Activity In HEK293 Cells Research Articles

Fentanyl enhances immune cell response through TLR4/MD-2 complex.

Opioids have been shown to induce neuroinflammation and immune cell activation, that might contribute to some of the opioid side effects, such as opioid-induced tolerance and paradoxical hyperalgesia. In this context, TLR4/MD-2 complex has been proposed as an off-target site for opioid action. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of fentanyl on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4/MD-2 activation in rat primary microglia and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). The effect of fentanyl was first explored by measuring the expression and release of different proinflammatory mediators in primary rat microglia and human MDM by real-time PCR and ELISA. Then, the involvement of TLR4/MD-2 signaling was investigated studying NF-κB activation in HEK293 cells stably transfected with human TLR4, MD-2, and CD14 genes (HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells) and in human MDM. Fentanyl increased mRNA levels, as well as the LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory mediators in primary microglia and MDM. Two inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 signaling, namely the oxazoline derivative of N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA-OXA) and CLI-095, blocked the production and release of proinflammatory cytokines by microglia stimulated with LPS and fentanyl, suggesting that TLR4/MD-2 could be the target of the proinflammatory activity of fentanyl. Finally, we showed that fentanyl in combination with LPS activated NF-κB signaling in human MDM and in HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells and this effect was blocked by inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 complex. These results provide new insight into the mechanism of the proinflammatory activity of fentanyl, which involves the activation of TLR4/MD-2 signaling. Our findings might facilitate the development of novel inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 signaling to combine with opioid-based analgesics for effective and safe pain management.

An artificial peptide inhibits autophagy through calcineurin-TFEB pathway

We previously reported that a bioactive peptide (pep3) can potently inhibit the enzyme activity of purified calcineurin (CN). In this paper, we further demonstrate that transfected pep3 can strongly inhibit CN enzyme activity in HEK293 cells. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) plays an important role in the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) as one of the substrates of CN, so we study the effect of pep3 on the CN-TFEB-ALP pathway. Pep3 can significantly inhibit the mRNA levels of the TFEB downstream genes and the expression of the autophagy-associated proteins, and autophagy flux in HEK293 cells. We also validated the inhibitory effect of pep3 on autophagy in mice. These findings may provide a new idea for discovering more CN inhibitors and autophagy inhibitory drugs.

GPRC6A is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Metformin Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis in Mice.

Understanding the mechanism of metformin actions in treating type 2 diabetes is limited by an incomplete knowledge of the specific protein targets mediating its metabolic effects. Metformin has structural similarities to L-Arginine (2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid), which is a ligand for GPRC6A, a Family C G-protein coupled receptor that regulates energy metabolism. Ligand activation of GPRC6A results in lowering of blood glucose and other metabolic changes resembling the therapeutic effect of metformin. In the current study, we tested if metformin activates GPRC6A. We used Alphafold2 to develop a structural model for L-Arginine (L-Arg) binding to the extracellu-lar bilobed venus flytrap domain (VFT) of GPRC6A. We found that metformin docked to the site in the VFT that overlaps the binding site for L-Arg. Metformin resulted in a dose-dependent stimulation of GPRC6A activity in HEK-293 cells transfected with full-length wild-type GPRC6A but not in untransfected control cells. In addition, metformin failed to activate an alternatively spliced GPRC6A isoform lacking the putative binding site in the VFT. More specifically, mutation of the predicted metformin key binding residues Glu170 and Asp303 in the GPRC6A VFT resulted in loss of metformin receptor activation in vitro. The in vivo role of GPRC6A in mediating the effects of metformin was tested in Gprc6a-/- mice. Administration of therapeutic doses of metformin lowered blood glucose levels following a glucose tolerance test in wild-type but not Gprc6a-/- mice. Finally, we EN300, created by adding a carboxymethyl group from L-Arg to the biguanide backbone of metformin. EN300 showed dose-dependent stimulation of GPRC6A activity in vitro with greater potency than L-Arginine, but less than metformin. Thus, we suggest that GPRC6A is a potential molecular target for metformin which may be used to understand the therapeutic actions of metformin and develop novel small molecules to treat T2D.

Identification of 27 allele-specific regulatory variants in Parkinson's disease using a massively parallel reporter assay.

