Design, Synthesis, Evaluation of Antitubercular Activity and Insilco Studies of Novel 1,5-Naphthyridin-2(1H)-one Pendent 1,2,3-Triazoles.

A library of 1,5-Naphthyridin-2(1H)-one based 1,2,3-triazole analogues (11a-q) were synthesized via series of reactions such as protection, oxidation, cyclization and click chemistry. The new molecules were tested for their antitubercular activity against M. tuberculosis mc26230 and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) employing Rifampicin as reference. The 3-cyano and 4-cyano substituted analogues 11e and 11f displayed superior activity with an MIC value of 4.0 µg/ml. Additionally, these potent molecules were tested for determination of their MBC values and ATP depletion assay showed a hopeful relative luminescence. Additionally, determined the MIC of 11e and 11f against multi-drug resistant strains of M. Tuberculosis viz.mc2 8243, mc2 8247 and mc2 8259. The cytotoxicity of these two molecules presented no effects on normal cell. The profound results of these two molecules proved them as potential antitubercular agent. Further, molecular docking studies were portrayed against crystal structure of M. Tuberculosis dihydrofolate reductase which garnered promising docking scores and binding interactions such as H-bond and hydrophobic. ADME prediction revealed their favorable drug-likeness characteristics.

Metabolic predictors of COVID-19 mortality and severity: a survival analysis.

Introduction: The global healthcare burden of COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented with a high mortality. Metabolomics, a powerful technique, has been increasingly utilized to study the host response to infections and to understand the progression of multi-system disorders such as COVID-19. Analysis of the host metabolites in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection can provide a snapshot of the endogenous metabolic landscape of the host and its role in shaping the interaction with SARS-CoV-2. Disease severity and consequently the clinical outcomes may be associated with a metabolic imbalance related to amino acids, lipids, and energy-generating pathways. Hence, the host metabolome can help predict potential clinical risks and outcomes. Methods: In this prospective study, using a targeted metabolomics approach, we studied the metabolic signature in 154 COVID-19 patients (males=138, age range 48-69 yrs) and related it to disease severity and mortality. Blood plasma concentrations of metabolites were quantified through LC-MS using MxP Quant 500 kit, which has a coverage of 630 metabolites from 26 biochemical classes including distinct classes of lipids and small organic molecules. We then employed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to investigate the correlation between various metabolic markers, disease severity and patient outcomes. Results: A comparison of survival outcomes between individuals with high levels of various metabolites (amino acids, tryptophan, kynurenine, serotonin, creatine, SDMA, ADMA, 1-MH and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and 2 enzymes) and those with low levels revealed statistically significant differences in survival outcomes. We further used four key metabolic markers (tryptophan, kynurenine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and 1-Methylhistidine) to develop a COVID-19 mortality risk model through the application of multiple machine-learning methods. Conclusions: Metabolomics analysis revealed distinct metabolic signatures among different severity groups, reflecting discernible alterations in amino acid levels and perturbations in tryptophan metabolism. Notably, critical patients exhibited higher levels of short chain acylcarnitines, concomitant with higher concentrations of SDMA, ADMA, and 1-MH in severe cases and non-survivors. Conversely, levels of 3-methylhistidine were lower in this context.

IP3 receptors: An "elementary" journey from structure to signals.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are large tetrameric channels which sit mostly in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mediate Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in response to extracellular stimuli in almost all cells. Dual regulation of IP3Rs by IP3 and Ca2+ itself, upstream "licensing", and the arrangement of IP3Rs into small clusters in the ER membrane, allow IP3Rs to generate spatially and temporally diverse Ca2+ signals. The characteristic biphasic regulation of IP3Rs by cytosolic Ca2+ concentration underpins regenerative Ca2+ signals by Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release, while also preventing uncontrolled explosive Ca2+ release. In this way, cells can harness a simple ion such as Ca2+ as a near-universal intracellular messenger to regulate diverse cellular functions, including those with conflicting outcomes such as cell survival and cell death. High-resolution structures of the IP3R bound to IP3 and Ca2+ in different combinations have together started to unravel the workings of this giant channel. Here we discuss, in the context of recently published structures, how the tight regulation of IP3Rs and their cellular geography lead to generation of "elementary" local Ca2+ signals known as Ca2+ "puffs", which form the fundamental bottleneck through which all IP3-mediated cytosolic Ca2+ signals must first pass.

Characterization of complex fluvial-deltaic deposits in Northeast India using Poisson impedance inversion and non-parametric statistical technique.

