Lysophosphatidylcholine, a component of atherogenic lipoproteins, induces the change of calcium mobilization via TRPC ion channels in cultured human corporal smooth muscle cells

Phospholipases and Reactive Oxygen Species Derived Lipid Biomarkers in Healthy and Diseased Humans and Animals - A Focus on Lysophosphatidylcholine

Phospholipids (PL) are converted into lipid biomarkers by the action of phospholipases and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are activated or released under certain physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, the in vivo concentration of such lipid biomarkers [e.g., lysophospholipids (LPLs)] is altered in humans and animals under different conditions such as inflammation, stress, medication, and nutrition. LPLs are particularly interesting because they are known to possess pro- and anti-inflammatory properties and may be generated by two different pathways: either by the influence of phospholipase A₂ or by different reactive oxygen species that are generated in significant amounts under inflammatory conditions. Both lead to the cleavage of unsaturated acyl residues. This review provides a short summary of the mechanisms by which lipid biomarkers are generated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The focus will be on lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) because usually, this is the LPL species which occurs in the highest concentration and is, thus, easily detectable by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Finally, the effects of lipid biomarkers as signaling molecules and their roles in different human and animal pathologies such as infertility, cancer, atherosclerosis, and aging will be shortly discussed.

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) Channels: Then and Now

Twenty-five years ago, the first mammalian Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) channel was cloned, opening the vast horizon of the TRPC field. Today, we know that there are seven TRPC channels (TRPC1-7). TRPCs exhibit the highest protein sequence similarity to the Drosophila melanogaster TRP channels. Similar to Drosophila TRPs, TRPCs are localized to the plasma membrane and are activated in a G-protein-coupled receptor-phospholipase C-dependent manner. TRPCs may also be stimulated in a store-operated manner, via receptor tyrosine kinases, or by lysophospholipids, hypoosmotic solutions, and mechanical stimuli. Activated TRPCs allow the influx of Ca2+ and monovalent alkali cations into the cytosol of cells, leading to cell depolarization and rising intracellular Ca2+ concentration. TRPCs are involved in the continually growing number of cell functions. Furthermore, mutations in the TRPC6 gene are associated with hereditary diseases, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The most important recent breakthrough in TRPC research was the solving of cryo-EM structures of TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, and TRPC6. These structural data shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying TRPCs' functional properties and propelled the development of new modulators of the channels. This review provides a historical overview of the major advances in the TRPC field focusing on the role of gene knockouts and pharmacological tools.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis in THP-1 derived macrophages

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a major component of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, is associated with atherosclerosis, obesity, stroke, and cancer. However, the direction and mechanism of this relationship remains unclear. In this study, we conducted RNA profiling in THP-1 derived macrophages treated with LPC and uncovered a relationship between LPC and the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Principal component analysis (PCA) of RNA profiling showed that untreated THP-1 cells and those treated with 10, 20, or 40 µM LPC were distinctly distributed. Functional annotation revealed that LPC affected the expression of genes involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling, and MAPK signaling. Interestingly, LPC also altered the expression of 11 genes involved in cholesterol synthesis such as those in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis pathways. This increased gene expression occurred in a dose-dependent manner in response to LPC treatment. Especially, LPC with saturated acyl groups enhanced the expression of these genes compared to LPC with unsaturated acyl groups, and similar results were shown in response to saturated and unsaturated free fatty acids. Our findings demonstrate that LPCs with saturated acyl groups induce the expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and may have implications for cholesterol related diseases.

Potential therapeutic value of transient receptor potential channels in male urogenital system

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprise a family of cation channels implicated in a variety of cellular processes including light, mechanical or chemical stimuli, temperature, pH, or osmolarity. TRP channel proteins are a diverse family of proteins that are expressed in many tissues. We debated our recent knowledge about the expression, function, and regulation of TRP channels in the different parts of the male urogenital system in health and disease. Emerging evidence suggests that dysfunction of TRP channels significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of urogenital diseases. So far, there are many efforts underway to determine if these channels can be used as drug targets to reverse declines in male urogenital function. Furthermore, developing safe and efficacious TRP channel modulators is warranted for male urogenital disorders in a clinical setting.

