Ca(2+) signaling by TRPC3 involves Na(+) entry and local coupling to the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger

TRPC3 has been suggested as a key component of phospholipase C-dependent Ca(2+) signaling. Here we investigated the role of TRPC3-mediated Na(+) entry as a determinant of plasmalemmal Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. Ca(2+) signals generated by TRPC3 overexpression in HEK293 cells were found to be dependent on extracellular Na(+), in that carbachol-stimulated Ca(2+) entry into TRPC3 expressing cells was significantly suppressed when extracellular Na(+) was reduced to 5 mm. Moreover, KB-R9743 (5 microm) an inhibitor of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) strongly suppressed TRPC3-mediated Ca(2+) entry but not TRPC3-mediated Na(+) currents. NCX1 immunoreactivity was detectable in HEK293 as well as in TRPC3-overexpressing HEK293 cells, and reduction of extracellular Na(+) after Na(+) loading with monensin resulted in significant rises in intracellular free Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(i)) of HEK293 cells. Similar rises in Ca(2+)(i) were recorded in TRPC3-overexpressing cells upon the reduction of extracellular Na(+) subsequent to stimulation with carbachol. These increases in Ca(2+)(i) were associated with outward membrane currents at positive potentials and inhibited by KB-R7943 (5 microm), chelation of extracellular Ca(2+), or dominant negative suppression of TRPC3 channel function. This suggests that Ca(2+) entry into TRPC3-expressing cells involves reversed mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. Cell fractionation experiments demonstrated co-localization of TRPC3 and NCX1 in low density membrane fractions, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments provided evidence for association of TRPC3 and NCX1. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments revealed that NCX1 interacts with the cytosolic C terminus of TRPC3. We suggest functional and physical interaction of nonselective TRPC cation channels with NCX proteins as a novel principle of TRPC-mediated Ca(2+) signaling.     

A constitutively active nonselective cation conductance underlies resting Ca2+ influx and secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We have combined fluorimetric measurements of the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) with the patch clamp technique, to investigate resting Ca(2+) entry in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Perfusion with nominally Ca(2+)-free medium resulted in a rapid, reversible decrease in [Ca(2+)](i), indicating a resting Ca(2+) permeability across the plasma membrane. Simultaneous whole-cell voltage-clamp showed a resting inward current that increased when extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(o)) was lowered. This current had a reversal potential of around 0 mV and was carried by monovalent or divalent cations. In Na(+)-free extracellular medium there was a reduction in current amplitude upon removal of Ca(2+)(o), indicating the current can carry Ca(2+). The current was constitutively active and not enhanced by agents that promote Ca(2+)-store depletion such as thapsigargin. Extracellular La(3+) abolished the resting current, reduced resting [Ca(2+)](i) and inhibited basal secretion. Abolishment of resting Ca(2+) influx depleted the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) store without affecting the caffeine-sensitive Ca(2+) store. The results indicate the presence of a constitutively active nonselective cation conductance, permeable to both monovalent and divalent cations, that can regulate [Ca(2+)](i), the repletion state of the intracellular Ca(2+) store and the secretory response in resting cells.     

TRPC6 contributes to the Ca(2+) leak of human erythrocytes.

Human erythrocytes express cation channels which contribute to the background leak of Ca(2+), Na(+) and K(+). Excessive activation of these channels upon energy depletion, osmotic shock, Cl(-) depletion, or oxidative stress triggers suicidal death of erythrocytes (eryptosis), characterized by cell-shrinkage and exposure of phosphatidylserine at the cell surface. Eryptotic cells are supposed to be cleared from circulating blood. The present study aimed to identify the cation channels. RT-PCR revealed mRNA encoding the non-selective cation channel TRPC6 in erythroid progenitor cells. Western blotting indicated expression of TRPC6 protein in erythrocytes from man and wildtype mice but not from TRPC6(-/-) mice. According to flow-cytometry, Ca(2+) entry into human ghosts prepared by hemolysis in EGTA-buffered solution containing the Ca(2+) indicator Fluo3/AM was inhibited by the reducing agent dithiothreitol and the erythrocyte cation channel blockers ethylisopropylamiloride and amiloride. Loading of the ghosts with antibodies against TRPC6 or TRPC3/6/7 but neither with antibodies against TRPM2 or TRPC3 nor antibodies pre-adsorbed with the immunizing peptides inhibited ghost Ca(2+) entry. Moreover, free Ca(2+) concentration, cell-shrinkage, and phospholipid scrambling were significantly lower in Cl(-)-depleted TRPC6(-/-) erythrocytes than in wildtype mouse erythrocytes. In conclusion, human and mouse erythrocytes express TRPC6 cation channels which participate in cation leak and Ca(2+)-induced suicidal death.     

