Oro-sensory perception of dietary lipids: New insights into the fat taste transduction

The sense of taste informs the organism about the quality of ingested food. Five basic taste modalities, e.g., sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami have so far been identified. Recent compelling evidence from rodent and human studies raise the possibility for an additional sixth taste modality devoted to the perception of lipids. Recent studies strongly suggest that lingual CD36, being implicated in the perception of dietary fat, may act as a gustatory lipid sensor. Knocking down of CD36 gene decreases the spontaneous preference for long chain fatty acids (LCFA) in mice subjected to a free choice situation. Lingual CD36, after activation by LCFA, is able to trigger specific signalling mechanisms, e.g., increase in free intracellular calcium concentrations, ([Ca²⁺]i), phosphorylation of protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) and release of the neurotransmitters like serotonin and nor-adrenaline into synaptic clefts. This signalling cascade is likely responsible for physiologic responses, induced by the detection of lipids in the oral cavity (i.e., lingual fat preference and cephalic phase of digestion). This review provides recent insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the oro-sensory perception of lipids.     

Local Control of Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

We investigated the mechanisms of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) and fetal ventricular myocytes (hFVMs) using patch-clamp electrophysiology and confocal microscopy. We tested the hypothesis that Ca²⁺ influx via voltage-gated L-type Ca²⁺ channels activates Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via a local control mechanism in hESC-CMs and hFVMs. Field-stimulated, whole-cell [Ca²⁺]_i transients in hESC-CMs required Ca²⁺ entry through L-type Ca²⁺ channels, as evidenced by the elimination of such transients by either removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ or treatment with diltiazem, an L-type channel inhibitor. Ca²⁺ release from the SR also contributes to the [Ca²⁺]_i transient in these cells, as evidenced by studies with drugs interfering with either SR Ca²⁺ release (i.e. ryanodine and caffeine) or reuptake (i.e. thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid). As in adult ventricular myocytes, membrane depolarization evoked large L-type Ca²⁺ currents (I _Ca) and corresponding whole-cell [Ca²⁺]_i transients in hESC-CMs and hFVMs, and the amplitude of both I _Ca and the [Ca²⁺]_i transients were finely graded by the magnitude of the depolarization. hESC-CMs exhibit a decreasing EC coupling gain with depolarization to more positive test potentials, “tail” [Ca²⁺]_i transients upon repolarization from extremely positive test potentials, and co-localized ryanodine and sarcolemmal L-type Ca²⁺ channels, all findings that are consistent with the local control hypothesis. Finally, we recorded Ca²⁺ sparks in hESC-CMs and hFVMs. Collectively, these data support a model in which tight, local control of SR Ca²⁺ release by the I _Ca during EC coupling develops early in human cardiomyocytes.     

A Steep Dependence of Inward-Rectifying Potassium Channels on Cytosolic Free Calcium Concentration Increase Evoked by Hyperpolarization in Guard Cells

