Positive regulation of capacitative Ca2+ entry by intracellular Ca2+ in Xenopus oocytes expressing rat TRP4

Role of Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in the Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Occurring in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and multifactorial disease. PAH pathogenesis mostly involves pulmonary arterial endothelial and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) dysfunction, leading to alterations in pulmonary arterial tone and distal pulmonary vessel obstruction and remodeling. Unfortunately, current PAH therapies are not curative, and therapeutic approaches mostly target endothelial dysfunction, while PASMC dysfunction is under investigation. In PAH, modifications in intracellular Ca2+ homoeostasis could partly explain PASMC dysfunction. One of the most crucial actors regulating Ca2+ homeostasis is store-operated Ca2+ channels, which mediate store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). This review focuses on the main actors of SOCE in human and experimental PASMC, their contribution to PAH pathogenesis, and their therapeutic potential in PAH.

TRPC4- and TRPC4-containing channels

TRPC4 proteins comprise six transmembrane domains, a putative pore-forming region, and an intracellularly located amino- and carboxy-terminus. Among eleven splice variants identified so far, TRPC4α and TRPC4β are the most abundantly expressed and functionally characterized. TRPC4 is expressed in various organs and cell types including the soma and dendrites of numerous types of neurons; the cardiovascular system including endothelial, smooth muscle, and cardiac cells; myometrial and skeletal muscle cells; kidney; and immune cells such as mast cells. Both recombinant and native TRPC4-containing channels differ tremendously in their permeability and other biophysical properties, pharmacological modulation, and mode of activation depending on the cellular environment. They vary from inwardly rectifying store-operated channels with a high Ca(2+) selectivity to non-store-operated channels predominantly carrying Na(+) and activated by Gαq- and/or Gαi-coupled receptors with a complex U-shaped current-voltage relationship. Thus, individual TRPC4-containing channels contribute to agonist-induced Ca(2+) entry directly or indirectly via depolarization and activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. The differences in channel properties may arise from variations in the composition of the channel complexes, in the specific regulatory pathways in the corresponding cell system, and/or in the expression pattern of interaction partners which comprise other TRPC proteins to form heteromultimeric channels. Additional interaction partners of TRPC4 that can mediate the activity of TRPC4-containing channels include (1) scaffolding proteins (e.g., NHERF) that may mediate interactions with signaling molecules in or in close vicinity to the plasma membrane such as Gα proteins or phospholipase C and with the cytoskeleton, (2) proteins in specific membrane microdomains (e.g., caveolin-1), or (3) proteins on cellular organelles (e.g., Stim1). The diversity of TRPC4-containing channels hampers the development of specific agonists or antagonists, but recently, ML204 was identified as a blocker of both recombinant and endogenous TRPC4-containing channels with an IC50 in the lower micromolar range that lacks activity on most voltage-gated channels and other TRPs except TRPC5 and TRPC3. Lanthanides are specific activators of heterologously expressed TRPC4- and TRPC5-containing channels but can block individual native TRPC4-containing channels. The biological relevance of TRPC4-containing channels was demonstrated by knockdown of TRPC4 expression in numerous native systems including gene expression, cell differentiation and proliferation, formation of myotubes, and axonal regeneration. Studies of TRPC4 single and TRPC compound knockout mice uncovered their role for the regulation of vascular tone, endothelial permeability, gastrointestinal contractility and motility, neurotransmitter release, and social exploratory behavior as well as for excitotoxicity and epileptogenesis. Recently, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Trpc4 gene was associated with a reduced risk for experience of myocardial infarction.

The TRPC class of ion channels: a critical review of their roles in slow, sustained increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations

The realization that there exists a multimembered family of cation channels with structural similarity to Drosophila's Trp channel emerged during the second half of the 1990s. In mammals, depending on the species, the TRP family counts 29 or 30 members which has been subdivided into 6 subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarity. TRP channels are nonselective monovalent cation channels, most of which also allow passage of Ca(2+). Many members of each of these families, but not all, are involved in sensory signal transduction. The C-type (for canonical or classical) subfamily, differs from the other TRP subfamilies in that it fulfills two different types of function: membrane depolarization, resembling sensory transduction TRPs, and mediation of sustained increases in intracellular Ca(2+). The mechanism(s) by which the C-class of TRP channels-the TRPCs-are activated is poorly understood and their role in mediating intracellular Ca(2+) increases is being questioned. Both of these questions-mechanism of activation and participation in Ca(2+) entry-are the topics of this review.

