Direct inhibition of CaV2.3 by Gem is dynamin dependent and does not require a direct alfa/beta interaction.

The Rad, Rem, Rem2, and Gem/Kir (RGK) sub-family of small GTP-binding proteins are crucial in regulating high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels. RGK proteins inhibit calcium current by either promoting endocytosis or reducing channel activity. They all can associate directly with Ca2+ channel ß subunit (CaVß), and the binding between CaVα1/CaVß appears essential for the endocytic promotion of CaV1.X, CaV2.1, and CaV2.2 channels. In this study, we investigated the inhibition of CaV2.3 channels by RGK proteins in the absence of CaVß. To this end, Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing CaV2.3 channels devoid of auxiliary subunit were injected with purified Gem and Rem and found that only Gem had an effect. Ca currents and charge movements were reduced by injection of Gem, pointing to a reduction in the number of channels in the plasma membrane. Since this reduction was ablated by co-expression of the dominant-negative mutant of dynamin K44A, enhanced endocytosis appears to mediate this reduction in the number of channels. Thus, Gem inhibition of CaV2.3 channels would be the only example of a CaVß independent promotion of dynamin-dependent endocytosis.

Disruption of GpI mGluR-Dependent Cav2.3 Translation in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited intellectual impairment that results from the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an mRNA binding protein that regulates mRNA translation at synapses. The absence of FMRP leads to neuronal and circuit-level hyperexcitability that is thought to arise from the aberrant expression and activity of voltage-gated ion channels, although the identification and characterization of these ion channels have been limited. Here, we show that FMRP binds the mRNA of the R-type voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3 in mouse brain synaptoneurosomes and represses Cav2.3 translation under basal conditions. Consequently, in hippocampal neurons from male and female FMRP KO mice, we find enhanced Cav2.3 protein expression by western blotting and abnormally large R currents in whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings. In agreement with previous studies showing that FMRP couples Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (GpI mGluR) signaling to protein translation, we find that GpI mGluR stimulation results in increased Cav2.3 translation and R current in hippocampal neurons which is disrupted in FMRP KO mice. Thus, FMRP serves as a key translational regulator of Cav2.3 expression under basal conditions and in response to GpI mGluR stimulation. Loss of regulated Cav2.3 expression could underlie the neuronal hyperactivity and aberrant calcium spiking in FMRP KO mice and contribute to FXS, potentially serving as a novel target for future therapeutic strategies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit signs of neuronal and circuit hyperexcitability, including anxiety and hyperactive behavior, attention deficit disorder, and seizures. FXS is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an mRNA binding protein, and the neuronal hyperexcitability observed in the absence of FMRP likely results from its ability to regulate the expression and activity of voltage-gated ion channels. Here we find that FMRP serves as a key translational regulator of the voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3 under basal conditions and following activity. Cav2.3 impacts cellular excitability and calcium signaling, and the alterations in channel translation and expression observed in the absence of FMRP could contribute to the neuronal hyperactivity that underlies FXS.

Interaction of MDIMP with the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels.

Amino acid-derived isoindolines are synthetic compounds that were created with the idea of investigating their biological actions. The amino acid moiety was included on the grounds that it may help to avoid toxic effects. Recently, the isoindoline MDIMP was shown to inhibit both cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and voltage-dependent calcium channels. Here, we revealed that MDIMP binds preferentially to low-voltage-activated (LVA) channels. Using a holding potential of -90 mV, the following IC50 values were found (in micromolars): >1000 (CaV2.3), 957 (CaV1.3), 656 (CaV1.2), 219 (CaV3.2), and 132 (CaV3.1). Moreover, the isoindoline also promoted both accelerated inactivation kinetics of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels and a modest upregulation of CaV1.3 and CaV2.3. Additional data indicate that although MDIMP binds to the closed state of the channels, it has more preference for the inactivated one. Concerning CaV3.1, the compound did not alter the shape of the instantaneous current-voltage curve, and substituting one or two residues in the selectivity filter drastically increased the IC50 value, suggesting that MDIMP binds to the extracellular side of the pore. However, an outward current failed in removing the inhibition, which implies an alternative mechanism may be involved. The enantiomer (R)-MDIMP [methyl (R)-2-(1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)-4-methylpentanoate], on the other hand, was synthesized and evaluated, but it did not improve the affinity to LVA channels. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the possible underlying mechanisms and pharmacological relevance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We have studied the regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels by MDIMP, which disrupts excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes. The latter effect is more potent in atrial than ventricular myocytes, and this could be explained by our results showing that MDIMP preferentially blocks low-voltage-activated channels. Our data also provide mechanistic insights about the blockade and suggest that MDIMP is a promising member of the family of Ca2+ channel blockers, with possible application to the inhibition of subthreshold membrane depolarizations.

