Store-Operated Calcium Channels

Downregulation of stromal interaction molecule-1 is implicated in the age-associated vasoconstriction dysfunction of aorta, intrarenal, and coronary arteries

The contractile function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) typically undergoes significant changes with advancing age, leading to severe vascular aging-related diseases. The precise role and mechanism of stromal interaction molecule-1 (STIM1) in age-mediated Ca2+ signaling and vasocontraction remain unclear. The connection between STIM1 and age-related vascular dysfunction was investigated using a multi-myograph system, immunohistochemical analysis, protein blotting, and SA-β-gal staining. Results showed that vasoconstrictor responses in the thoracic aorta, intrarenal artery, and coronary artery decreased with age. STIM1 knockdown in the intrarenal and coronary arteries reduced vascular tone in young mice, while no change was observed in the thoracic aorta. A significant reduction in vascular tone occurred in the STIM1 knockout group with nifedipine. In the thoracic aorta, vasoconstriction significantly decreased with age following the use of nifedipine and thapsigargin and almost disappeared after STIM1 knockdown. The proportion of senescent VSMCs increased significantly in aged mice and further increased in sm-STIM1 KO aged mice. Moreover, the expression of senescence markers p21, p16, and IL-6 significantly increased with age, with p21 expression further increased in the STIM1 knockdown aged group, but not p16 or IL-6. These findings indicate that different arteries exhibit distinct organ-specific features and that STIM1 downregulation may contribute to age-related vasoconstrictive dysfunction through activation of the p21 pathway.

The genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3 reveals spontaneous calcium oscillations at asexual stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Most protocols used to study the dynamics of calcium (Ca2+) in the malaria parasite are based on dyes, which are invasive and do not allow discrimination between the signal from the host cell and the parasite. To avoid this pitfall, we have generated a parasite line expressing the genetically encoded calcium sensor GCaMP3. The PfGCaMP3 parasite line is an innovative tool for studying spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations without external markers. Using this parasite line, we demonstrate the occurrence of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in the ring, trophozoite, and schizont stages in Plasmodium falciparum. Using the Fourier transform to fluorescence intensity data extracted from different experiments, we observe cytosolic Ca2+ fluctuations. These spontaneous cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations occur in the three intraerythrocytic stages of the parasite, with most oscillations occurring in the ring and trophozoite stages. A control parasite line expressing only a GFP control did not reveal such fluctuations, demonstrating the specificity of the observations. Our results clearly show dynamic, spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations during the asexual stage in P. falciparum, independent from external stimuli.

Adaptation of STIM1 structure-function relationships for optogenetic control of calcium signaling

In cellular contexts, the oscillation of calcium ions (Ca2+) is intricately linked to various physiological processes, such as cell proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) proteins form a crucial regulatory component in the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) process. The structural attributes of STIM1 are vital for its functionality, encompassing distinct domains situated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and the cytoplasm. The intraluminal domain enables the timely detection of diminishing Ca2+ concentrations, prompting structural modifications that activate the cytoplasmic domain. This activated cytoplasmic domain undergoes conformational alterations and engages with membrane components, opening a channel that facilitates the influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular environment. Given its multiple domains and interaction mechanisms, STIM1 plays a foundational role in cellular biology. This review focuses on the design of optogenetic tools inspired by the structure and function of STIM1. These tools offer a groundbreaking approach for studying and manipulating intracellular Ca2+ signaling with precisely spatiotemporal control. We further explore the practical applications of these tools, spanning fundamental scientific research, clinical studies, and their potential for translational research.

Nanomaterial-Based Repurposing of Macrophage Metabolism and Its Applications

Macrophage immunotherapy represents an emerging therapeutic approach aimed at modulating the immune response to alleviate disease symptoms. Nanomaterials (NMs) have been engineered to monitor macrophage metabolism, enabling the evaluation of disease progression and the replication of intricate physiological signal patterns. They achieve this either directly or by delivering regulatory signals, thereby mapping phenotype to effector functions through metabolic repurposing to customize macrophage fate for therapy. However, a comprehensive summary regarding NM-mediated macrophage visualization and coordinated metabolic rewiring to maintain phenotypic equilibrium is currently lacking. This review aims to address this gap by outlining recent advancements in NM-based metabolic immunotherapy. We initially explore the relationship between metabolism, polarization, and disease, before delving into recent NM innovations that visualize macrophage activity to elucidate disease onset and fine-tune its fate through metabolic remodeling for macrophage-centered immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges of NM-mediated metabolic immunotherapy, aiming to accelerate clinical translation. We anticipate that this review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to leverage novel metabolic intervention-matched immunomodulators in macrophages or other fields of immune engineering.

The A-kinase anchoring protein Yotiao decrease the ER calcium content by inhibiting the store operated calcium entry

The meticulous regulation of ER calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is indispensable for the proper functioning of numerous cellular processes. Disrupted ER Ca2+ balance is implicated in diverse diseases, underscoring the need for a systematic exploration of its regulatory factors in cells. Our recent genomic-scale screen identified a scaffolding protein A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9) as a regulator of ER Ca2+ levels, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we reveal that Yotiao, the smallest splicing variant of AKAP9 decreased ER Ca2+ content in animal cells. Additional testing using a combination of Yotiao truncations, knock-out cells and pharmacological tools revealed that, Yotiao does not require most of its interactors, including type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R1), protein kinase A (PKA), protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), adenylyl cyclase type 2 (AC2) and so on, to reduce ER Ca2+ levels. However, adenylyl cyclase type 9 (AC9), which is known to increases its cAMP generation upon interaction with Yotiao for the modulation of potassium channels, plays an essential role for Yotiao's ER-Ca2+-lowering effect. Mechanistically, Yotiao may work through AC9 to act on Orai1-C terminus and suppress store operated Ca2+ entry, resulting in reduced ER Ca2+ levels. These findings not only enhance our comprehension of the interplay between Yotiao and AC9 but also contribute to a more intricate understanding of the finely tuned mechanisms governing ER Ca2+ homeostasis.

Regulation of anti-tumor immunity by metal ion in the tumor microenvironment

Metal ions play an essential role in regulating the functions of immune cells by transmitting intracellular and extracellular signals in tumor microenvironment (TME). Among these immune cells, we focused on the impact of metal ions on T cells because they can recognize and kill cancer cells and play an important role in immune-based cancer treatment. Metal ions are often used in nanomedicines for tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss seven metal ions related to anti-tumor immunity, elucidate their roles in immunotherapy, and provide novel insights into tumor immunotherapy and clinical applications.

Insights into the dynamics of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel pore-forming complex Orai1

An important calcium (Ca2+) entry pathway into the cell is the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, which controls a series of downstream signaling events such as gene transcription, secretion and proliferation. It is composed of a Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the stromal interaction molecule (STIM), and the Ca2+ ion channel Orai in the plasma membrane (PM). Their activation is initiated by receptor-ligand binding at the PM, which triggers a signaling cascade within the cell that ultimately causes store depletion. The decrease in ER-luminal Ca2+ is sensed by STIM1, which undergoes structural rearrangements that lead to coupling with Orai1 and its activation. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the Orai1 pore opening mechanism. In this context, we also point out the questions that remain unanswered and how these can be addressed by the currently emerging genetic code expansion (GCE) technology. GCE enables the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids with novel properties, such as light-sensitivity, and has the potential to provide novel insights into the structure/function relationship of CRAC channels at a single amino acid level in the living cell.

