Chelerythrine promotes Ca2+-dependent calpain activation in neuronal cells in a PKC-independent manner

BackgroundChelerythrine is widely used as a broad range protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, but there is controversy about its inhibitory effect. Moreover, it has been shown to exert PKC-independent effects on non-neuronal cells.MethodsIn this study we investigated possible off-target effects of chelerythrine on cultured cortical rodent neurons and a neuronal cell line.ResultsWe found that 10 μM chelerythrine, a commonly used concentration in neuronal cultures, reduces PKC and cAMP-dependent protein kinase substrates phosphorylation in mouse cultured cortical neurons, but not in rat primary cortical neurons or in a striatal cell line. Furthermore, we found that incubation with chelerythrine increases pERK1/2 levels in all models studied. Moreover, our results show that chelerythrine promotes calpain activation as assessed by the cleavage of spectrin, striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase and calcineurin A. Remarkably, chelerythrine induces a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels that mediates calpain activation. In addition, we found that chelerythrine induces ERK1/2- and calpain-independent caspase-3 activation that can be prevented by the Ca²⁺ chelator BAPTA-AM.ConclusionsThis is the first report showing that chelerythrine promotes Ca²⁺-dependent calpain activation in neuronal cells, which has consequences for the interpretation of studies using this compound.General significanceChelerythrine is still marketed as a specific PKC inhibitor and extensively used in signal transduction studies. We believe that the described off-target effects should preclude its use as a PKC inhibitor in future works.     

Osteopontin is involved in urotensin II-induced migration of rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts

Recent studies suggest that both osteopontin and urotensin II (UII) play critical roles in vascular remodeling. We previously showed that UII could stimulate the migration of aortic adventitial fibroblasts. In this study, we examined whether osteopontin is involved in UII-induced migration of rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts and examined the effects and mechanisms of UII on osteopontin expression in adventitial fibroblasts. Migration of adventitial fibroblasts induced by UII could be inhibited significantly by osteopontin antisense oligonucleotide (P < 0.01) but not sense or mismatch oligonucleotides (P > 0.05). Moreover, UII dose- and time-dependently promoted osteopontin mRNA expression and protein secretion in the cells, with maximal effect at 10⁻⁸ mol/l at 3 h for mRNA expression or at 12 h for protein secretion (both P < 0.01). Furthermore, the UII effects were significantly inhibited by its receptor antagonist SB710411 (10⁻⁶ mol/l), and Ca²⁺ channel blocker nicardipine (10⁻⁵ mol/l), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H7 (10⁻⁵ mol/l), calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (10⁻⁵ mol/l), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059 (10⁻⁵ mol/l) and Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (10⁻⁵ mol/l). Thus, osteopontin is involved in the UII-induced migration of adventitial fibroblasts, and UII could upregulate osteopontin gene expression and protein synthesis in rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts by activating its receptor and the Ca²⁺ channel, PKC, calcineurin, MAPK and Rho kinase signal transduction pathways.     

PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation in prothoracic glands of the silkworm, Bombyx mori: Role of Ca/calmodulin and receptor tyrosine kinase

Our previous studies showed that the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in prothoracic glands of Bombyx mori both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the signaling pathway by which PTTH activates ERK phosphorylation was further investigated using PTTH, second messenger analogs, and various inhibitors. ERK phosphorylation induced by PTTH was partially reduced in Ca²⁺-free medium. The calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium, partially inhibited both PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation and ecdysteroidogenesis, indicating the involvement of calmodulin. When the prothoracic glands were treated with agents that directly elevate the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration [either A23187, thapsigargin, or the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12-myristate acetate (PMA)], a great increase in ERK phosphorylation was observed. In addition, it was found that PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis was greatly attenuated by treatment with PKC inhibitors (either calphostin C or chelerythrine C). However, PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation was not attenuated by the above PKC inhibitors, indicating that PKC is not involved in PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation. A potent and specific inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, HNMPA-(AM)₃, greatly inhibited the ability of PTTH to activate ERK phosphorylation and stimulate ecdysteroidogenesis. However, genistein, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, did not inhibit PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation, although it did markedly attenuate the ability of A23187 to activate ERK phosphorylation. From these results, it is suggested that PTTH-stimulated ERK phosphorylation is only partially Ca²⁺- and calmodulin-dependent and that HNMPA-(AM)₃-sensitive receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in activation of ERK phosphorylation by PTTH.     

