Phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase-mediated calcium mobilization regulates chemotaxis in phosphatidic acid-stimulated human neutrophils

Phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI 3′-kinase) plays an important role in the migration of hepatocytes, endothelial cells and neoplastic cells to agonists which activate cellular tyrosine kinases. We examined the PI 3′-kinase-dependent chemotactic responses of neutrophilic leukocytes induced by phosphatidic acid (PA) in order to clarify mechanisms by which the enzyme potentially influences cellular migration. Western analysis of immunoprecipitates indicated that PA induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of three distinct proteins involved in functional activation which co-immunoprecipitated in PA-stimulated cells. These proteins were identified as lyn, syk and the 85 kDa regulatory subunit of PI 3′-kinase. Chemotactic responses to PA but not to several other neutrophil agonists were inhibited by the PI 3′-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002. Chemotactic inhibition resulted from upstream inhibition of calcium mobilization. Chelation of extracellular calcium by ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) did not affect the PA-induced chemotaxis, whereas chelation of intracellular calcium by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) attenuated this response. Thus, changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels that can be effected by Ca²⁺ mobilized from intracellular stores in the absence of Ca²⁺ influx regulate PA-induced chemotaxis. Furthermore, PI 3′-kinase inhibition blunted the agonist-dependent generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃), suggesting that PI 3′-kinase exerted its effects on calcium mobilization from intracellular sources by mediating activation of phospholipase C (PLC) in PA-stimulated cells. Moreover, the PI 3′-kinase inhibitor LY294002 also inhibited phosphorylation of syk in PA-stimulated cells. We, therefore, propose that products of PI 3′-kinase confined to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane play a role in activation of syk, calcium mobilization and induction of chemotactic migration.     

Induction of neutrophil calcium mobilization by phosphatidic acid-enriched plasma membranes

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if phosphatidic acid (PA) confined to biological membranes could induce physiological responses similar to those induced by exogenous PA. Plasma membranes were treated with phospholipase D (PLD) to increase concentrations of PA within the membranes. Membranes were also treated with other phospholipases including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and phospholipase C (PLC), which degrade phospholipids without generating PA. A phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3'-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, strongly and selectively inhibited intracellular calcium mobilization induced by PLD-treated membranes. This study suggests that PA-enriched plasma membranes, which exert their effects by activating a unique signaling pathway mediated by PI 3'-kinase, are potent, physiologically relevant initiators of neutrophil activation.     

Phosphatidic acid induces calcium influx in neutrophils via verapamil-sensitive calcium channels

Phosphatidic acid (PA) induces a biphasic Ca(2+) mobilization response in human neutrophils. The initial increase is due to the mobilization of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, whereas the secondary increase is due to the influx of Ca(2+) from extracellular sources. The present investigation characterizes PA-induced Ca(2+) influx in neutrophils. Depolarization of neutrophils by 50 mM KCl enhanced PA-induced Ca(2+) influx, whereas verapamil, a Ca(2+) channel blocker, attenuated this response in a dose-dependent manner. These observations suggest that PA-induced Ca(2+) influx is mediated via verapamil-sensitive Ca(2+) channels. Stimulation of neutrophils with exogenous PA results in accumulation of endogenously generated PA with a time course similar to the effects of exogenous PA on Ca(2+) influx. Ethanol inhibited the accumulation of endogenous PA and calcium mobilization, indicating that activation of membrane phospholipase D plays a role in PA-mediated Ca(2+) influx. The results of this study suggest that exogenously added PA stimulates the generation of intracellular PA, which then mediates Ca(2+) influx through verapamil-sensitive Ca(2+) channels.     