Periparturient Mineral Metabolism: Implications to Health and Productivity

Mineral metabolism, in particular Ca, and to a lesser extent phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg), is altered with the onset of lactation because of extensive irreversible loss to synthesize colostrum and milk. The transient reduction in the concentration of Ca in blood, particularly when it lasts days, increases the risk of mineral-related disorders such as hypocalcemia and, to a lesser extent, hypophosphatemia. Although the incidence of clinical hypocalcemia can be reduced by prepartum dietary interventions, subclinical hypocalcemia remains prevalent, affecting up to 60% of the dairy cows in the first 3 d postpartum. More importantly, strong associations exist between hypocalcemia and increased susceptibility to other peripartum diseases and impaired reproductive performance. Mechanistic experiments have demonstrated the role of Ca on innate immune response in dairy cows, which presumably predisposes them to other diseases. Hypocalcemia is not related to inadequate Ca intake as prepartum diets marginal to deficient in Ca reduce the risk of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of how Ca homeostasis is regulated, in particular how calciotropic hormones such as parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, affect blood Ca concentrations, gastrointestinal Ca absorption, bone remodeling, and renal excretion of Ca become critical to develop novel strategies to prevent mineral imbalances either by nutritional or pharmacological interventions. A common method to reduce the risk of hypocalcemia is the manipulation of the prepartum dietary cation-anion difference. Feeding acidogenic diets not only improves Ca homeostasis and reduces hypocalcemia, but also reduces the risk of uterine diseases and improves productive performance. Feeding diets that induce a negative Ca balance in the last weeks of gestation also reduce the risk of clinical hypocalcemia, and recent work shows that the incorporation of mineral sequestering agents, presumably by reducing the absorption of P and Ca prepartum, increases blood Ca at calving, although benefits to production and health remain to be shown. Alternative strategies to minimize subclinical hypocalcemia with the use of vitamin D metabolites either fed prepartum or as a pharmacological agent administered immediately after calving have shown promising results in reducing hypocalcemia and altering immune cell function, which might prove efficacious to prevent diseases in early lactation. This review summarizes the current understanding of Ca homeostasis around parturition, the limited knowledge of the exact mechanisms for gastrointestinal Ca absorption in bovine, the implications of hypocalcemia on the health of dairy cows, and discusses the methods to minimize the risk of hypocalcemia and their impacts on productive performance and health in dairy cows.

Activation mechanisms and structural dynamics of STIM proteins

The family of stromal interaction molecules (STIM) includes two widely expressed single-pass endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane proteins and additional splice variants that act as precise ER-luminal Ca2+ sensors. STIM proteins mainly function as one of the two essential components of the so-called Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. The second CRAC channel component is constituted by pore-forming Orai proteins in the plasma membrane. STIM and Orai physically interact with each other to enable CRAC channel opening, which is a critical prerequisite for various downstream signalling pathways such as gene transcription or proliferation. Their activation commonly requires the emptying of the intracellular ER Ca2+ store. Using their Ca2+ sensing capabilities, STIM proteins confer this Ca2+ content-dependent signal to Orai, thereby linking Ca2+ store depletion to CRAC channel opening. Here we review the conformational dynamics occurring along the entire STIM protein upon store depletion, involving the transition from the quiescent, compactly folded structure into an active, extended state, modulation by a variety of accessory components in the cell as well as the impairment of individual steps of the STIM activation cascade associated with disease.

Calcium signaling in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells: sex differences and the influence of estrogens and androgens

Calcium signaling in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is essential for the regulation of vascular tone. However, the changes to intracellular Ca2+ concentrations are often influenced by sex differences. Furthermore, a large body of evidence shows that sex hormone imbalance leads to dysregulation of Ca2+ signaling and this is a key factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the effects of estrogens and androgens on vascular calcium-handling proteins are discussed, with emphasis on the associated genomic or nongenomic molecular mechanisms. The experimental models from which data were collected were also considered. The review highlights 1) in female ECs, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) and mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) enhance Ca2+-dependent nitric oxide (NO) generation. In males, only transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) plays a fundamental role in this effect. 2) Female VSMCs have lower cytosolic Ca2+ levels than males due to differences in the activity and expression of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (Orai1), calcium voltage-gated channel subunit-α1C (CaV1.2), Na+-K+-2Cl- symporter (NKCC1), and the Na+/K+-ATPase. 3) When compared with androgens, the influence of estrogens on Ca2+ homeostasis, vascular tone, and incidence of vascular disease is better documented. 4) Many studies use supraphysiological concentrations of sex hormones, which may limit the physiological relevance of outcomes. 5) Sex-dependent differences in Ca2+ signaling mean both sexes ought to be included in experimental design.

Wound Repair and Ca2+ Signalling Interplay: The Role of Ca2+ Channels in Skin

The process of wound healing is intricate and tightly controlled, involving a number of different cellular and molecular processes. Numerous cellular functions, especially those related to wound healing, depend critically on calcium ions (Ca2+). Ca2+ channels are proteins involved in signal transduction and communication inside cells that allow calcium ions to pass through cell membranes. Key Ca2+ channel types involved in wound repair are described in this review.

Effects of Dietary Colostrum Basic Protein on Bone Growth and Calcium Absorption in Mice

Colostrum basic protein (CBP) is a trace protein extracted from bovine colostrum. Previous studies have shown that CBP can promote bone cell differentiation and increase bone density. However, the mechanism by which CBP promotes bone activity remains unclear. This study investigated the mechanism of the effect of CBP on bone growth in mice following dietary supplementation of CBP at doses that included 0.015%, 0.15%, 1.5%, and 5%. Compared with mice fed a normal diet, feeding 5% CBP significantly enhanced bone rigidity and improved the microstructure of bone trabeculae. Five-percent CBP intake triggered significant positive regulation of calcium metabolism in the direction of bone calcium accumulation. The expression levels of paracellular calcium transport proteins CLDN2 and CLDN12 were upregulated nearly 1.5-fold by 5% CBP. We conclude that CBP promotes calcium absorption in mice by upregulating the expression of the calcium-transporting paracellular proteins CLND2 and CLND12, thereby increasing bone density and promoting bone growth. Overall, CBP contributes to bone growth by affecting calcium metabolism.

Photo-Controlled Calcium Overload from Endogenous Sources for Tumor Therapy

Designing reactive calcium-based nanogenerators to produce excess calcium ions (Ca2+ ) in tumor cells is an attractive tumor treatment method. However, nanogenerators that introduce exogenous Ca2+ are either overactive incapable of on-demand release, or excessively inert incapable of an overload of calcium rapidly. Herein, inspired by inherently diverse Ca2+ -regulating channels, a photo-controlled Ca2+ nanomodulator that fully utilizes endogenous Ca2+ from dual sources was designed to achieve Ca2+ overload in tumor cells. Specifically, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were used to co-load bifunctional indocyanine green as a photodynamic/photothermal agent and a thermal-sensitive nitric oxide (NO) donor (BNN-6). Thereafter, they were coated with hyaluronic acid, which served as a tumor cell-targeting unit and a gatekeeper. Under near-infrared light irradiation, the Ca2+ nanomodulator can generate reactive oxygen species that stimulate the transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 channel to realize Ca2+ influx from extracellular environments. Simultaneously, the converted heat can induce BNN-6 decomposition to generate NO, which would open the ryanodine receptor channel in the endoplasmic reticulum and allow stored Ca2+ to leak. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of photo-controlled Ca2+ influx and release could enable Ca2+ overload in the cytoplasm and efficiently inhibit tumor growth.

