Induction of TRPV5 expression by small activating RNA targeting gene promoter as a novel approach to regulate cellular calcium transportation

Aim

Promoter-targeted small activating RNAs (saRNAs) have been shown to be able to induce target gene expression, a mechanism known as RNA activation (RNAa). The present study tested whether saRNA can induce the overexpression of TRPV5 in human cells derived from the kidney and subsequently manipulate cell calcium uptake.

Main methods

Three saRNAs complementary to the TRPV5 promoter were synthesized and transfected into cells. TRPV5 expression at the RNA and protein levels was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting respectively. For functional study, transcellular Ca^2 + transportation was tested by fura-2 analysis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a suppressor of cellular calcium transportation, was administered to challenge the activating effect of selected saRNA.

Key findings

One of these synthesized saRNAs, ds-2939, significantly induced the expression of TRPV5 at both mRNA and protein levels. Fura-2 analysis revealed that the intracellular Ca^2 + concentration was elevated by ds-2939. DHT treatment reduced transmembrane Ca^2 + transport, which was partially antagonized by ds-2939.

Significance

Our results suggest that a saRNA targeting TRPV5 promoter can be utilized to manipulate the transmembrane Ca^2 + transport by upregulating the expression of TRPV5 and may serve as an alternative for the treatment of Ca^2 + balance-related diseases.     

A store-operated calcium channel in Drosophila S2 cells

Using whole-cell recording in Drosophila S2 cells, we characterized a Ca(2+)-selective current that is activated by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Passive store depletion with a Ca(2+)-free pipette solution containing 12 mM BAPTA activated an inwardly rectifying Ca2+ current with a reversal potential >60 mV. Inward currents developed with a delay and reached a maximum of 20-50 pA at -110 mV. This current doubled in amplitude upon increasing external Ca2+ from 2 to 20 mM and was not affected by substitution of choline for Na+. A pipette solution containing approximately 300 nM free Ca2+ and 10 mM EGTA prevented spontaneous activation, but Ca2+ current activated promptly upon application of ionomycin or thapsigargin, or during dialysis with IP3. Isotonic substitution of 20 mM Ca2+ by test divalent cations revealed a selectivity sequence of Ba2+ > Sr2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. Ba2+ and Sr2+ currents inactivated within seconds of exposure to zero-Ca2+ solution at a holding potential of 10 mV. Inactivation of Ba2+ and Sr2+ currents showed recovery during strong hyperpolarizing pulses. Noise analysis provided an estimate of unitary conductance values in 20 mM Ca2+ and Ba2+ of 36 and 420 fS, respectively. Upon removal of all external divalent ions, a transient monovalent current exhibited strong selectivity for Na+ over Cs+. The Ca2+ current was completely and reversibly blocked by Gd3+, with an IC50 value of approximately 50 nM, and was also blocked by 20 microM SKF 96365 and by 20 microM 2-APB. At concentrations between 5 and 14 microM, application of 2-APB increased the magnitude of Ca2+ currents. We conclude that S2 cells express store-operated Ca2+ channels with many of the same biophysical characteristics as CRAC channels in mammalian cells.     

External bioenergy-induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentrations are mediated by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and L-type calcium channel

External bioenergy (EBE, energy emitted from a human body) has been shown to increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i, an important factor in signal transduction) and regulate the cellular response to heat stress in cultured human lymphoid Jurkat T cells. In this study, we wanted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A bioenergy specialist emitted bioenergy sequentially toward tubes of cultured Jurkat T cells for one 15-minute period in buffers containing different ion compositions or different concentrations of inhibitors. [Ca²⁺]_i was measured spectrofluorometrically using the fluorescent probe fura-2. The resting [Ca²⁺]_i in Jurkat T cells was 70 ± 3 nM (n = 130) in the normal buffer. Removal of external calcium decreased the resting [Ca²⁺]_i to 52 ± 2 nM (n = 23), indicating that [Ca²⁺] entry from the external source is important for maintaining the basal level of [Ca²⁺]_i. Treatment of Jurkat T cells with EBE for 15 min increased [Ca²⁺]_i by 30 ± 5% (P 0.05, Student t-test). The distance between the bioenergy specialist and Jurkat T cells and repetitive treatments of EBE did not attenuate [Ca²⁺]_i responsiveness to EBE. Removal of external Ca²⁺ or Na⁺, but not Mg²⁺, inhibited the EBE-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i. Dichlorobenzamil, an inhibitor of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers, also inhibited the EBE-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.11 ± 0.02 nM. When external [K⁺] was increased from 4.5 mM to 25 mM, EBE decreased [Ca²⁺]_i. The EBE-induced increase was also blocked by verapamil, an L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel blocker. These results suggest that the EBE-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase may serve as an objective means for assessing and validating bioenergy effects and those specialists claiming bioenergy capability. The increase in [Ca²⁺]_i is mediated by activation of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers and opening of L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. (Mol Cell Biochem 271: 51–59, 2005)     

