OCaR1 endows exocytic vesicles with autoregulatory competence by preventing uncontrolled Ca2+ release, exocytosis, and pancreatic tissue damage.

Regulated exocytosis is initiated by increased Ca2+ concentrations in close spatial proximity to secretory granules, which is effectively prevented when the cell is at rest. Here we showed that exocytosis of zymogen granules in acinar cells was driven by Ca2+ directly released from acidic Ca2+ stores including secretory granules through NAADP-activated two-pore channels (TPCs). We identified OCaR1 (encoded by Tmem63a) as an organellar Ca2+ regulator protein integral to the membrane of secretory granules that controlled Ca2+ release via inhibition of TPC1 and TPC2 currents. Deletion of OCaR1 led to extensive Ca2+ release from NAADP-responsive granules under basal conditions as well as upon stimulation of GPCR receptors. Moreover, OCaR1 deletion exacerbated the disease phenotype in murine models of severe and chronic pancreatitis. Our findings showed OCaR1 as a gatekeeper of Ca2+ release that endows NAADP-sensitive secretory granules with an autoregulatory mechanism preventing uncontrolled exocytosis and pancreatic tissue damage.

PtdSer as a signaling lipid determined by privileged localization of ORP5 and ORP8 at ER/PM junctional foci to determine PM and ER PtdSer/PI(4)P ratio and cell function.

The membrane contact site ER/PM junctions are hubs for signaling pathways, including Ca2+ signaling. Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) mediates various physiological functions; however, junctional PtdSer composition and the role of PtdSer in Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-dependent gene regulation are not understood. Here, we show that STIM1-formed junctions are required for PI(4)P/PtdSer exchange by ORP5 and ORP8, which have reciprocal lipid exchange modes and function as a rheostat that sets the junctional PtdSer/PI(4)P ratio. Targeting the ORP5 and ORP8 and their lipid transfer ORD domains to PM subdomains revealed that ORP5 sets low and ORP8 high junctional PI(4)P/PtdSer ratio that controls STIM1-STIM1 and STIM1-Orai1 interaction and the activity of the SERCA pump to determine the pattern of receptor-evoked Ca2+ oscillations, and consequently translocation of NFAT to the nucleus. Significantly, targeting the ORP5 and ORP8 ORDs to the STIM1 ER subdomain reversed their function. Notably, changing PI(4)P/PtdSer ratio by hydrolysis of PM or ER PtdSer with targeted PtdSer-specific PLA1a1 reproduced the ORPs function. The function of the ORPs is determined both by their differential lipid exchange modes and by privileged localization at the ER/PM subdomains. These findings reveal a role of PtdSer as a signaling lipid that controls the available PM PI(4)P, the unappreciated role of ER PtdSer in cell function, and the diversity of the ER/PM junctions. The effect of PtdSer on the junctional PI(4)P level should have multiple implications in cellular signaling and functions.

Hydrophobic interactions within the C terminus pole helices tunnel regulate calcium-dependent inactivation of TRPC3 in a calmodulin-dependent manner.

Recent structural studies have shown that the carboxyl-terminus of many TRP channels, including TRPC3, are folded into a horizontal rib helix that is connected to the vertical pole helix, which play roles in inter-structural interactions and multimerization. In a previous work we identified I807 located in the pole helix with a role in regulation of TRPC3 by STIM1 (Lee et al., 2014, Liu et al., 2022). To further determine the role of the pole helix in TRPC3 function, here we identified key hydrophobic residues in the pole helix that form tight tunnel-like structure and used mutations to probe their role in TRPC3 regulation by Ca2+ and Calmodulin. Our findings suggest that the hydrophobic starch formed by the I807-L818 residues has several roles, it modulates gating of TRPC3 by Ca2+, affects channel selectivity and the channel Ca2+ permeability. Mutations of I807, I811, L814 and L818 all attenuated the Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) of TRPC3, with I807 having the most prominent effect. The extent of modulation of the CDI depended on the degree of hydrophobicity of I807. Moreover, the TRPC3(I807S) mutant showed altered channel monovalent ion selectivity and increased Ca2+ permeability, without affecting the channel permeability to Mg2+ and Ba2+ and without changing the pore diameter. The CDI of TRPC3 was reduced by an inactive calmodulin mutant and by a pharmacological inhibitor of calmodulin, which was eliminated by the I807S mutation. Notably, deletion of STIM1 caused similar alteration of TRPC3 properties. Taken together, these findings reveal a role of the pole helix in CDI, in addition to its potential role in channel multimerization that required gating of TRPC3 by STIM1. Since all TRPC and most TRP channels have pole helix structures, our findings raise the possibility that the pole helix may have similar roles in all the TRP family.

