Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels by sequestration of beta subunits

The auxiliary Ca(v)beta subunit is essential for functional expression of high-voltage activated Ca(2+) channels. Here, we describe a lure sequence designed to sequester the Ca(v)beta subunits in transfected bovine chromaffin cells. This sequence is composed of the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the alpha chain of the human CD8, the I-II loop of Ca(v)2.1 subunit, and EGFP. We showed that expressing the CD8-I-II-EGFP sequence in chromaffin cells led to a >50% decrease in overall Ca(2+) current density. Although this decrease involved all the Ca(2+) channel types (L, N, P/Q, R), the proportion of each type supporting the remaining current was altered. A similar effect was observed after transfection when measuring the functional role of Ca(2+) channels in catecholamine release by chromaffin cells: global decrease of release and change of balance between the different channel types supporting it. Possible explanations for this apparent discrepancy are further discussed.     

Pulmonary expression of voltage-gated calcium channels: special reference to sensory airway receptors

Studying depolarisation induced calcium entry in our recently developed in situ lung slice model for molecular live cell imaging of selectively visualised pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs), exemplified the need for information on the localisation of voltage-gated calcium channels (Ca(v)) in lungs in general, and related to sensory airway receptors more specifically. The present study therefore aimed at identifying the expression pattern of all major classes and subtypes of Ca(v) channels, using multiple immunostaining of rat lung cryosections. Ca(v) channel antibodies were combined with antibodies that selectively label NEBs, nerve fibre populations, smooth muscle, endothelium and Clara cells. Ca(v)2.1 (P/Q-type) was the only Ca(v) channel expressed in NEB cell membranes, and appeared to be restricted to the apical membrane of the slender NEB cell processes that reach the airway lumen. Subpopulations of the vagal but not the spinal sensory nerve fibres that contact NEBs showed immunoreactivity (IR) for Ca(v)1.2 (L-type) and Ca(v)2.1. Ca(v)2.3 (R-type) was selectively expressed by the so-called Clara-like cells that cover NEBs only, and appears to be a unique marker to discriminate this epithelial cell type from the much more extensive group of Clara cells in rat airways. The laminar nerve endings of smooth muscle-associated airway receptors (SMARs) revealed IR for both Ca(v)2.1 and Ca(v)2.2 (N-type). More generally, Ca(v)1.2 was seen to be expressed in vascular smooth muscle, Ca(v)2.3 and Ca(v)3.1 (T-type) in bronchial smooth muscle, Ca(v)3.1 and Ca(v)3.2 (T-type) in endothelial cells, and Ca(v)1.3 (L-type) in a limited number of epithelial cells. In conclusion, the present immunocytochemical study has demonstrated that the various subtypes of Ca(v) channels have distinct expression patterns in rat lungs. Special focus on morphologically/neurochemically characterised sensory airway receptors learned us that both NEBs and SMARs present Ca(v) channels. Knowledge of the identification and localisation of Ca(v) channels in airway receptors and surrounding tissues provides a solid basis for interpretation of the calcium mediated activation studied in our ex vivo lung slice model.     

Functional diversity in neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels by alternative splicing of Ca(v)alpha1

Alternative splicing is a critical mechanism used extensively in the mammalian nervous system to increase the level of diversity that can be achieved by a set of genes. This review focuses on recent studies of voltage-gated calcium (Ca) channel Ca_vα₁ subunit splice isoforms in neurons. Voltage-gated Ca channels couple changes in neuronal activity to rapid changes in intracellular Ca levels that in turn regulate an astounding range of cellular processes. Only ten genes have been identified that encode Ca_vα₁ subunits, an insufficient number to account for the level of functional diversity among voltage-gated Ca channels. The consequences of regulated alternative splicing among the genes that comprise voltage-gated Ca channels permits specialization of channel function, optimizing Ca signaling in different regions of the brain and in different cellular compartments. Although the full extent of alternative splicing is not yet known for any of the major subtypes of voltage-gated Ca channels, it is already clear that it adds a rich layer of structural and functional diversity”.     

Functional expression of voltage-gated calcium channels in human melanoma

The expression of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) has not been reported previously in melanoma cells in spite of increasing evidence of a role of VGCCs in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. To address this issue we have performed an extensive RT-PCR analysis of VGCC expression in human melanocytes and a range of melanoma cell lines and biopsies. In addition, we have tested the functional expression of these channels using Ca(2+) imaging techniques and examined their relevance for the viability and proliferation of the melanoma cells. Our results show that control melanocytes and melanoma cells express channel isoforms belonging to the Ca(v) 1 and Ca(v) 2 gene families. Importantly, the expression of low voltage-activated Ca(v) 3 (T-type) channels is restricted to melanoma. We have confirmed the function of T-type channels as mediators of constitutive Ca(2+) influx in melanoma cells. Finally, pharmacological and gene silencing approaches demonstrate a role for T-type channels in melanoma viability and proliferation. These results encourage the analysis of T-type VGCCs as targets for therapeutic intervention in melanoma tumorigenesis and/or tumour progression.     

