A role for the human sperm glycine receptor/Cl(-) channel in the acrosome reaction initiated by recombinant ZP3.

Previously, we have demonstrated an essential role for the neuronal glycine receptor (GlyR) in the acrosome reaction (AR) of mouse and porcine sperm initiated by the egg zona pellucida (ZP). In the present study, we have demonstrated presence of the GlyR in human sperm by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, investigated the potential of a recombinant human ZP3 (rhZP3) preparation as an alternative research tool to solubilized human ZP, and shown that the human sperm GlyR is essential to the human AR initiated by rhZP3. Additionally, we have been able to demonstrate that rhZP3 possesses biological activity, because it is able to rapidly stimulate the AR in capacitated human sperm and its action is blocked by the addition of pertussis toxin. Moreover, spectrofluorometric studies using fura-2-loaded human sperm have shown that rhZP3 triggers a peak-and-plateau rise in intracellular Ca(2+) levels similar to that seen with solubilized mammalian ZP. These results suggest that the actions of rhZP3 and solubilized ZP are elicited via the same signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, incubation of human sperm with an antibody directed against the alpha1 subunit of the human spinal cord GlyR or with 50 nM strychnine caused significant inhibition in the rhZP3-initated AR. Finally, studies using fura-2-loaded human sperm showed that 50 nM strychnine was also able to inhibit the Ca(2+) influx associated with addition of rhZP3. These results further support the view that rhZP3 and the ZP work through the same mechanisms, show that the GlyR is involved in rhZP3-initiated AR, and suggest that the GlyR may also play a role in the early signal transduction cascades associated with ZP-initiated AR in vivo.     

Iberiotoxin and clofilium regulate hyperactivation,acrosome reaction,and ion homeostasis synergistically during human sperm capacitation

Potassium channels play essential roles in the regulation of male fertility. However, potassium channels mediating K⁺ currents in human sperm (I_KSper) remain controversial. Besides SLO3, the SLO1 potassium channel is a potential candidate for human sperm KSper. This study intends to elucidate the function of SLO1 potassium channel during human sperm capacitation. Human sperm were treated with iberiotoxin (IbTX, a SLO1 specific inhibitor) and clofilium (SLO3 inhibitor) separately or simultaneously during in vitro capacitation. A computer-assisted sperm analyzer was used to assess sperm motility. The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was analyzed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied using western blotting. Intracellular Ca²⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, and pH were analyzed using ion fluorescence probes. Independent inhibition with IbTX or clofilium decreased the sperm hyperactivation, AR, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and was accompanied by an increase in [K⁺]_i, [Cl⁻]_i, and pH_i, but a decrease in [Ca²⁺]_i. Simultaneously inhibition with IbTX and clofilium lower sperm hyperactivation and AR more than independent inhibition. The increase in [K⁺]_i, [Cl⁻]_i, and pH_i, and the decrease in [Ca²⁺]_i were more pronounced. This study suggested that the SLO1 potassium channel may have synergic roles with SLO3 during human sperm capacitation.     

Single channel measurements demonstrate the voltage dependence of permeation through N-type and L-type CaV channels

The delivery of Ca²⁺ into cells by Ca_V channels provides the trigger for many cellular actions, such as cardiac muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. Thus, a full understanding of Ca²⁺ permeation through these channels is critical. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, we recently demonstrated that voltage modulates the apparent affinity of N-type (Ca_V2.2) channels for permeating Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ions. While we took many steps to ensure the high fidelity of our recordings, problems can occur when Ca_V currents become large and fast, or when currents run down. Thus, we use here single channel recordings to further test the hypothesis that permeating ions interact with N-type channels in a voltage-dependent manner. We also examined L-type (Ca_V1.2) channels to determine if these channels also exhibit voltage-dependent permeation. Like our whole-cell data, we find that voltage modulates N-channel affinity for Ba²⁺ at voltages > 0 mV, but has little or no effect at voltages < 0 mV. Furthermore, we demonstrate that permeation through L-channel is also modulated by voltage. Thus, voltage-dependence may be a common feature of divalent cation permeation through Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels (i.e. high-voltage activated Ca_V channels). The voltage dependence of Ca_V1 channel permeation is likely a mechanism mediating sustained Ca²⁺ influx during the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential.     