Experimentally Induced Convulsive Seizures Are Modulated in Part by Zinc Ions through the Pharmacoresistant Cav2.3 Calcium Channel.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Still in 1999 the first hints were published for the pharmacoresistant Cav2.3 calcium channel to be involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, as transcripts of alpha1E (Cav2.3) and alpha1G (Cav3.1) are changed in the brain of genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS). Consecutively, the seizure susceptibility of mice lacking Cav2.3 was analyzed in great detail by using 4-aminopyridine, pentylene-tetrazol, N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainic acid to induce experimentally convulsive seizures. Further, γ-hydroxybutyrolactone was used for the induction of non-convulsive absence seizures. For all substances tested, Cav2.3-competent mice differed from their knockout counterparts in the sense that for convulsive seizures the deletion of the pharmacoresistant channel was beneficial for the outcome during experimentally induced seizures [1]. The antiepileptic drug lamotrigine reduces seizure activity in Cav2.3-competent but increases it in Cav2.3-deficient mice. In vivo, Cav2.3 must be under tight control by endogenous trace metal cations (Zn2+ and Cu2+). The dyshomeostasis of either of them, especially of Cu2+, may alter the regulation of Cav2.3 severely and its activity for Ca2+ conductance, and thus may change hippocampal and neocortical signaling to hypo- or hyperexcitation. METHODS: To investigate by telemetric EEG recordings the mechanism of generating hyperexcitation by kainate, mice were tested for their sensitivity of changes in neuronal (intracerebroventricular) concentrations of the trace metal cation Zn2+. As the blood-brain barrier limits the distribution of bioavailable Zn2+ or Cu2+ into the brain, we administered micromolar Zn2+ ions intracerebroventricularly in the presence of 1 mM histidine as carrier and compared the effects on behavior and EEG activity in both genotypes. RESULTS: Kainate seizures are more severe in Cav2.3-competent mice than in KO mice and histidine lessens seizure severity in competent but not in Cav2.3-deficient mice. Surprisingly, Zn2+ plus histidine resembles the kainate only control with more seizure severity in Cav2.3-competent than in deficient mice. CONCLUSION: Cav2.3 represents one important Zn2+-sensitive target, which is useful for modulating convulsive seizures.

F0F1 ATP synthase regulates extracellular calcium influx in human neutrophils by interacting with Cav2.3 and modulates neutrophil accumulation in the lipopolysaccharide-challenged lung.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils form the first line of innate host defense against invading microorganisms. We previously showed that F0F1 ATP synthase (F-ATPase), which is widely known as mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V, is expressed in the plasma membrane of human neutrophils and is involved in regulating cell migration. Whether F-ATPase performs cellular functions through other pathways remains unknown. METHODS: Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by nano-ESI-LC MS/MS identification and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify protein complexes containing F-ATPase. Then, the identified protein complexes containing F-ATPase were verified by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence colocalization, immunoprecipitation, real-time RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting, flow cytometry and a LPS-induced mouse lung injury model were used to assess the effects of the F-ATPase-containing protein complex in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We found that the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) α2δ-1 subunit is a binding partner of cell surface F-ATPase in human neutrophils. Further investigation found that the physical connection between the two proteins may exist between the F1 part (α and ß subunits) of F-ATPase and the α2 part of VGCC α2δ-1. Real-time RT-PCR and PCR analyses showed that Cav2.3 (R-type) is the primary type of VGCC expressed in human neutrophils. Research on the F-ATPase/Cav2.3 functional complex indicated that it can regulate extracellular Ca2+ influx, thereby modulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production, which are typical features of neutrophil activation. In addition, the inhibition of F-ATPase can reduce neutrophil accumulation in the lungs of mice that were intratracheally instilled with lipopolysaccharide, suggesting that the inhibition of F-ATPase may prevent neutrophilic inflammation-induced tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified a mechanism by which neutrophil activity is modulated, with simultaneous regulation of neutrophil-mediated pulmonary damage. These results show that surface F-ATPase of neutrophils is a potential innate immune therapeutic target.

