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Tan CH, Kornfeld K. Zinc is an intracellular signal during sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Development 2021; 148:273336. [PMID: 34739028 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm activation is a rapid and dramatic cell differentiation event that does not involve changes in transcription, and the signaling cascades that mediate this process have not been fully defined. zipt-7.1 encodes a zinc transporter, and zipt-7.1(lf) mutants display sperm-activation defects, leading to the hypothesis that zinc signaling mediates sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we describe the development of a method for dynamic imaging of labile zinc during sperm activation using the zinc-specific fluorescence probe FluoZin-3 AM and time-lapse confocal imaging. Two phases of dynamic changes in labile zinc levels were observed during sperm activation. Forced zinc entry using the zinc ionophore pyrithione activated sperm in vitro, and it suppressed the defects of zipt-7.1(lf) mutants, indicating that high levels of cytosolic zinc are sufficient for sperm activation. We compared activation by zinc pyrithione to activation by extracellular zinc, the Na+/H+ antiporter monensin and the protease cocktail pronase in multiple mutant backgrounds. These results indicate that the protease pathway does not require zinc signaling, suggesting that zinc signaling is sufficient to activate sperm but is not always necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Chakraborty M, Asraf H, Sekler I, Hershfinkel M. ZnR/GPR39 controls cell migration by orchestrating recruitment of KCC3 into protrusions, re-organization of actin and activation of MMP. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102330. [PMID: 33465674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102330] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Actin re-organization and degradation of extracellular matrix by metalloproteases (MMPs) facilitate formation of cellular protrusions that are required for cell proliferation and migration. We find that Zn2+ activation of the Gq-coupled receptor ZnR/GPR39 controls these processes by regulating K+/Cl- co-transporter KCC3, which modulates cell volume. Silencing of KCC3 expression or activity reverses ZnR/GPR39 enhancement of cell proliferation, migration and invasion through Matrigel. Activation of ZnR/GPR39 recruits KCC3 into F-actin rich membrane protrusions, suggesting that it can locally control volume changes. Immunofluorescence analysis indicates that Zn2+ activation of ZnR/GPR39 and KCC3 are required to enhance formation of F-actin stress fibers and cellular protrusions. In addition, ZnR/GPR39 upregulation of KCC3-dependent transport increases the activity of matrix metalloproteases MMP2 and MMP9. Our study establishes a mechanism in which ZnR/GPR39 orchestrates localization and activation of KCC3, formation of F-actin rich cell protrusions and activation of MMPs, and thereby controls cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Chakraborty
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hila Asraf
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Israel Sekler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Hershfinkel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Thingholm TE, Rönnstrand L, Rosenberg PA. Why and how to investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in ZIP and ZnT zinc transporter activity and regulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3085-102. [PMID: 32076742 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03473-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is required for the regulation of proliferation, metabolism, and cell signaling. It is an intracellular second messenger, and the cellular level of ionic, mobile zinc is strictly controlled by zinc transporters. In mammals, zinc homeostasis is primarily regulated by ZIP and ZnT zinc transporters. The importance of these transporters is underscored by the list of diseases resulting from changes in transporter expression and activity. However, despite numerous structural studies of the transporters revealing both zinc binding sites and motifs important for transporter function, the exact molecular mechanisms regulating ZIP and ZnT activities are still not clear. For example, protein phosphorylation was found to regulate ZIP7 activity resulting in the release of Zn2+ from intracellular stores leading to phosphorylation of tyrosine kinases and activation of signaling pathways. In addition, sequence analyses predict all 24 human zinc transporters to be phosphorylated suggesting that protein phosphorylation is important for regulation of transporter function. This review describes how zinc transporters are implicated in a number of important human diseases. It summarizes the current knowledge regarding ZIP and ZnT transporter structures and points to how protein phosphorylation seems to be important for the regulation of zinc transporter activity. The review addresses the need to investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in zinc transporter function and regulation, and argues for a pressing need to introduce quantitative phosphoproteomics to specifically target zinc transporters and proteins involved in zinc signaling. Finally, different quantitative phosphoproteomic strategies are suggested.
