A direct mass-action mechanism explains capacitative calcium entry in Jurkat and skeletal L6 muscle cells

Ca2+ effects on glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation in L6 skeletal muscle cell cultures

We examined the effect of Ca2+ on skeletal muscle glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation using L6 cell cultures. Ca2+ stimulation of glucose transport is controversial. We found that caffeine (a Ca2+ secretagogue) stimulation of glucose transport was only evident in a two-part incubation protocol ("post-incubation"). Caffeine was present in the first incubation, the media removed, and labeled glucose added for the second. Caffeine elicited a rise in Ca2+ in the first incubation that was dissipated by the second. This post-incubation procedure was insensitive to glucose concentrations in the first incubation. With a single, direct incubation system (all components present together) caffeine caused a slight inhibition of glucose transport. This was likely due to caffeine induced inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), since nanomolar concentrations of wortmannin, a selective PI3K inhibitor, also inhibited glucose transport, and previous investigators have also found this action. We did find a Ca2+ stimulation (using either caffeine or ionomycin) of fatty acid oxidation. This was observed in the absence (but not the presence) of added glucose. We conclude that Ca2+ stimulates fatty acid oxidation at a mitochondrial site, secondary to malonyl CoA inhibition (represented by the presence of glucose in our experiments). In summary, the experiments resolve a controversy on Ca2+ stimulation of glucose transport by skeletal muscle, introduce an important experimental consideration for the measurement of glucose transport, and uncover a new site of action for Ca2+ stimulation of fatty acid oxidation.

Membrane depolarization increases ryanodine sensitivity to Ca2+ release to the cytosol in L6 skeletal muscle cells: Implications for excitation-contraction coupling

The dihydropyridine receptor in the plasma membrane and the ryanodine receptor in the sarcoplasmic reticulum are known to physically interact in the process of excitation-contraction coupling. However, the mechanism for subsequent Ca(2+) release through the ryanodine receptor is unknown. Our lab has previously presented evidence that the dihydropyridine receptor and ryanodine receptor combine as a channel for the entry of Ca(2+) under resting conditions, known as store operated calcium entry. Here, we provide evidence that depolarization during excitation-contraction coupling causes the dihydropyridine receptor to disengage from the ryanodine receptor. The newly freed ryanodine receptor can then transport Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Experimentally, this should more greatly expose the ryanodine receptor to exogenous ryanodine. To examine this hypothesis, we titrated L6 skeletal muscle cells with ryanodine in resting and excited (depolarized) states. When L6 muscle cells were depolarized with high potassium or exposed to the dihydropyridine receptor agonist BAYK-8644, known to induce dihydropyridine receptor movement within the membrane, ryanodine sensitivity was enhanced. However, ryanodine sensitivity was unaffected when Ca(2+) was elevated without depolarization by the ryanodine receptor agonist chloromethylcresol, or by increasing Ca(2+) concentration in the media. Ca(2+) entry currents (from the extracellular space) during excitation were strongly inhibited by ryanodine, but Ca(2+) entry currents in the resting state were not. We conclude that excitation releases the ryanodine receptor from occlusion by the dihydropyridine receptor, enabling Ca(2+) release from the ryanodine receptor to the cytosol.

Calcium signalling in the ciliated protozoan model, Paramecium: strict signal localisation by epigenetically controlled positioning of different Ca²⁺-channels

The Paramecium tetraurelia cell is highly organised, with regularly spaced elements pertinent to Ca(2+) signalling under epigenetic control. Vesicles serving as stationary Ca(2+) stores or undergoing trafficking contain Ca(2+)-release channels (PtCRCs) which, according to sequence and domain comparison, are related either to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (IP3R) or to ryanodine receptor-like proteins (RyR-LP) or to both, with intermediate characteristics or deviation from conventional domain structure. Six groups of such PtCRCs have been found. The ryanodine-InsP3-receptor homology (RIH) domain is not always recognisable, in contrast to the channel domain with six trans-membrane domains and the pore between transmembrane domain 5 and 6. Two CRC subtypes tested more closely, PtCRC-II and PtCRC-IV, with and without an InsP3-binding domain, reacted to InsP3 and to caffeine, respectively, and hence represent IP3Rs and RyR-LPs. IP3Rs occur in the contractile vacuole complex where they allow for stochastic constitutive Ca(2+) reflux into the cytosol. RyR-LPs are localised to cortical Ca(2+) stores; they are engaged in dense core-secretory vesicle exocytosis by Ca(2+) release, superimposed by Ca(2+)-influx via non-ciliary Ca(2+)-channels. One or two different types of PtCRCs also occur in other vesicles undergoing trafficking. Since the PtCRCs described combine different features they are considered derivatives of primitive precursors. The highly regular, epigenetically controlled design of a Paramecium cell allows it to make Ca(2+) available very locally, in a most efficient way, along predetermined trafficking pathways, including regulation of exocytosis, endocytosis, phagocytosis and recycling phenomena. The activity of cilia is also regulated by Ca(2+), yet independently from any CRCs, by de- and hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane potential.