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of genomic loci that are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. However, the majority of these variants lie in non-coding regions, and thus the mechanisms by which they influence disease development, and/or potential subtypes, remain largely elusive. To address this, we used a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) to screen the regulatory function of 5254 variants that have a known or putative connection to PD. We identified 138 loci with enhancer activity, of which 27 exhibited allele-specific regulatory activity in HEK293 cells. The identified regulatory variant(s) typically did not match the original tag variant within the PD associated locus, supporting the need for deeper exploration of these loci. The existence of allele specific transcriptional impacts within HEK293 cells, confirms that at least a subset of the PD associated regions mark functional gene regulatory elements. Future functional studies that confirm the putative targets of the empirically verified regulatory variants will be crucial for gaining a greater understanding of how gene regulatory network(s) modulate PD risk.

Serine 937 phosphorylation enhances KCC2 activity and strengthens synaptic inhibition

The potassium chloride cotransporter KCC2 is crucial for Cl- extrusion from mature neurons and thus key to hyperpolarizing inhibition. Auditory brainstem circuits contain well-understood inhibitory projections and provide a potent model to study the regulation of synaptic inhibition. Two peculiarities of the auditory brainstem are (i) posttranslational activation of KCC2 during development and (ii) extremely negative reversal potentials in specific circuits. To investigate the role of the potent phospho-site serine 937 therein, we generated a KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp double mutation, in which Ser937 is replaced by aspartate mimicking the phosphorylated state, and the neighbouring Thr934 arrested in the dephosphorylated state. This double mutant showed a twofold increased transport activity in HEK293 cells, raising the hypothesis that auditory brainstem neurons show lower [Cl−]i. and increased glycinergic inhibition. This was tested in a mouse model carrying the same KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp mutation by the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Homozygous KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp mice showed an earlier developmental onset of hyperpolarisation in the auditory brainstem. Mature neurons displayed stronger glycinergic inhibition due to hyperpolarized ECl−. These data demonstrate that phospho-regulation of KCC2 Ser937 is a potent way to interfere with the excitation-inhibition balance in neural circuits.

Synergistic protection by Araloside A with L-ascorbic acid on oxidative stress via Nrf2/CAT activation in HEK293 cells

The synergistic effect of different antioxidants has potential application prospect in alleviating oxidative injury. Araloside A is the most abundant active ingredient of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem, which exhibits multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, et al. This study investigated the interaction between Araloside A and several natural antioxidants, and explored the mechanism of the combination with synergistic antioxidant effect. The results showed that only the combination of Araloside A and L-ascorbic acid (A + Vc) exhibited synergistic effects in alleviating oxidative damage. A + Vc enhanced the expression levels of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Catalase (CAT) in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. However, the Nrf2 inhibitor-ML385 and CAT inhibitor-Pyocyanin impaired the protective effect of A + Vc. To conclude, A + Vc could ameliorate H2O2-induced oxidative injury via synergistic antioxidative effects originated from Nrf2/CAT pathway activation. Hence, dietary intake of A + Vc may be a practical, safe approach to prevent diseases associated with oxidative damage.

OR14-04 Musashi-1 Is A Cell-type Specific Regulator Of Type 2 Deiodinase-mediated Thyroid Hormone Activation

