Evidence that Orai1 does not contribute to store-operated TRPC1 channels in vascular smooth muscle cells

Ca²⁺-permeable store-operated channels (SOCs) mediate Ca²⁺ entry pathways which are involved in many cellular functions such as contraction, growth, and proliferation. Prototypical SOCs are formed of Orai1 proteins and are activated by the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). There is considerable debate about whether canonical transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) proteins also form store-operated channels (SOCs), and if they do, is Orai1 involved. We recently showed that stimulation of TRPC1-based SOCs involves store depletion inducing STIM1-evoked Gαq/PLCβ1 activity in contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore the present work investigates the role of Orai1 in activation of TRPC1-based SOCs in freshly isolated mesenteric artery VSMCs from wild-type (WT) and Orai1^?/? mice. Store-operated whole-cell and single channel currents recorded from WT and Orai1^?/? VSMCs had similar properties, with relatively linear current-voltage relationships, reversal potentials of about +20mV, unitary conductances of about 2pS, and inhibition by anti-TRPC1 and anti-STIM1 antibodies. In Orai1^?/? VSMCs, store depletion induced PLCβ1 activity measured with the fluorescent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate biosensor GFP-PLCδ1-PH, which was prevented by knockdown of STIM1. In addition, in Orai1^?/? VSMCs, store depletion induced translocation of STIM1 from within the cell to the plasma membrane where it formed STIM1-TRPC1 interactions at discrete puncta-like sites. These findings indicate that activation of TRPC1-based SOCs through a STIM1-activated PLCβ1 pathway are likely to occur independently of Orai1 proteins, providing evidence that TRPC1 channels form genuine SOCs in VSMCs with a contractile phenotype.     

Plasticity of TRPC expression in arterial smooth muscle: correlation with store-operated Ca2+ entry

Loss of the smooth muscle contractile phenotype is critical in atherosclerosis and in restenosis after angioplasty, but its early signals are incompletely understood. In this study, we have explored the role of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins, which have been suggested to mediate store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Contractility of rat cerebral arteries in organ culture is preserved for several days, whereas SOCE is increased. In correlation with this increase is that nifedipine-insensitive whole cell current, activated by depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores, was increased by 50% in cells isolated from arteries cultured for 3 days. TRPC1 and TRPC6 mRNA were more than fivefold increased in cells isolated after organ culture, whereas TRPC3 was decreased. Immunofluorescent staining and/or Western blotting of arteries and isolated cells showed upregulation of TRPC1 and TRPC6 proteins during organ culture. In intact arteries, TRPC4 expression correlated with the amount of endothelium present. Ca²⁺ addition after store depletion caused a contraction in cultured, but not in freshly dissected, arteries. A polyclonal TRPC1 antibody directed against an extracellular epitope inhibited this contraction by 50%. To investigate the basis of the TRPC upregulation and assess its possible clinical significance, segments of human internal mammary artery were organ cultured for 24 h and then exposed to balloon dilatation in vitro, followed by further culturing for up to 48 h. After dilatation, TRPC1 and TRPC6 mRNA were progressively increased compared with undilated control segments. The results of this study indicate that vascular injury enhances plasticity in TRPC expression, that TRPC expression correlates with cellular Ca²⁺ handling, and that TRPC1 is a subunit of upregulated store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. differentiation; ion channels; angioplasty; organ culture     

STIM1 long and STIM1 gate differently TRPC1 during store-operated calcium entry

During myogenesis, a long splice variant of STIM1, called STIM1L is getting expressed, while the level of STIM1 remains constant. Previous work demonstrated that STIM1L is more efficient in eliciting store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), but no current analysis of the channel(s) activated by this new STIM1L isoform was performed until now. In this study, we investigate the ionic channel(s) activated by STIM1L and whether differences exist between the two STIM1 isoforms, using HEK-293 T cells as a model system. Our data show that STIM1 and STIM1L activate Orai1 channel but also the endogenously expressed TRPC1. The channel activation occurs in two steps, with first Orai1 activation followed, in a subset of cells, by TRPC1 opening. Remarkably, STIM1L more frequently activates TRPC1 and preferentially interacts with TRPC1. In low intracellular Ca²⁺ buffering condition, the frequency of TRPC1 opening increases significantly, strongly suggesting a Ca²⁺-dependent channel activation. The ability of STIM1L to open Orai1 appears decreased compared to STIM1, which might be explained by its stronger propensity towards TRPC1. Indeed, increasing the amount of STIM1L results in an enhanced Orai1 current. The role of endogenous TRPC1 in STIM1- and STIM1L-induced SOCE was confirmed by Ca²⁺ imaging experiments. Overall, our findings provide a detailed analysis of the channels activated by both STIM1 isoforms, revealing that STIM1L is more prone to open TRPC1, which might explain the larger SOCE elicited by this isoform.     

