Regulation of ion channels by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

The endocannabinoid 2-AG controls skeletal muscle cell differentiation via CB1 receptor-dependent inhibition of Kv7 channels

Little is known of the involvement of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors in skeletal muscle cell differentiation. We report that, due to changes in the expression of genes involved in its metabolism, the levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are decreased both during myotube formation in vitro from murine C2C12 myoblasts and during mouse muscle growth in vivo. The endocannabinoid, as well as the CB1 agonist arachidonoyl-2-chloroethylamide, prevent myotube formation in a manner antagonized by CB1 knockdown and by CB1 antagonists, which, per se, instead stimulate differentiation. Importantly, 2-AG also inhibits differentiation of primary human satellite cells. Muscle fascicles from CB1 knockout embryos contain more muscle fibers, and postnatal mice show muscle fibers of an increased diameter relative to wild-type littermates. Inhibition of Kv7.4 channel activity, which plays a permissive role in myogenesis and depends on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), underlies the effects of 2-AG. We find that CB1 stimulation reduces both total and Kv7.4-bound PIP2 levels in C2C12 cells and inhibits Kv7.4 currents in transfected CHO cells. We suggest that 2-AG is an endogenous repressor of myoblast differentiation via CB1-mediated inhibition of Kv7.4 channels.

PIP2 regulation of KCNQ channels: biophysical and molecular mechanisms for lipid modulation of voltage-dependent gating

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels contain voltage-sensing (VSD) and pore-gate (PGD) structural domains. During voltage-dependent gating, conformational changes in the two domains are coupled giving rise to voltage-dependent opening of the channel. In addition to membrane voltage, KCNQ (Kv7) channel opening requires the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂). Recent studies suggest that PIP₂ serves as a cofactor to mediate VSD-PGD coupling in KCNQ1 channels. In this review, we put these findings in the context of the current understanding of voltage-dependent gating, lipid modulation of Kv channel activation, and PIP₂-regulation of KCNQ channels. We suggest that lipid-mediated coupling of functional domains is a common mechanism among KCNQ channels that may be applicable to other Kv channels and membrane proteins.

Sensory TRP channel interactions with endogenous lipids and their biological outcomes

Lipids have long been studied as constituents of the cellular architecture and energy stores in the body. Evidence is now rapidly growing that particular lipid species are also important for molecular and cellular signaling. Here we review the current information on interactions between lipids and transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in nociceptive sensory afferents that mediate pain signaling. Sensory neuronal TRP channels play a crucial role in the detection of a variety of external and internal changes, particularly with damaging or pain-eliciting potentials that include noxiously high or low temperatures, stretching, and harmful substances. In addition, recent findings suggest that TRPs also contribute to altering synaptic plasticity that deteriorates chronic pain states. In both of these processes, specific lipids are often generated and have been found to strongly modulate TRP activities, resulting primarily in pain exacerbation. This review summarizes three standpoints viewing those lipid functions for TRP modulations as second messengers, intercellular transmitters, or bilayer building blocks. Based on these hypotheses, we discuss perspectives that account for how the TRP-lipid interaction contributes to the peripheral pain mechanism. Still a number of blurred aspects remain to be examined, which will be answered by future efforts and may help to better control pain states.

The cellular and physiological functions of the Lowe syndrome protein OCRL1

Phosphoinositide lipids play a key role in cellular physiology, participating in a wide array of cellular processes. Consequently, mutation of phosphoinositide-metabolizing enzymes is responsible for a growing number of diseases in humans. Two related disorders, oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) and Dent-2 disease, are caused by mutation of the inositol 5-phosphatase OCRL1. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of OCRL1 function. OCRL1 appears to regulate many processes within the cell, most of which depend upon coordination of membrane dynamics with remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Recently developed animal models have managed to recapitulate features of Lowe syndrome and Dent-2 disease, and revealed new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these disorders. The continued use of both cell-based approaches and animal models will be key to fully unraveling OCRL1 function, how its loss leads to disease and, importantly, the development of therapeutics to treat patients.

Kcnq1-5 (Kv7.1-5) potassium channel expression in the adult zebrafish

BACKGROUND

KCNQx genes encode slowly activating-inactivating K+ channels, are linked to physiological signal transduction pathways, and mutations in them underlie diseases such as long QT syndrome (KCNQ1), epilepsy in adults (KCNQ2/3), benign familial neonatal convulsions in children (KCNQ3), and hearing loss or tinnitus in humans (KCNQ4, but not KCNQ5). Identification of kcnqx potassium channel transcripts in zebrafish (Danio rerio) remains to be fully characterized although some genes have been mapped to the genome. Using zebrafish genome resources as the source of putative kcnq sequences, we investigated the expression of kcnq1-5 in heart, brain and ear tissues.

RESULTS

Overall expression of the kcnqx channel transcripts is similar to that found in mammals. We found that kcnq1 expression was highest in the heart, and also present in the ear and brain. kcnq2 was lowest in the heart, while kcnq3 was highly expressed in the brain, heart and ear. kcnq5 expression was highest in the ear. We analyzed zebrafish genomic clones containing putative kcnq4 sequences to identify transcripts and protein for this highly conserved member of the Kcnq channel family. The zebrafish appears to have two kcnq4 genes that produce distinct mRNA species in brain, ear, and heart tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the zebrafish is an attractive model for the study of the KCNQ (Kv7) superfamily of genes, and are important to processes involved in neuronal excitability, cardiac anomalies, epileptic seizures, and hearing loss or tinnitus.