Calcium regulation in the protozoan model, Paramecium tetraurelia

Early in eukaryotic evolution, the cell has evolved a considerable inventory of proteins engaged in the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, not only to avoid toxic effects but beyond that to exploit the signaling capacity of Ca(2+) by small changes in local concentration. Among protozoa, the ciliate Paramecium may now be one of the best analyzed models. Ciliary activity and exo-/endocytosis are governed by Ca(2+) , the latter by Ca(2+) mobilization from alveolar sacs and a superimposed store-operated Ca(2+) -influx. Paramecium cells possess plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-resident Ca(2+) -ATPases/pumps (PMCA, SERCA), a variety of Ca(2+) influx channels, including mechanosensitive and voltage-dependent channels in the plasma membrane, furthermore a plethora of Ca(2+) -release channels (CRC) of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptor type in different compartments, notably the contractile vacuole complex and the alveolar sacs, as well as in vesicles participating in vesicular trafficking. Additional types of CRC probably also occur but they have not been identified at a molecular level as yet, as is the equivalent of synaptotagmin as a Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis. Among established targets and sensors of Ca(2+) in Paramecium are calmodulin, calcineurin, as well as Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, all with multiple functions. Thus, basic elements of Ca(2+) signaling are available for Paramecium.

Synthesis and mechanism of hypoglycemic activity of benzothiazole derivatives

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a major potential target for novel antidiabetic drugs. We studied the structure of 2-chloro-5-((Z)-((E)-5-((5-(4,5-dimethyl-2-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)amino)benzoic acid (PT-1), which attenuates the autoinhibition of the enzyme AMPK, for the design and synthesis of different benzothiazoles with potential antidiabetic activity. We synthesized several structurally related benzothiazole derivatives that increased the rate of glucose uptake in L6 myotubes in an AMPK-dependent manner. One compound, 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylmethylthio)-6-ethoxybenzo[d]thiazole (34), augmented the rate of glucose uptake up to 2.5-fold compared with vehicle-treated cells and up to 1.1-fold compared to PT-1. Concomitantly, it elevated the abundance of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane of the myotubes and activated AMPK. Subcutaneous administration of 34 to hyperglycemic Kuo Kondo rats carrying the Ay-yellow obese gene (KKAy) mice lowered blood glucose levels toward the normoglycemic range. In accord with its activity, compound 34 showed a high fit value to a pharmacophore model derived from the PT-1.

Calcium signaling in closely related protozoan groups (Alveolata): non-parasitic ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) vs. parasitic Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma)

The importance of Ca2+-signaling for many subcellular processes is well established in higher eukaryotes, whereas information about protozoa is restricted. Recent genome analyses have stimulated such work also with Alveolates, such as ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) and their pathogenic close relatives, the Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma). Here we compare Ca2+ signaling in the two closely related groups. Acidic Ca2+ stores have been characterized in detail in Apicomplexa, but hardly in ciliates. Two-pore channels engaged in Ca2+-release from acidic stores in higher eukaryotes have not been stingently characterized in either group. Both groups are endowed with plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA, SERCA), respectively. Only recently was it possible to identify in Paramecium a number of homologs of ryanodine and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate receptors (RyR, IP3R) and to localize them to widely different organelles participating in vesicle trafficking. For Apicomplexa, physiological experiments suggest the presence of related channels although their identity remains elusive. In Paramecium, IP3Rs are constitutively active in the contractile vacuole complex; RyR-related channels in alveolar sacs are activated during exocytosis stimulation, whereas in the parasites the homologous structure (inner membrane complex) may no longer function as a Ca2+ store. Scrutinized comparison of the two closely related protozoan phyla may stimulate further work and elucidate adaptation to parasitic life. See also "Conclusions" section.

