Modulation of cardiac Ca2+ channel by Gq-activating neurotransmitters reconstituted in Xenopus oocytes

L-type dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-VDCCs; alpha(1C)) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. Currents via L-VDCCs are enhanced by hormones and transmitters operating via G(q), such as angiotensin II (AngII) and acetylcholine (ACh). It has been proposed that these modulations are mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). However, reports on effects of PKC activators on L-type channels are contradictory; inhibitory and/or enhancing effects have been observed. Attempts to reproduce the enhancing effect of AngII in heterologous expression systems failed. We previously found that PKC modulation of the channel depends on alpha(1C) isoform used; only a long N-terminal (NT) isoform was up-regulated. Here we report the reconstitution of the AngII- and ACh-induced enhancement of the long-NT isoform of L-VDCC expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The current initially increased over several minutes but later declined to below baseline levels. Using different NT deletion mutants and human short- and long-NT isoforms of the channel, we found the initial segment of the NT to be crucial for the enhancing, but not for the inhibitory, effect. Using blockers of PKC and of phospholipase C (PLC) and a mutated AngII receptor lacking G(q) coupling, we demonstrate that the signaling pathway of the enhancing effect includes the activation of G(q), PLC, and PKC. The inhibitory modulation, present in both alpha(1C) isoforms, was G(q)- and PLC-independent and Ca(2+)-dependent, but not Ca(2+)-mediated, as only basal levels of Ca(2+) were essential. Reconstitution of AngII and ACh effects in Xenopus oocytes will advance the study of molecular mechanisms of these physiologically important modulations.     

Regulation of maximal open probability is a separable function of Ca(v)beta subunit in L-type Ca2+ channel, dependent on NH2 terminus of alpha1C (Ca(v)1.2alpha)

beta subunits (Ca(v)beta) increase macroscopic currents of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC) by increasing surface expression and modulating their gating, causing a leftward shift in conductance-voltage (G-V) curve and increasing the maximal open probability, P(o,max). In L-type Ca(v)1.2 channels, the Ca(v)beta-induced increase in macroscopic current crucially depends on the initial segment of the cytosolic NH2 terminus (NT) of the Ca(v)1.2alpha (alpha1C) subunit. This segment, which we term the "NT inhibitory (NTI) module," potently inhibits long-NT (cardiac) isoform of alpha1C that features an initial segment of 46 amino acid residues (aa); removal of NTI module greatly increases macroscopic currents. It is not known whether an NTI module exists in the short-NT (smooth muscle/brain type) alpha(1C) isoform with a 16-aa initial segment. We addressed this question, and the molecular mechanism of NTI module action, by expressing subunits of Ca(v)1.2 in Xenopus oocytes. NT deletions and chimeras identified aa 1-20 of the long-NT as necessary and sufficient to perform NTI module functions. Coexpression of beta2b subunit reproducibly modulated function and surface expression of alpha1C, despite the presence of measurable amounts of an endogenous Ca(v)beta in Xenopus oocytes. Coexpressed beta2b increased surface expression of alpha1C approximately twofold (as demonstrated by two independent immunohistochemical methods), shifted the G-V curve by approximately 14 mV, and increased P(o,max) 2.8-3.8-fold. Neither the surface expression of the channel without Ca(v)beta nor beta2b-induced increase in surface expression or the shift in G-V curve depended on the presence of the NTI module. In contrast, the increase in P(o,max) was completely absent in the short-NT isoform and in mutants of long-NT alpha1C lacking the NTI module. We conclude that regulation of P(o,max) is a discrete, separable function of Ca(v)beta. In Ca(v)1.2, this action of Ca(v)beta depends on NT of alpha1C and is alpha1C isoform specific.     

The N terminus of the cardiac L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunit. The initial segment is ubiquitous and crucial for protein kinase C modulation, but is not directly phosphorylated.

