Beta-subunit expression is required for cAMP-dependent increase of cloned cardiac and vascular calcium channel currents

Effect of Liraglutide on Corneal Kindling Epilepsy Induced Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Mice

GLP-1 play important role in neuroprotection and GLP-1 receptor deficit mice showed decreased seizure threshold and increased cognitive impairment. Therefore, study was premeditated to investigate the effect of liraglutide (GLP-1 analogue) on cornel kindling epilepsy induced co-morbidities in mice. Corneal kindling was induced by electrical stimulation (6 mA, 50 Hz, 3 s); twice daily for 13 days. Liraglutide (75 and 150 µg/kg) and phenytoin (20 mg/kg) were administered in corneal kindled groups. On day 14, elevated plus maze, passive shock avoidance paradigms were performed, and on day 15, retention was taken. On day 16 tail suspension test were performed. On 20th day challenge test was performed with same electrical stimulation and retention was observed on elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm. Animal were sacrificed on 21st day for biochemical (LPO, GSH, and nitrite) and neurochemical (GABA, glutamate, DA, NE, 5-HT and their metabolites) estimation. Electrical stimulation by corneal electrode for 13 days developed generalized clonic seizures, increased cognitive impairment, oxidative stress and neurochemical alteration in mice brain. Co-treatment with liraglutide (75 and 150 μg/kg) significantly prevented the seizure severity, restored behavioural activity, oxidative stress and restored the altered level of neurotransmitters observed in corneal kindled mouse.

A new phosphorylation site in cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels (Cav1.2) responsible for its cAMP-mediated modulation

Cardiac L-type Ca(2+) channels are modulated by phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA). To explore the PKA-targeted phosphorylation site(s), five potential phosphorylation sites in the carboxyl (COOH) terminal region of the α1C-subunit of the guinea pig Cav1.2 Ca(2+) channel were mutated by replacing serine (S) or threonine (T) residues with alanine (A): S1574A (C1 site), S1626A (C2), S1699A (C3), T1908A, (C4), S1927A (C5), and their various combinations. The wild-type Ca(2+) channel activity was enhanced three- to fourfold by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (Fsk, 5 μM), and that of mutants at C3, C4, C5, and combination of these sites was also significantly increased by Fsk. However, Fsk did not modulate the activity of the C1 and C2 mutants and mutants of combined sites involving the C1 site. Three peptides of the COOH-terminal tail of α1C, termed CT1 [corresponding to amino acids (aa) 1509-1789, containing sites C1-3], CT2 (aa 1778-2003, containing sites C4 and C5), and CT3 (aa 1942-2169), were constructed, and their phosphorylation by PKA was examined. CT1 and CT2, but not CT3, were phosphorylated in vitro by PKA. Three CT1 mutants at two sites of C1-C3 were also phosphorylated by PKA, but the mutant at all three sites was not. The CT2 mutant at the C4 site was phosphorylated by PKA, but the mutant at C5 sites was not. These results suggest that Ser(1574) (C1 site) may be a potential site for the channel modulation mediated by PKA.

Regulation of cardiac L-type Ca²⁺ channel CaV1.2 via the β-adrenergic-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway: old dogmas, advances, and new uncertainties

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.

Role of Ca V β Subunits, and Lack of Functional Reserve, in Protein Kinase A Modulation of Cardiac Ca V 1.2 Channels

Protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated enhancement of L-type calcium currents ( I Ca,L ) is essential for sympathetic regulation of the heartbeat and is the classic example of channel regulation by phosphorylation, and its loss is a common hallmark of heart failure. Mechanistic understanding of how distinct Ca V channel subunits contribute to PKA modulation of I Ca,L has been intensely pursued yet remains elusive. Moreover, critical features of this regulation such as its functional reserve (the surplus capacity available for modulation) in the heart are unknown. Here, we use an overexpression paradigm in heart cells to simultaneously identify the impact of auxiliary Ca V βs on PKA modulation of I Ca,L and to gauge the functional reserve of this regulation in the heart. Ca V 1.2 channels containing wild-type β 2a or a phosphorylation-deficient mutant (β 2a,AAA ) were equally upregulated by PKA, discounting a necessary role for β phosphorylation. Nevertheless, channels reconstituted with β 2a displayed a significantly diminished PKA response compared with other β isoforms, an effect explainable by a uniquely higher basal P o of β 2a channels. Overexpression of all βs increased basal current density, accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the magnitude of PKA regulation. Scatter plots of fold increase in current against basal current density revealed an inverse relationship that was conserved across species and conformed to a model in which a large fraction of channels remained unmodified after PKA activation. These results redefine the role of β subunits in PKA modulation of Ca V 1.2 channels and uncover a new design principle of this phenomenon in the heart, vis à vis a limited functional reserve.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ATP modulate the conversion of smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channels toward a second open state

