A pathogenic C terminus-truncated polycystin-2 mutant enhances receptor-activated Ca2+ entry via association with TRPC3 and TRPC7

Activation of Piezo1 Inhibits Kidney Cystogenesis

The disruption of calcium signaling associated with polycystin deficiency has been proposed as the primary event underlying the increased abnormally patterned epithelial cell growth characteristic of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Calcium can be regulated through mechanotransduction, and the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1 has been implicated in sensing of intrarenal pressure and in urinary osmoregulation. However, a possible role for PIEZO1 in kidney cystogenesis remains undefined. We hypothesized that cystogenesis in ADPKD reflects altered mechanotransduction, suggesting activation of mechanosensitive cation channels as a therapeutic strategy for ADPKD. Here, we show that Yoda-1 activation of PIEZO1 increases intracellular Ca 2+ and reduces forskolin-induced cAMP levels in mIMCD3 cells. Yoda-1 reduced forskolin-induced IMCD cyst surface area in vitro and in mouse metanephros ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Knockout of polycystin-2 dampened the efficacy of PIEZO1 activation in reducing both cAMP levels and cyst surface area in IMCD3 cells. However, collecting duct-specific Piezo1 knockout neither induced cystogenesis in wild-type mice nor affected cystogenesis in the Pkd1 RC/RC model of ADPKD. Our study suggests that polycystin-2 and PIEZO1 play a role in mechanotransduction during cystogenesis in vitro , and ex vivo , but that in vivo cyst expansion may require inactivation or repression of additional suppressors of cystogenesis and/or growth. Our study provides a preliminary proof of concept for PIEZO1 activation as a possible component of combination chemotherapy to retard or halt cystogenesis and/or cyst growth.

Modulation and Regulation of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential 3 (TRPC3) Channels

Canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channel is a non-selective cation permeable channel that plays an essential role in calcium signalling. TRPC3 is highly expressed in the brain and also found in endocrine tissues and smooth muscle cells. The channel is activated directly by binding of diacylglycerol downstream of G-protein coupled receptor activation. In addition, TRPC3 is regulated by endogenous factors including Ca2+ ions, other endogenous lipids, and interacting proteins. The molecular and structural mechanisms underlying activation and regulation of TRPC3 are incompletely understood. Recently, several high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy structures of TRPC3 and the closely related channel TRPC6 have been resolved in different functional states and in the presence of modulators, coupled with mutagenesis studies and electrophysiological characterisation. Here, we review the recent literature which has advanced our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying modulation of TRPC3 by both endogenous and exogenous factors. TRPC3 plays an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis and entry into cells throughout the body, and both pathological variants and downstream dysregulation of TRPC3 channels have been associated with a number of diseases. As such, TRPC3 may be a valuable therapeutic target, and understanding its regulatory mechanisms will aid future development of pharmacological modulators of the channel.

Molecular mechanism of hyperactivation conferred by a truncation of TRPA1

A drastic TRPA1 mutant (R919*) identified in CRAMPT syndrome patients has not been mechanistically characterized. Here, we show that the R919* mutant confers hyperactivity when co-expressed with wild type (WT) TRPA1. Using functional and biochemical assays, we reveal that the R919* mutant co-assembles with WT TRPA1 subunits into heteromeric channels in heterologous cells that are functional at the plasma membrane. The R919* mutant hyperactivates channels by enhancing agonist sensitivity and calcium permeability, which could account for the observed neuronal hypersensitivity-hyperexcitability symptoms. We postulate that R919* TRPA1 subunits contribute to heteromeric channel sensitization by altering pore architecture and lowering energetic barriers to channel activation contributed by the missing regions. Our results expand the physiological impact of nonsense mutations, reveal a genetically tractable mechanism for selective channel sensitization, uncover insights into the process of TRPA1 gating, and provide an impetus for genetic analysis of patients with CRAMPT or other stochastic pain syndromes.

TRPC Channels in the Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Renal Tubular System: What Do We Know?

