Characteristics of the ATP-induced Ca2+-entry pathway in the t-BBEC 117 cell line derived from bovine brain endothelial cells

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Induces Intracellular Ca2+ Signalling and Stimulates Proliferation in Human Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a newly discovered second messenger that gates two pore channels 1 (TPC1) and 2 (TPC2) to elicit endo-lysosomal (EL) Ca²⁺ release. NAADP-induced lysosomal Ca²⁺ release may be amplified by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release (CICR) mechanism. NAADP-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ signals were shown to modulate a growing number of functions in the cardiovascular system, but their occurrence and role in cardiac mesenchymal stromal cells (C-MSCs) is still unknown. Herein, we found that exogenous delivery of NAADP-AM induced a robust Ca²⁺ signal that was abolished by disrupting the lysosomal Ca²⁺ store with Gly-Phe β-naphthylamide, nigericin, and bafilomycin A1, and blocking TPC1 and TPC2, that are both expressed at protein level in C-MSCs. Furthermore, NAADP-induced EL Ca²⁺ release resulted in the Ca²⁺-dependent recruitment of ER-embedded InsP₃Rs and SOCE activation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearly visible membrane contact sites between lysosome and ER membranes, which are predicted to provide the sub-cellular framework for lysosomal Ca²⁺ to recruit ER-embedded InsP₃Rs through CICR. NAADP-induced EL Ca²⁺ mobilization via EL TPC was found to trigger the intracellular Ca²⁺ signals whereby Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) induces C-MSC proliferation. Furthermore, NAADP-evoked Ca²⁺ release was required to mediate FBS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not Akt, phosphorylation in C-MSCs. These finding support the notion that NAADP-induced TPC activation could be targeted to boost proliferation in C-MSCs and pave the way for future studies assessing whether aberrant NAADP signaling in C-MSCs could be involved in cardiac disorders.

Reciprocal Relationship between Ca2+ Signaling and Ca2+-Gated Ion Channels as a Potential Target for Drug Discovery

Cellular Ca²⁺ signaling functions as one of the most common second messengers of various signal transduction pathways in cells and mediates a number of physiological roles in a cell-type dependent manner. Ca²⁺ signaling also regulates more general and fundamental cellular activities, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. Among ion channels, Ca²⁺-permeable channels in the plasma membrane as well as endo- and sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes play important roles in Ca²⁺ signaling by directly contributing to the influx of Ca²⁺ from extracellular spaces or its release from storage sites, respectively. Furthermore, Ca²⁺-gated ion channels in the plasma membrane often crosstalk reciprocally with Ca²⁺ signals and are central to the regulation of cellular functions. This review focuses on the physiological and pharmacological impact of i) Ca²⁺-gated ion channels as an apparatus for the conversion of cellular Ca²⁺ signals to intercellularly propagative electrical signals and ii) the opposite feedback regulation of Ca²⁺ signaling by Ca²⁺-gated ion channel activities in excitable and non-excitable cells.

TMEM16A Ca2+-Activated Cl- Channel Regulates the Proliferation and Migration of Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in the brain. Brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) comprise the BBB, and thus a delicate balance between their proliferation and death is required. Although the activity of ion channels in BCECs is involved in BBB functions, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the molecular components of Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- (Cl_Ca) channels and their physiological roles were examined using mouse BCECs (mBCECs) and a cell line derived from bovine BCECs, t-BBEC117. Expression analyses revealed that TMEM16A was strongly expressed in mBCECs and t-BBEC117 cells. In t-BBEC117 cells, whole-cell Cl^- currents were sensitive to the Cl_Ca channel blockers, 100 μM niflumic acid and 10 μM T16A_inh-A01, and were also reduced markedly by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of TMEM16A. Importantly, block of Cl_Ca currents with Cl_Ca channel blockers or TMEM16A siRNA induced membrane hyperpolarization. Moreover, treatment with TMEM16A siRNA caused an increase in resting cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt). T16A_inh-A01 reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Either Cl_Ca channel blockers or TMEM16A siRNA also curtailed cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, Cl_Ca channel blockers attenuated the trans-endothelial permeability. In combination, these results strongly suggest that TMEM16A contributes to Cl_Ca channel conductance and can regulate both the resting membrane potential and [Ca²⁺]_cyt in BCECs. Our data also reveal how these BCECs may be involved in the maintenance of BBB functions, as both the proliferation and migration are altered following changes in channel activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), TMEM16A is responsible for Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channels and can regulate both the resting membrane potential and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, contributing to the proliferation and migration of BCECs. The present study provides novel information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological functions of BCECs in the BBB and a novel target for therapeutic drugs for disorders associated with dysfunctions in the BBB.