Properties of smooth and cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels differ prominently in several physiological aspects, including sympathetic modulation. To assess the possible underlying mechanisms, we applied the whole cell patch-clamp technique to guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle cells, in which only L-type Ca2+ channel currents are observed in practice. During depolarization to large positive potentials, the conformation of the majority of L-type Ca2+ channels is converted from the normal (O1) to a second open state (O2), which undergoes little inactivation during depolarization. Extracellular application of genistein, a known tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly attenuated the voltage-dependent conversion of Ca2+ channels to O2, accompanied by reduction of availability, whereas genistin, an inactive analog, had little effect. In the absence of ATP in the patch pipette, intracellular application of either genistein or tyrphostin-47 suppressed the conversion to O2. Computer calculation revealed that the acceleration of the O1 to an inactivated state qualitatively reconstructs the unique effects of PTK inhibitors antagonized by ATP. We concluded that under normal conditions smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channels are already modulated by tyrosine-kinase and ATP-related mechanism(s) and thereby easily achieve the second conversion, which yields voltage-dependent modulation of L-type Ca2+ current analogous to that in cardiac myocytes during beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Localization and modulation of {alpha}1D (Cav1.3) L-type Ca channel by protein kinase A

Alpha1D L-type Ca channel was assumed to be of neuroendocrine origin only; however, alpha1D L-type Ca channel knockout mice exhibit sinus bradycardia and atrioventricular block, indicating a distinct role of alpha1D in the heart. The presence and distribution of alpha1D Ca channel in the heart and its regulation by protein kinase A (PKA) are just emerging. Our objective was to examine the localization of alpha1D L-type Ca channel in rabbit and rat hearts and its modulation by PKA. Here, we show the exclusive presence of alpha1D Ca channel transcript in the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and atria but not in the ventricle by RT-PCR and the expression of alpha1D Ca channel protein in atrial myocytes' sarcolemma by indirect immunostaining and Western blot. There is no significant difference in the expression level of alpha1D Ca channel in the left versus right atrium. Superfusion of membrane-permeable 8-bromo-cAMP resulted in a significant increase of the peak current density of alpha1D Ca current expressed in tsA201 cells. This increase was inhibited by the PKA inhibitor (PKI). Application of 8-bromo-cAMP also readily phosphorylated the alpha1D Ca channel protein. The results are first to demonstrate that PKA phosphorylation of L-type Ca channel alpha1D-subunit resulted in an increase of the alpha1D Ca channel activity. Together with the observation that alpha1D Ca channel is exclusively present in the sinoatrial node and atria, the findings suggest that alpha1D Ca channel plays a unique role in the sinoatrial tissue and is a target for sympathetic control of heart rhythm.

Regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart: overview of recent advances

Regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels is complex, because many factors, such as phosphorylation, divalent cations, and proteins, specified or unspecified, have been shown to affect the channel activities. An additional complication is that these factors interact with one another to achieve final outcomes. Recent molecular technologies have helped to shed light on the mechanisms governing the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels. In this review article, three major topics concerning regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart are discussed, i.e. c-AMP dependent channel phosphorylation, role of magnesium (Mg2+), and the phenomenon of channel run-down.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 modulates calcium responses to glutamate and membrane depolarization in hippocampal neurons

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) activates receptors coupled to cAMP production and calcium influx in pancreatic cells, resulting in enhanced glucose sensitivity and insulin secretion. Despite evidence that the GLP-1 receptor is present and active in neurons, little is known of the roles of GLP-1 in neuronal physiology. As GLP-1 modulates calcium homeostasis in pancreatic beta cells, and because calcium plays important roles in neuronal plasticity and neurodegenerative processes, we examined the effects of GLP-1 on calcium regulation in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. When neurons were pre-treated with GLP-1, calcium responses to glutamate and membrane depolarization were attenuated. Whole-cell patch clamp analyses showed that glutamate-induced currents and currents through voltage-dependent calcium channels were significantly decreased in neurons pre-treated with GLP-1. Pre-treatment of neurons with GLP-1 significantly decreased their vulnerability to death induced by glutamate. Acute application of GLP-1 resulted in a transient elevation of intracellular calcium levels, consistent with the established effects of GLP-1 on cAMP production and activation of cAMP response element-binding protein. Collectively, our findings suggest that, by modulating calcium responses to glutamate and membrane depolarization, GLP-1 may play important roles in regulating neuronal plasticity and cell survival.

