钙调蛋白研究的新进展

最近对钙调蛋白(CaM)的研究,揭示了它的三维结构及其两个结构域的功能。肯定了CaM的Ⅲ、Ⅳ位是Ca²⁺结合的高亲和位,并据此提出了CaM活化靶酶的新模型。发现神经钙蛋白(CaN)为一种依赖CaM的磷酸酶和两种最强的CaM桔抗剂多肽Mastoparan和药物EBB。证明一些疾病同Ca²⁺、CaM有关。     

脉冲电场对粒细胞内Ca2+浓度影响的动态变化

利用激光共聚焦扫描显微镜和装有CCD系统的荧光显微镜 ,研究在单脉冲电场作用下经fluo 3/AM标记的鸡胚小脑粒细胞内自由Ca²⁺浓度 ( [Ca ²⁺]_i)的动态变化过程 .结果表明 :在单个电脉冲作用下 ,细胞内Ca²⁺浓度立刻升高并达到其最大值 .Ca²⁺浓度升高的幅度以及升高的速率具有电场强度的依赖性 .当细胞外Ca²⁺被过量的EGTA络合或细胞膜上的Ca²⁺通道被La ³⁺堵塞后 ,细胞内的Ca²⁺浓度仍然升高 .细胞内不同区域的Ca²⁺浓度同时升高 ;两极内的Ca²⁺浓度早于胞体的Ca²⁺浓度达到最大值并迅速恢复 .     

磷酸化和脱磷酸化对牛脑63kD环核苷酸磷酸二酯酶同工酶活性的调节

本文报道了CaM依赖性磷酸化和脱磷酸化对牛脑63kD PDE同工酶活性的调节作用。实验结果如下:(1)在存在Ca²⁺和CaM时,提纯的牛脑Ca²⁺/CaM-PK Ⅱ能催化牛脑63kD PDE同工酶磷酸化。最大磷酸参入量是1mol/mo1亚基;(2)在Ni²⁺和CaM存在时,提纯的牛脑钙调神经磷酸酶能催化磷酸化型63kDPDE同工酶脱磷酸化;(3)CaH²⁺对磷酸化型63kD PDE同工酶的半激活浓度(AC₅₀)高于非磷酸化型。     

骨骼肌内质网Ca2+泵转运Ca2+的结构基础

Ca²⁺泵(Ca²⁺-ATPase)是调节细胞内Ca²⁺浓度的重要蛋白质之一. Ca²⁺泵在转运Ca²⁺的过程中经历一系列构象变化. 其中,E1状态为外向的Ca²⁺高亲和状态,E2状态则为内向的Ca²⁺低亲和状态. 目前,骨骼肌内质网Ca²⁺泵转运Ca²⁺过程中的几个中间状态,包括E1-2Ca²⁺,E1-ATP,E1-P-ADP,E2-Pi和E2状态的三维晶体结构已经解析. 介绍这几种状态的晶体结构,并分析Ca²⁺泵在执行功能过程中结构与功能的关系.     

钙调素结合蛋白参与调控植物逆境胁迫的研究进展

Ca²⁺是植物体内重要的第二信使,当植物受到各种环境刺激时,细胞内的Ca²⁺浓度瞬间产生变化,并被Ca²⁺信号效应器识别,通过与下游的靶蛋白结合并调节其活性,参与调控植物各种生理活动。钙调素结合蛋白以依赖Ca²⁺或不依赖Ca²⁺的方式结合钙调素。对目前已经鉴定的植物钙调素结合蛋白结构特点进行了综述,并着重介绍了钙调素结合蛋白是如何参与调节植物对生物胁迫和非生物胁迫的反应,为提高作物抗病抗逆能力研究提供理论基础。     

Ca2+循环的变化是心肌线粒体受损伤的敏感指标

在氧自由基的作用下,心肌线粒体Ca²⁺循环、膜脂的物理状态、氧化磷酸化效率(ADP/O)、呼吸控制率(RCR)值及跨膜电位差都发生了明显的变化.如果将体系中氧自由基的强度减弱到一定程度,心肌线粒体膜脂物理状态与能量转换功能的改变已不显著,但其Ca²⁺循环的变化仍很明显.此外,在解偶联或呼吸抑制条件下,心肌线粒体Ca²⁺转运功能仍未完全消失;此时,Ca²⁺循环的幅值约为对照的60％～70％,表明线粒体 Ca²⁺转运并非完全依赖于其呼吸链的功能,而可能与非H~+梯度所形成的膜电位差有关.氧自由基对这部分Ca²⁺转运仍有明显影响的结果提示,后者可能是线粒体结构与功能损伤更为敏感的指标.     

