Antonella Russo

SGK3 regulates Ca(2+) entry and migration of dendritic cells.

Background/Aims: Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity. DC maturation and migration are governed by alterations of cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i). Ca²⁺ entry is in part accomplished by store-operated Ca²⁺ (SOC) channels consisting of the membrane pore-forming subunit Orai and the ER Ca²⁺ sensing subunit STIM. Moreover, DC functions are under powerful regulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production but supports DC migration. Downstream targets of PI3K include serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoform SGK3. The present study explored, whether SGK3 participates in the regulation of [Ca²⁺]_i and Ca²⁺-dependent functions of DCs, such as maturation and migration. Methods/ Results: Experiments were performed with bone marrow derived DCs from gene targeted mice lacking SGK3 (sgk3^-/-) and DCs from their wild type littermates (sgk3^+/+). Maturation, phagocytosis and cytokine production were similar in sgk3^-/- and sgk3^+/+ DCs. However, SOC entry triggered by intracellular Ca²⁺ store depletion with the endosomal Ca²⁺ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (1 µM) was significantly reduced in sgk3^-/- compared to sgk3^+/+ DCs. Similarly, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg/ml)- and chemokine CXCL12 (300 ng/ml)- induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i was impaired in sgk3^-/- DCs. Moreover, currents through SOC channels were reduced in sgk3^-/- DCs. STIM2 transcript levels and protein abundance were significantly lower in sgk3^-/- DCs than in sgk3^+/+ DCs, whereas Orai1, Orai2, STIM1 and TRPC1 transcript levels and/or protein abundance were similar in sgk3-/- and sgk3^+/+ DCs. Migration of both, immature DCs towards CXCL12 and LPS-matured DCs towards CCL21 was reduced in sgk3^-/- as compared to sgk3^+/+ DCs. Migration of sgk3^+/+ DCs was further sensitive to SOC channel inhibitor 2-APB (50 µM) and to STIM1/STIM2 knock-down. Conclusion: SGK3 contributes to the regulation of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry into and migration of dendritic cells, effects at least partially mediated through SGK3-dependent upregulation of STIM2 expression.

1,25( OH)(2) vitamin D-3-dependent inhibition of platelet Ca2+ signaling and thrombus formation in klotho-deficient mice

Platelets are activated by increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) following store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) accomplished by calcium‐release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channel moiety Orai1 and its regulator STIM1. In other cells, Ca2+ transport is regulated by 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. 1,25(OH)2D3 formation is inhibited by klotho and excessive in klotho‐deficient mice (kl/kl). The present study explored the effect of klotho deficiency on platelet Ca2+ signaling and activation. Platelets and megakaryocytes isolated from WT and kl/kl‐mice were analyzed by RT‐PCR, Western blotting, confocal microscopy, Fura‐2‐fluorescence, patch clamp, flow cytometry, aggregometry, and flow chamber. STIM1/Orai1 transcript and protein levels, SOCE, agonist‐induced [Ca2+]i increase, activation‐dependent degranulation, integrin αIIbβ3 activation and aggregation, and thrombus formation were significantly blunted in kl/kl platelets (by 27–90%). STIM1/Orai1 transcript and protein levels, as well as CRAC currents, were significantly reduced in kl/kl megakaryocytes (by 38–73%) and 1,25(OH)2D3‐treated WT megakaryocytes. Nuclear NF‐κB subunit p50/p65 abundance was significantly reduced in kl/kl‐megakaryocytes (by 51–76%). Transfection with p50/p65 significantly increased STIM1/Orai1 transcript and protein levels in megakaryocytic MEG‐01 cells (by 46–97%). Low‐vitamin D diet (LVD) of kl/kl mice normalized plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration and function of platelets and megakaryocytes. Klotho deficiency inhibits platelet Ca2+ signaling and activation, an effect at least partially due to 1,25(OH)2D3‐dependent down‐regulation of NF‐κB activity and STIM1/Orai1 expression in megakaryocytes.—Borst, O., Münzer, P., Schmid, E., Schmidt, E.‐M., Russo, A., Walker, B., Yang, W., Leibrock, C., Szteyn, K., Schmidt, S., Elvers, M., Faggio, C., Shumilina, E., Kuro‐o, M., Gawaz, M., Lang, F. 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3‐dependent inhibition of platelet Ca2+ signaling and thrombus formation in klotho‐deficient mice. FASEB J. 28, 2108–2119 (2014). www.fasebj.org

