Calmodulin and calmodulin-binding proteins in liver cell nuclei

Most calbindin-immunoreactive neurons, but few calretinin-immunoreactive neurons, express the m1 acetylcholine receptor in the middle temporal visual area of the macaque monkey

INTRODUCTION

Release of the neuromodulator acetylcholine into cortical circuits supports cognition, although its precise role and mechanisms of action are not well understood. Little is known about functional differences in cholinergic modulatory effects across cortical model systems, but anatomical evidence suggests that such differences likely exist because, for example, the expression of cholinergic receptors differs profoundly both within and between species.

METHODS

In the primary visual cortex (V1) of macaque monkeys, cholinergic receptors are strongly expressed by inhibitory interneurons. Using dual-immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, we examine m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expression by two subclasses of inhibitory interneurons-identified by their expression of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin and calretinin-in the middle temporal extrastriate area (MT) of the macaque.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We find that the majority of calbindin-immunoreactive neurons (55%) and only few calretinin-immunoreactive neurons (10%) express the m1 acetylcholine receptor. These results differ from the pattern observed in V1 of the same species, lending further support to the notion that cholinergic modulation in the cortex is tuned such that different cortical compartments will respond to acetylcholine release in different ways.

The anti-apoptotic effect of regucalcin is mediated through multisignaling pathways

Regucalcin (RGN/SMP30) was originally discovered in 1978 as a calcium-binding protein that does not contain the EF-hand motif of as a calcium-binding domain. The name, regucalcin, was proposed for this calcium-binding protein, which can regulate various Ca²⁺-dependent enzymes activation in liver cells. The regucalcin gene is localized on the X chromosome, and its expression is mediated through many signaling factors. Regucalcin plays a pivotal role in regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in various cell types. Regucalcin also has a suppressive effect on various signaling pathways from the cytoplasm to nucleus in proliferating cells and regulates nuclear function in including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. Overexpression of endogenous regucalcin was found to suppress apoptosis in modeled rat hepatoma cells and normal rat kidney proximal epithelial NRK52 cells induced by various signaling factors. Suppressive effect of regucalcin on apoptosis is related to inhibition of nuclear Ca²⁺-activated DNA fragmentation, Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide synthase, caspase-3, Bax, cytochrome C, protein tyrosine kinase, protein tyrosine phosphatase in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Moreover, regucalcin stimulates Bcl-2 mRNA expression and depresses enhancement of caspase-3, Apaf-1 and Akt-1 mRNAs expression. This review discusses that regucalcin plays a pivotal role in rescue of apoptotic cell death, which is mediated through various signaling factors.

Role of regucalcin in cell nuclear regulation: involvement as a transcription factor

Regucalcin (RGN/SMP30) was discovered in 1978 as a calcium (Ca(2+))-binding protein that contains no EF-hand motif of the Ca(2+)-binding domain. The name of regucalcin was proposed for this Ca(2+)-binding protein, which can regulate various Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme activations in liver cells. The regucalcin gene is localized on the X chromosome. Regucalcin plays a multifunctional role in cell regulation through maintaining intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and suppressing signal transduction in various cell types. The cytoplasmic regucalcin is translocated into the nucleus and inhibits nuclear Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent protein kinases and protein phosphatases, Ca(2+)-activated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation and DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. Moreover, overexpression of endogenous regucalcin regulates the gene expression of various proteins that are related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. This review will discuss the role of regucalcin in the regulation of cell nuclear function and an involvement in gene expression as a novel transcription factor.

The transcriptional regulation of regucalcin gene expression

Regucalcin, which is discovered as a calcium-binding protein in 1978, has been shown to play a multifunctional role in many tissues and cell types; regucalcin has been proposed to play a pivotal role in keeping cell homeostasis and function for cell response. Regucalcin and its gene are identified in over 15 species consisting of regucalcin family. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of regucalcin from vertebrate species is highly conserved in their coding region with throughout evolution. The regucalcin gene is localized on the chromosome X in rat and human. The organization of rat regucalcin gene consists of seven exons and six introns and several consensus regulatory elements exist upstream of the 5'-flanking region. AP-1, NF1-A1, RGPR-p117, β-catenin, and other factors have been found to be a transcription factor in the enhancement of regucalcin gene promoter activity. The transcription activity of regucalcin gene is enhanced through intracellular signaling factors that are mediated through the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of nuclear protein in vitro. Regucalcin mRNA and its protein are markedly expressed in the liver and kidney cortex of rats. The expression of regucalcin mRNA in the liver and kidney cortex has been shown to stimulate by hormonal factors (including calcium, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, insulin, estrogen, and dexamethasone) in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA expression is enhanced in the regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy of rats in vivo. The expression of regucalcin mRNA in the liver and kidney with pathophysiological state has been shown to suppress, suggesting an involvement of regucalcin in disease. Liver regucalcin expression is down-regulated in tumor cells, suggesting a suppressive role in the development of carcinogenesis. Liver regucalcin is markedly released into the serum of rats with chemically induced liver injury in vivo. Serum regucalcin has a potential sensitivity as a specific biochemical marker of chronic liver injury with hepatitis. Regucalcin has been proposed to be a key molecule in cellular regulation and metabolic disease.

Epidermal growth factor receptor and DNA double strand break repair: the cell's self-defence

The purpose of this review is to discuss the relation between the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB)--the main lethal lesion inflicted by ionising radiation-and the function of receptors of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and similar ligands (other members of the ERBB family). The reviewed experimental data support the assumption that in mammalian cells, one consequence of EGFR/ERBB activation by X-rays is its internalisation and nuclear translocation together with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) subunits present in lipid rafts or cytoplasm. The effect of EGFR/ERBB stimulation on DSB rejoining would be due to an increase in the nuclear content of DNA-PK subunits and hence, in activity increase of the DNA-PK dependent non-homologous end-joining (D-NHEJ) system. Such mechanism explains the radiosensitising action of "membrane-active drugs", hypertonic media, and other agents that affect nuclear translocation of proteins. Also, one radiosensitising effect of the recently introduced into clinical practice EGFR/ERBB inhibitors would consist on counteracting the nuclear translocation of DNA-PK subunits. In result, D-NHEJ may be less active in inhibitor-treated cells and this will contribute to an enhanced lethal effect of irradiation. The reviewed observations point to a heretofore not understood mechanism of the cell's self-defence against X-rays which can be exploited in combined radio- and chemotherapy.

