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Bibollet H, Kramer A, Bannister RA, Hernández-Ochoa EO. Advances in Ca V1.1 gating: New insights into permeation and voltage-sensing mechanisms. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2167569. [PMID: 36642864 PMCID: PMC9851209 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2167569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The CaV1.1 voltage-gated Ca2+ channel carries L-type Ca2+ current and is the voltage-sensor for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle. Significant breakthroughs in the EC coupling field have often been close on the heels of technological advancement. In particular, CaV1.1 was the first voltage-gated Ca2+ channel to be cloned, the first ion channel to have its gating current measured and the first ion channel to have an effectively null animal model. Though these innovations have provided invaluable information regarding how CaV1.1 detects changes in membrane potential and transmits intra- and inter-molecular signals which cause opening of the channel pore and support Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum remain elusive. Here, we review current perspectives on this topic including the recent application of functional site-directed fluorometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bibollet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Audra Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roger A. Bannister
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erick O. Hernández-Ochoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Voltage sensor movements of Ca V1.1 during an action potential in skeletal muscle fibers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026116118. [PMID: 34583989 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026116118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel (CaV1.1) works primarily as a voltage sensor for skeletal muscle action potential (AP)-evoked Ca2+ release. CaV1.1 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 CaV1.1, expressed each construct via in vivo gene transfer electroporation, and used in cellulo AP fluorometry to track the movement of each CaV1.1 VSD in skeletal muscle fibers. We first provide electrical measurements of CaV1.1 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.
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Neumaier F, Alpdogan S, Hescheler J, Schneider T. Zn2+-induced changes in Cav2.3 channel function: An electrophysiological and modeling study. J Gen Physiol 2021; 152:151872. [PMID: 32559275 PMCID: PMC7478874 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Loosely bound Zn2+ ions are increasingly recognized as potential modulators of synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Cav2.3 voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are among the most sensitive targets of Zn2+ and are therefore likely to be involved in the neuromodulatory actions of endogenous Zn2+. Although histidine residues on the external side of domain I have been implicated in the effects on Cav2.3 channel gating, the exact mechanisms involved in channel modulation remain incompletely understood. Here, we use a combination of electrophysiological recordings, modification of histidine residues, and computational modeling to analyze Zn2+-induced changes in Cav2.3 channel function. Our most important findings are that multiple high- and low-affinity mechanisms contribute to the net Zn2+ action, that Zn2+ can either inhibit or stimulate Ca2+ influx through Cav2.3 channels depending on resting membrane potential, and that Zn2+ effects may persist for some time even after cessation of the Zn2+ signal. Computer simulations show that (1) most salient features of Cav2.3 channel gating in the absence of trace metals can be reproduced by an obligatory model in which activation of two voltage sensors is necessary to open the pore; and (2) most, but not all, of the effects of Zn2+ can be accounted for by assuming that Zn2+ binding to a first site is associated with an electrostatic modification and mechanical slowing of one of the voltage sensors, whereas Zn2+ binding to a second, lower-affinity site blocks the channel and modifies the opening and closing transitions. While still far from complete, our model provides a first quantitative framework for understanding Zn2+ effects on Cav2.3 channel function and a step toward the application of computational approaches for predicting the complex actions of Zn2+ on neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Neumaier
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Neurophysiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Serdar Alpdogan
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Neurophysiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Neurophysiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Toni Schneider
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Neurophysiology, Cologne, Germany
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Tuluc P, Theiner T, Jacobo-Piqueras N, Geisler SM. Role of High Voltage-Gated Ca 2+ Channel Subunits in Pancreatic β-Cell Insulin Release. From Structure to Function. Cells 2021; 10:2004. [PMID: 34440773 PMCID: PMC8393260 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic islets of Langerhans secrete several hormones critical for glucose homeostasis. The β-cells, the major cellular component of the pancreatic islets, secrete insulin, the only hormone capable of lowering the plasma glucose concentration. The counter-regulatory hormone glucagon is secreted by the α-cells while δ-cells secrete somatostatin that via paracrine mechanisms regulates the α- and β-cell activity. These three peptide hormones are packed into secretory granules that are released through exocytosis following a local increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The high voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (HVCCs) occupy a central role in pancreatic hormone release both as a source of Ca2+ required for excitation-secretion coupling as well as a scaffold for the release machinery. HVCCs are multi-protein complexes composed of the main pore-forming transmembrane α1 and the auxiliary intracellular β, extracellular α2δ, and transmembrane γ subunits. Here, we review the current understanding regarding the role of all HVCC subunits expressed in pancreatic β-cell on electrical activity, excitation-secretion coupling, and β-cell mass. The evidence we review was obtained from many seminal studies employing pharmacological approaches as well as genetically modified mouse models. The significance for diabetes in humans is discussed in the context of genetic variations in the genes encoding for the HVCC subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petronel Tuluc
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (T.T.); (N.J.-P.); (S.M.G.)
