1
|
Reifs A, Fernandez-Calvo A, Alonso-Lerma B, Schönfelder J, Franco D, Ortega-Muñoz M, Casares S, Jimenez-Lopez C, Saa L, Cortajarena AL, De Sancho D, San Sebastian E, Perez-Jimenez R. High-throughput virtual search of small molecules for controlling the mechanical stability of human CD4. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107133. [PMID: 38432632 PMCID: PMC11065764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein mechanical stability determines the function of a myriad of proteins, especially proteins from the extracellular matrix. Failure to maintain protein mechanical stability may result in diseases and disorders such as cancer, cardiomyopathies, or muscular dystrophy. Thus, developing mutation-free approaches to enhance and control the mechanical stability of proteins using pharmacology-based methods may have important implications in drug development and discovery. Here, we present the first approach that employs computational high-throughput virtual screening and molecular docking to search for small molecules in chemical libraries that function as mechano-regulators of the stability of human cluster of differentiation 4, receptor of HIV-1. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy, we prove that these small molecules can increase the mechanical stability of CD4D1D2 domains over 4-fold in addition to modifying the mechanical unfolding pathways. Our experiments demonstrate that chemical libraries are a source of mechanoactive molecules and that drug discovery approaches provide the foundation of a new type of molecular function, that is, mechano-regulation, paving the way toward mechanopharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Reifs
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio-Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Alba Fernandez-Calvo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio-Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Borja Alonso-Lerma
- Center for Cooperative Research in Nanoscience (CIC nanoGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sabestian, Spain
| | - Jörg Schönfelder
- Center for Cooperative Research in Nanoscience (CIC nanoGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sabestian, Spain
| | | | - Mariano Ortega-Muñoz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Salvador Casares
- Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Laura Saa
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Aitziber L Cortajarena
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - David De Sancho
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Chemistry, Applied Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eider San Sebastian
- Faculty of Chemistry, Applied Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Raul Perez-Jimenez
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio-Bizkaia, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Segeritz P, Kolesnik K, Scott DJ, Collins DJ. Quantitative mechanical stimulation of GPR68 using a novel 96 well flow plugin. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1616-1625. [PMID: 38288761 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00767g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive proteins play a crucial role in a range of physiological processes, including hearing, tactile sensation and regulating blood flow. While previous work has demonstrated the mechanosensitivity of several proteins, the ability to apply precisely defined mechanical forces to cells in a consistent, replicable manner remains a significant challenge. In this work we present a novel 96-well plate-compatible plugin device for generating highly-controlled flow-based mechanical simulation of cells, which enables quantitative assessment of mechanosensitive protein function. The device is used to mechanically stimulate HEK 293T cells expressing the mechanosensitive protein GPR68, a G protein-coupled receptor. By assaying intracellular calcium levels during flow-based cell stimulation, we determine that GPR68 signalling is a function of the applied shear-force. As this approach is compatible with conventional cell culture plates and allows for simultaneous readout in a conventional fluorescence plate reader, this represents a valuable new tool to investigate mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Segeritz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Kirill Kolesnik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Daniel J Scott
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gabrielle M, Rohacs T. TMEM120A/TACAN: A putative regulator of ion channels, mechanosensation, and lipid metabolism. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2237306. [PMID: 37523628 PMCID: PMC10392765 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2237306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
TMEM120A (TACAN) is an enigmatic protein with several seemingly unconnected functions. It was proposed to be an ion channel involved in sensing mechanical stimuli, and knockdown/knockout experiments have implicated that TMEM120A may be necessary for sensing mechanical pain. TMEM120A's ion channel function has subsequently been challenged, as attempts to replicate electrophysiological experiments have largely been unsuccessful. Several cryo-EM structures revealed TMEM120A is structurally homologous to a lipid modifying enzyme called Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids 7 (ELOVL7). Although TMEM120A's channel function is debated, it still seems to affect mechanosensation by inhibiting PIEZO2 channels and by modifying tactile pain responses in animal models. TMEM120A was also shown to inhibit polycystin-2 (PKD2) channels through direct physical interaction. Additionally, TMEM120A has been implicated in adipocyte regulation and in innate immune response against Zika virus. The way TMEM120A is proposed to alter each of these processes ranges from regulating gene expression, acting as a lipid modifying enzyme, and controlling subcellular localization of other proteins through direct binding. Here, we examine TMEM120A's structure and proposed functions in diverse physiological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gabrielle
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Tibor Rohacs