Calmodulins from Schistosoma mansoni: Biochemical analysis and interaction with IQ-motifs from voltage-gated calcium channels

The trematode Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, the second most common parasitic disease of humans after malaria. Calcium homeostasis and calcium-mediated signalling pathways are of particular interest in this species. The drug of choice for treating schistosomiasis, praziquantel, disrupts the regulation of calcium uptake and there is interest in exploiting calcium-mediated processes for future drug discovery. Calmodulin is a calcium sensing protein, present in most eukaryotes. It is a critical regulator of processes as diverse as muscle contraction, cell division and, partly through interaction with voltage-gated calcium channels, intra-cellular calcium concentrations. S. mansoni expresses two highly similar calmodulins – SmCaM1 and SmCaM2. Both proteins interact with calcium, manganese, cadmium (II), iron (II) and lead ions in native gel electrophoresis. These ions also cause conformational changes in the proteins resulting in the exposure of a more hydrophobic surface (as demonstrated by anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate fluorescence assays). The proteins are primarily dimeric in the absence of calcium ions, but monomeric in the presence of this ion. Both SmCaM1 and SmCaM2 interact with a peptide corresponding to an IQ-motif derived from the α-subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel SmCa_v1B (residues 1923–1945). Both proteins bound with slightly higher affinity in the presence of calcium ions. However, there was no difference between the affinities of the two proteins for the peptide. This interaction could be antagonised by chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, but not praziquantel or thiamylal. Interestingly no interaction could be detected with the other three IQ-motifs identified in S. mansoni voltage-gated ion calcium channels.     

Endocannabinoid system in Xenopus laevis development: CB1 receptor dynamics

This study investigates for the first time the dynamics of endocannabinoid system appearance during low vertebrate Xenopus laevis development. We observed that the CB1 gene started to be expressed during the organogenesis period (+/- 1 dpf, st. 28) and expression persisted throughout the three further stages analyzed. Attention was focused on the localization of the CB1 messenger that was found both at the central level (in romboencephalon and in olfactory placods) and at the peripheral level (in the gastrointestinal tract) at +/- 3 dpf (st. 41), +/- 4 dpf (st. 46) and +/- 12 dpf (st. 49). We also considered the synthesis of CB1 protein that occurred from st. 41 onwards and, from this stage, we tested the receptor functionality in response to anandamide using cytosensor microphysiometry. CB1 functionality increased with development at both central and peripheral level. These data provide sufficient evidence to encourage further analysis on endocannabinoid physiological roles during embryonic and larval X. laevis growth.     

Neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids against oxidative stress: role of the cannabinoid receptor CB1

Neuroprotective effects have been described for many cannabinoids in several neurotoxicity models. However, the exact mechanisms have not been clearly understood yet. In the present study, antioxidant neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids and the involvement of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) were analysed in detail employing cell-free biochemical assays and cultured cells. As it was reported for oestrogens that the phenolic group is a lead structure for antioxidant neuroprotective effects, eight compounds were classified into three groups. Group A: phenolic compounds that do not bind to CB1. Group B: non-phenolic compounds that bind to CB1. Group C: phenolic compounds that bind to CB1. In the biochemical assays employed, a requirement of the phenolic lead structure for antioxidant activity was shown. The effects paralleled the protective potential of group A and C compounds against oxidative neuronal cell death using the mouse hippocampal HT22 cell line and rat primary cerebellar cell cultures. To elucidate the role of CB1 in neuroprotection, we established stably transfected HT22 cells containing CB1 and compared the protective potential of cannabinoids with that observed in the control transfected HT22 cell line. Furthermore, oxidative stress experiments were performed in cultured cerebellar granule cells, which were derived either from CB1 knock-out mice or from control wild-type littermates. The results strongly suggest that CB1 is not involved in the cellular antioxidant neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids.     

