Functional importance of polymerization and localization of calsequestrin in C. elegans

Suppression of Selective Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels Alleviates Neuronal Degeneration and Dysfunction through Glutathione S-Transferase-Mediated Oxidative Stress Resistance in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Calcium homeostasis plays a vital role in protecting against Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced C. elegans models of AD were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying calcium homeostasis in AD. Calcium acetate increased the intracellular calcium content, exacerbated Aβ _1-42 aggregation, which is closely associated with oxidative stress, aggravated neuronal degeneration and dysfunction, and shortened the lifespan of the C. elegans models. Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and nimodipine were used to decrease the intracellular calcium content. Both EGTA and nimodipine showed remarkable inhibitory effects on Aβ _1-42 aggregations by increasing oxidative stress resistance. Moreover, both compounds significantly delayed the onset of Aβ-induced paralysis, rescued memory deficits, ameliorated behavioral dysfunction, decreased the vulnerability of two major (GABAergic and dopaminergic) neurons and synapses, and extended the lifespan of the C. elegans AD models. Furthermore, RNA sequencing of nimodipine-treated worms revealed numerous downstream differentially expressed genes related to calcium signaling. Nimodipine-induced inhibition of selective voltage-gated calcium channels was shown to activate other calcium channels of the plasma membrane (clhm-1) and endoplasmic reticulum (unc-68), in addition to sodium-calcium exchanger channels (ncx-1). These channels collaborated to activate downstream events to resist oxidative stress through glutathione S-transferase activity mediated by HPGD and skn-1, as verified by RNA interference. These results may be applied for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

An Optogenetic Arrhythmia Model—Insertion of Several Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Mutations Into Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-68 Disturbs Calstabin-Mediated Stabilization of the Ryanodine Receptor Homolog

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited disturbance of the heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that is induced by stress or that occurs during exercise. Most mutations that have been linked to CPVT are found in two genes, i.e., ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) and calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2), two proteins fundamentally involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ in cardiac myocytes. We inserted six CPVT-causing mutations via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 into unc-68 and csq-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans homologs of RyR and CASQ, respectively. We characterized those mutations via video-microscopy, electrophysiology, and calcium imaging in our previously established optogenetic arrhythmia model. In this study, we additionally enabled high(er) throughput recordings of intact animals by combining optogenetic stimulation with a microfluidic chip system. Whereas only minor/no pump deficiency of the pharynx was observed at baseline, three mutations of UNC-68 (S2378L, P2460S, Q4623R; RyR2-S2246L, -P2328S, -Q4201R) reduced the ability of the organ to follow 4 Hz optogenetic stimulation. One mutation (Q4623R) was accompanied by a strong reduction of maximal pump rate. In addition, S2378L and Q4623R evoked an altered calcium handling during optogenetic stimulation. The 1,4-benzothiazepine S107, which is suggested to stabilize RyR2 channels by enhancing the binding of calstabin2, reversed the reduction of pumping ability in a mutation-specific fashion. However, this depends on the presence of FKB-2, a C. elegans calstabin2 homolog, indicating the involvement of calstabin2 in the disease-causing mechanisms of the respective mutations. In conclusion, we showed for three CPVT-like mutations in C. elegans RyR a reduced pumping ability upon light stimulation, i.e., an arrhythmia-like phenotype, that can be reversed in two cases by the benzothiazepine S107 and that depends on stabilization via FKB-2. The genetically amenable nematode in combination with optogenetics and high(er) throughput recordings is a promising straightforward system for the investigation of RyR mutations and the selection of mutation-specific drugs.

Calcium signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Cellular homeostasis is essential for healthy functioning of cells and tissues as well as proper organ development and maintenance. A disruption in cellular homeostasis triggers stress responses including the unfolded protein response (UPR), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress coping response. There is increasing evidence that Ca²⁺ signaling plays a pivotal role in stress responses, as Ca²⁺ is involved many cellular activities. The ER is the main Ca²⁺ storage organelle and the source of Ca²⁺ for intracellular signaling. The ER is equipped with a variety of stress sensors and contains many Ca²⁺ handling proteins that support a role for Ca²⁺ in stress sensing and in coordinating strategies required to cope with cellular stress. Maintenance of ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis is therefore vital in sustaining cellular functions especially during times of cellular stress. Here we focus on selected aspects of ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis, its links to ER stress, and activation of the ER stress coping response.