Characterizing complex fluvial-deltaic deposits is a challenging task for finding hydrocarbon discoveries. We described a methodology for predicting the hydrocarbon zones from complex well-log and prestack seismic data. In this current study, data analysis involves an integrated framework based on Simultaneous prestack seismic inversion (SPSI), target correlation coefficient analysis (TCCA), Poisson impedance inversion, and non-parametric statistical analysis, and Bayesian classification. First, seismic elastic attributes from prestack seismic data were estimated. They can provide the spatial distribution of petrophysical properties of seismic data. Then target correlation coefficient analysis (TCCA) was estimated roration factor "c" from well-log data. Using the seismic elastic attributes and rotation factor "c", Poisson impedance inversion was performed to predict the Poisson impedance volume. Finally, Bayesian classification integrated the Poisson impedance volume with non-parametric probabilistic density functions (PDFs) to estimate the spatial distribution of lithofacies. Despite complex characteristics in the elastic properties, the current study successfully delineated the complex fluvial-details deposits. These results were verified with conventional findings through numerical analysis.

Reducing the Neurotrauma Burden in India-A National Mobilization.

India has one of the highest TBI burdens due to road traffic accidents (RTAs), with 60% of head injuries being attributable to RTA and more than 150,000 lives being lost annually due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). These numbers have prompted institutions and organizations at international, national, and local levels to mobilize and address this burden through prevention, prehospital care, and in hospital care. Academic institutions such as Andhra Medical College have run local campaigns promoting the wearing of helmets when riding 2-wheelers. Prehospital care institutions such as Gunupati Venkata Krishna - Emergency Management and Research Institute have also made large strides nationally on delivering safe and timely care through novel and focused education to its emergency medical technicians, applying evidence-based practice to all facets of its work. These changes led to implementation of novel and innovative technological solutions for faster and more efficient responses. National institutions such as the Neurological Society of India (NSI) and Neurotrauma Society of India (NTSI) have been instrumental in promoting safety measures such as use of helmets and seatbelts through social media videos, often using celebrities to disseminate the message. NSI have also focused on sharing best practices for the management of TBI through easy-to-use platforms such as YouTube. Institutions such as American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, NSI, and NTSI have collaboratively developed TBI management guidelines that are specific to the Indian population (supported by American Association of South Asian Neurosurgeons). Non-governmental organizations such as the Indian Head Injury Foundation and Save Life Foundation have contributed to this movement by promoting awareness through campaigns and public education. While TBI remains a large burden in India, a mobilization and coalesced efforts of such a scale holds promise for tackling this burden.

Co-encapsulated nanoparticles of Erlotinib and Quercetin for targeting lung cancer through nuclear EGFR and PI3K/AKT inhibition.

Erlotinib-based EGFR targeted therapy has proven significant clinical improvement against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the anticancer activity of Erlotinib (Ertb) is limited by the development of Ertb resistance and possess a challenge to clinicians and patients. To explore a better therapeutic strategy, we evaluated Ertb in combinations with different natural products. We identified that Ertb and Quercetin (Quer) combination is more synergistic against A549 and NCI H460 cells compared to Ertb with Fisetin/Carnosic acid/Luteolin. To further improve the efficacy and overcome the limitation of free therapeutics, Ertb and Quer loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (EQNPs) were prepared using Chitosan-MA-TPGS polymer by hot homogenization method. The drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) have shown high encapsulation efficiency (77% Ertb and 71.4% Quer) as well as small particle size of 87.3 ± 0.78 nm and positive zeta potential + 13.4 ± 1.12 mV. At pH 5.5, Ertb and Quer were released at their highest levels. We found that, EQNPs decreased the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and nuclear epidermal growth factor receptor (nEGFR). EQNPs increased the uptake of Ertb and Quer, and apoptosis induction in Ertb resistant A549/ER cells. Further, in vivo EQNPs formulation have shown increased uptake of nanoparticles in the lung tissue and significantly reduced the expression of nEGFR. Thus, EQNPs may be developed as a targeted medicine with minimum side effects for treatment of NSCLC to improve the quality of life and survival of NSCLC patients.

KRAP tethers IP3 receptors to actin and licenses them to evoke cytosolic Ca2+ signals.

Regulation of IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) by IP3 and Ca2+ allows regenerative Ca2+ signals, the smallest being Ca2+ puffs, which arise from coordinated openings of a few clustered IP3Rs. Cells express thousands of mostly mobile IP3Rs, yet Ca2+ puffs occur at a few immobile IP3R clusters. By imaging cells with endogenous IP3Rs tagged with EGFP, we show that KRas-induced actin-interacting protein (KRAP) tethers IP3Rs to actin beneath the plasma membrane. Loss of KRAP abolishes Ca2+ puffs and the global increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration evoked by more intense stimulation. Over-expressing KRAP immobilizes additional IP3R clusters and results in more Ca2+ puffs and larger global Ca2+ signals. Endogenous KRAP determines which IP3Rs will respond: it tethers IP3R clusters to actin alongside sites where store-operated Ca2+ entry occurs, licenses IP3Rs to evoke Ca2+ puffs and global cytosolic Ca2+ signals, implicates the actin cytoskeleton in IP3R regulation and may allow local activation of Ca2+ entry.