Caffeine activates a mechanosensitive Ca(2+) channel in human red cells

Caffeine is known to activate influx of both mono- and divalent cations in various cell types, suggesting that this xanthine opens non-selective cation channels at the plasma membrane. This possibility was investigated in human erythrocytes, studying the caffeine action on net Ca(2+), Na(+) and K(+) movements in ATP-depleted cells. Whole populations and subpopulations of young and old erythrocytes were employed. Caffeine was tested in the presence of known mechanosensitive channel blockers (Gd(3+), neomycin and amiloride) and ruthenium red as a possible inhibitor. Caffeine enhanced net cation fluxes in a concentration-dependent way. In whole populations, the Ca(2+) entry elicited by 20 mM caffeine was fully suppressed by Gd(3+) (5 microM), amiloride (250 microM) and ruthenium red (100 microM) and partially blocked by neomycin (100 microM). The above blockers also inhibited caffeine-dependent Na(+) entry whilst showing antagonistic effects on the corresponding K(+) efflux. These compounds fully suppressed hypotonically-induced (-35 mOsm/kg) Ca(2+) influx at nearly the same concentrations completely blocking caffeine-stimulated Ca(2+) entry. The effect of inhibitors on Ca(2+) influx in young cells exceeded that in old cells at similar concentrations. The results clearly show that caffeine stimulates a stretch-activated Ca(2+) channel in human red cells and that aged cells are less susceptible to mechanosensitive channel blockers.     

Calcium influx through 'L'-type channels into rat anterior pituitary cells can be modulated in two ways by protein kinase C (PKC-isoform selectivity of 1,2-dioctanoyl sn-glycerol?).

The depolarisation-induced influx of 45Ca2+ into anterior pituitary tissue and GH3 cells through 'L'-type, nimodipine-sensitive channels was investigated. In anterior pituitary prisms, phorbol esters, activators of protein kinase C, caused an enhancement of K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx. However, in the GH3 anterior pituitary cell line, phorbol esters inhibited K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx. The modulation by phorbol esters in both tissues was stereo-specific and time- and concentration-dependent. The diacylglycerol analogue, 1,2-dioctanoyl sn-glycerol was able to mimic the phorbol ester-induced enhancement of calcium influx into anterior pituitary pieces, but was ineffective in GH3 cells. 1,2-Dioctanoyl sn-glycerol may selectively activate an isoform of protein kinase C which is responsible for enhanced 'L'-type Ca(2+)-channel activity.     

Reductions in external divalent cations evoke novel voltage-gated currents in sensory neurons

