P2X4 and P2X7 are essential players in basal T cell activity and Ca2+ signaling milliseconds after T cell activation.

Initial T cell activation is triggered by the formation of highly dynamic, spatiotemporally restricted Ca2+ microdomains. Purinergic signaling is known to be involved in Ca2+ influx in T cells at later stages compared to the initial microdomain formation. Using a high-resolution Ca2+ live-cell imaging system, we show that the two purinergic cation channels P2X4 and P2X7 not only are involved in the global Ca2+ signals but also promote initial Ca2+ microdomains tens of milliseconds after T cell stimulation. These Ca2+ microdomains were significantly decreased in T cells from P2rx4-/- and P2rx7-/- mice or by pharmacological inhibition or blocking. Furthermore, we show a pannexin-1-dependent activation of P2X4 in the absence of T cell receptor/CD3 stimulation. Subsequently, upon T cell receptor/CD3 stimulation, ATP release is increased and autocrine activation of both P2X4 and P2X7 then amplifies initial Ca2+ microdomains already in the first second of T cell activation.

Spatio-temporal feature learning with reservoir computing for T-cell segmentation in live-cell [Formula: see text] fluorescence microscopy.

Advances in high-resolution live-cell [Formula: see text] imaging enabled subcellular localization of early [Formula: see text] signaling events in T-cells and paved the way to investigate the interplay between receptors and potential target channels in [Formula: see text] release events. The huge amount of acquired data requires efficient, ideally automated image processing pipelines, with cell localization/segmentation as central tasks. Automated segmentation in live-cell cytosolic [Formula: see text] imaging data is, however, challenging due to temporal image intensity fluctuations, low signal-to-noise ratio, and photo-bleaching. Here, we propose a reservoir computing (RC) framework for efficient and temporally consistent segmentation. Experiments were conducted with Jurkat T-cells and anti-CD3 coated beads used for T-cell activation. We compared the RC performance with a standard U-Net and a convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) model. The RC-based models (1) perform on par in terms of segmentation accuracy with the deep learning models for cell-only segmentation, but show improved temporal segmentation consistency compared to the U-Net; (2) outperform the U-Net for two-emission wavelengths image segmentation and differentiation of T-cells and beads; and (3) perform on par with the convolutional LSTM for single-emission wavelength T-cell/bead segmentation and differentiation. In turn, RC models contain only a fraction of the parameters of the baseline models and reduce the training time considerably.

P2X7-mediated ATP secretion is accompanied by depletion of cytosolic ATP.

ATP and its metabolites are important extracellular signal transmitters acting on purinergic P2 and P1 receptors. Most cells can actively secrete ATP in response to a variety of external stimuli such as gating of the P2X7 receptor. We used Yac-1 murine lymphoma cells to study P2X7-mediated ATP release. These cells co-express P2X7 and ADP-ribosyltransferase ARTC2, permitting gating of P2X7 by NAD+-dependent ADP-ribosylation without the need to add exogenous ATP. Yac-1 cells released ATP into the extracellular space within minutes after stimulation with NAD+. This was blocked by pre-incubation with the inhibitory P2X7-specific nanobody 13A7. Gating of P2X7 for 3 h significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels in living cells, but these had returned to normal by 20 h. P2X7-mediated ATP release was dependent on a rise in cytosolic calcium and the depletion of intracellular potassium, but was not blocked by inhibitors of pannexins or connexins. We used genetically encoded FRET-based ATP sensors targeted to the cytosol to image P2X7-mediated changes in the distribution of ATP in 3T3 fibroblasts co-expressing P2X7 and ARTC2 and in Yac-1 cells. In response to NAD+, we observed a marked depletion of ATP in the cytosol. This study demonstrates the potential of ATP sensors as tools to study regulated ATP release by other cell types under other conditions.

High-Resolution Calcium Imaging Method for Local Calcium Signaling.

All eukaryotic cells respond to extracellular signals in a physiologically meaningful way. For multicellular organisms, physiologically relevant cooperation is only possible, if cell-cell communication works properly. Here, the extracellular signals must be translated into intracellular signals that ultimately result in cellular responses. This process is termed signal transduction or signaling. Ca2+ signaling has been developed in almost all eukaryotic cells. The cellular components used for this highly versatile signaling system are often termed "Ca2+ toolbox". Besides Ca2+ pumps and Ca2+-binding proteins, the Ca2+ channels that are located in the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes and the Ca2+-mobilizing second messengers are major players in shaping the four-dimensional nature of Ca2+ signals.Here, we report on methodological developments to acquire and analyze cellular Ca2+ signals with high temporal and spatial resolution with specific focus on (1) photobleaching of Ca2+ indicators at high acquisition rate, (2) determination of system noise and spatiotemporal detection limits, and (3) image processing.

ORAI1, STIM1/2, and RYR1 shape subsecond Ca2+ microdomains upon T cell activation.

