Involvement of G protein betagamma-subunits in diverse signaling induced by G(i/o)-coupled receptors: study using the Xenopus oocyte expression system

We studied the functions of -subunits of G_i/o protein using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Isoproterenol (ISO) elicited cAMP production and slowly activating Cl^– currents in oocytes expressing ₂-adrenoceptor and the protein kinase A-dependent Cl^– channel encoded by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), [D-Ala², D-Leu⁵]-enkephalin (DADLE), and baclofen enhanced ISO-induced cAMP levels and CFTR currents in oocytes expressing ₂-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT_1A receptor (5-HT_1AR), -opioid receptor, or GABA_B receptor, respectively. 5-HT also enhanced pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 38-induced cAMP levels and CFTR currents in oocytes expressing PACAP receptor, CFTR and 5-HT_1AR. The 5-HT-induced enhancement of G_s-coupled receptor-mediated currents was abrogated by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) and coexpression of G transducin (G_t). The 5-HT-induced enhancement was further augmented by coexpression of the G-activated form of adenylate cyclase (AC) type II but not AC type III. Thus -subunits of G_i/o protein contribute to the enhancement of G_s-coupled receptor-mediated responses. 5-HT and DADLE did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT_1AR or -opioid receptor alone. They elicited Ca²⁺-activated Cl^– currents in oocytes coexpressing these receptors with the G-activated form of phospholipase C (PLC)-2 but not with PLC-1. These currents were inhibited by pretreatment with PTX and coexpression of G_t, suggesting that -subunits of G_i/o protein activate PLC-2 and then cause intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. Our results indicate that -subunits of G_i/o protein participate in diverse intracellular signals, enhancement of G_s-coupled receptor-mediated responses, and intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. G protein-coupled receptor; cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene; cross talk; electrophysiology     

Laminin-alpha1 globular domains 3 and 4 induce heterotrimeric G protein binding to alpha-syntrophin's PDZ domain and alter intracellular Ca2+ in muscle

-Syntrophin is a component of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC). It is firmly attached to the dystrophin cytoskeleton via a unique COOH-terminal domain and is associated indirectly with -dystroglycan, which binds to extracellular matrix laminin. Syntrophin contains two pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and one PDZ domain. Because PH domains of other proteins are known to bind the -subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins, whether this is also a property of syntrophin was investigated. Isolated syntrophin from rabbit skeletal muscle binds bovine brain G-subunits in gel blot overlay experiments. Laminin-1-Sepharose or specific antibodies against syntrophin, - and -dystroglycan, or dystrophin precipitate a complex with G from crude skeletal muscle microsomes. Bacterially expressed syntrophin fusion proteins and truncation mutants allowed mapping of G binding to syntrophin's PDZ domain; this is a novel function for PDZ domains. When laminin-1 is bound, maximal binding of G_s and G occurs and active G_s, measured as GTP-³⁵S bound, decreases. Because intracellular Ca²⁺ is elevated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and G_s is known to activate the dihydropyridine receptor Ca²⁺ channel, whether laminin also altered intracellular Ca²⁺ was investigated. Laminin-1 decreases active (GTP-S-bound) G_s, and the Ca²⁺ channel is inhibited by laminin-1. The laminin ₁-chain globular domains 4 and 5 region, the region bound by DGC -dystroglycan, is sufficient to cause an effect, and an antibody that specifically blocks laminin binding to -dystroglycan inhibits G binding by syntrophin in C₂C₁₂ myotubes. These observations suggest that DGC is a matrix laminin, G protein-coupled receptor. Duchenne muscular dystrophy; protein G -subunit; pleckstrin homology domain     

Mechanotransduction by integrin is essential for IL-6 secretion from endothelial cells in response to uniaxial continuous stretch