The first 46 amino acids (aa) of the N terminus of the rabbit heart (RH) L-type cardiac Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunit are crucial for the stimulating action of protein kinase C (PKC) and also hinder channel gating (Shistik, E., Ivanina, T., Blumenstein, Y., and Dascal, N. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 17901-17909). The mechanism of PKC action and the location of the PKC target site are not known. Moreover, uncertainties in the genomic sequence of the N-terminal region of alpha(1C) leave open the question of the presence of RH-type N terminus in L-type channels in mammalian tissues. Here, we demonstrate the presence of alpha(1C) protein containing an RH-type initial N-terminal segment in rat heart and brain by using a newly prepared polyclonal antibody. Using deletion mutants of alpha(1C) expressed in Xenopus oocytes, we further narrowed down the part of the N terminus crucial for both inhibitory gating and for PKC effect to the first 20 amino acid residues, and we identify the first 5 aa as an important determinant of PKC action and of N-terminal effect on gating. The absence of serines and threonines in the first 5 aa and the absence of phosphorylation by PKC of a glutathione S-transferase-fusion protein containing the initial segment suggest that the effect of PKC does not arise through a direct phosphorylation of this segment. We propose that PKC acts by attenuating the inhibitory action of the N terminus via phosphorylation of a remote site, in the channel or in an auxiliary protein, that interacts with the initial segment of the N terminus.     

Modulation of distinct isoforms of L-type calcium channels by Gq-coupled receptors in Xenopus oocytes

L-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channels (L-VDCCs; Ca_v1.2) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. In heart and smooth muscle, hormones and transmitters operating via G_q enhance L-VDCC currents via essential protein kinase C (PKC) involvement. Heterologous reconstitution studies in Xenopus oocytes suggested that PKC and G_q-coupled receptors increased L-VDCC currents only in cardiac long N-terminus (NT) isoforms of α_1C, whereas known smooth muscle short-NT isoforms were inhibited by PKC and G_q activators. We report a novel regulation of the long-NT α_1C isoform by Gβγ. Gβγ inhibited whereas a Gβγ scavenger protein augmented the G_q- but not phorbol ester-mediated enhancement of channel activity, suggesting that Gβγ acts upstream from PKC. In vitro binding experiments reveal binding of both Gβγ and PKC to α_1C-NT. However, PKC modulation was not altered by mutations of multiple potential phosphorylation sites in the NT, and was attenuated by a mutation of C-terminally located serine S1928. The insertion of exon 9a in intracellular loop 1 rendered the short-NT α_1C sensitive to PKC stimulation and to Gβγ scavenging. Our results suggest a complex antagonistic interplay between G_q-activated PKC and Gβγ in regulation of L-VDCC, in which multiple cytosolic segments of α_1C are involved.     

Cloning and expression of the human T-type channel Ca(v)3.3: insights into prepulse facilitation

The full-length human Ca(v)3.3 (alpha(1I)) T-type channel was cloned, and found to be longer than previously reported. Comparison of the cDNA sequence to the human genomic sequence indicates the presence of an additional 4-kb exon that adds 214 amino acids to the carboxyl terminus and encodes the 3' untranslated region. The electrophysiological properties of the full-length channel were studied after transient transfection into 293 human embryonic kidney cells using 5 mM Ca(2+) as charge carrier. From a holding potential of -100 mV, step depolarizations elicited inward currents with an apparent threshold of -70 mV, a peak of -30 mV, and reversed at +40 mV. The kinetics of channel activation, inactivation, deactivation, and recovery from inactivation were very similar to those reported previously for rat Ca(v)3.3. Similar voltage-dependent gating and kinetics were found for truncated versions of human Ca(v)3.3, which lack either 118 or 288 of the 490 amino acids that compose the carboxyl terminus. A major difference between these constructs was that the full-length isoform generated twofold more current. These results suggest that sequences in the distal portion of Ca(v)3.3 play a role in channel expression. Studies on the voltage-dependence of activation revealed that a fraction of channels did not gate as low voltage-activated channels, requiring stronger depolarizations to open. A strong depolarizing prepulse (+100 mV, 200 ms) increased the fraction of channels that gated at low voltages. In contrast, human Ca(v)3.3 isoforms with shorter carboxyl termini were less affected by a prepulse. Therefore, Ca(v)3.3 is similar to high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels in that depolarizing prepulses can regulate their activity, and their carboxy termini play a role in modulating channel activity.     

