Store-operated Ca²⁺-entry and adenylyl cyclase

Spatial and temporal crosstalk between the cAMP and Ca2+ signaling systems

The ubiquitous secondary messengers, Ca²⁺ and cAMP, play a vital role in shaping a diverse array of physiological processes. More significantly, accumulating evidence over the past several decades underpin extensive crosstalk between these two canonical messengers in discrete sub-cellular nanodomains across various cell types. Within such specialized nanodomains, each messenger fine-tunes signaling to maintain homeostasis by manipulating the activities of cellular machinery accountable for the metabolism or activity of the complementary pathway. Interaction between these messengers is ensured by scaffolding proteins which tether components of the signaling machinery in close proximity. Disruption of dynamic communications between Ca²⁺ and cAMP at these loci consequently is linked to several pathological conditions. This review summarizes recent novel mechanisms underlying effective crosstalk between Ca²⁺ and cAMP in such nanodomains.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Inhibits α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone-Induced Melanogenesis through GABAA and GABAB Receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human cortex. However, whether GABA regulates melanogenesis has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, we reveal that GABA (20 mM) significantly inhibited α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced extracellular (from 354.9% ± 28.4% to 126.5% ± 16.0%) and intracellular melanin contents (from 236.7% ± 11.1% to 102.7% ± 23.1%) in B16F10 melanoma cells, without inducing cytotoxicity. In addition, α-MSH-induced hyperpigmentation in zebrafish larvae was inhibited from 246.3% ± 5.4% to 116.3% ± 3.1% at 40 mM GABA, displaying no apparent cardiotoxicity. We also clarify that the GABA-mediated antimelanogenic properties were related to the direct inhibition of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase expression by inhibiting cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Furthermore, under α-MSH stimulation, GABA-related antimelanogenic effects were mediated through the GABA_A and GABA_B receptors, with subsequent inhibition of Ca²⁺ accumulation. In B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae, pretreatment with bicuculline, a GABA_A receptor antagonist, and CGP 46381, a GABA_B receptor antagonist, reversed the antimelanogenic effect of GABA following α-MSH treatment by upregulating Ca²⁺ accumulation. In conclusion, our results indicate that GABA inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis. Hence, in addition to the health benefits of GABA in the central nervous system, it could ameliorate hyperpigmentation disorders.

The endocannabinoidome in neuropsychiatry: Opportunities and potential risks

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises two cognate endocannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1R and CB2R_. ECS dysregulation is apparent in neurodegenerative/neuro-psychiatric disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and potentially bipolar disorder. The aim of this paper is to review mechanisms whereby both receptors may interact with neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways, which play a pathophysiological role in these disorders. CB1R is located in the presynaptic terminals of GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons where it regulates the retrograde suppression of neurotransmission. CB1R plays a key role in long-term depression, and, to a lesser extent, long-term potentiation, thereby modulating synaptic transmission and mediating learning and memory. Optimal CB1R activity plays an essential neuroprotective role by providing a defense against the development of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is achieved, at least in part, by impeding AMPA-mediated increase in intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress. Moreover, CB1R activity enables optimal neuron-glial communication and the function of the neurovascular unit. CB2R receptors are detected in peripheral immune cells and also in central nervous system regions including the striatum, basal ganglia, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala as well as the ventral tegmental area. CB2R upregulation inhibits the presynaptic release of glutamate in several brain regions. CB2R activation also decreases neuroinflammation partly by mediating the transition from a predominantly neurotoxic "M1" microglial phenotype to a more neuroprotective "M2" phenotype. CB1R and CB2R are thus novel drug targets for the treatment of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative disorders including schizophrenia and affective disorders.

