The TRPC2 channel forms protein-protein interactions with Homer and RTP in the rat vomeronasal organ

An updated synthesis of and outstanding questions in the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats: Genetics asks questions only anatomy can answer

The extensive diversity observed in bat nasal chemosensory systems has been well-documented at the histological level. Understanding how this diversity evolved and developing hypotheses as to why particular patterns exist require a phylogenetic perspective, which was first outlined in the work of anatomist Kunwar Bhatnagar. With the onset of genetics and genomics, it might be assumed that the puzzling patterns observed in the morphological data have been clarified. However, there is still a widespread mismatch of genetic and morphological correlations among bat chemosensory systems. Novel genomic evidence has set up new avenues to explore that demand more evidence from anatomical structures. Here, we outline the progress that has been made in both morphological and molecular studies on the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats since the work of Bhatnagar. Genomic data of olfactory and vomeronasal receptors demonstrate the strong need for further morphological sampling, with a particular focus on receiving brain regions, glands, and ducts.

Cross-Talk between Mechanosensitive Ion Channels and Calcium Regulatory Proteins in Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Mechanosensitive ion channels are widely expressed in the cardiovascular system. They translate mechanical forces including shear stress and stretch into biological signals. The most prominent biological signal through which the cardiovascular physiological activity is initiated or maintained are intracellular calcium ions (Ca²⁺). Growing evidence show that the Ca²⁺ entry mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels is also precisely regulated by a variety of key proteins which are distributed in the cell membrane or endoplasmic reticulum. Recent studies have revealed that mechanosensitive ion channels can even physically interact with Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins and these interactions have wide implications for physiology and pathophysiology. Therefore, this paper reviews the cross-talk between mechanosensitive ion channels and some key Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis and its relevance to cardiovascular health and disease.

Olfactory bulb-targeted quantum dot (QD) bioconjugate and Kv1.3 blocking peptide improve metabolic health in obese male mice

The olfactory system is a driver of feeding behavior, whereby olfactory acuity is modulated by the metabolic state of the individual. The excitability of the major output neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB) can be modulated through targeting a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which responds to changes in metabolic factors such as insulin, glucose, and glucagon-like peptide-1. Because gene-targeted deletion or inhibition of Kv1.3 in the periphery has been found to increase energy metabolism and decrease body weight, we hypothesized that inhibition of Kv1.3 selectively in the OB could enhance excitability of the output neurons to evoke changes in energy homeostasis. We thereby employed metal-histidine coordination to self-assemble the Kv1.3 inhibitor margatoxin (MgTx) to fluorescent quantum dots (QDMgTx) as a means to label cells in vivo and test changes in neuronal excitability and metabolism when delivered to the OB. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure Kv1.3 properties in heterologously expressed cells and native mitral cells in OB slices, we found that QDMgTx had a fast rate of inhibition, but with a reduced IC_50, and increased action potential firing frequency. QDMgTx was capable of labeling cloned Kv1.3 channels but was not visible when delivered to native Kv1.3 in the OB. Diet-induced obese mice were observed to reduce body weight and clear glucose more quickly following osmotic mini-pump delivery of QDMgTx/MgTx to the OB, and following MgTx delivery, they increased the use of fats as fuels (reduced respiratory exchange ratio). These results suggest that enhanced excitability of bulbar output neurons can drive metabolic responses.

Temporary Anosmia in Mice Following Nasal Lavage With Dilute Detergent Solution

Olfactory sensory deprivation induces anosmia and reduces tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels in the olfactory bulb. The behavioral consequences specific to the loss of olfactory bulb dopamine are difficult to determine because sensory deprivation protocols are either confounded by side effects or leave the animal anosmic. A new method to both induce sensory deprivation and to measure the behavioral and circuit consequences is needed. We developed a novel, recoverable anosmia protocol using nasal lavage with a dilute detergent solution. Detergent treatment did not damage the olfactory epithelium as measured by scanning electron microscopy, alcian blue histology, and acetylated tubulin immunohistochemistry. One treatment-induced anosmia that lasted 24 to 48 h. Three treatments over 5 days reduced olfactory bulb tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels indicating that anosmia persists between treatments. Importantly, even with multiple treatments, olfactory ability recovered within 48 h. This is the first report of a sensory deprivation protocol that induces recoverable anosmia and can be paired with biochemical, histological, and behavioral investigations of olfaction.

