Store-Operated Calcium Entry Inhibition and Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump Upregulation Contribute to the Maintenance of Resting Cytosolic Calcium Concentration in A1-like Astrocytes

Highly neurotoxic A1-reactive astrocytes have been associated with several human neurodegenerative diseases. Complement protein C3 expression is strongly upregulated in A1 astrocytes, and this protein has been shown to be a specific biomarker of these astrocytes. Several cytokines released in neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to upregulate the production of amyloid β protein precursor (APP) and neurotoxic amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in reactive astrocytes. Also, aberrant Ca²⁺ signals have been proposed as a hallmark of astrocyte functional remodeling in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. In this work, we induced the generation of A1-like reactive astrocytes after the co-treatment of U251 human astroglioma cells with a cocktail of the cytokines TNF-α, IL1-α and C1q. These A1-like astrocytes show increased production of APP and Aβ peptides compared to untreated U251 cells. Additionally, A1-like astrocytes show a (75 ± 10)% decrease in the Ca²⁺ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), (85 ± 10)% attenuation of Ca²⁺ entry after complete Ca²⁺ depletion of the ER, and three-fold upregulation of plasma membrane calcium pump expression, with respect to non-treated Control astrocytes. These altered intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics allow A1-like astrocytes to efficiently counterbalance the enhanced release of Ca²⁺ from the ER, preventing a rise in the resting cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration.

Outcomes of dual antiplatelet therapy in combination with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Background

Recent data showed that the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is associated with reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but It has also been associated with increased risk of bleeding. The data differs among different studies, thus, the CV outcomes associated with use of DOAC therapy plus DAPT are not fully understood. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the CV and bleeding outcomes of DOAC therapy plus DAPT vs DAPT with or without placebo in patients with ACS

Methods

We conducted a literature search of studies exploring the use of DAPT plus DOAC therapy with focusing on bleeding and CV outcomes including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, stent thrombosis, limb thrombosis and VTE using Ovid, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and EBSCO databases from January 2010 to March 2020. We used the following terms for the literature search: (Aspirin AND Clopidogrel OR Prasugrel OR Ticagrelor) AND (Apixaban OR Rivaroxaban OR Edoxaban OR Dabigatran OR Betrixaban). The efficacy outcome was a composite of CV death, MI and stroke, and the safety outcome was major bleeding.

Results

4857 articles were included. Only RCTs and RCTs post-hoc analysis, were included (N=3). We found no significant heterogeneity and lower odds of the efficacy outcome in DOAC plus DAPT (experimental arm) compared to DAPT plus placebo (Control arm), which were unchanged in both the fixed and random effect models (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.78–0.97, I2=0%). We found no significant heterogeneity and higher odds of the safety outcome in DOAC plus DAPT (experimental arm) compared to DAPT plus placebo (Control arm) (OR fixed model 3.27, 95% CI: 2.28–4.70; OR random model 3.18, 95% CI: 2.21–4.57; I2=0%).

Conclusion

DOAC therapy plus DAPT in patients with ACS with or without PCI was associated with a lower rate of CV death, MI and stroke when compared to DAPT alone or with placebo and also associated with significant increase in major bleeding

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase, a Molecular Target for Tau-induced Cytosolic Calcium Dysregulation

Disruption of calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis is emerging as a prevalent feature of aging and aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of tauopathy. This disease is characterized by the combined presence of extracellular neuritic plaques composed by amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau. The association of calcium dyshomeostasis with Aβ has been extensively studied, however its link with tau has been less investigated. Thus, this review will concentrate on the functional link between tau and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ pump (PMCA) and other membrane proteins involved in the regulation of intracellular calcium and/or its association with neurodegeneration.

Association between convalescent plasma treatment and mortality in COVID-19: a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Convalescent plasma has been widely used to treat COVID-19 and is under investigation in numerous randomized clinical trials, but results are publicly available only for a small number of trials. The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of convalescent plasma treatment compared to placebo or no treatment and all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19, using data from all available randomized clinical trials, including unpublished and ongoing trials (Open Science Framework, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GEHFX ).

METHODS

In this collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis, clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), the Cochrane COVID-19 register, the LOVE database, and PubMed were searched until April 8, 2021. Investigators of trials registered by March 1, 2021, without published results were contacted via email. Eligible were ongoing, discontinued and completed randomized clinical trials that compared convalescent plasma with placebo or no treatment in COVID-19 patients, regardless of setting or treatment schedule. Aggregated mortality data were extracted from publications or provided by investigators of unpublished trials and combined using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random effects model. We investigated the contribution of unpublished trials to the overall evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 16,477 patients were included in 33 trials (20 unpublished with 3190 patients, 13 published with 13,287 patients). 32 trials enrolled only hospitalized patients (including 3 with only intensive care unit patients). Risk of bias was low for 29/33 trials. Of 8495 patients who received convalescent plasma, 1997 died (23%), and of 7982 control patients, 1952 died (24%). The combined risk ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.92; 1.02) with between-study heterogeneity not beyond chance (I2 = 0%). The RECOVERY trial had 69.8% and the unpublished evidence 25.3% of the weight in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Convalescent plasma treatment of patients with COVID-19 did not reduce all-cause mortality. These results provide strong evidence that convalescent plasma treatment for patients with COVID-19 should not be used outside of randomized trials. Evidence synthesis from collaborations among trial investigators can inform both evidence generation and evidence application in patient care.

