Biphasic modulation of fatty acid synthase by hydrogen peroxide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Taking into account published contradictory results concerning the regulation of fatty acid synthase (Fas) by H(2)O(2), we carried out a systematic study where two methods of H(2)O(2) delivery (steady-state and bolus addition) and the effect of a wide range of H(2)O(2) concentrations were investigated. A decrease in Fas activity was observed for cells exposed to 100 and 150μM H(2)O(2) in a steady-state, while a bolus addition of the same H(2)O(2) concentrations did not alter Fas activity. Similar results were observed for the mRNA levels of FAS1, the gene that encodes Fas subunit β. However, the exposure to a steady-state 50μM H(2)O(2) dose lead to an increase in FAS1 mRNA levels, showing a biphasic modulation of Fas by H(2)O(2). The results obtained emphasize that cellular effects of H(2)O(2) can vary over a narrow range of concentrations. Therefore, a tight control of H(2)O(2) exposure, which can be achieved by exposing H(2)O(2) in a steady-state, is important for cellular studies of H(2)O(2)-dependent redox regulation.     

Distinctive and synergistic signaling of human adenosine A2a and dopamine D2L receptors in CHO cells

Adenosine A(2a) receptor (A(2a)R) colocalizes with dopamine D(2) receptor (D(2)R) in the basal ganglia and modulates D(2)R-mediated dopaminergic activities. A(2a)R and D(2)R couple to stimulatory and inhibitory G proteins, respectively. Their opposing roles in regulating neuronal activities, such as locomotion and alcohol consumption, are mediated by their opposite actions on adenylate cyclase, which often serves as "co-incidence detector" of various activators. On the other hand, the neural actions of A(2a)R and D(2)R are also, at least partially, independent of each other, as indicated by studies using D(2)R and A(2a)R knock-out mice. Here we co-expressed human A(2a)R and human D(2L)R in CHO cells and examined their signaling characteristics. Human A(2a)R desensitized rapidly upon agonist stimulation. A(2a)R activity (80%) was diminished after 2 hr of pretreatment with its agonist CGS21680. In contrast, human D(2L)R activity was sustained even after 2 hr and 18 hr pretreatment with its agonist quinpirole. Long-term (18 hr) stimulation of human D(2L)R also increased basal cAMP levels in CHO cells, whereas long-term (18 hr) activation of human A(2a)R did not affect basal cAMP levels. Furthermore, long-term (18 hr) activation of D(2L)R dramatically sensitized A(2a)R-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase in a pertussis toxin-sensitive way. Forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation was significantly increased after short-term (2 hr) human D(2L)R stimulation and further elevated after long-term (18 hr) D(2L)R activation. However, neither short-term (2 hr) nor long-term (18 hr) stimulation of A(2a)R affected the inhibitory effects of D(2L)R on adenylate cyclase. Co-stimulation of A(2a)R and D(2L)R could not induce desensitization or sensitization of D(2L)R either. In summary, signaling through A(2a)R and D(2L)R is distinctive and synergistic, supporting their unique and yet integrative roles in regulating neuronal functions when both receptors are present.     

Iron and hydrogen peroxide detoxification properties of DNA-binding protein from starved cells. A ferritin-like DNA-binding protein of Escherichia coli

The DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (Dps) are a family of proteins induced in microorganisms by oxidative or nutritional stress. Escherichia coli Dps, a structural analog of the 12-subunit Listeria innocua ferritin, binds and protects DNA against oxidative damage mediated by H(2)O(2). Dps is shown to be a Fe-binding and storage protein where Fe(II) oxidation is most effectively accomplished by H(2)O(2) rather than by O(2) as in ferritins. Two Fe(2+) ions bind at each of the 12 putative dinuclear ferroxidase sites (P(Z)) in the protein according to the equation, 2Fe(2+) + P(Z) --> [(Fe(II)(2)-P](FS)(Z+2) + 2H(+). The ferroxidase site (FS) bound iron is then oxidized according to the equation, [(Fe(II)(2)-P](FS)(Z+2) + H(2)O(2) + H(2)O --> [Fe(III)(2)O(2)(OH)-P](FS)(Z-1) + 3H(+), where two Fe(II) are oxidized per H(2)O(2) reduced, thus avoiding hydroxyl radical production through Fenton chemistry. Dps acquires a ferric core of approximately 500 Fe(III) according to the mineralization equation, 2Fe(2+) + H(2)O(2) + 2H(2)O --> 2Fe(III)OOH((core)) + 4H(+), again with a 2 Fe(II)/H(2)O(2) stoichiometry. The protein forms a similar ferric core with O(2) as the oxidant, albeit at a slower rate. In the absence of H(2)O(2) and O(2), Dps forms a ferrous core of approximately 400 Fe(II) by the reaction Fe(2+) + H(2)O + Cl(-) --> Fe(II)OHCl((core)) + H(+). The ferrous core also undergoes oxidation with a stoichiometry of 2 Fe(II)/H(2)O(2). Spin trapping experiments demonstrate that Dps greatly attenuates hydroxyl radical production during Fe(II) oxidation by H(2)O(2). These results and in vitro DNA damage assays indicate that the protective effect of Dps on DNA most likely is exerted through a dual action, the physical association with DNA and the ability to nullify the toxic combination of Fe(II) and H(2)O(2). In the latter process a hydrous ferric oxide mineral core is produced within the protein, thus avoiding oxidative damage mediated by Fenton chemistry.     

Dependence of purinergic P2X receptor activity on ectodomain structure

Purinergic receptors (P2XRs) activate and desensitize in response to the binding of extracellular nucleotides in a receptor- and ligand-specific manner, but the structural bases of their ligand preferences and channel kinetics have been incompletely characterized. Here we tested the hypothesis that affinity of agonists for binding domain accounts for a ligand-specific desensitization pattern. We generated chimeras using receptors with variable sensitivity to ATP in order: P2X(4)R > P2X(2a)R = P2X(2b)R P2X(7)R. Chimeras having the ectodomain Ile(66)-Tyr(310) sequence of P2X(2)R and Val(61)-Phe(313) sequence of P2X(7)R in the backbone of P2X(4)R were expressed but were non-functioning channels. P2X(2a) + X(4)R and P2X(2b) + X(4)R chimeras having the Val(66)-Tyr(315) ectodomain sequence of P2X(4)R in the backbones of P2X(2a)R and P2X(2b)R were functional and exhibited increased sensitivity to ligands as compared with both parental receptors. These chimeras also desensitized faster than parental receptors and in a ligand-nonspecific manner. However, like parental P2X(2b)R and P2X(2a)R, chimeric P2X(2b) + X(4)R desensitized more rapidly than P2X(2a) + X(4)R, and the rate of desensitization of P2X(2a)+X(4)R increased by substituting its Arg(371)-Pro(376) intracellular C-terminal sequence with the Glu(376)-Gly(381) sequence of P2X(4)R. These results indicate the relevance of interaction between the ectodomain and flanking regions around the transmembrane domains on ligand potency and receptor activation. Furthermore, the ligand potency positively correlates with the rate of receptor desensitization but does not affect the C-terminal-specific pattern of desensitization.     

Mechanism of reversal of phospholamban inhibition of the cardiac Ca2+-ATPase by protein kinase A and by anti-phospholamban monoclonal antibody 2D12