Slow deactivation and U-shaped inactivation properties in cloned Cav1.2b channels in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were applied to Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing cloned smooth muscle Ca(2+) channel alpha(1)-subunits. In the presence of Ba(2+) as a charge carrier, U-shaped inactivation was observed in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) agonists. Also, tail currents deactivated slowly when conditioning steps of positive potential were applied. The deactivation time constant was decreased by hyperpolarizing the repolarization step. Application of ATP-gamma-S or H-7 had little effect on the conditions necessary to induce slow tail, suggesting involvement of physical processes in the channel protein. In the presence of Bay K 8644, additional application of nifedipine decreased the amplitudes of the test and tail currents induced by a test step preceded by a conditioning step to +80 mV, but did not affect the decay time constant of the tail current. From these results and assumptions we have drawn up a kinetic scheme with one closed state, two open states (O(1), O(2)) and two inactivated states linked to the closed state and open state O(1), respectively, i.e., open state O(2) protected from inactivation. Computer calculation reconstructed slow deactivation and U-shaped inactivation properties. A similar kinetic scheme with Ca(2+)-agonist-binding states accounted for the results in the presence of Ca(2+) agonists.

Regulation of cardiac and smooth muscle Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)1.2a,b) by protein kinases

High voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels of the Ca(V)1.2 class (L-type) are crucial for excitation-contraction coupling in both cardiac and smooth muscle. These channels are regulated by a variety of second messenger pathways that ultimately serve to modulate the level of contractile force in the tissue. The specific focus of this review is on the most recent advances in our understanding of how cardiac Ca(V)1.2a and smooth muscle Ca(V)1.2b channels are regulated by different kinases, including cGMP-dependent protein kinase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and protein kinase C. This review also discusses recent evidence regarding the regulation of these channels by protein tyrosine kinase, calmodulin-dependent kinase, purified G protein subunits, and identification of possible amino acid residues of the channel responsible for kinase regulation.

Clotrimazole inhibits the recombinant human cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel alpha 1C subunit

1. Clotrimazole (CLT) is an antimycotic agent with a potential role in the treatment of cancer. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings and Fura-2 AM fluorescence measurements were used to investigate the inhibition by CLT of recombinant human cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel alpha 1C subunits, stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. 2. CLT (100 nmol l-1 to 25 mumol l-1) reduced Ca2+ channel currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition was neither use- or voltage-dependent. The effects of CLT were rapid and maximal effects were attained within 3 min. Application of CLT also caused an acceleration of apparent Ca2+ channel current inactivation. 3. Basal current density and the degree of inhibition due to CLT were not significantly altered by pretreating cells with 3 mmol l-1 1-aminobenzotriazole for 1 h, or by dialysing cells for 10 min with 2 mmol l-1 alpha-napthoflavone via the patch pipette, suggesting that the inhibitory action of CLT was not due to inhibition of cytochrome P-450. 4. CLT (10 mumol l-1) did not influence [Ca2+]i, as determined by Fura-2 AM fluorescence measurements. 5. Dialysing cells for 10 min with the non-specific serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H-7 (10 mumol l-1) was without effect on basal current density or on the inhibitory response to 10 mumol l-1 CLT, indicating that CLT is not acting via an indirect effect on these kinases. 6. These data suggest that CLT exerts a direct blocking effect on the alpha 1C subunit at therapeutic concentrations. This effect may explain the abbreviation of the action potential duration by CLT observed in cardiac myocytes.

Systemic administration of calmodulin antagonist W-7 or protein kinase A inhibitor H-8 prevents torsade de pointes in rabbits

