KBR7943 induced a rapid increase in [Ca²⁺]_i. Taken together, increased [Ca²⁺]_i is mainly mediated by Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores via IP3Rs. In addition, RyRs function in a portion of hESCs, thus indicating heterogeneity of the Ca²⁺-signaling machinery in hESCs; maintenance of low [Ca²⁺]_i is mediated by uptake of cytosolic Ca²⁺ into the ER via SERCA and extrusion of Ca²⁺ out of cells via NCX and PMCA in hESCs.

Calreticulin Is Required for TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition during Cardiogenesis in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Calreticulin, a multifunctional endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, is required for TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequent cardiomyogenesis. Using embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from calreticulin-null and wild-type (WT) embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that expression of EMT and cardiac differentiation markers is induced during differentiation of WT EBs. This induction is inhibited in the absence of calreticulin and can be mimicked by inhibiting TGF-β signaling in WT cells. The presence of calreticulin in WT cells permits TGF-β-mediated signaling via AKT/GSK3β and promotes repression of E-cadherin by SNAIL2/SLUG. This is paralleled by induction of N-cadherin in a process known as the cadherin switch. We show that regulated Ca2+ signaling between calreticulin and calcineurin is critical for the unabated TGF-β signaling that is necessary for the exit from pluripotency and the cadherin switch during EMT. Calreticulin is thus a key mediator of TGF-β-induced commencement of cardiomyogenesis in mouse ESCs.

Expression and reconstitution of the bioluminescent Ca(2+) reporter aequorin in human embryonic stem cells, and exploration of the presence of functional IP3 and ryanodine receptors during the early stages of their differentiation into cardiomyocytes

In order to develop a novel method of visualizing possible Ca(2+) signaling during the early differentiation of hESCs into cardiomyocytes and avoid some of the inherent problems associated with using fluorescent reporters, we expressed the bioluminescent Ca(2+) reporter, apo-aequorin, in HES2 cells and then reconstituted active holo-aequorin by incubation with f-coelenterazine. The temporal nature of the Ca(2+) signals generated by the holo-f-aequorin-expressing HES2 cells during the earliest stages of differentiation into cardiomyocytes was then investigated. Our data show that no endogenous Ca(2+) transients (generated by release from intracellular stores) were detected in 1-12-day-old cardiospheres but transients were generated in cardiospheres following stimulation with KCl or CaCl2, indicating that holo-f-aequorin was functional in these cells. Furthermore, following the addition of exogenous ATP, an inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) agonist, small Ca(2+) transients were generated from day 1 onward. That ATP was inducing Ca(2+) release from functional IP3Rs was demonstrated by treatment with 2-APB, a known IP3R antagonist. In contrast, following treatment with caffeine, a ryanodine receptor (RyR) agonist, a minimal Ca(2+) response was observed at day 8 of differentiation only. Thus, our data indicate that unlike RyRs, IP3Rs are present and continually functional at these early stages of cardiomyocyte differentiation.

TRPV3 Channel Negatively Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Safeguards the Pluripotency of Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have tremendous potential for research and future therapeutic purposes. However, the calcium handling mechanism in ESCs is not fully elucidated. Aims of this study are (1) to investigate if transient receptor potential vanilloid-3 (TRPV3) channels are present in mouse ESCs (mESCs) and their subcellular localization; (2) to investigate the role of TRPV3 in maintaining the characteristics of mESCs. Western blot and immunocytochemistry showed that TRPV3 was present at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of mESCs. Calcium imaging showed that, in the absence of extracellular calcium, TRPV3 activators camphor and 6-tert-butyl-m-cresol increased the cytosolic calcium. However, depleting the ER store in advance of activator addition abolished the calcium increase, suggesting that TRPV3 released calcium from the ER. To dissect the functional role of TRPV3, TRPV3 was activated and mESC proliferation was measured by trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. The results showed that TRPV3 activation led to a decrease in mESC proliferation. Cell cycle analysis revealed that TRPV3 activation increased the percentage of cells in G2 /M phase; consistently, Western blot also revealed a concomitant increase in the expression of inactive form of cyclin-dependent kinase 1, suggesting that TRPV3 activation arrested mESCs at G2 /M phase. TRPV3 activation did not alter the expression of pluripotency markers Oct-4, Klf4 and c-Myc, suggesting that the pluripotency was preserved. Our study is the first study to show the presence of TRPV3 at ER. Our study also reveals the novel role of TRPV3 in controlling the cell cycle and preserving the pluripotency of ESCs.

