Sperm-Specific CatSper is Not Conserved in All Vertebrates and May Not be the Only Progesterone-Responsive Ion Channel Present in Sperm.

Progesterone (P4) acts as a key conserved signalling molecule in vertebrate reproduction. P4 is especially important for mature sperm physiology and subsequent reproductive success. "CatSpermasome", a multi-unit molecular complex, has been suggested to be the main if not the only P4-responsive atypical Ca2+-ion channel present in mature sperm. Altogether, here we analyse the protein sequences of CatSper1-4 from more than 500 vertebrates ranging from early fishes to humans. CatSper1 becomes longer in mammals due to sequence gain mainly at the N-terminus. Overall the conservation of full-length CatSper1-4 as well as the individual TM regions remain low. The lipid-water-interface residues (i.e. a 5 amino acid stretch sequence present on both sides of each TM region) also remain highly diverged. No specific patterns of amino acid distributions were observed. The total frequency of positively charged, negatively charged or their ratios do not follow in any specific pattern. Similarly, the frequency of total hydrophobic, total hydrophilic residues or even their ratios remain random and do not follow any specific pattern. We noted that the CatSper1-4 genes are missing in amphibians and the CatSper1 gene is missing in birds. The high variability of CatSper1-4 and gene-loss in certain clades indicate that the "CatSpermasome" is not the only P4-responsive ion channel. Data indicate that the molecular evolution of CatSper is mostly guided by diverse hydrophobic ligands rather than only P4. The comparative data also suggest possibilities of other Ca2+-channel/s in vertebrate sperm that can also respond to P4.

Upregulation, Functional Association, and Correlated Expressions of TRPV1 and TRPA1 During Telmisartan-Driven Immunosuppression of T Cells.

TRPV1 and TRPA1, are known to be functionally expressed in T cells, where these two channels differentially regulate effector immune responses. Telmisartan (TM), an anti-hypertension drug, has been recently repurposed to suppress various inflammatory responses. However, the possible involvement of TRP channels during TM-driven suppression of T cells responses has not been explored yet. In this study, we investigated the potential role of TRPV1 and TRPA1 during TM-driven immunosuppression of T cells in vitro. We observed a significant elevation of both TRPV1 and TRPA1 during TM-induced immunosuppression of T cells.We found that TRPA1 activation-driven suppression of T cell activation and effector cytokine responses during TM treatment is partially, yet significantly overridden by TRPV1 activation. Moreover, the expressions of TRPV1 and TRPA1 were highly correlated in various conditions of T cell. Mechanistically, it might be suggested that TRPV1 and TRPA1 are differentially involved in regulating T cell activation despite the co-elevation of both these TRP channels' expressions in the presence of TM. T cell activation was delineated by CD69 and CD25 expressions along with the effector cytokine levels (IFN-γ and TNF) in TM-driven suppression of T cell. These findings could have broad implications for designing possible future immunotherapeutic strategies, especially in the repurposing of TM for T cell-TRP-directed immune disorders.

TRPA1 activation and Hsp90 inhibition synergistically downregulate macrophage activation and inflammatory responses in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels are known to be actively involved in various pathophysiological conditions, including neuronal inflammation, neuropathic pain, and various immunological responses. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a cytoplasmic molecular chaperone, is well-reported for various cellular and physiological processes. Hsp90 inhibition by various molecules has garnered importance for its therapeutic significance in the downregulation of inflammation and are proposed as anti-cancer drugs. However, the possible role of TRPA1 in the Hsp90-associated modulation of immune responses remains scanty. RESULTS: Here, we have investigated the role of TRPA1 in regulating the anti-inflammatory effect of Hsp90 inhibition via 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation in RAW 264.7, a mouse macrophage cell lines and PMA differentiated THP-1, a human monocytic cell line similar to macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 with Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is observed to execute an anti-inflammatory role via augmenting Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory responses towards LPS or PMA stimulation in macrophages, whereas inhibition of TRPA1 by 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-N-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2,6-dioxo-7 H-purine-7-acetamide,2-(1,3-Dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-7 H-purin-7-yl)-N-(4-isopropylphenyl)acetamide (HC-030031) downregulates these developments. LPS or PMA-induced macrophage activation was found to be regulated by TRPA1. The same was confirmed by studying the levels of activation markers (major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII), cluster of differentiation (CD) 80 (CD80), and CD86, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), NO (nitric oxide) production, differential expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (p-p38 MAPK, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2), and phosphor-stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-SAPK/JNK)), and induction of apoptosis. Additionally, TRPA1 has been found to be an important contributor to intracellular calcium levels toward Hsp90 inhibition in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a significant role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory developments in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 and inhibition of Hsp90 has synergistic roles towards regulating inflammatory responses associated with macrophages. The role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated modulation of macrophage responses may provide insights towards designing future novel therapeutic approaches to regulate various inflammatory responses.

