Yuyang Sun

Neurotoxin-induced ER stress in mouse dopaminergic neurons involves downregulation of TRPC1 and inhibition of AKT/mTOR signaling

Individuals with Parkinsons disease (PD) experience a progressive decline in motor function as a result of selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. The mechanism(s) underlying the loss of DA neurons is not known. Here, we show that a neurotoxin that causes a disease that mimics PD upon administration to mice, because it induces the selective loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra, alters Ca²⁺ homeostasis and induces ER stress. In a human neuroblastoma cell line, we found that endogenous store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), which is critical for maintaining ER Ca²⁺ levels, is dependent on transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) activity. Neurotoxin treatment decreased TRPC1 expression, TRPC1 interaction with the SOCE modulator stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), and Ca²⁺ entry into the cells. Overexpression of functional TRPC1 protected against neurotoxin-induced loss of SOCE, the associated decrease in ER Ca²⁺ levels, and the resultant unfolded protein response (UPR). In contrast, silencing of TRPC1 or STIM1 increased the UPR. Furthermore, Ca²⁺ entry via TRPC1 activated the AKT pathway, which has a known role in neuroprotection. Consistent with these in vitro data, Trpc1⁻/⁻ mice had an increased UPR and a reduced number of DA neurons. Brain lysates of patients with PD also showed an increased UPR and decreased TRPC1 levels. Importantly, overexpression of TRPC1 in mice restored AKT/mTOR signaling and increased DA neuron survival following neurotoxin administration. Overall, these results suggest that TRPC1 is involved in regulating Ca²⁺ homeostasis and inhibiting the UPR and thus contributes to neuronal survival.

Increase in Serum Ca2+/Mg2+ Ratio Promotes Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Activating TRPM7 Channels

Background: Mg2+ concentration regulates MagNuM channels; however, their role in prostate cancer is not known. Results: TRPM7 functions as an endogenous MagNuM channel, which facilitates Ca2+ entry at low Mg2+ levels and promotes cell proliferation. Conclusion: Alteration in Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio could lead to prostate cancer. Significance: Learning how extra/intracellular Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio is regulated is crucial for understanding and/or diagnosis of prostate cancer. TRPM7 is a novel magnesium-nucleotide-regulated metal current (MagNuM) channel that is regulated by serum Mg2+ concentrations. Changes in Mg2+ concentration have been shown to alter cell proliferation in various cells; however, the mechanism and the ion channel(s) involved have not yet been identified. Here we demonstrate that TRPM7 is expressed in control and prostate cancer cells. Supplementation of intracellular Mg-ATP or addition of external 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate inhibited MagNuM currents. Furthermore, silencing of TRPM7 inhibited whereas overexpression of TRPM7 increased endogenous MagNuM currents, suggesting that these currents are dependent on TRPM7. Importantly, although an increase in the serum Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio facilitated Ca2+ influx in both control and prostate cancer cells, a significantly higher Ca2+ influx was observed in prostate cancer cells. TRPM7 expression was also increased in cancer cells, but its expression was not dependent on the Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio per se. Additionally, an increase in the extracellular Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio led to a significant increase in cell proliferation of prostate cancer cells when compared with control cells. Consistent with these results, age-matched prostate cancer patients also showed a subsequent increase in the Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio and TRPM7 expression. Altogether, we provide evidence that the TRPM7 channel has an important role in prostate cancer and have identified that the Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio could be essential for the initiation/progression of prostate cancer.

TRPC Channels and their Implications for Neurological Diseases

Calcium is an essential intracellular messenger and serves critical cellular functions in both excitable and non-excitable cells. Most of the physiological functions in these cells are uniquely regulated by changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i), which are achieved via various mechanisms. One of these mechanism(s) is activated by the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), followed by Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane (PM). Activation of PM Ca2+ channels is essential for not only refilling of the ER Ca2+ stores, but is also critical for maintaining [Ca2+]i that regulates biological functions, such as neurosecretion, sensation, long term potentiation, synaptic plasticity, gene regulation, as well as cellular growth and differentiation. Alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis have been suggested in the onset/progression of neurological diseases, such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers, bipolar disorder, and Huntingtons diseases. Available data on transient receptor potential conical (TRPC) protein indicate that these proteins initiate Ca2+ entry pathways and are essential in maintaining cytosolic, ER, and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels. A number of biological functions have been assigned to these TRPC proteins. Silencing of TRPC1 and TRPC3 has been shown to inhibit neuronal proliferation and loss of TRPC1 is implicated in neurodegeneration. Thus, TRPC channels not only contribute towards normal physiological processes, but are also implicated in several human pathological conditions. Overall, it is suggested that these channels could be used as potential therapeutic targets for many of these neurological diseases. Thus, in this review we have focused on the functional implication of TRPC channels in neuronal cells along with the elucidation of their role in neurodegeneration.

