Gregory A. Mignery

Functional interaction between InsP3 receptors and store-operated Htrp3 channels

Calcium ions are released from intracellular stores in response to agonist-stimulated production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), a second messenger generated at the cell membrane. Depletion of Ca2+ from internal stores triggers a capacitative influx of extracellular Ca2+ across the plasma membrane,. The influx of Ca2+ can be recorded as store-operated channels (SOC) in the plasma membrane or as a current known as the Ca2+-release-activated current (Icrac). A critical question in cell signalling is how SOC and Icrac sense and respond to Ca2+-store depletion: in one model, a messenger molecule is generated that activates Ca2+ entry in response to store depletion,; in an alternative model, InsP3 receptors in the stores are coupled to SOC and Icrac. The mammalian Htrp3 protein forms a well defined store-operated channel, and so provides a suitable system for studying the effect of Ca2+-store depletion on SOC and Icrac. We show here that Htrp3 channels stably expressed in HEK293 cells are in a tight functional interaction with the InsP3 receptors. Htrp3 channels present in the same plasma membrane patch can be activated by Ca2+ mobilization in intact cells and by InsP3 in excised patches. This activation of Htrp3 by InsP3 is lost on extensive washing of excised patches but is restored by addition of native or recombinant InsP3-bound InsP3 receptors. Our results provide evidence for the coupling hypothesis, in which InsP3 receptors activated by InsP3 interact with SOC and regulate Icrac.

Bcl-2 functionally interacts with inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate receptors to regulate calcium release from the ER in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (InsP3Rs) are channels responsible for calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We show that the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (either wild type or selectively localized to the ER) significantly inhibited InsP3-mediated calcium release and elevation of cytosolic calcium in WEHI7.2 T cells. This inhibition was due to an effect of Bcl-2 at the level of InsP3Rs because responses to both anti-CD3 antibody and a cell-permeant InsP3 ester were decreased. Bcl-2 inhibited the extent of calcium release from the ER of permeabilized WEHI7.2 cells, even at saturating concentrations of InsP3, without decreasing luminal calcium concentration. Furthermore, Bcl-2 reduced the open probability of purified InsP3Rs reconstituted into lipid bilayers. Bcl-2 and InsP3Rs were detected together in macromolecular complexes by coimmunoprecipitation and blue native gel electrophoresis. We suggest that this functional interaction of Bcl-2 with InsP3Rs inhibits InsP3R activation and thereby regulates InsP3-induced calcium release from the ER.

The N-Terminal Domain of the IP3 Receptor Gates Store-Operated hTrp3 Channels

In the present work, we studied the interaction and effect of several IP3 receptor (IP3R) constructs on the gating of the store-operated (SOC) hTrp3 channel. Full-length IP3R coupled to silent hTrp3 channels in intact cells but did not activate them until stores were depleted of Ca2+. By contrast, constructs containing the IP3-binding domain activated silent hTrp3 channels in unstimulated cells and restored gating of hTrp3 by IP3 in excised plasma membrane patches. We conclude that the N-terminal domain of the IP3R functions as a gate and is sufficient for activation of SOCs. The sensing and transduction domains of the IP3R are required to maintain SOCs in an inactive state.

The BH4 domain of Bcl-2 inhibits ER calcium release and apoptosis by binding the regulatory and coupling domain of the IP3 receptor

Although the presence of a BH4 domain distinguishes the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 from its proapoptotic relatives, little is known about its function. BH4 deletion converts Bcl-2 into a proapoptotic protein, whereas a TAT-BH4 fusion peptide inhibits apoptosis and improves survival in models of disease due to accelerated apoptosis. Thus, the BH4 domain has antiapoptotic activity independent of full-length Bcl-2. Here we report that the BH4 domain mediates interaction of Bcl-2 with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, an IP3-gated Ca2+ channel on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). BH4 peptide binds to the regulatory and coupling domain of the IP3 receptor and inhibits IP3-dependent channel opening, Ca2+ release from the ER, and Ca2+-mediated apoptosis. A peptide inhibitor of Bcl-2-IP3 receptor interaction prevents these BH4-mediated effects. By inhibiting proapoptotic Ca2+ signals at their point of origin, the Bcl-2 BH4 domain has the facility to block diverse pathways through which Ca2+ induces apoptosis.

Isoform-specific function of single inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor channels.