Abstract Disclosure: P. Mohacsik: None. E. Halmos: None. Y. Ruska: None. C. Fekete: None. B. Gereben: None. Thyroid hormone (TH) exerts a profound effect on the regulation of energy homeostasis, metabolism, brain development and the determination of cell fate in various tissues. Type 2 deiodinase enzyme (D2) is the crucial regulator of TH activation by converting the prohormone thyroxine to T3 that can bind the TH receptor. This represents a fundamental step of cell-type specific TH action. D2 regulation is tightly controlled at various molecular levels to allow quick adaptation of TH action to specific challenges. Within the brain, D2 is expressed in hypothalamic tanycytes that play a crucial role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and in astrocytes of extrahypothalamic brain regions. Under changing TH economy, D2 activity undergoes homeostatic alteration in astrocytes while remains largely unaffected in hypothalamic tanycytes. Our aim was to identify regulators that could underlie this phenomenon as a cell-type specific regulator of D2-dependent TH action. Musashi (Msi)-1 is a highly conserved RNA-binding protein that regulates cell cycle and play a crucial role during brain development. We found, that Msi-1 was co-expressed with D2 both in hypothalamic tanycytes and cortical astrocytes in mice and T3 treatment (24h T3 1µg/bwg, i.p.) increased Msi-1 protein level in both cell types indicating its TH-dependent regulation. Then we identified multiple potential Msi-1 binding sites in the extremely long 3’UTR both of the human, mouse, rat and chicken D2 mRNA and used RNA electromobility shift assay that revealed direct binding of Msi-1 to the 3’UTR of the D2 mRNA. Studies on the impact of Msi-1 level on D2 activity showed, that Msi-1 overexpression decreased D2 activity in HEK293 cells while this effect was abolished by the deletion of a 3 kb region of the 3’UTR of D2 containing the Msi-1 binding sites. Furthermore, Msi-1 knock down by shRNA in H4 glioma cells increased endogenous D2 activity. A mouse model, lacking Msi-1 protein exclusively in the brain and pituitary, showed increased D2 activity in the cortex accompanied with a slightly decreased serum fT4 and decreased liver dio1 expression. Increased cortical D2 activity was not a consequence of the mildly hypothyroid periphery since cortical expression of dio3, the T3-regulated T3-degrading enzyme remained unchanged along with enpp2, another T3-regulated gene. In contrast, D2 activity remained unchanged in hypothalamic tanycytes. Our results identify Msi-1 as a TH-dependent cell-type specific regulator of D2 activity in the mouse brain that acts via direct binding to the 3’UTR of the D2 mRNA. In summary, Msi-1 regulates D2 activity cell type specifically and may contribute to the homeostatic regulation of cortical D2 while at the same time allows TH-resistant D2 function in tanycytes that is required by proper HPT function. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

RyR2 C-terminal truncating variants identified in patients with arrhythmic phenotypes exert a dominant negative effect through formation of wildtype-truncation heteromers.

Gain-of-function missense variants in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) are linked to catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), whereas RyR2 loss-of-function missense variants cause Ca2+ release deficiency syndrome (CRDS). Recently, truncating variants in RyR2 have also been associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death. However, there are limited insights into the potential clinical relevance and in vitro functional impact of RyR2 truncating variants. We performed genetic screening of patients presenting with syncope, VAs, or unexplained sudden death and in vitro characterization of the expression and function of RyR2 truncating variants in HEK293 cells. We identified two previously unknown RyR2 truncating variants (Y4591Ter and R4663Ter) and one splice site variant predicted to result in a frameshift and premature termination (N4717 + 15Ter). These 3 new RyR2 truncating variants and a recently reported RyR2 truncating variant, R4790Ter, were generated and functionally characterized in vitro. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses showed that all 4 RyR2 truncating variants formed heteromers with the RyR2-wildtype (WT) protein. Each of these C-terminal RyR2 truncations was non-functional and suppressed [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR2-WT and RyR2-WT mediated store overload induced spontaneous Ca2+ release activity in HEK293 cells. The expression of these RyR2 truncating variants in HEK293 cells was markedly reduced compared with that of the full-length RyR2 WT protein. Our data indicate that C-terminal RyR2 truncating variants are non-functional and can exert a dominant negative impact on the function of the RyR2 WT protein through formation of heteromeric WT/truncation complex.

The Chicken cGAS-STING Pathway Exerts Interferon-Independent Antiviral Function via Cell Apoptosis.

It has been recently recognized that the DNA sensing innate immune cGAS-STING pathway exerts an IFN-independent antiviral function; however, whether and how chicken STING (chSTING) exerts such an IFN-independent antiviral activity is still unknown. Here, we showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral activity in HEK293 cells and chicken cells, independent of IFN production. chSTING was able to trigger cell apoptosis and autophagy independently of IFN, and the apoptosis inhibitors, rather than autophagy inhibitors, could antagonize the antiviral function of chSTING, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in IFN-independent antiviral function. In addition, chSTING lost its antiviral function in IRF7-knockout chicken macrophages, indicating that IRF7 is not only essential for the production of IFN, but also participates in the other activities of chSTING, such as the apoptosis. Collectively, our results showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral function independent of IFN, likely via apoptosis.

The Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist 16-Bromo Salvinorin A Has Anti-Cocaine Effects without Significant Effects on Locomotion, Food Reward, Learning and Memory, or Anxiety and Depressive-like Behaviors.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have preclinical antipsychostimulant effects; however, adverse side effects have limited their therapeutic development. In this preclinical study, conducted in Sprague Dawley rats, B6-SJL mice, and non-human primates (NHPs), we evaluated the G-protein-biased analogue of salvinorin A (SalA), 16-bromo salvinorin A (16-BrSalA), for its anticocaine effects, side effects, and activation of cellular signaling pathways. 16-BrSalA dose-dependently decreased the cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in a KOR-dependent manner. It also decreased cocaine-induced hyperactivity, but had no effect on responding for cocaine on a progressive ratio schedule. Compared to SalA, 16-BrSalA had an improved side effect profile, with no significant effects in the elevated plus maze, light-dark test, forced swim test, sucrose self-administration, or novel object recognition; however, it did exhibit conditioned aversive effects. 16-BrSalA increased dopamine transporter (DAT) activity in HEK-293 cells coexpressing DAT and KOR, as well as in rat nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatal tissue. 16-BrSalA also increased the early phase activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, as well as p38 in a KOR-dependent manner. In NHPs, 16-BrSalA caused dose-dependent increases in the neuroendocrine biomarker prolactin, similar to other KOR agonists, at doses without robust sedative effects. These findings highlight that G-protein-biased structural analogues of SalA can have improved pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects while maintaining their anticocaine effects.

Eugenilones A−N: sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Eugenia uniflora

(+) and (−)-Eugenilones A−K, 11 pairs of undescribed enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids, together with three undescribed biogenetically related members eugenilones L−N, were discovered from the fruits of Eugenia uniflora Linn. (Myrtaceae). Structurally, eugenilones A−D were four caged sesquiterpenoids featuring 9,10-dioxatricyclo [6.2.2.02,7]dodecane, 11-oxatricyclo [5.3.1.03,8]undecane, and tricyclo [4.4.0.02,8]decane cores, respectively. Eugenilones E−K were eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids, while eugenilones L−N were epoxy germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids. Notably, eugenilones A−K were efficiently resolved by chiral HPLC to give 11 pairs of optically pure enantiomers. The structures and absolute configurations of eugenilones A−N were determined through spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, and ECD calculations. The putative biosynthetic pathways for these undescribed isolates were proposed. Moreover, eugenilones A and E exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-stimulated NO overproduction in RAW264.7 cells (IC50 values of 4.89 ± 0.37 μM and 20.89 ± 1.49 μM, respectively) and TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in HEK293 cells (IC50 values of 10.97 ± 1.03 μM and 28.63 ± 1.59 μM, respectively).

Exploiting HUH-endonucleases for bioconjugation of mammalian proteins.

The rep domain of HUH-endonucleases process single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in nature during rolling circle replication, conjugative plasmid transfer, and DNA integration into the host genome by bacteria and viruses. Upon the recognition of a highly conserved nonanucleotide located in a hairpin, HUH-endonucleases catalyze the cleavage reaction of ssDNA, forming a covalent protein-DNA intermediate which has been exploited as a fusion tag for bioconjugation in several biotechnology applications. “HUH-tags” are appealing for their ability to covalently link proteins to DNA in a specific manner and in a ‘one-pot’ reaction which is an inexpensive alternative to other methods that often require the modification of DNA bases or additional steps. To expand the application of HUH-tags for use in mammalian cells and in fusion with mammalian proteins, a panel of HUH-endonucleases from several viral families were characterized for their secretion and catalytic activity in HEK293 cells. Based on robust expression and activity,the WDV rep was used to attach DNA handles to the Notch1 mechanosensing domain for single molecule studies using optical tweezers. Additionally, WDV was expressed with a number of ligands involved in mechanosensing proteins on the surface of cells and the ECM to attach ssDNA for the development of Tension Gauge Tether DNA-based molecular tension sensors.

Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from the Stems of Limacia scandens and Their Potential as Autophagy Inhibitors.

