Store-operated Ca2+ Entry Activity Research Articles

Platelet Lysate Promotes Proliferation and Angiogenic Activity of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via Store-operated Ca2+ Entry

AimsDental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) had been widely used in nerve tissue engineering. However, the low cell survival and invalid differentiation were urgent problems to be solved for cell-based therapy. Platelet lysate (PL) had attracted attentions for its good biocompatibility, low side effects and abundant growth factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanism of PL on the proliferation and angiogenesis of DPSCs. Materials and methodsIn our study, PL was prepared by repeated freeze-thaw methods. The effect of PL on the viability of DPSCs was screened by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Live/Dead assays. Then the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) agonist endothelin-1 (ET-1) and inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) were used to clarify the biological functions of PL on DPSCs. We detected the mitosis of DPSCs by KI67 immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, Ca2+ influx in DPSCs was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and a flow cytometry. The expression of p-SRC, VEGFA and CD31 as well as the number of formed tubules in each group were investigated, so as to further reveal the influence of PL on the DPSCs angiogenic activity. ResultsAs for CCK-8 and Live/Dead assays, the results indicated the 0.5% concentration of PL was better than that of 20ng/ml bFGF and 10% FBS in promoting cell survival within 24hours. KI67 staining showed that 0.5% PL promoted SOCE and cell proliferation. The expression levels of SRC phosphorylation (p-SRC) were increased in the 0.5% PL and ET-1 + 0.5% PL groups, as well as the expressions of endothelial markers CD31 and VEGFA were also increased in the ET-1, 0.5% PL and ET-1 + 0.5% PL groups. However, CD31 and VEGFA were not detected in 2-APB and 2-APB + 0.5% PL groups. After angiogenesis induction, capillary-like structures were observed in ET-1, 0.5% PL and ET-1 + 0.5% PL groups, whereas no vascular structures were observed in 2-APB and 2-APB + 0.5% PL groups. ConclusionOur results indicated that PL promoted the proliferation and vessel-formation of DPSCs via the activation of SOCE and the upregulation of p-SRC and VEGFA expressions, respectively. PL might act as a promising cell supplement in DPSCs survival and differentiation, furtherly applied for the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injury.

The Molecular Heterogeneity of Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Vascular Endothelial Cells: The Different roles of Orai1 and TRPC1/TRPC4 Channels in the Transition from Ca2+-Selective to Non-Selective Cation Currents

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated in response to the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-dependent depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store and represents a ubiquitous mode of Ca2+ influx. In vascular endothelial cells, SOCE regulates a plethora of functions that maintain cardiovascular homeostasis, such as angiogenesis, vascular tone, vascular permeability, platelet aggregation, and monocyte adhesion. The molecular mechanisms responsible for SOCE activation in vascular endothelial cells have engendered a long-lasting controversy. Traditionally, it has been assumed that the endothelial SOCE is mediated by two distinct ion channel signalplexes, i.e., STIM1/Orai1 and STIM1/Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1(TRPC1)/TRPC4. However, recent evidence has shown that Orai1 can assemble with TRPC1 and TRPC4 to form a non-selective cation channel with intermediate electrophysiological features. Herein, we aim at bringing order to the distinct mechanisms that mediate endothelial SOCE in the vascular tree from multiple species (e.g., human, mouse, rat, and bovine). We propose that three distinct currents can mediate SOCE in vascular endothelial cells: (1) the Ca2+-selective Ca2+-release activated Ca2+ current (ICRAC), which is mediated by STIM1 and Orai1; (2) the store-operated non-selective current (ISOC), which is mediated by STIM1, TRPC1, and TRPC4; and (3) the moderately Ca2+-selective, ICRAC-like current, which is mediated by STIM1, TRPC1, TRPC4, and Orai1.

Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Breast Cancer Cells Is Insensitive to Orai1 and STIM1 N-Linked Glycosylation

N-linked glycosylation is a post-translational modification that affects protein function, structure, and interaction with other proteins. The store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) core proteins, Orai1 and STIM1, exhibit N-glycosylation consensus motifs. Abnormal SOCE has been associated to a number of disorders, including cancer, and alterations in Orai1 glycosylation have been related to cancer invasiveness and metastasis. Here we show that treatment of non-tumoral breast epithelial cells with tunicamycin attenuates SOCE. Meanwhile, tunicamycin was without effect on SOCE in luminal MCF7 and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells. Ca2+ imaging experiments revealed that expression of the glycosylation-deficient Orai1 mutant (Orai1N223A) did not alter SOCE in MCF10A, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. However, expression of the non-glycosylable STIM1 mutant (STIM1N131/171Q) significantly attenuated SOCE in MCF10A cells but was without effect in SOCE in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In non-tumoral cells impairment of STIM1 N-linked glycosylation attenuated thapsigargin (TG)-induced caspase-3 activation while in breast cancer cells, which exhibit a smaller caspase-3 activity in response to TG, expression of the non-glycosylable STIM1 mutant (STIM1N131/171Q) was without effect on TG-evoked caspase-3 activation. Summarizing, STIM1 N-linked glycosylation is essential for full SOCE activation in non-tumoral breast epithelial cells; by contrast, SOCE in breast cancer MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells is insensitive to Orai1 and STIM1 N-linked glycosylation, and this event might participate in the development of apoptosis resistance.

Peripheral Coupling Sites Formed by STIM1 Govern the Contractility of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Peripheral coupling between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and plasma membrane (PM) forms signaling complexes that regulate the membrane potential and contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the mechanisms responsible for these membrane interactions are poorly understood. In many cells, STIM1 (stromal‐interaction molecule 1), a single transmembrane‐domain protein that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), transiently moves to ER‐PM junctions in response to depletion of ER Ca2+ stores and initiates store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Fully differentiated VSMCs express STIM1 but exhibit only marginal SOCE activity. We hypothesized that STIM1 is constitutively active in contractile VSMCs and maintains peripheral coupling. In support of this concept, we found that the number and size of SR‐PM interacting sites were decreased and SR‐dependent Ca2+ signaling processes were disrupted in freshly isolated cerebral artery SMCs from tamoxifen‐inducible, SMC‐specific STIM1‐knockout (Stim1‐smKO) mice. VSMCs from Stim1‐smKO mice also exhibited a reduction in nanoscale colocalization between Ca2+‐release sites on the SR and Ca2+‐activated ion channels on the PM, accompanied by diminished channel activity. Stim1‐smKO mice were hypotensive and resistance arteries isolated from them displayed blunted contractility. These data suggest that STIM1 – independent of SR Ca2+ store depletion – is critically important for stable peripheral coupling in contractile VSMCs.

Enhanced Orai1-mediated store-operated Ca2+ channel/calpain signaling contributes to high glucose-induced podocyte injury

Podocyte injury induced by hyperglycemia is the main cause of kidney dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) regulates a diversity of cellular processes in a variety of cell types. Calpain, a Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease, was recently shown to be involved in podocyte injury. In the present study, we sought to determine whether increased SOCE contributed to high glucose (HG)–induced podocyte injury through activation of the calpain pathway. In cultured human podocytes, whole-cell patch clamp indicated the presence of functional store-operated Ca2+ channels, which are composed of Orai1 proteins and mediate SOCE. Western blots showed that HG treatment increased the protein abundance of Orai1 in a dose-dependent manner. Consistently, calcium imaging experiments revealed that SOCE was significantly enhanced in podocytes following HG treatment. Furthermore, HG treatment caused overt podocyte F-actin disorganization as well as a significant decrease in nephrin protein abundance, both of which are indications of podocyte injury. These podocyte injury responses were significantly blunted by both pharmacological inhibition of Orai1 using the small molecule inhibitor BTP2 or by genetic deletion of Orai1 using CRISPR-Cas9 lentivirus. Moreover, activation of SOCE by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca2+ pump on the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane, significantly increased the activity of calpain, which was inhibited by BTP2. Finally, the calpain-1/calpain-2 inhibitor calpeptin significantly blunted the nephrin protein reduction induced by HG treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that enhanced signaling via an Orai1/SOCE/Calpain axis contributes to HG-induced podocyte injury.

Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Contributes to Piezo1-Induced Ca2+ Increase in Human Endometrial Stem Cells.

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) are a specific class of stromal cells which have the capability to migrate, develop and differentiate into different types of cells such as adipocytes, osteocytes or chondrocytes. It is this unique plasticity that makes the eMSCs significant for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Stem cells choose their way of development by analyzing the extracellular and intracellular signals generated by a mechanical force from the microenvironment. Mechanosensitive channels are part of the cellular toolkit that feels the mechanical environment and can transduce mechanical stimuli to intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we identify previously recorded, mechanosensitive (MS), stretch-activated channels as Piezo1 proteins in the plasma membrane of eMSCs. Piezo1 activity triggered by the channel agonist Yoda1 elicits influx of Ca2+, a known modulator of cytoskeleton reorganization and cell motility. We found that store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) formed by Ca2+-selective channel ORAI1 and Ca2+ sensors STIM1/STIM2 contributes to Piezo1-induced Ca2+ influx in eMSCs. Particularly, the Yoda1-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) is partially abolished by 2-APB, a well-known inhibitor of SOCE. Flow cytometry analysis and wound healing assay showed that long-term activation of Piezo1 or SOCE does not have a cytotoxic effect on eMSCs but suppresses their migratory capacity and the rate of cell proliferation. We propose that the Piezo1 and SOCE are both important determinants in [Ca2+]i regulation, which critically affects the migratory activity of eMSCs and, therefore, could influence the regenerative potential of these cells.

Parathyroid Hormone Promotes Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation Through Orai1-Mediated Calcium Signaling.

Parathyroid hormone is the main endocrine regulator of extracellular calcium and phosphorus levels. Secondary hyperparathyroidism–induced endothelial dysfunction may be related to calcium homeostasis disorders. Here, we investigated the effects of parathyroid hormone on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and characterized the involvement of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway. We used immunoblot experiments to find that parathyroid hormone significantly enhanced the expression of the Orai1 channel, a type of channel mediating SOCE, SOCE activity, and Orai1-mediated proliferation of HUVECs but did not increase Orai2 and Orai3. RNA-seq was utilized to identify 1,655 differentially expressed genes (823 upregulated and 832 downregulated) in parathyroid hormone–treated HUVECs as well as enhanced focal adhesion signaling and expression levels of two key genes, namely, COL1A1 and NFATC1. Increased protein and mRNA expression levels of COL1A1 and NFATC1 were confirmed by immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Cytosol and nuclei fractionation experiments and immunofluorescence methods were used to show that parathyroid hormone treatment increased NFATC1 nuclear translocation, which was inhibited by a calcineurin inhibitor (CsA), a selective calmodulin antagonist (W7), an Orai channel inhibitor (BTP2), or Orai1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Parathyroid hormone also increased COL1A1 expression, cell migration, and proliferation of HUVECs. The PTH-induced increase in HUVEC migration and proliferation were inhibited by CsA, W7, BTP2, or COL1A1 siRNA transfection. These findings indicated that PTH increased Orai1 expression and Orai1-mediated SOCE, causing the nuclear translocation of NFATC1 to increase COL1A1 expression and COL1A1-mediated HUVEC migration and proliferation. These results suggest potential key therapeutic targets of Orai1 and the downstream calmodulin/calcineurin/NFATC1/COL1A1 signaling pathway in parathyroid hormone–induced endothelial dysfunction and shed light on underlying mechanisms that may be altered to prevent or treat secondary hyperparathyroidism–associated cardiovascular disease.