The intracellular Ca2+ channel TRPML3 is a PI3P effector that regulates autophagosome biogenesis.

Autophagy is a multiple fusion event, initiating with autophagosome formation and culminating with fusion with endo-lysosomes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The source of Ca2+ and the molecular mechanism by which Ca2+ is provided for this process are not known. The intracellular Ca2+ permeable channel transient receptor potential mucolipin 3 (TRPML3) localizes in the autophagosome and interacts with the mammalian autophagy-related protein 8 (ATG8) homolog GATE16. Here, we show that lipid-regulated TRPML3 is the Ca2+ release channel in the phagophore that provides the Ca2+ necessary for autophagy progress. We generated a TRPML3-GCaMP6 fusion protein as a targeted reporter of TRPML3 compartment localization and channel function. Notably, TRPML3-GCaMP6 localized in the phagophores, the level of which increased in response to nutrient starvation. Importantly, phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P), an essential lipid for autophagosome formation, is a selective regulator of TRPML3. TRPML3 interacted with PI3P, which is a direct activator of TRPML3 current and Ca2+ release from the phagophore, to promote and increase autophagy. Inhibition of TRPML3 suppressed autophagy even in the presence of excess PI3P, while activation of TRPML3 reversed the autophagy inhibition caused by blocking PI3P. Moreover, disruption of the TRPML3-PI3P interaction abolished both TRPML3 activation by PI3P and the increase in autophagy. Taken together, these results reveal that TRPML3 is a downstream effector of PI3P and a key regulator of autophagy. Activation of TRPML3 by PI3P is the critical step providing Ca2+ from the phagophore for the fusion process, which is essential for autophagosome biogenesis.

The sun, cholesterol and Orai1 conspire in melanoma.

How does skin cancer become metastatic? A recent study by Gross et al (2022) reports a novel pathway by which UV radiation acts on cholesterol biosynthesis to control Ca2+ influx by Orai1, causing protein O-GlcNAcylation that promotes transformation to invasive melanoma.

TRPC3 channel gating by lipids requires localization at the ER/PM junctions defined by STIM1.

TRPC3, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of cation channels, is a lipid-regulated, Ca2+-permeable channel that mediates essential components of the receptor evoked Ca2+ signal. The modes and mechanisms by which lipids regulate TRPC3 and other members of the TRPC channel family are not well understood. Here, we report that PI(4,5)P2 regulates TRPC3 in three independent modes. PLC-dependent hydrolysis generates diacylglycerol (DAG) that interacts with lipid-binding site 2 in the channel pore. PI(4,5)P2 interacts with lipid site 1 to inhibit TRPC3 opening and regulate access of DAG to the pore lipid site 2. PI(4,5)P2 is required for regulating pore ionic selectivity by receptor stimulation. Notably, the activation and regulation of TRPC3 by PI(4,5)P2 require recruitment of TRPC3 to the ER/PM junctions at a PI(4,5)P2-rich domain. Accordingly, we identified an FFAT site at the TRPC3 N-terminal loop within the linker helices that envelope the C-terminus pole helix. The FFAT site interacts with the ER-resident VAPB to recruit TRPC3 to the ER/PM junctions and control its receptor-mediated activation. The TRPC3's lipid interacting sites are fully conserved in TRPC6 and TRPC7 and in part in other TRPC channels. These findings inform on multiple modes of regulation of ion channels by lipids that may be relevant to diseases affected by aberrant TRPC channel functions.

Cl- as a bona fide signaling ion.

Cl- is the major extracellular (Cl-out) and intracellular (Cl-in) anion whose concentration is actively regulated by multiple transporters. These transporters generate Cl- gradients across the plasma membrane and between the cytoplasm and intracellular organelles. [Cl-]in changes rapidly in response to cell stimulation and influences many physiological functions, as well as cellular and systemic homeostasis. However, less appreciated is the signaling function of Cl-. Cl- interacts with multiple proteins to directly modify their activity. This review highlights the signaling function of Cl- and argues that Cl- is a bona fide signaling ion, a function deserving extensive exploration.

Ca2+ Signaling in Exocrine Cells.

