Shimrit Oz

Regulation of Cardiac L-Type Ca2+ Channel CaV1.2 Via the β-Adrenergic-cAMP-Protein Kinase A Pathway

In the heart, adrenergic stimulation activates the β-adrenergic receptors coupled to the heterotrimeric stimulatory Gs protein, followed by subsequent activation of adenylyl cyclase, elevation of cyclic AMP levels, and protein kinase A (PKA) activation. One of the main targets for PKA modulation is the cardiac L-type Ca²⁺ channel (CaV1.2) located in the plasma membrane and along the T-tubules, which mediates Ca²⁺ entry into cardiomyocytes. β-Adrenergic receptor activation increases the Ca²⁺ current via CaV1.2 channels and is responsible for the positive ionotropic effect of adrenergic stimulation. Despite decades of research, the molecular mechanism underlying this modulation has not been fully resolved. On the contrary, initial reports of identification of key components in this modulation were later refuted using advanced model systems, especially transgenic animals. Some of the cardinal debated issues include details of specific subunits and residues in CaV1.2 phosphorylated by PKA, the nature, extent, and role of post-translational processing of CaV1.2, and the role of auxiliary proteins (such as A kinase anchoring proteins) involved in PKA regulation. In addition, the previously proposed crucial role of PKA in modulation of unstimulated Ca²⁺ current in the absence of β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and in voltage-dependent facilitation of CaV1.2 remains uncertain. Full reconstitution of the β-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in heterologous expression systems remains an unmet challenge. This review summarizes the past and new findings, the mechanisms proposed and later proven, rejected or disputed, and emphasizes the essential issues that remain unresolved.In the heart, adrenergic stimulation activates the β-adrenergic receptors coupled to the heterotrimeric stimulatory Gs protein, followed by subsequent activation of adenylyl cyclase, elevation of cyclic AMP levels, and protein kinase A (PKA) activation. One of the main targets for PKA modulation is the cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel (CaV1.2) located in the plasma membrane and along the T-tubules, which mediates Ca2+ entry into cardiomyocytes. β-Adrenergic receptor activation increases the Ca2+ current via CaV1.2 channels and is responsible for the positive ionotropic effect of adrenergic stimulation. Despite decades of research, the molecular mechanism underlying this modulation has not been fully resolved. On the contrary, initial reports of identification of key components in this modulation were later refuted using advanced model systems, especially transgenic animals. Some of the cardinal debated issues include details of specific subunits and residues in CaV1.2 phosphorylated by PKA, the nature, extent, and role of post-translational processing of CaV1.2, and the role of auxiliary proteins (such as A kinase anchoring proteins) involved in PKA regulation. In addition, the previously proposed crucial role of PKA in modulation of unstimulated Ca2+ current in the absence of β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and in voltage-dependent facilitation of CaV1.2 remains uncertain. Full reconstitution of the β-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in heterologous expression systems remains an unmet challenge. This review summarizes the past and new findings, the mechanisms proposed and later proven, rejected or disputed, and emphasizes the essential issues that remain unresolved.

SK4 Ca2+ activated K+ channel is a critical player in cardiac pacemaker derived from human embryonic stem cells

Significance The contractions of the heart are initiated and coordinated by pacemaker tissues, responsible for cardiac automaticity. Although the cardiac pacemaker was discovered more than a hundred years ago, the pacemaker mechanisms remain controversial. We used human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to study the embryonic cardiac automaticity of the human heart. We identified a previously unrecognized Ca2+-activated K+ channel (SK4), which appears to play a pivotal role in cardiac automaticity. Our results suggest that SK4 Ca2+-activated K+ channels represent an important target for the management of cardiac rhythm disorders and open challenging horizons for developing biological pacemakers. Proper expression and function of the cardiac pacemaker is a critical feature of heart physiology. Two main mechanisms have been proposed: (i) the “voltage-clock,” where the hyperpolarization-activated funny current If causes diastolic depolarization that triggers action potential cycling; and (ii) the “Ca2+ clock,” where cyclical release of Ca2+ from Ca2+ stores depolarizes the membrane during diastole via activation of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger. Nonetheless, these mechanisms remain controversial. Here, we used human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) to study their autonomous beating mechanisms. Combined current- and voltage-clamp recordings from the same cell showed the so-called “voltage and Ca2+ clock” pacemaker mechanisms to operate in a mutually exclusive fashion in different cell populations, but also to coexist in other cells. Blocking the “voltage or Ca2+ clock” produced a similar depolarization of the maximal diastolic potential (MDP) that culminated by cessation of action potentials, suggesting that they converge to a common pacemaker component. Using patch-clamp recording, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry, we identified a previously unrecognized Ca2+-activated intermediate K+ conductance (IKCa, KCa3.1, or SK4) in young and old stage-derived hESC-CMs. IKCa inhibition produced MDP depolarization and pacemaker suppression. By shaping the MDP driving force and exquisitely balancing inward currents during diastolic depolarization, IKCa appears to play a crucial role in human embryonic cardiac automaticity.

