Tagging with green fluorescent protein reveals a distinct subcellular distribution of L-type and non-L-type Ca2+ channels expressed in dysgenic myotubes

CaV1.1 voltage-sensing domain III exclusively controls skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling

Skeletal muscle contractions are initiated by action potentials, which are sensed by the voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV1.1) and are conformationally coupled to calcium release from intracellular stores. Notably, CaV1.1 contains four separate voltage-sensing domains (VSDs), which activate channel gating and excitation-contraction (EC-) coupling at different voltages and with distinct kinetics. Here we show that a single VSD of CaV1.1 controls skeletal muscle EC-coupling. Whereas mutations in VSDs I, II and IV affect the current properties but not EC-coupling, only mutations in VSD III alter the voltage-dependence of depolarization-induced calcium release. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal comprehensive, non-canonical state transitions of VSD III in response to membrane depolarization. Identifying the voltage sensor that activates EC-coupling and detecting its unique conformational changes opens the door to unraveling the downstream events linking VSD III motion to the opening of the calcium release channel, and thus resolving the signal transduction mechanism of skeletal muscle EC-coupling.

STAC3 determines the slow activation kinetics of CaV 1.1 currents and inhibits its voltage-dependent inactivation

The skeletal muscle CaV 1.1 channel functions as the voltage-sensor of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. Recently, the adaptor protein STAC3 was found to be essential for both CaV 1.1 functional expression and EC coupling. Interestingly, STAC proteins were also reported to inhibit calcium-dependent inactivation (CDI) of L-type calcium channels (LTCC), an important negative feedback mechanism in calcium signaling. The same could not be demonstrated for CaV 1.1, as STAC3 is required for its functional expression. However, upon strong membrane depolarization, CaV 1.1 conducts calcium currents characterized by very slow kinetics of activation and inactivation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the negligible inactivation observed in CaV 1.1 currents reflects the inhibitory effect of STAC3. Here, we inserted a triple mutation in the linker region of STAC3 (ETLAAA), as the analogous mutation abolished the inhibitory effect of STAC2 on CDI of CaV 1.3 currents. When coexpressed in CaV 1.1/STAC3 double knockout myotubes, the mutant STAC3-ETLAAA failed to colocalize with CaV 1.1 in the sarcoplasmic reticulum/membrane junctions. However, combined patch-clamp and calcium recording experiments revealed that STAC3-ETLAAA supports CaV 1.1 functional expression and EC coupling, although at a reduced extent compared to wild-type STAC3. Importantly, STAC3-ETLAAA coexpression dramatically accelerated the kinetics of activation and inactivation of CaV 1.1 currents, suggesting that STAC3 determines the slow CaV 1.1 currents kinetics. To examine if STAC3 specifically inhibits the CDI of CaV 1.1 currents, we performed patch-clamp recordings using calcium and barium as charge carriers in HEK cells. While CaV 1.1 displayed negligible CDI with STAC3, this did not increase in the presence of STAC3-ETLAAA. On the contrary, our data demonstrate that STAC3 specifically inhibits the voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI) of CaV 1.1 currents. Altogether, these results designate STAC3 as a crucial determinant for the slow activation kinetics of CaV 1.1 currents and implicate STAC proteins as modulators of both components of inactivation of LTCC.

Calcium current modulation by the γ1 subunit depends on alternative splicing of CaV1.1

The skeletal muscle voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV1.1) primarily functions as a voltage sensor for excitation-contraction coupling. Conversely, its ion-conducting function is modulated by multiple mechanisms within the pore-forming α1S subunit and the auxiliary α2δ-1 and γ1 subunits. In particular, developmentally regulated alternative splicing of exon 29, which inserts 19 amino acids in the extracellular IVS3-S4 loop of CaV1.1a, greatly reduces the current density and shifts the voltage dependence of activation to positive potentials outside the physiological range. We generated new HEK293 cell lines stably expressing α2δ-1, β3, and STAC3. When the adult (CaV1.1a) and embryonic (CaV1.1e) splice variants were expressed in these cells, the difference in the voltage dependence of activation observed in muscle cells was reproduced, but not the reduced current density of CaV1.1a. Only when we further coexpressed the γ1 subunit was the current density of CaV1.1a, but not that of CaV1.1e, reduced by >50%. In addition, γ1 caused a shift of the voltage dependence of inactivation to negative voltages in both variants. Thus, the current-reducing effect of γ1, unlike its effect on inactivation, is specifically dependent on the inclusion of exon 29 in CaV1.1a. Molecular structure modeling revealed several direct ionic interactions between residues in the IVS3-S4 loop and the γ1 subunit. However, substitution of these residues by alanine, individually or in combination, did not abolish the γ1-dependent reduction of current density, suggesting that structural rearrangements in CaV1.1a induced by inclusion of exon 29 may allosterically empower the γ1 subunit to exert its inhibitory action on CaV1.1 calcium currents.

β2-subunit alternative splicing stabilizes Cav2.3 Ca2+ channel activity during continuous midbrain dopamine neuron-like activity

In dopaminergic (DA) Substantia nigra (SN) neurons Cav2.3 R-type Ca2+-currents contribute to somatodendritic Ca2+-oscillations. This activity may contribute to the selective degeneration of these neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) since Cav2.3-knockout is neuroprotective in a PD mouse model. Here, we show that in tsA-201-cells the membrane-anchored β2-splice variants β2a and β2e are required to stabilize Cav2.3 gating properties allowing sustained Cav2.3 availability during simulated pacemaking and enhanced Ca2+-currents during bursts. We confirmed the expression of β2a- and β2e-subunit transcripts in the mouse SN and in identified SN DA neurons. Patch-clamp recordings of mouse DA midbrain neurons in culture and SN DA neurons in brain slices revealed SNX-482-sensitive R-type Ca2+-currents with voltage-dependent gating properties that suggest modulation by β2a- and/or β2e-subunits. Thus, β-subunit alternative splicing may prevent a fraction of Cav2.3 channels from inactivation in continuously active, highly vulnerable SN DA neurons, thereby also supporting Ca2+ signals contributing to the (patho)physiological role of Cav2.3 channels in PD.

Structures of the junctophilin/voltage-gated calcium channel interface reveal hot spot for cardiomyopathy mutations

SignificanceIon channels have evolved the ability to communicate with one another, either through protein-protein interactions, or indirectly via intermediate diffusible messenger molecules. In special cases, the channels are part of different membranes. In muscle tissue, the T-tubule membrane is in proximity to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, allowing communication between L-type calcium channels and ryanodine receptors. This process is critical for excitation-contraction coupling and requires auxiliary proteins like junctophilin (JPH). JPHs are targets for disease-associated mutations, most notably hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in the JPH2 isoform. Here we provide high-resolution snapshots of JPH, both alone and in complex with a calcium channel peptide, and show how this interaction is targeted by cardiomyopathy mutations.

Ion-pair interactions between voltage-sensing domain IV and pore domain I regulate CaV1.1 gating

The voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.1 belongs to the family of pseudo-heterotetrameric cation channels, which are built of four structurally and functionally distinct voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) arranged around a common channel pore. Upon depolarization, positive gating charges in the S4 helices of each VSD are moved across the membrane electric field, thus generating the conformational change that prompts channel opening. This sliding helix mechanism is aided by the transient formation of ion-pair interactions with countercharges located in the S2 and S3 helices within the VSDs. Recently, we identified a domain-specific ion-pair partner of R1 and R2 in VSD IV of CaV1.1 that stabilizes the activated state of this VSD and regulates the voltage dependence of current activation in a splicing-dependent manner. Structure modeling of the entire CaV1.1 in a membrane environment now revealed the participation in this process of an additional putative ion-pair partner (E216) located outside VSD IV, in the pore domain of the first repeat (IS5). This interdomain interaction is specific for CaV1.1 and CaV1.2 L-type calcium channels. Moreover, in CaV1.1 it is sensitive to insertion of the 19 amino acid peptide encoded by exon 29. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in dysgenic myotubes reconstituted with wild-type or E216 mutants of GFP-CaV1.1e (lacking exon 29) showed that charge neutralization (E216Q) or removal of the side chain (E216A) significantly shifted the voltage dependence of activation (V1/2) to more positive potentials, suggesting that E216 stabilizes the activated state. Insertion of exon 29 in the GFP-CaV1.1a splice variant strongly reduced the ionic interactions with R1 and R2 and caused a substantial right shift of V1/2, whereas no further shift of V1/2 was observed on substitution of E216 with A or Q. Together with our previous findings, these results demonstrate that inter- and intradomain ion-pair interactions cooperate in the molecular mechanism regulating VSD function and channel gating in CaV1.1.

