Intracellular Calcium Release Channels Research Articles

317 - Crosstalk between Rieske Iron-Sulfur Protein-Mediated Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release During Hypoxic Challenge in Pulmonary Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Ryanodine (Ryd) irreversibly targets ryanodine receptors (RyRs), a family of intracellular calcium release channels essential for many cellular processes ranging from muscle contraction to learning and memory. Little is known of the atomistic details about how Ryd binds to RyRs. In this study, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with both enhanced and bidirectional sampling to gain direct insights into how Ryd interacts with major residues in RyRs that were experimentally determined to be critical for its binding. We found that the pyrrolic ring of Ryd displays preference for the R4892AGGG-F4921 residues in the cavity of RyR1, which explain the effects of the corresponding mutations in RyR2 in experiments. Particularly, the mutant Q4933A (or Q4863A in RyR2) critical for both the gating and Ryd binding not only has significantly less interaction with Ryd than the wild-type, but also yields more space for Ryd and water molecules in the cavity. These results describe clear binding modes of Ryd in the RyR cavity and offer structural mechanisms explaining functional data collected on RyR blockade.

Modulation of the Ca2 + signaling pathway by celangulin I in the central neurons of Spodoptera exigua

Celangulin I is an insecticidal component isolated from Chinese bittersweet Celastrus angulatus. The present study explored the possible effects of celangulin I on the calcium signaling pathway, especially on the L-type Ca2+ channel and the calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum in the central neurons isolated from the third instar larvae of Spodoptera exigua using whole-cell patch-clamp and calcium imaging technique. The results showed that celangulin I could activate the high voltage-gated calcium channel at the concentration of 150μM. The peak currents were increased by 17% of the initial value at the end of the 10-min recording after treated with celangulin I. The rises of intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neurons treated by celangulin I showed that the effects of celangulin I were concentration-dependent. Activation of the RyRs by ryanodine decreased the calcium release induced by celangulin I, indicating that celangulin I exerts effect on insect RyRs. Furthermore, we also provided evidence for the first time that celangulin I activates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) sensitive intracellular calcium release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum third instar larvae neurons of S. exigua. Plausibly, these experimental results can explain the characteristic symptoms of anesthesia and paralysis in celangulin I treated insects.

Essential Roles of Intracellular Calcium Release Channels in Muscle, Brain, Metabolism, and Aging.

Calcium (Ca(2+)) release from intracellular stores controls numerous cellular processes, including cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction, synaptic transmission and metabolism. The ryanodine receptors (RyRs: RyR1, RyR2, RyR3) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs: IP3R1, IP3R2, IP3R3) are the major Ca(2+) release channels (CRCs) on the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR). RyRs and IP3Rs comprise macromolecular signaling complexes that include modulatory proteins which regulate channel activity in response to extracellular signals resulting in intracellular Ca(2+) release. Here we focus on the roles of CRCs in heart, skeletal muscle, brain, metabolism, and aging.

Nuclear Factor, Erythroid 2-Like 2 Regulates Expression of Type 3 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor and Calcium Signaling in Cholangiocytes

Most cholestatic disorders are caused by defects in cholangiocytes. The type 3 isoform of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3) is the most abundant intracellular calcium release channel in cholangiocytes. ITPR3 is required for bicarbonate secretion by bile ducts, and its expression is reduced in intrahepatic bile ducts of patients with cholestatic disorders. We investigated whether the nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2), which is sensitive to oxidative stress, regulates expression of ITPR3. The activity of the ITPR3 promoter was measured in normal human cholangiocyte (NHC) cells and primary mouse cholangiocytes. Levels of ITPR3 protein and messenger RNA were examined by immunoblot and polymerase chain reaction analyses, respectively. ITPR3 activity was determined by measuring calcium signaling in normal human cholangiocyte cells and secretion in isolated bile duct units. Levels of NRF2 were measured in liver tissues from rats with cholestasis (induced by administration of α-napthylisothiocyanate) and from patients with biliary diseases. We identified a musculo-aponeurotic fibrosarcoma recognition element in the promoter of ITPR3 that bound NRF2 directly in NHC cells and mouse cholangiocytes. Increasing binding of NRF2 at this site resulted in chromatin remodeling that reduced promoter activity. Mutant forms of the musculo-aponeurotic fibrosarcoma recognition element did not bind NRF2. Activation of NRF2 with quercetin or by oxidative stress reduced expression of ITPR3 and calcium signaling in NHC cells; quercetin also reduced secretion by bile duct units isolated from rats. Knockdown of NRF2 with small interfering RNAs restored expression and function of ITPR3 in NHC cells incubated with quercetin. Bile ducts from rats with cholestasis and patients with cholangiopathic disorders expressed higher levels of NRF2 and lower levels of ITPR3 than ducts from control rats or patients with other liver disorders. The transcription factor NRF2 binds to the promoter of ITPR3 to inhibit its expression in cholangiocytes, leading to reduced calcium signaling and bile duct secretion. This could be a mechanism by which oxidative stress inhibits these processes and contributes to cholangiopathies.