Mitochondrial malfunction mediates impaired cholinergic Ca2+ signalling and submandibular salivary gland dysfunction in diabetes

Xerostomia (dry-mouth syndrome) is a painful and debilitating condition that frequently occurs in individuals with diabetes and is associated with impaired saliva production and salivary gland hypofunction. Saliva fluid production relies on Ca2+-coupled secretion driven by neurotransmitter stimulation of submandibular acinar cells. Although impairments in intracellular Ca2+ signalling have been reported in various xerostomia models, the specific Ca2+-dependent mechanisms underlying saliva fluid hypofunction in diabetes remain unclear. In this study, we show that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia, evident by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity in the saliva secreted by submandibular glands. These impairments remained resistant to exogenous cholinergic stimulation. In submandibular acinar cells, the intracellular Ca2+ signals evoked by cholinergic stimulation were reduced and delayed in diabetes, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Upon initiation of cholinergic-evoked Ca2+ signals, mitochondria accumulate higher Ca2+ and fail to redistribute Ca2+ influx and facilitate the store-operated Ca2+ entry effectively. Structural damage to mitochondria was evident in the acinar cells in diabetes. These findings provide insights into the potential targeting of malfunctioning mitochondria for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia as an alternative strategy to the existing pharmacotherapeutic approaches. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ukrainian Neuroscience".

Molecular action mechanisms of two novel and selective calcium release-activated calcium channel antagonists

The prototypical calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel, composed of STIM1 and Orai1, is a sought-after drug target for treating autoimmune disorders. Herein, we identified two novel and selective CRAC channel inhibitors, the indole-like compound C63368 and pyrazole core-containing compound C79413, potently and reversibly inhibiting the CRAC channel with low micromolar IC50s and sparing various off-target ion channels. These two compounds did not inhibit STIM1 activation or its coupling with Orai1, nor did they affect the channel's calcium-dependent fast inactivation. Instead, they directly acted on the Orai1 protein, with the channel's pore geometry profoundly affecting their potencies. In vitro, C63368 and C79413 effectively inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation and cytokines production in human T lymphocytes. Intragastric administration of C63368 and C79413 to mice yielded great therapeutic benefits in psoriasis and colitis animal models of autoimmune disorders, reducing serum cytokines production and significantly relieving pathological symptoms. It's worth noting, that this study provided the first insight into the characterization and mechanistic investigation of an indole-like CRAC channel antagonist. Altogether, the identification of these two highly selective CRAC channel antagonists, coupled with the elucidation of their action mechanisms, not only provides valuable template molecules but also offers profound insights for drug development targeting the CRAC channel.

Regulatory mechanisms controlling store-operated calcium entry

Calcium influx through plasma membrane ion channels is crucial for many events in cellular physiology. Cell surface stimuli lead to the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which binds to IP3 receptors (IP3R) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to release calcium pools from the ER lumen. This leads to the depletion of ER calcium pools, which has been termed store depletion. Store depletion leads to the dissociation of calcium ions from the EF-hand motif of the ER calcium sensor Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1). This leads to a conformational change in STIM1, which helps it to interact with the plasma membrane (PM) at ER:PM junctions. At these ER:PM junctions, STIM1 binds to and activates a calcium channel known as Orai1 to form calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. Activation of Orai1 leads to calcium influx, known as store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In addition to Orai1 and STIM1, the homologs of Orai1 and STIM1, such as Orai2/3 and STIM2, also play a crucial role in calcium homeostasis. The influx of calcium through the Orai channel activates a calcium current that has been termed the CRAC current. CRAC channels form multimers and cluster together in large macromolecular assemblies termed "puncta". How CRAC channels form puncta has been contentious since their discovery. In this review, we will outline the history of SOCE, the molecular players involved in this process, as well as the models that have been proposed to explain this critical mechanism in cellular physiology.

House dust mite allergens, store-operated Ca2+ channels and asthma

The house dust mite is the principal source of aero-allergen worldwide. Exposure to mite-derived allergens is associated with the development of asthma in susceptible individuals, and the majority of asthmatics are allergic to the mite. Mite-derived allergens are functionally diverse and activate multiple cell types within the lung that result in chronic inflammation. Allergens activate store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, which are widely expressed in multiple cell types within the lung that are associated with the pathogenesis of asthma. Opening of CRAC channels stimulates Ca2+ -dependent transcription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor-κB, which drive expression of a plethora of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that help to sustain chronic inflammation. Here, I describe drivers of asthma, properties of mite-derived allergens, how the allergens are recognized by cells, the signalling pathways used by the receptors and how these are transduced into functional effects, with a focus on CRAC channels. In vivo experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeting CRAC channels as a potential new therapy for treating mite-induced asthma are also discussed, in tandem with other possible approaches.

SMDT1 variants impair EMRE-mediated mitochondrial calcium uptake in patients with muscle involvement

Ionic calcium (Ca2+) is a key messenger in signal transduction and its mitochondrial uptake plays an important role in cell physiology. This uptake is mediated by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), which is regulated by EMRE (essential MCU regulator) encoded by the SMDT1 (single-pass membrane protein with aspartate rich tail 1) gene. This work presents the genetic, clinical and cellular characterization of two patients harbouring SMDT1 variants and presenting with muscle problems. Analysis of patient fibroblasts and complementation experiments demonstrated that these variants lead to absence of EMRE protein, induce MCU subcomplex formation and impair mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. However, the activity of oxidative phosphorylation enzymes, mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, as well as routine/ATP-linked respiration were not affected. We hypothesize that the muscle-related symptoms in the SMDT1 patients result from aberrant mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake.

How Merkel cells transduce mechanical stimuli: A biophysical model of Merkel cells

Merkel cells combine with Aβ afferents, producing slowly adapting type 1(SA1) responses to mechanical stimuli. However, how Merkel cells transduce mechanical stimuli into neural signals to Aβ afferents is still unclear. Here we develop a biophysical model of Merkel cells for mechanical transduction by incorporating main ingredients such as Ca2+ and K+ voltage-gated channels, Piezo2 channels, internal Ca2+ stores, neurotransmitters release, and cell deformation. We first validate our model with several experiments. Then we reveal that Ca2+ and K+ channels on the plasma membrane shape the depolarization of membrane potentials, further regulating the Ca2+ transients in the cells. We also show that Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane mainly inspire the Ca2+ transients, while internal Ca2+ stores mainly maintain the Ca2+ transients. Moreover, we show that though Piezo2 channels are rapidly adapting mechanical-sensitive channels, they are sufficient to inspire sustained Ca2+ transients in Merkel cells, which further induce the release of neurotransmitters for tens of seconds. Thus our work provides a model that captures the membrane potentials and Ca2+ transients features of Merkel cells and partly explains how Merkel cells transduce the mechanical stimuli by Piezo2 channels.

