SEPT7 regulates Ca2+ entry through Orai channels in human neural progenitor cells and neurons

Pharmacological modulation of septins restores calcium homeostasis and is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer's disease

Abnormal calcium signaling is a central pathological component of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we describe the identification of a class of compounds called ReS19-T, which are able to restore calcium homeostasis in cell-based models of tau pathology. Aberrant tau accumulation leads to uncontrolled activation of store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs) by remodeling septin filaments at the cell cortex. Binding of ReS19-T to septins restores filament assembly in the disease state and restrains calcium entry through SOCCs. In amyloid-β and tau-driven mouse models of disease, ReS19-T agents restored synaptic plasticity, normalized brain network activity, and attenuated the development of both amyloid-β and tau pathology. Our findings identify the septin cytoskeleton as a potential therapeutic target for the development of disease-modifying AD treatments.

ER-Ca2+ stores and the regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry in neurons

Key components of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) are likely expressed in all metazoan cells. Due to the complexity of canonical Ca2+ entry mechanisms in neurons, the functional significance of ER-Ca2+ release and SOCE has been difficult to identify and establish. In this review we present evidence of how these two related mechanisms of Ca2+ signalling impact multiple aspects of neuronal physiology and discuss their interaction with the better understood classes of ion channels that are gated by either voltage changes or extracellular ligands in neurons. Given how a small imbalance in Ca2+ homeostasis can have strongly detrimental effects on neurons, leading to cell death, it is essential that neuronal SOCE is carefully regulated. We go on to discuss some mechanisms of SOCE regulation that have been identified in Drosophila and mammalian neurons. These include specific splice variants of stromal interaction molecules, different classes of membrane-interacting proteins and an ER-Ca2+ channel. So far these appear distinct from the mechanisms of SOCE regulation identified in non-excitable cells. Finally, we touch upon the significance of these studies in the context of certain human neurodegenerative diseases.

How neurons maintain their axons long-term: an integrated view of axon biology and pathology

Axons are processes of neurons, up to a metre long, that form the essential biological cables wiring nervous systems. They must survive, often far away from their cell bodies and up to a century in humans. This requires self-sufficient cell biology including structural proteins, organelles, and membrane trafficking, metabolic, signalling, translational, chaperone, and degradation machinery-all maintaining the homeostasis of energy, lipids, proteins, and signalling networks including reactive oxygen species and calcium. Axon maintenance also involves specialised cytoskeleton including the cortical actin-spectrin corset, and bundles of microtubules that provide the highways for motor-driven transport of components and organelles for virtually all the above-mentioned processes. Here, we aim to provide a conceptual overview of key aspects of axon biology and physiology, and the homeostatic networks they form. This homeostasis can be derailed, causing axonopathies through processes of ageing, trauma, poisoning, inflammation or genetic mutations. To illustrate which malfunctions of organelles or cell biological processes can lead to axonopathies, we focus on axonopathy-linked subcellular defects caused by genetic mutations. Based on these descriptions and backed up by our comprehensive data mining of genes linked to neural disorders, we describe the 'dependency cycle of local axon homeostasis' as an integrative model to explain why very different causes can trigger very similar axonopathies, providing new ideas that can drive the quest for strategies able to battle these devastating diseases.

Migration of Myogenic Cells Is Highly Influenced by Cytoskeletal Septin7

Septin7 as a unique member of the GTP binding protein family, is widely expressed in the eukaryotic cells and considered to be essential in the formation of hetero-oligomeric septin complexes. As a cytoskeletal component, Septin7 is involved in many important cellular processes. However, its contribution in striated muscle physiology is poorly described. In skeletal muscle, a highly orchestrated process of migration is crucial in the development of functional fibers and in regeneration. Here, we describe the pronounced appearance of Septin7 filaments and a continuous change of Septin7 protein architecture during the migration of myogenic cells. In Septin7 knockdown C2C12 cultures, the basic parameters of migration are significantly different, and the intracellular calcium concentration change in migrating cells are lower compared to that of scrambled cultures. Using a plant cytokinin, forchlorfenuron, to dampen septin dynamics, the altered behavior of the migrating cells is described, where Septin7-depleted cells are more resistant to the treatment. These results indicate the functional relevance of Septin7 in the migration of myoblasts, implying its contribution to muscle myogenesis and regeneration.

Neuronal Store-Operated Calcium Channels

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) storage compartment in eukaryotic cells. In most instances, the mobilization of Ca²⁺ from this store is followed by a delayed and sustained uptake of Ca²⁺ through Ca²⁺-permeable channels of the cell surface named store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCCs). This gives rise to a store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) that has been thoroughly investigated in electrically non-excitable cells where it is the principal regulated Ca²⁺ entry pathway. The existence of this Ca²⁺ route in neurons has long been a matter of debate. However, a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the recruitment of Ca²⁺ from neuronal ER Ca²⁺ stores generates a SOCE. The present review summarizes the main studies supporting the presence of a depletion-dependent Ca²⁺ entry in neurons. It also addresses the question of the molecular composition of neuronal SOCCs, their expression, pharmacological properties, as well as their physiological relevance.

