Anthrax lethal toxin suppresses murine cardiomyocyte contractile function and intracellular Ca2+ handling via a NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism

Objectives

Anthrax infection is associated with devastating cardiovascular sequelae, suggesting unfavorable cardiovascular effects of toxins originated from Bacillus anthracis namely lethal and edema toxins. This study was designed to examine the direct effect of lethal toxins on cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca²⁺ properties.

Methods

Murine cardiomyocyte contractile function and intracellular Ca²⁺ handling were evaluated including peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/ relengthening (± dL/dt), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR₉₀), intracellular Ca²⁺ rise measured as fura-2 fluorescent intensity (ΔFFI), and intracellular Ca²⁺ decay rate. Stress signaling and Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins were assessed using Western blot analysis.

Results

In vitro exposure to a lethal toxin (0.05 – 50 nM) elicited a concentration-dependent depression on cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca²⁺ properties (PS, ± dL/dt, ΔFFI), along with prolonged duration of contraction and intracellular Ca²⁺ decay, the effects of which were nullified by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. The lethal toxin significantly enhanced superoxide production and cell death, which were reversed by apocynin. In vivo lethal toxin exposure exerted similar time-dependent cardiomyocyte mechanical and intracellular Ca²⁺ responses. Stress signaling cascades including MEK1/2, p38, ERK and JNK were unaffected by in vitro lethal toxins whereas they were significantly altered by in vivo lethal toxins. Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins SERCA2a and phospholamban were also differentially regulated by in vitro and in vivo lethal toxins. Autophagy was drastically triggered although ER stress was minimally affected following lethal toxin exposure.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that lethal toxins directly compromised murine cardiomyocyte contractile function and intracellular Ca²⁺ through a NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism.     

An inhibitory effect of extracellular Ca2+ on Ca2+-dependent exocytosis

Aim

Neurotransmitter release is elicited by an elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). The action potential triggers Ca²⁺ influx through Ca²⁺ channels which causes local changes of [Ca²⁺]_i for vesicle release. However, any direct role of extracellular Ca²⁺ (besides Ca²⁺ influx) on Ca²⁺-dependent exocytosis remains elusive. Here we set out to investigate this possibility on rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and chromaffin cells, widely used models for studying vesicle exocytosis.

Results

Using photolysis of caged Ca²⁺ and caffeine-induced release of stored Ca²⁺, we found that extracellular Ca²⁺ inhibited exocytosis following moderate [Ca²⁺]_i rises (2–3 µM). The IC₅₀ for extracellular Ca²⁺ inhibition of exocytosis (ECIE) was 1.38 mM and a physiological reduction (∼30%) of extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_o) significantly increased the evoked exocytosis. At the single vesicle level, quantal size and release frequency were also altered by physiological [Ca²⁺]_o. The calcimimetics Mg²⁺, Cd²⁺, G418, and neomycin all inhibited exocytosis. The extracellular Ca²⁺-sensing receptor (CaSR) was not involved because specific drugs and knockdown of CaSR in DRG neurons did not affect ECIE.

Conclusion/Significance

As an extension of the classic Ca²⁺ hypothesis of synaptic release, physiological levels of extracellular Ca²⁺ play dual roles in evoked exocytosis by providing a source of Ca²⁺ influx, and by directly regulating quantal size and release probability in neuronal cells.     

Subcellular heterogeneity of ryanodine receptor properties in ventricular myocytes with low T-tubule density

Rationale

In ventricular myocytes of large mammals, not all ryanodine receptor (RyR) clusters are associated with T-tubules (TTs); this fraction increases with cellular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI).

Objective

To characterize RyR functional properties in relation to TT proximity, at baseline and after MI.

Methods

Myocytes were isolated from left ventricle of healthy pigs (CTRL) or from the area adjacent to a myocardial infarction (MI). Ca²⁺ transients were measured under whole-cell voltage clamp during confocal linescan imaging (fluo-3) and segmented according to proximity of TTs (sites of early Ca²⁺ release, F>F₅₀ within 20 ms) or their absence (delayed areas). Spontaneous Ca²⁺ release events during diastole, Ca²⁺ sparks, reflecting RyR activity and properties, were subsequently assigned to either category.