TRPC6 is a candidate channel involved in receptor-stimulated cation currents in A7r5 smooth muscle cells

To investigate thepossible role of members of the mammalian transient receptor potential(TRP) channel family (TRPC1-7) in vasoconstrictor-inducedCa²⁺ entry in vascular smooth muscle cells, we studied[Arg⁸]-vasopressin (AVP)-activated channels in A7r5aortic smooth muscle cells. AVP induced an increase in free cytosolicCa²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i)consisting of Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺ influx.Whole cell recordings revealed the activation of a nonselective cationcurrent with a doubly rectifying current-voltage relation strikinglysimilar to those described for some heterologously expressed TRPCisoforms. The current was also stimulated by direct activation of Gproteins as well as by activation of the phospholipase C-coupledplatelet-derived growth factor receptor. Currents were not activated bystore depletion or increased [Ca²⁺]_i.Application of 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol stimulated the current independently of protein kinase C, a characteristic property ofthe TRPC3/6/7 subfamily. Like TRPC6-mediated currents, cation currentsin A7r5 cells were increased by flufenamate. Northern hybridizationrevealed mRNA coding for TRPC1 and TRPC6. We therefore suggest thatTRPC6 is a molecular component of receptor-stimulated Ca²⁺-permeable cation channels in A7r5 smooth muscle cells.

     

A functional link between store-operated and TRPC channels revealed by the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole derivative, BTP2

The coupling between receptor-mediated Ca2+ store release and the activation of "store-operated" Ca2+ entry channels is an important but so far poorly understood mechanism. The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of channels contains several members that may serve the function of store-operated channels (SOCs). The 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole derivative, BTP2, is a recently described inhibitor of SOC activity in T-lymphocytes. We compared its action on SOC activation in a number of cell types and evaluated its modification of three specific TRP channels, canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3), TRPC5, and TRPV6, to throw light on any link between SOC and TRP channel function. Using HEK293 cells, DT40 B cells, and A7r5 smooth muscle cells, BTP2 blocked store-operated Ca2+ entry within 10 min with an IC50 of 0.1-0.3 microM. Store-operated Ca2+ entry induced by Ca2+ pump blockade or in response to muscarinic or B cell receptor activation was similarly sensitive to BTP2. Using the T3-65 clonal HEK293 cell line stably expressing TRPC3 channels, TRPC3-mediated Sr2+ entry activated by muscarinic receptors was also blocked by BTP2 with an IC50 of <0.3 microM. Importantly, direct activation of TRPC3 channels by diacylglycerol was also blocked by BTP2 (IC50 approximately 0.3 microM). BTP2 still blocked TRPC3 in medium with N-methyl-D-glucamine-chloride replacing Na+, indicating BTP2 did not block divalent cation entry by depolarization induced by activating monovalent cation entry channels. Whereas whole-cell carbachol-induced TRPC3 current was blocked by 3 microM BTP2, single TRPC3 channel recordings revealed persistent short openings suggesting BTP2 reduces the open probability of the channel rather than its pore properties. TRPC5 channels transiently expressed in HEK293 cells were blocked by BTP2 in the same range as TRPC3. However, function of the highly Ca(2+)-selective TRPV6 channel, with many channel properties akin to SOCs, was entirely unaffected by BTP2. The results indicate a strong functional link between the operation of expressed TRPC channels and endogenous SOC activity.     