The HOOK region of β subunits controls gating of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by electrostatically interacting with plasma membrane

Recently, we showed that the HOOK region of the β2 subunit electrostatically interacts with the plasma membrane and regulates the current inactivation and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) sensitivity of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) 2.2 channels. Here, we report that voltage-dependent gating and current density of the Ca_V2.2 channels are also regulated by the HOOK region of the β2 subunit. The HOOK region can be divided into 3 domains: S (polyserine), A (polyacidic), and B (polybasic). We found that the A domain shifted the voltage-dependent inactivation and activation of Ca_V2.2 channels to more hyperpolarized and depolarized voltages, respectively, whereas the B domain evoked these responses in the opposite directions. In addition, the A domain decreased the current density of the Ca_V2.2 channels, while the B domain increased it. Together, our data demonstrate that the flexible HOOK region of the β2 subunit plays an important role in determining the overall Ca_V channel gating properties.     

Single channel measurements demonstrate the voltage dependence of permeation through N-type and L-type CaV channels

The delivery of Ca²⁺ into cells by Ca_V channels provides the trigger for many cellular actions, such as cardiac muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. Thus, a full understanding of Ca²⁺ permeation through these channels is critical. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, we recently demonstrated that voltage modulates the apparent affinity of N-type (Ca_V2.2) channels for permeating Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ions. While we took many steps to ensure the high fidelity of our recordings, problems can occur when Ca_V currents become large and fast, or when currents run down. Thus, we use here single channel recordings to further test the hypothesis that permeating ions interact with N-type channels in a voltage-dependent manner. We also examined L-type (Ca_V1.2) channels to determine if these channels also exhibit voltage-dependent permeation. Like our whole-cell data, we find that voltage modulates N-channel affinity for Ba²⁺ at voltages > 0 mV, but has little or no effect at voltages < 0 mV. Furthermore, we demonstrate that permeation through L-channel is also modulated by voltage. Thus, voltage-dependence may be a common feature of divalent cation permeation through Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels (i.e. high-voltage activated Ca_V channels). The voltage dependence of Ca_V1 channel permeation is likely a mechanism mediating sustained Ca²⁺ influx during the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential.     

Contrasting Effects of Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> on the Blocking/Unblocking of Human Ca<Subscript>v</Subscript>3 Channels

Inorganic ions have been used widely to investigate biophysical properties of high voltage-activated calcium channels (HVA: Ca_v1 and Ca_v2 families). In contrast, such information regarding low voltage-activated calcium channels (LVA: Ca_v3 family) is less documented. We have studied the blocking effect of Cd²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on T-currents expressed by human Ca_v3 channels: Ca_v3.1, Ca_v3.2, and Ca_v3.3. With the use of the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique, we have recorded Ca²⁺ (2 mM) currents from HEK−293 cells stably expressing recombinant T-type channels. Cd²⁺ and Co²⁺ block was 2- to 3-fold more potent for Ca_v3.2 channels (EC₅₀ = 65 and 122 μM, respectively) than for the other two LVA channel family members. Current-voltage relationships indicate that Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ shift the voltage dependence of Ca_v3.1 and Ca_v3.3 channels activation to more positive potentials. Interestingly, block of those two Ca_v3 channels by Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ was drastically increased at extreme negative voltages; in contrast, block due to Cd²⁺ was significantly decreased. This unblocking effect was slightly voltage-dependent. Tail-current analysis reveals a differential effect of Cd²⁺ on Ca_v3.3 channels, which can not close while the pore is occupied with this metal cation. The results suggest that metal cations affect differentially T-type channel activity by a mechanism involving the ionic radii of inorganic ions and structural characteristics of the channels pore.     

Pharmacological Characterization of the Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channels Present in Synaptosomes from Rat and Chicken Central Nervous System