Results

In CTRL, spark frequency was higher in proximity of TTs, but spark duration was significantly shorter. Block of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) prolonged spark duration selectively near TTs, while block of Ca²⁺ influx via Ca²⁺ channels did not affect sparks properties. In MI, total spark mass was increased in line with higher SR Ca²⁺ content. Extremely long sparks (>47.6 ms) occurred more frequently. The fraction of near-TT sparks was reduced; frequency increased mainly in delayed sites. Increased duration was seen in near-TT sparks only; Ca²⁺ removal by NCX at the membrane was significantly lower in MI.

Conclusion

TT proximity modulates RyR cluster properties resulting in intracellular heterogeneity of diastolic spark activity. Remodeling in the area adjacent to MI differentially affects these RyR subpopulations. Reduction of the number of sparks near TTs and reduced local NCX removal limit cellular Ca²⁺ loss and raise SR Ca²⁺ content, but may promote Ca²⁺ waves.     

Calcium sets the physiological value of the dominant time constant of saturated mouse rod photoresponse recovery

Background

The rate-limiting step that determines the dominant time constant (τ_D) of mammalian rod photoresponse recovery is the deactivation of the active phosphodiesterase (PDE6). Physiologically relevant Ca²⁺-dependent mechanisms that would affect the PDE inactivation have not been identified. However, recently it has been shown that τ_D is modulated by background light in mouse rods.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We used ex vivo ERG technique to record pharmacologically isolated photoreceptor responses (fast PIII component). We show a novel static effect of calcium on mouse rod phototransduction: Ca²⁺ shortens the dominant time constant (τ_D) of saturated photoresponse recovery, i.e., when extracellular free Ca²⁺ is decreased from 1 mM to ∼25 nM, the τ_D is reversibly increased ∼1.5–2-fold.

Conclusions

We conclude that the increase in τ_D during low Ca²⁺ treatment is not due to increased [cGMP], increased [Na⁺] or decreased [ATP] in rod outer segment (ROS). Also it cannot be due to protein translocation mechanisms. We suggest that a Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism controls the life time of active PDE.     

Growth hormone secretagogues protect mouse cardiomyocytes from in vitro ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulation of intracellular calcium

Background

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of mortality. To study this disease, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models are widely used to mimic the process of transient blockage and subsequent recovery of cardiac coronary blood supply. We aimed to determine whether the presence of the growth hormone secretagogues, ghrelin and hexarelin, would protect/improve the function of heart from I/R injury and to examine the underlying mechanisms.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Isolated hearts from adult male mice underwent 20 min global ischemia and 30 min reperfusion using a Langendorff apparatus. Ghrelin (10 nM) or hexarelin (1 nM) was introduced into the perfusion system either 10 min before or after ischemia, termed pre- and post-treatments. In freshly isolated cardiomyocytes from these hearts, single cell shortening, intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) transients and caffeine-releasable sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ were measured. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blots were used to examine the expression level of GHS receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), and phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLB), respectively. Ghrelin and hexarelin pre- or post-treatments prevented the significant reduction in the cell shortening, [Ca²⁺]_i transient amplitude and caffeine-releasable SR Ca²⁺ content after I/R through recovery of p-PLB. GHS-R1a antagonists, [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (200 nM) and BIM28163 (100 nM), completely blocked the effects of GHS on both cell shortening and [Ca²⁺]_i transients.

Conclusion/Significance

Through activation of GHS-R1a, ghrelin and hexarelin produced a positive inotropic effect on ischemic cardiomyocytes and protected them from I/R injury probably by protecting or recovering p-PLB (and therefore SR Ca²⁺ content) to allow the maintenance or recovery of normal cardiac contractility. These observations provide supporting evidence for the potential therapeutic application of ghrelin and hexarelin in patients with cardiac I/R injury.     

The biphasic increase of PIP2 in the fertilized eggs of starfish: new roles in actin polymerization and Ca2+ signaling