TRPC1/TRPC3 channels mediate lysophosphatidylcholine-induced apoptosis in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscles cells

The earlier study showed that lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) induced apoptosis in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs); however, the related molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study investigated how lysoPC induces apoptosis in cultured human coronary artery SMCs using cell viability assay, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biological approaches. We found that lysoPC reduced cell viability in human coronary artery SMCs by eliciting a remarkable Ca2+ influx. The effect was antagonized by La3+, SKF-96365, or Pyr3 as well as by silencing TRPC1 or TRPC3. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that TRPC1 and TRPC3 had protein-protein interaction. Silencing TRPC1 or TRPC3 countered the lysoPC-induced increase of Ca2+ influx and apoptosis, and the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and decrease of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the survival kinase pAkt. These results demonstrate the novel information that TRPC1/TRPC3 channels mediate lysoPC-induced Ca2+ influx and apoptosis via activating the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and inhibiting the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the survival kinase pAkt in human coronary artery SMCs, which implies that TRPC1/TRC3 channels may be the therapeutic target of lysoPC-induced disorders such as atherosclerosis.

The regulation of transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) channel by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor via the cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate

The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily consists of a diverse group of cation channels that bear structural similarities to the fruit fly Drosophila TRP. The TRP superfamily is distinct from other groups of ion channels in displaying a large diversity in ion selectivity, modes of activation, and physiological functions. Classical TRP (transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)) channels are activated by stimulation of Gq-PLC-coupled receptors and modulated by phosphorylation. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-PKG pathway is involved in the regulation of TRPC3 and TRPC6 channels. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitor induced muscle relaxation in corporal smooth muscle cells and was used to treat erectile dysfunction by inhibiting cGMP degradation. Here, we report the functional relationship between TRPC4 and cGMP. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells overexpressing TRPC4, cGMP selectively activated TRPC4 channels and increased cytosolic calcium level through TRPC4 channel. We investigated phosphorylation sites in TRPC4 channels and identified S688 as an important phosphorylation site for the cGMP-PKG pathway. Cyclic GMP also activated TRPC4-like current with doubly rectifying current-voltage relationship in prostate smooth muscle cell lines. Taken together, these results show that TRPC4 is phosphorylated by the cGMP-PKG pathway and might be an important target for modulating prostate function by PDE5 inhibitors.

Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced cytotoxicity in osteoblast-like MG-63 cells: involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channels

Epidemiological studies indicate that patients suffering from atherosclerosis are predisposed to develop osteoporosis. Accordingly, atherogenic determinants such as oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) particles have been shown to alter bone cell functions. In this work, we investigated the cytotoxicity of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), a major phospholipid component generated upon LDL oxidation, on bone-forming MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Cell viability was reduced by lysoPC in a concentration-dependent manner with a LC50 of 18.7±0.7 μM. LysoPC-induced cell death was attributed to induction of both apoptosis and necrosis. Since impairment of intracellular calcium homeostasis is often involved in mechanism of cell death, we determined the involvement of calcium in lysoPC-induced cytotoxicity. LysoPC promoted a rapid and transient increase in intracellular calcium attributed to mobilization from calcium stores, followed by a sustained influx. Intracellular calcium mobilization was associated to phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent mobilization of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum since inhibition of PLC or calcium depletion of reticulum endoplasmic with thapsigargin prevented the calcium mobilization. The calcium influx induced by lysoPC was abolished by inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels with ruthenium red whereas gadolinium, which inhibits canonical TRP (TRPC) channels, was without effect. Accordingly, expression of TRPV2 and TRPV4 were shown in MG-63 cells. The addition of TRPV2 inhibitor Tranilast in the incubation medium prevent the calcium influx triggered by lysoPC and reduced lysoPC-induced cytotoxicity whereas TRPV4 inhibitor RN 1734 was without effect, which confirms the involvement of TRPV2 activation in lysoPC-induced cell death.