Involvement of TRP channels in the signal transduction of bradykinin in human osteoblasts

Bradykinin (BK), a mediator of pain and inflammation, is involved in bone metabolism. We have previously reported that BK increased the synthesis of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E₂ via phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in human osteoblasts, SaM-1. In the present study, we investigated the signal transduction pathway of BK focusing on intracellular Ca²⁺ kinetics in SaM-1 cells. Bath-applied BK increased intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration through the activation of B₂ receptors. Removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ attenuated the effects of BK. Additionally, thapsigargin, endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor, completely inhibited BK-induced increase of intracellular Ca²⁺. These results suggested that bath-applied BK activated store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCCs) following Ca²⁺ store depletion via B₂ receptor. Although the molecular components of SOCCs have yet to be conclusively identified in all cell types, recent studies demonstrated that transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are candidates for them. TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 were expressed in SaM-1 cells and inhibitors of TRP channel, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, GdCl₃, LaCl₃ and flufenamic acid, inhibited the effects of BK. These findings suggested that BK activated SOCCs and induced Ca²⁺ influx via B₂ receptor in human osteoblasts. Molecular components of the SOCCs are suggested to be TRPC channels.     

Cleavage of SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 impairs store-operated Ca2+ entry in mouse pancreatic acinar cells

We recently reported that store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) in nonexcitable cells is likely to be mediated by a reversible interaction between Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum, a mechanism known as "secretion-like coupling." As for secretion, in this model the actin cytoskeleton plays a key regulatory role. In the present study we have explored the involvement of the secretory proteins synaptosome-associated protein (SNAP-25) and vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) in SOCE in pancreatic acinar cells. Cleavage of SNAP-25 and VAMPs by treatment with botulinum toxin A (BoNT A) and tetanus toxin (TeTx), respectively, effectively inhibited amylase secretion stimulated by the physiological agonist CCK-8. BoNT A significantly reduced Ca²⁺ entry induced by store depletion using thapsigargin or CCK-8. In addition, treatment with BoNT A once SOCE had been activated reduced Ca²⁺ influx, indicating that SNAP-25 is needed for both the activation and maintenance of SOCE in pancreatic acinar cells. VAMP-2 and VAMP-3 are expressed in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Both proteins associate with the cytoskeleton upon Ca²⁺ store depletion, although only VAMP-2 seems to be sensitive to TeTx. Treatment of pancreatic acinar cells with TeTx reduced the activation of SOCE without affecting its maintenance. These findings support a role for SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 in the activation of SOCE in pancreatic acinar cells and show parallels between this process and secretion in a specialized secretory cell type. synaptosome-associated protein; vesicle-associated membrane protein; pancreatic acinar cells; cytoskeleton; calcium entry     

TRPC6 and TRPC4 Heteromultimerization Mediates Store Depletion-Activated NCX1 Reversal in Proliferative Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Store depletion has been shown to induce Ca²⁺ entry by Na+/Ca+ exchange (NCX) 1 reversal in proliferative vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The study objective was to investigate the role of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels in store depletion and NCX1 reversal in proliferative VSMCs. In cultured VSMCs, expressing TRPC1, TRPC4, and TRPC6, the removal of extracellular Na⁺ was followed by a significant increase of cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration that was inhibited by KBR, a selective NCX1 inhibitor. TRPC1 knockdown significantly suppressed store-operated, channel-mediated Ca²⁺ entry, but TRPC4 knockdown and TRPC6 knockdown had no effect. Separate knockdown of TRPC1, TRPC4, or TRPC6 did not have a significant effect on thapsigargin-initiated Na⁺ increase in the peripheral regions with KBR treatment, but knockdown of both TRPC4 and TRPC6 did. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM)1 knockdown significantly reduced TRPC4 and TRPC6 binding. The results demonstrated that TRPC4–TRPC6 heteromultimerization linked Ca²⁺ store depletion and STIM1 accumulation with NCX reversal in proliferative VSMCs.     

The role of canonical transient receptor potential 7 in B-cell receptor-activated channels

Phospholipase C signaling stimulates Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane through multiple mechanisms. Ca2+ store depletion stimulates store-operated Ca2+-selective channels, or alternatively, other phospholipase C-dependent events activate Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channels. Transient receptor potential 7 (TRPC7) is a non-selective cation channel that can be activated by both mechanisms when ectopically expressed, but the regulation of native TRPC7 channels is not known. We knocked out TRPC7 in DT40 B-cells, which expresses both forms of Ca2+ entry. No difference in the store-operated current I(crac) was detected between TRPC7-/- and wild-type cells. Wild-type cells demonstrated nonstore-operated cation entry and currents in response to activation of the B-cell receptor or protease-activated receptor 2, intracellular dialysis with GTPgammaS, or application of the synthetic diacylglycerol oleyl-acetyl-glycerol. These responses were absent in TRPC7-/- cells but could be restored by transfection with human TRPC7. In conclusion, in B-lymphocytes, TRPC7 appeared to participate in the formation of ion channels that could be activated by phospholipase C-linked receptors. This represents the first demonstration of a physiological function for endogenous TRPC7 channels.     