BAPTA-AM,an intracellular calcium chelator,inhibits RANKL-induced bone marrow macrophages differentiation through MEK/ERK,p38 MAPK and Akt,but not JNK pathways

To examine the roles of intracellular calcium in RANKL-induced bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) differentiation, the effects of intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM on RANKL-induced BMMs differentiation, and the activation of its relating signal proteins (MAPKs, and the PI3K/Akt) were studied. BMMs were cultured with various concentrations of BAPTA-AM in the presence of M-CSF (25 ng/ml) and RANKL (25 ng/ml) for 7 days, osteoclastogenic ability, cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration, osteoclast survival and the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, Akt and p38 MAPK were measured by TRAP staining, spectrofluorometer and Western blotting. BAPTA-AM inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast survival of BMMs by RANKL induction. In osteoclasts without the pretreatment of BAPTA-AM, the increased response of [Ca²⁺]_i was observed within 15 min and the maximum was about 1.2 times that of control. This response was sustained for 30 min and returned to the control level at 1 h after RANKL-inducing, and the increased response of [Ca²⁺]_i was completely abolished and sustained to at least 8 h by BAPTA-AM. Although immunoblotting data revealed that RANKL could activate the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, Akt and p38 MAPK, the expression of ERK1/2, Akt and p38 MAPK phosphorylation was inhibited by BAPTA-AM dose-dependently. These results revealed that BAPTA-AM inhibit osteoclastogenic ability of BMMs via suppressing the increase of [Ca²⁺]_i which lead to inhibit RANKL-induced the phosphorylation of ERK, Akt and p38 MAPK, but not JNK. This finding may be useful in the development of an osteoclastic inhibitor that targets intracellular signaling factors.     

PKC mediates fluctuant ERK-paxillin signaling for hepatocyte growth factor-induced migration of hepatoma cell HepG2

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is critical for triggering metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mediates HGF-induced cell migration via focal adhesion signaling. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a negative regulator of ERK activation, however, both PKC and ERK were required for HGF-induced cell migration. To address this intriguing issue, the signal mechanisms for HGF-induced HepG2 cell migration were investigated in a long-term fashion. HGF-induced phosphorylations of ERK, Src (at Tyr 416) and paxillin (at Ser178 and Tyr31) were up and down for 3 times within 24 h. HGF also induced fluctuant PKC activation and Rac degradation. Consistently, HGF induced intermittent actin polarization within 24 h, which can be blocked by the inhibitors of PKC (Bisindolymaleimide) and ERK. Inhibitor studies revealed that ERK was required for HGF-induced paxillin phosphorylation at Ser178, whereas PKC and Rac-1 may suppress HGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK and paxillin (at Ser178) and upregulate phosphorylation of paxillin at Tyr31. Based on shRNA technique, PKCα and δ were responsible for suppressing HGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK and paxillin (at Ser178), whereas PKC ε and ζ were required for phosphorylation of paxillin at Tyr31. The HGF-induced fluctuant signaling is reminiscent of c-Met endocytosis. Using Concanavalin A, an inhibitor of endocytosis, we found that c-Met endocytosis was required for PKC to suppress ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, HGF-induced c-Met degradation was also fluctuant, which can be prevented by Bisindolymaleimide. In conclusion, PKC is critical for mediating HGF-induced fluctuant ERK-paxillin signaling during cell migration, probably via triggering endosomal degradation of c-Met.     

