Ca2+ signals initiate at immobile IP3 receptors adjacent to ER-plasma membrane junctions.

IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) release Ca2+ from the ER when they bind IP3 and Ca2+. The spatial organization of IP3Rs determines both the propagation of Ca2+ signals between IP3Rs and the selective regulation of cellular responses. Here we use gene editing to fluorescently tag endogenous IP3Rs, and super-resolution microscopy to determine the geography of IP3Rs and Ca2+ signals within living cells. We show that native IP3Rs cluster within ER membranes. Most IP3R clusters are mobile, moved by diffusion and microtubule motors. Ca2+ signals are generated by a small population of immobile IP3Rs. These IP3Rs are licensed to respond, but they do not readily mix with mobile IP3Rs. The licensed IP3Rs reside alongside ER-plasma membrane junctions where STIM1, which regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry, accumulates after depletion of Ca2+ stores. IP3Rs tethered close to ER-plasma membrane junctions are licensed to respond and optimally placed to be activated by endogenous IP3 and to regulate Ca2+ entry.

Cyclic AMP Recruits a Discrete Intracellular Ca2+ Store by Unmasking Hypersensitive IP3 Receptors.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) stimulates Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the response is potentiated by 3',5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP). We investigated this interaction in HEK293 cells using carbachol and parathyroid hormone (PTH) to stimulate formation of IP3 and cAMP, respectively. PTH alone had no effect on the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, but it potentiated the Ca2+ signals evoked by carbachol. Surprisingly, however, the intracellular Ca2+ stores that respond to carbachol alone could be both emptied and refilled without affecting the subsequent response to PTH. We provide evidence that PTH unmasks high-affinity IP3 receptors within a discrete Ca2+ store. We conclude that Ca2+ stores within the ER that dynamically exchange Ca2+ with the cytosol maintain a functional independence that allows one store to be released by carbachol and another to be released by carbachol with PTH. Compartmentalization of ER Ca2+ stores adds versatility to IP3-evoked Ca2+ signals.

Fluorescence methods for analysis of interactions between Ca(2+) signaling, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is both the major source of intracellular Ca(2+) for cell signaling and the organelle that forms the most extensive contacts with the plasma membrane and other organelles. Lysosomes fulfill important roles in degrading cellular materials and in cholesterol handling, but they also contribute to Ca(2+) signaling by both releasing and sequestering Ca(2+). Interactions between ER and other Ca(2+)-transporting membranes, notably mitochondria and the plasma membrane, often occur at sites where the two membranes are closely apposed, allowing local Ca(2+) signaling between them. These interactions are often facilitated by scaffold proteins. Recent evidence suggests similar local interactions between ER and lysosomes. We describe simple fluorescence-based methods that allow the interplay between Ca(2+) signals, the ER, and lysosomes to be examined.

Sustained signalling by PTH modulates IP3 accumulation and IP3 receptors through cyclic AMP junctions.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates adenylyl cyclase through type 1 PTH receptors (PTH1R) and potentiates the Ca(2+) signals evoked by carbachol, which stimulates formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). We confirmed that in HEK cells expressing PTH1R, acute stimulation with PTH(1-34) potentiated carbachol-evoked Ca(2+) release. This was mediated by locally delivered cyclic AMP (cAMP), but unaffected by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), exchange proteins activated by cAMP, cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) or substantial inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Sustained stimulation with PTH(1-34) causes internalization of PTH1R-adenylyl cyclase signalling complexes, but the consequences for delivery of cAMP to IP3R within cAMP signalling junctions are unknown. Here, we show that sustained stimulation with PTH(1-34) or with PTH analogues that do not evoke receptor internalization reduced the potentiated Ca(2+) signals and attenuated carbachol-evoked increases in cytosolic IP3. Similar results were obtained after sustained stimulation with NKH477 to directly activate adenylyl cyclase, or with the membrane-permeant analogue of cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP. These responses were independent of PKA and unaffected by substantial inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. During prolonged stimulation with PTH(1-34), hyperactive cAMP signalling junctions, within which cAMP is delivered directly and at saturating concentrations to its targets, mediate sensitization of IP3R and a more slowly developing inhibition of IP3 accumulation.

