Calcium Release-activated Calcium Research Articles

Engineering of Genetically Encoded Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium Release-Activated Calcium (CRAC) channel is a highly Ca2+-selective store-operated channel constituted by two-component mediators (STIM and ORAI) and controls a wide range of cellular functions in various tissues. Gain-of-function (GoF) mutations of CRAC channel cause excessive Ca2+ entry, which can lead to serious diseases such as tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome (TAM/STRMK). To solve this problem and to gain precise control of the CRAC channel, we have designed both an optogenetic and a chemogenetic strategy for engineering of CRAC channel blockers (designated Opto-CRAB and Chemo-CRAB), which can mediate Ca2+ influx and Ca2+-dependent signaling such as NFAT induced gene expression and T cell activation. Beyond in vitro applications, both Opto-CRAB and Chemo-CRAB have been applied in vivo experiments in a zebrafish model of Stormorken syndrome that resulted in the mitigation of thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage in light and chemical dependent manners. Welch Foundation (BE-1913-20220331 to Y.Z.), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS6680-24 to Y.Z.), the National Institutes of Health (R01GM144986 to Y.Z. and R21AI174606 to Y.Z.). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

ORAI Ca2+ Channels in Cancers and Therapeutic Interventions.

The ORAI proteins serve as crucial pore-forming subunits of calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, pivotal in regulating downstream calcium-related signaling pathways. Dysregulated calcium homeostasis arising from mutations and post-translational modifications in ORAI can lead to immune disorders, myopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancers. Small molecules targeting ORAI present an approach for calcium signaling modulation. Moreover, emerging techniques like optogenetics and optochemistry aim to offer more precise regulation of ORAI. This review focuses on the role of ORAI in cancers, providing a concise overview of their significance in the initiation and progression of cancers. Additionally, it highlights state-of-the-art techniques for ORAI channel modulation, including advanced optical tools, potent pharmacological inhibitors, and antibodies. These novel strategies offer promising avenues for the functional regulation of ORAI in research and may inspire innovative approaches to cancer therapy targeting ORAI.

Activating mutations in JAK2 and CALR differentially affect intracellular calcium flux in store operated calcium entry

BackgroundCalcium (Ca2+) signaling regulates various vital cellular functions, including integrin activation and cell migration. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) via calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels represents a major pathway for Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space in multiple cell types. The impact of JAK2-V617F and CALR mutations which are disease initiating in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) on SOCE, calcium flux from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytosol, and related key signaling pathways in the presence or absence of erythropoietin (EPO) or thrombopoietin (TPO) is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of these mutations on the aforementioned calcium dynamics, in cellular models of MPN.MethodsIntracellular Ca2+ levels were measured over a time frame of 0–1080 s in Fura-2 AM labeled myeloid progenitor 32D cells expressing various mutations (JAK2-WT/EpoR, JAK2-V617F/EpoR; CALR-WT/MPL, CALR-ins5/MPL, and del52/MPL). Basal Ca2+ concentrations were assessed from 0–108 s. Subsequently, cells were stimulated with EPO/TPO in Ca2+-free Ringer solution, measuring Ca2+ levels from 109–594 s (store depletion). Then, 2 mM of Ca2+ buffer resembling physiological concentrations was added to induce SOCE, and Ca2+ levels were measured from 595–1080 s. Fura-2 AM emission ratios (F340/380) were used to quantify the integrated Ca2+ signal. Statistical significance was assessed by unpaired Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney-U-test, one-way or two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test.ResultsFollowing EPO stimulation, the area under the curve (AUC) representing SOCE significantly increased in 32D-JAK2-V617F cells compared to JAK2-WT cells. In TPO-stimulated CALR cells, we observed elevated Ca2+ levels during store depletion and SOCE in CALR-WT cells compared to CALR-ins5 and del52 cells. Notably, upon stimulation, key components of the Ca2+ signaling pathways, including PLCγ-1 and IP3R, were differentially affected in these cell lines. Hyper-activated PLCγ-1 and IP3R were observed in JAK2-V617F but not in CALR mutated cells. Inhibition of calcium regulatory mechanisms suppressed cellular growth and induced apoptosis in JAK2-V617F cells.ConclusionsThis report highlights the impact of JAK2 and CALR mutations on Ca2+ flux (store depletion and SOCE) in response to stimulation with EPO and TPO. The study shows that the JAK2-V617F mutation strongly alters the regulatory mechanism of EpoR/JAK2-dependent intracellular calcium balance, affecting baseline calcium levels, EPO-induced calcium entry, and PLCγ-1 signaling pathways. Our results reveal an important role of calcium flux in the homeostasis of JAK2-V617F positive cells.