Mechanism and functional significance of TRPC channel multimerization

Ca(2+) signaling regulates many important physiological events within a diverse set of living organisms. In particular, sustained Ca(2+) signals play an important role in controlling cell proliferation, cell differentiation and the activation of immune cells. Two key elements for the generation of sustained Ca(2+) signals are store-operated and receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels that are activated downstream of phospholipase C (PLC) stimulation, in response to G-protein-coupled receptor or growth factor receptor stimulation. One goal of this review is to help clarify the role of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins in the formation of native store-operated and native receptor-operated channels. Toward that end, data from studies of endogenous TRPC proteins will be reviewed in detail to highlight the strong case for the involvement of certain TRPC proteins in the formation of one subtype of store-operated channel, which exhibits a low Ca(2+)-selectivity, in contrast to the high Ca(2+)-selectivity exhibited by the CRAC subtype of store-operated channel. A second goal of this review is to highlight the growing body of evidence indicating that native store-operated and native receptor-operated channels are formed by the heteromultimerization of TRPC subunits. Furthermore, evidence will be provided to argue that some TRPC proteins are able to form multiple channel types.

Physiological mechanisms of TRPC activation

TRPC (canonical transient receptor potential) channels are vertebrate homologs of the Drosophila photoreceptor channel, TRP. Considerable research has been brought to bear on the seven members of this family, especially with regard to their possible role in calcium entry. Unfortunately, the current literature presents a confusing picture, with different laboratories producing widely differing results and interpretations. It appears that ectopically expressed TRPC channels can be activated by phospholipase C products (generally, diacylglycerols), by stimulation of trafficking to the plasma membrane, or by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Here, I discuss the possibility that these diverse experimental findings arise because TRPC channels can, under both experimental as well as physiological conditions, be activated in three distinct ways, possibly depending on their subunit composition and/or signaling complex environment. The TRPCs may be unique among ion-channel subunit families in being able to participate in the assembly and function of multiple types of physiologically important ion channels.

Comparisons of neural and pacing activities in intestinal segments from W/W++ and W/W(V) mice

We studied pacing and neurotransmission in longitudinal (LM) and circular muscle (CM) in intestine of W/W++ and W/W(V) mice. Electrical field-stimulation (EFS) of nerves in LM segments was more inhibitory in W/W(V) mice than in W/W++ mice. No inhibitory input to CM segments of W/W(V) mice was found. The EFS, after nerve block, entrained segments of both W/W++ and mutant mice with 10 ms pulses, and entrained those of mutant mice more readily at 1 and 3 ms pulses. Pacing with external electrodes did not depend on interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus (ICC-MP). 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), putative antagonist at IP3 receptors, store-operated channels and the Sacro-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump, reduced frequency and amplitudes of pacing of LM segments from W/W(V) mice as it did in BALB/c mice. Thus, its actions may not require ICC-MP. SKF 96365, a putative inhibitor of store-operated channels, reduced frequencies and amplitudes of intestinal segments in W/W++ mice at 10 or 30 micromol L-1. This resulted from blocking L-Ca2+-channels. Thus, no evidence was found that store-operated channels play a role in pacing. In LM segments of W/W(V), SKF 96365 had no effects on frequency of contractions. We conclude, results from models of severely reduced systems may not be applicable to intact ICC networks.

The mammalian TRPC cation channels

Transient Receptor Potential-Canonical (TRPC) channels are mammalian homologs of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP), a Ca(2+)-permeable channel involved in the phospholipase C-regulated photoreceptor activation mechanism in Drosophila. The seven mammalian TRPCs constitute a family of channels which have been proposed to function as store-operated as well as second messenger-operated channels in a variety of cell types. TRPC channels, together with other more distantly related channel families, make up the larger TRP channel superfamily. This review summarizes recent findings on the structure, regulation and function of the apparently ubiquitous TRPC cation channels.

Two types of store-operated Ca2+ channels with different activation modes and molecular origin in LNCaP human prostate cancer epithelial cells

The one or more coupling mechanisms of store-operated channels (SOCs) to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store depletion as well as the molecular identity of SOCs per se still remain a mystery. Here, we demonstrate the co-existence of two populations of molecular distinct endogenous SOCs in LNCaP prostate cancer epithelial cells, which are preferentially activated by either active inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated or passive thapsigargin-facilitated store depletion and have different ER store content sensitivity. The first population, called SOC(CC) (for "conformational coupling"), is characterized by preferential IP3 receptor-dependent mode of activation, as judged from sensitivity to cytoskeleton modifications, and dominant contribution of transient receptor potential (TRP) TRPC1 within it. The second one, called SOC(CIF) (for "calcium influx factor"), depends on Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 for activation with probable CIF involvement and is mostly represented by TRPC4. The previously identified SOC constituent in LNCaP cells, TRPV6, seems to play equal role in both SOC populations. These results provide new insight into the nature of SOCs and their representation in the single cell type as well as permit reconciliation of current SOC activation hypotheses.