Muscarinic M5 receptors trigger acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ signals and nitric oxide release in human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Basal forebrain neurons control cerebral blood flow (CBF) by releasing acetylcholine (Ach), which binds to endothelial muscarinic receptors to induce nitric (NO) release and vasodilation in intraparenchymal arterioles. Nevertheless, the mechanism whereby Ach stimulates human brain microvascular endothelial cells to produce NO is still unknown. Herein, we sought to assess whether Ach stimulates NO production in a Ca²⁺ -dependent manner in hCMEC/D3 cells, a widespread model of human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Ach induced a dose-dependent increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) that was prevented by the genetic blockade of M5 muscarinic receptors (M5-mAchRs), which was the only mAchR isoform coupled to phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) present in hCMEC/D3 cells. A comprehensive real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the expression of the transcripts encoding for type 3 inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP₃ R3), two-pore channels 1 and 2 (TPC1-2), Stim2, Orai1-3. Pharmacological manipulation showed that the Ca²⁺ response to Ach was mediated by InsP₃ R3, TPC1-2, and store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Ach-induced NO release, in turn, was inhibited in cells deficient of M5-mAchRs. Likewise, Ach failed to increase NO levels in the presence of l-NAME, a selective NOS inhibitor, or BAPTA, a membrane-permeant intracellular Ca²⁺ buffer. Moreover, the pharmacological blockade of the Ca²⁺ response to Ach also inhibited the accompanying NO production. These data demonstrate for the first time that synaptically released Ach may trigger NO release in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by stimulating a Ca²⁺ signal via M5-mAchRs.

Hypoxic stress upregulates Kir2.1 expression by a pathway including hypoxic-inducible factor-1α and dynamin2 in brain capillary endothelial cells

Brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) play a central role in maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and, therefore, are essential for central nervous system homeostasis and integrity. Although brain ischemia damages BCECs and causes disruption of BBB, the related influence of hypoxia on BCECs is not well understood. Hypoxic stress can upregulate functional expression of specific K+ currents in endothelial cells, e.g., Kir2.1 channels without any alterations in the mRNA level, in t-BBEC117, a cell line derived from bovine BCECs. The hyperpolarization of membrane potential due to Kir2.1 channel upregulation significantly facilitates cell proliferation. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the hypoxia-induced Kir2.1 upregulation was examined. We emphasize the involvement of dynamin2, a protein known to be involved in a number of surface expression pathways. Hypoxic culture upregulated dynamin2 expression in t-BBEC117 cells. The inhibition of dynamin2 by Dynasore canceled hypoxia-induced upregulation of Kir2.1 currents by reducing surface expression. On the contrary, Kir2.1 currents and proteins in t-BBEC117 cultured under normoxia were increased by overexpression of dynamin2, but not by dominant-negative dynamin2. Molecular imaging based on bimolecular fluorescence complementation, double-immunostaining, and coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that dynamin2 can directly bind to the Kir2.1 channel. Moreover, hypoxic culture downregulated hypoxic-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. Knockdown of HIF-1α increased dynamin2 expression in t-BBEC117 cells, in both normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. In summary, our results demonstrated that hypoxia downregulates HIF-1α, increases dynamin2 expression, and facilitates Kir2.1 surface expression, resulting in hyperpolarization of membrane potential and subsequent increase in Ca2+ influx in BCECs.