Coupling switch of P2Y-IP3 receptors mediates differential Ca(2+) signaling in human embryonic stem cells and derived cardiovascular progenitor cells

Purinergic signaling mediated by P2 receptors (P2Rs) plays important roles in embryonic and stem cell development. However, how it mediates Ca(2+) signals in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and derived cardiovascular progenitor cells (CVPCs) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the role of P2Rs in mediating Ca(2+) mobilizations of these cells. hESCs were induced to differentiate into CVPCs by our recently established methods. Gene expression of P2Rs and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) was analyzed by quantitative/RT-PCR. IP3R3 knockdown (KD) or IP3R2 knockout (KO) hESCs were established by shRNA- or TALEN-mediated gene manipulations, respectively. Confocal imaging revealed that Ca(2+) responses in CVPCs to ATP and UTP were more sensitive and stronger than those in hESCs. Consistently, the gene expression levels of most P2YRs except P2Y1 were increased in CVPCs. Suramin or PPADS blocked ATP-induced Ca(2+) transients in hESCs but only partially inhibited those in CVPCs. Moreover, the P2Y1 receptor-specific antagonist MRS2279 abolished most ATP-induced Ca(2+) signals in hESCs but not in CVPCs. P2Y1 receptor-specific agonist MRS2365 induced Ca(2+) transients only in hESCs but not in CVPCs. Furthermore, IP3R2KO but not IP3R3KD decreased the proportion of hESCs responding to MRS2365. In contrast, both IP3R2 and IP3R3 contributed to UTP-induced Ca(2+) responses while ATP-induced Ca(2+) responses were more dependent on IP3R2 in the CVPCs. In conclusion, a predominant role of P2Y1 receptors in hESCs and a transition of P2Y-IP3R coupling in derived CVPCs are responsible for the differential Ca(2+) mobilization between these cells.

Regulation of neurogenesis by calcium signaling

Calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling has essential roles in the development of the nervous system from neural induction to the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural cells. Ca(2+) signaling pathways are shaped by interactions among metabotropic signaling cascades, intracellular Ca(2+) stores, ion channels, and a multitude of downstream effector proteins that activate specific genetic programs. The temporal and spatial dynamics of Ca(2+) signals are widely presumed to control the highly diverse yet specific genetic programs that establish the complex structures of the adult nervous system. Progress in the last two decades has led to significant advances in our understanding of the functional architecture of Ca(2+) signaling networks involved in neurogenesis. In this review, we assess the literature on the molecular and functional organization of Ca(2+) signaling networks in the developing nervous system and its impact on neural induction, gene expression, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Particular emphasis is placed on the growing evidence for the involvement of store-operated Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels in these processes.

The role of Ca(2+) signaling on the self-renewal and neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are promising resources for both scientific research and clinical regenerative medicine. With regards to the latter, ESCs are especially useful for treating several neurodegenerative disorders. Two significant characteristics of ESCs, which make them so valuable, are their capacity for self-renewal and their pluripotency, both of which are regulated by the integration of various signaling pathways. Intracellular Ca(2+) signaling is involved in several of these pathways. It is known to be precisely controlled by different Ca(2+) channels and pumps, which play an important role in a variety of cellular activities, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Here, we provide a review of the recent work conducted to investigate the function of Ca(2+) signaling in the self-renewal and the neural differentiation of ESCs. Specifically, we describe the role of intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization mediated by RyRs (ryanodine receptors); by cADPR (cyclic adenosine 5'-diphosphate ribose) and CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38/cADPR hydrolase); and by NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate) and TPC2 (two pore channel 2). We also discuss the Ca(2+) influx mediated by SOCs (store-operated Ca(2+) channels), TRPCs (transient receptor potential cation channels) and LTCC (L-type Ca(2+) channels) in the pluripotent ESCs as well as in neural differentiation of ESCs. Moreover, we describe the integration of Ca(2+) signaling in the other signaling pathways that are known to regulate the fate of ESCs.

Calcium signaling in human pluripotent stem cells

Human pluripotent stem cells provide new tools for developmental and pharmacological studies as well as for regenerative medicine applications. Calcium homeostasis and ligand-dependent calcium signaling are key components of major cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. Interestingly, these phenomena have not been characterized in detail as yet in pluripotent human cell sates. Here we review the methods applicable for studying both short- and long-term calcium responses, focusing on the expression of fluorescent calcium indicator proteins and imaging methods as applied in pluripotent human stem cells. We discuss the potential regulatory pathways involving calcium responses in hPS cells and compare these to the implicated pathways in mouse PS cells. A recent development in the stem cell field is the recognition of so called "naïve" states, resembling the earliest potential forms of stem cells during development, as well as the "fuzzy" stem cells, which may be alternative forms of pluripotent cell types, therefore we also discuss the potential role of calcium homeostasis in these PS cell types.