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shrestha S, Richardson J, Poole K. Analysing Mechanically Evoked Currents at Cell-Substrate Junctions. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2600:155-167. [PMID: 36587096 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2851-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The precise study of mechanically activated ion channels requires a combination of electrophysiology to directly measure channel-mediated ionic flux and a means to apply meaningful mechanical stimuli to activate the channel. In metazoans, individual cells in vivo experience mechanical inputs at the cell-substrate interface where cells form connections to the local microenvironment. To study such processes in vitro, a technique is required where mechanical stimuli can be applied to cells via connections with an underlying substrate. Here, we outline the methodology for combining whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology (to monitor transmembrane currents) with elastomer pillar arrays that can be deflected (to apply stimuli to cells). This quantitative technique can be used to assess changes in sensitivity and kinetics of mechanically evoked currents when cell intrinsic or cell extrinsic factors are manipulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Shrestha
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Richardson
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Delmas P, Parpaite T, Coste B. PIEZO channels and newcomers in the mammalian mechanosensitive ion channel family. Neuron 2022; 110:2713-2727. [PMID: 35907398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Many ion channels have been described as mechanosensitive according to various criteria. Most broadly defined, an ion channel is called mechanosensitive if its activity is controlled by application of a physical force. The last decade has witnessed a revolution in mechanosensory physiology at the molecular, cellular, and system levels, both in health and in diseases. Since the discovery of the PIEZO proteins as prototypical mechanosensitive channel, many proteins have been proposed to transduce mechanosensory information in mammals. However, few of these newly identified candidates have all the attributes of bona fide, pore-forming mechanosensitive ion channels. In this perspective, we will cover and discuss new data that have advanced our understanding of mechanosensation at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Delmas
- SomatoSens, Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7291, Marseilles, France.
| | - Thibaud Parpaite
- SomatoSens, Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7291, Marseilles, France
| | - Bertrand Coste
- SomatoSens, Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7291, Marseilles, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chuang YC, Chen CC. Force From Filaments: The Role of the Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in the Gating of Mechanosensitive Channels. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:886048. [PMID: 35586339 PMCID: PMC9108448 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.886048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The senses of proprioception, touch, hearing, and blood pressure on mechanosensitive ion channels that transduce mechanical stimuli with high sensitivity and speed. This conversion process is usually called mechanotransduction. From nematode MEC-4/10 to mammalian PIEZO1/2, mechanosensitive ion channels have evolved into several protein families that use variant gating models to convert different forms of mechanical force into electrical signals. In addition to the model of channel gating by stretching from lipid bilayers, another potent model is the opening of channels by force tethering: a membrane-bound channel is elastically tethered directly or indirectly between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular molecules, and the tethering molecules convey force to change the channel structure into an activation form. In general, the mechanical stimulation forces the extracellular structure to move relative to the cytoskeleton, deforming the most compliant component in the system that serves as a gating spring. Here we review recent studies focusing on the ion channel mechanically activated by a tethering force, the mechanotransduction-involved cytoskeletal protein, and the extracellular matrix. The mechanosensitive channel PIEZO2, DEG/ENaC family proteins such as acid-sensing ion channels, and transient receptor potential family members such as NompC are discussed. State-of-the-art techniques, such as polydimethylsiloxane indentation, the pillar array, and micropipette-guided ultrasound stimulation, which are beneficial tools for exploring the tether model, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Chuang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan Mouse Clinic, BioTReC, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chih-Cheng Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hamza A, Amit J, Elizabeth L E, Medha M P, Michael D C, Wendy F L. Ion channel mediated mechanotransduction in immune cells. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2021; 25. [PMID: 35645593 PMCID: PMC9131931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2021.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The immune system performs critical functions to defend against invading pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis. Immune cells reside within or are recruited to a host of mechanically active tissues throughout the body and, as a result, are exposed to varying types and degrees of mechanical stimuli. Despite their abundance in such tissues, the role of mechanical stimuli in influencing immune cell function and the molecular mechanisms responsible for mechanics-mediated changes are still poorly understood. The recent emergence of mechanically-gated ion channels, particularly Piezo1, has provided an exciting avenue of research within the fields of mechanobiology and immunology. Numerous studies have identified roles for mechanically-gated ion channels in mechanotransduction within various different cell types, with a few recent studies in immune cells. These initial studies provide strong evidence that mechanically-gated ion channels play pivotal roles in regulating the immune system. In this review, we discuss characteristics of ion channel mediated force transduction, review the current techniques used to quantify and visualize ion channel activity in response to mechanical stimuli, and finally we provide an overview of recent studies examining the role of mechanically-gated ion channels in modulating immune cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atcha Hamza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Jairaman Amit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Evans Elizabeth L