We previously reported that uniaxial continuous stretch in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion via IB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor-B (NF-B) activation. The aim of the present study was to clarify the upstream signaling mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. Stretch-induced IKK activation and IL-6 secretion were inhibited by application of ₅₁ integrin-inhibitory peptide (GRGDNP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (LY-294002), phospholipase C- inhibitor (U-73122), or protein kinase C inhibitor (H7). Although depletion of intra- or extracellular Ca²⁺ pool using thapsigargin (TG) or EGTA, respectively, showed little effect, a TG-EGTA mixture significantly inhibited stretch-induced IKK activation and IL-6 secretion. An increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) upon continuous stretch was observed even in the presence of TG, EGTA, or GRGDNP, but not in a solution containing the TG-EGTA mixture, indicating that both integrin activation and [Ca²⁺]_i rise are crucial factors for stretch-induced IKK activation and after IL-6 secretion in HUVECs. Furthermore, while PKC activity was inhibited by the TG-EGTA mixture, GRGDNP, LY-294002, or U-73122, PLC- activity was retarded by GRGDNP or LY-294002. These results indicate that continuous stretch-induced IL-6 secretion in HUVECs depends on outside-in signaling via integrins followed by a PI3-K-PLC--PKC-IKK-NF-B signaling cascade. Another crucial factor, [Ca²⁺]_i increase, may at least be required to activate PKC needed for NF-B activation. nuclear factor-B; phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; phospholipase C-; protein kinase C; intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration     

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     

Activation of PLC-delta1 by Gi/o-coupled receptor agonists

The mechanism of phospholipase (PLC)- activation by G protein-coupled receptor agonists was examined in rabbit gastric smooth muscle. Ca²⁺ stimulated an eightfold increase in PLC-1 activity in permeabilized muscle cells. Treatment of dispersed or cultured muscle cells with three G_i/o-coupled receptor agonists (somatostatin, -opioid agonist [D-Pen²,D-Pen⁵]enkephalin, and A₁ agonist cyclopentyl adenosine) caused delayed increase in phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis (8- to 10-fold) that was strongly inhibited by overexpression of dominant-negative PLC-1(E341R/D343R; 65–76%) or constitutively active RhoA(G14V). The response coincided with capacitative Ca²⁺ influx and was not observed in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, but was partly inhibited by nifedipine (16–30%) and strongly inhibited by SKF-96365, a blocker of store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. Treatment of the cells with a G_q/13-coupled receptor agonist, CCK-8, caused only transient, PLC-1-mediated PI hydrolysis. Unlike G_i/o-coupled receptor agonists, CCK-8 activated RhoA and stimulated RhoA:PLC-1 association. Inhibition of RhoA activity with C3 exoenzyme or by overexpression of dominant-negative RhoA(T19N) or G₁₃ minigene unmasked a delayed increase in PI hydrolysis that was strongly inhibited by coexpression of PLC-1(E341R/D343R) or by SKF-96365. Agonist-independent capacitative Ca²⁺ influx induced by thapsigargin stimulated PI hydrolysis (8-fold), which was partly inhibited by nifedipine (25%) and strongly inhibited by SKF-96365 (75%) and in cells expressing PLC-1(E341R/D343R). Agonist-independent Ca²⁺ release or Ca²⁺ influx via voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels stimulated only moderate PI hydrolysis (2- to 3-fold), which was abolished by PLC-1 antibody or nifedipine. We conclude that PLC-1 is activated by G_i/o-coupled receptor agonists that do not activate RhoA. The activation is preferentially mediated by Ca²⁺ influx via store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. phospholipase C; G protein     

Obligatory role for phospholipase C-gamma(1) in villin-induced epithelial cell migration

While there is circumstantial evidence to suggest a requirement for phospholipase C-₁ (PLC-₁) in actin reorganization and cell migration, few studies have examined the direct mechanisms that link regulators of the actin cytoskeleton with this crucial signaling molecule. This study was aimed to examine the role that villin, an epithelial cell-specific actin-binding protein, and its ligand PLC-₁ play in migration in intestinal and renal epithelial cell lines that endogenously or ectopically express human villin. Basal as well as epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated cell migration was accompanied by tyrosine phosphorylation of villin and its association with PLC-₁. Inhibition of villin phosphorylation prevented villin-PLC-₁ complex formation as well as villin-induced cell migration. The absolute requirement for PLC-₁ in villin-induced cell migration was demonstrated by measuring cell motility in PLC-₁^–/– cells and by downregulation of endogenous PLC-₁. EGF-stimulated direct interaction of villin with the Src homology domain 2 domain of PLC-₁ at the plasma membrane was demonstrated in living cells by using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. These results demonstrate that villin provides an important link between the activation of phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway and epithelial cell migration. fluorescence resonance energy transfer; actin     

nPKC{varepsilon}, a P2Y2-R downstream effector in regulated mucin secretion from airway goblet cells

