SERCA Isoforms Research Articles

Characterization of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Revealed a Novel Growth Network Induced by Molecular Acupuncture-like Transfection.

The low efficiency of in vivo transfection of a few fibres revealed a novel tissue network that temporally amplified growth stimulation in the entire regenerating rat soleus muscle. This acupuncture-like effect was demonstrated when the fibres began to grow after complete fibre degradation, synchronous inflammation, myoblast and myotube formation. Neonatal sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA1b) was first detected in this system. The neonatal, fast and slow SERCA isoforms displayed consequent changes with innervation and differentiation, recapitulating events in muscle development. In vivo transfection of myotubes with plasmids expressing dominant negative Ras or a calcineurin inhibitor peptide (Cain/cabin) proved that expression of the slow myosin heavy chain and the slow muscle type SERCA2a are differentially regulated. In vivo transfection of a few nuclei of myotubes with dnRas or SERCA1b shRNA stimulated fibre size growth in the whole regenerating muscle but only until the full size had been reached. Growth stimulation by Ras and SERCA1b antisense was abolished by co-transfection of Cain or with perimuscular injection of IL4 antibody. This revealed a novel signalling network resembling scale-free networks which, starting from transfected fibre myonuclei as "hubs", can amplify growth stimulation uniformly in the entire regenerating muscle.

Polyarginine Cell-Penetrating Peptides Bind and Inhibit SERCA2.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short peptide sequences that have the ability to cross the cell membrane and deliver cargo. Although it is critical that CPPs accomplish this task with minimal off-target effects, such actions have in many cases not been robustly screened. We presently investigated whether the commonly used CPPs TAT and the polyarginines Arg9 and Arg11 exert off-target effects on cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In experiments employing myocytes and homogenates from the cardiac left ventricle or soleus muscle, we observed marked inhibition of Ca2+ recycling into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) following incubation with polyarginine CPPs. In both tissues, the rate of SR Ca2+ leak remained unchanged, indicating that protracted Ca2+ removal from the cytosol stemmed from inhibition of the SR Ca2+ ATPase 2 (SERCA2). No such inhibition occurred following treatment with TAT, or in preparations from the SERCA1-expressing extensor digitorum longus muscle. Experiments in HEK cells overexpressing individual SERCA isoforms confirmed that polyarginine incubation specifically inhibited the activity of SERCA2a and 2b, but not SERCA1 or 3. The attenuation of SERCA2 activity was not dependent on the presence of phospholamban, and ELISA-based analyses rather revealed direct interaction between the polyarginines and the actuator domain of the protein. Surface plasmon resonance experiments confirmed strong binding within this region of SERCA2, and slow dissociation between the two species. Based on these observations, we urge caution when employing polyarginine CPPs. Indeed, as SERCA2 is expressed in diverse cell types, the wide-ranging consequences of SERCA2 binding and inhibition should be anticipated in both experimental and therapeutic settings.

Особенности постлучевых нарушений аккумуляции ионов кальция во внутриклеточных депо тромбоцитов в различные сроки постлучевого периода

Calcium ions are an important intracellular regulator; an increase in their concentration in the cytoplasm plays a key role in determining the functional activity of platelets associated with platelet aggregation and the release reaction. The main way to reduce the concentration of free calcium ions in the platelet cytoplasm is the activation of Ca2+-ATPases of intracellular depositing structures and the plasma membrane, which reduce the cytoplasmic content of calcium due to its reuptake in the depot (resequestration) and the release of Ca2+ from the cell. Platelets express two Ca2+-ATPase isoforms in different depositor structures (SERCA2b and SERCA3) and two plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoforms (PMCA1b and 4b). The SERCA2b isoform, which is Ca2+-ATPase of the dense tubular system, is inhibited by thapsigargin. The SERCA3 isoform present in acidic organelles has low sensitivity to thapsigargin, but high sensitivity to tBHQ (2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone). When stimulated with micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin and ionomycin, which cause complete depletion of the calcium depots of the tubular system and acid organelles, differences in the levels of accumulated calcium in the norm and in the post-radiation period are found in a calcium-free medium: an increase in calcium concentration by 1.4 times is noted on the 3rd day. In the structures of the tubular system of platelets, under the action of nmolar concentrations of thapsigargin, which inhibit SER-CA2b Ca2+-ATPase of tubular systems, a change in the content of deposited calcium in irradiated animals was revealed with an increase on the 3rd day. Under conditions of inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase SERCA3 in a calcium-free medium in platelets on the 3rd day after irradiation at a dose of 1 Gy, a more intense release of calcium ions was also noted compared to the control. On the 10th, 30th, 90th day, there were no statistically significant differences in these indicators. In the calcium-containing medium, a more significant intake of calcium ions from the outside into the cytoplasm was observed due to the activation of depot-controlled mechanisms in the post-radiation period, especially on the 3rd and 10th days.