Calsequestrin. Structure, function, and evolution

Calsequestrin is the major Ca²⁺ binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), serves as the main Ca²⁺ storage and buffering protein and is an important regulator of Ca²⁺ release channels in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. It is anchored at the junctional SR membrane through interactions with membrane proteins and undergoes reversible polymerization with increasing Ca²⁺ concentration. Calsequestrin provides high local Ca²⁺ at the junctional SR and communicates changes in luminal Ca²⁺ concentration to Ca²⁺ release channels, thus it is an essential component of excitation-contraction coupling. Recent studies reveal new insights on calsequestrin trafficking, Ca²⁺ binding, protein evolution, protein-protein interactions, stress responses and the molecular basis of related human muscle disease, including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Here we provide a comprehensive overview of calsequestrin, with recent advances in structure, diverse functions, phylogenetic analysis, and its role in muscle physiology, stress responses and human pathology.

Calsequestrin, a key protein in striated muscle health and disease

Calsequestrin (CASQ) is the most abundant Ca²⁺ binding protein localized in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal and cardiac muscle. The genome of vertebrates contains two genes, CASQ1 and CASQ2. CASQ1 and CASQ2 have a high level of homology, but show specific patterns of expression. Fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibers express only CASQ1, both CASQ1 and CASQ2 are present in slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers, while CASQ2 is the only protein present in cardiomyocytes. Depending on the intraluminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, CASQ monomers assemble to form large polymers, which increase their Ca²⁺ binding ability. CASQ interacts with triadin and junctin, two additional SR proteins which contribute to localize CASQ to the junctional region of the SR (j-SR) and also modulate CASQ ability to polymerize into large macromolecular complexes. In addition to its ability to bind Ca²⁺ in the SR, CASQ appears also to be able to contribute to regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in muscle cells. Both CASQ1 and CASQ2 are able to either activate and inhibit the ryanodine receptors (RyRs) calcium release channels, likely through their interactions with junctin and triadin. Additional evidence indicates that CASQ1 contributes to regulate the mechanism of store operated calcium entry in skeletal muscle via a direct interaction with the Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1). Mutations in CASQ2 and CASQ1 have been identified, respectively, in patients with catecholamine-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and in patients with some forms of myopathy. This review will highlight recent developments in understanding CASQ1 and CASQ2 in health and diseases.

[Tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome]

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is an essential regulator for a large number of cellular functions in various tissues and organs, and small disturbances of Ca²⁺ homeostasis can severely compromise normal physiology. Intracellular Ca²⁺ balance is mainly controlled by the reticular Ca²⁺ sensor STIM1 and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channel ORAI1 through a mechanism known as store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Gain-of-function mutations in STIM1 or ORAI1 cause excessive extracellular Ca²⁺ influx, resulting in tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and Stormorken syndrome (STRMK). Both disorders are spectra of the same disease and involve muscle weakness, miosis, thrombocytopenia, hyposplenism, ichthyosis, dyslexia, and short stature. Here we summarize the clinical and histological characteristics of both disorders, provide an overview on the genetic causes, and recapitulate the current knowledge on the pathomechanisms leading to the multi-systemic phenotype of tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome.

Gain-of-function mutations in STIM1 and ORAI1 causing tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is a key regulator for a large number of cellular functions in all kinds of cells, and small disturbances of Ca²⁺ homeostasis can severely compromise normal physiology in various tissues and organs. A major mechanism controlling Ca²⁺ homeostasis is store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), which relies on the concerted action of the reticular Ca²⁺ sensor STIM1 and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channel ORAI1. Gain-of-function mutations in the respective genes induce excessive Ca²⁺ entry, and cause tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and Stormorken syndrome. Both disorders are part of a clinical continuum and involve muscle weakness and additional variably pronounced features including miosis, thrombocytopenia, hyposplenism, ichthyosis, dyslexia, and short stature. Mutations in the reticular Ca²⁺ buffer calsequestrin (CASQ1) have moreover been associated with the mild end of the TAM/Stormorken syndrome spectrum. Here we review the clinical and histological characteristics of both disorders, provide an overview on the genetic causes, and thereby focus on the pathomechanisms leading to muscle dysfunction and the multi-systemic phenotype of tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome.