Role of endogenous regucalcin in nuclear regulation of regenerating rat liver: suppression of the enhanced ribonucleic acid synthesis activity

The role of endogenous regucalcin in the regulation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis activity in the nucleus of normal and regenerating rat livers was investigated. Nuclear RNA synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [(3)H]-uridine 5'-triphosphate into the nuclear RNA in vitro. The presence of regucalcin (0.25 or 0.5 microM) in the reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in nuclear RNA synthesis of normal rat liver. alpha-Amanitin (10(-8)-10(-6) M), an inhibitor of RNA polymerase II and III, decreased significantly nuclear RNA synthesis activity. The effect of regucalcin (0.25 microM) in decreasing nuclear RNA synthesis activity was not seen in the presence of alpha-amanitin (10(-6) M). The calcium chloride (10 microM)-increased nuclear RNA synthesis activity was significantly suppressed by the addition of regucalcin (0.25 microM). RNA synthesis activity was significantly enhanced in the nuclei of regenating rat liver obtained at 24, 48, or 72 h after partial hepatectomy. This enhancement was significantly inhibited in the presence of PD98059 (10(-5) M), staurosporine (10(-6) M), or vanadate (10(-3) M). Western analysis of the nuclei of regenerating liver obtained at 24, 48, or 72 h after partial hepatectomy showed a significant increase in regucalcin protein as compared with that of sham-operated rats. The presence of anti-regucalcin monoclonal antibody (25 or 50 ng/ml) in the reaction mixture caused a significant increase in nuclear RNA synthesis activity of normal rat liver. This increase was completely blocked by the addition of regucalcin (1.0 microM). The effect of anti-regucalcin monoclonal antibody (50 ng/ml) in increasing nuclear RNA synthesis activity was significantly enhanced in the nuclei of regenerating liver obtained at 24, 48, or 72 h after partial hepatectomy. This enhancement was significantly suppressed by the addition of alpha-amanitin (10(-6) M), PD98059 (10(-5) M), staurosporine (10(-6) M), or vanadate (10(-3) M) in the reaction mixture. The present study demonstrates that endogenous regucalcin has a suppressive effect on the enhancement of RNA synthesis activity in the nucleus of regenerating rat liver with proliferative cells.

Cmk2, a novel serine/threonine kinase in fission yeast

The cmk2 gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes a 504 amino acid protein kinase with sequence homology with the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase family. The cmk2(+) gene is not essential for cell viability but overexpression of cmk2(+) blocks the cell cycle at G2 phase and this inhibition is cdc2-dependent. The Cmk2 is a cytoplasmic protein expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner, peaking at the G1/S boundary. Overexpression of Cmk2 suppresses fission yeast DNA replication checkpoint defects but not DNA damage checkpoint defects, suggesting that the G2 cell cycle arrest mediated by high levels of Cmk2 provides sufficient time to correct DNA replication alterations.

Suppressive effect of endogenous regucalcin on guanosine triphosphatase activity in rat liver nucleus

The effect of regucalcin, a regulatory protein of Ca2+ signaling, on guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity in the nuclei of rat liver was investigated. GTPase activity was significantly increased by the addition of CaCl2 (50 microm) in the enzyme reaction mixture. This increase was not seen in the presence of trifluoperazine (25 microM), an antagonist of calmodulin, which could decrease nuclear GTPase activity, suggesting that nuclear endogenous calmodulin is involved in an increase in the enzyme activity related to Ca2+ addition. The presence of regucalcin (0.5 microM) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in nuclear GTPase activity. The enzyme activity was significantly raised in the presence of anti-regucalcin monoclonal antibody (25 and 50 ng/ml) in the reaction mixture. This increase was completely abolished by the addition of regucalcin (0.5 microM). Also, the effect of regucalcin addition in increasing nuclear GTPase activity was seen in the presence of EGTA (0.1 mM), a chelator of Ca2+. The present study demonstrates that endogenous regucalcin has a suppressive effect on GTPase activity in the nuclei of rat liver.

The role of regucalcin in nuclear regulation of regenerating liver

Regucalcin was discovered in 1978 as a Ca(2+)-binding protein that does not contain EF-hand motif of Ca(2+)-binding domain [Yamaguchi, M., and Yamamoto T., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 26, 1915-1918, 1978]. The name regucalcin was proposed for this Ca(2+)-binding protein, which can regulate liver cell functions related to Ca(2+). Regucalcin has been demonstrated to play a multifunctional role in liver and kidney cells, for which regucalcin mRNA expression and its protein content are pronounced. Hepatic regucalcin mRNA expression has been shown to be mediated through signaling pathway of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, and tyrosine kinase. AP-1- and NF-1-like factors can bind to the promotor region of the rat regucalcin gene to mediate the Ca(2+) response for transcriptional activation. Growing evidence supports the view, moreover, that regucalcin plays an important role in the regulation of Ca(2+) signaling from the cytoplasm to nuclei in the proliferative cells of regenerating rat liver. Also, regucalcin has been demonstrated to be transported to liver nucleus, and it can inhibit nuclear protein kinase, protein phosphatase, and DNA and RNA synthesis in regenerating liver. Regucalcin plays a physiologic role in the control for overexpression of proliferative cells. Regucalcin has been proposed to be an important regulatory protein in nuclear signaling system.

Differential association of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 with cyclin E-CDK2 during rat liver regeneration

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The cell cycle inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 regulate liver regeneration by modulating the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). However, the specific role of these inhibitors in the regulation of CDK2 activity during liver regeneration remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 with cyclin E-CDK2 and cyclin A-CDK2 complexes during rat liver regeneration and to correlate the association of both inhibitors with CDK2 activity.