Nitric oxide modulation of voltage-gated calcium current by S-nitrosylation and cGMP pathway in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in the brain. In this study, we examined the mechanistic effects of an NO donor, diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide adduct (DETA/NO) on the voltage-gated calcium currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. DETA/NO stimulated the calcium currents and slightly increased the channel sensitivity to depolarizing voltages. The effect of DETA/NO on the calcium current was blocked by either depleting the NO in DETA/NO or by pretreating the neurons with NEM, a thiol-specific alkylating agent, suggesting an involvement of S-nitrosylation in the current response to NO. In addition, activation of the cGMP pathway by 8-Br-cGMP inhibited the calcium current in the neurons. Also, inhibition of guanylyl cyclase by 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) increased the current response to DETA/NO. Taken together, our results demonstrate that both S-nitrosylation and cGMP pathway are involved in the NO modulation of the hippocampal calcium current.     

The contribution of VR1 and CB1 receptors and the role of the afferent vagal pathway in modelling of cardio-respiratory effects of anandamide in rats

Anaesthetized and spontaneously breathing rats were used to study the cardio-respiratory effects of intravenous anandamide administration. To investigate the role of particular levels of the afferent pathway in this response rats were challenged with bolus injection of anandamide (1 mg kg(-1)) into the femoral vein while intact, following bilateral superior laryngeal nerves (SLNs) section and after midcervical vagotomy. To test the hypothesis that the activation of the vanilloid receptors (VR1) as well as cannabinoid receptors (CB1) contributes to the anandamide-induced response administrations of anandamide were preceded by nonselective VR1 antagonist ruthenium red or selective CB1 antagonist AM281. Anandamide evoked apnoea of mean duration of 4.84+/-0.75 s in all animals while intact which was shortened by subsequent neurotomies, after SLNs section to 3.3+/-0.57 s (P<0.05) and after midcervical vagi section to 1.99+/-0.24 s (P<0.01). In post-apnoeic breathing tidal volume (V(T)) was reduced in all neural states. Anandamide evoked hypotension in the intact and SLNs neurotomized rats. Midcervical vagotomy reduced this fall in blood pressure. Both antagonists ruthenium red and AM281 eliminated post-anandamide apnoea and hypotension but had no effect on post-apnoeic depression of V(T). Subsequent SLNs and cervical vagi sections did not eliminate but only reduced post-anandamide depression of breathing. Midcervical vagotomy lessened anandamide-induced hypotension. Apnoeic and hypotensive response to anandamide was mediated by both VR1 and CB1 receptors. Post-anandamide decline of V(T) might depend on different type of receptors.     

Lipid-mediated inactivation of colicin E1 channels by calcium ions

Based on the model of a toroidal protein-lipid pore, the effect of calcium ions on colicin E1 channel was predicted. In electrophysiological experiments Ca2+ suppressed the activity of colicin E1 channels in membranes formed of diphytanoylphosphatidylglycerol, whereas no desorption of the protein occurred from the membrane surface. The effect of Ca2+ was not observed on membranes formed of diphytanoylphosphatidylcholine. Single-channel measurements revealed that Ca2+-induced reduction of the colicin-induced current across the negatively charged membrane was due to a decrease in the number of open colicin channels and not changes in their properties. In line with the toroidal model, the effect of Ca2+ on the colicin E1 channel-forming activity is explained by alteration of the membrane lipid curvature caused by electrostatic interaction of Ca2+ with negatively charged lipid head groups.     

A single amino acid mutation attenuates rundown of voltage-gated calcium channels

The activity of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) decreases with time in whole-cell and inside-out patch-clamp recordings. In this study we found that substituting a single amino acid (I1520) at the intracellular end of IIIS6 in the alpha(1) subunit of P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels with histidine or aspartate greatly attenuated channel rundown in inside-out patch-clamp recordings. The homologous mutations also slowed rundown of N- and L-type Ca(2+) channels, albeit to a lesser degree. In P/Q-type channels, the attenuation of rundown is accompanied by an increased apparent affinity for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate, which has been shown to be critical for maintaining Ca(2+) channel activity [L. Wu, C.S. Bauer, X.-G. Zhen, C. Xie, J. Yang, Dual regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels by PtdIns(4,5)P2. Nature 419 (2002) 947-952]. Furthermore, the histidine mutation significantly stabilized the open state, making the channels easier to open, slower to close, harder to inactivate and faster to recover from inactivation. Our finding that mutation of a single amino acid can greatly attenuate rundown provides an easy and efficient way to slow the rundown of VGCCs, facilitating functional studies that require direct access to the cytoplasmic side of the channel.     

Imidazopyridine CB2 agonists: optimization of CB2/CB1 selectivity and implications for in vivo analgesic efficacy

A new series of imidazopyridine CB2 agonists is described. Structural optimization improved CB2/CB1 selectivity in this series and conferred physical properties that facilitated high in vivo exposure, both centrally and peripherally. Administration of a highly selective CB2 agonist in a rat model of analgesia was ineffective despite substantial CNS exposure, while administration of a moderately selective CB2/CB1 agonist exhibited significant analgesic effects.     