Cell-cycle-dependent Ca2+ transients in human induced pluripotent stem cells revealed by a simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca2+ level

Simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca²⁺ level revealed that human iPS cells exhibited cell cycle-dependent Ca²⁺ transients.

Unique Features of Cortical Bone Stem Cells Associated With Repair of the Injured Heart

RATIONALE

Adoptive transfer of multiple stem cell types has only had modest effects on the structure and function of failing human hearts. Despite increasing the use of stem cell therapies, consensus on the optimal stem cell type is not adequately defined. The modest cardiac repair and functional improvement in patients with cardiac disease warrants identification of a novel stem cell population that possesses properties that induce a more substantial improvement in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize and compare surface marker expression, proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation capacity of cortical bone stem cells (CBSCs) relative to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiac-derived stem cells (CDCs), which have already been tested in early stage clinical trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CBSCs, MSCs, and CDCs were isolated from Gottingen miniswine or transgenic C57/BL6 mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein and were expanded in vitro. CBSCs possess a unique surface marker profile, including high expression of CD61 and integrin β4 versus CDCs and MSCs. In addition, CBSCs were morphologically distinct and showed enhanced proliferation capacity versus CDCs and MSCs. CBSCs had significantly better survival after exposure to an apoptotic stimuli when compared with MSCs. ATP and histamine induced a transient increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in CBSCs versus CDCs and MSCs, which either respond to ATP or histamine only further documenting the differences between the 3 cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

CBSCs are unique from CDCs and MSCs and possess enhanced proliferative, survival, and lineage commitment capacity that could account for the enhanced protective effects after cardiac injury.

Relevance of the plasma membrane calcium-ATPase in the homeostasis of calcium in the fetal liver

During the early stages of development, the embryo depends on the placenta as provider of oxygen and calcium, among other essential compounds. Although fetal liver accomplishes a well-known haematopoietic function, its contribution to calcium homeostasis upon development is poorly understood. The homeostasis of cell calcium contributes to diverse signaling pathways across developmental stages of most tissues and the calcium-ATPase located at the plasma membrane (PMCA) helps pumping excess calcium into the extracellular space. To date, the understanding of the equilibrium shift between PMCA isoforms during liver development is still missing. This review focuses on the characterization of the hepatic PMCA along the early stages of development, followed by a description of modern approaches to study calcium homeostasis involving several types of pluripotent cells. The application of interdisciplinary techniques to improve our understanding of liver development and the role calcium homeostasis plays in the definition of pathogenesis is also discussed.

Role of TRPV1 in the Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes

Cytosolic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) is an important signal that regulates cardiomyocyte differentiation during cardiogenesis. TRPV1 is a Ca²⁺-permeable channel that is expressed in cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we utilized mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs) as a model to investigate the functional role of TRPV1 in cardiomyocyte differentiation. Induction of embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes was achieved using embryoid body (EB)-based differentiation method. Quantitative PCRs showed an increased TRPV1 expression during the differentiation process. In [Ca²⁺]_i measurement study, application of TRPV1 agonists, capsaicin and camphor, elicited a [Ca²⁺]_i rise in mESC-CMs, the effect of which was abolished by TRPV1-shRNA. In functional study, treatment of EBs with TRPV1 antagonists (capsazepine and SB366791) and TRPV1-shRNA reduced the size of the EBs and decreased the percentage of spontaneously beating EBs. TRPV1 antagonists and TRPV1-shRNA also suppressed the expression of cardiomyocyte marker genes, including cardiac actin, c-TnT, c-TnI, and α-MHC. Taken together, this study demonstrated an important functional role of TRPV1 channels in the differentiation of mESCs into cardiomyocytes.