Angiotensin IV-mediated pulmonary artery vasorelaxation is due to endothelial intracellular calcium release

Angiotensin (ANG) IV stimulation of pulmonary artery (PA) endothelial cells (PAECs) but not of PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) resulted in significant increased production of cGMP in PASMCs. ANG IV receptors are not present in PASMCs, and PASMC nitric oxide synthase activity was not altered by ANG IV. ANG IV caused a dose-dependent vasodilation of U-46619-precontracted endothelium-intact but not endothelium-denuded PAs, and this response was blocked by the ANG IV receptor antagonist divalinal ANG IV but not by ANG II type 1 and 2 receptor blockers. ANG IV receptor-mediated increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) release from intracellular stores in PAECs was blocked by divalinal ANG IV as well as by the G protein, phospholipase C, and phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase inhibitors guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), U-73122, and LY-294002, respectively, and was regulated by both PI 3-kinase- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. Basal and ANG IV-mediated vasorelaxation of endothelium-denuded PAs was restored by exogenous PAECs but not by exogenous PAECs pretreated with the intracellular Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-AM. These results demonstrate that ANG IV-mediated vasodilation of PAs is endothelium dependent and regulated by [Ca(2+)](i) release through receptor-coupled G protein-phospholipase C-PI 3-kinase signaling mechanisms.     

Inhibition of autophagy rescues palmitic acid-induced necroptosis of endothelial cells

Accumulation of palmitic acid (PA) in cells from nonadipose tissues is known to induce lipotoxicity resulting in cellular dysfunction and death. The exact molecular pathways of PA-induced cell death are still mysterious. Here, we show that PA triggers autophagy, which did not counteract but in contrast promoted endothelial cell death. The PA-induced cell death was predominantly necrotic as indicated by annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining, absence of caspase activity, low levels of DNA hypoploidy, and an early ATP depletion. In addition PA induced a strong elevation of mRNA levels of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase (CYLD), a known mediator of necroptosis. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of CYLD significantly antagonized PA-induced necrosis of endothelial cells. In contrast, inhibition and knockdown of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) had no effect on PA-induced necrosis, indicating the induction of a CYLD-dependent but RIPK1-independent cell death pathway. PA was recognized as a strong and early inducer of autophagy. The inhibition of autophagy by both pharmacological inhibitors and genetic knockdown of the autophagy-specific genes, vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34), and autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7), could rescue the PA-induced death of endothelial cells. Moreover, the initiation of autophagy and cell death by PA was reduced in endothelial cells loaded with the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-(acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA-AM), indicating that Ca(2+) triggers the fatal signaling of PA. In summary, we introduce an unexpected mechanism of lipotoxicity in endothelial cells and provide several novel strategies to counteract the lipotoxic signaling of PA.     

Enhancement of the migration of metastatic human breast cancer cells by phosphatidic acid

Phosphatidic acid (PA), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) are naturally occurring phospholipids which induce a variety of effects as extracellular messengers. In this study, we compared the effects of these phospholipid signaling molecules on the migration of invasive and noninvasive breast cancer cell lines, an index of the metastatic potential of these cells. As previously demonstrated, invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells exhibited increased constitutive (nonstimulated) migration in comparison to poorly invasive MCF-7 cells. Phosphatidic acid employed at nanomolar concentrations markedly potentiated migration of the invasive cells but had no effect on migration of either the noninvasive MCF-7 cells or nonneoplastic human epithelial cells. Lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate inhibited both the directed (chemotactic) and random (chemokinetic) migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Experiments were undertaken to characterize the signaling pathway involved in constitutive and PA-stimulated migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors staurosporine and genistein inhibited constitutive and PA-induced migration in a dose-dependent manner, consistent with a role for tyrosine phosphorylation in the migratory response. In addition, the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3' kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 strongly inhibited both the constitutive and PA-stimulated migration of the invasive breast cancer cells, indicating that PI-3' kinase plays an important role in the metastatic migration of breast cancer cells. Finally, PA-induced migration of MDA-MB-231 was markedly attenuated by pretreatment of cells with Clostridium difficile Toxin B, pertussis toxin and suramin, implying a role for a Gi receptor-dependent process involving activation of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Since an enhanced ability to migrate heightens the metastatic potential of cells within solid tumors, our results suggest that the metastatic capabilities of breast cancer cells may be enhanced by a receptor-driven cellular process initiated by phosphatidic acid or related lipid phosphate messengers.     