Ouabain stimulates atrial natriuretic peptide secretion via the endothelin-1/ET(B) receptor-mediated pathway in beating rabbit atria

AimsOuabain has been reported to increase the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in vitro. However, the mechanism by which ouabain increases ANP secretion is not well known. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of ouabain-stimulated ANP secretion.Main methodsA perfused beating rabbit atrial model was used. The ANP and ET-1 levels in the atrial perfusates were measured by radioimmunoassays.Key findingsOuabain (1.0, 3.0 and 6.0 μmol/L) significantly increased atrial ANP secretion in a dose-dependent manner, while the endothelin (ET)-1 levels were increased by the higher doses (3.0 and 6.0 μmol/L) of ouabain. Ouabain-increased atrial ET-1 release was blocked by PD98059 (30.0 μmol/L), an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Nifedipine (1.0 μmol/L), an inhibitor of L-type Ca²⁺ channels, completely abolished ouabain-increased ANP secretion without changing the ouabain-induced atrial dynamics. KB-R7943 (3.0 μmol/L), an inhibitor of Na⁺–Ca²⁺ exchangers, completely blocked the effects of ouabain-increased atrial dynamics, but did not modulate ouabain-increased ANP secretion. ET-1 significantly stimulated atrial ANP release in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of ET-1 and ouabain on ANP secretion were completely blocked by BQ788 (0.3 μmol/L), an inhibitor of ET-1 type B (ET_B) receptors, but not by BQ123 (0.3 μM), an inhibitor of ET-1 type A receptors. Ouabain-increased atrial ANP secretion was blocked by PD98059 and indomethacin (30.0 μmol/L), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase.SignificanceOuabain significantly stimulated atrial ANP secretion via an ET-1-ET_B receptor-mediated pathway involving MAPK signaling pathway activation and prostaglandin formation.     

TRPC3 regulates release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from human airway smooth muscle

Exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances Ca^2 + signaling and cell proliferation in human airway smooth muscle (ASM), especially with inflammation. Human ASM also expresses BDNF, raising the potential for autocrine/paracrine effects. The mechanisms by which ASM BDNF secretion occurs are not known. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) regulate a variety of intracellular processes including store-operated Ca^2 + entry (SOCE; including in ASM) and secretion of factors such as cytokines. In human ASM, we tested the hypothesis that TRPC3 regulates BDNF secretion. At baseline, intracellular BDNF was present, and BDNF secretion was detectable by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of cell supernatants or by real-time fluorescence imaging of cells transfected with GFP–BDNF vector. Exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) (20 ng/ml, 48 h) or a mixture of allergens (ovalbumin, house dust mite, Alternaria, and Aspergillus extracts) significantly enhanced BDNF secretion and increased TRPC3 expression. TRPC3 knockdown (siRNA or inhibitor Pyr3; 10 μM) blunted BDNF secretion, and prevented inflammation effects. Chelation of extracellular Ca^2 + (EGTA; 1 mM) or intracellular Ca^2 + (BAPTA; 5 μM) significantly reduced secreted BDNF, as did the knockdown of SOCE proteins STIM1 and Orai1 or plasma membrane caveolin-1. Functionally, secreted BDNF had autocrine effects suggested by phosphorylation of high-affinity tropomyosin-related kinase TrkB receptor, prevented by chelating extracellular BDNF with chimeric TrkB-Fc. These data emphasize the role of TRPC3 and Ca^2 + influx in the regulation of BDNF secretion by human ASM and the enhancing effects of inflammation. Given the BDNF effects on Ca^2 + and cell proliferation, BDNF secretion may contribute to altered airway structure and function in diseases such as asthma.     

Possible mechanisms underlying the biphasic regulatory effects of arachidonic acid on Ca2+ signaling in HEK293 cells

