TRPM7 is an essential regulator for volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel.

Animal cells can regulate their volume after swelling by the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) mechanism. In epithelial cells, RVD is attained through KCl release mediated via volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying Cl- channels (VSOR) and Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Swelling-induced activation of TRPM7 cation channels leads to Ca2+ influx, thereby stimulating the K+ channels. Here, we examined whether TRPM7 plays any role in VSOR activation. When TRPM7 was knocked down in human HeLa cells or knocked out in chicken DT40 cells, not only TRPM7 activity and RVD efficacy but also VSOR activity were suppressed. Heterologous expression of TRPM7 in TRPM7-deficient DT40 cells rescued both VSOR activity and RVD, accompanied by an increase in the expression of LRRC8A, a core molecule of VSOR. TRPM7 exerts the facilitating action on VSOR activity first by enhancing molecular expression of LRRC8A mRNA through the mediation of steady-state Ca2+ influx and second by stabilizing the plasmalemmal expression of LRRC8A protein through the interaction between LRRC8A and the C-terminal domain of TRPM7. Therefore, TRPM7 functions as an essential regulator of VSOR activity and LRRC8A expression.

Elucidation of the Mechanisms for the Underlying Depolarization and Reversibility by Photoactive Molecule.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Light-induced control of the cell membrane potential has enabled important advances in the study of biological processes involving the nervous system and muscle activity. The use of these light-induced modifications is expected in various medical applications, including the control of physiological responses and the recovery of lost functions by regulating nerve activity. In particular, charge-separating linkage molecules (Charge-Separation (CS) molecules) can depolarize cells by photoexcitation without genetic processing. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cell membrane depolarization are unknown and have hindered its application. Here, we show that CS molecules localized in the cell membrane of PC12 cells using a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-based drug carrier can excite the cells through a novel membrane current regulation mechanism by light irradiation. METHODS: Membrane potential, channel activity, and membrane capacitance were measured by patch clamp method in rat adrenal gland pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and KV-overexpressing PC12 cells. CS molecules localized in the cell membrane of PC12 cells using HDL-based drug carrier. The localization of CS molecule was measured by a confocal microscopy. The mRNA expression was tested by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Current clamp measurements revealed that the photo-activated CS molecule causes a sharp depolarization of about 15 mV. Furthermore, it was shown by voltage clamp measurement that this mechanism inactivates the voltage-dependent potassium current and simultaneously generates photo-activated CS molecule induced (PACS) current owing to the loss of the cell membrane capacitance. This activity continues the depolarization of the target cell, but is reversible via a regenerative mechanism such as endocytosis and exocytosis because the cell membrane is intact. CONCLUSION: Thus, the mechanism of photo-induced depolarization concludes that photo-activated TC1 causes depolarization by generating PACS current in parallel with the suppression of the K+ current. Moreover, the depolarization slowly restores by internalization of TC1 from the membrane and insertion of new lipids into the cell membrane, resulting in the restoration of KV to normal activity and eliminating PACS currents, without cell damage. These results suggest the possibility of medical application that can safely control membrane excitation.

O2-Dependent Protein Internalization Underlies Astrocytic Sensing of Acute Hypoxia by Restricting Multimodal TRPA1 Channel Responses.

Hypoxia sensors are essential for regulating local oxygen (O2) homeostasis within the body. This is especially pertinent within the CNS, which is particularly vulnerable to O2 deprivation due to high energetic demand. Here, we reveal hypoxia-monitoring function exerted by astrocytes through an O2-regulated protein trafficking mechanism within the CNS. Strikingly, cultured mouse astrocytes isolated from the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG) and retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) region are capable of rapidly responding to moderate hypoxia via the sensor cation channel transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 but, unlike multimodal sensory neurons, are inert to hyperoxia and other TRPA1 activators (carbon dioxide, electrophiles, and oxidants) in normoxia. Mechanistically, O2 suppresses TRPA1 channel activity by protein internalization via O2-dependent proline hydroxylation and subsequent ubiquitination by an E3 ubiquitin ligase, NEDD4-1 (neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4). Hypoxia inhibits this process and instantly accumulates TRPA1 proteins at the plasma membrane, inducing TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ influx that triggers ATP release from pFRG/RTN astrocytes, potentiating respiratory center activity. Furthermore, astrocyte-specific Trpa1 disruption in a mouse brainstem-spinal cord preparation impedes the amplitude augmentation of the central autonomic respiratory output during hypoxia. Thus, reversible coupling of the TRPA1 channels with O2-dependent protein translocation allows astrocytes to act as acute hypoxia sensors in the medullary respiratory center.

SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin attenuates breast cancer cell proliferation.

Cancer is currently one of the major causes of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We previously reported the beneficial effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 against prostate and breast cancer. In the present study, we examined the anti-cancer effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin using a breast cancer model. In human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, SGLT2 expression was detected using both RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Ipragliflozin at 1-50 µM significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the growth of MCF-7 cells. BrdU assay also revealed that ipragliflozin attenuated the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Because the effect of ipragliflozin against breast cancer cells was completely canceled by knocking down SGLT2, ipragliflozin could act via inhibiting SGLT2. We next measured membrane potential and whole-cell current using the patch clamp technique. When we treated MCF-7 cells with ipragliflozin or glucose-free medium, membrane hyperpolarization was observed. In addition, glucose-free medium and knockdown of SGLT2 by siRNA suppressed the glucose-induced whole-cell current of MCF-7 cells, suggesting that ipragliflozin inhibits sodium and glucose cotransport through SGLT2. Furthermore, JC-1 green fluorescence was significantly increased by ipragliflozin, suggesting the change of mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings suggest that the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin attenuates breast cancer cell proliferation via membrane hyperpolarization and mitochondrial membrane instability.

Herbal components of Japanese Kampo medicines exert laxative actions in colonic epithelium cells via activation of BK and CFTR channels.

Japanese Kampo medicines Junchoto and Mashiningan are mixtures of numerous herbal plant extracts and empirically known to exert laxative actions by stimulating fluid secretion in the colonic epithelium. However, it is unknown which and how the herbal components of these crude Kampo drugs are effective to stimulate ion effluxes causing fluid secretion. Here, we selected four herbal components of Junchoto and Mashiningan, Mashinin (MSN), Kyonin (KYN), Tonin (TON), and Daio (DIO), which are putatively laxatives, and examined their effects on the ion channel activity of human colonic epithelial Caco-2 cells. Patch clamp analyses revealed that MSN activated whole-cell current characteristics of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, whereas KYN, TON, and DIO activated the large-conductance and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channel. Furthermore, electronic cell sizing showed that MSN induced secretory volume decrease (SVD) sensitivity to a CFTR blocker, whereas TON, KYN, and DIO induced SVD sensitivity to a K+ channel blocker. In conclusion, MSN and TON, KYN, and DIO promote fluid secretion from colonic epithelial cells by activating CFTR and BK channels. Thus, Japanese Kampo medicines, Junchoto and Mashiningan, exert anti-constipation actions by inducing KCl efflux through the combined actions of CFTR- and BK-stimulating herbal components.

TRPM7 is involved in acid-induced necrotic cell death in a manner sensitive to progesterone in human cervical cancer cells.

Because intravaginal pH is strongly acidic, it is important to investigate the effects of acidosis on cervical cancer cells. Recently, in response to strong acidosis, human cervical cancer HeLa cells were shown to exhibit necrosis after showing persistent cell swelling induced by Cl- influx. Since cation influx should be accompanied with Cl- influx to drive water inflow causing cell swelling, we here studied on the nature of acidotoxic cation conductance. The mRNA/protein expression was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Ionic currents were measured by patch-clamping techniques. Cell counting/viability and colorimetric assays were applied to assess proliferation rate and caspase 3/7 activity, respectively. Cell volume and size were measured by electronic sizing and video-microscopic measurements, respectively. Acid exposure enhanced TRPM7 activity endogenously expressed in HeLa cells and exogenously overexpressed in HEK293T cells. Gene silencing of TRPM7 abolished acid-induced cell swelling and necrosis but rather induced activation of apoptotic caspase 3/7 in HeLa cells. Overexpression with the pore charge-neutralizing D1054A mutant suppressed acid-enhanced cation currents, acid-induced cell swelling, and acidotoxic necrosis in HEK293T cells. Progesterone treatment was surprisingly found to suppress molecular and functional expression of TRPM7 and cell proliferation in HeLa cells. Furthermore, in the progesterone-treated cells, acid exposure did not induce persistent cell swelling followed by necrosis but induced persistent cell shrinkage and apoptotic cell death. These results indicate that in the human cervical cancer cells, TRPM7 is essentially involved in acidotoxic necrotic cell death, and progesterone inhibits TRPM7 expression thereby inhibiting acidotoxic necrosis by switching to apoptosis.