Voltage sensor movements of CaV1.1 during an action potential in skeletal muscle fibers

The skeletal muscle L-type Ca²⁺ channel (Ca_V1.1) works primarily as a voltage sensor for skeletal muscle action potential (AP)-evoked Ca²⁺ release. Ca_V1.1 contains four distinct voltage-sensing domains (VSDs), yet the contribution of each VSD to AP-evoked Ca²⁺ release remains unknown. To investigate the role of VSDs in excitation-contraction coupling (ECC), we encoded cysteine substitutions on each S4 voltage-sensing segment of Ca_V1.1, expressed each construct via in vivo gene transfer electroporation, and used in cellulo AP fluorometry to track the movement of each Ca_V1.1 VSD in skeletal muscle fibers. We first provide electrical measurements of Ca_V1.1 voltage sensor charge movement in response to an AP waveform. Then we characterize the fluorescently labeled channels' VSD fluorescence signal responses to an AP and compare them with the waveforms of the electrically measured charge movement, the optically measured free myoplasmic Ca²⁺, and the calculated rate of Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum for an AP, the physiological signal for skeletal muscle fiber activation. A considerable fraction of the fluorescence signal for each VSD occurred after the time of peak Ca²⁺ release, and even more occurred after the earlier peak of electrically measured charge movement during an AP, and thus could not directly reflect activation of Ca²⁺ release or charge movement, respectively. However, a sizable fraction of the fluorometric signals for VSDs I, II, and IV, but not VSDIII, overlap the rising phase of charge moved, and even more for Ca²⁺ release, and thus could be involved in voltage sensor rearrangements or Ca²⁺ release activation.

Pore mutation N617D in the skeletal muscle DHPR blocks Ca2+ influx due to atypical high-affinity Ca2+ binding

Skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling roots in Ca²⁺-influx-independent inter-channel signaling between the sarcolemmal dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR1) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Although DHPR Ca²⁺ influx is irrelevant for EC coupling, its putative role in other muscle-physiological and developmental pathways was recently examined using two distinct genetically engineered mouse models carrying Ca²⁺ non-conducting DHPRs: DHPR(N617D) (Dayal et al., 2017) and DHPR(E1014K) (Lee et al., 2015). Surprisingly, despite complete block of DHPR Ca²⁺-conductance, histological, biochemical, and physiological results obtained from these two models were contradictory. Here, we characterize the permeability and selectivity properties and henceforth the mechanism of Ca²⁺ non-conductance of DHPR(N617). Our results reveal that only mutant DHPR(N617D) with atypical high-affinity Ca²⁺ pore-binding is tight for physiologically relevant monovalent cations like Na⁺ and K⁺. Consequently, we propose a molecular model of cooperativity between two ion selectivity rings formed by negatively charged residues in the DHPR pore region.

Structural determinants of voltage-gating properties in calcium channels

Voltage-gated calcium channels control key functions of excitable cells, like synaptic transmission in neurons and the contraction of heart and skeletal muscles. To accomplish such diverse functions, different calcium channels activate at different voltages and with distinct kinetics. To identify the molecular mechanisms governing specific voltage sensing properties, we combined structure modeling, mutagenesis, and electrophysiology to analyze the structures, free energy, and transition kinetics of the activated and resting states of two functionally distinct voltage sensing domains (VSDs) of the eukaryotic calcium channel CaV1.1. Both VSDs displayed the typical features of the sliding helix model; however, they greatly differed in ion-pair formation of the outer gating charges. Specifically, stabilization of the activated state enhanced the voltage dependence of activation, while stabilization of resting states slowed the kinetics. This mechanism provides a mechanistic model explaining how specific ion-pair formation in separate VSDs can realize the characteristic gating properties of voltage-gated cation channels.

Neuronal junctophilins recruit specific CaV and RyR isoforms to ER-PM junctions and functionally alter CaV2.1 and CaV2.2

Junctions between the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane that are induced by the neuronal junctophilins are of demonstrated importance, but their molecular architecture is still poorly understood and challenging to address in neurons. This is due to the small size of the junctions and the multiple isoforms of candidate junctional proteins in different brain areas. Using colocalization of tagged proteins expressed in tsA201 cells, and electrophysiology, we compared the interactions of JPH3 and JPH4 with different calcium channels. We found that JPH3 and JPH4 caused junctional accumulation of all the tested high-voltage-activated Ca_V isoforms, but not a low-voltage-activated Ca_V. Also, JPH3 and JPH4 noticeably modify Ca_V2.1 and Ca_V2.2 inactivation rate. RyR3 moderately colocalized at junctions with JPH4, whereas RyR1 and RyR2 did not. By contrast, RyR1 and RyR3 strongly colocalized with JPH3, and RyR2 moderately. Likely contributing to this difference, JPH3 binds to cytoplasmic domain constructs of RyR1 and RyR3, but not of RyR2.

T1143 essential for CaV1.2 inhibition by diltiazem

Careful analysis of previously published reports and some new insights into the structure activity studies revealed an important role of Threonine 1143 in drug binding. Substituting T1143 by alanine and other residues significantly reduced channel inhibition by qDil and Dil. Mutation T1143A did not affect channel activation or inactivation while almost completely diminishing channel block by Dil or qDil. These findings support the view that T1143 serves as drug binding determinant. Other mutations in this position than T1143A (T1143L/Y/S/N/C/V/E) diminished channel inhibition by qDil but additionally affected channel activation and inactivation and may therefore affect channel block allosterically. Collectively, our data suggest that T1143 is an essential diltiazem binding determinant.

A homozygous missense variant in CACNB4 encoding the auxiliary calcium channel beta4 subunit causes a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and impairs channel and non-channel functions

P/Q-type channels are the principal presynaptic calcium channels in brain functioning in neurotransmitter release. They are composed of the pore-forming CaV2.1 α1 subunit and the auxiliary α2δ-2 and β4 subunits. β4 is encoded by CACNB4, and its multiple splice variants serve isoform-specific functions as channel subunits and transcriptional regulators in the nucleus. In two siblings with intellectual disability, psychomotor retardation, blindness, epilepsy, movement disorder and cerebellar atrophy we identified rare homozygous variants in the genes LTBP1, EMILIN1, CACNB4, MINAR1, DHX38 and MYO15 by whole-exome sequencing. In silico tools, animal model, clinical, and genetic data suggest the p.(Leu126Pro) CACNB4 variant to be likely pathogenic. To investigate the functional consequences of the CACNB4 variant, we introduced the corresponding mutation L125P into rat β4b cDNA. Heterologously expressed wild-type β4b associated with GFP-CaV1.2 and accumulated in presynaptic boutons of cultured hippocampal neurons. In contrast, the β4b-L125P mutant failed to incorporate into calcium channel complexes and to cluster presynaptically. When co-expressed with CaV2.1 in tsA201 cells, β4b and β4b-L125P augmented the calcium current amplitudes, however, β4b-L125P failed to stably complex with α1 subunits. These results indicate that p.Leu125Pro disrupts the stable association of β4b with native calcium channel complexes, whereas membrane incorporation, modulation of current density and activation properties of heterologously expressed channels remained intact. Wildtype β4b was specifically targeted to the nuclei of quiescent excitatory cells. Importantly, the p.Leu125Pro mutation abolished nuclear targeting of β4b in cultured myotubes and hippocampal neurons. While binding of β4b to the known interaction partner PPP2R5D (B56δ) was not affected by the mutation, complex formation between β4b-L125P and the neuronal TRAF2 and NCK interacting kinase (TNIK) seemed to be disturbed. In summary, our data suggest that the homozygous CACNB4 p.(Leu126Pro) variant underlies the severe neurological phenotype in the two siblings, most likely by impairing both channel and non-channel functions of β4b.