Limacia scandens is traditionally used to treat depression and affective disorders in Malaysia. The chemical compositions have been reported to include bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine-type alkaloids in the genus Limacia Lour., but studies on the components of L. scandens have rarely been reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derivatives with autophagy regulation activity from this plant. Bioactivity-guided isolation was applied to various column chromatography methods using RP-18, Sephadex LH-20 open column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic data analysis, including NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and ECD data. In addition, isolated compounds were tested for autophagy-regulating activity in HEK293 cells expressing GFP-L3. Three new dimeric benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (1-3), one new 4-hydroxybenzoic acid-conjugated benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (4), and six known compounds (5-10) were isolated from the stems of L. scandens. All compounds (1-10) were screened for autophagy regulation in HEK293 cells stably expressing the GFP-LC3 plasmid. Among the isolated compounds, 1, 2, and 4 showed autophagic regulation activity that blocked the process of combining autophagosomes and lysosomes. They also inhibit the protein degradation process from the autolysosome as inhibitors of autophagy. Novel benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from L. scandens showed potent potency for the inhibition of autophagic flux. This study provides potential candidates for developing natural autophagy inhibitors for disease prevention and treatment.

Developmental genome-wide occupancy analysis of bZIP transcription factor NRL uncovers the role of c-Jun in early differentiation of rod photoreceptors in the mammalian retina.

The basic motif-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) determines rod photoreceptor cell fate during retinal development, and its loss leads to cone-only retina in mice. NRL works synergistically with homeodomain protein Cone-Rod Homeobox and other regulatory factors to control the transcription of most genes associated with rod morphogenesis and functional maturation, which span over a period of several weeks in the mammalian retina. We predicted that NRL gradually establishes rod cell identity and function by temporal and dynamic regulation of stage-specific transcriptional targets. Therefore, we mapped the genomic occupancy of NRL at four stages of mouse photoreceptor differentiation by CUT&RUN analysis. Dynamics of NRL binding revealed concordance with the corresponding changes in transcriptome of the developing rods. Notably, we identified c-Jun proto-oncogene as one of the targets of NRL, which could bind to specific cis-elements in the c-Jun promoter and modulate its activity in HEK293 cells. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed the association of NRL with c-Jun, also a bZIP protein, in transfected cells as well as in developing mouse retina. Additionally, shRNA-mediated knockdown of c-Jun in the mouse retina in vivo resulted in altered expression of almost 1000 genes, with reduced expression of phototransduction genes and many direct targets of NRL in rod photoreceptors. We propose that c-Jun-NRL heterodimers prime the NRL-directed transcriptional program in neonatal rod photoreceptors before high NRL expression suppresses c-Jun at later stages. Our study highlights a broader cooperation among cell-type restricted and widely expressed bZIP proteins, such as c-Jun, in specific spatiotemporal contexts during cellular differentiation.

Engineering of the CMV promoter for controlled expression of recombinant genes in HEK293 cells.

Expression of recombinant genes in HEK293 cells is frequently utilized for production of recombinant proteins and viral vectors. These systems frequently employ the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to drive recombinant gene transcription. However, the mechanistic basis of CMV-mediated transcriptional activation in HEK293 cells is unknown and consequently there are no strategies to engineer CMV for controlled expression of recombinant genes. Extensive bioinformatic analyses of transcription factor regulatory elements (TFREs) within the human CMV sequence and transcription factor mRNAs within the HEK293 transcriptome revealed 80 possible regulatory interactions. Through in vitro functional testing using reporter constructs harboring discrete TFREs or CMV deletion variants we identified key TFRE components and clusters of TFREs (cis-regulatory modules) within the CMV sequence. Our data reveal that CMV activity in HEK293 cells is a function of the promoters various constituent TFREs including AhR:ARNT, CREB, E4F, Sp1, ZBED1, JunB, c-Rel, and NF-κB. We also identified critical Sp1-dependent upstream activator elements near the transcriptional start site that were required for efficient transcription and YY1 and RBP-Jκ binding sites that mediate transrepression. Our study shows for the first time that novel, compact CMV-derived promoters can be engineered that exhibit up to 50% higher transcriptional efficiency (activity per unit DNA sequence) or 14% increase in total activity compared to the wild-type counterpart.