Inactivation of inward-rectifying K⁺ channels (I_K,in) by a rise in cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]_i) is a key event leading to solute loss from guard cells and stomatal closure. However, [Ca²⁺]_i action on I_K,in has never been quantified, nor are its origins well understood. We used membrane voltage to manipulate [Ca²⁺]_i (A. Grabov and M.R. Blatt [1998] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95: 4778–4783) while recording I_K,in under a voltage clamp and [Ca²⁺]_i by Fura-2 fluorescence ratiophotometry. I_K,in inactivation correlated positively with [Ca²⁺]_i and indicated a K_i of 329 ± 31 nm with cooperative binding of four Ca²⁺ ions per channel. I_K,in was promoted by the Ca²⁺ channel antagonists Gd³⁺ and calcicludine, both of which suppressed the [Ca²⁺]_i rise, but the [Ca²⁺]_i rise was unaffected by the K⁺ channel blocker Cs⁺. We also found that ryanodine, an antagonist of intracellular Ca²⁺ channels that mediate Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release, blocked the [Ca²⁺]_i rise, and Mn²⁺ quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence showed that membrane hyperpolarization triggered divalent release from intracellular stores. These and additional results point to a high signal gain in [Ca²⁺]_i control of I_K,in and to roles for discrete Ca²⁺ flux pathways in feedback control of the K⁺ channels by membrane voltage.Ca²⁺ underlies many fundamental regulatory processes in plants, including adaptive responses to abiotic environmental stress (Knight et al., 1996; Russell et al., 1996; McAinsh et al., 1997) and programmed cell death evoked by pathogen attack (Low and Merida, 1996; Hammondkosack and Jones, 1997). Coordination of changes in [Ca²⁺]_i and its integration with downstream response elements are central in coupling stimulus input to cellular response in these processes.In stomatal guard cells, the best characterized higher-plant cell model, major downstream targets of [Ca²⁺]_i and their roles in stomatal function have been identified. Increasing [Ca²⁺]_i is known to inactivate I_K,in and to activate Cl⁻ channels, events that bias plasma membrane transport for net efflux of osmotically active solute and a loss of turgor, which drives stomatal closure (Blatt and Grabov, 1997). Furthermore, changes in [Ca²⁺]_i are associated with ABA, CO₂, and the growth hormone auxin (Blatt and Grabov, 1997; McAinsh et al., 1997). These [Ca²⁺]_i signals have been observed to oscillate (McAinsh et al., 1995; Webb et al., 1996), characteristics that may constitute “Ca²⁺ signatures” to encode specific downstream responses (Berridge, 1996). Yet, despite the evidence for [Ca²⁺]_i signaling in guard cells, surprisingly little detail is known about the link between [Ca²⁺]_i changes and ion channel activity at the plasma membrane or about the mechanisms mediating such [Ca²⁺]_i changes. To our knowledge, in no instance have the characteristics of ion channel regulation by Ca²⁺ been quantified directly in any higher-plant cell.We recently described the coupling of membrane voltage to [Ca²⁺]_i, demonstrating that hyperpolarization, whether under a voltage clamp or in the presence of low [K⁺]_o, evoked [Ca²⁺]_i increases in guard cells, and that the voltage threshold for [Ca²⁺]_i rise was profoundly altered by ABA (Grabov and Blatt, 1998). Our observations indicated a link to Ca²⁺ influx across the plasma membrane and raised questions about the efficacy of [Ca²⁺]_i in inactivating I_K,in and about the contributions of intracellular Ca²⁺ release to the [Ca²⁺]_i signal. We have used membrane voltage to experimentally manipulate [Ca²⁺]_i and report that I_K,in is strongly dependent on [Ca²⁺]_i, consistent with a cooperative binding of four Ca²⁺ ions to effect inactivation. Additional experiments indicate that voltage-evoked [Ca²⁺]_i increases depend both on Ca²⁺ influx and on release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores. These results underscore the role of [Ca²⁺]_i as a high-gain “switch” in the control of I_K,in, and implicate [Ca²⁺]_i in feedback control linking membrane voltage to the activity of the K⁺ channels.     

Alteration of the Glucagon Axis in GPR120 (FFAR4) Knockout Mice: A ROLE FOR GPR120 IN GLUCAGON SECRETION

GPR40 (FFAR1) and GPR120 (FFAR4) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). GPR40 is expressed at high levels in islets and mediates the ability of LCFAs to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). GPR120 is expressed at high levels in colon, adipose, and pituitary, and at more modest levels in pancreatic islets. The role of GPR120 in islets has not been explored extensively. Here, we confirm that saturated (e.g. palmitic acid) and unsaturated (e.g. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) LCFAs engage GPR120 and demonstrate that palmitate- and DHA-potentiated glucagon secretion are greatly reduced in isolated GPR120 KO islets. Remarkably, LCFA potentiated glucagon secretion is similarly reduced in GPR40 KO islets. Compensatory changes in mRNA expression of GPR120 in GPR40 KO islets, and vice versa, do not explain that LCFA potentiated glucagon secretion seemingly involves both receptors. LCFA-potentiated GSIS remains intact in GPR120 KO islets. Consistent with previous reports, GPR120 KO mice are hyperglycemic and glucose intolerant; however, our KO mice display evidence of a hyperactive counter-regulatory response rather than insulin resistance during insulin tolerance tests. An arginine stimulation test and a glucagon challenge confirmed both increases in glucagon secretion and liver glucagon sensitivity in GPR120 KO mice relative to WT mice. Our findings demonstrate that GPR120 is a nutrient sensor that is activated endogenously by both saturated and unsaturated long chain fatty acids and that an altered glucagon axis likely contributes to the impaired glucose homeostasis observed in GPR120 KO mice.     