豚鼠精子质膜Ca2+ -ATPase活性与精子顶体反应关系的研究

用生化测定法首次证实豚鼠精子质膜Ca²⁺-ATPase活性在精子获能和顶体反应过程中显著下降.Ca²⁺-ATPase抑制剂利尿酸(ethacrynic acid)抑制质膜Ca²⁺-ATPase活性,但钙调素(50μg/mL)的拮抗剂三氟拉嗪(TFP,200～500μmol/L)对该酶活性没有影响,说明钙调素不直接参与精子依赖于ATP的Ca²⁺的主动泵出.但钙调素与精子的Ca²⁺内流有关,钙调素拮抗剂TFP显著促进精子顶体反应和精子对Ca²⁺的摄入.Ca²⁺-ATPase抑制剂栎皮酮(quercetin)、原钒酸钠(sodiumorthovandate)、利尿磺胺(furosemide)和利尿酸均显著促进豚鼠精子的顶体反应,但却抑制精子对Ca²⁺的摄入,这无法用它们对质膜Ca²⁺-ATPase活性的抑制作用解释.推测这可能是由于Ca²⁺-ATPase抑制剂在抑制质膜Ca²⁺-ATPase活性的同时也抑制了顶体外膜或线粒体外膜上的该酶的活性,导致Ca²⁺在细胞质内的积累,进而通过负反馈机制抑制Ca²⁺进一步内流所致.另外,Ca²⁺-ATPase抑制剂对糖酵解的抑制作用也可能是Ca²⁺在细胞质中积累和抑制精子Ca²⁺摄入的原因.     

Ca2+在粟酒裂殖酵母细胞周期时相中的作用*

以粟酒裂殖酵母(Schizosaccharomyces pombe)为研究材料,研究了Ca²⁺在细胞周期时相中的作用。当外源Ca²⁺浓度在0.5-20 mmol/L范围内,随Ca²⁺浓度增加,细胞增殖速度加快,延滞期逐渐缩短。但SD-Ca（CaCl₂省略）并不能终止Sch. Pombe的细胞周期。采用缺氮对群体细胞进行同步化,并以EGTA 螯合培养介质中低浓度的Ca²⁺,Sch. Pombe 细胞增殖被完全抑制,细胞流式法测定结果表明：细胞周期被终止在G1期。分析认为Ca²⁺ 对Sch. Pombe 细胞增殖是必不可少的,外源Ca²⁺在G1期向S期转化过程中起着关键性的作用。     

Pb2+、Cd2+和Ce3+对猪胰α-淀粉酶活性的影响

分别研究了Pb²⁺、Cd²⁺和Ce³⁺对Ca(Ⅱ) α-淀粉酶活性影响及对其Ca²⁺的竞争作用.结果表明三种金属离子低浓度情况下（0.5～5 mmol/L）对α-淀粉酶具有激活现象,而较高浓度则抑制酶活力.Pb²⁺、Cd²⁺和Ce³⁺竞争置换α-淀粉酶中Ca²⁺能力的大小是：Pb²⁺＞Cd²⁺＞Ce³⁺,其抑制酶活作用大小：Pb²⁺＞Cd²⁺＞Ce³⁺.     

T－2毒素对心肌细胞三型钙通道的阻滞作用

用膜片钳连细胞电压钳法, 在培养的Wistar大鼠单个心肌细胞上记录了T-2毒素对B、L和T三型Ca²⁺通道单通道电活动的影响. 结果表明, T-2毒素浓度为10mg/L时, 心肌细胞B、L和T三型Ca²⁺通道均受到明显的阻滞, 其阻滞作用表现为使Ca²⁺通道的开放概率减小, 开放时间缩短, 关闭时间延长, 而对流过Ca²⁺通道的Ba²⁺流幅值无影响.     