Ca2+ as a therapeutic target in cancer

Ca2+ is a ubiquitous and dynamic second messenger molecule that is induced by many factors including receptor activation, environmental factors, and voltage, leading to pleiotropic effects on cell function including changes in migration, metabolism and transcription. As such, it is not surprising that aberrant regulation of Ca2+ signals can lead to pathological phenotypes, including cancer progression. However, given the highly context-specific nature of Ca2+-dependent changes in cell function, delineation of its role in cancer has been a challenge. Herein, we discuss the distinct roles of Ca2+ signaling within and between each type of cancer, including consideration of the potential of therapeutic strategies targeting these signaling pathways.

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) Channels as Modulators of Migration and Invasion

Calcium (Ca2+) is perhaps the most versatile signaling molecule in cells. Ca2+ regulates a large number of key events in cells, ranging from gene transcription, motility, and contraction, to energy production and channel gating. To accomplish all these different functions, a multitude of channels, pumps, and transporters are necessary. A group of channels participating in these processes is the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels. These channels are divided into 29 subfamilies, and are differentially expressed in man, rodents, worms, and flies. One of these subfamilies is the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family of channels. This ion channel family comprises of seven isoforms, labeled TRPC1-7. In man, six functional forms are expressed (TRPC1, TRPC3-7), whereas TRPC2 is a pseudogene; thus, not functionally expressed. In this review, we will describe the importance of the TRPC channels and their interacting molecular partners in the etiology of cancer, particularly in regard to regulating migration and invasion.

Expressed Vomeronasal Type-1 Receptors (V1rs) in Bats Uncover Conserved Sequences Underlying Social Chemical Signaling

In mammals, social and reproductive behaviors are mediated by chemical cues encoded by hyperdiverse families of receptors expressed in the vomeronasal organ. Between species, the number of intact receptors can vary by orders of magnitude. However, the evolutionary processes behind variation in receptor number, and its link to fitness-related behaviors are not well understood. From vomeronasal transcriptomes, we discovered the first evidence of intact vomeronasal type-1 receptor (V1r) genes in bats, and we tested whether putatively functional bat receptors were orthologous to those of related taxa, or whether bats have evolved novel receptors. Instead of lineage-specific duplications, we found that bat V1rs show high levels of orthology to those of their relatives, and receptors are under comparative levels of purifying selection as non-bats. Despite widespread vomeronasal organ loss in bats, V1r copies have been retained for >65 million years. The highly conserved nature of bat V1rs challenges our current understanding of mammalian V1r function and suggests roles other than conspecific recognition or mating initiation in social behavior.

Type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is dispensable for sensory activation of the mammalian vomeronasal organ

Signal transduction in sensory neurons of the mammalian vomeronasal organ (VNO) involves the opening of the canonical transient receptor potential channel Trpc2, a Ca²⁺-permeable cation channel that is activated by diacylglycerol and inhibited by Ca²⁺-calmodulin. There has been a long-standing debate about the extent to which the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃) and type 3 InsP₃ receptor (InsP₃R3) are involved in the opening of Trpc2 channels and in sensory activation of the VNO. To address this question, we investigated VNO function of mice carrying a knockout mutation in the Itpr3 locus causing a loss of InsP₃R3. We established a new method to monitor Ca²⁺ in the endoplasmic reticulum of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) by employing the GFP-aequorin protein sensor erGAP2. We also performed simultaneous InsP₃ photorelease and Ca²⁺ monitoring experiments, and analysed Ca²⁺ dynamics, sensory currents, and action potential or field potential responses in InsP₃R3-deficient VSNs. Disruption of Itpr3 abolished or minimized the Ca²⁺ transients evoked by photoactivated InsP₃, but there was virtually no effect on sensory activation of VSNs. Therefore, InsP₃R3 is dispensable for primary chemoelectrical transduction in mouse VNO. We conclude that InsP₃R3 is not required for gating of Trpc2 in VSNs.