Comprehensive RNA-Seq expression analysis of sensory ganglia with a focus on ion channels and GPCRs in Trigeminal ganglia

The specific functions of sensory systems depend on the tissue-specific expression of genes that code for molecular sensor proteins that are necessary for stimulus detection and membrane signaling. Using the Next Generation Sequencing technique (RNA-Seq), we analyzed the complete transcriptome of the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult mice. Focusing on genes with an expression level higher than 1 FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads), we detected the expression of 12984 genes in the TG and 13195 in the DRG. To analyze the specific gene expression patterns of the peripheral neuronal tissues, we compared their gene expression profiles with that of the liver, brain, olfactory epithelium, and skeletal muscle. The transcriptome data of the TG and DRG were scanned for virtually all known G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as well as for ion channels. The expression profile was ranked with regard to the level and specificity for the TG. In total, we detected 106 non-olfactory GPCRs and 33 ion channels that had not been previously described as expressed in the TG. To validate the RNA-Seq data, in situ hybridization experiments were performed for several of the newly detected transcripts. To identify differences in expression profiles between the sensory ganglia, the RNA-Seq data of the TG and DRG were compared. Among the differentially expressed genes (> 1 FPKM), 65 and 117 were expressed at least 10-fold higher in the TG and DRG, respectively. Our transcriptome analysis allows a comprehensive overview of all ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed in trigeminal ganglia and provides additional approaches for the investigation of trigeminal sensing as well as for the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of pain.

Boar seminal plasma exosomes: effect on sperm function and protein identification by sequencing

Mammalian seminal plasma contains membranous vesicles (exosomes), with a high content of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and a complex protein composition. Their physiological role is uncertain because sperm stabilization and activation effects have been reported. To analyze a putative modulatory role for semen exosomes on sperm activity in the boar, the effects of these vesicles on several sperm functional parameters were examined. Additionally, boar exosome proteins were sequenced and their incorporation into sperm was explored. Boar sperm were incubated under conditions that induce capacitation, manifested as increased tyrosine phosphorylation, cholesterol loss and greater fluidity in apical membranes, and the ability to undergo the lysophosphatidylcholine-induced acrosome reaction. After establishing this cluster of capacitation-dependent functional parameters, the effect produced by exosomes when present during or after sperm capacitation was analyzed. Exosomes inhibited the capacitation-dependent cholesterol efflux and fluidity increase in apical membranes, and the disappearance of a 14-kD phosphorylated polypeptide. In contrast, the acrosome reaction (spontaneous and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced) was not affected, and sperm binding to the oocyte zona pellucida was reduced only when vesicles were present during gamete coincubation. Liposomes with a lipid composition similar to that present in exosomes mimicked these effects, except the one on zona pellucida binding. Interaction between exosomes and sperm was confirmed by transfer of aminopeptidase activity. In addition, the major exosome protein, identified as actin, appeared to associate with sperm after coincubation. Exosome composition had a predominance for structural proteins (actin, plastin, ezrin, and condensin), enzymes, and several porcine seminal plasma-specific polypeptides (e.g., spermadhesins). Transfer of proteins from exosome to sperm and their ability to block cholesterol efflux supports a direct interaction between these vesicles and sperm, whereas inhibition of some capacitation-dependent features suggests a stabilizing function for exosomes in boar semen.