Cross-Talk Between the Adenylyl Cyclase/cAMP Pathway and Ca2+ Homeostasis

Cyclic AMP and Ca²⁺ are the first second or intracellular messengers identified, unveiling the cellular mechanisms activated by a plethora of extracellular signals, including hormones. Cyclic AMP generation is catalyzed by adenylyl cyclases (ACs), which convert ATP into cAMP and pyrophosphate. By the way, Ca²⁺, as energy, can neither be created nor be destroyed; Ca²⁺ can only be transported, from one compartment to another, or chelated by a variety of Ca²⁺-binding molecules. The fine regulation of cytosolic concentrations of cAMP and free Ca²⁺ is crucial in cell function and there is an intimate cross-talk between both messengers to fine-tune the cellular responses. Cancer is a multifactorial disease resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Frequent cases of cAMP and/or Ca²⁺ homeostasis remodeling have been described in cancer cells. In those tumoral cells, cAMP and Ca²⁺ signaling plays a crucial role in the development of hallmarks of cancer, including enhanced proliferation and migration, invasion, apoptosis resistance, or angiogenesis. This review summarizes the cross-talk between the ACs/cAMP and Ca²⁺ intracellular pathways with special attention to the functional and reciprocal regulation between Orai1 and AC8 in normal and cancer cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites as an Organizing Principle for Compartmentalized Calcium and cAMP Signaling

In eukaryotic cells, ultimate specificity in activation and action-for example, by means of second messengers-of the myriad of signaling cascades is primordial. In fact, versatile and ubiquitous second messengers, such as calcium (Ca2+) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), regulate multiple-sometimes opposite-cellular functions in a specific spatiotemporal manner. Cells achieve this through segregation of the initiators and modulators to specific plasma membrane (PM) subdomains, such as lipid rafts and caveolae, as well as by dynamic close contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and other intracellular organelles, including the PM. Especially, these membrane contact sites (MCSs) are currently receiving a lot of attention as their large influence on cell signaling regulation and cell physiology is increasingly appreciated. Depletion of ER Ca2+ stores activates ER membrane STIM proteins, which activate PM-residing Orai and TRPC Ca2+ channels at ER-PM contact sites. Within the MCS, Ca2+ fluxes relay to cAMP signaling through highly interconnected networks. However, the precise mechanisms of MCS formation and the influence of their dynamic lipid environment on their functional maintenance are not completely understood. The current review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding and to identify open questions of the field.

SpiCee: A Genetic Tool for Subcellular and Cell-Specific Calcium Manipulation

Calcium is a second messenger crucial to a myriad of cellular processes ranging from regulation of metabolism and cell survival to vesicle release and motility. Current strategies to directly manipulate endogenous calcium signals lack cellular and subcellular specificity. We introduce SpiCee, a versatile and genetically encoded chelator combining low- and high-affinity sites for calcium. This scavenger enables altering endogenous calcium signaling and functions in single cells in vitro and in vivo with biochemically controlled subcellular resolution. SpiCee paves the way to investigate local calcium signaling in vivo and directly manipulate this second messenger for therapeutic use.

Phosphodiesterase 1C integrates store-operated calcium entry and cAMP signaling in leading-edge protrusions of migrating human arterial myocytes

In addition to maintaining cellular ER Ca²⁺ stores, store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) regulates several Ca²⁺-sensitive cellular enzymes, including certain adenylyl cyclases (ADCYs), enzymes that synthesize the secondary messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP). Ca²⁺, acting with calmodulin, can also increase the activity of PDE1-family phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which cleave the phosphodiester bond of cAMP. Surprisingly, SOCE-regulated cAMP signaling has not been studied in cells expressing both Ca²⁺-sensitive enzymes. Here, we report that depletion of ER Ca²⁺ activates PDE1C in human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Inhibiting the activation of PDE1C reduced the magnitude of both SOCE and subsequent Ca²⁺/calmodulin–mediated activation of ADCY8 in these cells. Because inhibiting or silencing Ca²⁺-insensitive PDEs had no such effects, these data identify PDE1C-mediated hydrolysis of cAMP as a novel and important link between SOCE and its activation of ADCY8. Functionally, we showed that PDE1C regulated the formation of leading-edge protrusions in HASMCs, a critical early event in cell migration. Indeed, we found that PDE1C populated the tips of newly forming leading-edge protrusions in polarized HASMCs, and co-localized with ADCY8, the Ca²⁺ release activated Ca²⁺ channel subunit, Orai1, the cAMP-effector, protein kinase A, and an A-kinase anchoring protein, AKAP79. Because this polarization could allow PDE1C to control cAMP signaling in a hyper-localized manner, we suggest that PDE1C-selective therapeutic agents could offer increased spatial specificity in HASMCs over agents that regulate cAMP globally in cells. Similarly, such agents could also prove useful in regulating crosstalk between Ca²⁺/cAMP signaling in other cells in which dysregulated migration contributes to human pathology, including certain cancers.