Analysis of the T-type calcium channel in embryonic chick ventricular myocytes

Summary T-type calcium channels (I _T channels) were studied in cell-attached patch electrode recordings from the ventricular cell membrane of 14-day embryonic chick heart. All experiments were performed in the absence of Ca²⁺ with Na⁺ (120mm) as the charge carrier.I _T channels were distinguished from L-type calcium channels (I _L) by their more negative activation and inactivation potential ranges; their smaller unitary slope conductance (26 pS), and their insensitivity to isoproterenol or D600. Inactivation kinetics were voltage dependent. The time constant of inactivation was 37 msec when the membrane potential was depolarized 40 mV from rest (R+40 mV), and 20 msec atR+60 mV. The frequency histogram of channel open times ₀ was fit by a single-exponential curve while that of closed times _c was biexponeintial. _o was the same atR+40 mV andR+60 mV whereas _c was shortened atR+60 mV. The open-state probability (P _o) increased with depolarization: 0.35 atR+40 mV, 0.8 atR+60 mV and 0.88 atR+80 mV. This increase inP _o at depolarized potentials could be accounted for by the decrease in _c.     

On the Role of Pore Helix in Regulation of TRPV5 by Extracellular Protons

The transient receptor potential channel TRPV5 is localized to the apical membrane of the distal renal tubule and plays an important role in the regulation of transepithelial Ca²⁺ reabsorption in kidney. We have previously reported that extracellular protons inhibit TRPV5 by binding to glutamate-522 (E522) in the extracellular domain of the channel. We suggested that E522 is an extracellular “pH sensor” and its titration by extracellular protons inhibits TRPV5 via conformational change(s) of the pore helix. We now report that mutation of a pore helix residue glutamate-535 to glutamine (E535Q) enhances the sensitivity of the channel to inhibition by extracellular protons (i.e., shifting the apparent pKa for inhibition by extracellular protons to the more alkaline extracellular pH). The enhancement of extracellular proton-mediated inhibition of E535Q mutant is also dependent on E522. We have also reported that intracellular acidification enhances the sensitivity of TRPV5 to inhibition by extracellular protons. We now find that modulation of the extracellular proton-mediated inhibition by intracellular acidification is preserved in the E535Q mutant. These results provide further support for the idea that pore helix is involved in the regulation of TRPV5 by extracellular protons. Inhibition of TRPV5 by extracellular protons may contribute to hypercalciuria in diseases associated with high acid load.     

Effects of calcium and bay K-8644 on calcium currents in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

Summary The kinetic and steady-state characteristics of calcium currents in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were analyzed by the patch-clamp technique. Whole cell inward Ca²⁺ currents, recorded in the presence of either 5.2 or 2.6mm Ca²⁺ exhibited a single, noninactivating component. To analyze the effects of Ca²⁺ and Bay K-8644 on the kinetics of the Ca²⁺ currents, we used a modified version of the Hodgkin-Huxley empirical model. At physiological [Ca²⁺] (2.5mm) the midpoint of the steady-state Ca²⁺-channel activation curve lay at –6.9 mV. Increasing the [Ca²⁺] to 5.2mm shifted the midpoint by –4.3 mV along the voltage axis. At the midpoint, changes in potential of 7.8 mV (for 5.2mm Ca²⁺) and 9.2 mV (for 2.5mm Ca²⁺) induced ane-fold change in the activation of the current. Increasing [Ca²⁺]₀ from 2.5 to 5.2mm induced a marked increase in the rate constant for turning on the Ca²⁺ permeability. Conductances were estimated from the slope of the linear part of the currentvoltage relationships as 8.7 and 4.2 nS in the presence of 5.2 and 2.5mm Ca²⁺, respectively. Incubation of the cells in the presence of Bay K-8644 at increasing concentrations from 0.001 to 0.1 m increased the slope conductance from 4.2 to 9.6 nS. Further increases in the concentration of Bay K-8644 from 1 to 100 m induced a marked reduction in the conductance to 1.1 nS. In the presence of Bay K-8644 (0.1 m) the midpoint of the activation curve was shifted by 6.1 mV towards more negative potentials, i.e., from –6.9 to –13 mV. At the midpoint potential of –13 mV, a change in potential of 6.9 mV caused ane-fold change in Ca²⁺ permeability. The kinetic analysis showed that Bay K-8644 significantly reduced the size of the rate constant for turning off the Ca²⁺ permeability.     