Structural Insights into the Nature of the Unique Anion Binding Site within the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor N-Terminal Region and Associated Disease Mutations

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are large intracellular calcium-release channels of the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum that play a critical role in mediating excitation-contraction coupling. Mutations within the skeletal muscle isoform (RyR1) are associated with the pharmacogenetic disorder known as Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) as well as congenital myopathies. Concurrently, mutations within the cardiac (RyR2) isoform have been linked to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a potential precursor of sudden cardiac death. While recent high-resolution structures have provided some mechanistic insights as to how mutations may impact receptor function, this subject requires more work. The RyR1 amino-terminal region contains an elaborate ionic interaction network embedded between its three domains which is key to the protein's stability. Despite all the ionic interaction partners being conserved within RyR2, the replacement of two histidine residues with Tyr125 and Arg420 within RyR2 is enough to abolish the ionic network and introduce a unique central anion binding site within RyR2. Here, we present structural insights into the nature of the RyR2 anion binding site. A 2.6A crystal structure has been solved of the amino-terminal RyR2 region (residues 1-547) into which two histidines, Y125H and R420H, were introduced which abolished chloride binding but which failed to restore the ionic network of its counterpart in RyR1. The amino-terminal intrasubunit domain-domain interfaces of both RyR1 and RyR2 are each targeted by over twenty disease-associated mutations. Here, we provide the biochemical and structural characterization of a novel MH RyR1 mutation, H113Q, and a potential CPVT-causing mutant, RyR2 R420W, both of which reside at a domain-domain interface.

Cyst formation following disruption of intracellular calcium signaling.

Mutations in polycystin 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2) cause the common genetic kidney disorder autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It is unknown how these mutations result in renal cysts, but dysregulation of calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling is a known consequence of PC2 mutations. PC2 functions as a Ca(2+)-activated Ca(2+) channel of the endoplasmic reticulum. We hypothesize that Ca(2+) signaling through PC2, or other intracellular Ca(2+) channels such as the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R), is necessary to maintain renal epithelial cell function and that disruption of the Ca(2+) signaling leads to renal cyst development. The cell line LLC-PK1 has traditionally been used for studying PKD-causing mutations and Ca(2+) signaling in 2D culture systems. We demonstrate that this cell line can be used in long-term (8 wk) 3D tissue culture systems. In 2D systems, knockdown of InsP3R results in decreased Ca(2+) transient signals that are rescued by overexpression of PC2. In 3D systems, knockdown of either PC2 or InsP3R leads to cyst formation, but knockdown of InsP3R type 1 (InsP3R1) generated the largest cysts. InsP3R1 and InsP3R3 are differentially localized in both mouse and human kidney, suggesting that regional disruption of Ca(2+) signaling contributes to cystogenesis. All cysts had intact cilia 2 wk after starting 3D culture, but the cells with InsP3R1 knockdown lost cilia as the cysts grew. Studies combining 2D and 3D cell culture systems will assist in understanding how mutations in PC2 that confer altered Ca(2+) signaling lead to ADPKD cysts.

CaMKII regulation of cardiac ryanodine receptors and inositol triphosphate receptors.