Spatial and Functional Crosstalk between the Mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger NCLX and the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Pump SERCA in Cardiomyocytes.

The mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, NCLX, was reported to supply Ca2+ to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)/endoplasmic reticulum, thereby modulating various cellular functions such as the rhythmicity of cardiomyocytes, and cellular Ca2+ signaling upon antigen receptor stimulation and chemotaxis in B lymphocytes; however, there is little information on the spatial relationships of NCLX with SR Ca2+ handling proteins, and their physiological impact. Here we examined the issue, focusing on the interaction of NCLX with an SR Ca2+ pump SERCA in cardiomyocytes. A bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay using HEK293 cells revealed that the exogenously expressed NCLX was localized in close proximity to four exogenously expressed SERCA isoforms. Immunofluorescence analyses of isolated ventricular myocytes showed that the NCLX was localized to the edges of the mitochondria, forming a striped pattern. The co-localization coefficients in the super-resolution images were higher for NCLX–SERCA2, than for NCLX–ryanodine receptor and NCLX–Na+/K+ ATPase α-1 subunit, confirming the close localization of endogenous NCLX and SERCA2 in cardiomyocytes. The mathematical model implemented with the spatial and functional coupling of NCLX and SERCA well reproduced the NCLX inhibition-mediated modulations of SR Ca2+ reuptake in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Taken together, these results indicated that NCLX and SERCA are spatially and functionally coupled in cardiomyocytes.

Artemisinin inhibits neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis, cytokine production and NET release

Immune cell chemotaxis to the sites of pathogen invasion is critical for fighting infection, but in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19, excess activation of the innate immune system is thought to cause a damaging invasion of immune cells into tissues and a consequent excessive release of cytokines, chemokines and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In these circumstances, tempering excessive activation of the innate immune system may, paradoxically, promote recovery. Here we identify the antimalarial compound artemisinin as a potent and selective inhibitor of neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis induced by a range of chemotactic agents. Artemisinin released calcium from intracellular stores in a similar way to thapsigargin, a known inhibitor of the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase pump (SERCA), but unlike thapsigargin, artemisinin blocks only the SERCA3 isoform. Inhibition of SERCA3 by artemisinin was irreversible and was inhibited by iron chelation, suggesting iron-catalysed alkylation of a specific cysteine residue in SERCA3 as the mechanism by which artemisinin inhibits neutrophil motility. In murine infection models, artemisinin potently suppressed neutrophil invasion into both peritoneum and lung in vivo and inhibited the release of cytokines/chemokines and NETs. This work suggests that artemisinin may have value as a therapy in conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19 in which over-activation of the innate immune system causes tissue injury that can lead to death.

Contractile Behavior of Mouse Aorta Depends on SERCA2 Isoform Distribution: Effects of Replacing SERCA2a by SERCA2b.

The Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) actively pumps Ca2+ into the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum, thereby regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and associated physiological processes. Different SERCA isoforms have been described (SERCA1, 2, and 3) with SERCA2 playing a pivotal role in Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiovascular tissues. In the heart, SERCA2a is the dominant isoform and has been proposed as therapeutic target in patients with heart failure. In the vasculature, both SERCA2a and SERCA2b are expressed with SERCA2b being the predominant isoform. The physiological role of SERCA2a in the vasculature, however, remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we used gene-modified mice in which the alternative splicing of the SERCA2-encoding gene (Atp2a2), underlying the expression of SERCA2a, is prevented and SERCA2a is replaced by SERCA2b. The resulting SERCA2b/b mice provide a unique opportunity to investigate the specific contribution of SERCA2a versus SERCA2b to vascular physiology. Aortic segments of SERCA2b/b (SERCA2a-deficient) and SERCA2a/b (control) mice were mounted in organ baths to evaluate vascular reactivity. SERCA2b/b aortic rings displayed higher contractions induced by phenylephrine (1 μM). Surprisingly, the initial inositol-3-phosphate mediated phasic contraction showed a faster decay of force in SERCA2b/b mice, while the subsequent tonic contraction was larger in SERCA2b/b segments. Moreover, in the presence of the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (35 μM) SERCA2b/b aortic rings showed higher contractions compared to SERCA2a/b, suggesting that SERCA2a (deficiency) modulates the activity of non-selective cation channels. Additionally, in endothelial cell (EC)-denuded aortic segments, the SERCA-inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) caused markedly larger contractions in SERCA2b/b mice, while the increases of cytosolic Ca2+ were similar in both strains. Hence, aortas of SERCA2b/b mice appear to have a stronger coupling of intracellular Ca2+ to contraction, which may be in agreement with the reported difference in intracellular localization of SERCA2a versus SERCA2b. Finally, EC-mediated relaxation by acetylcholine and ATP was assessed. Concentration-response-curves for ATP showed a higher sensitivity of aortic segments of SERCA2b/b mice, while no difference in potency between strains were observed for acetylcholine. In summary, despite the relative low expression of SERCA2a in the murine aorta, our results point toward a distinct role in vascular physiology.

Phenolic Compounds from Morus nigra Regulate Viability and Apoptosis of Pancreatic β-Cells Possibly via SERCA Activity

The ability of phenolic compounds from Morus nigra to modulate sarco-endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1) activity was analyzed. Enzyme activity decrease correlated with the binding energy of agents to SERCA1. Results from theoretical and experimental approaches were coherent in identifying binding sites to SERCA1. Albanol A inhibited SERCA1 by immersion in the luminal gate at the site of Ca2+ release. Kuwanon U exerted an inhibitory effect by preventing ATP binding in the cytosolic region of SERCA1, and this was associated with conformational alterations. On the basis of similarities of SERCA isoforms, the viability of beta-cells containing SERCA2b was analyzed. Both correlation of viability and negative correlation of SERCA2b expression with SERCA1 activity were found for agents with the highest binding energy to SERCA1. The compounds studied may regulate viability and apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells via modulation of SERCA activity. Novel pharmacological interventions in diabetes may be realized via compounds restoring ER calcium levels.

Differential isoform expression of SERCA and myosin heavy chain in hypopharyngeal muscles.

SUMMARYComposition of slow, fast and hybrid fibres of pharyngeal muscles, associated with pharyngeal movements and regulation, has been rarely studied. The present study aimed to identify expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) and myosin heavy chain (MHC) and hybrid isoforms in different pharyngeal muscles of young and aged rats as well as humans. Isoform expression profiles of SERCA, MHC and hybrid isoforms among six components of pharyngeal muscle were immunohistochemically evaluated in rat and human. The result showed that pharyngeal muscles predominantly expressed fast fibres (SERCA1 and MHCII), whereas expression of slow fibres (SERCA2 and MHCI) was low, but different depending on muscle components. Inner layer of pharyngeal muscles expressed more SERCA2 and hybrid fibres than the outer layer. Pharyngeal muscles in aged rats showed increased hybrid fibers and SERCA2. Human thyropharyngeus also showed a higher portion of fast fibres compared to cricopharyngeus. Thus, in contrast to abundance of fast fibres, slow and hybrid fibres are differentially expressed depending on muscle components and layers as well as aging. These results lead to further understanding of coordinated regulation for speech and swallowing. The unique data presented in this study on SERCA isoform expressions in both rats and human suggest an ability to handle calcium changes according functional demands.

Negative chronotropism, positive inotropism and lusitropism of 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (DTBHA) on rat heart preparations occur through reduction of RyR2 Ca2+ leak