Modulation of TRPA1 channel activity by Cdk5 in sensory neurons

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1), is activated by a broad range of noxious stimuli. Cdk5, a member of the Cdk family, has recently been identified as a modulator of pain signaling pathways. In the current study, we investigated the extent to which Cdk5 modulates TRPA1 activity. Cdk5 inhibition was found to attenuate TRPA1 response to agonist in mouse DRG sensory neurons. Additionally, the presence of active Cdk5 was associated with increased TRPA1 phosphorylation in transfected HEK293 cells that was roscovitine-sensitive and absent in the mouse mutant S449A full-length channel. Immunopurified Cdk5 was observed to phosphorylate human TRPA1 peptide substrate at S448A in vitro. Our results point to a role for Cdk5 in modulating TRPA1 activity.     

Calcineurin activation by slow calcium release from intracellular stores suppresses protein kinase C regulation of L-type calcium channels in L6 cells

L-type Ca²⁺ channel activity was assayed in L6 cells as the rate of nifedipine-sensitive Ba²⁺ influx in a depolarizing medium. In the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or thymeleatoxin (TMX) inhibited Ba²⁺ influx by 38%. Thapsigargin (Tg), a selective inhibitor of the Ca²⁺-ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, evoked a rise in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in a Ca²⁺-free medium from 30 to 80 nM. This [Ca²⁺]_i increase declined slowly, giving rise to a modest elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i that persisted for >5 min. The inhibitory effects of PMA and TMX on channel activity were abolished when tested in Tg-treated cells in a Ca²⁺-free medium. However, when the Ca²⁺ ionophore, ionomycin, was applied with Tg, PMA and TMX retained their inhibitory effect on L-type Ca²⁺ channel activity, suggesting that a lower amplitude and prolonged release of Ca²⁺ stores is necessary for abrogating PKC-mediated inhibition of LCC. Cyclosporin A (5 μM) and ascomycin (5 μM), inhibitors of the Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin, fully restored the inhibitory effect of PMA and TMX on channel activity. Addition of 1 mM CaCl₂ to the Tg-treated cells increased [Ca²⁺]_i to 165 nM and also restored the inhibitory effects of PMA and TMX. These results indicate that a small, relatively prolonged [Ca²⁺]_i increase elicited by passive depletion of internal Ca²⁺ stores led to activation of calcineurin, giving rise to an increase in protein phosphatase activity that counteracted the inhibitory effects of PKC on channel activity. A larger increase in [Ca²⁺]_i via store-dependent Ca²⁺ entry enhanced the activity of PKC sufficiently to overcome the protein phosphatase activity of calcineurin. This study is the first to demonstrate that the regulation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in a myocyte model involves a balance between the differential Ca²⁺ sensitivities and opposing actions of PKC and calcineurin.     

Developmental changes in the calcium currents in embryonic chick ventricular myocytes