The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Bitter Tastant-Induced Bronchodilation

Bronchodilators are a standard medicine for treating airway obstructive diseases, and β2 adrenergic receptor agonists have been the most commonly used bronchodilators since their discovery. Strikingly, activation of G-protein-coupled bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in airway smooth muscle (ASM) causes a stronger bronchodilation in vitro and in vivo than β2 agonists, implying that new and better bronchodilators could be developed. A critical step towards realizing this potential is to understand the mechanisms underlying this bronchodilation, which remain ill-defined. An influential hypothesis argues that bitter tastants generate localized Ca²⁺ signals, as revealed in cultured ASM cells, to activate large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels, which in turn hyperpolarize the membrane, leading to relaxation. Here we report that in mouse primary ASM cells bitter tastants neither evoke localized Ca²⁺ events nor alter spontaneous local Ca²⁺ transients. Interestingly, they increase global intracellular [Ca²⁺]_i, although to a much lower level than bronchoconstrictors. We show that these Ca²⁺ changes in cells at rest are mediated via activation of the canonical bitter taste signaling cascade (i.e., TAS2R-gustducin-phospholipase Cβ [PLCβ]- inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor [IP3R]), and are not sufficient to impact airway contractility. But activation of TAS2Rs fully reverses the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i induced by bronchoconstrictors, and this lowering of the [Ca²⁺]_i is necessary for bitter tastant-induced ASM cell relaxation. We further show that bitter tastants inhibit L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs), resulting in reversal in [Ca²⁺]_i, and this inhibition can be prevented by pertussis toxin and G-protein βγ subunit inhibitors, but not by the blockers of PLCβ and IP3R. Together, we suggest that TAS2R stimulation activates two opposing Ca²⁺ signaling pathways via Gβγ to increase [Ca²⁺]_i at rest while blocking activated L-type VDCCs to induce bronchodilation of contracted ASM. We propose that the large decrease in [Ca²⁺]_i caused by effective tastant bronchodilators provides an efficient cell-based screening method for identifying potent dilators from among the many thousands of available bitter tastants.     

Pleiotropic Effects of Bitter Taste Receptors on [Ca2+]i Mobilization,Hyperpolarization, and Relaxation of Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and airflow obstruction from human airway smooth muscle (HASM) constriction due to increased local bronchoconstrictive substances. We have recently found bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) on HASM, which increase [Ca²⁺]_i and relax the muscle. We report here that some, but not all, TAS2R agonists decrease [Ca²⁺]_i and relax HASM contracted by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that stimulate [Ca²⁺]_i. This suggests both a second pathway by which TAS2Rs relax, and, a heterogeneity of the response phenotype. We utilized eight TAS2R agonists and five procontractile GPCR agonists in cultured HASM cells. We find that heterogeneity in the inhibitory response hinges on which procontractile GPCR is activated. For example, chloroquine inhibits [Ca²⁺]_i increases from histamine, but failed to inhibit [Ca²⁺]_i increases from endothelin-1. Conversely, aristolochic acid inhibited [Ca²⁺]_i increases from endothelin-1 but not histamine. Other dichotomous responses were found when [Ca²⁺]_i was stimulated by bradykinin, angiotensin, and acetylcholine. There was no association between [Ca²⁺]_i inhibition and TAS2R subtype, nor whether [Ca²⁺]_i was increased by G_q- or G_i-coupled GPCRs. Selected studies revealed a correlation between [Ca²⁺]_i inhibition and HASM cell-membrane hyperpolarization. To demonstrate physiologic correlates, ferromagnetic beads were attached to HASM cells and cell stiffness measured by magnetic twisting cytometry. Consistent with the [Ca²⁺]_i inhibition results, chloroquine abolished the cell stiffening response (contraction) evoked by histamine but not by endothelin-1, while aristolochic acid inhibited cell stiffening from endothelin-1, but not from histamine. In studies using intact human bronchi, these same differential responses were found. Those TAS2R agonists that decreased [Ca²⁺]_i, promoted hyperpolarization, and decreased HASM stiffness, caused relaxation of human airways. Thus TAS2Rs relax HASM in two ways: a low-efficiency de novo [Ca²⁺]_i stimulation, and, a high-efficiency inhibition of GPCR-stimulated [Ca²⁺]_i. Furthermore, there is an interaction between TAS2Rs and some GPCRs that facilitates this [Ca²⁺]_i inhibition limb.     