Determining the role of the Ras family GTPase Rap1 in regulating mTORC2 activity and function in cell migration

Directed cell migration is an important biological process that is necessary for the embryonic development, maintenance of multicellular organisms and immune response to external stimuli. Dysregulation of cell migration is implicated in the onset and progression of diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer metastasis. Many studies have identified genes and proteins that are important for directed cell migration, but the process remains incompletely understood. The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) is a complex of proteins that have been identified as important players in cell migration. mTORC2 is known to have a role in regulating F‐actin organization and actomyosin (MyoII). Moreover, there is increasing evidence that shows a correlation between mTORC2 and cancer cell migration and invasion. Despite this knowledge, the role and regulation of mTORC2 is not fully understood. Recently, we found that Rap1, a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases with conserved roles in cytoskeleton remodeling and cell adhesion, is a conserved binding partner of mTORC2 component RIP3/SIN1. We previously showed that Rap1 positively regulates mTORC2 activation in response to the chemoattractant cAMP in the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Moreover, we recently found that expression of a constitutively active Rap1 mutant (Rap1CA) potentiates the insulin‐induced activation of mTORC2 in human HEK293 cells. We then undertook a study to investigate if Rap1 regulation of mTORC2 is part of a mechanism involved in regulating human cell migration. We observed that basal mTORC2 activity, as well as that induced by several potential promigratory signals, including insulin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), was increased by the overexpression of wild‐type Rap1 or Rap1CA. Therefore, these observations suggest that Rap1 plays a role in positively regulating mTORC2 activation in HEK293 cells in response to stimulation of promigratory signals, similar to our previous observations made in Dictyostelium. Ongoing studies now aim at determining how Rap1 regulates the function of mTORC2 in cell migration.

Regulation of BK channel expression by Paraoxonase 3

Paraoxonase 3 (PON3) is a molecular chaperone that is primarily expressed in the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) where the fine tuning of Na+ and K+ homeostasis occurs. The flow‐induced K+ secretion in the distal nephron is mediated by large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channels in intercalated cells (ICs). As PON3 co‐localizes with BK in the ICs and Pon3 KO mice have altered blood [K+] at baseline, we hypothesize that PON3 has a role in regulating BK expression and functional activity.To determine whether the functional expression of BK channels is regulated by PON3, the pore‐forming α subunits of mouse BK (αBK) was expressed in HEK293 cells with or without mouse PON3. We performed co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) to examine whether PON3 interacts with αBK. We also examined the effects of PON3 on αBK expression and BK channel activity using biochemical and electrophysiological approaches.When expressed in HEK293 cells, PON3 was pulled down by the αBK‐IP while αBK was detected in the PON3‐pulldown, only in cells expressing both proteins. Our data suggest that there are direct or indirect interactions between PON3 and αBK, the pore‐forming subunit of BK channels. We performed whole cell patch clamp to measure BK channel activity in HEK293 cells. we found that IBTX‐sensitive whole cell K+ currents were reduced approximately 50% by PON3. Consistently, both whole cell and surface abundance of αBK was significantly lower in cells co‐expressing PON3. Together, our data suggest that PON3 negatively regulates the expression and activity of BK channels.In conclusion, we identified the BK channel as a novel target of the chaperone PON3. Future studies will determine mechanisms by which PON3 regulates BK channel functional expression as well as physiological consequences of this regulatory interaction in mouse kidney.

Fibroblastic SMOC2 Suppresses Mechanical Nociception by Inhibiting Coupled Activation of Primary Sensory Neurons.

Nociceptive information is detected and transmitted by neurons in the DRG. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed the molecular profile of various cell types, including fibroblasts in the DRG. However, the role of molecules in fibroblasts needs to be elucidated in nociceptive regulation. Here, we found that secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) was secreted by fibroblasts to become a component of basement membrane and envelop the unit consisting of DRG neurons and attached satellite glial cells. KO of Smoc2 in both sexes of mice led to increased neuronal clusters and decreased mechanical threshold, but unchanged noxious thermal response. Knockdown of Smoc2 in the DRG phenocopied the behavioral performance by Smoc2 KO in both sexes of mice. In vivo calcium imaging showed that Smoc2 KO increased coupled activation of adjacent DRG neurons induced by nociceptive mechanical stimuli, which was reversed by DRG injection of SMOC2. Importantly, SMOC2 interacted with P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and suppressed ATP-induced activation in HEK293 cells expressing this receptor. Injection of A740003, an antagonist of P2X7R, to the DRG reduced coupled activation of adjacent DRG neurons induced by nociceptive mechanical stimuli but did not further enhance the SMOC2-inhibited effect. Furthermore, peripheral inflammation resulted in a decreased SMOC2 and increased neuronal clusters. DRG injection of SMOC2 inhibited the neuronal coupling resulted from peripheral inflammation. This study reveals a specific role of fibroblastic SMOC2 in suppressing mechanical nociception through inhibiting the communication of adjacent DRG neurons, which provides an important mechanism of fibroblasts in nociceptive regulation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The function of fibroblastic molecules is rarely noticed in the regulation of nociceptive sensation. Here, we reveal that fibroblastic SMOC2 is secreted to be a component of basement membrane and surrounded the unit consisting of DRG neuron and attached satellite glial cells. SMOC2 is required for maintaining the basal mechanical nociceptive threshold in the DRG. Loss of SMOC2 leads to the increased coupled activation of adjacent DRG neurons induced by noxious mechanical stimuli. Peripheral inflammation causes decreased fibroblast cells and SMOC2, which may result in the increase of coupled activation of adjacent DRG neurons. Mechanistically, SMOC2 interacts with and suppresses satellite glial P2X7 receptor to inhibit the coupled activation of adjacent DRG neurons.