STIM1-dependent peripheral coupling governs the contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Peripheral coupling between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and plasma membrane (PM) forms signaling complexes that regulate the membrane potential and contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The mechanisms responsible for these membrane interactions are poorly understood. In many cells, STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1), a single-transmembrane-domain protein that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), transiently moves to ER-PM junctions in response to depletion of ER Ca2+ stores and initiates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Fully differentiated VSMCs express STIM1 but exhibit only marginal SOCE activity. We hypothesized that STIM1 is constitutively active in contractile VSMCs and maintains peripheral coupling. In support of this concept, we found that the number and size of SR-PM interacting sites were decreased, and SR-dependent Ca2+-signaling processes were disrupted in freshly isolated cerebral artery SMCs from tamoxifen-inducible, SMC-specific STIM1-knockout (Stim1-smKO) mice. VSMCs from Stim1-smKO mice also exhibited a reduction in nanoscale colocalization between Ca2+-release sites on the SR and Ca2+-activated ion channels on the PM, accompanied by diminished channel activity. Stim1-smKO mice were hypotensive, and resistance arteries isolated from them displayed blunted contractility. These data suggest that STIM1 - independent of SR Ca2+ store depletion - is critically important for stable peripheral coupling in contractile VSMCs.

Metastasis enhancer PGRMC1 boosts store-operated Ca2+ entry by uncoiling Ca2+ sensor STIM1 for focal adhesion turnover and actomyosin formation.

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), the overexpression of which reduces survivability of cancer patients, is essential for cell migration and metastasis. However, the intracellular signaling pathways involved are largely unknown. Here, we report that PGRMC1 promotes store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) as a functional interactor of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). PGRMC1 was repeatedly detected as an interactor of STIM1-Orai1 complex via complementation-dependent in situ labeling. Genetic depletion of PGRMC1 decreased SOCE and impaired activation of the nuclear factor of the activated Tcell (NFAT) pathway. Mechanistically, PGRMC1 directly bound to the coiled-coil domain of STIM1, promoting STIM1 conformational switch. In breast cancer cells, PGRMC1 depletion reduced epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced SOCE and disrupted focal adhesion turnover and actomyosin formation. These findings identify PGRMC1 as an essential regulator of Ca2+ signaling in breast cancer cells, providing a target for treating cancer metastasis and an insight for dissecting various PGRMC1/SOCE-induced biological processes.

Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals That Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 Trafficking Depends on Microtubule Dynamics.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is an essential pathway for Ca2+ signaling, and regulates various vital cellular functions. It is triggered by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). Illustration of STIM1 spatiotemporal structure at the nanometer scale during SOCE activation provides structural and functional insights into the fundamental Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we used direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) to revisit the dynamic process of the interaction between STIM1, end-binding protein (EB), and microtubules to the ER-plasma membrane. Using dSTORM, we found that“powder-like”STIM1 aggregates into “trabecular-like” architectures toward the cell periphery during SOCE, and that an intact microtubule network and EB1 are essential for STIM1 trafficking. After thapsigargin treatment, STIM1 can interact with EB1 regardless of undergoing aggregation. We generated STIM1 variants adapted from a real-world database and introduced them into SiHa cells to clarify the impact of STIM1 mutations on cancer cell behavior. The p.D76G and p.D84Y variants locating on the Ca2+ binding domain of STIM1 result in inhibition of focal adhesion turnover, Ca2+ influx during SOCE and subsequent cell migration. Inversely, the p.R643C variant on the microtubule interacting domain of STIM1 leads to dissimilar consequence and aggravates cell migration. These findings imply that STIM1 mutational patterns have an impact on cancer metastasis, and therefore could be either a prognostic marker or a novel therapeutic target to inhibit the malignant behavior of STIM1-mediated cancer cells. Altogether, we generated novel insight into the role of STIM1 during SOCE activation, and uncovered the impact of real-world STIM1 variants on cancer cells.