The study of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels has dramatically increased during the past few years. TRP channels function as sensors and effectors in the cellular adaptation to environmental changes. Here, we review literature investigating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of TRPC channels in the renal tubular system with a focus on TRPC3 and TRPC6. TRPC3 plays a key role in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and is involved in transcellular Ca²⁺ reabsorption in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct. TRPC3 also conveys the osmosensitivity of principal cells of the collecting duct and is implicated in vasopressin-induced membrane translocation of AQP-2. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can often be attributed to mutations of the PKD2 gene. TRPC3 is supposed to have a detrimental role in ADPKD-like conditions. The tubule-specific physiological functions of TRPC6 have not yet been entirely elucidated. Its pathophysiological role in ischemia-reperfusion injuries is a subject of debate. However, TRPC6 seems to be involved in tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma. In summary, TRPC channels are relevant in multiples conditions of the renal tubular system. There is a need to further elucidate their pathophysiology to better understand certain renal disorders and ultimately create new therapeutic targets to improve patient care.

Endothelial cells promote smooth muscle cell resilience to H2 O2 -induced cell death in mouse cerebral arteries

AIM

Brain injury produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known of how acute oxidative stress affects cell survival in the cerebral vascular supply. We hypothesized that endothelial cells (ECs) are more resilient to H₂ O₂ and protect vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during acute oxidative stress.

METHODS

Mouse posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs; diameter, ~80 µm) were exposed to H₂ O₂ (200 µM, 50 min, 37°C). Nuclear staining identified dead and live cells of intact and endothelium-disrupted vessels. SMC [Ca²⁺ ]_i was assessed with Fura-2 fluorescence, and superoxide production was assessed by dihydroethidium and MitoSOX fluorescence.

RESULTS

In response to H₂ O₂ : SMC death (21%) exceeded EC death (5%) and increased following endothelial disruption (to 48%) with a corresponding increase in SMC Ca²⁺ entry through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Whereas pharmacological inhibition of TRPV4 channels prevented SMC death and reduced Ca²⁺ entry for intact vessels, both remained elevated following endothelial disruption. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of TRPC3 prevented SMC death and attenuated Ca²⁺ entry for both intact and endothelium-disrupted vessels. Inhibiting gap junctions increased EC death (to 22%) while SMC death and [Ca²⁺ ]_i responses were attenuated by inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis or scavenging superoxide/peroxynitrite. Inhibiting NADPH oxidases also prevented SMC Ca²⁺ entry and death. H₂ O₂ increased mitochondrial ROS production while scavenging mitochondria-derived superoxide prevented SMC death but not Ca²⁺ entry.

CONCLUSIONS

During acute exposure of cerebral arteries to acute oxidative stress, ECs are more resilient than SMCs and the endothelium may protect SMCs by reducing Ca²⁺ entry through TRPC3 channels.

Distribution and Assembly of TRP Ion Channels

In the last several decades, a large family of ion channels have been identified and studied intensively as cellular sensors for diverse physical and/or chemical stimuli. Named transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, they play critical roles in various aspects of cellular physiology. A large number of human hereditary diseases are found to be linked to TRP channel mutations, and their dysregulations lead to acute or chronical health problems. As TRP channels are named and categorized mostly based on sequence homology rather than functional similarities, they exhibit substantial functional diversity. Rapid advances in TRP channel study have been made in recent years and reported in a vast body of literature; a summary of the latest advancements becomes necessary. This chapter offers an overview of current understandings of TRP channel distribution and subunit assembly.