Summary Using the patch-clamp technique, we recorded whole-cell calcium current from isolated cardiac myocytes dissociated from the apical ventricles of 7-day and 14-day chick embryos. In 70% of 14-day cells after 24 hr in culture, two component currents could be separated from totalI _Ca activated from a holding potential (V _h) of –80 mV. L-type current (I _L) was activated by depolarizing steps fromV _h –30 or –40 mV. The difference current (I _T) was obtained by subtractingI _L, fromI _Ca.I _T could also be distinguished pharmacologically fromI _L in these cells.I _T was selectively blocked by 40–160 m Ni²⁺, whereasI _L was suppressed by 1 m D600 or 2 m nifedipine. The Ni²⁺-resistant and D600-resistant currents had activation thresholds and peak voltages that were near those ofI _T andI _L defined by voltage threshold, and resembled those in adult mammalian heart. In 7-day cells,I _T andI _L could be distinguished by voltage threshold in 45% (S cells), while an additional 45% of 7-day cells were nonseparable (NS) by activation voltage threshold. Nonetheless, in mostNS cells,I _Ca was partly blocked by Ni²⁺ and by D600 given separately, and the effects were additive when these agents were given together. Differences among the cells in the ability to separateI _T andI _L by voltage threshold resulted largely from differences in the position of the steady-state inactivation and activation curves along the voltage axis. In all cells at both ages in which the steady-state inactivation relation was determined with a double-pulse protocol, the half-inactivation potential (V _1/2) of the Ni²⁺-resistant currentI _L averaged –18 mV. In contrast,V _1/2 of the Ni²⁺-sensitiveI _T was –60 mV in 14-day cells, –52 mV in 7-dayS cells, and –43 mV in 7-day NS cells. The half-activation potential was near –2 mV forI _L at both ages, but that ofI _T was –38 mV in 14-day and –29 mV in 7-day cells. Maximal current density was highly variable from cell to cell, but showed no systematic differences between 7-day and 14-day cells. These results indicate that the main developmental change that occurs in the components ofI _Ca is a negative shift with, embryonic age in the activation and inactivation relationships ofI _T along the voltage axis.     

Activation and inhibition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channel by the polycationic dyes Hoechst 33342 and Hoechst 33258

The polycationic dyes, Hoechst 33342 (Bisbenzimide,2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) 2,5-bi 1H benzimidazole) and Hoechst 33258 (Bisbenzimide,2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) 5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-2,5-bi-1H-benzimidazole) alter the activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ channel. Although they act competitively, Hoechst 33342 decreases, while Hoechst 33258 increases, the rate of channel-mediated Ca²⁺ efflux from junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. Unlike other cationic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ channel antagonists, Hoechst 33342 blocks the ryanodine-activated Ca²⁺ channel. Both Hoechst 33342 and Hoechst 33258 inhibit the channel incorporated into the planar lipid bilayer. Since the only structural difference between the two dyes is that the agonist Hoechst 33258 has a hydroxy group where the antagonist Hoechst 33342 has an ethoxy group, it is possible that the more hydrophobic, bulky ethoxy group blocks Ca²⁺ movement through the channel, whereas the hydroxy group only reduces the rate of Ca²⁺ movement.The opinions or assertions contained herein are private ones of the author ad are not to beconstrued as official or reflecting the views of the Department of Defense or the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.This work was supported by grants GM 29300 and GM 4695 from the National Institutes of Health and Grant C071BK from the Uniformed University of the Health Sciences.     

A non-invasive vibrating calcium-selective electrode measures acetylcholine-induced calcium flux across the sarcolemma of a smooth muscle

To determine possible sources of Ca²⁺ during excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle, a vibrating Ca²⁺-selective electrode was used to measure Ca²⁺ flux during the process of contraction. The smooth muscle model was the longitudinal muscle of the body wall of a sea cucumberSclerodactyla briareus. Because acetylcholine caused slow contractions of the muscle that were inhibited by Ca²⁺ channel blockers diltiazem and verapamil in earlier mechanical studies, we chose a vibrating Ca²⁺-selective electrode as our method to test the hypothesis that acetylcholine may be stimulating Ca²⁺ influx across the sarcolemma, providing a Ca²⁺ source during excitation-contraction coupling. Acetylcholine treatment stimulated a net Ca²⁺ efflux that was both dose and time dependent. We then tested two L-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers, diltiazem and verapamil, and two non-specific Ca²⁺ blockers, cobalt (Co²⁺) and lanthanum (La³⁺) on acetylcholine-induced Ca²⁺ flux. All four Ca²⁺ blockers tested potently inhibited Ca²⁺ efflux induced by physiological doses of acetylcholine. We propose that the acetylcholine-induced Ca²⁺ efflux was the result of, first, Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-sensitive L-type Ca²⁺ channels, then the rapid extrusion of Ca²⁺ by an outwardly directed carrier such as the Na–Ca exchanger as suggested by Li⁺ substitution experiments. The vibrating Ca²⁺ electrode has provided new insights on the active and complex role the sarcolemma plays in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and regulating Ca²⁺ redistribution during excitation-contraction coupling.Abbreviations ACh acetylcholine - E-C coupling excitation-contraction coupling - LMBW longitudinal muscle of the body wall     