Modulation of TRPM8 alters the phagocytic activity of microglia and induces changes in sub-cellular organelle functions.

In this work, we investigated the presence and function of TRPM8, a non-selective and cold-sensitive Ca2+-permeable ion channel in the primary microglia cell as well as in microglia cell line BV2. We demonstrate that primary microglia as well as BV2 express TRPM8 endogenously. Both pharmacological activation or inhibition of TRPM8 causes enhanced uptake of bacterial particles at early time points of infection. In BV2, TRPM8 activation and/or LPS-signaling alters its surface expression and cytosolic ROS production. TRPM8 modulation in the absence and presence of LPS causes differential regulation of cytosolic pH and lysosomal pH. Notably, TRPM8 modulation also alters the correlation between lysosomal pH and cytosolic pH depending on TRPM8 modulation and the presence or absence of LPS. Collectively our data suggest that TRPM8 is involved in the regulation of subcellular organelle, i.e. mitochondrial and lysosomal functions. Data also suggest that primarily TRPM8 activation, but often deviation from endogenous TRPM8 function is linked with better innate immune function mediated by microglial cells. We suggest that TRPM8-mediated regulations of sub-cellular organelle functions are more context-dependent manner. Such understanding is relevant in the context of microglial cell functions and innate immunity.

Presence of TRPV3 in macrophage lysosomes helps in skin wound healing against bacterial infection.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 3 (TRPV3) is a non-selective cation channel that is known to be activated by physiological temperature and endogenous ligands. Involvement of TRPV3 in different skin functions has been reported. In this work, we demonstrate that activation of TRPV3 by FPP, an endogenous ligand enhances skin wound healing and bacterial clearance there. We report for the first time that TRPV3 is endogenously expressed in macrophages and activation of TRPV3 results in efficient bacterial clearance. At the subcellular level, TRPV3 is present in the lysosome and also in the nucleolus. We demonstrate that pharmacological modulation of TRPV3 protects lysosomal functions at hyperthermic shock conditions. The localization of TRPV3 at the nucleolus is specific, more in case of LPS-treatment and dynamic with respect to the cell signalling. We demonstrate that at certain conditions, the nucleolar localization of TRPV3 is correlated with the presence of TRPV3 at the lysosome and with the cellular stress in general. We propose that TRPV3 act as a lysosomal regulator and sensor for cellular stress. These findings may have broad implications in understanding the cellular stress and TRPV3-induced channelopathies and may have clinical relevance to skin infection treatment.

Both heat-sensitive TRPV4 and cold-sensitive TRPM8 ion channels regulate microglial activity.

Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, perform a myriad of functions directed towards development of neural circuits, and their maintenance. A plethora of ion channels aid in microglial activities that are critical for overall brain functioning. Notably, different functions of microglial cells are sensitive to minute temperature changes, as well as mechanical forces. Therefore, among all the players involved in the regulation of microglial functions, thermosensitive TRP ion channels are potentially important. In this study, we report the endogenous and functional presence of a heat-sensitive ion channel TRPV4 and a cold-sensitive ion channel TRPM8 in primary rat microglia and microglial cell line, N9. We demonstrate that pharmacological modulations of both these channels affect intracellular Ca2+-levels, cellular morphology, migration, and motility. Thus, TRPV4 and TRPM8 act as potential regulators of microglial activities. These findings may have broad implications in understanding neuro-glia interactions in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathologies with overall bio-medical applications.

Cytochrome C interacts with the pathogenic mutational hotspot region of TRPV4 and forms complexes that differ in mutation and metal ion-sensitive manner.