BACKGROUND

The ventricular arrhythmia torsade de pointes (TdP) occurs after QT interval prolongation and is associated with sudden cardiac death. The afterdepolarizations that initiate TdP are facilitated by protein kinase A and the multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of suppression of TdP through systemic therapy with kinase inhibitory agents in an established animal model. Under control conditions, TdP was inducible in 6 of 8 rabbits. CaM kinase blockade with the calmodulin antagonist W-7 reduced TdP in a dose-dependent fashion (4 of 7 inducible at 25 micromol/kg and 1 of 7 inducible at 50 micromol/kg). Increased intracellular Ca(2+) has been implicated in the genesis of afterdepolarizations, but pretreatment with high-dose W-7 did not prevent TdP in response to the L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist BAY K 8644 (300 nmol/kg), suggesting that CaM kinase-independent activation of L-type Ca(2+) current was not affected by W-7. Compared with control animals, W-7 reduced TdP inducibility without shortening the QT interval, increasing heart rate, or reducing the blood pressure. The protein kinase A antagonist H-8 also caused a dose-dependent reduction in TdP inducibility (5 of 6 at 1 micromol/kg, 4 of 6 at 5 micromol/kg, and 0 of 6 at 10 micromol/kg), but unlike W-7, H-8 did so by shortening the QT interval.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that the acute systemic application of W-7 and H-8 is hemodynamically tolerated and indicate that kinase inhibition may be a viable antiarrhythmic strategy.

Signaling from beta-adrenoceptor to L-type calcium channel: identification of a novel cardiac protein kinase A target possessing similarities to AHNAK

A novel calcium channel-associated protein of approximately 700 kDa has been identified in mammalian cardiomyocytes that undergoes substantial cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation. It was therefore designated as phosphoprotein 700 (pp700). The pp700 interacts specifically with the beta(2) subunit of cardiac L-type calcium channels as revealed by coprecipitation experiments using affinity-purified antibodies against different calcium channel subunits. It is surprising that amino acid sequence analysis of pig pp700 revealed homology to AHNAK-encoded protein, which was originally identified in human cell lines of neural crest origin as 700-kDa phosphoprotein. Cardiac AHNAK expression was assessed on mRNA level by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Sequence-directed antibodies raised against human AHNAK recognized pp700 in immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation experiments, confirming the homology between both proteins. Anti-AHNAK antibodies labeled preferentially the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes in cryosections of rat cardiac tissue and isolated cardiomyocytes. Sarcolemmal pp700/AHNAK localization was not influenced by stimulation of either the PKA or the protein kinase C pathway. In back-phosphorylation studies with cardiac biopsies, we identified distinct pp700 pools. The membrane-associated fraction of pp700 underwent substantial in vivo phosphorylation on beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation by isoproterenol, whereas the cytoplasmic fraction of pp700 was not accessible to endogenous PKA. It is important that in vivo phosphorylation occurred in that pp700 fraction which coprecipitated with the calcium channel beta subunit. We hypothesize that both phosphorylation of pp700 and its coupling to the beta subunit play a physiological role in cardiac beta-adrenergic signal transduction. Haase, H., Podzuweit, T., Lutsch, G., Hohaus, A., Kostka, S., Lindschau, C., Kott, M., Kraft, R., Morano, I. Signaling from beta-adrenoceptor to L-type calcium channel: identification of a novel cardiac protein kinase A target that has similarities to AHNAK.

Cardiac ionic currents and acute ischemia: from channels to arrhythmias

The aim of this review is to provide basic information on the electrophysiological changes during acute ischemia and reperfusion from the level of ion channels up to the level of multicellular preparations. After an introduction, section II provides a general description of the ion channels and electrogenic transporters present in the heart, more specifically in the plasma membrane, in intracellular organelles of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and in the gap junctions. The description is restricted to activation and permeation characterisitics, while modulation is incorporated in section III. This section (ischemic syndromes) describes the biochemical (lipids, radicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites) and ion concentration changes, the mechanisms involved, and the effect on channels and cells. Section IV (electrical changes and arrhythmias) is subdivided in two parts, with first a description of the electrical changes at the cellular and multicellular level, followed by an analysis of arrhythmias during ischemia and reperfusion. The last short section suggests possible developments in the study of ischemia-related phenomena.

Regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in rabbit portal vein by G protein alphas and betagamma subunits

1. The effect of purified G protein subunits alphas and betagamma on L-type Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle and the possible pathways involved were investigated using freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein and the whole-cell patch clamp technique. 2. Cells dialysed with either Galphas or Gbetagamma exhibited significant increases in peak Ba2+ current (IBa) density (148 % and 131 %, respectively) compared with control cells. The combination of Galphas and Gbetagamma further increased peak IBa density (181 %). Inactive Galphas and Gbetagamma did not have any effect on Ca2+ channels. 3. The stimulatory effect of Galphas on peak IBa was entirely abolished by the protein kinase A inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS, or the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22536. On the other hand, the stimulatory response of Ca2+ channels to Gbetagamma was not affected by the protein kinase A inhibitors Rp-8-Br-cAMPS and KT 5720, or by the Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide 1, but was completely blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C. Pretreatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for over 18 h prevented the stimulatory effect of Gbetagamma on peak IBa. In addition, acute application of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate enhanced peak IBa density in control cells, which could be entirely blocked by calphostin C. 4. These data indicate that enhancement of Ba2+ currents by Galphas and Gbetagamma can be attributed to increased activity of protein kinase A and protein kinase C, respectively. No direct membrane-delimited pathway for Ca2+ channel regulation by activated Gs proteins could be detected in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Dissection of the calcium channel domains responsible for modulation of neuronal voltage-dependent calcium channels by G proteins