Modulation of Cav2.3 channels by unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) - Candidate mechanism for UCB-induced neuromodulation and neurotoxicity.

Elevated levels of unbound unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) can lead to bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. In spite of a large number of studies demonstrating UCB-induced changes in central neurotransmission, it is still unclear whether these effects involve alterations in the function of specific ion channels. To assess how different UCB concentrations and UCB:albumin (U/A) molar ratios affect neuronal R-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, we evaluated their effects on whole-cell currents through recombinant Cav2.3 + ß3 channel complexes and ex-vivo electroretinograms (ERGs) from wildtype and Cav2.3-deficient mice. Our findings show that modestly elevated levels of unbound UCB (U/A = 0.5) produce subtle but significant changes in the voltage-dependence of activation and prepulse inactivation, resulting in a stimulation of currents activated by weak depolarization and inhibition at potentials on the plateau of the activation curve. Saturation of the albumin binding capacity (U/A = 1) produced additional suppression that became significant when albumin was omitted completely and might involve a complete loss of channel function. Acutely administered UCB (U/A = 0.5) has recently been shown to affect transsynaptic signaling in the isolated vertebrate retina. The present report reveals that sustained exposure of the murine retina to UCB significantly suppresses also late responses of the inner retina (b-wave) from wildtype compared to Cav2.3-deficient mice. In addition, recovery during washout was significantly more complete and faster in retinae lacking Cav2.3 channels. Together, these findings show that UCB affects cloned and native Cav2.3 channels at clinically relevant U/A molar ratios and indicate that supersaturation of albumin is not required for modulation but associated with a loss of channel functional that could contribute to chronic neuronal dysfunction.

Reciprocal modulation of Cav 2.3 voltage-gated calcium channels by copper(II) ions and kainic acid.

Kainic acid (KA) is a potent agonist at non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptors and commonly used to induce seizures and excitotoxicity in animal models of human temporal lobe epilepsy. Among other factors, Cav 2.3 voltage-gated calcium channels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of KA-induced seizures. At physiologically relevant concentrations, endogenous trace metal ions (Cu2+ , Zn2+ ) occupy an allosteric binding site on the domain I gating module of these channels and interfere with voltage-dependent gating. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells stably transfected with human Cav 2.3d and ß3 -subunits, we identified a novel, glutamate receptor-independent mechanism by which KA can potently sensitize these channels. Our findings demonstrate that KA releases these channels from the tonic inhibition exerted by low nanomolar concentrations of Cu2+ and produces a hyperpolarizing shift in channel voltage-dependence by about 10 mV, thereby reconciling the effects of Cu2+ chelation with tricine. When tricine was used as a surrogate to study the receptor-independent action of KA in electroretinographic recordings from the isolated bovine retina, it selectively suppressed a late b-wave component, which we have previously shown to be enhanced by genetic or pharmacological ablation of Cav 2.3 channels. Although the pathophysiological relevance remains to be firmly established, we speculate that reversal of Cu2+ -induced allosteric suppression, presumably via formation of stable kainate-Cu2+ complexes, could contribute to the receptor-mediated excitatory effects of KA. In addition, we discuss experimental implications for the use of KA in vitro, with particular emphasis on the seemingly high incidence of trace metal contamination in common physiological solutions.

α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 inhibits human dorsal root ganglion neuroexcitability and mouse colonic nociception via GABAB receptors.