Arachidonic acid (AA), an endogenous lipid signal molecule released from membrane upon cell activation, modulates intracellular Ca^2 + ([Ca^2 +]_i) signaling positively and negatively. However, the mechanisms underlying the biphasic effects of AA are rather obscure. Using probes for measurements of [Ca^2 +]_i and fluidity of plasma membrane (PM)/endoplasmic reticulum (ER), immunostaining, immunoblotting and shRNA interference approaches, we found that AA at low concentration, 3 μM, reduced the PM fluidity by activating PKCα and PKCβII translocation to PM and also the ER fluidity directly. In accordance, 3 μM AA did not impact the basal [Ca^2 +]_i but significantly suppressed the thapsigargin-induced Ca^2 + release and Ca^2 + influx. Inhibition of PKC with Gö6983 or knockdown of PKCα or PKCβ using shRNA significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of 3 μM AA on PM fluidity and agonist-induced Ca^2 + signal. However, AA at high concentration, 30 μM, caused robust release and entry of Ca^2 + accompanied by a facilitated PM fluidity but decreased ER fluidity and dramatic PKCβI and PKCβII redistribution in the ER. Compared with ursodeoxycholate acid, a membrane stabilizing agent that only inhibited the 30 μM AA-induced Ca^2 + influx by 45%, Gd^3 + at concentration of 10 μM could completely abolish both release and entry of Ca^2 + induced by AA, suggesting that the potentiated PM fluidity is not the only reason for AA eliciting Ca^2 + signal. Therefore, the study herein demonstrates that a lowered PM fluidity by PKC activation and a direct ER stabilization contribute significantly for AA downregulation of [Ca^2 +]_i response, while Gd^3 +-sensitive ‘pores’ in PM/ER play an important role in AA-induced Ca^2 + signal in HEK293 cells.     

Osteoprotegerin induces podosome disassembly in osteoclasts through calcium,ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways

Osteoclasts are critical for bone resorption and use podosomes to attach to bone matrix. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a negative regulator of osteoclast function that can affect the formation and function of podosomes. However, the signaling pathways that link OPG to podosome function have not been well characterized. Therefore, this study examined the roles of intracellular calcium and MAPKs in OPG-induced podosome disassembly in osteoclasts. We assessed the effects of the intracellular calcium chelator Bapta-AM, ERK inhibitor U0126, and p38 inhibitor SB202190 on OPG-treated osteoclast differentiation, adhesion structures, intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration and the phosphorylation state of podosome associated proteins (Pyk2 and Src). Mouse monocytic RAW 264.7 cells were differentiated to osteoclasts using RANKL (30 ng/mL) and M-CSF (25 ng/mL). The cells were pretreated with Bapta-AM (5 μM), U0126 (5 μM), or SB202190 (10 μM) for 30 min, followed by 40 ng/mL OPG for 3 h. Osteoclastogenesis, adhesion structure, viability and morphology, intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration and the phosphorylation state of Pyk2 and Src were measured by TRAP staining, scanning electron microscopy, real-time cell analyzer, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. OPG significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis, the formation of adhesion structures, and reduced the amount of phosphorylated Pyk2 and Src-pY527, but increased phosphorylation of Src-pY416. Bapta-AM, U0126, and SB202190 partially restored osteoclast differentiation and adhesion structures. Both Bapta-AM and U0126, but not SB202190, restored the levels of intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration, phosphorylated Pyk2 and Src-pY527. All three inhibitors blocked OPG-induced phosphorylation at Src-pY416. These results suggest OPG disrupts the attachment structures of osteoclasts and activates Src as an adaptor protein that competes for the reduced amount of phosphorylated Pyk2 through calcium- and ERK-dependent signaling pathways. p38 MAPK signaling may have a different role in OPG-induced osteoclast retraction. Our findings potentially offer novel insights into the signaling mechanisms downstream of OPG that affect osteoclast attachment to the extracellular matrix.     

Involvement of protein kinase C-alpha and -epsilon in extracellular Ca signalling mediated by the calcium sensing receptor

The sensing of extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_o) and modulation of cellular processes associated with acute or sustained changes in [Ca²⁺]_o are cell-type specific and mediated by the calcium sensing receptor (CaR). [Ca²⁺]_o signalling requires protein kinase C (PKC), but the identity and role of PKC isoforms in CaR-mediated responses remain unclear. Here we show that high [Ca²⁺]_o activated PKC-α and PKC-ε in parathyroid cells and in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells overexpressing the CaR (HEK-CaR) and that this response correlated with the CaR-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2. Activation of ERK1/2 by acute high [Ca²⁺]_o required influx of Ca²⁺through Ni²⁺-sensitive Ca²⁺channels and phosphatidylinositol-dependent phospholipase C-β activity. Inhibition of PKC by co-expression of dominant-negative (DN) mutants of PKC-α or -ε with the CaR attenuated sustained ERK1/2 activation. Overexpression of a PKC phosphorylation site (T888A) mutant CaR in HEK293 cells showed that this site was important for ERK1/2 activation at high [Ca²⁺]_o. Activation of ERK1/2 by high [Ca²⁺]_o was not necessary for the [Ca²⁺]_o-regulated secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. These data suggest that the CaR-mediated [Ca²⁺]_o signal leading to regulated PTH secretion that requires diacylglycerol-responsive PKC isoforms is not mediated via the ERK pathway.     