Store-Operated Calcium Entry Increases Nuclear Calcium in Adult Rat Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in cardiomyocytes may be involved in cardiac remodeling, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that SOCE may increase nuclear calcium, which alters gene expression via calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzyme signaling, and elucidated the underlying cellular mechanisms. An experimental protocol was established in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes to elicit SOCE by re-addition of calcium following complete depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium and to quantify SOCE in relation to the electrically stimulated calcium transient (CaT) measured in the same cell before SR depletion. Using confocal imaging, calcium changes were recorded simultaneously in the cytosol and in the nucleus of the cell. In ventricular myocytes, SOCE was observed in the cytosol and nucleus amounting to ≈15% and ≈25% of the respective CaT. There was a linear correlation between the SOCE-mediated calcium increase in the cytosol and nucleus. Inhibitors of TRPC or Orai channels reduced SOCE by ≈33-67%, whereas detubulation did not. In atrial myocytes, SOCE with similar characteristics was observed in the cytosol and nucleus. However, the SOCE amplitudes in atrial myocytes were ≈two-fold larger than in ventricular myocytes, and this was associated with ≈1.4- to 3.6-fold larger expression of putative SOCE proteins (TRPC1, 3, 6, and STIM1) in atrial tissue. The results indicated that SOCE in atrial and ventricular myocytes is able to cause robust calcium increases in the nucleus and that both TRPC and Orai channels may contribute to SOCE in adult cardiomyocytes.

Impaired intracellular Ca2+ signaling contributes to age-related cerebral small vessel disease in Col4a1 mutant mice

Humans and mice with mutations in COL4A1 and COL4A2 manifest hallmarks of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Mice with a missense mutation in Col4a1 at amino acid 1344 (Col4a1+/G1344D) exhibit age-dependent intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) and brain lesions. Here, we report that this pathology was associated with the loss of myogenic vasoconstriction, an intrinsic vascular response essential for the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the loss of myogenic constriction resulted from blunted pressure-induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) membrane depolarization. Furthermore, we found that dysregulation of membrane potential was associated with impaired Ca2+-dependent activation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) and transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) cation channels linked to disruptions in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ signaling. Col4a1 mutations impair protein folding, which can cause SR stress. Treating Col4a1+/G1344D mice with 4-phenylbutyrate, a compound that promotes the trafficking of misfolded proteins and alleviates SR stress, restored SR Ca2+ signaling, maintained BK and TRPM4 channel activity, prevented loss of myogenic tone, and reduced ICHs. We conclude that alterations in SR Ca2+ handling that impair ion channel activity result in dysregulation of SMC membrane potential and loss of myogenic tone and contribute to age-related cSVD in Col4a1+/G1344D mice.

Diuretic hormone 31 activates two G protein-coupled receptors with differential second messengers for diuresis in Drosophila suzukii

Diuretic hormones (DHs) bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), regulating water and ion balance to maintain homeostasis in animals. Two distinct DHs are known in insects: calcitonin (CT)-like DH31 and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like DH44. In this study, we identified and characterized DH31 and two DH31 GPCR variants, DH31-Ra and DH31-Rb, from spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, a globally prevalent vinegar fly causing severe damage to small fruits. Both GPCRs are active, but DH31-Ra is the dominant receptor based on gene expression analyses and DH31 peptide binding affinities. A notable difference between the two variants lies in 1) the GPCR structures of their C-termini and 2) the utilization of second messengers, and the amino acid sequences of the two variants are identical. DH31-Ra contains 12 additional amino acids, providing different intracellular C-terminal configurations. DH31-Ra utilizes both cAMP and Ca2+ as second messengers, whereas DH31-Rb utilizes only cAMP; this is the first time reported for an insect CT-like DH31 peptide. DH31 stimulated fluid secretion in D. suzukii adults, and secretion increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, when the fly was injected with a mixture of DH31 and CAPA, an anti-diuretic hormone, fluid secretion was suppressed. Here, we discuss the structures of the DH31 receptors and the differential signaling pathways, including second messengers, involved in fly diuresis. These findings provide fundamental insights into the characterization of D. suzukii DH31 and DH31-Rs, and facilitate the identification of potential biological targets for D. suzukii management.

A bibliometric analysis: Ca2+ fluxes and inflammatory phenotyping by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Background

The immune system, composed of organs, tissues, cells, and proteins, is the key to protecting the body from external biological attacks and inflammation. The latter occurs in several pathologies, such as cancers, type 1 diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry is the method of choice for diagnosing these pathologies. Under inflammatory conditions, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are partially activated and generate intracellular pathways involving Ca2+-dependent signaling cascades leading to transcription factor expression. Ca2+ signaling is typically studied by microscopy in cell lines but can present some limitations to explore human PBMCs, where flow cytometry can be a good alternative.

Objective

In this review, we dived into the research field of inflammation and Ca2+ signaling in PBMCs. We aimed to investigate the structure and evolution of this field in a physio-pathological context, and then we focused our review on flow cytometry analysis of Ca2+ fluxes in PBMCs.

Methods

From 1984 to 2022, 3865 articles on inflammation and Ca2+ signaling in PBMCs were published, according to The Clarivate Web of Science (WOS) database used in this review. A bibliometric study was designed for this collection and consisted of a co-citation and bibliographic coupling analysis.

Results

The co-citation analysis was performed on 133 articles: 4 clusters highlighted the global context of Ca2+ homeostasis, including chemical probe development, identification of the leading players in Ca2+ signaling, and the link with chemokine production in immune cell function. Next, the bibliographic coupling analysis combined 998 articles in 8 clusters. This analysis outlined the mechanisms of PBMC activation, from signal integration to cellular response. Further explorations of the bibliographic coupling network, focusing on flow cytometry, revealed 21 articles measuring cytosolic Ca2+ in PBMCs, with only 5 since 2016. This final query showed that Ca2+ signaling analysis in human PBMCs using flow cytometry is still underdeveloped and investigates mainly the cytosolic Ca2+ compartment.

Conclusion

Our review uncovers remaining knowledge gaps of intracellular players involved in Ca2+ signaling in PBMCs, such as reticulum and mitochondria, and presents flow cytometry as a solid option to supplement gold-standard microscopy studies.

Orai3 Calcium Channel Contributes to Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer Stemness through the Elevation of ID1 Expression

Emerging evidence indicates that intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels and their regulatory proteins play essential roles in normal stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cancer cells that retain characteristics similar to stem cells and play an essential role in cancer progression. Recent studies have reported that the Orai3 calcium channel plays an oncogenic role in human cancer. However, its role in CSCs remains underexplored. In this study, we explored the effects of Orai3 in the progression and stemness of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). During the course of OSCC progression, the expression of Orai3 exhibited a stepwise augmentation. Notably, Orai3 was highly enriched in CSC populations of OSCC. Ectopic Orai3 expression in non-tumorigenic immortalized oral epithelial cells increased the intracellular Ca2+ levels, acquiring malignant growth and CSC properties. Conversely, silencing of the endogenous Orai3 in OSCC cells suppressed the CSC phenotype, indicating a pivotal role of Orai3 in CSC regulation. Moreover, Orai3 markedly increased the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1), a stemness transcription factor. Orai3 and ID1 exhibited elevated expression within CSCs compared to their non-CSC counterparts, implying the functional importance of the Orai3/ID1 axis in CSC regulation. Furthermore, suppression of ID1 abrogated the CSC phenotype in the cell with ectopic Orai3 overexpression and OSCC. Our study reveals that Orai3 is a novel functional CSC regulator in OSCC and further suggests that Orai3 plays an oncogenic role in OSCC by promoting cancer stemness via ID1 upregulation.

Regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry by IP3 receptors independent of their ability to release Ca2

Loss of endoplasmic reticular (ER) Ca2+ activates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) by causing the ER localized Ca2+ sensor STIM to unfurl domains that activate Orai channels in the plasma membrane at membrane contact sites (MCS). Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), an ER-localized IP3-gated Ca2+ channel, regulates neuronal SOCE. In human neurons, SOCE evoked by pharmacological depletion of ER-Ca2+ is attenuated by loss of IP3Rs, and restored by expression of IP3Rs even when they cannot release Ca2+, but only if the IP3Rs can bind IP3. Imaging studies demonstrate that IP3Rs enhance association of STIM1 with Orai1 in neuronal cells with empty stores; this requires an IP3-binding site, but not a pore. Convergent regulation by IP3Rs, may tune neuronal SOCE to respond selectively to receptors that generate IP3.

Adhesion to laminin-1 and collagen IV induces the formation of Ca2+ microdomains that sensitize mouse T cells for activation

During an immune response, T cells migrate from blood vessel walls into inflamed tissues by migrating across the endothelium and through extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins facilitate T cell binding to endothelial cells and ECM proteins. Here, we report that Ca²⁺ microdomains observed in the absence of T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 stimulation are initial signaling events triggered by adhesion to ECM proteins that increase the sensitivity of primary murine T cells to activation. Adhesion to the ECM proteins collagen IV and laminin-1 increased the number of Ca²⁺ microdomains in a manner dependent on the kinase FAK, phospholipase C (PLC), and all three inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R) subtypes and promoted the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFAT-1. Mathematical modeling predicted that the formation of adhesion-dependent Ca²⁺ microdomains required the concerted activity of two to six IP₃Rs and ORAI1 channels to achieve the increase in the Ca²⁺ concentration in the ER-plasma membrane junction that was observed experimentally and that required SOCE. Further, adhesion-dependent Ca²⁺ microdomains were important for the magnitude of the TCR-induced activation of T cells on collagen IV as assessed by the global Ca²⁺ response and NFAT-1 nuclear translocation. Thus, adhesion to collagen IV and laminin-1 sensitizes T cells through a mechanism involving the formation of Ca²⁺ microdomains, and blocking this low-level sensitization decreases T cell activation upon TCR engagement.

Neural stem cell self-renewal stimulation by store-operated calcium entries in adult mouse area postrema: influence of leptin

Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in specific brain germinative niches and sustain neurogenesis throughout life in adult mammals. In addition to the two major stem cell niches in the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the area postrema located in the brainstem has been identified as a neurogenic zone as well. NSCs are regulated by signals from the microenvironment that adjust stem cell response to the needs of the organism. Evidence accumulated over the past decade indicates that Ca²⁺ channels play pivotal functions in NSC maintenance. In this study, we explored in area postrema NSCs the presence and roles of a subset of Ca²⁺ channels, the store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCs) that have the capacity to transduce extracellular signals into Ca²⁺ signals. Our data show that NSCs derived from the area postrema express TRPC1 and Orai1, known to form SOCs, as well as their activator STIM1. Ca²⁺ imaging indicated that NSCs exhibit store-operated Ca²⁺ entries (SOCEs). Pharmacological blockade of SOCEs with SKF-96365, YM-58483 (also known as BTP2) or GSK-7975A resulted in decreased NSC proliferation and self-renewal, indicating a major role for SOCs in maintaining NSC activity within the area postrema. Furthermore, our results show that leptin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone whose ability to control energy homeostasis is dependent on the area postrema, decreased SOCEs and reduced self-renewal of NSCs in the area postrema. As aberrant SOC function has been linked to an increasing number of diseases, including brain disorders, our study opens new perspectives for NSCs in brain pathophysiology.

Ca2+ release or Ca2+ entry, that is the question: what governs Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic β cells?

The standard model for Ca2+ oscillations in insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells centers on Ca2+ entry through voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. These work in combination with ATP-dependent K+ channels, which are the bridge between the metabolic state of the cells and plasma membrane potential. This partnership underlies the ability of the β cells to secrete insulin appropriately on a minute-to-minute time scale to control whole body plasma glucose. Though this model, developed over more than 40 years through many cycles of experimentation and mathematical modeling, has been very successful, it has been challenged by a hypothesis that calcium-induced calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine or inositol trisphosphate (IP3) receptors is instead the key driver of islet oscillations. We show here that the alternative model is in fact incompatible with a large body of established experimental data and that the new observations offered in support of it can be better explained by the standard model.

Post-injury Inhibition of Endothelin-1 Dependent Renal Vasoregulation Mitigates Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

In patients with rhabdomyolysis, the overwhelming release of myoglobin into the circulation is the primary cause of kidney injury. Myoglobin causes direct kidney injury as well as severe renal vasoconstriction. An increase in renal vascular resistance (RVR) results in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction, tubular injury, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The mechanisms that underlie rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI are not fully understood but may involve the local production of vasoactive mediators in the kidney. Studies have shown that myoglobin stimulates endothelin-1 (ET-1) production in glomerular mesangial cells. Circulating ET-1 is also increased in rats subjected to glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis. However, the upstream mechanisms of ET-1 production and downstream effectors of ET-1 actions in rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI remain unclear. Vasoactive ET-1 is generated by ET converting enzyme 1 (ECE-1)-induced proteolytic processing of inactive big ET to biologically active peptides. The downstream ion channel effectors of ET-1-induced vasoregulation include the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C member 3 (TRPC3). This study demonstrates that glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis in Wistar rats promotes ECE-1-dependent ET-1 production, RVR increase, GFR decrease, and AKI. Rhabdomyolysis-induced increases in RVR and AKI in the rats were attenuated by post-injury pharmacological inhibition of ECE-1, ET receptors, and TRPC3 channels. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of TRPC3 channels attenuated ET-1-induced renal vascular reactivity and rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. These findings suggest that ECE-1-driven ET-1 production and downstream activation of TRPC3-dependent renal vasoconstriction contribute to rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. Hence, post-injury inhibition of ET-1-mediated renal vasoregulation may provide therapeutic targets for rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

Neuronal Store-Operated Calcium Channels

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) storage compartment in eukaryotic cells. In most instances, the mobilization of Ca²⁺ from this store is followed by a delayed and sustained uptake of Ca²⁺ through Ca²⁺-permeable channels of the cell surface named store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCCs). This gives rise to a store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) that has been thoroughly investigated in electrically non-excitable cells where it is the principal regulated Ca²⁺ entry pathway. The existence of this Ca²⁺ route in neurons has long been a matter of debate. However, a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the recruitment of Ca²⁺ from neuronal ER Ca²⁺ stores generates a SOCE. The present review summarizes the main studies supporting the presence of a depletion-dependent Ca²⁺ entry in neurons. It also addresses the question of the molecular composition of neuronal SOCCs, their expression, pharmacological properties, as well as their physiological relevance.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and calcium at ER-PM junctions - Complex interplay of simple messengers

Endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites (ER-PM MCS) are a specialised domain involved in the control of Ca²⁺ dynamics and various Ca²⁺-dependent cellular processes. Intracellular Ca²⁺ signals are broadly supported by Ca²⁺ release from intracellular Ca²⁺ channels such as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃Rs) and subsequent store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) across the PM to replenish store content. IP₃Rs sit in close proximity to the PM where they can easily access newly synthesised IP₃, interact with binding partners such as actin, and localise adjacent to ER-PM MCS populated by the SOCE machinery, STIM1-2 and Orai1-3, to possibly form a locally regulated unit of Ca²⁺ influx. PtdIns(4,5)P₂ is a multiplex regulator of Ca²⁺ signalling at the ER-PM MCS interacting with multiple proteins at these junctions such as actin and STIM1, whilst also being consumed as a substrate for phospholipase C to produce IP₃ in response to extracellular stimuli. In this review, we consider the mechanisms regulating the synthesis and turnover of PtdIns(4,5)P₂ via the phosphoinositide cycle and its significance for sustained signalling at the ER-PM MCS. Furthermore, we highlight recent insights into the role of PtdIns(4,5)P₂ in the spatiotemporal organization of signalling at ER-PM junctions and raise outstanding questions on how this multi-faceted regulation occurs.