Expression level of the canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channel determines its mechanism of activation

Studies on the mechanism of activation of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels have often yielded conflicting results. In the current study, we have investigated the influence of expression level on the mode of regulation of TRPC3 channels. At relatively low levels of expression in DT40 chicken B-lymphocytes, TRPC3 was activated by the depletion of Ca2+ stores. Expression was increased by either transfecting with a 10-fold greater concentration of plasmid or transfecting with TRPC3 under control of a more efficient avian beta-actin promoter. At higher levels of expression, TRPC3 was no longer store-operated but could be activated through receptor-coupled phospholipase C. Under these expression conditions, TRPC3 was efficiently activated in DT40 cells lacking inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. The Ca2+ store-operated channels formed upon expression of TRPC3 at limited levels were blocked by gadolinium; the receptor-activated channels formed upon expression of higher levels of TRPC3 were insensitive to gadolinium. These findings indicate that a single ion channel protein can form or contribute to the formation of channels regulated in two very distinct ways, i.e. either by phospholipase C-derived messengers or Ca2+ store-depletion. The mechanism of regulation of the channels depends on their level of expression.     

TRPC4 and TRPC5: receptor-operated Ca-permeable nonselective cation channels

The seven mammalian channels from the classical (TRPC) subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are thought to be receptor-operated cation channels activated in a phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent manner. Based on sequence similarity, TRPC channels can be divided into four subgroups. Group 4 comprises TRPC4 and TRPC5, and is most closely related to group 1 (TRPC1). The functional properties observed following heterologous expression of TRPC4 or TRPC5 in mammalian cells are contradictory and, therefore, controversial. In our hands, and in several independent studies, both channels, probably as homotetramers, form receptor-operated, Ca²⁺-permeable, nonselective cation channels activated independently of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃) receptor activation or Ca²⁺ store-depletion. As heteromultimers with TRPC1, TRPC4 and TRPC5 form receptor-operated, Ca²⁺-permeable, nonselective cation channels with biophysical properties distinct from homomeric TRPC4 or TRPC5. In other studies, TRPC4 and TRPC5 have been shown to be store-operated channels, with moderate to high Ca²⁺ permeabilities. At present there is no clear explanation for these major differences in functional properties. To date, little is known as to which native cation channels are formed by TRPC4 and TRPC5. Endothelial cells from TRPC4^−/− mice lack a highly Ca²⁺-permeable, store-dependent current, and data support a role for TRPC4 in endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation. A similar current in adrenal cortical cells is reduced by TRPC4 antisense. From similarities in the properties of the currents and expression of appropriate isoforms in the tissues, it is likely that heteromultimers of TRPC1 and TRPC4 or TRPC5 form receptor-operated nonselective cation channels in central neurones, and that TRPC4 contributes to nonselective cation channels in intestinal smooth muscle.     

Biochemical and functional properties of the store-operated Ca2+ channels

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a major mechanism for Ca²⁺ entry in excitable and non-excitable cells. The best-characterised store-operated current is I_CRAC, but other currents activated by Ca²⁺ store depletion have also been reported. The recent identification of the proteins stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1 has shed new light on the nature and regulation of SOC channels. STIM1 has been presented as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ sensor that communicates the content of the Ca²⁺ stores to the store-operated channels, a mechanism that involves redistribution of STIM1 to peripheral ER sites and co-clustering with the Ca²⁺ channel subunit, Orai1. Interestingly, TRPC1, which has long been proposed as a SOC channel candidate, associates with Orai1 and STIM1 in a ternary complex that appears to increase the variability of SOC currents available to modulate cell function.     