Rapid recycling of Ca2+ between IP3-sensitive stores and lysosomes.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) evokes release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but the resulting Ca2+ signals are shaped by interactions with additional intracellular organelles. Bafilomycin A1, which prevents lysosomal Ca2+ uptake by inhibiting H+ pumping into lysosomes, increased the amplitude of the initial Ca2+ signals evoked by carbachol in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Carbachol alone and carbachol in combination with parathyroid hormone (PTH) evoke Ca2+ release from distinct IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores in HEK cells stably expressing human type 1 PTH receptors. Bafilomycin A1 similarly exaggerated the Ca2+ signals evoked by carbachol or carbachol with PTH, indicating that Ca2+ released from distinct IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores is sequestered by lysosomes. The Ca2+ signals resulting from store-operated Ca2+ entry, whether evoked by thapsigargin or carbachol, were unaffected by bafilomycin A1. Using Gd3+ (1 mM) to inhibit both Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ extrusion, HEK cells were repetitively stimulated with carbachol to assess the effectiveness of Ca2+ recycling to the ER after IP3-evoked Ca2+ release. Blocking lysosomal Ca2+ uptake with bafilomycin A1 increased the amplitude of each carbachol-evoked Ca2+ signal without affecting the rate of Ca2+ recycling to the ER. This suggests that Ca2+ accumulated by lysosomes is rapidly returned to the ER. We conclude that lysosomes rapidly, reversibly and selectively accumulate the Ca2+ released by IP3 receptors residing within distinct Ca2+ stores, but not the Ca2+ entering cells via receptor-regulated, store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways.

Reliable encoding of stimulus intensities within random sequences of intracellular Ca2+ spikes.

Ca(2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger that regulates diverse cellular activities. Extracellular stimuli often evoke sequences of intracellular Ca(2+) spikes, and spike frequency may encode stimulus intensity. However, the timing of spikes within a cell is random because each interspike interval has a large stochastic component. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and rat primary hepatocytes, we found that the average interspike interval also varied between individual cells. To evaluate how individual cells reliably encoded stimuli when Ca(2+) spikes exhibited such unpredictability, we combined Ca(2+) imaging of single cells with mathematical analyses of the Ca(2+) spikes evoked by receptors that stimulate formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). This analysis revealed that signal-to-noise ratios were improved by slow recovery from feedback inhibition of Ca(2+) spiking operating at the whole-cell level and that they were robust against perturbations of the signaling pathway. Despite variability in the frequency of Ca(2+) spikes between cells, steps in stimulus intensity caused the stochastic period of the interspike interval to change by the same factor in all cells. These fold changes reliably encoded changes in stimulus intensity, and they resulted in an exponential dependence of average interspike interval on stimulation strength. We conclude that Ca(2+) spikes enable reliable signaling in a cell population despite randomness and cell-to-cell variability, because global feedback reduces noise, and changes in stimulus intensity are represented by fold changes in the stochastic period of the interspike interval.

Interactions of antagonists with subtypes of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3 Rs) are intracellular Ca(2+) channels. Interactions of the commonly used antagonists of IP3Rs with IP3R subtypes are poorly understood. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: IP3-evoked Ca(2+) release from permeabilized DT40 cells stably expressing single subtypes of mammalian IP3R was measured using a luminal Ca(2+) indicator. The effects of commonly used antagonists on IP3-evoked Ca(2+) release and (3) H-IP3 binding were characterized. KEY RESULTS: Functional analyses showed that heparin was a competitive antagonist of all IP3R subtypes with different affinities for each (IP3R3 > IP3R1 ≥ IP3R2). This sequence did not match the affinities for heparin binding to the isolated N-terminal from each IP3R subtype. 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and high concentrations of caffeine selectively inhibited IP3R1 without affecting IP3 binding. Neither Xestospongin C nor Xestospongin D effectively inhibited IP3-evoked Ca(2+) release via any IP3R subtype. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Heparin competes with IP3, but its access to the IP3-binding core is substantially hindered by additional IP3R residues. These interactions may contribute to its modest selectivity for IP3R3. Practicable concentrations of caffeine and 2-APB inhibit only IP3R1. Xestospongins do not appear to be effective antagonists of IP3Rs.