Sorcin Activates the Brain PMCA and Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Molecular Markers of Alzheimer's Disease on the Pump Activity

Since dysregulation of intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) levels is a common occurrence in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the study of proteins that can correct neuronal Ca²⁺ dysregulation is of great interest. In previous work, we have shown that plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA), a high-affinity Ca²⁺ pump, is functionally impaired in AD and is inhibited by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau, two key components of pathological AD hallmarks. On the other hand, sorcin is a Ca²⁺-binding protein highly expressed in the brain, although its mechanism of action is far from being clear. Sorcin has been shown to interact with the intracellular sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA), and other modulators of intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling, such as the ryanodine receptor or presenilin 2, which is closely associated with AD. The present work focuses on sorcin in search of new regulators of PMCA and antagonists of Aβ and tau toxicity. Results show sorcin as an activator of PMCA, which also prevents the inhibitory effects of Aβ and tau on the pump, and counteracts the neurotoxicity of Aβ and tau by interacting with them.

Binding of Amyloid β(1-42)-Calmodulin Complexes to Plasma Membrane Lipid Rafts in Cerebellar Granule Neurons Alters Resting Cytosolic Calcium Homeostasis

Lipid rafts are a primary target in studies of amyloid β (Aβ) cytotoxicity in neurons. Exogenous Aβ peptides bind to lipid rafts, which in turn play a key role in Aβ uptake, leading to the formation of neurotoxic intracellular Aβ aggregates. On the other hand, dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in neurons has been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a previous work, we showed that Aβ(1-42), the prevalent Aβ peptide found in the amyloid plaques of AD patients, binds with high affinity to purified calmodulin (CaM), with a dissociation constant ≈1 nM. In this work, to experimentally assess the Aβ(1-42) binding capacity to intracellular CaM, we used primary cultures of mature cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) as a neuronal model. Our results showed a large complexation of submicromolar concentrations of Aβ(1-42) dimers by CaM in CGN, up to 120 ± 13 picomoles of Aβ(1-42) /2.5 × 106 cells. Using fluorescence microscopy imaging, we showed an extensive co-localization of CaM and Aβ(1-42) in lipid rafts in CGN stained with up to 100 picomoles of Aβ(1-42)-HiLyteTM-Fluor555 monomers. Intracellular Aβ(1-42) concentration in this range was achieved by 2 h incubation of CGN with 2 μM Aβ(1-42), and this treatment lowered the resting cytosolic calcium of mature CGN in partially depolarizing 25 mM potassium medium. We conclude that the primary cause of the resting cytosolic calcium decrease is the inhibition of L-type calcium channels of CGN by Aβ(1-42) dimers, whose activity is inhibited by CaM:Aβ(1-42) complexes bound to lipid rafts.

The endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase SERCA2b is upregulated in activated microglia and its inhibition causes opposite effects on migration and phagocytosis

Activation of microglia is an early immune response to damage in the brain. Although a key role for Ca²⁺ as trigger of microglial activation has been considered, little is known about the molecular scenario for regulating Ca²⁺ homeostasis in these cells. Taking into account the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum as a cellular Ca²⁺ store, the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ -ATPase (SERCA2b) is an interesting target to modulate intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics. We found upregulation of SERCA2b in activated microglia of human brain with Alzheimer's disease and we further studied the participation of SERCA2b in microglial functions by using the BV2 murine microglial cell line and primary microglia isolated from mouse brain. To trigger microglia activation, we used the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is known to induce an increase of cytosolic Ca²⁺ . Our results showed an upregulated expression of SERCA2b in LPS-induced activated microglia likely associated to an attempt to restore the increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration. We analyzed SERCA2b contribution in microglial migration by using the specific SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin in scratch assays. Microglial migration was strongly stimulated with thapsigargin, even more than with LPS-induction, but delayed in time. However, phagocytic capacity of microglia was blocked in the presence of the SERCA inhibitor, indicating the importance of a tight control of cytosolic Ca²⁺ in these processes. All together, these results provide for the first time compelling evidence for SERCA2b as a major player regulating microglial functions, affecting migration and phagocytosis in an opposite manner.

Methylene Blue Blocks and Reverses the Inhibitory Effect of Tau on PMCA Function

Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic phenothiazine dye that, in the last years, has generated much debate about whether it could be a useful therapeutic drug for tau-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanism of action is far from clear. Recently we reported that MB activates the plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA) in membranes from human and pig tissues and from cells cultures, and that it could protect against inactivation of PMCA by amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). The purpose of the present study is to further examine whether the MB could also modulate the inhibitory effect of tau, another key molecular marker of AD, on PMCA activity. By using kinetic assays in membranes from several tissues and cell cultures, we found that this phenothiazine was able to block and even to completely reverse the inhibitory effect of tau on PMCA. The results of this work point out that MB could mediate the toxic effect of tau related to the deregulation of calcium homeostasis by blocking the impairment of PMCA activity by tau. We then could conclude that MB could interfere with the toxic effects of tau by restoring the function of PMCA pump as a fine tuner of calcium homeostasis.

Correction to: STIM1 deficiency is linked to Alzheimer's disease and triggers cell death in SH-SY5Y cells by upregulation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ entry

The original publication of this paper contains errors.