Feed forward cycle of hypotonic stress-induced ATP release, purinergic receptor activation, and growth stimulation of prostate cancer cells

ATP is released in many cell types upon mechanical strain, the physiological function of extracellular ATP is largely unknown, however. Here we report that ATP released upon hypotonic stress stimulated prostate cancer cell proliferation, activated purinergic receptors, increased intracellular [Ca(2+)](i), and initiated downstream signaling cascades that involved MAPKs ERK1/2 and p38 as well as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). MAPK activation, the calcium response as well as induction of cell proliferation upon hypotonic stress were inhibited by preincubation with the ATP scavenger apyrase, indicating that hypotonic stress-induced signaling pathways are elicited by released ATP. Hypotonic stress increased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis. Consequently, ATP release was inhibited by antagonists of PI3K (LY294002 and wortmannin), phospholipase A(2) (methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP)), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (indomethacin, etodolac, NS398) and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), which are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. Furthermore, ATP release was abolished in the presence of the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor MDL-12,330A, indicating regulation of ATP-release by cAMP. The hypotonic stress-induced ATP release was significantly blunted when the ATP-mediated signal transduction cascade was inhibited on different levels, i.e. purinergic receptors were blocked by suramin and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), the Ca(2+) response was inhibited upon chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), and ERK1,2 as well as p38 were inhibited by UO126 and SB203580, respectively. In summary our data demonstrate that hypotonic stress initiates a feed forward cycle of ATP release and purinergic receptor signaling resulting in proliferation of prostate cancer cells.     

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase facilitates antigen-stimulated Ca(2+) influx in RBL-2H3 mast cells via a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) entry mechanism

This study presents evidence that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a concerted role with phospholipase Cgamma in initiating antigen-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in mast cells via a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P(3))-sensitive Ca(2+) entry pathway. Exogenous PI(3,4,5)P(3) at concentrations close to its physiological level induces instantaneous Ca(2+) influx into RBL-2H3 cells. This PI(3,4,5)P(3)-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase is independent of phospholipase C activity or the depletion of internal stores. Moreover, inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 or by overexpression of the dominant negative inhibitor Deltap85 suppresses the Ca(2+) response to the cross-linking of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI). Concomitant treatment of RBL-2H3 cells with LY294002 or Deltap85 and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate, a cell-permeant antagonist of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, abrogates antigen-induced Ca(2+) signals, whereas either treatment alone gives rise to partial inhibition. Conceivably, PI(3,4,5)P(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) entry and capacitative Ca(2+) entry represent major Ca(2+) influx pathways that sustain elevated [Ca(2+)]i to achieve optimal physiological responses. This study also refutes the second messenger role of D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate in regulating FcepsilonRI-mediated Ca(2+) response. Considering the underlying mechanism, our data suggest that PI(3,4,5)P(3) directly stimulates a Ca(2+) transport system in plasma membranes. Together, these data provide a molecular basis to account for the role of PI3K in the regulation of FcepsilonRI-mediated degranulation in mast cells.     

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulates Ca2+ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells through inhibition of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase

Calcium is a key mediator of hormone-induced enzyme secretion in pancreatic acinar cells. At the same time, abnormal Ca(2+) responses are associated with pancreatitis. We have recently shown that inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) by LY-294002 and wortmannin, as well as genetic deletion of PI3-kinase-gamma, regulates Ca(2+) responses and the Ca(2+)-sensitive trypsinogen activation in pancreatic acinar cells. The present study sought to determine the mechanisms of PI3-kinase involvement in Ca(2+) responses induced in these cells by CCK and carbachol. The PI3-kinase inhibitors inhibited both Ca(2+) influx and mobilization from intracellular stores induced by stimulation of acini with physiological and pathological concentrations of CCK, as well as with carbachol. PI3-kinase inhibition facilitated the decay of cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) oscillations observed in individual acinar cells. The PI3-kinase inhibitors decreased neither CCK-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)] production nor Ins(1,4,5)P(3)-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, suggesting that the effect of PI3-kinase inhibition is not through Ins(1,4,5)P(3) or Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors. PI3-kinase inhibition did not affect Ca(2+) mobilization induced by thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). Moreover, SERCA blockade with thapsigargin abolished the effects of pharmacological and genetic PI3-kinase inhibition on [Ca(2+)](i) signals, suggesting SERCA as a downstream target of PI3-kinase. Both pharmacological PI3-kinase inhibition and genetic deletion of PI3-kinase-gamma increased the amount of Ca(2+) in intracellular stores during CCK stimulation. Finally, addition of the PI3-kinase product phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate to permeabilized acini significantly attenuated Ca(2+) reloading into the endoplasmic reticulum. The results indicate that PI3-kinase regulates Ca(2+) signaling in pancreatic acinar cells through its inhibitory effect on SERCA.     