It has long been recognized that divalent cations modulate cell excitability. Sensory nerve excitability is of critical importance to peripheral diseases associated with pain, sensory dysfunction and evoked reflexes. Thus we have studied the role these cations play on dissociated sensory nerve activity. Withdrawal of both Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) from external solutions activates over 90% of dissociated mouse sensory neurons. Imaging studies demonstrate a Na(+) influx that then causes depolarization-mediated activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)), which allows Ca(2+) influx upon divalent re-introduction. Inhibition of Ca(V) (ω-conotoxin, nifedipine) or Na(V) (tetrodotoxin, lidocaine) fails to reduce the Na(+) influx. The Ca(2+) influx is inhibited by Ca(V) inhibitors but not by TRPM7 inhibition (spermine) or store-operated channel inhibition (SKF96365). Withdrawal of either Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) alone fails to evoke cation influxes in vagal sensory neurons. In electrophysiological studies of dissociated mouse vagal sensory neurons, withdrawal of both Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) from external solutions evokes a large slowly-inactivating voltage-gated current (I(DF)) that cannot be accounted for by an increased negative surface potential. Withdrawal of Ca(2+) alone fails to evoke I(DF). Evidence suggests I(DF) is a non-selective cation current. The I(DF) is not reduced by inhibition of Na(V) (lidocaine, riluzole), Ca(V) (cilnidipine, nifedipine), K(V) (tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine) or TRPM7 channels (spermine). In summary, sensory neurons express a novel voltage-gated cation channel that is inhibited by external Ca(2+) (IC(50)～0.5 μM) or Mg(2+) (IC(50)～3 μM). Activation of this putative channel evokes substantial cation fluxes in sensory neurons.     

Properties of a native cation channel activated by Ca2+ store depletion in vascular smooth muscle cells

Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores activates capacitative Ca(2+) influx in smooth muscle cells, but the native store-operated channels that mediate such influx remain unidentified. Recently we demonstrated that calcium influx factor produced by yeast and human platelets with depleted Ca(2+) stores activates small conductance cation channels in excised membrane patches from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here we characterize these channels in intact cells and present evidence that they belong to the class of store-operated channels, which are activated upon passive depletion of Ca(2+) stores. Application of thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase, to individual SMC activated single 3-pS cation channels in cell-attached membrane patches. Channels remained active when inside-out membrane patches were excised from the cells. Excision of membrane patches from resting SMC did not by itself activate the channels. Loading SMC with BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid), which slowly depletes Ca(2+) stores without a rise in intracellular Ca(2+), activated the same 3-pS channels in cell-attached membrane patches as well as whole cell nonselective cation currents in SMC. TG- and BAPTA-activated 3-pS channels were cation-selective but poorly discriminated among Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+). Open channel probability did not change at negative membrane potentials but increased significantly at high positive potentials. Activation of 3-pS channels did not depend on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Neither TG nor a variety of second messengers (including Ca(2+), InsP3, InsP4, GTPgammaS, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, ATP, and ADP) activated 3-pS channels in inside-out membrane patches. Thus, 3-pS nonselective cation channels are present and activated by TG or BAPTA-induced depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in intact SMC. These native store-operated cation channels can account for capacitative Ca(2+) influx in SMC and can play an important role in regulation of vascular tone.     

Activation of a TRPC3-dependent cation current through the neurotrophin BDNF

Nonvoltage-gated cation currents, which are activated following stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC), appear to be major modes for Ca2+ and Na+ entry in mammalian cells. The TRPC channels may mediate some of these conductances since their expression in vitro leads to PLC-dependent cation influx. We found that the TRPC3 protein was highly enriched in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). The temporal and spatial distribution of TRPC3 paralleled that of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB. Activation of TrkB by brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) led to production of a PLC-dependent, nonselective cation conductance in pontine neurons. Evidence is provided that TRPC3 contributes to this current in vivo. Thus, activation of TrkB and PLC leads to a TRPC3-dependent cation influx in CNS neurons.     

Suppression of TRPC3 leads to disappearance of store-operated channels and formation of a new type of store-independent channels in A431 cells

In most non-excitable cells, calcium (Ca(2+)) release from the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3))-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores is coupled to Ca(2+) influx through the plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels whose molecular composition is poorly understood. Several members of mammalian TRP-related protein family have been implicated to both receptor- and store-operated Ca(2+) influx. Here we investigated the role of the native transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) homologue in mediating the store- and receptor-operated calcium entry in A431 cells. We show that suppression of TRPC3 protein levels by small interfering RNA (siRNA) leads to a significant reduction in store-operated calcium influx without affecting the receptor-operated calcium influx. With single-channel analysis, we further demonstrate that reduction of TRPC3 levels results in suppression of specific subtype of store-operated calcium channels and activation of store-independent channels. Our data suggest that TRPC3 is required for the formation of functional store-operated channels in A431 cells.     