Ca2+ Channels Mediate Bidirectional Signaling between Sarcolemma and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum in Muscle Cells

The skeletal muscle and myocardial cells present highly specialized structures; for example, the close interaction between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondria—responsible for excitation-metabolism coupling—and the junction that connects the SR with T-tubules, critical for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. The mechanisms that underlie EC coupling in these two cell types, however, are fundamentally distinct. They involve the differential expression of Ca²⁺ channel subtypes: Ca_V1.1 and RyR1 (skeletal), vs. Ca_V1.2 and RyR2 (cardiac). The Ca_V channels transform action potentials into elevations of cytosolic Ca²⁺, by activating RyRs and thus promoting SR Ca²⁺ release. The high levels of Ca²⁺, in turn, stimulate not only the contractile machinery but also the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). This forward signaling is reciprocally regulated by the following feedback mechanisms: Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation (of Ca²⁺ channels), the recruitment of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger activity, and oxidative changes in ion channels and transporters. Here, we summarize both well-established concepts and recent advances that have contributed to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this bidirectional signaling.

Correcting the R165K substitution in the first voltage-sensor of CaV1.1 right-shifts the voltage-dependence of skeletal muscle calcium channel activation

The voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.1a primarily functions as voltage-sensor in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. In embryonic muscle the splice variant CaV1.1e, which lacks exon 29, additionally function as a genuine L-type calcium channel. Because previous work in most laboratories used a CaV1.1 expression plasmid containing a single amino acid substitution (R165K) of a critical gating charge in the first voltage-sensing domain (VSD), we corrected this substitution and analyzed its effects on the gating properties of the L-type calcium currents in dysgenic myotubes. Reverting K165 to R right-shifted the voltage-dependence of activation by ~12 mV in both CaV1.1 splice variants without changing their current amplitudes or kinetics. This demonstrates the exquisite sensitivity of the voltage-sensor function to changes in the specific amino acid side chains independent of their charge. Our results further indicate the cooperativity of VSDs I and IV in determining the voltage-sensitivity of CaV1.1 channel gating.

Role of putative voltage-sensor countercharge D4 in regulating gating properties of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 calcium channels

Voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca_V) activate over a wide range of membrane potentials, and the voltage-dependence of activation of specific channel isoforms is exquisitely tuned to their diverse functions in excitable cells. Alternative splicing further adds to the stunning diversity of gating properties. For example, developmentally regulated insertion of an alternatively spliced exon 29 in the fourth voltage-sensing domain (VSD IV) of Ca_V1.1 right-shifts voltage-dependence of activation by 30 mV and decreases the current amplitude several-fold. Previously we demonstrated that this regulation of gating properties depends on interactions between positive gating charges (R1, R2) and a negative countercharge (D4) in VSD IV of Ca_V1.1. Here we investigated whether this molecular mechanism plays a similar role in the VSD IV of Ca_V1.3 and in VSDs II and IV of Ca_V1.2 by introducing charge-neutralizing mutations (D4N or E4Q) in the corresponding positions of Ca_V1.3 and in two splice variants of Ca_V1.2. In both channels the D4N (VSD IV) mutation resulted in a  ̴5 mV right-shift of the voltage-dependence of activation and in a reduction of current density to about half of that in controls. However in Ca_V1.2 the effects were independent of alternative splicing, indicating that the two modulatory processes operate by distinct mechanisms. Together with our previous findings these results suggest that molecular interactions engaging D4 in VSD IV contribute to voltage-sensing in all examined Ca_V1 channels, however its striking role in regulating the gating properties by alternative splicing appears to be a unique property of the skeletal muscle Ca_V1.1 channel.

A mutation in CaV2.1 linked to a severe neurodevelopmental disorder impairs channel gating

Ca²⁺ flux into axon terminals via P-/Q-type Ca_V2.1 channels is the trigger for neurotransmitter vesicle release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and many central synapses. Recently, an arginine to proline substitution (R1673P) in the S4 voltage-sensing helix of the fourth membrane-bound repeat of Ca_V2.1 was linked to a severe neurological disorder characterized by generalized hypotonia, ataxia, cerebellar atrophy, and global developmental delay. The R1673P mutation was proposed to cause a gain of function in Ca_V2.1 leading to neuronal Ca²⁺ toxicity based on the ability of the mutant channel to rescue the photoreceptor response in Ca_V2.1-deficient Drosophila cacophony larvae. Here, we show that the corresponding mutation in rat Ca_V2.1 (R1624P) causes a profound loss of channel function; voltage-clamp analysis of tsA-201 cells expressing this mutant channel revealed an ∼25-mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. This alteration in activation implies that a significant fraction of Ca_V2.1 channels resident in presynaptic terminals are unlikely to open in response to an action potential, thereby increasing the probability of synaptic failure at both NMJs and central synapses. Indeed, the mutant channel supported only minimal Ca²⁺ flux in response to an action potential-like waveform. Application of GV-58, a compound previously shown to stabilize the open state of wild-type Ca_V2.1 channels, partially restored Ca²⁺ current by shifting mutant activation to more hyperpolarizing potentials and slowing deactivation. Consequently, GV-58 also rescued a portion of Ca²⁺ flux during action potential-like stimuli. Thus, our data raise the possibility that therapeutic agents that increase channel open probability or prolong action potential duration may be effective in combatting this and other severe neurodevelopmental disorders caused by loss-of-function mutations in Ca_V2.1.

Stac Proteins Suppress Ca2+-Dependent Inactivation of Neuronal l-type Ca2+ Channels

Stac protein (named for its SH3- and cysteine-rich domains) was first identified in brain 20 years ago and is currently known to have three isoforms. Stac2, Stac1, and Stac3 transcripts are found at high, modest, and very low levels, respectively, in the cerebellum and forebrain, but their neuronal functions have been little investigated. Here, we tested the effects of Stac proteins on neuronal, high-voltage-activated Ca²⁺ channels. Overexpression of the three Stac isoforms eliminated Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation (CDI) of l-type current in rat neonatal hippocampal neurons (sex unknown), but not CDI of non-l-type current. Using heterologous expression in tsA201 cells (together with β and α₂-δ₁ auxiliary subunits), we found that CDI for Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V1.3 (the predominant, neuronal l-type Ca²⁺ channels) was suppressed by all three Stac isoforms, whereas CDI for the P/Q channel, Ca_V2.1, was not. For Ca_V1.2, the inhibition of CDI by the Stac proteins appeared to involve their direct interaction with the channel's C terminus. Within the Stac proteins, a weakly conserved segment containing ∼100 residues and linking the structurally conserved PKC C1 and SH3_1 domains was sufficient to fully suppress CDI. The presence of CDI for l-type current in control neonatal neurons raised the possibility that endogenous Stac levels are low in these neurons and Western blotting indicated that the expression of Stac2 was substantially increased in adult forebrain and cerebellum compared with neonate. Together, our results indicate that one likely function of neuronal Stac proteins is to tune Ca²⁺ entry via neuronal l-type channels.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Stac protein, first identified 20 years ago in brain, has recently been found to be essential for proper trafficking and function of the skeletal muscle l-type Ca2+ channel and is the site of mutations causing a severe, inherited human myopathy. In neurons, however, functions for Stac protein have remained unexplored. Here, we report that one likely function of neuronal Stac proteins is tuning Ca2+ entry via l-type, but not that via non-l-type, Ca2+ channels. Moreover, there is a large postnatal increase in protein levels of the major neuronal isoform (Stac2) in forebrain and cerebellum, which could provide developmental regulation of l-type channel Ca2+ signaling in these brain regions.

STAC3 incorporation into skeletal muscle triads occurs independent of the dihydropyridine receptor

Excitation‐contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscles operates through a physical interaction between the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), acting as a voltage sensor, and the ryanodine receptor (RyR1), acting as a calcium release channel. Recently, the adaptor protein SH3 and cysteine‐rich containing protein 3 (STAC3) has been identified as a myopathy disease gene and as an additional essential EC coupling component. STAC3 interacts with DHPR sequences including the critical EC coupling domain and has been proposed to function in linking the DHPR and RyR1. However, we and others demonstrated that incorporation of recombinant STAC3 into skeletal muscle triads critically depends only on the DHPR but not the RyR1. On the contrary, here, we provide evidence that endogenous STAC3 incorporates into triads in the absence of the DHPR in myotubes and muscle fibers of dysgenic mice. This finding demonstrates that STAC3 interacts with additional triad proteins and is consistent with its proposed role in directly or indirectly linking the DHPR with the RyR1.