Dioleoyl phosphatidic acid increases intracellular Ca2+ through endogenous LPA receptors in C6 glioma and L2071 fibroblasts

Phosphatidic acid (PA) increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in C6 rat glioma and L2071 mouse fibroblast cells. Dioleoyl PA (PA, 18:1) was the most efficacious, followed by dipalmitoyl PA (16:0 PA) and dimyristoyl PA (14:0 PA). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also increased the [Ca(2+)](i) in the both cells. PA desensitized LPA-induced Ca(2+) response completely in C6 cells, but partly in L2071 cells. Treatment of pertussis toxin (PTX), a specific inhibitor of G(i/o)-type G proteins, completely ameliorated LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) response in C6 cells. However, in L2071 cells, PTX inhibited PA-induced Ca(2+) increase by 80% and LPA-induced one by 20%. Ki16425, a specific inhibitor of LPA(1)/LPA(3) receptors, completely inhibited both LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) responses in C6 cells. On the other hand, in L2071 cells, Ki16425 completely inhibited PA-induced Ca(2+) response, but partly LPA-induced one. VPC32183, another specific inhibitor of LPA(1)/LPA(3) receptors, completely inhibited LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) responses in both C6 and L2071 cells. Therefore, PA and LPA appear to increase [Ca(2+)](i) through Ki16425/VPC32183-sensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G proteins in C6 cells. In L2071 cells, however, LPA increases [Ca(2+)](i) through Ki16425-insensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-insensitive G proteins and Ki16425-sensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, whereas PA utilized only the latter pathway. Our results suggest that PA acts as a partial agonist on endogenous LPA receptors, which are sensitive to Ki16425 and coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, but not on LPA receptors, which are not sensitive to Ki16425 and coupled to PTX-insensitive G protein.     

The effects of intracellular calcium depletion on insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

We have examined the requirement for intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) in insulin signal transduction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Using the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2- bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, sodium (BAPTA-AM), we find both augmentation and inhibition of insulin signaling phenomena. Pretreatment of cells with 50 microM BAPTA-AM did not affect tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1/2 or insulin receptor (IR)beta. The decreased mobility of IRS1 normally observed after chronic stimulation with insulin, due to serine phosphorylation, was completely eliminated by Ca(2+) chelation. Correlating with decreased insulin-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS1, phosphotyrosine-mediated protein-protein interactions involving p85, IRS1, IRbeta, and phosphotyrosine-specific antibody were greatly enhanced by pretreatment of cells with BAPTA-AM. As a result, insulin-mediated, phosphotyrosine-associated PI3K activity was also enhanced. BAPTA-AM pretreatment inhibited other insulin-induced phosphorylation events including phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK (ERK1 and 2) and p70 S6K. Phosphorylation of Akt on threonine-308 was more sensitive to Ca(2+) depletion than phosphorylation of Akt on serine-473 at the same insulin dose (10 nM). In vitro 3'-phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 activity was unaffected by BAPTA-AM. Insulin-stimulated insulin-responsive glucose transporter isoform translocation and glucose uptake were both inhibited by calcium depletion. In summary, these data demonstrate a positive role for intracellular Ca(2+) in distal insulin signaling events, including initiation/maintenance of Akt phosphorylation, insulin-responsive glucose transporter isoform translocation, and glucose transport. A negative role for Ca(2+) is also indicated in proximal insulin signaling steps, in that, depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) blocks IRS1 serine/threonine phosphorylation and enhances insulin-stimulated protein-protein interaction and PI3K activity.     