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol triphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs) are structurally related intracellular calcium release channels that participate in multiple primary or secondary amplified Ca2+ signals, triggering muscle contraction and oscillatory Ca2+ waves, or activating transcription factors. In the heart, RyRs play an indisputable role in the process of excitation–contraction coupling as the main pathway for Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and a less prominent role in the process of excitation–transcription coupling. Conversely, InsP3Rs are believed to contribute in subtle ways, only, to contraction of the heart, and in more important ways to regulation of transcription factors. Because uncontrolled activity of either RyRs or InsP3Rs may elicit life-threatening arrhythmogenic and/or remodeling Ca2+ signals, regulation of their activity is of paramount importance for normal cardiac function. Due to their structural similarity, many regulatory factors, accessory proteins, and post-translational processes are equivalent for RyRs and InsP3Rs. Here we discuss regulation of RyRs and InsP3Rs by CaMKII phosphorylation, but touch on other kinases whenever appropriate. CaMKII is emerging as a powerful modulator of RyR and InsP3R activity but interestingly, some of the complexities and controversies surrounding phosphorylation of RyRs also apply to InsP3Rs, and a clear-cut effect of CaMKII on either channel eludes investigators for now. Nevertheless, some effects of CaMKII on global cellular activity, such as SR Ca2+ leak or force-frequency potentiation, appear clear now, and this constrains the limits of the controversies and permits a more tractable approach to elucidate the effects of phosphorylation at the single channel level.

N-terminus oligomerization is conserved in intracellular calcium release channels

Oligomerization of all three mammalian ryanodine receptor isoforms, a structural requirement for normal intracellular Ca2+ release channel function, is displayed by the discrete N-terminal domain which assembles into homo- and hetero-tetramers. This is demonstrated in yeast, mammalian cells and native tissue by complementary yeast two-hybrid, chemical cross-linking and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) receptor N-terminus (residues 1–667) similarly exhibits tetrameric association as indicated by chemical cross-linking and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The presence of either a 15-residue splice insertion or of the cognate ligand IP3 did not affect tetramerization of the IP3 receptor N-terminus. Thus N-terminus tetramerization appears to be an essential intrinsic property that is conserved in both the ryanodine receptor and IP3 receptor families of mammalian intracellular Ca2+ release channels.

Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of Novel N-Pyridylpyrazolecarboxamides Containing an Amino Acid Methyl Ester and Their Analogues

On the basis of the commercial insecticide chlorantraniliprole, a series of novel N-pyridylpyrazolecarboxamides containing an amino acid methyl ester and their analogues were designed and synthesized. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of corresponding (1) H NMR spectroscopy, (13)C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The insecticidal activities of the new compounds against oriental armyworm ( Mythimna separata ) and diamondback moth ( Plutella xylostella ) were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that most of the compounds showed moderate to high activities at the tested concentration, of which the compounds 6 containing a methyl acrylate substructure had excellent larvicidal activity; for example, 6a displayed 100% larvicidal activity against P. xylostella at the concentration of 0.005 mg/L, whereas the activities of both compounds 6g and 6h against M. separata were 100% at 2.5 mg/L. The calcium imaging technique experiment results showed that novel compound 6 could elevate the calcium concentration in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, this study also provided evidence that compound 6h activates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) sensitive intracellular calcium release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum of Spodoptera exigua third-instar larva neurons.

Molecular Modeling and Structural Docking of a Ryanodine Receptor SPRY2 Domain

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) form a class of intracellular calcium release channels in various excitable tissues and cells such as muscles and neurons. SPRY domains are recognized as a protein interacting module and were so named because they were identified in a Dictyostelium discoidueumsplA kinase and in the mammalian RyR. There are 3 SPRY domains present in all the RyR isoforms. A particular interest has been raised for the SPRY2 domain, as it has been identified as the binding partner for the II-III loop from the α1S subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor, an interaction that is thought to be crucial for skeletal excitation-contraction coupling. In the present study, we have generated pseudo-atomic structures for RyR1 fragment 1,071-1,208 and homologous RyR2 fragment 1,084-1,221, both of which contain a SPRY2 domain. Both modeled SPRY2 fragments contain multiple β-sheets. Our initial rigid-body docking model in the sub-nanometer resolution cryo-EM map of RyR has placed the modeled fragment into a cytoplasmic domain adjacent to the N-terminal and central mutation region of RyR. Based on the modeled SPRY2 structure, we have designed a RyR2-GFP construct, with GFP inserted after residue Arg-1084, the N-terminus of the SPRY2 domain, to test our docking position by a 3D cryo-EM study. Our preliminary 2D analysis result supported the docking position.