The molecular determinants for G-protein regulation of neuronal calcium channels remain controversial. We have generated a series of alpha 1B/alpha 1E chimeric channels, since rat brain alpha 1E (rbEII), unlike human alpha 1E, showed no G-protein modulation. The study, carried out in parallel using D2 receptor modulation of calcium currents in Xenopus oocytes of G beta gamma modulation of calcium currents in COS-7 cells, consistently showed an essential role for domain I (from the N terminus to the end of the I-II loop) of the alpha 1B Ca2+ channel in G-protein regulation, with no additional effect of the C terminal of alpha 1B. The I-II loop alone of alpha 1B, or the I-II loop together with the C-terminal tail, was insufficient to confer G-protein modulation of alpha 1E (rbEII). We have further observed that the alpha 1E clone rbEII is truncated at the N-terminus compared to other alpha 1 subunits, and we isolated a PCR product from rat brain equivalent to a longer N-terminal isoform. The long N-terminal alpha 1E, unlike the short form, showed G-protein modulation. Furthermore, the equivalent truncation of alpha 1B (delta N1-55) abolished G-protein modulation of alpha 1B. Thus, we propose that the N terminus of alpha 1B and alpha 1E calcium channels contains essential molecular determinants for membrane-delimited G-protein inhibition, and that other regions, including the I-II loop and the C terminus, do not play a conclusive role alone.

Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on calcium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

1. We examine the actions of a chemical phosphatase, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), on endogenous and expressed Ca2+ channel currents in Xenopus oocytes. In previous studies on L-type Ca2+ channel currents in cardiomyocytes and dorsal root ganglia, the inhibitory effects of BDM were attenuated by activation of protein kinase A. 2. Ba2+ currents (IBa) through a human wild-type L-type Ca2+ channel complex (i.e. halpha1C, alpha2-deltaa and hbeta1b) are inhibited by BDM with an IC50 of 16 mM, with 10 mM producing a 36.1 +/- 2.2 % inhibition. IBa through endogenous oocyte N-type Ca2+ channels, upregulated by exogenous alpha2-deltaa and hbeta1b subunits, are inhibited to a similar degree by BDM. 3. To examine whether the action of BDM is dependent on PKA-dependent phosphorylation, a clone of halpha1C deficient in all five serine PKA consensus sites (halpha1C-SA5) was co-expressed with alpha2-deltaa and the human cardiac hbeta3 subunit, which naturally lacks PKA consensus sites. This complex exhibited a sensitivity to BDM that was similar to the wild-type complex, with 10 mM BDM producing 31.6 +/- 1.5 % inhibition. 4. As limited proteolysis upregulates Ca2+ channels in cardiomyocytes and renders them less sensitive to BDM, experiments were performed with a carboxyl terminus deletion mutant, halpha1C-Delta1633. IBa through this subunit showed a sensitivity to BDM that was similar to the wild-type complex, with 10 mM BDM producing 31.3 +/- 1.4 % inhibition. However, co-expression with alpha2-deltaa and hbeta3 subunits reduced potency, and is reflected by an increased IC50 of 22.7 mM. 5. The actions of BDM were examined on a rat brain rbA-1 Ca2+ channel clone, alpha1A, co-expressed with alpha2-deltab and beta1b subunit homologues from rat brain. BDM inhibited the current through this channel complex to a similar degree to that seen for cardiac wild-type channels, with 10 mM BDM causing a 33.1 +/- 3.5 % inhibition. 6. The effects of BDM were compared at two holding potentials, -80 and -30 mV, using the halpha1C-Delta1633, alpha2-deltaa and hbeta3 subunit combination. At -30 mV BDM is more potent with 10 mM BDM reducing IBa by 39.8 +/- 2.7 %, compared with 20.8 +/- 2.2 % at -80 mV. 7. The data suggest that BDM may not exert its inhibitory action by means of a chemical phosphatase effect, but by channel block. The similar potency observed between alpha1C, alpha1A and endogenous (N-type) channels may help point towards a possible site of action; differences with the carboxyl deletion mutant may help further to define a locus of interaction.