Methylene blue activates the PMCA activity and cross-interacts with amyloid β-peptide, blocking Aβ-mediated PMCA inhibition

The phenothiazine methylene blue (MB) is attracting increasing attention because it seems to have beneficial effects in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among other factors, the presence of neuritic plaques of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates, neurofibrilar tangles of tau and perturbation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ are important players of the disease. It has been proposed that MB decreases the formation of neuritic plaques due to Aβ aggregation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect is far from clear. In this work, we show that MB stimulates the Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of the plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA) in human tissues from AD-affected brain and age-matched controls and also from pig brain and cell cultures. In addition, MB prevents and even blocks the inhibitory effect of Aβ on PMCA activity. Functional analysis with mutants and fluorescence experiments strongly suggest that MB binds to PMCA, at the C-terminal tail, in a site located close to the last transmembrane helix and also that MB binds to the peptide. Besides, Aβ increases PMCA affinity for MB. These results point out a novel molecular basis of MB action on Aβ and PMCA as mediator of its beneficial effect on AD.

Functional interplay between plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, amyloid β-peptide and tau

It is well known that dysregulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis is involved in Alzheimeŕs disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of toxic aggregates of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau. Alteration of calcium signaling has been linked to Aβ and tau pathologies, although the understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms is far from clear. This review summarizes the functional inhibition of plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA) by Aβ and tau, and its modulation by calmodulin and the ionic nature of phospholipids. The data obtained until now in our laboratory suggest that PMCA injury linked to Aβ and tau can be significantly involved in the cascade of events leading to intracellular calcium overload associated to AD.

Phospholipids and calmodulin modulate the inhibition of PMCA activity by tau

The disruption of Ca²⁺ signaling in neurons, together with a failure to keep optimal intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, have been proposed as significant factors for neuronal dysfunction in the Ca²⁺ hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau is a protein that plays an essential role in axonal transport and can form abnormal structures such as neurofibrillary tangles that constitute one of the hallmarks of AD. We have recently shown that plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA), a key enzyme in the maintenance of optimal cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels in cells, is inhibited by tau in membrane vesicles. In the present study we show that tau inhibits synaptosomal PMCA purified from pig cerebrum, and reconstituted in phosphatidylserine-containing lipid bilayers, with a K_i value of 1.5±0.2nM tau. Noteworthy, the inhibitory effect of tau is dependent on the charge of the phospholipid used for PMCA reconstitution. In addition, nanomolar concentrations of calmodulin, the major endogenous activator of PMCA, protects against inhibition of the Ca²⁺-ATPase activity by tau. Our results in a cellular model such as SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells yielded an inhibition of PMCA by nanomolar tau concentrations and protection by calmodulin against this inhibition similar to those obtained with purified synaptosomal PMCA. Functional studies were also performed with native and truncated versions of human cerebral PMCA4b, an isoform that has been showed to be functionally regulated by amyloid peptides, whose aggregates constitutes another hallmark of AD. Kinetic assays point out that tau binds to the C-terminal tail of PMCA, at a site distinct but close to the calmodulin binding domain. In conclusion, PMCA can be seen as a molecular target for tau-induced cytosolic calcium dysregulation in synaptic terminals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

Inhibition of PMCA activity by tau as a function of aging and Alzheimer's neuropathology

Ca2+-ATPases are plasma membrane and intracellular membrane transporters that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to pump cytosolic Ca2+ out of the cell (PMCA) or into internal stores. These pumps are the main high-affinity Ca2+ systems involved in the maintenance of intracellular free Ca2+ at the properly low level in eukaryotic cells. The failure of neurons to keep optimal intracellular Ca2+ concentrations is a common feature of neurodegeneration by aging and aging-linked neuropathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This disease is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau, a protein that plays a key role in axonal transport. Here we show a novel inhibition of PMCA activity by tau which is concentration-dependent. The extent of inhibition significantly decreases with aging in mice and control human brain membranes, but inhibition profiles were similar in AD-affected brain membrane preparations, independently of age. No significant changes in PMCA expression and localization with aging or neuropathology were found. These results point out a link between Ca2+-transporters, aging and neurodegeneration mediated by tau protein.

Presynaptic control of glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) by physical and functional association with plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX)

Fast inhibitory glycinergic transmission occurs in spinal cord, brainstem, and retina to modulate the processing of motor and sensory information. After synaptic vesicle fusion, glycine is recovered back to the presynaptic terminal by the neuronal glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) to maintain quantal glycine content in synaptic vesicles. The loss of presynaptic GlyT2 drastically impairs the refilling of glycinergic synaptic vesicles and severely disrupts neurotransmission. Indeed, mutations in the gene encoding GlyT2 are the main presynaptic cause of hyperekplexia in humans. Here, we show a novel endogenous regulatory mechanism that can modulate GlyT2 activity based on a compartmentalized interaction between GlyT2, neuronal plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) isoforms 2 and 3, and Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger 1 (NCX1). This GlyT2·PMCA2,3·NCX1 complex is found in lipid raft subdomains where GlyT2 has been previously found to be fully active. We show that endogenous PMCA and NCX activities are necessary for GlyT2 activity and that this modulation depends on lipid raft integrity. Besides, we propose a model in which GlyT2·PMCA2-3·NCX complex would help Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in controlling local Na(+) increases derived from GlyT2 activity after neurotransmitter release.