Mapping the Interacting Sites Mediating Tetramerisation of Ryanodine Receptor Amino-Terminus

The cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is an intracellular calcium release channel composed of four ∼560kDa subunits. It mediates sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release playing a critical role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Recently, we presented evidence that the RyR2 N-terminus self-associates into a tetrameric form, which stabilises the closed conformation of the channel. In order to identify the interacting domains mediating RyR2 N-terminus tetramerisation, we used truncated constructs in yeast two-hybrid and chemical cross-linking assays. RyR2 residues 1-418 remained in monomeric form, whereas residues 1-530 retained self-association ability although it was much weaker compared to longer fragments. Tetramerisation was not abolished by removal of the N-terminal 160 amino acids but further truncations were detrimental. A targeted approach for putative inter-subunit contact sites was also employed testing the effect of small internal deletions within RyR2 residues 1-906. We found that two small deletions (167-178 or 335-358 amino acids) severely compromised tetramerisation ability. These findings suggest that residues 167-178 and 335-358 are the primary interacting sites, whereas additional downstream determinants further strengthen the RyR2 N-terminus self-association.

Suppressed RyR2 Function Represents a Common Cause of Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death

Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor (RyR2) is the major intracellular calcium release channel located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A large number of mutations in RyR2 have been linked to inherited cardiac arrhythmias (CPVT, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and IVF, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) and sudden cardiac death. We previously demonstrated that in contrast to CPVT RyR2 mutations, the IVF RyR2 mutation A4860G suppresses RyR2 function. However, A4860G represents the only IVF RyR2 mutation that has been functionally characterized to date. To determine how common suppression-of-function RyR2 mutations are, we systematically characterized 27 RyR2 mutations that are associated with IVF or sudden cardiac death. Each of these mutations was generated by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK293 cells. Ca release assays revealed that 7 of these mutations suppress or abolish caffeine-induced Ca release. Single cell Ca imaging studies also indicated that these suppression- or loss-of-function RyR2 mutations reduce or abolish the propensity for store-overload induced Ca release (SOICR) in HEK293 cells. In addition, single channel analysis showed that these mutations significantly reduce the response of the channel to activation by cytosolic and luminal Ca. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, that suppressed or loss of RyR2 function may be a common mechanism underlying idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, which is opposite to the gain-of-function RyR2 mutations associated with CPVT. Thus, understanding the exact molecular defects of disease-causing RyR2 mutations will help to develop novel approaches to the diagnosis and personalized treatment of these lethal cardiac arrhythmias (Supported by CFI, CIHR, AIHS, and LCIA).

Crystal Structure of Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor N-Terminal Region Contains Unique Anion Binding Site Targeted by Disease-Associated Mutations

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are intracellular calcium-release channels of the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum that are critical to the muscle excitation-contraction coupling. Mutations in the cardiac isoform (RyR2) are linked to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), known for a sudden cardiac arrest. RyR2 is the target for over 150 disease-associated mutations. Here, we present the 2.0A crystal structure of the N-terminal region of RyR2 (residues 1-547), an area containing 29 distinct disease-associated mutations. The protein folds up in three individual domains similarly to its counterpart in the skeletal muscle, RyR1, but contains a unique central chloride anion that holds together the three domains. The CPVT-associated mutant R420Q targets one of the Arginines coordinating the anion and ablates chloride binding. The crystal structure of the mutant shows reorientations in the first two domains relative to the third, likely destabilizing intersubunit interactions in the context of an intact channel. Chloride anion binding may represent one of the ways RyR2 uses to regulate channel opening.

Snapin, Positive Regulator of Stimulation- Induced Ca2+ Release through RyR, Is Necessary for HIV-1 Replication in T Cells

To identify critical host factors necessary for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) replication, large libraries of short-peptide-aptamers were expressed retrovirally. The target of one inhibitor peptide, Pep80, identified in this screen was determined to be Snapin, a protein associated with the soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor adaptor protein receptor (SNARE) complex that is critical for calcium-dependent exocytosis during neurotransmission. Pep80 inhibited Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and blocked downstream signaling by direct interruption of the association between Snapin and an intracellular calcium release channel, the ryanodine receptor (RyR). NFAT signaling was preferentially abolished by Pep80. Expression of Snapin overcame Pep80-mediated inhibition of Ca2+/NFAT signaling and HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, Snapin induced HIV-1 replication in primary CD4+ T cells. Thus, through its interaction with RyR, Snapin is a critical regulator of Ca2+ signaling and T cell activation. Use of the genetically selected intracellular aptamer inhibitors allowed us to define unique mechanisms important to HIV-1 replication and T cell biology.