Our model of phospholamban (PLB) regulation of the cardiac Ca(2+)-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2a) states that PLB binds to the Ca(2+)-free, E2 conformation of SERCA2a and blocks it from transitioning from E2 to E1, the Ca(2+)-bound state. PLB and Ca(2+) binding to SERCA2a are mutually exclusive, and PLB inhibition of SERCA2a is manifested as a decreased apparent affinity of SERCA2a for Ca(2+). Here we extend this model to explain the reversal of SERCA2a inhibition that occurs after phosphorylation of PLB at Ser(16) by protein kinase A (PKA) and after binding of the anti-PLB monoclonal antibody 2D12, which recognizes residues 7-13 of PLB. Site-specific cysteine variants of PLB were co-expressed with SERCA2a, and the effects of PKA phosphorylation and 2D12 on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and cross-linking to SERCA2a were monitored. In Ca(2+)-ATPase assays, PKA phosphorylation and 2D12 partially and completely reversed SERCA2a inhibition by decreasing K(Ca) values for enzyme activation, respectively. In cross-linking assays, cross-linking of PKA-phosphorylated PLB to SERCA2a was inhibited at only two of eight sites when conducted in the absence of Ca(2+) favoring E2. However, at a subsaturating Ca(2+) concentration supporting some E1, cross-linking of phosphorylated PLB to SERCA2a was attenuated at all eight sites. K(Ca) values for cross-linking inhibition were decreased nearly 2-fold at all sites by PLB phosphorylation, demonstrating that phosphorylated PLB binds more weakly to SERCA2a than dephosphorylated PLB. In parallel assays, 2D12 blocked PLB cross-linking to SERCA2a at all eight sites regardless of Ca(2+) concentration. Our results demonstrate that 2D12 restores maximal Ca(2+)-ATPase activity by physically disrupting the binding interaction between PLB and SERCA2a. Phosphorylation of PLB by PKA weakens the binding interaction between PLB and SERCA2a (yielding more PLB-free SERCA2a molecules at intermediate Ca(2+) concentrations), only partially restoring Ca(2+) affinity and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity.     

Inhibition of protein synthesis in cortical neurons during exposure to hydrogen peroxide

Transient cerebral ischemia, which is accompanied by a sustained release of glutamate and zinc, as well as H(2)O(2) formation during the reperfusion period, strongly depresses protein synthesis. We have previously demonstrated that the glutamate-induced increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) is likely responsible for blockade of the elongation step of protein synthesis, whereas Zn(2+) preferentially inhibits the initiation step. In this study, we provide evidence indicating that H(2)O(2) and thapsigargin mobilized a common intracellular Ca(2+) pool. H(2)O(2) treatment stimulated a slow increase in intracellular Ca(2+), and precluded the effect of thapsigargin on Ca(2+) mobilization. H(2)O(2) stimulated the phosphorylation of both eIF-2alpha and eEF-2, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting that both the blockade of the elongation and of the initiation step are responsible for the H(2)O(2)-induced inhibition of protein synthesis. However, kinetic data indicated that, at least during the first 15 min of H(2)O(2) treatment, the inhibition of protein synthesis resulted mainly from the phosphorylation of eEF-2. In conclusion, H(2)O(2) inhibits protein translation in cortical neurons by a process that involves the phosphorylation of both eIF-2alpha and eEF-2 and the relative contribution of these two events depends on the duration of H(2)O(2) treatment.     

Characterization and crystal structure of cadmium(II) halide complexes with amino acids and their derivatives VI. The comparison of crystal structures of cadmium(II) halide complexes with three kinds of piperidine carboxylic acids

Six cadmium(II) halide complexes with dl-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid (DL-Hpipe-2), dl-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (DL-Hpipe-3), and piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (Hpipe-4), have been prepared and characterized by means of IR and Raman spectra and thermal analysis. The crystal structures of [CdCl2(DL-Hpipe-2)(H2O)], [CdBr2(DL-Hpipe-3)], and [CdCl2(Hpipe-4)] have been determined by X-ray diffraction. These three complexes have one-dimensional polymer structures bridged by halide atoms. The crystal of [CdCl2(DL-Hpipe-2)(H2O)] is orthorhombic with the space group Pca2(1). The cadmium atom is in an octahedral geometry, ligated by a carboxyl oxygen atom, two bridging chlorine atoms, a terminal chlorine atom, a water molecule and a carboxyl oxygen atom of a neighboring molecule. The carboxyl oxygen atoms of DL-Hpipe-2 are coordinated to two cadmium atoms. The unit cell consists of two types of one-dimensional polymer structures: [CdCl2(D-Hpipe-2)(H2O)] and [CdCl2(L-Hpipe-2)(H2O)]. Therefore, it is better to write [CdCl2(DL-Hpipe-2)(H2O)] as [CdCl2(D-Hpipe-2)(H2O)][CdCl2(L-Hpipe-2)(H2O)]. The crystal structure of [CdBr2(DL-Hpipe-3)] is monoclinic with space group P2(1). The cadmium atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry ligated by two carboxyl oxygen atoms and four bridging bromine atoms. This complex consists of either D-Hpipe-3 or L-Hpipe-3. Therefore [CdBr2(DL-Hpipe-3)] is written as [CdBr2(D or L-Hpipe-3)]. The crystal of [CdCl2(Hpipe-4)] is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/n. The structure is similar to that of [CdBr2(D or L-Hpipe-3)].     