An optogenetic arrhythmia model to study catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia mutations

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a condition of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), induced by physical activity or stress. Mutations in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), a Ca2+ release channel located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), or calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2), a SR Ca2+ binding protein, are linked to CPVT. For specific drug development and to study distinct arrhythmias, simple models are required to implement and analyze such mutations. Here, we introduced CPVT inducing mutations into the pharynx of Caenorhabditis elegans, which we previously established as an optogenetically paced heart model. By electrophysiology and video-microscopy, we characterized mutations in csq-1 (CASQ2 homologue) and unc-68 (RyR2 homologue). csq-1 deletion impaired pharynx function and caused missed pumps during 3.7 Hz pacing. Deletion mutants of unc-68, and in particular the point mutant UNC-68(R4743C), analogous to the established human CPVT mutant RyR2(R4497C), were unable to follow 3.7 Hz pacing, with progressive defects during long stimulus trains. The pharynx either locked in pumping at half the pacing frequency or stopped pumping altogether, possibly due to UNC-68 leakiness and/or malfunctional SR Ca2+ homeostasis. Last, we could reverse this 'worm arrhythmia' by the benzothiazepine S107, establishing the nematode pharynx for studying specific CPVT mutations and for drug screening.

The C-terminal calcium-sensitive disordered motifs regulate isoform-specific polymerization characteristics of calsequestrin

Calsequestrin (CASQ) exists as two distinct isoforms CASQ1 and CASQ2 in all vertebrates. Although the isoforms exhibit unique functional characteristic, the structural basis for the same is yet to be fully defined. Interestingly, the C-terminal region of the two isoforms exhibit significant differences both in length and amino acid composition; forming Dn-motif and DEXn-motif in CASQ1 and CASQ2, respectively. Here, we investigated if the unique C-terminal motifs possess Ca(2+)-sensitivity and affect protein function. Sequence analysis shows that both the Dn- and DEXn-motifs are intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of the protein, a feature that is conserved from fish to man. Using purified synthetic peptides, we show that these motifs undergo distinctive Ca(2+)-mediated folding suggesting that these disordered motifs are Ca(2+)-sensitivity. We generated chimeric proteins by swapping the C-terminal portions between CASQ1 and CASQ2. Our studies show that the C-terminal portions do not play significant role in protein folding. An interesting finding of the current study is that the switching of the C-terminal portion completely reverses the polymerization kinetics. Collectively, these data suggest that these Ca(2+)-sensitivity IDRs located at the back-to-back dimer interface influence isoform-specific Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization properties of CASQ.

A mutation in the CASQ1 gene causes a vacuolar myopathy with accumulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum protein aggregates

A missense mutation in the calsequestrin-1 gene (CASQ1) was found in a group of patients with a myopathy characterized by weakness, fatigue, and the presence of large vacuoles containing characteristic inclusions resulting from the aggregation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) proteins. The mutation affects a conserved aspartic acid in position 244 (p.Asp244Gly) located in one of the high-affinity Ca(2+) -binding sites of CASQ1 and alters the kinetics of Ca(2+) release in muscle fibers. Expression of the mutated CASQ1 protein in COS-7 cells showed a markedly reduced ability in forming elongated polymers, whereas both in cultured myotubes and in in vivo mouse fibers induced the formation of electron-dense SR vacuoles containing aggregates of the mutant CASQ1 protein that resemble those observed in muscle biopsies of patients. Altogether, these results support the view that a single missense mutation in the CASQ1 gene causes the formation of abnormal SR vacuoles containing aggregates of CASQ1, and other SR proteins, results in altered Ca(2+) release in skeletal muscle fibers, and, hence, is responsible for the clinical phenotype observed in these patients.

Potential role of cardiac calsequestrin in the lethal arrhythmic effects of cocaine

BACKGROUND

Cocaine-related deaths are continuously rising and its overdose is often associated with lethal cardiotoxic effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our approach, employing isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and light scattering in parallel, has confirmed the significant affinity of human cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2) for cocaine. Calsequestrin (CASQ) is a major Ca(2+)-storage protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of both cardiac and skeletal muscles. CASQ acts as a Ca(2+) buffer and Ca(2+)-channel regulator through its unique Ca(2+)-dependent oligomerization. Equilibrium dialysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy experiments illustrated the perturbational effect of cocaine on CASQ2 polymerization, resulting in substantial reduction of its Ca(2+)-binding capacity. We also confirmed the accumulation of cocaine in rat heart tissue and the substantial effects cocaine has on cultured C2C12 cells. The same experiments were performed with methamphetamine as a control, which displayed neither affinity for CASQ2 nor any significant effects on its function. Since cocaine did not have any direct effect on the Ca(2+)-release channel judging from our single channel recordings, these studies provide new insights into how cocaine may interfere with the normal E-C coupling mechanism with lethal arrhythmogenic consequences.