The signaling lipid PI(3,5)P₂ stabilizes V₁-V(o) sector interactions and activates the V-ATPase

Vacuolar proton-translocating ATPases (V-ATPases) are highly conserved, ATP-driven proton pumps regulated by reversible dissociation of its cytosolic, peripheral V1 domain from the integral membrane V(o) domain. Multiple stresses induce changes in V1-V(o) assembly, but the signaling mechanisms behind these changes are not understood. Here we show that certain stress-responsive changes in V-ATPase activity and assembly require the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2). V-ATPase activation through V1-V(o) assembly in response to salt stress is strongly dependent on PI(3,5)P2 synthesis. Purified V(o) complexes preferentially bind to PI(3,5)P2 on lipid arrays, suggesting direct binding between the lipid and the membrane sector of the V-ATPase. Increasing PI(3,5)P2 levels in vivo recruits the N-terminal domain of V(o)-sector subunit Vph1p from cytosol to membranes, independent of other subunits. This Vph1p domain is critical for V1-V(o) interaction, suggesting that interaction of Vph1p with PI(3,5)P2-containing membranes stabilizes V1-V(o) assembly and thus increases V-ATPase activity. These results help explain the previously described vacuolar acidification defect in yeast fab1 and vac14 mutants and suggest that human disease phenotypes associated with PI(3,5)P2 loss may arise from compromised V-ATPase stability and regulation.

L-type Ca2+ channels in heart and brain

L-type calcium channels (Cav1) represent one of the three major classes (Cav1–3) of voltage-gated calcium channels. They were identified as the target of clinically used calcium channel blockers (CCBs; so-called calcium antagonists) and were the first class accessible to biochemical characterization. Four of the 10 known α1 subunits (Cav1.1–Cav1.4) form the pore of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) and contain the high-affinity drug-binding sites for dihydropyridines and other chemical classes of organic CCBs. In essentially all electrically excitable cells one or more of these LTCC isoforms is expressed, and therefore it is not surprising that many body functions including muscle, brain, endocrine, and sensory function depend on proper LTCC activity. Gene knockouts and inherited human diseases have allowed detailed insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of these channels. Genome-wide association studies and analysis of human genomes are currently providing even more hints that even small changes of channel expression or activity may be associated with disease, such as psychiatric disease or cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is important to understand the structure–function relationship of LTCC isoforms, their differential contribution to physiological function, as well as their fine-tuning by modulatory cellular processes.

Structural basis of PI(4,5)P2-dependent regulation of GluA1 by phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase, type II, alpha (PIP5K2A)

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are the most important excitatory receptors in the central nervous system, and their impairment can lead to multiple neuronal diseases. Here, we show that glutamate-induced currents in oocytes expressing GluA1 are increased by coexpression of the schizophrenia-associated phosphoinositide kinase PIP5K2A. This effect was due to enhanced membrane abundance and was blunted by a point mutation (N251S) in PIP5K2A. An increase in GluA1 currents was also observed upon acute injection of PI(4,5)P₂, the main product of PIP5K2A. By expression of wild-type and mutant PIP5K2A in human embryonic kidney cells, we were able to provide evidence of impaired kinase activity of the mutant PIP5K2A. We defined the region K813–K823 of GluA1 as critical for the PI(4,5)P₂ effect by performing an alanine scan that suggested PI(4,5)P₂ binding to this area. A PIP strip assay revealed PI(4,5)P₂ binding to the C-terminal GluA1 peptide. The present observations disclose a novel mechanism in the regulation of GluA1.

Nuclear phospholipase C-β1 and diacylglycerol LIPASE-α in brain cortical neurons

Phosphoinositide (PtdIns) signaling involves the generation of lipid second messengers in response to stimuli in a receptor-mediated manner at the plasma membrane. In neuronal cells of adult brain, the standard model proposes that activation of metabotropic receptors coupled to Phospholipase C-β1 (PLC-β1) is linked to endocannabinoid signaling through the production of diacylglycerol (DAG), which could be systematically metabolized by 1,2-diacylglycerol Lipases (DAGL) to produce an increase of 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain. However, the existence of a nuclear PtdIns metabolism independent from that occurring elsewhere in the cell is now widely accepted, suggesting that the nucleus constitutes both a functional and a distinct compartment for PtdIns metabolism. In this review, we shall highlight the main achievements in the field of neuronal nuclear inositol lipid metabolism with particular attention to progress made linked to the 2-AG biosynthesis. Our aim has been to identify potential sites of 2-AG synthesis other than the neuronal cytoplasmic compartment by determining the subcellular localization of PLC-β1 and DAGL-α, which is much more abundant than DAGL-β in brain. Our data show that PLC-β1 and DAGL-α are detected in discrete brain regions, with a marked predominance of pyramidal morphologies of positive cortical cells, consistent with their role in the biosynthesis and release of 2-AG by pyramidal neurons to control their synaptic inputs. However, as novelty, we showed here an integrated description of the localization of PLC-β1 and DAGL-α in the neuronal nuclear compartment. We discuss our comparative analysis of the expression patterns of PLC-β1 and DAGL-α, providing some insight into the potential autocrine role of 2-AG production in the neuronal nuclear compartment that probably subserve additional roles to the recognized activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor.

TRPM5

TRPM5 is a Ca(2+)-activated cation channel that mediates signaling in taste and other chemosensory cells. Within taste cells, TRPM5 is the final element in a signaling cascade that starts with the activation of G protein-coupled receptors by bitter, sweet, or umami taste molecules and that requires the enzyme PLCβ2. PLCβ2 breaks down PIP2 into DAG and IP3, and the ensuing release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores activates TRPM5. Since its initial discovery in the taste system, TRPM5 has been found to be distributed in sparse chemosensory cells located throughout the digestive track, in the respiratory system, and in the olfactory system. It is also found in pancreatic islets, where it contributes to insulin secretion. This review highlights recent work on the mechanisms of the activation of the TRPM5 channel and its regulation by voltage, phosphoinositides, temperature, and pH. The distribution of the channel in the body and its functional contribution to various sensory and nonsensory processes are discussed.