CaBP1 regulates voltage dependent inactivation and activation of Cav1.2 (L-type) calcium channels.

CaBP1 is a Ca2+-binding protein that regulates the gating of voltage-gated (CaV) Ca2+ channels. In the CaV1.2 channel α1-subunit (α1C), CaBP1 interacts with cytosolic N- and C-terminal domains and blunts Ca2+-dependent inactivation. To clarify the role of the α1C N-terminal domain in CaBP1 regulation, we compared the effects of CaBP1 on two alternatively spliced variants of α1C containing a long or short N-terminal domain. In both isoforms, CaBP1 inhibited Ca2+-dependent inactivation but also caused a depolarizing shift in voltage-dependent activation and enhanced voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI). In binding assays, CaBP1 interacted with the distal third of the N-terminal domain in a Ca2+-independent manner. This segment is distinct from the previously identified calmodulin-binding site in the N terminus. However, deletion of a segment in the proximal N-terminal domain of both α1C isoforms, which spared the CaBP1-binding site, inhibited the effect of CaBP1 on VDI. This result suggests a modular organization of the α1C N-terminal domain, with separate determinants for CaBP1 binding and transduction of the effect on VDI. Our findings expand the diversity and mechanisms of CaV channel regulation by CaBP1 and define a novel modulatory function for the initial segment of the N terminus of α1C.

Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy associated with a high voltage gated calcium channelopathy

Background Early infantile epileptic encephalopathies usually manifest as severely impaired cognitive and motor development and often result in a devastating permanent global developmental delay and intellectual disability. A large set of genes has been implicated in the aetiology of this heterogeneous group of disorders. Among these, the ion channelopathies play a prominent role. In this study, we investigated the genetic cause of infantile epilepsy in three affected siblings. Methods and results Homozygosity mapping in DNA samples followed by exome analysis in one of the patients resulted in the identification of a homozygous mutation, p.L1040P, in the CACNA2D2 gene. This gene encodes the auxiliary α2δ2 subunit of high voltage gated calcium channels. The expression of the α2δ2-L1040P mutant instead of α2δ2 wild-type (WT) in Xenopus laevis oocytes was associated with a notable reduction of current density of both N (CaV2.2) and L (CaV1.2) type calcium channels. Western blot and confocal imaging analyses showed that the α2δ2-L1040P mutant was synthesised normally in oocyte but only the α2δ2-WT, and not the α2δ2-L1040P mutant, increased the expression of α1B, the pore forming subunit of CaV2.2, at the plasma membrane. The expression of α2δ2-WT with CaV2.2 increased the surface expression of α1B 2.5–3 fold and accelerated current inactivation, whereas α2δ2-L1040P did not produce any of these effects. Conclusions L1040P mutation in the CACNA2D2 gene is associated with dysfunction of α2δ2, resulting in reduced current density and slow inactivation in neuronal calcium channels. The prolonged calcium entry during depolarisation and changes in surface density of calcium channels caused by deficient α2δ2 could underlie the epileptic phenotype. This is the first report of an encephalopathy caused by mutation in the auxiliary α2δ subunit of high voltage gated calcium channels in humans, illustrating the importance of this subunit in normal physiology of the human brain.

Competitive and Non-competitive Regulation of Calcium-dependent Inactivation in CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ Channels by Calmodulin and Ca2+-binding Protein 1

Background: Calmodulin and calcium-binding protein 1 (CaBP1) oppositely regulate inactivation of CaV1.2 channels. Results: Quantitative titration of purified proteins in intact cells suggests competition between CaM and CaBP1 for the CaV1.2 C terminus and an additional non-competitive action of CaBP1. Conclusion: CaBP1 counteracts CaM actions by a dual mechanism. Significance: Our approach provides new insights into mechanisms of Ca2+ channel inactivation. CaV1.2 interacts with the Ca2+ sensor proteins, calmodulin (CaM) and calcium-binding protein 1 (CaBP1), via multiple, partially overlapping sites in the main subunit of CaV1.2, α1C. Ca2+/CaM mediates a negative feedback regulation of Cav1.2 by incoming Ca2+ ions (Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI)). CaBP1 eliminates this action of CaM through a poorly understood mechanism. We examined the hypothesis that CaBP1 acts by competing with CaM for common interaction sites in the α1C- subunit using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and recording of Cav1.2 currents in Xenopus oocytes. FRET detected interactions between fluorescently labeled CaM or CaBP1 with the membrane-attached proximal C terminus (pCT) and the N terminus (NT) of α1C. However, mutual overexpression of CaM and CaBP1 proved inadequate to quantitatively assess competition between these proteins for α1C. Therefore, we utilized titrated injection of purified CaM and CaBP1 to analyze their mutual effects. CaM reduced FRET between CaBP1 and pCT, but not NT, suggesting competition between CaBP1 and CaM for pCT only. Titrated injection of CaBP1 and CaM altered the kinetics of CDI, allowing analysis of their opposite regulation of CaV1.2. The CaBP1-induced slowing of CDI was largely eliminated by CaM, corroborating a competition mechanism, but 15–20% of the effect of CaBP1 was CaM-resistant. Both components of CaBP1 action were present in a truncated α1C where N-terminal CaM- and CaBP1-binding sites have been deleted, suggesting that the NT is not essential for the functional effects of CaBP1. We propose that CaBP1 acts via interaction(s) with the pCT and possibly additional sites in α1C.