Phosphorylation of STIM1 at ERK/CDK sites is dispensable for cell migration and ER partitioning in mitosis

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ influx pathway required for multiple physiological functions including cell motility. SOCE is triggered in response to depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores following the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor STIM1, which recruits the plasma membrane (PM) Ca2+ channel Orai1 at ER-PM junctions. STIM1 is phosphorylated dynamically, and this phosphorylation has been implicated in several processes including SOCE inactivation during M-phase, maximal SOCE activation, ER segregation during mitosis, and cell migration. Human STIM1 has 10 Ser/Thr residues in its cytosolic domain that match the ERK/CDK consensus phosphorylation. We recently generated a mouse knock-in line where wild-type STIM1 was replaced by a non-phosphorylatable STIM1 with all ten S/Ts mutated to Ala (STIM1–10A). Here, we generate mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from the STIM1–10A mouse line and a control MEF line (WT) that express wild-type STIM1 from a congenic mouse strain. These lines offer a unique model to address the role of STIM1 phosphorylation at endogenous expression levels in contrast to previous studies that relied mostly on overexpression. We show that STIM1 phosphorylation at ERK/CDK sites is not required for SOCE activation, cell migration, or ER partitioning during mitosis. These results rule out STIM1 phosphorylation as a regulator of SOCE, migration, and ER distribution in mitosis.

Enhanced Store-Operated Ca2+ Signal of Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle Cells Accelerates Small Bowel Transit Speed in Type 1 Diabetic Mouse.

Aims: The underlying mechanism of diabetic enteropathy, a common complication of type 1 diabetes, remains unclear. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous type of Ca2+ influx involved in various cellular functions. Here, we show that SOCE-related stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1 participate in inappropriate cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, augmenting agonist-induced small intestinal smooth muscle contraction and small bowel transit speed in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes.Methods and Results: We used small interfering (si)RNA to suppress STIM1 and Orai1 proteins, and employed intracellular Ca2+, small intestinal contraction and intestinal transit speed measurement to investigate the functional change. We found that SOCE activity and Orai1 and STIM1 expression levels of small intestinal smooth muscle were significantly increased in cells cultured in high glucose medium or in diabetic mice. Gastrointestinal transit speed and SOCE-mediated contractions were markedly increased in diabetic mice; Knocking down Orai1 or STIM1 with siRNA rescued both alterations in diabetic mice. However, the Orai1-large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel interaction was decreased in diabetic mice, and suppressing Orai1 expression or inhibiting the BKCa channel increased agonist-induced small intestinal contractions in normal mice.Conclusion: We concluded that the increased SOCE caused by excessive STIM1 and Orai1 expression and decreased Orai1-BKCa interaction augmented small intestinal smooth muscle contraction and accelerated small bowel transit speed in diabetic mice. This finding demonstrates a pathological role for SOCE in diabetic enteropathy and provides a potential therapeutic target for diabetic enteropathy.

The interplay between mitochondria and store-operated Ca2+ entry: Emerging insights into cardiac diseases.

Store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) machinery, including Orai channels, TRPCs, and STIM1, is key to cellular calcium homeostasis. The following characteristics of mitochondria are involved in the physiological and pathological regulation of cells: mitochondria mediate calcium uptake through calcium uniporters; mitochondria are regulated by mitochondrial dynamic related proteins (OPA1, MFN1/2, and DRP1) and form mitochondrial networks through continuous fission and fusion; mitochondria supply NADH to the electron transport chain through the Krebs cycle to produce ATP; under stress, mitochondria will produce excessive reactive oxygen species to regulate mitochondria‐endoplasmic reticulum interactions and the related signalling pathways. Both SOCE and mitochondria play critical roles in mediating cardiac hypertrophy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and cardiac ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. All the mitochondrial characteristics mentioned above are determinants of SOCE activity, and vice versa. Ca2+ signalling dictates the reciprocal regulation between mitochondria and SOCE under the specific pathological conditions of cardiomyocytes. The coupling of mitochondria and SOCE is essential for various pathophysiological processes in the heart. Herein, we review the research focussing on the reciprocal regulation between mitochondria and SOCE and provide potential interplay patterns in cardiac diseases.

Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Skeletal Muscle: What Makes It Different?