Transport of the alpha subunit of the voltage gated L-type calcium channel through the sarcoplasmic reticulum occurs prior to localization to triads and requires the beta subunit but not Stac3 in skeletal muscles

Contraction of skeletal muscle is initiated by excitation-contraction (EC) coupling during which membrane voltage is transduced to intracellular Ca²⁺ release. EC coupling requires L-type voltage gated Ca₂₊ channels (the dihydropyridine receptor or DHPR) located at triads, which are junctions between the transverse (T) tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes, that sense membrane depolarization in the T tubule membrane. Reduced EC coupling is associated with ageing, and disruptions of EC coupling result in congenital myopathies for which there are few therapies. The precise localization of DHPRs to triads is critical for EC coupling, yet trafficking of the DHPR to triads is not well understood. Using dynamic imaging of zebrafish muscle fibers, we find that DHPR is transported along the longitudinal SR in a microtubule-independent mechanism. Furthermore, transport of DHPR in the SR membrane is differentially affected in null mutants of Stac3 or DHPRβ, two essential components of EC coupling. These findings reveal previously unappreciated features of DHPR motility within the SR prior to assembly at triads.

Stac proteins associate with the critical domain for excitation-contraction coupling in the II-III loop of CaV1.1

In skeletal muscle, residues 720-764/5 within the Ca_V1.1 II-III loop form a critical domain that plays an essential role in transmitting the excitation-contraction (EC) coupling Ca²⁺ release signal to the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. However, the identities of proteins that interact with the loop and its critical domain and the mechanism by which the II-III loop regulates RyR1 gating remain unknown. Recent work has shown that EC coupling in skeletal muscle of fish and mice depends on the presence of Stac3, an adaptor protein that is highly expressed only in skeletal muscle. Here, by using colocalization as an indicator of molecular interactions, we show that Stac3, as well as Stac1 and Stac2 (predominantly neuronal Stac isoforms), interact with the II-III loop of Ca_V1.1. Further, we find that these Stac proteins promote the functional expression of Ca_V1.1 in tsA201 cells and support EC coupling in Stac3-null myotubes and that Stac3 is the most effective. Coexpression in tsA201 cells reveals that Stac3 interacts only with II-III loop constructs containing the majority of the Ca_V1.1 critical domain residues. By coexpressing Stac3 in dysgenic (Ca_V1.1-null) myotubes together with Ca_V1 constructs whose chimeric II-III loops had previously been tested for functionality, we reveal that the ability of Stac3 to interact with them parallels the ability of these constructs to mediate skeletal type EC coupling. Based on coexpression in tsA201 cells, the interaction of Stac3 with the II-III loop critical domain does not require the presence of the PKC C1 domain in Stac3, but it does require the first of the two SH3 domains. Collectively, our results indicate that activation of RyR1 Ca²⁺ release by Ca_V1.1 depends on Stac3 being bound to critical domain residues in the II-III loop.

A skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel with a mutation in the selectivity filter (CaV1.1 E1014K) conducts K<sup/>

A glutamate-to-lysine substitution at position 1014 within the selectivity filter of the skeletal muscle L-type Ca²⁺ channel (Ca_V1.1) abolishes Ca²⁺ flux through the channel pore. Mice engineered to exclusively express the mutant channel display accelerated muscle fatigue, changes in muscle composition, and altered metabolism relative to wildtype littermates. By contrast, mice expressing another mutant Ca_V1.1 channel that is impermeable to Ca²⁺ (Ca_V1.1 N617D) have shown no detectable phenotypic differences from wildtype mice to date. The major biophysical difference between the Ca_V1.1 E1014K and Ca_V1.1 N617D mutants elucidated thus far is that the former channel conducts robust Na⁺ and Cs⁺ currents in patch-clamp experiments, but neither of these monovalent conductances seems to be of relevance in vivo Thus, the basis for the different phenotypes of these mutants has remained enigmatic. We now show that Ca_V1.1 E1014K readily conducts 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive K⁺ currents at depolarizing test potentials, whereas Ca_V1.1 N617D does not. Our observations, coupled with a large body of work by others regarding the role of K⁺ accumulation in muscle fatigue, raise the possibility that the introduction of an additional K⁺ flux from the myoplasm into the transverse-tubule lumen accelerates the onset of fatigue and precipitates the metabolic changes observed in Ca_V1.1 E1014K muscle. These results, highlighting an unexpected consequence of a channel mutation, may help define the complex mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle fatigue and related dysfunctions.

Structural insights into binding of STAC proteins to voltage-gated calcium channels

Excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle requires functional and mechanical coupling between L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (Ca_V1.1) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR1). Recently, STAC3 was identified as an essential protein for EC coupling and is part of a group of three proteins that can bind and modulate L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Here, we report crystal structures of tandem-SH3 domains of different STAC isoforms up to 1.2-Å resolution. These form a rigid interaction through a conserved interdomain interface. We identify the linker connecting transmembrane repeats II and III in two different Ca_V isoforms as a binding site for the SH3 domains and report a crystal structure of the complex with the STAC2 isoform. The interaction site includes the location for a disease variant in STAC3 that has been linked to Native American myopathy (NAM). Introducing the mutation does not cause misfolding of the SH3 domains, but abolishes the interaction. Disruption of the interaction via mutations in the II-III loop perturbs skeletal muscle EC coupling, but preserves the ability of STAC3 to slow down inactivation of Ca_V1.2.

The Ca2+ influx through the mammalian skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor is irrelevant for muscle performance

Skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling is initiated by sarcolemmal depolarization, which is translated into a conformational change of the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), which in turn activates sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ release to trigger muscle contraction. During EC coupling, the mammalian DHPR embraces functional duality, as voltage sensor and L-type Ca²⁺ channel. Although its unique role as voltage sensor for conformational EC coupling is firmly established, the conventional function as Ca²⁺ channel is still enigmatic. Here we show that Ca²⁺ influx via DHPR is not necessary for muscle performance by generating a knock-in mouse where DHPR-mediated Ca²⁺ influx is eliminated. Homozygous knock-in mice display SR Ca²⁺ release, locomotor activity, motor coordination, muscle strength and susceptibility to fatigue comparable to wild-type controls, without any compensatory regulation of multiple key proteins of the EC coupling machinery and Ca²⁺ homeostasis. These findings support the hypothesis that the DHPR-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in mammalian skeletal muscle is an evolutionary remnant.In mammalian skeletal muscle, the DHPR functions as a voltage sensor to trigger muscle contraction and as a Ca²⁺ channel. Here the authors show that mice where Ca²⁺ influx through the DHPR is eliminated display no difference in skeletal muscle function, suggesting that the Ca²⁺ influx through this channel is vestigial.

STAC3 stably interacts through its C1 domain with CaV1.1 in skeletal muscle triads

The adaptor protein STAC3 is essential for skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and a mutation in the STAC3 gene has been linked to a severe muscle disease, Native American myopathy (NAM). However the function of STAC3, its interaction partner, and the mode of interaction within the EC-coupling complex remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that STAC3 forms a stable interaction with the voltage-sensor of EC-coupling, Ca_V1.1, and that this interaction depends on a hitherto unidentified protein-protein binding pocket in the C1 domain of STAC3. While the NAM mutation does not affect the stability of the STAC3-Ca_V1.1 interaction, mutation of two crucial residues in the C1 binding pocket increases the turnover of STAC3 in skeletal muscle triads. Thus, the C1 domain of STAC3 is responsible for its stable incorporation into the Ca_V1.1 complex, whereas the SH3 domain containing the NAM mutation site may be involved in low-affinity functional interactions in EC-coupling.