METHODS

The association of p21Cip1 or p27Kip1 with cyclin E-CDK2 or cyclin A-CDK2 and the activities of these complexes were analyzed by immunoprecipitation of rat liver homogenates obtained at different times after a partial hepatectomy (PH), followed by Western blotting or kinase assays.

RESULTS

High amounts of p27Kip1 bound to cyclin E-CDK2 were observed during the first 13 h after PH, when CDK2 activity was very low. At 24 h, when CDK2 activity was maximal, the amount of bound-p27Kip1 decreased strongly. The amount of p21Cip1 bound to these complexes was low during the first 13 h but subsequently increased. No cyclin A-CDK2 complexes were found during the first 13 h after PH. At 24 h, complexes containing low levels of both inhibitors were detected and at 28 h, a significant increase in p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 associated with cyclin A-CDK2 was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

p27Kip1 acts as a brake on cyclin E-CDK2 activity during the first 13 h after a PH. Both p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 down-regulate cyclin A-CDK2 activity at 28 h after PH, after its maximal activation.

Role of endogenous regucalcin in the regulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in rat liver nuclei

The role of endogenous regucalcin in the regulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase, a Ca(2+) sequestrating enzyme, in rat liver nuclei was investigated. Nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was significantly reduced by the addition of regucalcin (0.1-0.5 microM) into the enzyme reaction mixture. The presence of anti-regucalcin monoclonal antibody (25 or 50 ng/ml) caused a significant elevation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity; this effect was completely abolished by the addition of regucalcin (0.1 microM). The effect of anti-regucalcin antibody (50 ng/ml) in increasing Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was completely prevented by the presence of thapsigargin (10(-6) M), an inhibitor of Ca(2+) sequestrating enzyme, N-ethylmaleimide (1 mM), a modifying reagent of thiol groups, or vanadate (10(-5) M), an inhibitor of phosphorylation of the enzyme by ATP, which revealed an inhibitory effect on nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. Meanwhile, the effect of anti-regucalcin antibody (50 ng/ml) was significantly enhanced by the addition of calmodulin (5 microg/ml), which could increase nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. In addition, the effect of antibody (50 ng/ml) was significantly reduced by the presence of trifluoperazine (20 microM), an antagonist of calmodulin. These results suggest that the endogenous regucalcin in liver nuclei has a suppressive effect on nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, and that regucalcin can inhibit an activating effect of calmodulin on the enzyme.

Role of regucalcin in calcium signaling

Regucalcin was discovered in 1978 as a calcium-binding protein that does not contain EF-hand motif of Ca(2+)-binding domain [M. Yamaguchi and T. Yamamoto, Chem. Pharm. Bull. 26 1915-1918 (1978)]. In recent years, regucalcin has been demonstrated to play an important role as a regulatory protein in Ca2+ signaling in rat liver and kidney cells. The organization of the rat regucalcin gene consists of seven exons and six introns. The mRNA is mainly present in liver and kidney with a size of 1.8 kb. Hepatic regucalcin mRNA expression has been shown to be stimulated by various factors including calcium, calcitonin, insulin, and estrogen in rats. The mRNA is also expressed in hepatoma cells (Morris hepatoma, HepG2, and rat hepatoma H4-II-E cells). Regucalcin plays a role in the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis due to activating Ca2+ pump enzymes in the plasma membrane (basolateral membrane) and microsomes of liver and renal cortex cells. Moreover, regucalcin has an inhibitory effect on the activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzymes and protein kinase C. Also, regucalcin has been demonstrated to regulate nuclear function in liver cells; it can inhibit Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation, DNA and RNA synthesis, protein kinase and protein phosphatase activities in the nuclei. Such an effect is also seen in the nuclei of regenerating rat liver. Regucalcin may play a physiological role in the control for overexpression of proliferative cells. Regucalcin has been proposed to be an important regulatory protein in Ca2+ signaling system, and it plays a multifunctional role in liver and kidney cells.

Decrease in protein kinase and phosphatase activities in the liver nuclei of rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride

The alteration in protein kinase and phosphatase activities in the liver nuclei of rats administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) was investigated. Rats received a single oral administration of CCl(4) (1 ml/100 g body wt of 5, 10, and 25% CCl(4) in corn oil), and 5, 24, and 48 h later they were euthanized by bleeding. The administration of CCl(4) (10 and 25%) caused a significant decrease in protein kinase activity in the liver nuclei. The enzyme activity in the liver nuclei from normal and CCl(4)-administered rats was significantly increased by the addition of Ca(2+) (0.5 mM) and calmodulin (10 microg/ml) in the reaction mixture, suggesting that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activation is not suppressed by CCl(4) treatment. Liver nuclear phosphatase activity toward phosphotyrosine, but not phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, was markedly decreased by CCl(4) (5, 10, and 25%) administration. This decrease was seen 5 h after CCl(4) administration. The presence of vanadate (10(-4) M) in the reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity in the liver nuclei from normal and CCl(4)-administered rats, whereas the enzyme activity was not decreased by okadaic acid (10(-5) M) or sodium fluoride (10(-3) M). The effect of anti-regucalcin antibody (100 ng/ml) in increasing phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity was seen in the liver nuclei of CCl(4)-administered rats, suggesting that regucalcin-sensitive phosphatase activity is decreased by CCl(4) administration. The present study demonstrates that CCl(4) administration induces a decrease in protein kinase and tyrosine phosphatase activities, which are involved in signaling factors in the liver nuclei of rats.