The use of aequorins to record and visualize Ca(2+) dynamics: from subcellular microdomains to whole organisms

In this chapter, we describe the practical aspects of measuring [Ca(2+)] transients that are generated in a particular cytoplasmic domain, or within a specific organelle or its periorganellar environment, using bioluminescent, genetically encoded and targeted Ca(2+) reporters, especially those based on apoaequorin. We also list examples of the organisms, tissues, and cells that have been transfected with apoaequorin or an apoaequorin-BRET complex, as well as of the organelles and subcellular domains that have been specifically targeted with these bioluminescent Ca(2+) reporters. In addition, we summarize the various techniques used to load the apoaequorin cofactor, coelenterazine, and its analogs into cells, tissues, and intact organisms, and we describe recent advances in the detection and imaging technologies that are currently being used to measure and visualize the luminescence generated by the aequorin-Ca(2+) reaction within these various cytoplasmic domains and subcellular compartments.

Regenerative potential of human periodontal ligament derived stem cells on three-dimensional biomaterials: a morphological report

Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periodontal ligament (PDL-MSCs) are multipotent cells that have similar features of the bone marrow and dental pulp MSCs and are capable of proliferating and producing different types of tissue such as bone and tooth associated-tissues. Human PDL-MSCs expanded ex vivo were induced to osteogenesis, seeded in three-dimensional biocompatible scaffolds (fibrin sponge, bovine-derived substitutes) and examined using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological observations showed extensive growth of cellular biomass partially covering the scaffolds after 4 weeks of incubation in mineralization medium. These findings indicate that periodontal ligament can be an easily and efficient autologous source of stem cells with a high expansion capacity and ability to differentiate in osteogenic cells that can colonize and grow connected to bio-compatible scaffold. It can be suggested that the use of PDL-MSCs for generating graft biomaterials is advantageous for bone tissue engineering in regenerative dentistry.

The cytosolic calcium concentration is affected by S-nitrosocysteine in human lymphomonocytes

The homeostasis of cytosolic calcium [Ca2+](c) in mammalian cells is a complex phenomenon, requiring the contribution of many cellular and extracellular systems. Nitric oxide (NO) acts on [Ca2+](c), although the mechanism of this action is unknown. We study the release and the uptake of Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum and its capacitative entry in human lymphomonocytes in the presence of the NO donor S-nitrosocysteine (CysNO) at low (16 microM) and at high (160 microM) concentrations by measuring the [Ca2+](c) by the Fura 2-AM method. Thapsigargin (TG), which inhibits sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), and nifedipine (NIF), which blocks the Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, are used to clarify the effects of NO on calcium movements. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, CysNO decreases basal [Ca2+](c), whereas TG increases it as the result of SERCA inhibition. This effect of TG diminishes in the presence of the NO donor. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+(capacitative entry conditions), CysNO does not influence Ca2+ entry but reduces the toxic effects of TG connected to the increase of [Ca2+](c) in these conditions. The effect of NIF is, up to a certain extent, similar to that of CysNO, although the mechanisms of action of the two agents do not seem related. We conclude that CysNO participates in [Ca2+](c) homeostasis by stimulating the movement of the ion from the cytosol to other compartments.

Thapsigargin, a selective inhibitor of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPases, modulates nitric oxide production and cell death of primary rat hepatocytes in culture

Increased cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and nitric oxide (NO) are suggested to be associated with apoptosis that is a main feature of many liver diseases and is characterized by biochemical and morphological features. We sought to investigate the events of increase in [Ca2+]i and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium depletion by thapsigargin (TG), a selective inhibitor of sarco-ER-Ca2+ -ATPases, in relation to NO production and apoptotic and necrotic markers of cell death in primary rat hepatocyte culture. Cultured hepatocytes were treated with TG (1 and 5 micromol/L) for 0-24 or 24-48 h. NO production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were determined as nitrite levels and by iNOS-specific antibody, respectively. Hepatocyte apoptosis was estimated by caspase-3 activity, cytosolic cytochrome c content and DNA fragmentation, and morphologically using Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Hepatocyte viability and mitochondrial activity were evaluated by ALT leakage and MTT test. Increasing basal [Ca2+]i by TG, NO production and apoptotic/necrotic parameters were altered in different ways, depending on TG concentration and incubation time. During 0-24 h, TG dose-dependently decreased iNOS-mediated spontaneous NO production and simultaneously enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, TG 5 micromol/L produced secondary necrosis. During 24-48 h, TG dose-dependently enhanced basal NO production and rate of necrosis. TG 5 micromol/L further promoted mitochondrial damage as demonstrated by cytochrome c release. A selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine, suppressed TG-stimulated NO production and ALT leakage from hepatocytes after 24-48 h. Our data suggest that the extent of the [Ca2+]i increase and the modulation of NO production due to TG treatment contribute to hepatocyte apoptotic and/or necrotic events.

