Pharmacology of TRPC Channels and Its Potential in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine.

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins assemble to form homo- or heterotetrameric, nonselective cation channels permeable to K+, Na+, and Ca2+. TRPC channels are thought to act as complex integrators of physical and chemical environmental stimuli. Although the understanding of essential physiological roles of TRPC channels is incomplete, their implication in various pathological mechanisms and conditions of the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system in combination with the lack of major adverse effects of TRPC knockout or TRPC channel inhibition is driving the search of TRPC channel modulators as potential therapeutics. Here, we review the most promising small-molecule TRPC channel modulators, the understanding of their mode of action, and their potential in the study and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Novel Paracrine Action of Endothelium Enhances Glucose Uptake in Muscle and Fat.

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Endothelial IGF-1 receptor mediates crosstalk with the gut wall to regulate microbiota in obesity.

Changes in composition of the intestinal microbiota are linked to the development of obesity and can lead to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. It is unknown whether EC can directly influence the microbiota. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) are critical for coupling nutritional status and cellular growth; IGF-1R is expressed in multiple cell types including EC. The role of ECIGF-1R in the response to nutritional obesity is unexplored. To examine this, we use gene-modified mice with EC-specific overexpression of human IGF-1R (hIGFREO) and their wild-type littermates. After high-fat feeding, hIGFREO weigh less, have reduced adiposity and have improved glucose tolerance. hIGFREO show an altered gene expression and altered microbial diversity in the gut, including a relative increase in the beneficial genus Akkermansia. The depletion of gut microbiota with broad-spectrum antibiotics induces a loss of the favourable metabolic differences seen in hIGFREO mice. We show that IGF-1R facilitates crosstalk between the EC and the gut wall; this crosstalk protects against diet-induced obesity, as a result of an altered gut microbiota.

Elevated ATP, cytokines and potential microglial inflammation distinguish exfoliation glaucoma from exfoliation syndrome.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Exfoliation syndrome (XFN) is a risk factor for exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) which is a secondary open angle glaucoma. XFG is difficult to manage with a worse prognosis. Though 40% of the XFN progress to XFG, there are no predictive markers to identify the susceptible patients. Herein, we analyze clinical data, ATP levels in aqueous humor and cytokines in plasma to identify alteration that help distinguish XFN from XFG. Our results show characteristic clinical features of XFG compared to XFN and controls. Elevated levels of ATP in aqueous humor were observed in XFG compared to XFN and cataract controls while elevated levels of plasma cytokines were observed in XFG compared to XFN, cataract controls and healthy controls. Microglia are immune cells in the retina implicated in glaucoma. TNFα plays a predominant role in microglial inflammation and is implicated in neurodegeneration. Using in vitro N9 microglial cell culture model, we demonstrate that TNFα modulated expression of cytokines and chemotaxis is dependent on P2 receptors like P2X7, P2Y12 and P2Y6. In addition, ATP also induce expression of TNFα which might act as a feed forward loop. The TNFα induced inflammation is dependent on downstream signaling modules like PI3K, JNK and ROS. Taken together, our results show that elevated ATP in aqueous humor, plasma cytokines and inflammation potentially involving microglia distinguish XFG from XFN. Purinergic receptors might be potential therapeutic targets in XFG.

Divergent effects of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Nox2 NADPH oxidase on insulin resistance-related vascular damage.

