Micromolar calcium decreases affinity of inositol trisphosphate receptor in vascular smooth muscle

Regulation of cerebral artery smooth muscle membrane potential by Ca²⁺-activated cation channels

Arterial tone is dependent on the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing currents regulating membrane potential and governing the influx of Ca²⁺ needed for smooth muscle contraction. Several ion channels have been proposed to contribute to membrane depolarization, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we will discuss the historical and physiological significance of the Ca²⁺-activated cation channel, TRPM4, in regulating membrane potential of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. As a member of the recently described transient receptor potential super family of ion channels, TRPM4 possesses the biophysical properties and upstream cellular signaling and regulatory pathways that establish it as a major physiological player in smooth muscle membrane depolarization.

Inositol trisphosphate receptors in smooth muscle cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are a family of tetrameric intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channels that are located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of virtually all mammalian cell types, including smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here, we have reviewed literature investigating IP(3)R expression, cellular localization, tissue distribution, activity regulation, communication with ion channels and organelles, generation of Ca(2+) signals, modulation of physiological functions, and alterations in pathologies in SMCs. Three IP(3)R isoforms have been identified, with relative expression and cellular localization of each contributing to signaling differences in diverse SMC types. Several endogenous ligands, kinases, proteins, and other modulators control SMC IP(3)R channel activity. SMC IP(3)Rs communicate with nearby ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria to influence SR Ca(2+) release and reactive oxygen species generation. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release can stimulate plasma membrane-localized channels, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and store-operated Ca(2+) channels. SMC IP(3)Rs also signal to other proteins via SR Ca(2+) release-independent mechanisms through physical coupling to TRP channels and local communication with large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release generates a wide variety of intracellular Ca(2+) signals, which vary with respect to frequency, amplitude, spatial, and temporal properties. IP(3)R signaling controls multiple SMC functions, including contraction, gene expression, migration, and proliferation. IP(3)R expression and cellular signaling are altered in several SMC diseases, notably asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In summary, IP(3)R-mediated pathways control diverse SMC physiological functions, with pathological alterations in IP(3)R signaling contributing to disease.

Ca(2+) signalling by IP(3) receptors

The Ca(2) (+) signals evoked by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) are built from elementary Ca(2) (+) release events involving progressive recruitment of IP(3) receptors (IP(3)R), intracellular Ca(2) (+) channels that are expressed in almost all animal cells. The smallest events ('blips') result from opening of single IP(3)R. Larger events ('puffs') reflect the near-synchronous opening of a small cluster of IP(3)R. These puffs become more frequent as the stimulus intensity increases and they eventually trigger regenerative Ca(2) (+) waves that propagate across the cell. This hierarchical recruitment of IP(3)R is important in allowing Ca(2) (+) signals to be delivered locally to specific target proteins or more globally to the entire cell. Co-regulation of IP(3)R by Ca(2) (+) and IP(3), the ability of a single IP(3)R rapidly to mediate a large efflux of Ca(2) (+) from the endoplasmic reticulum, and the assembly of IP(3)R into clusters are key features that allow IP(3)R to propagate Ca(2) (+) signals regeneratively. We review these properties of IP(3)R and the structural basis of IP(3)R behavior.

IP(3) receptors: toward understanding their activation

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R) and their relatives, ryanodine receptors, are the channels that most often mediate Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Their regulation by Ca(2+) allows them also to propagate cytosolic Ca(2+) signals regeneratively. This brief review addresses the structural basis of IP(3)R activation by IP(3) and Ca(2+). IP(3) initiates IP(3)R activation by promoting Ca(2+) binding to a stimulatory Ca(2+)-binding site, the identity of which is unresolved. We suggest that interactions of critical phosphate groups in IP(3) with opposite sides of the clam-like IP(3)-binding core cause it to close and propagate a conformational change toward the pore via the adjacent N-terminal suppressor domain. The pore, assembled from the last pair of transmembrane domains and the intervening pore loop from each of the four IP(3)R subunits, forms a structure in which a luminal selectivity filter and a gate at the cytosolic end of the pore control cation fluxes through the IP(3)R.

Pharmacological modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum function in smooth muscle

The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) is the primary storage and release site of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in many excitable cells. The SR is a tubular network, which in smooth muscle (SM) cells distributes close to cellular periphery (superficial SR) and in deeper aspects of the cell (deep SR). Recent attention has focused on the regulation of cell function by the superficial SR, which can act as a buffer and also as a regulator of membrane channels and transporters. Ca2+ is released from the SR via two types of ionic channels [ryanodine- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-gated], whereas accumulation from thecytoplasm occurs exclusively by an energy-dependent sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump (SERCA). Within the SR, Ca2+ is bound to various storage proteins. Emerging evidence also suggests that the perinuclear portion of the SR may play an important role in nuclear transcription. In this review, we detail the pharmacology of agents that alter the functions of Ca2+ release channels and of SERCA. We describe their use and selectivity and indicate the concentrations used in investigating various SM preparations. Important aspects of cell regulation and excitation-contractile activity coupling in SM have been uncovered through the use of such activators and inhibitors of processes that determine SR function. Likewise, they were instrumental in the recent finding of an interaction of the SR with other cellular organelles such as mitochondria. Thus, an appreciation of the pharmacology and selectivity of agents that interfere with SR function in SM has greatly assisted in unveiling the multifaceted nature of the SR.