Current knowledge on store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) regarding its localization, kinetics, and regulation is mostly derived from studies performed in non-excitable cells. After a long time of relative disinterest in skeletal muscle SOCE, this mechanism is now recognized as an essential contributor to muscle physiology, as highlighted by the muscle pathologies that are associated with mutations in the SOCE molecules STIM1 and Orai1. This review mainly focuses on the peculiar aspects of skeletal muscle SOCE that differentiate it from its counterpart found in non-excitable cells. This includes questions about SOCE localization and the movement of respective proteins in the highly organized skeletal muscle fibers, as well as the diversity of expressed STIM isoforms and their differential expression between muscle fiber types. The emerging evidence of a phasic SOCE, which is activated during EC coupling, and its physiological implication is described as well. The specific issues related to the use of SOCE modulators in skeletal muscles are discussed. This review highlights the complexity of SOCE activation and its regulation in skeletal muscle, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and the aim to reach a current picture of this mesmerizing phenomenon.

The Novel Calcium Release-Activated Calcium (CRAC) Channel Inhibitor RP4010 Exerts Potent Antitumor Effects in NOD/SCID/IL2Rg-/- Mice with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Cell Line Xenografts

INTRODUCTION: Calcium ions (Ca2+) act as second messengers in cell signaling triggering various cellular processes, including gene transcription, secretion, cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Two genes are responsible for SOCE activity: Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an ER Ca2+ sensor that detects store depletion and Orai1, the pore-forming subunit of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Downregulation of Orai1, and consequently SOCE, protects the cells from diverse apoptosis-inducing pathways. As emerging evidence points to the involvement of aberrant CRAC channel activity in human diseases including Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), we hypothesize that the CRAC channel inhibitorRP4010 might represent a unique therapeutic opportunity for DLBCL patients. RP4010 is a potent inhibitor of CRAC channel activity (IC50=60 nM) with demonstrated efficacy across a range of cancer cell lines in vitro . This study aimed at investigating the activity of RP4010 in preclinical DLBCL models.METHODS: The DLBCL cell lineswith GCB phenotype (SUDHL-4, SUDHL-6, SUDHL-16, and SUDHL-10) and ABC phenotype (SUDHL-8, RCK-8, RIVA, and SUDHL-2) were used to investigate in vitro the effects of RP4010 on cell growth and cell death and gene expression. The antitumor efficacy and of RP4010 was also analyzed in NOD/SCID/IL2Rg-/-mice bearing DLBCL cell line xenografts.RESULTS: Incubating GCB-DLBCL and ABC-DLBCL cell lines for up to 72 hours with increasing doses of RP4010 (1.25 - 10 µM)resulted in a significant dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell proliferation. For all cell lines, the peak of the cytostatic effect was detected upon incubation with 10 µM of RP4010 for 72 hours, when an average 80% decrease in cell proliferation over vehicle-treated controls (P ≤ 0.0001) was detected. RP4010 treatment resulted in a significant time- and dose-dependent increase in cell death, as assessed by AnnexinV/PI staining, in GCB-DLBCL cell lines and in two out of four ABC-DLBCL cell lines (SUDHL-8 and SUDHL-2), whereas modest or no effects were detected in the RCK-8 and RIVA ABC-DLBCL cell lines. Exposure to 5 µM RP4010 for 72 hours significantly increased cell death over vehicle-treated controls in SUDHL-4 (90 ± 4% vs. 11 ± 2%), SUDHL-6 (39 ± 4% vs. 16 ± 3%), SUDHL-16 (70 ± 5% vs. 18 ± 4%), SUDHL-10 (49 ± 5% vs. 15 ± 1%), SUDHL-8 (78 ± 4 vs. 8 ± 1%) and SUDHL-2 (57 ± 5 vs. 26 ± 4%) cell lines (P ≤ 0.0001). Interestingly, RP4010 (1.25 - 10 µM) failed to induce any cytotoxic effects on the in vitro growth of hematopoietic colony-forming cells from healthy volunteers. While no activation of caspase-8, -9, -3, or PARP were observed in ABC-DLBCL cell lines treated with RP4010, a potent caspase cleavage was observed upon RP4010 treatment in GCB-DLBCL cell lines. Pretreating cells with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk abrogated apoptosis only in GCB-DLBCL cell lines, but not in the ABC-DLBCL cell lines, supporting that RP4010 induces both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. Gene expression analysis revealed a strong correlation between Orai1 expression and sensitivity to RP4010-induced cell death. Thus, Orai1 has a pivotal role in the establishment of an apoptosis-resistant phenotype in ABC-DLBCL cells. Finally, in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the antitumor activity of RP4010. Treatment of NOD/SCID/IL2Rg-/-mice bearing DLBCL tumor nodules with increasing dose of RP4010 (30, 60, 90 mg/Kg body weight, PO, 5 days/3 weeks) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth (TGI) of SUDHL-8 [TGI = 35%, 74%, and 83% at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively], RIVA and SUDHL-6[TGI = 66%, 52% at 90 mg/kg, respectively], compared to vehicle-treated controls. No mice experienced any apparent treatment-related toxicity. Despite the marked antitumor activity observed in DLBCL xenografts, RP4010 treatment did not induce any tumor necrosis in healthy tissues (including lungs, livers, spleens, and kidneys), suggesting that RP4010-induced growth inhibition was tumor restricted.CONCLUSIONS: RP4010 is associated with a potent anti-lymphoma activity, suggesting its therapeutic potential in DLBCL. A Phase 1/1b study in Relapsed/Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) patients is currently ongoing in the US (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03119467). DisclosuresViswanadha:Incozen Therapeutics: Employment. Vakkalanka:Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S A: Employment, Equity Ownership. Santoro:Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Carlo-Stella:Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Rhizen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