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Pathak Medha M
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Cahalan Michael D
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Liu Wendy F
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Richardson J, Kotevski A, Poole K. From stretch to deflection: the importance of context in the activation of mammalian, mechanically activated ion channels. FEBS J 2021; 289:4447-4469. [PMID: 34060230 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to convert mechanical perturbations into biochemical information is an essential aspect of mammalian physiology. The molecules that mediate such mechanotransduction include mechanically activated ion channels, which directly convert mechanical inputs into electrochemical signals. The unifying feature of these channels is that their open probability increases with the application of a mechanical input. However, the structure, activation profile and sensitivity of distinct mechanically activated ion channels vary from channel to channel. In this review, we discuss how ionic currents can be mechanically evoked and monitored in vitro, and describe the distinct activation profiles displayed by a range of mammalian channels. In addition, we discuss the various mechanisms by which the best-characterized mammalian, mechanically activated ion channel, PIEZO1, can be modulated. The diversity of activation and modulation of these mammalian ion channels suggest that these molecules may facilitate a finely controlled and diverse ability to sense mechanical inputs in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Richardson
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Kotevski
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sianati S, Schroeter L, Richardson J, Tay A, Lamandé SR, Poole K. Modulating the Mechanical Activation of TRPV4 at the Cell-Substrate Interface. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:608951. [PMID: 33537292 PMCID: PMC7848117 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.608951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels activated by mechanical inputs are important force sensing molecules in a wide array of mammalian cells and tissues. The transient receptor potential channel, TRPV4, is a polymodal, nonselective cation channel that can be activated by mechanical inputs but only if stimuli are applied directly at the interface between cells and their substrate, making this molecule a context-dependent force sensor. However, it remains unclear how TRPV4 is activated by mechanical inputs at the cell-substrate interface, which cell intrinsic and cell extrinsic parameters might modulate the mechanical activation of the channel and how mechanical activation differs from TRPV4 gating in response to other stimuli. Here we investigated the impact of substrate mechanics and cytoskeletal components on mechanically evoked TRPV4 currents and addressed how point mutations associated with TRPV4 phosphorylation and arthropathy influence mechanical activation of the channel. Our findings reveal distinct regulatory modulation of TRPV4 from the mechanically activated ion channel PIEZO1, suggesting the mechanosensitivity of these two channels is tuned in response to different parameters. Moreover, our data demonstrate that the effect of point mutations in TRPV4 on channel activation are profoundly dependent on the gating stimulus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Setareh Sianati
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lioba Schroeter
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Richardson
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andy Tay
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shireen R Lamandé
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and Cellular and Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roh J, Hwang SM, Lee SH, Lee K, Kim YH, Park CK. Functional Expression of Piezo1 in Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113834. [PMID: 32481599 PMCID: PMC7313462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Piezo channels are mechanosensitive ion channels. Piezo1 is primarily expressed in nonsensory tissues, whereas Piezo2 is predominantly found in sensory tissues, including dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, a recent study demonstrated the intracellular calcium response to Yoda1, a selective Piezo1 agonist, in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. Herein, we investigate the expression of Piezo1 mRNA and protein in mouse and human DRG neurons and the activation of Piezo1 via calcium influx by Yoda1. Yoda1 induces inward currents mainly in small- (< 25 μm) and medium-sized (25-35 μm) mouse DRG neurons. The Yoda1-induced Ca2+ response is inhibited by cationic channel blocker, ruthenium red and cationic mechanosensitive channel blocker, GsMTx4. To confirm the specific inhibition of Piezo1, we performed an adeno-associated virus serotype 2/5 (AAV2/5)-mediated delivery of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into mouse DRG neurons. AAV2/5 transfection downregulates piezo1 mRNA expression and reduces Ca2+ response by Yoda1. Piezo1 also shows physiological functions with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the same DRG neurons and is regulated by the activation of TRPV1 in mouse DRG sensory neurons. Overall, we found that Piezo1 has physiological functions in DRG neurons and that TRPV1 activation inhibits an inward current induced by Yoda1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jueun Roh
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.R.); (S.-M.H.); (K.L.)
| | - Sung-Min Hwang
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.R.); (S.-M.H.); (K.L.)
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine tumor center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea;
| | - Kihwan Lee
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.R.); (S.-M.H.); (K.L.)