IP3 receptors and their regulation by calmodulin and cytosolic Ca2+

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors are tetrameric intracellular Ca(2+) channels, the opening of which is regulated by both IP(3) and Ca(2+). We suggest that all IP(3) receptors are biphasically regulated by cytosolic Ca(2+), which binds to two distinct sites. IP(3) promotes channel opening by controlling whether Ca(2+) binds to the stimulatory or inhibitory sites. The stimulatory site is probably an integral part of the receptor lying just upstream of the pore region. Inhibition of IP(3) receptors by Ca(2+) probably requires an accessory protein, which has not yet been unequivocally identified, but calmodulin is a prime candidate. We speculate that one lobe of calmodulin tethers it to the IP(3) receptor, while the other lobe can bind Ca(2+) and then interact with a second site on the receptor to cause inhibition.

Regulation by Ca2+ and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) of single recombinant type 3 InsP3 receptor channels. Ca2+ activation uniquely distinguishes types 1 and 3 insp3 receptors

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor (InsP3R) is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized Ca2+ -release channel that controls complex cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signaling in many cell types. At least three InsP3Rs encoded by different genes have been identified in mammalian cells, with different primary sequences, subcellular locations, variable ratios of expression, and heteromultimer formation. To examine regulation of channel gating of the type 3 isoform, recombinant rat type 3 InsP3R (r-InsP3R-3) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and single-channel recordings were obtained by patch-clamp electrophysiology of the outer nuclear membrane. Gating of the r-InsP3R-3 exhibited a biphasic dependence on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In the presence of 0.5 mM cytoplasmic free ATP, r-InsP3R-3 gating was inhibited by high [Ca2+]i with features similar to those of the endogenous Xenopus type 1 Ins3R (X-InsP3R-1). Ca2+ inhibition of channel gating had an inhibitory Hill coefficient of approximately 3 and half-maximal inhibiting [Ca2+]i (Kinh) = 39 microM under saturating (10 microM) cytoplasmic InsP3 concentrations ([InsP3]). At [InsP3] < 100 nM, the r-InsP3R-3 became more sensitive to Ca2+ inhibition, with the InsP(3) concentration dependence of Kinh described by a half-maximal [InsP3] of 55 nM and a Hill coefficient of approximately 4. InsP(3) activated the type 3 channel by tuning the efficacy of Ca2+ to inhibit it, by a mechanism similar to that observed for the type 1 isoform. In contrast, the r-InsP3R-3 channel was uniquely distinguished from the X-InsP3R-1 channel by its enhanced Ca2+ sensitivity of activation (half-maximal activating [Ca2+]i of 77 nM instead of 190 nM) and lack of cooperativity between Ca2+ activation sites (activating Hill coefficient of 1 instead of 2). These differences endow the InsP3R-3 with high gain InsP3-induced Ca2+ release and low gain Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release properties complementary to those of InsP3R-1. Thus, distinct Ca2+ signals may be conferred by complementary Ca2+ activation properties of different InsP3R isoforms.

Effects of zinc ions on Ca2+ uptake during histamine-induced contraction in guinea-pig taenia coli

The present study was undertaken to clarify the effects of zinc ions (Zn2+) on Ca2+ uptake during histamine-induced contraction in guinea-pig taenia coli. Zn2+ (0.3 mM) had smaller effect on the initial phasic response to 10(-5) M histamine accompanied with decreased Ca uptake at the high affinity sites, while it inhibited the tonic response by inhibiting Ca2+ uptake at the low affinity sites. After the first stimulation with histamine in the presence of Zn2+, the Ca2+ binding at high affinity sites was not significantly recovered in the presence of Zn2+. A second stimulation with histamine in the presence of Zn2+ did not elicit any phasic response. Furthermore, after beta-escin treatment of the fibres, which leaves receptor-coupled signal transduction including the Ca2+ storage sites intact, the contraction due to 10(-5) M histamine was not so affected by 0.3 mM Zn2+, but, after resuspension in a solution of pCa 5, 10(-5) M histamine of second application did not elicit the contraction in the presence of Zn2+. These results suggested that Zn2+ does not affect the histamine-induced Ca2+ release from the intracellular storage sites in taenia coli. However, when Zn2+ is present, Ca2+ is not supplied to the storage sites for the phasic response due to second stimulation with histamine. In addition, Zn2+ reduced the tonic response to histamine mainly by inhibiting Ca2+ influx through receptor-operated and/or voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