Muscarinic Receptors and BK Channels Are Affected by Lipid Raft Disruption of Salivary Gland Cells

Activity-dependent fluid secretion is the most important physiological function of salivary glands and is regulated via muscarinic receptor signaling. Lipid rafts are important for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and ion channels in plasma membranes. However, it is not well understood whether lipid raft disruption affects all membrane events or only specific functions in muscarinic receptor-mediated water secretion in salivary gland cells. We investigated the effects of lipid raft disruption on the major membrane events of muscarinic transcellular water movement in human salivary gland (HSG) cells. We found that incubation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), which depletes lipid rafts, inhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling in HSG cells and isolated mouse submandibular acinar cells. However, MβCD did not inhibit a Ca2+ increase induced by thapsigargin, which activates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Interestingly, MβCD increased the activity of the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BK channel). Finally, we found that MβCD did not directly affect the translocation of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) into the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that lipid rafts maintain muscarinic Ca2+ signaling at the receptor level without directly affecting the activation of SOCE induced by intracellular Ca2+ pool depletion or the translocation of AQP5 into the plasma membrane.

Orai–vascular endothelial-cadherin signaling complex regulates high-glucose exposure-induced increased permeability of mouse aortic endothelial cells

IntroductionDiabetes-associated endothelial barrier function impairment might be linked to disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis. To study the role and molecular mechanism of Orais–vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin signaling complex and its downstream signaling...