Integration of transient receptor potential canonical channels with lipids

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are the canonical (C) subset of the TRP proteins, which are widely expressed in mammalian cells. They are thought to be primarily involved in determining calcium and sodium entry and have wide-ranging functions that include regulation of cell proliferation, motility and contraction. The channels are modulated by a multiplicity of factors, putatively existing as integrators in the plasma membrane. This review considers the sensitivities of TRPC channels to lipids that include diacylglycerols, phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate, lysophospholipids, oxidized phospholipids, arachidonic acid and its metabolites, sphingosine-1-phosphate, cholesterol and some steroidal derivatives and other lipid factors such as gangliosides. Promiscuous and selective lipid sensing have been detected. There appear to be close working relationships with lipids of the phospholipase C and A₂ enzyme systems, which may enable integration with receptor signalling and membrane stretch. There are differences in the properties of each TRPC channel that are further complicated by TRPC heteromultimerization. The lipids modulate activity of the channels or insertion in the plasma membrane. Lipid microenvironments and intermediate sensing proteins have been described that include caveolae, G protein signalling, SEC14-like and spectrin-type domains 1 (SESTD1) and podocin. The data suggest that lipid sensing is an important aspect of TRPC channel biology enabling integration with other signalling systems.

Modulation of nonselective cation current by oxidized LDL and lysophosphatidylcholine and its inhibitory contribution to endothelial damage

AIMS

This study examined the effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its major lipid constituent lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on nonselective cation (NSC) current and its inhibitory contribution to LPC-induced cytotoxicity in cultured human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs).

MAIN METHODS

Patch-clamp technique and the resazurin-based cell viability assay were used.

KEY FINDINGS

In voltage-clamped cells, oxidized LDL or LPC slowly activated NSC current. NSC current was also activated by loading cells with Ca(2+) solution buffered at various concentrations using a patch pipette or by applying the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump blocker 2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), the metabolic inhibitor CN(-) or the hydroperoxide donor tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). On the contrary, when intracellular Ca(2+) was strongly buffered with 12mM BAPTA or cells were loaded with superoxide dismutase using a patch pipette, LPC or BHQ did not activate NSC current. Furthermore, NSC current activated by LPC, TBHP or CN(-) was inhibited by the antioxidant tempol or extracellular Ca(2+) depletion and NSC current activated by intracellular Ca(2+) was further augmented by oxidized LDL or LPC. LPC or oxidized LDL released Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and further enhanced store-operated Ca(2+) entry. LPC-induced cytotoxicity was augmented by inhibiting Ca(2+) influx and NO synthesis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidized LDL or its main component LPC activated Ca(2+)-permeable NSC current via releasing Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and producing ROS and thereby increased Ca(2+) influx. Ca(2+) influx through NSC channel might protect endothelial cells by producing NO.

TRPC channel lipid specificity and mechanisms of lipid regulation

TRPC channels are a subset of the transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins widely expressed in mammalian cells. They are thought to be primarily involved in determining calcium or sodium entry and have broad-ranging functions that include regulation of cell proliferation, motility and contraction. The channels do not respond to a single stimulator but rather are activated or modulated by a multiplicity of factors, potentially existing as integrators at the plasma membrane. This review considers the sensitivity of TRPCs to lipid factors, with focus on sensitivities to diacylglycerols, lysophospholipids, arachidonic acid and its metabolites, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), cholesterol and derivatives, and other lipid factors such as gangliosides. Promiscuous and selective lipid-sensing are apparent. In many cases the lipids stimulate channel function or increase insertion of channels in the membrane. Both direct and indirect (receptor-dependent) lipid effects are evident. Although information is limited, the lipid profiles are consistent with TRPCs having close working relationships with phospholipase C and A2 enzymes. We need much more information about lipid-sensing by TRPCs if we are to fully appreciate its significance, but the available data suggest that lipid-sensing is a key, but not exclusive, aspect of TRPC biology.