Abstract: The voltage-dependent calcium channels present in mammalian and chicken brain synaptosomes were characterized pharmacologically using specific blockers of L-type channels (1,4-dihydropyridines), N-type channels (ω-conotoxin GVIA), and P-type channels [funnel web toxin (FTX) and ω-agatoxin IVA]. K⁺-induced Ca²⁺ uptake by chicken synaptosomes was blocked by ω-conotoxin GVIA (IC₅₀ = 250 nM). This toxin at 5 µM did not block Ca²⁺ entry into rat frontal cortex synaptosomes. FTX and ω-agatoxin IVA blocked Ca²⁺ uptake by rat synaptosomes (IC₅₀ = 0.17 µl/ml and 40 nM, respectively). Likewise, in chicken synaptosomes, FTX and ω-agatoxin IVA affected Ca²⁺ uptake. FTX (3 µl/ml) exerted a maximal inhibition of 40% with an IC₅₀ similar to the one obtained in rat preparations, whereas with ω-agatoxin IVA saturation was not reached even at 5 µM. In chicken preparations, the combined effect of saturating concentrations of FTX (1 µl/ml) and different concentrations of ω-conotoxin GVIA showed no additive effects. However, the effect of saturating concentrations of FTX and ω-conotoxin GVIA was never greater than the one observed with ω-conotoxin GVIA. We also found that 60% of the Ca²⁺ uptake by rat and chicken synaptosomes was inhibited by ω-conotoxin MVIID (1 µM), a toxin that has a high index of discrimination against N-type channels. Conversely, nitrendipine (10 µM) had no significant effect on Ca²⁺ uptake in either the rat or the chicken. In conclusion, Ca²⁺ uptake by rat synaptosomes is potently inhibited by different P-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers, thus indicating that P-type channels are predominant in this preparation. In contrast, Ca²⁺ uptake by chicken synaptosomes is sensitive to ω-conotoxin GVIA, FTX, ω-agatoxin IVA, and ω-conotoxin MVIID. This suggests that a channel subtype with a mixed pharmacology is present in chicken synaptosomes.     

AR4-2J cell line coexpresses dihydropyridine and ω-conotoxin sensitive Ca channels

For the first time, we have demonstrated in AR4-2J cells, an experimental model of azaserine-induced carcinoma in the rat exocrine pancreas, the co-expression of α₁ subunit of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel and the α₁ sub-unit of ω-conotoxin-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel RNA messengers which share homologous sequences with, respectively, rbC II and rbB I sub-types described in the rat brain. These two types of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels which are functionally expressed, emphasize the acquisition during carcinogenesis of neuroendocrine features of AR4-2J cells. Additionally, using antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide, we demonstrated clearly the involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels in the control of AR4-2J cell proliferation.     

Divergent Ca2+/calmodulin feedback regulation of CaV1 and CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels evolved in the common ancestor of Placozoa and Bilateria

Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 voltage-gated calcium channels evolved from an ancestral Ca_V1/2 channel via gene duplication somewhere near the stem animal lineage. The divergence of these channel types led to distinguishing functional properties that are conserved among vertebrates and bilaterian invertebrates and contribute to their unique cellular roles. One key difference pertains to their regulation by calmodulin (CaM), wherein bilaterian Ca_V1 channels are uniquely subject to pronounced, buffer-resistant Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent inactivation, permitting negative feedback regulation of calcium influx in response to local cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ rises. Early diverging, nonbilaterian invertebrates also possess Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels, but it is unclear whether they share these conserved functional features. The most divergent animals to possess both Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels are placozoans such as Trichoplax adhaerens, which separated from other animals over 600 million years ago shortly after their emergence. Hence, placozoans can provide important insights into the early evolution of Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels. Here, we build upon previous characterization of Trichoplax Ca_V channels by determining the cellular expression and ion-conducting properties of the Ca_V1 channel orthologue, TCa_V1. We show that TCa_V1 is expressed in neuroendocrine-like gland cells and contractile dorsal epithelial cells. In vitro, this channel conducts dihydropyridine-insensitive, high-voltage–activated Ca²⁺ currents with kinetics resembling those of rat Ca_V1.2 but with left-shifted voltage sensitivity for activation and inactivation. Interestingly, TCa_V1, but not TCa_V2, exhibits buffer-resistant Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent inactivation, indicating that this functional divergence evolved prior to the emergence of bilaterian animals and may have contributed to their unique adaptation for cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ signaling within various cellular contexts.     

A nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is involved in the arosome reaction of human sperm initiated by recombinant human ZP3