Heterologous microarray analysis of transcriptome alterations in Mus spretus mice living in an industrial settlement

This work demonstrates the successful application of a commercial oligonucleotide microarray containing Mus musculus whole-genome probes to assess the biological effects of an industrial settlement on inhabitant Mus spretus mice. The transcriptomes of animals in the industrial settlement contrasted with those of specimens collected from a nearby protected ecosystem. Proteins encoded by the differentially expressed genes were broadly categorized into six main functional classes. Immune-associated genes were mostly induced and related to innate and acquired immunity and inflammation. Genes sorted into the stress-response category were mainly related to oxidative-stress tolerance and biotransformation. Metabolism-associated genes were mostly repressed and related to lipid metabolic pathways; these included genes that encoded 11 of the 20 cholesterol biosynthetic pathway enzymes. Crosstalk between members of different functional categories was also revealed, including the repression of serine-protease genes and the induction of protease-inhibitor genes to control the inflammatory response. Absolute quantification of selected transcripts was performed via RT-PCR to verify the microarray results and assess interindividual variability. Microarray data were further validated by immunoblotting and by cholesterol and protein-thiol oxidation level determinations. Reported data provide a broad impression of the biological consequences of residing in an industrial area.

High levels of Mn²⁺ inhibit secretory pathway Ca²⁺/Mn²⁺-ATPase (SPCA) activity and cause Golgi fragmentation in neurons and glia

Excess Mn(2+) in humans causes a neurological disorder known as manganism, which shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying Mn(2+) -neurotoxicity and the involvement of Mn(2+) -transporters in cellular homeostasis and repair are poorly understood and require further investigation. In this work, we have analyzed the effect of Mn(2+) on neurons and glia from mice in primary cultures. Mn(2+) overload compromised survival of both cell types, specifically affecting cellular integrity and Golgi organization, where the secretory pathway Ca(2+) /Mn(2+) -ATPase is localized. This ATP-driven Mn(2+) transporter might take part in Mn(2+) accumulation/detoxification at low loads of Mn(2+) , but its ATPase activity is inhibited at high concentration of Mn(2+) . Glial cells appear to be significantly more resistant to this toxicity than neurons and their presence in cocultures provided some protection to neurons against degeneration induced by Mn(2+) . Interestingly, the Mn(2+) toxicity was partially reversed upon Mn(2+) removal by wash out or by the addition of EDTA as a chelating agent, in particular in glial cells. These studies provide data on Mn(2+) neurotoxicity and may contribute to explore new therapeutic approaches for reducing Mn(2+) poisoning.

Calmodulin antagonizes amyloid-β peptides-mediated inhibition of brain plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase

The synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) plays an essential role in regulating intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in brain. We have recently found that PMCA is the only Ca(2+) pump in brain which is inhibited by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), a neurotoxic peptide implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) [1], but the mechanism of inhibition is lacking. In the present study we have characterized the inhibition of PMCA by Aβ. Results from kinetic assays indicate that Aβ aggregates are more potent inhibitors of PMCA activity than monomers. The inhibitory effect of Aβ could be blocked by pretreating the purified protein with Ca(2+)-calmodulin, the main endogenous activator of PMCA, and the activity of truncated PMCA lacking the calmodulin binding domain was not affected by Aβ. Dot-overlay experiments indicated a physical association of Aβ with PMCA and also with calmodulin. Thus, calmodulin could protect PMCA from inhibition by Aβ by burying exposed sites on PMCA, making them inaccessible to Aβ, and also by direct binding to the peptide. These results suggest a protective role of calmodulin against neuronal Ca(2+) dysregulation by PMCA inhibition induced by Aβ.

Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases in the nervous system during development and ageing

Calcium signaling is used by neurons to control a variety of functions, including cellular differentiation, synaptic maturation, neurotransmitter release, intracellular signaling and cell death. This review focuses on one of the most important Ca²⁺ regulators in the cell, the plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA), which has a high affinity for Ca²⁺ and is widely expressed in brain. The ontogeny of PMCA isoforms, linked to specific requirements of Ca²⁺ during development of different brain areas, is addressed, as well as their function in the adult tissue. This is based on the high diversity of variants in the PMCA family in brain, which show particular kinetic differences possibly related to specific localizations and functions of the cell. Conversely, alterations in the activity of PMCAs could lead to changes in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and, consequently, to neural dysfunction. The involvement of PMCA isoforms in certain neuropathologies and in brain ageing is also discussed.

Activity and localization of the secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase isoform 1 (SPCA1) in different areas of the mouse brain during postnatal development

Ca2+ and Mn2+ play an important role in many events in the nervous system, ranging from neural morphogenesis to neurodegeneration. As part of the homeostatic control of these ions, the Secretory Pathway Ca2+-ATPase isoform 1 (SPCA1) mediates the accumulation of Ca2+ or Mn2+ with high affinity into Golgi reservoirs. This SPCA1 represents a relatively recently characterized P-type pump that is highly expressed in nervous tissue, but information on its involvement in neural maturation is currently lacking. In this study, we have analyzed the expression and distribution of the SPCA1 pump in mouse brain during postnatal development. RT-PCR and Western blot assays showed that SPCA1 is particularly highly expressed at nearly constant levels during this entire period of development in cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In spite of the apparently unchanged expression levels, functional assays showed that SPCA-associated Ca2+-ATPase activity increased with the stage of development in these areas. Immunohistochemical studies pointed to SPCA1 localization in Golgi stacks of the soma and the initial part of primary dendritic trunk in main cortical, hippocampal and cerebellar neurons from the earliest postnatal stages. This suggests a potential role in intracellular signaling and in Golgi secretory processes involved in dendritic growth and in functional maturation of the mouse nervous system.