Congenital myopathy results from misregulation of a muscle Ca2+ channel by mutant Stac3

Skeletal muscle contractions are initiated by an increase in Ca²⁺ released during excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, and defects in EC coupling are associated with human myopathies. EC coupling requires communication between voltage-sensing dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) in transverse tubule membrane and Ca²⁺ release channel ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Stac3 protein (SH3 and cysteine-rich domain 3) is an essential component of the EC coupling apparatus and a mutation in human STAC3 causes the debilitating Native American myopathy (NAM), but the nature of how Stac3 acts on the DHPR and/or RyR1 is unknown. Using electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and dynamic imaging of zebrafish muscle fibers, we find significantly reduced DHPR levels, functionality, and stability in stac3 mutants. Furthermore, stac3^NAM myofibers exhibited increased caffeine-induced Ca²⁺ release across a wide range of concentrations in the absence of altered caffeine sensitivity as well as increased Ca²⁺ in internal stores, which is consistent with increased SR luminal Ca²⁺ These findings define critical roles for Stac3 in EC coupling and human disease.

The mammalian skeletal muscle DHPR has larger Ca2+ conductance and is phylogenetically ancient to the early ray-finned fish sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

The L-type Ca²⁺ channel or dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) in vertebrate skeletal muscle is responsible for sensing sarcolemmal depolarizations and transducing this signal to the sarcoplasmic Ca²⁺ release channel RyR1 via conformational coupling to initiate muscle contraction. During this excitation-contraction (EC) coupling process there is a slow Ca²⁺ current through the mammalian DHPR which is fully missing in euteleost fishes. In contrast to ancestral evolutionary stages where skeletal muscle EC coupling is still depended on Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺-release (CICR), it is possible that the DHPR Ca²⁺ conductivity during mammalian (conformational) EC coupling was retained as an evolutionary remnant (vestigiality). Here, we wanted to test the hypothesis that due to the lack of evolutionary pressure in post-CICR species skeletal muscle DHPR Ca²⁺ conductivity gradually reduced as evolution progressed. Interestingly, we identified that the DHPR of the early ray-finned fish sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is phylogenetically positioned above the mammalian rabbit DHPR which retained robust Ca²⁺ conductivity, but below the euteleost zebrafish DHPR which completely lost Ca²⁺ conductivity. Remarkably, our results revealed that sterlet DHPR still retained the Ca²⁺ conductivity but currents are significantly reduced compared to rabbit. This decrease is due to lower DHPR membrane expression similar to zebrafish, as well as due to reduced channel open probability (P_o). In both these fish species the lower DHPR expression density is partially compensated by higher efficacy of DHPR-RyR1 coupling. The complete loss of P_o in zebrafish and other euteleost species was presumably based on the teleost specific 3rd round of genome duplication (Ts3R). Ts3R headed into the appearance of two skeletal muscle DHPR isoforms which finally, together with the radiation of the euteleost clade, fully lost the P_o.

Physiological and pharmacological modulation of the embryonic skeletal muscle calcium channel splice variant CaV1.1e

CaV1.1e is the voltage-gated calcium channel splice variant of embryonic skeletal muscle. It differs from the adult CaV1.1a splice variant by the exclusion of exon 29 coding for 19 amino acids in the extracellular loop connecting transmembrane domains IVS3 and IVS4. Like the adult splice variant CaV1.1a, the embryonic CaV1.1e variant functions as voltage sensor in excitation-contraction coupling, but unlike CaV1.1a it also conducts sizable calcium currents. Consequently, physiological or pharmacological modulation of calcium currents may have a greater impact in CaV1.1e expressing muscle cells. Here, we analyzed the effects of L-type current modulators on whole-cell current properties in dysgenic (CaV1.1-null) myotubes reconstituted with either CaV1.1a or CaV1.1e. Furthermore, we examined the physiological current modulation by interactions with the ryanodine receptor using a chimeric CaV1.1e construct in which the cytoplasmic II-III loop, essential for skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling, has been replaced with the corresponding but nonfunctional loop from the Musca channel. Whereas the equivalent substitution in CaV1.1a had abolished the calcium currents, substitution of the II-III loop in CaV1.1e did not significantly reduce current amplitudes. This indicates that CaV1.1e is not subject to retrograde coupling with the ryanodine receptor and that the retrograde coupling mechanism in CaV1.1a operates by counteracting the limiting effects of exon 29 inclusion on the current amplitude. Pharmacologically, CaV1.1e behaves like other L-type calcium channels. Its currents are substantially increased by the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 and inhibited by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine in a dose-dependent manner. With an IC50 of 0.37 μM for current inhibition by nifedipine, CaV1.1e is a potential drug target for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy. It might block the excessive calcium influx resulting from the aberrant expression of the embryonic splice variant CaV1.1e in the skeletal muscles of myotonic dystrophy patients.

Direct Evidence for Microdomain-Specific Localization and Remodeling of Functional L-Type Calcium Channels in Rat and Human Atrial Myocytes

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Distinct subpopulations of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) with different functional properties exist in cardiomyocytes. Disruption of cellular structure may affect LTCC in a microdomain-specific manner and contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases, especially in cells lacking organized transverse tubules (T-tubules) such as atrial myocytes (AMs).

A Polybasic Plasma Membrane Binding Motif in the I-II Linker Stabilizes Voltage-gated CaV1.2 Calcium Channel Function

L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (LTCCs) regulate many physiological functions like muscle contraction, hormone secretion, gene expression, and neuronal excitability. Their activity is strictly controlled by various molecular mechanisms. The pore-forming α1-subunit comprises four repeated domains (I-IV), each connected via an intracellular linker. Here we identified a polybasic plasma membrane binding motif, consisting of four arginines, within the I-II linker of all LTCCs. The primary structure of this motif is similar to polybasic clusters known to interact with polyphosphoinositides identified in other ion channels. We used de novo molecular modeling to predict the conformation of this polybasic motif, immunofluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging to investigate the interaction with the plasma membrane, and electrophysiology to study its role for Cav1.2 channel function. According to our models, this polybasic motif of the I-II linker forms a straight α-helix, with the positive charges facing the lipid phosphates of the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Membrane binding of the I-II linker could be reversed after phospholipase C activation, causing polyphosphoinositide breakdown, and was accelerated by elevated intracellular Ca(2+) levels. This indicates the involvement of negatively charged phospholipids in the plasma membrane targeting of the linker. Neutralization of four arginine residues eliminated plasma membrane binding. Patch clamp recordings revealed facilitated opening of Cav1.2 channels containing these mutations, weaker inhibition by phospholipase C activation, and reduced expression of channels (as quantified by ON-gating charge) at the plasma membrane. Our data provide new evidence for a membrane binding motif within the I-II linker of LTCC α1-subunits essential for stabilizing normal Ca(2+) channel function.

The juvenile myoclonic epilepsy mutant of the calcium channel β(4) subunit displays normal nuclear targeting in nerve and muscle cells

Voltage-gated calcium channels regulate gene expression by controlling calcium entry through the plasma membrane and by direct interactions of channel fragments and auxiliary β subunits with promoters and the epigenetic machinery in the nucleus. Mutations of the calcium channel β₄ subunit gene (CACNB4) cause juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in humans and ataxia and epileptic seizures in mice. Recently a model has been proposed according to which failed nuclear translocation of the truncated β₄ subunit R482X mutation resulted in altered transcriptional regulation and consequently in neurological disease. Here we examined the nuclear targeting properties of the truncated β_4b(1–481) subunit in tsA-201 cells, skeletal myotubes, and in hippocampal neurons. Contrary to expectation, nuclear targeting of β_4b(1–481) was not reduced compared with full-length β_4b in any one of the three cell systems. These findings oppose an essential role of the β₄ distal C-terminus in nuclear targeting and challenge the idea that the nuclear function of calcium channel β₄ subunits is critically involved in the etiology of epilepsy and ataxia in patients and mouse models with mutations in the CACNB4 gene.