3,5-Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (DTBHA) is considered as an activator of the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-uptake, endowed with antioxidant and L-type Ca2+ channel blocking activities.In this study we assessed the cardiac effects of DTBHA on Langendorff perfused rat hearts, isolated rat atria and rat cardiac SR membrane vesicles, as well as on several SERCA isoforms of membrane preparations. Moreover, in order to clarify its molecular mechanism of action Ca2+ imaging experiments were carried out on HEK293 cells transiently transfected with RyR2 channel. Docking of DTBHA at the rat RyR2 protein was investigated in silico.In Langendorff perfused rat hearts, DTBHA significantly increased, in a concentration-dependent manner, left ventricular pressure and diastole duration, while reducing heart rate and the time-constant of isovolumic relaxation, leaving unaltered coronary perfusion pressure. At the maximum concentration tested (30 µM), it significantly prolonged PQ interval, but left the corrected QT intervals unaffected. In spontaneously beating atria, DTBHA decreased sinus rate in a concentration-dependent manner.DTBHA, at concentrations higher than 10 µM, increased Ca2+ uptake in cardiac SR without affecting Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity assayed on several SERCA isoforms. Moreover, DTBHA antagonized thapsigargin-stimulated Ca2+ leak in cardiac SR and reduced caffeine-induced, RyR2-activated Ca2+ release in RyR2 expressing HEK293 cells. Using computational approaches, DTBHA showed a good affinity outline into binding sites of RyR2 protein.In conclusion, DTBHA behaved like a negative chronotropic, a positive inotropic and a lusitropic agent on rat heart preparations and improved cardiac SR Ca2+ uptake by lowering SR Ca2+ leak.

Electrochemical behavior of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase in response to carbonylation processes

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) is a transmembrane protein that transfers calcium ions from the cytosol of the cell to the lumen of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) at the expense of ATP hydrolysis during muscle relaxation. Here we report the electrochemical monitoring of a SERCA1 isoform isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle. The constant-current chronopotentiometric stripping (CPS) analysis was applied for the analysis of solubilized SERCA1 based on a catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (CHER). Consequently we applied an optimized CPS electrochemical protocol for monitoring the interaction of SERCA1 with the dicarbonyl compounds methylglyoxal, glyoxal and 3‑deoxyglucosone. We observed that SERCA1 readily interacts with methylglyoxal at pH 7.4. Electrochemical analysis showed that 1 mg/ml (9.1 μmol/l) SERCA1 was fully modified by methylglyoxal (3 mmol/l) after 24 h. The dicarbonyl binding decreased the enzyme activity of purified SERCA1 in the following order: methylglyoxal ≫ glyoxal > 3‑deoxyglucosone. The methodology presented here could be used in further studies of the structural integrity and intermolecular interactions of membrane transporters and the study of their oxidative modifications, carbonylation or glycoxidation.

Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Skeletal Muscle of Old Sedentary People.

Physical activity plays an important role in preventing muscle atrophy and chronic diseases in adults and in the elderly. Calcium (Ca2+) cycling and activation of specific molecular pathways are essential in contraction-induced muscle adaptation. This study attains human muscle sections and total homogenates prepared from biopsies obtained before (control) and after 9 weeks of training by electrical stimulation (ES) on a group of volunteers. The aim of the study was to investigate about the molecular mechanisms that support functional muscle improvement by ES. Evidences of kinase/phosphatase pathways activation after ES were obtained. Moreover, expression of Sarcalumenin, Calsequestrin and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (Serca) isoforms was regulated by training. In conclusion, this work shows that neuromuscular ES applied to vastus lateralis muscle of sedentary seniors combines fiber remodeling with activation of Ca2+-Calmodulin molecular pathways and modulation of key Ca2+-handling proteins.

Inhibitory action of linoleamide and oleamide toward sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase

BackgroundSERCA maintains intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis by sequestering cytosolic Ca2+ into SR/ER stores. Two primary fatty acid amides (PFAAs), oleamide (18:19-cis) and linoleamide (18:29,12-cis), induce an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels, which might be caused by their inhibition of SERCA. MethodsThree major SERCA isoforms, rSERCA1a, hSERCA2b, and hSERCA3a, were individually overexpressed in COS-1 cells, and the inhibitory action of PFAAs on Ca2+-ATPase activity of SERCA was examined. ResultsThe Ca2+-ATPase activity of each SERCA was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner strongly by linoleamide (IC50 15–53μM) and partially by oleamide (IC50 8.3–34μM). Inhibition by other PFAAs, such as stearamide (18:0) and elaidamide (18:19-trans), was hardly or slightly observed. With increasing dose, linoleamide decreased the apparent affinity for Ca2+ and the apparent maximum velocity of Ca2+-ATPase activity of all SERCAs tested. Oleamide also lowered these values for hSERCA3a. Meanwhile, oleamide uniquely reduced the apparent Ca2+ affinity of rSERCA1a and hSERCA2b: the reduction was considerably attenuated above certain concentrations of oleamide. The dissociation constants for SERCA interaction varied from 6 to 45μM in linoleamide and from 1.6 to 55μM in oleamide depending on the isoform. ConclusionsLinoleamide and oleamide inhibit SERCA activity in the micromolar concentration range, and in a different manner. Both amides mainly suppress SERCA activity by lowering the Ca2+ affinity of the enzyme. General significanceOur findings imply a novel role of these PFAAs as modulators of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis via regulation of SERCA activity.