Activation of cdk4 and cdk2 during rat liver regeneration is associated with intranuclear rearrangements of cyclin-cdk complexes

Partial hepatectomy (PH) triggers the entry of rat liver cells into the cell cycle. The signals leading to cell-cycle activation converge into a family of kinases named cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks). Specific cyclin-cdk complexes are sequentially activated during the cell cycle. Cyclin D-cdk4 and cyclin E-cdk2 are activated during the G1 phase, cyclin A-cdk2 is activated during the S phase, and cyclin B-cdk1 during mitosis. In the present study, we have examined the timing of the activation of cdk4 and cdk2, the intracellular location of G1/S cyclins and cdks, and the relationship between location and cdk4 and cdk2 activities during rat liver regeneration after a PH. Results showed that the activity of both kinases started at 13 hours and showed maximal levels at 24 hours after hepatectomy. In quiescent cells, cyclin D3 and cdk4 were cytoplasmatic, whereas cyclin D1 was nuclear. At 5 hours after hepatectomy, cyclin D3 and cdk4 began to move into the nucleus, and at 13 hours, they were mostly nuclear. During the first 13 hours after hepatectomy, significant amounts of cyclin D1-cdk4 and cyclin D3-cdk4 complexes were formed, but they were mostly inactive. At 24 hours, these complexes were maximally activated. This activation was associated with the accumulation of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cdk4 in a nuclear subfraction extractable with nucleases. At 28 hours, the activity of cdk4 in this nuclear subfraction decreased when cyclin D1 moved from this fraction to the nuclear matrix (NM) and the levels of cyclin D3 diminished. The maximal activation of cdk2 at 24 hours was also associated with the accumulation of cyclin E, cyclin A, and cdk2 in this nuclease-sensitive fraction. The inactivation of cdk2 at 28 hours was associated with a strong decrease in cdk2 in this nuclear subfraction. Thus, results reported here indicate that the activation of cdk4 and cdk2 observed in rat liver cells after a PH is associated with a specific intranuclear location of these cdks and their associated cyclins.

Role of calcium-binding protein regucalcin in regenerating rat liver

Regucalcin is a novel calcium-binding protein which does not contain EF-hand motif as a Ca²⁺ -binding domain. The organization of the rat regucalcin gene consists of seven exons and six introns. Its mRNA is mainly present in liver but slightly in kidney with a size of 1.8 kb. Hepatic regucalcin mRNA expression is stimulated by various factors including calcium, calcitonin, insulin, and oestrogen in rats. The mRNA is also expressed in hepatoma cells (Morris hepatoma and HepG2). Regucalcin plays a role in the maintenance of cytosolic Ca²⁺ homeostasis in liver cells. Moreover, regucalcin has an inhibitory effect on Ca²⁺ /calmodulin-dependent enzyme activation, protein kinase C activation, and many Ca²⁺ -activated enzymes, indicating a role in the regulation of the Ca²⁺ -signalling system. Recently, regucalcin has been demonstrated to regulate nuclear function in liver cells. Regucalcin can inhibit Ca²⁺ -activated nuclear DNA fragmentation in rat isolated liver nuclei. Furthermore, the liver nuclear DNA and RNA syntheses are inhibited by regucalcin. Such an effect of regucalcin is also seen in the nuclei of regenerating rat liver. The regucalcin mRNA level is increased in regenerating liver. These findings suggest that regucalcin plays a regulatory role in the suppression for overexpression of proliferative cells.

The prooncoprotein EWS binds calmodulin and is phosphorylated by protein kinase C through an IQ domain

A growing family of proteins is regulated by protein kinase C and calmodulin through IQ domains, a regulatory motif originally identified in neuromodulin (Alexander, K. A., Wakim, B. T., Doyle, G. S., Walsh, K. A., and Storm, D. R. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 7544-7549). Here we report that EWS, a nuclear RNA-binding prooncoprotein, contains an IQ domain, is phosphorylated by protein kinase C, and interacts with calmodulin. Interestingly, PKC phosphorylation of EWS inhibits its binding to RNA homopolymers, and conversely, RNA binding to EWS interferes with PKC phosphorylation. Several other RNA-binding proteins, including TLS/FUS and PSF, co-purify with EWS. PKC phosphorylation of these proteins also inhibits their binding to RNA in vitro. These data suggest that PKC may regulate interactions of EWS and other RNA-binding proteins with their RNA targets and that IQ domains may provide a regulatory link between Ca2+ signal transduction pathways and RNA processing.

The autoantigen La/SSB is a calmodulin-binding protein

The work reported here has been directed to the identification of new nuclear calmodulin-binding proteins. To achieve this goal, nuclei from rat hepatocytes were purified and a fraction enriched in DNA- and RNA-binding proteins was extracted using DNase I and RNase A. Calmodulin-binding proteins present in this nuclear subfraction were purified by chromatography using first a DEAE-Sephacel column and subsequently a calmodulin-Sepharose column. Four major polypeptides of 118, 107, 48 and 45 kDa were found to bind to the calmodulin column in a Ca(2+)-dependent way. [125I]-calmodulin overlay analysis confirmed that the proteins of 118, 48 and 45 kDa are calmodulin-binding proteins. These proteins bind single-stranded and also double-stranded DNA. A partial amino acid sequence obtained from the 48 kDa protein revealed a 100% identity with the La/SSB protein, an autoantigen implicated in several autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, Western blot analysis and experiments of binding to poly(U), also supports the identity of p48 as La/SSB. CaM and La/SSB protein colocalize in the heterochromatinic regions within the nucleus of rat hepatocytes. Preincubation of La/SSB with calmodulin in the presence of Ca2+ resulted in an increase in the binding of ssDNA to La/SSB, suggesting that calmodulin can play a role in the regulation of the association of La/SSB with DNA.

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor is the major calmodulin-binding protein in an endosome fraction from rat liver enriched in recycling receptors

Rat liver endosomes contain one major high-affinity calmodulin-binding protein (CaMBP) that now has been identified as the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). In isolated endosomes pIgR was enriched in the receptor-recycling compartment (RRC); lesser enrichment was found in 'early' endosome (CURL) and much less in 'late' endosome fractions (multivesicular bodies, MVB). The distribution of the major CaMBP, shown by Western blotting or by overlay with I125-calmodulin in the isolated fractions, was consistent with rapid accumulation of I125-immunoglobulin A (IgA) in RRC and CURL after intravenous injection into rats. The receptor was also found in sinusoidal plasma membranes but not in cell fractions containing apical (bile canalicular) or lateral plasma membrane domains of the hepatocyte. The interaction of pIgR with calmodulin was shown by direct binding assays and by affinity chromatography. Thus, calmodulin is the first cytoplasmic protein shown to interact with the pIgR. We postulate that calmodulin regulates pIgA trafficking in rat liver. In addition, the receptor recycling fraction emerges as an endosomal subcompartment involved in pIgA transport via pIgR.