Resveratrol activates autophagic cell death in prostate cancer cells via downregulation of STIM1 and the mTOR pathway

Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol, has been suggested to induce cell cycle arrest and activate apoptosis‐mediated cell death in several cancer cells, including prostate cancer. However, several molecular mechanisms have been proposed on its chemopreventive action, the precise mechanisms by which RSV exerts its anti‐proliferative effect in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells remain questionable. In the present study, we show that RSV activates autophagic cell death in PC3 and DU145 cells, which was dependent on stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) expression. RSV treatment decreases STIM1 expression in a time‐dependent manner and attenuates STIM1 association with TRPC1 and Orai1. Furthermore, RSV treatment also decreases ER calcium storage and store operated calcium entry (SOCE), which induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, thereby, activating AMPK and inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway. Similarly, inhibition of SOCE by SKF‐96365 decreases the survival and proliferation of PC3 and DU145 cells and inhibits AKT/mTOR pathway and induces autophagic cell death. Importantly, SOCE inhibition and subsequent autophagic cell death caused by RSV was reversed by STIM1 overexpression. STIM1 overexpression restored SOCE, prevents the loss of mTOR phosphorylation and decreased the expression of CHOP and LC3A in PC3 cells. Taken together, for the first time, our results revealed that RSV induces autophagy‐mediated cell death in PC3 and DU145 cells through regulation of SOCE mechanisms, including downregulating STIM1 expression and trigger ER stress by depleting ER calcium pool.

Cholesterol-induced activation of TRPM7 regulates cell proliferation, migration, and viability of human prostate cells.

Cholesterol has been shown to promote cell proliferation/migration in many cells; however the mechanism(s) have not yet been fully identified. Here we demonstrate that cholesterol increases Ca(2+) entry via the TRPM7 channel, which promoted proliferation of prostate cells by inducing the activation of the AKT and/or the ERK pathway. Additionally, cholesterol mediated Ca(2+) entry induced calpain activity that showed a decrease in E-cadherin expression, which together could lead to migration of prostate cancer cells. An overexpression of TRPM7 significantly facilitated cholesterol dependent Ca(2+) entry, cell proliferation and tumor growth. Whereas, TRPM7 silencing or inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by statin showed a significant decrease in cholesterol-mediated activation of TRPM7, cell proliferation, and migration of prostate cancer cells. Consistent with these results, statin intake was inversely correlated with prostate cancer patients and increase in TRPM7 expression was observed in samples obtained from prostate cancer patients. Altogether, we provide evidence that cholesterol-mediated activation of TRPM7 is important for prostate cancer and have identified that TRPM7 could be essential for initiation and/or progression of prostate cancer.

TRPC1 regulates calcium‐activated chloride channels in salivary gland cells

Calcium‐activated chloride channel (CaCC) plays an important role in modulating epithelial secretion. It has been suggested that in salivary tissues, sustained fluid secretion is dependent on Ca2+ influx that activates ion channels such as CaCC to initiate Cl− efflux. However direct evidence as well as the molecular identity of the Ca2+ channel responsible for activating CaCC in salivary tissues is not yet identified. Here we provide evidence that in human salivary cells, an outward rectifying Cl− current was activated by increasing [Ca2+]i, which was inhibited by the addition of pharmacological agents niflumic acid (NFA), an antagonist of CaCC, or T16Ainh‐A01, a specific TMEM16a inhibitor. Addition of thapsigargin (Tg), that induces store‐depletion and activates TRPC1‐mediated Ca2+ entry, potentiated the Cl− current, which was inhibited by the addition of a non‐specific TRPC channel blocker SKF96365 or removal of external Ca2+. Stimulation with Tg also increased plasma membrane expression of TMEM16a protein, which was also dependent on Ca2+ entry. Importantly, in salivary cells, TRPC1 silencing, but not that of TRPC3, inhibited CaCC especially upon store depletion. Moreover, primary acinar cells isolated from submandibular gland also showed outward rectifying Cl− currents upon increasing [Ca2+]i. These Cl− currents were again potentiated with the addition of Tg, but inhibited in the presence of T16Ainh‐A01. Finally, acinar cells isolated from the submandibular glands of TRPC1 knockout mice showed significant inhibition of the outward Cl− currents without decreasing TMEM16a expression. Together the data suggests that Ca2+ entry via the TRPC1 channels is essential for the activation of CaCC. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2848–2856, 2015.