Tubular (T-) System SOCE-PMCA Balance Is Regulated by RyR Leak in Resting Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle possesses a unique, rapidly activating store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism. SOCE is activated when the activity of the ryanodine receptors increase, following action potential-induced Ca2+release or even increased RyR Ca2+ leak (Koenig et al 2018, Comm Biol; Cully et al 2018, PNAS). The role of SOCE in muscle remains poorly defined, but a role in calcium content regulation is likely, which means it must work in concert with fibre Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms for balance. Kinetics of Ca2+ movements in imaging experiments performed with high spatiotemporal resolution have shown that the t-system PMCA exists in the same microdomain as RyRs and the SOCE protein components; and all components are equally distributed throughout the muscle fibre (Cully et al 2012, AJP). We studied RyR mutant mice (RyR KI; Lopez et al 2018, BJA) and calsequestrin 1 null (CSQKO) mice (Paolini et al 2007, J.Physiol) to examine the regulatory relationship of RyR Ca2+ leak with SOCE and PMCA activity using mechanically skinned fibres. We determined that RyR Ca2+ leak increased in the order WT<RyR KI HET<RyR KI HOM<CSQKO. This leak caused a steady state reduction in SR calcium content, which we quantified in absolute terms. We found PMCA activity to be increased in same order as increased RyR Ca2+ leak, where CSQKO muscle showed the most rapid rate of Ca2+ extrusion when [Ca2+]t-sys was initially 0.1 mM and [Ca2+]cyto was varied between 28-1342 nM. The increase in Ca2+ extrusion was offset by increasing SOCE so that physiological, mM [Ca2+]t-sys levels were maintained. Our data conform with Cell Boundary Theorem (Rios, 2010, J.Physiol Sci), providing a platform to explain the increased [Ca2+]cyto in resting intact fibres (Lopez et al 2018) in the presence of increased RyR Ca2+ leak.

Supra-Molecular Assemblies of ORAI1 at Rest Precede Local Accumulation into Puncta after Activation.

The Ca2+ selective channel ORAI1 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident STIM proteins form the core of the channel complex mediating store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Using liquid phase electron microscopy (LPEM), the distribution of ORAI1 proteins was examined at rest and after SOCE-activation at nanoscale resolution. The analysis of over seven hundred thousand ORAI1 positions revealed a number of ORAI1 channels had formed STIM-independent distinct supra-molecular clusters. Upon SOCE activation and in the presence of STIM proteins, a fraction of ORAI1 assembled in micron-sized two-dimensional structures, such as the known puncta at the ER plasma membrane contact zones, but also in divergent structures such as strands, and ring-like shapes. Our results thus question the hypothesis that stochastically migrating single ORAI1 channels are trapped at regions containing activated STIM, and we propose instead that supra-molecular ORAI1 clusters fulfill an amplifying function for creating dense ORAI1 accumulations upon SOCE-activation.

Fluctuation in O-GlcNAcylation inactivates STIM1 to reduce store-operated calcium ion entry via down-regulation of Ser621 phosphorylation

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) plays a pivotal role in store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), an essential mechanism in cellular calcium signaling and in maintaining cellular calcium balance. Because O-GlcNAcylation plays pivotal roles in various cellular function, we examined the effect of fluctuation in STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation on SOCE activity. We found that both increase and decrease in STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation impaired SOCE activity. To determine the molecular basis, we established STIM1-knockout HEK293 (STIM1-KO-HEK) cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and transfected STIM1 WT (STIM1-KO-WT-HEK), S621A (STIM1-KO-S621A-HEK), or T626A (STIM1-KO-T626A-HEK) cells. Using these cells, we examined the possible O-GlcNAcylation sites of STIM1 to determine whether the sites were O-GlcNAcylated. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Ser621 and Thr626 were O-GlcNAcylated and that Thr626 was O-GlcNAcylated in the steady state but Ser621 was not. The SOCE activity in STIM1-KO-S621A-HEK and STIM1-KO-T626A-HEK cells was lower than that in STIM1-KO-WT-HEK cells because of reduced phosphorylation at Ser621 Treatment with the O-GlcNAcase inhibitor Thiamet G or O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) transfection, which increases O-GlcNAcylation, reduced SOCE activity, whereas treatment with the OGT inhibitor ST045849 or siOGT transfection, which decreases O-GlcNAcylation, also reduced SOCE activity. Decrease in SOCE activity due to increase and decrease in O-GlcNAcylation was attributable to reduced phosphorylation at Ser621 These data suggest that both decrease in O-GlcNAcylation at Thr626 and increase in O-GlcNAcylation at Ser621 in STIM1 lead to impairment of SOCE activity through decrease in Ser621 phosphorylation. Targeting STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation could provide a promising treatment option for the related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases.