Store-operated Ca2+ Entry Channel Research Articles

Immunodeficiency due to mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1

Lymphocyte activation requires Ca(2+) influx through specialized Ca(2+) channels in the plasma membrane. In T cells the predominant Ca(2+) channel is the Ca(2+) release activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel encoded by the gene ORAI1. ORAI1 is activated by stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 that is localized in the ER where it senses the concentration of stored Ca(2+). Following antigen binding to immunoreceptors such as the TCR, ER Ca(2+) stores are depleted, STIM1 is activated and ORAI1-CRAC channels open resulting in what is referred to as store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 genes in human patients that lead to expression of non-functional ORAI1 or complete lack of ORAI1 or STIM1 protein are associated with a unique clinical phenotype that is characterized by immunodeficiency, muscular hypotonia and anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia, as well as, in the case of STIM1 deficiency, autoimmunity and lymphoproliferative disease. The immunodeficiency in these patients is due to a severe defect in T cell activation but not in lymphocyte development. This review describes the immunological and non-immunological phenotypes of patients with defects in SOCE and CRAC channel function and discusses them in the context of similar immunodeficiency diseases and animal models of ORAI1 and STIM1 function.

CRAC channelopathies

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is an important Ca2+ influx pathway in many non-excitable and some excitable cells. It is regulated by the filling state of intracellular Ca2+ stores, notably the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Reduction in [Ca2+]ER results in activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ channels that mediate sustained Ca2+ influx which is required for many cell functions as well as refilling of Ca2+ stores. The Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel is the best characterized SOC channel with well-defined electrophysiological properties. In recent years, the molecular components of the CRAC channel, long mysterious, have been defined. ORAI1 (or CRACM1) acts as the pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel in the plasma membrane. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 is localized in the ER, senses [Ca2+]ER, and activates the CRAC channel upon store depletion by binding to ORAI1. Both proteins are widely expressed in many tissues in both human and mouse consistent with the widespread prevalence of SOCE and CRAC channel currents in many cells types. CRAC channelopathies in human patients with mutations in STIM1 and ORAI1 are characterized by abolished CRAC channel currents, lack of SOCE and-clinically-immunodeficiency, congenital myopathy, and anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia. This article reviews the role of ORAI and STIM proteins for SOCE and CRAC channel function in a variety of cell types and tissues and compares the phenotypes of ORAI1 and STIM1-deficient human patients and mice with targeted deletion of Orai and Stim genes.

Molecular Mechanism of Store Operated Ca2+ Entry in Adult Mammalian Skeletal Muscle

In skeletal muscle, store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a trans-sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx pathway activated when sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ stores are depleted. However, the mechanism of activation and physiological role of SOCE in adult skeletal muscle remains largely unknown. We recently reported that both STIM1 and Orai1 proteins are required for SOCE in skeletal myotubes. Here we investigated the mechanism of SOCE in adult skeletal muscles using mouse FDB fibers following electroporation of either cherry-tagged dnOrai1 cDNA or STIM1 siRNAs. Using a Mn2+ quench assay, we found that thapsigargin-induced SR Ca2+ store depletion activates a Ca2+ influx pathway in adult FDB fibers that is inhibited by: 1. multiple SOCE channel blockers (La3+, BTP-2 or SK&F96365) (3321±598 counts/sec, n=16 and 477±274 counts/sec, n=4 in the absence and presence of La3+, respectively), 2. expression of cherry-tagged dnOrai1 (571±130 counts/sec, n=12), or 3. STIM1 knockdown (7565±1590 counts/sec, n=3 and 217±247 counts/sec, n=5 in control and after STIM1 knockdown, respectively). To further assess the role of SOCE in muscle, we generated skeletal muscle-specific HA-tagged dominant negative Orai1 transgenic mice (HSAdnOrai) using a transgene driven by the human skeletal muscle actin (HSA) promoter (provided by Dr. J. Molkentin). HSAdnOrai mice survive beyond weaning and develop/breed normally. Western blot analysis using an HA antibody confirmed dnOrai1 transgene expression in skeletal muscle, but not in heart, lung, brain, spleen kidney, or liver. Primary myotubes derived from HSAdnOrai mice show significantly decreased SOCE following store depletion as assessed in Mn2+ quench (>92%) and Ca2+ influx (>95%) assays These results demonstrate that STIM1-Orai1 coupling mediates SOCE in adult skeletal muscle and that HSAdnOrai transgenic mice are a valuable tool for future studies of the physiological role of SOCE in skeletal muscle.