Regulation of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 by the serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoforms SGK1 and SGK3

Epithelial calcium (re)absorption is mediated by TRPV5 and TRPV6 channels. TRPV5 is modulated by the SGK1 kinase, a process requiring the PDZ-domain containing scaffold protein NHERF2. The present study explored whether TRPV6 is similarly regulated by SGKs and the scaffold proteins NHERF1/2. In Xenopus oocytes, SGKs activate TRPV6 by increasing its plasma membrane abundance. Deletion of the putative PDZ binding motif on TRPV6 did not abolish channel activation by SGKs. Furthermore, coexpression of neither NHERF1 nor NHERF2 affected TRPV6 or potentiated the SGKs stimulating effect. The present observations disclose a novel TRPV6 regulatory mechanism which presumably participates in calcium homeostasis.     

Activity of the yeast vacuolar TRP channel TRPY1 is inhibited by Ca2+–calmodulin binding

Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, which are conserved across mammals, flies, fish, sea squirts, worms, and fungi, essentially contribute to cellular Ca²⁺ signaling. The activity of the unique TRP channel in yeast, TRP yeast channel 1 (TRPY1), relies on the vacuolar and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration. However, the mechanism(s) of Ca²⁺-dependent regulation of TRPY1 and possible contribution(s) of Ca²⁺-binding proteins are yet not well understood. Our results demonstrate a Ca²⁺-dependent binding of yeast calmodulin (CaM) to TRPY1. TRPY1 activity was increased in the cmd1–6 yeast strain, carrying a non–Ca²⁺-binding CaM mutant, compared with the parent strain expressing wt CaM (Cmd1). Expression of Cmd1 in cmd1–6 yeast rescued the wt phenotype. In addition, in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, hypertonic shock-induced TRPY1-dependent Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺ release were increased by the CaM antagonist ophiobolin A. We found that coexpression of mammalian CaM impeded the activity of TRPY1 by reinforcing effects of endogenous CaM. Finally, inhibition of TRPY1 by Ca²⁺–CaM required the cytoplasmic amino acid stretch E₃₃–Y₉₂. In summary, our results show that TRPY1 is under inhibitory control of Ca²⁺–CaM and that mammalian CaM can replace yeast CaM for this inhibition. These findings add TRPY1 to the innumerable cellular proteins, which include a variety of ion channels, that use CaM as a constitutive or dissociable Ca²⁺-sensing subunit, and contribute to a better understanding of the modulatory mechanisms of Ca²⁺–CaM.     

Differential roles of PKC-theta in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration in primary T cells

Activation of T lymphocytes requires protein kinase C theta (PKC-theta) and an appropriately elevated free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Here, we show that phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibited Ca2+ influx in wild-type but not PKC-theta-/- T cells, suggesting that PKC-theta plays a role in PMA-mediated inhibition of Ca2+ influx. In contrast, T cell receptor (TCR) crosslinking in the same PKC-theta-/- T cells did result in significantly decreased [Ca2+]i compared to wild-type T cells, suggesting a positive role for PKC-theta in TCR-mediated Ca2+ mobilization. In PKC-theta-/- mice, peripheral mature T cells, but not developing thymocytes, displayed significantly decreased TCR-induced Ca2+ influx and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) translocation upon sub-optimal TCR crosslinking. The decreased intracellular free Ca2+ was due to changes in Ca2+ influx but not efflux, as observed in extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization studies. However, these differences in Ca2+ influx and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) translocation disappeared with increasing intensity of TCR crosslinking. The enhancing effect of PKC-theta on Ca2+ influx is not only dependent on the strength of TCR crosslinking but also on the developmental stage of T cells. The underlying mechanism involved phospholipase Cgamma1 activation and inositol triphosphate production. Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous PKC-theta expression in Jurkat cells resulted in significant inhibition of TCR-induced activation of NFAT, as evidenced from NFAT reporter studies. Forced expression of a constitutively active form of calcineurin in PKC-theta-/- Jurkat cells could readily overcome the above inhibition. Thus, PKC-theta can both positively and negatively regulate the Ca2+ influx that is critical for NFAT activity.     