Ca2+ refilling of the endoplasmic reticulum is largely preserved albeit reduced Ca2+ entry in endothelial cells

In this study the relationship between the efficiency of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ refilling and the extent of Ca2+ entry was investigated in endothelial cells. ER and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration were measured using genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors, while the amount of entering Ca2+ was controlled by varying either the extracellular Ca2+ or the electrical driving force for Ca2+ by changing the plasma membrane potential. In the absence of an agonist, ER Ca2+ replenishment was fully accomplished even if the Ca2+ concentration applied was reduced from 2 to 0.5mM. A similar strong efficiency of ER Ca2+ refilling was obtained under condition of plasma membrane depolarization. However, in the presence of histamine, ER Ca2+ refilling depended on mitochondrial Ca2+ transport and was more susceptible to membrane depolarization. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), was strongly reduced under low Ca2+ and depolarizing conditions but increased if ER Ca2+ uptake was blocked or if ER Ca2+ was released continuously by IP(3). A correlation of the kinetics of ER Ca2+refilling with cytosolic Ca2+ signals revealed that termination of SOCE is a rapid event that is not delayed compared to ER refilling. Our data indicate that ER refilling occurs in priority to, and independently from the cytosolic Ca2+ elevation upon Ca2+ entry and that this important process is widely achieved even under conditions of diminished Ca2+entry.

Sub-second calcium coupling between outside medium and subplasmalemmal stores during overstimulation/depolarisation-induced ciliary beat reversal in Paramecium cells

As amply documented by electrophysiology, depolarisation in Paramecium induces a Ca(2+) influx selectively via ciliary voltage-dependent Ca(2+)-channels, thus inducing ciliary beat reversal. Subsequent downregulation of ciliary Ca(2+) has remained enigmatic. We now analysed this aspect, eventually under overstimulation conditions, by quenched-flow/cryofixation, combined with electron microscope X-ray microanalysis which registers total calcium concentrations, [Ca]. This allows to follow Ca-signals within a time period (> or =30ms) smaller than one ciliary beat ( approximately 50ms) and beyond. Particularly under overstimulation conditions ( approximately 10(-5)M Ca(2+) before, 0.5mM Ca(2+) during stimulation) we find in cilia a [Ca] peak at approximately 80ms and its decay to near-basal levels within 110ms (90%) to 170ms (100% decay). This [Ca] wave is followed, with little delay, by a [Ca] wave into subplasmalemmal Ca-stores (alveolar sacs), culminating at approximately 100ms, with a decay to original levels within 170ms. Also with little delay [Ca] slightly increases in the cytoplasm below. This implies rapid dissipation of Ca(2+) through the ciliary basis, paralleled by a rapid, transient uptake by, and release from cortical stores, suggesting fast exchange mechanisms to be analysed as yet. This novel type of coupling may be relevant for some phenomena described for other cells.

Sub-second cellular dynamics: time-resolved electron microscopy and functional correlation

Subcellular processes, from molecular events to organellar responses and cell movement, cover a broad scale in time and space. Clearly the extremes, such as ion channel activation are accessible only by electrophysiology, whereas numerous routine methods exist for relatively slow processes. However, many other processes, from a millisecond time scale on, can be "caught" only by methods providing appropriate time resolution. Fast freezing (cryofixation) is the method of choice in that case. In combination with follow-up methodologies appropriate for electron microscopic (EM) analysis, with all its variations, such technologies can also provide high spatial resolution. Such analyses may include, for example, freeze-fracturing for analyzing restructuring of membrane components, scanning EM and other standard EM techniques, as well as analytical EM analyses. The latter encompass energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis and electron spectroscopic imaging, all applicable, for instance, to the second messenger, calcium. Most importantly, when conducted in parallel, such analyses can provide a structural background to the functional analyses, such as cyclic nucleotide formation or protein de- or rephosphorylation during cell stimulation. In sum, we discuss many examples of how it is practically possible to achieve strict function-structure correlations in the sub-second time range. We complement this review by discussing alternative methods currently available to analyze fast cellular phenomena occurring in the sub-second time range.

Taming the neutrophil: calcium clearance and influx mechanisms as novel targets for pharmacological control

Neutrophils are relatively insensitive to the anti-inflammatory actions of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, including corticosteroids, emphasizing the requirement for novel pharmacological strategies to control the potentially harmful proinflammatory activities of these cells. In the case of commonly-occurring inflammatory diseases of the airways, the neutrophil is the primary mediator of inflammation in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchiectasis and non-eosinophilic bronchial asthma. Recent insights into the mechanisms utilized by neutrophils to restore Ca(2+) homeostasis following activation with Ca(2+)-mobilizing, proinflammatory stimuli have facilitated the identification of novel targets for anti-inflammatory chemotherapy in these cells. The most amenable of these from a chemotherapeutic perspective, is the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase-modulated endomembrane Ca(2+)-ATPase which promotes clearance of the cation from the cytosol of activated neutrophils. Second generation type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors and adenosine receptor agonists operative at the level of subtype A2A adenosine receptors, which are currently undergoing clinical and preclinical assessment respectively, hold promise as pharmacologic modulators during the restoration of Ca(2+) homeostasis. If this promise is realized, it may result in novel chemotherapeutic strategies for the control of hyperacute and chronic inflammatory conditions in which neutrophils are primary offenders. Alternative, potential future targets include the Na(+), Ca(2+)-exchanger and store-operated Ca(2+) channels, which cooperate in the refilling of intracellular Ca(2+) stores.

Intracellular Ca(2+) release triggers translocation of membrane marker FM1-43 from the extracellular leaflet of plasma membrane into endoplasmic reticulum in T lymphocytes

Stimulation of T cell receptor in lymphocytes enhances Ca(2+) signaling and accelerates membrane trafficking. The relationships between these processes are not well understood. We employed membrane-impermeable lipid marker FM1-43 to explore membrane trafficking upon mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) in Jurkat T cells. We established that liberation of intracellular Ca(2+) with T cell receptor agonist phytohemagglutinin P or with Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents ionomycin or thapsigargin induced accumulation of FM1-43 within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), nuclear envelope (NE), and Golgi. FM1-43 loading into ER-NE and Golgi was not mediated via the cytosol because other organelles such as mitochondria and multivesicular bodies located in close proximity to the FM1-43-containing ER were free of dye. Intralumenal FM1-43 accumulation was observed even when Ca(2+) signaling in the cytosol was abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). Our findings strongly suggest that release of intracellular Ca(2+) may create continuity between the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane and the lumenal membrane leaflet of the ER by a mechanism that does not require global cytosolic Ca(2+) elevation.

Alteration of cyclopiazonic acid-mediated contracture of mouse diaphragm after denervation

As a major Ca(2+) source for muscle contraction, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle maintains its Ca(2+) content by uptake of myoplasmic Ca(2+) and by replenishment with extracellular Ca(2+). Since transection of motor nerve alters the functions of SR Ca(2+) pump and sarcolemma ion channels, this study explored the effect of denervation on the contracture evoked by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of SR Ca(2+) pump. In innervated hemidiaphragm, CPA elicited a bimodal elevation of muscle tone, which was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and differentially inhibited by pretreatment with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (APB) and U73122. Activation of muscle Na(+) channels to simulate denervation-induced membrane depolarization did not change the contracture profile. After denervation for 5-14 days when the contracture induced by caffeine was not yet depressed, CPA elicited only APB-sensitive monophasic contracture. Stimulation of ATP-regulated K(+) channels with lemakalim hyperpolarized muscle membrane and attenuated CPA contracture in denervated, but not innervated, hemidiaphragm. The effects of lemakalim were antagonized by glybenclamide. It is inferred that the bimodal CPA contracture is resulted from distinct recruitments of Ca(2+) entry and that denervation alters the voltage dependence and down-regulates CPA-mediated Ca(2+) influx.