Cardiac adenylyl cyclase overexpression precipitates and aggravates age-related myocardial dysfunction

AIMS

Increase of cardiac cAMP bioavailability and PKA activity through adenylyl-cyclase 8 (AC8) overexpression enhances contractile function in young transgenic mice (AC8TG). Ageing is associated with decline of cardiac contraction partly by the desensitization of β-adrenergic/cAMP signalling. Our objective was to evaluate cardiac cAMP signalling as age increases between 2 months and 12 months and to explore whether increasing the bioavailability of cAMP by overexpression of AC8 could prevent cardiac dysfunction related to age.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cardiac cAMP pathway and contractile function were evaluated in AC8TG and their non-transgenic littermates (NTG) at 2- and 12 months old. AC8TG demonstrated increased AC8, PDE1, 3B and 4D expression at both ages, resulting in increased phosphodiesterase and PKA activity, and increased phosphorylation of several PKA targets including sarco(endo)plasmic-reticulum-calcium-ATPase (SERCA2a) cofactor phospholamban (PLN) and GSK3α/β a main regulator of hypertrophic growth and ageing. Confocal immunofluorescence revealed that the major phospho-PKA substrates were co-localized with Z-line in 2-month-old NTG but with Z-line interspace in AC8TG, confirming the increase of PKA activity in the compartment of PLN/SERCA2a. In both 12-month-old NTG and AC8TG, PLN and GSK3α/β phosphorylation was increased together with main localization of phospho-PKA substrates in Z-line interspaces. Haemodynamics demonstrated an increased contractile function in 2- and 12-month-old AC8TG, but not in NTG. In contrast, echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) performed in conscious mice unmasked myocardial dysfunction with a decrease of systolic strain rate in both old AC8TG and NTG. In AC8TG TDI showed a reduced strain rate even in 2-month-old animals. Development of age-related cardiac dysfunction was accelerated in AC8TG, leading to heart failure (HF) and premature death. Histological analysis confirmed early cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in AC8TG when compared with NTG.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated an early and accelerated cardiac remodelling in AC8TG mice, leading to the development of HF and reduced lifespan. Age-related reorganization of cAMP/PKA signalling can accelerate cardiac ageing, partly through GSK3α/β phosphorylation.

cAMPing out with the keepers of the gate: Adenylyl cyclases get cozy with Orai

Calcium and cyclic AMP form the cornerstones of two ancient signaling systems represented in nearly every kingdom of life. Not surprisingly, these old and ubiquitous messenger molecules have co-evolved multiple means to regulate one another. Zhang et al. describe a new twist on this theme related to the intimate union between the calcium-activated adenylyl cyclase, AC8, and the store-operated Ca²⁺ channel, Orai1.

Deranged hepatocyte intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and the sixth in women. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the major risk factors for HCC. NAFLD, which involves the accumulation of excess lipid in cytoplasmic lipid droplets in hepatocytes, can progress to non-alcoholic steatosis, fibrosis, and HCC. Changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ constitute important signaling pathways for the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in normal hepatocytes. Recent studies of steatotic hepatocytes have identified lipid-induced changes in intracellular Ca²⁺, and have provided evidence that altered Ca²⁺ signaling exacerbates lipid accumulation and may promote HCC. The aims of this review are to summarise current knowledge of the lipid-induced changes in hepatocyte Ca²⁺ homeostasis, to comment on the mechanisms involved, and discuss the pathways leading from altered Ca²⁺ homeostasis to enhanced lipid accumulation and the potential promotion of HCC. In steatotic hepatocytes, lipid inhibits store-operated Ca²⁺ entry and SERCA2b, and activates Ca²⁺ efflux from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its transfer to mitochondria. These changes are associated with changes in Ca²⁺ concentrations in the ER (decreased), cytoplasmic space (increased) and mitochondria (likely increased). They lead to: inhibition of lipolysis, lipid autophagy, lipid oxidation, and lipid secretion; activation of lipogenesis; increased lipid; ER stress, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinases and activation of transcription factor Nrf2. These all can potentially mediate the transition of NAFLD to HCC. It is concluded that lipid-induced changes in hepatocyte Ca²⁺ homeostasis are important in the initiation and progression of HCC. Further research is desirable to better understand the cause and effect relationships, the time courses and mechanisms involved, and the potential of Ca²⁺ transporters, channels, and binding proteins as targets for pharmacological intervention.