Thermosensitive ion channel TRPV1 is endogenously expressed in the sperm of a fresh water teleost fish (Labeo rohita) and regulates sperm motility

Sperm cells exhibit extremely high sensitivity in response to slight changes in temperature, osmotic pressure and/or presence of various chemical stimuli. In most cases throughout the evolution, these physico-chemical stimuli trigger Ca²⁺-signaling and subsequently alter structure, cellular function, motility and survival of the sperm cells. Few reports have recently demonstrated the presence of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in the sperm cells from higher eukaryotes, mainly from higher mammals. In this work, we have explored if the sperm cells from lower vertebrates can also have thermo-sensitive TRP channels. In this paper, we demonstrate the endogenous presence of one specific thermo-sensitive ion channel, namely Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid family member sub type 1 (TRPV1) in the sperm cells collected from fresh water teleost fish, Labeo rohita. By using western blot analysis, fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS) and confocal microscopy; we confirm the presence of this non-selective cation channel. Activation of TRPV1 by an endogenous activator NADA significantly increases the quality as well as the duration of fish sperm movement. The sperm cell specific expression of TRPV1 matches well with our in silico sequence analysis. The results demonstrate that TRPV1 gene is conserved in various fishes, ranging from 1–3 in copy number, and it originated by fish-specific duplication events within the last 320 million years (MY). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the presence of any thermo-sensitive TRP channels in the sperm cells of early vertebrates as well as of aquatic animals, which undergo external fertilization in fresh water. This observation may have implications in the aquaculture, breeding of several fresh water and marine fish species and cryopreservation of fish sperms.     

Modulation of TRPV4 gating by intra- and extracellular Ca

We have studied the modulation of gating properties of the Ca²⁺-permeable, cation channel TRPV4 transiently expressed in HEK293 cells. The phorbol ester 4αPDD transiently activated a current through TRPV4 in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺. Increasing the concentration of extracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_e) reduced the current amplitude and accelerated its decay. This decay was dramatically delayed in the absence of [Ca²⁺]_e. It was also much slower in the presence of [Ca²⁺]_e in a mutant channel, obtained by a point mutation in the 6th transmembrane domain, F707A. Mutant channels, containing a single mutation in the C-terminus of TRPV4 (E797), were constitutively open. In conclusion, gating of the 4αPDD-activated TRPV4 channel depends on both extra- and intracellular Ca²⁺, and is modulated by mutations of single amino acid residues in the 6th transmembrane domain and the C-terminus of the TRPV4 protein.     

High-conductance K+ channel in pancreatic islet cells can be activated and inactivated by internal calcium

Summary The Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel in rat pancreatic islet cells has been studied using patch-clamp single-channel current recording in excised inside-out and outside-out membrane patches. In membrane patches exposed to quasi-physiological cation gradients (Na⁺ outside, K⁺ inside) large outward current steps were observed when the membrane was depolarized. The single-channel current voltage (I/V) relationship showed outward rectification and the null potential was more negative than –40 mV. In symmetrical K⁺-rich solutions the single-channelI/V relationship was linear, the null potential was 0 mV and the singlechannel conductance was about 250 pS. Membrane depolarization evoked channel opening also when the inside of the membrane was exposed to a Ca²⁺-free solution containing 2mm EGTA, but large positive membrane potentials (70 to 80 mV) were required in order to obtain open-state probabilities (P) above 0.1. Raising the free Ca²⁺ concentration in contact with the membrane inside ([Ca²⁺]_i) to 1.5×10^–7 m had little effect on the relationship between membrane potential andP. When [Ca²⁺]_i was increased to 3×10^–7 m and 6×10^–7 m smaller potential changes were required to open the channels. Increasing [Ca²⁺]_i further to 8×10^–7 m again activated the channels, but the relationship between membrane potential andP was complex. Changing the membrane potential from –50 mV to +20 mV increasedP from near 0 to 0.6 but further polarization to +50 mV decreasedP to about 0.2. The pattern of voltage activation and inactivation was even more pronounced at [Ca²⁺]_i=1 and 2 m. In this situation a membrane potential change from –70 to +20 mV increasedP from near 0 to about 0.7 but further polarization to +80 mV reducedP to less than 0.1. The high-conductance K⁺ channel in rat pancreatic islet cells is remarkably sensitive to changes in [Ca²⁺]_i within the range 0.1 to 1 m which suggests a physiological role for this channel in regulating the membrane potential and Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-activated Ca²⁺ channels.