OBJECTIVE: α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 is a small disulfide-bonded peptide from the venom of the marine cone snail Conus victoriae. Vc1.1 has antinociceptive actions in animal models of neuropathic pain, but its applicability to inhibiting human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuroexcitability and reducing chronic visceral pain (CVP) is unknown. DESIGN: We determined the inhibitory actions of Vc1.1 on human DRG neurons and on mouse colonic sensory afferents in healthy and chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH) states. In mice, visceral nociception was assessed by neuronal activation within the spinal cord in response to noxious colorectal distension (CRD). Quantitative-reverse-transcription-PCR, single-cell-reverse-transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry determined γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABABR) and voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2, CaV2.3) expression in human and mouse DRG neurons. RESULTS: Vc1.1 reduced the excitability of human DRG neurons, whereas a synthetic Vc1.1 analogue that is inactive at GABABR did not. Human DRG neurons expressed GABABR and its downstream effector channels CaV2.2 and CaV2.3. Mouse colonic DRG neurons exhibited high GABABR, CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 expression, with upregulation of the CaV2.2 exon-37a variant during CVH. Vc1.1 inhibited mouse colonic afferents ex vivo and nociceptive signalling of noxious CRD into the spinal cord in vivo, with greatest efficacy observed during CVH. A selective GABABR antagonist prevented Vc1.1-induced inhibition, whereas blocking both CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 caused inhibition comparable with Vc1.1 alone. CONCLUSIONS: Vc1.1-mediated activation of GABABR is a novel mechanism for reducing the excitability of human DRG neurons. Vc1.1-induced activation of GABABR on the peripheral endings of colonic afferents reduces nociceptive signalling. The enhanced antinociceptive actions of Vc1.1 during CVH suggest it is a novel candidate for the treatment for CVP.

Sexual divergence in microtubule function: the novel intranasal microtubule targeting SKIP normalizes axonal transport and enhances memory.

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), essential for brain formation, is a frequent autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-mutated gene. ADNP associates with microtubule end-binding proteins (EBs) through its SxIP motif, to regulate dendritic spine formation and brain plasticity. Here, we reveal SKIP, a novel four-amino-acid peptide representing an EB-binding site, as a replacement therapy in an outbred Adnp-deficient mouse model. We discovered, for the first time, axonal transport deficits in Adnp(+/-) mice (measured by manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging), with significant male-female differences. RNA sequencing evaluations showed major age, sex and genotype differences. Function enrichment and focus on major gene expression changes further implicated channel/transporter function and the cytoskeleton. In particular, a significant maturation change (1 month-five months) was observed in beta1 tubulin (Tubb1) mRNA, only in Adnp(+/+) males, and sex-dependent increase in calcium channel mRNA (Cacna1e) in Adnp(+/+) males compared with females. At the protein level, the Adnp(+/-) mice exhibited impaired hippocampal expression of the calcium channel (voltage-dependent calcium channel, Cacnb1) as well as other key ASD-linked genes including the serotonin transporter (Slc6a4), and the autophagy regulator, BECN1 (Beclin1), in a sex-dependent manner. Intranasal SKIP treatment normalized social memory in 8- to 9-month-old Adnp(+/-)-treated mice to placebo-control levels, while protecting axonal transport and ameliorating changes in ASD-like gene expression. The control, all d-amino analog D-SKIP, did not mimic SKIP activity. SKIP presents a novel prototype for potential ASD drug development, a prevalent unmet medical need.

