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Bacsa B, Hopl V, Derler I. Synthetic Biology Meets Ca 2+ Release-Activated Ca 2+ Channel-Dependent Immunomodulation. Cells 2024; 13:468. [PMID: 38534312 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many essential biological processes are triggered by the proximity of molecules. Meanwhile, diverse approaches in synthetic biology, such as new biological parts or engineered cells, have opened up avenues to precisely control the proximity of molecules and eventually downstream signaling processes. This also applies to a main Ca2+ entry pathway into the cell, the so-called Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. CRAC channels are among other channels are essential in the immune response and are activated by receptor-ligand binding at the cell membrane. The latter initiates a signaling cascade within the cell, which finally triggers the coupling of the two key molecular components of the CRAC channel, namely the stromal interaction molecule, STIM, in the ER membrane and the plasma membrane Ca2+ ion channel, Orai. Ca2+ entry, established via STIM/Orai coupling, is essential for various immune cell functions, including cytokine release, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. In this review, we summarize the tools of synthetic biology that have been used so far to achieve precise control over the CRAC channel pathway and thus over downstream signaling events related to the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bacsa
- Division of Medical Physics und Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Valentina Hopl
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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Maltan L, Weiß S, Najjar H, Leopold M, Lindinger S, Höglinger C, Höbarth L, Sallinger M, Grabmayr H, Berlansky S, Krivic D, Hopl V, Blaimschein A, Fahrner M, Frischauf I, Tiffner A, Derler I. Photocrosslinking-induced CRAC channel-like Orai1 activation independent of STIM1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1286. [PMID: 36890174 PMCID: PMC9995687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36458-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, indispensable for the immune system and various other human body functions, consist of two transmembrane (TM) proteins, the Ca2+-sensor STIM1 in the ER membrane and the Ca2+ ion channel Orai1 in the plasma membrane. Here we employ genetic code expansion in mammalian cell lines to incorporate the photocrosslinking unnatural amino acids (UAA), p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (Bpa) and p-azido-L-phenylalanine (Azi), into the Orai1 TM domains at different sites. Characterization of the respective UAA-containing Orai1 mutants using Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiology reveal that exposure to UV light triggers a range of effects depending on the UAA and its site of incorporation. In particular, photoactivation at A137 using Bpa in Orai1 activates Ca2+ currents that best match the biophysical properties of CRAC channels and are capable of triggering downstream signaling pathways such as nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) translocation into the nucleus without the need for the physiological activator STIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Maltan
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Sarah Weiß
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Hadil Najjar
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Melanie Leopold
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Sonja Lindinger
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Carmen Höglinger
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Lorenz Höbarth
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Matthias Sallinger
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Herwig Grabmayr
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Sascha Berlansky
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Denis Krivic
- Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Valentina Hopl
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Anna Blaimschein
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Marc Fahrner
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Irene Frischauf
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Adéla Tiffner
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020, Linz, Austria.
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Tiffner A, Hopl V, Derler I. CRAC and SK Channels: Their Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Cancer Cell Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010101. [PMID: 36612099 PMCID: PMC9817886 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents a major health burden worldwide. Several molecular targets have been discovered alongside treatments with positive clinical outcomes. However, the reoccurrence of cancer due to therapy resistance remains the primary cause of mortality. Endeavors in pinpointing new markers as molecular targets in cancer therapy are highly desired. The significance of the co-regulation of Ca2+-permeating and Ca2+-regulated ion channels in cancer cell development, proliferation, and migration make them promising molecular targets in cancer therapy. In particular, the co-regulation of the Orai1 and SK3 channels has been well-studied in breast and colon cancer cells, where it finally leads to an invasion-metastasis cascade. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered, such as which key molecular components determine and regulate their interplay. To provide a solid foundation for a better understanding of this ion channel co-regulation in cancer, we first shed light on the physiological role of Ca2+ and how this ion is linked to carcinogenesis. Then, we highlight the structure/function relationship of Orai1 and SK3, both individually and in concert, their role in the development of different types of cancer, and aspects that are not yet known in this context.
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Tiffner A, Hopl V, Schober R, Sallinger M, Grabmayr H, Höglinger C, Fahrner M, Lunz V, Maltan L, Frischauf I, Krivic D, Bhardwaj R, Schindl R, Hediger MA, Derler I. Orai1 Boosts SK3 Channel Activation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6357. [PMID: 34944977 PMCID: PMC8699475 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay of SK3, a Ca2+ sensitive K+ ion channel, with Orai1, a Ca2+ ion channel, has been reported to increase cytosolic Ca2+ levels, thereby triggering proliferation of breast and colon cancer cells, although a molecular mechanism has remained elusive to date. We show in the current study, via heterologous protein expression, that Orai1 can enhance SK3 K+ currents, in addition to constitutively bound calmodulin (CaM). At low cytosolic Ca2+ levels that decrease SK3 K+ permeation, co-expressed Orai1 potentiates SK3 currents. This positive feedback mechanism of SK3 and Orai1 is enabled by their close co-localization. Remarkably, we discovered that loss of SK3 channel activity due to overexpressed CaM mutants could be restored by Orai1, likely via its interplay with the SK3-CaM binding site. Mapping for interaction sites within Orai1, we identified that the cytosolic strands and pore residues are critical for a functional communication with SK3. Moreover, STIM1 has a bimodal role in SK3-Orai1 regulation. Under physiological ionic conditions, STIM1 is able to impede SK3-Orai1 interplay by significantly decreasing their co-localization. Forced STIM1-Orai1 activity and associated Ca2+ influx promote SK3 K+ currents. The dynamic regulation of Orai1 to boost endogenous SK3 channels was also determined in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Tiffner
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Valentina Hopl
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Romana Schober
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
- Gottfried Schatz Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (D.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Matthias Sallinger
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Herwig Grabmayr
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Carmen Höglinger
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Marc Fahrner
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Victoria Lunz
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Lena Maltan
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Irene Frischauf
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Denis Krivic
- Gottfried Schatz Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (D.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Rajesh Bhardwaj
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (R.B.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Schindl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (D.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Matthias A. Hediger
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (R.B.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Derler
- JKU Life Science Center, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria; (A.T.); (V.H.); (R.S.); (M.S.); (H.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.); (V.L.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
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