Electrophysiological Methods to Measure Ca2+ Current.

To achieve the most accurate assessment of functional Ca2+ channel or modulator properties and their regulation, a patch-clamp technique to record membrane currents is required. This technique has wide applications ranging from recording the activity of native channels in their natural environment to that of recombinant channels expressed in heterologous cells. This chapter introduces the methods that have been used for the detection of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) currents, one of the store-operated calcium entry pathways, in human primary T cells. This standard protocol is for laboratories already equipped with a full patch-clamp set-up or for investigators collaborating with laboratories experienced in patch clamp.

The ion channel TRPV5 regulates B-cell signaling and activation.

B-cell activation triggers the release of endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores through the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway resulting in calcium influx by calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels on the plasma membrane. B-cell-specific murine knockouts of SOCE do not impact humoral immunity suggesting that alternative channels may be important. We identified a member of the calcium-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family, TRPV5, as a candidate channel expressed in B cells by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) screen. To further investigate the role of TRPV5 in B-cell responses, we generated a murine TRPV5 knockout (KO) by CRISPR-Cas9. We found TRPV5 polarized to B-cell receptor (BCR) clusters upon stimulation in a PI3K-RhoA-dependent manner. TRPV5 KO mice have normal B-cell development and mature B-cell numbers. Surprisingly, calcium influx upon BCR stimulation in primary TRPV5 KO B cells was not impaired; however, differential expression of other calcium-regulating proteins, such as ORAI1, may contribute to a compensatory mechanism for calcium signaling in these cells. We demonstrate that TRPV5 KO B cells have impaired spreading and contraction in response to membrane-bound antigen. Consistent with this, TRPV5 KO B cells have reduced BCR signaling measured through phospho-tyrosine residues. Lastly, we also found that TRPV5 is important for early T-dependent antigen specific responses post-immunization. Thus, our findings identify a role for TRPV5 in BCR signaling and B-cell activation.

Regulatory mechanisms controlling store-operated calcium entry.

Calcium influx through plasma membrane ion channels is crucial for many events in cellular physiology. Cell surface stimuli lead to the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which binds to IP3 receptors (IP3R) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to release calcium pools from the ER lumen. This leads to the depletion of ER calcium pools, which has been termed store depletion. Store depletion leads to the dissociation of calcium ions from the EF-hand motif of the ER calcium sensor Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1). This leads to a conformational change in STIM1, which helps it to interact with the plasma membrane (PM) at ER:PM junctions. At these ER:PM junctions, STIM1 binds to and activates a calcium channel known as Orai1 to form calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. Activation of Orai1 leads to calcium influx, known as store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In addition to Orai1 and STIM1, the homologs of Orai1 and STIM1, such as Orai2/3 and STIM2, also play a crucial role in calcium homeostasis. The influx of calcium through the Orai channel activates a calcium current that has been termed the CRAC current. CRAC channels form multimers and cluster together in large macromolecular assemblies termed "puncta". How CRAC channels form puncta has been contentious since their discovery. In this review, we will outline the history of SOCE, the molecular players involved in this process, as well as the models that have been proposed to explain this critical mechanism in cellular physiology.

Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) Inhibits the TRPM7 Ion Channel Through its Kinase Domain.