Phosphoinositides alter lipid bilayer properties

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂), which constitutes ∼1% of the plasma membrane phospholipid, plays a key role in membrane-delimited signaling. PIP₂ regulates structurally and functionally diverse membrane proteins, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, inwardly rectifying ion channels, transporters, and receptors. In some cases, the regulation is known to involve specific lipid–protein interactions, but the mechanisms by which PIP₂ regulates many of its various targets remain to be fully elucidated. Because many PIP₂ targets are membrane-spanning proteins, we explored whether the phosphoinositides might alter bilayer physical properties such as curvature and elasticity, which would alter the equilibrium between membrane protein conformational states—and thereby protein function. Taking advantage of the gramicidin A (gA) channels’ sensitivity to changes in lipid bilayer properties, we used gA-based fluorescence quenching and single-channel assays to examine the effects of long-chain PIP₂s (brain PIP₂, which is predominantly 1-stearyl-2-arachidonyl-PIP₂, and dioleoyl-PIP₂) on bilayer properties. When premixed with dioleoyl-phosphocholine at 2 mol %, both long-chain PIP₂s produced similar changes in gA channel function (bilayer properties); when applied through the aqueous solution, however, brain PIP₂ was a more potent modifier than dioleoyl-PIP₂. Given the widespread use of short-chain dioctanoyl-phosphoinositides, we also examined the effects of diC₈-phosphoinositol (PI), PI(4,5)P₂, PI(3,5)P₂, PI(3,4)P₂, and PI(3,4,5)P₃. The diC₈ phosphoinositides, except for PI(3,5)P₂, altered bilayer properties with potencies that decreased with increasing head group charge. Nonphosphoinositide diC₈ phospholipids generally were more potent bilayer modifiers than the polyphosphoinositides. These results show that physiological increases or decreases in plasma membrane PIP₂ levels, as a result of activation of PI kinases or phosphatases, are likely to alter lipid bilayer properties, in addition to any other effects they may have. The results further show that exogenous PIP₂, as well as structural analogues that differ in acyl chain length or phosphorylation state, alters lipid bilayer properties at the concentrations used in many cell physiological experiments.

Post-translational regulation of P2X receptor channels: modulation by phospholipids

P2X receptor channels mediate fast excitatory signaling by ATP and play major roles in sensory transduction, neuro-immune communication and inflammatory response. P2X receptors constitute a gene family of calcium-permeable ATP-gated cation channels therefore the regulation of P2X signaling is critical for both membrane potential and intracellular calcium homeostasis. Phosphoinositides (PIP_n) are anionic signaling phospholipids that act as functional regulators of many types of ion channels. Direct PIP_n binding was demonstrated for several ligand- or voltage-gated ion channels, however no generic motif emerged to accurately predict lipid-protein binding sites. This review presents what is currently known about the modulation of the different P2X subtypes by phospholipids and about critical determinants underlying their sensitivity to PIP_n levels in the plasma membrane. All functional mammalian P2X subtypes tested, with the notable exception of P2X5, have been shown to be positively modulated by PIP_n, i.e., homomeric P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7, as well as heteromeric P2X1/5 and P2X2/3 receptors. Based on various results reported on the aforementioned subtypes including mutagenesis of the prototypical PIP_n-sensitive P2X4 and PIP_n-insensitive P2X5 receptor subtypes, an increasing amount of functional, biochemical and structural evidence converges on the modulatory role of a short polybasic domain located in the proximal C-terminus of P2X subunits. This linear motif, semi-conserved in the P2X family, seems necessary and sufficient for encoding direct modulation of ATP-gated channels by PIP_n. Furthermore, the physiological impact of the regulation of ionotropic purinergic responses by phospholipids on pain pathways was recently revealed in the context of native crosstalks between phospholipase C (PLC)-linked metabotropic receptors and P2X receptor channels in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons and microglia.

Arranged marriage in lipid signalling? The limited choices of PtdIns(4,5)P2 in finding the right partner

Inositol-containing phospholipids (phosphoinositides, PIs) control numerous cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. For plants, a key involvement of PIs has been demonstrated in the regulation of membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics and in processes mediating the adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) mediates its cellular functions via binding to various alternative target proteins. Such downstream targets of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) are characterised by the possession of specific lipid-binding domains, and binding of the PtdIns(4,5)P(2) ligand exerts effects on their activity or localisation. The large number of potential alternative binding partners - and associated cellular processes - raises the question how alternative or even contrapuntal effects of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) are orchestrated to enable cellular function. This article aims to provide an overview of recent insights and new views on how distinct functional pools of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) are generated and maintained. The emerging picture suggests that PtdIns(4,5)P(2) species containing different fatty acids influence the lateral mobility of the lipids in the membrane, possibly enabling specific interactions of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) pools with certain downstream targets. PtdIns(4,5)P(2) pools with certain functions might also be defined by protein-protein interactions of PI4P 5-kinases, which pass PtdIns(4,5)P(2) only to certain downstream partners. Individually or in combination, PtdIns(4,5)P(2) species and specific protein-protein interactions of PI4P 5-kinases might contribute to the channelling of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) signals towards specific functional effects. The dynamic nature of PI-dependent signalling complexes with specific functions is an added challenge for future studies of plant PI signalling.

The phosphoinositide sensitivity of the K(v) channel family

Recently, we screened several KV channels for possible dependence on plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P 2). The channels were expressed in tsA-201 cells and the PI(4,5)P 2 was depleted by several manipulations in whole-cell experiments with parallel measurements of channel activity. In contrast to reports on excised-patches using Xenopus laevis oocytes, we found only KV 7, but none of the other tested KV channels, to be strongly dependent on PI(4,5)P 2. We now have extended our study to KV 1.2 channels, a KV channel we had not previously tested, because a new published study on excised patches showed regulation of the voltage-dependence of activation by PI(4,5)P 2. In full agreement with those published results, we found a reduction of current amplitude by ~20% after depletion of PI(4,5)P 2 and a small left shift in the activation curve of KV 1.2 channels. We also found a small reduction of KV 11.1 (hERG) currents that was not accompanied by a gating shift. In conclusion, our whole-cell methods yield a PI(4,5)P 2-dependence of KV 1.2 currents in tsA-201 cells that is comparable to findings from excised patches of Xenopus laevis oocytes. We discuss possible physiological rationales for PI(4,5)P 2 sensitivity of some ion channels and insensitivity of others.