Airway goblet cell mucin secretion is controlled by agonist activation of P2Y₂ purinoceptors, acting through Gq/PLC, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃), diacylglycerol, Ca²⁺ and protein kinase C (PKC). Previously, we showed that SPOC1 cells express cPKC, nPKC, nPKC, and nPKC; of these, only nPKC translocated to the membrane in correlation with mucin secretion (Abdullah LH, Bundy JT, Ehre C, Davis CW. Am J Physiol Lung Physiol 285: L149–L160, 2003). We have verified these results and pursued the identity of the PKC effector isoform by testing the effects of altered PKC expression on regulated mucin release using SPOC1 cell and mouse models. SPOC1 cells overexpressing cPKC, nPKC, and nPKC had the same levels of ATPS- and phorbol-1,2-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated mucin secretion as the levels in empty retroviral vector expressing cells. Secretagogue-induced mucin secretion was elevated only in cells overexpressing nPKC (14.6 and 23.5%, for ATPS and PMA). Similarly, only SPOC1 cells infected with a kinase-deficient nPKC exhibited the expected diminution of stimulated mucin secretion, relative to wild-type (WT) isoform overexpression. ATPS-stimulated mucin secretion from isolated, perfused mouse tracheas was diminished in P2Y₂-R null mice by 82% relative to WT mice, demonstrating the utility of mouse models in studies of regulated mucin secretion. Littermate WT and nPKC knockout (KO) mice had nearly identical levels of stimulated mucin secretion, whereas mucin release was nearly abolished in nPKC KO mice relative to its WT littermates. We conclude that nPKC is the effector isoform downstream of P2Y₂-R activation in the goblet cell secretory response. The translocation of nPKC observed in activated cells is likely not related to mucin secretion but to some other aspect of goblet cell biology. protein kinase C; mucins; goblet cells; exocytosis; airways; epithelium; lung     

EGF stimulates proliferation of mouse embryonic stem cells: involvement of Ca2+ influx and p44/42 MAPKs

We examined the effect of EGF on the proliferation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and their related signal pathways. EGF increased [³H]thymidine and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. EGF stimulated the phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR). Inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase with AG-1478 or herbimycin A, inhibition of PLC with neomycin or U-73122, inhibition of PKC with bisindolylmaleimide I or staurosporine, and inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels with nifedipine or methoxyverapamil prevented EGF-induced [³H]thymidine incorporation. PKC-, -_I, -, -, and - were translocated to the membrane and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was increased in response to EGF. Moreover, inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase, PLC, and PKC completely prevented EGF-induced increases in [Ca²⁺]_i. EGF also increased inositol phosphate levels, which were blocked by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, EGF rapidly increased formation of H₂O₂, and pretreatment with antioxidant (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) inhibited EGF-induced increase of [Ca²⁺]_i. In addition, we observed that p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation by EGF and inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase, PLC, PKC, or Ca²⁺ channels blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPKs. Inhibition of p44/42 MAPKs with PD-98059 (MEK inhibitor) attenuated EGF-induced increase of [³H]thymidine incorporation. Finally, inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase, PKC, Ca²⁺ channels, or p44/42 MAPKs attenuated EGF-stimulated cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, and CDK4, respectively. In conclusion, EGF partially stimulates proliferation of mouse ES cells via PLC/PKC, Ca²⁺ influx, and p44/42 MAPK signal pathways through EGFR tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. calcium; epidermal growth factor; mitogen-activated protein kinases; protein kinase C     

Thyroid hormone inhibits biliary growth in bile duct-ligated rats by PLC/IP(3)/Ca(2+)-dependent downregulation of SRC/ERK1/2