Coupling Ratio for Ca(2+) Transport by Calcium Oxalate Precipitation.

The SERCA isoform 1a is constructed to transport 2 Ca(2+) ions across the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane coupled to the hydrolysis of one molecule of MgATP. However, observed coupling ratios for Ca(2+) transported/ATP hydrolzyed are usually less than 2:1, since part of the Ca(2+) accumulated at high intravesicular concentrations by the active transport of Ca(2+) leaks out of the vesicles because of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) exchange. However, in the presence of a high concentration of oxalate (5 mM) Ca(2+) will precipitate as Ca-oxalate inside the vesicles and thereby be prevented from leaking out and, in addition, this treatment will reduce the intravesicular free concentration of Ca(2+) to a level where optimal coupling ratios of 2:1 can be achieved.

Fast-twitch skeletal muscle fiber adaptation to SERCA1 deficiency in a Dutch Improved Red and White calf pseudomyotonia case

Missense mutations in ATP2A1 gene, encoding SERCA1 protein, cause a muscle disorder designed as congenital pseudomyotonia (PMT) in Chianina and Romagnola cattle or congenital muscular dystonia1 (CMD1) in Belgian Blue cattle. Although PMT is not life-threatening, CMD1 affected calves usually die within a few weeks of age as a result of respiratory complication. We have recently described a muscular disorder in a double muscle Dutch Improved Red and White cross-breed calf. Mutation analysis revealed an ATP2A1 mutation identical to that described in CMD1, even though clinical phenotype was quite similar to that of PMT. Here, we provide evidence for a deficiency of mutated SERCA1 in PMT affected muscles of Dutch Improved Red and White calf, but not of its mRNA. The reduced expression of SERCA1 is selective and not compensated by the SERCA2 isoform. By contrast, pathological muscles are characterized by a broad distribution of mitochondrial markers in all fiber types, not related to intrinsic features of double muscle phenotype and by an increased expression of sarcolemmal calcium extrusion pump. Calcium removal mechanisms, operating in muscle fibers as compensatory response aimed at lowering excessive cytoplasmic calcium concentration caused by SERCA1 deficiency, could explain the difference in severity of clinical signs.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors promote the expression of ATP2A3 gene in breast cancer cell lines.

Recent studies have shown that expression of Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase 2 (SERCA2) is decreased in oral cancer; whereas expression of SERCA3 is considerably decreased or absent in human colon, gastric, breast, and lung cancers. The ATP2A2 and ATP2A3 genes encode SERCA2 and SERCA3 isoforms, respectively. Promoter methylation on CpG islands was responsible for the repression of ATP2A2 gene in human oral cancer samples. On the other hand, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) up-regulate ATP2A3 expression in gastric, colon, and lung cancer cells in culture, however, the molecular mechanism is unknown. In this study, we investigate whether HDACi and DNA methylation regulate ATP2A2 and ATP2A3 expression in human breast cancer cell lines. Results show a marked induction of SERCA3a and pan-SERCA3 mRNA expression in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with sodium butyrate (NaB) or trichostatin A (TSA); whereas SERCA2b mRNA expression did not change significantly. ChIP assays show that NaB or TSA treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells increases H3K9 acetylation on ATP2A3 promoter. NaB also decreases H3K9 trimethylation; suggesting that these modifications stimulate ATP2A3 gene expression, through a chromatin remodeling mechanism. In contrast, NaB or TSA do not increase H3K9-acetylation of ATP2A2 proximal promoter. In addition, treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine did not affect SERCA2b and SERCA3a expression, suggesting that promoter methylation status does not alter their expression in these cell lines. We propose that alteration of SERCA2b/SERCA3a isoform expression ratio could affect calcium management within the cell, and thus, the cellular pathways regulated by calcium could be compromised, such as cellular proliferation or apoptosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract 339: DWORF: a Novel Cardiac Micropeptide That Enhances SERCA Activity and Cardiomyocyte Contractility