A facile and metal-free domino reaction of TsDAM and 2-alkenylarylaldehyde: An easy access to 8-hydroxy-2,8-dihydro indeno [2,1-c]pyrazoles.

An efficient straightforward metal free domino approach was developed for the synthesis of various 8-hydroxy-2,8-dihydroindeno[2,1-c]pyrazoles via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of substituted alkenes and TsDAM (TosylDiAzoMethane). The salient features of this protocol include high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, greener solvent, metal-free reaction, scalability and broad substrate scope along with high regioselectivity and yields.

The store-operated Ca2+ entry complex comprises a small cluster of STIM1 associated with one Orai1 channel.

Increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration regulate diverse cellular activities and are usually evoked by opening of Ca2+ channels in intracellular Ca2+ stores and the plasma membrane (PM). For the many signals that evoke formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), IP3 receptors coordinate the contributions of these two Ca2+ sources by mediating Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Loss of Ca2+ from the ER then activates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) by causing dimers of STIM1 to cluster and unfurl cytosolic domains that interact with the PM Ca2+ channel, Orai1, causing its pore to open. The relative concentrations of STIM1 and Orai1 are important, but most analyses of their interactions use overexpressed proteins that perturb the stoichiometry. We tagged endogenous STIM1 with EGFP using CRISPR/Cas9. SOCE evoked by loss of ER Ca2+ was unaffected by the tag. Step-photobleaching analysis of cells with empty Ca2+ stores revealed an average of 14.5 STIM1 molecules within each sub-PM punctum. The fluorescence intensity distributions of immunostained Orai1 puncta were minimally affected by store depletion, and similar for Orai1 colocalized with STIM1 puncta or remote from them. We conclude that each native SOCE complex is likely to include only a few STIM1 dimers associated with a single Orai1 channel. Our results, demonstrating that STIM1 does not assemble clusters of interacting Orai channels, suggest mechanisms for digital regulation of SOCE by local depletion of the ER.

Design and synthesis of ß-carboline linked aryl sulfonyl piperazine derivatives: DNA topoisomerase II inhibition with DNA binding and apoptosis inducing ability.

A series of new ß-carboline linked aryl sulfonyl piperazine congeners have been synthesized by coupling various ß-carboline acids with substituted aryl sulfonyl piperazines. Evaluation of their anticancer activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines such as colon (HT-29), breast (MDA-MB-231), bone osteosarcoma (MG-63), brain (U87 MG), prostate (PC- 3) and normal monkey kidney (Vero) cell line has been done. Among the series, compound 8ec and 8ed has shown most potent cytotoxicity with an IC50 values of 2.80 ± 0.10 µM and 0.59 ± 0.28 µM respectively against MG-63 cell line and also potent on other cell lines tested. Compounds 8ec and 8ed was found to inhibit Topo II that is confirmed by specific Topo II inhibition assay. DNA binding studies, cell cycle analysis, Annexin V study indicate that these compounds has potential anticancer activity. Molecular docking studies for compound 8ec and 8ed are incorporated to understand the nature of interaction with topoisomerase IIα and dsDNA.

Vitamin D and Its Potential Interplay With Pain Signaling Pathways.

About 50 million of the U.S. adult population suffer from chronic pain. It is a complex disease in its own right for which currently available analgesics have been deemed woefully inadequate since ~20% of the sufferers derive no benefit. Vitamin D, known for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, is thought to be of clinical benefit in treating chronic pain without the side-effects of currently available analgesics. A strong correlation between hypovitaminosis D and incidence of bone pain is known. However, the potential underlying mechanisms by which vitamin D might exert its analgesic effects are poorly understood. In this review, we discuss pathways involved in pain sensing and processing primarily at the level of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the potential interplay between vitamin D, its receptor (VDR) and known specific pain signaling pathways including nerve growth factor (NGF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and opioid receptors. We also discuss how vitamin D/VDR might influence immune cells and pain sensitization as well as review the increasingly important topic of vitamin D toxicity. Further in vitro and in vivo experimental studies will be required to study these potential interactions specifically in pain models. Such studies could highlight the potential usefulness of vitamin D either alone or in combination with existing analgesics to better treat chronic pain.