Calmodulin binds to the basolateral targeting signal of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

We have identified a major calmodulin (CaM)-binding protein in rat liver endosomes using 125I-CaM overlays from two-dimensional protein blots. Immunostaining of blots demonstrates that this protein is the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). We further investigated the interaction between pIgR and CaM using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing cloned wild-type and mutant pIgR. We found that detergent-solubilized pIgR binds to CaM-agarose in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion, and binding is inhibited by the addition of excess free CaM or the CaM antagonist W-13 (N-(4-aminobutyl)-5-chloro-2-naphthalenesulfonamide), suggesting that pIgR binding to CaM is specific. Furthermore, pIgR is the most prominent 35S-labeled CaM-binding protein in the detergent phase of Triton X-114-solubilized, metabolically labeled pIgR-expressing Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. CaM can be chemically cross-linked to both solubilized and membrane-associated pIgR, suggesting that binding can occur while the pIgR is in intact membranes. The CaM binding site is located in the membrane-proximal 17-amino acid segment of the pIgR cytoplasmic tail. This region of pIgR constitutes an autonomous basolateral targeting signal. However, binding of CaM to various pIgR mutants suggests that CaM binding is not necessary for basolateral targeting. We suggest that CaM may be involved in regulation of pIgR transcytosis and/or signaling by pIgR.

The nuclear matrix: a structural milieu for genomic function

While significant progress has been made in elucidating molecular properties of specific genes and their regulation, our understanding of how the whole genome is coordinated has lagged behind. To understand how the genome functions as a coordinated whole, we must understand how the nucleus is put together and functions as a whole. An important step in that direction occurred with the isolation and characterization of the nuclear matrix. Aside from the plethora of functional properties associated with these isolated nuclear structures, they have enabled the first direct examination and molecular cloning of specific nuclear matrix proteins. The isolated nuclear matrix can be used for providing an in vitro model for understanding nuclear matrix organization in whole cells. Recent development of high-resolution and three-dimensional approaches for visualizing domains of genomic organization and function in situ has provided corroborative evidence for the nuclear matrix as the site of organization for replication, transcription, and post-transcriptional processing. As more is learned about these in situ functional sites, appropriate experiments could be designed to test molecular mechanisms with the in vitro nuclear matrix systems. This is illustrated in this chapter by the studies of nuclear matrix-associated DNA replication which have evolved from biochemical studies of in vitro nuclear matrix systems toward three-dimensional computer image analysis of replication sites for individual genes.

Effect of nuclear Ca2+ uptake inhibitors on Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation in rat liver nuclei

The effect of nuclear Ca2+ uptake inhibitors on the Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation in rat liver nuclei was investigated. The addition of Ca2+ (40 microM) into the reaction mixture containing liver nuclei in the presence of 2.0 mM ATP caused a remarkable increase in nuclear DNA fragmentation. This Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation was not seen in the absence of ATP, because nuclear Ca2+ uptake is not initiated without ATP addition. Moreover, the presence of various reagents (10 microM arachidonic acid, 2.0 mM NAD+, 10 microM zinc sulfate and 0.2 mM N-ethylmaleimide), which could inhibit Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and Ca2+ uptake in the nuclei, produced a significant inhibition of the Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation in the nuclei. The results show that the Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation is involved in the uptake of Ca2+ by the nuclei, suggesting a role of Ca2+ transport system in the regulation of liver nuclear functions.

Enhancement of nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in regenerating rat liver: involvement of nuclear DNA increase

The alteration of calcium content, Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, DNA content and DNA fragmentation in the nuclei of regenerating rat liver was investigated. Liver was surgically removed about 70% of that of sham-operated rats. The reduced liver weight by partial hepatectomy was completely restored at 3 days after the surgery. Regenerating liver significantly increased Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and DNA content in the nuclei between 1 and 5 days after hepatectomy. The nuclear calcium content was clearly increased from 2 days after hepatectomy. The increase of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in regenerating liver was clearly inhibited by the presence of trifluoperazine (10 microM), staurosporine (2.5 microM) and dibucaine (10 microM), which are inhibitors of calmodulin and protein kinase, in the enzyme reaction mixture. However, the nuclear enzyme activity in normal rat liver was not significantly altered by these inhibitors. Meanwhile, the increase of nuclear DNA content in regenerating liver was completely blocked by the administration of trifluoperazine (2.5 mg/100 g body weight), suggesting an involvement of calmodulin. Now, the nuclear DNA fragmentation was significantly decreased in regenerating liver, suggesting that this decrease is partly contributed to the increase in nuclear DNA content. The present study clearly demonstrates that regenerating liver enhances nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and induces a corresponding elevation of nuclear calcium content. This Ca(2+)-signaling system may be involved in the regulation of nuclear DNA functions in regenerating rat liver.

Nuclear calmodulin/62 kDa calmodulin-binding protein complexes in interphasic and mitotic cells

We report here that a 62 kDa calmodulin-binding protein (p62), recently identified in the nucleus of rat hepatocytes, neurons and glial cells, consists of four polypeptides showing pI values between 5.9 and 6.1. By using a DNA-binding overlay assay we found that the two most basic of the p62 polypeptides bind both single- and double-stranded DNA. The intranuclear distribution of calmodulin and p62 was analysed in hepatocytes and astrocyte precursor cells, and in proliferating and differentiated astrocytes in primary cultures by immunogold-labeling methods. In non-dividing cells nuclear calmodulin was mostly localized in heterochromatin although it was also present in euchromatin and nucleoli. A similar pattern was observed for p62, with the difference that it was not located in nucleoli. p62/calmodulin complexes, mainly located over heterochromatin domains were also observed in interphasic cells. These complexes remained associated with the nuclear matrix after in situ sequential extraction with nucleases and high-salt containing buffers. In dividing cells, both calmodulin and p62 were found distributed over all the mitotic chromosomes but the p62/calmodulin aggregates were disrupted. These results suggest a role for calmodulin and p62 in the condensation of the chromatin.