Local Ca²+ entry via Orai1 regulates plasma membrane recruitment of TRPC1 and controls cytosolic Ca²+ signals required for specific cell functions

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) has been associated with two types of channels: CRAC channels that require Orai1 and STIM1 and SOC channels that involve TRPC1, Orai1, and STIM1. While TRPC1 significantly contributes to SOCE and SOC channel activity, abrogation of Orai1 function eliminates SOCE and activation of TRPC1. The critical role of Orai1 in activation of TRPC1-SOC channels following Ca²⁺ store depletion has not yet been established. Herein we report that TRPC1 and Orai1 are components of distinct channels. We show that TRPC1/Orai1/STIM1-dependent I_SOC, activated in response to Ca²⁺ store depletion, is composed of TRPC1/STIM1-mediated non-selective cation current and Orai1/STIM1-mediated I_CRAC; the latter is detected when TRPC1 function is suppressed by expression of shTRPC1 or a STIM1 mutant that lacks TRPC1 gating, STIM1(⁶⁸⁴EE⁶⁸⁵). In addition to gating TRPC1 and Orai1, STIM1 mediates the recruitment and association of the channels within ER/PM junctional domains, a critical step in TRPC1 activation. Importantly, we show that Ca²⁺ entry via Orai1 triggers plasma membrane insertion of TRPC1, which is prevented by blocking SOCE with 1 µM Gd³⁺, removal of extracellular Ca²⁺, knockdown of Orai1, or expression of dominant negative mutant Orai1 lacking a functional pore, Orai1-E106Q. In cells expressing another pore mutant of Orai1, Orai1-E106D, TRPC1 trafficking is supported in Ca²⁺-containing, but not Ca²⁺-free, medium. Consistent with this, I_CRAC is activated in cells pretreated with thapsigargin in Ca²⁺-free medium while I_SOC is activated in cells pretreated in Ca²⁺-containing medium. Significantly, TRPC1 function is required for sustained K_Ca activity and contributes to NFκB activation while Orai1 is sufficient for NFAT activation. Together, these findings reveal an as-yet unidentified function for Orai1 that explains the critical requirement of the channel in the activation of TRPC1 following Ca²⁺ store depletion. We suggest that coordinated regulation of the surface expression of TRPC1 by Orai1 and gating by STIM1 provides a mechanism for rapidly modulating and maintaining SOCE-generated Ca²⁺ signals. By recruiting ion channels and other signaling pathways, Orai1 and STIM1 concertedly impact a variety of critical cell functions that are initiated by SOCE.     

STIM1 and STIM2 Proteins Differently Regulate Endogenous Store-operated Channels in HEK293 Cells

The endoplasmic reticulum calcium sensors stromal interaction molecules 1 and 2 (STIM1 and STIM2) are key modulators of store-operated calcium entry. Both these sensors play a major role in physiological functions in normal tissue and in pathology, but available data on native STIM2-regulated plasma membrane channels are scarce. Only a few studies have recorded STIM2-induced CRAC (calcium release-activated calcium) currents. On the other hand, many cell types display store-operated currents different from CRAC. The STIM1 protein regulates not only CRAC but also transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels, but it has remained unclear whether STIM2 is capable of regulating store-operated non-CRAC channels. Here we present for the first time experimental evidence for the existence of endogenous non-CRAC STIM2-regulated channels. As shown in single-channel patch clamp experiments on HEK293 cells, selective activation of native STIM2 proteins or STIM2 overexpression results in store-operated activation of I_min channels, whereas STIM1 activation blocks this process. Changes in the ratio between active STIM2 and STIM1 proteins can switch the regulation of I_min channels between store-operated and store-independent modes. We have previously characterized electrophysiological properties of different Ca²⁺ influx channels coexisting in HEK293 cells. The results of this study show that STIM1 and STIM2 differ in the ability to activate these store-operated channels; I_min channels are regulated by STIM2, TRPC3-containing I_NS channels are induced by STIM1, and TRPC1-composed I_max channels are activated by both STIM1 and STIM2. These new data about cross-talk between STIM1 and STIM2 and their different roles in store-operated channel activation are indicative of an additional level in the regulation of store-operated calcium entry pathways.     

Mechanisms of interleukin-1beta-induced Ca2+ signals in mouse cortical astrocytes: roles of store- and receptor-operated Ca2+ entry