Cannabinoids are a major class of compounds produced by the plant Cannabis sativa. Previous work has demonstrated that the main cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can have some beneficial effects on pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. While CBD and THC represent the two major plant cannabinoids, some hemp varieties with enzymatic deficiencies produce mainly cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). We recently reported that CBGA has a potent inhibitory effect on both Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) via inhibition of Calcium Release-Activated Calcium (CRAC) channels as well as currents carried by the channel-kinase TRPM7. Importantly, CBGA prevented kidney damage and suppressed mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of these mechanisms in an acute nephropathic mouse model. In the present study, we investigate the most common major and minor cannabinoids to determine their potential efficacy on TRPM7 channel function. We find that approximately half of the tested cannabinoids suppress TRPM7 currents to some degree, with CBGA having the strongest inhibitory effect on TRPM7. We determined that the CBGA-mediated inhibition of TRPM7 requires a functional kinase domain, is sensitized by both intracellular Mg⋅ATP and free Mg2+ and reduced by increases in intracellular Ca2+. Finally, we demonstrate that CBGA inhibits native TRPM7 channels in a B lymphocyte cell line. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CBGA is the most potent cannabinoid in suppressing TRPM7 activity and possesses therapeutic potential for diseases in which TRPM7 is known to play an important role such as cancer, stroke, and kidney disease.

Molecular action mechanisms of two novel and selective calcium release-activated calcium channel antagonists

The prototypical calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel, composed of STIM1 and Orai1, is a sought-after drug target for treating autoimmune disorders. Herein, we identified two novel and selective CRAC channel inhibitors, the indole-like compound C63368 and pyrazole core-containing compound C79413, potently and reversibly inhibiting the CRAC channel with low micromolar IC50s and sparing various off-target ion channels. These two compounds did not inhibit STIM1 activation or its coupling with Orai1, nor did they affect the channel's calcium-dependent fast inactivation. Instead, they directly acted on the Orai1 protein, with the channel's pore geometry profoundly affecting their potencies. In vitro, C63368 and C79413 effectively inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation and cytokines production in human T lymphocytes. Intragastric administration of C63368 and C79413 to mice yielded great therapeutic benefits in psoriasis and colitis animal models of autoimmune disorders, reducing serum cytokines production and significantly relieving pathological symptoms. It's worth noting, that this study provided the first insight into the characterization and mechanistic investigation of an indole-like CRAC channel antagonist. Altogether, the identification of these two highly selective CRAC channel antagonists, coupled with the elucidation of their action mechanisms, not only provides valuable template molecules but also offers profound insights for drug development targeting the CRAC channel.

STIM/Orai-mediated calcium entry elicits spontaneous TSLP overproduction in epidermal cells of atopic dermatitis mice

Aim: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is highly expressed in the epidermis of patients with AD and induces T helper 2 (Th2) immune responses and itching. Although the mechanism underlying the stimulus-induced TSLP production in normal keratinocytes has been intensively studied, whether the production capability of TSLP is naturally enhanced in epidermal cells in AD conditions remains unclear. Previous studies demonstrated that a deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) causes AD-like pruritic skin inflammation in special diet-fed hairless mice. The aim of the study was to examine the TSLP production capability of epidermal cells isolated from diet-induced AD mouse model and its mechanism. Methods: Epidermal cells were isolated from normal and AD mice and incubated under unstimulated culture conditions to assess spontaneous TSLP production. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of TSLP were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results: TSLP level was markedly increased in the skin of AD mice. When epidermal cells were isolated from AD mice and cultured without stimulation, Tslp gene expression was upregulated, and a large amount of TSLP protein was extracellularly released. Such TSLP overproduction was not observed in the epidermal cells of normal mice. TSLP overproduction in AD epidermal cells was almost completely inhibited by extracellular calcium chelation, interference with plasma membrane interaction of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), blockade of the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels Orai1 and Orai2, or treatment with a PUFA γ-linolenic acid (GLA). Conclusions: Epidermal cells isolated from AD mice can spontaneously produce TSLP through STIM/Orai-mediated calcium entry, and GLA may negatively regulate this TSLP production.