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) family of Ca2+ release channels is central to intracellular Ca2+ signaling in mammalian cells. The InsP3R channels release Ca2+ from intracellular compartments to generate localized Ca2+ transients that govern a myriad of cellular signaling phenomena (Berridge, 1993. Nature. 361:315-325; Joseph, 1996. Cell Signal. 8:1-7; Kume et al., 1997. Science. 278:1940-1943; Berridge, 1997. Nature. 368:759-760). express multiple InsP3R isoforms, but only the function of the single type 1 InsP3R channel is known. Here the single-channel function of single type 2 InsP3R channel is defined for the first time. The type 2 InsP3R forms channels with permeation properties similar to that of the type 1 receptor. The InsP3 regulation and Ca2+ regulation of type 1 and type 2 InsP3R channels are strikingly different. Both InsP3 and Ca2+ are more effective at activating single type 2 InsP3R, indicating that single type 2 channels mobilize substantially more Ca2+ than single type 1 channels in cells. Furthermore, high cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations inactivate type 1, but not type 2, InsP3R channels. This indicates that type 2 InsP3R channel is different from the type 1 channel in that its activity will not be inherently self-limiting, because Ca2+ passing through an active type 2 channel cannot feed back and turn the channel off. Thus the InsP3R identity will help define the spatial and temporal nature of local Ca2+ signaling events and may contribute to the segregation of parallel InsP3 signaling cascades in mammalian cells.

Cardiac type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor: Interaction and modulation by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

The type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R2) was identified previously as the predominant isoform in cardiac ventricular myocytes. Here we reported the subcellular localization of InsP3R2 to the cardiomyocyte nuclear envelope (NE). The other major known endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel (ryanodine receptor) was not localized to the NE, indicating functional segregation of these channels and possibly a unique role for InsP3R2 in regulating nuclear calcium dynamics. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the NE InsP3R2 associates with Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ), the major isoform expressed in cardiac myocytes. Recombinant InsP3R2 and CaMKIIδB also co-immunoprecipitated after co-expression in COS-1 cells. Additionally, the amino-terminal 1078 amino acids of the InsP3R2 were sufficient for interaction with CaMKIIδB and associated upon mixing following separate expression. CaMKII can also phosphorylate InsP3R2, as demonstrated by 32P labeling. Incorporation of CaMKII-treated InsP3R2 into planar lipid bilayers revealed that InsP3-mediated channel open probability is significantly reduced (∼11 times) by phosphorylation via CaMKII. We concluded that the InsP3R2 and CaMKIIδ likely represent two central components of a multiprotein signaling complex, and this raises the possibility that calcium release via InsP3R2 in the myocyte NE may activate local CaMKII signaling, which may feedback on InsP3R2 function.

Biosensors to Measure Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Concentration in Living Cells with Spatiotemporal Resolution

Phosphoinositides participate in many signaling cascades via phospholipase C stimulation, which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, producing second messengers diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). Destructive chemical approaches required to measure [InsP3] limit spatiotemporal understanding of subcellular InsP3 signaling. We constructed novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based InsP3 biosensors called FIRE (fluorescent InsP3-responsive element) by fusing plasmids encoding the InsP3-binding domain of InsP3 receptors (types 1–3) between cyan fluorescent protein and yellow fluorescent protein sequences. FIRE was expressed and characterized in COS-1 cells, cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes, and incorporated into an adenoviral vector for expression in adult cardiac ventricular myocytes. FIRE-1 exhibits an ∼11% increase in the fluorescence ratio (F530/F480) at saturating [InsP3] (apparent Kd = 31.3 ± 6.7 nm InsP3). In COS-1 cells, neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and adult cat ventricular myocytes FIRE-1 exhibited comparable dynamic range and a 10% increase in donor (cyan fluorescent protein) fluorescence upon bleach of yellow fluorescent protein, indicative of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In FIRE-1 expressing ventricular myocytes endothelin-1, phenylephrine, and angiotensin II all produced rapid and spatially resolved increases in [InsP3] using confocal microscopy (with free [InsP3] rising to ∼30 nm). Local entry of intracellular InsP3 via membrane rupture by a patch pipette (containing InsP3)in myocytes expressing FIRE-1 allowed detailed spatiotemporal monitoring of intracellular InsP3 diffusion. Both endothelin-1-induced and direct InsP3 application (via pipette rupture) revealed that InsP3 diffusion into the nucleus occurs with a delay and blunted rise of [InsP3] versus cytosolic [InsP3]. These new biosensors allow studying InsP3 dynamics at high temporal and spatial resolution that will be powerful in under-standing InsP3 signaling in intact cells.

Astrocytes in adult rat brain express type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors.