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Aster I, Barth LM, Rink L, Wessels I. Alterations in membrane fluidity are involved in inhibition of GM-CSF-induced signaling in myeloid cells by zinc. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 54:214-220. [PMID: 31109615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Zinc has a strong influence on the function of the immune system and is a driving factor for immune cell development. In this regard, studies revealed cell type specific effects of zinc. During zinc deficiency for example, development and activity of myeloid cells seems to be prioritized at the cost of cells from the lymphoid lineage. In T-cells, the altered proliferation was found to be due to zinc's effect on IL-2-induced signaling processes, but in contrast to lymphoid cells, effects of zinc homeostasis on growth-factor-induced signaling in myeloid cells have not been investigated yet. The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is one of the major factors inducing monopoiesis. Considering the structural similarities between the GM-CSF receptor and those of the IL-receptor family as well as a similar set of signaling molecules involved, an impact of zinc on the GM-CSF signaling seems to be likely. Therefore, the effect of zinc on GM-CSF-induced signaling molecules was investigated here, using U937 cells as a model myeloid cell line. GM-CSF stimulation significantly increased STAT5 phosphorylation which was prevented completely by pre-incubation with zinc and pyrithione. U937 cells showed a strong pre-activation regarding c-Raf, which was significantly decreased by zinc and pyrithione incubation, independently from GM-CSF stimulation. As current literature was not sufficient to explain the observed effects, we hypothesized an altered receptor-complex assembly. As membrane composition and plasticity, subsumed under the term of membrane fluidity, was found to affect receptor multimerization, the impact of zinc on membrane fluidity was considered as a completely novel approach. Indeed, addition of zinc also decreased GM-CSFR expression on the cell surface and most interestingly altered membrane fluidity. In conclusion, we hypothesize that the incubation with zinc causes an alteration of membrane fluidity that hinders efficient receptor assembly as well as phosphorylation of signal molecules and therefore signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Aster
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Barth
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Inga Wessels
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Mero M, Asraf H, Sekler I, Taylor KM, Hershfinkel M. ZnR/GPR39 upregulation of K +/Cl --cotransporter 3 in tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells. Cell Calcium 2019; 81:12-20. [PMID: 31146164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Expression of the zinc receptor, ZnR/GPR39, is increased in higher grade breast cancer tumors and cells. Zinc, its ligand, is accumulated at larger concentrations in the tumor tissue and can therefore activate ZnR/GPR39-dependent Ca2+ signaling leading to tumor progression. The K+/Cl- co-transporters (KCC), activated by intracellular signaling, enhance breast cancer cell migration and invasion. We asked if ZnR/GPR39 enhances breast cancer cell malignancy by activating KCC. Activation of ZnR/GPR39 by Zn2+ upregulated K+/Cl- co-transport activity, measured using NH4+ as a surrogate to K+ while monitoring intracellular pH. Upregulation of NH4+ transport was monitored in tamoxifen resistant cells with functional ZnR/GPR39-dependent Ca2+ signaling but not in MCF-7 cells lacking this response. The NH4+ transport was Na+-independent, and we therefore focused on KCC family members. Silencing of KCC3, but not KCC4, expression abolished Zn2+-dependent K+/Cl- co-transport, suggesting that KCC3 is mediating upregulated NH4+ transport. The ZnR/GPR39-dependent KCC3 activation accelerated scratch closure rate, which was abolished by inhibiting KCC transport with [(DihydroIndenyl) Oxy] Alkanoic acid (DIOA). Importantly, silencing of either ZnR/GPR39 or KCC3 attenuated Zn2+-dependent scratch closure. Thus, a novel link between KCC3 and Zn2+, via ZnR/GPR39, promotes breast cancer cell migration and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Mero
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hila Asraf
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Israel Sekler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Kathryn M Taylor
- Breast Cancer Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Redwood Building, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Michal Hershfinkel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Levaot N, Hershfinkel M. How cellular Zn2+ signaling drives physiological functions. Cell Calcium. 2018;75:53-63. [PMID: 30145429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient affecting many aspects of human health. Cellular Zn2+ homeostasis is critical for cell function and survival. Zn2+, acting as a first or second messenger, triggers signaling pathways that mediate the physiological roles of Zn2+. Transient changes in Zn2+ concentrations within the cell or in the extracellular region occur following its release from Zn2+ binding metallothioneins, its transport across membranes by the ZnT or ZIP transporters, or release of vesicular Zn2+. These transients activate a distinct Zn2+ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, or modulate numerous proteins and signaling pathways. Importantly, Zn2+ signaling regulates cellular physiological functions such as: proliferation, differentiation, ion transport and secretion. Indeed, novel therapeutic approaches aimed to maintain Zn2+ homeostasis and signaling are evolving. This review focuses on recent findings describing roles of Zn2+ and its transporters in regulating physiological or pathological processes.