Akt2-and ETS1-Dependent IP3 Receptor 2 Expression in Dendritic Cell Migration

Background/Aims: The protein kinase Akt2/PKBβ is a known regulator of macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) migration. The mechanisms linking Akt2 activity to migration remained, however, elusive. DC migration is governed by Ca²⁺ signaling. We thus explored whether Akt2 regulates DC Ca²⁺ signaling. Methods: DCs were derived from bone marrow of Akt2-deficient mice (akt2^-/-) and their wild type littermates (akt2^+/+). DC maturation was induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was determined by Fura-2 fluorescence, channel activity by whole cell recording, transcript levels by RT-PCR, migration utilizing transwells. Results: Upon maturation, chemokine CCL21 stimulated migration of akt2^+/+ but not akt2^-/- DCs. CCL21-induced increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, thapsigargin-induced release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores with subsequent store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), ATP-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)-dependent Ca²⁺ release as well as Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channel activity were all significantly lower in mature akt2^-/- than in mature akt2^+/+ DCs. Transcript levels of IP₃ receptor IP₃R2 and of IP₃R2 regulating transcription factor ETS1 were significantly higher in akt2^+/+ than in akt2^-/- DCs prior to maturation and were upregulated by LPS stimulation (1h) in akt2^+/+ and to a lower extent in akt2^-/- DCs. Following maturation, protein abundance of IP₃R2 and ETS1 were similarly higher in akt2^+/+ than in akt2^-/- DCs. The IP₃R inhibitor Xestospongin C significantly decreased CCL21-induced migration of akt2^+/+DCs and abrogated the differences between genotypes. Finally, knock-down of ETS1 with siRNA decreased IP₃R2 mRNA abundance, thapsigargin- and ATP-induced Ca²⁺ release, SOCE and CRAC channel activation, as well as DC migration. Conclusion: Akt2 upregulates DC migration at least in part by ETS1-dependent stimulation of IP₃R2 transcription.

Skepinone-L, a Novel Potent and Highly Selective Inhibitor of p38 MAP Kinase, Effectively Impairs Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation

Background/Aims: Platelets are critically important for primary haemostasis and the major players in thrombotic vascular occlusion. Platelets are activated by agonists, such as thrombin and collagen-related peptide as well as second-wave mediators including thromboxane A2 via different intracellular signaling pathways resulting in degranulation, aggregation and thrombus formation. Platelet activation is paralleled by phosphorylation and activation of p38 MAPK. The limited specificity of hitherto known p38 MAPK inhibitors precluded safe conclusions on the precise role of p38 MAPK in the regulation of platelet function. The present study examined the impact of Skepinone-L, a novel and highly selective inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), on platelet activation and thrombus formation. Methods: Experiments were performed in freshly isolated human platelets. Protein phosphorylation was quantified by Western blotting, thromboxane B2 synthesis by enzyme immunoassay, ATP release by ChronoLume luciferin assay, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration by Fura-2 fluorescence-measurements, platelet aggregation by a light transmissions measurement and in vitro thrombus formation by a flow chamber. Results: Skepinone-L (1 μM) virtually abrogated the phosphorylation of platelet p38 MAPK substrate Hsp27 following stimulation with CRP (1 μg/ml), thrombin (5 mU/ml) or thromboxane A2 analogue U-46619 (1 μM). Furthermore, Skepinone-L significantly blunted activation-dependent platelet secretion and aggregation following threshold concentrations of CRP, thrombin and thromboxane A2 analogue U-46619. Skepinone-L did not impair platelet Ca2+ signaling but prevented agonist-induced thromboxane A2 synthesis through abrogation of p38 MAPK-dependent phosphorylation of platelet cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Skepinone-L further markedly blunted thrombus formation under low (500-s) and high (1700-s) arterial shear rates. Conclusions: The present study discloses a powerful inhibiting effect of p38 MAPK-blocker Skepinone-L on platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase 1 Sensitive NF-κB Signaling in Dendritic Cells

Background/Aims: Dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity, are required for initiation of specific T cell-driven immune responses. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production in DCs, which limits T helper (Th1) polarization. PI3K is in part effective by downregulation of transcription factor NF-κB. Downstream signaling elements of PI3K include serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) and its phosphorylation target N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1). The present study explored whether SGK1 and NDRG1 play a role in the regulation of NF-κB and DC-maturation. Methods: DCs were isolated from bone marrow (BMDCs) or spleen of mice lacking functional SGK1 (sgk1-/-) and corresponding wild type mice (sgk1+/+). Protein abundance was determined by Western blotting. Transcription was inhibited by siRNA. Abundance of maturation markers was quantified by flow cytometry. FITC-dextran uptake was determined to quantify phagocytosis. Results: NDRG1 was similarly expressed in sgk1+/+ and sgk1-/-BMDCs, but SGK1-dependent phosphorylation of NDRG-1 was decreased in sgk1-/-BMDCs. Silencing of NDRG1 in sgk1+/+BMDCs as compared to control empty vector-treated BMDCs enhanced nuclear abundance of NF-κB subunit p65. Moreover, the abundance of phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor IκBa, of phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKKa/ß) and of nuclear p65 were significantly higher in sgk1-/-BMDCs than in sgk1+/+BMDCs. Expression of maturation markers, MHC II, and CD86, was significantly larger and phagocytic capacity was significantly lower in sgk1-/- than in sgk1+/+BMDCs. Expression of CD86 and MHCII was also significantly higher in DCs isolated from the spleen of sgk1-/- mice than those from sgk1+/+mice. Conclusion: SGK1 and NDRG1 participate in the regulation of NF-κB signaling in and maturation of DCs.