Involvement of store-operated Ca2 + entry in activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and stimulation of glucose uptake by M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in human neuroblastoma cells

G_q/11-coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) belonging to M₁, M₃ and M₅ subtypes have been shown to activate the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through Ca^2 +/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-β (CaMKKβ)-mediated phosphorylation at Thr172. However, the source of Ca^2 + required for this response has not been yet elucidated. Here, we investigated the involvement of store-operated Ca^2 + entry (SOCE) in AMPK activation by pharmacologically defined M₃ mAChRs in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In Ca^2 +-free medium the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) caused a transient increase of phospho-Thr172 AMPK that rapidly ceased within 2 min. Conversely, in the presence of extracellular Ca^2 + CCh-induced AMPK phosphorylation lasted for at least 180 min. The SOCE modulator 2-aminoethoxydiphephenyl borate (2-APB), at a concentration (50 μM) that suppressed CCh-induced intracellular Ca^2 + ([Ca^2 +]_i) plateau, inhibited CCh-induced AMPK phosphorylation. CCh triggered the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca^2 + sensor stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1, as indicated by redistribution of STIM1 immunofluorescence into puncta, and promoted the association of STIM1 with the SOCE channel component Orai1. Cell depletion of STIM1 by siRNA treatment reduced both CCh-induced [Ca^2 +]_i plateau and AMPK activation. M₃ mAChRs increased glucose uptake and this response required extracellular Ca^2 + and was inhibited by 2-APB, STIM1 knockdown, CaMKKβ and AMPK inhibitors, and adenovirus infection with dominant negative AMPK. Thus, the study provides evidence that SOCE is required for sustained activation of AMPK and stimulation of downstream glucose uptake by M₃ mAChRs and suggests that SOCE is a critical process connecting M₃ mAChRs to the control of neuronal energy metabolism.     

Carvacrol-induced [Ca2+]i rise and apoptosis in human glioblastoma cells

AimsThis study examined whether the essential oil component carvacrol altered cytosolic free Ca²⁺ level ([Ca²⁺]_i) and viability in human glioblastoma cells.Main methodsThe Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca²⁺]_i. Cell viability was measured by detecting reagent WST-1. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry.Key findingsCarvacrol at concentrations of 400–1000 μM induced a [Ca²⁺]_i rise in a concentration-dependent fashion. The response was decreased partially by removal of extracellular Ca²⁺. Carvacrol-induced Ca²⁺ signal was not altered by nifedipine, econazole, SK&;F96365, and protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), but was inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X. When extracellular Ca²⁺ was removed, incubation with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor thapsigargin or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished carvacrol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. Incubation with carvacrol also abolished thapsigargin or BHQ-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished carvacrol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. At concentrations of 200–800 μM, carvacrol killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This cytotoxic effect was not changed by chelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N–-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl (BAPTA/AM). Annexin V/propidium iodide staining data suggest that carvacrol (200, 400 and 600 μM) induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. At concentrations of 200, 400 and 600 μM, carvacrol induced production of ROS.SignificanceIn human glioblastoma cells, carvacrol induced a [Ca²⁺]_i rise by inducing phospholipase C-dependent Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca²⁺ entry via protein kinase C-sensitive, non store-operated Ca²⁺ channels. Carvacrol induced cell death that might involve ROS-mediated apoptosis.     