Calcium (Ca2+) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling cross talk and synergize to stimulate the cardinal functions of exocrine cells, regulated exocytosis, and fluid and electrolyte secretion. This physiological process requires the organization of the two signaling pathways into complexes at defined cellular domains and close placement. Such domains are formed by membrane contact sites (MCS). This review discusses the basic properties of Ca2+ signaling in exocrine cells, the role of MCS in the organization of cell signaling and in cross talk and synergism between the Ca2+ and cAMP signaling pathways and, finally, the mechanism by which the Ca2+ and cAMP pathways synergize to stimulate epithelial fluid and electrolyte secretion.

Ca2+ Influx Channel Inhibitor SARAF Protects Mice From Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pancreatitis is characterized by increased influx of Ca2+ into acinar cells, by unknown mechanisms. Inhibitors of Ca2+ influx channels could be effective in treating acute pancreatitis, but these have deleterious side effects that can result in death. We investigated the expression patterns and functions of acinar cell Ca2+ channels and factors that regulate them during development of acute pancreatitis, along with changes in the channel inactivator store-operated calcium entry-associated regulatory factor (SARAF). We investigated whether SARAF is a target for treatment of acute pancreatitis and its status in human with pancreatitis. METHODS: We generated mice that expressed SARAF tagged with hemagglutinin, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and isolated acinar cells. We also performed studies with Saraf-/- mice, Sarafzf/zf mice, mice without disruption of Saraf (control mice), and mice that overexpress fluorescently labeled SARAF in acinar cells. We analyzed interactions between stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and SARAF in HEK cells stimulated with carbachol using fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy and immunoprecipitation. Mice were given injections of caerulein or L-arginine to induce pancreatitis. Pancreatic tissues and blood samples were collected and levels of serum amylase, trypsin, tissue damage, inflammatory mediators, and inflammatory cells were measured. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of pancreatic tissues from 6 organ donors without pancreatic disease (controls) and 8 patients with alcohol-associated pancreatitis. RESULTS: Pancreatic levels of Ca2+ influx channels or STIM1 did not differ significantly between acinar cells from mice with vs. without pancreatitis. By contrast, pancreatic levels of Saraf messenger RNA and SARAF protein initially markedly increased but then decreased during cell stimulation or injection of mice with caerulein, resulting in excessive Ca2+ influx. STIM1 interacted stably with SARAF following stimulation of HEK or mouse acinar cells with physiologic levels of carbachol, but only transiently following stimulation with pathologic levels of carbachol, leading to excessive Ca2+ influx. We observed reduced levels of SARAF messenger RNA in pancreatic tissues from patients with pancreatitis, compared with controls. SARAF knockout mice developed more severe pancreatitis than control mice after administration of caerulein or L-arginine, and pancreatic acinar cells from these mice had significant increases in Ca2+ influx. Conversely, overexpression of SARAF in acini reduced Ca2+ influx, eliminated inflammation, and reduced severity of acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: In mice with pancreatitis, SARAF initially increases but is then degraded, resulting in excessive, pathological Ca2+ influx by acinar cells. SARAF knockout mice develop more severe pancreatitis than control mice, whereas mice that express SARAF from a transgene in acinar cells develop less-severe pancreatitis. SARAF therefore appears to prevent pancreatic damage during development of acute pancreatitis. Strategies to stabilize or restore SARAF to acinar cells might be developed for treatment of pancreatitis.

Homer2 and Homer3 modulate RANKL-induced NFATc1 signaling in osteoclastogenesis and bone metabolism.

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) induces osteoclastogenesis by induction of Ca2+ oscillation, calcineurin activation and translocation into the nucleus of nuclear factor of activated T cells type c1 (NFATc1). Homer proteins are scaffold proteins. They regulate Ca2+ signaling by modulating the activity of multiple Ca2+ signaling proteins. Homers 2 and 3, but not Homer1, also independently affect the interaction between NFATc1 and calcineurin. However, to date, whether and how the Homers are involved in osteoclastogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated Homer2 and Homer3 roles in Ca2+ signaling and NFATc1 function during osteoclast differentiation. Deletion of Homer2/Homer3 (Homer2/3) markedly decreased the bone density of the tibia, resulting in bone erosion. RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation is greatly facilitated in Homer2/3 DKO bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) due to increased NFATc1 expression and nuclear translocation. However, these findings did not alter RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillations. Of note, RANKL treatment inhibited Homer proteins interaction with NFATc1, but it was restored by cyclosporine A treatment to inhibit calcineurin. Finally, RANKL treatment of Homer2/3 DKO BMMs significantly increased the formation of multinucleated cells. These findings suggest a novel potent mode of bone homeostasis regulation through osteoclasts differentiation. Specifically, we found that Homer2 and Homer3 regulate NFATc1 function through its interaction with calcineurin to regulate RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone metabolism.

