Pertussis toxin- and PMA-insensitive calcium mobilization by sphingosine in CFPAC-1 cells: evidence for a phosphatidic acid-dependent mechanism

Sphingosine 1-phosphate signalling in mammalian cells

Sphingosine 1-phosphate is formed in cells in response to diverse stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, G-protein-coupled receptor agonists, antigen, etc. Its production is catalysed by sphingosine kinase, while degradation is either via cleavage to produce palmitaldehyde and phosphoethanolamine or by dephosphorylation. In this review we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the role of the enzymes involved in metabolism of this lysolipid. Sphingosine 1-phosphate can also bind to members of the endothelial differentiation gene (EDG) G-protein-coupled receptor family [namely EDG1, EDG3, EDG5 (also known as H218 or AGR16), EDG6 and EDG8] to elicit biological responses. These receptors are coupled differentially via G(i), G(q), G(12/13) and Rho to multiple effector systems, including adenylate cyclase, phospholipases C and D, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. These signalling pathways are linked to transcription factor activation, cytoskeletal proteins, adhesion molecule expression, caspase activities, etc. Therefore sphingosine 1-phosphate can affect diverse biological responses, including mitogenesis, differentiation, migration and apoptosis, via receptor-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, sphingosine 1-phosphate has been proposed to play an intracellular role, for example in Ca(2+) mobilization, activation of non-receptor tyrosine kinases, inhibition of caspases, etc. We review the evidence for both intracellular and extracellular actions, and extensively discuss future approaches that will ultimately resolve the question of dual action. Certainly, sphingosine 1-phosphate will prove to be unique if it elicits both extra- and intra-cellular actions. Finally, we review the evidence that implicates sphingosine 1-phosphate in pathophysiological disease states, such as cancer, angiogenesis and inflammation. Thus there is a need for the development of new therapeutic compounds, such as receptor antagonists. However, identification of the most suitable targets for drug intervention requires a full understanding of the signalling and action profile of this lysosphingolipid. This article describes where the research field is in relation to achieving this aim.

Changes in sphingolipid levels induced by epidermal growth factor in osteoblastic cells. Effects of these metabolites on cytosolic calcium levels

Sphingolipids mediate a number of cellular functions in a variety of cell systems. The role they play in osteoblast signaling is yet unknown. This study investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the levels of ceramide, sphingosine (SPH), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in rat calvariae osteoblastic cells, and whether these metabolites mediated cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization in these cells. EGF significantly (P<0.05) increased the levels of all three sphingolipids, and the phorbol ester PMA partially inhibited these effects. SPH and S1P markedly increased [Ca2+]i levels, with thapsigargin (depletes [Ca2+]i pools) decreasing the response by 60%. Verapamil (calcium channel blocker) only inhibited ceramide's effects on [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, SPH enhanced the EGF' induced increase in [Ca2+]i. This study demonstrates that ceramide, SPH and S1P mediate [Ca2+]i mobilization in rat calvarial osteoblastic cells, and that EGF induces changes in the levels of these metabolites with PKC playing an important role in the mechanisms regulating these events.

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine and sphingosine-1-phosphate mobilize cytosolic calcium through different mechanisms in human airway epithelial cells

The sphingosine derivatives sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) caused a similar elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in an immortalized airway epithelial cell line (CFNP9o-) incubated in Ca(2+)-free medium. The maximal effect was obtained with 2 microM SPC and 0.1 microM S1P and was sensitive to pre-incubation with pertussis toxin, indicating the involvement of a Gi/G(o) type of G protein. In Ca2+ containing medium, [Ca2+]i elevation by SPC was significantly higher than that by S1P, due to the fact that SPC was able to stimulate Mn2+ entry, whereas S1P was ineffective. SPC, but not S1P, caused a dose-dependent production of total inositol phosphates. Conversely, S1P, but not SPC, increased the level of phosphatidic acid. These findings suggest the presence of two distinct receptors, specific for SPC and S1P, respectively. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by SPC makes cells unable to respond to a subsequent addition of S1P. Conversely, cells do respond to SPC after a challenge with S1P, suggesting that the two receptors likely share one or more intracellular signalling component(s).