Lysophospholipids stimulate prostate cancer cell migration via TRPV2 channel activation

The physiological role, the mechanisms of activation, as well as the endogenous regulators for the non-selective cationic channel TRPV2 are not known so far. In the present work we report that endogenous lysophospholipids such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) induce a calcium influx via TRPV2 channel. This activation is dependent on the length of the side-chain and the nature of the lysophospholipid head-group. TRPV2-mediated calcium uptake stimulated by LPC and LPI occurred via Gq/Go-protein and phosphatidylinositol-3,4 kinase (PI3,4K) signalling. We have shown that the mechanism of TRPV2 activation induced by LPC and LPI is due to the TRPV2 channel translocation to the plasma membrane. The activation of TRPV2 channel by LPC and LPI leads to an increase in the cell migration of the prostate cancer cell line PC3. We have demonstrated that TRPV2 is directly involved in both steady-state and lysophospholipid-stimulated cancer cell migration. Thus, for the first time, we have identified one of the natural regulators of TRPV2 channel, one of the mechanisms of TRPV2 activation and regulation, as well as its pathophysiological role in cancer.

Lysophospholipid signaling in the function and pathology of the reproductive system

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are two prominent signaling lysophospholipids (LPs) exerting their functions through a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This review covers current knowledge of the LP signaling in the function and pathology of the reproductive system.

METHODS

PubMed was searched up to May 2008 for papers on lysophospholipids/LPA/S1P/LPC/SPC in combination with each part of the reproductive system, such as testis/ovary/uterus.

RESULTS

LPA and SIP are found in significant amounts in serum and other biological fluids. To date, 10 LP receptors have been identified, including LPA(1-5) and S1P(1-5). In vitro and in vivo studies from the past three decades have demonstrated or suggested the physiological functions of LP signaling in reproduction, such as spermatogenesis, male sexual function, ovarian function, fertilization, early embryo development, embryo spacing, implantation, decidualization, pregnancy maintenance and parturition, as well as pathological roles in ovary, cervix, mammary gland and prostate cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Receptor knock-out and other studies indicate tissue-specific and receptor-specific functions of LP signaling in reproduction. More comprehensive studies are required to define mechanisms of LP signaling and explore the potential use as a therapeutic target.

Elucidation of a TRPC6-TRPC5 channel cascade that restricts endothelial cell movement

Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are opened by classical signal transduction events initiated by receptor activation or depletion of intracellular calcium stores. Here, we report a novel mechanism for opening TRPC channels in which TRPC6 activation initiates a cascade resulting in TRPC5 translocation. When endothelial cells (ECs) are incubated in lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), rapid translocation of TRPC6 initiates calcium influx that results in externalization of TRPC5. Activation of this TRPC6-5 cascade causes a prolonged increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) that inhibits EC movement. When TRPC5 is down-regulated with siRNA, the lysoPC-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) is shortened and the inhibition of EC migration is lessened. When TRPC6 is down-regulated or EC from TRPC6(-/-) mice are studied, lysoPC has minimal effect on [Ca(2+)](i) and EC migration. In addition, TRPC5 is not externalized in response to lysoPC, supporting the dependence of TRPC5 translocation on the opening of TRPC6 channels. Activation of this novel TRPC channel cascade by lysoPC, resulting in the inhibition of EC migration, could adversely impact on EC healing in atherosclerotic arteries where lysoPC is abundant.

Rho kinase is involved in Ca2+ entry of rat penile small arteries

Tonic physiological activity of RhoA/Rho kinase contributes to the maintenance of penile flaccidity through its involvement in the Ca(2+) sensitization of erectile tissue smooth muscle. The present study hypothesized that Rho kinase is also involved in the modulation of Ca(2+) entry induced by alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation of penile arteries. Rat penile arteries were mounted in microvascular myographs for simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) and force. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 markedly reduced norepinephrine-mediated electrically induced contractions and the increases in both [Ca(2+)](i) and tension elicited by the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (Phe). In contrast, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro-31-8220 reduced tension without altering the Phe-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). In the presence of nifedipine, Y-27632 still inhibited the non-L-type Ca(2+) signal and blunted Phe contraction. Y-27632 did not impair the capacitative Ca(2+) entry evoked by store depletion with cyclopiazonic acid but largely reduced the Ba(2+) influx stimulated by Phe in fura-2 AM-loaded arteries. The addition of Y-27632 to arteries depolarized with high KCl markedly reduced tension without changing [Ca(2+)](i). In alpha-toxin-permeabilized penile arteries stimulated with threshold Ca(2+) concentrations, Y-27632 inhibited the sensitization induced by either guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) or Phe in the presence of GTPgammaS. However, Y-27632 failed to alter contractions induced by a maximal concentration of free Ca(2+). These results suggest that Rho kinase, besides its contribution to the Ca(2+) sensitization of the contractile proteins, is also involved in the regulation of Ca(2+) entry through a nonselective cation channel activated by alpha(1)-adenoceptor stimulation in rat penile arteries.