Signaling pathways downstream of P2 receptors in human neutrophils

Extracellular nucleotides stimulate human neutrophils by activating the purinergic P2Y₂ receptor. However, it is not completely understood which types of G proteins are activated downstream of this P2 receptor subtype. We investigated the G-protein coupling to P2Y₂ receptors and several subsequent signaling events. Treatment of neutrophils with pertussis toxin (PTX), a Gi protein inhibitor, caused only ∼75% loss of nucleotide-induced Ca²⁺ mobilization indicating that nucleotides cause Ca²⁺ mobilization both through Gi-dependent and Gi-independent pathways. However, the PLC inhibitor U73122 almost completely inhibited Ca²⁺ mobilization in both nucleotide- and fMLP-stimulated neutrophils, strongly supporting the view that both the PTX-sensitive and the PTX-insensitive mechanism of Ca²⁺ increase require activation of PLC. We investigated the dependence of ERK phosphorylation on the Gi pathway. Treatment of neutrophils with PTX caused almost complete inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in nucleotide or fMLP activated neutrophils. U73122 caused inhibition of nucleotide- or fMLP-stimulated ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that although pertussis toxin-insensitive pathways cause measurable Ca²⁺ mobilization, they are not sufficient for causing ERK phosphorylation. Since PLC activation leads to intracellular Ca²⁺ increase and PKC activation, we investigated if these intracellular events are necessary for ERK phosphorylation. Exposure of cells to the Ca²⁺ chelator BAPTA had no effect on nucleotide- or fMLP-induced ERK phosphorylation. However, the PKC inhibitor GF109203X was able to almost completely inhibit nucleotide- or fMLP-induced ERK phosphorylation. We conclude that the P2Y₂ receptor can cause Ca²⁺ mobilization through a PTX-insensitive but PLC-dependent pathway and ERK phosphorylation is highly dependent on activation of the Gi proteins.     

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors control cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria through kinase-mediated pathways

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels found in the plasma membrane of both excitable and non-excitable cells. Previously we reported that nicotinic receptors containing α7 subunits were present in the outer membranes of mitochondria to regulate the early apoptotic events like cytochrome c release. Here we show that signaling of mitochondrial α7 nicotinic receptors affects intramitochondrial protein kinases. Agonist of α7 nicotinic receptors PNU 282987 (30 nM) prevented the effect of phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, which stimulated cytochrome c release in isolated mouse liver mitochondria, and restored the Akt (Ser 473) phosphorylation state decreased by either 90 μM Ca²⁺ or wortmannin. The effect of PNU 282987 was similar to inhibition of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (upon 90 μM Ca²⁺) or of Src kinase(s) (upon 0.5 mM H₂O₂) and of protein kinase C. Cytochrome c release from mitochondria could be also attenuated by α7 nicotinic receptor antagonist methyllicaconitine or α7-specific antibodies. Allosteric modulator PNU 120526 (1 μM) did not improve the effect of agonist PNU 282987. Acetylcholine (1 μM) and methyllicaconitine (10 nM) inhibited superoxide release from mitochondria measured according to alkalization of Ca²⁺-containing medium. It is concluded that α7 nicotinic receptors regulate mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation through ion-independent mechanism involving activation of intramitochondrial PI₃K/Akt pathway and inhibition of calcium-calmodulin-dependent or Src-kinase-dependent signaling pathways.     

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect of sodium ferulate on rat thoracic aorta

AimsThis study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium ferulate (SF) on rat isolated thoracic aortas and the possible mechanisms.Main methodsIsometric tension was recorded in response to drugs in organ bath. Cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was measured using Fluo-3 in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC).Key findingsSF (0.1–30 mM) relaxed the isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE) and high-K⁺ in a concentration-dependent manner with respective pD₂ of 2.7 ± 0.02 and 2.6 ± 0.06. Mechanical removal of endothelium did not significantly modify the SF-induced relaxation. In Ca²⁺-free solution, SF noticeably inhibited extracellular Ca²⁺-induced contraction in high-K⁺ and PE pre-challenged rings, and suppressed the transient contraction induced by PE and caffeine. The vasorelaxant effect of SF was unaffected by various K⁺ channel blockers such as tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, and barium chloride. In addition, SF concentration-dependently reduced the contraction induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, with the pD₂ of 2.9 ± 0.03. In RASMC, SF had no effect on PE- or KCl-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase either in the presence or in the absence of external Ca²⁺.SignificanceThese results indicate that SF acts directly as a non-selective relaxant to vascular smooth muscle. The direct inhibition of the common pathway after [Ca²⁺]_i increase may account for the SF-induced relaxation in Ca²⁺-dependent contraction, while the blockage of the PKC-mediated contractile mechanism is likely responsible for the SF-induced relaxation in Ca²⁺-independent contraction.     