The role of the thyroid hormone agonist 3,3',5 L-tri-iodothyronine (T3) on cholangiocytes is unknown. We evaluated the in vivo and in vitro effects of T3 on cholangiocyte proliferation of bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. We assessed the expression of ₁-, ₂-, ₁-, and ₂-thyroid hormone receptors (THRs) by immunohistochemistry in liver sections from normal and BDL rats. BDL rats were treated with T3 (38.4 µg/day) or vehicle for 1 wk. We evaluated 1) biliary mass and apoptosis in liver sections and 2) proliferation in cholangiocytes. Serum-free T3 levels were measured by chemiluminescence. Purified BDL cholangiocytes were treated with 0.2% BSA or T3 (1 µM) in the absence/presence of U-73122 (PLC inhibitor) or BAPTA/AM (intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator) before measurement of PCNA protein expression by immunoblots. The in vitro effects of T3 (1 µM) on 1) cAMP, IP₃, and Ca²⁺ levels and 2) the phosphorylation of Src Tyr139 and Tyr530 (that, together, regulate Src activity) and ERK1/2 of BDL cholangiocytes were also evaluated. ₁-, ₂-, ₁-, and ₂-THRs were expressed by bile ducts of normal and BDL rats. In vivo, T3 decreased cholangiocyte proliferation of BDL rats. In vitro, T3 inhibition of PCNA protein expression was blocked by U-73122 and BAPTA/AM. Furthermore, T3 1) increased IP₃ and Ca²⁺ levels and 2) decreased Src and ERK1/2 phosphorylation of BDL cholangiocytes. T3 inhibits cholangiocyte proliferation of BDL rats by PLC/IP₃/Ca²⁺-dependent decreased phosphorylation of Src/ERK1/2. Activation of the intracellular signals triggered by T3 may modulate the excess of cholangiocyte proliferation in liver diseases. cholestasis; cholangiopathies; hyperplasia; intrahepatic biliary epithelium; mitosis     

Channel phosphorylation and modulation of L-type Ca2+ currents by cytosolic Mg2+ concentration

Previous studies have shown that inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ current (I_Ca) by cytosolic free Mg²⁺ concentration ([Mg²⁺]_i) is profoundly affected by activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathways. To investigate the mechanism underlying this counterregulation of I_Ca, rat cardiac myocytes and tsA201 cells expressing L-type Ca²⁺ channels were whole cell voltage-clamped with patch pipettes in which [Mg²⁺] ([Mg²⁺]_p) was buffered by citrate and ATP. In tsA201 cells expressing wild-type Ca²⁺ channels (_1C/_2A/₂), increasing [Mg²⁺]_p from 0.2 mM to 1.8 mM decreased peak I_Ca by 76 ± 4.5% (n = 7). Mg²⁺-dependent modulation of I_Ca was also observed in cells loaded with ATP--S. With 0.2 mM [Mg²⁺]_p, manipulating phosphorylation conditions by pipette application of protein kinase A (PKA) or phosphatase 2A (PP_2A) produced large changes in I_Ca amplitude; however, with 1.8 mM [Mg²⁺]_p, these same manipulations had no significant effect on I_Ca. With mutant channels lacking principal PKA phosphorylation sites (_1C/S1928A/_{2A/S478A/S479A}/₂), increasing [Mg²⁺]_p had only small effects on I_Ca. However, when channel open probability was increased by _1C-subunit truncation (_1C1905/_{2A/S478A/S479A}/₂), increasing [Mg²⁺]_p greatly reduced peak I_Ca. Correspondingly, in myocytes voltage-clamped with pipette PP_2A to minimize channel phosphorylation, increasing [Mg²⁺]_p produced a much larger reduction in I_Ca when channel opening was promoted with BAY K8644. These data suggest that, around its physiological concentration range, cytosolic Mg²⁺ modulates the extent to which channel phosphorylation regulates I_Ca. This modulation does not necessarily involve changes in channel phosphorylation per se, but more generally appears to depend on the kinetics of gating induced by channel phosphorylation. voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel; cardiac myocytes; human embryonic kidney cells; protein kinase A; protein phosphatase 2A     

Ca2+ antagonist-insensitive coronary smooth muscle contraction involves activation of epsilon-protein kinase C-dependent pathway