R-Type Ca2+ channels couple to inhibitory neurotransmission to the longitudinal muscle in the guinea-pig ileum.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Subtypes of enteric neurons are coded by the neurotransmitters they synthesize, but it is not known whether enteric neuron subtypes might also be coded by other proteins, including calcium channel subtypes controlling neurotransmitter release. What is the main finding and its importance? Our data indicate that guinea-pig ileum myenteric neuron subtypes may be coded by calcium channel subtypes. We found that R-type calcium channels are expressed by inhibitory but not excitatory longitudinal muscle motoneurons. R-Type calcium channels are also not expressed by circular muscle inhibitory motoneurons. Calcium channel subtype-selective antagonists could be used to target subtypes of neurons to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders. There is evidence that R-type Ca2+ channels contribute to synaptic transmission in the myenteric plexus. It is unknown whether R-type Ca2+ channels contribute to neuromuscular transmission. We measured the effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-l-arginine (NLA), Ca2+ channel blockers and apamin (SK channel blocker) on neurogenic relaxations and contractions of the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LMMP) in vitro. We used intracellular recordings to measure inhibitory junction potentials. Immunohistochemical techniques localized R-type Ca2+ channel protein in the LMMP and circular muscle. Cadmium chloride (pan-Ca2+ channel blocker) blocked and NLA and NiCl2 (R-type Ca2+ channel blocker) reduced neurogenic relaxations in a non-additive manner. Nickel chloride did not alter neurogenic cholinergic contractions, but it potentiated neurogenic non-cholinergic contractions. Relaxations were inhibited by apamin, NiCl2 and NLA and were blocked by combined application of these drugs. Relaxations were reduced by NiCl2 or ω-conotoxin (N-type Ca2+ channel blocker) and were blocked by combined application of these drugs. Longitudinal muscle inhibitory junction potentials were inhibited by NiCl2 but not MRS 2179 (P2Y1 receptor antagonist). Circular muscle inhibitory junction potentials were blocked by apamin, MRS 2179, ω-conotoxin and CdCl2 but not NiCl2 . We conclude that neuronal R-type Ca2+ channels contribute to inhibitory neurotransmission to longitudinal muscle but less so or not all in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum.

Effect of electroacupuncture on gene expression in calcium signaling pathway in hippocampal cells in mice with cerebral ischemia reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the regulation of electroacupuncture on gene expression at calcium signaling pathways in mice with cerebral ischemia reperfusion. METHODS: Sixty male, inbred Kunming mice were randomly assigned to three groups: repeated cerebral ischemia reperfusion group (RG, n = 24), sham-operated group (SG, n = 12), and electroacupuncture group (EG, n = 24). Mice in RG and EG groups were modeled by repeated cerebral ischemia reperfusion surgery, and EG mice were treated with electroacupuncture for 30 min after recovery from anesthesia. Changes in gene expression profile of mice hippocampi were analyzed by global expression profile microarray. Genes that were up-regulated or down-regulated greater than 1.5 folds were considered to be biologically meaningful. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) method was used to verify the expression of selected genes based on the algorithm [2^ (ΔΔCt)]. RESULTS: Compared with SG mice, 242 genes showed different in expressions in RG mice: 107 down-regulated and 135 up-regulated. Compared with RG mice, 609 genes showed a difference of expression in EG mice: 315 down-regulated and 375 up-regulated. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses indicated two pathways: calcium signaling and long-term potentiation in which 11 differentially expressed genes selected. Six of the 11 genes in the calcium signaling pathway were verified after real-time q-PCR testing. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture treatment of cerebral ischemia reperfusion appears to regulate Atp2a2, Cacna1e, Camk2a, Gnas, Grm1, Rapgef3 genes in the calcium signaling pathway.

Diethyldithiocarbamate-mediated zinc ion chelation reveals role of Cav2.3 channels in glucagon secretion.

Peptide-hormone secretion is partially triggered by Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) and gene inactivation of Zn2+-sensitive Cav2.3-type VGCCs is associated with disturbed glucose homeostasis in mice. Zn2+ has been implicated in pancreatic islet cell crosstalk and recent findings indicate that sudden cessation of Zn2+ supply during hypoglycemia triggers glucagon secretion in rodents. Here we show that diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC), a chelating agent for Zn2+ and other group IIB metal ions, differentially affects blood glucose and serum peptide hormone level in wild-type mice and mice lacking the Cav2.3-subunit. Fasting glucose and glucagon level were significantly higher in Cav2.3-deficient compared to wild-type mice, while DEDTC Zn2+-chelation produced a significant and correlated increase of blood glucose and serum glucagon concentration in wild-type but not Cav2.3-deficient mice. Glucose tolerance tests revealed severe glucose intolerance in Zn2+-depleted Cav2.3-deficient but not vehicle-treated Cav2.3-deficient or Zn2+-depleted wildtype mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that Cav2.3 channels are critically involved in the Zn2+-mediated suppression of glucagon secretion during hyperglycemia. Especially under conditions of Zn2+ deficiency, ablation or dysfunction of Cav2.3 channels may lead to severe disturbances in glucose homeostasis.