S417 in the CC3 region of STIM1 is critical for STIM1-Orai1 binding and CRAC channel activation

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a universal Ca2+ influx pathway that is important for the function of many cell types. SOCE is controlled by the interaction of the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 with the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel Orai1. S417 is located in the third coiled-coil (CC3) domain of the C-terminus of STIM1. We found that single-point mutation of this residue (S417G) abolished STIM1 C-terminus interactions with Orai1. Mutation of S417 also abolished CAD-Orai1 binding and Orai1 channel activation, eliminated STIM1 puncta formation, and co-localization with Orai1 and SOCE. 2-APB was found to restore the binding of the STIM1 C-terminus mutant (S417G) to Orai1 and dose-dependently activate Orai1 channel. Both CBD and NBD of Orai1 are required for 2-APB-induced coupling between the Orai1 and STIM1 C-terminus mutant (S417G) and CRAC channel activation. We also demonstrated that 2-APB led to delayed activation of Orai1-K85E channel, although Orai1-K85E obviously impairs 2-APB-induced STIM1 C-terminus mutant (S417G)-Orai1 coupling. Our results suggest S417 in the CC3 domain of STIM1 is essential for STIM1-Orai1 binding and CRAC channel activation.

The Molecular Heterogeneity of Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Vascular Endothelial Cells: The Different roles of Orai1 and TRPC1/TRPC4 Channels in the Transition from Ca2+-Selective to Non-Selective Cation Currents

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is activated in response to the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃)-dependent depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ store and represents a ubiquitous mode of Ca²⁺ influx. In vascular endothelial cells, SOCE regulates a plethora of functions that maintain cardiovascular homeostasis, such as angiogenesis, vascular tone, vascular permeability, platelet aggregation, and monocyte adhesion. The molecular mechanisms responsible for SOCE activation in vascular endothelial cells have engendered a long-lasting controversy. Traditionally, it has been assumed that the endothelial SOCE is mediated by two distinct ion channel signalplexes, i.e., STIM1/Orai1 and STIM1/Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1(TRPC1)/TRPC4. However, recent evidence has shown that Orai1 can assemble with TRPC1 and TRPC4 to form a non-selective cation channel with intermediate electrophysiological features. Herein, we aim at bringing order to the distinct mechanisms that mediate endothelial SOCE in the vascular tree from multiple species (e.g., human, mouse, rat, and bovine). We propose that three distinct currents can mediate SOCE in vascular endothelial cells: (1) the Ca²⁺-selective Ca²⁺-release activated Ca²⁺ current (I_CRAC), which is mediated by STIM1 and Orai1; (2) the store-operated non-selective current (I_SOC), which is mediated by STIM1, TRPC1, and TRPC4; and (3) the moderately Ca²⁺-selective, I_CRAC-like current, which is mediated by STIM1, TRPC1, TRPC4, and Orai1.

Celastrol inhibits store operated calcium entry and suppresses psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune skin disease that is hard to cure and prone to relapse. Currently available global immunosuppressive agents for psoriasis may cause severe side effects, thus it is crucial to identify new therapeutic reagents and druggable signaling pathways for psoriasis. Methods: To check the effects of SOCE inhibitors on psoriasis, we used animal models, biochemical approaches, together with various imaging techniques, including calcium, confocal and FRET imaging. Results and discussion: Store operated calcium (Ca²⁺) entry (SOCE), mediated by STIM1 and Orai1, is crucial for the function of keratinocytes and immune cells, the two major players in psoriasis. Here we showed that a natural compound celastrol is a novel SOCE inhibitor, and it ameliorated the skin lesion and reduced PASI scores in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice. Celastrol dose- and time-dependently inhibited SOCE in HEK cells and HaCaT cells, a keratinocyte cell line. Mechanistically, celastrol inhibited SOCE via its actions both on STIM1 and Orai1. It inhibited Ca²⁺ entry through constitutively-active Orai1 mutants independent of STIM1. Rather than blocking the conformational switch and oligomerization of STIM1 during SOCE activation, celastrol diminished the transition from oligomerized STIM1 into aggregates, thus locking STIM1 in a partially active state. As a result, it abolished the functional coupling between STIM1 and Orai1, diminishing SOCE signals. Overall, our findings identified a new SOCE inhibitor celastrol that suppresses psoriasis, suggesting that SOCE pathway may serve as a new druggable target for treating psoriasis.

Ion channels and channelopathies in glomeruli

An essential step in renal function entails the formation of an ultrafiltrate that is delivered to the renal tubules for subsequent processing. This process, known as glomerular filtration, is controlled by intrinsic regulatory systems and by paracrine, neuronal, and endocrine signals that converge onto glomerular cells. In addition, the characteristics of glomerular fluid flow, such as the glomerular filtration rate and the glomerular filtration fraction, play an important role in determining blood flow to the rest of the kidney. Consequently, disease processes that initially affect glomeruli are the most likely to lead to end-stage kidney failure. The cells that comprise the glomerular filter, especially podocytes and mesangial cells, express many different types of ion channels that regulate intrinsic aspects of cell function and cellular responses to the local environment, such as changes in glomerular capillary pressure. Dysregulation of glomerular ion channels, such as changes in TRPC6, can lead to devastating glomerular diseases, and a number of channels, including TRPC6, TRPC5, and various ionotropic receptors, are promising targets for drug development. This review discusses glomerular structure and glomerular disease processes. It also describes the types of plasma membrane ion channels that have been identified in glomerular cells, the physiological and pathophysiological contexts in which they operate, and the pathways by which they are regulated and dysregulated. The contributions of these channels to glomerular disease processes, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and diabetic nephropathy, as well as the development of drugs that target these channels are also discussed.

Protein acylation: mechanisms, biological functions and therapeutic targets

Metabolic reprogramming is involved in the pathogenesis of not only cancers but also neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. With the progress of metabonomics and proteomics, metabolites have been found to affect protein acylations through providing acyl groups or changing the activities of acyltransferases or deacylases. Reciprocally, protein acylation is involved in key cellular processes relevant to physiology and diseases, such as protein stability, protein subcellular localization, enzyme activity, transcriptional activity, protein-protein interactions and protein-DNA interactions. Herein, we summarize the functional diversity and mechanisms of eight kinds of nonhistone protein acylations in the physiological processes and progression of several diseases. We also highlight the recent progress in the development of inhibitors for acyltransferase, deacylase, and acylation reader proteins for their potential applications in drug discovery.