Insulin resistance leads to excessive endothelial cell (EC) superoxide generation and accelerated atherosclerosis. The principal source of superoxide from the insulin-resistant endothelium is the Nox2 isoform of NADPH oxidase. Here we examine the therapeutic potential of Nox2 inhibition on superoxide generation in saphenous vein ECs (SVECs) from patients with advanced atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes and on vascular function, vascular damage, and lipid deposition in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice with EC-specific insulin resistance (ESMIRO). To examine the effect of genetic inhibition of Nox2, ESMIRO mice deficient in ApoE-/- and Nox2 (ESMIRO/ApoE-/-/Nox2-/y) were generated and compared with ESMIRO/ApoE-/-/Nox2+/y littermates. To examine the effect of pharmacological inhibition of Nox2, we administered gp91dstat or scrambled peptide to ESMIRO/ApoE-/- mice. SVECs from diabetic patients had increased expression of Nox2 protein with concomitant increase in superoxide generation, which could be reduced by the Nox2 inhibitor gp91dstat. After 12 wk Western diet, ESMIRO/ApoE-/-/Nox2-/y mice had reduced EC superoxide generation and greater aortic relaxation to acetylcholine. ESMIRO/ApoE-/-/Nox2-/y mice developed more lipid deposition in the thoraco-abdominal aorta with multiple foci of elastin fragmentation at the level of the aortic sinus and greater expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Gp91dstat reduced EC superoxide and lipid deposition in the thoraco-abdominal aorta of ESMIRO/ApoE-/- mice without causing elastin fragmentation or increased ICAM-1 expression. These results demonstrate that insulin resistance is characterized by increased Nox2-derived vascular superoxide. Complete deletion of Nox2 in mice with EC insulin resistance exacerbates, whereas partial pharmacological Nox2 inhibition protects against, insulin resistance-induced vascular damage.

Selective Enhancement of Insulin Sensitivity in the Endothelium In Vivo Reveals a Novel Proatherosclerotic Signaling Loop.

RATIONALE: In the endothelium, insulin stimulates endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) to generate the antiatherosclerotic signaling radical NO. Insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with reduced NO availability and accelerated atherosclerosis. The effect of enhancing endothelial insulin sensitivity on NO availability is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To answer this question, we generated a mouse with endothelial cell (EC)-specific overexpression of the human insulin receptor (hIRECO) using the Tie2 promoter-enhancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: hIRECO demonstrated significant endothelial dysfunction measured by blunted endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine, which was normalized by a specific Nox2 NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B was increased in hIRECO EC as was Nox2 NADPH oxidase-dependent generation of superoxide, whereas insulin-stimulated and shear stress-stimulated eNOS activations were blunted. Phosphorylation at the inhibitory residue Y657 of eNOS and expression of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 that phosphorylates this residue were significantly higher in hIRECO EC. Inhibition of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 improved insulin-induced and shear stress-induced eNOS activation in hIRECO EC. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing insulin sensitivity specifically in EC leads to a paradoxical decline in endothelial function, mediated by increased tyrosine phosphorylation of eNOS and excess Nox2-derived superoxide. Increased EC insulin sensitivity leads to a proatherosclerotic imbalance between NO and superoxide. Inhibition of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 restores insulin-induced and shear stress-induced NO production. This study demonstrates for the first time that increased endothelial insulin sensitivity leads to a proatherosclerotic imbalance between NO and superoxide.

Restoring Akt1 activity in outgrowth endothelial cells from South Asian men rescues vascular reparative potential.

Recent data suggest reduced indices of vascular repair in South Asian men, a group at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC) represent an attractive tool to study vascular repair in humans and may offer potential in cell-based repair therapies. We aimed to define and manipulate potential mechanisms of impaired vascular repair in South Asian (SA) men. In vitro and in vivo assays of vascular repair and angiogenesis were performed using OEC derived from SA men and matched European controls, prior defining potentially causal molecular mechanisms. SA OEC exhibited impaired colony formation, migration, and in vitro angiogenesis, associated with decreased expression of the proangiogenic molecules Akt1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Transfusion of European OEC into immunodeficient mice after wire-induced femoral artery injury augmented re-endothelialization, in contrast with SA OEC and vehicle; SA OEC also failed to promote angiogenesis after induction of hind limb ischemia. Expression of constitutively active Akt1 (E17KAkt), but not green fluorescent protein control, in SA OEC increased in vitro angiogenesis, which was abrogated by a NOS antagonist. Moreover, E17KAkt expressing SA OEC promoted re-endothelialization of wire-injured femoral arteries, and perfusion recovery of ischemic limbs, to a magnitude comparable with nonmanipulated European OEC. Silencing Akt1 in European OEC recapitulated the functional deficits noted in SA OEC. Reduced signaling via the Akt/eNOS axis is causally linked with impaired OEC-mediated vascular repair in South Asian men. These data prove the principle of rescuing marked reparative dysfunction in OEC derived from these men.