Accelerated Ca2+ entry by membrane hyperpolarization due to Ca2+-activated K+ channel activation in response to histamine in chondrocytes

In articular cartilage inflammation, histamine release from mast cells is a key event. It can enhance cytokine production and matrix synthesis and also promote cell proliferation by stimulating chondrocytes. In this study, the functional impact of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels in the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in chondrocytes in response to histamine was examined using OUMS-27 cells, as a model of chondrocytes derived from human chondrosarcoma. Application of histamine induced a significant [Ca(2+)](i) rise and also membrane hyperpolarization, and both effects were mediated by the stimulation of H(1) receptors. The histamine-induced membrane hyperpolarization was attenuated to approximately 50% by large-conductance K(Ca) (BK) channel blockers, and further reduced by intermediate (IK) and small conductance K(Ca) (SK) channel blockers. The tonic component of histamine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise strongly depended on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](o)) and was markedly reduced by La(3+) or Gd(3+) but not by nifedipine. It was significantly attenuated by BK channel blockers, and further blocked by the cocktail of BK, IK, and SK channel blockers. The K(Ca) blocker cocktail also significantly reduced the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), which was induced by Ca(2+) addition after store-depletion by thapsigargin in [Ca(2+)](o) free solution. Our results demonstrate that the histamine-induced membrane hyperpolarization in chondrocytes due to K(Ca) channel activation contributes to sustained Ca(2+) entry mainly through SOCE channels in OUMS-27 cells. Thus, K(Ca) channels appear to play an important role in the positive feedback mechanism of [Ca(2+)](i) regulation in chondrocytes in the presence of articular cartilage inflammation.

FM dyes enter via a store-operated calcium channel and modify calcium signaling of cultured astrocytes

The amphiphilic fluorescent styryl pyridinium dyes FM1-43 and FM4-64 are used to probe activity-dependent synaptic vesicle cycling in neurons. Cultured astrocytes can internalize FM1-43 and FM4-64 inside vesicles but their uptake is insensitive to the elevation of cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and pharmacological tools to study the mechanisms of FM4-64 uptake into cultured astrocytes from mouse neocortex. Our data show that: (i) endocytosis is not a major route for FM4-64 uptake into astrocytes; (ii) FM4-64 enters astrocytes through an aqueous pore and strongly affects Ca(2+) homeostasis; (iii) partitioning of FM4-64 into the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane results in a facilitation of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) channel gating; (iv) FM4-64 permeates and competes with Ca(2+) for entry through a SOCE channel; (v) intracellular FM4-64 mobilizes Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum stores, conveying a positive feedback to activate SOCE and to sustain dye uptake into astrocytes. Our study demonstrates that FM dyes are not markers of cycling vesicles in astrocytes and calls for a careful interpretation of FM fluorescence.

Orai1 internalization and STIM1 clustering inhibition modulate SOCE inactivation during meiosis

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca(2+) influx pathway activated in response to depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. SOCE is a primary modulator of intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics, which specify cellular responses. Interestingly, SOCE inactivates during M phase but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. SOCE is mediated by clustering of the ER Ca(2+) sensor STIM1 in response to Ca(2+) store depletion, leading to gating of the plasma membrane SOCE channel Orai1. Here we show that SOCE inactivation in meiosis is the result of internalization of Orai1 into an intracellular vesicular compartment and to the inability of STIM1 to cluster in response to store depletion. At rest, Orai1 continuously recycles between the cell membrane and an endosomal compartment. We further show that STIM1-STIM1 interactions are inhibited during meiosis, which appears to mediate the inability of STIM1 to form puncta following store depletion. In contrast, STIM1-Orai1 interactions remain functional during meiosis. Combined, the removal of Orai1 from the cell membrane and STIM1 clustering inhibition effectively uncouple store depletion from SOCE activation in meiosis. Although STIM1 is phosphorylated during meiosis, phosphomimetic and alanine substitution mutations do not modulate STIM1 clustering, arguing that phosphorylation does not mediate STIM1 clustering inhibition during meiosis.

The Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ current (ICRAC) mediates store-operated Ca2+ entry in rat microglia

Ca2+ signaling plays a central role in microglial activation, and several studies have demonstrated a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway to supply this ion. Due to the rapid pace of discovery of novel Ca2+ permeable channels, and limited electrophysiological analyses of Ca2+ currents in microglia, characterization of the SOCE channels remains incomplete. At present, the prime candidates are ‘transient receptor potential’ (TRP) channels and the recently cloned Orai1, which produces a Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) current. We used cultured rat microglia and real-time RT-PCR to compare expression levels of Orai1, Orai2, Orai3, TRPM2, TRPM7, TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6 and TRPC7 channel genes. Next, we used Fura-2 imaging to identify a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway that was reduced by depolarization and blocked by Gd3+, SKF-96365, diethylstilbestrol (DES), and a high concentration of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (50 μM 2-APB). The Fura-2 signal was increased by hyperpolarization, and by a low concentration of 2-APB (5 μM), and exhibited Ca2+-dependent potentiation. These properties are entirely consistent with Orai1/CRAC, rather than any known TRP channel and this conclusion was supported by patch-clamp electrophysiological analysis. We identified a store-operated Ca2+ current with the same properties, including high selectivity for Ca2+ over monovalent cations, pronounced inward rectification and a very positive reversal potential, Ca2+-dependent current potentiation, and block by SKF-96365, DES and 50 μM 2-APB. Determining the contribution of Orai1/CRAC in different cell types is crucial to future mechanistic and therapeutic studies; this comprehensive multi-strategy analysis demonstrates that Orai1/CRAC channels are responsible for SOCE in primary microglia.

STIM1- and Orai1-dependent Store-operated Calcium Entry Regulates Human Myoblast Differentiation

Our previous work on human myoblasts suggested that a hyperpolarization followed by a rise in [Ca(2+)](in) involving store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) channels induced myoblast differentiation. Advances in the understanding of the SOCE pathway led us to examine more precisely its role in post-natal human myoblast differentiation. We found that SOCE orchestrated by STIM1, the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) sensor activating Orai Ca(2+) channels, is crucial. Silencing STIM1, Orai1, or Orai3 reduced SOCE amplitude and myoblast differentiation, whereas Orai2 knockdown had no effect. Conversely, overexpression of STIM1 with Orai1 increased SOCE and accelerated myoblast differentiation. STIM1 or Orai1 silencing decreased resting [Ca(2+)](in) and intracellular Ca(2+) store content, but correction of these parameters did not rescue myoblast differentiation. Remarkably, SOCE amplitude correlated linearly with the expression of two early markers of myoblast differentiation, MEF2 and myogenin, regardless of the STIM or Orai isoform that was silenced. Unexpectedly, we found that the hyperpolarization also depends on SOCE, placing SOCE upstream of K(+) channel activation in the signaling cascade that controls myoblast differentiation. These findings indicate that STIM1 and Orai1 are key molecules for the induction of human myoblast differentiation.

Differential dependence of store‐operated and excitation‐coupled Ca2+ entry in skeletal muscle on STIM1 and Orai1