TRPC1 channels underlie stretch-modulated sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak in cardiomyocytes

Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channels are Ca2+-permeable ion channels expressed in cardiomyocytes. An involvement of TRPC1 channels in cardiac diseases is widely established. However, the physiological role of TRPC1 channels and the mechanisms through which they contribute to disease development are still under investigation. Our prior work suggested that TRPC1 forms Ca2+ leak channels located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane. Prior studies suggested that TRPC1 channels in the cell membrane are mechanosensitive, but this was not yet investigated in cardiomyocytes or for SR localized TRPC1 channels. We applied adenoviral transfection to overexpress or suppress TRPC1 expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). Transfections were evaluated with RT-qPCR, western blot, and fluorescent imaging. Single-molecule localization microscopy revealed high colocalization of exogenously expressed TRPC1 and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2). To test our hypothesis that TRPC1 channels contribute to mechanosensitive Ca2+ SR leak, we directly measured SR Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]SR) using adenoviral transfection with a novel ratiometric genetically encoded SR-targeting Ca2+ sensor. We performed fluorescence imaging to quantitatively assess [Ca2+]SR and leak through TRPC1 channels of NRVMs cultured on stretchable silicone membranes. [Ca2+]SR was increased in cells with suppressed TRPC1 expression vs. control and Transient receptor potential canonical 1-overexpressing cells. We also detected a significant reduction in [Ca2+]SR in cells with Transient receptor potential canonical 1 overexpression when 10% uniaxial stretch was applied. These findings indicate that TRPC1 channels underlie the mechanosensitive modulation of [Ca2+]SR. Our findings are critical for understanding the physiological role of TRPC1 channels and support the development of pharmacological therapies for cardiac diseases.

CRAC and SK Channels: Their Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Cancer Cell Development

Cancer represents a major health burden worldwide. Several molecular targets have been discovered alongside treatments with positive clinical outcomes. However, the reoccurrence of cancer due to therapy resistance remains the primary cause of mortality. Endeavors in pinpointing new markers as molecular targets in cancer therapy are highly desired. The significance of the co-regulation of Ca²⁺-permeating and Ca²⁺-regulated ion channels in cancer cell development, proliferation, and migration make them promising molecular targets in cancer therapy. In particular, the co-regulation of the Orai1 and SK3 channels has been well-studied in breast and colon cancer cells, where it finally leads to an invasion-metastasis cascade. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered, such as which key molecular components determine and regulate their interplay. To provide a solid foundation for a better understanding of this ion channel co-regulation in cancer, we first shed light on the physiological role of Ca²⁺ and how this ion is linked to carcinogenesis. Then, we highlight the structure/function relationship of Orai1 and SK3, both individually and in concert, their role in the development of different types of cancer, and aspects that are not yet known in this context.

Store-operated Ca2+ channel signaling: Novel mechanism for podocyte injury in kidney disease

Studies over the last decade have markedly broadened our understanding of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCs) and their roles in kidney diseases and podocyte dysfunction. Podocytes are terminally differentiated glomerular visceral epithelial cells which are tightly attached to the glomerular capillary basement membrane. Podocytes and their unique foot processes (pedicels) constitute the outer layer of the glomerular filtration membrane and the final barrier preventing filtration of albumin and other plasma proteins. Diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases are associated with podocyte injury and proteinuria. Recent evidence demonstrates a pivotal role of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in maintaining structural and functional integrity of podocytes. This article reviews the current knowledge of SOCE and its contributions to podocyte physiology. Recent studies of the contributions of SOC dysfunction to podocyte injury in both cell culture and animal models are discussed, including work in our laboratory. Several downstream signaling pathways mediating SOC function in podocytes also are examined. Understanding the pivotal roles of SOC in podocyte health and disease is essential, as SOCE-activated signaling pathways are potential treatment targets for podocyte injury-related kidney diseases.

Constitutive assembly of Ca2+ entry units in soleus muscle from calsequestrin knockout mice

Calcium (Ca2+) entry units (CEUs) are junctions within the I band of the sarcomere between stacks of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) cisternae and extensions of the transverse (T)-tubule. CEUs contain STIM1 and Orai1 proteins, the molecular machinery of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). In extensor digitorum longus (EDL) fibers of wild-type (WT) mice, CEUs transiently assemble during acute exercise and disassemble several hours thereafter. By contrast, calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1) ablation induces a compensatory constitutive assembly of CEUs in EDL fibers, resulting in enhanced constitutive and maximum SOCE that counteracts SR Ca2+ depletion during repetitive activity. However, whether CEUs form in slow-twitch fibers, which express both the skeletal CASQ1 and the cardiac CASQ2 isoforms, is unknown. Herein, we compared the structure and function of soleus muscles from WT and knockout mice that lack either CASQ1 (CASQ1-null) or both CASQs (dCASQ-null). Ultrastructural analyses showed that SR/T-tubule junctions at the I band, virtually identical to CEUs in EDL muscle, were present and more frequent in CASQ1-null than WT mice, with dCASQ-null exhibiting the highest incidence. The greater incidence of CEUs in soleus from dCASQ-null mice correlated with increased specific force production during repetitive, high-frequency stimulation, which depended on Ca2+ entry. Consistent with this, Orai1 expression was significantly increased in soleus of CASQ1-null mice, but even more in dCASQ-null mice, compared with WT. Together, these results strengthen the concept that CEU assembly strongly depends on CASQ expression and provides an alternative source of Ca2+ needed to refill SR Ca2+ stores to maintain specific force production during sustained muscle activity.

Ginsenoside Rg-1 prevents elevated cytosolic Ca2+ via store-operated Ca2+ entry in high-glucose–stimulated vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells

Background

Ginsenoside Rg-1 (Rg-1), a triterpenoid saponin abundantly present in Panax ginseng, is a type of naturally occurring steroid with known anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we sought to confirm the effects and mechanisms of action of Rg-1 on store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) in human vascular endothelial cell line (EA) and murine aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line (MOVAS) cells exposed to high glucose.

Methods

Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations in EA and MOVAS cells were measured by monitoring fluorescence of the ratiometric Ca²⁺-indicator, Fura-2 AM.

Results

High glucose significantly increased Ca²⁺ influx by abnormally activating SOCE in EA and MOVAS cells. Notably, this high glucose-induced increase in SOCE was restored to normal levels in EA and MOVAS cells by Rg-1. Moreover, Rg-1 induced reductions in SOCE in cells exposed to high glucose were significantly inhibited by the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (PMCA) blocker lanthanum, the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase blocker ouabain, or the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) blockers Ni²⁺ and KB-R7943. These observations suggest that the mechanism of action of Rg-1 inhibition of SOCE involves PMCA and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and an increase in Ca²⁺ efflux via NCXs in both EA and MOVAS cells exposed to high glucose.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Rg-1 may protect vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells from Ca²⁺ increases following exposure to hyperglycemic conditions.