Protein kinase C activation inhibits Cav1.3 calcium channel at NH2-terminal serine 81 phosphorylation site

The Ca(v)1.3 (alpha(1D)) variant of L-type Ca(2+) channels plays a vital role in the function of neuroendocrine and cardiovascular systems. In this article, we report on the molecular and functional basis of alpha(1D) Ca(2+) channel modulation by protein kinase C (PKC). Specifically, we show that the serine 81 (S81) phosphorylation site at the NH(2)-terminal region plays a critical role in alpha(1D) Ca(2+) channel modulation by PKC. The introduction of a negatively charged residue at position 81, by converting serine to aspartate, mimicked the PKC phosphorylation effect on alpha(1D) Ca(2+) channel. The modulation of alpha(1D) Ca(2+) channel by PKC was prevented by dialyzing cells with a 35-amino acid peptide mimicking the alpha(1D) NH(2)-terminal region comprising S81. In addition, the data revealed that only betaII- and epsilonPKC isozymes are implicated in this regulation. These novel findings have significant implications in the pathophysiology of alpha(1D) Ca(2+) channel and in the development of PKC isozyme-targeted therapeutics.     

Modulation of distinct isoforms of L-type calcium channels by Gq-coupled receptors in Xenopus oocytes: Antagonistic effects of Gβγ and protein kinase C

L-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channels (L-VDCCs; Ca_v1.2) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. In heart and smooth muscle, hormones and transmitters operating via G_q enhance L-VDCC currents via essential protein kinase C (PKC) involvement. Heterologous reconstitution studies in Xenopus oocytes suggested that PKC and G_q-coupled receptors increased L-VDCC currents only in cardiac long N-terminus (NT) isoforms of α_1C, whereas known smooth muscle short-NT isoforms were inhibited by PKC and G_q activators. We report a novel regulation of the long-NT α_1C isoform by Gβγ. Gβγ inhibited whereas a Gβγ scavenger protein augmented the G_q- but not phorbol ester-mediated enhancement of channel activity, suggesting that Gβγ acts upstream from PKC. In vitro binding experiments reveal binding of both Gβγ and PKC to α_1C-NT. However, PKC modulation was not altered by mutations of multiple potential phosphorylation sites in the NT, and was attenuated by a mutation of C-terminally located serine S1928. The insertion of exon 9a in intracellular loop 1 rendered the short-NT α_1C sensitive to PKC stimulation and to Gβγ scavenging. Our results suggest a complex antagonistic interplay between G_q-activated PKC and Gβγ in regulation of L-VDCC, in which multiple cytosolic segments of α_1C are involved.     

Role of protein kinase C in 1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) modulation of intracellular calcium during development of skeletal muscle cells in culture

Regulation of muscle cell Ca(2+) metabolism by 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is mediated by the classic nuclear mechanism and a fast, nongenomic mode of action that activates signal transduction pathways. The role of individual protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) by the hormone was investigated in cultured proliferating (myoblasts) and differentiated (myotubes) chick skeletal muscle cells. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (10(-9) M) induced a rapid (30- to 60-s) and sustained (>5-min) increase in [Ca(2+)](i) which was markedly higher in myotubes than in myoblasts. The effect was suppressed by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. In differentiated cells, PKC activity increased in the particulate fraction and decreased in cytosol to a greater extent than in proliferating cells after 5-min treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). By Western blot analysis, these changes were correlated to translocation of the PKC alpha isoform from cytosol to the particulate fraction, which was more pronounced in myotubes than in myoblasts. Specific inhibition of PKC alpha activity using antibodies against this isoform decreased the 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) sustained response associated with Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent calcium channels. Neomycin, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, blocked its effects on [Ca(2+)](i), PKC activity, and translocation of PKC alpha. Exposure of myotubes to 1,2-dioleyl-rac-glycerol (1,2-diolein), also increased [Ca(2+)](i), PKC activity, and the amount of PKC alpha associated with the particulate fraction. Changes in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by diolein were inhibited by calphostin C and nifedipine. The results indicate that PKC alpha activation via PLC-catalyzed phosphoinositide hydrolysis is part of the mechanism by which 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) regulates muscle intracellular Ca(2+) through modulation of the Ca(2+) influx pathway of the Ca(2+) response to the sterol.     