In non-excitable cells, agonist-induced depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores triggers Ca(2+) influx via a process termed store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). In T-lymphocytes, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) acts as the intra-store Ca(2+) sensor and Orai1 functions as the Ca(2+)-permeable SOCE channel activated by STIM1 following store depletion. Two functionally distinct Ca(2+) entry pathways exist in skeletal muscle; one activated by store depletion (SOCE) and a second by sustained/repetitive depolarization that does not require store depletion (excitation-coupled Ca(2+) entry, ECCE). However, the role of STIM1 and Orai1 in coordinating SOCE and ECCE activity in skeletal muscle and whether these two Ca(2+) entry pathways represent distinct molecular entities or two different activation mechanisms of the same channel complex is unknown. Here we address these issues using siRNA-mediated STIM1 knockdown, dominant-negative Orai1, and permeation-defective Orai1 to determine the role of STIM1 and Orai1 in store-operated and excitation-coupled Ca(2+) entry in skeletal myotubes. SOCE and ECCE activity were quantified from both intracellular Ca(2+) measurements and Mn(2+) quench assays. We found that STIM1 siRNA reduced STIM1 protein by more than 90% and abolished SOCE activity, while expression of siRNA-resistant hSTIM1 fully restored SOCE. SOCE was also abolished by dominant-negative Orai1 (E106Q) and markedly reduced by expression of a permeation-defective Orai1 (E190Q). In contrast, ECCE was unaffected by STIM1 knockdown, E106Q expression or E190Q expression. These results are the first to demonstrate that SOCE in skeletal muscle requires both STIM1 and Orai1 and that SOCE and ECCE represent two distinct molecular entities.

Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 mediates store-operated calcium entry in rat cerebellar granule cells

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) has been extensively studied in non-neuronal cells, such as glial cells and smooth muscle cells, in which Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)) has been shown to play a key role in the regulation of SOCE channels. In the present study, we have investigated the role of iPLA(2) for store-operated Ca(2+) entry in rat cerebellar granule neurons in acute brain slices using confocal Ca(2+) imaging. Depletion of Ca(2+) stores by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) induced a Ca(2+) influx, which could be inhibited by SOCE channel blockers 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB) and 3,5-bistrifluoromethyl pyrazole derivative (BTP2), but not by the voltage-operated Ca(2+) channel blocker diltiazem and by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin. The inhibitors of iPLA(2), bromoenol lactone (BEL) and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-heptadecanone, and the selective suppression of iPLA(2) expression by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, inhibited CPA-induced Ca(2+) influx. Calmidazolium, which relieves the block of inhibitory calmodulin from iPLA(2), elicited a Ca(2+) influx similar to CPA-induced Ca(2+) entry. The product of iPLA(2), lysophosphatidylinositol, elicited a 2-APB- and BTP2-sensitive, but BEL-insensitive, Ca(2+) influx. Spontaneous Ca(2+) oscillations in granule cells in acute brain slices were reduced after inhibiting iPLA(2) activity or by blocking SOCE channels. The results suggest that depletion of Ca(2+) stores activates iPLA(2) to trigger Ca(2+) influx by the formation of lysophospholipids in these neurons.

Lipid Rafts Determine Clustering of STIM1 in Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Junctions and Regulation of Store-operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE)

Store depletion induces STIM1 to aggregate and relocate into clusters at ER-plasma membrane junctions where it functionally interacts with and activates plasma membrane channels that mediate store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Thus, the site of peripheral STIM1 clusters is critical for the regulation of SOCE. However, what determines the location of the STIM1 clusters in the ER-PM junctional regions, and whether these represent specific sites in the cell is not yet known. Here we report that clustering of STIM1 in the subplasma membrane region of the cell and activation of TRPC1-dependent SOCE are determined by lipid raft domains (LRD). We show that store depletion increased partitioning of TRPC1 and STIM1 into plasma membrane LRD. TRPC1 and STIM1 associated with each other within the LRD, and this association was dynamically regulated by the status of the ER Ca(2+) store. Peripheral STIM1 clustering was independent of TRPC1. However, sequestration of membrane cholesterol attenuated thapsigargin-induced clustering of STIM1 as well as SOCE in HSG and HEK293 cells. Recruitment and association of STIM1 and TRPC1 in LRD was also decreased. Additionally STIM1(D76A), which is peripherally localized and constitutively activates SOCE in unstimulated cells, displayed a relatively higher partitioning into LRD and interaction with TRPC1, as compared with STIM1. Disruption of membrane rafts decreased peripheral STIM1(D76A) puncta, its association with TRPC1 and the constitutive SOCE. Together, these data demonstrate that intact LRD determine targeting of STIM1 clusters to ER-plasma membrane junctions following store depletion. This facilitates the functional interaction of STIM1 with TRPC1 and activation of SOCE.