Certain angina and coronary artery disease forms do not respond to Ca²⁺ channel blockers, and a role for vasoactive eicosanoids such as PGF₂ in Ca²⁺ antagonist-insensitive coronary vasospasm is suggested; however, the signaling mechanisms are unclear. We investigated whether PGF₂-induced coronary smooth muscle contraction is Ca²⁺ antagonist insensitive and involves activation of a PKC-dependent pathway. We measured contraction in single porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells and intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in fura 2-loaded cells and examined cytosolic and particulate fractions for PKC activity and reactivity with isoform-specific PKC antibodies. In Hanks' solution (1 mM Ca²⁺), PGF₂ (10^-5 M) caused transient [Ca²⁺]_i increase followed by maintained [Ca²⁺]_i increase and 34% cell contraction. Ca²⁺ channel blockers verapamil and diltiazem (10^-6 M) abolished maintained PGF₂-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase but only partially inhibited PGF₂-induced cell contraction to 17%. Verapamil-insensitive PGF₂ contraction was inhibited by PKC inhibitors GF-109203X, calphostin C, and -PKC V1-2. PGF₂ caused Ca²⁺-dependent -PKC and Ca²⁺-independent -PKC translocation from cytosolic to particulate fractions that was inhibited by calphostin C. Verapamil abolished PGF₂-induced -but not -PKC translocation. PMA (10^-6 M), a direct activator of PKC, caused 21% contraction with no significant [Ca²⁺]_i increase and -PKC translocation that were inhibited by calphostin C but not verapamil. Membrane depolarization by 51 mM KCl, which stimulates Ca²⁺ influx, caused 36% cell contraction and [Ca²⁺]_i increase that were inhibited by verapamil but not GF-109203X or calphostin C and did not cause - or -PKC translocation. Thus a significant component of PGF₂-induced contraction of coronary smooth muscle is Ca²⁺ antagonist insensitive, involves Ca²⁺-independent -PKC activation and translocation, and may represent a signaling mechanism of Ca²⁺ antagonist-resistant coronary vasospasm. eicosanoids; calcium; vascular smooth muscle     

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-delta isoform regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

There is accumulating evidence that Ca²⁺-dependent signaling pathways regulate proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells, contributing to the intimal accumulation of VSM that is a hallmark of many vascular diseases. In this study we investigated the role of the multifunctional serine/threonine kinase, calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), as a mediator of Ca²⁺ signals regulating VSM cell proliferation. Differentiated VSM cells acutely isolated from rat aortic media express primarily CaMKII gene products, whereas passaged primary cultures of de-differentiated VSM cells express primarily CaMKII₂, a splice variant of the gene. Experiments examining the time course of CaMKII isoform modulation revealed the process was rapid in onset following initial dispersion and primary culture of aortic VSM with a significant increase in CaMKII₂ protein and a significant decrease in CaMKII protein within 30 h, coinciding with the onset of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Attenuating the initial upregulation of CaMKII₂ in primary cultured cells using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in decreased serum-stimulated DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in primary culture. In passaged VSM cells, suppression of CaMKII₂ activity by overexpression of a kinase-negative mutant, or suppression of endogenous CaMKII content using multiple siRNAs, significantly attenuated serum-stimulated DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis following either inhibitory approach indicated decreased proportion of cells in G1, an increase in proportion of cells in G2/M, and an increase in polyploidy, corresponding with accumulation of multinucleated cells. These results indicate that CaMKII₂ is specifically induced during modulation of VSM cells to the synthetic phenotypic and is a positive regulator of serum-stimulated proliferation. calmodulin kinase II; phenotype modulation     

TNF-alpha dilates cerebral arteries via NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent Ca2+ spark activation

Expression of TNF-, a pleiotropic cytokine, is elevated during stroke and cerebral ischemia. TNF- regulates arterial diameter, although mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that TNF- regulates the diameter of resistance-sized (150-µm diameter) cerebral arteries by modulating local and global intracellular Ca²⁺ signals in smooth muscle cells. Laser-scanning confocal imaging revealed that TNF- increased Ca²⁺ spark and Ca²⁺ wave frequency but reduced global intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in smooth muscle cells of intact arteries. TNF- elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in smooth muscle cells of intact arteries, and this increase was prevented by apocynin or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), both of which are NAD(P)H oxidase blockers, but was unaffected by inhibitors of other ROS-generating enzymes. In voltage-clamped (–40 mV) cells, TNF- increased the frequency and amplitude of Ca²⁺ spark-induced, large-conductance, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca) channel transients 1.7- and 1.4-fold, respectively. TNF--induced transient K_Ca current activation was reversed by apocynin or by Mn(III)tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin (MnTMPyP), a membrane-permeant antioxidant, and was prevented by intracellular dialysis of catalase. TNF- induced reversible and similar amplitude dilations in either endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded pressurized (60 mmHg) cerebral arteries. MnTMPyP, thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase blocker that inhibits Ca²⁺ sparks, and iberiotoxin, a K_Ca channel blocker, reduced TNF--induced vasodilations to between 15 and 33% of control. In summary, our data indicate that TNF- activates NAD(P)H oxidase, resulting in an increase in intracellular H₂O₂ that stimulates Ca²⁺ sparks and transient K_Ca currents, leading to a reduction in global [Ca²⁺]_i, and vasodilation. cerebrovascular circulation; ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ release channel; Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel; reactive oxygen species; vasodilation     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands regulate endothelial membrane superoxide production

