Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors modulate intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis

Ligation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) to a set of specific receptors named S1P receptors (S1PRs) regulates important biological processes. Although the ability of S1P to increase cytosolic Ca2+ in various cell types is well known, the role of the individual S1PRs has not been fully characterized. Here, we provide a complete analysis of S1P-dependent intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in HeLa cells. Overexpression of S1P2, or S1P3, but not S1P1, leads to a significant increase in cytosolic and mitochondrial [Ca2+] in response to S1P challenge. Moreover, cells ectopically expressing S1P2, or S1P3 exhibited an appreciable decrease of the free Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum, dependent on stimulation of receptors by S1P endogenously present in the culture medium which was accompanied by a reduced susceptibility to C2-ceramide-induced cell death. These results demonstrate a differential contribution of individual S1PRs to Ca2+ homeostasis and its possible implication in the regulation of cell survival.     

Biophysical re-equilibration of Ca2+ fluxes as a simple biologically plausible explanation for complex intracellular Ca2+ release patterns

Physiological regulation of Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critical for cell function. Recent direct measurements of free [Ca(2+)] inside the ER ([Ca(2+)](ER)) revealed that [Ca(2+)](ER) itself is a key regulator of ER Ca(2+) handling. However, the role of this new regulatory process in generating various patterns of Ca(2+) release remains to be elucidated in detail. Here, we incorporate the recently quantified experimental correlations between [Ca(2+)](ER) and Ca(2+) movements across the ER membrane into a mathematical model ER Ca(2+) handling. The model reproduces basic experimental dynamics of [Ca(2+)](ER). Although this was not goal in model design, the model also exhibits mechanistically unclear experimental phenomena such as "quantal" Ca(2+) release, and "store charging" by increasing resting cytosolic [Ca(2+)]. While more complex explanations cannot be ruled out, on the basis of our data we propose that "quantal release" and "store charging" could be simple re-equilibration phenomena, predicted by the recently quantified biophysical dynamics of Ca(2+) movements across the ER membrane.     

Cholesterol-mediated membrane surface area dynamics in neuroendocrine cells

How cholesterol, a key membrane constituent, affects membrane surface area dynamics in secretory cells is unclear. Using methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) to deplete cholesterol, we imaged melanotrophs from male Wistar rats in real-time and monitored membrane capacitance (C_m), fluctuations of which reflect exocytosis and endocytosis. Treatment with MβCD reduced cellular cholesterol and caused a dose-dependent attenuation of the Ca²⁺-evoked increase in C_m (IC₅₀ = 5.3 mM) vs. untreated cells. Cytosol dialysis of MβCD enhanced the attenuation of C_m increase (IC₅₀ = 3.3 mM), suggesting cholesterol depletion at intracellular membrane sites was involved in attenuating exocytosis. Acute extracellular application of MβCD resulted in an immediate C_m decline, which correlated well with the cellular surface area decrease, indicating the involvement of cholesterol in the regulation of membrane surface area dynamics. This decline in C_m was three-fold slower than MβCD-mediated fluorescent cholesterol decay, implying that exocytosis is the likely physiological means for plasma membrane cholesterol replenishment. MβCD had no effect on the specific C_m and the blockade of endocytosis by Dyngo 4a, confirmed by inhibition of dextran uptake, also had no effect on the time-course of MβCD-induced C_m decline. Thus acute exposure to MβCD evokes a C_m decline linked to the removal of membrane cholesterol, which cannot be compensated for by exocytosis. We propose that the primary contribution of cholesterol to surface area dynamics is via its role in regulated exocytosis.     

Synchronous intra-Golgi transport induces the release of Ca from the Golgi apparatus

The mechanisms of secretory transport through the Golgi apparatus remain an issue of debate. The precise functional importance of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) for intra-Golgi transport has also been poorly studied. Here, using different approaches to measure free Ca²⁺ concentrations in the cell cytosol ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) and inside the lumen of the Golgi apparatus ([Ca²⁺]_GA), we have revealed transient increases in [Ca²⁺]_cyt during the late phase of intra-Golgi transport that are concomitant with a decline in the maximal [Ca²⁺]_GA restoration ability. Thus, this redistribution of Ca²⁺ from the Golgi apparatus into the cytosol during the movement of cargo through the Golgi apparatus appears to have a role in intra-Golgi transport, and mainly in the late Ca²⁺-dependent phase of SNARE-regulated fusion of Golgi compartments.     