An image-based model of calcium waves in differentiated neuroblastoma cells

Calcium waves produced by bradykinin-induced inositol-1,4, 5-trisphosphate (InsP(3))-mediated release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have been imaged in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. A model of this process was built using the "virtual cell," a general computational system for integrating experimental image, biochemical, and electrophysiological data. The model geometry was based on a cell for which the calcium wave had been experimentally recorded. The distributions of the relevant cellular components [InsP(3) receptor (InsP(3)R)], sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pumps, bradykinin receptors, and ER] were based on 3D confocal immunofluorescence images. Wherever possible, known biochemical and electrophysiological data were used to constrain the model. The simulation closely matched the spatial and temporal characteristics of the experimental calcium wave. Predictions on different patterns of calcium signals after InsP(3) uncaging or for different cell geometries were confirmed experimentally, thus helping to validate the model. Models in which the spatial distributions of key components are altered suggest that initiation of the wave in the center of the neurite derives from an interplay of soma-biased ER distribution and InsP(3) generation biased toward the neurite. Simulations demonstrate that mobile buffers (like the indicator fura-2) significantly delay initiation and lower the amplitude of the wave. Analysis of the role played by calcium diffusion indicated that the speed of the wave is only slightly dependent on the ability of calcium to diffuse to and activate neighboring InsP(3) receptor sites.

Dual regulation of calcium mobilization by inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate in a living cell

Changes in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) often take the form of a sustained response or repetitive oscillations. The frequency and amplitude of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations are essential for the selective stimulation of gene expression and for enzyme activation. However, the mechanism that determines whether [Ca(2+)](i) oscillates at a particular frequency or becomes a sustained response is poorly understood. We find that [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in rat megakaryocytes, as in other cells, results from a Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-induced Ca(2+) release. Moreover, we find that this inhibition becomes progressively less effective with higher IP(3) concentrations. We suggest that disinhibition, by increasing IP(3) concentration, of Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition is a common mechanism for the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in cells containing IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores.

An endogenous sulfated inhibitor of neuronal inositol trisphosphate receptors

In cerebellum, inositol trisphosphate- (InsP(3)-) gated Ca channels play a key role in learning, though they exhibit a low sensitivity to InsP(3) compared to peripheral tissues. In the present study, the cerebellar InsP(3) receptor is shown to be associated with a novel inhibitor of InsP(3) binding. (3)H-InsP(3) binding studies indicated that this inositol trisphosphate receptor inhibitor (IRI) could completely inhibit InsP(3) binding to the purified cerebellar InsP(3) receptor and acted as a competitive inhibitor. Gel filtration of IRI showed a predominant peak at 6500 Da, though this peak appeared to be an aggregate (with a monomeric molecular mass of approximately 1500 Da). Mass spectrometry of IRI showed a predominant peak at 1635 m/z, consistent with this low molecular mass estimate. The inhibitory activity of IRI was prevented by pretreatment with aryl sulfatase, suggesting the presence of a critical sulfo ester in IRI. IRI was insensitive to proteases and organic extraction but bound to concanavalin A, suggesting that IRI is a sulfated glycan. IRI was present in cerebellum but below the level of detection in aorta. IRI was also present in the neuronal cell line N1E115 (which exhibits a low sensitivity to InsP(3)). We conclude that IRI is a novel endogenous sulfated inhibitor of the InsP(3) receptor that modulates the sensitivity of the InsP(3) receptor and thus may explain the low InsP(3) sensitivity of neurons.

Morphological control of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent signals

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3))-mediated calcium signals represent an important mechanism for transmitting external stimuli to the cell. However, information about intracellular spatial patterns of InsP(3) itself is not generally available. In particular, it has not been determined how the interplay of InsP(3) generation, diffusion, and degradation within complex cellular geometries can control the patterns of InsP(3) signaling. Here, we explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of [InsP(3)](cyt) during a bradykinin-induced calcium wave in a neuroblastoma cell. This is achieved by using a unique image-based computer modeling system, Virtual Cell, to integrate experimental data on the rates and spatial distributions of the key molecular components of the process. We conclude that the characteristic calcium dynamics requires rapid, high-amplitude production of [InsP(3)](cyt) in the neurite. This requisite InsP(3) spatiotemporal profile is provided, in turn, as an intrinsic consequence of the cell's morphology, demonstrating how geometry can locally and dramatically intensify cytosolic signals that originate at the plasma membrane. In addition, the model predicts, and experiments confirm, that stimulation of just the neurite, but not the soma or growth cone, is sufficient to generate a calcium response throughout the cell.

Regulation of cerebellar Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor by interaction between Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ca2+