Microdomain-specific localization of functional ion channels in cardiomyocytes: an emerging concept of local regulation and remodelling

Cardiac excitation involves the generation of action potential by individual cells and the subsequent conduction of the action potential from cell to cell through intercellular gap junctions. Excitation of the cellular membrane results in opening of the voltage-gated L-type calcium ion (Ca2+) channels, thereby allowing a small amount of Ca2+ to enter the cell, which in turn triggers the release of a much greater amount of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the intracellular Ca2+ store, and gives rise to the systolic Ca2+ transient and contraction. These processes are highly regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which ensures the acute and reliable contractile function of the heart and the short-term modulation of this function upon changes in heart rate or workload. It has recently become evident that discrete clusters of different ion channels and regulatory receptors are present in the sarcolemma, where they form an interacting network and work together as a part of a macro-molecular signalling complex which in turn allows the specificity, reliability and accuracy of the autonomic modulation of the excitation-contraction processes by a variety of neurohormonal pathways. Disruption in subcellular targeting of ion channels and associated signalling proteins may contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiac diseases, including heart failure and certain arrhythmias. Recent methodological advances have made it possible to routinely image the topography of live cardiomyocytes, allowing the study of clustering functional ion channels and receptors as well as their coupling within a specific microdomain. In this review we highlight the emerging understanding of the functionality of distinct subcellular microdomains in cardiac myocytes (e.g. T-tubules, lipid rafts/caveolae, costameres and intercalated discs) and their functional role in the accumulation and regulation of different subcellular populations of sodium, Ca2+ and potassium ion channels and their contributions to cellular signalling and cardiac pathology.

Stac adaptor proteins regulate trafficking and function of muscle and neuronal L-type Ca2+ channels

Excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle depends upon trafficking of CaV1.1, the principal subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) (L-type Ca(2+) channel), to plasma membrane regions at which the DHPRs interact with type 1 ryanodine receptors (RyR1) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A distinctive feature of this trafficking is that CaV1.1 expresses poorly or not at all in mammalian cells that are not of muscle origin (e.g., tsA201 cells), in which all of the other nine CaV isoforms have been successfully expressed. Here, we tested whether plasma membrane trafficking of CaV1.1 in tsA201 cells is promoted by the adapter protein Stac3, because recent work has shown that genetic deletion of Stac3 in skeletal muscle causes the loss of EC coupling. Using fluorescently tagged constructs, we found that Stac3 and CaV1.1 traffic together to the tsA201 plasma membrane, whereas CaV1.1 is retained intracellularly when Stac3 is absent. Moreover, L-type Ca(2+) channel function in tsA201 cells coexpressing Stac3 and CaV1.1 is quantitatively similar to that in myotubes, despite the absence of RyR1. Although Stac3 is not required for surface expression of CaV1.2, the principle subunit of the cardiac/brain L-type Ca(2+) channel, Stac3 does bind to CaV1.2 and, as a result, greatly slows the rate of current inactivation, with Stac2 acting similarly. Overall, these results indicate that Stac3 is an essential chaperone of CaV1.1 in skeletal muscle and that in the brain, Stac2 and Stac3 may significantly modulate CaV1.2 function.

14-3-3τ promotes surface expression of Cav2.2 (α1B) Ca2+ channels

Surface expression of voltage-gated Ca(2+) (Cav) channels is important for their function in calcium homeostasis in the physiology of excitable cells, but whether or not and how the α1 pore-forming subunits of Cav channels are trafficked to plasma membrane in the absence of the known Cav auxiliary subunits, β and α2δ, remains mysterious. Here we showed that 14-3-3 proteins promoted functional surface expression of the Cav2.2 α1B channel in transfected tsA-201 cells in the absence of any known Cav auxiliary subunit. Both the surface to total ratio of the expressed α1B protein and the current density of voltage step-evoked Ba(2+) current were markedly suppressed by the coexpression of a 14-3-3 antagonist construct, pSCM138, but not its inactive control, pSCM174, as determined by immunofluorescence assay and whole cell voltage clamp recording, respectively. By contrast, coexpression with 14-3-3τ significantly enhanced the surface expression and current density of the Cav2.2 α1B channel. Importantly, we found that between the two previously identified 14-3-3 binding regions at the α1B C terminus, only the proximal region (amino acids 1706-1940), closer to the end of the last transmembrane domain, was retained by the endoplasmic reticulum and facilitated by 14-3-3 to traffic to plasma membrane. Additionally, we showed that the 14-3-3/Cav β subunit coregulated the surface expression of Cav2.2 channels in transfected tsA-201 cells and neurons. Altogether, our findings reveal a previously unidentified regulatory function of 14-3-3 proteins in promoting the surface expression of Cav2.2 α1B channels.

Ion channel engineering: perspectives and strategies

Ion channels facilitate the passive movement of ions down an electrochemical gradient and across lipid bilayers in cells. This phenomenon is essential for life and underlies many critical homeostatic processes in cells. Ion channels are diverse and differ with respect to how they open and close (gating) and to their ionic conductance/selectivity (permeation). Fundamental understanding of ion channel structure-function mechanisms, their physiological roles, how their dysfunction leads to disease, their utility as biosensors, and development of novel molecules to modulate their activity are important and active research frontiers. In this review, we focus on ion channel engineering approaches that have been applied to investigate these aspects of ion channel function, with a major emphasis on voltage-gated ion channels.

Transient compartment-like syndrome and normokalaemic periodic paralysis due to a Ca(v)1.1 mutation

We studied a two-generation family presenting with conditions that included progressive permanent weakness, myopathic myopathy, exercise-induced contracture before normokalaemic periodic paralysis or, if localized to the tibial anterior muscle group, transient compartment-like syndrome (painful acute oedema with neuronal compression and drop foot). 23Na and 1H magnetic resonance imaging displayed myoplasmic sodium overload, and oedema. We identified a novel familial Ca(v)1.1 calcium channel mutation, R1242G, localized to the third positive charge of the domain IV voltage sensor. Functional expression of R1242G in the muscular dysgenesis mouse cell line GLT revealed a 28% reduced central pore inward current and a -20 mV shift of the steady-state inactivation curve. Both changes may be at least partially explained by an outward omega (gating pore) current at positive potentials. Moreover, this outward omega current of 27.5 nS/nF may cause the reduction of the overshoot by 13 mV and slowing of the upstroke of action potentials by 36% that are associated with muscle hypoexcitability (permanent weakness and myopathic myopathy). In addition to the outward omega current, we identified an inward omega pore current of 95 nS/nF at negative membrane potentials after long depolarizing pulses that shifts the R1242G residue above the omega pore constriction. A simulation reveals that the inward current might depolarize the fibre sufficiently to trigger calcium release in the absence of an action potential and therefore cause an electrically silent depolarization-induced muscle contracture. Additionally, evidence of the inward current can be found in 23Na magnetic resonance imaging-detected sodium accumulation and 1H magnetic resonance imaging-detected oedema. We hypothesize that the episodes are normokalaemic because of depolarization-induced compensatory outward potassium flux through both delayed rectifiers and omega pore. We conclude that the position of the R1242G residue before elicitation of the omega current is decisive for its conductance: if the residue is located below the gating pore as in the resting state then outward currents are observed; if the residue is above the gating pore because of depolarization, as in the inactivated state, then inward currents are observed. This study shows for the first time that functional characterization of omega pore currents is possible using a cultured cell line expressing mutant Ca(v)1.1 channels. Likewise, it is the first calcium channel mutation for complicated normokalaemic periodic paralysis.

An improved targeted cAMP sensor to study the regulation of adenylyl cyclase 8 by Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated channels

Here we describe an improved sensor with reduced pH sensitivity tethered to adenylyl cyclase (AC) 8. The sensor was used to study cAMP dynamics in the AC8 microdomain of MIN6 cells, a pancreatic β-cell line. In these cells, AC8 was activated by Ca(2+) entry through L-type voltage-gated channels following depolarisation. This activation could be reconstituted in HEK293 cells co-expressing AC8 and either the α1C or α1D subunit of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. The development of this improved sensor opens the door to the study of cAMP microdomains in excitable cells that have previously been challenging due to the sensitivity of fluorescent proteins to pH changes.