Immunolocalization of TRPC channel subunits 1 and 4 in the chicken retina

In the vertebrate retina, multiple cell types express G protein-coupled receptors linked to the IP3 signaling pathway. The signaling engendered by activation of this pathway can involve activation of calcium permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. To begin to understand the role of these channels in the retina, we undertake an immunocytochemical localization of two TRP channel subunits. Polyclonal antibodies raised against mammalian TRPC1 and TRPC4 are used to localize the expression of these proteins in sections of the adult chicken retina. Western blot analysis indicates that these antibodies recognize avian TRPC1 and TRPC4. TRPC1 labeling is almost completely confined to the inner plexiform layer (IPL) where it labels a subset of processes that ramify in three broad stripes. Occasionally, cell bodies are labeled. These can be found in the inner nuclear layer (INL) proximal to the IPL, the IPL, and the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Double-labeling experiments using a polyclonal antibody that recognizes brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in the chicken indicate that many of the TRPC1-positive processes and cell bodies also express bNOS. Labeling with the TRPC4 antibody was much more widespread with some degree of labeling found in all layers of the retina. TRPC4 immunoreactivity was found in the photoreceptor layer, in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), in radially oriented cells in the INL, diffusely in the IPL, and in vertically oriented elements below the GCL. Double-labeling experiments with a monoclonal antibody raised against vimentin indicate that the TRPC4-positive structures in the INL and below the GCL are Müller cells. Thus, TRPC1 and TRPC4 subunits have unique expression patterns in the adult chicken retina. The distributions of these two subunits indicate that different retinal cell types express TRP channels containing different subunits.

TRPC4 and TRPC5: receptor-operated Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels

The seven mammalian channels from the classical (TRPC) subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are thought to be receptor-operated cation channels activated in a phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent manner. Based on sequence similarity, TRPC channels can be divided into four subgroups. Group 4 comprises TRPC4 and TRPC5, and is most closely related to group 1 (TRPC1). The functional properties observed following heterologous expression of TRPC4 or TRPC5 in mammalian cells are contradictory and, therefore, controversial. In our hands, and in several independent studies, both channels, probably as homotetramers, form receptor-operated, Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channels activated independently of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor activation or Ca2+ store-depletion. As heteromultimers with TRPC1, TRPC4 and TRPC5 form receptor-operated, Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channels with biophysical properties distinct from homomeric TRPC4 or TRPC5. In other studies, TRPC4 and TRPC5 have been shown to be store-operated channels, with moderate to high Ca2+ permeabilities. At present there is no clear explanation for these major differences in functional properties. To date, little is known as to which native cation channels are formed by TRPC4 and TRPC5. Endothelial cells from TRPC4(-/-) mice lack a highly Ca2+-permeable, store-dependent current, and data support a role for TRPC4 in endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation. A similar current in adrenal cortical cells is reduced by TRPC4 antisense. From similarities in the properties of the currents and expression of appropriate isoforms in the tissues, it is likely that heteromultimers of TRPC1 and TRPC4 or TRPC5 form receptor-operated nonselective cation channels in central neurones, and that TRPC4 contributes to nonselective cation channels in intestinal smooth muscle.

Lanthanides potentiate TRPC5 currents by an action at extracellular sites close to the pore mouth

Mammalian members of the classical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) subfamily (TRPC1-7) are Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels involved in receptor-mediated increases in intracellular Ca(2+). Unlike most other TRP-related channels, which are inhibited by La(3+) and Gd(3+), currents through TRPC4 and TRPC5 are potentiated by La(3+). Because these differential effects of lanthanides on TRPC subtypes may be useful for clarifying the role of different TRPCs in native tissues, we characterized the potentiating effect in detail and localized the molecular determinants of potentiation by mutagenesis. Whole cell currents through TRPC5 were reversibly potentiated by micromolar concentrations of La(3+) or Gd(3+), whereas millimolar concentrations were inhibitory. By comparison, TRPC6 was blocked to a similar extent by La(3+) or Gd(3+) at micromolar concentrations and showed no potentiation. Dual effects of lanthanides on TRPC5 were also observed in outside-out patches. Even at micromolar concentrations, the single channel conductance was reduced by La(3+), but reduction in conductance was accompanied by a dramatic increase in channel open probability, leading to larger integral currents. Neutralization of the negatively charged amino acids Glu(543) and Glu(595)/Glu(598), situated close to the extracellular mouth of the channel pore, resulted in a loss of potentiation, and, for Glu(595)/Glu(598) in a modification of channel inhibition. We conclude that in the micromolar range, the lanthanide ions La(3+) and Gd(3+) have opposite effects on whole cell currents through TRPC5 and TRPC6 channels. The potentiation of TRPC4 and TRPC5 by micromolar La(3+) at extracellular sites close to the pore mouth is a promising tool for identifying the involvement of these isoforms in receptor-operated cation conductances of native cells.