Functional and immunocytochemical evidence for the expression and localization of the secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase isoform 1 (SPCA1) in cerebellum relative to other Ca2+ pumps

Membrane fractions of pig cerebellum show Ca2+-ATPase activity and Ca2+ transport due to the presence of the secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase (SPCA). The SPCA1 isoform shows a wide distribution in the neurons of pig cerebellum, where it is found in the Golgi complex of the soma of Purkinje, stellate, basket and granule cells, and also in more distal components of the secretory pathway associated with a synaptic localization such as in cerebellar glomeruli. The SPCA1 may be involved in loading the Golgi complex and the secretory vesicles of these specific neuronal cell types with Ca2+ and also Mn2+. This study of the cellular and subcellular localization of SPCA1 pumps relative to the sarco(endo) plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase pumps hints to a possible specific role of SPCA1 in controlling the luminal secretory pathway Ca2+ (or Mn2+) levels as well as the local cytosolic Ca2+ levels. In addition, it helps to specify the zones that are most vulnerable to Ca2+ and/or Mn2+ dyshomeostasis, a condition that is held responsible of an increasing number of neurological disorders.

Developmental distribution of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoforms in chick cerebellum

The plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) is highly expressed in the nervous system, but little information is available about its implication in neuronal development. We have analyzed the expression and localization of different isoforms of PMCA in membrane vesicles and sections of chick cerebellum from embryonic day 10 to hatching. We found that the relative amount of each PMCA isoform and their spatiotemporal distribution in the cerebellum are directly linked to precise cellular types during the cerebellar maturation, even in a non-neural tissue as choroid plexus. Purkinje cells contain the highest diversity of PMCA isoforms of the cerebellar cortex since the moment of its morphogenesis. From embryonic day 15, the PMCA2 was highly expressed in the whole Purkinje cell, while PMCAs 1 and 3 had a more restricted distribution in the soma and dendritic branches, and these distributions were evolving according with cell maturation. Other cellular types seem to contain a specific combination of isoforms, but with a well-defined distribution pattern at late moments of development. Thus, PMCAs 1 and 3 were located in the soma of molecular layer interneurons, and only the PMCA2 was observed in granule cells at hatching. Furthermore, PMCA isoforms are also expressed in cellular compartments characterized by a high amount of synapses, suggesting a key role of these proteins in synaptogenesis and in the maturation of neuronal electrophysiological properties.

The plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoform 4 is localized in lipid rafts of cerebellum synaptic plasma membranes

Here we describe the association of the synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) from pig cerebellum with cholesterol/sphingomyelin-rich membrane domains (rafts). The PMCA4 was localized exclusively in rafts prepared by flotation in Nycodenz density gradients of ice-cold Brij 96 extracts. This was corroborated by its colocalization with the raft markers cholesterol, ganglioside GM1, and PrP(C). The remaining PMCA isoforms were found in the detergent-soluble fractions, with the majority of the membrane proteins. Activity assays confirmed the bimodal distribution of the PMCA isoforms in the density gradient, with a lower activity for PMCA4 and greater stimulation by calmodulin than for the other isoforms. By providing an ordered membrane microenvironment, lipid rafts may contribute to the interaction of PMCA4 with proteins involved in Ca2+ signaling at discrete functional positions on the synaptic nerve terminals.

Calcium pumps in the central nervous system

Two families of Ca2+ transport ATPases are involved in the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the nervous system, the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase that pumps Ca2+ to the extracellular medium and the intracellular sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase that transports Ca2+ from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum. Both types of calcium pumps show precise regulatory properties and they are localized in specific subcellular regions. In this review, we describe the functional and regulatory properties of both families of calcium pumps, their distribution in nerve cells, and their involvement in neurological disorders. The functional characterization of neuronal calcium pumps is very important in order to understand the biochemical processes involved in the maintenance of intracellular calcium in synaptic terminals.

A developmental profile of the levels of calcium pumps in chick cerebellum

The functional expression and distribution of intracellular ATPase (sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase: SERCA) and plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) was analyzed in the developing chick cerebellum. The activity and Ca(2+) uptake increase with development for both ATPases. However, the protein content increases with the stage of development only for SERCA, remaining constant for PMCA. Immunohistochemical assays showed that the ontogenesis of these ATPases goes along with definite stages of cerebellum histogenesis, and is complete at hatching. The SERCA is mainly distributed in Purkinje neurons, whereas the PMCA seems to be expressed initially in climbing fibers, shifting to soma and spiny branchlets of Purkinje cells at late embryonic stages. Granule cells express both ATPases according to their degree of maturity, whereas only PMCA is present in cerebellar glomeruli. These pumps are present in deep nuclei and the choroid plexus, although in this latter tissue their expression declines with development. The spatio-temporal distribution of SERCA and PMCA must be closely related to their association with the development of specific cells and processes of the chick cerebellum.

Localization of intracellular and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases in the cerebellum

The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase contribute to the regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These proteins transport Ca2+ ions into the endoplasmic reticulum and to the extracellular medium, respectively. A different localization of the two families of Ca2+-ATPases has been shown in concrete subcellular areas of Purkinje cells and in other neuronal elements from cerebellum. In the light of the actual knowledge of Ca2+-ATPases, this strict distribution suggests the existence of different demands on Ca2+ homeostasis in these cerebellar and cellular subregions.