Modulation of distinct isoforms of L-type calcium channels by G(q)-coupled receptors in Xenopus oocytes: antagonistic effects of Gβγ and protein kinase C.

L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs; Cav1.2) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. In heart and smooth muscle, hormones and transmitters operating via Gq enhance L-VDCC currents via essential protein kinase C (PKC) involvement. Heterologous reconstitution studies in Xenopus oocytes suggested that PKC and Gq-coupled receptors increased L-VDCC currents only in cardiac long N-terminus (NT) isoforms of α1C, whereas known smooth muscle short-NT isoforms were inhibited by PKC and Gq activators. We report a novel regulation of the long-NT α1C isoform by Gβγ. Gβγ inhibited whereas a Gβγ scavenger protein augmented the Gq- but not phorbol ester-mediated enhancement of channel activity, suggesting that Gβγ acts upstream from PKC. In vitro binding experiments reveal binding of both Gβγ and PKC to α1C-NT. However, PKC modulation was not altered by mutations of multiple potential phosphorylation sites in the NT, and was attenuated by a mutation of C-terminally located serine S1928. The insertion of exon 9a in intracellular loop 1 rendered the short-NT α1C sensitive to PKC stimulation and to Gβγ scavenging. Our results suggest a complex antagonistic interplay between Gq-activated PKC and Gβγ in regulation of L-VDCC, in which multiple cytosolic segments of α1C are involved.L-type voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-VDCCs; Ca(v)1.2) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. In heart and smooth muscle, hormones and transmitters operating via G(q) enhance L-VDCC currents via essential protein kinase C (PKC) involvement. Heterologous reconstitution studies in Xenopus oocytes suggested that PKC and G(q)-coupled receptors increased L-VDCC currents only in cardiac long N-terminus (NT) isoforms of α(1C), whereas known smooth muscle short-NT isoforms were inhibited by PKC and G(q) activators. We report a novel regulation of the long-NT α(1C) isoform by Gβγ. Gβγ inhibited whereas a Gβγ scavenger protein augmented the G(q)--but not phorbol ester-mediated enhancement of channel activity, suggesting that Gβγ acts upstream from PKC. In vitro binding experiments reveal binding of both Gβγ and PKC to α(1C)-NT. However, PKC modulation was not altered by mutations of multiple potential phosphorylation sites in the NT, and was attenuated by a mutation of C-terminally located serine S1928. The insertion of exon 9a in intracellular loop 1 rendered the short-NT α(1C) sensitive to PKC stimulation and to Gβγ scavenging. Our results suggest a complex antagonistic interplay between G(q)-activated PKC and Gβγ in regulation of L-VDCC, in which multiple cytosolic segments of α(1C) are involved.

Protein kinase A regulates C‐terminally truncated CaV1.2 in Xenopus oocytes: roles of N‐ and C‐termini of the α1C subunit

β‐Adrenergic stimulation enhances Ca2+ entry via L‐type CaV1.2 channels, causing stronger contraction of cardiac muscle cells. The signalling pathway involves activation of protein kinase A (PKA), but the molecular details of PKA regulation of CaV1.2 remain controversial despite extensive research. We show that PKA regulation of CaV1.2 can be reconstituted in Xenopus oocytes when the distal C‐terminus (dCT) of the main subunit, α1C, is truncated. The PKA upregulation of CaV1.2 does not require key factors previously implicated in this mechanism: the clipped dCT, the A kinase‐anchoring protein 15 (AKAP15), the phosphorylation sites S1700, T1704 and S1928, or the β subunit of CaV1.2. The gating element within the initial segment of the N‐terminus of the cardiac isoform of α1C is essential for the PKA effect. We propose that the regulation described here is one of two or several mechanisms that jointly mediate the PKA regulation of CaV1.2 in the heart.