L-Type Ca(2+) Channels and SK Channels in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Contribution to Cell Proliferation

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are capable of both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation; thus, they can be expanded in vivo or in vitro and differentiated to produce different cell types. Despite their biological and medical interest, many physiological properties of undifferentiated mESCs, such as ion channel function, are not fully understood. Ion channels are thought to be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. The aim of this study was to characterize functional ion channels in cultured undifferentiated mESCs and their role in cell proliferation. L-type voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels sensitive to nifedipine and small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels sensitive to apamin were identified. Ca(2+)-activated K(+) currents were blocked by millimolar concentrations of tetraethylammonium. The effects of Ca(2+) channel and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers on the proliferation of undifferentiated mESCs were investigated by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Dihydropyridine derivatives, such as nifedipine, inhibited cell growth and BrdU incorporation into the cells, whereas apamin, which selectively blocks SK channels, had no effect on cell growth. These results demonstrate that functional voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels are present in undifferentiated mESCs. Moreover, voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channels, but not SK channels, might be necessary for proliferation of undifferentiated mESCs.

Spatial Quantification of Cytosolic Ca²⁺ Accumulation in Nonexcitable Cells: An Analytical Study

Calcium ions act as messengers in a broad range of processes such as learning, apoptosis, and muscular movement. The transient profile and the temporal accumulation of calcium signals have been suggested as the two main characteristics in which calcium cues encode messages to be forwarded to downstream pathways. We address the analytical quantification of calcium temporal-accumulation in a long, thin section of a nonexcitable cell by solving a boundary value problem. In these expressions we note that the cytosolic Ca(2+) accumulation is independent of every intracellular calcium flux and depends on the Ca(2+) exchange across the membrane, cytosolic calcium diffusion, geometry of the cell, extracellular calcium perturbation, and initial concentrations. In particular, we analyse the time-integrated response of cytosolic calcium due to i) a localised initial concentration of cytosolic calcium and ii) transient extracellular perturbation of calcium. In these scenarios, we conclude that i) the range of calcium progression is confined to the vicinity of the initial concentration, thereby creating calcium microdomains; and ii) we observe a low-pass filtering effect in the response driven by extracellular Ca(2+) perturbations. Additionally, we note that our methodology can be used to analyse a broader range of stimuli and scenarios.

Reconstruction of functional ocular surface by acellular porcine cornea matrix scaffold and limbal stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells

Limbal stem cells (LSCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for cell-based therapies for ocular surface diseases. The cell-based therapies mainly depend on an appropriate differentiation proposal with a high efficiency and on a suitable scaffold. In this study, we aimed to establish a feasible and efficient strategy for inducing hESCs into LSC-like cells by the LSC conditioned medium. The induced cells possessed the similar morphologic characteristics and expression of normal LSCs and showed a strong clonogenic and proliferative capacity in vitro. To construct a tissue-engineering corneal graft, these differentiated cells were seeded on an acelluar porcine corneal matrix (APCM), which maintained the corneal basement membrane in vitro. After 14 days culture, these induced cells gave rise to stratified epithelial cell sheets on the APCM and the basal cells still kept LSC characteristics. In rabbit total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) models, the tissue-engineering graft had the potential to reconstruct the damaged ocular surface and alleviated the invasion of corneal neovascularization. These findings indicated that the engraftment constructed with the APCM scaffold and hESC-derived LSCs might be a potential therapy option for ocular surface regeneration in LSCD cases.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channel controls calcium signals and dental follicle stem cell differentiation

Elevations in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration are a phenomena commonly observed during stem cell differentiation but cease after the process is complete. The transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is an ion channel that controls Ca(2+) signals in excitable and nonexcitable cells. However, its role in stem cells remains unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize TRPM4 in rat dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and to determine its impact on Ca(2+) signaling and the differentiation process. We identified TRPM4 gene expression in DFSCs, but not TRPM5, a closely related channel with similar function. Perfusion of cells with increasing buffered Ca(2+) resulted in a concentration-dependent activation of currents typical for TRPM4, which were also voltage-dependent and had Na(+) conductivity. Molecular suppression with shRNA decreased channel activity and cell proliferation during osteogenesis but not adipogenesis. As a result, enhanced mineralization and phosphatase enzyme activity were observed during osteoblast formation, although DFSCs failed to differentiate into adipocytes. Furthermore, the normal agonist-induced first and secondary phases of Ca(2+) signals were transformed into a gradual and sustained increase which confirmed the channels' ability to control Ca(2+) signaling. Using whole genome microarray analysis, we identified several genes impacted by TRPM4 during DFSC differentiation. These findings suggest an inhibitory role for TRPM4 on osteogenesis while it appears to be required for adipogenesis. The data also provide a potential link between the Ca(2+) signaling pattern and gene expression during stem cell differentiation.