Gα14 subunit-mediated inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels via neurokinin-1 receptors in rat celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion neurons.

The mechanisms by which G proteins modulate voltage-gated Ca(2+)channel currents (CaV), particularly CaV2.2 and CaV2.3, are voltage dependent (VD) or voltage independent (VI). VD pathways are typically mediated by Gαi/oand GαSsubfamilies. On the other hand, VI inhibition modulation is coupled to the Gαqsubfamily and signaling pathways downstream of phospholipase C stimulation. In most studies, this latter pathway has been shown to be linked to Gαqand/or Gα11protein subunits. However, there are no studies that have examined whether natively expressed Gα14subunits (Gαqsubfamily member) couple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) with CaV2.2 channels. We report that Gα14subunits functionally couple the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor pathway to CaV2.2 channels in acutely dissociated rat celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion (CSMG) neurons. Exposure of CSMG neurons to SP blocked the CaV2.2 currents in a predominantly VD manner that was pertussis toxin and cholera toxin resistant, as well as Gαq/11independent. However, silencing Gα14subunits significantly attenuated the SP-mediated Ca(2+)current block. In another set of experiments, exposure of CSMG neurons to SP led to the inhibition of KCNQ K(+)M-currents. The SP-mediated M-current block was significantly reduced in neurons transfected with Gα14small-interference RNA. Finally, overexpression of the GTP-bound Gαq/11binding protein RGS2 did not alter the block of M-currents by SP but significantly abolished the oxotremorine methiodide-mediated M-current inhibition. Taken together, these results provide evidence of a new Gα14-coupled signaling pathway that modulates CaV2.2 and M-currents via SP-stimulated NK-1 receptors in CSMG neurons.

Lipid Regulation of Acrosome Exocytosis.

Lipids are critical regulators of mammalian sperm function, first helping prevent premature acrosome exocytosis, then enabling sperm to become competent to fertilize at the right place/time through the process of capacitation, and ultimately triggering acrosome exocytosis. Yet because they do not fit neatly into the "DNA--RNA-protein" synthetic pathway, they are understudied and poorly understood. Here, we focus on three lipids or lipid classes-cholesterol, phospholipids, and the ganglioside G(M1)--in context of the modern paradigm of acrosome exocytosis. We describe how these various- species are precisely segregated into membrane macrodomains and microdomains, simultaneously preventing premature exocytosis while acting as foci for organizing regulatory and effector molecules that will enable exocytosis. Although the mechanisms responsible for these domains are poorly defined, there is substantial evidence for their composition and functions. We present diverse ways that lipids and lipid modifications regulate capacitation and acrosome exocytosis, describing in more detail how removal of cholesterol plays a master regulatory role in enabling exocytosis through at least two complementary pathways. First, cholesterol efflux leads to proteolytic activation of phospholipase B, which cleaves both phospholipid tails. The resultant changes in membrane curvature provide a mechanism for the point fusions now known to occur far before a sperm physically interacts with the zona pellucida. Cholesterol efflux also enables G(M1) to regulate the voltage-dependent cation channel, Ca(V)2.3, triggering focal calcium transients required for acrosome exocytosis in response to subsequent whole-cell calcium rises. We close with a model integrating functions for lipids in regulating acrosome exocytosis.

A novel explanation for observed CaMKII dynamics in dendritic spines with added EGTA or BAPTA.

We present a simplified reaction network in a single well-mixed volume that captures the general features of CaMKII dynamics observed during both synaptic input and spine depolarization. Our model can also account for the greater-than-control CaMKII activation observed with added EGTA during depolarization. Calcium input currents are modeled after experimental observations, and existing models of calmodulin and CaMKII autophosphorylation are used. After calibration against CaMKII activation data in the absence of chelators, CaMKII activation dynamics due to synaptic input via n-methyl-d-aspartate receptors are qualitatively accounted for in the presence of the chelators EGTA and BAPTA without additional adjustments to the model. To account for CaMKII activation dynamics during spine depolarization with added EGTA or BAPTA, the model invokes the modulation of CaV2.3 (R-type) voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) currents observed in the presence of EGTA or BAPTA. To our knowledge, this is a novel explanation for the increased CaMKII activation seen in dendritic spines with added EGTA, and suggests that differential modulation of VDCCs by EGTA and BAPTA offers an alternative or complementary explanation for other experimental results in which addition of EGTA or BAPTA produces different effects. Our results also show that a simplified reaction network in a single, well-mixed compartment is sufficient to account for the general features of observed CaMKII dynamics.