The cellular and molecular basis of store-operated calcium entry

The impact of calcium signalling on so many areas of cell biology reflects the crucial role of calcium signals in the control of diverse cellular functions. Despite the precision with which spatial and temporal details of calcium signals have been resolved, a fundamental aspect of the generation of calcium signals -- the activation of 'store-operated channels' (SOCs) -- remains a molecular and mechanistic mystery. Here we review new insights into the exchange of signals between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane that result in activation of calcium entry channels mediating crucial long-term calcium signals.

Calcium oscillation linked to pacemaking of interstitial cells of Cajal: requirement of calcium influx and localization of TRP4 in caveolae

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are considered to be pacemaker cells in gastrointestinal tracts. ICC generate electrical rhythmicity (dihydropyridine-insensitive) as slow waves and drive spontaneous contraction of smooth muscles. Although cytosolic Ca(2+) has been assumed to play a key role in pacemaking, Ca(2+) movements in ICC have not yet been examined in detail. In the present study, using cultured cell clusters isolated from mouse small intestine, we demonstrated Ca(2+) oscillations in ICC. Fluo-4 was loaded to the cell cluster, the relative amount of cytosolic Ca(2+) was recorded, and ICC were identified by c-Kit immunoreactivity. We specifically detected Ca(2+) oscillation in ICC in the presence of dihydropyridine, which abolishes Ca(2+) oscillation in smooth muscles. The oscillation was coupled to the electrical activity corresponding to slow waves, and it depended on Ca(2+) influx through a non-selective cation channel, which was SK&F 96365-sensitive and store-operated. We further demonstrated the presence of transient receptor potential-like channel 4 (TRP4) in caveolae of ICC. Taken together, the results infer that the Ca(2+) oscillation in ICC is intimately linked to the pacemaker function and depends on Ca(2+) influx mediated by TRP4.

The role of endogenous human Trp4 in regulating carbachol-induced calcium oscillations in HEK-293 cells

We utilized 2-aminoethyoxydiphenyl borane, an agent that blocks store-operated Ca(2+) entry, as well as an antisense approach to characterize endogenous Ca(2+) entry pathways in HEK-293 cells. The thapsigargin- and carbachol-induced, but not the 1-oleolyl-2-acytyl-sn-glycerol (OAG)-induced, entry was blocked by 2-aminoethyoxydiphenyl borane. Both reverse transcriptase-PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated endogenous expression for HTRP1, HTRP3, and HTRP4 and specific suppression of mRNA levels and Trp protein levels in cells stably expressing antisense constructs. Expression of HTRP4 antisense inhibited 35% of the carbachol (CCh)-stimulated Ba(2+) entry and 46% of the OAG-stimulated Sr(2+) entry but in contrast had no effect on the thapsigargin-stimulated Ba(2+) or Sr(2+) entry. HTRP3 antisense reduced, while HTRP1 antisense had no effect on, OAG-induced Sr(2+) entry. Of greater importance, HTRP4 antisense expression, but not HTRP3 antisense expression, blocked the sustained Ca(2+) oscillations produced by low doses of CCh (15 microm), arguing that receptor-stimulated rather than store-operated channels are involved in these sustained oscillations. HTRP4 antisense also inhibited 75% of the arachidonic acid-induced Ca(2+) entry. In summary, these data suggest that HTRP4 proteins in HEK-293 cells, differing from HTRP3 and HTRP1 proteins, do not serve as functional subunits of store-operated channels but do function as subunits for CCh- and OAG-stimulated channels. Furthermore, evidence is provided for the first time for the involvement of a Trp isoform (HTRP4) in the formation of the channel responsible for both arachidonic acid-induced Ca(2+) entry and the Ca(2+) entry needed to sustain long term Ca(2+) oscillations induced by low doses of carbachol.