Anoctamin 8 tethers endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane for assembly of Ca2+ signaling complexes at the ER/PM compartment.

Communication and material transfer between membranes and organelles take place at membrane contact sites (MCSs). MCSs between the ER and PM, the ER/PM junctions, are the sites where the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 and the PM Ca2+ influx channel Orai1 cluster. MCSs are formed by tether proteins that bridge the opposing membranes, but the identity and role of these tethers in receptor-evoked Ca2+ signaling is not well understood. Here, we identified Anoctamin 8 (ANO8) as a key tether in the formation of the ER/PM junctions that is essential for STIM1-STIM1 interaction and STIM1-Orai1 interaction and channel activation at a ER/PM PI(4,5)P2-rich compartment. Moreover, ANO8 assembles all core Ca2+ signaling proteins: Orai1, PMCA, STIM1, IP3 receptors, and SERCA2 at the ER/PM junctions to mediate a novel form of Orai1 channel inactivation by markedly facilitating SERCA2-mediated Ca2+ influx into the ER. This controls the efficiency of receptor-stimulated Ca2+ signaling, Ca2+ oscillations, and duration of Orai1 activity to prevent Ca2+ toxicity. These findings reveal the central role of MCSs in determining efficiency and fidelity of cell signaling.

Systemic Succinate Homeostasis and Local Succinate Signaling Affect Blood Pressure and Modify Risks for Calcium Oxalate Lithogenesis.

BACKGROUND: In the kidney, low urinary citrate increases the risk for developing kidney stones, and elevation of luminal succinate in the juxtaglomerular apparatus increases renin secretion, causing hypertension. Although the association between stone formation and hypertension is well established, the molecular mechanism linking these pathophysiologies has been elusive. METHODS: To investigate the relationship between succinate and citrate/oxalate levels, we assessed blood and urine levels of metabolites, renal protein expression, and BP (using 24-hour telemetric monitoring) in male mice lacking slc26a6 (a transporter that inhibits the succinate transporter NaDC-1 to control citrate absorption from the urinary lumen). We also explored the mechanism underlying this metabolic association, using coimmunoprecipitation, electrophysiologic measurements, and flux assays to study protein interaction and transport activity. RESULTS: Compared with control mice, slc26a6-/- mice (previously shown to have low urinary citrate and to develop calcium oxalate stones) had a 40% decrease in urinary excretion of succinate, a 35% increase in serum succinate, and elevated plasma renin. Slc26a6-/- mice also showed activity-dependent hypertension that was unaffected by dietary salt intake. Structural modeling, confirmed by mutational analysis, identified slc26a6 and NaDC-1 residues that interact and mediate slc26a6's inhibition of NaDC-1. This interaction is regulated by the scaffolding protein IRBIT, which is released by stimulation of the succinate receptor SUCNR1 and interacts with the NaDC-1/slc26a6 complex to inhibit succinate transport by NaDC-1. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a succinate/citrate homeostatic pathway regulated by IRBIT that affects BP and biochemical risk of calcium oxalate stone formation, thus providing a potential molecular link between hypertension and lithogenesis.

Exosomal release through TRPML1-mediated lysosomal exocytosis is required for adipogenesis.

The lysosomal Ca2+ permeable channel TRPML1 (MCOLN1) plays key roles in lysosomal membrane trafficking, including the fusion of late endosomes to lysosomes and lysosomal exocytosis, both of which are essential for release of exosomes into the extracellular milieu. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the contents of adipocyte-derived exosomes mediate diverse cellular responses, including adipogenic differentiation. In this study, we aimed to define the potential roles of TRPML1 in lysosomal membrane trafficking during adipogenesis and in exosomal release. In response to adipogenic stimuli, the endogenous TRPML1 expression in OP9 pre-adipocytes was increased in a time-dependent manner, and the acute deletion of TRPML1 reduced lipid synthesis and expression of differentiation-related marker genes. Notably, mature adipocyte-derived exosomes were found to be necessary for adipogenesis and were dependent on TRPML1-mediated lysosomal exocytosis. Taken together, our findings indicate that TRPML1 mediates diverse roles in adipocyte differentiation and exosomal release. Further, we propose that TRPML1 should be considered as a regulator of obesity-related diseases.

CRAC channels in secretory epithelial cell function and disease.