The earliest intracellular signals that occur after T cell activation are local, subsecond Ca2+ microdomains. Here, we identified a Ca2+ entry component involved in Ca2+ microdomain formation in both unstimulated and stimulated T cells. In unstimulated T cells, spontaneously generated small Ca2+ microdomains required ORAI1, STIM1, and STIM2. Super-resolution microscopy of unstimulated T cells identified a circular subplasmalemmal region with a diameter of about 300 nm with preformed patches of colocalized ORAI1, ryanodine receptors (RYRs), and STIM1. Preformed complexes of STIM1 and ORAI1 in unstimulated cells were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and Förster resonance energy transfer studies. Furthermore, within the first second after T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, the number of Ca2+ microdomains increased in the subplasmalemmal space, an effect that required ORAI1, STIM2, RYR1, and the Ca2+ mobilizing second messenger NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These results indicate that preformed clusters of STIM and ORAI1 enable local Ca2+ entry events in unstimulated cells. Upon TCR activation, NAADP-evoked Ca2+ release through RYR1, in coordination with Ca2+ entry through ORAI1 and STIM, rapidly increases the number of Ca2+ microdomains, thereby initiating spread of Ca2+ signals deeper into the cytoplasm to promote full T cell activation.

Ca2+ Microdomains in T-Lymphocytes.

Early Ca2+ signaling is characterized by occurrence of Ca2+ microdomains formed by opening of single or clusters of Ca2+ channels, thereby initiating first signaling and subsequently activating global Ca2+ signaling mechanisms. However, only few data are available focusing on the first seconds and minutes of Ca2+ microdomain formation and related signaling pathways in activated T-lymphocytes. In this review, we condense current knowledge on Ca2+ microdomain formation in T-lymphocytes and early Ca2+ signaling, function of Ca2+ microdomains, and microdomain organization. Interestingly, considering the first seconds of T cell activation, a triphasic Ca2+ signal is becoming apparent: (i) initial Ca2+ microdomains occurring in the first second of T cell activation, (ii) amplification of Ca2+ microdomains by recruitment of further channels in the next 5-10 s, and (iii) a transition to global Ca2+ increase. Apparently, the second messenger nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate is the first second messenger involved in initiation of Ca2+ microdomains. Ryanodine receptors type 1 act as initial Ca2+ release channels in CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Regarding the temporal correlation of Ca2+ microdomains with other molecular events of T cell activation, T cell receptor-dependent microdomain organization of signaling molecules Grb2 and Src homology [SH2] domain-containing leukocyte protein of 65 kDa was observed within the first 20 s. In addition, fast cytoskeletal changes are initiated. Furthermore, the involvement of additional Ca2+ channels and organelles, such as the Ca2+ buffering mitochondria, is discussed. Future research developments will comprise analysis of the causal relation between these temporally coordinated signaling events. Taken together, high-resolution Ca2+ imaging techniques applied to T cell activation in the past years paved the way to detailed molecular understanding of initial Ca2+ signaling mechanisms in non-excitable cells.

Ultra-fast cell counters based on microtubular waveguides.

We present a radio-frequency impedance-based biosensor embedded inside a semiconductor microtube for the in-flow detection of single cells. An impedance-matched tank circuit and a tight wrapping of the electrodes around the sensing region, which creates a close, leakage current-free contact between cells and electrodes, yields a high signal-to-noise ratio. We experimentally show a twofold improved sensitivity of our three-dimensional electrode structure to conventional planar electrodes and support these findings by finite element simulations. Finally, we report on the differentiation of polystyrene beads, primary mouse T lymphocytes and Jurkat T lymphocytes using our device.

Resveratrol and Lifespan in Model Organisms.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol may possess life-prolonging and health-benefitting properties, some of which may resemble the effect of caloric restriction (CR). CR appears to prolong the lifespan of model organisms in some studies and may benefit human health. However, for humans, restricting food intake for an extended period of time seems impracticable and substances imitating the beneficial effects of CR without having to reduce food intake could improve health in an aging and overweight population. METHODS: We have reviewed the literature studying the influence of resveratrol on the lifespan of model organisms including yeast, flies, worms, and rodents. We summarize the in vivo findings, describe modulations of molecular targets and gene expression observed in vivo and in vitro, and discuss how these changes may contribute to lifespan extension. Data from clinical studies are summarized to provide an insight about the potential of resveratrol supplementation in humans. RESULTS: Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to prolong lifespan in approximately 60% of the studies conducted in model organisms. However, current literature is contradictory, indicating that the lifespan effects of resveratrol vary strongly depending on the model organism. While worms and killifish seemed very responsive to resveratrol, resveratrol failed to affect lifespan in the majority of the studies conducted in flies and mice. Furthermore, factors such as dose, gender, genetic background and diet composition may contribute to the high variance in the observed effects. CONCLUSION: It remains inconclusive whether resveratrol is indeed a CR mimetic and possesses life-prolonging properties. The limited bioavailability of resveratrol may further impede its potential effects.