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.R.); (S.-M.H.); (K.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.H.K.); (C.-K.P.); Tel.: +82-32-899-6691 (Y.H.K.); +82-32-899-6692 (C.-K.P.)
| | - Chul-Kyu Park
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.R.); (S.-M.H.); (K.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.H.K.); (C.-K.P.); Tel.: +82-32-899-6691 (Y.H.K.); +82-32-899-6692 (C.-K.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Patkunarajah A, Stear JH, Moroni M, Schroeter L, Blaszkiewicz J, Tearle JLE, Cox CD, Fürst C, Sánchez-Carranza O, Ocaña Fernández MDÁ, Fleischer R, Eravci M, Weise C, Martinac B, Biro M, Lewin GR, Poole K. TMEM87a/Elkin1, a component of a novel mechanoelectrical transduction pathway, modulates melanoma adhesion and migration. eLife 2020; 9:53308. [PMID: 32228863 PMCID: PMC7173973 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanoelectrical transduction is a cellular signalling pathway where physical stimuli are converted into electro-chemical signals by mechanically activated ion channels. We describe here the presence of mechanically activated currents in melanoma cells that are dependent on TMEM87a, which we have renamed Elkin1. Heterologous expression of this protein in PIEZO1-deficient cells, that exhibit no baseline mechanosensitivity, is sufficient to reconstitute mechanically activated currents. Melanoma cells lacking functional Elkin1 exhibit defective mechanoelectrical transduction, decreased motility and increased dissociation from organotypic spheroids. By analysing cell adhesion properties, we demonstrate that Elkin1 deletion is associated with increased cell-substrate adhesion and decreased homotypic cell-cell adhesion strength. We therefore conclude that Elkin1 supports a PIEZO1-independent mechanoelectrical transduction pathway and modulates cellular adhesions and regulates melanoma cell migration and cell-cell interactions. When cells receive signals about their surrounding environment, this initiates a chain of signals which generate a response. Some of these signalling pathways allow cells to sense physical and mechanical forces via a process called mechanotransduction. There are different types of mechanotransduction. In one pathway, mechanical forces open up specialized channels on the cell surface which allow charged particles to move across the membrane and create an electrical current. Mechanoelectrical transduction plays an important role in the spread of cancer: as cancer cells move away from a tumour they use these signalling pathways to find their way between cells and move into other parts of the body. Understanding these pathways could reveal ways to stop cancer from spreading, making it easier to treat. However, it remains unclear which molecules regulate mechanoelectrical transduction in cancer cells. Now, Patkunarajah, Stear et al. have studied whether mechanoelectrical transduction is involved in the migration of skin cancer cells. To study mechanoelectrical transduction, a fine mechanical input was applied to the skin cancer cells whilst measuring the flow of charged molecules moving across the membrane. This experiment revealed that a previously unknown protein named Elkin1 is required to convert mechanical forces into electrical currents. Deleting this newly found protein caused skin cancer cells to move more slowly and dissociate more easily from tumour-like clusters of cells. These findings suggest that Elkin1 is part of a newly identified mechanotransduction pathway that allows cells to sense mechanical forces from their surrounding environment. More work is needed to determine what role Elkin1 plays in mechanoelectrical transduction and whether other proteins are also involved. This could lead to new approaches that prevent cancer cells from dissociating from tumours and spreading to other body parts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Patkunarajah
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey H Stear
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Mirko Moroni
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Lioba Schroeter
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline LE Tearle
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Charles D Cox
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Carina Fürst
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | | | | | - Raluca Fleischer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Murat Eravci
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Weise
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gary R Lewin
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
TACAN Is an Ion Channel Involved in Sensing Mechanical Pain. Cell 2020; 180:956-967.e17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
13
|
Bavi N, Richardson J, Heu C, Martinac B, Poole K. PIEZO1-Mediated Currents Are Modulated by Substrate Mechanics. ACS NANO 2019; 13:13545-13559. [PMID: 31689081 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b07499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PIEZO1 is a bona fide mammalian mechanically activated channel that has recently been shown to provide instructive cues during neuronal specification, texture sensing, and cell migration where mechanical inputs arise at the interface between the cells and their substrate. Here, we have investigated whether the mechanical properties of the substrate alone can modulate PIEZO1 activity, in response to exogenously applied stimuli, using elastomeric pillar arrays as force transducers. This methodology enables application of mechanical stimuli at cell-substrate contact points by deflecting individual pili. We found that PIEZO1 is more sensitive to substrate deflections with increased spacing between pili (reducing surface roughness) but not on more stiff substrates. Cellular contractility was required for the sensitization of PIEZO1 but was not essential for PIEZO1 activation. Computational modeling suggested that the membrane tension changes generated by pillar deflections were below the membrane tension changes that arise from cellular indentation or high-speed pressure clamp assays. We conclude that the mechanics of the microenvironment can modulate PIEZO1 signaling, highlighting the importance of studying channel activation directly at the cell-substrate interface. We propose that forces arising from actin-mediated contractility and within the lipid bilayer act synergistically to regulate PIEZO1 activation by stimuli applied at contacts between cells and their surroundings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navid Bavi
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Jessica Richardson
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
- Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Celine Heu
- Biomedical Imaging Facility , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division , Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute , Darlinghurst , NSW 2010 , Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Darlinghurst , NSW 2010 , Australia
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
- Cellular and Systems Physiology, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| |
Collapse
|