Actions of neurotransmitters and other messengers on Ca2+ channels and K+ channels in smooth muscle cells

Ion channels play key roles in determining smooth muscle tone by setting the membrane potential and allowing Ca2+ influx. Perhaps not surprisingly, therefore, they also provide targets for neurotransmitters and other messengers that act on smooth muscle. Application of patch-clamp and molecular biology techniques and the use of selective pharmacology has started to provide a wealth of information on the ion channel systems of smooth muscle cells, revealing complexity and functional significance. Reviewed are the actions of messengers (e.g., noradrenaline, acetylcholine, endothelin, angiotensin II, neuropeptide Y, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, adenosine, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, prostacyclin, nitric oxide and oxygen) on specific types of ion channel in smooth muscle, the L-type calcium channel, and the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated, ATP-sensitive, delayed rectifier and apamin-sensitive K+ channels.

Cyclic AMP-dependent modulation of N- and Q-type Ca2+ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Xenopus oocytes were used for investigating the cAMP-dependent modulation of N- and Q-type Ca2+ channels. Treatments to increase intracellular cAMP concentration with forskolin (FK) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) markedly potentiated Q-type Ca2+ channel current in oocytes coexpressing alpha 1A and beta subunits, and the enhancement was reversed by protein kinase A inhibitors. Moderate enhancement was observed by FK+IBMX in N-type channel current, of which potentiation was equivalent to that of endogenous Ca2+ channel current being activated by exogenously-expressed beta subunits. No potentiation was observed in the oocyte-native Ca2+ channel current. These results suggest that Q-type Ca2+ channels are more susceptible to the protein kinase A-mediated facilitation than N-type channels. A significant role of Ca2+ channel beta subunits for the cAMP-dependent positive modulation was also suggested.

In-vivo phosphorylation of the cardiac L-type calcium channel beta-subunit in response to catecholamines

In canine myocardium, the beta-subunit of the L-type Ca2+ channel is phosphorylated by cAMP dependent protein kinase in vitro as well as in vivo (Haase et al. FEBS Lett 335: 217-222, 1993). We have assessed the identity of the beta-subunit as well as its in vivo phosphorylation in representative experimental groups of catecholamine-challenged canine hearts. Adrenergic stimulation by high doses of both noradrenaline and isoprenaline induced rapid (within 20 sec) and nearly complete phosphorylation of the Ca2+ channel beta-subunit. Phosphorylation in vivo was about 4-fold higher as compared to untreated controls. When related to catecholamine-depleted (reserpine-treated) hearts noradrenaline and isoprenaline increased the in vivo phosphorylation of the beta-subunit even 8-fold. This phosphorylation correlated positively with tissue levels of cAMP, endogenous particulated cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and the rate of contractile force development dP/dtmax. The results imply the involvement of a PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the Ca2+ channel beta-subunit in the adrenergic stimulation of intact canine myocardium.

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates residues in the C-terminal domain of the cardiac L-type calcium channel alpha1 subunit

The molecular basis of the regulation of cardiac L-type calcium channel activity by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cA-PK) remains unclear. Direct cA-PK-dependent phosphorylation of the bovine ventricular alpha1 subunit in vitro has been demonstrated in microsomal membranes, detergent extracts and partially purified (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 receptor preparations. Two 32P-labeled phosphopeptides, derived from cyanogen bromide cleavage, of 4.7 and 9.5 kDa were immunoprecipitated specifically by site-directed antibodies against the rabbit cardiac alpha1 subunit amino acid sequences 1602-1616 and 1681-1694, respectively, consistent with phosphorylation at the cA-PK consensus sites at Ser(1627) and Ser(1700). No phosphopeptide products consistent with phosphorylation at three other C-terminal cA-PK consensus phosphorylation sites (Ser(1575), Ser(1848) and Ser(1928)) were identified using similar procedures suggesting that these sites are poor substrates for this kinase. Ser(1627) and Ser(1700) may represent sites of cA-PK phosphorylation involved in the physiological regulation of cardiac L-type calcium channel function.