Mechanical stretch and prostaglandin E2 modulate critical signaling pathways in mouse podocytes

Elevated glomerular capillary pressure (Pgc) and hyperglycemia contribute to glomerular filtration barrier injury observed in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Previous studies showed that hypertensive conditions alone or in combination with a diabetic milieu impact podocyte cellular function which results in podocyte death, detachment or hypertrophy. The present study was aimed at uncovering the initial signaling profile activated by Pgc (mimicked by in vitro mechanical stretch), hyperglycemia (high glucose (HG), 25 mM d-glucose) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in conditionally-immortalized mouse podocytes. PGE₂ significantly reduced the active form of AKT by selectively blunting its phosphorylation on S473, but not on T308. AKT inhibition by PGE₂ was reversed following either siRNA-mediated EP₄ knockdown, PKA inhibition (H89), or phosphatase inhibition (orthovanadate). Podocytes treated for 20 min with H₂O₂ (10^?4 M), which mimics reactive oxygen species generation by cells challenged by hyperglycemic or enhanced Pgc conditions, significantly increased the levels of active p38 MAPK, AKT, JNK and ERK1/2. Interestingly, stretch and PGE₂ each significantly reduced H₂O₂-mediated AKT phosphorylation and was reversed by pretreatment with orthovanadate while stretch alone reduced GSK-3β inhibitory phosphorylation at ser-9. Finally, mechanical stretch alone or in combination with HG, induced ERK1/2 and JNK activation, via the EGF receptor since AG1478, a specific EGF receptor kinase inhibitor, blocked this activation. These results show that cellular signaling in podocytes is significantly altered under diabetic conditions (i.e., hyperglycemia and increased Pgc). These changes in MAPKs and AKT activities might impact cellular integrity required for a functional glomerular filtration barrier thereby contributing to the onset of proteinuria in DN.     

Effects of transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) on the mechanical stretch-induced expression of airway remodeling-associated factors in human bronchial epithelioid cells

Research has shown that mechanical stress stimulation can cause airway remodeling. We investigate the effects of mechanical stretch on the expression of the airway remodeling-associated factors interleukin-13 (IL-13) and matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) and signaling pathways in human bronchial epithelioid (16HBE) cells under mechanical stretch. A Flexcell FX-4000 Tension System with a flexible substrate was applied to stretch 16HBE cells at a 15% elongation amplitude and 1 Hz frequency, with stretching for 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h and 2 h. The experimental group with higher IL-13, MMP-9, and TRPC1 expression and higher Ca²⁺ levels was selected for performing intervention experiment. These cells were pretreated with the transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channel antagonist SKF96365 and TRPC1-specific siRNA, and then mechanical stretch was applied. Our results provided evidences that mechanical pressure significantly increased IL-13, MMP-9, and TRPC1 protein and mRNA expression levels and intracellular Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity at 4 time points compared with the control group. The peak IL-13, MMP-9, and TRPC1 expression levels were observed at 0.5 h after exposure to mechanical pressure. IL-13 and MMP-9 expression levels and Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity in the stretch+SKF96365 group and in the stretch+TRPC1 siRNA group were significantly lower than those were in the mechanical stretch group. By incubating the cells with the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, the expression of IL-13 and MMP9 was significantly decreased, and the expression level of TRPC1 remained unchanged. These observations suggest that mechanical stretch may induce an influx of Ca²⁺ and up-regulation of IL-13 and MMP-9 expression in 16HBE cells via activation of TRPC1.     