Regioselective Ring Expansion of 3-Ylideneoxindoles with Tosyldiazomethane (TsDAM): A Metal-Free and Greener Approach for the Synthesis of Pyrazolo-[1,5-c]quinazolines.

An efficient, metal-free approach to access pyrazolo-[1,5-c]quinazolines with 3-ylideneoxindoles and tosyldiazomethane (TsDAM) under mild aqueous reaction conditions has been developed and the solvent involvement in the present reaction has also been explored for the first time. This greener approach involves 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, regioselective ring expansion, followed by the elimination of tosyl group with aqueous base in a single operation, and the product can be isolated in high purity without column chromatographic separation. The method is also compatible with a large variety of functional groups, providing good to excellent yields in water, thus resulting in a decrease of environmental impact in the pharmaceutical industry.

Novel diindoloazepinone derivatives as DNA minor groove binding agents with selective topoisomerase I inhibition: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies.

We present here-in the molecular design and chemical synthesis of a novel series of diindoloazepinone derivatives as DNA minor groove binding agents with selective topoisomerase I inhibition. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against four human cancer cell lines including DU143, HEPG2, RKO and A549 in addition to non-cancerous immortalized human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). Compound 11 showed significant cytotoxicity against all the four human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 4.2 to 6.59 µM. 11 was also found to display 13-fold selective cytotoxicity towards A549 cancerous cells compared to the non-cancerous cell lines (HEK-293). The decatenation, DNA relaxation and intercalation assays revealed that the investigational compounds 10 and 11 act as highly selective inhibitors of Topo-I with DNA minor groove binding ability which was also supported by the results obtained from circular dichroism (CD), UV-visible spectroscopy and viscosity studies. Apoptosis induced by the lead 11 was observed using morphological observations, AO/EB and DAPI staining procedures. Further, dose-dependent increase in the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane was also observed through JC-1 staining. Annexin V-FITC/PI assay confirmed that 11 induced early apoptosis. Additionally, cell cycle analysis indicated that the cells were arrested at sub-G1 phase. Gratifyingly, in silico studies demonstrated promising interactions of 11 with the DNA and Topo I, thus supporting their potential DNA minor groove binding property with relatively selective Topo I inhibition compared to Topo II.

Discovery of certain benzyl/phenethyl thiazolidinone-indole hybrids as potential anti-proliferative agents: Synthesis, molecular modeling and tubulin polymerization inhibition study.

A series of certain benzyl/phenethyl thiazolidinone-indole hybrids were synthesized for the study of anti-proliferative activity against A549, NCI-H460 (lung cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), HCT-29 and HCT-15 (colon cancer) cell lines by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). We found that compound G37 displayed highest cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 0.92 ±â€¯0.12 µM towards HCT-15 cancer cell line among all the synthesized compounds. Moreover, compound G37 was also tested on normal human lung epithelial cells (L132) and was found to be safe in contrast to HCT-15 cells. The lead compound G37 showed significant G2/M phase arrest in HCT-15 cells. Additionally, compound G37 significantly inhibited tubulin polymerization with IC50 value of 2.92 ±â€¯0.23 µM. Mechanistic studies such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, DAPI nuclear staining, annexinV/propidium iodide dual staining, clonogenic growth inhibition assays inferred that compound G37 induced apoptotic cell death in HCT-15 cells. Moreover, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with elevated intracellular ROS levels was observed by compound G37. These compounds bind at the active pocket of the α/ß-tubulin with higher number of stable hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and arene-cation interactions confirmed by molecular modeling studies.

Synthesis of new triazole fused imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole hybrids with emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors.

A series of new triazole fused imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole hybrids (9a-u) were designed, synthesized and evaluated as antimicrobial agents. Compounds 9c, 9d, 9e, 9j and 9l showed promising broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Further, compound 9c exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity with single and mixed biofilm disruption demonstrated by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that they interact with the virulence factor, Staphylococcus aureus dehydrosqualene synthase (CrtM) (PDB ID: 2ZCS). Overall, the findings suggest compound 9c as potential lead for further development of novel antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new bisindole-imidazopyridine hybrids as apoptosis inducers.

A series of diindolylmethanes (5a-t) were designed, synthesized, and examined for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines like prostate (DU-145), lung (A549), breast (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (HeLa). These results revealed that among all the hybrids, two (5k and 5r) were identified and exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against A549 cancer cells with IC50 values of 1.65 ±â€¯0.3 and 1.80 ±â€¯0.8 µM respectively. To investigate the reasons for the cytotoxic activity, the conventional biological assays were carried out with 5k and 5r on the A549 cancer cells. Both hybrids led to the arrest of A549 cell lines at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and strongly induced apoptosis. Further the apoptotic effects of 5k and 5r were confirmed by ROS, annexin-V FITC, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, structure-activity relationships were elucidated with various substitutions on these hybrids.