The TRP family of cation channels: probing and advancing the concepts on receptor-activated calcium entry

Stimulation of membrane receptors linked to a phospholipase C and the subsequent production of the second messengers diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) is a signaling pathway of fundamental importance in eukaryotic cells. Signaling downstream of these initial steps involves mobilization of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and Ca(2+) influx through the plasma membrane. For this influx, several contrasting mechanisms may be responsible but particular relevance is attributed to the induction of Ca(2+) influx as consequence of depletion of intracellular calcium stores. This phenomenon (frequently named store-operated calcium entry, SOCE), in turn, may be brought about by various signals, including soluble cytosolic factors, interaction of proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum with ion channels in the plasma membrane, and a secretion-like coupling involving translocation of channels to the plasma membrane. Experimental approaches to analyze these mechanisms have been considerably advanced by the discovery of mammalian homologs of the Drosophila cation channel transient receptor potential (TRP). Some members of the TRP family can be expressed to Ca(2+)-permeable channels that enable SOCE; other members form channels activated independently of stores. TRP proteins may be an essential part of endogenous Ca(2+) entry channels but so far expression of most TRP cDNAs has not resulted in restitution of channels found in any mammalian cells, suggesting the requirement for further unknown subunits. A major exception is CaT1, a TRP channel demonstrated to provide Ca(2+)-selective, store-operated currents identical to those characterized in several cell types. Ongoing and future research on TRP channels will be crucial to understand the molecular basis of receptor-mediated Ca(2+) entry, with respect to the structure of the entry channels as well as to the mechanisms of its activation and regulation.

Functional differences between TRPC4 splice variants

Functional characterizations of heterologously expressed TRPC4 have revealed diverse regulatory mechanisms and permeation properties. We aimed to clarify whether these differences result from different species and splice variants used for heterologous expression. Like the murine beta splice variant, rat and human TRPC4beta both formed receptor-regulated cation channels when expressed in HEK293 cells. In contrast, human TRPC4alpha was poorly activated by stimulation of an H(1) histamine receptor. This was not due to reduced expression or plasma membrane targeting, because fluorescent TRPC4alpha fusion proteins were correctly inserted in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, currents through both human TRPC4alpha and TRPC4beta had similar current-voltage relationships and single channel conductances. To analyze the assembly of transient receptor potential channel subunits in functional pore complexes in living cells, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach was used. TRPC4alpha and TRPC4beta homomultimers exhibited robust FRET signals. Furthermore, coexpressed TRPC4alpha and TRPC4beta subunits formed heteromultimers exhibiting comparable FRET signals. To promote variable heteromultimer assemblies, TRPC4alpha/TRPC4beta were coexpressed at different molar ratios. TRPC4beta was inhibited in the presence of TRPC4alpha with a cooperativity higher than 2, indicating a dominant negative effect of TRPC4alpha subunits in heteromultimeric TRPC4 channel complexes. Finally, C-terminal truncation of human TRPC4alpha fully restored the channel activity. Thus, TRPC4beta subunits form a receptor-dependently regulated homomultimeric channel across various species, whereas TRPC4alpha contains a C-terminal autoinhibitory domain that may require additional regulatory mechanisms.

Activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is essential for the opening of mouse TRP5 channels

We studied the opening mechanism of Ca(2+)-permeable channels formed with mouse transient receptor potential type 5 (mTRP5) using Xenopus oocytes. After stimulation of coexpressed muscarinic M(1) receptors with acetylcholine (ACh) in a Ca(2+)-free solution, switching to 2 mM Ca(2+)-containing solution evoked a large Cl(-) current, which reflects the opening of endogenous Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels following Ca(2+) entry through the expressed channels. The ACh-evoked response was not affected by a depletion of Ca(2+) store with thapsigargin but was inhibited by preinjection of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to G(q), G(11), or both. The mTRP5 channel response was also induced by a direct activation of G proteins with injection of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S). The ACh- and GTP gamma S-evoked responses were inhibited by either pretreatment with a phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, or an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor inhibitor, xestospongin C (XeC). An activation of IP(3) receptors with injection of adenophostin A (AdA) evoked the mTRP5 channel response in a dose-dependent manner. The AdA-evoked response was not suppressed by preinjection of antisense ODNs to G(q/11) or U73122 but was suppressed by either preinjection of XeC or a peptide mimicking the IP(3) binding domain of Xenopus IP(3) receptor. These findings suggest that the activation of IP(3) receptor is essential for the opening of mTRP5 channels, and that neither G proteins, phosphoinositide metabolism, nor depletion of the Ca(2+) store directly modifies the IP(3) receptor-linked opening of mTRP5 channels.