Endothelial Cell E- and P-Selectin and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Function as Signaling Receptors

Previous studies have shown that polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adherence to endothelial cells (EC) induces transient increases in EC cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) that are required for PMN transit across the EC barrier (Huang, A.J., J.E. Manning, T.M. Bandak, M.C. Ratau, K.R. Hanser, and S.C. Silverstein. 1993. J. Cell Biol. 120:1371–1380). To determine whether stimulation of [Ca²⁺]_i changes in EC by leukocytes was induced by the same molecules that mediate leukocyte adherence to EC, [Ca²⁺]_i was measured in Fura2-loaded human EC monolayers. Expression of adhesion molecules by EC was induced by a pretreatment of the cells with histamine or with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and [Ca²⁺]_i was measured in single EC after the addition of mAbs directed against the EC adhesion proteins P-selectin, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), or platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Both anti–P- and anti–E-selectin mAb, as well as anti–VCAM-1 mAb, induced transient increases in EC [Ca²⁺]_i that were comparable to those induced by 200 μM histamine. In contrast, no effect was obtained by mAbs directed against the endothelial ICAM-1 or PECAM-1. PMN adherence directly stimulated increases in [Ca²⁺]_i in histamine- or LPS-treated EC. mAbs directed against leukocyte CD18 or PECAM-1, the leukocyte counter-receptors for endothelial ICAM-1 and PECAM-1, respectively, did not inhibit PMN-induced EC activation. In contrast, mAb directed against sialyl Lewis x (sLe^x), a PMN ligand for endothelial P- and E-selectin, completely inhibited EC stimulation by adherent PMN. Changes in EC [Ca²⁺]_i were also observed after adherence of peripheral blood monocytes to EC treated with LPS for 5 or 24 h. In these experiments, the combined addition of mAbs to sLe^x and VLA-4, the leukocyte counter-receptor for endothelial VCAM-1, inhibited [Ca²⁺]_i changes in the 5 h–treated EC, whereas the anti–VLA-4 mAb alone was sufficient to inhibit [Ca²⁺]_i changes in the 24 h-treated EC. Again, no inhibitory effect was observed with an anti-CD18 or anti–PECAM-1 mAb. Of note, the conditions that induced changes in EC [Ca²⁺]_i, i.e., mAbs directed against endothelial selectins or VCAM-1, and PMN or monocyte adhesion to EC via selectins or VCAM-1, but not via ICAM-1 or PECAM-1, also induced a rearrangement of EC cytoskeletal microfilaments from a circumferential ring to stress fibers. We conclude that, in addition to their role as adhesion receptors, endothelial selectins and VCAM-1 mediate endothelial stimulation by adhering leukocytes.     