Haploinsufficiency of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor enhances endothelial repair and favorably modifies angiogenic progenitor cell phenotype.

OBJECTIVES: Defective endothelial regeneration predisposes to adverse arterial remodeling and is thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We recently demonstrated that the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) is a negative regulator of insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide bioavailability. In this report, we examined partial deletion of the IGF1R as a potential strategy to enhance endothelial repair. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We assessed endothelial regeneration after wire injury in mice and abundance and function of angiogenic progenitor cells in mice with haploinsufficiency of the IGF1R (IGF1R(+/-)). Endothelial regeneration after arterial injury was accelerated in IGF1R(+/-) mice. Although the yield of angiogenic progenitor cells was lower in IGF1R(+/-) mice, these angiogenic progenitor cells displayed enhanced adhesion, increased secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1, and enhanced angiogenic capacity. To examine the relevance of IGF1R manipulation to cell-based therapy, we transfused IGF1R(+/-) bone marrow-derived CD117(+) cells into wild-type mice. IGF1R(+/-) cells accelerated endothelial regeneration after arterial injury compared with wild-type cells and did not alter atherosclerotic lesion formation. CONCLUSIONS: Haploinsufficiency of the IGF1R is associated with accelerated endothelial regeneration in vivo and enhanced tube forming and adhesive potential of angiogenic progenitor cells in vitro. Partial deletion of IGF1R in transfused bone marrow-derived CD117(+) cells enhanced their capacity to promote endothelial regeneration without altering atherosclerosis. Our data suggest that manipulation of the IGF1R could be exploited as novel therapeutic approach to enhance repair of the arterial wall after injury.

Constitutively active TRPC channels of adipocytes confer a mechanism for sensing dietary fatty acids and regulating adiponectin.

RATIONALE: Calcium entry is pivotal in the heart and blood vessels, but its significance and mechanisms in adipose tissue are largely unknown. An important factor produced by adipocytes is adiponectin, which confers myocardial protection, insulin-sensitization, and antiatherosclerotic effects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relevance of calcium channels to adipocytes and the production of adiponectin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Microarray analysis led to identification of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)1 and TRPC5 as channel subunits that are induced when adipocytes mature. Both subunits were found in perivascular fat of patients with atherosclerosis. Intracellular calcium and patch-clamp measurements showed that adipocytes exhibit constitutively active calcium-permeable nonselective cationic channels that depend on TRPC1 and TRPC5. The activity could be enhanced by lanthanum or rosiglitazone, known stimulators of TRPC5 and TRPC5-containing channels. Screening identified lipid modulators of the channels that are relevant to adipose biology. Dietary ω-3 fatty acids (eg, α-linolenic acid) were inhibitory at concentrations that are achieved by ingestion. The adipocyte TRPC1/TRPC5-containing channel was functionally negative for the generation of adiponectin because channel blockade by antibodies, knock-down of TRPC1-TRPC5 in vitro, or conditional disruption of calcium permeability in TRPC5-incorporating channels in vivo increased the generation of adiponectin. The previously recognized capability of α-linolenic acid to stimulate the generation of adiponectin was lost when calcium permeability in the channels was disrupted. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that TRPC1 and TRPC5 contribute a constitutively active heteromultimeric channel of adipocytes that negatively regulates adiponectin and through which ω-3 fatty acids enhance the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin.

TRPC channel activation by extracellular thioredoxin.