We have characterized in detail the Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of [(3)H]Ins(1,4,5)P(3) ([(3)H]InsP(3)) binding to sheep cerebellar microsomes, over a short duration (3 s), with the use of a perfusion protocol. This procedure prevented artifacts previously identified in studies of this Ca(2+) effect. In a cytosol-like medium at pH 7.1 and 20 degrees C, a maximal inhibition of approx. 50% was measured. Both inhibition and its reversal were complete within 3 s. Ca(2+) decreased the affinity of the receptor for InsP(3) by approx. 50% (K(d) 146+/-24 nM at pCa 9 and 321+/-56 nM at pCa 5.3), without changing the total number of binding sites. Conversely, increasing the [(3)H]InsP(3) concentration from 30 to 400 nM tripled the IC(50) for Ca(2+) and decreased the maximal inhibition by 63%. This is similar to a partial competitive inhibition between InsP(3) binding and inhibitory Ca(2+) binding and is consistent with InsP(3) and Ca(2+) converting InsP(3) receptor into two different states with different affinities for these ligands. Mn(2+) and Sr(2+) also inhibited [(3)H]InsP(3) binding but were respectively only 1/10 and 1/200 as effective as Ca(2+). No inhibition was observed with Ba(2+). This selectivity is the same as that previously reported for the inhibitory Ca(2+) site of InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) flux, suggesting that the same site is used by Ca(2+) to convert cerebellar InsP(3) receptor to a low-affinity state and to inhibit its channel activity. Our results also suggest a mechanism by which InsP(3) counteracts this Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition.

Determination of time-dependent inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate concentrations during calcium release in a smooth muscle cell

The level of [InsP3]cyt required for calcium release in A7r5 cells, a smooth muscle cell line, was determined by a new set of procedures using quantitative confocal microscopy to measure release of InsP3 from cells microinjected with caged InsP3. From these experiments, the [InsP3]cyt required to evoke a half-maximal calcium response is 100 nM. Experiments with caged glycerophosphoryl-myo-inositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (GPIP2), a slowly metabolized analogue of InsP3, gave a much slower recovery and a half-maximal response of an order of magnitude greater than InsP3. Experimental data and highly constrained variables were used to construct a mathematical model of the InsP3-dependent [Ca2+]cyt changes; the resulting simulations show high fidelity to experiment. Among the elements considered in constructing this model were the mechanism of the InsP3-receptor, InsP3 degradation, calcium buffering in the cytosol, and refilling of the ER stores via sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA) pumps. The model predicts a time constant of 0.8 s for InsP3 degradation and 13 s for GPIP2. InsP3 degradation was found to be a prerequisite for [Ca2+]cyt recovery to baseline levels and is therefore critical to the pattern of the overall [Ca2+]cyt signal. Analysis of the features of this model provides insights into the individual factors controlling the amplitude and shape of the InsP3-mediated calcium signal.

Regulation of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-gated calcium channels by InsP3 and calcium: Simulation of single channel kinetics based on ligand binding and electrophysiological analysis

Cytosolic calcium acts as both a coagonist and an inhibitor of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-gated Ca channel, resulting in a bell-shaped Ca dependence of channel activity (Bezprozvanny, I., J. Watras, and B.E. Ehrlich. 1991. Nature. 351:751-754; Finch, E.A., T.J. Turner, and S.M. Goldin. 1991. Science. 252: 443-446; Iino, M. 1990. J. Gen. Physiol. 95:1103-1122). The ability of Ca to inhibit channel activity, however, varies dramatically depending on InsP3 concentration (Combettes, L., Z. Hannaert-Merah, J.F. Coquil, C. Rousseau, M. Claret, S. Swillens, and P. Champeil. 1994. J. Biol. Chem. 269:17561-17571; Kaftan, E.J., B.E. Ehrlich, and J. Watras. 1997. J. Gen. Physiol. 110:529-538). In the present report, we have extended the characterization of the effect of cytosolic Ca on both InsP3 binding and InsP3-gated channel kinetics, and incorporated these data into a mathematical model capable of simulating channel kinetics. We found that cytosolic Ca increased the Kd of InsP3 binding approximately 3.5-fold, but did not influence the maximal number of binding sites. The ability of Ca to decrease InsP3 binding is consistent with the rightward shift in the bell-shaped Ca dependence of InsP3-gated Ca channel activity. High InsP3 concentrations are able to overcome the Ca-dependent inhibition of channel activity, apparently due to a low affinity InsP3 binding site (Kaftan, E.J., B.E. Ehrlich, and J. Watras. 1997. J. Gen. Physiol. 110:529-538). Constants from binding analyses and channel activity determinations were used to develop a mathematical model that fits the complex Ca-dependent regulation of the type 1 InsP3-gated Ca channel. This model accurately simulated both steady state data (channel open probability and InsP3 binding) and kinetic data (channel activity and open time distributions), and yielded testable predictions with regard to the regulation of this intracellular Ca channel. Information gained from these analyses, and our current molecular model of this Ca channel, will be important for understanding the basis and regulation of intracellular Ca waves and oscillations in intact cells.

Inositol trisphosphate receptors: Ca2+-modulated intracellular Ca2+ channels

The three subtypes of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor expressed in mammalian cells are each capable of forming intracellular Ca2+ channels that are regulated by both InsP3 and cytosolic Ca2+. The InsP3 receptors of many, though perhaps not all, tissues are biphasically regulated by cytosolic Ca2+: a rapid stimulation of the receptors by modest increases in Ca2+ concentration is followed by a slower inhibition at higher Ca2+ concentrations. Despite the widespread occurrence of this form of regulation and the belief that it is an important element of the mechanisms responsible for the complex Ca2+ signals evoked by physiological stimuli, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Both accessory proteins and Ca2+-binding sites on InsP3 receptors themselves have been proposed to mediate the effects of cytosolic Ca2+ on InsP3 receptor function, but the evidence is equivocal. The effects of cytosolic Ca2+ on InsP3 binding and channel opening, and the possible means whereby the effects are mediated are discussed in this review.