Serine residue in the IIIS5-S6 linker of the L-type Ca2+ channel alpha 1C subunit is the critical determinant of the action of dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonists

The dihydropyridine (DHP)-binding site has been identified within L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunit. However, the molecular mechanism underlying modulation of Ca(2+) channel gating by DHPs has not been clarified. To search for novel determinants of high affinity DHP binding, we introduced point mutations in the rat brain Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunit (rbCII or Ca(v)1.2c) based on the comparison of amino acid sequences between rbCII and the ascidian L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1) subunit, which is insensitive to DHPs. The alpha(1C) mutants (S1115A, S1146A, and A1420S) and rbCII were transiently expressed in BHK6 cells with beta(1a) and alpha(2)/delta subunits. The mutation did not affect the electrophysiological properties of the Ca(2+) channel, or the voltage- and concentration-dependent block of Ca(2+) channel currents produced by diltiazem and verapamil. However, the S1115A channel was significantly less sensitive to DHP antagonists. Interestingly, in the S1115A channel, DHP agonists failed to enhance whole-cell Ca(2+) channel currents and the prolongation of mean open time, as well as the increment of NP(o). Responsiveness to the non-DHP agonist FPL-64176 was also markedly reduced in the S1115A channel. When S1115 was replaced by other amino acids (S1115D, S1115T, or S1115V), only S1115T was slightly sensitive to S-(-)-Bay K 8644. These results indicate that the hydroxyl group of Ser(1115) in IIIS5-S6 linker of the L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunit plays a critical role in DHP binding and in the action of DHP Ca(2+) channel agonists.     

Requirement of the TRPC1 cation channel in the generation of transient Ca2+ oscillations by the calcium-sensing receptor

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is an allosteric protein that responds to extracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](o)) and aromatic amino acids with the production of different patterns of oscillations in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). An increase in [Ca(2+)](o) stimulates phospholipase C-mediated production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and causes sinusoidal oscillations in [Ca(2+)](i). Conversely, aromatic amino acid-induced CaR activation does not stimulate phospholipase C but engages an unidentified signaling mechanism that promotes transient oscillations in [Ca(2+)](i). We show here that the [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations stimulated by aromatic amino acids were selectively abolished by TRPC1 down-regulation using either a pool of small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs) or two different individual siRNAs that targeted different coding regions of TRPC1. Furthermore, [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations stimulated by aromatic amino acids were also abolished by inhibition of TRPC1 function with an antibody that binds the pore region of the channel. We also show that aromatic amino acid-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations can be prevented by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors or siRNA-mediated PKCalpha down-regulation and impaired by either calmodulin antagonists or by the expression of a dominant-negative calmodulin mutant. We propose a model for the generation of CaR-mediated transient [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations that integrates its stimulation by aromatic amino acids with TRPC1 regulation by PKC and calmodulin.     