Rab3A is a new interacting partner of synaptotagmin I and may modulate synaptic membrane fusion through a competitive mechanism

Rab3 and synaptotagmin have been reported to be the key proteins that have opposite actions but cooperatively play critical regulatory roles in selecting and limiting the number of vesicles released at central synapses. However, the exact mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, Rab3A and synaptotagmin I, the most abundant isoforms of Rab3 and synaptotagmin, respectively, in brain were for the first time demonstrated to directly interact with each other in a Ca²⁺-independent manner, and the KKKK motif in the C2B domain of synaptotagmin I was a key site for the Rab3A binding, which was further confirmed by the competitive inhibition of inositol hexakisphosphate. Further studies demonstrated that Rab3A competitively affected the synaptotagmin I interaction with syntaxin 1B that was involved in membrane fusion during the synaptic vesicle exocytosis. These data indicate that Rab3A is a new synaptotagmin I interacting partner and may participate in the regulation of synaptic membrane fusion and thus the vesicle exocytosis by competitively modulating the interaction of synaptotagmin with syntaxin of the t-SNARE complex in presynaptic membranes.     

Plasma membrane requirements for 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 dependent PKC signaling in chondrocytes and osteoblasts

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] acts on chondrocytes and osteoblasts through traditional nuclear Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mechanisms as well as through rapid actions on plasma membranes that initiate intracellular signaling pathways. We have investigated the mechanisms involved in activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and downstream biological responses that depend on the latter pathway. These studies show that PKC activation depends on presence of a membrane receptor ERp60 and rapid increases in phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity. Cells that are responsive to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) express PLA(2) activating protein (PLAA), suggesting a link between ERp60 and PLA(2). Increased PLA(2) results in increased arachidonic acid release and formation of lysophospholipid, which then activates phospholipase C beta (PLCbeta), leading to rapid formation of inositol-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). PLA(2), PLC, and DAG are all associated with lipid rafts including caveolae in many cells, suggesting that the caveolar environment may be an important mediator of PKC activation by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Here, we use the VDR(-/-) mouse costochondral cartilage growth plate to examine the expression of ERp60 and PLAA in vivo in 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-responsive hypertrophic chondrocytes (growth zone cells) and in resting zone cells that do not respond to this Vitamin D metabolite in vitro. In addition, we determined if intact lipid rafts are required for the response of rat costochondral cartilage growth zone cells to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). The results show that ERp60 and PLAA are localized to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-responsive growth zone cells and metaphyseal osteoblasts, even in VDR(-/-) mice. Disruption of lipid rafts using beta-cyclodextrin blocks the activation of PKC by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and reduces the ability of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) to regulate [(35)S]-sulfate incorporation.     

The predicted transmembrane fragment 17 of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) behaves as an interfacial helix in membrane mimics

The human multidrug resistance protein MRP1 (or ABCC1) is one of the most important members of the large ABC transporter family, in terms of both its biological (tissue defense) and pharmacological functions. Many studies have investigated the function of MRP1, but structural data remain scarce for this protein. We investigated the structure and dynamics of predicted transmembrane fragment 17 (TM17, from Ala₁₂₂₇ to Ser₁₂₅₁), which contains a single Trp residue (W₁₂₄₆) involved in MRP1 substrate specificity and transport function. We synthesized TM17 and a modified peptide in which Ala₁₂₂₇ was replaced by a charged Lys residue. Both peptides were readily solubilized in dodecylmaltoside (DM) or dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles, as membrane mimics. The interaction of these peptides with DM or DPC micelles was studied by steady-state and time-resolved Trp fluorescence spectroscopy, including experiments in which Trp was quenched by acrylamide or by two brominated analogs of DM. The secondary structure of these peptides was determined by circular dichroism. Overall, the results obtained indicated significant structuring (∼50% α-helix) of TM17 in the presence of either DM or DPC micelles as compared to buffer. A main interfacial location of TM17 is proposed, based on significant accessibility of Trp₁₂₄₆ to brominated alkyl chains of DM and/or acrylamide. The comparison of various fluorescence parameters including λ_max, lifetime distributions and Trp rotational mobility with those determined for model fluorescent transmembrane helices in the same detergents is also consistent with the interfacial location of TM17. We therefore suggest that TM17 intrinsic properties may be insufficient for its transmembrane insertion as proposed by the MRP1 consensus topological model. This insertion may also be controlled by additional constraints such as interactions with other TM domains and its position in the protein sequence. The particular pattern of behavior of this predicted transmembrane peptide may be the hallmark of a fragment involved in substrate transport.     