RalA GTPase tethers insulin granules to L- and R-type calcium channels through binding α2 δ-1 subunit.

RalA GTPase has been implicated in the regulated delivery of exocytotic vesicles to the plasma membrane (PM) in mammalian cells. We had reported that RalA regulates biphasic insulin secretion, which we have now determined to be contributed by RalA direct interaction with voltage-gated calcium (Cav ) channels. RalA knockdown (KD) in INS-1 cells and primary rat ß-cells resulted in a reduction in Ca(2+) currents arising specifically from L-(Cav 1.2 and Cav 1.3) and R-type (Cav 2.3) Ca(2+) channels. Restoration of RalA expression in RalA KD cells rescued these defects in Ca(2+) currents. RalA co-immunoprecipitated with the Cav α2 δ-1 auxiliary subunit known to bind the three Cav s. Moreover, the functional molecular interactions between Cav α2 δ-1 and RalA on the PM shown by total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy/FRET analysis could be induced by glucose stimulation. KD of RalA inhibited trafficking of α2 δ-1 to insulin granules without affecting the localization of the other Cav subunits. Furthermore, we confirmed that RalA and α2 δ-1 functionally interact since RalA KD-induced inhibition of Cav currents could not be recovered by RalA when α2 δ-1 was simultaneously knocked down. These data provide a mechanism for RalA function in insulin secretion, whereby RalA binds α2 δ-1 on insulin granules to tether these granules to PM Ca(2+) channels. This acts as a chaperoning step prior to and in preparation for sequential assembly of exocyst and excitosome complexes that mediate biphasic insulin secretion.

Nickel suppresses the PACAP-induced increase in guinea pig cardiac neuron excitability.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a potent intercellular signaling molecule involved in multiple homeostatic functions. PACAP/PAC1 receptor signaling increases excitability of neurons within the guinea pig cardiac ganglia, making them a unique system to establish mechanisms underlying PACAP modulation of neuronal function. Calcium influx is required for the PACAP-increased cardiac neuron excitability, although the pathway is unknown. This study tested whether PACAP enhancement of calcium influx through either T-type or R-type channels contributed to the modulation of excitability. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated transcripts for Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3 T-type isoforms and R-type Cav2.3 in cardiac neurons. These neurons often exhibit a hyperpolarization-induced rebound depolarization that remains when cesium is present to block hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cationic currents (Ih). The T-type calcium channel inhibitors, nickel (Ni(2+)) or mibefradil, suppressed the rebound depolarization, and treatment with both drugs hyperpolarized cardiac neurons by 2-4 mV. Together, these results are consistent with the presence of functional T-type channels, potentially along with R-type channels, in these cardiac neurons. Fifty micromolar Ni(2+), a concentration that suppresses currents in both T-type and R-type channels, blunted the PACAP-initiated increase in excitability. Ni(2+) also blunted PACAP enhancement of the hyperpolarization-induced rebound depolarization and reversed the PACAP-mediated increase in excitability, after being initiated, in a subset of cells. Lastly, low voltage-activated currents, measured under perforated patch whole cell recording conditions and potentially flowing through T-type or R-type channels, were enhanced by PACAP. Together, our results suggest that a PACAP-enhanced, Ni(2+)-sensitive current contributes to PACAP-induced modulation of neuronal excitability.

Inhibition of CaV2.3 channels by NK1 receptors is sensitive to membrane cholesterol but insensitive to caveolin-1.