Ca(2+) microdomains, NAADP and type 1 ryanodine receptor in cell activation.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a Ca(2+) mobilizing second messenger that belongs to the superfamily of regulatory adenine nucleotides. Though NAADP has been known since 20 years, several aspects of its metabolism and molecular mode of action are still under discussion. Though the importance of the type 1 ryanodine receptor was discovered and published already in 2002 Hohenegger et al. (2002 Oct 15), recent data re-emphasize these original findings in pancreatic acinar cells and in T-lymphocytes. Here we review recent developments in NAADP formation and metabolism, putative target Ca(2+) channels for NAADP with special emphasis on the type 1 ryanodine receptor, and NAADP binding proteins. The latter are basis for a unifying hypothesis for NAADP action. Finally, the role of NAADP in T cell Ca(2+) signaling and activation is discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium and Cell Fate. Guest Editors: Jacques Haiech, Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, Thierry Capiod and Olivier Mignen.

Frontrunners of T cell activation: Initial, localized Ca2+ signals mediated by NAADP and the type 1 ryanodine receptor.

The activation of T cells is the fundamental on switch for the adaptive immune system. Ca(2+) signaling is essential for T cell activation and starts as initial, short-lived, localized Ca(2+) signals. The second messenger nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) forms rapidly upon T cell activation and stimulates early Ca(2+) signaling. We developed a high-resolution imaging technique using multiple fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator dyes to characterize these early signaling events and investigate the channels involved in NAADP-dependent Ca(2+) signals. In the first seconds of activation of either primary murine T cells or human Jurkat cells with beads coated with an antibody against CD3, we detected Ca(2+) signals with diameters close to the limit of detection and that were close to the activation site at the plasma membrane. In Jurkat cells in which the ryanodine receptor (RyR) was knocked down or in primary T cells from RyR1(-/-) mice, either these early Ca(2+) signals were not detected or the number of signals was markedly reduced. Local Ca(2+) signals observed within 20 ms upon microinjection of Jurkat cells with NAADP were also sensitive to RyR knockdown. In contrast, TRPM2 (transient receptor potential channel, subtype melastatin 2), a potential NAADP target channel, was not required for the formation of initial Ca(2+) signals in primary T cells. Thus, through our high-resolution imaging method, we characterized early Ca(2+) release events in T cells and obtained evidence for the involvement of RyR and NAADP in such signals.

Myrosinase-treated glucoerucin is a potent inducer of the Nrf2 target gene heme oxygenase 1--studies in cultured HT-29 cells and mice.

In this study, the effect of myrosinase-treated glucoerucin (GER+MYR), which releases the isothiocyanate (ITC) erucin, on heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) gene expression and Nrf2 signaling was investigated in vitro in cultured cells and in vivo in mice. Treatment of HT-29 cells with GER+MYR resulted in a significant increase in the mRNA and protein levels of nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1. GER+MYR was more potent at enhancing the nuclear Nrf2 levels than were the following myrosinase-treated glucosinolates: sinigrin, glucoraphanin and gluconasturtiin, which are the precursors of allyl-ITC, R-sulforaphane and 2-phenylethyl ITC, respectively. GER+MYR also significantly induced HO-1 gene expression in the mouse intestinal mucosae and liver but not in the brain. Mechanistic studies suggest that GER+MYR induces Nrf2 via ERK1/2-, p38- and JNK-dependent signal transduction pathways. The GER+MYR-mediated increase in HO-1 expression is primarily attributable to p38 signaling.

Anthocyanins do not influence long-chain n-3 fatty acid status: studies in cells, rodents and humans.

Increased tissue status of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. Limited epidemiological and animal data suggest that flavonoids, and specifically anthocyanins, may increase EPA and DHA levels, potentially by increasing their synthesis from the shorter-chain n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid. Using complimentary cell, rodent and human studies we investigated the impact of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods/extracts on plasma and tissue EPA and DHA levels and on the expression of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), which represents the rate limiting enzymes in EPA and DHA synthesis. In experiment 1, rats were fed a standard diet containing either palm oil or rapeseed oil supplemented with pure anthocyanins for 8 weeks. Retrospective fatty acid analysis was conducted on plasma samples collected from a human randomized controlled trial where participants consumed an elderberry extract for 12 weeks (experiment 2). HepG2 cells were cultured with α-linolenic acid with or without select anthocyanins and their in vivo metabolites for 24 h and 48 h (experiment 3). The fatty acid composition of the cell membranes, plasma and liver tissues were analyzed by gas chromatography. Anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich food intake had no significant impact on EPA or DHA status or FADS2 gene expression in any model system. These data indicate little impact of dietary anthocyanins on n-3 PUFA distribution and suggest that the increasingly recognized benefits of anthocyanins are unlikely to be the result of a beneficial impact on tissue fatty acid status.