Phenotypic and genomic adaptations to the extremely high elevation in plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi)

The evolutionary outcomes of high elevation adaptation have been extensively described. However, whether widely distributed high elevation endemic animals adopt uniform mechanisms during adaptation to different elevational environments remains unknown, especially with respect to extreme high elevation environments. To explore this, we analysed the phenotypic and genomic data of seven populations of plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) along elevations ranging from 2,700 to 4,300 m. Based on whole-genome sequencing data and demographic reconstruction of the evolutionary history, we show that two populations of plateau zokor living at elevations exceeding 3,700 m diverged from other populations nearly 10,000 years ago. Further, phenotypic comparisons reveal stress-dependent adaptation, as two populations living at elevations exceeding 3,700 m have elevated ratios of heart mass to body mass relative to other populations, and the highest population (4,300 m) displays alterations in erythrocytes. Correspondingly, genomic analysis of selective sweeps indicates that positive selection might contribute to the observed phenotypic alterations in these two extremely high elevation populations, with the adaptive cardiovascular phenotypes of both populations possibly evolving under the functional constrains of their common ancestral population. Taken together, phenotypic and genomic evidence demonstrates that heterogeneous stressors impact adaptations to extreme elevations and reveals stress-dependent and genetically constrained adaptation to hypoxia, collectively providing new insights into the high elevation adaptation.

Intravascular flow stimulates PKD2 (polycystin-2) channels in endothelial cells to reduce blood pressure

PKD2 (polycystin-2, TRPP1), a TRP polycystin channel, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), but its physiological functions in this cell type are unclear. Here, we generated inducible, EC-specific Pkd2 knockout mice to examine vascular functions of PKD2. Data show that a broad range of intravascular flow rates stimulate EC PKD2 channels, producing vasodilation. Flow-mediated PKD2 channel activation leads to calcium influx that activates SK/IK channels and eNOS serine 1176 phosphorylation in ECs. These signaling mechanisms produce arterial hyperpolarization and vasodilation. In contrast, EC PKD2 channels do not contribute to acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, suggesting stimulus-specific function. EC-specific PKD2 knockout elevated blood pressure in mice without altering cardiac function or kidney anatomy. These data demonstrate that flow stimulates PKD2 channels in ECs, leading to SK/IK channel and eNOS activation, hyperpolarization, vasodilation and a reduction in systemic blood pressure. Thus, PKD2 channels are a major component of functional flow sensing in the vasculature.

Modulation of polycystic kidney disease by G-protein coupled receptors and cyclic AMP signaling

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a systemic disorder associated with polycystic liver disease (PLD) and other extrarenal manifestations, the most common monogenic cause of end-stage kidney disease, and a major burden for public health. Many studies have shown that alterations in G-protein and cAMP signaling play a central role in its pathogenesis. As for many other diseases (35% of all approved drugs target G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) or proteins functioning upstream or downstream from GPCRs), treatments targeting GPCR have shown effectiveness in slowing the rate of progression of ADPKD. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist is the first drug approved by regulatory agencies to treat rapidly progressive ADPKD. Long-acting somatostatin analogs have also been effective in slowing the rates of growth of polycystic kidneys and liver. Although no treatment has so far been able to prevent the development or stop the progression of the disease, these encouraging advances point to G-protein and cAMP signaling as a promising avenue of investigation that may lead to more effective and safe treatments. This will require a better understanding of the relevant GPCRs, G-proteins, cAMP effectors, and of the enzymes and A-kinase anchoring proteins controlling the compartmentalization of cAMP signaling. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of general GPCR signaling; the function of polycystin-1 (PC1) as a putative atypical adhesion GPCR (aGPCR); the roles of PC1, polycystin-2 (PC2) and the PC1-PC2 complex in the regulation of calcium and cAMP signaling; the cross-talk of calcium and cAMP signaling in PKD; and GPCRs, adenylyl cyclases, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, and protein kinase A as therapeutic targets in ADPKD.

New emerging roles of Polycystin-2 in the regulation of autophagy

Polycystin-2 (PC2) is a calcium channel that can be found in the endoplasmic reticulum, the plasmatic membrane, and the primary cilium. The structure of PC2 is characterized by a highly ordered C-terminal tail with an EF-motif (calcium-binding domain) and a canonical coiled-coil domain (CCD; interaction domain), and its activity is regulated by interacting partners and post-translational modifications. Calcium mobilization into the cytosol by PC2 has been mainly associated with cell growth and differentiation, and therefore mutations or dysfunction of PC2 lead to renal and cardiac consequences. Interestingly, PC2-related pathologies are usually treated with rapamycin, an autophagy stimulator. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process where recycling material is sequestered into autophagosomes and then hydrolyzed by fusion with a lysosome. Interestingly, several studies have provided evidence that PC2 may be required for autophagy, suggesting that PC2 maintains a physiologic catabolic state.