Cholesterol regulates HERG K+ channel activation by increasing phospholipase C β1 expression

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) K(+) channel underlies the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K(+) conductance (IKr) during normal cardiac repolarization. Also, it may regulate excitability in many neuronal cells. Recently, we showed that enrichment of cell membrane with cholesterol inhibits HERG channels by reducing the levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] due to the activation of phospholipase C (PLC). In this study, we further explored the effect of cholesterol enrichment on HERG channel kinetics. When membrane cholesterol level was mildly increased in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells expressing HERG channel, the inactivation and deactivation kinetics of HERG current were not affected, but the activation rate was significantly decelerated at all voltages tested. The application of PtdIns(4,5)P2 or inhibitor for PLC prevented the effect of cholesterol enrichment, while the presence of antibody against PtdIns(4,5)P2 in pipette solution mimicked the effect of cholesterol enrichment. These results indicate that the effect of cholesterol enrichment on HERG channel is due to the depletion of PtdIns(4,5)P2. We also found that cholesterol enrichment significantly increases the expression of β1 and β3 isoforms of PLC (PLCβ1, PLCβ3) in the membrane. Since the effects of cholesterol enrichment on HERG channel were prevented by inhibiting transcription or by inhibiting PLCβ1 expression, we conclude that increased PLCβ1 expression leads to the deceleration of HERG channel activation rate via downregulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2. These results confirm a crosstalk between two plasma membrane-enriched lipids, cholesterol and PtdIns(4,5)P2, in the regulation of HERG channels.

Slack, Slick and Sodium-Activated Potassium Channels

The Slack and Slick genes encode potassium channels that are very widely expressed in the central nervous system. These channels are activated by elevations in intracellular sodium, such as those that occur during trains of one or more action potentials, or following activation of non-selective cationic neurotransmitter receptors such as AMPA receptors. This review covers the cellular and molecular properties of Slack and Slick channels and compares them with findings on the properties of sodium-activated potassium currents (termed K_Na currents) in native neurons. Human mutations in Slack channels produce extremely severe defects in learning and development, suggesting that K_Na channels play a central role in neuronal plasticity and intellectual function.

TRPV1 channels are intrinsically heat sensitive and negatively regulated by phosphoinositide lipids

The capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, is regulated by phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), although the precise nature of this effect (i.e., positive or negative) remains controversial. Here, we reconstitute purified TRPV1 into artificial liposomes, where it is gated robustly by capsaicin, protons, spider toxins, and, notably, heat, demonstrating intrinsic sensitivity of the channel to both chemical and thermal stimuli. TRPV1 is fully functional in the absence of phosphoinositides, arguing against their proposed obligatory role in channel activation. Rather, introduction of various phosphoinositides, including PIP(2), PI4P, and phosphatidylinositol, inhibits TRPV1, supporting a model whereby phosphoinositide turnover contributes to thermal hyperalgesia by disinhibiting the channel. Using an orthogonal chemical strategy, we show that association of the TRPV1 C terminus with the bilayer modulates channel gating, consistent with phylogenetic data implicating this domain as a key regulatory site for tuning stimulus sensitivity. Beyond TRPV1, these findings are relevant to understanding how membrane lipids modulate other "receptor-operated" TRP channels.

Intracellular calcium level is an important factor influencing ion channel modulations by PLC-coupled metabotropic receptors in hippocampal neurons

Signaling pathways involving phospholipase C (PLC) are involved in various neural functions. Understanding how these pathways are regulated will lead to a better understanding of their roles in neural functions. Previous studies demonstrated that receptor-driven PLCβ activation depends on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), suggesting the possibility that PLCβ-dependent cellular responses are basically Ca(2+) dependent. To test this possibility, we examined whether modulations of ion channels driven by PLC-coupled metabotropic receptors are sensitive to [Ca(2+)]i using cultured hippocampal neurons. Muscarinic activation triggered an inward current at -100 mV (the equilibrium potential for K(+)) in a subpopulation of neurons. This current response was suppressed by pirenzepine (an M1-preferring antagonist), PLC inhibitor, non-selective cation channel blocker, and lowering [Ca(2+)]i. Using the neurons showing no response at -100 mV, effects of muscarinic activation on K(+) channels were examined at -40 mV. Muscarinic activation induced a transient decrease of the holding outward current. This current response was mimicked and occluded by XE991, an M-current K(+) channel blocker, suppressed by pirenzepine, PLC inhibitor and lowering [Ca(2+)]i, and enhanced by elevating [Ca(2+)]i. Similar results were obtained when group I metabotropic glutamate receptors were activated instead of muscarinic receptors. These results clearly show that ion channel modulations driven by PLC-coupled metabotropic receptors are dependent on [Ca(2+)]i, supporting the hypothesis that cellular responses induced by receptor-driven PLCβ activation are basically Ca(2+) dependent.