Modeling Ca2+ dynamics of mouse cardiac cells points to a critical role of SERCA's affinity for Ca2+

The SERCA2a isoform of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps is specifically expressed in the heart, whereas SERCA2b is the ubiquitously expressed variant. It has been shown previously that replacement of SERCA2a by SERCA2b in mice (SERCA2(b/b) mice) results in only a moderate functional impairment, whereas SERCA activity is decreased by a 40% lower SERCA protein expression and by increased inhibition by phospholamban. To find out whether the documented kinetic differences in SERCA2b relative to SERCA2a (i.e., a twofold higher apparent Ca(2+) affinity, but twofold lower maximal turnover rate) can explain these compensatory changes, we simulated Ca(2+) dynamics in mouse ventricular myocytes. The model shows that the relative Ca(2+) transport capacity of SERCA2a and SERCA2b depends on the SERCA concentration. The simulations point to a dominant effect of SERCA2b's higher Ca(2+) affinity over its lower maximal turnover rate. The results suggest that increased systolic and decreased diastolic Ca(2+) levels in unstimulated conditions could contribute to the downregulation of SERCA in SERCA2(b/b) mice. In stress conditions, Ca(2+) handling is less efficient by SERCA2b than by SERCA2a, which might contribute to the observed hypertrophy in SERCA2(b/b) mice. Altogether, SERCA2a might be a better compromise between performance in basal conditions and performance during β-adrenergic stress.     

Contributions of the C-terminal domain to the control of P2X receptor desensitization

The P2X purinergic receptor channels (P2XRs) differ among themselves with respect to the rates of desensitization during prolonged agonist stimulation. Here we studied the desensitization of recombinant channels by monitoring the changes in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration in cells stimulated with ATP, the native and common agonist for all P2XRs. The focus in our investigations was on the relevance of the P2XR C terminus in controlling receptor desensitization. When expressed in GT1 cells, the P2XRs desensitized with rates characteristic to each receptor subtype: P2X(1)R = P2X(3)R > P2X(2b)R > P2X(4)R > P2X(2a)R > P2X(7)R. A slow desensitizing pattern of P2X(2a)R was mimicked partially by P2X(3)R and fully by P2X(4)R when the six-amino acid sequences of these channels located in the cytoplasmic C terminus were substituted with the corresponding arginine 371 to proline 376 sequence of P2X(2a)R. Changing the total net charge in the six amino acids of P2X(4)R to a more positive direction also slowed the receptor desensitization. On the other hand, substitution of arginine 371-proline 376 sequence of P2X(2a)R with the corresponding sequences of P2X(1)R, P2X(3)R, and P2X(4)R increased the rate of receptor desensitization. Furthermore, heterologous polymerization of wild-type P2X(2a)R and mutant P2X(3)R having the C-terminal six amino acids of P2X(2a)R at its analogous position resulted in a functional channel whose desensitization was significantly delayed. These results suggest that composition of the C-terminal six-amino acid sequence and its electrostatic force influence the rate of receptor desensitization.     

Cadmium is acutely toxic for murine hepatocytes: effects on intracellular free Ca(2+) homeostasis