Fundamental insights into autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease from human-based cell models

Several animal- and human-derived models are used in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) research to gain insight in the disease mechanism. However, a consistent correlation between animal and human ADPKD models is lacking. Therefore, established human-derived models are relevant to affirm research results and translate findings into a clinical set-up. In this review, we give an extensive overview of the existing human-based cell models. We discuss their source (urine, nephrectomy and stem cell), immortalisation procedures, genetic engineering, kidney segmental origin and characterisation with nephron segment markers. We summarise the most studied pathways and lessons learned from these different ADPKD models. Finally, we issue recommendations for the derivation of human-derived cell lines and for experimental set-ups with these cell lines.

Mitochondrial TRPC3 promotes cell proliferation by regulating the mitochondrial calcium and metabolism in renal polycystin-2 knockdown cells

PURPOSE

Previous studies indicate that autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) cells exhibited dysregulated calcium homeostasis and enhanced cell proliferation. TRPC3 has been shown to function in the modulation of calcium and sodium entry, but whether TRPC3 plays a role in cellular abnormalities of ADPKD cells has not been defined.

METHODS

Human conditionally immortalized proximal tubular epithelial cells and mouse IMCD3 cells were used with polycystin-2 (PC2, TRPP2) knockdown. Cell proliferation assay was used to detect the cell proliferations upon different treatments. QRT-PCR and western blotting were used to measure the expression profiles of TRPP2 and other proteins. High-resolution respirometry, enzymic activities and ROS levels were detected to reflect the mitochondrial functions. Calcium and sodium uptakes were measured using Fura2-AM and SBFI dyes.

RESULTS

We showed that PC2 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, ROS productions and ERK phosphorylation, compared with negative control. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that receptor-operated calcium entry (ROCE) exhibited less reductions compared with store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) upon PC2 knockdown. Inhibition of ROCE and SOCE by specific inhibitors partially reversed the enhanced cell proliferation, ROS productions and ERK phosphorylation induced by PC2 knockdown. Moreover, TRPC3 upregulation was observed upon PC2 knockdown, which acted as both SOC and ROC, promoting cation entry, cell proliferation and ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, we showed that mitochondrial located TRPC3 was upregulated and modulating mitochondrial calcium uptake, thus promoting the ROS productions in the presence of PC2 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that TRPC3 upregulation upon PC2 knockdown aggravated the mitochondrial abnormalities and cell proliferation by modulating mitochondrial calcium uptake. Targeting TRPC3 might be a promising target for ADPKD treatment.

MicroRNA501-5p induces p53 proteasome degradation through the activation of the mTOR/MDM2 pathway in ADPKD cells

Cell proliferation and apoptosis are typical hallmarks of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and cause the development of kidney cysts that lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Many factors, impaired by polycystin complex loss of function, may promote these biological processes, including cAMP, mTOR, and EGFR signaling pathways. In addition, microRNAs (miRs) may also regulate the ADPKD related signaling network and their dysregulation contributes to disease progression. However, the role of miRs in ADPKD pathogenesis has not been fully understood, but also the function of p53 is quite obscure, especially its regulatory contribution on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here, we describe for the first time that miR501-5p, upregulated in ADPKD cells and tissues, induces the activation of mTOR kinase by PTEN and TSC1 gene repression. The increased activity of mTOR kinase enhances the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 that in turn promotes p53 ubiquitination, leading to its degradation by proteasome machinery in a network involving p70S6K. Moreover, the overexpression of miR501-5p stimulates cell proliferation in kidney cells by the inhibition of p53 function in a mechanism driven by mTOR signaling. In fact, the downregulation of this miR as well as the pharmacological treatment with proteasome and mTOR inhibitors in ADPKD cells reduces cell growth by the activation of apoptosis. Consequently, the stimulation of cell death in ADPKD cells may occur through the inhibition of mTOR/MDM2 signaling and the restoring of p53 function. The data presented here confirm that the impaired mTOR signaling plays an important role in ADPKD.