Recently, we demonstrated that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (PPAR-) ligands, either 15-deoxy-^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) or ciglitazone, increased endothelial nitric oxide (·NO) release without altering endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (4). However, the precise molecular mechanisms of PPAR--stimulated endothelial·NO release remain to be defined. Superoxide anion radical (O₂^–·) combines with ·NO to decrease·NO bioavailability. NADPH oxidase, which produces O₂^–·, and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), which degrades O₂^–·, thereby contribute to regulation of endothelial cell·NO metabolism. Therefore, we examined the ability of PPAR- ligands to modulate endothelial O₂^–· metabolism through alterations in the expression and activity of NADPH oxidase or Cu/Zn-SOD. Treatment with 10 µM 15d-PGJ₂ or ciglitazone for 24 h decreased human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) membrane NADPH-dependent O₂^–· production detected with electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Treatment with 15d-PGJ₂ or ciglitazone also reduced relative mRNA levels of the NADPH oxidase subunits, nox-1, gp91^phox (nox-2), and nox-4, as measured using real-time PCR analysis. Concordantly, Western blot analysis demonstrated that 15d-PGJ₂ or ciglitazone decreased nox-2 and nox-4 protein expression. PPAR- ligands also stimulated both activity and expression of Cu/Zn-SOD in HUVEC. These data suggest that in addition to any direct effects on endothelial·NO production, PPAR- ligands enhance endothelial·NO bioavailability, in part by altering endothelial O₂^–· metabolism through suppression of NADPH oxidase and induction of Cu/Zn-SOD. These findings further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which PPAR- ligands directly alter vascular endothelial function. reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase; copper/zinc superoxide dismutase; nitric oxide; endothelial cells     

Functional analysis of the R1086H malignant hyperthermia mutation in the DHPR reveals an unexpected influence of the III-IV loop on skeletal muscle EC coupling

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited pharmacogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RyR1) and the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) _1S-subunit. We characterized the effects of an MH mutation in the DHPR cytoplasmic III-IV loop of _1S (R1086H) on DHPR-RyR1 coupling after reconstitution in dysgenic (_1S null) myotubes. Compared with wild-type _1S, caffeine-activated Ca²⁺ release occurred at approximately fivefold lower concentrations in nonexpressing and R1086H-expressing myotubes. Although maximal voltage-gated Ca²⁺ release was similar in _1S- and R1086H-expressing myotubes, the voltage dependence of Ca²⁺ release was shifted 5 mV to more negative potentials in R1086H-expressing myotubes. Our results demonstrate that _1S functions as a negative allosteric modulator of release channel activation by caffeine/voltage and that the R1086H MH mutation in the intracellular III-IV linker disrupts this negative regulatory influence. Moreover, a low caffeine concentration (2 mM) caused a similar shift in voltage dependence of Ca²⁺ release in _1S- and R1086H-expressing myotubes. Compared with _1S-expressing myotubes, maximal L channel conductance (G_max) was reduced in R1086H-expressing myotubes (_1S 130 ± 10.2, R1086H 88 ± 6.8 nS/nF; P < 0.05). The decrease in G_max did not result from a change in retrograde coupling with RyR1 as maximal conductance-charge movement ratio (G_max/Q_max) was similar in _1S- and R1086H-expressing myotubes and a similar decrease in G_max was observed for an analogous mutation engineered into the cardiac L channel (R1217H). In addition, both R1086H and R1217H DHPRs targeted normally and colocalized with RyR1 in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-sarcolemmal junctions. These results indicate that the R1086H MH mutation in _1S enhances RyR1 sensitivity to activation by both endogenous (voltage sensor) and exogenous (caffeine) activators. excitation-contraction coupling; calcium channel; muscle disease     