Structural organization of signalling to and from IP3 receptors.

In the 30 years since IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) was first shown to release Ca2+ from intracellular stores, the importance of spatially organized interactions within IP3-regulated signalling pathways has been universally recognized. Recent evidence that addresses three different levels of the structural determinants of IP3-evoked Ca2+ signalling is described in the present review. High-resolution structures of the N-terminal region of the IP3R (IP3 receptor) have established that the two essential phosphate groups of IP3 bind to opposite sides of the IP3-binding site, pulling its two domains together. This conformational change is proposed to disrupt an interaction between adjacent subunits within the tetrameric IP3R that normally holds the channel in a closed state. Similar structural changes are thought to allow gating of ryanodine receptors. cAMP increases the sensitivity of IP3Rs and thereby potentiates the Ca2+ signals evoked by receptors that stimulate IP3 formation. We speculate that both IP3 and cAMP are delivered to IP3Rs within signalling junctions, wherein the associated IP3Rs are exposed to a saturating concentration of either messenger. The concentration-dependent effects of extracellular stimuli come from recruitment of junctions rather than from a graded increase in the activity of individual junctions. IP3Rs within 'IP3 junctions' respond directly to receptors that stimulate phospholipase C, whereas extra-junctional IP3Rs are exposed to suboptimal concentrations of IP3 and open only when they are sensitized by cAMP. These results highlight the importance of selective delivery of diffusible messengers to IP3Rs. The spatial organization of IP3Rs also allows them to direct Ca2+ to specific intracellular targets that include other IP3Rs, mitochondria and Ca2+-regulated channels and enzymes. IP3Rs also interact functionally with lysosomes because Ca2+ released by IP3Rs, but not that entering cells via store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways, is selectively accumulated by lysosomes. This Ca2+ uptake shapes the Ca2+ signals evoked by IP3 and it may regulate lysosomal behaviour.

High-throughput analyses of IP3 receptor behavior.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are intracellular Ca(2+) channels. They are expressed in most animal cells and mediate release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in response to the many stimuli that evoke formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). The opening of individual IP3Rs causes small, transient, local increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, and these events are the fundamental units of Ca(2+) signaling. These openings allow Ca(2+) signals to be selectively delivered by individual channels to the specific Ca(2+) sensors that evoke cellular responses. Stimulation of IP3Rs by the Ca(2+) they release allows these tiny events to grow into much larger ones by recruitment of neighboring IP3Rs. Understanding how Ca(2+) effectively and specifically regulates so many cellular processes demands an understanding of the interplay between IP3 and Ca(2+) in controlling IP3R gating. Here, we briefly set the scene before introducing high-throughput methods that seek to address this issue.

High-throughput functional assays of IP3-evoked Ca2+ release.

This protocol describes procedures for high-throughput functional analyses of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) in permeabilized cells. The methods are applicable to native IP3Rs in a variety of cells and to recombinant IP3Rs stably expressed in DT40 cells in which gene disruption has abolished expression of endogenous IP3Rs. A low-affinity Ca(2+)-indicator (Mag-Fluo-4) trapped within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of permeabilized cells is used to report changes in luminal free Ca(2+) concentration. A fluorescence plate-reader equipped to allow automated additions permits rapid measurements of the Ca(2+) release evoked by IP3R. The procedure can be completed in 2-3 h.

Cyclic AMP directs inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate-evoked Ca2+ signalling to different intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Cholesterol depletion reversibly abolishes carbachol-evoked Ca(2+) release from inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores, without affecting the distribution of IP3 receptors (IP3R) or endoplasmic reticulum, IP3 formation or responses to photolysis of caged IP3. Receptors that stimulate cAMP formation do not alone evoke Ca(2+) signals, but they potentiate those evoked by carbachol. We show that these potentiated signals are entirely unaffected by cholesterol depletion and that, within individual cells, different IP3-sensitive Ca(2+) stores are released by carbachol alone and by carbachol combined with receptors that stimulate cAMP formation. We suggest that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in lipid rafts deliver IP3 at high concentration to associated IP3R, stimulating them to release Ca(2+). Muscarinic receptors outside rafts are less closely associated with IP3R and provide insufficient local IP3 to activate IP3R directly. These IP3R, probably type 2 IP3R within a discrete Ca(2+) store, are activated only when their sensitivity is increased by cAMP. Sensitization of IP3R by cAMP extends the effective range of signalling by phospholipase C, allowing muscarinic receptors that are otherwise ineffective to recruit additional IP3-sensitive Ca(2+) stores.

Stimulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor subtypes by adenophostin A and its analogues.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) are intracellular Ca(2+) channels. Most animal cells express mixtures of the three IP3R subtypes encoded by vertebrate genomes. Adenophostin A (AdA) is the most potent naturally occurring agonist of IP3R and it shares with IP3 the essential features of all IP3R agonists, namely structures equivalent to the 4,5-bisphosphate and 6-hydroxyl of IP3. The two essential phosphate groups contribute to closure of the clam-like IP3-binding core (IBC), and thereby IP3R activation, by binding to each of its sides (the α- and ß-domains). Regulation of the three subtypes of IP3R by AdA and its analogues has not been examined in cells expressing defined homogenous populations of IP3R. We measured Ca(2+) release evoked by synthetic adenophostin A (AdA) and its analogues in permeabilized DT40 cells devoid of native IP3R and stably expressing single subtypes of mammalian IP3R. The determinants of high-affinity binding of AdA and its analogues were indistinguishable for each IP3R subtype. The results are consistent with a cation-π interaction between the adenine of AdA and a conserved arginine within the IBC α-domain contributing to closure of the IBC. The two complementary contacts between AdA and the α-domain (cation-π interaction and 3″-phosphate) allow activation of IP3R by an analogue of AdA (3″-dephospho-AdA) that lacks a phosphate group equivalent to the essential 5-phosphate of IP3. These data provide the first structure-activity analyses of key AdA analogues using homogenous populations of all mammalian IP3R subtypes. They demonstrate that differences in the Ca(2+) signals evoked by AdA analogues are unlikely to be due to selective regulation of IP3R subtypes.

Stimulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor subtypes by analogues of IP3.

Most animal cells express mixtures of the three subtypes of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) encoded by vertebrate genomes. Activation of each subtype by different agonists has not hitherto been examined in cells expressing defined homogenous populations of IP(3)R. Here we measure Ca(2+) release evoked by synthetic analogues of IP(3) using a Ca(2+) indicator within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum of permeabilized DT40 cells stably expressing single subtypes of mammalian IP(3)R. Phosphorylation of (1,4,5)IP(3) to (1,3,4,5)IP(4) reduced potency by ~100-fold. Relative to (1,4,5)IP(3), the potencies of IP(3) analogues modified at the 1-position (malachite green (1,4,5)IP(3)), 2-position (2-deoxy(1,4,5)IP(3)) or 3-position (3-deoxy(1,4,5)IP(3), (1,3,4,5)IP(4)) were similar for each IP(3)R subtype. The potency of an analogue, (1,4,6)IP(3), in which the orientations of the 2- and 3-hydroxyl groups were inverted, was also reduced similarly for all three IP(3)R subtypes. Most analogues of IP(3) interact similarly with the three IP(3)R subtypes, but the decrease in potency accompanying removal of the 1-phosphate from (1,4,5)IP(3) was least for IP(3)R3. Addition of a large chromophore (malachite green) to the 1-phosphate of (1,4,5)IP(3) only modestly reduced potency suggesting that similar analogues could be used to measure (1,4,5)IP(3) binding optically. These data provide the first structure-activity analyses of key IP(3) analogues using homogenous populations of each mammalian IP(3)R subtype. They demonstrate broadly similar structure-activity relationships for all mammalian IP(3)R subtypes and establish the potential utility of (1,4,5)IP(3) analogues with chromophores attached to the 1-position.