Role of H(abc) domain in membrane trafficking and targeting of syntaxin 1A

Membrane syntaxin plays essential roles in exocytosis in eukaryotic cells. The conservative H(abc) domain in plasma membrane syntaxins implies important roles for syntaxin targeting and function. Our previous study showed H(abc) domain was necessary for the trafficking and cluster distribution of syntaxin 1A on the plasma membrane. Here we identified which of the three domains (H(a), H(b) and H(c)) was essential for Stx1A trafficking and clustering. We found that, in INS-1 cells, the mutant truncated with either H(a), H(b) or H(c) domain could be sorted to the cell surface by a different mechanism compared to that of whole H(abc) truncated mutant. In contrast to wild type Stx1A, none of the mutants showed cluster distribution at the functional sites, suggesting that the physiological localization of Stx1A relies on intact H(abc) domain. Furthermore Munc18-1 is found not to be essential for Stx1A cluster distribution, despite important role in stabilizing membrane delivery of Stx1A.     

Interaction with membrane mimics of transmembrane fragments 16 and 17 from the human multidrug resistance ABC transporter 1 (hMRP1/ABCC1) and two of their tryptophan variants

The human multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (hMRP1/ABCC1) belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily. Together with P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2), hMRP1 confers resistance to a large number of structurally diverse drugs. The current topological model of hMRP1 includes two cytosolic nucleotide-binding domains and 17 putative transmembrane (TM) helices forming three membrane-spanning domains. Mutagenesis and labeling studies have shown TM16 and TM17 to be important for function. We characterized the insertion of the TM16 fragment into dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) or n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DM) micelles as membrane mimics and extended our previous work on TM17 (Vincent et al., 2007, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1768, 538). We synthesized TM16 and TM17, with the Trp residues, W1198 in TM16 and W1246 in TM17, acting as an intrinsic fluorescent probe, and TM16 and TM17 Trp variants, to probe different positions in the peptide sequence. We assessed the interaction of peptides with membrane mimics by evaluating the increase in fluorescence intensity resulting from such interactions. In all micelle-bound peptides, the tryptophan residue appeared to be located, on average, in the head group micelle region, as shown by its fluorescence spectrum. Each tryptophan residue was partially accessible to both acrylamide and the brominated acyl chains of two DM analogs, as shown by fluorescence quenching. Tryptophan fluorescence lifetimes were found to depend on the position of the tryptophan residue in the various peptides, probably reflecting differences in local structures. Far UV CD spectra showed that TM16 contained significant β-strand structures. Together with the high Trp correlation times, the presence of these structures suggests that TM16 self-association may occur at the interface. In conclusion, this experimental study suggests an interfacial location for both TM16 and TM17 in membrane mimics. In terms of overall hMRP1 structure, the experimentally demonstrated amphipathic properties of these TM are consistent with a role in the lining of an at least partly hydrophilic transport pore, as suggested by the currently accepted structural model, the final structure being modified by interaction with other TM helices.     