We studied cadmium toxicity in murine hepatocytes in vitro. Cadmium effects on intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) were assayed, using a laser scanning confocal microscope with a fluorescent probe, Fluo-3/AM. The results showed that administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2), 5, 10, 25 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of hepatocyte viability and an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the culture medium (p<0.05 for 25 microM CdCl(2) vs. control). Significant increases of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in 10 and 25 microM CdC1(2)-exposed groups were observed (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). A greatly decreased albumin content and a more malondialdehyde (MDA) formation also occurred after CdC1(2) treatment. The Ca(2+) concentrations in the culture medium of CdCl(2)-exposed hepatocytes were significantly decreased, while [Ca(2+)](i) appeared to be significantly elevated (p<0.05 or p<0.01 vs. control). We found that in Ca(2+)-containing hydroxyethyl piperazine ethanesulfonic acid-buffered salt solution (HBSS) only, CdCl(2) elicited [Ca(2+)](i) increases, which comprised an initially slow ascent and a strong elevated phase. However, in Ca(2+)-containing HBSS with addition of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB), CdCl(2) caused a mild [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in the absence of an initial rise phase. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) showed that CdCl(2) induced an initially slow [Ca(2+)](i) rise alone without being followed by a markedly elevated phase, but in a Ca(2+)-free HBSS with addition of 2-APB, CdCl(2) failed to elicit the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. These results suggest that abnormal Ca(2+) homeostasis due to cadmium may be an important mechanism of the development of the toxic effect in murine hepatocytes. [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in acutely cadmium-exposed hepatocytes is closely related to the extracellular Ca(2+) entry and an excessive release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores.     

Molecular cloning of magnesium-independent type 2 phosphatidic acid phosphatases from airway smooth muscle.

Members of the type 2 phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP2) family catalyse the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid (PA), lysophosphatidate and sphingosine 1-phosphate. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a Mg(2+)-independent and N-ethymaleimide-insensitive PAP2 activity in cultured guinea-pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Two PAP2 cDNAs of 923 and 926 base pairs were identified and subsequently cloned from these cells. The ORF of the 923 base pair cDNA encoded a protein of 285 amino acids (Mr = 32.1 kDa), which had 94% homology with human PAP2a (hPAP2a) and which probably represents a guinea-pig specific PAP2a (gpPAP2a1). The ORF of the 926 base pair cDNA encoded a protein of 286 amino acids (Mr = 32.1 kDa) which had 84% and 91% homology with hPAP2a and gpPAP2a1, respectively. This protein, termed gpPAP2a2, has two regions (aa 21-33 and 51-74) of marked divergence and altered hydrophobicity compared with hPAP2a and gpPAP2a1. This occurs in the predicted first and second transmembrane domains and at the extremes of the first outer loop. Other significant differences between gpPAP2a1/2 and hPAP2a, hPAP2b and hPAP2c occur at the cytoplasmic C-terminal. Transient expression of gpPAP2a2 in Cos-7 cells resulted in an approx. 4-fold increase in Mg(2+)-independent PAP activity, thereby confirming that gpPAP2a2 is another catalytically active member of an extended PAP2 family.     

Metal ion requirements for structure and catalysis of an RNA ligase ribozyme

The class I ligase, a ribozyme previously isolated from random sequence, catalyzes a reaction similar to RNA polymerization, positioning its 5'-nucleotide via a Watson-Crick base pair, forming a 3',5'-phosphodiester bond between its 5'-nucleotide and the substrate, and releasing pyrophosphate. Like most ribozymes, it requires metal ions for structure and catalysis. Here, we report the ionic requirements of this self-ligating ribozyme. The ligase requires at least five Mg(2+) for activity and has a [Mg(2+)](1/2) of 70-100 mM. It has an unusual specificity for Mg(2+); there is only marginal activity in Mn(2+) and no detectable activity in Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Zn(2+), Co(2+), Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Co(NH(3))(6)(3+), or spermine. All tested cations other than Mg(2+), including Mn(2+), inhibit the ribozyme. Hill analysis in the presence of inhibitory cations suggested that Ca(2+) and Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) inhibit by binding at least two sites, but they appear to productively fill a subset of the required sites. Inhibition is not the result of a significant structural change, since the ribozyme assumes a nativelike structure when folded in the presence of Ca(2+) or Co(NH(3))(6)(3+), as observed by hydroxyl-radical mapping. As further support for a nativelike fold in Ca(2+), ribozyme that has been prefolded in Ca(2+) can carry out the self-ligation very quickly upon the addition of Mg(2+). Ligation rates of the prefolded ribozyme were directly measured and proceed at 800 min(-1) at pH 9.0.     