TRPP2 ion channels: Critical regulators of organ morphogenesis in health and disease

Ion channels control the membrane potential and mediate transport of ions across membranes. Archetypical physiological functions of ion channels include processes such as regulation of neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, or transepithelial ion transport. In that regard, transient receptor potential ion channel polycystin 2 (TRPP2) is remarkable, because it controls complex morphogenetic processes such as the establishment of properly shaped epithelial tubules and left-right-asymmetry of organs. The fascinating question of how an ion channel regulates morphogenesis has since captivated the attention of scientists in different disciplines. Four loosely connected key insights on different levels of biological complexity ranging from protein to whole organism have framed our understanding of TRPP2 physiology: 1) TRPP2 is a non-selective cation channel; 2) TRPP2 is part of a receptor-ion channel complex; 3) TRPP2 localizes to primary cilia; and 4) TRPP2 is required for organ morphogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge in these key areas and highlight some of the challenges ahead.

The functions of TRPP2 in the vascular system

TRPP2 (polycystin-2, PC2 or PKD2), encoded by the PKD2 gene, is a non-selective cation channel with a large single channel conductance and high Ca(2+) permeability. In cell membrane, TRPP2, along with polycystin-1, TRPV4 and TRPC1, functions as a mechanotransduction channel. In the endoplasmic reticulum, TRPP2 modulates intracellular Ca(2+) release associated with IP3 receptors and the ryanodine receptors. Noteworthily, TRPP2 is widely expressed in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells of all major vascular beds, and contributes to the regulation of vessel function. The mutation of the PKD2 gene is a major cause of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is not only a common genetic disease of the kidney but also a systemic disorder associated with abnormalities in the vasculature; cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in ADPKD patients. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the TRPP2 protein and its possible role in cardiovascular function and related diseases.

Vasopressin and disruption of calcium signalling in polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common monogenic kidney disease and is responsible for 5-10% of cases of end-stage renal disease worldwide. ADPKD is characterized by the relentless development and growth of cysts, which cause progressive kidney enlargement associated with hypertension, pain, reduced quality of life and eventual kidney failure. Mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, which encode polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), respectively, cause ADPKD. However, neither the functions of these proteins nor the molecular mechanisms of ADPKD pathogenesis are well understood. Here, we review the literature that examines how reduced levels of functional PC1 or PC2 at the primary cilia and/or the endoplasmic reticulum directly disrupts intracellular calcium signalling and indirectly disrupts calcium-regulated cAMP and purinergic signalling. We propose a hypothetical model in which dysregulated metabolism of cAMP and purinergic signalling increases the sensitivity of principal cells in collecting ducts and of tubular epithelial cells in the distal nephron to the constant tonic action of vasopressin. The resulting magnified response to vasopressin further enhances the disruption of calcium signalling that is initiated by mutations in PC1 or PC2, and activates downstream signalling pathways that cause impaired tubulogenesis, increased cell proliferation, increased fluid secretion and interstitial inflammation.

Polycystins and partners: proposed role in mechanosensitivity

Mutations of the two polycystins, PC1 and PC2, lead to polycystic kidney disease. Polycystins are able to form complexes with numerous families of proteins that have been suggested to participate in mechanical sensing. The proposed role of polycystins and their partners in the kidney primary cilium is to sense urine flow. A role for polycystins in mechanosensing has also been shown in other cell types such as vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac myocytes. At the plasma membrane, polycystins interact with diverse ion channels of the TRP family and with stretch-activated channels (Piezos, TREKs). The actin cytoskeleton and its interacting proteins, such as filamin A, have been shown to be essential for these interactions. Numerous proteins involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix junctions interact with PC1 and/or PC2. These multimeric protein complexes are important for cell structure integrity, the transmission of force, as well as for mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. A group of polycystin partners are also involved in subcellular trafficking mechanisms. Finally, PC1 and especially PC2 interact with elements of the endoplasmic reticulum and are essential components of calcium homeostasis. In conclusion, we propose that both PC1 and PC2 act as conductors to tune the overall cellular mechanosensitivity.