Critical determinants of Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation within an EF-hand motif of L-type Ca(2+) channels

L-type (alpha(1C)) calcium channels inactivate rapidly in response to localized elevation of intracellular Ca(2+), providing negative Ca(2+) feedback in a diverse array of biological contexts. The dominant Ca(2+) sensor for such Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation has recently been identified as calmodulin, which appears to be constitutively tethered to the channel complex. This Ca(2+) sensor induces channel inactivation by Ca(2+)-dependent CaM binding to an IQ-like motif situated on the carboxyl tail of alpha(1C). Apart from the IQ region, another crucial site for Ca(2+) inactivation appears to be a consensus Ca(2+)-binding, EF-hand motif, located approximately 100 amino acids upstream on the carboxyl terminus. However, the importance of this EF-hand motif for channel inactivation has become controversial since the original report from our lab implicating a critical role for this domain. Here, we demonstrate not only that the consensus EF hand is essential for Ca(2+) inactivation, but that a four-amino acid cluster (VVTL) within the F helix of the EF-hand motif is itself essential for Ca(2+) inactivation. Mutating these amino acids to their counterparts in non-inactivating alpha(1E) calcium channels (MYEM) almost completely ablates Ca(2+) inactivation. In fact, only a single amino acid change of the second valine within this cluster to tyrosine (V1548Y) supports much of the functional knockout. However, mutations of presumed Ca(2+)-coordinating residues in the consensus EF hand reduce Ca(2+) inactivation by only approximately 2-fold, fitting poorly with the EF hand serving as a contributory inactivation Ca(2+) sensor, in which Ca(2+) binds according to a classic mechanism. We therefore suggest that while CaM serves as Ca(2+) sensor for inactivation, the EF-hand motif of alpha(1C) may support the transduction of Ca(2+)-CaM binding into channel inactivation. The proposed transduction role for the consensus EF hand is compatible with the detailed Ca(2+)-inactivation properties of wild-type and mutant V1548Y channels, as gauged by a novel inactivation model incorporating multivalent Ca(2+) binding of CaM.     

Expression of truncated transient receptor potential protein 1alpha (Trp1alpha ): evidence that the Trp1 C terminus modulates store-operated Ca2+ entry

Transient receptor potential protein 1 (Trp1) has been proposed as a component of the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) channel. However, the exact mechanism by which Trp1 is regulated by store depletion is not known. Here, we examined the role of the Trp1 C-terminal domain in SOCE by expressing hTrp1alpha lacking amino acids 664-793 (DeltaTrp1alpha) or full-length hTrp1alpha in the HSG (human submandibular gland) cell line. Both carbachol (CCh) and thapsigargin (Tg) activated sustained Ca(2+) influx in control (nontransfected), DeltaTrp1alpha-, and Trp1alpha-expressing cells. Sustained [Ca(2+)](i), following stimulation with either Tg or CCh in DeltaTrp1alpha-expressing cells, was about 1.5-2-fold higher than in Trp1alpha-expressing cells and 4-fold higher than in control cells. Importantly, (i) basal Ca(2+) influx and (ii) Tg- or CCh-stimulated internal Ca(2+) release were similar in all the cells. A similar increase in Tg-stimulated Ca(2+) influx was seen in cells expressing Delta2Trp1alpha, lacking the C-terminal domain amino acid 649-793, which includes the EWKFAR sequence. Further, both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-3 and caveolin-1 were immunoprecipitated with DeltaTrp1alpha and Trp1alpha. In aggregate, these data suggest that (i) the EWKFAR sequence does not contribute significantly to the Trp1-associated increase in SOCE, and (ii) the Trp1 C-terminal region, amino acids 664-793, is involved in the modulation of SOCE.     

Ser1928 is a common site for Cav1.2 phosphorylation by protein kinase C isoforms

Voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel (Ca(v)1.2, L-type Ca(2+) channel) function is highly regulated by hormones and neurotransmitters in large part through the activation of kinases and phosphatases. Regulation of Ca(v)1.2 by protein kinase C (PKC) is of significant physiologic importance, mediating, in part, the cardiac response to hormonal regulation. Although PKC has been reported to mediate activation and/or inhibition of Ca(v)1.2 function, the molecular mechanisms mediating the response have not been definitively elucidated. We show that PKC forms a macromolecular complex with the alpha(1c) subunit of Ca(v)1.2 through direct interaction with the C terminus. This interaction leads to phosphorylation of the channel in response to activators of PKC. We identify Ser(1928) as the residue that is phosphorylated by PKC in vitro and in vivo. Ser(1928) has been identified previously as the site mediating, in part, the protein kinase A up-regulation of channel activity. Thus, the protein kinase A and PKC signaling pathways converge on the Ca(v)1.2 complex at Ser(1928) to increase channel activity. Our results identify two mechanisms leading to regulation of Ca(v)1.2 activity by PKC: pre-association of the channel with PKC isoforms and phosphorylation of specific sites within the alpha(1c) subunit.     