Calmodulin

Summary Ca²⁺ as an important cellular regulator has long been recognized. Calmodulin is unique among several proteins considered to be Ca²⁺ receptors in its ubiquitous distribution in eukaryotic cells and in its multiple effects through interaction with different enzymes and proteins. Apparently, calmodulin is the major Ca²⁺ receptor in most of these cells and most of metabolic active Ca²⁺ exists as a Ca²⁺-calmodulin complex.The importance of calmodulin as a Ca²⁺ mediator is also indicated by its role as the Ca²⁺-sensor in the regulation of Ca²⁺ pump which effectively maintains a low steady level of intracellular free Ca²⁺. The participation of calmodulin in the regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ level suggests the desire for the cell to maintain adequate steady levels of metabolic active Ca²⁺. A low calmodulin concentration may in effect slow down the Ca²⁺ pump allowing a higher concentration of intracellular free Ca²⁺, but may also require higher Ca²⁺ threshold for Cat+ effects. A prominent difference in calmodulin contents of different eukaryotic cells has been noted and this difference may reflect the difference in the extents and the types of Ca²⁺-mediated reactions that operate in the cells. It is also possible that calmodulin concentration may fluctuate in response to different metabolic conditions. The evident for such possibility has been provided by the observations that cAMP-dependent protein kinase and ATP together with cAMP or neurotransmitters that stimulate cAMP synthesis cause the release of calmodulin from synaptic membranes (139, 140). However, the cytosolic calmodulin increased as the result of its release from the membranes is unlikely to be sufficient for eliciting calmodulin-mediated Ca²⁺ effects without a concomitant significant increase of intracellular Ca²⁺. The calmodulin release, in effect, may decrease the Ca²⁺ threshold of these effects.The manifestation of calmodulin-mediated Ca²⁺ effects in a particular type of cells appears determined mainly by the calmodulin-regulated enzymes existing in the cells. Within the same cells, however, the particular species of Ca²⁺-calmodulin complex serving as the active calmodulin, the affinity of the enzyme for the active calmodulin and the localization of the enzyme in the cells may determine the circumstance under which particular reactions are expressed.During the past years, substantial progress has been made in understanding calmodulin in terms of primary structure and molecular properties and in discovering many Ca²⁺-dependent, calmodulin-regulated enzymes and cellular activities. Our understanding of calmodulin and its relation to the wide range of Ca²⁺-dependent enzymes and activities has provided a framework for comprehending Ca²⁺ functions in the cells at the molecular level. Further works, however, are required to unravel fully the detailed mechanisms and properties that govern the calmodulin-enzyme interactions and to narrow further the gaps between Ca²⁺-elicited cellular expressions and the molecular events that lead to such expressions.     

Spectral studies of the Ca2+-dependent interaction of trifluoperazine with S100b

S100b is a calcium-binding protein that will bind to many calmodulin target molecules in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. In order to study the Ca²⁺-dependent binding properties of S100b, its interaction with a calmodulin antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP), was investigated using [¹⁹F]- and [¹H]-NMR and UV-difference spectroscopy. It was estimated from [¹⁹F]-NMR that in the absence of Ca²⁺, thek _1/2 value of TFP was 130 µM, while itsk _1/2 value decreased to 28 µM in the presence of Ca²⁺. The addition of KCl was not antagonistic to the Ca²⁺-dependent interaction of TFP to S100b. The chemical exchange rate of TFP with Ca²⁺-bound S100b was estimated to be 9×10² sec^–1. By comparison with TFP-calmodulin exchange rates, it is suggested that the TFP-binding site on S100b is structurally different from its binding sites on calmodulin. Proton NMR resonance broadening in the range 6.8–7.2 ppm, corresponding to phenylalanine nuclei of S100b, indicates that these residues may be involved in TFP binding. Addition of Ca²⁺ to a 1:1 mixture of S100b and TFP resulted in a red-shifted UV-difference spectrum, while no significant difference spectrum was detected when Mg²⁺ was added to a S100b-TFP solution. Thus, we suggest that Ca²⁺ induces the exposure of a hydrophobic domain on S100b containing one or more phenylalanine residues that will bind TFP but that this domain is different from the hydrophobic domain on calmodulin.     

Multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

Multifunctional Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) is a prominent mediator of neurotransmitters which elevate Ca²⁺. It coordinates cellular responses to external stimuli by phosphorylating proteins involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, neurotransmitter release, carbohydrate metabolism, ion flux and neuronal plasticity. Structure/function studies of CaM kinase have provided insights into how it decodes Ca²⁺ signals. The kinase is kept relatively inactive in its basal state by the presence of an autoinhibitory domain. Binding of Ca²⁺/calmodulin eliminates this inhibitory constraint and allows the kinase to phosphorylate its substrates, as well as itself. This autophosphorylation significantly slows dissociation of calmodulin, thereby trapping calmodulin even when Ca²⁺ levels are subthreshold. The kinase may respond particularly wel to multiple Ca²⁺ spikes since trapping may enable a spike frequency-dependent recruitment of calmodulin with each successive Ca²⁺ spike leading to increased activation of the kinase. Once calmodulin dissociates, CaM kinase remains partially active until it is dephosphorylated, providing for an additional period in which its response to brief Ca²⁺ transients is potentiated.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Paul Greengard.     

Spectral studies of the Ca2+-dependent interaction of trifluoperazine with S100b

S100b is a calcium-binding protein that will bind to many calmodulin target molecules in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. In order to study the Ca²⁺-dependent binding properties of S100b, its interaction with a calmodulin antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP), was investigated using [¹⁹F]- and [¹H]-NMR and UV-difference spectroscopy. It was estimated from [¹⁹F]-NMR that in the absence of Ca²⁺, thek _1/2 value of TFP was 130 µM, while itsk _1/2 value decreased to 28 µM in the presence of Ca²⁺. The addition of KCl was not antagonistic to the Ca²⁺-dependent interaction of TFP to S100b. The chemical exchange rate of TFP with Ca²⁺-bound S100b was estimated to be 9×10² sec^?1. By comparison with TFP-calmodulin exchange rates, it is suggested that the TFP-binding site on S100b is structurally different from its binding sites on calmodulin. Proton NMR resonance broadening in the range 6.8–7.2 ppm, corresponding to phenylalanine nuclei of S100b, indicates that these residues may be involved in TFP binding. Addition of Ca²⁺ to a 1:1 mixture of S100b and TFP resulted in a red-shifted UV-difference spectrum, while no significant difference spectrum was detected when Mg²⁺ was added to a S100b-TFP solution. Thus, we suggest that Ca²⁺ induces the exposure of a hydrophobic domain on S100b containing one or more phenylalanine residues that will bind TFP but that this domain is different from the hydrophobic domain on calmodulin.     

Biochemical characterization of Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase from Candida albicans

A multifunctional Ca²⁺/calmodulin dependent protein kinase was purified approximately 650 fold from cytosolic extract of Candida albicans. The purified preparation gave a single band of 69 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with its native molecular mass of 71 kDa suggesting that the enzyme is monomeric. Its activity was dependent on calcium, calmodulin and ATP when measured at saturating histone IIs concentration. The purified Ca²⁺/CaMPK was found to be autophosphorylated at serine residue(s) in the presence of Ca²⁺/calmodulin and enzyme stimulation was strongly inhibited by W-7 (CaM antagonist) and KN-62 (Ca²⁺/CaM dependent PK inhibitor). These results confirm that the purified enzyme is Ca²⁺/CaM dependent protein kinase of Candida albicans. The enzyme phosphorylated a number of exogenous and endogenous substrates in a Ca²⁺/calmodulin dependent manner suggesting that the enzyme is a multifunctional Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase of Candida albicans.     