The interaction of ethanol with reconstituted synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase

The primary effect of ethanol is on the central nervous system. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the physiological symptoms of ethanol intoxication are still unknown. Low concentrations of ethanol were observed to stimulate the activity of the calcium pump from reconstituted synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase (PMCA), and ethanol inhibited Ca2+ -ATPase activity at concentrations above 5%. The greatest stimulating effect was obtained with 5% (v/v) ethanol and was lipid-dependent, being 74% when the protein had been reconstituted in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and less when the reconstituted protein had previously been activated by calmodulin or after removal of a 9-kDa autoinhibitory site by controlled trypsinization. Stimulation of the pump by ethanol was lower for the native or trypsin-digested protein in the presence of phosphatidylserine than in PC. These results suggest a direct ethanol-protein interaction, because the activating effect depended on the state of Ca2+ -ATPase (native or truncated, or in presence of calmodulin). The activating mechanism of ethanol may involve opening an autoinhibitory domain located close to the calmodulin binding domain.

Localization of endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases in subcellular fractions and sections of pig cerebellum

Subcellular fractions and sections of the cerebellum were analysed to evaluate the relative activity and distribution of organellar and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases (SERCA and PMCA). Western blot analysis of the fractions with IID8 or Y/1F4 SERCA-specific antibodies or else with 5F10 or pbPMCA antibodies, specific to PMCA pump, revealed a major content of SERCA protein in microsomes and of PMCA protein in plasma membrane vesicles. The Ca2+-ATPase activity of microsomes was more sensitive to thapsigargin, a SERCA-specific inhibitor, whereas the activity of the plasma membrane vesicle fraction was inhibited more by vanadate, a blocker of PMCA activity. The SERCA and PMCA distribution analysed in cerebellar sections revealed IID8 antibody reactions in Purkinje cell cytoplasm, granule cells and cerebellar glomeruli. Y/1F4 gave immunostaining in Purkinje cells, molecular layer interneurons (basket and stellate cells) and glomeruli, but granule cells were not labelled. The 5F10 antibody reacted with Purkinje cells, including their dendritic spines, as well as cerebellar glomeruli, whereas the pbPMCA antibody labelled several processes in all three layers and some synaptic interaction sites. The differential content and localization of the two types of Ca2+ pumps in specific neuronal areas of pig cerebellum indicate precise Ca2+ requirements of specific cellular regions.

Ca2+ Transport by the Synaptosomal Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase and the Effect of Thioridazine

Thioridazine inhibits the activity of the synaptic plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase from pig brain and slightly decreases the rate of Ca(2+) accumulation by synaptic plasma membrane vesicles in the absence of phosphate. However, in the presence of phosphate, thioridazine increases the rate of Ca(2+) accumulation into synaptic plasma membrane vesicles. Phosphate anions diffuse through the membrane and form calcium phosphate crystals, reducing the free Ca(2+) concentration inside the vesicles and the rate of Ca(2+) leak. The higher levels of Ca(2+) accumulation obtained in the presence of thioridazine could be explained by a reduction of the rate of slippage on the plasma membrane ATPase.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 plays a crucial role in tau exon 10 splicing and intranuclear distribution of SC35. Implications for Alzheimer's disease

Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, are neurodegenerative disorders in which tau protein accumulates as a consequence of alterations in its metabolism. At least three different types of alterations have been described; in some cases, an aberrant mRNA splicing of tau exon 10 occurs; in other cases, the disorder is a consequence of missense mutations and, in most cases, aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation takes place. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) has emerged as a key kinase that is able to interact with several proteins involved in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Here, we have evaluated whether GSK-3 is also able to modulate tau-mRNA splicing. Our data demonstrate that GSK-3 inhibition in cultured neurons affects tau splicing resulting in an increase in tau mRNA containing exon 10. Pre-mRNA splicing is catalyzed by a multimolecular complex including members of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of splicing factors. Immunofluorescence studies showed that after GSK-3 inhibition, SC35, a member of the SR family, is redistributed and enriched in nuclear speckles and colocalizes with the kinase. Furthermore, immunoprecipitated SC35 is phosphorylated by recombinant GSK-3beta. Phosphorylation of a peptide from the SR domain by GSK-3 revealed that the peptide needs to be prephosphorylated, suggesting the involvement of a priming kinase. Our results demonstrate that GSK-3 plays a crucial role in tau exon 10 splicing, raising the possibility that GSK3 could contribute to tauopathies via aberrant tau splicing.

Effect of spermine on the activity of synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase reconstituted in neutral or acidic phospholipids

The activity of purified plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) from pig brain was inhibited by spermine (a naturally occurring and highly abundant polycation in brain). The level of inhibition was dependent on the phospholipid used for reconstitution as well as on the intact or truncated state of the enzyme. An IC(50) value of 12.5 mM spermine was obtained for both, the intact protein plus calmodulin and the trypsin-digested protein, reconstituted in phosphatidylcholine (PC). In the absence of calmodulin the intact Ca(2+)-ATPase gave an IC(50) of 27 mM. This form was more sensitive to spermine inhibition when it was reconstituted with phosphatidylserine (PS), showing an IC(50) value of 2.5 mM spermine. However, the truncated form was less responsive to spermine inhibition, having an IC(50) value of 12.5 mM. Spermine has no effect on the affinity of the PMCA for Ca(2+) or ATP, but its effect on the protein is pH-dependent. It is suggested that spermine could bind to negatively charged residues on the ATPase with different accessibility, depending on the structural rearrangement of the protein. Further, when the protein is reconstituted in PS, spermine also binds to the lipid.