A sequence in the carboxy-terminus of the alpha(1C) subunit important for targeting, conductance and open probability of L-type Ca(2+) channels

The role of the 80-amino acid motif 1572-1651 in the C-terminal tail of alpha(1C) Ca(2+) channel subunits was studied by comparing properties of the conventional alpha(1C,77) channel expressed in HEK-tsA201 cells to three isoforms carrying alterations in this motif. Replacement of amino acids 1572-1651 in alpha(1C,77) with 81 non-identical residues leading to alpha(1C,86) impaired membrane targeting and cluster formation of the channel. Similar to alpha(1C, 86), substitution of its 1572-1598 (alpha(1C,77L)) or 1595-1652 (alpha(1C,77K)) segments into the alpha(1C,77) channel yielded single-channel Ba(2+) currents with increased inactivation, reduced open probability and unitary conductance, when compared to the alpha(1C,77) channel. Thus, the C-terminal sequence 1572-1651 of the alpha(1C) subunit is important for membrane targeting, permeation and open probability of L-type Ca(2+) channels.     

Non-genomic convergent and divergent signalling of rapid responses to aldosterone and estradiol in mammalian colon

Studies from our laboratory have demonstrated rapid ( < 1 min) non-genomic activation of Na(+)-H(+) exchange, K(+) recycling, PKC activity and a PKC-dependent Ca(2+) entry through L-type Ca(2+) channels specifically by mineralocorticoids in distal colon. Aldosterone directly stimulates the activity of the PKC alpha isoform (but not PKC delta, PKC epsilon and PKC zeta) in a cell-free assay system containing only purified commercially available enzyme, appropriate substrate peptide, co-factors and lipid vesicles. The primary ion transport target of the non-genomic signal transduction cascade elicited by aldosterone in epithelia is the Na(+)-H(+) exchanger. In isolated colonic crypts, aldosterone produced a PKC alpha sensitive intracellular alkalinisation within 1 min of hormone addition. Intracellular alkalinisation upregulates an ATP-dependent K(+) channel, which is involved in K(+) recycling to maintain the electrical driving force for Na(+) absorption, while inhibiting a Ca(2+) -dependent K(+) channel, which generates the charge balance for Cl(-) secretion. The non-genomic response to aldosterone in distal colon appears to enhance the capacity for absorption while down-regulating the potential for secretion. We have also demonstrated rapid (< 1 min) non-genomic activation of Na(+)-H(+) exchange, K(+) recycling, PKC alpha activity, and a PKC delta- and PKA-dependent Ca(2+) entry through di-hydropyridine-blockable Ca(2+) channels specifically by 17beta-estradiol in distal colon. These rapid effects are female gender specific and are insensitive to inhibitors of the classical estrogen receptor (ER). 17 beta-Estradiol directly stimulated the activity of both PKC delta and PKC alpha (but not PKC epsilon or PKC zeta) in a cell-free assay system. E2 rapidly inhibited basolateral K(Ca) channel activity which would be expected to result in an acute inhibition of Cl(-) secretion. Physiological concentrations of E2 (0.1-10 nM) reduced both basal and secretagogue-induced Cl(-) secretion. This anti-secretory effect of E2 is sensitive to PKC inhibition, intracellular Ca(2+) chelation, and is female gender specific and insensitive to inhibitors of the classical ER. These observations link rapid non-genomic activation of second messengers with a rapid gender-specific physiological effect in the whole tissue. Aldosterone and E2 differ in their protein kinase signal transduction and both hormones stimulate specific PKC isoforms indicating both common and divergent signalling systems for salt-retaining steroid hormones. The physiological function of non-genomic effects of aldosterone and estradiol is to shift the balance from net secretion to net absorption in a pluripotential epithelium.     

