The role of calcium influx pathways in phospholipase D activation in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells

Antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride suppresses mast cell function by targeting tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk kinase

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial used in numerous personal care products, human food, cosmetic products, and cleaning solutions. Yet, there is minimal published data on CPC effects on eukaryotes, immune signaling, and human health. Previously, we showed that low-micromolar CPC inhibits rat mast cell function by inhibiting antigen (Ag)-stimulated Ca 2+ mobilization, microtubule polymerization, and degranulation. In this study, we extend the findings to human mast cells (LAD2) and present data indicating that CPC's mechanism of action centers on its positively-charged quaternary nitrogen in its pyridinium headgroup. CPC's inhibitory effect is independent of signaling platform receptor architecture. Tyrosine phosphorylation events are a trigger of Ca 2+ mobilization necessary for degranulation. CPC inhibits global tyrosine phosphorylation in Ag-stimulated mast cells. Specifically, CPC inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation of specific key players Syk kinase and LAT, a substrate of Syk. In contrast, CPC does not affect Lyn kinase phosphorylation. Thus, CPC's root mechanism is electrostatic disruption of particular tyrosine phosphorylation events essential for signaling. This work outlines the biochemical mechanisms underlying the effects of CPC on immune signaling and allows the prediction of CPC effects on cell types, like T cells, that share similar signaling elements.

Antimicrobial agent triclosan suppresses mast cell signaling via phospholipase D inhibition

Humans are exposed to the antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS) through use of TCS-containing products. Exposed tissues contain mast cells, which are involved in numerous biological functions and diseases by secreting various chemical mediators through a process termed degranulation. We previously demonstrated that TCS inhibits both Ca²⁺ influx into antigen-stimulated mast cells and subsequent degranulation. To determine the mechanism linking the TCS cytosolic Ca²⁺ depression to inhibited degranulation, we investigated the effects of TCS on crucial signaling enzymes activated downstream of the Ca²⁺ rise: protein kinase C (PKC; activated by Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species [ROS]) and phospholipase D (PLD). We found that TCS strongly inhibits PLD activity within 15 minutes post-antigen, a key mechanism of TCS mast cell inhibition. In addition, experiments using fluorescent constructs and confocal microscopy indicate that TCS delays antigen-induced translocations of PKCβII, PKCδ and PKC substrate myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase. Surprisingly, TCS does not inhibit PKC activity or overall ability to translocate, and TCS actually increases PKC activity by 45 minutes post-antigen; these results are explained by the timing of both TCS inhibition of cytosolic Ca²⁺ (~15+ minutes post-antigen) and TCS stimulation of ROS (~45 minutes post-antigen). These findings demonstrate that it is incorrect to assume that all Ca²⁺ -dependent processes will be synchronously inhibited when cytosolic Ca²⁺ is inhibited by a toxicant or drug. The results offer molecular predictions of the effects of TCS on other mammalian cell types, which share these crucial signal transduction elements and provide biochemical information that may underlie recent epidemiological findings implicating TCS in human health problems.

LEFTY2 inhibits endometrial receptivity by downregulating Orai1 expression and store-operated Ca2+ entry

Abstract

Early embryo development and endometrial differentiation are initially independent processes, and synchronization, imposed by a limited window of implantation, is critical for reproductive success. A putative negative regulator of endometrial receptivity is LEFTY2, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family. LEFTY2 is highly expressed in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, coinciding with the closure of the window of implantation. Here, we show that flushing of the uterine lumen in mice with recombinant LEFTY2 inhibits the expression of key receptivity genes, including Cox2, Bmp2, and Wnt4, and blocks embryo implantation. In Ishikawa cells, a human endometrial epithelial cell line, LEFTY2 downregulated the expression of calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1, encoded by ORAI1, and inhibited store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Furthermore, LEFTY2 and the Orai1 blockers 2-APB, MRS-1845, as well as YM-58483, inhibited, whereas the Ca²⁺ ionophore, ionomycin, strongly upregulated COX2, BMP2 and WNT4 expression in decidualizing HESCs. These findings suggest that LEFTY2 closes the implantation window, at least in part, by downregulating Orai1, which in turn limits SOCE and antagonizes expression of Ca²⁺-sensitive receptivity genes.

Key messages

•Endometrial receptivity is negatively regulated by LEFTY2.

•LEFTY2 inhibits the expression of key murine receptivity genes, including Cox2, Bmp2and Wnt4, and blocks embryo implantation.

•LEFTY2 downregulates the expression of Orai1 and inhibits SOCE.

•LEFTY2 and the Orai1 blockers 2-APB, MRS-1845, and YM-58483 inhibit COX2, BMP2, and WNT4 expression in endometrial cells.

•Targeting LEFTY2 and Orai1 may represent a novel approach for treating unexplained infertility.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-017-1610-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of phospholipases in adrenal steroidogenesis

Phospholipases are lipid-metabolizing enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids. In some cases, their activity results in remodeling of lipids and/or allows the synthesis of other lipids. In other cases, however, and of interest to the topic of adrenal steroidogenesis, phospholipases produce second messengers that modify the function of a cell. In this review, the enzymatic reactions, products, and effectors of three phospholipases, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, and phospholipase A2, are discussed. Although much data have been obtained concerning the role of phospholipases C and D in regulating adrenal steroid hormone production, there are still many gaps in our knowledge. Furthermore, little is known about the involvement of phospholipase A2, perhaps, in part, because this enzyme comprises a large family of related enzymes that are differentially regulated and with different functions. This review presents the evidence supporting the role of each of these phospholipases in steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex.