Many neurodegenerative disorders are accompanied by chronic glial activation, which is characterized by the abundant production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1. IL-1 disrupts Ca²⁺ homeostasis and stimulates astrocyte reactivity. The mechanisms by which IL-1 induces Ca²⁺ dysregulation are not completely defined. Here, we examined how acute and chronic (24–48 h) treatment with IL-1 affect Ca²⁺ homeostasis in freshly dissociated and primary cultured mouse cortical astrocytes. Cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) was measured with fura-2 using digital imaging. An acute application of 10 ng/ml IL-1 induced Ca²⁺ mobilization from intracellular stores and activated store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) and receptor-operated Ca²⁺ entry (ROCE) in both freshly dissociated and cultured actrocytes. Treatment of cultured astrocytes with IL-1 for 24 and 48 h elevated resting [Ca²⁺]_cyt, decreased Ca²⁺ store content [associated with sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase 2b downregulation], and augmented ROCE. Based on evidence that receptor-operated, but not store-operated Ca²⁺ channels are Ba²⁺ permeable, Ba²⁺ entry was used to distinguish receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channels from store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. ROCE was activated by the diacylglycerol analog, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG). In the presence of extracellular Ba²⁺, OAG-induced elevations of cytosolic Ba²⁺ (fura-2 340-to-380-nm ratio) were significantly larger in astrocytes treated with IL-1. These changes in IL-1-treated astrocytes correlate with augmented expression of transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC)6 protein, which likely mediates ROCE. Knockdown of the TRPC6 gene markedly reduced ROCE. The data suggest that IL-1-induced dysregulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis is the result of enhanced ROCE and TRPC6 expression. The disruption of Ca²⁺ homeostasis appears to be an upstream component in the cascade of IL-1-activated pathways leading to neurodegeneration. transient receptor potential cation channel proteins     

Comparison of human TRPC3 channels in receptor-activated and store-operated modes. Differential sensitivity to channel blockers suggests fundamental differences in channel composition

Capacitative calcium entry or store-operated calcium entry in nonexcitable cells is a process whereby the activation of calcium influx across the plasma membrane is signaled by depletion of intracellular calcium stores. Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins have been proposed as candidates for store-operated calcium channels. Human TRPC3 (hTRPC3), an extensively studied member of the TRP family, is activated through a phospholipase C-dependent mechanism, not by store depletion, when expressed in HEK293 cells. However, store depletion by thapsigargin is sufficient to activate hTRPC3 channels when expressed in DT40 avian B-lymphocytes. To gain further insights into the differences between hTRPC3 channels generated in these two expression systems and further understand the role of hTRPC3 in capacitative calcium entry, we examined the effect of two well characterized inhibitors of capacitative calcium entry, Gd3+ and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2APB). We confirmed that in both DT40 cells and HEK293 cells, 1 microm Gd3+ or 30 microm 2APB completely blocked calcium entry due to receptor activation or store depletion. In HEK293 cells, 1 microm Gd3+ did not block receptor-activated hTRPC3-mediated cation entry, whereas 2APB had a partial (approximately 60%) inhibitory effect. Interestingly, store-operated hTRPC3-mediated cation entry in DT40 cells was also partially inhibited by 2APB, whereas 1 microm Gd3+ completely blocked store-operated hTRPC3 activity in these cells. Furthermore, the sensitivity of store-operated hTRPC3 channels to Gd3+ in DT40 cells was similar to the endogenous store-operated channels, with essentially 100% block of activity at concentrations as low as 0.1 microm. Finally, Gd3+ has a rapid inhibitory effect when added to fully developed hTRPC3-mediated calcium entry, suggesting a direct action of Gd3+ on hTRPC3 channels. The distinct action of these inhibitors on hTRPC3-mediated cation entry in these two cell types may result from their different modes of activation and may also reflect differences in basic channel structure.     

Role of TRPC3 in the formation of receptor-and store-operated calcium channels in carcinoma A431 cells

Activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-linked signaling cascades in nonexcitable cells stimulates Ca²⁺ release from inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)-sensitive intracellular Ca²⁺ stores and activation of Ca²⁺ entry via plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels. The attention of investigators is currently focused on the properties and molecular basis of channels involved in Ca²⁺ entry into nonexcitable cells. According to current views, mammalian TRP proteins are involved in receptor-and store-dependent influx of Ca²⁺; however, little is known about the linkage between specific TRP proteins and endogenous channels responsible for Ca²⁺ entry. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of TRPC3 in the formation of store-dependent or receptor-operated pathways of Ca²⁺ entry into A431 cells. Registration of Ca²⁺ influx based on fluorescence measurements of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations and analysis of integral membrane currents revealed that partial inhibition of TRPC3 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) results in suppression of store-dependent Ca²⁺ entry without any effect on receptor-operated Ca²⁺ influx. In-depth studies of single channels revealed that TRPC3 suppression in A431 cells results in the disappearance of one type of store-operated channels and formation of a novel type of store-independent Ca²⁺-permeable channels. This, in turn, testifies to the crucial role of TRPC3 in normal functioning of store-operated Ca²⁺ channels in A431 cells.     