Amplifying long transcripts of ryanodine receptors of five agricultural pests by transcriptome analysis and gap filling

Ryanodine receptor (RyR) is an intracellular calcium release channel that plays a key role in excitation contraction coupling. Insect RyR is the target of diamide insecticides. Better understanding of insect RyR is necessary for studying the molecular mode of action and potential resistance mechanism of diamide insecticides. However, molecular manipulation of the full RyR gene is difficult because of its length (approximately 15 kb). At present, RyR genes have been reported only in a limited number of insects. Here, we developed an efficient strategy to amplify full-length transcripts of insect RyR genes. First, we searched the transcriptomes of five insects, Bemisia tabaci, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Chilo suppressalis, Laodelphgax striatellus, and Plutella xylostella, yielding 85 RyR contigs in total. Second, the relative positions of these contigs in RyR transcripts were determined by aligning them with 12 well-annotated RyRs. Third, we designed primers to fill gaps between contigs and used rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) to amplify both 5'- and 3'-ends. Last, we assembled all fragments into long transcripts. As a result, full-length transcripts of three insects, C. suppressalis, L. striatellus, and P. xylostella, were obtained. The RyR transcript of B. tabaci was near full length, containing an intact ORF. Northern blot analysis indicated that RyR genes were expressed in all five insects. Sequence analyses showed that the amplified insect segments contained typical RyRs characteristics, such as EF-hand, motif GVRAGGGIGD, and six transmembrane domains. Seven lepidopteran-specific amino acid residues were found to be located in the C-terminal region of RyR proteins, which might be associated with the specificity of RyRs to diamide insecticides.

Sirolimus-FKBP12.6 Impairs Endothelial Barrier Function Through Protein Kinase C-α Activation and Disruption of the p120–Vascular Endothelial Cadherin Interaction

Sirolimus (SRL) is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation and neointimal hyperplasia when delivered from drug-eluting stents. Major side effects of SRL include edema and local collection of intimal lipid deposits at drug-eluting stent sites, suggesting that SRL impairs endothelial barrier function (EBF). The aim of this study was to address the role of SRL on impaired EBF and the potential mechanisms involved. Cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and intact human and mouse endothelium was examined to determine the effect of SRL, which binds FKBP12.6 to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin, on EBF. EBF, measured by transendothelial electrical resistance, was impaired in HAECs when treated with SRL or small interfering RNA for FKBP12.6 and reversed when pretreated with ryanodine, a stabilizer of ryanodine receptor 2 intracellular calcium release channels. Intracellular calcium increased in HAECs treated with SRL and normalized with ryanodine pretreatment. SRL-treated HAECs demonstrated increases in protein kinase C-α phosphorylation, a calcium sensitive serine/threonine kinase important in vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin barrier function through its interaction with p120-catenin (p120). Immunostaining of HAECs, human coronary and mouse aortic endothelium treated with SRL showed disruption of p120-VE cadherin interaction treated with SRL. SRL impairment of HAEC EBF was reduced with protein kinase C-α small interfering RNA. Mice treated with SRL demonstrated increased vascular permeability by Evans blue albumin extravasation in the lungs, heart, and aorta. SRL-FKBP12.6 impairs EBF by activation of protein kinase C-α and downstream disruption of the p120-VE cadherin interaction in vascular endothelium. These data suggest this mechanism may be an important contributor of SRL side effects related to impaired EBF.

Functional Characterization of the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Pore-Forming Region

Ryanodine receptors are homotetrameric intracellular calcium release channels. The efficiency of these channels is underpinned by exceptional rates of cation translocation through the open channel and this is achieved at the expense of the high degree of selectivity characteristic of many other types of channel. Crystallization of prokaryotic potassium channels has provided insights into the structures and mechanisms responsible for ion selection and movement in these channels, however no equivalent structural detail is currently available for ryanodine receptors. Nevertheless both molecular modeling and cryo-electron microscopy have identified the probable pore-forming region (PFR) of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) and suggest that this region contains structural elements equivalent to those of the PFRs of potassium-selective channels. The aim of the current study was to establish if the isolated putative cardiac RyR (RyR2) PFR could form a functional ion channel. We have expressed and purified the RyR2 PFR and shown that function is retained following reconstitution into planar phospholipid bilayers. Our data provide the first direct experimental evidence to support the proposal that the conduction pathway of RyR2 is formed by structural elements equivalent to those of the potassium channel PFR.