Lysophosphatidylcholine potentiates Ca2+ influx, pore formation and p44/42 MAP kinase phosphorylation mediated by P2X7 receptor activation in mouse microglial cells

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated ion channel highly expressed in microglia. P2X7R plays important roles in inflammatory responses in the brain. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating its functions in microglia. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), an inflammatory phospholipid that promotes microglial activation, may have some relevance to P2X7R signaling in terms of microglial function. In this study, we examined its effects on P2X7R signaling in a mouse microglial cell line (MG6) and primary microglia. LPC facilitated the sustained increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) through P2X7R channels activated by ATP or BzATP. The potentiated increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was actually inhibited by P2X7R antagonists, brilliant blue G and oxidized ATP. The potentiating effect of LPC was not observed with P2Y receptor systems, which are also expressed in MG6 cells. G2A, a receptor for LPC, was expressed in MG6 cells, but not involved in the facilitating effect of LPC on the P2X7R-mediated change in [Ca(2+)](i). Furthermore, LPC enhanced the P2X7R-associated formation of membrane pores and the activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results suggest that LPC may regulate microglial functions in the brain by enhancing the sensitivity of P2X7R.

Calcium Influx and Mitochondrial Alterations at Synapses Exposed to Snake Neurotoxins or Their Phospholipid Hydrolysis Products

Snake presynaptic phospholipase A2 neurotoxins (SPANs) bind to the presynaptic membrane and hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine with generation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and fatty acid (FA). The LysoPC+FA mixture promotes membrane fusion, inducing the exocytosis of the ready-to-release synaptic vesicles. However, also the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles disappears from nerve terminals intoxicated with SPAN or LysoPC+FA. Here, we show that LysoPC+FA and SPANs cause a large influx of extracellular calcium into swollen nerve terminals, which accounts for the extensive synaptic vesicle release. This is paralleled by the change of morphology and the collapse of membrane potential of mitochondria within nerve bulges. These results complete the picture of events occurring at nerve terminals intoxicated by SPANs and define the LysoPC+FA lipid mixture as a novel and effective agonist of synaptic vesicle release.

Regulation of eosinophil adhesion by lysophosphatidylcholine via a non-store-operated Ca2+ channel

We examined the mechanism by which lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) regulates beta2-integrin-mediated adhesion of eosiniophils. Eosinophils were isolated from blood of mildly atopic volunteers by negative immunomagnetic selection. beta2-integrin-dependent adhesion of eosinophils to plated bovine serum albumin (BSA) was measured by residual eosinophil peroxidase activity. LPC caused maximal adhesion of eosinophils to plated BSA at 4 microM. Lysophosphatidylinositol, which has a similar molecular shape, mimicked the effect of LPC on eosinophil adhesion, while neither lysophosphatidylserine nor lysophosphatidylethanolamine had any effect. Phosphatidylethanolamine, a lipid that has a molecular orientation that is the inverse of LPC, blocked eosinophil adhesion caused by LPC. Unlike platelet-activating factor, a G-protein-coupled receptor agonist, LPC did not cause Ca2+-store depletion, but caused increased Ca2+ influx upon addition of Ca2+ to extracellular medium. This influx was not inhibited by U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, demonstrating independence from the G protein-activated phospholipase C pathway. Ca2+ influx was inhibited by either preincubation of phosphotidylethanolamine or La3+, a broad spectrum blocker of cation channels. LPC induced up-regulation of the active conformation of CD11b, which was blocked by preincubation with phosphatidylethanolamine. These data suggest that LPC causes a non-store-operated Ca2+ influx into eosinophils, which subsequently activates CD11b/CD18 to promote eosinophil adhesion.