Physiological features of visceral smooth muscle cells, with special reference to receptors and ion channels

Visceral smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an essential role, through changes in their contraction-relaxation cycle, in the maintenance of homeostasis in biological systems. The features of these cells differ markedly by tissue and by species; moreover, there are often regional differences within a given tissue. The biophysical features used to investigate ion channels in VSMC have progressed from the original extracellular recording methods (large electrode, single or double sucrose gap methods), to the intracellular (microelectrode) recording method, and then to methods for recording from membrane fractions (patch-clamp, including cell-attached patch-clamp, methods). Remarkable advances are now being made thanks to the application of these more modern biophysical procedures and to the development of techniques in molecular biology. Even so, we still have much to learn about the physiological features of these channels and about their contribution to the activity of both cell and tissue. In this review, we take a detailed look at ion channels in VSMC and at receptor-operated ion channels in particular; we look at their interaction with the contraction-relaxation cycle in individual VSMC and especially at the way in which their activity is related to Ca2+ movements and Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. In sections II and III, we discuss research findings mainly derived from the use of the microelectrode, although we also introduce work done using the patch-clamp procedure. These sections cover work on the electrical activity of VSMC membranes (sect. II) and on neuromuscular transmission (sect. III). In sections IV and V, we discuss work done, using the patch-clamp procedure, on individual ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl-; sect. IV) and on various types of receptor-operated ion channels (with or without coupled GTP-binding proteins and voltage dependent and independent; sect. V). In sect. VI, we look at work done on the role of Ca2+ in VSMC using the patch-clamp procedure, biochemical procedures, measurements of Ca2+ transients, and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins of VSMC. We discuss the way in which Ca2+ mobilization occurs after membrane activation (Ca2+ influx and efflux through the surface membrane, Ca2+ release from and uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic changes in Ca2+ within the cytosol). In this article, we make only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research, since we reviewed the features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently.

Multiple mechanisms of regulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor by calcium

Ca2+ mobilisation by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) is a complex phenomenon which involves positive and negative feedback regulation by cytosolic Ca2+. It has been shown that Ca2+ increased the affinity of [3H]-InsP3 binding to liver membranes and inhibited [3H]-InsP3 binding to cerebellar membranes. We investigated the effects of Ca2+ on the [3H]-InsP3 binding to receptor solubilised and rapidly purified by immunoprecipitation. The InsP3 binding to the purified liver receptor was insensitive to the addition of Ca2+, indicating that Ca2+ did not interact directly with the receptor. The loss of the Ca2+ effect on liver receptor affinity was reproduced by alkaline treatment of liver membranes, which is known to extract the peripheral membrane proteins. This suggests that Ca2+ regulates the liver InsP3 receptor by interacting with a membrane-associated protein. Ca2+ inhibited the binding of [3H]-InsP3 to purified cerebellar receptors as was found with the membrane fraction. The treatment of the purified cerebellar receptor with media of high ionic strength or at alkaline pH did not abolish the effect of Ca2+ on the receptor. This indicates that the inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on [3H]-InsP3 binding to cerebellar membranes occurs either via direct interaction with the receptor or via an integral protein strongly associated with the receptor. In conclusion, the mechanisms of regulation of InsP3-induced Ca2+ release by Ca2+ involve different molecular support in cerebellum and in liver. This may reflect different regulation dependent on the receptor type.

Allosteric regulation by cytoplasmic Ca2+ and IP3 of the gating of IP3 receptors in permeabilized guinea-pig vascular smooth muscle cells

1. The potentiation by Ca2+ of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release was studied by measuring luminal Ca2+ concentrations of the Ca2+ stores using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, furaptra, in permeabilized smooth muscle cells. 2. Ca2+ release at 10 microM IP3 was potentiated by an increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in the presence of 10 mM EGTA. This effect was not due to the pharmacological effect of EGTA, because changes in the EGTA concentration at a constant Ca2+ concentration had no effect on the Ca2+ release rate. 3. With an increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration from 30 to 630 nM, the Ca2+ release rate at a saturating IP3 concentration increased 110-fold and the EC50 for IP3 increased from 0.07 to 1.0 microM. It was also indicated that the relationship between Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ release rate was shifted towards higher Ca2+ concentrations at higher IP3 concentrations. 4. These results suggest that IP3 and submicromolar concentrations of Ca2+ allosterically lower the affinity of the IP3 receptor for each other and are both required for IP3 receptor activation. These properties enable the IP3 receptors to detect simultaneous increases in IP3 and Ca2+ concentrations.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and calcium interact to increase the dynamic range of InsP3 receptor-dependent calcium signaling