Mammalian homologues of Drosophila melanogaster transient receptor potential (TRP) are a large family of multimeric cation channels that act, or putatively act, as sensors of one or more chemical factor. Major research objectives are the identification of endogenous activators and the determination of cellular and tissue functions of these channels. Here we show the activation of TRPC5 (canonical TRP 5) homomultimeric and TRPC5-TRPC1 heteromultimeric channels by extracellular reduced thioredoxin, which acts by breaking a disulphide bridge in the predicted extracellular loop adjacent to the ion-selectivity filter of TRPC5. Thioredoxin is an endogenous redox protein with established intracellular functions, but it is also secreted and its extracellular targets are largely unknown. Particularly high extracellular concentrations of thioredoxin are apparent in rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease that disables millions of people worldwide. We show that TRPC5 and TRPC1 are expressed in secretory fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, that endogenous TRPC5-TRPC1 channels of the cells are activated by reduced thioredoxin, and that blockade of the channels enhances secretory activity and prevents the suppression of secretion by thioredoxin. The data indicate the presence of a previously unrecognized ion-channel activation mechanism that couples extracellular thioredoxin to cell function.

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue.

Microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) have many critical roles, including control of vascular tone, regulation of thrombosis, and angiogenesis. Significant heterogeneity in endothelial cell (EC) genotype and phenotype depends on their vascular bed and host disease state. The ability to isolate MVECs from tissue-specific vascular beds and individual patient groups offers the opportunity to directly compare MVEC function in different disease states. Here, using subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) taken at the time of insertion of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), we describe a method for the isolation of a pure population of functional human subcutaneous adipose tissue MVEC (hSATMVEC) and an experimental model of hSATMVEC-adipocyte cross-talk. hSATMVEC were isolated following enzymatic digestion of SAT by incubation with anti-CD31 antibody-coated magnetic beads and passage through magnetic columns. hSATMVEC were grown and passaged on gelatin-coated plates. Experiments used cells at passages 2-4. Cells maintained classic features of EC morphology until at least passage 5. Flow cytometric assessment showed 99.5% purity of isolated hSATMVEC, defined as CD31+/CD144+/CD45-. Isolated hSATMVEC from controls had a population doubling time of approximately 57 h, and active proliferation was confirmed using a cell proliferation imaging kit. Isolated hSATMVEC function was assessed using their response to insulin stimulation and angiogenic tube-forming potential. We then established an hSATMVEC-subcutaneous adipocyte co-culture model to study cellular cross-talk and demonstrated a downstream effect of hSATMVEC on adipocyte function. hSATMVEC can be isolated from SAT taken at the time of CIED insertion and are of sufficient purity to both experimentally phenotype and study hSATMVEC-adipocyte cross-talk.

Pregnenolone sulphate- and cholesterol-regulated TRPM3 channels coupled to vascular smooth muscle secretion and contraction.

RATIONALE: Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM)3 is a calcium-permeable ion channel activated by the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate and positively coupled to insulin secretion in beta cells. Although vascular TRPM3 mRNA has been reported, there is no knowledge of TRPM3 protein or its regulation and function in the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relevance and regulation of TRPM3 in vascular biology. METHODS AND RESULTS: TRPM3 expression was detected at mRNA and protein levels in contractile and proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells. Calcium entry evoked by pregnenolone sulfate or sphingosine was suppressed by TRPM3 blocking antibody or knock-down of TRPM3 by RNA interference. Low-level constitutive TRPM3 activity was also detected. In proliferating cells, channel activity was coupled negatively to interleukin-6 secretion via a calcium-dependent mechanism. In freshly isolated aorta, TRPM3 positively modulated contractile responses independently of L-type calcium channels. Concentrations of pregnenolone sulfate required to evoke responses were higher than the known plasma concentrations of the steroids, leading to a screen for other stimulators. beta-Cyclodextrin was one of few stimulators of TRPM3, revealing the channels to be partially suppressed by endogenous cholesterol, the precursor of pregnenolone. Elevation of cholesterol further suppressed channel activity and loading with cholesterol to generate foam cells precluded observation of TRPM3 activity. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest functional relevance of TRPM3 in contractile and proliferating phenotypes of vascular smooth muscle cells, significance of constitutive channel activity, regulation by cholesterol, and potential value of pregnenolone sulfate in therapeutic vascular modulation.