Mechanisms of the lysophosphatidic acid-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in skeletal muscle cells.

Although lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is known to increase intracellularfree calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in different cell types, the effect of LPA on the skeletal muscle cells is not known. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine the effect of LPA on the [Ca(2+)](i) in C2C12 cells. LPA induced a concentration and time dependent increase in [Ca(2+)](i), which was inhibited by VPC12249, VPC 32183 and dioctanoyl glycerol pyrophosphate, LPA1/3 receptor antagonists. Pertussis toxin, a G(i) protein inhibitor, also inhibited the LPA-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activities with tyrphostin A9 and genistein also prevented the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) due to LPA. Likewise, wortmannin and LY 294002, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitors, inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) response to LPA. The LPA effect was also attenuated by ethylene glycolbis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), an extracellular Ca(2+) chelator, Ni(2+) and KB-R7943, inhibitors of the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger; the receptor operated Ca(2+) channel (ROC) blockers, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and SK&F 96365. However, the L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem; the store operated Ca(2+) channel blockers, La(3+) and Gd(3+); a sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump inhibitor, thapsigargin; an inositol trisphosphate receptor antagonist, xestospongin and a phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, did not prevent the increase [Ca(2+)](i) due to LPA. Our data suggest that the LPA-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) might occur through G(i)-protein coupled LPA(1/3) receptors that may be linked to tyrosine kinase and PI3-K, and may also involve the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger as well as the ROC. In addition, LPA stimulated C2C12 cell proliferation via PI3-K. Thus, LPA may be an important phospholipid in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) and growth of skeletal muscle cells.     

LY294002, but not wortmannin,increases intracellular calcium and inhibits calcium transients in bovine and human airway smooth muscle cells

To characterize the effect that a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitor, LY294002, has on cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), bovine airway smooth muscle cells (BASMC) and cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMC) were loaded with fura 2-AM, imaged as single cells and [Ca2+]i measured ratiometrically. LY294002 (50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i by 294+/-76 nM (P<0.01, n=13) and 230+/-31 nM (P<0.001, n=10) in BASMC and HBSMC, respectively, and increases occurred in the absence of extracellular calcium. In contrast, after pre-treatment with thapsigargin, LY294002 no longer increased [Ca2+]i. This calcium mobilization by LY294002 was associated with a significant functional effect since LY294002 also inhibited calcium transients to carbachol (45+/-23 nM), caffeine (45+/-32 nM), and histamine (20+/-22 nM), with controls of 969+/-190, 946+/-156, and 490+/-28 nM, respectively. Wortmannin, a different PI3-kinase inhibitor, neither increased [Ca2+]i nor inhibited transients. Also, LY294002 increased [Ca2+]i in the presence of wortmannin, U-73122, and xestospongin C. We concluded that LY294002 increased [Ca2+]i, at least in part, by mobilizing intracellular calcium stores and inhibited calcium transients. The effects of LY294002 on [Ca2+]i were not dependent on wortmannin-sensitive PI3-kinases, phospholipase C, or inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3R). For BASMC and HBSMC, LY294002 has effects on calcium regulation that could be important to recognize when studying PI3-kinases.     