A potential site of functional modulation by protein kinase A in the cardiac Ca2+ channel alpha 1C subunit

The well-characterized enhancement of the cardiac Ca2+ L-type current by protein kinase A (PKA) is not observed when the corresponding channel is expressed in Xenopus oocytes, possibly because it is fully phosphorylated in the basal state. However, the activity of the expressed channel is reduced by PKA inhibitors. Using this paradigm as an assay to search for PKA sites relevant to channel modulation, we have found that mutation of serine 1928 of the alpha 1C subunit to alanine abolishes the modulation of the expressed channel by PKA inhibitors. This effect was independent of the presence of the beta subunit. Phosphorylation of serine 1928 of alpha 1C may mediate the modulatory effect of PKA on the cardiac voltage-dependent ca2+ channel.

cAMP signaling inhibits dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells

This study examines the role of the cAMP signaling pathway in the regulation of 45Ca influx in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from the rat aorta. K+o-induced depolarization of smooth muscle cells increased the rate of 45Ca uptake by twofold to threefold. This effect was completely abolished by the dihydropyridine derivatives nifedipine and nicardipine, with a Ki of 3 and 10 nmol/L, respectively. Activators of cAMP signaling (isoproterenol, forskolin, cholera toxin) increased cAMP content by 50- to 100-fold and decreased voltage-dependent 45Ca uptake by 50% to 70%. Neither the dihydropyridines nor the cAMP activators affected basal 45Ca influx. Direct addition of the protein kinase inhibitor H-89 to the incubation medium in the 1- to 10-micromol/L range did not alter basal 45Ca uptake but completely abolished voltage-dependent Ca2+ transport. Preincubation of cells for 1 hour with 10 micromol/L H-89 did not modify basal and depolarization-induced 45Ca uptake in H-89-free medium but prevented forskolin-induced inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx. The addition of cytoskeleton-active compounds reduced voltage-dependent Ca2+ transport and completely abolished its regulation by cAMP. Activation of cAMP signaling decreased the volume of smooth muscle cells by 12% to 15%. The same cell volume diminution in hyperosmotic medium did not alter voltage-dependent 45Ca uptake. Thus, data obtained in this study show that in contrast to cardiac and skeletal myocytes, in vascular smooth muscle cells, 45Ca influx, putatively due to L-type channels, is inhibited by cAMP. This regulatory pathway appears to be mediated via protein kinase A activation and cytoskeleton reorganization.

Developmental changes in beta-adrenergic modulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in embryonic mouse heart

In the adult mammalian myocardium, cellular Ca2+ entry is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. L-type Ca2+ channel currents are markedly increased by beta-adrenergic (beta-A) agonists, which contribute to changes in pacing and contractile activity of the heart. In the developing mammalian heart, the regulation of Ca2+ entry by this enzyme cascade has not been clearly established, because changes in receptor density and coupling to downstream elements of the signaling cascade are known to occur during embryogenesis. In this study, we systematically investigated the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channel currents during development of the murine embryonic heart. We used conventional whole-cell and perforated-patch-clamp procedures to study modulation of L- type Ca2+ channel currents and to assay functional activity of distinct steps in the beta-A signaling cascade in murine embryonic myocytes at different stages of gestation. Our data indicate that the L-type Ca2+ channels in early-stage (day-11 to -13) myocytes are unresponsive to either isoproterenol or cAMP. L-type Ca2+ channels in late-stage (day-17 to -19) murine myocytes, however, exhibit responses to isoproterenol and cAMP similar to responses in adult cells, providing evidence that the beta-A cascade becomes functionally active during this period of embryonic development. We found that L-type Ca2+ channel activity in early-stage cells is increased by cell dialysis with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cA-PK) and that dialysis of early-stage cells with the holoenzyme of cA-PK restores functional responses to forskolin and cAMP, but not to isoproterenol. Our results provide strong evidence that a key factor in the early-stage insensitivity of L-type Ca2+ channels to cAMP is the absence, or low expression level, of the holoenzyme of cA-PK but that in addition, another element in the signaling cascade upstream from adenylate cyclase is expressed at a nonfunctional level or is uncoupled from the cascade and thus contributes to L-type Ca2+ channel insensitivity to beta-A agonists in early stages of the developing murine heart.