Role of the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger as an alternative trigger of CICR in mammalian cardiac myocytes

Ca(2+) influx through the L-type Ca(2+) channels is the primary pathway for triggering the Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). However, several observations have shown that Ca(2+) influx via the reverse mode of the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger current (I(Na-Ca)) could also trigger the Ca(2+) release. The aim of the present study was to quantitate the role of this alternative pathway of Ca(2+) influx using a mathematical model. In our model 20% of the fast sodium channels and the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger molecules are located in the restricted subspace between the sarcolemma and the SR where triggering of the calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) takes place. After determining the strengths of the alternative triggers with simulated voltage-clamps in varied membrane voltages and resting [Na](i) values, we studied the CICR in simulated action potentials, where fast sodium channel current contributes [Na](i) of the subspace. In low initial [Na](i) the Ca(2+) influx via the L-type Ca(2+) channels is the major trigger for Ca(2+) release from the SR, and the Ca(2+) influx via the reverse mode of the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger cannot trigger the CICR. However, depending on the initial [Na](i), the contribution of the Ca(2+) entry via the exchanger may account for 25% (at [Na](i) = 10 mM) to nearly 100% ([Na](i) = 30 mM) of the trigger Ca(2+). The shift of the main trigger from L-type calcium channels to the exchanger reduced the delay between the action potential upstroke and the intracellular calcium transient. This may contribute to the function of the myocyte in physiological situations where [Na](i) is elevated. These main results remain the same when using different estimates for the most crucial parameters in the modeling or different models for the exchanger.     

Potentiation of TRPC5 by protons

Mammalian members of the classical transient receptor potential channel subfamily (TRPC) are Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels involved in receptor-mediated increases in intracellular Ca(2+). TRPC4 and TRPC5 form a group within the TRPC subfamily and are activated in a phospholipase C-dependent manner by an unidentified messenger. Unlike most other Ca(2+)-permeable channels, TRPC4 and -5 are potentiated by micromolar concentrations of La(3+) and Gd(3+). This effect results from an action of the cations at two glutamate residues accessible from the extracellular solution. Here, we show that TRPC4 and -5 respond to changes in extracellular pH. Lowering the pH increased both G protein-activated and spontaneous TRPC5 currents. Both effects were already observed with small reductions in pH (from 7.4 to 7.0) and increased up to pH 6.5. TRPC4 was also potentiated by decreases in pH, whereas TRPC6 was only inhibited, with a pIC(50) of 5.7. Mutation of the glutamate residues responsible for lanthanoid sensitivity of TRPC5 (E543Q and E595Q) modified the potentiation of TRPC5 by acid. Further evidence for a similarity in the actions of lanthanoids and H(+) on TRPC5 is the reduction in single channel conductance and dramatic increase in channel open probability in the presence of either H(+) or Gd(3+) that leads to larger integral currents. In conclusion, the high sensitivity of TRPC5 to H(+) indicates that, in addition to regulation by phospholipase C and other factors, the channel may act as a sensor of pH that links decreases in extracellular pH to Ca(2+) entry and depolarization.     

Ca2+ modulation of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels is responsible for the inactivation of its monovalent cation current

The Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel is the most well documented of the store-operated ion channels that are widely expressed and are involved in many important biological processes. However, the regulation of the CRAC channel by intracellular or extracellular messengers as well as its molecular identity is largely unknown. Specifically, in the absence of extracellular divalent cations it becomes permeable to monovalent cations with a larger conductance, however this monovalent cation current inactivates rapidly by an unknown mechanism. Here we found that Ca(2+) dissociation from a site on the extracellular side of the CRAC channel is responsible for the inactivation of its Na(+) current, and Ca(2+) occupancy of this site otherwise potentiates its Ca(2+) as well as Na(+) currents. This Ca(2+)-dependent potentiation is required for the normal functioning of CRAC channels.     