Regulation of leukocyte degranulation by cGMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase: potential roles in phosphorylation of target membrane SNARE complex proteins in rat mast cells

We examined the roles of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and PI3K in degranulation induced by fMLF and by FcepsilonRI cross-linking. In rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells expressing formyl peptide receptor, the PKG inhibitors KT5823 and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMP, as well as the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, reduced agonist-stimulated beta-hexosaminidase release in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitors also abolished vesicular fusion with the plasma membrane, as evidenced by diminished annexin V staining. Agonist-induced degranulation was completely blocked when LY294002 was applied together with one of the PKG inhibitors, suggesting an additive and possibly synergistic effect. In contrast, the PKG inhibitors did not affect fMLF-induced intracellular calcium mobilization and Akt phosphorylation. Likewise, LY294002 did not alter fMLF-induced elevation of intracellular cGMP concentration, and the inhibitory effect of LY294002 was not reversed by a cell-permeable analog of cGMP. Treatment with fMLF induced phosphorylation of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein (SNAP)-23, syntaxins 2, 4, and 6, and Monc18-3. The induced phosphorylation of SNAP-23 and syntaxins 2 and 4 was blocked by Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMP and LY294002. However, LY294002 was less effective in inhibiting Munc18-3 phosphorylation. The induced phosphorylation of syntaxin 6 was not effectively blocked by either Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMP or LY294002. Treatment of human neutrophils with the PKG inhibitors and LY294002 reduced enzyme release from primary, secondary, and tertiary granules. These results suggest that PKG and PI3K are involved in degranulation, possibly through phosphorylation of target membrane SNAP receptor proteins and their binding proteins.     

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of host epithelial cells via polymeric immunoglobulin receptor transiently induces calcium release from intracellular stores

The pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC) is a major adhesin of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci) that interacts in a human-specific manner with the ectodomain of the human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) produced by respiratory epithelial cells. This interaction promotes bacterial colonization and bacterial internalization by initiating host signal transduction cascades. Here, we examined alterations of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) levels in epithelial cells during host cell infections with pneumococci via the PspC-hpIgR mechanism. The release of [Ca(2+)](i) from intracellular stores in host cells was significantly increased by wild-type pneumococci but not by PspC-deficient pneumococci. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was dependent on phospholipase C as pretreatment of cells with a phospholipase C-specific inhibitor U73122 abolished the increase in [Ca(2+)](i). In addition, we demonstrated the effect of [Ca(2+)](i) on pneumococcal internalization by epithelial cells. Uptake of pneumococci was significantly increased after pretreatment of epithelial cells with the cell-permeable calcium chelator 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-tetraacetoxymethyl ester or use of EGTA as an extracellular Ca(2+)-chelating agent. In contrast, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase, which increases [Ca(2+)](i) in a sustained fashion, significantly reduced pIgR-mediated pneumococcal invasion. Importantly, pneumococcal adherence to pIgR-expressing cells was not altered in the presence of inhibitors as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that pneumococcal infections induce mobilization of [Ca(2+)](i) from intracellular stores. This may constitute a defense response of host cells as the experimental reduction of intracellular calcium levels facilitates pneumococcal internalization by pIgR-expressing cells, whereas elevated calcium levels diminished bacterial internalization by host epithelial cells.     

Regulation of intra-Golgi membrane transport by calcium

Calcium cations play a critical role in regulating vesicular transport between different intracellular membrane-bound compartments. The role of calcium in transport between the Golgi cisternae, however, remains unclear. Using a well characterized cell-free intra-Golgi transport assay, we now show that changes in free Ca(2+) concentration in the physiological range regulate this transport process. The calcium-chelating agent 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid blocked transport with an IC(50) of approximately 0.8 mm. The effect of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid was reversible by addition of fresh cytosol and was irreversible when performed in the presence of a Ca(2+) ionophore that depletes calcium from lumenal stores. We demonstrate here that intra-Golgi transport is stimulated by low Ca(2+) concentrations (20-100 nm) but is inhibited by higher concentrations (above 100 nm). Further, we show that calmodulin antagonists specifically block intra-Golgi transport, implying a role for calmodulin in mediating the effect of calcium. Our results suggest that Ca(2+) efflux from intracellular pools may play an essential role in regulating intra-Golgi transport.     