Shedding light on ORAI1 channel with genetic code expansion

Genetic code expansion technology has been widely applied to control protein activity and biological systems by taking advantage of an amber stop codon suppressor tRNA and orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair. With this chemical biology approach, Maltan et al. incorporated photocrosslinking unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into the transmembrane domains of ORAI1 to enable UV light-inducible calcium influx across the plasma membrane, mechanistic interrogation of the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel at the single amino acid level, and remote control of downstream calcium-modulated signaling in mammalian cells.

Cortisol Rapidly Facilitates Glucocorticoid Receptor Translocation to the Plasma Membrane in Primary Trout Hepatocytes

Glucocorticoids (GCs) stimulate rapid cell signalling by activating the membrane-anchored intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, the recruitment of the GR to the plasma membrane to facilitate nongenomic signalling is far from clear. As cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) is involved in intracellular protein dynamics, we tested the hypothesis that acute elevation in cortisol levels rapidly stimulates GR translocation to the plasma membrane via a calcium-dependent process in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes. To test this, we monitored temporal changes in intracellular GR distribution in response to cortisol exposure. Immunofluorescence labelling showed that the GR was present in cytosolic and nuclear compartments in trout hepatocytes. However, upon cortisol exposure, the GR rapidly (within 5 min) formed punctate and colocalized with caveolin-1, suggesting plasma membrane localization of the receptor. This redistribution of the GR to the plasma membrane was transient and lasted for 30 min and was evident even upon exposure to cortisol-BSA, a membrane-impermeable analogue of the steroid. The rapid cortisol-mediated GR translocation to the plasma membrane involved F-actin polymerization and was completely abolished in the presence of either EGTA or Cpd5J-4, a calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel blocker. Additionally, the modulation of the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane by cholesterol or methyl β-cyclodextrin, which led to changes in ([Ca2+]i) levels, modified GR translocation to the plasma membrane. Altogether, acute cortisol-mediated rise in ([Ca2+]i) levels rapidly stimulated the translocation of intracellular GR to the plasma membrane, and we propose this as a mechanism promoting the nongenomic action of the GR for hepatocyte stress resistance.

S-acylation of SARAF regulates store-operated calcium entry.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the primary intracellular calcium storage site. Upon cellular stimulation by an agonist, the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) leads to activation of IP3 receptor channels on the ER membrane and calcium efflux from ER lumen. This leads to ER calcium store depletion. Upon store depletion, the ER-resident calcium sensor STIM1 and plasma membrane calcium channel Orai1 bind to each other to form the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel. These channels lead to calcium entry from extracellular milieu. This entry is known as store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Previously, we have shown that Orai1 and STIM1 are S-acylated upon store-depletion and this process is crucial for CRAC channel formation and SOCE. TMEM66, also known as SARAF, is a ER transmembrane protein that is known to associate with STIM1 in resting conditions, and subsequently with Orai1 after store-depletion. This binding of SARAF with Orai1 upon store-depletion is important for the inactivation of CRAC currents. We hypothesize S-acylation of SARAF is required for the inactivation of SOCE. Here we show that SARAF is S-acylated in Jurkat T cells upon activation of the T cell receptor (TCR) and subsequent store-depletion. We also show the residue where SARAF undergoes this S-acylation. Importantly, a C320S mutant version of SARAF that cannot undergo S-acylation has deficits in CRAC channel formation and SOCE. Put together, these data suggest SARAF is a crucial component of SOCE.