Distribution of the intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 2b in pig brain subcellular fractions and cross-reaction with a monoclonal antibody raised against the enzyme isoform

The presence and distribution of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) isoform 2b in microsomes and other subcellular fractions isolated from pig brain has been demonstrated by the combined use of a specific antibody raised against the SERCA2b isoform and ATP phosphorylation experiments. All subcellular fractions show an approximately 110 kDa phosphorylated protein, the band intensity being stronger in microsomes. Preliminary treatment of the samples with trypsin generates two phosphorylated fragments of about 57 and 33 kDa in the presence of Ca(2+). The observed fragments are typical trypsinized products of the SERCA2b isoform. The monoclonal antibody Y/1F4 raised against the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (isoform 1) binds to the 110 kDa band in membranes isolated from brain. The binding was stronger in microsomes than in other fractions. Furthermore, this antibody also recognizes a clear band at around 115 kDa. This band is always stronger in plasma membrane than in synaptosomes or microsomes and is unaffected by trypsin. Phosphorylation studies in the absence of Ca(2+) suggest that the 115 kDa protein is not a Ca(2+)-ATPase.

Ca2+ transport by reconstituted synaptosomal ATPase is associated with H+ countertransport and net charge displacement

The synaptosomal plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) purified from pig brain was reconstituted with liposomes prepared by reverse phase evaporation at a lipid to protein ratio of 150/1 (w/w). ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake and H+ ejection by the reconstituted proteoliposomes were demonstrated by following light absorption and fluorescence changes undergone by arsenazo III and 8-hydroxy-1,3, 6-pyrene trisulfonate, respectively. Ca2+ uptake was increased up to 2-3-fold by the H+ ionophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, consistent with relief of an inhibitory transmembrane pH gradient (i.e. lumenal alkalinization) generated by H+ countertransport. The stoichiometric ratio of Ca2+/H+ countertransport was 1.0/0.6, and the ATP/Ca2+ coupling stoichiometry was 1/1 at 25 degrees C. The electrogenic character of the Ca2+/H+ countertransport was demonstrated by measuring light absorption changes undergone by oxonol VI. It was shown that a 20 mV steady state potential (positive on the lumenal side) was formed as a consequence of net charge transfer associated with the 1/1 Ca2+/H+ countertransport. Calmodulin stimulated ATPase activity, Ca2+ uptake, and H+ ejection, demonstrating that these parameters are linked by the same mechanism of PMCA regulation.

Characterization of the intracellular and the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases in fractionated pig brain membranes using calcium pump inhibitors

The Ca2+-ATPase activity of isolated membranes and purified plasma membrane ATPase from pig brain was measured in the presence of specific inhibitors. The inhibition of the enzymatic activity by vanadate presents a lower affinity in microsomes than in the synaptic plasma membrane vesicles, showing K0.5 of 0.4 and 0.2 microM, respectively. The purified enzyme showed a higher sensitivity to vanadate with a K0.5 of 0.10 microM. Thapsigargin (Tg) and 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) were stronger inhibitors of the Ca2+-ATPase activity in microsomes than in the synaptic membrane vesicles. The activity of the purified enzyme was not affected by Tg and only partially by BHQ. Cyclopiazonic acid inhibited the enzymatic activity in all fractions, being more sensitive in microsomes. The microsome preparation incorporated 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP into two main proteins that appear at approx 110,000 and 140,000. According to the inhibition pattern, the lower phosphorylated band was identified as the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, being in a higher percentage than the upper band. Synaptic membrane vesicles also incorporated radioactive 32P into two protein bands. The 140,000 protein (upper band) shows the typical behavior of the purified plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, being more abundant in this preparation than the organellar Ca2+-pump (lower band). This study highlights the heterogeneous nature of the Ca2+-ATPase activity measured in brain membrane fractions.

Purification of the synaptosomal plasma membrane (Ca(2+) + Mg(2+))-ATPase from pig brain

The Ca(2+)-ATPase from the synaptosomal plasma membrane has been purified nearly to homogeneity from pig brain by a new procedure involving the calmodulin-affinity-chromatography technique. This is a convenient alternative to the standard methods for the purification of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase from different sources that were unsuitable to purify the enzyme from pig brain. The main feature of this procedure is the use of 15% (v/v) glycerol as stabilizing agent, instead of acidic phospholipid. By using this protocol the enzyme was purified 36-fold with respect to the plasma membrane vesicle fraction, showing a specific activity of 2.3 i.u. in the presence of acidic phospholipid. In SDS/PAGE, it appears as a single protein band around Mr140 000 that can be phosphorylated by [gamma-(32)P]ATP in the presence of La(3+) and recognized by specific antibodies against the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase from pig antral smooth muscle. Calmodulin activates the enzyme 1.5-1.8-fold in the presence of phosphatidylcholine but not in the presence of phosphatidylserine.