Glutamate 90 at the Luminal Ion Gate of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase Is Critical for Ca2+ Binding on Both Sides of the Membrane

The roles of Ser⁷², Glu⁹⁰, and Lys²⁹⁷ at the luminal ends of transmembrane helices M1, M2, and M4 of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase were examined by transient and steady-state kinetic analysis of mutants. The dependence on the luminal Ca²⁺ concentration of phosphorylation by P_i (“Ca²⁺ gradient-dependent E2P formation”) showed a reduction of the apparent affinity for luminal Ca²⁺ in mutants with alanine or leucine replacement of Glu⁹⁰, whereas arginine replacement of Glu⁹⁰ or Ser⁷² allowed E2P formation from P_i even at luminal Ca²⁺ concentrations much too small to support phosphorylation in wild type. The latter mutants further displayed a blocked dephosphorylation of E2P and an increased rate of conversion of the ADP-sensitive E1P phosphoenzyme intermediate to ADP-insensitive E2P as well as insensitivity of the E2·BeF₃⁻ complex to luminal Ca²⁺. Altogether, these findings, supported by structural modeling, indicate that the E2P intermediate is stabilized in the mutants with arginine replacement of Glu⁹⁰ or Ser⁷², because the positive charge of the arginine side chain mimics Ca²⁺ occupying a luminally exposed low affinity Ca²⁺ site of E2P, thus identifying an essential locus (a “leaving site”) on the luminal Ca²⁺ exit pathway. Mutants with alanine or leucine replacement of Glu⁹⁰ further displayed a marked slowing of the Ca²⁺ binding transition as well as slowing of the dissociation of Ca²⁺ from Ca₂E1 back toward the cytoplasm, thus demonstrating that Glu⁹⁰ is also critical for the function of the cytoplasmically exposed Ca²⁺ sites on the opposite side of the membrane relative to where Glu⁹⁰ is located.     

Changes of intracellular free calcium during intracytoplasmic sperm injection

The present experiments were undertaken to investigate whether the procedure of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is associated with changes in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). [Ca²⁺]_i was measured, using the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2, during and after impalement of mouse oocytes with an ICSI pipette and injection of a small amount of medium alone or of medium containing a normal human spermatozoon. Forty-five oocytes were injected with medium. Two different responses were observed: 20 of these cells showed a large increase of [Ca²⁺]_i upon impalement; the other 25 cells did not show any change of [Ca²⁺]_i, neither in the acute period nor in a late period 4 hr after impalement. All the cells that responded with an increase of [Ca²⁺]_i subsequently lysed within the first 30 min following impalement, while all the cells with no [Ca²⁺]_i change remained intact. This observation suggests that only traumatic impalement is associated with an increase of [Ca²⁺]_i. Thirty-one oocytes were successfully, i.e., without subsequent cell lysis, injected with a normal mouse or human spermatozoon. In none of these cells could any acute or late change of [Ca²⁺]_i be observed. The experiments illustrate that successful performance of the ICSI procedure, i.e., ICSI not followed by cell lysis, is not associated with changes of [Ca²⁺]_i in mouse oocytes. This suggests that the ICSI technique, by itself, does not help in activating the oocyte via manipulation-induced changes of [Ca²⁺]_i. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Single Taste Stimuli Elicit Either Increases or Decreases in Intracellular Calcium in Isolated Catfish Taste Cells

Taste cells are specialized epithelial cells that respond to stimulation with release of neurotransmitters onto afferent nerves that innervate taste buds. In analogy to neurotransmitter release in other cells, it is expected that neurotransmitter release in taste cells is dependent on an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺] _i ). We have studied changes in [Ca²⁺] _i elicited by the taste stimuli l- and d-arginine in isolated taste cells from the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). In a sample of 119 cells, we found 15 cells responding to l-arginine, and 12 cells responding to d-arginine with an increase in [Ca²⁺] _i . The response to l-arginine was inhibited by equimolar d-arginine in cells where d-arginine alone did not cause a change in [Ca²⁺] _i , which is consistent with mediation of this response by a previously characterized l-arginine-gated nonspecific cation channel antagonized by d-arginine [31]. However, we also found that these taste stimuli elicited decreases in [Ca²⁺] _i in substantial number of cells (6 for l-Arg, and 2 for d-Arg, n= 119). These observations suggest that stimulation of taste cells with sapid stimuli may result in simultaneous excitation and inhibition of different taste cells within the taste bud, which could be involved in local processing of the taste signal. Received: 25 May 1995/Revised: 29 September 1995     