Aerobic Exercise Reduces Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction In Asthmatic Rats Via Inhibition Of Il-4 Secretion And Suppression Of Store-operated Ca2+ Entry

PURPOSE: Increasing evidence has shown that aerobic exercise training reduces airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic individuals. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractile function in asthmatic rats and uncover the possible involvement of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway. METHODS: Chicken ovalbumin was used to stimulate asthma in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The exercise group received moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training for 4 weeks. IL-4 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were evaluated by ELISA. The contractile function of the ASM was investigated using tracheal ring tension experiments and intracellular Ca2+ imaging techniques. Western-blot experiments were used to identify expression levels of the calcium-release activated calcium (CRAC) channel protein, Orai, in ASM. RESULTS: The carbachol-stimulated and SOCE-mediated contraction of rat ASM was significantly increased in asthmatic rats, but was abolished by exercise training. Pharmacological studies revealed that GSK5498A, a selective blocker of CRAC channels, significantly inhibited SOCE-induced ASM contraction. In addition, our data showed that aerobic exercise inhibits the up-regulation of IL-4 in BALF as well as Orai protein (subtypes 1 and 2) expression in the ASM of asthmatic rats. In line with these observations, we demonstrated that pretreatment of ASM with IL-4 both up-regulated the expression level of Orai (subtype 1, 2, 3) and promoted carbachol-induced and SOCE-mediated ASM contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that aerobic exercise improved ASM contractile function in asthmatic rats by inhibiting IL-4 secretion and down-regulating the expression levels of Orai, thus decreasing excessive SOCE-mediated ASM contraction in asthmatic rats. Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2019A1515012167).

Dynamic S-acylation of the ER-resident protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is required for store-operated Ca2+ entry

Many cell surface stimuli cause calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores to regulate cellular physiology. Upon ER calcium store depletion, the ER-resident protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) physically interacts with plasma membrane protein Orai1 to induce calcium release–activated calcium (CRAC) currents that conduct calcium influx from the extracellular milieu. Although the physiological relevance of this process is well established, the mechanism supporting the assembly of these proteins is incompletely understood. Earlier we demonstrated a previously unknown post-translational modification of Orai1 with long-chain fatty acids, known as S-acylation. We found that S-acylation of Orai1 is dynamically regulated in a stimulus-dependent manner and essential for its function as a calcium channel. Here using the acyl resin–assisted capture assay, we show that STIM1 is also rapidly S-acylated at cysteine 437 upon ER calcium store depletion. Using a combination of live cell imaging and electrophysiology approaches with a mutant STIM1 protein, which could not be S-acylated, we determined that the S-acylation of STIM1 is required for the assembly of STIM1 into puncta with Orai1 and full CRAC channel function. Together with the S-acylation of Orai1, our data suggest that stimulus-dependent S-acylation of CRAC channel components Orai1 and STIM1 is a critical mechanism facilitating the CRAC channel assembly and function.

S‐acylation of STIM1 regulates store‐operated calcium entry

The initiating events happening during store‐operated calcium entry are not completely understood despite the tremendous importance of this process in immune responses. Upon endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium depletion, STIM1 and Orai1 form calcium release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channels to allow calcium influx from the extracellular milieu. S‐acylation is a reversible post‐translational modification of cysteine residues that affects protein structure, stability, and targeting to subdomains in the plasma membrane. Previously, we have shown that Orai1 is rapidly S‐acylated following T cell activation in Jurkat cells as well as ER calcium store depletion in HEK293 cells. Here we demonstrate that STIM1 is S‐acylated at C437 residue upon T cell activation and ER calcium store depletion. This is an interesting observation because very little is known about S‐acylation and its consequences in ER‐resident proteins. Upon store depletion, STIM1 adopts an extended conformation that permits binding to Orai1. We hypothesize that S‐acylation of STIM1 promotes and stabilizes the extended conformation of STIM1. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show that substitution of cysteine 437 in the STIM1 Orai1 activating region to a serine decreases calcium entry after store depletion. We further show that the ability of STIM1 to form puncta depends on its S‐acylation at this residue. Together with S‐acylation of Orai1, these data demonstrate that CRAC channel components are rapidly S‐acylated after ER calcium store depletion. In summary, based on our previous published literature on Orai1 S‐acylation, and current discovery of S‐acylation of STIM1, it is evident that S‐acylation recruits Orai1 to specialized membrane subdomains to form puncta with STIM1, whose extended conformation is stabilized by S‐acylation at its 437 residue. Hence, S‐acylation of Orai1 and STIM1 play a crucial role facilitate store‐operated calcium entry.