Store-operated calcium entry and calcium influx via voltage-operated calcium channels regulate intracellular calcium oscillations in chondrogenic cells

Chondrogenesis is known to be regulated by calcium-dependent signalling pathways in which temporal aspects of calcium homeostasis are of key importance. We aimed to better characterise calcium influx and release functions with respect to rapid calcium oscillations in cells of chondrifying chicken high density cultures. We found that differentiating chondrocytes express the α1 subunit of voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs) at both mRNA and protein levels, and that these ion channels play important roles in generating Ca(2+) influx for oscillations as nifedipine interfered with repetitive calcium transients. Furthermore, VOCC blockade abrogated chondrogenesis and almost completely blocked cell proliferation. The contribution of internal Ca(2+) stores via store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) seems to be indispensable to both Ca(2+) oscillations and chondrogenesis. Moreover, this is the first study to show the functional expression of STIM1/STIM2 and Orai1, molecules that orchestrate SOCE, in chondrogenic cells. Inhibition of SOCE combined with ER calcium store depletion abolished differentiation and severely diminished proliferation, suggesting the important role of internal pools in calcium homeostasis of differentiating chondrocytes. Finally, we present an integrated model for the regulation of calcium oscillations of differentiating chondrocytes that may have important implications for studies of chondrogenesis induced in various stem cell populations.

The expression of calcium-sensing receptor in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and its influence on differentiation of mESC into cardiomyocytes

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a G protein coupled receptor, is involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have a potential role to differentiate into all types of cells. Whether CaSR is functionally expressed in ESCs is unclear. In this study, the expression and distribution of CaSR in 129 mouse ES-D3 cell lines were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence; and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) was measured using Laser Confocal Scanning Microscopy. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were cultured to embryoid bodies (EBs) and the differentiation of EBs into cardiomyocytes was induced by icariin (ICA). The cardiac specific proteins, a-Actinin and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), were analyzed by immunofluorescence, and the differentiation rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cardiac-specific transcription factors, Nkx2.5 and GATA-4, was detected by Western blotting. We found that the CaSR protein exists in both mESCs and mESC-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs). Increasing extracellular calcium or neomycin (an agonist of CaSR) increased [Ca(2+)]i and the differentiation rate. These effects were abolished by inhibition of CaSR, phospholipase C, IP3 receptor and Ca(2+) ATPase, or by depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) store, respectively. Activation of CaSR up-regulated protein expression of Nkx2.5 and GATA4 in EBs at an early stage of ICA-induced differentiation. In conclusion, CaSR is functionally expressed in mESCs, and activation of CaSR is involved in the differentiation of mESCs into cardiomyocytes by facilitating the expression of NKx2.5 and GATA-4.

The calcium: an early signal that initiates the formation of the nervous system during embryogenesis

The calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling pathways have crucial roles in development from fertilization through differentiation to organogenesis. In the nervous system, Ca(2+) signals are important regulators for various neuronal functions, including formation and maturation of neuronal circuits and long-term memory. However, Ca(2+) signals are also involved in the earliest steps of neurogenesis including neural induction, differentiation of neural progenitors into neurons, and the neuro-glial switch. This review examines when and how Ca(2+) signals are generated during each of these steps with examples taken from in vivo studies in vertebrate embryos and from in vitro assays using embryonic and neural stem cells (NSCs). During the early phases of neurogenesis few investigations have been performed to study the downstream targets of Ca(2+) which posses EF-hand in their structure. This opens an entire field of research. We also discuss the highly specific nature of the Ca(2+) signaling pathway and its interaction with the other signaling pathways involved in early neural development.

Calcium signaling in pluripotent stem cells

Pluripotent stem cells represent a new source of biological material allowing the exploration of signaling phenomena during normal cell development and differentiation. Still, the calcium signaling pathways and intracellular calcium responses to various ligands or stress conditions have not been sufficiently explored as yet in embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells and in their differentiated offspring. This is partly due to the special culturing conditions of these cell types, the rapid morphological and functional changes in heterogeneous cell populations during early differentiation, and methodological problems in cellular calcium measurements. In this paper, we review the currently available data in the literature on calcium signaling in pluripotent stem cells and discuss the potential shortcomings of these studies. Various assay methods are surveyed for obtaining reliable data both in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and in specific, stem cell-derived human tissues. In this paper, we present the modulation of calcium signaling in human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and in their derivates; mesenchymal stem cell like (MSCl) cells and cardiac tissues using the fluorescent calcium indicator Fluo-4 and confocal microscopy. LPA, trypsin and angiotensin II were effective in inducing calcium signals both in HUES9 and MSCl cells. Histamine and thrombin induced calcium signal exclusively in the MSCl cells, while ATP was effective only in HUES9 cells. There was no calcium signal evoked by GABA, even at relatively high concentrations. In stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes a rapid increase in the beating rate and an increase of the calcium signal peaks could be observed after the addition of adrenaline, while verapamil led to a strong decrease in cellular calcium and stopped spontaneous contractions in a relaxed state.