The role of endogenous cannabinoids in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation: in vivo and in vitro studies in CB1 receptor knockout mice

Exogenous cannabinoids affect multiple hormonal systems including the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. These data suggest that endogenous cannabinoids are also involved in the HPA control; however, the mechanisms underlying this control are poorly understood. We assessed the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the regulation of the HPA-axis by studying CB1 receptor knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. Basal and novelty stress-induced plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone were higher in CB1-KO than in WT mice. We investigated the involvement of the pituitary in the hormonal effects of CB1 gene disruption by studying the in vitro release of ACTH from anterior pituitary fragments using a perifusion system. Both the basal and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)-induced ACTH secretion were similar in CB1-KO and WT mice. The synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone suppressed the CRH-induced ACTH secretion in both genotypes; thus, the negative feedback of ACTH secretion was not affected by CB1 gene disruption. The cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55,212-2 had no effects on basal and CRH-stimulated ACTH secretion by anterior pituitary slices. In our hands, the disruption of the CB1 gene lead to HPA axis hyperactivity, but the pituitary seems not to be involved in this effect. Our data are consistent with the assumption that endogenous cannabinoids inhibit the HPA-axis via centrally located CB1 receptors, however the understanding of the exact underlying mechanism needs further investigation.     

Tyrosine kinases act directly on the alpha1 subunit to modulate Ca(v)2.2 calcium channels.

Voltage-operated calcium channels are modulated by tyrosine kinases in different cell types. In this study, I(Ba) was measured by the whole cell voltage-clamp technique in single COS-7 cells overexpressing the Ca(v)2.2 calcium channels encoding N-type currents. Bath application of genistein, a nonselective PTK inhibitor (50-300 microM), concentration-dependently inhibited calcium channel currents, whereas the inactive structural analogue, daidzein, was without effect over the same concentration range. Similarly, PP1, a src family-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited I(Ba) in a concentration-dependent manner (500 nM-5 microM) over a range of test potentials. Expression of the Ca(v)2.2alpha1 (alpha(1B)) subunit alone gave rise to functional channels, and genistein (100 microM) also inhibited currents elicited by the alpha(1B) subunit alone. These results indicate that tyrosine kinase inhibitors are likely to inhibit Ca(v)2.2 calcium channels via an action on the pore-forming alpha(1) subunit and suggest that an endogenous member of the Src family may play a physiological role in modulating these channels.     

The Schistosoma mansoni tegumental allergen protein,SmTAL1: Binding to an IQ-motif from a voltage-gated ion channel and effects of praziquantel

SmTAL1 is a calcium binding protein from the parasitic worm, Schistosoma mansoni. Structurally it is comprised of two domains – an N-terminal EF-hand domain and a C-terminal dynein light chain (DLC)-like domain. The protein has previously been shown to interact with the anti-schistosomal drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Here, we demonstrated that both EF-hands in the N-terminal domain are functional calcium ion binding sites. The second EF-hand appears to be more important in dictating affinity and mediating the conformational changes which occur on calcium ion binding. There is positive cooperativity between the four calcium ion binding sites in the dimeric form of SmTAL1. Both the EF-hand domain and the DLC-domain dimerise independently suggesting that both play a role in forming the SmTAL1 dimer. SmTAL1 binds non-cooperatively to PZQ and cooperatively to an IQ-motif from SmCa_v1B, a voltage-gated calcium channel. PZQ tends to strengthen this interaction, although the relationship is complex. These data suggest the hypothesis that SmTAL1 regulates at least one voltage-gated calcium channel and PZQ interferes with this process. This may be important in the molecular mechanism of this drug. It also suggests that compounds which bind SmTAL1, such as six from the Medicines for Malaria Box identified in this work, may represent possible leads for the discovery of novel antagonists.     

Release of calcium from endolysosomes increases calcium influx through N-type calcium channels: Evidence for acidic store-operated calcium entry in neurons