Background

Fertilization of echinoderm eggs is accompanied by dynamic changes of the actin cytoskeleton and by a drastic increase of cytosolic Ca²⁺. Since the plasma membrane-enriched phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) serves as the precursor of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (InsP₃) and also regulates actin-binding proteins, PIP2 might be involved in these two processes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this report, we have studied the roles of PIP2 at fertilization of starfish eggs by using fluorescently tagged pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of PLC-δ1, which has specific binding affinity to PIP2, in combination with Ca²⁺ and F-actin imaging techniques and transmission electron microscopy. During fertilization, PIP2 increased at the plasma membrane in two phases rather than continually decreasing. The first increase was quickly followed by a decrease about 40 seconds after sperm-egg contact. However, these changes took place only after the Ca²⁺ wave had already initiated and propagated. The fertilized eggs then displayed a prolonged increase of PIP2 that was accompanied by the appearance of numerous spikes in the perivitelline space during the elevation of the fertilization envelope (FE). These spikes, protruding from the plasma membrane, were filled with microfilaments. Sequestration of PIP2 by RFP-PH at higher doses resulted in changes of subplasmalemmal actin networks which significantly delayed the intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling, impaired elevation of FE, and increased occurrences of polyspermic fertilization.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest that PIP2 plays comprehensive roles in shaping Ca²⁺ waves and guiding structural and functional changes required for successful fertilization. We propose that the PIP2 increase and the subsequent formation of actin spikes not only provide the mechanical supports for the elevating FE, but also accommodate increased membrane surfaces during cortical granule exocytosis.     

Carbenoxolone blocks the light-evoked rise in intracellular calcium in isolated melanopsin ganglion cell photoreceptors

Background

Retinal ganglion cells expressing the photopigment melanopsin are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). These ganglion cell photoreceptors send axons to several central targets involved in a variety of functions. Within the retina ipRGCs provide excitatory drive to dopaminergic amacrine cells via glutamatergic signals and ipRGCs are coupled to wide-field GABAergic amacrine cells via gap junctions. However, the extent to which ipRGCs are coupled to other retinal neurons in the ganglion cell layer via gap junctions is unclear. Carbenoxolone, a widely employed gap junction inhibitor, greatly reduces the number of retinal neurons exhibiting non-rod, non-cone mediated light-evoked Ca²⁺ signals suggesting extensive intercellular coupling between ipRGCs and non-ipRGCs in the ganglion cell layer. However, carbenoxolone may directly inhibit light-evoked Ca²⁺ signals in ipRGCs independent of gap junction blockade.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To test the possibility that carbenoxolone directly inhibits light-evoked Ca²⁺ responses in ipRGCs, the light-evoked rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) was examined using fura-2 imaging in isolated rat ipRGCs maintained in short-term culture in the absence and presence of carbenoxolone. Carbenoxolone at 50 and 100 µM concentrations completely abolished the light-evoked rise in [Ca²⁺]_i in isolated ipRGCs. Recovery from carbenoxolone inhibition was variable.

Conclusions/Significance

We demonstrate that the light-evoked rise in [Ca²⁺]_i in isolated mammalian ganglion cell photoreceptors is inhibited by carbenoxolone. Since the light-evoked increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in isolated ipRGCs is almost entirely due to Ca²⁺ entry via L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and carbenoxolone does not inhibit light-evoked action potential firing in ipRGCs in situ, carbenoxolone may block the light-evoked increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in ipRGCs by blocking L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. The ability of carbenoxolone to block evoked Ca²⁺ responses must be taken into account when interpreting the effects of this pharmacological agent on retinal or other neuronal circuits, particularly if a change in [Ca²⁺]_i is the output being measured.     

Alteration of the cortical actin cytoskeleton deregulates Ca2+ signaling, monospermic fertilization, and sperm entry

Background

When preparing for fertilization, oocytes undergo meiotic maturation during which structural changes occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that lead to a more efficient calcium response. During meiotic maturation and subsequent fertilization, the actin cytoskeleton also undergoes dramatic restructuring. We have recently observed that rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton induced by actin-depolymerizing agents, or by actin-binding proteins, strongly modulate intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) signals during the maturation process. However, the significance of the dynamic changes in F-actin within the fertilized egg has been largely unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have measured changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ signals and F-actin structures during fertilization. We also report the unexpected observation that the conventional antagonist of the InsP₃ receptor, heparin, hyperpolymerizes the cortical actin cytoskeleton in postmeiotic eggs. Using heparin and other pharmacological agents that either hypo- or hyperpolymerize the cortical actin, we demonstrate that nearly all aspects of the fertilization process are profoundly affected by the dynamic restructuring of the egg cortical actin cytoskeleton.

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings identify important roles for subplasmalemmal actin fibers in the process of sperm-egg interaction and in the subsequent events related to fertilization: the generation of Ca²⁺ signals, sperm penetration, cortical granule exocytosis, and the block to polyspermy.     