Roles of volume-regulatory anion channels, VSOR and Maxi-Cl, in apoptosis, cisplatin resistance, necrosis, ischemic cell death, stroke and myocardial infarction.

Two types of anion channels are directly activated by osmotic swelling and are involved in the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in most types of mammalian cells, and they include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), also called the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), and the large-conductance maxi-anion channel (Maxi-Cl). In cardiomyocytes, a splice variant of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator anion channel (cardiac CFTR) participates in the RVD mechanism under ß-adrenergic stimulation. VSOR and Maxi-Cl are also involved in facilitation of the RVD process by releasing extracellular autocrine/paracrine signals, glutamate and ATP. Apoptotic cell death starts with cell shrinkage, called the apoptotic volume decrease (AVD), which is also caused by activation of VSOR. Since VSOR is implicated not only in the AVD induction but also in the uptake of an anti-cancer drug, cisplatin, downregulation of VSOR activity is causatively involved in acquisition of cisplatin resistance in cancer cells. Necrotic cell death exhibits persistent cell swelling, called the necrotic volume increase (NVI), which is coupled to RVD dysfunction due to impaired VSOR function. Acidotoxic and lactacidosis-induced necrotic cell death is induced both by glutamate release mediated by astroglial VSOR and Maxi-Cl and by exaggerated Cl- influx mediated by neuronal VSOR under prolonged depolarization caused by activation of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) cation channels. Both VSOR and Maxi-Cl are elaborately involved, in a manner as double-edged swords, in ischemia- and ischemia-reperfusion-induced apoptotic or necrotic cell death in cerebral and myocardial cells by mediating not only Cl- transport but also release of glutamate and/or ATP. Cardiac CFTR exerts a protective action against ischemia(-reperfusion)-induced cardiac injury, called myocardial infarction (MI), which is largely necrotic. Cardiac Maxi-Cl activity may participate in protection against ischemia(-reperfusion) injury by mediating ATP release.

Cell Volume-Activated and Volume-Correlated Anion Channels in Mammalian Cells: Their Biophysical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Properties.

There are a number of mammalian anion channel types associated with cell volume changes. These channel types are classified into two groups: volume-activated anion channels (VAACs) and volume-correlated anion channels (VCACs). VAACs can be directly activated by cell swelling and include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is also called the volume-regulated anion channel; the maxi-anion channel (MAC or Maxi-Cl); and the voltage-gated anion channel, chloride channel (ClC)-2. VCACs can be facultatively implicated in, although not directly activated by, cell volume changes and include the cAMP-activated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, the Ca2+-activated Cl- channel (CaCC), and the acid-sensitive (or acid-stimulated) outwardly rectifying anion channel. This article describes the phenotypical properties and activation mechanisms of both groups of anion channels, including accumulating pieces of information on the basis of recent molecular understanding. To that end, this review also highlights the molecular identities of both anion channel groups; in addition to the molecular identities of ClC-2 and CFTR, those of CaCC, VSOR, and Maxi-Cl were recently identified by applying genome-wide approaches. In the last section of this review, the most up-to-date information on the pharmacological properties of both anion channel groups, especially their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) and voltage-dependent blocking, is summarized particularly from the standpoint of pharmacological distinctions among them. Future physiologic and pharmacological studies are definitely warranted for therapeutic targeting of dysfunction of VAACs and VCACs.

TRPM7-mediated spontaneous Ca2+ entry regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemia cell line K562.

Continuous Ca2+ influx is essential to maintain intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and its dysregulation leads to a variety of cellular dysfunctions. In this study, we explored the functional roles of spontaneous Ca2+ influx for the proliferation and differentiation of a human erythromyeloid leukemia cell line K562. mRNA/protein expressions were assessed by the real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemical staining. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) and ionic currents were measured by fluorescent imaging and patch clamping techniques, respectively. Cell counting/viability and colorimetric assays were applied to assess proliferation rate and hemoglobin synthesis, respectively. Elimination of extracellular Ca2+ decreased basal [Ca2+ ]i in proliferating K562 cells. Cation channel blockers such as SK&F96365, 2-APB, Gd3+ , and FTY720 dose dependently decreased basal [Ca2+ ]i . A spontaneously active inward current (Ispont ) contributive to basal [Ca2+ ]i was identified by the nystatin-perforated whole-cell recording. Ispont permeated Ca2+ comparably to Na+ , and was greatly eliminated by siRNA targeting TRPM7, a melastatin member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily. Consistent with these findings, TRPM7 immune reactivity was detected by western blotting, and immunofluorescence representing TRPM7 was found localized to the K562 cell membrane. Strikingly, all these procedures, that is, Ca2+ removal, TRPM7 blockers and siRNA-mediated TRPM7 knockdown significantly retarded the growth and suppressed hemin-induced γ-globin and hemoglobin syntheses in K562 cells, respectively, both of which appeared associated with the inhibition of ERK activation. These results collectively suggest that spontaneous Ca2+ influx through constitutively active TRPM7 channels may critically regulate both proliferative and erythroid differentiation potentials of K562 cells.