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Thomas P, Pang Y, Dong J. Membrane androgen receptor characteristics of human ZIP9 (SLC39A) zinc transporter in prostate cancer cells: Androgen-specific activation and involvement of an inhibitory G protein in zinc and MAP kinase signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 447:23-34. [PMID: 28219737 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Characteristics of novel human membrane androgen receptor (mAR), ZIP9 (SLC39A9), were investigated in ZIP9-transfected PC-3 cells (PC3-ZIP9). Ligand blot analysis showed plasma membrane [3H]-T binding corresponds to the position of ZIP9 on Western blots which suggests ZIP9 can bind [3H]-T alone, without a protein partner. Progesterone antagonized testosterone actions, blocking increases in zinc, Erk phosphorylation and apoptosis, further evidence that ZIP9 is specifically activated by androgens. Pre-treatment with GTPγS and pertussis toxin decreased plasma membrane [3H]-T binding and blocked testosterone-induced increases in Erk phosphorylation and intracellular zinc, indicating ZIP9 is coupled to an inhibitory G protein (Gi) that mediates both MAP kinase and zinc signaling. Testosterone treatment of nuclei and mitochondria which express ZIP9 decreased their zinc contents, suggesting ZIP9 also regulates free zinc through releasing it from these intracellular organelles. The results show ZIP9 is a specific Gi coupled-mAR mediating testosterone-induced MAP kinase and zinc signaling in PC3-ZIP9 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
| | - Yefei Pang
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Jing Dong
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
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Sunuwar L, Asraf H, Donowitz M, Sekler I, Hershfinkel M. The Zn 2+-sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, upregulates colonocytic Cl - absorption, via basolateral KCC1, and reduces fluid loss. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:947-960. [PMID: 28093242 PMCID: PMC5557417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Administration of zinc, as a complement to oral rehydration solutions, effectively diminishes duration and severity of diarrhea, but it is not known whether it merely fulfills a nutritional deficiency, or if zinc has a direct role of regulating solute absorption. We show that Zn2+ acts via a specific receptor, ZnR/GPR39, to reduce fluid loss. Intestinal fluid secretion triggered by cholera toxin (CTx) was lower in WT mice compared to ZnR/GPR39 KO. In the absence of dietary Zn2+ we observed similar fluid accumulation in WT and ZnR/GPR39 KO mice, indicating that Zn2+ and ZnR/GPR39 are both required for a beneficial effect of Zn2+ in diarrhea. In primary colonocytes and in Caco-2 colonocytic cells, activation of ZnR/GPR39 enhanced Cl- transport, a critical factor in diarrhea, by upregulating K+/Cl- cotransporter (KCC1) activity. Importantly, we show basolateral expression of KCC1 in mouse and human colonocytes, thus identifying a novel Cl- absorption pathway. Finally, inhibition of KCC-dependent Cl- transport enhanced CTx-induced fluid loss. Altogether, our data indicate that Zn2+ acting via ZnR/GPR39 has a direct role in controlling Cl- absorption via upregulation of basolateral KCC1 in the colon. Moreover, colonocytic ZnR/GPR39 and KCC1 reduce water loss during diarrhea and may therefore serve as effective drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Sunuwar
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hila Asraf
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Mark Donowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Israel Sekler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Hershfinkel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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Hara T, Takeda TA, Takagishi T, Fukue K, Kambe T, Fukada T. Physiological roles of zinc transporters: molecular and genetic importance in zinc homeostasis. J Physiol Sci 2017; 67:283-301. [PMID: 28130681 PMCID: PMC10717645 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-017-0521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [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: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that regulates the expression and activation of biological molecules such as transcription factors, enzymes, adapters, channels, and growth factors, along with their receptors. Zn deficiency or excessive Zn absorption disrupts Zn homeostasis and affects growth, morphogenesis, and immune response, as well as neurosensory and endocrine functions. Zn levels must be adjusted properly to maintain the cellular processes and biological responses necessary for life. Zn transporters regulate Zn levels by controlling Zn influx and efflux between extracellular and intracellular compartments, thus, modulating the Zn concentration and distribution. Although the physiological functions of the Zn transporters remain to be clarified, there is growing evidence that Zn transporters are related to human diseases, and that Zn transporter-mediated Zn ion acts as a signaling factor, called "Zinc signal". Here we describe critical roles of Zn transporters in the body and their contribution at the molecular, biochemical, and genetic levels, and review recently reported disease-related mutations in the Zn transporter genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Hara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Takeda
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Takagishi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Fukue
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taiho Kambe
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Fukada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan.
- Division of Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
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