Estrogen controls embryonic stem cell proliferation via store-operated calcium entry and the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into all cell lineages. Calcium is a universal second messenger which regulates a number of cellular pathways. Previous studies showed that store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs) but not voltage-operated calcium channels are present in mouse ESCs (mESCs). In this study, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) was found to exist in mESCs using confocal microscopy. SOCC blockers lanthanum, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and SKF-96365 reduced mESC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that SOCE is important for ESC proliferation. Pluripotent markers, Sox-2, Klf-4, and Nanog, were down-regulated by 2-APB, suggesting that self-renewal property of mESCs relies on SOCE. 17β-estradiol (E2) enhanced mESC proliferation. This enhanced proliferation was associated with an increment of SOCE. Both stimulated proliferation and increased SOCE could be reversed by SOCC blockers suggesting that E2 mediates its stimulatory effect on proliferation via enhancing SOCE. Also, cyclosporin A and INCA-6, inhibitors of calcineurin [phosphatase that de-phosphorylates and activates nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)], reversed the proliferative effect of E2, indicating that NFAT is involved in E2-stimulated proliferation. Interestingly, E2 caused the nuclear translocation of NFATc4, and this could be reversed by 2-APB. These results suggested that NFATc4 is the downstream target of E2-induced SOCE. The present investigation provides the first line of evidence that SOCE and NFAT are crucial for ESCs to maintain their unique characteristics. In addition, the present investigation also provides novel information on the mechanisms of how E2, an important female sex hormone, affects ESC proliferation.

Early neural development in vertebrates is also a matter of calcium

The calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling pathways have crucial roles in development from fertilization through differentiation to organogenesis. In the nervous system, Ca(2+) signals are important regulators for various neuronal functions, including formation and maturation of neuronal circuits and long-term memory. However, Ca(2+) signals are mainly involved in the earliest steps of nervous system development including neural induction, differentiation of neural progenitors into neurons, and the neuro-glial switch. This review examines when and how Ca(2+) signals are generated during each of these steps with examples taken from in vivo studies in vertebrate embryos and from in vitro assays using embryonic and neural stem cells. Also discussed is the highly specific nature of the Ca(2+) signaling pathway and its interaction with the other signaling pathways involved in early neural development.

Tracking stem cell differentiation in the setting of automated optogenetic stimulation

Membrane depolarization has been shown to play an important role in the neural differentiation of stem cells and in the survival and function of mature neurons. Here, we introduce a microbial opsin into ESCs and develop optogenetic technology for stem cell engineering applications, with an automated system for noninvasive modulation of ESC differentiation employing fast optogenetic control of ion flux. Mouse ESCs were stably transduced with channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-yellow fluorescent protein and purified by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Illumination of resulting ChR2-ESCs with pulses of blue light triggered inward currents. These labeled ESCs retained the capability to differentiate into functional mature neurons, assessed by the presence of voltage-gated sodium currents, action potentials, fast excitatory synaptic transmission, and expression of mature neuronal proteins and neuronal morphology. We designed and tested an apparatus for optically stimulating ChR2-ESCs during chronic neuronal differentiation, with high-speed optical switching on a custom robotic stage with environmental chamber for automated stimulation and imaging over days, with tracking for increased expression of neural and neuronal markers. These data point to potential uses of ChR2 technology for chronic and temporally precise noninvasive optical control of ESCs both in vitro and in vivo, ranging from noninvasive control of stem cell differentiation to causal assessment of the specific contribution of transplanted cells to tissue and network function.

Allosteric inhibitors of plasma membrane Ca2+ pumps: Invention and applications of caloxins

Plasma membrane Ca²⁺ pumps (PMCA) play a major role in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and signaling by extruding cellular Ca²⁺ with high affinity. PMCA isoforms are encoded by four genes which are expressed differentially in various cell types in normal and disease states. Therefore, PMCA isoform selective inhibitors would aid in delineating their role in physiology and pathophysiology. We are testing the hypothesis that extracellular domains of PMCA can be used as allosteric targets to obtain a novel class of PMCA-specific inhibitors termed caloxins. This review presents the concepts behind the invention of caloxins and our progress in this area. A section is also devoted to the applications of caloxins in literature. We anticipate that isoform-selective caloxins will aid in understanding PMCA physiology in health and disease. With strategies to develop therapeutics from bioactive peptides, caloxins may become clinically useful in cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, retinopathy, cancer and contraception.