Cellular mechanism for herbal medicine Junchoto to facilitate intestinal Cl-/water secretion that involves cAMP-dependent activation of CFTR.

Constipation is a common symptom frequently compromising the quality of daily life. Several mechanistically different drugs have been used to mitigate constipation, including Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicines. However, the mechanisms of their actions are often not well understood. Here we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Junchoto (JCT), a Kampo medicine empirically prescribed for chronic constipation. Cl- channel activity was measured by the patch-clamp method in human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-expressing HEK293T cells and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. cAMP was measured by a luciferase-based assay. Cell volume change was measured by a particle-sizing and particle-counting analyzer and video-microscopic measurement. In both CFTR-expressing HEK293T and Caco-2 cells, JCT dose-dependently induced whole-cell currents showing typical biophysical and pharmacological features of CFTR. Robust expression of CFTR was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting in Caco-2 cells. Luciferase-based measurement revealed that JCT increases intracellular cAMP levels. Administration of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 or CFTR inhibitor-172, or treatment with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting CFTR, abolished JCT-induced whole-cell currents, suggesting that elevated intracellular cAMP by JCT causes activation of CFTR in Caco-2 cells. Finally, blockade of CFTR activity by CFTR inhibitor-172 or siRNA-knockdown of CFTR or application of SQ22536 markedly reduced the degree of cell volume decrease induced by JCT. JCT can induce a Cl- efflux through the CFTR channel to promote water secretion, and this effect is likely mediated by increased cAMP production.

Distinct Mechanism of Cysteine Oxidation-Dependent Activation and Cold Sensitization of Human Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Channel by High and Low Oxaliplatin.

Oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, displays unique acute peripheral neuropathy triggered or enhanced by cold, and accumulating evidence suggests that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is responsible. TRPA1 is activated by oxaliplatin via a glutathione-sensitive mechanism. However, oxaliplatin interrupts hydroxylation of a proline residue located in the N-terminal region of TRPA1 via inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase (PHD), which causes sensitization of TRPA1 to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, PHD inhibition endows cold-insensitive human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) with ROS-dependent cold sensitivity. Since cysteine oxidation and proline hydroxylation regulate its activity, their association with oxaliplatin-induced TRPA1 activation and acquirement of cold sensitivity were investigated in the present study. A high concentration of oxaliplatin (1 mM) induced outward-rectifier whole-cell currents and increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in hTRPA1-expressing HEK293 cells, but did not increase the probability of hTRPA1 channel opening in the inside-out configuration. Oxaliplatin also induced the rapid generation of hydrogen peroxide, and the resultant Ca2+ influx was prevented in the presence of glutathione and in cysteine-mutated hTRPA1 (Cys641Ser)-expressing cells, whereas proline-mutated hTRPA1 (Pro394Ala)-expressing cells showed similar whole-cell currents and Ca2+ influx. By contrast, a lower concentration of oxaliplatin (100 µM) did not increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration but did confer cold sensitivity on hTRPA1-expressing cells, and this was inhibited by PHD2 co-overexpression. Cold sensitivity was abolished by the mitochondria-targeting ROS scavenger mitoTEMPO and was minimal in cysteine-mutated hTRPA1 (Cys641Ser or Cys665Ser)-expressing cells. Thus, high oxaliplatin evokes ROS-mediated cysteine oxidation-dependent hTRPA1 activation independent of PHD activity, while a lower concentration induces cold-induced cysteine oxidation-dependent opening of hTRPA1 via PHD inhibition.

Cold sensitivity of TRPA1 is unveiled by the prolyl hydroxylation blockade-induced sensitization to ROS.