Endothelial calcium dynamics, connexin channels and blood-brain barrier function

Situated between the circulation and the brain, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from circulating toxins while securing a specialized environment for neuro-glial signaling. BBB capillary endothelial cells exhibit low transcytotic activity and a tight, junctional network that, aided by the cytoskeleton, restricts paracellular permeability. The latter is subject of extensive research as it relates to neuropathology, edema and inflammation. A key determinant in regulating paracellular permeability is the endothelial cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) that affects junctional and cytoskeletal proteins. Ca(2+) signals are not one-time events restricted to a single cell but often appear as oscillatory [Ca(2+)]i changes that may propagate between cells as intercellular Ca(2+) waves. The effect of Ca(2+) oscillations/waves on BBB function is largely unknown and we here review current evidence on how [Ca(2+)]i dynamics influence BBB permeability.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry is remodelled and controls in vitro angiogenesis in endothelial progenitor cells isolated from tumoral patients

BACKGROUND

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be recruited from bone marrow to sustain tumor vascularisation and promote the metastatic switch. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving EPC proliferation and tubulogenesis could outline novel targets for alternative anti-angiogenic treatments. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), which is activated by a depletion of the intracellular Ca(2+) pool, regulates the growth of human EPCs, where is mediated by the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-sensor, Stim1, and the plasmalemmal Ca(2+) channel, Orai1. As oncogenesis may be associated to the capability of tumor cells to grow independently on Ca(2+) influx, it is important to assess whether SOCE regulates EPC-dependent angiogenesis also in tumor patients.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The present study employed Ca(2+) imaging, recombinant sub-membranal and mitochondrial aequorin, real-time polymerase chain reaction, gene silencing techniques and western blot analysis to investigate the expression and the role of SOCE in EPCs isolated from peripheral blood of patients affected by renal cellular carcinoma (RCC; RCC-EPCs) as compared to control EPCs (N-EPCs). SOCE, activated by either pharmacological (i.e. cyclopiazonic acid) or physiological (i.e. ATP) stimulation, was significantly higher in RCC-EPCs and was selectively sensitive to BTP-2, and to the trivalent cations, La(3+) and Gd(3+). Furthermore, 2-APB enhanced thapsigargin-evoked SOCE at low concentrations, whereas higher doses caused SOCE inhibition. Conversely, the anti-angiogenic drug, carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), blocked both SOCE and the intracellular Ca(2+) release. SOCE was associated to the over-expression of Orai1, Stim1, and transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) at both mRNA and protein level The intracellular Ca(2+) buffer, BAPTA, BTP-2, and CAI inhibited RCC-EPC proliferation and tubulogenesis. The genetic suppression of Stim1, Orai1, and TRPC1 blocked CPA-evoked SOCE in RCC-EPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

SOCE is remodelled in EPCs from RCC patients and stands out as a novel molecular target to interfere with RCC vascularisation due to its ability to control proliferation and tubulogenesis.

Critical role of TRPP2 and TRPC1 channels in stretch-induced injury of blood-brain barrier endothelial cells

The microvessels of the brain are very sensitive to mechanical stresses such as observed in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Such stresses can quickly lead to dysfunction of the microvessel endothelial cells, including disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is now evident that elevation of cytosolic calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) can compromise the BBB integrity, however the mechanism by which mechanical injury can produce a [Ca2+]i increase in brain endothelial cells is unclear. To assess the effects of mechanical/stretch injury on [Ca2+]i signaling, mouse brain microvessel endothelial cells (bEnd3) were grown to confluency on elasticized membranes and [Ca2+]i monitored using fura 2 fluorescence imaging. Application of an injury, using a pressure/stretch pulse of 50 ms, induced a rapid transient increase in [Ca2+]i. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the injury-induced [Ca2+]i transient was greatly reduced, but not fully eliminated, while unloading of Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin treatment in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ abolished the injury transient. Application of LOE-908 and amiloride, TRPC and TRPP2 channel blockers, respectively, both reduced the transient [Ca2+]i increase. Further, siRNA knockdown assays directed at TRPC1 and TRPP2 expression also resulted in a reduction of the injury-induced [Ca2+]i response. In addition, stretch injury induced increases of NO production and actin stress fiber formation, both of which were markedly reduced upon treatment with LOE908 and/or amiloride. We conclude that mechanical injury of brain endothelial cells induces a rapid influx of calcium, mediated by TRPC1 and TRPP2 channels, which leads to NO synthesis and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Effect of bile salts on the transport of morphine-6-glucuronide in rat brain endothelial cells