CONCLUSION

We propose that cocaine accumulates in SR through its affinity for CASQ2 and affects both SR Ca(2+) storage and release by altering the normal CASQ2 Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization. By this mechanism, cocaine use could produce serious cardiac problems, especially in people who have genetically-impaired CASQ2, defects in other E-C coupling components, or compromised cocaine metabolism and clearance.

Glycosylation of skeletal calsequestrin: implications for its function

Calsequestrin (CASQ) serves as a major Ca(2+) storage/buffer protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). When purified from skeletal muscle, CASQ1 is obtained in its glycosylated form. Here, we have confirmed the specific site and degree of glycosylation of native rabbit CASQ1 and have investigated its effect on critical properties of CASQ by comparison with the non-glycosylated recombinant form. Based on our comparative approach utilizing crystal structures, Ca(2+) binding capacities, analytical ultracentrifugation, and light-scattering profiles of the native and recombinant rabbit CASQ1, we propose a novel and dynamic role for glycosylation in CASQ. CASQ undergoes a unique degree of mannose trimming as it is trafficked from the proximal endoplasmic reticulum to the SR. The major glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc(2)Man(9)) found in the proximal endoplasmic reticulum can severely hinder formation of the back-to-back interface, potentially preventing premature Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization of CASQ and ensuring its continuous mobility to the SR. Only trimmed glycans can stabilize both front-to-front and the back-to-back interfaces of CASQ through extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, the mature glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc(2)Man(1-4)) within the SR can be retained upon establishing a functional high capacity Ca(2+) binding polymer. In addition, based on the high resolution structures, we propose a molecular mechanism for the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT2) mutation, K206N.

Genetic analysis of IP3 and calcium signalling pathways in C. elegans

BACKGROUND

The nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model system that is particularly well suited to genetic analysis. C. elegans is easily manipulated and we have an in depth knowledge of many aspects of its biology. Thus, it is an attractive system in which to pursue integrated studies of signalling pathways. C. elegans has a complement of calcium signalling molecules similar to that of other animals.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

We focus on IP3 signalling. We describe how forward and reverse genetic approaches, including RNAi, have resulted in a tool kit which enables the analysis of IP3/Ca2+ signalling pathways. The importance of cell and tissue specific manipulation of signalling pathways and the use of epistasis analysis are highlighted. We discuss how these tools have increased our understanding of IP3 signalling in specific developmental, physiological and behavioural roles. Approaches to imaging calcium signals in C. elegans are considered.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

A wide selection of tools is available for the analysis of IP3/Ca2+ signalling in C. elegans. This has resulted in detailed descriptions of the function of IP3/Ca2+ signalling in the animal's biology. Nevertheless many questions about how IP3 signalling regulates specific processes remain.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Many of the approaches described may be applied to other calcium signalling systems. C. elegans offers the opportunity to dissect pathways, perform integrated studies and to test the importance of the properties of calcium signalling molecules to whole animal function, thus illuminating the function of calcium signalling in animals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signalling.

Potential adverse interaction of human cardiac calsequestrin

Calsequestrin (CASQ) is a major Ca(2+) storage protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of both cardiac and skeletal muscles. CASQ reportedly acts as a Ca(2+) buffer and Ca(2+)-channel regulator through its unique Ca(2+)-dependent oligomerization, maintaining the free Ca(2+) concentration at a low level (0.5-1mM) and the stability of SR Ca(2+) releases. Our approach, employing isothermal titration calorimetry and light scattering in parallel, has provided valuable information about the affinity of human cardiac CASQ (hCASQ2) for a variety of drugs, which have been associated with heart- or muscle-related side effects. Those strongly binding drugs included phenothiazines, anthracyclines and Ca(2+) channel blockers, such as trifluoperazine, thioridazine, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, amlodipine and verapamil, having an average affinity of ~18 μM. They exhibit an inhibitory effect on in vitro Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization of hCASQ2 in a manner proportional to their binding affinity. Therefore accumulation of such drugs in the SR could significantly hinder the Ca(2+)-buffering capacity of the SR and/or the regulation of the Ca(2+) channel, RyR2. These effects could result in serious cardiac problems in people who have genetically impaired hCASQ2, defects in other E-C coupling components or problems with metabolism and clearance of those drugs.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum to junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum trafficking of calsequestrin in adult cardiomyocytes

Cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ) is synthesized on rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but concentrates within the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) lumen where it becomes part of the Ca(2+)-release protein complex. To investigate CSQ trafficking through biosynthetic/secretory compartments of adult cardiomyocytes, CSQ-DsRed was overexpressed in cultured cells and examined using confocal fluorescence microscopy. By 48h of adenovirus treatment, CSQ-DsRed fluorescence had specifically accumulated in perinuclear cisternae, where it co-localized with markers of rough ER. From rough ER, CSQ-DsRed appeared to traffic directly to junctional SR along a transverse (Z-line) pathway along which sec 23-positive (ER-exit) sites were enriched. In contrast to DsRed direct fluorescence that presumably reflected DsRed tetramer formation, both anti-DsRed and anti-CSQ immunofluorescence did not detect the perinuclear CSQ-DsRed protein, but labeled only junctional SR puncta. These putative CSQ-DsRed monomers, but not the fluorescent tetramers, were observed to traffic anterogradely over the course of a 48h overexpression from rough ER towards the cell periphery. We propose a new model of CSQ and junctional SR protein traffic in the adult cardiomyocyte, wherein CSQ traffics from perinuclear cisternae, along contiguous ER/SR lumens in cardiomyocytes as a mobile monomer, but is retained in junctional SR as a polymer.

A calcium-induced calcium release mechanism mediated by calsequestrin

Calcium (Ca(2+))-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) is widely accepted as the principal mechanism linking electrical excitation and mechanical contraction in cardiac cells. The CICR mechanism has been understood mainly based on binding of cytosolic Ca(2+) with ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inducing Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). However, recent experiments suggest that SR lumenal Ca(2+) may also participate in regulating RyR gating through calsequestrin (CSQ), the SR lumenal Ca(2+) buffer. We investigate how SR Ca(2+) release via RyR is regulated by Ca(2+) and calsequestrin (CSQ). First, a mathematical model of RyR kinetics is derived based on experimental evidence. We assume that the RyR has three binding sites, two cytosolic sites for Ca(2+) activation and inactivation, and one SR lumenal site for CSQ binding. The open probability (P(o)) of the RyR is found by simulation under controlled cytosolic and SR lumenal Ca(2+). Both peak and steady-state P(o) effectively increase as SR lumenal Ca(2+) increases. Second, we incorporate the RyR model into a CICR model that has both a diadic space and the junctional SR (jSR). At low jSR Ca(2+) loads, CSQs are more likely to bind with the RyR and act to inhibit jSR Ca(2+) release, while at high SR loads CSQs are more likely to detach from the RyR, thereby increasing jSR Ca(2+) release. Furthermore, this CICR model produces a nonlinear relationship between fractional jSR Ca(2+) release and jSR load. These findings agree with experimental observations in lipid bilayers and cardiac myocytes.

The sarcoplasmic reticulum: an organized patchwork of specialized domains

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle cells is a convoluted structure composed of a variety of tubules and cisternae, which share a continuous lumen delimited by a single continuous membrane, branching to form a network that surrounds each myofibril. In this network, some specific domains basically represented by the longitudinal SR and the junctional SR can be distinguished. These domains are mainly dedicated to Ca(2+) homeostasis in relation to regulation of muscle contraction, with the longitudinal SR representing the sites of Ca(2+) uptake and storage and the junctional SR representing the sites of Ca(2+) release. To perform its functions, the SR takes contact with other cellular elements, the sarcolemma, the contractile apparatus and the mitochondria, giving rise to a number of interactions, most of which are still to be defined at the molecular level. This review will describe some of the most recent advancements in understanding the organization of this complex network and its specific domains. Furthermore, we shall address initial evidence on how SR proteins are retained at distinct SR domains.