Background: Our lab has discovered a novel conserved micropeptide of 34 amino acids encoded by a muscle-specific RNA that was previously annotated as a putative long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). This micropeptide, which we named DWORF (DWarf Open Reading Frame), shares structural similarity with the known SERCA modulators phospholamban (PLN), sarcolipin (SLN) and myoregulin (MLN). Objective: To define the functional role of DWORF in the heart and elucidate its mechanism of action. Methods and Results: Immunofluorescence staining and imaging in isolated adult mouse cardiac myocytes indicates that DWORF specifically localizes to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes where it co-localizes with SERCA. Co-IP experiments performed in COS or HEK cells co-transfected with DWORF and SERCA show that DWORF forms a stable complex with various SERCA isoforms. Further biochemical analysis indicates that DWORF binds to the same site on SERCA as PLN, and overexpression of DWORF is capable of competing with PLN for SERCA binding. Co-expression of GFP-tagged DWORF and PLN in the presence of SERCA followed by SERCA pull-down and GFP Western indicates that PLN and DWORF have similar affinities for SERCA binding. Transgenic mice with cardiac specific over-expression of DWORF show enhanced cellular contractility as evidenced by increased peak Ca2+ transient amplitude and faster cytosolic Ca2+ decay rates (reduced Tau values). Furthermore, Ca2+-dependent Ca2+-uptake assays performed in homogenates from DWORF transgenic and littermate control hearts show a statistically significant leftward shift of the Ca2+-dependence curve for SERCA indicating a higher affinity of SERCA for Ca2+. Intriguingly, DWORF expression is silenced in the heart in response to pathological calcineurin signaling, implicating this micropeptide in the cellular pathway for calcineurin action. Conclusions: We have identified a novel muscle-specific micropeptide, DWORF, which is expressed in the heart at high levels and has the capacity to bind SERCA and modulate its function to increase contractility in transgenic mice. Our findings provide exciting data in support of DWORF as a previously unrecognized endogenous SERCA activator that plays a role in cardiac contractility.

Insulin Increases Glomerular Barrier Permeability: Role of Intracellular Calcium and PKGIα‐Dependent Signaling

Podocytes are dynamic polarized cells that lie on the surface of glomerular capillaries and comprise an essential component of the glomerular filtration barrier. We demonstrated recently that insulin increasesactivation of protein kinase G type Ia (PKGIa) subunits, leading to podocyte dysfunction. Here we investigated whether intracellular calciumis involved in insulin-dependent regulation of filtration barrier permeability in PKGIα-dependent manner. The RT-PCR showed the presence of mRNAs encoding SERCA isoforms 1-3, PMCA isoforms 1,3,4 and TRPC6 channel in podocyte. The thapsigargin (TG, SERCA inhibitor) and SKF96365 (TRPC inhibitor) abolished insulin-dependent glomerular albumin permeability in Wistar rats and PKGI-dependent transmembrane albumin flux in cultured podocytes. The same result we observed after preincubation cells with PKGI inhibitor Rp-8-cGMPS. Our data showed that insulin evoked a sustained increase of [Ca2+]in in podocytes, about 69%. This [Ca2+]in increase was blocked by TG and SKF96365. Furthermore, Rp-8-cGMPS strongly reduced the insulin-induced [Ca2+]in increase, about 71%. Moreover, the TG and SKF96365 abolished insulin induce changes in the phosphorylation of the PKG target proteins MYPT1 and RhoA. The results indicate that insulin increases filtration barrier permeability through increase level of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and via PKGIα activation in podocytes. This work was supported by grant from the FNP (POMOST/2011-4/6) and from the NSC (2012/05/B/NZ4/02587).

Using a Live-Cell High-Throughput Time-Resolved FRET Assay to Discover Enzyme Modulators