Functional Assessment of Calcium-Sensing Receptor Variants Confirms Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia.

ContextIn the clinic it is important to differentiate primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) from the more benign, inherited disorder, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Since the conditions may sometimes overlap biochemically, identification of calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene variants causative of FHH (but not PHPT) is the most decisive diagnostic aid. When novel variants are identified, bioinformatics and functional assessment are required to establish pathogenicity.ObjectiveWe identified 3 novel CASR transmembrane domain missense variants, Thr699Asn, Arg701Gly, and Thr808Pro, in 3 probands provisionally diagnosed with FHH and examined the variants using bioinformatics and functional analysis.MethodsBioinformatics assessment utilized wANNOVAR software. For functional characterization, each variant was cloned into a mammalian expression vector; wild-type and variant receptors were transfected into HEK293 cells, and their expression and cellular localization were assessed by Western blotting and confocal immunofluorescence, respectively. Receptor activation in HEK293 cells was determined using an IP-One ELISA assay following stimulation with Ca++ ions.ResultsBioinformatics analysis of the variants was unable to definitively assign pathogenicity. Compared with wild-type receptor, all variants demonstrated impaired expression of mature receptor reaching the cell surface and diminished activation at physiologically relevant Ca++ concentrations.ConclusionThree CASR missense variants identified in probands provisionally diagnosed with FHH result in receptor inactivation and are therefore likely causative of FHH. Inactivation may be due to inadequate processing/trafficking of mature receptor and/or conformational changes induced by the variants affecting receptor signaling. This study demonstrates the value of functional studies in assessing genetic variants identified in hypercalcemic patients.

The SQSTM1/p62 UBA domain regulates Ajuba localisation, degradation and NF-κB signalling function.

The LIM-domain containing protein Ajuba and the scaffold protein SQSTM1/p62 regulate signalling of NF-κB, a transcription factor involved in osteoclast differentiation and survival. The ubiquitin-associated domain of SQSTM1/p62 is frequently mutated in patients with Paget’s disease of bone. Here, we report that Ajuba activates NF-κB activity in HEK293 cells, and that co-expression with SQSTM1/p62 inhibits this activation in an UBA domain-dependent manner. SQSTM1/p62 regulates proteins by targeting them to the ubiquitin-proteasome system or the autophagy-lysosome pathway. We show that Ajuba is degraded by autophagy, however co-expression with SQSTM1/p62 (wild type or UBA-deficient) protects Ajuba levels both in cells undergoing autophagy and those exposed to proteasomal stress. Additionally, in unstressed cells co-expression of SQSTM1/p62 reduces the amount of Ajuba present in the nucleus. SQSTM1/p62 with an intact ubiquitin-associated domain forms holding complexes with Ajuba that are not destined for degradation yet inhibit signalling. Thus, in situations with altered levels and localization of SQSTM1/p62 expression, such as osteoclasts in Paget’s disease of bone and various cancers, SQSTM1/p62 may compartmentalize Ajuba and thereby impact its cellular functions and disease pathogenesis. In Paget’s, ubiquitin-associated domain mutations may lead to increased or prolonged Ajuba-induced NF-κB signalling leading to increased osteoclastogenesis. In cancer, Ajuba expression promotes cell survival. The increased levels of SQSTM1/p62 observed in cancer may enhance Ajuba-mediated cancer cell survival.