The receptor-evoked Ca2+ signal in secretory epithelia mediate many cellular functions essential for cell survival and their most fundamental functions of secretory granules exocytosis and fluid and electrolyte secretion. Ca2+ influx is a key component of the receptor-evoked Ca2+ signal in secretory cell and is mediated by both TRPC and the STIM1-activated Orai1 channels that mediates the Ca2+ release-activated current (CRAC) Icrac. The core components of the receptor-evoked Ca2+ signal are assembled at the ER/PM junctions where exchange of materials between the plasma membrane and internal organelles take place, including transfer of lipids and Ca2+. The Ca2+ signal generated at the confined space of the ER/PM junctions is necessary for activation of the Ca2+-regulated proteins and ion channels that mediate exocytosis with high fidelity and tight control. In this review we discuss the general properties of Ca2+ signaling, PI(4,5)P2 and other lipids at the ER/PM junctions with regard to secretory cells function and disease caused by uncontrolled Ca2+ influx.

Palmitoylation controls trafficking of the intracellular Ca2+ channel MCOLN3/TRPML3 to regulate autophagy.

MCOLN3/TRPML3 is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel that is expressed in multiple subcellular compartments with dynamic localization. Our previous studies suggest that upon macroautophagy/autophagy induction MCOLN3/TRPML3 is recruited and provides Ca2+ for the fusion process in autophagosome biogenesis. However, how intracellular trafficking and the Ca2+ channel function of MCOLN3/TRPML3 are related to autophagy are not known. Here we report that MCOLN3/TRPML3 undergoes palmitoylation at its C-terminal region, which is required for dynamic trafficking and cellular function of MCOLN3/TRPML3 in autophagy. Palmitoylation regulated MCOLN3/TRPML3 surface expression and trafficking, but not channel properties or localization and function of intracellular MCOLN3/TRPML3. Activation of intracellular MCOLN3/TRPML3 induced robust Ca2+ release, which solely increased autophagy in Ca2+- and palmitoylation-dependent manners. Palmitoylation regulated not only intracellular MCOLN3/TRPML3 trafficking to autophagic structures but also autophagic flux in induced autophagy. Importantly, nutrient starvation activated MCOLN3/TRPML3 to release Ca2+ and increased the level of MCOLN3/TRPML3 palmitoylation. Disruption of MCOLN3/TRPML3 palmitoylation, however, abolished the starvation-induced MCOLN3/TRPML3 activation without affecting channel activity. These results suggest that trafficking and channel function of MCOLN3/TRPML3 are regulated in the context of autophagy, and palmitoylation is a prerequisite for the function of MCOLN3/TRPML3 as a Ca2+ channel in autophagosome formation by controlling its trafficking between subcellular compartments. Abbreviations: 17-ODYA, 17-octadecynoic acid; 2-BP, 2-bromopalmitate; BFA, brefeldin A; DN, dominant-negative; GPN, glycyl-L-phenylalanine-beta-naphthylamide; HN, hydroxylamine; KD, knockdown; MCOLN3/TRPML3, mucolipin 3; MS, mass spectrometry; PAT, palmitoyl acyltransferase; PM, plasma membrane; WT, wild type; ZDHHC, a zinc-finger motif and an Asp-His-His-Cys sequence.

Mining of Ebola virus entry inhibitors identifies approved drugs as two-pore channel pore blockers.

Two-pore channels (TPCs) are Ca2+-permeable ion channels localised to the endo-lysosomal system where they regulate trafficking of various cargoes including viruses. As a result, TPCs are emerging as important drug targets. However, their pharmacology is ill-defined. There are no approved drugs to target them. And their mechanism of ligand activation is largely unknown. Here, we identify a number of FDA-approved drugs as TPC pore blockers. Using a model of the pore of human TPC2 based on recent structures of mammalian TPCs, we virtually screened a database of ~1500 approved drugs. Because TPCs have recently emerged as novel host factors for Ebola virus entry, we reasoned that Ebola virus entry inhibitors may exert their effects through inhibition of TPCs. Cross-referencing hits from the TPC virtual screen with two recent high throughput anti-Ebola screens yielded approved drugs targeting dopamine and estrogen receptors as common hits. These compounds inhibited endogenous NAADP-evoked Ca2+ release from sea urchin egg homogenates, NAADP-mediated channel activity of TPC2 re-routed to the plasma membrane, and PI(3,5)P2-mediated channel activity of TPC2 expressed in enlarged lysosomes. Mechanistically, single channel analyses showed that the drugs reduced mean open time consistent with a direct action on the pore. Functionally, drug potency in blocking TPC2 activity correlated with inhibition of Ebola virus-like particle entry. Our results expand TPC pharmacology through the identification of approved drugs as novel blockers, support a role for TPCs in Ebola virus entry, and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying channel regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.