Gene targeting and Calcium handling efficiencies in mouse embryonic stem cell lines

AIM

To compare gene targeting efficiencies, expression profiles, and Ca(2+) handling potentials in two widely used mouse embryonic stem cell lines.

METHODS

The two widely used mouse embryonic stem cell lines, R1 and HM-1, were cultured and maintained on Mitomycin C treated mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cell layers, following standard culture procedures. Cells were incubated with primary and secondary antibodies before fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis to compare known pluripotency markers. Moreover, cells were harvested by trypsinization and transfected with a kinase-inactive murine Tyk2 targeting construct, following the BioRad and Amaxa transfection procedures. Subsequently, the cells were cultured and neomycin-resistant cells were picked after 13 d of selection. Surviving clones were screened twice by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and finally confirmed by Southern blot analysis before comparison. Global gene expression profiles of more than 20 400 probes were also compared and significantly regulated genes were confirmed by real time PCR analysis. Calcium handling potentials of these cell lines were also compared using various agonists.

RESULTS

We found significant differences in transfection efficiencies of the two cell lines (91% ± 6.1% vs 75% ± 4.2%, P = 0.01). Differences in the targeting efficiencies were also significant whether the Amaxa or BioRad platforms were used for comparison. We did not observe significant differences in the levels of many known pluripotency markers. However, our genome-wide expression analysis using more than 20 400 spotted cDNA arrays identified 55 differentially regulated transcripts (P < 0.05) implicated in various important biological processes, including binding molecular functions (particularly Ca(2+) binding roles). Subsequently, we measured Ca(2+) signals in these cell lines in response to various calcium agonists, both in high and low Ca(2+) solutions, and found significant differences (P < 0.05) in the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis between the investigated cell lines. Then we further compared the detection and expression of various membrane and intracellular Ca(2+) receptors and similarly found significant (P < 0.05) variations in a number of calcium receptors between these cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study emphasize the importance of considering intrinsic cellular variations, during selection of cell lines for experiments and interpretations of experimental results.

The plasma membrane calcium ATPase modulates calcium homeostasis, intracellular signaling events and function in platelets

BACKGROUND

The plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) regulates localized signaling events in a variety of cell types, although its functional role in platelets remains undefined.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of PMCA in determining platelet intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²(+) ](i) ) at rest and following agonist stimulation, and to define the corresponding effects upon different stages of platelet activation.

METHODS

[Ca²(+) ](i) was continuously measured in Fura-2-loaded platelets and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses performed in the presence of the PMCA inhibitor carboxyeosin (CE).

RESULTS

Concentrations of CE that selectively inhibited Ca²(+) extrusion through PMCA were established in human platelets. [Ca²(+) ](i) was elevated by CE in resting platelets, although collagen-stimulated Ca²(+) release was reduced. Impaired Ca²(+) mobilization upon agonist stimulation was accompanied by reduced dense granule secretion and impaired platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation responses were also reduced in PMCA4(-/-) mice and in an in vivo mouse model of platelet thromboembolism. Conversely, inhibition of PMCA promoted the early and later stages of platelet activation, observed as enhanced adhesion to fibrinogen, and accelerated clot retraction. Investigations into the signaling mechanisms underlying CE-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation implicated cGMP-independent vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruption of PMCA activity perturbs platelet Ca²(+) homeostasis and function in a time-dependent manner, demonstrating that PMCA differentially regulates Ca²(+) -dependent signaling events, and hence function, throughout the platelet activation process.