TRPC‐1 knockdown abrogates nuclear factor‐kB‐dependent anti‐apoptotic gene expression induced by thrombin in endothelial cells

Thrombin activation of protease‐activated receptor‐1 induces Ca2+ influx through store‐operated Ca2+ entry channels (SOC) in endothelial cells. Previously we have shown that the canonical TRPC isoform TRPC1 is an essential component of SOC in endothelial cells. Further, we showed that thrombin‐induced Ca2+ influx signal activates nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) in endothelial cells. In this study we measured thrombin‐induced expression of NF‐kB regulated genes in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs) utilizing Gene Microarray. Thrombin stimulation increased at least sixteen genes between 5‐ and 20‐fold over basal in ECs. Thrombin‐induced expression of anti‐apoptotic genes such as A20, IL8, and BCL3 were markedly reduced by pharmacological inhibition of Ca2+ influx in ECs. TRPC1 knockdown with siRNA abolished thrombin‐induced Ca2+ influx and markedly reduced A20, IL8, and BCL3 expression in ECs. Thus our results suggest that Ca2+ influx via SOC activates NF‐kB signaling to induce expression of A20, IL8, and BCL3 to promote cytoprotective effect in endothelial cells.

Functional interactions among Orai1, TRPCs, and STIM1 suggest a STIM-regulated heteromeric Orai/TRPC model for SOCE/Icrac channels

Receptor-operated Ca(2+) entry (ROCE) and store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) into cells are functions performed by all higher eukaryotic cells, and their impairment is life-threatening. The main molecular components of this pathway appear to be known. However, the molecular make-up of channels mediating ROCE and SOCE is largely unknown. One hypothesis proposes SOCE channels to be formed solely by Orai proteins. Another proposes SOCE channels to be composed of both Orai and C-type transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins. Both hypotheses propose that the channels are activated by STIM1, a sensor of the filling state of the Ca(2+) stores that activates Ca(2+) entry when stores are depleted. The role of Orai in SOCE has been proven. Here we show the TRPC-dependent reconstitution of Icrac, the electrophysiological correlate to SOCE, by expression of Orai1; we also show that R91W-Orai1 can inhibit SOCE and ROCE and that Orai1 and STIM1 expression leads to functional expression of Gd-resistant ROCE. Because channels that mediate ROCE are accepted to be formed with the participation of TRPCs, our data show functional interaction between ROCE and SOCE components. We propose that SOCE/Icrac channels are composed of heteromeric complexes that include TRPCs and Orai proteins.

Orai proteins interact with TRPC channels and confer responsiveness to store depletion

The TRPC (C-type transient receptor potential) class of ion channels has been hypothesized to participate in store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Recently, however, STIM1 and Orai1 proteins have been proposed to form SOCE channels. Whether TRPCs participate in SOCE that is dependent on or regulated by Orai has not been explored. Here we show that Orai1 physically interacts with the N and C termini of TRPC3 and TRPC6, and that in cells overexpressing either TRPC3 or TRPC6 in a store-depletion insensitive manner, these TRPCs become sensitive to store depletion upon expression of an exogenous Orai. Thus, Orai-1, -2, and -3 enhanced thapsigargin-induced calcium entry by 50-150% in cells stably overexpressing either TRPC3 or TRPC6. Orai1 expression had no significant effect on endogenous, thapsigargin-induced calcium entry in wild-type cells (HEK-293, COS1), in HEK cells expressing a thapsigargin-sensitive variant of TRPC3 (TRPC3a), or in HEK cells overexpressing another membrane protein, V1aR. Single-channel cation currents present in membrane patches of TRPC3-overexpressing cells were suppressed by expression of Orai1. We propose that Orai proteins by interacting with TRPCs act as regulatory subunits that confer STIM1-mediated store depletion sensitivity to these channels.

Function of a STIM1 homologue in C. elegans: evidence that store-operated Ca2+ entry is not essential for oscillatory Ca2+ signaling and ER Ca2+ homeostasis.