Voltage-gated, CaV2.3 calcium channels and neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors are both present in nuclei of the central nervous system. When transiently coexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, CaV2.3 is primarily inhibited during strong, agonist-dependent activation of NK1 receptors. NK1 receptors localize to plasma membrane rafts, and their modulation by Gq/11 protein-coupled signaling is sensitive to plasma membrane cholesterol. Here, we show that inhibition of CaV2.3 by NK1 receptors is attenuated following methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MBCD)-mediated depletion of membrane cholesterol. By contrast, inhibition of CaV2.3 was unaffected by intracellular diffusion of caveolin-1 scaffolding peptide or by overexpression of caveolin-1. Interestingly, MΒCD treatment had no effect on the macroscopic biophysical properties of CaV2.3, though it significantly decreased whole-cell membrane capacitance. Our data indicate that (1) cholesterol supports at least one component of the NK1 receptor-linked signaling pathway that inhibits CaV2.3 and (2) caveolin-1 is dispensable within this pathway. Our findings suggest that NK1 receptors reside within non-caveolar membrane rafts and that CaV2.3 resides nearby but outside the rafts. Raft-dependent modulation of CaV2.3 could be important in the physiological and pathophysiological processes in which these channels participate, including neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, epilepsy, and chronic pain.

Age-dependent contribution of P/Q- and R-type Ca2+ channels to neuromuscular transmission in lethargic mice.

ß-Subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate assembly and membrane localization of the pore-forming α1-subunit and strongly influence channel function. ß4-Subunits normally coassociate with α1A-subunits which comprise P/Q-type (Cav2.1) VGCCs. These control acetylcholine (ACh) release at adult mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The naturally occurring lethargic (lh) mutation of the ß4-subunit in mice causes loss of the α1-binding site, possibly affecting P/Q-type channel expression or function, and thereby ACh release. End-plate potentials and miniature end-plate potentials were recorded at hemidiaphragm NMJs of 5-7-week and 3-5-month-old lh and wild-type (wt) mice. Sensitivity to antagonists of P/Q- [ω-agatoxin IVA (ω-Aga-IVA)], L- (nimodipine), N- (ω-conotoxin GVIA), and R-type [C192H274N52O60S7 (SNX-482)] VGCCs was compared in juvenile and adult lh and wt mice. Quantal content (m) of adult, but not juvenile, lh mice was reduced compared to wt. ω-Aga-IVA (~60%) and SNX-482 (~ 45%) significantly reduced m in adult lh mice. Only Aga-IVA affected wt adults. In juvenile lh mice, ω-Aga-IVA and SNX-482 decreased m by >75% and ~20%, respectively. Neither ω-conotoxin GVIA nor nimodipine affected ACh release in any group. Immunolabeling revealed α1E and α1A, ß1, and ß3 staining at adult lh, but not wt NMJs. Therefore, in lh mice, when the ß-subunit that normally coassociates with α1A to form P/Q channels is missing, P/Q-type channels partner with other ß-subunits. However, overall participation of P/Q-type channels is reduced and compensated for by R-type channels. R-type VGCC participation is age-dependent, but is less effective than P/Q-type at sustaining NMJ function.

Nuclear membrane R-type calcium channels mediate cytosolic ET-1-induced increase of nuclear calcium in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

The objective of this work was to verify whether, as in the case of the plasma membrane of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs), cytosolic ET-1-induced increase of nuclear calcium is mediated via the activation of calcium influx through the steady-state R-type calcium channel. Pharmacological tools to identify the R-type calcium channels, as well as real 3-D confocal microscopy imaging techniques coupled to calcium fluorescent probes, were used to study the effect of cytosolic ET-1 on nuclear calcium in isolated nuclei of human hepatocytes and plasma membrane perforated hVSMCs. Our results showed that pre-treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) or cholera toxin (CTX) prevented cytosolic ET-1 (10(-9) mol/L) from inducing a sustained increase in nuclear calcium. Furthermore, the L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine did not prevent cytosolic ET-1 from inducing an increase in nuclear calcium, as opposed to the dual L- and R-type calcium channel blocker isradipine (PN200-110) (in the presence of nifedipine). In conclusion, the preventative effect with PTX and CTX, and the absence of an effect with nifedipine, as well as the blockade by isradipine on cytosolic ET-1-induced increase in nuclear calcium, suggest that this nuclear calcium influx in hVSMCs is due to activation of the steady-state R-type calcium channel. The sarcolemmal and nuclear membrane R-type calcium channels in hVSMCs are involved in ET-1 modulation of vascular tone in physiology and pathology.