Trpc2 pseudogenization dynamics in bats reveal ancestral vomeronasal signaling, then pervasive loss

Comparative methods are often used to infer loss or gain of complex phenotypes, but few studies take advantage of genes tightly linked with complex traits to test for shifts in the strength of selection. In mammals, vomerolfaction detects chemical cues mediating many social and reproductive behaviors and is highly conserved, but all bats exhibit degraded vomeronasal structures with the exception of two families (Phyllostomidae and Miniopteridae). These families either regained vomerolfaction after ancestral loss, or there were many independent losses after diversification from an ancestor with functional vomerolfaction. In this study, we use the Transient receptor potential cation channel 2 (Trpc2) as a molecular marker for testing the evolutionary mechanisms of loss and gain of the mammalian vomeronasal system. We sequenced Trpc2 exon 2 in over 100 bat species across 17 of 20 chiropteran families. Most families showed independent pseudogenizing mutations in Trpc2, but the reading frame was highly conserved in phyllostomids and miniopterids. Phylogeny-based simulations suggest loss of function occurred after bat families diverged, and purifying selection in two families has persisted since bats shared a common ancestor. As most bats still display pheromone-mediated behavior, they might detect pheromones through the main olfactory system without using the Trpc2 signaling mechanism.

TRPC Channel Downstream Signaling Cascades

The family of TRP channel is comprised of a large group of cation-permeable channels, displaying as signaling integrators for sensing extracellular stimulus and initiating intracellular signaling cascades. This chapter offers a brief review of the signaling molecules related to TRPC channels, the first identified mammalian TRP family. Besides the signaling molecules involved in TRPC activation, I will focus on their upstream and downstream signaling cascades and the molecules involved in their intracellular trafficking.

Margatoxin-bound quantum dots as a novel inhibitor of the voltage-gated ion channel Kv1.3

Venom-derived ion channel inhibitors have strong channel selectivity, potency, and stability; however, tracking delivery to their target can be challenging. Herein, we utilized luminescent quantum dots (QDs) conjugated to margatoxin (MgTx) as a traceable vehicle to target a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which has a select distribution and well-characterized role in immunity, glucose metabolism, and sensory ability. We screened both unconjugated (MgTx) and conjugated MgTx (QD-MgTx) for their ability to inhibit Shaker channels Kv1.1 to Kv1.7 using patch-clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells. Our data indicate that MgTx inhibits 79% of the outward current in Kv1.3-transfected cells and that the QD-MgTx conjugate is able to achieve a similar level of block, albeit a slightly reduced efficacy (66%) and at a slower time course (50% block by 10.9 ± 1.1 min, MgTx; vs. 15.3 ± 1.2 min, QD-MgTx). Like the unbound peptide, the QD-MgTx conjugate inhibits both Kv1.3 and Kv1.2 at a 1 nM concentration, whereas it does not inhibit other screened Shaker channels. We tested the ability of QD-MgTx to inhibit native Kv1.3 expressed in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB). In brain slices of the OB, the conjugate acted similarly to MgTx to inhibit Kv1.3, causing an increased action potential firing frequency attributed to decreased intraburst duration rather than interspike interval. Our data demonstrate a retention of known biophysical properties associated with block of the vestibule of Kv1.3 by QD-MgTx conjugate compared to that of MgTx, inferring QDs could provide a useful tool to deliver ion channel inhibitors to targeted tissues in vivo.

Olfactory Receptors in Non-Chemosensory Organs: The Nervous System in Health and Disease

Olfactory receptors (ORs) and down-stream functional signaling molecules adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3), olfactory G protein α subunit (Gαolf), OR transporters receptor transporter proteins 1 and 2 (RTP1 and RTP2), receptor expression enhancing protein 1 (REEP1), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are expressed in neurons of the human and murine central nervous system (CNS). In vitro studies have shown that these receptors react to external stimuli and therefore are equipped to be functional. However, ORs are not directly related to the detection of odors. Several molecules delivered from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, neighboring local neurons and glial cells, distant cells through the extracellular space, and the cells’ own self-regulating internal homeostasis can be postulated as possible ligands. Moreover, a single neuron outside the olfactory epithelium expresses more than one receptor, and the mechanism of transcriptional regulation may be different in olfactory epithelia and brain neurons. OR gene expression is altered in several neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) subtypes MM1 and VV2 with disease-, region- and subtype-specific patterns. Altered gene expression is also observed in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia with a major but not total influence of chlorpromazine treatment. Preliminary parallel observations have also shown the presence of taste receptors (TASRs), mainly of the bitter taste family, in the mammalian brain, whose function is not related to taste. TASRs in brain are also abnormally regulated in neurodegenerative diseases. These seminal observations point to the need for further studies on ORs and TASRs chemoreceptors in the mammalian brain.

Ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 modulates Kv1.3 current amplitude and ion channel protein targeting

Voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) go beyond the stabilization of the resting potential and regulate biochemical pathways, regulate intracellular signaling, and detect energy homeostasis. Because targeted deletion and pharmacological block of the Kv1.3 channel protein produce marked changes in metabolism, resistance to diet-induced obesity, and changes in olfactory structure and function, this investigation explored Nedd4-2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation to regulate Kv1.3 channel density. Heterologous coexpression of Nedd4-2 ligase and Kv1.3 in HEK 293 cells reduced Kv1.3 current density without modulation of kinetic properties as measured by patch-clamp electrophysiology. Modulation of current density was dependent on ligase activity and was lost through point mutation of cysteine 938 in the catalytic site of the ligase (Nedd4-2CS). Incorporation of adaptor protein Grb10 relieved Nedd4-2-induced current suppression as did application of the proteasome inhibitor Mg-132. SDS-PAGE and immunoprecipitation strategies demonstrated a channel/adaptor/ligase signalplex. Pixel immunodensity was reduced for Kv1.3 in the presence of Nedd4-2, which was eliminated upon additional incorporation of Grb10. We confirmed Nedd4-2/Grb10 coimmunoprecipitation and observed an increased immunodensity for Nedd4-2 in the presence of Kv1.3 plus Grb10, regardless of whether the catalytic site was active. Kv1.3/Nedd4-2 were reciprocally coimmunoprecipated, whereby mutation of the COOH-terminal, SH3-recognition (493-498), or ubiquitination sites on Kv1.3 (lysines 467, 476, 498) retained coimmunoprecipitation, while the latter prevented the reduction in channel density. A model is presented for which an atypical interaction outside the canonical PY motif may permit channel/ligase interaction to lead to protein degradation and reduced current density, which can involve Nedd4-2/Grb10 interactions to disrupt Kv1.3 loss of current density.

Kv1.3 contains an alternative C-terminal ER exit motif and is recruited into COPII vesicles by Sec24a

Background

Potassium channels play a fundamental role in resetting the resting membrane potential of excitable cells. Determining the intracellular trafficking and localization mechanisms of potassium channels provides a platform to fully characterize their maturation and functionality. Previous investigations have discovered residues or motifs that exist in their primary structure, which directly promote anterograde trafficking of nascent potassium channels. Recently, a non-conical di-acidic motif (E483/484) has been discovered in the C-terminus of the mammalian homologue of the Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily member 3 (Kv1.3), and was shown to disrupt the anterograde trafficking of Kv1.3.

Results

We have further investigated the intracellular trafficking requirements of Kv1.3 both in vivo and in vitro. First, three alternative C-terminal acidic residues, E443, E445, E447 were probed for their involvement within the early secretory pathway of Kv1.3. Single point (E443A, E445A, and E447A) and double point (E443A-E445A, E445A-E447A) mutations exhibited no significant changes in their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention. The triple point mutant E443A-E445A-E447A displayed a modest ER retention while deletion of the C-terminus showed dramatic ER retention. Second, we demonstrate in vivo the requirement for the Sec24a isoform to confer anterograde trafficking using a siRNA knockdown assay. Third, we show in vitro the association of recombinantly expressed Kv1.3 and Sec24a proteins.