1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-dependent Ca2+ signaling regulates gonad function, fertility, and rhythmic posterior body wall muscle contraction (pBoc) required for defecation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store depletion and is believed to be an essential and ubiquitous component of Ca2+ signaling pathways. SOCE is thought to function to refill Ca2+ stores and modulate Ca2+ signals. Recently, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) was identified as a putative ER Ca2+ sensor that regulates SOCE. We cloned a full-length C. elegans stim-1 cDNA that encodes a 530–amino acid protein with ∼21% sequence identity to human STIM1. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)–tagged STIM-1 is expressed in the intestine, gonad sheath cells, and spermatheca. Knockdown of stim-1 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) causes sterility due to loss of sheath cell and spermatheca contractile activity required for ovulation. Transgenic worms expressing a STIM-1 EF-hand mutant that constitutively activates SOCE in Drosophila and mammalian cells are sterile and exhibit severe pBoc arrhythmia. stim-1 RNAi dramatically reduces STIM-1∷GFP expression, suppresses the EF-hand mutation–induced pBoc arrhythmia, and inhibits intestinal store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. However, stim-1 RNAi surprisingly has no effect on pBoc rhythm, which is controlled by intestinal oscillatory Ca2+ signaling, in wild type and IP3 signaling mutant worms, and has no effect on intestinal Ca2+ oscillations and waves. Depletion of intestinal Ca2+ stores by RNAi knockdown of the ER Ca2+ pump triggers the ER unfolded protein response (UPR). In contrast, stim-1 RNAi fails to induce the UPR. Our studies provide the first detailed characterization of STIM-1 function in an intact animal and suggest that SOCE is not essential for certain oscillatory Ca2+ signaling processes and for maintenance of store Ca2+ levels in C. elegans. These findings raise interesting and important questions regarding the function of SOCE and SOC channels under normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Role of Src in C3 transient receptor potential channel function and evidence for a heterogeneous makeup of receptor- and store-operated Ca 2+ entry channels

Receptor-operated Ca2+ entry (ROCE) and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) are known to be inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and activation of C-type transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) isoform 3 (TRPC3), a cation channel thought to be involved in SOCE and/or ROCE, was recently shown to depend on src tyrosine kinase activity. What is not known is the step at which src acts on TRPC3 and whether the role for tyrosine kinases in ROCE or SOCE is a general phenomenon. Using in vitro and in cell protein-protein interaction assays we now report that src phosphorylates TRPC3 at Y226 and that formation of phospho-Y226 is essential for TRPC3 activation. This requirement is unique for TRPC3 because (i) mutation of the cognate tyrosines of the closely related TRPC6 and TRPC7 had no effect; (ii) TRPC6 and TRPC7 were activated in src-, yes-, and fyn-deficient cells; and (iii) src, but not yes or fyn, rescued TRPC3 activation in src-, yes-, and fyn-deficient cells. The Src homology 2 domain of src was found to interact with either the N or the C termini of all TRPCs, suggesting that other tyrosine kinases may play a role in ion fluxes mediated by TRPCs other than TRPC3. A side-by-side comparison of the effects of genistein (a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor) on endogenous ROCE and SOCE in mouse fibroblasts, HEK and COS-7 cells, and ROCE in HEK cells mediated by TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPC7, and TRPC5 showed differences that argue for ROCE and SOCE channels to be heterogeneous.

Lysophosphatidic acid triggers calcium entry through a non-store-operated pathway in human neutrophils

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid, which is structurally similar to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and which can mobilize Ca2+ in multiple cell types. We recently showed that S1P induces Ca2+ entry directly through store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channels in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). We therefore examined the mechanisms by which LPA induces intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in PMN. External application of low micromolar LPA caused dose-dependent Ca2+ influx without releasing Ca2+ stores, whereas G-protein-coupled (GPC) LPA receptors respond to nanomolar LPA. Additive Ca2+ influx by LPA compared with 100 nM ionomycin-induced Ca2+ influx suggests that LPA-induced Ca2+ influx does not pass through SOCE channels. Ca2+ influx was resistant to inhibition of Gi/o by pertussis toxin, of phospholipase C by U73122, and of G12/13/Rho by Y27632, all demonstrating GPC receptor independence. This Ca2+ influx was inhibited by Gd3+, La3+, Zn2+, or MRS1845 but not by Ni2+ or the sphingosine kinase inhibitor dimethylsphingosine. In addition, we found that LPA has no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis; however, it has stimulatory effects on neutrophil respiratory burst in a dose-response manner. These findings suggest that LPA-induced Ca2+ influx in PMN occurs through a mechanism other than SOCE channels, independent of Ca2+ store-depletion and S1P synthesis, and that the characteristics of LPA-induced Ca2+ influx are similar to those of S1P-induced influx in terms of sensitivity to inorganic inhibitors. Unlike S1P, LPA has stimulatory effects on neutrophil respiratory burst.