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-gated Ca channel in cerebellum is tightly regulated by Ca (Bezprozvanny, I., J. Watras, and B.E. Ehrlich. 1991. Nature (Lond.). 351:751-754; Finch, E.A., T. J. Turner, and S.M. Goldin. 1991. Science (Wash. DC). 252:443-446; Hannaert-Merah, Z., J.F. Coquil, L. Combettes, M. Claret, J.P. Mauger, and P. Champeil. 1994. J. Biol. Chem. 269:29642-29649; Iino, M. 1990. J. Gen. Physiol. 95:1103-1122; Marshall, I., and C. Taylor. 1994. Biochem. J. 301:591-598). In previous single channel studies, the Ca dependence of channel activity, monitored at 2 microM InsP3, was described by a bell-shaped curve (Bezprozvanny, I., J. Watras, and B.E. Ehrlich. 1991. Nature (Lond.). 351:751-754). We report here that, when we used lower InsP3 concentrations, the peak of the Ca-dependence curve shifted to lower Ca concentrations. Unexpectedly, when we used high InsP3 concentrations, channel activity persisted at Ca concentrations as high as 30 microM. To explore this unexpected response of the channel, we measured InsP3 binding over a broad range of InsP3 concentrations. We found the well-characterized high affinity InsP3 binding sites (with Kd < 1 and 50 nM) (Maeda, N., M. Niinobe, and K. Mikoshiba. 1990. EMBO (Eur. Mol. Biol. Organ.) J. 9:61-67; Mignery, G., T.C. Sudhof, K. Takei, and P. De Camilli. 1989. Nature (Lond.). 342:192-195; Ross, C.A., J. Meldolesi, T.A. Milner, T. Satoh, S. Supattapone, and S.H. Snyder. 1989. Nature (Lond.). 339:468-470) and a low affinity InsP3 binding site (Kd = 10 microM). Using these InsP3 binding sites, we developed a new model that accounts for the shift in the Ca-dependence curve at low InsP3 levels and the maintained channel activity at high Ca and InsP3 levels. The observed Ca dependence of the InsP3-gated Ca channel allows the cell to abbreviate the rise of intracellular Ca in the presence of low levels of InsP3, but also provides a means of maintaining high intracellular Ca during periods of prolonged stimulation.

Molecular and functional evidence for multiple Ca2+-binding domains in the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

Structural and functional analyses were used to investigate the regulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor (InsP3R) by Ca2+. To define the structural determinants for Ca2+ binding, cDNAs encoding GST fusion proteins that covered the complete linear cytosolic sequence of the InsP3R-1 were expressed in bacteria. The fusion proteins were screened for Ca2+ and ruthenium red binding through the use of 45Ca2+ and ruthenium red overlay procedures. Six new cytosolic Ca2+-binding regions were detected on the InsP3R in addition to the one described earlier (Sienaert, I., De Smedt, H., Parys, J. B., Missiaen, L., Vanlingen, S., Sipma, H., and Casteels, R. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 27005-27012). Strong 45Ca2+ and ruthenium red binding domains were localized in the N-terminal region of the InsP3R as follows: two Ca2+-binding domains were located within the InsP3-binding domain, and three Ca2+ binding stretches were localized in a 500-amino acid region just downstream of the InsP3-binding domain. A sixth Ca2+-binding stretch was detected in the proximity of the calmodulin-binding domain. Evidence for the involvement of multiple Ca2+-binding sites in the regulation of the InsP3R was obtained from functional studies on permeabilized A7r5 cells, in which we characterized the effects of Ca2+ and Sr2+ on the EC50 and cooperativity of the InsP3-induced Ca2+ release. The activation by cytosolic Ca2+ was due to a shift in EC50 toward lower InsP3 concentrations, and this effect was mimicked by Sr2+. The inhibition by cytosolic Ca2+ was caused by a decrease in cooperativity and by a shift in EC50 toward higher InsP3 concentrations. The effect on the cooperativity occurred at lower Ca2+ concentrations than the inhibitory effect on the EC50. In addition, Sr2+ mimicked the effect of Ca2+ on the cooperativity but not the inhibitory effect on the EC50. The different [Ca2+] and [Sr2+] dependencies suggest that three different cytosolic interaction sites were involved. Luminal Ca2+ stimulated the release without affecting the Hill coefficient or the EC50, excluding the involvement of one of the cytosolic Ca2+-binding sites. We conclude that multiple Ca2+-binding sites are localized on the InsP3R-1 and that at least four different Ca2+-interaction sites may be involved in the complex feedback regulation of the release by Ca2+.