Neurons possess an elaborate system of endolysosomes. Recently, endolysosomes were found to have readily releasable stores of intracellular calcium; however, relatively little is known about how such ‘acidic calcium stores’ affect calcium signaling in neurons. Here we demonstrated in primary cultured neurons that calcium released from acidic calcium stores triggered calcium influx across the plasma membrane, a phenomenon we have termed “acidic store-operated calcium entry (aSOCE)”. aSOCE was functionally distinct from store-operated calcium release and calcium entry involving endoplasmic reticulum. aSOCE appeared to be governed by N-type calcium channels (NTCCs) because aSOCE was attenuated significantly by selectively blocking NTCCs or by siRNA knockdown of NTCCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NTCCs co-immunoprecipitated with the lysosome associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and that aSOCE is accompanied by increased cell-surface expression levels of NTCC and LAMP1 proteins. Moreover, we demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of LAMP1 or Rab27a, both of which are key proteins involved in lysosome exocytosis, attenuated significantly aSOCE. Taken together our data suggest that aSOCE occurs in neurons, that aSOCE plays an important role in regulating the levels and actions of intraneuronal calcium, and that aSOCE is regulated at least in part by exocytotic insertion of N-type calcium channels into plasma membranes through LAMP1-dependent lysosome exocytosis.     

应激对大鼠心室肌细胞L-型钙离子通道的影响

目的 :研究应激对心室肌细胞L 型钙离子通道电流及激活、失活门控动力学特性的影响。方法 :制备离体心室肌细胞并用去甲肾上腺素 (NE)诱导建立应激心肌细胞模型 ,应用流式细胞术 (FCM )和Fura 2荧光分光光度法测定应激心室肌细胞的凋亡率和心肌细胞内游离钙浓度变化。利用膜片钳全细胞钳制记录法记录应激心室肌细胞L 型钙离子通道电流I V曲线图及稳态激活、失活曲线图。结果 :FCM检测发现 1 0 - 4mol/L的NE模拟应激可导致心室肌细胞凋亡率明显上升 ,对照组 :0 .36 % ,应激组 :2 .1 7% (P <0 .0 1 )。 1 0 - 4mol/L的NE干预使Ica L峰电流幅值显著性上升 ,激活曲线分析发现应激后曲线明显左移 ,半数最大激活膜电位 (V1 /2 )为 (- 1 4 .59± 0 .2 4 )mV ,较之于对照组 :(- 0 .69± 0 .36)mV ,差异显著 ,而稳态失活曲线特性未发生有意义的改变。实验组心肌细胞内游离钙浓度较对照组升高 1 6 .7%。结论 :应激可导致L 型钙离子通道电流增加 ,通道更易于激活 ,通道的这种异常活动可能导致钙超载 ,从而引起心肌细胞凋亡 ,介导应激性心肌损伤的发生     

Effect of age, vitamin D, and calcium on the regulation of rat intestinal epithelial calcium channels

Transepithelial transport of calcium involves uptake at the apical membrane, movement across the cell, and extrusion at the basolateral membrane. Active vitamin D metabolites regulate the latter two processes by induction of calbindin D and the plasma membrane ATPase (calcium pump), respectively. The expression of calbindin D and the calcium pump declines with age in parallel with transepithelial calcium transport. The apical uptake of calcium is thought to be mediated by the recently cloned calcium channels-CaT1 (or ECaC2, TRPV6) and CaT2 (or ECaC1, TRPV5). The purpose of these studies was to determine whether there were age-related changes in intestinal calcium channel regulation and to identify the dietary factors responsible for their regulation. Young (2 months) and adult (12 months) rats were fed either a high calcium or low calcium diet for 4 weeks. The low calcium diet significantly increased duodenal CaT1 and CaT2 mRNA levels in both age groups, but the levels in the adult were less than half that of the young. The changes in calcium channel expression with age and diet were significantly correlated with duodenal calcium transport and with calbindin D levels. To elucidate the relative roles of serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and calcium in the regulation of calcium channel expression, young rats were fed diets containing varying amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Dietary vitamin D or exogenous 1,25(OH)2D3 more than doubled CaT1 mRNA levels, and this regulation was independent of dietary or serum calcium. These findings suggest that the apical calcium channels, along with calbindin and the calcium pump, may play a role in intestinal calcium transport and its modulation by age, dietary calcium, and 1,25(OH)2D3.     

Stimulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels during capacitation and by progesterone in human sperm

To fertilize, mammalian sperm must undergo two sequential steps that require activation of calcium entry mechanisms, capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, induced in the latter case by the egg zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3 or by progesterone. Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) could participate in these processes. Since patch clamp recordings are extremely difficult in mature sperm, the activity of VDCC has been alternatively analyzed with optical detectors of membrane potential and intracellular calcium in sperm populations. Using this approach, we previously reported that in human sperm there is a voltage-dependent calcium influx system that strongly indicates that human sperm are endowed with functional VDCC. In this study we developed evidence indicating that calcium influx through VDCC is significantly stimulated during sperm in vitro capacitation and by progesterone action, which is present in the follicular fluid that surrounds the egg. The observed effects of capacitation and progesterone on VDCC may be physiologically significant for sperm-egg interaction.