Evidence for the interaction of peroxiredoxin-4 with the store-operated calcium channel activator STIM1 in liver cells

Ca²⁺ entry through store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCs) in the plasma membrane (PM) of hepatocytes plays a central role in the hormonal regulation of liver metabolism. SOCs are composed of Orai1, the channel pore protein, and STIM1, the activator protein, and are regulated by hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to Orai1, STIM1 also interacts with several other intracellular proteins. Most previous studies of the cellular functions of Orai1 and STIM1 have employed immortalised cells in culture expressing ectopic proteins tagged with a fluorescent polypeptide such as GFP. Little is known about the intracellular distributions of endogenous Orai1 and STIM1. The aims are to determine the intracellular distribution of endogenous Orai1 and STIM1 in hepatocytes and to identify novel STIM1 binding proteins. Subcellular fractions of rat liver were prepared by homogenisation and differential centrifugation. Orai1 and STIM1 were identified and quantified by western blot. Orai1 was found in the PM (0.03%), heavy (44%) and light (27%) microsomal fractions, and STIM1 in the PM (0.09%), and heavy (85%) and light (13%) microsomal fractions. Immunoprecipitation of STIM1 followed by LC/MS or western blot identified peroxiredoxin-4 (Prx-4) as a potential STIM1 binding protein. Prx-4 was found principally in the heavy microsomal fraction. Knockdown of Prx-4 using siRNA, or inhibition of Prx-4 using conoidin A, did not affect Ca²⁺ entry through SOCs but rendered SOCs susceptible to inhibition by H₂O₂. It is concluded that, in hepatocytes, a considerable proportion of endogenous Orai1 and STIM1 is located in the rough ER. In the rough ER, STIM1 interacts with Prx-4, and this interaction may contribute to the regulation by ROS of STIM1 and SOCs.

TRPV1 Agonist, Capsaicin, Induces Axon Outgrowth after Injury via Ca2+/PKA Signaling

Preconditioning nerve injuries activate a pro-regenerative program that enhances axon regeneration for most classes of sensory neurons. However, nociceptive sensory neurons and central nervous system neurons regenerate poorly. In hopes of identifying novel mechanisms that promote regeneration, we screened for drugs that mimicked the preconditioning response and identified a nociceptive ligand that activates a preconditioning-like response to promote axon outgrowth. We show that activating the ion channel TRPV1 with capsaicin induces axon outgrowth of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons, and that this effect is blocked in TRPV1 knockout neurons. Regeneration occurs only in NF200-negative nociceptive neurons, consistent with a cell-autonomous mechanism. Moreover, we identify a signaling pathway in which TRPV1 activation leads to calcium influx and protein kinase A (PKA) activation to induce a preconditioning-like response. Finally, capsaicin administration to the mouse sciatic nerve activates a similar preconditioning-like response and induces enhanced axonal outgrowth, indicating that this pathway can be induced in vivo. These findings highlight the use of local ligands to induce regeneration and suggest that it may be possible to target selective neuronal populations for repair, including cell types that often fail to regenerate.

STIM1 activation of adenylyl cyclase 6 connects Ca2+ and cAMP signaling during melanogenesis

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) junctions form functionally active microdomains that connect intracellular and extracellular environments. While the key role of these interfaces in maintenance of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels has been uncovered in recent years, the functional significance of ER-PM junctions in non-excitable cells has remained unclear. Here, we show that the ER calcium sensor protein STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) interacts with the plasma membrane-localized adenylyl cyclase 6 (ADCY6) to govern melanogenesis. The physiological stimulus α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) depletes ER Ca²⁺ stores, thus recruiting STIM1 to ER-PM junctions, which in turn activates ADCY6. Using zebrafish as a model system, we further established STIM1's significance in regulating pigmentation in vivo STIM1 domain deletion studies reveal the importance of Ser/Pro-rich C-terminal region in this interaction. This mechanism of cAMP generation creates a positive feedback loop, controlling the output of the classical αMSH-cAMP-MITF axis in melanocytes. Our study thus delineates a signaling module that couples two fundamental secondary messengers to drive pigmentation. Given the central role of calcium and cAMP signaling pathways, this module may be operative during various other physiological processes and pathological conditions.