Mammalian transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a polymodal nociceptor that plays an important role in pain generation, but its role as a cold nociceptor is still controversial. Here, we propose that TRPA1 can sense noxious cold via transduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling. We show that inhibiting hydroxylation of a proline residue within the N-terminal ankyrin repeat of human TRPA1 by mutation or using a prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor potentiates the cold sensitivity of TRPA1 in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Inhibiting PHD in mice triggers mouse TRPA1 sensitization sufficiently to sense cold-evoked ROS, which causes cold hypersensitivity. Furthermore, this phenomenon underlies the acute cold hypersensitivity induced by the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin or its metabolite oxalate. Thus, our findings provide evidence that blocking prolyl hydroxylation reveals TRPA1 sensitization to ROS, which enables TRPA1 to convert ROS signalling into cold sensitivity.

Different Contribution of Redox-Sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Channels to Acetaminophen-Induced Death of Human Hepatoma Cell Line.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a safe analgesic antipyretic drug at prescribed doses. Its overdose, however, can cause life-threatening liver damage. Though, involvement of oxidative stress is widely acknowledged in APAP-induced hepatocellular death, the mechanism of this increased oxidative stress and the associated alterations in Ca(2+) homeostasis are still unclear. Among members of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels activated in response to oxidative stress, we here identify that redox-sensitive TRPV1, TRPC1, TRPM2, and TRPM7 channels underlie Ca(2+) entry and downstream cellular damages induced by APAP in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Our data indicate that APAP treatment of HepG2 cells resulted in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and Ca(2+) entry leading to increased apoptotic cell death. These responses were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with the ROS scavengers N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulfonic acid disodium salt monohydrate (Tiron), and also by preincubation of cells with the glutathione inducer Dimethylfumarate (DMF). TRP subtype-targeted pharmacological blockers and siRNAs strategy revealed that suppression of either TRPV1, TRPC1, TRPM2, or TRPM7 reduced APAP-induced ROS formation, Ca(2+) influx, and cell death; the effects of suppression of TRPV1 or TRPC1, known to be activated by oxidative cysteine modifications, were stronger than those of TRPM2 or TRPM7. Interestingly, TRPV1 and TRPC1 were labeled by the cysteine-selective modification reagent, 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid)-2biotin (DTNB-2Bio), and this was attenuated by pretreatment with APAP, suggesting that APAP and/or its oxidized metabolites act directly on the modification target cysteine residues of TRPV1 and TRPC1 proteins. In human liver tissue, TRPV1, TRPC1, TRPM2, and TRPM7 channels transcripts were localized mainly to hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Our findings strongly suggest that APAP-induced Ca(2+) entry and subsequent hepatocellular death are regulated by multiple redox-activated cation channels, among which TRPV1 and TRPC1 play a prominent role.

TRPM2 channels in alveolar epithelial cells mediate bleomycin-induced lung inflammation.