Endothelial Piezo1 sustains muscle capillary density and contributes to physical activity.

Piezo1 forms mechanically activated nonselective cation channels that contribute to endothelial response to fluid flow. Here we reveal an important role in the control of capillary density. Conditional endothelial cell-specific deletion of Piezo1 in adult mice depressed physical performance. Muscle microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis and capillary rarefaction were evident and sufficient to account for the effect on performance. There was selective upregulation of thrombospondin-2 (TSP2), an inducer of endothelial cell apoptosis, with no effect on TSP1, a related important player in muscle physiology. TSP2 was poorly expressed in muscle endothelial cells but robustly expressed in muscle pericytes, in which nitric oxide (NO) repressed the Tsp2 gene without an effect on Tsp1. In endothelial cells, Piezo1 was required for normal expression of endothelial NO synthase. The data suggest an endothelial cell-pericyte partnership of muscle in which endothelial Piezo1 senses blood flow to sustain capillary density and thereby maintain physical capability.

Cixutumumab reveals a critical role for IGF-1 in adipose and hepatic tissue remodelling during the development of diet-induced obesity.

High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity leads to perturbation in the storage function of white adipose tissue (WAT) resulting in deposition of lipids in tissues ill-equipped to deal with this challenge. The role of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the systemic and organ-specific responses to HFD is unclear. Using cixutumumab, a monoclonal antibody that internalizes and degrades cell surface IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1 R), leaving insulin receptor expression unchanged we aimed to establish the role of IGF-1 R in the response to a HFD. Mice treated with cixutumumab fed standard chow developed mild hyperinsulinemia with no change in WAT. When challenged by HFD mice treated with cixutumumab had reduced weight gain, reduced WAT expansion, and reduced hepatic lipid vacuole formation. In HFD-fed mice, cixutumumab led to reduced levels of genes encoding proteins important in fatty acid metabolism in WAT and liver. Cixutumumab protected against blunting of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in liver of HFD fed mice. These data reveal an important role for IGF-1 R in the WAT and hepatic response to short-term nutrient excess. IGF-1 R inhibition during HFD leads to a lipodystrophic phenotype with a failure of WAT lipid storage and protection from HFD-induced hepatic insulin resistance.

Rapid and contrasting effects of rosiglitazone on transient receptor potential TRPM3 and TRPC5 channels.

The aim of this study was to generate new insight into chemical regulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels with relevance to glucose homeostasis and the metabolic syndrome. Human TRP melastatin 2 (TRPM2), TRPM3, and TRP canonical 5 (TRPC5) were conditionally overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and studied by using calcium-measurement and patch-clamp techniques. Rosiglitazone and other peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists were investigated. TRPM2 was unaffected by rosiglitazone at concentrations up to 10 µM but was inhibited completely at higher concentrations (IC(50), ∼22.5 µM). TRPM3 was more potently inhibited, with effects occurring in a biphasic concentration-dependent manner such that there was approximately 20% inhibition at low concentrations (0.1-1 µM) and full inhibition at higher concentrations (IC(50), 5-10 µM). PPAR-γ antagonism by 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide (GW9662) did not prevent inhibition of TRPM3 by rosiglitazone. TRPC5 was strongly stimulated by rosiglitazone at concentrations of ≥10 µM (EC(50), ∼30 µM). Effects on TRPM3 and TRPC5 occurred rapidly and reversibly. Troglitazone and pioglitazone inhibited TRPM3 (IC(50), 12 µM) but lacked effect on TRPC5, suggesting no relevance of PPAR-γ or the thiazolidinedione moiety to rosiglitazone stimulation of TRPC5. A rosiglitazone-related but nonthiazolidinedione PPAR-γ agonist, N-(2-benzoylphenyl)-O-[2-(methyl-2-pyridinylamino)ethyl]-l-tyrosine (GW1929), was a weak stimulator of TRPM3 and TRPC5. The natural PPAR-γ agonist 15-deoxy prostaglandin J(2), had no effect on TRPM3 or TRPC5. The data suggest that rosiglitazone contains chemical moieties that rapidly, strongly, and differentially modulate TRP channels independently of PPAR-γ, potentially contributing to biological consequences of the agent and providing the basis for novel TRP channel pharmacology.