Functional expression of the extracellular calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in equine umbilical cord matrix size-sieved stem cells

Background

The present study investigates the effects of high external calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_o) and the calcimimetic NPS R-467, a known calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonist, on growth/proliferation of two equine size-sieved umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stem cell (eUCM-MSC) lines. The involvement of CaSR on observed cell response was analyzed at both the mRNA and protein level.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A large (>8 µm in diameter) and a small (<8 µm) cell line were cultured in medium containing: 1) low [Ca²⁺]_o (0.37 mM); 2) high [Ca²⁺]_o (2.87 mM); 3) NPS R-467 (3 µM) in presence of high [Ca²⁺]_o and 4) the CaSR antagonist NPS 2390 (10 µM for 30 min.) followed by incubation in presence of NPS R-467 in medium with high [Ca²⁺]_o. Growth/proliferation rates were compared between groups. In large cells, the addition of NPS R-467 significantly increased cell growth whereas increasing [Ca²⁺]_o was not effective in this cell line. In small cells, both higher [Ca²⁺]_o and NPS R-467 increased cell growth. In both cell lines, preincubation with the CaSR antagonist NPS 2390 significantly inhibited the agonistic effect of NPS R-467. In both cell lines, increased [Ca²⁺]_o and/or NPS R-467 reduced doubling time values.Treatment with NPS R-467 down-regulated CaSR mRNA expression in both cell lines. In large cells, NPS R-467 reduced CaSR labeling in the cytosol and increased it at cortical level.

Conclusions/Significance

In conclusion, calcium and the calcimimetic NPS R-467 reduce CaSR mRNA expression and stimulate cell growth/proliferation in eUCM-MSC. Their use as components of media for eUCM-MSC culture could be beneficial to obtain enough cells for down-stream purposes.     

Differential regulation and recovery of intracellular Ca2+ in cerebral and small mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells of simulated microgravity rat

Background

The differential adaptations of cerebrovasculature and small mesenteric arteries could be one of critical factors in postspaceflight orthostatic intolerance, but the cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesize that there is a differential regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ determined by the alterations in the functions of plasma membrane Ca_L channels and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in cerebral and small mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of simulated microgravity rats, respectively.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 28-day hindlimb unweighting to simulate microgravity. In addition, tail-suspended rats were submitted to a recovery period of 3 or 7 days after removal of suspension. The function of Ca_L channels was evaluated by patch clamp and Western blotting. The function of ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases in response to caffeine were assessed by a laser confocal microscope. Our results indicated that simulated microgravity increased the functions of Ca_L channels and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases in cerebral VSMCs, whereas, simulated microgravity decreased the functions of Ca_L channels and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases in small mesenteric VSMCs. In addition, 3- or 7-day recovery after removal of suspension could restore the functions of Ca_L channels and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases to their control levels in cerebral and small mesenteric VSMCs, respectively.

Conclusions

The differential regulation of Ca_L channels and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ releases in cerebral and small mesenteric VSMCs may be responsible for the differential regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺, which leads to the altered autoregulation of cerebral vasculature and the inability to adequately elevate peripheral vascular resistance in postspaceflight orthostatic intolerance.     

Calcium handling in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes

Background

The ability to establish human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by reprogramming of adult fibroblasts and to coax their differentiation into cardiomyocytes opens unique opportunities for cardiovascular regenerative and personalized medicine. In the current study, we investigated the Ca²⁺-handling properties of hiPSCs derived-cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs).

Methodology/Principal Findings

RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry experiments identified the expression of key Ca²⁺-handling proteins. Detailed laser confocal Ca²⁺ imaging demonstrated spontaneous whole-cell [Ca²⁺]_i transients. These transients required Ca²⁺ influx via L-type Ca²⁺ channels, as demonstrated by their elimination in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺ or by administration of the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker nifedipine. The presence of a functional ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ store, contributing to [Ca²⁺]_i transients, was established by application of caffeine (triggering a rapid increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺) and ryanodine (decreasing [Ca²⁺]_i). Similarly, the importance of Ca²⁺ reuptake into the SR via the SR Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA) pump was demonstrated by the inhibiting effect of its blocker (thapsigargin), which led to [Ca²⁺]_i transients elimination. Finally, the presence of an IP3-releasable Ca²⁺ pool in hiPSC-CMs and its contribution to whole-cell [Ca²⁺]_i transients was demonstrated by the inhibitory effects induced by the IP3-receptor blocker 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and the phosopholipase C inhibitor {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"U73122","term_id":"4098075","term_text":"U73122"}}U73122.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study establishes the presence of a functional, SERCA-sequestering, RyR-mediated SR Ca²⁺ store in hiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, it demonstrates the dependency of whole-cell [Ca²⁺]_i transients in hiPSC-CMs on both sarcolemmal Ca²⁺ entry via L-type Ca²⁺ channels and intracellular store Ca²⁺ release.     