Phospholipases of mineralization competent cells and matrix vesicles: roles in physiological and pathological mineralizations

The present review aims to systematically and critically analyze the current knowledge on phospholipases and their role in physiological and pathological mineralization undertaken by mineralization competent cells. Cellular lipid metabolism plays an important role in biological mineralization. The physiological mechanisms of mineralization are likely to take place in tissues other than in bones and teeth under specific pathological conditions. For instance, vascular calcification in arteries of patients with renal failure, diabetes mellitus or atherosclerosis recapitulates the mechanisms of bone formation. Osteoporosis—a bone resorbing disease—and rheumatoid arthritis originating from the inflammation in the synovium are also affected by cellular lipid metabolism. The focus is on the lipid metabolism due to the effects of dietary lipids on bone health. These and other phenomena indicate that phospholipases may participate in bone remodelling as evidenced by their expression in smooth muscle cells, in bone forming osteoblasts, chondrocytes and in bone resorbing osteoclasts. Among various enzymes involved, phospholipases A₁ or A₂, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, autotaxin and sphingomyelinase are engaged in membrane lipid remodelling during early stages of mineralization and cell maturation in mineralization-competent cells. Numerous experimental evidences suggested that phospholipases exert their action at various stages of mineralization by affecting intracellular signaling and cell differentiation. The lipid metabolites—such as arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate are involved in cell signaling and inflammation reactions. Phospholipases are also important members of the cellular machinery engaged in matrix vesicle (MV) biogenesis and exocytosis. They may favour mineral formation inside MVs, may catalyse MV membrane breakdown necessary for the release of mineral deposits into extracellular matrix (ECM), or participate in hydrolysis of ECM. The biological functions of phospholipases are discussed from the perspective of animal and cellular knockout models, as well as disease implications, development of potent inhibitors and therapeutic interventions.

Gintonin, a ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid receptor ligand, potentiates ATP-gated P2X₁ receptor channel currents

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is used as a general tonic. Recently, we isolated a novel ginsengderived lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand, gintonin. Gintonin activates G protein-coupled LPA receptors with high affinity in cells endogenously expressing LPA receptors, e.g., Xenopus oocytes. P2X receptors are ligandgated ion channels activated by extracellular ATP, and 7 receptor subtypes (P2X1-P2X7) have been identified. Most of the P2X1 receptors are expressed in the smooth muscles of genitourinary organs involved in reproduction. A main characteristic of the P2X1 receptor is rapid desensitization after repeated ATP treatment of cells or tissues expressing P2X1 receptors. In the present study, we examined the effect of gintonin on P2X1 receptor channel activity. P2X1 receptors were heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. ATP treatment of oocytes expressing P2X1 receptors induced large inward currents (I ATP ), but repetitive ATP treatments induced a rapid desensitization of I ATP . Gintonin treatment after P2X1 receptor desensitization potentiated I ATP in a concentration-dependent manner. We further examined the signaling transduction pathways involved in gintonin-mediated potentiation of I ATP . Gintoninmediated I ATP potentiation was blocked by Ki16425, an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, a PKC inhibitor, a PLC inhibitor, and a PI4-Kinase inhibitor but not by a calcium chelator. In addition, mutations of the phosphoinositide binding site of the P2X1 receptor greatly attenuated the gintonin-mediated I ATP potentiation. These results indicate that G protein-coupled LPA receptor activation by gintonin is coupled to the potentiation of the desensitized P2X1 receptor through a phosphoinositide-dependent pathway.

Noninvasive microelectrode ion flux estimation technique (MIFE) for the study of the regulation of root membrane transport by cyclic nucleotides

Changes in ion permeability and subsequently intracellular ion concentrations play a crucial role in intracellular and intercellular communication and, as such, confer a broad array of developmental and adaptive responses in plants. These changes are mediated by the activity of plasma-membrane based transport proteins many of which are controlled by cyclic nucleotides and/or other signaling molecules. The MIFE technique for noninvasive microelectrode ion flux measuring allows concurrent quantification of net fluxes of several ions with high spatial (μm range) and temporal (ca. 5 s) resolution, making it a powerful tool to study various aspects of downstream signaling events in plant cells. This chapter details basic protocols enabling the application of the MIFE technique to study regulation of root membrane transport in general and cyclic nucleotide mediated transport in particular.

Secondary anionic phospholipid binding site and gating mechanism in Kir2.1 inward rectifier channels

Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels regulate multiple tissues. All Kir channels require interaction of phosphatidyl-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at a crystallographically identified binding site, but an additional nonspecific secondary anionic phospholipid (PL(-)) is required to generate high PIP2 sensitivity of Kir2 channel gating. The PL(-)-binding site and mechanism are yet to be elucidated. Here we report docking simulations that identify a putative PL(-)-binding site, adjacent to the PIP2-binding site, generated by two lysine residues from neighbouring subunits. When either lysine is mutated to cysteine (K64C and K219C), channel activity is significantly decreased in cells and in reconstituted liposomes. Directly tethering K64C to the membrane by modification with decyl-MTS generates high PIP2 sensitivity in liposomes, even in the complete absence of PL(-)s. The results provide a coherent molecular mechanism whereby PL(-) interaction with a discrete binding site results in a conformational change that stabilizes the high-affinity PIP2 activatory site.

Hexachlorophene is a potent KCNQ1/KCNE1 potassium channel activator which rescues LQTs mutants

The voltage-gated KCNQ1 potassium channel is expressed in cardiac tissues, and coassembly of KCNQ1 with an auxiliary KCNE1 subunit mediates a slowly activating current that accelerates the repolarization of action potential in cardiomyocytes. Mutations of KCNQ1 genes that result in reduction or loss of channel activity cause prolongation of repolarization during action potential, thereby causing long QT syndrome (LQTs). Small molecule activators of KCNQ1/KCNE1 are useful both for understanding the mechanism of the complex activity and for developing therapeutics for LQTs. In this study we report that hexachlorophene (HCP), the active component of the topical anti-infective prescription drug pHisoHex, is a KCNQ1/KCNE1 activator. HCP potently increases the current amplitude of KCNQ1/KCNE1 expressed by stabilizing the channel in an open state with an EC₅₀ of 4.61±1.29 μM. Further studies in cardiomyocytes showed that HCP significantly shortens the action potential duration at 1 μM. In addition, HCP is capable of rescuing the loss of function of the LQTs mutants caused by either impaired activation gating or phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) binding affinity. Our results indicate HCP is a novel KCNQ1/KCNE1 activator and may be a useful tool compound for the development of LQTs therapeutics.