Astrocytes respond to neuronal activity by propagating Ca2+ waves elicited through the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate pathway. We have previously shown that wave propagation is supported by specialized Ca2+ release sites, where a number of proteins, including inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3R), occur together in patches. The specific IP3R isoform expressed by astrocytes in situ in rat brain is unknown. In the present report, we use isoform‐specific antibodies to localize immunohistochemically the IP3R subtype expressed in astrocytes in rat brain sections. Astrocytes were identified using antibodies against the astrocyte‐specific markers, S‐100β, or GFAP. Dual indirect immunohistochemistry showed that astrocytes in all regions of adult rat brain express only IP3R2. High‐resolution analysis showed that hippocampal astrocytes are endowed with a highly branched network of processes that bear fine hair‐like extensions containing punctate patches of IP3R2 staining in intimate contact with synapses. Such an organization is reminiscent of signaling microdomains found in cultured glial cells. Similarly, Bergmann glial cell processes in the cerebellum also contained fine hair‐like processes containing IP3R2 staining. The IP3R2‐containing fine terminal branches of astrocyte processes in both brain regions were found juxtaposed to presynaptic terminals containing synaptophysin as well as PSD 95‐containing postsynaptic densities. Corpus callosum astrocytes had an elongated morphology with IP3R2 studded processes extending along fiber tracts. Our data suggest that PLC‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes in rat brain occurs predominantly through IP3R2 ion channels. Furthermore, the anatomical arrangement of the terminal astrocytic branches containing IP3R2 ensheathing synapses is ideal for supporting glial monitoring of neuronal activity. GLIA 39:69–84, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Single-Channel Function of Recombinant Type 2 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor

A full-length rat type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor cDNA construct was generated and expressed in COS-1 cells. Targeting of the full-length recombinant type 2 receptor protein to the endoplasmic reticulum was confirmed by immunocytochemistry using isoform specific affinity-purified antibodies and InsP(3)R-green fluorescent protein chimeras. The receptor protein was solubilized and incorporated into proteoliposomes for functional characterization. Single-channel recordings from proteoliposomes fused into planar lipid bilayers revealed that the recombinant protein formed InsP(3)- and Ca(2+)-sensitive ion channels. The unitary conductance ( approximately 250 pS; 220/20 mM Cs(+) as charge carrier), gating, InsP(3), and Ca(2+) sensitivities were similar to those previously described for the native type 2 InsP(3)R channel. However, the maximum open probability of the recombinant channel was slightly lower than that of its native counterpart. These data show that our full-length rat type 2 InsP(3)R cDNA construct encodes a protein that forms an ion channel with functional attributes like those of the native type 2 InsP(3)R channel. The possibility of measuring the function of single recombinant type 2 InsP(3)R is a significant step toward the use of molecular tools to define the determinants of isoform-specific InsP(3)R function and regulation.

Subunit Oligomerization, and Topology of the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) is a tetrameric assembly of highly conserved subunits that contain multiple membrane-spanning sequences in the C-terminal region of the protein. In studies aimed at investigating the oligomerization and transmembrane topology of the type-1 InsP3R, a series of membrane-spanning region truncation and deletion plasmids were constructed. These plasmids were transiently transfected in COS-1 cells, and the resulting expression products were analyzed for the ability to assemble into tetrameric structures. The topology of the membrane-spanning region truncations and the full-length receptor was determined by immunocytochemical analysis of transfected COS-1 cells using complete or selective permeabilization strategies. Our results are the first to experimentally define the presence of six membrane-spanning regions. These results are consistent with the current model for the organization of the InsP3R in the endoplasmic reticulum and show that the truncation mutants are properly targeted and oriented in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, thus making them amenable reagents to study receptor subunit oligomerization. Fractionation of soluble and membrane protein components revealed that the first two membrane-spanning regions were necessary for membrane targeting of the receptor. Sedimentation and immunoprecipitation experiments show that assembly of the receptor subunits was an additive process as the number of membrane-spanning regions increased. Immunoprecipitations from cells co-expressing the full-length receptor and carboxyl-terminal truncations reveal that constructs expressing the first two or more membrane-spanning domains were capable of co-assembling with the full-length receptor. Inclusion of the fifth membrane-spanning segment significantly enhanced the degree of oligomerization. Furthermore, a deletion construct containing only membrane-spanning regions 5 and 6 oligomerized to a similar extent as that of the wild type protein. Membrane-spanning region deletion constructions that terminate with the receptor’s 145 carboxyl-terminal amino acids were found to have enhanced assembly characteristics and implicate the carboxyl terminus as a determinant in oligomerization. Our results reveal a process of receptor assembly involving several distinct yet additive components and define the fifth and sixth membrane spanning regions as the key determinants in receptor oligomerization.