Conclusion

These results expand upon previous studies aimed at deciphering the Kv1.3 secretory trafficking mechanisms and further show in vitro evidence of the association between Kv1.3 and the COPII cargo adaptor subunit isoform Sec24a.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12858-015-0045-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Deep sequencing of the murine olfactory receptor neuron transcriptome

The ability of animals to sense and differentiate among thousands of odorants relies on a large set of olfactory receptors (OR) and a multitude of accessory proteins within the olfactory epithelium (OE). ORs and related signaling mechanisms have been the subject of intensive studies over the past years, but our knowledge regarding olfactory processing remains limited. The recent development of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques encouraged us to assess the transcriptome of the murine OE. We analyzed RNA from OEs of female and male adult mice and from fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-sorted olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) obtained from transgenic OMP-GFP mice. The Illumina RNA-Seq protocol was utilized to generate up to 86 million reads per transcriptome. In OE samples, nearly all OR and trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) genes involved in the perception of volatile amines were detectably expressed. Other genes known to participate in olfactory signaling pathways were among the 200 genes with the highest expression levels in the OE. To identify OE-specific genes, we compared olfactory neuron expression profiles with RNA-Seq transcriptome data from different murine tissues. By analyzing different transcript classes, we detected the expression of non-olfactory GPCRs in ORNs and established an expression ranking for GPCRs detected in the OE. We also identified other previously undescribed membrane proteins as potential new players in olfaction. The quantitative and comprehensive transcriptome data provide a virtually complete catalogue of genes expressed in the OE and present a useful tool to uncover candidate genes involved in, for example, olfactory signaling, OR trafficking and recycling, and proliferation.

Trafficking mechanisms and regulation of TRPC channels

TRPC channels are Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels which are regulated downstream from receptor-coupled PIP2 hydrolysis. These channels contribute to a wide variety of cellular functions. Loss or gain of channel function has been associated with dysfunction and aberrant physiology. TRPC channel functions are influenced by their physical and functional interactions with numerous proteins that determine their regulation, scaffolding, trafficking, as well as their effects on the downstream cellular processes. Such interactions also compartmentalize the Ca(2+) signals arising from TRPC channels. A large number of studies demonstrate that trafficking is a critical mode by which plasma membrane localization and surface expression of TRPC channels are regulated. This review will provide an overview of intracellular trafficking pathways as well as discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms and components involved in trafficking of the seven members of the TRPC family (TRPC1-TRPC7).

TRPC2

Trp2 was the second ortholog of the Drosophila trp gene to be identified. Whereas full-length TRPC2 transcripts have been cloned in a number of species including mice, rats, and New World monkeys, TRPC2 is a pseudogene in humans, apes, Old World monkeys, and in a number of other vertebrates. TRPC2 is highly expressed in the rodent VNO. It is also detectable at the protein level in murine erythroblasts, sperm, and brain and has been detected in other tissues by RT-PCR. Its activation by DAG and by erythropoietin has been described in greatest detail, and inhibition by Ca(2+)-calmodulin has been reported. The major demonstrated functions of TRPC2 are regulation of pheromone-evoked signaling in the rodent VNO, regulation of erythropoietin-stimulated calcium influx in murine erythroid cells, and ZP3-evoked calcium influx into sperm. Depletion of TRPC2 in knockout mice resulted in changes in behavior including altered sex discrimination and lack of male-male aggression. The red cells of TRPC2 knockout mice showed increased mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and hematocrit and reduced mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. TRPC2-depleted red cells were resistant to oxidative stress-induced hemolysis.

Physiological functions and regulation of TRPC channels

The TRP-canonical (TRPC) subfamily, which consists of seven members (TRPC1-TRPC7), are Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels that are activated in response to receptor-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis via store-dependent and store-independent mechanisms. These channels are involved in a variety of physiological functions in different cell types and tissues. Of these, TRPC6 has been linked to a channelopathy resulting in human disease. Two key players of the store-dependent regulatory pathway, STIM1 and Orai1, interact with some TRPC channels to gate and regulate channel activity. The Ca(2+) influx mediated by TRPC channels generates distinct intracellular Ca(2+) signals that regulate downstream signaling events and consequent cell functions. This requires localization of TRPC channels in specific plasma membrane microdomains and precise regulation of channel function which is coordinated by various scaffolding, trafficking, and regulatory proteins.