Phosphoinositide pathway and the signal transduction network in neural development

The development of the nervous system is under the strict control of a number of signal transduction pathways, often interconnected. Among them, the phosphoinositide (PI) pathway and the related phospholipase C (PI-PLC) family of enzymes have been attracting much attention. Besides their well-known role in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, PI-PLC enzymes interact with a number of molecules belonging to further signal transduction pathways, contributing to a specific and complex network in the developing nervous system. In this review, the connections of PI signalling with further transduction pathways acting during neural development are discussed, with special regard to the role of the PI-PLC family of enzymes.

Integrative binding sites within intracellular termini of TRPV1 receptor

TRPV1 is a nonselective cation channel that integrates wide range of painful stimuli. It has been shown that its activity could be modulated by intracellular ligands PIP2 or calmodulin (CaM). The detailed localization and description of PIP2 interaction sites remain unclear. Here, we used synthesized peptides and purified fusion proteins of intracellular regions of TRPV1 expressed in E.coli in combination with fluorescence anisotropy and surface plasmon resonance measurements to characterize the PIP2 binding to TRPV1. We characterized one PIP2 binding site in TRPV1 N-terminal region, residues F189-V221, and two independent PIP2 binding sites in C–terminus: residues K688-K718 and L777-S820. Moreover we show that two regions, namely F189-V221 and L777-S820, overlap with previously localized CaM binding sites. For all the interactions the equilibrium dissociation constants were estimated. As the structural data regarding C-terminus of TRPV1 are lacking, restraint-based molecular modeling combined with ligand docking was performed providing us with structural insight to the TRPV1/PIP2 binding. Our experimental results are in excellent agreement with our in silico predictions.

Modulation of transient receptor potential melastatin related 7 channel by presenilins

Presenilins (PS1 and PS2) are multifunctional proteins involved in a diverse array of molecular and cellular functions, including proteolysis, development, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, ion channel regulation and phospholipid metabolism. Mutations in presenilin genes are responsible for the majority of Familial Alzheimer disease (FAD). Consequently, FAD-associated mutations in genes encoding PS1 or PS2 lead to several key cellular phenotypes, including alterations in proteolysis of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Ca(2+) entry. The mechanism underlying presenilin (PS)-mediated modulation of Ca(2+) entry remains to be determined. Our previous studies showed that the PS-dependent down-regulation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is attributable to the observed Ca(2+) deficits. In this study, we attempted to identify the ion channel that is subject to the PIP2 and PS-dependent modulation. We found that Ca(2+) or Zn(2+) entry via the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channel was attenuated by the presence of FAD-associated PS1 mutants, such as ΔE9 and L286V. TRPM7 has been implicated in Mg(2+) homeostasis and embryonic development. The intracellular delivery of PIP2 restored TRPM7-mediated Ca(2+) influx, indicating that the observed deficits in Ca(2+) entry are due to downregulation of PIP2. Conversely, PS1 and PS2 deficiency, previously shown to upregulate PIP2 levels, potentiated TRPM7-mediated Ca(2+) influx. PS-dependent changes in Ca(2+) influx could be neutralized by a TRPM7 channel blocker. Collectively, these results indicate that TRPM7 may underlie the Ca(2+) entry deficits observed in FAD-associated PS mutants and suggest that the normal function of PS involves regulation of TRPM7 through a PIP2-dependent mechanism.

Dual Regulation of Voltage-Sensitive Ion Channels by PIP(2)

Over the past 16 years, there has been an impressive number of ion channels shown to be sensitive to the major phosphoinositide in the plasma membrane, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). Among them are voltage-gated channels, which are crucial for both neuronal and cardiac excitability. Voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels were shown to be regulated bidirectionally by PIP(2). On one hand, PIP(2) stabilized their activity by reducing current rundown but on the other hand it produced a voltage-dependent inhibition by shifting the activation curve to more positive voltages. For voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels PIP(2) was first shown to prevent N-type inactivation regardless of whether the fast inactivation gate was part of the pore-forming α subunit or of an accessory β subunit. Careful examination of the effects of PIP(2) on the activation mechanism of Kv1.2 has shown a similar bidirectional regulation as in the Cav channels. The two effects could be distinguished kinetically, in terms of their sensitivities to PIP(2) and by distinct molecular determinants. The rightward shift of the Kv1.2 voltage dependence implicated basic residues in the S4-S5 linker and was consistent with stabilization of the inactive state of the voltage sensor. A third type of a voltage-gated ion channel modulated by PIP(2) is the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel. PIP(2) has been shown to enhance the opening of HCN channels by shifting their voltage-dependent activation toward depolarized potentials. The sea urchin HCN channel, SpIH, showed again a PIP(2)-mediated bidirectional effect but in reverse order than the depolarization-activated Cav and Kv channels: a voltage-dependent potentiation, like the mammalian HCN channels, but also an inhibition of the cGMP-induced current activation. Just like the Kv1.2 channels, distinct molecular determinants underlied the PIP(2) dual effects on SpIH, with the proximal C-terminus implicated in the inhibitory effect. The dual regulation of these very different ion channels, all of which are voltage-dependent, points to conserved mechanisms of regulation of these channels by PIP(2).

PIP2 controls voltage-sensor movement and pore opening of Kv channels through the S4-S5 linker

Voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels couple the movement of a voltage sensor to the channel gate(s) via a helical intracellular region, the S4-S5 linker. A number of studies link voltage sensitivity to interactions of S4 charges with membrane phospholipids in the outer leaflet of the bilayer. Although the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) in the inner membrane leaflet has emerged as a universal activator of ion channels, no such role has been established for mammalian Kv channels. Here we show that PIP(2) depletion induced two kinetically distinct effects on Kv channels: an increase in voltage sensitivity and a concomitant decrease in current amplitude. These effects are reversible, exhibiting distinct molecular determinants and sensitivities to PIP(2). Gating current measurements revealed that PIP(2) constrains the movement of the sensor through interactions with the S4-S5 linker. Thus, PIP(2) controls both the movement of the voltage sensor and the stability of the open pore through interactions with the linker that connects them.