Ca2+-Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Potentiates Store-operated Ca2+ Current

A rise in intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) mediates various cellular functions ranging from fertilization to gene expression. A ubiquitous Ca2+ influx pathway that contributes significantly to the generation of Ca2+i signals, especially in non-excitable cells, is store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Consequently, the modulation of SOCE current affects Ca2+i dynamics and thus the ensuing cellular response. Therefore, it is important to define the mechanisms that regulate SOCE. Here we show that a rise in Ca2+i potentiates SOCE. This potentiation is mediated by Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), because inhibition of endogenous CaMKII activity abrogates Ca2+i-mediated SOCE potentiation and expression of constitutively active CaMKII potentiates SOCE current independently of Ca2+i. Moreover, we present evidence that CaMKII potentiates SOCE by altering SOCE channel gating. The regulation of SOCE by CaMKII defines a novel modulatory mechanism of SOCE with important physiological consequences.

Caveolin-1 Contributes to Assembly of Store-operated Ca2+ Influx Channels by Regulating Plasma Membrane Localization of TRPC1

TRPC1, a component of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channels, is assembled in a complex with caveolin-1 (Cav1) and key Ca2+ signaling proteins. This study examines the role of Cav1 in the function of TRPC1. TRPC1 and Cav1 were colocalized in the plasma membrane region of human submandibular gland and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Full-length Cav1 bound to both the N and C termini of TRPC1. Amino acids 271-349, which includes a Cav1 binding motif (amino acids 322-349), was identified as the Cav1 binding domain in the TRPC1 N terminus. Deletion of amino acids 271-349 or 322-349 prevented plasma membrane localization of TRPC1. Importantly, TRPC1Delta271-349 induced a dominant suppression of SOCE and was associated with wild-type TRPC1. Although the role of the C-terminal Cav1 binding domain is not known, its deletion did not affect localization of TRPC1 (Singh, B. B., Liu, X., and Ambudkar, I. S. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 36483-36486). Further, expression of a truncated Cav1 (Cav1Delta51-169), but not full-length Cav1, similarly disrupted plasma membrane localization of endogenously and exogenously expressed TRPC1 in human submandibular gland and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Cav1Delta51-169 also suppressed thapsigarginand carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ influx and increased the detergent solubility of TRPC1, although plasma membrane lipid raft domains were not disrupted. These data demonstrate that plasma membrane localization of TRPC1 depends on an interaction between its N terminus and Cav1. Thus, our data suggest that Cav1 has an important role in the assembly of SOCE channel(s).

Store-operated Ca2+ entry uncoupled with ryanodine receptor and junctional membrane complex in heart muscle cells

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is the Ca2+ influx that is activated on depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Although SOCE is found in a variety of cell types, its activation mechanism and molecular identity remain to be clarified. Current experimental results suggest that SOCE channels are activated by direct coupling with Ca2+ release channels on depleted stores. Here we report SOCE in cardiac myocytes, that was prominently sensitive to Zn2+ but resistant to inhibitors for voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers. The SOCE activity may be developmentally regulated, because the SOCE was easily detected during embryonic and neonatal stages but not in mature myocytes from adult hearts. In cardiac myocytes, ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR-2) is thought to be the sole Ca2+ release channel on the intracellular store, and junctophilin type 2 (JP-2) contributes to formation of the junctional complex between the cell surface and store membranes. Using the knockout mice, we also examined possible involvement of the Ca2+ release channel and junctional membrane complex in cardiac SOCE. Apparently normal SOCE activities were retained in mutant myocytes lacking RyR-2 or JP-2, suggesting that neither the Ca2+ release channel nor junctional membrane complex is involved in activation of cardiac SOCE.