The importance of TRPV4 in physiology and disease has been reported by several groups. Recently we have reported that TRPV4 localizes in the mitochondria in different cellular systems, regulates mitochondrial metabolism and electron transport chain functions. Here, we show that TRPV4 colocalizes with Cytochrome C (Cyt C), both in resting as well as in activated conditions. Amino acid region 592-630 of TRPV4 (termed as Fr592-630) that also covers TM4-Loop-TM5 region (which is also a hotspot of several pathogenic mutations) interacts with Cyt C, in a Ca2+-sensitive manner. This interaction is also variable and sensitive to other divalent and trivalent cations (i.e., Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Fe3+). Key residues of TRPV4 involved in these interactions remain conserved throughout the vertebrate evolution. Accordingly, this interaction is variable in the case of different pathogenic mutations (R616Q, F617L, L618P, V620I). Our data suggest that the TRPV4-Cyt C complex differs due to different mutations and is sensitive to the presence of different metal ions. We propose that TRPV4-Cyt C complex formation is important for physiological functions and relevant for TRPV4-induced channelopathies.

Olmsted syndrome causing point mutants of TRPV3 (G568C and G568D) show defects in intracellular Ca2+-mobilization and induce lysosomal defects.

TRPV3, a non-selective cation channel known to be activated by physiological temperature, is expressed in skin and is involved in different skin functions. Point mutations in TRPV3 cause severe pathological condition, known as Olmsted Syndrome (OS). Now we demonstrate that two OS-inducing point mutations (G568C and G568D) located at the lipid-water-interface region joining TM4 with the loop4 of TRPV3 cause reduced cell size and major defects in lysosomal numbers, and distribution. We detected these two mutants in the lysosome. However, G568C and G568D mutants differ from themselves and also from Wild-type in terms of Ca2+-influx in response to activation by agonist (FPP). These two mutants fail to mobilise Ca2+ from intracellular stores, especially when cytosolic Ca2+ is chelated and/or in absence of extracellular Ca2+. We demonstrate that OS-mutants cause defective pH-maintenance at the lysosomes. We propose that G568C and G568D mutants most-likely act as Ca2+-leaky channels from lysosomes with different abilities.

Ratio of Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic and Positive-Negative Residues at Lipid-Water-Interface Influences Surface Expression and Channel Gating of TRPV1.

During evolution, TRPV1 has lost, retained or selected certain residues at Lipid-Water-Interface (LWI) and formed specific patterns there. The ratio of "hydrophobic-hydrophilic" and "positive-negative-charged" residues at the inner LWI remains conserved throughout vertebrate evolution and plays important role in regulating TRPV1 trafficking and localization. Arg575 is an important residue as Arg575Asp mutant has reduced surface expression, co-localization with lipid raft markers, cell area and increased cell lethality. This lethality is most likely due to the disruption of the ratio between positive-negative charges caused by the mutation. Such lethality can be rescued by either using TRPV1-specfic inhibitor 5'-IRTX or by restoring the positive-negative charge ratio at that position, i.e. by introducing Asp576Arg mutation in Arg575Asp backbone. We propose that Arg575Asp mutation confers TRPV1 in a "constitutive-open-like" condition. These findings have broader implication in understanding the molecular evolution of thermo-sensitive ion channels and the micro-environments involved in processes that goes erratic in different diseases. The segment of TRPV1 that is present at the inner lipid-water-interface (LWI) has a specific pattern of amino acid combinations. The overall ratio of +ve charge /-ve charge and the ratio of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity remain constant throughout the vertebrate evolution (ca 450 million years). This specific pattern is not observed in the outer LWI region of TRPV1.

Role of TRPV4 in skeletal function and its mutant-mediated skeletal disorders.

TRPV4 is a non-selective cation channel that belongs to the TRP super family. This channel can be activated by physiological temperatures and mechanical stimuli. In addition, TRPV4 is modulated by several endogenous mediators including specific lipids, cholesterol and their metabolic products. TRPV4 gene is present in all vertebrates and is widely expressed in tissues originating from ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. Although TRPV4 knockout is not lethal, point mutations in TRPV4 cause severe clinical phenotypes with variable penetration in human population. These mutations are mostly "gain-of-function" in nature and primarily affect muscles, bones and peripheral neurons, endorsing TRPV4 as critical regulator of musculoskeletal systems. Here we critically analyze the involvement of TRPV4 in musculoskeletal system. Studies of TRPV4 mutations provide detailed information on musculoskeletal disorders at molecular, cellular and metabolic levels.