PI4P and PI(4,5)P2 are essential but independent lipid determinants of membrane identity

The quantitatively minor phospholipid phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)] fulfills many cellular functions in the plasma membrane (PM), whereas its synthetic precursor, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), has no assigned PM roles apart from PI(4,5)P(2) synthesis. We used a combination of pharmacological and chemical genetic approaches to probe the function of PM PI4P, most of which was not required for the synthesis or functions of PI(4,5)P(2). However, depletion of both lipids was required to prevent PM targeting of proteins that interact with acidic lipids or activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 cation channel. Therefore, PI4P contributes to the pool of polyanionic lipids that define plasma membrane identity and to some functions previously attributed specifically to PI(4,5)P(2), which may be fulfilled by a more general polyanionic lipid requirement.

Diacylglycerol stimulates acrosomal exocytosis by feeding into a PKC- and PLD1-dependent positive loop that continuously supplies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

Acrosomal exocytosis involves a massive fusion between the outer acrosomal and the plasma membranes of the spermatozoon triggered by stimuli that open calcium channels at the plasma membrane. Diacylglycerol has been implicated in the activation of these calcium channels. Here we report that this lipid promotes the efflux of intraacrosomal calcium and triggers exocytosis in permeabilized human sperm, implying that diacylglycerol activates events downstream of the opening of plasma membrane channels. Furthermore, we show that calcium and diacylglycerol converge in a signaling pathway leading to the production of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). Addition of diacylglycerol promotes the PKC-dependent activation of PLD1. Rescue experiments adding phosphatidic acid or PIP(2) and direct measurement of lipid production suggest that both PKC and PLD1 promote PIP(2) synthesis. Inhibition of different steps of the pathway was reverted by adenophostin, an agonist of IP(3)-sensitive calcium channels, indicating that PIP(2) is necessary to keep these channels opened. However, phosphatidic acid, PIP(2), or adenophostin could not trigger exocytosis by themselves, indicating that diacylglycerol must also activate another factor. We found that diacylglycerol and phorbol ester stimulate the accumulation of the GTP-bound form of Rab3A. Together our results indicate that diacylglycerol promotes acrosomal exocytosis by i) maintaining high levels of IP(3) - an effect that depends on a positive feedback loop leading to the production of PIP(2) - and ii) stimulating the activation of Rab3A, which in turn initiates a cascade of protein interactions leading to the assembly of SNARE complexes and membrane fusion.

New insights in the activity of voltage sensitive phosphatases

The Ciona intestinalis voltage sensitive phosphatase (Ci-VSP) was the first proven enzyme to be under direct control of the membrane potential. Ci-VSP belongs to a family of proteins known as Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (PTP), which are a group of enzymes that catalyze the removal of phosphate groups from phosphatidylinositides and phosphorylated tyrosine residues on proteins. What makes Ci-VSP and similar phosphatases unique is the presence of a Voltage Sensing Domain (VSD) in their N-terminus. The VSD of Ci-VSP shares high homology with those from voltage-gated channels and confers voltage sensitivity to these enzymes. The catalytic domain of Ci-VSP displays extraordinary structural and functional similarities to PTEN. This latter protein is encoded by the Phosphatase and Tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 gene, thus its name, and it is known as a tumor suppressor. The resemblance between these proteins has prompted the use of PTEN as a template for the study of Ci-VSP and produced a rapid advance in our understanding of the mechanism of activity of Ci-VSP. This review will be focused on discussing recent advances in the understanding of the activation mechanism for these molecules known as electrochemical coupling.

Cytoplasmic domains and voltage-dependent potassium channel gating

The basic architecture of the voltage-dependent K⁺ channels (Kv channels) corresponds to a transmembrane protein core in which the permeation pore, the voltage-sensing components and the gating machinery (cytoplasmic facing gate and sensor–gate coupler) reside. Usually, large protein tails are attached to this core, hanging toward the inside of the cell. These cytoplasmic regions are essential for normal channel function and, due to their accessibility to the cytoplasmic environment, constitute obvious targets for cell-physiological control of channel behavior. Here we review the present knowledge about the molecular organization of these intracellular channel regions and their role in both setting and controlling Kv voltage-dependent gating properties. This includes the influence that they exert on Kv rapid/N-type inactivation and on activation/deactivation gating of Shaker-like and eag-type Kv channels. Some illustrative examples about the relevance of these cytoplasmic domains determining the possibilities for modulation of Kv channel gating by cellular components are also considered.

The use of mouse models for understanding the biology of down syndrome and aging

Down syndrome is a complex condition caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21. The biology of aging may be different in individuals with Down syndrome; this is not well understood in any organism. Because of its complexity, many aspects of Down syndrome must be studied either in humans or in animal models. Studies in humans are essential but are limited for ethical and practical reasons. Fortunately, genetically altered mice can serve as extremely useful models of Down syndrome, and progress in their production and analysis has been remarkable. Here, we describe various mouse models that have been used to study Down syndrome. We focus on segmental trisomies of mouse chromosome regions syntenic to human chromosome 21, mice in which individual genes have been introduced, or mice in which genes have been silenced by targeted mutagenesis. We selected a limited number of genes for which considerable evidence links them to aspects of Down syndrome, and about which much is known regarding their function. We focused on genes important for brain and cognitive function, and for the altered cancer spectrum seen in individuals with Down syndrome. We conclude with observations on the usefulness of mouse models and speculation on future directions.