The TRPP subfamily and polycystin-1 proteins

It has been exciting times since the identification of polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) and PKD2 as the genes mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Biological roles of the encoded proteins polycystin-1 and TRPP2 have been deduced from phenotypes in ADPKD patients, but recent insights from vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms have significantly expanded our understanding of the physiological functions of these proteins. The identification of additional TRPP (TRPP3 and TRPP5) and polycystin-1-like proteins (PKD1L1, PKD1L2, PKD1L3, and PKDREJ) has added yet another layer of complexity to these fascinating cellular signalling units. TRPP proteins assemble with polycystin-1 family members to form receptor-channel complexes. These protein modules have important biological roles ranging from tubular morphogenesis to determination of left-right asymmetry. The founding members of the polycystin family, TRPP2 and polycystin-1, are a prime example of how studying human disease genes can provide insights into fundamental biological mechanisms using a so-called "reverse translational" approach (from bedside to bench). Here, we discuss the current literature on TRPP ion channels and polycystin-1 family proteins including expression, structure, physical interactions, physiology, and lessons from animal model systems and human disease.

Transient receptor potential canonical 7: a diacylglycerol-activated non-selective cation channel

Transient receptor potential canonical 7 (TRPC7) channel is the seventh member of the mammalian TRPC channel family. TRPC7 mRNA, protein, and channel activity have been detected in many tissues and organs from the mouse, rat, and human. TRPC7 has high sequence homology with TRPC3 and TRPC6, and all three channels are activated by membrane receptors that couple to isoforms of phospholipase C (PLC) and mediate non-selective cation currents. TRPC7, along with TRPC3 and TRPC6, can be activated by direct exogenous application of diacylglycerol (DAG) analogues and by pharmacological maneuvers that increase endogenous DAG in cells. TRPC7 shows distinct properties of activation, such as constitutive activity and susceptibility to negative regulation by extracellular Ca(2+) and by protein kinase C. TRPC7 can form heteromultimers with TRPC3 and TRPC6. Although TRPC7 remains one of the least studied TRPC channel, its role in various cell types and physiological and pathophysiological conditions is beginning to emerge.

TRP channels

TRP channels constitute a large superfamily of cation channel forming proteins, all related to the gene product of the transient receptor potential (trp) locus in Drosophila. In mammals, 28 different TRP channel genes have been identified, which exhibit a large variety of functional properties and play diverse cellular and physiological roles. In this article, we provide a brief and systematic summary of expression, function, and (patho)physiological role of the mammalian TRP channels.

Polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 are both required to amplify inositol-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes encoding respectively polycystin-1 and polycystin-2. Polycystin-2 stimulates the inositol trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor (IP(3)R), a Ca(2+)-release channel in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The effect of ER-located polycystin-1 is less clear. Polycystin-1 has been reported both to stimulate and to inhibit the IP(3)R. We now studied the effect of polycystin-1 and of polycystin-2 on the IP(3)R activity under conditions where the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration was kept constant and the reuptake of released Ca(2+) was prevented. We also studied the interdependence of the interaction of polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 with the IP(3)R. The experiments were done in conditionally immortalized human proximal-tubule epithelial cells in which one or both polycystins were knocked down using lentiviral vectors containing miRNA-based short hairpins. The Ca(2+) release was induced in plasma membrane-permeabilized cells by various IP(3) concentrations at a fixed Ca(2+) concentration under unidirectional (45)Ca(2+)-efflux conditions. We now report that knock down of polycystin-1 or of polycystin-2 inhibited the IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release. The simultaneous presence of the two polycystins was required to fully amplify the IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release, since the presence of polycystin-1 alone or of polycystin-2 alone did not result in an increased Ca(2+) release. These novel findings indicate that ER-located polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 operate as a functional complex. They are compatible with the view that loss-of-function mutations in PKD1 and in PKD2 both cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Sudden death of a young male with previously undiagnosed autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the best known genetic diseases. However, in only very rare cases does it present as an abnormal death followed by clarification of its genetic background. We experienced a case in which ADPKD first became evident from the results of forensic autopsy, on the basis of which all potentially affected family members were offered genetic and other medical examinations. In this way, forensic medicine was able not only to determine the cause of death but to contribute to preventive medicine as well.