Stress-induced dissociations between intracellular calcium signaling and insulin secretion in pancreatic islets

In healthy pancreatic islets, glucose-stimulated changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) provide a reasonable reflection of the patterns and relative amounts of insulin secretion. We report that [Ca²⁺]_i in islets under stress, however, dissociates with insulin release in different ways for different stressors. Islets were exposed for 48 h to a variety of stressors: cytokines (low-grade inflammation), 28 mM glucose (28G, glucotoxicity), free fatty acids (FFAs, lipotoxicity), thapsigargin (ER stress), or rotenone (mitochondrial stress). We then measured [Ca²⁺]_i and insulin release in parallel studies. Islets exposed to all stressors except rotenone displayed significantly elevated [Ca²⁺]_i in low glucose, however, increased insulin secretion was only observed for 28G due to increased nifedipine-sensitive calcium-channel flux. Following 3–11 mM glucose stimulation, all stressors substantially reduced the peak glucose-stimulated [Ca²⁺]_i response (first phase). Thapsigargin and cytokines also substantially impacted aspects of calcium influx and ER calcium handling. Stressors did not significantly impact insulin secretion in 11 mM glucose for any stressor, although FFAs showed a borderline reduction, which contributed to a significant decrease in the stimulation index (11:3 mM glucose) observed for FFAs and also for 28G. We also clamped [Ca²⁺]_i using 30 mM KCl + 250 μM diazoxide to test the amplifying pathway. Only rotenone-treated islets showed a robust increase in 3–11 mM glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under clamped conditions, suggesting that low-level mitochondrial stress might activate the metabolic amplifying pathway. We conclude that different stressors dissociate [Ca²⁺]_i from insulin secretion differently: ER stressors (thapsigargin, cytokines) primarily affect [Ca²⁺]_i but not conventional insulin secretion and ‘metabolic’ stressors (FFAs, 28G, rotenone) impacted insulin secretion.     

Involvement of plasma membrane Ca2+ channels,IP3 receptors,and ryanodine receptors in the generation of spontaneous rhythmic contractions of the cricket lateral oviduct

In the present study, the isolated cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) lateral oviduct exhibited spontaneous rhythmic contractions (SRCs) with a frequency of 0.29 ± 0.009 Hz (n = 43) and an amplitude of 14.6 ± 1.25 mg (n = 29). SRCs completely disappeared following removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ using a solution containing 5 mM EGTA. Application of the non-specific Ca²⁺ channel blockers Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cd²⁺ also decreased both the frequency and amplitude of SRCs in dose-dependent manners, suggesting that Ca²⁺ entry through plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels is essential for the generation of SRCs. Application of ryanodine (30 μM), which depletes intracellular Ca²⁺ by locking ryanodine receptor (RyR)-Ca²⁺ channels in an open state, gradually reduced the frequency and amplitude of SRCs. A RyR antagonist, tetracaine, reduced both the frequency and amplitude of SRCs, whereas a RyR activator, caffeine, increased the frequency of SRCs with a subsequent increase in basal tonus, indicating that RyRs are essential for generating SRCs. To further investigate the involvement of phospholipase C (PLC) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃Rs) in SRCs, we examined the effect of a PLC inhibitor, U73122, and an IP₃R antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), on SRCs. Separately, U73122 (10 μM) and 2-APB (30–50 μM) both significantly reduced the amplitude of SRCs with little effect on their frequency, further indicating that the PLC/IP₃R signaling pathway is fundamental to the modulation of the amplitude of SRCs. A hypotonic-induced increase in the frequency and amplitude of SRCs and a hypertonic-induced decrease in the frequency and amplitude of SRCs indicated that mechanical stretch of the lateral oviduct is involved in the generation of SRCs. The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-pump ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid impaired or suppressed the relaxation phase of SRCs. Taken together, the present results indicate that Ca²⁺ influx through plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels and Ca²⁺ release from RyRs play an essential role in pacing SRCs and that Ca²⁺ release from IP₃Rs may play a role in modulating the amplitude of SRCs, probably via activation of PLC.