Contribution of coupling between human myometrial beta2-adrenoreceptor and the BK(Ca) channel to uterine quiescence

The ₂-adrenergic receptor (₂-AR) and the large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel have been shown, separately, to be involved in mediating uterine relaxation. Our recent studies reveal that the levels of both ₂-AR and BK_Ca channel proteins in pregnant human myometrium decrease by 50% after the onset of labor. We present direct evidence in support of a structural and functional association between the ₂-AR and the BK_Ca channel in pregnant human myometrium. Localization of both proteins is predominantly plasmalemmal, with 60% of ₂-AR colocalizing with the BK_Ca channel. Coimmunoprecipitation studies indicate that BK_Ca and ₂-AR are structurally linked by direct protein-protein interactions. Functional correlation was confirmed by experiments of human myometrial contractility in which the BK_Ca channel blocker, paxilline, significantly antagonized the relaxant effect of the ₂-AR agonist ritodrine. These novel findings provide an insight into the coupling between the ₂-AR and BK_Ca channel and may have utility in the application of this signaling cascade for therapeutic potential in the management of preterm labor. ₂-adrenergic receptor; myometrium; potassium channel; preterm labor; uterine contraction     

The Ca2+-sensing receptor couples to Galpha12/13 to activate phospholipase D in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The Ca²⁺-sensing receptor (CaR) couples to multiple G proteins involved in distinct signaling pathways: G_i to inhibit the activity of adenylyl cyclase and activate ERK, G_q to stimulate phospholipase C and phospholipase A₂, and G to stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. To determine whether the receptor also couples to G_12/13, we investigated the signaling pathway by which the CaR regulates phospholipase D (PLD), a known G_12/13 target. We established Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines that stably overexpress the wild-type CaR (CaR^WT) or the nonfunctional mutant CaR^R796W as a negative control, prelabeled these cells with [³H]palmitic acid, and measured CaR-stimulated PLD activity as the formation of [³H]phosphatidylethanol (PEt). The formation of [³H]PEt increased in a time-dependent manner in the cells that overexpress the CaR^WT but not the CaR^R796W. Treatment of the cells with C₃ exoenzyme inhibited PLD activity, which indicates that the CaR activates the Rho family of small G proteins, targets of G_12/13. To determine which G protein(s) the CaR couples to in order to activate Rho and PLD, we pretreated the cells with pertussis toxin to inactivate G_i or coexpressed regulators of G protein-signaling (RGS) proteins to attenuate G protein signaling (RGS4 for G_i and G_q, and a p115RhoGEF construct containing the RGS domain for G_12/13). Overexpression of p115RhoGEF-RGS in the MDCK cells that overexpress CaR^WT inhibited extracellular Ca²⁺-stimulated PLD activity, but pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin and overexpression of RGS4 were without effect. The involvement of other signaling components such as protein kinase C, ADP-ribosylation factor, and phosphatidylinositol biphosphate was excluded. These findings demonstrate that the CaR couples to G_12/13 to regulate PLD via a Rho-dependent mechanism and does so independently of G_i and G_q. This suggests that the CaR may regulate cytoskeleton via G_12/13, Rho, and PLD. calcium-sensing receptor; G proteins; RGS proteins     

The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha2-subunit isoform modulates contractility in the perinatal mouse diaphragm