Mechanical signalling, calcium and plant form

Calcium is a dynamic signalling molecule which acts to transduce numerous signals in plant tissues. The basis of calcium signalling is outlined and the necessity for measuring and imaging of calcium indicated. Using plants genetically transformed with a cDNA for the calcium-sensitive luminescent protein, aequorin, we have shown touch and wind signals to immediately increase cytosol calcium. Touch and wind signal plant cells mechanically, through tension and compression of appropriate cells. Many plant tissues and cells are very sensitive to mechanical stimulation and the obvious examples of climbing plants, insectivorous species as well as other less well-known examples are described. Touch sensing in these plants may be a simple evolutionary modification of sensitive mechanosensing system present in every plant. The possibility that gravitropism may be a specific adaptation of touch sensing is discussed. There is a growing appreciation that plant form may have a mechanical basis. A simple mechanical mechanism specifying spherical, cylindrical and flat-bladed structures is suggested. The limited morphological variety of plant tissues may also reflect mechanical specification. The article concludes with a discussion of the mechanisms of mechanical sensing, identifying integrin-like molecules as one important component, and considers the specific role of calcium.

Effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat liver nuclei

The effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in rat liver nuclei was investigated. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was calculated by subtracting Mg(2+)-ATPase activity from (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. The nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was significantly increased by the presence of PMA (2-20 microM) in the enzyme reaction mixture; the maximum effect was seen at 10 microM. The PMA (10 microM)-increased Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was not blocked by the presence of staurosporine (2 microM) or dibucaine (2 and 10 microM), an inhibitor of protein kinase. Meanwhile, vanadate (20 and 100 microM) caused a significant reduction in the nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity increased by PMA (10 microM). The present finding suggests that PMA has an activating effect on liver nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase independent of protein kinase.

Calcium/calmodulin inhibition of basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor domains

The ubiquitous Ca(2+)-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) is a key protein in Ca2+ homeostasis and activation of eukaryotic cells. CaM is the molecular link between free Ca2+ in the cell and the inhibition, or activation, of numerous enzymes. Many nuclear functions are under Ca2+/CaM control, and some transcriptional activators are known to be Ca2+ modulated indirectly through Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinases. But Ca2+/CaM has not yet been found to directly modulate any transcription factor or other DNA-binding protein. Transcription factors of the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) group are important regulators in numerous systems. Here we report that binding of Ca(2+)-loaded CaM to the bHLH domains of several bHLH proteins directly inhibits their DNA binding. Other bHLH proteins are either less sensitive or resistant. Ca2+ ionophore selectively inhibits transcriptional activation by Ca2+/CaM-sensitive bHLH proteins in vivo, implying that Ca2+ can directly influence transcription through differential CaM inhibition of bHLH domains.

Involvement of Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine 5'-triphosphatase in the Ca2+ releasing mechanism of rat liver nuclei

The regulatory role of Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine 5'-triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) in Ca2+ transport system of rat liver nuclei was investigated. Ca2+ uptake and release were determined with a Ca2+ electrode. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was calculated by subtracting Mg(2+)-ATPase activity from (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity. The release of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-loaded nuclei was evoked progressively after Ca2+ uptake with 1.0 mM ATP addition, while it was only slightly in the case of 2.0 mM ATP addition, indicating that the consumption of ATP causes a leak of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-loaded nuclei. The presence of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; 0.1 mM) caused an inhibition of nuclear Ca2+ uptake and induced a promotion of Ca2+ release from the Ca(2+)-loaded nuclei. NEM (0.1 and 0.2 mM) markedly inhibited nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. This inhibition was completely blocked by the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT; 0.1 and 0.5 mM). Also, DTT inhibited the effect of NEM (0.1 mM) on nuclear Ca2+ uptake and release. Meanwhile, verapamil and diltiazem (10 microM), a blocker of Ca2+ channels, did not prevent the NAD+ (1.0 and 2.0 mM), zinc sulfate (1.0 and 2.5 microM) and arachidonic acid (10 microM)-induced increase in nuclear Ca2+ release, suggesting that Ca2+ channels do not involve on Ca2+ release from the nuclei. These results indicates that an inhibition of nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity causes the decrease in nuclear Ca2+ uptake and the release of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-loaded nuclei. The present finding suggests that Ca(2+)-ATPase plays a critical role in the regulatory mechanism of Ca2+ uptake and release in rat liver nuclei.

Subcellular Ca(2+)-gradients in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle

The free calcium concentrations in nucleus ([Ca2+]n) and in cytoplasm ([Ca2+]c) of cultured A7r5 smooth muscle were estimated by confocal laser microscopy using the Ca(2+)-indicator Indo-1. Upon stimulation with 5 microM vasopressin (AVP) a cytosolic Ca2+ gradient was observed whereby the highest increase was observed in the subplasmalemmal region. The maximal nuclear Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]n) attained a lower level than that in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]c > [Ca2+]n). After the initial rise, a second sustained change of the Ca2+ level was found and the initial gradient ([Ca2+]c > [Ca2+]n) was preserved. In Ca(2+)-free solution containing 2 mM EGTA the maximal [Ca2+]c value after AVP stimulation was significantly lower than in the Ca(2+)-containing solution, but it remained higher than [Ca2+]n which was the same in both conditions. The initial Ca2+ rise was followed by a monoexponential decline. When the influx of Ca2+ through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels was blocked, the maximal and steady state values of [Ca2+]c but not of [Ca2+]n were lower as compared to the values in non-treated cells. Preincubation with 10 microM verapamil and 2 mM Ni2+ resulted in initial [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]n rises which were not significantly different from the levels found in the absence of Ni2+, but the sustained phase was absent in both compartments. The differential effect with [Ca2+]c > [Ca2+]n was not observed if 1 nM AVP was applied instead of 5 microM AVP. The results indicate that cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ stores behave differently with respect to their dependence on the agonist concentration and also with respect to the effect of Ca(2+)-entry mechanisms.