Formyl-peptide receptor like 1: a potent mediator of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ current ICRAC

In electrically non-excitable cells, one major source of Ca²⁺ influx is through the store-operated (or Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺) channel by which the process of emptying the intracellular Ca²⁺ stores results in the activation of Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane. Using both whole-cell patch-clamp and Ca²⁺ imaging technique, we describe the electrophysiology mechanism underlying formyl-peptide receptor like 1 (FPRL1) linked to intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. The FPRL1 agonists induced Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently evoked I_CRAC-like currents displaying fast inactivation in K562 erythroleukemia cells which expresses FPRL1, but had almost no effect in K562 cells treated with FPRL1 RNA-interference and HEK293 cells which showed no FPRL1 expression. The currents were impaired after either complete store depletion by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, or after inhibition of PLC by U73122. Our results present the first evidence that FPRL1 is a potent mediator in the activation of CRAC channels.     

Functional organization of TRPC-Ca channels and regulation of calcium microdomains

TRP family of proteins are components of unique cation channels that are activated in response to diverse stimuli ranging from growth factor and neurotransmitter stimulation of plasma membrane receptors to a variety of chemical and sensory signals. This review will focus on members of the TRPC sub-family (TRPC1–TRPC7) which currently appear to be the strongest candidates for the enigmatic Ca²⁺ influx channels that are activated in response to stimulation of plasma membrane receptors which result in phosphatidyl inositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP₂) hydrolysis, generation of IP₃ and DAG, and IP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular Ca²⁺ store via inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R). Homomeric or selective heteromeric interactions between TRPC monomers generate distinct channels that contribute to store-operated as well as store-independent Ca²⁺ entry mechanisms. The former is regulated by the emptying/refilling of internal Ca²⁺ store(s) while the latter depends on PIP₂ hydrolysis (due to changes in PIP₂ per se or an increase in diacylglycerol, DAG). Although the exact physiological function of TRPC channels and how they are regulated has not yet been conclusively established, it is clear that a variety of cellular functions are controlled by Ca²⁺ entry via these channels. Thus, it is critical to understand how cells coordinate the regulation of diverse TRPC channels to elicit specific physiological functions. It is now well established that segregation of TRPC channels mediated by interactions with signaling and scaffolding proteins, determines their localization and regulation in functionally distinct cellular domains. Furthermore, both protein and lipid components of intracellular and plasma membranes contribute to the organization of these microdomains. Such organization serves as a platform for the generation of spatially and temporally dictated [Ca²⁺]_i signals which are critical for precise control of downstream cellular functions.     

TRPC4 forms store-operated Ca2+ channels in mouse mesangial cells

Studies were performed to identify the molecular component responsible for store-operated Ca²⁺ entry in murine mesangial cells (MMC). Because the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) family of proteins was previously shown to comprise Ca²⁺-selective and -nonselective cation channels in a variety of cells, we screened TRPC1–TRPC7 with the use of molecular methods and the fura 2 method to determine their participation as components of the mesangial store-operated Ca²⁺ (SOC) channel. Using TRPC-specific primers and RT-PCR, we found that cultured MMC contained mRNA for TRPC1 and TRPC4 but not for TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC5, TRPC6, and TRPC7. Immunocytochemical staining of MMC revealed predominantly cytoplasmic expression of TRPC1 and plasmalemmal expression of TRPC4. The role of TRPC4 in SOC was determined with TRPC4 antisense and fura 2 ratiometric measurements of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). SOC was measured as the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i after extracellular Ca²⁺ was increased from <10 nM to 1 mM in the continued presence of thapsigargin. We found that TRPC4 antisense, which reduced plasmalemmal expression of TRPC4, inhibited SOC by 83%. Incubation with scrambled TRPC4 oligonucleotides did not affect SOC. Immunohistochemical staining identified expressed TRPC4 in the glomeruli of mouse renal sections. The results of RT-PCR performed to distinguish between TRPC4- and TRPC4- were consistent with expression of both isoforms in brain but with only TRPC4- expression in MMC. These studies show that TRPC4- may form the homotetrameric SOC in mouse mesangial cells. canonical transient receptor potential; TRPC4-; TRPC4-; TRPC1; fura 2; glomerulus