Contribution of the myosin binding protein C motif to functional effects in permeabilized rat trabeculae

Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is a thick-filament protein that limits cross-bridge cycling rates and reduces myocyte power output. To investigate mechanisms by which MyBP-C affects contraction, we assessed effects of recombinant N-terminal domains of cardiac MyBP-C (cMyBP-C) on contractile properties of permeabilized rat cardiac trabeculae. Here, we show that N-terminal fragments of cMyBP-C that contained the first three immunoglobulin domains of cMyBP-C (i.e., C0, C1, and C2) plus the unique linker sequence termed the MyBP-C “motif” or “m-domain” increased Ca²⁺ sensitivity of tension and increased rates of tension redevelopment (i.e., k_tr) at submaximal levels of Ca²⁺. At concentrations ≥20 μM, recombinant proteins also activated force in the absence of Ca²⁺ and inhibited maximum Ca²⁺-activated force. Recombinant proteins that lacked the combination of C1 and the motif did not affect contractile properties. These results suggest that the C1 domain plus the motif constitute a functional unit of MyBP-C that can activate the thin filament.     

Obesity alters the gustatory perception of lipids in the mouse: plausible involvement of lingual CD36

A relationship between orosensory detection of dietary lipids, regulation of fat intake, and body mass index was recently suggested. However, involved mechanisms are poorly understood. Moreover, whether obesity can directly modulate preference for fatty foods remains unknown. To address this question, exploration of the oral lipid sensing system was undertaken in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. By using a combination of biochemical, physiological, and behavioral approaches, we found that i) the attraction for lipids is decreased in obese mice, ii) this behavioral change has an orosensory origin, iii) it is reversed in calorie-restricted DIO mice, revealing an inverse correlation between fat preference and adipose tissue size, iv) obesity suppresses the lipid-mediated downregulation of the lipid-sensor CD36 in circumvallate papillae, usually found during the refeeding of lean mice, and v) the CD36-dependent signaling cascade controlling the intracellular calcium levels ([Ca²⁺]_i) in taste bud cells is decreased in obese mice. Therefore, obesity alters the lipid-sensing system responsible for the oral perception of dietary lipids. This phenomenon seems to take place through a CD36-mediated mechanism, leading to changes in eating behavior.     

The Polarized Effect of Intracellular Calcium on the Renal Epithelial Sodium Channel Occurs as a Result of Subcellular Calcium Signaling Domains Maintained by Mitochondria

The renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) provides regulated sodium transport in the distal nephron. The effects of intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) on this channel are only beginning to be elucidated. It appears from previous studies that the [Ca²⁺]_i increases downstream of ATP administration may have a polarized effect on ENaC, where apical application of ATP and the subsequent [Ca²⁺]_i increase have an inhibitory effect on the channel, whereas basolateral ATP and [Ca²⁺]_i have a stimulatory effect. We asked whether this polarized effect of ATP is, in fact, reflective of a polarized effect of increased [Ca²⁺]_i on ENaC and what underlying mechanism is responsible. We began by performing patch clamp experiments in which ENaC activity was measured during apical or basolateral application of ionomycin to increase [Ca²⁺]_i near the apical or basolateral membrane, respectively. We found that ENaC does indeed respond to increased [Ca²⁺]_i in a polarized fashion, with apical increases being inhibitory and basolateral increases stimulating channel activity. In other epithelial cell types, mitochondria sequester [Ca²⁺]_i, creating [Ca²⁺]_i signaling microdomains within the cell that are dependent on mitochondrial localization. We found that mitochondria localize in bands just beneath the apical and basolateral membranes in two different cortical collecting duct principal cell lines and in cortical collecting duct principal cells in mouse kidney tissue. We found that inhibiting mitochondrial [Ca²⁺]_i uptake destroyed the polarized response of ENaC to [Ca²⁺]_i. Overall, our data suggest that ENaC is regulated by [Ca²⁺]_i in a polarized fashion and that this polarization is maintained by mitochondrial [Ca²⁺]_i sequestration.     