TRPM7 and its role in neurodegenerative diseases

Calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions have been shown to play an important role in regulating various neuronal functions. In the present review we focus on the emerging role of transient potential melastatin-7 (TRPM7) channel in not only regulating Ca2+ and Mg2+ homeostasis necessary for biological functions, but also how alterations in TRPM7 function/expression could induce neurodegeneration. Although eight TRPM channels have been identified, the channel properties, mode of activation, and physiological responses of various TRPM channels are quite distinct. Among the known 8 TRPM channels only TRPM6 and TRPM7 channels are highly permeable to both Ca2+ and Mg2+; however here we will only focus on TRPM7 as unlike TRPM6, TRPM7 channels are abundantly expressed in neuronal cells. Importantly, the discrepancy in TRPM7 channel function and expression leads to various neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). Further, it is emerging as a key factor in anoxic neuronal death and in other neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, by understanding the precise involvement of the TRPM7 channels in different neurodegenerative diseases and by understanding the factors that regulate TRPM7 channels, we could uncover new strategies in the future that could evolve as new drug therapeutic targets for effective treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Physiological Function and Characterization of TRPCs in Neurons

Ca2+ entry is essential for regulating vital physiological functions in all neuronal cells. Although neurons are engaged in multiple modes of Ca2+ entry that regulates variety of neuronal functions, we will only discuss a subset of specialized Ca2+-permeable non-selective Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) channels and summarize their physiological and pathological role in these excitable cells. Depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores, due to G-protein coupled receptor activation, has been shown to activate TRPC channels in both excitable and non-excitable cells. While all seven members of TRPC channels are predominately expressed in neuronal cells, the ion channel properties, mode of activation, and their physiological responses are quite distinct. Moreover, many of these TRPC channels have also been suggested to be associated with neuronal development, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, TRPCs also regulate neurosecretion, long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity. Similarly, perturbations in Ca2+ entry via the TRPC channels have been also suggested in a spectrum of neuropathological conditions. Hence, understanding the precise involvement of TRPCs in neuronal function and in neurodegenerative conditions would presumably unveil avenues for plausible therapeutic interventions for these devastating neuronal diseases.

Inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels by TRPC1-STIM1 complex is essential for the protection of dopaminergic neurons

Loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons leads to Parkinsons disease; however, the mechanism(s) for the vulnerability of DA neurons is(are) not fully understood. We demonstrate that TRPC1 regulates the L-type Ca2+ channel that contributes to the rhythmic activity of adult DA neurons in the substantia nigra region. Store depletion that activates TRPC1, via STIM1, inhibits the frequency and amplitude of the rhythmic activity in DA neurons of wild-type, but not in TRPC1−/−, mice. Similarly, TRPC1−/− substantia nigra neurons showed increased L-type Ca2+ currents, decreased stimulation-dependent STIM1-Cav1.3 interaction, and decreased DA neurons. L-type Ca2+ currents and the open channel probability of Cav1.3 channels were also reduced upon TRPC1 activation, whereas increased Cav1.3 currents were observed upon STIM1 or TRPC1 silencing. Increased interaction between Cav1.3-TRPC1-STIM1 was observed upon store depletion and the loss of either TRPC1 or STIM1 led to DA cell death, which was prevented by inhibiting L-type Ca2+ channels. Neurotoxins that mimic Parkinsons disease increased Cav1.3 function, decreased TRPC1 expression, inhibited Tg-mediated STIM1-Cav1.3 interaction, and induced caspase activation. Importantly, restoration of TRPC1 expression not only inhibited Cav1.3 function but increased cell survival. Together, we provide evidence that TRPC1 suppresses Cav1.3 activity by providing an STIM1-based scaffold, which is essential for DA neuron survival. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ca2+ entry serves critical cellular functions in virtually every cell type, and appropriate regulation of Ca2+ in neurons is essential for proper function. In Parkinsons disease, DA neurons are specifically degenerated, but the mechanism is not known. Unlike other neurons, DA neurons depend on Cav1.3 channels for their rhythmic activity. Our studies show that, in normal conditions, the pacemaking activity in DA neurons is inhibited by the TRPC1-STIM1 complex. Neurotoxins that mimic Parkinsons disease target TRPC1 expression, which leads to an abnormal increase in Cav1.3 activity, thereby causing degeneration of DA neurons. These findings link TRPC1 to Cav1.3 regulation and provide important indications about how disrupting Ca2+ balance could have a direct implication in the treatment of Parkinsons patients.

Helminth Induced Suppression of Macrophage Activation Is Correlated with Inhibition of Calcium Channel Activity

Helminth parasites cause persistent infections in humans and yet many infected individuals are asymptomatic. Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the cestode Taenia solium, has a long asymptomatic phase correlated with an absence of brain inflammation. However, the mechanisms of immune suppression remain poorly understood. Here we report that murine NCC displays a lack of cell surface maturation markers in infiltrating myeloid cells. Furthermore, soluble parasite ligands (PL) failed to induce maturation of macrophages, and inhibited TLR-induced inflammatory cytokine production. Importantly, PL treatment abolished both LPS and thapsigargin-induced store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Moreover, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated PL-mediated inhibition of LPS or Tg-induced currents that were TRPC1-dependent. Concomitantly STIM1-TRPC1 complex was also impaired that was essential for SOCE and sustained Ca2+ entry. Likewise loss of SOCE due to PL further inhibited NFkB activation. Overall, our results indicate that the negative regulation of agonist induced Ca2+ signaling pathway by parasite ligands may be a novel immune suppressive mechanism to block the initiation of the inflammatory response associated with helminth infections.