Kinesin-1 plays a role in transport of SNAP-25 to the plasma membrane

The cellular molecular motor kinesin-1 mediates the microtubule-dependent transport of a range of cargo. We have previously identified an interaction between the cargo-binding domain of kinesin-1 heavy chain KIF5B and the membrane-associated SNARE proteins SNAP-25 and SNAP-23. In this study we further defined the minimal SNAP-25 binding domain in KIF5B to residues 874-894. Overexpression of a fragment of KIF5B (residues 594-910) resulted in significant colocalization with SNAP-25 with resulting blockage of the trafficking of SNAP-25 to the periphery of cells. This indicates that kinesin-1 facilitates the transport of SNAP-25 containing vesicles as a prerequisite to SNAP-25 driven membrane fusion events.     

SNARE-mediated membrane traffic is required for focal adhesion kinase signaling and Src-regulated focal adhesion turnover

Integrin signaling is central to cell growth and differentiation, and critical for the processes of apoptosis, cell migration and wound repair. Previous research has demonstrated a requirement for SNARE-dependent membrane traffic in integrin trafficking, as well as cell adhesion and migration. The goal of the present research was to ascertain whether SNARE-dependent membrane trafficking is required specifically for integrin-mediated signaling. Membrane traffic was inhibited in Chinese hamster ovary cells by expression of dominant-negative (E329Q) N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) or a truncated form of the SNARE SNAP23. Integrin signaling was monitored as cells were plated on fibronectin under serum-free conditions. E329Q-NSF expression inhibited phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on Tyr397 at early time points of adhesion. Phosphorylation of FAK on Tyr576, Tyr861 and Tyr925 was also impaired by expression of E329Q-NSF or truncated SNAP23, as was trafficking, localization and activation of Src and its interaction with FAK. Decreased FAK-Src interaction coincided with reduced Rac activation, decreased focal adhesion turnover, reduced Akt phosphorylation and lower phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate levels in the cell periphery. Over-expression of plasma membrane-targeted Src or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) rescued cell spreading and focal adhesion turnover. The results suggest that SNARE-dependent trafficking is required for integrin signaling through a FAK/Src/PI3K-dependent pathway.     

Low cytoplasmic pH reduces ER-Golgi trafficking and induces disassembly of the Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus was dramatically disassembled when cells were incubated in a low pH medium. The cis-Golgi disassembled quickly, extended tubules and spread to the periphery of cells within 30 min. In contrast, medial- and trans-Golgi were fragmented in significantly larger structures of smaller numbers at a slower rate and remained largely in structures distinct from the cis-Golgi. Electron microscopy revealed the complete disassembly of the Golgi stack in low pH treated cells. The effect of low pH was reversible; the Golgi apparatus reassembled to form a normal ribbon-like structure within 1–2 h after the addition of a control medium. The anterograde ER to Golgi transport and retrograde Golgi to ER transport were both reduced under low pH. Phospholipase A₂ inhibitors (ONO, BEL) effectively suppressed the Golgi disassembly, suggesting that the phospholipase A₂ was involved in the Golgi disassembly. Over-expression of Rab1, 2, 30, 33 and 41 also suppressed the Golgi disassembly under low pH, suggesting that they have protective role against Golgi disassembly. Low pH treatment reduced cytoplasmic pH, but not the luminal pH of the Golgi apparatus, strongly suggesting that reduction of the cytoplasmic pH triggered the Golgi disassembly. Because a lower cytoplasmic pH is induced in physiological or pathological conditions, disassembly of the Golgi apparatus and reduction of vesicular transport through the Golgi apparatus may play important roles in cell physiology and pathology. Furthermore, our findings indicated that low pH treatment can serve as an important tool to analyze the molecular mechanisms that support the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus.     

The KDEL receptor: New functions for an old protein

The KDEL receptor is a seven-transmembrane-domain protein that was first described about 20 years ago. Its well-known function is to retrotransport chaperones from the Golgi complex to the endoplasmic reticulum. Recent studies, however, have suggested that the KDEL receptor has additional functions. Indeed, we have demonstrated that chaperone-bound KDEL receptor triggers the activation of Src family kinases on the Golgi complex. This activity is essential in the regulation of Golgi-to-plasma membrane transport. However, the identification of different KDEL receptor interactors that are inconsistent with these established functions opens the possibility of further receptor activities.     