Critical points for optimizing long-term culture and neural differentiation capacity of rodent and human neural stem cells to facilitate translation into clinical settings

Despite several decades of research on the nature and functional properties of neural stem cells, which brought great advances in regenerative medicine, there is still a plethora of ambiguous protocols and interpretations linked to their applications. Here, we present a whole spectrum of protocol elements that should be standardized in order to obtain viable cell cultures and facilitate their translation into clinical settings. Additionally, this review also presents outstanding limitations and possible problems to be encountered when dealing with protocol optimization. Most importantly, we also outline the critical points that should be considered before starting any experiments utilizing neural stem cells or interpreting their results.

Septins as membrane influencers: direct play or in association with other cytoskeleton partners

The cytoskeleton comprises three polymerizing structures that have been studied for a long time, actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments, plus more recently investigated dynamic assemblies like septins or the endocytic-sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complex. These filament-forming proteins control several cell functions through crosstalks with each other and with membranes. In this review, we report recent works that address how septins bind to membranes, and influence their shaping, organization, properties and functions, either by binding to them directly or indirectly through other cytoskeleton elements.

CRAC and SK Channels: Their Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Cancer Cell Development

Cancer represents a major health burden worldwide. Several molecular targets have been discovered alongside treatments with positive clinical outcomes. However, the reoccurrence of cancer due to therapy resistance remains the primary cause of mortality. Endeavors in pinpointing new markers as molecular targets in cancer therapy are highly desired. The significance of the co-regulation of Ca²⁺-permeating and Ca²⁺-regulated ion channels in cancer cell development, proliferation, and migration make them promising molecular targets in cancer therapy. In particular, the co-regulation of the Orai1 and SK3 channels has been well-studied in breast and colon cancer cells, where it finally leads to an invasion-metastasis cascade. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered, such as which key molecular components determine and regulate their interplay. To provide a solid foundation for a better understanding of this ion channel co-regulation in cancer, we first shed light on the physiological role of Ca²⁺ and how this ion is linked to carcinogenesis. Then, we highlight the structure/function relationship of Orai1 and SK3, both individually and in concert, their role in the development of different types of cancer, and aspects that are not yet known in this context.

Right place, right time - Spatial guidance of neuronal morphogenesis by septin GTPases

Neuronal morphogenesis is guided by outside-in signals and inside-out mechanisms, which require spatiotemporal precision. How the intracellular mechanisms of neuronal morphogenesis are spatiotemporally controlled is not well understood. Septins comprise a unique GTPase module, which consists of complexes with differential localizations and functions. Septins demarcate distinct membrane domains in neural precursor cells, orienting the axis of cell division and the sites of neurite formation. By controlling the localization of membrane and cytoskeletal proteins, septins promote axon-dendrite formation and polarity. Furthermore, septins modulate vesicle exocytosis at pre-synaptic terminals, and stabilize dendritic spines and post-synaptic densities in a phospho-regulatable manner. We posit that neuronal septins are topologically and functionally specialized for the spatiotemporal regulation of neuronal morphogenesis and plasticity.

The Role of Lipids in CRAC Channel Function

The composition and dynamics of the lipid membrane define the physical properties of the bilayer and consequently affect the function of the incorporated membrane transporters, which also applies for the prominent Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ ion channel (CRAC). This channel is activated by receptor-induced Ca²⁺ store depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and consists of two transmembrane proteins, STIM1 and Orai1. STIM1 is anchored in the ER membrane and senses changes in the ER luminal Ca²⁺ concentration. Orai1 is the Ca²⁺-selective, pore-forming CRAC channel component located in the plasma membrane (PM). Ca²⁺ store-depletion of the ER triggers activation of STIM1 proteins, which subsequently leads to a conformational change and oligomerization of STIM1 and its coupling to as well as activation of Orai1 channels at the ER-PM contact sites. Although STIM1 and Orai1 are sufficient for CRAC channel activation, their efficient activation and deactivation is fine-tuned by a variety of lipids and lipid- and/or ER-PM junction-dependent accessory proteins. The underlying mechanisms for lipid-mediated CRAC channel modulation as well as the still open questions, are presented in this review.