CRACR2A associated immunodeficiency – the supporting factor takes center stage

Loss of function mutations in one of the core components of the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel complex, STIM1 and ORAI1, lead to severe immunodeficiency. Whether changes in regulatory components of the CRAC channel may also contribute to a disease state remained unknown. In a recent study, Wu et al. report a case of late onset immunodeficiency in a patient with bi-allelic mutation in CRACR2A, a regulatory component of the CRAC channel.

S-Acylation regulates store-operated calcium entry

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is required for proper T cell effector function, and is facilitated by the calcium release activated calcium (CRAC) channel, composed of Orai1 and STIM1 proteins. Orai1 is the plasma membrane (PM) localized pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel, while STIM1 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and acts as the calcium sensor. Upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, the ER calcium stores are depleted, and STIM1 is activated. Activated STIM1 undergoes a lengthening conformational change, allowing it to bind to and activate Orai1 at ER-PM junctions near the TCR signalosome.

Mutants only partially represent characteristics of calcium-release-activated calcium channel gating

Calcium-release-activated calcium (CARC) channels are one of the major pathways of calcium entry in non-excitable cells. Despite a decade or two of research, its regulatory mechanism is not yet thoroughly understood. The slow progress is due to the complexity of its pores (i.e., Orai) on one hand and the difficulty in capturing its regulatory complex on the other hand. As a result, possible gating mechanisms have often been speculated by exploring the structure and properties of constitutive open mutants. However, there is much debate about how they can truly reflect the gating of CRAC channels under physiological conditions. In the present study, we combined molecular dynamics simulations with free energy calculations to study three dOrai mutants (G170P, H206A, and P288A), and further calculated their current-voltage curves. Results show that these constructs adopt different approaches to maintain their conductive state. Meanwhile they have unique pore structures and distinctive rectification properties and ion selectivity for cations compared to wild-type pores. We conclude that although the mutants may partially capture the gating motion characteristics of wild-type pores, the information obtained from these mutants is likely not a true reflection of CRAC channel gating under physiological conditions.

Discovery of a Novel Potent and Selective Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channel Inhibitor: 2,6-Difluoro-N-(2'-methyl-3'-(4-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)benzamide. Structure-Activity Relationship and Preclinical Characterization.

The role of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels is well characterized and is of particular importance in T-cell function. CRAC channels are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, making it an attractive therapeutic target for treating inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A systematic structure-activity relationship study with the goal of optimizing lipophilicity successfully yielded two lead compounds, 36 and 37. Both compounds showed decent potency and selectivity and a remarkable pharmacokinetic profile. Further characterization in in vivo RA models and subsequent histopathological evaluation of tissues led to the identification of 36 as a clinical candidate. Compound 36 displayed an excellent safety profile and had a sufficient safety margin to qualify it for use in human testing. Oral administration of 36 in Phase 1 clinical study in healthy volunteers established favorable safety, tolerability, and good target engagement as measured by levels of IL-2 and TNF-α.

Conformational surveillance of Orai1 by a rhomboid intramembrane protease prevents inappropriate CRAC channel activation

SummaryCalcium influx through plasma membrane calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, which are formed of hexamers of Orai1, is a potent trigger for many important biological processes, most notably in T cell-mediated immunity. Through a bioinformatics-led cell biological screen, we have identified Orai1 as a substrate for the rhomboid intramembrane protease RHBDL2. We show that RHBDL2 prevents stochastic calcium signaling in unstimulated cells through conformational surveillance and cleavage of inappropriately activated Orai1. A conserved disease-linked proline residue is responsible for RHBDL2’s recognizing the active conformation of Orai1, which is required to sharpen switch-like signaling triggered by store-operated calcium entry. Loss of RHBDL2 control of CRAC channel activity causes severe dysregulation of downstream CRAC channel effectors, including transcription factor activation, inflammatory cytokine expression, and T cell activation. We propose that this surveillance function may represent an ancient activity of rhomboid proteases in degrading unwanted signaling proteins.