This study uses genetically altered mice to examine the contribution of the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase ₂ catalytic subunit to resting potential, excitability, and contractility of the perinatal diaphragm. The ₂ protein is reduced by 38% in ₂-heterozygous and absent in ₂-knockout mice, and ₁-isoform is upregulated 1.9-fold in ₂-knockout. Resting potentials are depolarized by 0.8–4.0 mV in heterozygous and knockout mice. Action potential threshold, overshoot, and duration are normal. Spontaneous firing, a developmental function, is impaired in knockout diaphragm, but this does not compromise its ability to fire evoked action potential trains, the dominant mode of activation near birth. Maximum tetanic force, rate of activation, force-frequency and force-voltage relationships, and onset and magnitude of fatigue are not changed. The major phenotypic consequence of reduced ₂ content is that relaxation from contraction is 1.7-fold faster. This finding reveals a distinct cellular role of the ₂-isoform at a step after membrane excitation, which cannot be restored simply by increasing ₁ content. Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger expression decreases in parallel with ₂-isoform, suggesting that Ca²⁺ extrusion is affected by the altered ₂ genotype. There are no major compensatory changes in expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase, phospholamban, or plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase. These results demonstrate that the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase ₁-isoform alone is able to maintain equilibrium K⁺ and Na⁺ gradients and to substitute for ₂-isoform in most cellular functions related to excitability and force. They further indicate that the ₂-isoform contributes significantly less at rest than expected from its proportional content but can modulate contractility during muscle contraction. Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase ₂ catalytic subunit; heterozygous mice; knockout mice; resting potential     

Spontaneous mitochondrial depolarizations are independent of SR Ca2+ release

The mitochondrial membrane potential (_m) underlies many mitochondrial functions, including Ca²⁺ influx into the mitochondria, which allows them to serve as buffers of intracellular Ca²⁺. Spontaneous depolarizations of _m, flickers, have been observed in isolated mitochondria and intact cells using the fluorescent cationic lipophile tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), which distributes across the inner mitochondrial membrane in accordance with the Nernst equation. Flickers in cardiomyocytes have been attributed to uptake of Ca²⁺ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptors in focal transients called Ca²⁺ sparks. We have shown previously that an increase in global Ca²⁺ in smooth muscle cells causes an increase in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ and depolarization of _m. Here we sought to determine whether flickers in smooth muscle cells are caused by uptake of Ca²⁺ released focally in Ca²⁺ sparks. High-speed three-dimensional imaging was used to monitor _m in freshly dissociated myocytes from toad stomach that were simultaneously voltage clamped at 0 mV to ensure the cytosolic TMRE concentration was constant and equal to the low level in the bath (2.5 nM). This approach allows quantitative analysis of flickers as we have previously demonstrated. Depletion of SR Ca²⁺ not only failed to eliminate flickers but rather increased their magnitude and frequency somewhat. Flickers were not altered in magnitude or frequency by ryanodine or xestospongin C, inhibitors of intracellular Ca²⁺ release, or by cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the permeability transition pore. Focal Ca²⁺ release from the SR does not cause flickers in the cells employed here. mitochondria; mitochondrial membrane potential; intracellular calcium; permeability transition pore; sarcoplasmic reticulum     

Characterization of G proteins involved in activation of nonselective cation channels and arachidonic acid release by norepinephrine/alpha1A-adrenergic receptors

We demonstrated recently that norepinephrine activates Ca²⁺-permeable nonselective cation channels (NSCCs) in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing _1A-adrenergic receptors (CHO-_1A). Moreover, extracellular Ca²⁺ through NSCCs plays essential roles in norepinephrine-induced arachidonic acid release. The purpose of the present study was to identify the G proteins involved in the activation of NSCCs and arachidonic acid release by norepinephrine. For these purposes, we used U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), and dominant negative mutants of G₁₂ and G₁₃ (G₁₂G228A and G₁₃G225A, respectively). U73122 failed to inhibit NSCCs activation by norepinephrine. The magnitudes of norepinephrine-induced extracellular Ca²⁺ influx in CHO-_1A microinjected with G₁₃G225A were smaller than those in CHO-_1A. In contrast, the magnitudes of norepinephrine-induced extracellular Ca²⁺ influx in CHO-_1A microinjected with G₁₂G228A were similar to those in CHO-_1A. In addition, neither a Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor nor a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor affected norepinephrine-induced extracellular Ca²⁺ influx. G₁₃G225A, but not G₁₂G228A, also inhibited arachidonic acid release partially. These results demonstrate that 1) the G_q/PLC-pathway is not involved in NSCCs activation by norepinephrine, 2) G₁₃ couples with CHO-_1A and plays important roles for norepinephrine-induced NSCCs activation, 3) neither ROCK- nor PI3K-dependent cascade is involved in NSCCs activation, and 4) G₁₃ is involved in norepinephrine-induced arachidonic acid release in CHO-_1A. norepinephrine; _1A-adrenergic receptor; nonselective cation channel; G₁₃ protein; arachidonic acid release