PI3Ks maintain the structural integrity of T-tubules in cardiac myocytes

Background

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) regulate numerous physiological processes including some aspects of cardiac function. Although regulation of cardiac contraction by individual PI3K isoforms has been studied, little is known about the cardiac consequences of downregulating multiple PI3Ks concurrently.

Methods and Results

Genetic ablation of both p110α and p110β in cardiac myocytes throughout development or in adult mice caused heart failure and death. Ventricular myocytes from double knockout animals showed transverse tubule (T-tubule) loss and disorganization, misalignment of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in the T-tubules with ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and reduced Ca²⁺ transients and contractility. Junctophilin-2, which is thought to tether T-tubules to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, was mislocalized in the double PI3K-null myocytes without a change in expression level.

Conclusions

PI3K p110α and p110β are required to maintain the organized network of T-tubules that is vital for efficient Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release and ventricular contraction. PI3Ks maintain T-tubule organization by regulating junctophilin-2 localization. These results could have important medical implications because several PI3K inhibitors that target both isoforms are being used to treat cancer patients in clinical trials.     

Amyloid-mediated sequestration of essential proteins contributes to mutant huntingtin toxicity in yeast

Background

Polyglutamine expansion is responsible for several neurodegenerative disorders, among which Huntington disease is the most well-known. Studies in the yeast model demonstrated that both aggregation and toxicity of a huntingtin (htt) protein with an expanded polyglutamine region strictly depend on the presence of the prion form of Rnq1 protein ([PIN ⁺]), which has a glutamine/asparagine-rich domain.

Principal Findings

Here, we showed that aggregation and toxicity of mutant htt depended on [PIN ⁺] only quantitatively: the presence of [PIN ⁺] elevated the toxicity and the levels of htt detergent-insoluble polymers. In cells lacking [PIN ⁺], toxicity of mutant htt was due to the polymerization and inactivation of the essential glutamine/asparagine-rich Sup35 protein and related inactivation of another essential protein, Sup45, most probably via its sequestration into Sup35 aggregates. However, inhibition of growth of [PIN ⁺] cells depended on Sup35/Sup45 depletion only partially, suggesting that there are other sources of mutant htt toxicity in yeast.

Conclusions

The obtained data suggest that induced polymerization of essential glutamine/asparagine-rich proteins and related sequestration of other proteins which interact with these polymers represent an essential source of htt toxicity.     

Gene Knock-Outs of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors Types 1 and 2 Result in Perturbation of Cardiogenesis

Background

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃R1, 2, and 3) are intracellular Ca²⁺ release channels that regulate various vital processes. Although the ryanodine receptor type 2, another type of intracellular Ca²⁺ release channel, has been shown to play a role in embryonic cardiomyocytes, the functions of the IP₃Rs in cardiogenesis remain unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We found that IP₃R1^−/−-IP₃R2^−/− double-mutant mice died in utero with developmental defects of the ventricular myocardium and atrioventricular (AV) canal of the heart by embryonic day (E) 11.5, even though no cardiac defect was detectable in IP₃R1^−/− or IP₃R2^−/− single-mutant mice at this developmental stage. The double-mutant phenotype resembled that of mice deficient for calcineurin/NFATc signaling, and NFATc was inactive in embryonic hearts from the double knockout-mutant mice. The double mutation of IP₃R1/R2 and pharmacologic inhibition of IP₃Rs mimicked the phenotype of the AV valve defect that result from the inhibition of calcineurin, and it could be rescued by constitutively active calcineurin.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest an essential role for IP₃Rs in cardiogenesis in part through the regulation of calcineurin-NFAT signaling.     