Characterization of Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine 5'-triphosphatase and Ca2+ sequestering in rat liver nuclei

The role of Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine 5'-triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) in Ca2+ sequestering of rat liver nuclei was investigated. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was calculated by subtracting Mg(2+)-ATPase activity from (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity. Ca2+ uptake and release were determined with a Ca2+ electrode. Nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity increased linearly in the range of 10-40 microM Ca2+ addition. With those concentrations, Ca2+ was completely taken up by the nuclei dependently on ATP (2 mM). Nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was decreased significantly by the presence of arachidonic acid (25 and 50 microM), nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD+; 2 mM) and zinc sulfate (2.5 and 5.0 microM). These reagents caused a significant decrease in the nuclear Ca2+ uptake and a corresponding elevation in Ca2+ release from the nuclei. Moreover, calmodulin (10 micrograms/ml) increased significantly nuclear Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, and this increase was not seen in the presence of trifluoperazine (10 microM), an antagonist of calmodulin. The present findings suggest that Ca(2+)-ATPase plays a role in Ca2+ sequestering by rat liver nuclei, and that calmodulin is an activator. Moreover, the inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase may evoke Ca2+ release from the Ca(2+)-loaded nuclei.

Identification and characterization of nuclear calmodulin-binding proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Nuclear calmodulin-binding proteins of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated. The soluble fractions after serial treatments of the isolated nuclei with buffers containing the nonionic detergent NP-40 (F1), 0.5 M KCl (F2) and 2.0 M KCl (F3) in this order, and the residual proteins (F4) were obtained. The calmodulin-binding proteins of the nucleus and nuclear subfractions were identified using the gel overlay method using 125I-calmodulin. Each subnuclear fraction contained a large number of components that bound calmodulin in a Ca(2+)-dependent or -independent manners. The calmodulin-binding proteins were isolated from F1 and F2 subnuclear fractions by affinity chromatography. The affinity-purified proteins bound calmodulin in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner when analyzed using the gel overlay method. The major calmodulin-binding components of F1 were 44, 42, 36, 32 and 29 kDa proteins, and those of F2 were 200, 100, 40, 42, 36, 34 and 32 kDa proteins. The isolated proteins also contained several Coomassie-blue stained proteins that did not bind calmodulin and, therefore, may represent the proteins associated with the calmodulin-binding proteins. Antisera raised against the affinity-purified preparation of F1 and F2 recognized almost all of the calmodulin-binding proteins present in the fraction and several other proteins of the nucleus. The presence of Ca(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase (type 2B) in the nucleus was demonstrated by Western blotting. The enzyme was localized predominantly in F1 and F4.

Integrin receptor-mediated mobilisation of intranuclear calcium in rat osteoclasts

Cell-matrix interactions have been shown to play an important role in regulating cell function and behaviour. In bone, where calcified matrix formation and resorption events are required to be in dynamic equilibrium, regulation of adhesive interactions between bone cells and their matrix is critical. The present study focuses on the osteoclast, the bone resorbing cell, as well as integrins, which are cell surface adhesion receptors that mediate osteoclast attachment to bone matrix. In osteoclasts, the most abundant integrin receptor is the vitronectin receptor (VNR, alpha v beta 3). The objective of the study was to investigate changes in intracellular calcium, a regulator of osteoclast function, following addition of peptides that bind integrins, in particular the alpha v beta 3 form of the vitronectin receptor (VNR), which is highly expressed in osteoclasts. The study demonstrated a unique spatial localisation of the calcium signal in response to cell membrane receptor occupancy by integrin ligands in rat osteoclasts. Addition of peptides with the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence such as BSP-IIA, GRGDSP and GRGDS to rat osteoclasts evoked an immediate increase in free calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i, localised to the nuclei and to the thin cytoplasmic skirt. These responses were inhibited by F11, a monoclonal antibody to the rat integrin beta 3 chain, as well as echistatin, a snake venom shown to colocalise with the alpha v chain in osteoclasts, suggesting that the calcium signal is mediated by the alpha v beta 3 form of VNR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotides on Ca2+ transport system in rat liver nuclei: stimulation of Ca2+ release by NAD+

The effect of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotides (NAD+ and NADP+) on Ca2+ transport in rat liver nuclei was investigated. Ca2+ uptake and release were determined with a Ca2+ electrode. Ca2+ uptake was dependent on adenosine triphosphate (ATP; 2 mM). The presence of NAD+ (2 mM) or NADP+ (1 and 2 mM) caused a significant inhibition of Ca2+ uptake following addition of 2 mM ATP. Ca2+, which accumulated in the nuclei during 6 min after ATP addition, was significantly released by the addition of NAD+ (0.5-2 mM) or NADP+ (0.1-2 mM). However, the effect of NADH (2 mM) or NADPH (2 mM) on Ca2+ uptake and release clearly weakened in comparison with the effects of NAD+ and NADP+. Meanwhile, ryanodine (10 microM), thapsigargin (10 microM) or oxalate (0.5 mM) had no effect on Ca2+ uptake and release in rat liver nuclei. These reagents did not significantly alter the effects of 2 mM NAD+ on Ca2+ uptake and release. Thus, NAD+ and NADP+ had a potent effect on Ca2+ transport in rat liver nuclei. The present findings suggest that the liver cytosolic NAD+ (NADP+) is a factor in the regulation of the nuclear Ca2+ concentration.