Regulation of aldosterone synthesis and secretion

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone synthesized in and secreted from the outer layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone is responsible for regulating sodium homeostasis, thereby helping to control blood volume and blood pressure. Insufficient aldosterone secretion can lead to hypotension and circulatory shock, particularly in infancy. On the other hand, excessive aldosterone levels, or those too high for sodium status, can cause hypertension and exacerbate the effects of high blood pressure on multiple organs, contributing to renal disease, stroke, visual loss, and congestive heart failure. Aldosterone is also thought to directly induce end-organ damage, including in the kidneys and heart. Because of the significance of aldosterone to the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, it is important to understand the regulation of its biosynthesis and secretion from the adrenal cortex. Herein, the mechanisms regulating aldosterone production in zona glomerulosa cells are discussed, with a particular emphasis on signaling pathways involved in the secretory response to the main controllers of aldosterone production, the renin-angiotensin II system, serum potassium levels and adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The signaling pathways involved include phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, cytosolic calcium levels, calcium influx pathways, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, diacylglycerol, protein kinases C and D, 12-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, phospholipase D, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, tyrosine kinases, adenylate cyclase, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. A complete understanding of the signaling events regulating aldosterone biosynthesis may allow the identification of novel targets for therapeutic interventions in hypertension, primary aldosteronism, congestive heart failure, renal disease, and other cardiovascular disorders.

Steroidogenesis-adrenal cell signal transduction

The purpose of this article is to review fundamentals in adrenal gland histophysiology. Key findings regarding the important signaling pathways involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis and adrenal growth are summarized. We illustrate how adrenal gland morphology and function are deeply interconnected in which novel signaling pathways (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog, Notch, β-catenin) or ionic channels are required for their integrity. Emphasis is given to exploring the mechanisms and challenges underlying the regulation of proliferation, growth, and functionality. Also addressed is the fact that while it is now well-accepted that steroidogenesis results from an enzymatic shuttle between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, key questions still remain on the various aspects related to cellular uptake and delivery of free cholesterol. The significant progress achieved over the past decade regarding the precise molecular mechanisms by which the two main regulators of adrenal cortex, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II act on their receptors is reviewed, including structure-activity relationships and their potential applications. Particular attention has been given to crucial second messengers and how various kinases, phosphatases, and cytoskeleton-associated proteins interact to ensure homeostasis and/or meet physiological demands. References to animal studies are also made in an attempt to unravel associated clinical conditions. Many of the aspects addressed in this article still represent a challenge for future studies, their outcome aimed at providing evidence that the adrenal gland, through its steroid hormones, occupies a central position in many situations where homeostasis is disrupted, thus highlighting the relevance of exploring and understanding how this key organ is regulated. © 2014 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 4:889-964, 2014.

NCI-H295R, a human adrenal cortex-derived cell line, expresses purinergic receptors linked to Ca²⁺-mobilization/influx and cortisol secretion

Purinergic receptor expression and involvement in steroidogenesis were examined in NCI-H295R (H295R), a human adrenal cortex cell line which expresses all the key enzymes necessary for steroidogenesis. mRNA/protein for multiple P1 (A_2A and A_2B), P2X (P2X₅ and P2X₇), and P2Y (P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₆, P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₃, and P2Y₁₄) purinergic receptors were detected in H295R. 2MeS-ATP (10–1000 µM), a P2Y₁ agonist, induced glucocorticoid (GC) secretion in a dose-dependent manner, while other extracellular purine/pyrimidine agonists (1–1000 µM) had no distinct effect on GC secretion. Extracellular purines, even non-steroidogenic ones, induced Ca²⁺-mobilization in the cells, independently of the extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration induced by extracellular purine agonists were transient, except when induced by ATP or 2MeS-ATP. Angiotensin II (AngII: 100 nM) and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP: 500 µM) induced both GC secretion and Ca²⁺-mobilization in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ (1.2 mM). GC secretion by AngII was reduced by nifedipine (10–100 µM); whereas the Ca²⁺ channel blocker did not inhibit GC secretion by 2MeS-ATP. Thapsigargin followed by extracellular Ca²⁺ exposure induced Ca²⁺-influx in H295R, and the cells expressed mRNA/protein of the component molecules for store-operated calcium entry (SOCE): transient receptor C (TRPC) channels, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai-1), and the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). In P2Y₁-knockdown, 2MeS-ATP-induced GC secretion was significantly inhibited. These results suggest that H295R expresses a functional P2Y₁ purinergic receptor for intracellular Ca²⁺-mobilization, and that P2Y₁ is linked to SOCE-activation, leading to Ca²⁺-influx which might be necessary for glucocorticoid secretion.

Real-time cellular impedance measurements detect Ca(2+) channel-dependent oscillations of morphology in human H295R adrenoma cells

Endocrine cells, such as H295R have been widely used to study secretion of steroid and other hormones. Exocytosis-dependent hormone release is accompanied by an increase in plasma membrane surface area and a decrease in vesicle content. Recovery of vesicles and decrease in plasma membrane area is achieved by endocytotic processes. These changes in the extent of the surface area lead to morphological changes which can be determined by label-free real-time impedance measurements. Exo- and endocytosis have been described to be triggered by activation of L-type Ca(2+) channels. The present study demonstrates that activation of L-type calcium channels induces prolonged oscillating changes in cellular impedance. The data support the hypothesis that a tight regulation of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration is a prerequisite for the observed cellular impedance oscillations. Furthermore evidence is presented for a mechanism in which the oscillations depend on a Ca(2+)-triggered calmodulin-dependent cascade involving myosin light chain kinase, nonmuscle myosin II and ultimately actin polymerization, a known determinant for cell shape changes and exocytosis in secretory cells. The described assay provides a method to determine continuously prolonged changes in cellular morphology such as exo/endocytosis cycles. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.