Reduction in SOCE and Associated Aggregation in Platelets from Mice with Platelet-Specific Deletion of Orai1

Calcium signalling in platelets through store operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) or receptor-operated Ca²⁺ entry (ROCE) mechanisms is crucial for platelet activation and function. Orai1 proteins have been implicated in platelet’s SOCE. In this study we evaluated the contribution of Orai1 proteins to these processes using washed platelets from adult mice from both genders with platelet-specific deletion of the Orai1 gene (Orai1^flox/flox; Pf4-Cre termed as Orai1^Plt-KO) since mice with ubiquitous Orai1 deficiency show early lethality. Platelet aggregation as well as Ca²⁺ entry and release were measured in vitro following stimulation with collagen, collagen related peptide (CRP), thromboxane A2 analogue U46619, thrombin, ADP and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin, respectively. SOCE and aggregation induced by Thapsigargin up to a concentration of 0.3 µM was abrogated in Orai1-deficient platelets. Receptor-operated Ca²⁺-entry and/or platelet aggregation induced by CRP, U46619 or thrombin were partially affected by Orai1 deletion depending on the gender. In contrast, ADP-, collagen- and CRP-induced aggregation was comparable in Orai1^Plt-KO platelets and control cells over the entire concentration range. Our results reinforce the indispensability of Orai1 proteins for SOCE in murine platelets, contribute to understand its role in agonist-dependent signalling and emphasize the importance to analyse platelets from both genders.

2,6-Difluorobenzamide derivatives as store-operated calcium channel (SOC) inhibitors

The Ca²⁺ entry from store-operated Ca²⁺ channel (SOC) is involved in regulating colorectal cancer progression, such as cell migration. SOC activation is due to STIM1 translocation and interaction with Orai1 upon Ca²⁺ depletion in the ER. Numerous SOC inhibitors, like 2-APB, have been developed and demonstrated their inhibition effects in the preclinical stage. However, most currently used SOC inhibitors have higher cytotoxicity or opposite effects at different doses, and the drugs to target SOC in the clinic are lacking. In this study, a total of 13 difluorobenzamide compounds had been synthesized and examined the inhibitory effects on SOC with Ca²⁺ imaging and wound-healing migration assay. Among them, 2,6-Difluoro-N-(5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridine-2-yl)benzamide (MPT0M004, 8a) demonstrated a prominent inhibitory ability on SOC. Furthermore, the cell proliferation assay results showed that MPT0M004 (8a) had lower cytotoxicity than 2-APB, the reference compound. In the pharmacokinetic study, MPT0M004 (8a) has a long half-life (T_1/2 = 24 h) and lower daily dose administered intravenously with an oral bioavailability (F = 34%). Therefore, MPT0M004 (8a) has the potential to be a lead compound as a SOC inhibitor and further develop into a potential drug to treat colorectal cancer.

Induction of reactive oxygen species by mechanical stretch drives endothelin production in neonatal pig renal epithelial cells

Vasoactive endothelin (ET) is generated by ET converting enzyme (ECE)-induced proteolytic processing of pro-molecule big ET to biologically active peptides. H2O2 has been shown to increase the expression of ECE1 via transactivation of its promoter. The present study demonstrates that H2O2 triggered ECE1-dependent ET1-3 production in neonatal pig proximal tubule (PT) epithelial cells. A uniaxial stretch of PT cells decreased catalase, increased NADPH oxidase (NOX)2 and NOX4, and increased H2O2 levels. Stretch also increased cellular ECE1, an effect reversed by EUK-134 (a synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic), NOX inhibitor apocynin, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of NOX2 and NOX4. Short-term unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), an inducer of renal tubular cell stretch and oxidative stress, increased renal ET1-3 generation and vascular resistance (RVR) in neonatal pigs. Despite removing the obstruction, UUO-induced increase in RVR persisted, resulting in early acute kidney injury (AKI). ET receptor (ETR)-operated Ca2+ entry in renal microvascular smooth muscle (SM) via transient receptor potential channel 3 (TRPC3) channels reduced renal blood flow and increased RVR. Although acute reversible UUO (rUUO) did not change protein expression levels of ETR and TRPC3 in renal microvessels, inhibition of ECE1, ETR, and TRPC3 protected against renal hypoperfusion, RVR increase, and early AKI. These data suggest that mechanical stretch-driven oxyradical generation stimulates ET production in neonatal pig renal epithelial cells. ET activates renal microvascular SM TRPC3, leading to persistent vasoconstriction and reduction in renal blood flow. These mechanisms may underlie rUUO-induced renal insufficiency in infants.

How filopodia respond to calcium in the absence of a calcium-binding structural protein: non-channel functions of TRP

Background

For many cell types, directional locomotion depends on their maintaining filopodia at the leading edge. Filopodia lack any Ca²⁺-binding structural protein but respond to store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE).

Methods

SOCE was induced by first replacing the medium with Ca²⁺-free salt solution with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). This lowers Ca²⁺ in the ER and causes stromal interacting molecule (STIM) to be translocated to the cell surface. After this priming step, CPA was washed out, and Ca²⁺ influx restored by addition of extracellular Ca²⁺. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were measured by calcium orange fluorescence. Regulatory mechanisms were identified by pharmacological treatments. Proteins mediating SOCE were localized by immunofluorescence and analyzed after image processing.

Results

Depletion of the ER Ca²⁺ increased filopodia prevalence briefly, followed by a spontaneous decline that was blocked by inhibitors of endocytosis. Intracellular Ca²⁺ increased continuously for ~ 50 min. STIM and a transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) protein were found in separate compartments, but an aquaporin unrelated to SOCE was present in both. STIM1- and TRPC1-bearing vesicles were trafficked on microtubules. During depletion, STIM1 migrated to the surface where it coincided with Orai in punctae, as expected. TRPC1 was partially colocalized with Vamp2, a rapidly releasable pool marker, and with phospholipases (PLCs). TRPC1 retreated to internal compartments during ER depletion. Replenishment of extracellular Ca²⁺ altered the STIM1 distribution, which came to resemble that of untreated cells. Vamp2 and TRPC1 underwent exocytosis and became homogeneously distributed on the cell surface. This was accompanied by an increased prevalence of filopodia, which was blocked by inhibitors of TRPC1/4/5 and endocytosis.

Conclusions

Because the media were devoid of ligands that activate receptors during depletion and Ca²⁺ replenishment, we could attribute filopodia extension to SOCE. We propose that the Orai current stimulates exocytosis of TRPC-bearing vesicles, and that Ca²⁺ influx through TRPC inhibits PLC activity. This allows regeneration of the substrate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2), a platform for assembling proteins, e. g. Enabled and IRSp53. TRPC contact with PLC is required but is broken by TRPC dissemination. This explains how STIM1 regulates the cell’s ability to orient itself in response to attractive or repulsive cues.

Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ATPase Activity Enables Sustained Store-operated Ca2+ Entry in the Absence of a Bulk Cytosolic Ca2+ Rise

In many cell types, the rise in cytosolic Ca2+ due to opening of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels drives a plethora of responses, including secretion, motility, energy production, and gene expression. The amplitude and time course of the cytosolic Ca2+ rise is shaped by the rates of Ca2+ entry into and removal from the cytosol. However, an extended bulk Ca2+ rise is toxic to cells. Here, we show that the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) pump plays a major role in preventing a prolonged cytosolic Ca2+ signal following CRAC channel activation. Ca2+ entry through CRAC channels leads to a sustained sub-plasmalemmal Ca2+ rise but bulk Ca2+ is kept low by the activity of PMCA4b. Despite the low cytosolic Ca2+, membrane permeability to Ca2+ is still elevated and Ca2+ continues to enter through CRAC channels. Ca2+-dependent NFAT activation, driven by Ca2+ nanodomains near the open channels, is maintained despite the return of bulk Ca2+ to near pre-stimulation levels. Our data reveal a central role for PMCA4b in determining the pattern of a functional Ca2+ signal and in sharpening local Ca2+ gradients near CRAC channels, whilst protecting cells from a toxic Ca2+ overload.