Intracellular calcium level is upregulated by interleukin-32 in auditory cells

Interleukin (IL)-32 has been associated with inflammation, apoptosis, and chemokine induction. The intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of mammalian endolymph in the inner ear is required for normal hearing and balance. Here, we document for the first time that IL-32 highly increased intracellular calcium level and IL-1β expression in an auditory cell line, HEI-OC1 cells. Treatment with 1, 2-bis (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester, a chelator of intracellular calcium, inhibited IL-32-induced IL-1 β production and caspase-1 activation. Thus, IL-32 may contribute to modulation of the inflammatory reaction through the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) in the inner ear.     

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase induces preferentially killing of PTEN-null T leukemias through AKT pathway

We examined the functional role of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway in the growth and survival of cell lines of T-cell origin. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3'-kinase using LY294002 resulted in apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines including CEM, Jurkat, and MOLT-4. On the other hand, the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell line HUT-78 was found to be refractory to LY294002- inducible apoptosis. Sensitivity or resistance to pharmacological inhibitors of PI3'-kinase correlated with tumor suppressor PTEN gene expression, as sensitive T-ALL cells do not express PTEN and have high level of activated AKT, in contrast to HUT-78 cells. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of PI3'-kinase results in dephosphorylation of AKT and partial inhibition of Bcl-xL expression in T-ALL cells, but not in HUT-78 cells. Interestingly, HUT-78 cells were also found to express higher levels of Bcl-xL protein as compared to T-ALL cells. Inhibition of PI3'-kinase also induces release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of caspase-3 and PARP in all T-ALL cell lines tested, but not in HUT-78 cells. Taken altogether, our data demonstrate that the PI3'-kinase/AKT pathway plays a major role in the growth and survival of PTEN-null T-ALL cells, and identify this cascade as promising target for therapeutic intervention in acute T-cell leukemias.     

Calcium transients in the model of rapidly induced anoxic tolerance in rat cortical slices: involvement of NMDA receptors

In this study, we investigated the effects of NMDA receptor antagonists on calcium transients induced by a single 2-min preconditioning anoxia (PA) in rat olfactory cortical slices, and on the ability of PA to prevent pathological calcium overload induced by subsequent 10-min test anoxia (TA). Relative changes in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(i)) and in the level of Ca(2+) bound to intracellular hydrophobic domains (Ca(b)) were monitored using fura-2 and chlortetracycline, respectively. Our results confirmed that TA induces prominent long-lasting increases in Ca(i) and Ca(b), reflecting cellular calcium overload. It was found that PA produces moderate increases in both Ca(2+) pools and prevents Ca(2+) overload induced by TA carried out 90 min later. Calcium transients and the protective effects of PA were significantly suppressed in slices treated with NMDA receptor antagonists during and 30 min after PA. These results indicate that moderate activation of the NMDA receptors participates in the mechanism of the PA-induced anoxic tolerance of cortical neurons.     

Regulation of acetylcholinesterase expression by calcium signaling during calcium ionophore A23187- and thapsigargin-induced apoptosis

We have recently reported that acetylcholinesterase expression was induced during apoptosis in various cell types. In the current study we provide evidence to suggest that the induction of acetylcholinesterase expression during apoptosis is regulated by the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+). During apoptosis, treatment of HeLa and MDA-MB-435s cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 resulted in a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase mRNA and protein levels. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by BAPTA-AM (1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester), an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, inhibited acetylcholinesterase expression. A23187 also enhanced the stability of acetylcholinesterase mRNA and increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase promoter, effects that were blocked by BAPTA-AM. Perturbations of cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis by thapsigargin resulted in the increase of acetylcholinesterase expression as well as acetylcholinesterase promoter activity during thapsigargin induced apoptosis in HeLa and MDA-MB-435s cells, effects that were also inhibited by BAPTA-AM. We further demonstrated that the transactivation of the human acetylcholinesterase promoter by A23187 and thapsigargin was partially mediated by a CCAAT motif within the -1270 to -1248 fragment of the human acetylcholinesterase promoter. This motif was able to bind to CCAAT binding factor (CBF/NF-Y). These results strongly suggest that cytosolic Ca(2+) plays a key role in acetylcholinesterase regulation during apoptosis induced by A23187 and thapsigargin.