Gene transport and expression by arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides in Paramecium

Owing to the cell membrane barriers, most macromolecules and hydrophilic molecules could not freely enter into living cells. However, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been discovered that can translocate themselves and associate cargoes into the cytoplasm. In this study, we demonstrate that three arginine-rich CPPs (SR9, HR9 and PR9) can form stable complexes with plasmid DNA at the optimized nitrogen/phosphate ratio of 3 and deliver plasmid DNA into Paramecium caudatum in a noncovalent manner. Accordingly, the transported plasmid encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene could be expressed in cells functionally assayed at both the protein and DNA levels. The efficiency of gene delivery varied among these CPPs in the order of HR9 > PR9 > SR9. In addition, these CPPs and CPP/DNA complexes were not cytotoxic in Paramecium detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diohenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Thus, these results suggest that the functionality of arginine-rich CPPs offers an efficient and safe tool for transgenesis in eukaryotic protozoans.     

Phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type II beta is required for vitamin D receptor-dependent E-cadherin expression in SW480 cells

Numerous epidemiological data indicate that vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling induced by its ligand or active metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α,25(OH)₂D₃) has anti-cancer activity in several colon cancers. 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ induces the epithelial differentiation of SW480 colon cancer cells expressing VDR (SW480-ADH) by upregulating E-cadherin expression; however, its precise mechanism remains unknown. We found that phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type II beta (PIPKIIβ) but not PIPKIIα is required for VDR-mediated E-cadherin induction in SW480-ADH cells. The syntenin-2 postsynaptic density protein/disc large/zona occludens (PDZ) domain and pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C-delta1 (PLCδ1 PHD) possess high affinity for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂) mainly localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane, respectively. The expression of syntenin-2 PDZ but not PLCδ1 PHD inhibited 1α,25(OH)₂D₃-induced E-cadherin upregulation, suggesting that nuclear PI(4,5)P₂ production mediates E-cadherin expression through PIPKIIβ in a VDR-dependent manner. PIPKIIβ is also involved in the suppression of the cell motility induced by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. These results indicate that PIPKIIβ-mediated PI(4,5)P₂ signaling is important for E-cadherin upregulation and inhibition of cellular motility induced by VDR activation.     

Properties of the intracellular transient receptor potential (TRP) channel in yeast, Yvc1

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are found among mammals, flies, worms, ciliates, Chlamydomonas, and yeast but are absent in plants. These channels are believed to be tetramers of proteins containing six transmembrane domains (TMs). Their primary structures are diverse with sequence similarities only in some short amino acid sequence motifs mainly within sequences covering TM5, TM6, and adjacent domains. In the yeast genome, there is one gene encoding a TRP-like sequence. This protein forms an ion channel in the vacuolar membrane and is therefore called Yvc1 for yeast vacuolar conductance 1. In the following we summarize its prominent features.     

Structural analysis of the intracellular domain of (pro)renin receptor fused to maltose-binding protein

The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is an important component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular function. The integral membrane protein PRR contains a large extracellular domain (∼310 amino acids), a single transmembrane domain (∼20 amino acids) and an intracellular domain (∼19 amino acids). Although short, the intracellular (IC) domain of the PRR has functionally important roles in a number of signal transduction pathways activated by (pro)renin binding. Meanwhile, together with the transmembrane domain and a small portion of the extracellular domain (∼30 amino acids), the IC domain is also involved in assembly of V₀ portion of the vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase). To better understand structural and multifunctional roles of the PRR-IC, we report the crystal structure of the PRR-IC domain as maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins at 2.0 Å (maltose-free) and 2.15 Å (maltose-bound). In the two separate crystal forms having significantly different unit-cell dimensions and molecular packing, MBP–PRR-IC fusion protein was found to be a dimer, which is different with the natural monomer of native MBP. The PRR-IC domain appears as a relatively flexible loop and is responsible for the dimerization of MBP fusion protein. Residues in the PRR-IC domain, particularly two tyrosines, dominate the intermonomer interactions, suggesting a role for the PRR-IC domain in protein oligomerization.