Ca2+ differentially regulates the ligand-affinity states of type 1 and type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

To elucidate the functional difference between type 1 and type 3 Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors [Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 and Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 respectively] we studied the effect of Ca2+ on the ligand-binding properties of both Ins(1,4,5)P3R types. We expressed full-length human Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 and Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 from cDNA species in insect ovary Sf9 cells, and the membrane fractions were used for Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding assays. The binding of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 and Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 was differentially regulated by Ca2+. With increasing concentrations of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]), Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to Ins(1,4,5)P2R1 decreased, whereas that to Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 increased. Alteration of Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 was observed at [Ca2+] ranging from less than 1 nM to more than 10 microM. The EC50 of Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding was 100 nM Ca2+ for Ins(1,4,5)P3R1. In contrast, Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 was changed at high [Ca2+] with an EC50 value of 872 nM, and steeply between 100 nM and 10 microM. These Ca2+-dependent alterations of Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to both Ins(1,4,5)P3R types were reversible. Scatchard analyses revealed that Ca2+ changed the affinity of both Ins(1,4,5)P3R types but not the total number of Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding sites. The Kd values of Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 for Ins(1,4,5)P3 were 78.5 nM with 3 nM free Ca2+, and 312 nM with 1.4 microM free Ca2+. In contrast, Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 exhibited an affinity for Ins(1,4,5)P3 with Kd values of 116 nM with 3 nM free Ca2+, and 62.2 nM with 1.4 microM free Ca2+. These results indicate that (1) both Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 and Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 have at least two affinity states, (2) Ca2+ regulates interconversions between these states, and (3) Ca2+ regulates the binding of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to Ins(1,4,5)P3R1 and Ins(1,4,5)P3R3 in opposite manners.

Identification of three isoforms of the InsP3 receptor in human myometrial smooth muscle

The mechanisms responsible for the mobilisation of Ca2+ from intracellular stores sensitive to inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) were studied in saponin-permeabilised human myometrial cells in which the sarcoplasmic reticulum was pre-loaded with 45Ca2+. InsP3-induced 45Ca2+ release was measured over the InsP3 concentration range of 100 nM to 100 microM and showed a graded response. InsP3-induced 45Ca2+ release was inhibited by heparin (20-40 microg/ml) but not significantly affected by caffeine. The Ca2+ sensitivity of InsP3-induced Ca2+ release was measured under conditions which were designed to exclude interference with Ca2+ released by the ryanodine receptor/channel complex. The data showed a bell-shaped relationship with the InsP3 receptor (InsP3R) functional at 10 nM, becoming maximally activated at 300 nM but inhibited at 10 microM Ca2+. Messenger RNA encoding for three isoforms of InsP3R, type I, II and type III, was shown to be present. The relative expression levels of these messengers were obtained by ratio-PCR analysis and the levels of expression of the different isoforms were found to differ between individual patients.

Regulation of cytosolic calcium levels in vascular smooth muscle

Ca2+ plays an important role in the contraction of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, as well as in a number of important processes, such as secretion and neuronal activity. In this review, I focus on the various mechanisms by which cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is regulated in vascular smooth muscle, in the resting state and during activation. Particular attention is paid to the calcium pumps of the plasmalemma and the sarcoplasmic reticulum, to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and ryanodine-sensitive calcium channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and to voltage-dependent and voltage-independent calcium channels of the plasmalemma.

The inositol triphosphate receptor family

Specific receptors on intracellular membranes mediate the Ca2+ mobilization induced by the second messenger molecule D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). Most cell types appear to contain multiple receptor isoforms. The review summarizes recent progress on IP3 receptor biology with a particular emphasis on distinctive structural and regulatory features of the individual isoforms.

Characterization of the co-agonist effects of strontium and calcium on myo-inositol trisphosphate-dependent ion fluxes in cerebellar microsomes

Using sheep cerebellum microsomes previously loaded with 45Ca2+ or 90Sr2+, we measured the dependence of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-induced efflux of these ions on Ca2+ or Sr2+ on the cytosolic side. At a low InsP3 concentration, Ca2+ in the submicromolar range only poorly activated 45Ca2+ or 90Sr2+ efflux, and higher Ca2+ concentrations were inhibitory. In contrast, Sr2+ in the micromolar range activated release efficiently, while only very high Sr2+ concentrations were inhibitory. Experiments were repeated in the presence of a high InsP3 concentration, which allowed increasing free Ca2+ to micromolar concentrations without inducing complete inhibition of the InsP3-dependent efflux. Under these conditions, micromolar Ca2+ was found to activate efflux to a large extent, similar to that previously found with Sr2+. Optimal activation by Ca2+ of the InsP3-dependent channel occurs at micromolar rather than submicromolar free Ca2+ concentrations, but at too low an InsP3 concentration, Ca(2+)-induced activation is counteracted by Ca(2+)-induced inactivation. Separate measurements of [3H]-InsP3 binding at a low concentration showed that Sr2+ and Ca2+ did not enhance the amount of bound [3H]-InsP3, implying that the activating effect of Sr2+ and Ca2+ in cerebellar microsomes is mediated by an increase in the channel opening probability and not by an increase in the receptor's affinity for InsP3. A similar relationship also holds in the case of the activating effect of nucleotides.