The modulation of Ca2+ binding to sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase by ATP analogues is pH-dependent

Excess ATP is known to enhance Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and, among other effects, to accelerate the Ca2+ binding reaction. In previous work, we studied the pH dependence of this reaction and proposed a 3H+/2Ca2+ exchange at the transport sites, in agreement with the H+/Ca2+ counter transport. Here we studied the effect of ADP and nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues on the Ca2+ binding reaction at various pH values. At pH 6, where Ca2+ binding is monophasic and slow, ADP, adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)triphosphate (AMP-PCP), or adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (AMPPNP) increased the Ca2+ binding rate constant 20-fold. At pH 7 and 8, where Ca2+ binding is biphasic, the nucleotides induce fast and monophasic Ca2+ binding. At pH 7, AMP-PCP accelerated Ca2+ binding with an apparent dissociation constant of 10 microM. At acidic pH, ADP, AMPPCP, or AMPPNP increased the equilibrium affinity of Ca2+ for ATPase, whereas at alkaline pH, these nucleotides had no effect. At pH 5.5, AMPPCP increased equilibrium Ca2+ binding with an apparent dissociation constant of 1 microM.

Labeling the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum at Glu-439 with 5-(bromomethyl)fluorescein

The (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was labeled with 5-(bromomethyl)fluorescein. A stoichiometry of one label per ATPase molecule was found, which was unaffected by the presence of ATP. Labeling resulted in a 60% decrease in ATPase activity. Sequencing identified the labeled residue as Glu-439. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the labeled ATPase was unaffected by the addition of Ca2+ or vanadate or by phosphorylation with either Pi or ATP. Measurement of the pK of the bound fluorescein and observation of quenching by KI were consistent with a relatively exposed location for the fluorophore. Measurements of fluorescence energy transfer located the position of Glu-439 relative to Lys-515 and Cys-344 and relative to the membrane surface. None of these distances changed in binding Ca2+ or vanadate.

Localization of Cys-344 on the (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum using resonance energy transfer

4-Bromomethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-coumarin labels the (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum at Cys-344. Resonance energy transfer has been used to measure the distance between this site and Lys-515 labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate as about 37 A. The height of Cys-344 above the phospholipid/water interface has been measured by resonance energy transfer for the ATPase reconstituted into bilayers containing fluorescein-labelled phosphatidylethanolamine; the height was found to be about 45 A. None of these distances was found to alter on changing pH, or on addition of Mg2+, Ca2+ or vanadate. Quenching of the fluorescence of the coumarin-labelled ATPase with KI suggested that the fluorophore is not fully exposed on the ATPase.

Evidence for the lumenal location of the 53 kDa glycoprotein of sarcoplasmic reticulum

The 53 kDa glycoprotein from sarcoplasmic reticulum was shown to be protected from proteolysis by trypsin, V8 proteinase and proteinase K in intact vesicles yet readily digested in the presence of the non-denaturing detergent C12E8. Competitive ELISAs with a library of seven monoclonal antibodies raised against the 53 kDa glycoprotein showed that the epitopes for these antibodies were only accessible in C12E8 solubilised and not intact sarcoplasmic reticulum. When the monoclonal antibodies against the 53 kDa glycoprotein were assessed for their effect on the uptake of Ca2+ by sarcoplasmic reticulum no effect was detected; neither were these antibodies able to augment the inhibitory influences of anti-(Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase monoclonal antibodies on Ca2+ uptake. These data indicate that the 53 kDa glycoprotein is located in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Reactivity of lysyl residues on the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase to 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic acid succinimidyl ester

The (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum was labeled with the succinimidyl ester of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic (AMCA). Although a large number of residues were labeled, it was found that Lys-492 was labeled preferentially at pH values between 6 and 8, consistent with an unusual environment for this residue. Labeling was reduced in the presence of ATP, suggesting that Lys-492 is in or near the ATP binding site of the ATPase. Other identified residues labeled by AMCA were Lys-35, Lys-135, Lys-218, Lys-371, and Lys-605. It is suggested that these represent surface-exposed lysyl residues. Lys-515, labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), was not labeled by AMCA. Labeling with AMCA at pH 6.0 has no effect on ATPase activity, suggesting that Lys-492 is not essential for activity. The fluorescence of AMCA-labeled ATPase did not change on addition of either ATP in the presence of Ca2+ or Pi in the absence of Ca2+, suggesting that Lys-492 was not affected by any major conformational changes on the ATPase. The efficiency of fluorescence energy transfer between AMCA and FITC labels on the ATPase was unaffected by binding Ca2+ or vanadate, arguing against any large-scale movement of the cytoplasmic domains of the ATPase.

Definition of surface-exposed and trans-membranous regions of the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum using anti-peptide antibodies

Peptides have been synthesized representing parts of the transduction, phosphorylation, nucleotide-binding and hinge domains of the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and corresponding to segments of all of the postulated short inter-membranous loops of the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase (residues 77-88, 277-287, 780-791, 808-818, 915-924 and 949-958). A number of antibodies raised to these peptides have been shown to bind to the ATPase, defining surface-exposed regions. Many of these are concentrated in the phosphorylation and nucleotide-binding domains, suggesting that these domains could be exposed on the top surface of the ATPase. The cytoplasmic location of the loop containing residues 808-818 was confirmed by the finding that proteinase K treatment of intact SR vesicles enhanced the binding of antibodies against this segment. These findings support the 10-alpha-helix model of the ATPase. These results also suggest that only inter-membranous loops larger than about 20 residues are likely to be detected by immunological methods in transmembranous proteins. Binding of anti-peptide antibodies to proteolytic fragments of the ATPase has been used to define the domain structure of the enzyme. Some of the anti-peptide antibodies have been characterized by studying their binding to sets of hexameric peptides synthesized on plastic pegs. A wide pattern of responses is observed, with a restricted range of epitopes being recognized by each anti-peptide antibody.