TRPs in olfaction

The mammalian olfactory system has become an excellent model system to understand the function of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels within their native cellular and circuit environment. The discovery that the canonical TRP channel TRPC2 is highly expressed in sensory neurons of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) has led to major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying signal transduction of pheromones and other molecular cues that play an essential role in the control of instinctive decisions and innate social behaviors. TRPC2 knockout mice provide a striking example that the loss of function of a single gene can cause severe alterations in a variety of social interactions including the display of aggression, social dominance, and sexual behaviors. There is mounting evidence that TRPC2 is not the only TRP channel expressed in cells of the olfactory system but that other TRP channel subtypes such as TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC6, TRPM4, and TRPM5 could also play important functional roles in mammalian olfaction. Here, I review such findings and discuss future areas for investigation.

Glucose sensitivity of mouse olfactory bulb neurons is conveyed by a voltage-gated potassium channel

The olfactory bulb has recently been proposed to serve as a metabolic sensor of internal chemistry, particularly that modified by metabolism. Because the voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 regulates a large proportion of the outward current in olfactory bulb neurons and gene-targeted deletion of the protein produces a phenotype of resistance to diet-induced obesity in mice, we hypothesized that this channel may play a role in translating energy availability into a metabolic signal. Here we explored the ability of extracellular glucose concentration to modify evoked excitability of the mitral neurons that principally regulate olfactory coding and processing of olfactory information. Using voltage-clamp electrophysiology of heterologously expressed Kv1.3 channels in HEK 293 cells, we found that Kv1.3 macroscopic currents responded to metabolically active (d-) rather than inactive (l-) glucose with a response profile that followed a bell-shaped curve. Olfactory bulb slices stimulated with varying glucose concentrations showed glucose-dependent mitral cell excitability as evaluated by current-clamp electrophysiology. While glucose could be either excitatory or inhibitory, the majority of the sampled neurons displayed a decreased firing frequency in response to elevated glucose concentration that was linked to increased latency to first spike and decreased action potential cluster length. Unlike modulation attributed to phosphorylation, glucose modulation of mitral cells was rapid, less than one minute, and was reversible within the time course of a patch recording. Moreover, we report that modulation targets properties of spike firing rather than action potential shape, involves synaptic activity of glutamate or GABA signalling circuits, and is dependent upon Kv1.3 expression. Given the rising incidence of metabolic disorders attributed to weight gain, changes in neuronal excitability in brain regions regulating sensory perception of food are of consequence.

Canonical transient receptor potential channel 2 (TRPC2) as a major regulator of calcium homeostasis in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells: importance of protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) and stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2)

Mammalian non-selective transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPCs) are important in the regulation of cellular calcium homeostasis. In thyroid cells, including rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells, calcium regulates a multitude of processes. RT-PCR screening of FRTL-5 cells revealed the presence of TRPC2 channels only. Knockdown of TRPC2 using shRNA (shTRPC2) resulted in decreased ATP-evoked calcium peak amplitude and inward current. In calcium-free buffer, there was no difference in the ATP-evoked calcium peak amplitude between control cells and shTRPC2 cells. Store-operated calcium entry was indistinguishable between the two cell lines. Basal calcium entry was enhanced in shTRPC2 cells, whereas the level of PKCβ1 and PKCδ, the activity of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, and the calcium content in the endoplasmic reticulum were decreased. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 2, but not STIM1, was arranged in puncta in resting shTRPC2 cells but not in control cells. Phosphorylation site Orai1 S27A/S30A mutant and non-functional Orai1 R91W attenuated basal calcium entry in shTRPC2 cells. Knockdown of PKCδ with siRNA increased STIM2 punctum formation and enhanced basal calcium entry but decreased sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in wild-type cells. Transfection of a truncated, non-conducting mutant of TRPC2 evoked similar results. Thus, TRPC2 functions as a major regulator of calcium homeostasis in rat thyroid cells.