Lysosomes shape Ins(1,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ signals by selectively sequestering Ca2+ released from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Most intracellular Ca(2+) signals result from opening of Ca(2+) channels in the plasma membrane or endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and they are reversed by active transport across these membranes or by shuttling Ca(2+) into mitochondria. Ca(2+) channels in lysosomes contribute to endo-lysosomal trafficking and Ca(2+) signalling, but the role of lysosomal Ca(2+) uptake in Ca(2+) signalling is unexplored. Inhibition of lysosomal Ca(2+) uptake by dissipating the H(+) gradient (using bafilomycin A1), perforating lysosomal membranes (using glycyl-L-phenylalanine 2-naphthylamide) or lysosome fusion (using vacuolin) increased the Ca(2+) signals evoked by receptors that stimulate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)] formation. Bafilomycin A1 amplified the Ca(2+) signals evoked by photolysis of caged Ins(1,4,5)P(3) or by inhibition of ER Ca(2+) pumps, and it slowed recovery from them. Ca(2+) signals evoked by store-operated Ca(2+) entry were unaffected by bafilomycin A1. Video-imaging with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that lysosomes were motile and remained intimately associated with the ER. Close association of lysosomes with the ER allows them selectively to accumulate Ca(2+) released by Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors.

Confocal microscopy: theory and applications for cellular signaling.

The development of confocal microscopy and the commercial availability of confocal microscopes have provided many laboratories with an extremely powerful approach to examine cellular structure and function. Allied with the development of suitable tools, it is now possible to interrogate a wide range of structural and functional aspects on both fixed and live cells. Here we describe the basic principles underlying confocal microscopy and provide methodological accounts of how it can be used to study aspects related particularly (but not exclusively) to the expression, activation, and regulation of signaling by G-protein-coupled receptors. Specifically we provide detailed protocols for examining: the cellular expression and distribution of proteins by immunocytochemistry; cytoplasmic and organelle Ca(2+) signaling using fluorescent indicators; second messenger generation using fluorescently tagged biosensors; and ligand/receptor internalization using fluorescently tagged peptide agonists and receptors.

From parathyroid hormone to cytosolic Ca2+ signals.

PTHR1 (type 1 parathyroid hormone receptors) mediate the effects of PTH (parathyroid hormone) on bone remodelling and plasma Ca2+ homoeostasis. PTH, via PTHR1, can stimulate both AC (adenylate cyclase) and increases in [Ca2+]i (cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration), although the relationship between the two responses differs between cell types. In the present paper, we review briefly the mechanisms that influence coupling of PTHR1 to different intracellular signalling proteins, including the G-proteins that stimulate AC or PLC (phospholipase C). Stimulus intensity, the ability of different PTH analogues to stabilize different receptor conformations ('stimulus trafficking'), and association of PTHR1 with scaffold proteins, notably NHERF1 and NHERF2 (Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 and 2), contribute to defining the interactions between signalling proteins and PTHR1. In addition, cAMP itself can, via Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP), PKA (protein kinase A) or by binding directly to IP3Rs [Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors] regulate [Ca2+]i. Epac leads to activation of PLCϵ, PKA can phosphorylate and thereby increase the sensitivity of IP3Rs and L-type Ca2+ channels, and cAMP delivered at high concentrations to IP3R2 from AC6 increases the sensitivity of IP3Rs to InsP3. The diversity of these links between PTH and [Ca2+]i highlights the versatility of PTHR1. This versatility allows PTHR1 to evoke different responses when stimulated by each of its physiological ligands, PTH and PTH-related peptide, and it provides scope for development of ligands that selectively harness the anabolic effects of PTH for more effective treatment of osteoporosis.

Contribution of phosphates and adenine to the potency of adenophostins at the IP3 receptor: synthesis of all possible bisphosphates of adenophostin A.