We developed a high-precision high-throughput live-cell assay to screen for small molecules that activate the non-muscle sarco/endo-plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2b) using a “2-color” SERCA2b biosensor and a fluorescence-lifetime plate reader (FLT-PR). The 2-color SERCA2b (h2CS2b) biosensor was derived from a human pancreatic SERCA isoform, in which red fluorescent protein (mRuby2) was fused to the N terminus and green fluorescent protein (Clover) to an interior loop. A HEK cell line expressing the h2CS2b biosensors maintained stable expression level of the biosensors for several tens of passages, ideal for large scale HTS campaigns. This biosensor, upon binding of SERCA2b effectors, translates the minute SERCA structural rearrangements into small changes of intramolecular FRET that can only be reliably detected using fluorescence lifetime (FLT). The h2CS2b biosensor provided dose-dependent FRET changes in response to SERCA inhibitors such as thapsigargin, CPA, and BHQ, and SERCA activators previously discovered in this lab. Two instruments developed by Fluorescence Innovations were crucial for this work: a FLT plate reader, which provides a 30-fold increase of precision compared to conventional intensity-based instruments, and a high-speed fluorescence-spectra plate reader, which was used to filter out artifacts due to compound fluorescence. We screened a commercial chemical library of 50000 compounds and identified 94 compounds that significantly affect 2-color SERCA fluorescence lifetime. Functional assays are underway to evaluate the biochemical properties of these small molecules, and their potential for therapeutic application in diabetes and heart failure. This type of assay is being applied to several other drug targets, with promising results. This work was funded by NIH grants to DDT (R01 GM27906, P30 AR0507220), and to GDG (STTR,5R41DA037622-02).

Rutin stimulates sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (SERCA1) and protects SERCA1 from peroxynitrite mediated injury.

In this study we analyzed the protective action of the flavonoid rutin on peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) mediated impairment of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA1 isoform), especially related to posttranslational and conformational changes. Rutin concentration dependently protected ONOO(-) induced SERCA1 activity decrease with effective concentration EC50 of 18±1.5µM. Upon treatment with ONOO(-), this flavonoid also prevented SERCA1 from thiol group oxidation and significantly reduced tyrosine nitration and protein carbonyl formation. In the absence of ONOO(-), rutin (250 and 350µM) stimulated SERCA1 activity at 2.1mM [ATP] and 10µM [Ca(2+)]free. According to changes in the kinetic parameters V max and K m with regard to [ATP], rutin (250µM) increased the rate of enzyme catalysis and decreased the affinity of SERCA1 to ATP. FITC fluorescence decreased in the presence of rutin (150 and 250µM), indicating conformational changes in the cytosolic ATP binding region of SERCA1. In silico study confirmed the binding of rutin in the cytosolic region of SERCA1, in the vicinity of the ATP binding site. Residue Glu183 localized within the conserved TGES loop was identified to play a key role in rutin-SERCA1 interaction (H-bond length of 1.7Å), elucidating the ability of rutin to affect the affinity of SERCA1 to ATP. The binding of rutin in the proximity of Lys515 is likely to cause a decrease in FITC fluorescence.

Streptomycin decreases the functional shift to a slow phenotype induced by electrical stimulation in engineered muscle.

Chronic low-frequency stimulation (CLFS) has long been used to induce a fast-to-slow phenotype shift in skeletal muscle. In this study, we explore the role of frequency (10 and 20 Hz), active time (15-60%), and streptomycin in inducing a fast-to-slow shift in engineered muscle. We found that C2C12 engineered muscle could respond to CLFS with an adult-like active time of 60% and found that a constant 10 Hz train of 0.6 s, followed by 0.4 s rest, induced a partial fast-to-slow phenotype shift. Following 2 weeks of CLFS, time-to-peak tension (TPT) (control [CTL]=40.9±0.2 ms; 10 Hz=58.5±3.5 ms; 20 Hz=48.2±2.7 ms) and half-relaxation time (1/2RT) (CTL=50.4±0.6 ms; 10 Hz=76.1±3.3 ms; 20 Hz=66.6±2.3 ms) slowed significantly in frequency, but not in an active time-dependent manner. Streptomycin significantly blunted the slowing of TPT and 1/2RT induced by CLFS by minimizing the fast-to-slow shift in SERCA isoform. Streptomycin (Nonstim=-42.8%±2.5%; Stim=-38.1%±3.6%) significantly prevented the improvement in fatigue resistance seen in CTL constructs (Nonstim=-58.4%±3.6%; Stim=-27.8%±1.7%). Streptomycin reduced the increase seen in GLUT4 protein following CLFS (CTL=89.4%±6.7%; STREP=41.0%±4.3%) and prevented increases in the mitochondrial proteins succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and ATP synthase. These data demonstrate that streptomycin significantly blunts the fast-to-slow shift induced by CLFS. In the absence of streptomycin, CLFS induced slowing of contractile dynamics and improved fatigue resistance and suggests that this model can be used to study the mechanisms underlying CLFS-induced adaptations in muscle phenotype.