Endogenous Ligand for GPR120, Docosahexaenoic Acid,Exerts Benign Metabolic Effects on the Skeletal Muscles via AMP-activated Protein Kinase Pathway

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120). However, the mechanisms underlying DHA action are poorly understood. In this study, DHA stimulated glucose uptake in the skeletal muscles in an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent manner. GPR120-mediated increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ was critical for DHA-mediated AMPK phosphorylation and glucose uptake. In addition, DHA stimulated GLUT4 translocation AMPK-dependently. Inhibition of AMPK and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase blocked DHA-induced glucose uptake. DHA and GW9508, a GPR120 agonist, increased GPR120 expression. DHA-mediated glucose uptake was not observed in GPR120 knockdown conditions. DHA increased AMPK phosphorylation, glucose uptake, and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in primary cultured myoblasts. Taken together, these results indicated that the beneficial metabolic role of DHA was attributed to its ability to regulate glucose via the GPR120-mediated AMPK pathway in the skeletal muscles.     

Distinct Contributions of Orai1 and TRPC1 to Agonist-Induced [Ca2+]i Signals Determine Specificity of Ca2+-Dependent Gene Expression

Regulation of critical cellular functions, including Ca²⁺-dependent gene expression, is determined by the temporal and spatial aspects of agonist-induced Ca²⁺ signals. Stimulation of cells with physiological concentrations of agonists trigger increases [Ca²⁺]_i due to intracellular Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺ influx. While Orai1-STIM1 channels account for agonist-stimulated [Ca²⁺]_i increase as well as activation of NFAT in cells such as lymphocytes, RBL and mast cells, both Orai1-STIM1 and TRPC1-STIM1 channels contribute to [Ca²⁺]_i increases in human submandibular gland (HSG) cells. However, only Orai1-mediated Ca²⁺ entry regulates the activation of NFAT in HSG cells. Since both TRPC1 and Orai1 are activated following internal Ca²⁺ store depletion in these cells, it is not clear how the cells decode individual Ca²⁺ signals generated by the two channels for the regulation of specific cellular functions. Here we have examined the contributions of Orai1 and TRPC1 to carbachol (CCh)-induced [Ca²⁺]_i signals and activation of NFAT in single cells. We report that Orai1-mediated Ca²⁺ entry generates [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations at different [CCh], ranging from very low to high. In contrast, TRPC1-mediated Ca²⁺ entry generates sustained [Ca²⁺]_i elevation at high [CCh] and contributes to frequency of [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations at lower [agonist]. More importantly, the two channels are coupled to activation of distinct Ca²⁺ dependent gene expression pathways, consistent with the different patterns of [Ca²⁺]_i signals mediated by them. Nuclear translocation of NFAT and NFAT-dependent gene expression display “all-or-none” activation that is exclusively driven by local [Ca²⁺]_i generated by Orai1, independent of global [Ca²⁺]_i changes or TRPC1-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. In contrast, Ca²⁺ entry via TRPC1 primarily regulates NFκB-mediated gene expression. Together, these findings reveal that Orai1 and TRPC1 mediate distinct local and global Ca²⁺ signals following agonist stimulation of cells, which determine the functional specificity of the channels in activating different Ca²⁺-dependent gene expression pathways.     

Change in Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-responses of cultivated brown adipocytes at adrenergic activation