Function and regulation of thermosensitive ion channel TRPV4 in the immune system.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid sub-type 4 (TRPV4) is a six transmembrane protein that acts as a non-selective Ca2+ channel. Notably, TRPV4 is present in almost all animals, from lower eukaryotes to humans and is expressed in diverse tissue and cell types. Accordingly, TRPV4 is endogenously expressed in several types of immune cells that represent both innate and adaptive immune systems of higher organism. TRPV4 is known to be activated by physiological temperature, suggesting that it acts as a molecular temperature sensor and thus plays a key role in temperature-dependent immune activation. It is also activated by diverse endogenous ligands, lipid metabolites, physical and mechanical stimuli. Both expression and function of TRPV4 in various immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, are also modulated by multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds. The results from several laboratories suggest that TRPV4 is involved in the immune activation, a phenomenon with evolutionary significance. Because of its diverse engagement in the neuronal and immune systems, TRPV4 is a potential therapeutic target for several immune-related disorders.

TRPM8 channel augments T-cell activation and proliferation.

The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is an ion channel that has been widely studied as a cold-sensitive nociceptor. However, its importance in nonneuronal cells is mostly unexplored. Here, we describe the presence and functional significance of endogenous TRPM8, a nonselective Ca2+ -channel in T cell functions. The major pool of TRPM8 resides at the T cell surface and its surface accumulation significantly increases in activated T cells. TRPM8 activation synergizes with T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation to increase CD25, CD69 levels and enhances secretion of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor. However, TRPM8 inhibition does not restrict TCR stimulation mediated activation of T cells, indicating that unlike the heat-sensitive TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels, the cold-sensitive TRPM8 channel may be dispensable during T-cell activation, at least in mice. In this study, we demonstrate that TRPM8 promotes TCR-induced intracellular calcium increase. TRPM8 activation is beneficial for T-cell activation and differentiation into effector cells. TRPM8 inhibition during the T-cell activation process may lead to altered phenotype and reduced proliferation, without affecting cell viability. These results collectively establish TRPM8 as a functional calcium channel whose activation may be utilized for mounting an effective immune response. The findings of this study will be relevant to the regulation and response of T cells during cell-mediated immunity. These results will likely further our understanding on the role of ion channels in T-cell activation.

Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel regulates chikungunya virus infection in macrophages.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a virus that induces pathogenic inflammatory host immune responses, is re-emerging worldwide, and there are currently no established antiviral control measures. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a non-selective Ca2+-permeable ion channel, has been found to regulate various host inflammatory responses including several viral infections. Immune responses to CHIKV infection in host macrophages have been reported recently. However, the possible involvement of TRPV1 during CHIKV infection in host macrophages has not been studied. Here, we investigated the possible role of TRPV1 in CHIKV infection of the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. It was found that CHIKV infection upregulates TRPV1 expression in macrophages. To confirm this observation, the TRPV1-specific modulators 5'-iodoresiniferatoxin (5'-IRTX, a TRPV1 antagonist) and resiniferatoxin (RTX, a TRPV1 agonist) were used. Our results indicated that TRPV1 inhibition leads to a reduction in CHIKV infection, whereas TRPV1 activation significantly enhances CHIKV infection. Using a plaque assay and a time-of-addition assay, it was observed that functional modulation of TRPV1 affects the early stages of the viral lifecycle in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, CHIKV infection was found to induce of pNF-κB (p65) expression and nuclear localization. However, both activation and inhibition of TRPV1 were found to enhance the expression and nuclear localization of pNF-κB (p65) and production of pro-inflammatory TNF and IL-6 during CHIKV infection. In addition, it was demonstrated by Ca2+ imaging that TRPV1 regulates Ca2+ influx during CHIKV infection. Hence, the current findings highlight a potentially important regulatory role of TRPV1 during CHIKV infection in macrophages. This study might also have broad implications in the context of other viral infections as well.

Mutational hotspots of HSP47 and its potential role in cancer and bone-disorders.

Heat shock protein 47 kDa (HSP47) serves as a client-specific chaperone, essential for collagen biosynthesis and its folding and structural assembly. To date, there is no comprehensive study on mutational hotspots. Using five different human mutational databases, we deduced a comprehensive list of human HSP47 mutations with 24, 67, 50, 43 and 2 deleterious mutations from the 1000 genomes data, gnomAD, COSMICv86, cBioPortal, and CanVar, respectively. We identified thirteen top-ranked missense mutations of HSP47 with the stringent cut-off of CADD score (>25) and Grantham score (≥151) as Ser76Trp, Arg103Cys, Arg116Cys, Ser159Phe, Arg167Cys, Arg280Cys, Trp293Cys, Gly323Trp, Arg339Cys, Arg373Cys, Arg377Cys, Ser399Phe, and Arg405Cys with the arginine-cysteine changes as the predominant mutations. These findings will assist in the evaluation of roles of HSP47 in collagen misfolding and human diseases such as cancer and bone disorders.