Role of voltage-gated potassium channels in the fate determination of embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) possess two unique characteristics: self-renewal and pluripotency. In this study, roles of voltage-gated potassium channels (K(v)) in maintaining mouse (m) ESC characteristics were investigated. Tetraethylammonium (TEA(+)), a K(v) blocker, attenuated cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Possible reasons for this attenuation, including cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest and differentiation, were examined. Blocking K(v) did not change the viability of mESCs. Interestingly, K(v) inhibition increased the proportion of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase and decreased that in S phase. This change in cell cycle distribution can be attributed to cell cycle arrest or differentiation. Loss of pluripotency as determined at both molecular and functional levels was detected in mESCs with K(v) blockade, indicating that K(v) inhibition in undifferentiated mESCs directs cells to differentiate instead of to self-renew and progress through the cell cycle. Membrane potential measurement revealed that K(v) blockade led to depolarization, consistent with the role of K(v) as the key determinant of membrane potential. The present results suggest that membrane potential changes may act as a "switch" for ESCs to decide whether to proliferate or to differentiate: hyperpolarization at G(1) phase would favor ESCs to enter S phase while depolarization would favor ESCs to differentiate. Consistent with this notion, S-phase-synchronized mESCs were found to be more hyperpolarized than G(0)/G(1)-phase-synchronized mESCs. Moreover, when mESCs differentiated, the differentiation derivatives depolarized at the initial stage of differentiation. This investigation is the first study to provide evidence that K(v) and membrane potential affect the fate determination of ESCs.

A role of canonical transient receptor potential 5 channel in neuronal differentiation from A2B5 neural progenitor cells

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) channels are the main pathway of Ca(2+) entry in non-excitable cells such as neural progenitor cells (NPCs). However, the role of SOCE channels has not been defined in the neuronal differentiation from NPCs. Here, we show that canonical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) as SOCE channel influences the induction of the neuronal differentiation of A2B5(+) NPCs isolated from postnatal-12-day rat cerebrums. The amplitudes of SOCE were significantly higher in neural cells differentiated from proliferating A2B5(+) NPCs and applications of SOCE blockers, 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborane (2-APB), and ruthenium red (RR), inhibited their rise of SOCE. Among TRPC subtypes (TRPC1-7), marked expression of TRPC5 and TRPC6 with turned-off TRPC1 expression was observed in neuronal cells differentiated from proliferating A2B5(+) NPCs. TRPC5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the neuronal differentiation from A2B5(+) NPCs and reduced the rise of SOCE. In contrast, TRPC6 siRNA had no significant effect on the neuronal differentiation from A2B5(+) NPCs. These results indicate that calcium regulation by TRPC5 would play a key role as a switch between proliferation and neuronal differentiation from NPCs.

A photoprotein in mouse embryonic stem cells measures Ca2+ mobilization in cells and in animals

Exogenous expression of pharmacological targets in transformed cell lines has been the traditional platform for high throughput screening of small molecules. However, exogenous expression in these cells is limited by aberrant dosage, or its toxicity, the potential lack of interaction partners, and alterations to physiology due to transformation itself. Instead, primary cells or cells differentiated from precursors are more physiological, but less amenable to exogenous expression of reporter systems. To overcome this challenge, we stably expressed c-Photina, a Ca²⁺-sensitive photoprotein, driven by a ubiquitous promoter in a mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell line. The same embryonic stem cell line was also used to generate a transgenic mouse that expresses c-Photina in most tissues. We show here that these cells and mice provide an efficient source of primary cells, cells differentiated from mES cells, including cardiomyocytes, neurons, astrocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, pancreatic islet cells, stably and robustly expressing c-Photina, and may be exploited for miniaturized high throughput screening. Moreover, we provide evidence that the transgenic mice may be suitable for ex-vivo bioimaging studies in both cells and tissues.

Influence of spontaneous calcium events on cell-cycle progression in embryonal carcinoma and adult stem cells

Spontaneous Ca(2+) events have been observed in diverse stem cell lines, including carcinoma and mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, during cell cycle progression, cells exhibit Ca(2+) transients during the G(1) to S transition, suggesting that these oscillations may play a role in cell cycle progression. We aimed to study the influence of promoting and blocking calcium oscillations in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, both in neural progenitor and undifferentiated cells. We also identified which calcium stores are required for maintaining these oscillations. Both in neural progenitor and undifferentiated cells calcium oscillations were restricted to the G1/S transition, suggesting a role for these events in progression of the cell cycle. Maintenance of the oscillations required calcium influx only through inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) and L-type channels in undifferentiated cells, while neural progenitor cells also utilized ryanodine-sensitive stores. Interestingly, promoting calcium oscillations through IP(3)R agonists increased both proliferation and levels of cell cycle regulators such as cyclins A and E. Conversely, blocking calcium events with IP(3)R antagonists had the opposite effect in both undifferentiated and neural progenitor cells. This suggests that calcium events created by IP(3)Rs may be involved in cell cycle progression and proliferation, possibly due to regulation of cyclin levels, both in undifferentiated cells and in neural progenitor cells.