One of the essential steps in mammalian fertilization is the acrosome reaction (AR), a modified exocytotic event in the sperm head that occurs upon contact with the glycoprotein matrix of the zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding the oocyte. Acetylcholine (ACh) at concentrations of 10-250 micro M and nicotine at 10-250 nM significantly initiate the AR of capacitated human sperm. Preincubation with three antagonists of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX, 100 nM), alpha-conotoxin IMI (alpha-CTX IMI, 250 nM and 25 nM), and methyllycaconitine (MLA, 100 nM and 10 nM), significantly blocked AR initiation by ACh. alpha-BTX is an anatagonist of several nAChRs, including the alpha7 nAChR, and alpha-CTX IMI and MLA are highly specific antagonists of alpha7 subunit-containing AChRs. The sperm nAChR plays a role in the AR initiated in vitro by a purified recombinant human ZP protein (rhZP3). Previously, rhZP3 was able to stimulate the AR by mechanisms similar to those seen with native ZP. Preincubation of human sperm with alpha-BTX (from 10 micro M to 100 nM), alpha-CTX IMI (250 and 100 nM), or MLA (100 nM and 10 nM) caused a significant inhibition in the rhZP3-initated AR. The inhibition of the ACh-initiated and rhZP3-initiated AR by these nAChR antagonists strongly suggests the involvement of an alpha7 subunit-containing nAChR in the AR initiated by both ligands. AR initiation by progesterone was not inhibited by MLA or alpha-BTX, suggesting that this particularnAChR is not involved in the AR initiated by that ligand. In vitro results show for the first time that ACh can initiate the human sperm AR and strongly suggest that a human sperm alpha7 subunit-containing nAChR plays a role in the rhZP3-initiated AR. This nAChR ligand-gated ion channel may be important to the signal transduction events of ZP-initiated AR in vivo.     

重组人卵透明带蛋白(rhZP3)的生物活性研究

为了研究毕赤酵母表达的重组人卵透明带蛋白(rhZP3)的生物活性,分别用空白培养液,含孕酮或rhZP3的培养液对人精子进行顶体诱发实验,用考马斯亮蓝染色法对顶体状态进行评价;用不同浓度的rhZP3以及空白培养液分别处理精子,然后再与卵子进行结合实验,观察经过不同处理的精子在精卵结合中的情况;用抗rhZP3抗血清与阴性血清分别处理卵子,再与精子进行结合实验,观察经过不同处理后的卵子在精卵结合中的情况。rhZP3诱发顶体反应实验结果显示,rhZP3处理组与空白对照组之间差异显著(P<0.01);精卵结合实验结果显示,各实验组和对照组之间存在显著性差异(P<0.01),rhZP3、抗rhZP3抗体均能抑制精卵结合。实验结果表明,rhZP3具有天然人卵透明带蛋白相似的活性。     

Conserved biophysical features of the CaV2 presynaptic Ca2+ channel homologue from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens

The dominant role of Ca_V2 voltage-gated calcium channels for driving neurotransmitter release is broadly conserved. Given the overlapping functional properties of Ca_V2 and Ca_V1 channels, and less so Ca_V3 channels, it is unclear why there have not been major shifts toward dependence on other Ca_V channels for synaptic transmission. Here, we provide a structural and functional profile of the Ca_V2 channel cloned from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens, which lacks a nervous system but possesses single gene homologues for Ca_V1–Ca_V3 channels. Remarkably, the highly divergent channel possesses similar features as human Ca_V2.1 and other Ca_V2 channels, including high voltage–activated currents that are larger in external Ba²⁺ than in Ca²⁺; voltage-dependent kinetics of activation, inactivation, and deactivation; and bimodal recovery from inactivation. Altogether, the functional profile of Trichoplax Ca_V2 suggests that the core features of presynaptic Ca_V2 channels were established early during animal evolution, after Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels emerged via proposed gene duplication from an ancestral Ca_V1/2 type channel. The Trichoplax channel was relatively insensitive to mammalian Ca_V2 channel blockers ω-agatoxin-IVA and ω-conotoxin-GVIA and to metal cation blockers Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺. Also absent was the capacity for voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition by co-expressed Trichoplax Gβγ subunits, which nevertheless inhibited the human Ca_V2.1 channel, suggesting that this modulatory capacity evolved via changes in channel sequence/structure, and not G proteins. Last, the Trichoplax channel was immunolocalized in cells that express an endomorphin-like peptide implicated in cell signaling and locomotive behavior and other likely secretory cells, suggesting contributions to regulated exocytosis.     

The α2δ subunit augments functional expression and modifies the pharmacology of CaV1.3 L-type channels