Multiple actions of φ-LITX-Lw1a on ryanodine receptors reveal a functional link between scorpion DDH and ICK toxins

We recently reported the isolation of a scorpion toxin named U1-liotoxin-Lw1a (U1-LITX-Lw1a) that adopts an unusual 3D fold termed the disulfide-directed hairpin (DDH) motif, which is the proposed evolutionary structural precursor of the three-disulfide-containing inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) motif found widely in animals and plants. Here we reveal that U1-LITX-Lw1a targets and activates the mammalian ryanodine receptor intracellular calcium release channel (RyR) with high (fM) potency and provides a functional link between DDH and ICK scorpion toxins. Moreover, U1-LITX-Lw1a, now described as ϕ-liotoxin-Lw1a (ϕ-LITX-Lw1a), has a similar mode of action on RyRs as scorpion calcines, although with significantly greater potency, inducing full channel openings at lower (fM) toxin concentrations whereas at higher pM concentrations increasing the frequency and duration of channel openings to a submaximal state. In addition, we show that the C-terminal residue of ϕ-LITX-Lw1a is crucial for the increase in full receptor openings but not for the increase in receptor subconductance opening, thereby supporting the two-binding-site hypothesis of scorpion toxins on RyRs. ϕ-LITX-Lw1a has potential both as a pharmacological tool and as a lead molecule for the treatment of human diseases that involve RyRs, such as malignant hyperthermia and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Direct association of the reticulon protein RTN1A with the ryanodine receptor 2 in neurons

RTN1A is a reticulon protein with predominant localization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It was previously shown that RTN1A is expressed in neurons of the mammalian central nervous system but functional information remains sparse. To elucidate the neuronal function of RTN1A, we chose to focus our investigation on identifying possible novel binding partners specifically interacting with the unique N-terminus of RTN1A. Using a nonbiased approach involving GST pull-downs and MS analysis, we identified the intracellular calcium release channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a direct binding partner of RTN1A. The RyR2 binding site was localized to a highly conserved 150-amino acid residue region. RTN1A displays high preference for RyR2 binding in vitro and in vivo and both proteins colocalize in hippocampal neurons and Purkinje cells. Moreover, we demonstrate the precise subcellular localization of RTN1A in Purkinje cells and show that RTN1A inhibits RyR channels in [3H]ryanodine binding studies on brain synaptosomes. In a functional assay, RTN1A significantly reduced RyR2-mediated Ca2+ oscillations. Thus, RTN1A and RyR2 might act as functional partners in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics the in neurons.

Regulation of Ion Channels by Pyridine Nucleotides

Recent research suggests that in addition to their role as soluble electron carriers, pyridine nucleotides [NAD(P)(H)] also regulate ion transport mechanisms. This mode of regulation seems to have been conserved through evolution. Several bacterial ion-transporting proteins or their auxiliary subunits possess nucleotide-binding domains. In eukaryotes, the Kv1 and Kv4 channels interact with pyridine nucleotide-binding β-subunits that belong to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. Binding of NADP(+) to Kvβ removes N-type inactivation of Kv currents, whereas NADPH stabilizes channel inactivation. Pyridine nucleotides also regulate Slo channels by interacting with their cytosolic regulator of potassium conductance domains that show high sequence homology to the bacterial TrkA family of K(+) transporters. These nucleotides also have been shown to modify the activity of the plasma membrane K(ATP) channels, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, the transient receptor potential M2 channel, and the intracellular ryanodine receptor calcium release channels. In addition, pyridine nucleotides also modulate the voltage-gated sodium channel by supporting the activity of its ancillary subunit-the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like protein. Moreover, the NADP(+) metabolite, NAADP(+), regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis via the 2-pore channel, ryanodine receptor, or transient receptor potential M2 channels. Regulation of ion channels by pyridine nucleotides may be required for integrating cell ion transport to energetics and for sensing oxygen levels or metabolite availability. This mechanism also may be an important component of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, memory, and circadian rhythms, and disruption of this regulatory axis may be linked to dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and cardiac arrhythmias.