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Fernández-Quintero ML, El Ghaleb Y, Tuluc P, Campiglio M, Liedl KR, Flucher BE. Structural determinants of voltage-gating properties in calcium channels. eLife 2021; 10:e64087. [PMID: 33783354 PMCID: PMC8099428 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Fernández-Quintero
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Yousra El Ghaleb
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Petronel Tuluc
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Marta Campiglio
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Klaus R Liedl
- Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Bernhard E Flucher
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
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Neumaier F, Schneider T, Albanna W. Ca v2.3 channel function and Zn 2+-induced modulation: potential mechanisms and (patho)physiological relevance. Channels (Austin) 2020; 14:362-379. [PMID: 33079629 PMCID: PMC7583514 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1829842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are critical for Ca2+ influx into all types of excitable cells, but their exact function is still poorly understood. Recent reconstruction of homology models for all human VGCCs at atomic resolution provides the opportunity for a structure-based discussion of VGCC function and novel insights into the mechanisms underlying Ca2+ selective flux through these channels. In the present review, we use these data as a basis to examine the structure, function, and Zn2+-induced modulation of Cav2.3 VGCCs, which mediate native R-type currents and belong to the most enigmatic members of the family. Their unique sensitivity to Zn2+ and the existence of multiple mechanisms of Zn2+ action strongly argue for a role of these channels in the modulatory action of endogenous loosely bound Zn2+, pools of which have been detected in a number of neuronal, endocrine, and reproductive tissues. Following a description of the different mechanisms by which Zn2+ has been shown or is thought to alter the function of these channels, we discuss their potential (patho)physiological relevance, taking into account what is known about the magnitude and function of extracellular Zn2+ signals in different tissues. While still far from complete, the picture that emerges is one where Cav2.3 channel expression parallels the occurrence of loosely bound Zn2+ pools in different tissues and where these channels may serve to translate physiological Zn2+ signals into changes of electrical activity and/or intracellular Ca2+ levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Neumaier
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5) , Jülich, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging , Cologne, Germany
| | - Toni Schneider
- Institute of Neurophysiology , Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Walid Albanna
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
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Hernández-Ochoa EO, Schneider MF. Voltage sensing mechanism in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling: coming of age or midlife crisis? Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:22. [PMID: 30025545 PMCID: PMC6053751 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The process by which muscle fiber electrical depolarization is linked to activation of muscle contraction is known as excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). Our understanding of ECC has increased enormously since the early scientific descriptions of the phenomenon of electrical activation of muscle contraction by Galvani that date back to the end of the eighteenth century. Major advances in electrical and optical measurements, including muscle fiber voltage clamp to reveal membrane electrical properties, in conjunction with the development of electron microscopy to unveil structural details provided an elegant view of ECC in skeletal muscle during the last century. This surge of knowledge on structural and biophysical aspects of the skeletal muscle was followed by breakthroughs in biochemistry and molecular biology, which allowed for the isolation, purification, and DNA sequencing of the muscle fiber membrane calcium channel/transverse tubule (TT) membrane voltage sensor (Cav1.1) for ECC and of the muscle ryanodine receptor/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel (RyR1), two essential players of ECC in skeletal muscle. In regard to the process of voltage sensing for controlling calcium release, numerous studies support the concept that the TT Cav1.1 channel is the voltage sensor for ECC, as well as also being a Ca2+ channel in the TT membrane. In this review, we present early and recent findings that support and define the role of Cav1.1 as a voltage sensor for ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick O. Hernández-Ochoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Martin F. Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
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