Although adenophostin A (AdA), the most potent agonist of d-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R), is thought to mimic IP(3), the relative roles of the different phosphate groups and the adenosine motif have not been established. We synthesized all three possible bisphosphate analogues of AdA and glucose 3,4-bisphosphate (7, AdA lacking the 2'-AMP). 2'-Dephospho-AdA (6) was prepared via a novel regioselective dephosphorylation strategy. Assessment of the abilities of these bisphosphates to stimulate intracellular Ca(2+) release using recombinant rat type 1 IP(3)R (IP(3)R1) revealed that 6, a mimic of Ins(4,5)P(2), is only 4-fold less potent than IP(3), while 7 is some 400-fold weaker and even 3″-dephospho-AdA (5) is measurably active, despite missing one of the vicinal bisphosphate groups normally thought to be crucial for IP(3)-like activity. Compound 6 is the most potent bisphosphate yet discovered with activity at IP(3)R. Thus, adenosine has a direct role independent of the 2'-phosphate group in contributing toward the potency of adenophostins, the vicinal bisphosphate motif is not essential for activity at the IP(3)R, as always thought, and it is possible to design potent agonists with just two of the three phosphates. A model with a possible adenine-R504 interaction supports the activity of 5 and 6 and also allows a reappraisal of the unexpected activity previously reported for the AdA regioisomer 2″-phospho-3″-dephospho-AdA 40.

Analysis of IP3 receptors in and out of cells.

BACKGROUND: Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) are expressed in almost all animal cells. Three mammalian genes encode closely related IP3R subunits, which assemble into homo- or hetero-tetramers to form intracellular Ca2+ channels. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: In this brief review, we first consider a variety of complementary methods that allow the links between IP3 binding and channel gating to be defined. How does IP3 binding to the IP3-binding core in each IP3R subunit cause opening of a cation-selective pore formed by residues towards the C-terminal? We then describe methods that allow IP3, Ca2+ signals and IP3R mobility to be examined in intact cells. A final section briefly considers genetic analyses of IP3R signalling. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: All IP3R are regulated by both IP3 and Ca2+. This allows them to initiate and regeneratively propagate intracellular Ca2+ signals. The elementary Ca2+ release events evoked by IP3 in intact cells are mediated by very small numbers of active IP3R and the Ca2+-mediated interactions between them. The spatial organization of these Ca2+ signals and their stochastic dependence on so few IP3Rs highlight the need for methods that allow the spatial organization of IP3R signalling to be addressed with single-molecule resolution. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A variety of complementary methods provide insight into the structural basis of IP3R activation and the contributions of IP3-evoked Ca2+ signals to cellular physiology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signaling.

Timescales of IP(3)-evoked Ca(2+) spikes emerge from Ca(2+) puffs only at the cellular level.

The behavior of biological systems is determined by the properties of their component molecules, but the interactions are usually too complex to understand fully how molecular behavior generates cellular behavior. Ca(2+) signaling by inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R) offers an opportunity to understand this relationship because the cellular behavior is defined largely by Ca(2+)-mediated interactions between IP(3)R. Ca(2+) released by a cluster of IP(3)R (giving a local Ca(2+) puff) diffuses and ignites the behavior of neighboring clusters (to give repetitive global Ca(2+) spikes). We use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of two mammalian cell lines to define the temporal relationships between Ca(2+) puffs (interpuff intervals, IPI) and Ca(2+) spikes (interspike intervals) evoked by flash photolysis of caged IP(3). We find that IPI are much shorter than interspike intervals, that puff activity is stochastic with a recovery time that is much shorter than the refractory period of the cell, and that IPI are not periodic. We conclude that Ca(2+) spikes do not arise from oscillatory dynamics of IP(3)R clusters, but that repetitive Ca(2+) spiking with its longer timescales is an emergent property of the dynamics of the whole cluster array.

IP(3) receptors: toward understanding their activation.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R) and their relatives, ryanodine receptors, are the channels that most often mediate Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Their regulation by Ca(2+) allows them also to propagate cytosolic Ca(2+) signals regeneratively. This brief review addresses the structural basis of IP(3)R activation by IP(3) and Ca(2+). IP(3) initiates IP(3)R activation by promoting Ca(2+) binding to a stimulatory Ca(2+)-binding site, the identity of which is unresolved. We suggest that interactions of critical phosphate groups in IP(3) with opposite sides of the clam-like IP(3)-binding core cause it to close and propagate a conformational change toward the pore via the adjacent N-terminal suppressor domain. The pore, assembled from the last pair of transmembrane domains and the intervening pore loop from each of the four IP(3)R subunits, forms a structure in which a luminal selectivity filter and a gate at the cytosolic end of the pore control cation fluxes through the IP(3)R.