Concentration-dependent mitogenic and antiproliferative actions of 2-methoxyestradiol in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells

We compared in this study the effects of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E(2)) on the growth of two estrogen receptor (ER)-negative human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435s) and two ER-positive human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T-47D). 2-MeO-E(2) exerted a concentration-dependent antiproliferative action in the ER-negative MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435s cells. The presence or absence of exogenous 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) in the culture medium did not affect the potency and efficacy of 2-MeO-E(2)'s antiproliferative action in these ER-negative cells. When the ER-positive MCF-7 and T-47D cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with 10nM of exogenous E(2), 2-MeO-E(2) at 750 nM to 2 microM concentrations exerted a similar antiproliferative effect. However, when the ER-positive cell lines were cultured in the absence of exogenous E(2), 2-MeO-E(2) at relatively low concentrations (10-750 nM) had a moderate mitogenic effect, with its apparent efficacy 75-80% of that of E(2). This mitogenic effect of 2-MeO-E(2) was ER-mediated and largely attributable to 2-MeO-E(2)'s residual estrogenic activity on the basis of our following findings: (i) its effect was only manifested in the ER-positive cells but not in the ER-negative cells; (ii) its effect in the ER-positive cells was partially or fully abolished when exogenous E(2) was concomitantly present in the culture medium; (iii) 2-MeO-E(2) retained 1-2% of E(2)'s binding affinity for the human ERalpha and ERbeta, and its mitogenic effect was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by ICI-182,780, a pure ER antagonist; and (iv) its effect was not due to its metabolic conversion to 2-hydroxyestradiol. Our timely findings are of importance to the on-going clinical trials designed to evaluate 2-MeO-E(2)'s effectiveness for the treatment of different types (ER-positive or ER-negative) of human breast cancer. This knowledge will improve the design of clinical trials as well as the interpretation of clinical outcomes when 2-MeO-E(2) is used as a single agent therapy or as part of a combination therapy for human breast cancer.     

Analysis of Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) influx and release during Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse eggs injected with sperm extract

Repetitive Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is necessary for activation of mammalian eggs. Influx and release of Mn(2+) and Ca(2+) during Ca(2+) oscillations induced by injection of sperm extract (SE) into mouse eggs were investigated by Mn(2+)-quenching of intracellular Fura-2 after adding Mn(2+) to external medium. Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) influx was detected at the resting state. A marked Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) influx occurred during the first Ca(2+) release upon SE injection, and persistently facilitated Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) influx was observed during steady Ca(2+) oscillations. As intracellular Mn(2+) concentration ([Mn(2+)](i)) increased progressively, periodic [Mn(2+)](i) rises appeared, corresponding to each Ca(2+)transient but taking a slower time course. A numerical simulation based on continuous Mn(2+)/Ca(2+) influx-extrusion across the plasma membrane and release-uptake across the ER membrane in a competitive manner mimicked well the Mn(2+) oscillations calculated from experimental data, strongly suggesting that repetitive Mn(2+) release develops after Mn(2+) entry and uptake into the ER. In other experiments, a marked Mn(2+) influx occurred upon Mn(2+) addition to Ca(2+)-free medium after depletion of the ER using an ER Ca(2+) pump inhibitor plus repeated injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)). No significant increase in Mn(2+) influx was induced by injection of SE, InsP(3), or Ca(2+), when Ca(2+) release was prevented by pre-injection of an antibody against the InsP(3) receptor. We concluded that Ca(2+) influx is activated during the initial large Ca(2+)release possibly by a capacitative mechanism and kept facilitated during steady Ca(2+) oscillations. The finding that repetitive Mn(2+) release is caused by continuous Mn(2+) entry suggests that continuous Ca(2+) influx may play a critical role in refilling the ER and, thereby, maintaining Ca(2+)oscillations in mammalian fertilization.     