Demand for Zn2+ in acid-secreting gastric mucosa and its requirement for intracellular Ca2+

Background and Aims

Recent work has suggested that Zn²⁺ plays a critical role in regulating acidity within the secretory compartments of isolated gastric glands. Here, we investigate the content, distribution and demand for Zn²⁺ in gastric mucosa under baseline conditions and its regulation during secretory stimulation.

Methods and Findings

Content and distribution of zinc were evaluated in sections of whole gastric mucosa using X-ray fluorescence microscopy. Significant stores of Zn²⁺ were identified in neural elements of the muscularis, glandular areas enriched in parietal cells, and apical regions of the surface epithelium. In in vivo studies, extraction of the low abundance isotope, ⁷⁰Zn²⁺, from the circulation was demonstrated in samples of mucosal tissue 24 hours or 72 hours after infusion (250 µg/kg). In in vitro studies, uptake of ⁷⁰Zn²⁺ from media was demonstrated in isolated rabbit gastric glands following exposure to concentrations as low as 10 nM. In additional studies, demand of individual gastric parietal cells for Zn²⁺ was monitored using the fluorescent zinc reporter, fluozin-3, by measuring increases in free intracellular concentrations of Zn²⁺ {[Zn²⁺]_i} during exposure to standard extracellular concentrations of Zn²⁺ (10 µM) for standard intervals of time. Under resting conditions, demand for extracellular Zn²⁺ increased with exposure to secretagogues (forskolin, carbachol/histamine) and under conditions associated with increased intracellular Ca²⁺ {[Ca²⁺]_i}. Uptake of Zn²⁺ was abolished following removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ or depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores, suggesting that demand for extracellular Zn²⁺ increases and depends on influx of extracellular Ca²⁺.

Conclusions

This study is the first to characterize the content and distribution of Zn²⁺ in an organ of the gastrointestinal tract. Our findings offer the novel interpretation, that Ca²⁺ integrates basolateral demand for Zn²⁺ with stimulation of secretion of HCl into the lumen of the gastric gland. Similar connections may be detectable in other secretory cells and tissues.     

The Rho-family GTPase Rac1 regulates integrin localization in Drosophila immunosurveillance cells

Background

When the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi lays an egg in a Drosophila larva, phagocytic cells called plasmatocytes and specialized cells known as lamellocytes encapsulate the egg. The Drosophila β-integrin Myospheroid (Mys) is necessary for lamellocytes to adhere to the cellular capsule surrounding L. boulardi eggs. Integrins are heterodimeric adhesion receptors consisting of α and β subunits, and similar to other plasma membrane receptors undergo ligand-dependent endocytosis. In mammalian cells it is known that integrin binding to the extracellular matrix induces the activation of Rac GTPases, and we have previously shown that Rac1 and Rac2 are necessary for a proper encapsulation response in Drosophila larvae. We wanted to test the possibility that Myospheroid and Rac GTPases interact during the Drosophila anti-parasitoid immune response.

Results

In the current study we demonstrate that Rac1 is required for the proper localization of Myospheroid to the cell periphery of haemocytes after parasitization. Interestingly, the mislocalization of Myospheroid in Rac1 mutants is rescued by hyperthermia, involving the heat shock protein Hsp83. From these results we conclude that Rac1 and Hsp83 are required for the proper localization of Mys after parasitization.

Significance

We show for the first time that the small GTPase Rac1 is required for Mysopheroid localization. Interestingly, the necessity of Rac1 in Mys localization was negated by hyperthermia. This presents a problem, in Drosophila we quite often raise larvae at 29°C when using the GAL4/UAS misexpression system. If hyperthermia rescues receptor endosomal recycling defects, raising larvae in hyperthermic conditions may mask potentially interesting phenotypes.     

Guanine Nucleotides in the Meiotic Maturation of Starfish Oocytes: Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton and of Ca2+ Signaling

Background

Starfish oocytes are arrested at the first prophase of meiosis until they are stimulated by 1-methyladenine (1-MA). The two most immediate responses to the maturation-inducing hormone are the quick release of intracellular Ca²⁺ and the accelerated changes of the actin cytoskeleton in the cortex. Compared with the later events of oocyte maturation such as germinal vesicle breakdown, the molecular mechanisms underlying the early events involving Ca²⁺ signaling and actin changes are poorly understood. Herein, we have studied the roles of G-proteins in the early stage of meiotic maturation.