Calcium Ions Aggravate Alzheimer's Disease Through the Aberrant Activation of Neuronal Networks, Leading to Synaptic and Cognitive Deficits

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the production and deposition of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau, leading to the formation of β-amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Although calcium ions (Ca²⁺) promote the formation of APs and NFTs, no systematic review of the mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ affects the development and progression of AD has been published. Therefore, the current review aimed to fill the gaps between elevated Ca²⁺ levels and the pathogenesis of AD. Specifically, we mainly focus on the molecular mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ affects the neuronal networks of neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, neurogenesis, neurotoxicity, neuroprotection, and autophagy. Furthermore, the roles of Ca²⁺ transporters located in the cell membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria and lysosome in mediating the effects of Ca²⁺ on activating neuronal networks that ultimately contribute to the development and progression of AD are discussed. Finally, the drug candidates derived from herbs used as food or seasoning in Chinese daily life are summarized to provide a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of AD.

Deficits Associated With Loss of STIM1 in Purkinje Neurons Including Motor Coordination Can Be Rescued by Loss of Septin 7

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins that can assemble to form heteromeric filamentous complexes and regulate a range of membrane-associated cellular functions. SEPT7, a member of the septin family, functions as a negative regulator of the plasma membrane–localized store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) channel, Orai in Drosophila neurons, and in human neural progenitor cells. Knockdown of STIM, a Ca²⁺ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an integral component of SOCE, leads to flight deficits in Drosophila that can be rescued by partial loss of SEPT7 in neurons. Here, we tested the effect of reducing and removing SEPT7 in mouse Purkinje neurons (PNs) with the loss of STIM1. Mice with the complete knockout of STIM1 in PNs exhibit several age-dependent changes. These include altered gene expression in PNs, which correlates with increased synapses between climbing fiber (CF) axons and Purkinje neuron (PN) dendrites and a reduced ability to learn a motor coordination task. Removal of either one or two copies of the SEPT7 gene in STIM1^KO PNs restored the expression of a subset of genes, including several in the category of neuron projection development. Importantly, the rescue of gene expression in these animals is accompanied by normal CF-PN innervation and an improved ability to learn a motor coordination task in aging mice. Thus, the loss of SEPT7 in PNs further modulates cerebellar circuit function in STIM1^KO animals. Our findings are relevant in the context of identifying SEPT7 as a putative therapeutic target for various neurodegenerative diseases caused by reduced intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling.

Meeting report - the ever-fascinating world of septins

Septins are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into hetero-oligomers. They can interact with each other end-to-end to form filaments, making them the fourth element of the cytoskeleton. To update the current knowledge on the ever-increasing implications of these fascinating proteins in cellular functions, a hundred expert scientists from across the globe gathered from 12 to 15 October 2021 in Berlin for the first hybrid-format (on site and virtual) EMBO workshop Molecular and Cell Biology of Septins.

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.

Molecular Components of Store-Operated Calcium Channels in the Regulation of Neural Stem Cell Physiology, Neurogenesis, and the Pathology of Huntington's Disease

One of the major Ca²⁺ signaling pathways is store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), which is responsible for Ca²⁺ flow into cells in response to the depletion of endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ stores. SOCE and its molecular components, including stromal interaction molecule proteins, Orai Ca²⁺ channels, and transient receptor potential canonical channels, are involved in the physiology of neural stem cells and play a role in their proliferation, differentiation, and neurogenesis. This suggests that Ca²⁺ signaling is an important player in brain development. Huntington’s disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) protein, characterized by the loss of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum. However, recent research has shown that HD is also a neurodevelopmental disorder and Ca²⁺ signaling is dysregulated in HD. The relationship between HD pathology and elevations of SOCE was demonstrated in different cellular and mouse models of HD and in induced pluripotent stem cell-based GABAergic MSNs from juvenile- and adult-onset HD patient fibroblasts. The present review discusses the role of SOCE in the physiology of neural stem cells and its dysregulation in HD pathology. It has been shown that elevated expression of STIM2 underlying the excessive Ca²⁺ entry through store-operated calcium channels in induced pluripotent stem cell-based MSNs from juvenile-onset HD. In the light of the latest findings regarding the role of Ca²⁺ signaling in HD pathology we also summarize recent progress in the in vitro differentiation of MSNs that derive from different cell sources. We discuss advances in the application of established protocols to obtain MSNs from fetal neural stem cells/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and induced neural stem cells and the application of transdifferentiation. We also present recent progress in establishing HD brain organoids and their potential use for examining HD pathology and its treatment. Moreover, the significance of stem cell therapy to restore normal neural cell function, including Ca²⁺ signaling in the central nervous system in HD patients will be considered. The transplantation of MSNs or their precursors remains a promising treatment strategy for HD.