Antagonist effect of flufenamic acid on TRPM2 cation channels activated by hydrogen peroxide

The melastatin-related transient receptor potential channel TRPM2 is a plasma membrane Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel that is activated by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as a consequence of oxidative stress although the channel activation by H(2)O(2) appears to represent a cell-specific process in cells with endogenous expression of TRPM2. Flufenamic acid (FA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound. Whether H(2)O(2) activates or FA inhibits TRPM2 channels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell is currently unknown. Due to lack of known antogonists of this channel, we demonstrate in CHO cells that FA inhibits TRPM2 activated by extracellular H(2)O(2). CHO cells were transfected with cDNA coding for TRPM2. Cells were studied with the conventional whole-cell patch clamp technique. The intracellular solution used EDTA (10 mM) as chelator for Ca(2+) and heavy metal ions. H(2)O(2) (10 mM) and FA (0.1 mM) were applied extracellularly. Non-selective cation currents were consistently induced by H(2)O(2). The time cause of H(2)O(2) effects was characterized by a delay of 2-5 min and a slow current induction to reach a plateau. The H(2)O(2)- induced inward current was effectively inhibited by 0.1 mM FA applied extracellularly. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that FA is an effective antogonist of TRPM2 channels and H(2)O(2)activated currents in CHO cells. FA in CHO cells may be considered, at best, a starting point for the development of TRPM2 channel blockers.     

Effect of divalent cations on antiparallel G-quartet structure of d(G4T4G4)

The thermodynamic parameters of an antiparallel G-quartet formation of d(G4T4G4) with 1 mM divalent cation (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), and Zn(2+)) were obtained. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the divalent cation destabilizes the antiparallel G-quartet of d(G4T4G4) in the following order: Zn(2+)>Co(2+)>Mn(2+)>Mg(2+)>Ca(2+). In addition, a higher concentration of a divalent cation induced a transition from an antiparallel to a parallel G-quartet structure. These results indicate that these divalent cations are a good tool for regulating the G-quartet structures.     

Thiol oxidation by 2,2'-dithiodipyridine induced calcium mobilization in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells

2,2'-dithiodipyridine (2,2'-DTDP), a reactive disulphide that mobilizes Ca(2+) in muscle, induced an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca(2+)concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2. 2,2'-DTDP acted in a concentration-independent manner with an EC(50) of 50 microM. The Ca(2+) signal comprised an initial spike and a prolonged increase. Removing extracellular Ca(2+) did not alter the Ca(2+) signal, suggesting that the Ca(2+) signal was due to store Ca(2+) release. In Ca(2+)-free medium, the 2,2'-DTDP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was not changed by depleting store Ca(2+) with 50 microM bredfeldin A (a Golgi apparatus permeabilizer), 2 microM carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP, a mitochondrial uncoupler), 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)pump inhibitor) or 5 microM ryanodine. Conversely, 2,2'-DTDP pretreatment abolished CCCP and thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. 2,2'-DTDP-induced Ca(2+) signals in Ca(2+)-containing medium were not affected by modulation of protein kinase C activity or suppression of phospholipase C activity. However, 2,2'-DTDP-induced Ca(2+) release was inhibited by a thiol-selective reducing reagent, dithiothreitol (5-25 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, this study shows that 2,2'-DTDP induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases in human osteosarcoma cells via releasing store Ca(2+)from multiple stores in a manner independent of protein kinase C or phospholipase C activity. The 2,2'-DTDP-induced store Ca(2+) release appeared to be dependent on oxidation of membranes.     

Luminal Ca2+-regulated Mg2+ inhibition of skeletal RyRs reconstituted as isolated channels or coupled clusters

In resting muscle, cytoplasmic Mg(2+) is a potent inhibitor of Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). It is thought to inhibit calcium release channels (RyRs) by binding both to low affinity, low specificity sites (I-sites) and to high affinity Ca(2+) sites (A-sites) thus preventing Ca(2+) activation. We investigate the effects of luminal and cytoplasmic Ca(2+) on Mg(2+) inhibition at the A-sites of skeletal RyRs (RyR1) in lipid bilayers, in the presence of ATP or modified by ryanodine or DIDS. Mg(2+) inhibits RyRs at the A-site in the absence of Ca(2+), indicating that Mg(2+) is an antagonist and does not simply prevent Ca(2+) activation. Cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and Cs(+) decreased Mg(2+) affinity by a competitive mechanism. We describe a novel mechanism for luminal Ca(2+) regulation of Ca(2+) release whereby increasing luminal [Ca(2+)] decreases the A-site affinity for cytoplasmic Mg(2+) by a noncompetitive, allosteric mechanism that is independent of Ca(2+) flow. Ryanodine increases the Ca(2+) sensitivity of the A-sites by 10-fold, which is insufficient to explain the level of activation seen in ryanodine-modified RyRs at nM Ca(2+), indicating that ryanodine activates independently of Ca(2+). We describe a model for ion binding at the A-sites that predicts that modulation of Mg(2+) inhibition by luminal Ca(2+) is a significant regulator of Ca(2+) release from the SR. We detected coupled gating of RyRs due to luminal Ca(2+) permeating one channel and activating neighboring channels. This indicated that the RyRs existed in stable close-packed rafts within the bilayer. We found that luminal Ca(2+) and cytoplasmic Mg(2+) did not compete at the A-sites of single open RyRs but did compete during multiple channel openings in rafts. Also, luminal Ca(2+) was a stronger activator of multiple openings than single openings. Thus it appears that RyRs are effectively "immune" to Ca(2+) emanating from their own pore but sensitive to Ca(2+) from neighboring channels.     