Lung inflammation is a major adverse effect of therapy with the antitumor drug bleomycin (BLM). Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a Ca(2+)-permeable channel that is activated by oxidative stress through the production of ADP-ribose. We herein investigated whether TRPM2 channels contributed to BLM-induced lung inflammation. The intratracheal instillation of BLM into wild-type (WT) mice increased the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and inflammatory cytokine levels in the lung. Increases in inflammatory markers in WT mice were markedly reduced in trpm2 knockout (KO) mice, which demonstrated that the activation of TRPM2 channels was involved in BLM-induced lung inflammation. The expression of TRPM2 mRNA was observed in alveolar macrophages, alveolar epithelial cells, and lung fibroblasts. Actually, TRPM2 protein was expressed in lung tissues. Of these, TRPM2 channels in epithelial cells were activated by the addition of H2O2 following a BLM pretreatment, resulting in the secretion of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). The H2O2-induced activation of TRPM2 by the BLM pretreatment was blocked by the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors PJ34 and 3-aminobenzamide. The accumulation of poly(ADP-ribose) in the nucleus, a marker for ADP-ribose production, was strongly induced by H2O2 following the BLM pretreatment. Furthermore, administration of PRAP inhibitors into WT mice markedly reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells and MIP-2 secretion induced by BLM instillation. These results suggest that the induction of MIP-2 secretion through the activation of TRPM2 channels in alveolar epithelial cells is an important mechanism in BLM-induced lung inflammation, and the TRPM2 activation is likely to be mediated by ADP-ribose production via PARP pathway. TRPM2 channels may be new therapeutic target for BLM-induced lung inflammation.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis by enhancing bacterial clearance.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel plays an important role in inflammation and immune response. However, the role and mechanism of TRPM2 in polymicrobial sepsis remain unclear. METHODS: The authors explored the effects of genetic disruption of TRPM2 on mortality (n = 15), bacterial clearance (n = 6), organ injury, and systemic inflammation during cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis. Electrophysiology, immunoblot, bacterial clearance experiment, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to explore the role and mechanism of TRPM2 in sepsis. RESULTS: After cecal ligation and puncture, Trpm2-knockout mice had increased mortality compared with wild-type mice (73.3 vs. 40%, P = 0.0289). The increased mortality was associated with increased bacterial burden, organ injury, and systemic inflammation. TRPM2-mediated Ca influx plays an important role in lipopolysaccharide or cecal ligation and puncture-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in macrophage. HO-1 up-regulation decreased bacterial burden both in wild-type bone marrow-derived macrophages and in cecal ligation and puncture-induced septic wild-type mice. Disruption of TRPM2 decreased HO-1 expression and increased bacterial burden in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Pretreatment of Trpm2-knockout bone marrow-derived macrophages with HO-1 inducer markedly increased HO-1 expression and decreased bacterial burden. Pretreatment of Trpm2-knockout mice with HO-1 inducer reversed the susceptibility of Trpm2-knockout mice to sepsis by enhancing the bacterial clearance. In addition, septic patients with lower monocytic TRPM2 and HO-1 messenger RNA levels had a worse outcome compared with septic patients with normal monocytic TRPM2 and HO-1 messenger RNA levels. TRPM2 levels correlated with HO-1 levels in septic patients (r = 0.675, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study data demonstrate a protective role of TRPM2 in controlling bacterial clearance during polymicrobial sepsis possibly by regulating HO-1 expression.

Transnitrosylation directs TRPA1 selectivity in N-nitrosamine activators.

S-Nitrosylation, the addition of a nitrosyl group to cysteine thiols, regulates various protein functions to mediate nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity. Recent studies have demonstrated that selectivity in protein S-nitrosylation signaling pathways is conferred through transnitrosylation, a transfer of the NO group, between proteins via interaction. We previously demonstrated that sensitivity to activation by synthetic NO-releasing agents via S-nitrosylation is a common feature of members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels. However, strategies to confer subtype selectivity to nitrosylating agents targeted to TRP channels are yet to be developed. Here, we show selective activation of TRPA1 channels by novel NO donors derived from the ABBH (7-azabenzobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane) N-nitrosamines, which exhibit transnitrosylation reactivity to thiols without releasing NO. The NNO-ABBH1 (N-nitroso-2-exo,3-exo-ditrifluoromethyl-7-azabenzobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane) elicits S-nitrosylation of TRPA1 proteins, and dose-dependently induces robust Ca(2+) influx via both recombinant and native TRPA1 channels, but not via other NO-activated TRP channels. TRPA1 activation by NNO-ABBH1 is suppressed by specific cysteine mutations but not by NO scavenging, suggesting that cysteine transnitrosylation underlies the activation of TRPA1 by NNO-ABBH1. This is supported by the correlation of N-NO bond reactivity and TRPA1-activating potency in a congeneric series of ABBH N-nitrosamines. Interestingly, nonelectrophilic derivatives of ABBH also activate TRPA1 selectively, but less potently, compared with NNO-ABBH1. Thus, ABBH N-nitrosamines confer subtype selectivity on S-nitrosylation in TRP channels through synergetic effects of two chemical processes: cysteine transnitrosylation and molecular recognition of the nonelectrophilic moiety.

Novel HCN2 mutation contributes to febrile seizures by shifting the channel's kinetics in a temperature-dependent manner.