Impact of the serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 on platelet dense granule biogenesis and secretion

Platelet secretion is critical to development of acute thrombotic occlusion. Platelet dense granules contain a variety of important hemostatically active substances. Nevertheless, biogenesis of platelet granules is poorly understood.

PKB/SGK-dependent GSK3-phosphorylation in the regulation of LPS-induced Ca2+ increase in mouse dendritic cells

The function of dendritic cells (DCs) is modified by glycogen synthase kinase GSK3 and GSK3 inhibitors have been shown to protect against inflammatory disease. Regulators of GSK3 include the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway leading to activation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase (SGK) isoforms, which in turn phosphorylate and thus inhibit GSK3. The present study explored, whether PKB/SGK-dependent inhibition of GSK3 contributes to the regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration following stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). To this end DCs from mutant mice, in which PKB/SGK-dependent GSK3α,β regulation was disrupted by replacement of the serine residues in the respective SGK/PKB-phosphorylation consensus sequence by alanine (gsk3(KI)), were compared to DCs from respective wild type mice (gsk3(WT)). According to Western blotting, GSK3 phosphorylation was indeed absent in gsk3(KI) DCs. According to flow cytometry, expression of antigen-presenting molecule major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) and costimulatory molecule CD86, was similar in unstimulated and LPS (1μg/ml, 24h)-stimulated gsk3(WT) and gsk3(KI) DCs. Moreover, production of cytokines IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and TNFα was not significantly different in gsk3(KI) and gsk3(WT) DCs. In gsk3(WT) DCs, stimulation with LPS (1μg/ml) within 10min led to transient phosphorylation of GSK3. According to Fura2 fluorescence, LPS (1μg/ml) increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, an effect significantly more pronounced in gsk3(KI) DCs than in gsk3(WT) DCs. Conversely, GSK3 inhibitor SB216763 (3-[2,4-Dichlorophenyl]-4-[1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, 10μM, 30min) significantly blunted the increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration following LPS exposure. In conclusion, PKB/SGK-dependent GSK3α,β activity participates in the regulation of Ca(2+) signaling in dendritic cells.

Decreased Store Operated Ca2+ Entry in Dendritic Cells Isolated from Mice Expressing PKB/SGK-Resistant GSK3

Dendritic cells (DCs), key players of immunity, are regulated by glycogen synthase kinase GSK3. GSK3 activity is suppressed by PKB/Akt and SGK isoforms, which are in turn stimulated by the PI3K pathway. Exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides increases cytosolic Ca2+-concentration ([Ca2+]i), an effect augmented in DCs isolated from mutant mice expressing PKB/SGK-resistant GSK3α,β (gsk3KI). Factors affecting [Ca2+]i include Ca2+-release from intracellular stores (CRIS), store-operated Ca2+-entry (SOCE) through STIM1/STIM2-regulated Orai1, K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+-exchangers (NCKX), K+-independent Na+/Ca2+-exchangers (NCX) and calbindin-D28k. The present study explored whether PKB/SGK-dependent GSK3α, β-activity impacts on CRIS, SOCE, NCKX, NCX or calbindin. DCs were isolated from gsk3KI mice and respective wild-type mice (gsk3WT), [Ca2+]i estimated from Fura2 fluorescence, Orai1, STIM1, STIM2 as well as calbindin-D28k protein abundance determined by Western blotting and mRNA levels quantified by real time PCR. As a result, thapsigargin-induced CRIS and SOCE were significantly blunted by GSK3-inhibitors SB216763 (1–10 µM, 30 min) or GSK-XIII (10 µM, 30 min) but were significantly lower in gsk3WT than in gsk3KIDCs. Orai1, STIM1 and STIM2 protein abundance was significantly lower and calbindin-D28k abundance significantly higher in gsk3KI than in gsk3WTDCs. Activity of NCKX and NCX was significantly higher in gsk3KI than in gsk3WTDCs and was significantly increased by SB216763 (1 µM, 30 min) or GSK-XIII (10 µM, 30 min). Treatment of gsk3WT DCs with SB216763 (1 µM, 4–24 h) or GSK-XIII (10 µM, 4–24 h) did not significantly modify the protein abundance of Orai1, STIM1 and STIM2. The present observations point to a dual role of GSK3 in the regulation of Ca2+ in DCs. Acute inhibition of GSK3 blunted the increase of [Ca2+]i following CRIS and SOCE and stimulated NCKX/NCX activity. However, expression of PKB/SGK-resistant GSK3α, β downregulated the increase of [Ca2+]i following CRIS and SOCE, an effect at least partially due to downregulation of Orai1, STIM1 and STIM2 expression as well as upregulation of Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity and calbindin D28k expression.