Methods for quantification of pore-voltage sensor interaction in Ca(V)1.2

Voltage sensors (VSs) initiate the pore opening and closure in voltage-gated ion channels. Here, we propose a technique for estimation of the equilibrium constant of the up- and downward VS movements and rate constants of pore transitions from macroscopic current kinetics. Bell-shaped voltage dependence of the activation/deactivation time constants and Bolzmann distributions of Ca_V1.2 activation were analyzed in terms of a circular four-state (rest, activated, open, deactivated) channel model: both dependencies uniquely constrain the model parameters. Neutralization of gating charges in IS4 or IIS4 only slightly affects the equilibrium constant of VS transition while affecting simultaneously the rate constants of pore opening and closure. The application of our technique revealed that pore mutations on IS6–IVS6 segments induce pronounced shifts of the VS equilibrium between the resting (down) and activated (up) position. Analyzing a channelopathy mutation highlighted that the leftward shift of the activation curve induced by I781T on IIS6 is only partially (35 %) caused by a destabilization of the channel pore but predominantly (65 %) by a shifted VS equilibrium towards activation. The algorithm proposed for CaV1.2 may be applicable for calculating rate constants from macroscopic current kinetics in other voltage-gated ion channels.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit e controls intracellular calcium homeostasis by regulation of cav1.2 surface expression

Inappropriate surface expression of voltage-gated Ca²⁺channels (Ca_V) in pancreatic ß-cells may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. First, failure to increase intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations at the sites of exocytosis impedes insulin release. Furthermore, excessive Ca²⁺ influx may trigger cytotoxic effects. The regulation of surface expression of Ca_V channels in the pancreatic β-cells remains unknown. Here, we used real-time 3D confocal and TIRFM imaging, immunocytochemistry, cellular fractionation, immunoprecipitation and electrophysiology to study trafficking of L-type Ca_V1.2 channels upon β-cell stimulation. We found decreased surface expression of Ca_V1.2 and a corresponding reduction in L-type whole-cell Ca²⁺ currents in insulin-secreting INS-1 832/13 cells upon protracted (15–30 min) stimulation. This internalization occurs by clathrin-dependent endocytosis and could be prevented by microtubule or dynamin inhibitors. eIF3e (Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit E) is part of the protein translation initiation complex, but its effect on translation are modest and effects in ion channel trafficking have been suggested. The factor interacted with Ca_V1.2 and regulated Ca_V1.2 traffic bidirectionally. eIF3e silencing impaired Ca_V1.2 internalization, which resulted in an increased intracellular Ca²⁺ load upon stimulation. These findings provide a mechanism for regulation of L-type Ca_V channel surface expression with consequences for β-cell calcium homeostasis, which will affect pancreatic β-cell function and insulin production.

Stable incorporation versus dynamic exchange of β subunits in a native Ca2+ channel complex

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels are multi-subunit membrane proteins that transduce depolarization into cellular functions such as excitation-contraction coupling in muscle or neurotransmitter release in neurons. The auxiliary β subunits function in membrane targeting of the channel and modulation of its gating properties. However, whether β subunits can reversibly interact with, and thus differentially modulate, channels in the membrane is still unresolved. In the present study we applied fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of GFP-tagged α1 and β subunits expressed in dysgenic myotubes to study the relative dynamics of these Ca(2+) channel subunits for the first time in a native functional signaling complex. Identical fluorescence recovery rates of both subunits indicate stable interactions, distinct recovery rates indicate dynamic interactions. Whereas the skeletal muscle β1a isoform formed stable complexes with CaV1.1 and CaV1.2, the non-skeletal muscle β2a and β4b isoforms dynamically interacted with both α1 subunits. Neither replacing the I-II loop of CaV1.1 with that of CaV2.1, nor deletions in the proximal I-II loop, known to change the orientation of β relative to the α1 subunit, altered the specific dynamic properties of the β subunits. In contrast, a single residue substitution in the α interaction pocket of β1aM293A increased the FRAP rate threefold. Taken together, these findings indicate that in skeletal muscle triads the homologous β1a subunit forms a stable complex, whereas the heterologous β2a and β4b subunits form dynamic complexes with the Ca(2+) channel. The distinct binding properties are not determined by differences in the I-II loop sequences of the α1 subunits, but are intrinsic properties of the β subunit isoforms.

The proximal C-terminus of α1C subunits is necessary for junctional membrane targeting of cardiac L-type calcium channels

In cardiac myocytes, LTCCs (L-type calcium channels) form a functional signalling complex with ryanodine receptors at the JM (junctional membrane). Although the specific localization of LTCCs to the JM is critical for excitation–contraction coupling, their targeting mechanism is unclear. Transient transfection of GFP (green fluorescent protein)–α1S or GFP–α1C, but not P/Q-type calcium channel α1A, in dysgenic (α1S-null) GLT myotubes results in correct targeting of these LTCCs to the JMs and restoration of action-potential-induced Ca2+ transients. To identify the sequences of α1C responsible for JM targeting, we generated a range of α1C–α1A chimaeras, deletion mutants and alanine substitution mutants and studied their targeting properties in GLT myotubes. The results revealed that amino acids L1681QAGLRTL1688 and P1693EIRRAIS1700, predicted to form two adjacent α-helices in the proximal C-terminus, are necessary for the JM targeting of α1C. The efficiency of restoration of action-potential-induced Ca2+ transients in GLT myotubes was significantly decreased by mutations in the targeting motif. JM targeting was not disrupted by the distal C-terminus of α1C which binds to the second α-helix. Therefore we have identified a new structural motif in the C-terminus of α1C that mediates the targeting of cardiac LTCCs to JMs independently of the interaction between proximal and distal C-termini of α1C.

Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and targeted biotinylation provide insight into the topology of the skeletal muscle Ca ( 2+) channel β1a subunit

In skeletal muscle, L-type calcium channels (DHPRs), localized to plasma membrane sarcoplasmic reticulum junctions, are tightly packed into groups of four termed tetrads. Here, we have used bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and targeted biotinylation to probe the structure and organization of β1a subunits associated with native CaV 1.1 in DHPRs of myotubes. The construct YN-β1a-YC, in which the non-fluorescent fragments of YFP ("YN" corresponding to YFP residues 1-158, and "YC" corresponding to YFP residues 159-238) were fused, respectively, to the N- and C-termini of β1a, was fully functional and displayed yellow fluorescence within DHPR tetrads after expression in β1-knockout (β1KO) myotubes; this yellow fluorescence demonstrated the occurrence of BiFC of YN and YC on the β1a N- and C-termini. In these experiments, we avoided overexpression because control experiments in non-muscle cells indicated that this could result in non-specific BiFC. BiFC of YN-β1a-YC in DHPR tetrads appeared to be intramolecular between N- and C-termini of individual β1a subunits rather than between adjacent DHPRs because BiFC (1) was observed for YN-β1a-YC co-expressed with CaV 1.2 (which does not form tetrads) and (2) was not observed after co-expression of YN-β1a-YN plus YC-β1a-YC in β1KO myotubes. Thus, β1a function is compatible with N- and C-termini being close enough together to allow BiFC. However, both termini appeared to have positional freedom and not to be closely opposed by other junctional proteins since both were accessible to gold-streptavidin conjugates. Based on these results, a model is proposed for the arrangement of β1a subunits in DHPR tetrads.

Functional properties of a newly identified C-terminal splice variant of Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels

An intramolecular interaction between a distal (DCRD) and a proximal regulatory domain (PCRD) within the C terminus of long Ca(v)1.3 L-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca(v)1.3(L)) is a major determinant of their voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent gating kinetics. Removal of these regulatory domains by alternative splicing generates Ca(v)1.3(42A) channels that activate at a more negative voltage range and exhibit more pronounced Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. Here we describe the discovery of a novel short splice variant (Ca(v)1.3(43S)) that is expressed at high levels in the brain but not in the heart. It lacks the DCRD but, in contrast to Ca(v)1.3(42A), still contains PCRD. When expressed together with α2δ1 and β3 subunits in tsA-201 cells, Ca(v)1.3(43S) also activated at more negative voltages like Ca(v)1.3(42A) but Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation was less pronounced. Single channel recordings revealed much higher channel open probabilities for both short splice variants as compared with Ca(v)1.3(L). The presence of the proximal C terminus in Ca(v)1.3(43S) channels preserved their modulation by distal C terminus-containing Ca(v)1.3- and Ca(v)1.2-derived C-terminal peptides. Removal of the C-terminal modulation by alternative splicing also induced a faster decay of Ca(2+) influx during electrical activities mimicking trains of neuronal action potentials. Our findings extend the spectrum of functionally diverse Ca(v)1.3 L-type channels produced by tissue-specific alternative splicing. This diversity may help to fine tune Ca(2+) channel signaling and, in the case of short variants lacking a functional C-terminal modulation, prevent excessive Ca(2+) accumulation during burst firing in neurons. This may be especially important in neurons that are affected by Ca(2+)-induced neurodegenerative processes.