The C2B domain of synaptotagmin I is a Ca2+-binding module

Synaptotagmin I is a synaptic vesicle protein that contains two C(2) domains and acts as a Ca(2+) sensor in neurotransmitter release. The Ca(2+)-binding properties of the synaptotagmin I C(2)A domain have been well characterized, but those of the C(2)B domain are unclear. The C(2)B domain was previously found to pull down synaptotagmin I from brain homogenates in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, leading to an attractive model whereby Ca(2+)-dependent multimerization of synaptotagmin I via the C(2)B domain participates in fusion pore formation. However, contradictory results have been described in studies of Ca(2+)-dependent C(2)B domain dimerization, as well as in analyses of other C(2)B domain interactions. To shed light on these issues, the C(2)B domain has now been studied using biophysical techniques. The recombinant C(2)B domain expressed as a GST fusion protein and isolated by affinity chromatography contains tightly bound bacterial contaminants despite being electrophoretically pure. The contaminants bind to a polybasic sequence that has been previously implicated in several C(2)B domain interactions, including Ca(2+)-dependent dimerization. NMR experiments show that the pure recombinant C(2)B domain binds Ca(2+) directly but does not dimerize upon Ca(2+) binding. In contrast, a cytoplasmic fragment of native synaptotagmin I from brain homogenates, which includes the C(2)A and C(2)B domains, participates in a high molecular weight complex as a function of Ca(2+). These results show that the recombinant C(2)B domain of synaptotagmin I is a monomeric, autonomously folded Ca(2+)-binding module and suggest that a potential function of synaptotagmin I multimerization in fusion pore formation does not involve a direct interaction between C(2)B domains or requires a posttranslational modification.     

Cellular titration of apoptosis with steady state concentrations of H(2)O(2): submicromolar levels of H(2)O(2) induce apoptosis through Fenton chemistry independent of the cellular thiol state

Apoptosis was studied under conditions that mimic the steady state of H(2)O(2) in vivo. This is at variance with previous studies involving a bolus addition of H(2)O(2), a procedure that disrupts the cellular homeostasis. The results allowed us to define three phases for H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-cells with reference to cytosolic steady state concentrations of H(2)O(2) [(H(2)O(2))(ss)]: (H(2)O(2))(ss) values below 0.7 microM elicited no effects; (H(2)O(2))(ss) approximately 0.7-3 microM induced apoptosis; and (H(2)O(2))(ss) > 3 microM yielded no additional apoptosis and a gradual shift towards necrosis as the mode of cell death were observed. H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis was not affected by either BCNU, an inhibitor of glutathione reductase, or diamide, a compound that reacts both with low-molecular weight and protein thiols, or selenols. Glutathione depletion, accomplished by incubating cells either with buthionine sulfoximine or in cystine-free medium, rendered cells more sensitive to H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis, but did not change the threshold and saturating concentrations of H(2)O(2) that induced apoptosis. Two unrelated metal chelators, desferrioxamine and dipyridyl, strongly protected against H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. It may be concluded that, under conditions of H(2)O(2) delivery that mimic in vivo situations, the oxidative event that triggers the induction of apoptosis by H(2)O(2) is a Fenton-type reaction and is independent of the thiol or selenium states of the cell.