Nimbolide protects against endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome by inhibiting TNF-α mediated NF-κB and HDAC-3 nuclear translocation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by an excessive acute inflammatory response in lung parenchyma, which ultimately leads to refractory hypoxemia. One of the earliest abnormalities seen in lung injury is the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, among them, the soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) has a key role, which exerts cytotoxicity in epithelial and endothelial cells thus exacerbates edema. The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used both in vitro (RAW 264.7, THP-1, MLE-12, A549, and BEAS-2B) and in vivo (C57BL/6 mice), as it activates a plethora of overlapping inflammatory signaling pathways involved in ARDS. Nimbolide is a chemical constituent of Azadirachta indica, which contains multiple biological properties, while its role in ARDS is elusive. Herein, we have investigated the protective effects of nimbolide in abrogating the complications associated with ARDS. We showed that nimbolide markedly suppressed the nitrosative-oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines expression by suppressing iNOS, myeloperoxidase, and nitrotyrosine expression. Moreover, nimbolide mitigated the migration of neutrophils and mast cells whilst normalizing the LPS-induced hypothermia. Also, nimbolide modulated the expression of epigenetic regulators with multiple HDAC inhibitory activity by suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and HDAC-3. We extended our studies using molecular docking studies, which demonstrated a strong interaction between nimbolide and TNF-α. Additionally, we showed that treatment with nimbolide increased GSH, Nrf-2, SOD-1, and HO-1 protein expression; concomitantly abrogated the LPS-triggered TNF-α, p38 MAPK, mTOR, and GSK-3ß protein expression. Collectively, these results indicate that TNF-α-regulated NF-κB and HDAC-3 crosstalk was ameliorated by nimbolide with promising anti-nitrosative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-induced ARDS.

Regioselective ring expansion followed by H-shift of 3-ylidene oxindoles: a convenient synthesis of N-substituted/un-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-c] quinolines and marinoquinolines.

Herein, we report a simple and metal-free protocol for the synthesis of 4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolines. The present method under mild reaction conditions with wide functional group compatibility gives several unexplored N-substituted/unsubstituted 4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolines and marinoquinolines in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic insights for the synthesis of N-substituted pyrroloquinolines reveal the ring expansion of 3-ylideneoxindoles and H-shift as the key steps.

IP3 receptors and Ca2+ entry.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) are the most widely expressed intracellular Ca2+ release channels. Their activation by IP3 and Ca2+ allows Ca2+ to pass rapidly from the ER lumen to the cytosol. The resulting increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] may directly regulate cytosolic effectors or fuel Ca2+ uptake by other organelles, while the decrease in ER luminal [Ca2+] stimulates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). We are close to understanding the structural basis of both IP3R activation, and the interactions between the ER Ca2+-sensor, STIM, and the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel, Orai, that lead to SOCE. IP3Rs are the usual means through which extracellular stimuli, through ER Ca2+ release, stimulate SOCE. Here, we review evidence that the IP3Rs most likely to respond to IP3 are optimally placed to allow regulation of SOCE. We also consider evidence that IP3Rs may regulate SOCE downstream of their ability to deplete ER Ca2+ stores. Finally, we review evidence that IP3Rs in the plasma membrane can also directly mediate Ca2+ entry in some cells.

IP3 Receptors Preferentially Associate with ER-Lysosome Contact Sites and Selectively Deliver Ca2+ to Lysosomes.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs) allow extracellular stimuli to redistribute Ca2+ from the ER to cytosol or other organelles. We show, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) inhibitors, that lysosomes sequester Ca2+ released by all IP3R subtypes, but not Ca2+ entering cells through store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). A low-affinity Ca2+ sensor targeted to lysosomal membranes reports large, local increases in cytosolic [Ca2+] during IP3-evoked Ca2+ release, but not during SOCE. Most lysosomes associate with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and dwell at regions populated by IP3R clusters, but IP3Rs do not assemble ER-lysosome contacts. Increasing lysosomal pH does not immediately prevent Ca2+ uptake, but it causes lysosomes to slowly redistribute and enlarge, reduces their association with IP3Rs, and disrupts Ca2+ exchange with ER. In a "piston-like" fashion, ER concentrates cytosolic Ca2+ and delivers it, through large-conductance IP3Rs, to a low-affinity lysosomal uptake system. The involvement of IP3Rs allows extracellular stimuli to regulate Ca2+ exchange between the ER and lysosomes.