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel-mediated currents, known as I h, are involved in the control of rhythmic activity in neuronal circuits and in determining neuronal properties including the resting membrane potential. Recent studies have shown that HCN channels play a role in seizure susceptibility and in absence and limbic epilepsy including temporal lobe epilepsy following long febrile seizures (FS). This study focused on the potential contributions of abnormalities in the HCN2 isoform and their role in FS. A novel heterozygous missense mutation in HCN2 exon 1 leading to p.S126L was identified in two unrelated patients with FS. The mutation was inherited from the mother who had suffered from FS in a pedigree. To determine the effect of this substitution we conducted whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. We found that mutant channels had elevated sensitivity to temperature. More specifically, they displayed faster kinetics at higher temperature. Kinetic shift by change of temperature sensitivity rather than the shift of voltage dependence led to increased availability of I h in conditions promoting FS. Responses to cyclic AMP did not differ between wildtype and mutant channels. Thus, mutant HCN2 channels cause significant cAMP-independent enhanced availability of I h during high temperatures, which may contribute to hyperthermia-induced neuronal hyperexcitability in some individuals with FS.

Acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying (ASOR) anion channels in human epithelial cells are highly sensitive to temperature and independent of ClC-3.

A novel type of anion channel activated by extracellular acidification, called acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying (ASOR) anion channel, was shown to be involved in acidotoxic necrotic death in human epithelial cells. However, its biophysical property and molecular identity have remained elusive. In human epithelial HeLa cells, here, whole-cell currents of ASOR anion channel were found to be augmented by warm temperature, with a threshold temperature of 32 °C. Temperature sensitivity of the conductance was found to be high (with Q 10 of 8.8) in the range of body temperature, suggesting a possible involvement of a non-diffusion-limited process such as a transporter-mediated conduction. In this regard, it is interesting that a Cl(-)/H(+) antiporter ClC-3 has recently been proposed as a candidate for the ASOR channel. However, siRNA-mediated knockdown of hClC-3 failed to suppress ASOR currents in HeLa cells. Also, endogenous ASOR currents in HEK293T cells were not affected by overexpression of human or mouse ClC-3. Furthermore, functional expression of the ASOR channel was virtually absent in the cisplatin-resistant human cancer KCP-4 cell line despite the fact that molecular expression of ClC-3 was indistinguishable between KCP-4 cells and parental cisplatin-sensitive KB-3-1 cells which endogenously exhibit high activity of ASOR anion channels. These results indicate that the ASOR anion channel is highly sensitive to temperature and independent of ClC-3.

Utilization of photoinduced charge-separated state of donor-acceptor-linked molecules for regulation of cell membrane potential and ion transport.

The control of ion transport across cell membranes by light is an attractive strategy that allows targeted, fast control of precisely defined events in the biological membrane. Here we report a novel general strategy for the control of membrane potential and ion transport by using charge-separation molecules and light. Delivery of charge-separation molecules to the plasma membrane of PC12 cells by a membranous nanocarrier and subsequent light irradiation led to depolarization of the membrane potential as well as inhibition of the potassium ion flow across the membrane. Photoregulation of the cell membrane potential and ion transport by using charge-separation molecules is highly promising for control of cell functions.

Involvements of the ABC protein ABCF2 and α-actinin-4 in regulation of cell volume and anion channels in human epithelial cells.

After osmotic swelling, cell volume is regulated by a process called regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Although actin cytoskeletons are known to play a regulatory role in RVD, it is not clear how actin-binding proteins are involved in the RVD process. In the present study, an involvement of an actin-binding protein, α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), in RVD was examined in human epithelial HEK293T cells. Overexpression of ACTN4 significantly facilitated RVD, whereas siRNA-mediated downregulation of endogenous ACTN4 suppressed RVD. When the cells were subjected to hypotonic stress, the content of ACTN4 increased in a 100,000 × g pellet, which was sensitive to cytochalasin D pretreatment. Protein overlay assays revealed that ABCF2, a cytosolic member of the ABC transporter superfamily, is a binding partner of ACTN4. The ACTN4-ABCF2 interaction was markedly enhanced by hypotonic stimulation and required the NH(2) -terminal region of ABCF2. Overexpression of ABCF2 suppressed RVD, whereas downregulation of ABCF2 facilitated RVD. We then tested whether ABCF2 has a suppressive effect on the activity of volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is known to mediate Cl(-) efflux involved in RVD, because another ABC transporter member, CFTR, was shown to suppress VSOR activity. Whole-cell VSOR currents were largely reduced by overexpression of ABCF2 and markedly enhanced by siRNA-mediated depletion of ABCF2. Thus, the present study indicates that ACTN4 acts as an enhancer of RVD, whereas ABCF2 acts as a suppressor of VSOR and RVD, and suggests that a swelling-induced interaction between ACTN4 and ABCF2 prevents ABCF2 from suppressing VSOR activity in the human epithelial cells.