More Than Just Simple Interaction between STIM and Orai Proteins: CRAC Channel Function Enabled by a Network of Interactions with Regulatory Proteins

The calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel, activated by the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is critical for Ca2+ homeostasis and active signal transduction in a plethora of cell types. Spurred by the long-sought decryption of the molecular nature of the CRAC channel, considerable scientific effort has been devoted to gaining insights into functional and structural mechanisms underlying this signalling cascade. Key players in CRAC channel function are the Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1. STIM1 proteins span through the membrane of the ER, are competent in sensing luminal Ca2+ concentration, and in turn, are responsible for relaying the signal of Ca2+ store-depletion to pore-forming Orai1 proteins in the plasma membrane. A direct interaction of STIM1 and Orai1 allows for the re-entry of Ca2+ from the extracellular space. Although much is already known about the structure, function, and interaction of STIM1 and Orai1, there is growing evidence that CRAC under physiological conditions is dependent on additional proteins to function properly. Several auxiliary proteins have been shown to regulate CRAC channel activity by means of direct interactions with STIM1 and/or Orai1, promoting or hindering Ca2+ influx in a mechanistically diverse manner. Various proteins have also been identified to exert a modulatory role on the CRAC signalling cascade although inherently lacking an affinity for both STIM1 and Orai1. Apart from ubiquitously expressed representatives, a subset of such regulatory mechanisms seems to allow for a cell-type-specific control of CRAC channel function, considering the rather restricted expression patterns of the specific proteins. Given the high functional and clinical relevance of both generic and cell-type-specific interacting networks, the following review shall provide a comprehensive summary of regulators of the multilayered CRAC channel signalling cascade. It also includes proteins expressed in a narrow spectrum of cells and tissues that are often disregarded in other reviews of similar topics.

Target Molecules of STIM Proteins in the Central Nervous System

Stromal interaction molecules (STIMs), including STIM1 and STIM2, are single-pass transmembrane proteins that are located predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They serve as calcium ion (Ca²⁺) sensors within the ER. In the central nervous system (CNS), they are involved mainly in Orai-mediated store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). The key molecular components of the SOCE pathway are well-characterized, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulation of this pathway need further investigation. Numerous intracellular target proteins that are located in the plasma membrane, ER, cytoskeleton, and cytoplasm have been reported to play essential roles in concert with STIMs, such as conformational changes in STIMs, their translocation, the stabilization of their interactions with Orai, and the activation of other channels. The present review focuses on numerous regulators, such as Homer, SOCE-associated regulatory factor (SARAF), septin, synaptopodin, golli proteins, partner of STIM1 (POST), and transcription factors and proteasome inhibitors that regulate STIM-Orai interactions in the CNS. Further we describe novel roles of STIMs in mediating Ca²⁺ influx via other than Orai pathways, including TRPC channels, VGCCs, AMPA and NMDA receptors, and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. This review also summarizes recent findings on additional molecular targets of STIM proteins including SERCA, IP₃Rs, end-binding proteins (EB), presenilin, and CaMKII. Dysregulation of the SOCE-associated toolkit, including STIMs, contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease), traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and stroke. Emerging evidence points to the role of STIM proteins and several of their molecular effectors and regulators in neuronal and glial physiology and pathology, suggesting their potential application for future therapeutic strategies.

Orai1 Channels Are Essential for Amplification of Glutamate-Evoked Ca2+ Signals in Dendritic Spines to Regulate Working and Associative Memory

Store-operated Orai1 calcium channels function as highly Ca²⁺-selective ion channels and are broadly expressed in many tissues including the central nervous system, but their contributions to cognitive processing are largely unknown. Here, we report that many measures of synaptic, cellular, and behavioral models of learning are markedly attenuated in mice lacking Orai1 in forebrain excitatory neurons. Results with focal glutamate uncaging in hippocampal neurons support an essential role of Orai1 channels in amplifying NMDA-receptor-induced dendritic Ca²⁺ transients that drive activity-dependent spine morphogenesis and long-term potentiation at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Consistent with these signaling roles, mice lacking Orai1 in pyramidal neurons (but not interneurons) exhibit striking deficits in working and associative memory tasks. These findings identify Orai1 channels as essential regulators of dendritic spine Ca²⁺ signaling, synaptic plasticity, and cognition.

The state of the septin cytoskeleton from assembly to function

Septins are conserved guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that polymerize into filaments at the cell cortex or in association with other cytoskeletal proteins, such as actin or microtubules. As integral players in many morphogenic and signaling events, septins form scaffolds important for the recruitment of the cytokinetic machinery, organization of the plasma membrane, and orientation of cell polarity. Mutations in septins or their misregulation are associated with numerous diseases. Despite growing appreciation for the importance of septins in different aspects of cell biology and disease, septins remain relatively poorly understood compared with other cytoskeletal proteins. Here in this review, we highlight some of the recent developments of the last two years in the field of septin cell biology.