Methodology/Principal Findings

By microinjecting starfish oocytes with nonhydrolyzable nucleotides that stabilize either active (GTPγS) or inactive (GDPβS) forms of G-proteins, we have demonstrated that: i) GTPγS induces Ca²⁺ release that mimics the effect of 1-MA; ii) GDPβS completely blocks 1-MA-induced Ca²⁺; iii) GDPβS has little effect on the amplitude of the Ca²⁺ peak, but significantly expedites the initial Ca²⁺ waves induced by InsP₃ photoactivation, iv) GDPβS induces unexpectedly striking modification of the cortical actin networks, suggesting a link between the cytoskeletal change and the modulation of the Ca²⁺ release kinetics; v) alteration of cortical actin networks with jasplakinolide, GDPβS, or actinase E, all led to significant changes of 1-MA-induced Ca²⁺ signaling.

Conclusions/Significance

Taken together, these results indicate that G-proteins are implicated in the early events of meiotic maturation and support our previous proposal that the dynamic change of the actin cytoskeleton may play a regulatory role in modulating intracellular Ca²⁺ release.     

Deletion of CDKAL1 affects mitochondrial ATP generation and first-phase insulin exocytosis

Background

A variant of the CDKAL1 gene was reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes and reduced insulin release in humans; however, the role of CDKAL1 in β cells is largely unknown. Therefore, to determine the role of CDKAL1 in insulin release from β cells, we studied insulin release profiles in CDKAL1 gene knockout (CDKAL1 KO) mice.

Principal Findings

Total internal reflection fluorescence imaging of CDKAL1 KO β cells showed that the number of fusion events during first-phase insulin release was reduced. However, there was no significant difference in the number of fusion events during second-phase release or high K⁺-induced release between WT and KO cells. CDKAL1 deletion resulted in a delayed and slow increase in cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration during high glucose stimulation. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that the responsiveness of ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels to glucose was blunted in KO cells. In addition, glucose-induced ATP generation was impaired. Although CDKAL1 is homologous to cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) regulatory subunit-associated protein 1, there was no difference in the kinase activity of CDK5 between WT and CDKAL1 KO islets.

Conclusions/Significance

We provide the first report describing the function of CDKAL1 in β cells. Our results indicate that CDKAL1 controls first-phase insulin exocytosis in β cells by facilitating ATP generation, K_ATP channel responsiveness and the subsequent activity of Ca²⁺ channels through pathways other than CDK5-mediated regulation.     

A novel and lethal de novo LQT-3 mutation in a newborn with distinct molecular pharmacology and therapeutic response

Background

SCN5A encodes the α-subunit (Na_v1.5) of the principle Na⁺ channel in the human heart. Genetic lesions in SCN5A can cause congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) variant 3 (LQT-3) in adults by disrupting inactivation of the Na_v1.5 channel. Pharmacological targeting of mutation-altered Na⁺ channels has proven promising in developing a gene-specific therapeutic strategy to manage specifically this LQTS variant. SCN5A mutations that cause similar channel dysfunction may also contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other arrhythmias in newborns, but the prevalence, impact, and therapeutic management of SCN5A mutations may be distinct in infants compared with adults.

Methods and Results

Here, in a multidisciplinary approach, we report a de novo SCN5A mutation (F1473C) discovered in a newborn presenting with extreme QT prolongation and differential responses to the Na⁺ channel blockers flecainide and mexiletine. Our goal was to determine the Na⁺ channel phenotype caused by this severe mutation and to determine whether distinct effects of different Na⁺ channel blockers on mutant channel activity provide a mechanistic understanding of the distinct therapeutic responsiveness of the mutation carrier. Sequence analysis of the proband revealed the novel missense SCN5A mutation (F1473C) and a common variant in KCNH2 (K897T). Patch clamp analysis of HEK 293 cells transiently transfected with wild-type or mutant Na⁺ channels revealed significant changes in channel biophysics, all contributing to the proband''s phenotype as predicted by in silico modeling. Furthermore, subtle differences in drug action were detected in correcting mutant channel activity that, together with both the known genetic background and age of the patient, contribute to the distinct therapeutic responses observed clinically.

Significance

The results of our study provide further evidence of the grave vulnerability of newborns to Na⁺ channel defects and suggest that both genetic background and age are particularly important in developing a mutation-specific therapeutic personalized approach to manage disorders in the young.