Timothy mutation disrupts the link between activation and inactivation in Ca(V)1.2 protein

The Timothy syndrome mutations G402S and G406R abolish inactivation of Ca_V1.2 and cause multiorgan dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias. To gain insights into the consequences of the G402S mutation on structure and function of the channel, we systematically mutated the corresponding Gly-432 of the rabbit channel and applied homology modeling. All mutations of Gly-432 (G432A/M/N/V/W) diminished channel inactivation. Homology modeling revealed that Gly-432 forms part of a highly conserved structure motif (G/A/G/A) of small residues in homologous positions of all four domains (Gly-432 (IS6), Ala-780 (IIS6), Gly-1193 (IIIS6), Ala-1503 (IVS6)). Corresponding mutations in domains II, III, and IV induced, in contrast, parallel shifts of activation and inactivation curves indicating a preserved coupling between both processes. Disruption between coupling of activation and inactivation was specific for mutations of Gly-432 in domain I. Mutations of Gly-432 removed inactivation irrespective of the changes in activation. In all four domains residues G/A/G/A are in close contact with larger bulky amino acids from neighboring S6 helices. These interactions apparently provide adhesion points, thereby tightly sealing the activation gate of Ca_V1.2 in the closed state. Such a structural hypothesis is supported by changes in activation gating induced by mutations of the G/A/G/A residues. The structural implications for Ca_V1.2 activation and inactivation gating are discussed.

Orthograde dihydropyridine receptor signal regulates ryanodine receptor passive leak

The skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) and ryanodine receptor (RyR1) are known to engage a form of conformation coupling essential for muscle contraction in response to depolarization, referred to as excitation-contraction coupling. Here we use WT and Ca(V)1.1 null (dysgenic) myotubes to provide evidence for an unexplored RyR1-DHPR interaction that regulates the transition of the RyR1 between gating and leak states. Using double-barreled Ca(2+)-selective microelectrodes, we demonstrate that the lack of Ca(V)1.1 expression was associated with an increased myoplasmic resting [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](rest)), increased resting sarcolemmal Ca(2+) entry, and decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) loading. Pharmacological control of the RyR1 leak state, using bastadin 5, reverted the three parameters to WT levels. The fact that Ca(2+) sparks are not more frequent in dysgenic than in WT myotubes adds support to the hypothesis that the leak state is a conformation distinct from gating RyR1s. We conclude from these data that this orthograde DHPR-to-RyR1 signal inhibits the transition of gated RyR1s into the leak state. Further, it suggests that the DHPR-uncoupled RyR1 population in WT muscle has a higher propensity to be in the leak conformation. RyR1 leak functions are to keep [Ca(2+)](rest) and the SR Ca(2+) content in the physiological range and thus maintain normal intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis.

Functional expression of transgenic 1sDHPR channels in adult mammalian skeletal muscle fibres

We investigated the effects of the overexpression of two enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged α1sDHPR variants on Ca2+ currents (ICa), charge movements (Q) and SR Ca2+ release of muscle fibres isolated from adult mice. Flexor digitorum brevis (FDB)muscles were transfected by in vivo electroporation with plasmids encoding for EGFP-α1sDHPR-wt and EGFP-α1sDHPR-T935Y (an isradipine-insensitive mutant). Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) was used to study the subcellular localization of transgenic proteins, while ICa, Q and Ca2+ release were studied electrophysiologically and optically under voltage-clamp conditions. TPLSM images demonstrated that most of the transgenic α1sDHPR was correctly targeted to the transverse tubular system (TTS). Immunoblotting analysis of crude extracts of transfected fibres demonstrated the synthesis of bona fide transgenic EGFP-α1sDHPR-wt in quantities comparable to that of native α1sDHPR. Though expression of both transgenic variants of the alpha subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor (α1sDHPR) resulted in ∼50% increase in Q, they surprisingly had no effect on the maximal Ca2+ conductance (gCa) nor the SR Ca2+ release. Nonetheless, fibres expressing EGFP-α1sDHPR-T935Y exhibited up to 70% isradipine-insensitive ICa (ICa-ins) with a right-shifted voltage dependence compared to that in control fibres. Interestingly, Qand SRCa2+ release also displayed right-shifted voltage dependence in fibres expressing EGFP-α1sDHPR-T935Y. In contrast, the midpoints of the voltage dependence of gCa, Q and Ca2+ release were not different from those in control fibres and in fibres expressing EGFP-α1sDHPR-wt. Overall, our results suggest that transgenic α1sDHPRs are correctly trafficked and inserted in the TTS membrane, and that a substantial fraction of the mworks as conductive Ca2+ channels capable of physiologically controlling the release of Ca2+ from the SR. A plausible corollary of this work is that the expression of transgenic variants of the α1sDHPR leads to the replacement of native channels interacting with the ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1), thus demonstrating the feasibility of molecular remodelling of the triads in adult skeletal muscle fibres.

Identification and functional characterization of malignant hyperthermia mutation T1354S in the outer pore of the Cavalpha1S-subunit

To identify the genetic locus responsible for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) in an Italian family, we performed linkage analysis to recognized MHS loci. All MHS individuals showed cosegregation of informative markers close to the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel (Ca(V)) α(1S)-subunit gene (CACNA1S) with logarithm of odds (LOD)-score values that matched or approached the maximal possible value for this family. This is particularly interesting, because so far MHS was mapped to >178 different positions on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene but only to two on CACNA1S. Sequence analysis of CACNA1S revealed a c.4060A>T transversion resulting in amino acid exchange T1354S in the IVS5-S6 extracellular pore-loop region of Ca(V)α(1S) in all MHS subjects of the family but not in 268 control subjects. To investigate the impact of mutation T1354S on the assembly and function of the excitation-contraction coupling apparatus, we expressed GFP-tagged α(1S)T1354S in dysgenic (α(1S)-null) myotubes. Whole cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that α(1S)T1354S produced significantly faster activation of L-type Ca(2+) currents upon 200-ms depolarizing test pulses compared with wild-type GFP-α(1S) (α(1S)WT). In addition, α(1S)T1354S-expressing myotubes showed a tendency to increased sensitivity for caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release and to larger action-potential-induced intracellular Ca(2+) transients under low (≤ 2 mM) caffeine concentrations compared with α(1S)WT. Thus our data suggest that an additional influx of Ca(2+) due to faster activation of the α(1S)T1354S L-type Ca(2+) current, in concert with higher caffeine sensitivity of Ca(2+) release, leads to elevated muscle contraction under pharmacological trigger, which might be sufficient to explain the MHS phenotype.

Physicochemical properties of pore residues predict activation gating of Ca V1.2: a correlation mutation analysis

Single point mutations in pore-forming S6 segments of calcium channels may transform a high-voltage-activated into a low-voltage-activated channel, and resulting disturbances in calcium entry may cause channelopathies (Hemara-Wahanui et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102(21):7553–7558, 16). Here we ask the question how physicochemical properties of amino acid residues in gating-sensitive positions on S6 segments determine the threshold of channel activation of Ca_V1.2. Leucine in segment IS6 (L434) and a newly identified activation determinant in segment IIIS6 (G1193) were mutated to a variety of amino acids. The induced leftward shifts of the activation curves and decelerated current activation and deactivation suggest a destabilization of the closed and a stabilisation of the open channel state by most mutations. A selection of 17 physicochemical parameters (descriptors) was calculated for these residues and examined for correlation with the shifts of the midpoints of the activation curve (ΔV_act). ΔV_act correlated with local side-chain flexibility in position L434 (IS6), with the polar accessible surface area of the side chain in position G1193 (IIIS6) and with hydrophobicity in position I781 (IIS6). Combined descriptor analysis for positions I781 and G1193 revealed that additional amino acid properties may contribute to conformational changes during the gating process. The identified physicochemical properties in the analysed gating-sensitive positions (accessible surface area, side-chain flexibility, and hydrophobicity) predict the shifts of the activation curves of Ca_V1.2.