Atomic force microscopy reveals the alternating subunit arrangement of the TRPP2-TRPV4 heterotetramer

There is evidence that polycystin-2 (TRPP2) interacts with two other members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family, TRPC1 and TRPV4. We have previously shown that TRPP2 forms a heteromeric complex with TRPC1, with a 2:2 stoichiometry and an alternating subunit arrangement. Here, we used coimmunoprecipitation to show that TRPP2 also interacts with TRPV4, but not with TRPA1 or TRPM8; hence, its promiscuity is limited. We then used atomic force microscopy to study the structure of the TRPV4 homomer and the interaction between TRPP2 and TRPV4. The molecular volume of V5-tagged TRPV4 isolated from singly-transfected tsA 201 cells indicated that it assembled as a homotetramer. The distribution of angles between pairs of anti-V5 antibodies bound to TRPV4 particles had a large peak close to 90 degrees and a smaller peak close to 180 degrees , again consistent with the assembly of TRPV4 as a homotetramer. In contrast, the angle distributions for decoration of the TRPP2-TRPV4 heteromer by either anti-Myc or anti-V5 antibodies had major peaks close to 180 degrees. This result indicates that TRPP2-TRPV4 assembles identically to TRPP2-TRPC1, suggesting a common subunit arrangement among heteromeric TRP channels.

Polycystin-2 activation by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release requires its direct association with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in a signaling microdomain

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is characterized by the loss-of-function of a signaling complex involving polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 (TRPP2, an ion channel of the TRP superfamily), resulting in a disturbance in intracellular Ca(2+) signaling. Here, we identified the molecular determinants of the interaction between TRPP2 and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R), an intracellular Ca(2+) channel in the endoplasmic reticulum. Glutathione S-transferase pulldown experiments combined with mutational analysis led to the identification of an acidic cluster in the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of TRPP2 and a cluster of positively charged residues in the N-terminal ligand-binding domain of the IP(3)R as directly responsible for the interaction. To investigate the functional relevance of TRPP2 in the endoplasmic reticulum, we re-introduced the protein in TRPP2(-/-) mouse renal epithelial cells using an adenoviral expression system. The presence of TRPP2 resulted in an increased agonist-induced intracellular Ca(2+) release in intact cells and IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release in permeabilized cells. Using pathological mutants of TRPP2, R740X and D509V, and competing peptides, we demonstrated that TRPP2 amplified the Ca(2+) signal by a local Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release mechanism, which only occurred in the presence of the TRPP2-IP(3)R interaction, and not via altered IP(3)R channel activity. Moreover, our results indicate that this interaction was instrumental in the formation of Ca(2+) microdomains necessary for initiating Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release. The data strongly suggest that defects in this mechanism may account for the altered Ca(2+) signaling associated with pathological TRPP2 mutations and therefore contribute to the development of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Transient receptor potential channelopathies

In the past years, several hereditary diseases caused by defects in transient receptor potential channels (TRP) genes have been described. This review summarizes our current knowledge about TRP channelopathies and their possible pathomechanisms. Based on available genetic indications, we will also describe several putative pathological conditions in which (mal)function of TRP channels could be anticipated.