Communication between the calcium and cAMP pathways regulate the expression of the TSH receptor: TRPC2 in the center of action

Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels are widely expressed and function in many physiologically important processes. Perturbations in the expression or mutations of the channels have implications for diseases. Many thyroid disorders, as excessive growth or disturbed thyroid hormone production, can be a result of dysregulated TSH signaling. In the present study, we found that of TRP canonicals (TRPCs), only TRPC2 was expressed in Fischer rat thyroid low-serum 5% cells (FRTL-5 cells). To investigate the physiological importance of the channel, we developed stable TRPC2 knockdown cells using short hairpin RNA (shTRPC2 cells). In these cells, the ATP-evoked entry of calcium was significantly decreased. This led to increased cAMP production, because inhibitory signals from calcium to adenylate cyclase 5/6 were decreased. Enhanced cAMP signaling projected to Ras-related protein 1-MAPK kinase 1 (MAPK/ERK kinase 1) pathway leading to phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The activated ERK1/2 pathway increased the expression of the TSH receptor. In contrast, secretion of thyroglobulin was decreased in shTRPC2 cells, due to improper folding and glycosylation of the protein. We show here a novel role for TRPC2 in regulating thyroid cell function.

When a TRP goes bad: transient receptor potential channels in addiction

Drug addiction is a psychiatric disease state, wherein a drug is impulsively and compulsively self-administered despite negative consequences. This repeated administration results in permanent changes to nervous system physiology and architecture. The molecular pathways affected by addictive drugs are complex and inter-dependent on each other. Recently, various new proteins and protein families have been discovered to play a role in drug abuse. Emerging players in this phenomenon include TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) family channels, which are primarily known to function in sensory systems. Several TRP family channels identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates are involved in psychostimulant-induced plasticity, suggesting their involvement in drug dependence. This review summarizes various observations, both from studies in humans and other organisms, which support a role for these channels in the development of drug-related behaviors.

Scaffold protein Homer 1: implications for neurological diseases

Homer proteins are commonly known as scaffold proteins at postsynaptic density. Homer 1 is a widely studied member of the Homer protein family, comprising both synaptic structure and mediating postsynaptic signaling transduction. Both an immediate-early gene encoding a Homer 1 variant and a constitutively expressed Homer 1 variant regulate receptor clustering and trafficking, intracellular calcium homeostasis, and intracellular molecule complex formation. Substantial preclinical investigations have implicated that each of these Homer 1 variants are associated with the etiology of many neurological diseases, such as pain, mental retardation syndromes, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, drug-induced addiction, and traumatic brain injury.

Receptor-transporting protein 1 short (RTP1S) mediates translocation and activation of odorant receptors by acting through multiple steps

Odorant receptor (OR) proteins are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum when heterologously expressed in cultured cells of non-olfactory origins. RTP1S is an accessory protein to mammalian ORs and facilitates their trafficking to the cell-surface membrane and ligand-induced responses in heterologous cells. The mechanism by which RTP1S promotes the functional expression of ORs remains poorly understood. To obtain a better understanding of the role(s) of RTP1S, we performed a series of structure-function analyses of RTP1S in HEK293T cells. By constructing RTP1S deletion and chimera series and subsequently introducing single-site mutations into the protein, we found the N terminus of RTP1S is important for the endoplasmic reticulum exit of ORs and that a middle region of RTP1S is important for OR trafficking from the Golgi to the membrane. Using sucrose gradient centrifugation, we found that the localization of RTP1S to the lipid raft microdomain is critical to the activation of ORs. Finally, in a protein-protein interaction analysis, we determined that the C terminus of RTP1S may be interacting with ORs. These findings provide new insights into the distinct roles of RTP1S in OR translocation and activation.

Calcium Channels in the Development, Maturation, and Function of Spermatozoa

A proper dialogue between spermatozoa and the egg is essential for conception of a new individual in sexually reproducing animals. Ca2+ is crucial in orchestrating this unique event leading to a new life. No wonder that nature has devised different Ca2+-permeable channels and located them at distinct sites in spermatozoa so that they can help fertilize the egg. New tools to study sperm ionic currents, and image intracellular Ca2+ with better spatial and temporal resolution even in swimming spermatozoa, are revealing how sperm ion channels participate in fertilization. This review critically examines the involvement of Ca2+ channels in multiple signaling processes needed for spermatozoa to mature, travel towards the egg, and fertilize it. Remarkably, these tiny specialized cells can express exclusive channels like CatSper for Ca2+ and SLO3 for K+, which are attractive targets for contraception and for the discovery of novel signaling complexes. Learning more about fertilization is a matter of capital importance; societies face growing pressure to counteract rising male infertility rates, provide safe male gamete-based contraceptives, and preserve biodiversity through improved captive breeding and assisted conception initiatives.