Acute manipulation of phosphoinositide levels in cells

Phosphoinositides are membrane-bound signaling phospholipids that function in a myriad of cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, ion channel and transporter function, and signal transduction. In order to better understand the role of phosphoinositides in cellular processes, different approaches to study the effects of the presence or absence of these lipids must be devised. Conventional approaches of manipulating phosphoinositide levels such as over-expression or genetic ablation of lipid enzymes cause prolonged exposure of the cells to changes in lipid levels that could result in compensatory actions by the cell or downstream alterations in cell physiology. In this chapter we present an approach used recently by various laboratories, including our own, to acutely manipulate phosphoinositide levels at target locations using chemically induced dimerization (CID) that can be spatially and temporally controlled. We discuss considerations when designing expression constructs for targeting specific cellular compartment membranes and present examples from the literature on different ways of perturbing phosphoinositide levels at particular organelle membranes using CID. In addition, we provide details on image acquisition, data collection, and data interpretation. CID technology can be applied to many lipid enzymes to broaden the understanding of the role lipid signaling plays in cell physiology.

Triggering actin comets versus membrane ruffles: distinctive effects of phosphoinositides on actin reorganization

A limited set of phosphoinositide membrane lipids regulate diverse cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We developed two techniques based on rapamycin-induced protein dimerization to rapidly change the concentration of plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)]. First, using a membrane-recruitable form of PI(4)P 5-kinase, we increased PI(4,5)P(2) synthesis from phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] and found that COS-7, HeLa, and human embryonic kidney 293 cells formed bundles of motile actin filaments known as actin comets. In contrast, a second technique that increased the concentration of PI(4,5)P(2) without consuming PI(4)P induced membrane ruffles. These distinct phenotypes were mediated by dynamin-mediated vesicular trafficking and mutually inhibitory crosstalk between the small guanosine triphosphatases Rac and RhoA. Our results indicate that the effect of PI(4,5)P(2) on actin reorganization depends on the abundance of other phosphoinositides, such as PI(4)P. Thus, combinatorial regulation of phosphoinositide concentrations may contribute to the diversity of phosphoinositide functions.

Membrane depolarization increases membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels through mechanisms involving PKC βII and PI4 kinase

In a previous study, we showed that membrane depolarization induced elevation of membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphates (PtdIns(4,5)P(2), also known as PIP(2)) and subsequently increased the KCNQ2/Q3 currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes through increased PI4 kinase activity. In this study, the underlying mechanism for this depolarization-induced enhancement of PIP(2) synthesis was further investigated. Our results indicate that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme βII was responsible for the enhanced PIP(2) synthesis. We found that phorbol-12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC, mimicked the effects of the membrane depolarization by increasing KCNQ2/Q3 activity, elevating membrane PIP(2) levels and increasing activity of PI4 kinase β. Furthermore, membrane depolarization enhanced PKC activity. The effects of both depolarization and PMA were blocked by a PKC inhibitor or PI4 kinase β RNA interference. Further results demonstrate that the depolarization selectively activated the PKC βII isoform and enhanced its interaction with PI4 kinase β. These results reveal that the depolarization-induced elevation of membrane PIP(2) is through activation of PKC and the subsequent increased activity of PI4 kinase β.

Arabidopsis phosphatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase 2 is involved in root gravitropism through regulation of polar auxin transport by affecting the cycling of PIN proteins

Phosphatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) catalyzes the synthesis of PI-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) by phosphorylation of PI-4-phosphate at the 5 position of the inositol ring, and is involved in regulating multiple developmental processes and stress responses. We here report on the functional characterization of Arabidopsis PIP5K2, which is expressed during lateral root initiation and elongation, and whose expression is enhanced by exogenous auxin. The knockout mutant pip5k2 shows reduced lateral root formation, which could be recovered with exogenous auxin, and interestingly, delayed root gravity response that could not be recovered with exogenous auxin. Crossing with the DR5-GUS marker line and measurement of free IAA content confirmed the reduced auxin accumulation in pip5k2. In addition, analysis using the membrane-selective dye FM4-64 revealed the decelerated vesicle trafficking caused by PtdIns(4,5)P(2) reduction, which hence results in suppressed cycling of PIN proteins (PIN2 and 3), and delayed redistribution of PIN2 and auxin under gravistimulation in pip5k2 roots. On the contrary, PtdIns(4,5)P(2) significantly enhanced the vesicle trafficking and cycling of PIN proteins. These results demonstrate that PIP5K2 is involved in regulating lateral root formation and root gravity response, and reveal a critical role of PIP5K2/PtdIns(4,5)P(2) in root development through regulation of PIN proteins, providing direct evidence of crosstalk between the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway and auxin response, and new insights into the control of polar auxin transport.

Structural basis of PIP2 activation of the classical inward rectifier K+ channel Kir2.2

The regulation of ion channel activity by specific lipid molecules is widely recognized as an integral component of electrical signalling in cells. In particular, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), a minor yet dynamic phospholipid component of cell membranes, is known to regulate many different ion channels. PIP(2) is the primary agonist for classical inward rectifier (Kir2) channels, through which this lipid can regulate a cell's resting membrane potential. However, the molecular mechanism by which PIP(2) exerts its action is unknown. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of a Kir2.2 channel in complex with a short-chain (dioctanoyl) derivative of PIP(2). We found that PIP(2) binds at an interface between the transmembrane domain (TMD) and the cytoplasmic domain (CTD). The PIP(2)-binding site consists of a conserved non-specific phospholipid-binding region in the TMD and a specific phosphatidylinositol-binding region in the CTD. On PIP(2) binding, a flexible expansion linker contracts to a compact helical structure, the CTD translates 6 Å and becomes tethered to the TMD and the inner helix gate begins to open. In contrast, the small anionic lipid dioctanoyl glycerol pyrophosphatidic acid (PPA) also binds to the non-specific TMD region, but not to the specific phosphatidylinositol region, and thus fails to engage the CTD or open the channel. Our results show how PIP(2) can control the resting membrane potential through a specific ion-channel-receptor-ligand interaction that brings about a large conformational change, analogous to neurotransmitter activation of ion channels at synapses.