Elevated dimethylarginine, ATP, cytokines, metabolic remodeling involving tryptophan metabolism and potential microglial inflammation characterize primary open angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma of which primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) constitutes 75%, is the second leading cause of blindness. Elevated intra ocular pressure and Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) dysfunction are hallmarks of POAG. We analyzed clinical data, cytokine profile, ATP level, metabolomics and GEO datasets to identify features unique to POAG. N9 microglial cells are used to gain mechanistic insights. Our POAG cohort showed elevated ATP in aqueous humor and cytokines in plasma. Metabolomic analysis showed changes in 21 metabolites including Dimethylarginine (DMAG) and activation of tryptophan metabolism in POAG. Analysis of GEO data sets and previously published proteomic data sets bins genes into signaling and metabolic pathways. Pathways from reanalyzed metabolomic data from literature significantly overlapped with those from our POAG data. DMAG modulated purinergic signaling, ATP secretion and cytokine expression were inhibited by N-Ethylmaleimide, NO donors, BAPTA and purinergic receptor inhibitors. ATP induced elevated intracellular calcium level and cytokines expression were inhibited by BAPTA. Metabolomics of cell culture supernatant from ATP treated sets showed metabolic deregulation and activation of tryptophan metabolism. DMAG and ATP induced IDO1/2 and TDO2 were inhibited by N-Ethylmaleimide, sodium nitroprusside and BAPTA. Our data obtained from clinical samples and cell culture studies reveal a strong association of elevated DMAG, ATP, cytokines and activation of tryptophan metabolism with POAG. DMAG mediated ATP signaling, inflammation and metabolic remodeling in microglia might have implications in management of POAG.

Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channels link cellular respiration to proliferation through a non-conducting mechanism.

Cellular energy metabolism is fundamental for all biological functions. Cellular proliferation requires extensive metabolic reprogramming and has a high energy demand. The Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel drives cellular proliferation. Kv1.3 channels localise to mitochondria. Using high-resolution respirometry, we show Kv1.3 channels increase oxidative phosphorylation, independently of redox balance, mitochondrial membrane potential or calcium signalling. Kv1.3-induced respiration increased reactive oxygen species production. Reducing reactive oxygen concentrations inhibited Kv1.3-induced proliferation. Selective Kv1.3 mutation identified that channel-induced respiration required an intact voltage sensor and C-terminal ERK1/2 phosphorylation site, but is channel pore independent. We show Kv1.3 channels regulate respiration through a non-conducting mechanism to generate reactive oxygen species which drive proliferation. This study identifies a Kv1.3-mediated mechanism underlying the metabolic regulation of proliferation, which may provide a therapeutic target for diseases characterised by dysfunctional proliferation and cell growth.

Pericyte Insulin Receptors Modulate Retinal Vascular Remodeling and Endothelial Angiopoietin Signaling.