Comparative evaluation of surface-modified zirconia for the growth of bone cells and early osseointegration.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Rapid osseointegration between implant and bone tissue for early loading of a prosthesis with sufficient primary stability depends on the surface characteristics of the implant. The development and characterization of suitable surface coatings on dental implants is a major challenge. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the osteogenic potential and cytotoxicity of unmodified zirconia, acid-etched zirconia, bioactive glass-coated zirconia, and tamarind kernel polysaccharide with hydrophilic acrylic acid (TKP-AA) hydrogel-coated zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six disks each of unmodified zirconia, acid-etched, 45S5 bioactive glass-coated, and TKP-AA hydrogel-coated zirconia were evaluated for osteogenic potential and cytotoxic effect by using human osteoblast Saos-2 cells. The surface topography of the disks and the morphology of the cells grown on these surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (n=3). The cell attachment was evaluated by confocal imaging (n=3). The cytotoxic effect was evaluated by cell viability assay (n=9). Osteoblast maturation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase assay (n=9) and cell mineralization by alizarin red staining (n=9). ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc tests were used to evaluate the statistical significance of the intergroup differences in these characteristics (α=.05). RESULTS: The surface modifications resulted in distinct changes in the surface morphology of zirconia disks and the growth of Saos-2 cells. Zirconia disks coated with TKP-AA promoted higher proliferation of osteoblasts compared with unmodified disks (P<.001). Similarly, the surface modifications significantly increased the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts as compared with uncoated zirconia (P<.001). However, the rate of differentiation to osteoblasts was similar among the surface modifications. Acid-etched and TKP-AA-coated disks promoted mineralization of osteoblasts to the same extent, except bioactive glass coating, which significantly increased the rate of mineralization (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surface modification of zirconia by acid etching and coating with Bioglass or TKP-AA hydrogel resulted in the improved growth and differentiation of osteoblasts. TKP-AA hydrogel coating promoted the proliferation of osteoblasts, whereas Bioglass coating showed better mineralization. TKP-AA hydrogel coating is a promising candidate for improving the osseointegration of dental implants that warrants further investigation.

Differential expression and localization of TRPV channels in the mature sperm of Anas platyrhynchos.

Sperm cells perform precise chemotactic and thermotactic movement which is crucial for fertilization. However, the key molecules involved in detection of different chemical and physical stimuli which guide the sperm during navigation are not well understood. Ca2+ -signalling mediated by ion channels seem to play important role in motility and other fertility parameters. In this work, we explored the endogenous localization pattern of TRPV channels in the mature spermatozoa of avian species. Using sperm from white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as the representative avian model, we demonstrate that duck sperm endogenously express the thermosensitive channels TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and highly Ca2+ -selective channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 in specific yet differential locations. All of these TRPV channels are enriched in the sperm tail, indicating their relevance in sperm motility. Interestingly, the TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels are present in the mitochondrial region. Calcium selective TRPV5 channel is exclusively present in sperm tail and is most abundant among the TRPV channels. This is the first report describing the endogenous presence of TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels in the sperm of any species. Using confocal imaging and super-resolution imaging, we demonstrate that though the TRPV channels are evolutionarily closely related, they have distinct localization pattern in the duck sperm, which could impact their role in fertilization.

TRPV4 expresses in bone cell lineages and TRPV4-R616Q mutant causing Brachyolmia in human reveals "loss-of-interaction" with cholesterol.