ATP promotes NCX-reversal in aortic smooth muscle cells by DAG-activated Na+ entry

Reversal of the plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) has been shown to mediate Ca(2+) influx in response to activation of G-protein linked receptors. Functional coupling of reverse-mode NCX with canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPC), specifically TRPC6, has recently been demonstrated by our laboratory to mediate Ca(2+) influx in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) following ATP stimulation. In this communication, we provide further detail of this functional coupling by indirectly measuring NCX reversal. We found that NCX reversal, induced by the removal of extracellular Na(+), was increased following stimulation with ATP and the diacylglycerol analog 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol. This increased NCX reversal was attenuated by SKF-96365, an inhibitor of non-selective cation channels, and by activation of protein kinase C with phorbol ester 12-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate. These data are consistent with the known properties of TRPC6 and further support that functional coupling of TRPC6 and NCX occurs via a receptor-operated, rather than store-operated, cascade in RASMCs.     

Steady-state currents through voltage-dependent, dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in GH3 pituitary cells.

Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels is known to be elicited during action potentials but possibly also occurs at the resting potential. The steady-state current through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and its role for the electrical activity was, therefore, investigated in pituitary GH3 cells. Applying the recently developed 'nystatin-modification' of the patch-clamp technique, most GH3 cells (18 out of 23 cells) fired spontaneous action potentials from a baseline membrane potential of 43.7 +/- 4.6 mV (mean +/- s.d., n = 23). The frequency of action potentials was stimulated about twofold by Bay K 8644 (100 nM), a Ca(2+)-channel stimulator, and action potentials were completely suppressed by the Ca(2+)-channel blocker PN 200-110 (100 nM). Voltage clamping GH3 cells at fixed potentials for several minutes and with 1 mM Ba2+ as divalent charge carrier, we observed steady-state Ca(2+)-channel currents that were dihydropyridine-sensitive and displayed a U-shaped current-voltage relation. The results strongly suggest that the observed long lasting, dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca(2+)-channel currents provide a steady-state conductivity for Ca2+ at the resting potential and are essential for the generation of action potentials in GH3 pituitary cells.     

Calcium-activated chloride conductance of lactotrophs: Comparison of activation in normal and tumoral cells during thyrotropin-releasing-hormone stimulation

We studied a chloride (Cl-) conductance activated by calcium (Ca2+) in normal rat lactotrophs and compared its activation during TRH stimulation in normal rat lactotrophs and in GH3 tumoral lactosomatotrophs cells, using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The Cl- specificity of the conductance was assessed by manipulation of internal and external Cl- concentrations. The reversal potentials were in agreement with those predicted by the Nernst equation. Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and membrane depolarizations activated the Cl- conductance. However, a feedback effect of Cl- gradient modifications on Ca2+ movements was also observed in normal lactotrophs. In the latter, TRH (100 nM) mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ activated this Cl- conductance together with the potassium (K+) conductance when both ions were present in the intracellular medium (IM) or alone when K+ was absent. Chloride conductance was not activated in the GH3 cells, where mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by TRH (100 nM) activated only Ca2(+)-dependent K+ conductance. It seems likely that the activation of Cl- conductance in these two different cell types involves different mechanisms.     

pH regulates cation selectivity of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyphosphate channels from E. coli in planar lipid bilayers

Poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyphosphate (PHB/polyP) complexes, whether isolated from the plasma membranes of bacteria or prepared from the synthetic polymers, form ion channels in planar lipid bilayers that are highly selective for Ca(2+) over Na(+) at physiological pH. This preference for divalent over monovalent cations is attributed to a high density of negative charge along the polyP backbone and the higher binding energies of divalent cations. Here we modify the charge density of polyP by varying the pH, and observe the effect on cation selectivity. PHB/polyP complexes, isolated from E. coli, were incorporated into planar lipid bilayers, and unitary current-voltage relations were determined as a function of pH. When Ca(2+) was the sole permeant cation, conductance diminished steadily from 97 +/- 6 pS at pH 7.4 to 47 +/- 3 pS at pH 5.5. However, in asymmetric solutions of Ca(2+) and Na(+), there was a moderate increase in conductance from 98 +/- 4 at pH 7.4 to 129 +/- 4 pS at pH 6.5, and a substantially larger increase to 178 +/- 6 pS at pH 5.6, signifying an increase in Na(+) permeability or disorganization of channel structure. Reversal potentials point to a sharp decrease in preference for Ca(2+) over Na(+) over a relatively small decrease in pH. Ca(2+) was strongly favored over Na(+) at physiological pH, but the channels became nonselective near the pK(2) of phosphate (approximately 6.8), and displayed weak selectivity for Na(+) over Ca(2+) at acidic pH. Evidently, PHB/polyP complexes are versatile ion carriers whose selectivity may be modulated by small adjustments of the local pH. The results may be relevant to the physiological function of PHB/polyP channels in bacteria and the role of PHB and polyP in the Streptomyces lividans potassium channel.     

大鼠胰腺β细胞离子通道的一些特性

实验以单个Ｗｉｓｔａｒ大鼠胰腺β细胞为对象,用穿孔膜片箝和细胞贴附式记录技术研究ＡＴＰ敏感Ｋ＾＋通道（ＫＡＴＰ）、延迟整流型Ｋ＾＋通道（ＫＤＲ）、Ｃａ＾２＋通道和Ｎａ＾＋通道的有关特性。结果表明：⑴ＫＡＴＰ通道的内流电导约６５ｐＳ,外流电导约３１ｐＳ,反转电位在－６０ｍＶ左右;⑵ＫＤＲ通道在延迟２０ｍｓ后达到最大激活,ＫＤＲ电流约为ＫＡＴＰ的１／３;⑶钙电流在０ｍＶ左右达到４０－６０ｐＡ的峰值,Ｌ     

Separation and characterization of currents through store-operated CRAC channels and Mg2+-inhibited cation (MIC) channels

Although store-operated calcium release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels are highly Ca(2+)-selective under physiological ionic conditions, removal of extracellular divalent cations makes them freely permeable to monovalent cations. Several past studies have concluded that under these conditions CRAC channels conduct Na(+) and Cs(+) with a unitary conductance of approximately 40 pS, and that intracellular Mg(2+) modulates their activity and selectivity. These results have important implications for understanding ion permeation through CRAC channels and for screening potential CRAC channel genes. We find that the observed 40-pS channels are not CRAC channels, but are instead Mg(2+)-inhibited cation (MIC) channels that open as Mg(2+) is washed out of the cytosol. MIC channels differ from CRAC channels in several critical respects. Store depletion does not activate MIC channels, nor does store refilling deactivate them. Unlike CRAC channels, MIC channels are not blocked by SKF 96365, are not potentiated by low doses of 2-APB, and are less sensitive to block by high doses of the drug. By applying 8-10 mM intracellular Mg(2+) to inhibit MIC channels, we examined monovalent permeation through CRAC channels in isolation. A rapid switch from 20 mM Ca(2+) to divalent-free extracellular solution evokes Na(+) current through open CRAC channels (Na(+)-I(CRAC)) that is initially eightfold larger than the preceding Ca(2+) current and declines by approximately 80% over 20 s. Unlike MIC channels, CRAC channels are largely impermeable to Cs(+) (P(Cs)/P(Na) = 0.13 vs. 1.2 for MIC). Neither the decline in Na(+)-I(CRAC) nor its low Cs(+) permeability are affected by intracellular Mg(2+) (90 microM to 10 mM). Single openings of monovalent CRAC channels were not detectable in whole-cell recordings, but a unitary conductance of 0.2 pS was estimated from noise analysis. This new information about the selectivity, conductance, and regulation of CRAC channels forces a revision of the biophysical fingerprint of CRAC channels, and reveals intriguing similarities and differences in permeation mechanisms of voltage-gated and store-operated Ca(2+) channels.