The auxiliary Ca_Vα₂δ-1 subunit is an important component of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channel complexes in many tissues and of great interest as a drug target. Nevertheless, its exact role in specific cell functions is still unknown. This is particularly important in the case of the neuronal L-type Ca_V channels where these proteins play a key role in the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones, gene expression, and the activation of other ion channels. Therefore, using a combined approach of patch-clamp recordings and molecular biology, we studied the role of the Ca_Vα₂δ-1 subunit on the functional expression and the pharmacology of recombinant L-type Ca_V1.3 channels in HEK-293 cells. Co-expression of Ca_Vα₂δ-1 significantly increased macroscopic currents and conferred the Ca_V1.3α₁/Ca_Vβ₃ channels sensitivity to the antiepileptic/analgesic drugs gabapentin and AdGABA. In contrast, Ca_Vα₂δ-1 subunits harboring point mutations in N-glycosylation consensus sequences or the proteolytic site as well as in conserved cysteines in the transmembrane δ domain of the protein, reduced functionality in terms of enhancement of Ca_V1.3α₁/Ca_Vβ₃ currents. In addition, co-expression of the δ domain drastically inhibited macroscopic currents through recombinant Ca_V1.3 channels possibly by affecting channel synthesis. Together these results provide several lines of evidence that the Ca_Vα₂δ-1 auxiliary subunit may interact with Ca_V1.3 channels and regulate their functional expression.     

The smooth muscle-type β1 subunit potentiates activation by DiBAC4(3) in recombinant BK channels

Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated (BK) channels, expressed in a variety of tissues, play a fundamental role in regulating and maintaining arterial tone. We recently demonstrated that the slow voltage indicator DiBAC₄(3) does not depend, as initially proposed, on the β₁ or β₄ subunits to activate native arterial smooth muscle BK channels. Using recombinant mslo BK channels, we now show that the β₁ subunit is not essential to this activation but exerts a large potentiating effect. DiBAC₄(3) promotes concentration-dependent activation of BK channels and slows deactivation kinetics, changes that are independent of Ca²⁺. K_d values for BK channel activation by DiBAC₄(3) in 0 mM Ca²⁺ are approximately 20 μM (α) and 5 μM (α+β₁), and G-V curves shift up to ?40mV and ?110 mV, respectively. β₁ to β₂ mutations R11A and C18E do not interfere with the potentiating effect of the subunit. Our findings should help refine the role of the β₁ subunit in cardiovascular pharmacology.     

Importance of sodium ion to the progesterone-initiated acrosome reaction in human sperm

Progesterone (P) has previously been shown to rapidly increase free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁻]_i), and subsequently to initiate the acrosome reaction (AR) in capacitated human sperm. The present study used cytochemical analysis of the AR, and spectrofluorometric determination of sperm [Ca²⁻]_i and intracellular pH (pH_i) in Na⁺-containing and Na⁺-deficient bicarbonate/CO₂-buffered media to investigate the role of Na⁺ in these P-initiated changes. We found that P failed to initiate the AR in Na⁺-deficient medium, and that the initial rise in [Ca²⁺]_i following P (1 μg/ml) stimulation was similar for both media; however, the [Ca²⁺]_i in the Na⁺-deficient medium regressed more rapidly and plateaued at a significantly lower [Ca²⁺]_i. Moreover, the differences in plateau [Ca²⁺]_i were directly related to the percentage of acrosome reactions, suggesting that the plateau phase is not due to [Ca²⁺]_i, but rather to the release of intracellular fura-2 into the medium during the AR. These [Ca²⁺]_i and AR results are in contrast to those reported previously by others for human sperm and suggest that a Na⁺-dependent mechanism is important in the P-initiated human sperm AR. Such a Na⁺ requirement may reflect the involvement of this ion in pH_i regulation, as capacitated sperm that were incubated in a Na⁺-deficient medium for ≥ 30 min displayed a significantly lower pH_i. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Differential interaction of β2e with phosphoinositides: A comparative study between β2e and MARCKS

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca_V) channels are responsible for Ca²⁺ influx in excitable cells. As one of the auxiliary subunits, the Ca_V β subunit plays a pivotal role in the membrane expression and receptor modulation of Ca_V channels. In particular, the subcellular localization of the β subunit is critical for determining the biophysical properties of Ca_V channels. Recently, we showed that the β2e isotype is tethered to the plasma membrane. Such a feature of β2e is due to the reversible electrostatic interaction with anionic membrane phospholipids. Here, we further explored the membrane interaction property of β2e by comparing it with that of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS). First, the charge neutralization of the inner leaf of the plasma membrane induced the translocation of both β2e and MARCKS to the cytosol, while the transient depletion of poly-phosphoinositides (poly-PIs) by translocatable pseudojanin (PJ) systems induced the cytosolic translocation of β2e but not MARCKS. Second, the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) induced the translocation of MARCKS but not β2e. We also found that after the cytosolic translocation of MARCKS by receptor activation, depletion of poly-PIs slowed the recovery of MARCKS to the plasma membrane. Together, our data demonstrate that both β2e and MARCKS bind to the membrane through electrostatic interaction but with different binding affinity, and thus, they are differentially regulated by enzymatic degradation of membrane PIs.     