The thermogenic capability of brown adipose tissue is controlled by noradrenaline. By interacting with α1- and β-adrenoreceptors of adipocytes, noradrenaline (NA) increases the intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) and cAMP. The changes in [Ca²⁺]_i under the action of NA and selective agonists of α1- and β-adrenoreceptors, i.e., cirazoline and isoproterenol (IP), are recorded on individual cells of the primary culture of adipocytes during the day in vitro (DIV) 1, DIV 3, and DIV 6. The change in [Ca²⁺]_i under the effect of IP as compared to the response to cirazoline in cells of DIV 1 is characterized by a higher amplitude and shorter duration of impulses in the entire diapason of the used physiological concentrations. After DIV 3, these differences are insignificant and, after DIV 6, the differences in kinetics are nearly absent. For all three agonists, the kinetics of the [Ca²⁺]_i change in the proliferating and differentiated cells is significantly different; i.e., the response amplitude increases with the age of the culture and the duration of transitory response decreases, while sensitivity to agonists of adrenoreceptors increases. It can be seen from the rise in [Ca²⁺]_i with an inhibitor of Ca²⁺-ATPase of the endoplasmic reticulum thapsigargin in calcium-free medium that the source of calcium ions in the endoplasmic reticulum rises with the growth and development of cells in culture, while the rate at which Ca²⁺ is pumped out of cells, which characterizes the activity of Ca²⁺-ATPase of the plasma membrane, increases.     

Butylated hydroxytoluene and inorganic phosphate plus Ca2+ increase mitochondrial permeability via mutually exclusive mechanisms

Mitochondria undergo a permeability transition (PT), i.e., become nonselectively permeable to small solutes, in response to a wide range of conditions/compounds. In general, opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP) is Ca²⁺- and P_i-dependent and is blocked by cyclosporin A (CsA), trifluoperazine (TFP), ADP, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Gudz and coworkers have reported [7th European Bioenergetics Conference, EBEC Short Reports (1992)7, 125], however, that, under some conditions, BHT increases mitochondrial permeability via a process that may not share all of these characteristics. Specifically, they determined that the BHT-induced permeability transition was independent of Ca²⁺ and was insensitive to CsA. We have used mitochondrial swelling to compare in greater detail the changes in permeability induced by BHT and by Ca²⁺ plus P_i with the following results. (1) The dependence of permeability on BHT concentration is triphasic: there is a threshold BHT concentration (ca. 60 nmol BHT/ mg mitochondrial protein) below which no increase occurs; BHT enhances permeability in an intermediate concentration range; and at high BHT concentrations (> 120 nmol/mg) permeability is again reduced. (2) The effects of BHT depend on the ratio of BHT to mitochondrial protein. (3) Concentrations of BHT too low to induce swelling block the PT induced by Ca²⁺ and P_i. (4) The dependence of the Ca²⁺-triggered PT on P_i concentration is biphasic. Below a threshold of 50–100 M, no swelling occurs. Above this threshold swelling increases rapidly. (5) P_i levels too low to support the Ca²⁺-induced PT inhibit BHT-induced swelling. (6) Swelling induced by BHT can bestimulated by agents and treatments that block the PT induced by Ca²⁺ plus P_i. These data suggest that BHT and Ca²⁺ plus P_i, increase mitochondrial permeability via two mutually exclusive mechanisms.     

Effects of DK-002, a synthesized (6aS,cis)-9,10-Dimethoxy-7,11b-dihydro-indeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,6a-diol, on platelet activity

In the present study, the mechanism of antiplatelet activity of DK-002, a synthesized (6aS,cis)-9,10-Dimethoxy-7,11b-dihydro-indeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,6a-diol, was investigated. DK-002 inhibited the thrombin, collagen, and ADP-induced rat platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 120, 27, and 47 μM, respectively. DK-002 also inhibited thrombin-induced dense granule secretion, thromboxane A₂ synthesis, and [Ca²⁺]_i elevation in platelets. DK-002 did not show any significant effect on ADP-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP elevation by prostaglandin E₁, but DK-002 was confirmed to inhibit ADP-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation and shape change. DK-002 inhibited 4-bromo-A23187-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation in the presence of creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK, a ADP scavenging system) and indomethacin (a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase). DK-002 also inhibited Ca²⁺ mobilization in thrombin- or 4-bromo-A23187-stimulated platelets through its inhibitory effects on both Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores and Ca²⁺ influx, in the presence of CP/CPK and indomethacin. Taken together, the present study shows that DK-002 has inhibitory effects on stimulation of platelets, and suggests that its antiplatelet activity might be related to the inhibitory mechanism on Ca²⁺ mobilization in stimulated platelets.