Pericytes regulate vascular development, stability, and quiescence; their dysfunction contributes to diabetic retinopathy. To explore the role of insulin receptors in pericyte biology, we created pericyte insulin receptor knockout mice (PIRKO) by crossing PDGFRß-Cre mice with insulin receptor (Insr) floxed mice. Their neonatal retinal vasculature exhibited perivenous hypervascularity with venular dilatation, plus increased angiogenic sprouting in superficial and deep layers. Pericyte coverage of capillaries was unaltered in perivenous and periarterial plexi, and no differences in vascular regression or endothelial proliferation were apparent. Isolated brain pericytes from PIRKO had decreased angiopoietin-1 mRNA, whereas retinal and lung angiopoietin-2 mRNA was increased. Endothelial phospho-Tie2 staining was diminished and FoxO1 was more frequently nuclear localized in the perivenous plexus of PIRKO, in keeping with reduced angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling. Silencing of Insr in human brain pericytes led to reduced insulin-stimulated angiopoietin-1 secretion, and conditioned media from these cells was less able to induce Tie2 phosphorylation in human endothelial cells. Hence, insulin signaling in pericytes promotes angiopoietin-1 secretion and endothelial Tie2 signaling and perturbation of this leads to excessive vascular sprouting and venous plexus abnormalities. This phenotype mimics elements of diabetic retinopathy, and future work should evaluate pericyte insulin signaling in this disease.

Nitric oxide lacks direct effect on TRPC5 channels but suppresses endogenous TRPC5-containing channels in endothelial cells.

TRPC5 is a member of the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) family of proteins that forms cationic channels either through homomultimeric assembly or heteromultimeric coordination with other TRPC proteins. It is expressed in a variety of cells including central neurones and endothelial cells and has susceptibility to stimulation by multiple factors. Here we investigated if TRPC5 is sensitive to nitric oxide. Mouse TRPC5 or human TRPC5 was over-expressed in HEK293 cells, and TRPC5 activity was determined by measuring the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration with an indicator dye or by recording membrane current under voltage clamp. TRPC5 activity could be evoked by carbachol acting at muscarinic receptors, lanthanum, or a reducing agent. However, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and diethylamine NONOate (DEA-NONOate) failed to stimulate or inhibit TRPC5 at concentrations that generated nitric oxide, caused vasorelaxation, or suppressed activity of TRPC6 via protein kinase G. At high concentrations, SNAP (but not DEA-NONOate) occasionally stimulated TRPC5 but the effect was confounded by background TRPC5-independent Ca(2+) signals. Endogenous Ca(2+)-entry in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was suppressed by SNAP; TRPC5 blocking antibody or dominant-negative mutant TRPC5 suppressed this Ca(2+) entry and occluded the effect of SNAP. The data suggest that nitric oxide is not a direct modulator of homomeric TRPC5 channels but may inhibit endogenous BAEC channels that contain TRPC5.

Stimulation of TRPC5 cationic channels by low micromolar concentrations of lead ions (Pb2+).

Lead toxicity is long-recognised but continues to be a major public health problem. Its effects are wide-ranging and include induction of hyper-anxiety states. In general it is thought to act by interfering with Ca(2+) signalling but specific targets are not clearly identified. Transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) is a Ca(2+)-permeable ion channel that is linked positively to innate fear responses and unusual amongst ion channels in being stimulated by trivalent lanthanides, which include gadolinium. Here we show investigation of the effect of lead, which is a divalent ion (Pb(2+)). Intracellular Ca(2+) and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on HEK 293 cells conditionally over-expressing TRPC5 or other TRP channels. Extracellular application of Pb(2+) stimulated TRPC5 at concentrations greater than 1 microM. Control cells without TRPC5 showed little or no response to Pb(2+) and expression of other TRP channels (TRPM2 or TRPM3) revealed partial inhibition by 10 microM Pb(2+). The stimulatory effect on TRPC5 depended on an extracellular residue (E543) near the ion pore: similar to gadolinium action, E543Q TRPC5 was resistant to Pb(2+) but showed normal stimulation by the receptor agonist sphingosine-1-phosphate. The study shows that Pb(2+) is a relatively potent stimulator of the TRPC5 channel, generating the hypothesis that a function of the channel is to sense metal ion poisoning.