Adenylyl cyclase 5 links changes in calcium homeostasis to cAMP-dependent cyst growth in polycystic liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Genetic defects in polycystin-1 or -2 (PC1 or PC2) cause polycystic liver disease associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PLD-ADPKD). Progressive cyst growth is sustained by a cAMP-dependent Ras/ERK/HIFα pathway, leading to increased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling. In PC2-defective cholangiocytes, cAMP production in response to [Ca²⁺]_ER depletion is increased, while store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), intracellular and endoplasmic reticulum [Ca²⁺]_ER levels are reduced. We investigated whether the adenylyl cyclases, AC5 and AC6, which can be inhibited by Ca²⁺, are activated by the ER chaperone STIM1. This would result in cAMP/PKA-dependent Ras/ERK/HIFα pathway activation in PC2-defective cells, in response to [Ca²⁺]_ER depletion.

METHODS

PC2/AC6 double conditional knockout (KO) mice were generated (Pkd2/AC6 KO) and compared to Pkd2 KO mice. The AC5 inhibitor SQ22,536 or AC5 siRNA were used in isolated cholangiocytes while the inhibitor was used in biliary organoid and animals; liver tissues were harvested for histochemical analysis.

RESULTS

When comparing Pkd2/AC6 KO to Pkd2 KO mice, no decrease in liver cyst size was found, and cellular cAMP after [Ca²⁺]_ER depletion only decreased by 12%. Conversely, in PC2-defective cells, inhibition of AC5 significantly reduced cAMP production, pERK1/2 expression and VEGF-A secretion. AC5 inhibitors significantly reduced growth of biliary organoids derived from Pkd2 KO and Pkd2/AC6 KO mice. In vivo treatment with SQ22,536 significantly reduced liver cystic area and cell proliferation in PC2-defective mice. After [Ca²⁺]_ER depletion in PC2-defective cells, STIM1 interacts with AC5 but not with Orai1, the Ca²⁺ channel that mediates SOCE.

CONCLUSION

[Ca²⁺]_ER depletion in PC2-defective cells activates AC5 and results in stimulation of cAMP/ERK1-2 signaling, VEGF production and cyst growth. This mechanism may represent a novel therapeutic target.

LAY SUMMARY

Polycystic liver diseases are characterized by progressive cyst growth until their complications mandate surgery or liver transplantation. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that inhibiting cell proliferation, which is induced by increased levels of cAMP, may represent a novel therapeutic target to slow the progression of the disease.

Tissue Specificity: Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Cardiac Myocytes

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction. The Ca²⁺ channels, pumps, and exchangers responsible for the cyclical cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals that underlie contraction are well known. In addition to those Ca²⁺ signaling components responsible for contraction, it has been proposed that cardiomyocytes express channels that promote the influx of Ca²⁺ from the extracellular milieu to the cytosol in response to depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. With non-excitable cells, this store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is usually easily demonstrated and is essential for prolonging cellular Ca²⁺ signaling and for refilling depleted Ca²⁺ stores. The role of SOCE in cardiomyocytes, however, is rather more elusive. While there is published evidence for increased Ca²⁺ influx into cardiomyocytes following Ca²⁺ store depletion, it has not been universally observed. Moreover, SOCE appears to be prominent in embryonic cardiomyocytes but declines with postnatal development. In contrast, there is overwhelming evidence that the molecular components of SOCE (e.g., STIM, Orai, and TRPC proteins) are expressed in cardiomyocytes from embryo to adult. Moreover, these proteins have been shown to contribute to disease conditions such as pathological hypertrophy, and reducing their expression can attenuate hypertrophic growth. It is plausible that SOCE might underlie Ca²⁺ influx into cardiomyocytes and may have important signaling functions perhaps by activating local Ca²⁺-sensitive processes. However, the STIM, Orai, and TRPC proteins appear to cooperate with multiple protein partners in signaling complexes. It is therefore possible that some of their signaling activities are not mediated by Ca²⁺ influx signals, but by protein-protein interactions.