Allosteric interactions among drug binding sites on calmodulin

Felodipine is a fluorescent dihydropyridine Ca²⁺-antagonist. It binds to calmodulin in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, and undergoes a fluorescence increase which allows us to monitor its interaction with calmodulin. Hydrophobic ligands including the calmodulin antagonist, R24571 and Ca²⁺ antagonists, prenylamine and diltiazem, bind to calmodulin and potentiate felodipine binding by as much as 20 fold. These studies suggest that allosteric interactions occur among different drug binding sites on calmodulin. Our results are discussed in terms of the mechanism of action of calmodulin.     

Isolation of brain Ca2+-calmodulin tubulin kinase containing calmodulin binding proteins

Ca²⁺-calmodulin tubulin kinase activity was isolated from brain cytosol and separated from its substrate protein, tubulin, and Ca²⁺ regulatory protein, calmodulin. Characterization of the Ca²⁺-tubulin kinase system revealed a Km of 4 μM, 0.5 μM, 60 μM for Ca²⁺, calmodulin and ATP, respectively. The tubulin kinase system bound to a calmodulin affinity column in the presence of Ca²⁺ and was released from the column by chelation with EGTA. A major 55,000 and a minor 65,000 dalton peptide were identified as the only calmodulin binding proteins in the enzyme fraction, indicating that one or both of these peptides represent the calmodulin binding subunit of the Ca²⁺-calmodulin tubulin kinase system.     

Distribution of calmodulin protein and mRNA in growing pollen tubes

 Pollen tube growth is a vital process for angiosperm fertilisation and is dependent on the presence of a tip-focused gradient of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca²⁺]_c). In order to clarify some of the target molecules which convey the Ca²⁺ signal information, we investigated calmodulin distribution during tube growth. Fluorescently labelled calmodulin was pressure microinjected into pollen tubes and its distribution monitored by confocal microscopy. Calmodulin distributes evenly throughout the cell, but some of its binding sites form a V-shaped collar behind the apical region. This specific association dissipates upon growth arrest, and suggests an interaction of calmodulin with cytoskeletal-bound target proteins. The distribution of calmodulin mRNA was also analysed by microinjection of fluorescently labelled mRNA. No specific pattern was observed, with an even localisation in the body of tube and a lower concentration in the cell apex. Studies with localised application of inhibitors/activators indicate that calmodulin plays a crucial role in tip elongation but does not direct tube orientation. Received: 6 March 1998 / Revision accepted: 20 April 1998     

The spinach plasma membrane Ca2+ pump is a 120‐kDa polypeptide regulated by calmodulin‐binding to a terminal region

The spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaf plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase is regulated by calmodulin (3-fold stimulation) and limited proteolysis (trypsin; 4-fold stimulation). The plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase was identified as a 120-kDa polypeptide on western immunoblots using two different antibodies. During trypsin treatment the 120-kDa band diminished and a new band appeared at 109 kDa. The appearance of the 109-kDa band correlated with the increase in enzyme activity following trypsin treatment. The stimulations by calmodulin and trypsin were not additive, suggesting that the 109-kDa polypeptide represents a Ca²⁺-ATPase lackin a terminal fragment involved in calmodulin regulation. This was confirmed by ¹²⁵I-calmodulin overlay studies where calmodulin labeled the 120-kDa band in the presence of Ca²⁺, while the 109-kDa band did not bind calmodulin. The effects of calmodulin and limited proteolysis on ATP-dependent accumulation of ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ in isolated inside-out plasma membrane vesicles were studied, and kinetical analyses performed with respect to Ca²⁺ and ATP. Calmodulin increased the V_max. for Ca²⁺ pumping 3-fold, and reduced K_m for Ca²⁺ from 1.6 to 0.9 µM. The K_m for ATP (11 µM) was not affected by calmodulin. The effects of limited proteolysis on the affinities for Ca²⁺ and ATP were similar to those obtained with calmodulin. Notably, however, limited proteolysis increased the V_max. for Ca²⁺ pumping to a higher extent than calmodulin, indicating incomplete calmodulin activation, or removal of an additional inhibitory site by trypsin.