Regulatory effect of arachidonic acid on the calcium transport system in rat liver nuclei

The effect of arachidonic acid (AA) on Ca2+ transport in rat liver nuclei was investigated. Ca2+ uptake and release were determined with a Ca2+ electrode. Ca2+ uptake increased dependent on ATP (0.5-2.0 mM), while uptake was negligible in the presence of 2.0 mM ADP or AMP. AA (10-100 microM) caused a marked inhibition of Ca2+ uptake following the addition of 2.0 mM ATP. Also, Ca2+, which accumulated in the nuclei during 6 min after ATP addition, was clearly released by the addition of AA (10-100 microM). The alterations were concentration dependent. The nuclear Ca2+ uptake and release were not altered significantly by the presence of prostaglandin E2 (10 and 20 microM), prostaglandin H2 (1 and 4 microM), thromboxane B2 (1 and 4 microM), leukotriene A4 (1 and 4 microM), Ins(1,4,5)P3 (1 and 10 microM) or dibutyryl cAMP (10 and 50 microM). Only, 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) at 4 microM caused a significant inhibition of nuclear Ca2+ uptake and an appreciable increase in Ca2+ release; the 1 microM concentration had no effect. These results indicate that AA, one of the prostanoids, has a unique effect on Ca2+ uptake and release in rat liver nuclei. The finding suggests that AA has a regulatory effect on the Ca2+ transport system in liver nuclei.

Nuclear calmodulin-binding proteins in rat neurons

By using a 125I-calmodulin overlay assay, three major high-affinity calmodulin-binding proteins, showing apparent molecular masses of 135, 60, and 50 kDa, have been detected in purified nuclear fractions isolated from rat neurons. It has been shown that after extraction of the nuclei with nucleases and high salt, all these proteins remain strongly associated with the nuclear matrix. The 60- and 50-kDa proteins have been previously identified as subunits of the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. We report here the immunoblot identification of the 135-kDa calmodulin-binding protein as myosin light chain kinase. We also show that the calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin is present in the neuronal nuclei and associated with the nuclear matrix. The nuclear localization of both calcineurin and myosin light chain kinase has been confirmed by immunocytochemical studies.

Regulatory effects of zinc and copper on the calcium transport system in rat liver nuclei. Relation to SH groups in the releasing mechanism

In isolated hepatic nuclei, the heavy metals Zn2+ and Cu2+ (10 microM) inhibited Ca2+ uptake and caused a prompt release of Ca2+ from preloaded nuclei in a concentration-dependent manner, with Zn2+ being more effective than Cu2+. The sulfhydryl group reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) protected the nuclei from the effects of heavy metals; DDT (1 mM) almost completely blocked Zn(2+)- or Cu(2+)-induced Ca2+ release and inhibition of Ca2+ uptake. The sulfhydryl modifying reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; 0.2 mM) also caused Ca2+ release, but it did not have an appreciable effect on Ca2+ uptake. Furthermore, in the presence of NEM heavy metals did not evoke Ca2+ release. The present study demonstrates that Zn2+ and Cu2+ have a stimulatory effect on Ca2+ release from isolated rat liver nuclei, and that the SH group may play an important role in the Ca(2+)-releasing mechanism in liver nuclei.

Expression of hepatic calcium-binding protein regucalcin mRNA is mediated through Ca2+/calmodulin in rat liver

The effect of signal transduction-related factors was investigated to clarify the expression mechanism for mRNA of the hepatic Ca(2+)-binding protein regucalcin in the liver of rats. The change of regucalcin mRNA levels was analyzed by Northern blotting using liver regucalcin cDNA (0.6 kb). A single intraperitoneal administration of calcium chloride (15 mg Ca2+: 0.374 mmol/100 g body weight) to rats induced a remarkable increase of regucalcin mRNA in liver; the level was about 170% of controls at 30 min after administration. This increase was completely inhibited by simultaneous administration of trifluoperazine (5.0 mg/100 g), an antagonist of calmodulin. On the other hand, a single intraperitoneal administration of phorbol ester or dibutyryl cAMP (10-1,000 micrograms/100 g) did not cause a significant alteration of hepatic regucalcin mRNA levels. Also, administration of zinc, copper and cadmium (0.374 mmol of metal ion/100 g) did not have an appreciable effect on hepatic regucalcin mRNA levels. These findings demonstrate that the expression of hepatic regucalcin mRNA is mediated through Ca2+/calmodulin.

Calcium and signal transduction in plants

Environmental and hormonal signals control diverse physiological processes in plants. The mechanisms by which plant cells perceive and transduce these signals are poorly understood. Understanding biochemical and molecular events involved in signal transduction pathways has become one of the most active areas of plant research. Research during the last 15 years has established that Ca2+ acts as a messenger in transducing external signals. The evidence in support of Ca2+ as a messenger is unequivocal and fulfills all the requirements of a messenger. The role of Ca2+ becomes even more important because it is the only messenger known so far in plants. Since our last review on the Ca2+ messenger system in 1987, there has been tremendous progress in elucidating various aspects of Ca(2+) -signaling pathways in plants. These include demonstration of signal-induced changes in cytosolic Ca2+, calmodulin and calmodulin-like proteins, identification of different Ca2+ channels, characterization of Ca(2+) -dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) both at the biochemical and molecular levels, evidence for the presence of calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, and increased evidence in support of the role of inositol phospholipids in the Ca(2+) -signaling system. Despite the progress in Ca2+ research in plants, it is still in its infancy and much more needs to be done to understand the precise mechanisms by which Ca2+ regulates a wide variety of physiological processes. The purpose of this review is to summarize some of these recent developments in Ca2+ research as it relates to signal transduction in plants.

Calcium ion homeostasis in smooth muscle

Ca2+ plays an important role in the regulation of smooth-muscle contraction. In this review, we will focus on the various Ca(2+)-transport processes that contribute to the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Mainly the functional aspects will be covered. The smooth-muscle inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor will be extensively discussed. Smooth-muscle contraction also depends on extracellular Ca2+ and both voltage- and Ca(2+)-release-activated plasma-membrane Ca2+ channels will be reviewed. We will finally discuss some functional properties of the Ca2+ pumps that remove Ca2+ from the cytoplasm and of the Ca2+ regulation of the nucleus.