Cell membrane-derived lysophosphatidylcholine activates cardiac ryanodine receptor channels

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is metabolized from a membrane phospholipid and modulates a variety of channels in the plasma membrane (PM). We examined LPC modulation of cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) using the planar lipid bilayer method to measure the single-channel currents. Micromolar concentrations of LPC increased the open probability of the reconstituted RyR channels irrespective of whether LPC was added to the cis or trans chamber. LPC also increased the membrane capacitance of the bilayer. The effects of LPC contrasted well with those of sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC). Taken together, these results suggest that amphipathic lipid LPC does not bind directly to the RyR channel protein, but rather, is incorporated into the bilayer membrane and activates the channel. Thus, we consider cell membrane-derived LPC to be a putative endogenous mediator that activates not only plasma membrane channels but also RyR channels and induces arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) mobilization in cardiomyocytes.

Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 enhances store-operated Ca2+ entry in dystrophic skeletal muscle fibers

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by deficiency of dystrophin and leads to progressive weakness. It has been proposed that the muscle degeneration occurring in this disease is caused by increased Ca2+ influx due to enhanced activity of cationic channels that are activated either by stretch of the plasma membrane (stretch-activated channels) or by Ca2+-store depletion (store-operated channels). Using both cytosolic Ca2+ measurements with Fura-2 and the manganese quench method, we show here that store-operated Ca2+ entry is greatly enhanced in dystrophic skeletal flexor digitorum brevis fibers isolated from mdx5cv mice, a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Moreover, we show for the first time that store-operated Ca2+ entry in these fibers is under the control of the Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 and that the exaggerated Ca2+ influx can be completely attenuated by inhibitors of this enzyme. Enhanced store-operated Ca2+ entry in dystrophic fibers is likely to be due to a near twofold overexpression of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2. The Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 pathway therefore appears as an attractive target to reduce excessive Ca2+ influx and subsequent degeneration occurring in dystrophic fibers.

Muscarinic receptor-activated cationic channels in murine ileal myocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is little information about the excitatory cholinergic mechanisms of mouse small intestine although this model is important for gene knock-out studies.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Using patch-clamp techniques, voltage-dependent and pharmacological properties of carbachol- or intracellular GTPgammaS-activated cationic channels in mouse ileal myocytes were investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Three types of cation channels were identified in outside-out patches (17, 70 and 140 pS). The voltage-dependent behaviour of the 70 pS channel, which was also the most abundantly expressed channel (approximately 0.35 micro(-2)) was most consistent with the properties of the whole-cell muscarinic current (half-maximal activation at -72.3+/-9.3 mV, slope of -9.1+/-7.4 mV and mean open probability of 0.16+/-0.01 at -40 mV; at near maximal activation by 50 microM carbachol). Both channel conductance and open probability depended on the permeant cation in the order: Cs+ (70 pS) >Rb+ (66pS) >Na+ (47 pS) >Li+ (30 pS). External application of divalent cations, quinine, SK&F 96365 or La3+ strongly inhibited the whole-cell current. At the single channel level the nature of the inhibitory effects appeared to be very different. Either reduction of the open probability (quinine and to some extent SK&F 96365 and La3+) or of unitary current amplitude (Ca2+, Mg2+, SK&F 96365, La3+) was observed implying significant differences in the dissociation rates of the blockers.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The muscarinic cation current of murine small intestine is very similar to that in guinea-pig myocytes and murine genetic manipulation should yield important information about muscarinic receptor transduction mechanisms.