The inositol trisphosphate receptor of Xenopus oocytes

Xenopus laevis oocytes (stages V and VI) are a widely used model system for the study of Ca2+ signaling. The properties of the Xenopus oocyte InsP3 receptor (InsP3R) are of paramount importance for our thinking about this system and for our efforts to model Ca2+ dynamics in the oocyte cytosol. The recent data regarding the molecular structure, the regulation and the functional properties of the Xenopus oocyte InsP3R are summarized in this review. The main properties of the Xenopus oocyte InsP3R are compared with the properties of the cerebellar InsP3R and are shown to be remarkably similar. The density of the InsP3R in Xenopus oocyte cytoplasm is estimated to a value between 1.1-4.1 x 10(14) tetrameric InsP3R/l. The use of these numbers in a quantitative model of Ca2+ wave propagation leads to values of Ca2+ wave amplitude (0.8-1.5 microM Ca2+) and velocity of the wave propagation (12-24 microns/s) that are in excellent agreement with the values observed experimentally. The density of InsP3Rs in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum is estimated to be about 20,000-fold higher, but in other types of neurons and in peripheral tissues the InsP3R density is estimated to be of the same order of magnitude as, or up to 20-fold higher than, in Xenopus oocytes. The implications of differences in InsP3R density for Ca2+ signaling are discussed.

Prazosin reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced Ca2+ overloading in rat heart by inhibiting phosphoinositide signaling

The aim of this study was to establish whether or not alpha 1-adrenergic receptors are implicated in triggering phosphoinositide hydrolysis and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. In isolated perfused rat hearts, the selective alpha 1-receptor antagonist prazosin abolished the increase in radioactivity incorporation into cellular inositol phosphates induced by 30 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion, and selectively blocked the degradation of phosphoinositides; only minor changes in the ischemia/reperfusion-induced loss of other classes of phospholipids were seen. In addition, a prazosin-induced decrease of ischemia/reperfusion Ca2+ overloading was documented in real-time recordings of epicardial cytosolic free Ca2+ in fura 2-loaded hearts. An inhibition of early ischemic Ca2+ rise was observed, as well as a lower peak of cytosolic free Ca2+ and a more rapid reversal to normal values during reperfusion. Moreover, alpha 1-adrenergic blockade resulted in a significant improvement in the recovery of myocardial function during reperfusion: an increased left ventricular developed pressure and maximum rate of rise of systolic pressure paralleled the decrease in time-averaged cytosolic Ca2+ and the increase in amplitude of Ca2+ transients, respectively. It is concluded that myocardial Ca2+ overloading during ischemia and reperfusion may be triggered by alpha 1-adrenergic receptor-induced polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Functional properties of intracellular calcium-release channels

Two major classes of intracellular calcium-release channels have been identified, the ryanodine receptor and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. These channels are the largest ion channels identified to date. Recent studies have established that approximately 90% of each of these proteins protrudes into the cytoplasm, presumably exposing many regulatory sites on the channel and allowing functional interactions with other cytoplasmic proteins. Current work is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular roles of these regulatory processes.

Differential regulation of two types of intracellular calcium release channels during end-stage heart failure

The molecular basis of human heart failure is unknown. Alterations in calcium homeostasis have been observed in failing human heart muscles. Intracellular calcium-release channels regulate the calcium flux required for muscle contraction. Two forms of intracellular calcium-release channels are expressed in the heart: the ryanodine receptor (RyR) and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). In the present study we showed that these two cardiac intracellular calcium release channels were regulated in opposite directions in failing human hearts. In the left ventricle, RyR mRNA levels were decreased by 31% (P < 0.025) whereas IP3R mRNA levels were increased by 123% (P < 0.005). In situ hybridization localized both RyR and IP3R mRNAs to human cardiac myocytes. The relative amounts of IP3 binding sites increased approximately 40% compared with ryanodine binding sites in the failing heart. RyR down-regulation could contribute to impaired contractility; IP3R up regulation may be a compensatory response providing an alternative pathway for mobilizing intracellular calcium release, possibly contributing to the increased diastolic tone associated with heart failure and the hypertrophic response of failing myocardium.

Two inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding sites in rat basophilic leukemia cells: relationship between receptor occupancy and calcium release

Quantal calcium release is a novel paradigm for second messenger signal transduction which provides spatial and temporal control of calcium release from intracellular stores by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). We have proposed a mechanism to account for this phenomenon [Kindman, L. A., & Meyer, T. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 1270-1277], which hypothesized the existence of five channels, each with a different affinity for InsP3. As a direct test of this hypothesis, InsP3 binding to microsomes from RBL cells was examined under conditions similar to those used for calcium release. Scatchard analyses performed under a variety of conditions indicates the presence of high affinity (KD = 0.9 +/- 0.3 nM) and low affinity (KD = 47 +/- 5 nM) InsP3 binding sites. The low affinity sites are more prevalent, constituting 82 +/- 5% of the total. Both sites are identified in the presence and absence of MgATP. Moreover, both sites are selective for InsP3 over InsP4, through high concentrations of InsP4 displace InsP3 from each site (with inhibition constants of 16 and 267 nM InsP4, respectively). The relative abundance of the two InsP3 binding sites is Ca2+ dependent. An increase in Ca2+ from 0.1 to 0.5 microM results in the apparent conversion of a portion of the low affinity sites into high affinity sites into high affinity sites. Ca2+ (0.5 microM) also increased the KD of the low affinity InsP3 binding site. Given the presence of both high and low affinity InsP3 binding sites, two simple mathematical models describing both the kinetics of calcium release and quantal calcium release from RBL cells were developed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)