Regulation of (1-3)-beta-glucan-stimulated Ca(2+) influx by protein kinase C in NR8383 alveolar macrophages

Stimulation of (1-3)-beta-glucan receptors results in Ca(2+) influx through receptor-operated channels in alveolar macrophages (AMs), but the mechanism(s) regulating Ca(2+) influx is still undefined. In this study we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) regulation of Ca(2+) influx in the NR8383 AM cell line using the particulate (1-3)-beta-glucan receptor agonist zymosan. PKC inhibition with calphostin C (CC) or bisindolymaleimide I (BSM) significantly reduced zymosan-induced Ca(2+) influx, whereas activation of PKC with phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1, 2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG) mimicked zymosan, inducing a concentration-dependent Ca(2+) influx. This influx was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and inhibited by the receptor-operated Ca(2+) channel blocker SK&F96365, indicating that zymosan and PKC activate Ca(2+) influx through a similar pathway. NR8383 AMs expressed one new PKC isoform (delta) and two atypical PKC isoforms (iota and lambda), but conventional PKC isoforms were not present. Stimulation with zymosan resulted in a translocation of PKC-delta from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. Furthermore, inhibition of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) with genistein prevented zymosan-stimulated Ca(2+) influx and PKC-delta translocation. These results suggest that PKC-delta plays a critical role in regulating (1-3)-beta-glucan receptor activated Ca(2+) influx in NR8383 AMs and PKC-delta translocation is possibly dependent on PTK activity.     

Mammalian protein serine/threonine phosphatase 2C: cDNA cloning and comparative analysis of amino acid sequences.

Complementary DNA encoding rat protein phosphatase 2C alpha was obtained from a liver library and used to isolate the homologous cDNAs from rabbit liver and human teratocarcinoma libraries. The amino acid sequences of the three enzymes deduced from the cDNA (382 amino acids) were extremely similar (greater than 99% identity), the maximum number of differences (between rat and human) being four. Amino acid sequences of peptides corresponding to 238 residues (61%) of the protein phosphatase 2C beta isoform from rabbit skeletal muscle were determined and showed 12 differences from the recently published sequence of the rat liver enzyme deduced from the cDNA (95% identity).     

Alternative splicing in intracellular loop connecting domains II and III of the alpha 1 subunit of Cav1.2 Ca2+ channels predicts two-domain polypeptides with unique C-terminal tails

Novel splice variants of the alpha(1) subunit of the Ca(v)1.2 voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel were identified that predicted two truncated forms of the alpha(1) subunit comprising domains I and II generated by alternative splicing in the intracellular loop region linking domains II and III. In rabbit heart splice variant 1 (RH-1), exon 19 was deleted, which resulted in a reading frameshift of exon 20 with a premature termination codon and a novel 19-amino acid carboxyl-terminal tail. In the RH-2 variant, exons 17 and 18 were deleted, leading to a reading frameshift of exons 19 and 20 with a premature stop codon and a novel 62-amino acid carboxyl-terminal tail. RNase protection assays with RH-1 and RH-2 cRNA probes confirmed the expression in cardiac and neuronal tissue but not skeletal muscle. The deduced amino acid sequence from full-length cDNAs encoding the two variants predicted polypeptides of 99.0 and 99.2 kDa, which constituted domains I and II of the alpha(1) subunit of the Ca(v)1.2 channel. Antipeptide antibodies directed to sequences in the second intracellular loop between domains II and III identified the 240-kDa Ca(v)1.2 subunit in sarcolemmal and heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum (HSR) membranes and a 99-kDa polypeptide in the HSR. An antipeptide antibody raised against unique sequences in the RH-2 variant also identified a 99-kDa polypeptide in the HSR. These data reveal the expression of additional Ca(2+) channel structural units generated by alternative splicing of the Ca(v)1.2 gene.