Communication of cAMP by connexin43 gap junctions regulates osteoblast signaling and gene expression

Connexin43 (Cx43) containing gap junctions play an important role in bone homeostasis, yet little is known about the second messengers communicated by Cx43 among bone cells. Here, we used MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and UMR106 rat osteosarcoma cells to test the hypothesis that cAMP is a second messenger communicated by bone cells through Cx43 containing gap junctions in a manner that is sufficient to impact osteoblast function. Overexpression of Cx43 markedly enhanced the activity of a cAMP-response element driven transcriptional luciferase reporter (CRE-luc) and increased phospho-CREB and phospho-ERK1/2 levels following expression of a constitutively active Gsα or by treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 3-Isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine (IBMX) or forskolin. The Cx43-dependent potentiation of signaling in PGE2 treated cells was not accompanied by a further increase in cAMP levels, suggesting that the cAMP was shared between cells rather than Cx43 enhancing cAMP production. To support this, we developed a novel assay in which one set of cells expressing constitutively active Gsα (donor cells) were co-cultured with a second set of cells expressing a CRE-luc reporter (acceptor cells). Using this assay, activation of a CRE-luc reporter in the acceptor cells was both Cx43- and cell contact-dependent, indicating communication of cAMP among cells. Finally, we showed that Cx43 increased the cAMP-dependent mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and enhanced the repression of the sclerostin mRNA, implying a potential mechanism for the modulation of tissue remodeling. In total, these data demonstrate that Cx43 can communicate cAMP between cells and, more importantly, that the communicated cAMP is sufficient to impact signal transduction cascades and the expression of key bone effector molecules between interconnected cells.

Changing calcium: CRAC channel (STIM and Orai) expression, splicing, and posttranslational modifiers

A wide variety of cellular function depends on the dynamics of intracellular Ca(2+) signals. Especially for relatively slow and lasting processes such as gene expression, cell proliferation, and often migration, cells rely on the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) pathway, which is particularly prominent in immune cells. SOCE is initiated by the sensor proteins (STIM1, STIM2) located within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) registering the Ca(2+) concentration within the ER, and upon its depletion, cluster and trap Orai (Orai1-3) proteins located in the plasma membrane (PM) into ER-PM junctions. These regions become sites of highly selective Ca(2+) entry predominantly through Orai1-assembled channels, which, among other effector functions, is necessary for triggering NFAT translocation into the nucleus. What is less clear is how the spatial and temporal spread of intracellular Ca(2+) is shaped and regulated by differential expression of the individual SOCE genes and their splice variants, their heteromeric combinations and pre- and posttranslational modifications. This review focuses on principle mechanisms regulating expression, splicing, and targeting of Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels.

Orai1 and STIM1 in ER/PM junctions: roles in pancreatic cell function and dysfunction

Membrane contact sites (MCS) are critical junctions that form between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and membranes of various organelles, including the plasma membrane (PM). Signaling complexes, including mediators of Ca(2+) signaling, are assembled within MCS, such as the ER/PM junction. This is most evident in polarized epithelial cells, such as pancreatic cells. Core Ca(2+) signaling proteins cluster at the apical pole, the site of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca(2+) release and Orai1/transient receptor potential canonical-mediated store-dependent Ca(2+) entry. Recent advances have characterized the proteins that tether the membranes at MCS and the role of these proteins in modulating physiological and pathological intracellular signaling. This review discusses recent advances in the characterization of Ca(2+) signaling at ER/PM junctions and the relation of these junctions to physiological and pathological Ca(2+) signaling in pancreatic acini.

The TRPCs, Orais and STIMs in ER/PM Junctions

The Ca(2+) second messenger is initiated at ER/PM junctions and propagates into the cell interior to convey the receptor information. The signal is maintained by Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane through the Orai and TRPC channels. These Ca(2+) influx channels form complexes at ER/PM junctions with the ER Ca(2+) sensor STIM1, which activates the channels. The function of STIM1 is modulated by other STIM isoforms like STIM1L, STIM2 and STIM2.1/STIM2β and by SARAF, which mediates the Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of Orai channels. The ER/PM junctions are formed at membrane contact sites by tethering proteins that generate several types of ER/PM junctions, such as PI(4,5)P2-poor and PI(4,5)P2-rich domains. This chapter discusses several properties of the TRPC channels, the Orai channels and the STIMs, their key interacting proteins and how interaction of the STIMs with the channels gates their activity. The chapter closes by highlighting open questions and potential future directions in this field.