Transient receptor potential Vanilloid ion channel sub type 4 (TRPV4) is involved in complex Ca2+-signaling. At least one copy of TRPV4 is present in all vertebrates and is involved in several physiological processes including sensory process and point mutations in TRPV4 leads to development of different pathophysiological disorders in human. R616Q mutant of TRPV4 has been referred as "gain-of-function" mutant causing abnormality in bone cells and develop pathophysiological condition known as "Brachyolmia". In this work, we demonstrated that R616Q mutation is located in a very critical position of TRPV4 containing a cholesterol-binding motif sequence which is highly conserved in all vertebrates. Accordingly, TRPV4-Wt but not the TRPV4-R616Q localizes preferably in cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts in osteogenic cell line Saos2 and in DRG-neuron derived F11 cell line. Further, FRAP experiment suggest TRPV4-Wt but not the TRPV4-R616Q mutant is more mobile especially in cholesterol-reduced lipid membrane. GST-tagged TM4-Loop-TM5 fragment containing TRPV4-Wt but not R616Q sequence interacts with cholesterol, forms high-molecular weight complex and also show band shift in SDS-PAGE. TRPV4 is expressed in Mesenchymal stem cells and the localization of TRPV4 in lipid raft is dependent on temperature and cholesterol. Our data suggests that TRPV4-R616Q mutant behaves as a "loss-of-interaction" with cholesterol.

TRPA1 is selected as a semi-conserved channel during vertebrate evolution due to its involvement in spermatogenesis.

TRPA1 is a non-selective cation channel originated in invertebrates. The genomic locus containing TRPA1 gene remains highly conserved and retained in all vertebrates. TRPA1 gene is evolutionarily selected, yet maintained as a highly diverged protein. Throughout the vertebrate evolution, the extracellular loops of TRPA1 become most diverged indicating that TRPA1 may be involved in detecting large spectrum and uncertain stimulus which is critical for adaptive benefit. We tested the expression of TRPA1 in mature sperm from different vertebrates. This is the first report demonstrating that TRPA1 is expressed endogenously in mature spermatozoa of multiple species representing entire vertebrate phyla. However, its specific localization within sperm remains species-specific. Accordingly, we report that in rodents TRPA1 expression correlates with different stages of spermatogenesis. We propose that presence of endogenous TRPA1 in testes and in mature sperm provides reproductive benefit.

Acrylic acid grafted tamarind kernel polysaccharide-based hydrogel for bone tissue engineering in absence of any osteo-inducing factors.

PURPOSE: With increased life expectancy, disorders in lifestyle and other clinical conditions, and the changes in the connective tissues such as in bone, impose diverse biomedical problems. Cells belong to osteogenic lineages are extremely specific for their surface requirements. Therefore, suitable surfaces are the critical bottle neck for successful bone tissue engineering. This study involves assessment of polysaccharide-based hydrogel which effectively allows growth, differentiation and mineralisation of osteogenic cells even in the absence of osteogenic inducing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tamarind Kernel Polysaccharide was grafted with acrylic acid at different mole ratio. The critical parameter, surface morphology for bio application was assessed by SEM. MTT assay has been performed with hydrogels on Saos-2 cells. The biocompatibility and adhesion of different cell lines (F-11, Saos-2, Raw 264.7 and MSCs) on hydrogel surface was performed by Phalloidin and DAPI staining. Further the differentiation, mineralization and expression of different osteogenic markers, ALP assay, Alizarin Red staining and q-PCR was performed. RESULTS: The hydrogels show highly porous and interconnected pores. MTT assay demonstrates the hydrogel have no cytotoxicity towards Saos-2 cells and are suitable for proliferation of different lineage of cell lines. ALP, Alizarin red staining and q-PCR assay shows that the hydrogel surface enhances the differentiation, mineralization and expression of different osteogenic genes in Saos-2 cells in the absence of any osteogenic inducing factors. Conclusion Synthesized hydrogel surface triggers signalling events towards osteogenesis even in the absence of added growth factors. We proposed that this material can be used for effective bone tissue engineering in vitro at low cost.

TRPV4 is endogenously expressed in vertebrate spermatozoa and regulates intracellular calcium in human sperm.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid sub-type 4 (TRPV4) is a non-selective cationic channel involved in regulation of temperature, osmolality and different ligand-dependent Ca(2+)-influx. Recently, we have demonstrated that TRPV4 is conserved in all vertebrates. Now we demonstrate that TRPV4 is endogenously expressed in all vertebrate sperm cells ranging from fish to mammals. In human sperm, TRPV4 is present as N-glycosylated protein and its activation induces Ca(2+)-influx. Its expression and localization differs in swim-up and swim-down cells suggesting that TRPV4 is an important determining factor for sperm motility. We demonstrate that pharmacological activation or inhibition of TRPV4 regulates Ca(2+)-wave propagation from head to tail. Such findings may have wide application in male fertility-infertility, contraception and conservation of endangered species as well.