Bile salts are known to enhance the permeability of biological barriers but little is known about their effects on drug permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this paper, the rat brain endothelial 4 (RBE4) cell monolayer incubated with astrocyte-conditioned medium was used as an in vitro model of the BBB to investigate the effects of cholate (C), 12-monoketocholate (MKC), deoxycholate (DC), and taurocholate (TC) on the transport of the hydrophilic drug, morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G). C, MKC, and TC at a concentration of 5 mM each and DC at 1 mM increased the permeability of M6G through the paracellular pathway based on a similar permeability pattern to that of sucrose. RBE4 cell uptake of M6G was unaffected by 5 mM C and TC, whereas 1 mM DC dramatically increased it due to an effect shown to be cytotoxicity as measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay. Surprisingly, 1 mM MKC significantly increased M6G uptake without any cytotoxicity. In summary, all bile salts increased paracellular permeation of M6G but MKC also enhanced transcellular transport with little cytotoxicity. MKC appears to have the potential to modulate biophysical properties of the cell membrane or membrane-bound transporters and may therefore enhance drug delivery to the brain.

Contribution of K(ir)2 potassium channels to ATP-induced cell death in brain capillary endothelial cells and reconstructed HEK293 cell model

Cellular turnover of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) by the balance of cell proliferation and death is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of the blood-brain barrier. Stimulation of metabotropic ATP receptors (P2Y) transiently increased intracellular Ca²(+) concentration ([Ca²(+)](i)) in t-BBEC 117, a cell line derived from bovine BCECs. The [Ca²(+)](i) rise induced membrane hyperpolarization via the activation of apamin-sensitive small-conductance Ca²(+)-activated K(+) channels (SK2) and enhanced cell proliferation in t-BBEC 117. Here, we found anomalous membrane hyperpolarization lasting for over 10 min in response to ATP in ∼15% of t-BBEC 117, in which inward rectifier K(+) channel (K(ir)2.1) was extensively expressed. Once anomalous hyperpolarization was triggered by ATP, it was removed by Ba²(+) but not by apamin. Prolonged exposure to ATPγS increased the relative population of t-BBEC 117, in which the expression of K(ir)2.1 mRNAs was significantly higher and Ba²(+)-sensitive anomalous hyperpolarization was observed. The cultivation of t-BBEC 117 in serum-free medium also increased this population and reduced the cell number. The reduction of cell number was enhanced by the addition of ATPγS and the enhancement was antagonized by Ba²(+). In the human embryonic kidney 293 cell model, where SK2 and K(ir)2.1 were heterologously coexpressed, [Ca²(+)](i) rise by P2Y stimulation triggered anomalous hyperpolarization and cell death. In conclusion, P2Y stimulation in BCECs enhances cell proliferation by SK2 activation in the majority of cells but also triggers cell death in a certain population showing a substantial expression of K(ir)2.1. This dual action of P2Y stimulation may effectively facilitate BCEC turnover.

Characterization of noradrenaline-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human alpha1A-adrenoceptor

The mechanism for noradrenaline (NA)-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and physiological significance of Na(+) influx through receptor-operated channels (ROCs) and store-operated channels (SOCs) were studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing human alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1A)-AR). [Ca(2+)](i) was measured using the Ca(2+) indicator fura-2. NA (1 microM) elicited transient and subsequent sustained [Ca(2+)](i) increases, which were inhibited by YM-254890 (G(alphaq/11) inhibitor), U-73122 (phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor), and bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor), suggesting their dependence on G(alphaq/11)/PLC/PKC. Both phases were suppressed by extracellular Ca(2+) removal, SK&F 96365 (inhibitor of SOC and nonselective cation channel type-2 (NSCC-2)), LOE 908 (inhibitor of NSCC-1 and NSCC-2), and La(3+) (inhibitor of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel). Reduction of extracellular Na(+) and pretreatment with KB-R7943, a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) inhibitor, inhibited both phases of [Ca(2+)](i) increases. These results suggest that 1) stimulation of alpha(1A)-AR with NA elicits the transient and sustained increases in [Ca(2+)](i) mediated through NSCC-2 that belongs to a TRPC family; 2) Na(+) influx through these channels drives NCX in the reverse mode, causing Ca(2+) influx in exchange for Na(+) efflux; and 3) the G(alphaq/11)/PLC/PKC-dependent pathway plays an important role in the increases in [Ca(2+)](i).