Characterization of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase nucleotide binding domain mutants using NMR spectroscopy

T-type Ca²⁺ channels have been implicated in tremorogenesis and motor coordination. The α1 subunit of the Ca_V3.1 T-type Ca²⁺ channel is highly expressed in motor pathways in the brain, but knockout of the Ca_V3.1 gene (α1G^-/-) per se causes no motor defects in mice. Thus, the role of Ca_V3.1 channels in motor control remains obscure in vivo. Here, we investigated the effect of the Ca_V3.1 knockout in the null genetic background of α1 GABA_A receptor (α1^−/−) by generating the double mutants (α1^−/−/α1G^-/-). α1^−/−/α1G^-/- mice showed severer motor abnormalities than α1^−/− mice as measured by potentiated tremor activities at 20 Hz and impaired motor learning. Propranolol, an anti-ET drug that is known to reduce the pathologic tremor in α1^−/− mice, was not effective for suppressing the potentiated tremor in α1^−/−/α1G^-/- mice. In addition, α1^−/−/α1G^-/- mice showed an age-dependent loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons. These results suggest that α1^−/−/α1G^-/- mice are a novel mouse model for a distinct subtype of ET in human and that Ca_V3.1 T-type Ca²⁺ channels play a role in motor coordination under pathological conditions.     

γ<Subscript>1</Subscript>-Dependent Down-regulation of Recombinant Voltage-gated Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Channels

(1) Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channels are multi-subunit membrane complexes that allow depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ influx into cells. The skeletal muscle L-type Ca_V channels consist of an ion-conducting Ca_V1.1 subunit and auxiliary α₂δ−1, β₁ and γ₁ subunits. This complex serves both as a Ca_V channel and as a voltage sensor for excitation–contraction coupling. (2) Though much is known about the mechanisms by which the α₂δ−1 and β₁ subunits regulate Ca_V channel function, there is far less information on the γ₁ subunit. Previously, we characterized the interaction of γ₁ with the other components of the skeletal Ca_V channel complex, and showed that heterologous expression of this auxiliary subunit decreases Ca²⁺ current density in myotubes from γ₁ null mice. (3) In the current report, using Western blotting we show that the expression of the Ca_V1.1 protein is significantly lower when it is heterologously co-expressed with γ₁. Consistent with this, patch-clamp recordings showed that transient transfection of γ₁ drastically inhibited macroscopic currents through recombinant N-type (Ca_V2.2/α₂δ−1/β₃) channels expressed in HEK-293 cells. (4) These findings provide evidence that co-expression of the auxiliary γ₁ subunit results in a decreased expression of the ion-conducting subunit, which may help to explain the reduction in Ca²⁺ current density following γ₁ transfection.     

CaV1.2/CaV3.x channels mediate divergent vasomotor responses in human cerebral arteries

The regulation of arterial tone is critical in the spatial and temporal control of cerebral blood flow. Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channels are key regulators of excitation–contraction coupling in arterial smooth muscle, and thereby of arterial tone. Although L- and T-type Ca_V channels have been identified in rodent smooth muscle, little is known about the expression and function of specific Ca_V subtypes in human arteries. Here, we determined which Ca_V subtypes are present in human cerebral arteries and defined their roles in determining arterial tone. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively, identified mRNA and protein for L- and T-type channels in smooth muscle of cerebral arteries harvested from patients undergoing resection surgery. Analogous to rodents, Ca_V1.2 (L-type) and Ca_V3.2 (T-type) α₁ subunits were expressed in human cerebral arterial smooth muscle; intriguingly, the Ca_V3.1 (T-type) subtype present in rodents was replaced with a different T-type isoform, Ca_V3.3, in humans. Using established pharmacological and electrophysiological tools, we separated and characterized the unique profiles of Ca²⁺ channel subtypes. Pressurized vessel myography identified a key role for Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V3.3 channels in mediating cerebral arterial constriction, with the former and latter predominating at higher and lower intraluminal pressures, respectively. In contrast, Ca_V3.2 antagonized arterial tone through downstream regulation of the large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel. Computational analysis indicated that each Ca²⁺ channel subtype will uniquely contribute to the dynamic regulation of cerebral blood flow. In conclusion, this study documents the expression of three distinct Ca²⁺ channel subtypes in human cerebral arteries and further shows how they act together to orchestrate arterial tone.