Structural and functional diversity of voltage-activated calcium channels

Data gathered from the expression of cDNAs that encode the subunits of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels have demonstrated important structural and functional similarities among these channels. Despite these convergences, there are also significant differences in the nature and functional importance of subunit-subunit and protein-Ca2+ channel interactions. There is evidence demonstrating that the functional differences between Ca2+ channel subtypes is due to several factors, including the expression of distinct alpha 1 subunit proteins, the selective association of structural subunits and modulatory proteins, and differences in posttranslational processing and cell regulation. We summarize several avenues of research that should provide significant clues about the structural features involved in the biophysical and functional diversity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Co-expression in CHO cells of two muscle proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling

Ryanodine receptors and dihydropyridine receptors are located opposite each other at the junctions between sarcoplasmic reticulum and either the surface membrane or the transverse tubules in skeletal muscle. Ryanodine receptors are the calcium release channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and their cytoplasmic domains form the feet, connecting sarcoplasmic reticulum to transverse tubules. Dihydropyridine receptors are L-type calcium channels that act as the voltage sensors of excitation-contraction coupling: they sense surface membrane and transverse tubule depolarization and induce opening of the sarcoplasmic reticulum release channels. In skeletal muscle, ryanodine receptors are arranged in extensive arrays and dihydropyridine receptors are grouped into tetrads, which in turn are associated with the four subunits of ryanodine receptors. The disposition allows for a direct interaction between the two sets of molecules. CHO cells were stably transformed with plasmids for skeletal muscle ryanodine receptors and either the skeletal dihydropyridine receptor, or a skeletal-cardiac dihydropyridine receptor chimera (CSk3) which can functionally substitute for the skeletal dihydropyridine receptor, in addition to plasmids for the alpha 2, beta and gamma subunits. RNA blot hybridization gave positive results for all components. Immunoblots, ryanodine binding, electron microscopy and exposure to caffeine show that the expressed ryanodine receptors forms functional tetrameric channels, which are correctly inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and form extensive arrays with the same spacings as in skeletal muscle. Since formation of arrays does not require coexpression of dihydropyridine receptors, we conclude that self-aggregation is an independent property of ryanodine receptors. All dihydropyridine receptor-expressing clones show high affinity binding for dihydropyridine and immunolabelling with antibodies against dihydropyridine receptor. The presence of calcium currents with fast kinetics and immunolabelling for dihydropyridine receptors in the surface membrane of CSk3 clones indicate that CSk3-dihydropyridine receptors are appropriately targeted to the cell's plasmalemma. The expressed skeletal-type dihydropyridine receptors, however, remain mostly located within perinuclear membranes. In cells coexpressing functional dihydropyridine receptors and ryanodine receptors, no junctions between feet-bearing endoplasmic reticulum elements and surface membrane are formed, and dihydropyridine receptors do not assemble into tetrads. A separation between dihydropyridine receptors and ryanodine receptors is not unique to CHO cells, but is found also in cardiac muscle, in muscles of invertebrates and, under certain conditions, in skeletal muscle. We suggest that failure to form junctions in co-transfected CHO cell may be due to lack of an essential protein necessary either for the initial docking of the endoplasmic reticulum to the surface membrane or for maintaining the interaction between dihydropyridine receptors and ryanodine receptors. We also conclude that formation of tetrads requires a close interaction between dihydropyridine receptors and ryanodine receptors.

Molecular biology of calcium channels

Pharmacological and electrophysiological studies have established that there are multiple types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Molecular biology has uncovered an even greater number of channel molecules. Thus, the molecular diversity of Ca2+ channels has its basis in the expression of many alpha 1 and beta genes, and also in the splice variants produced from these genes. This ability to mix and match subunits provides the cell with yet another mechanism to control the influx of calcium. Future studies will describe new subunits, the subunit composition of each type of channel, and the cloning of new Ca2+ channel types.

Regulation of the calcium slow channel by cyclic GMP dependent protein kinase in chick heart cells

In order to assess the interaction between the cAMP-dependent and the cGMP-dependent phosphorylation pathways on the slow Ca2+ current (ICa(L)), whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments were conducted on embryonic chick heart cells. Addition of 8Br-cGMP to the bath solution reduced the basal (unstimulated) ICa(L). Intracellular application of the catalytic subunit of PK-A (PK-A(cat); 1.5 microM) via the patch pipette rapidly potentiated ICa(L) by 215 +/- 16%) (n = 4); subsequent addition of 1 mM 8Br-cGMP to the bath reduced the amplitude of ICa(L) towards the initial control values (123 +/- 29%). Intracellular application of PK-G (25 nM pre-activated by 10(-7) M cGMP), rapidly inhibited the basal ICa(L) by 64 +/- 6% (n = 8). Heat-denatured PK-G was ineffective. Subsequent additions of relatively high concentrations of 8Br-cAMP (1 mM) or isoproterenol (ISO, 1-10 microM) did not significantly remove the PK-G blockade of ICa(L). The results of the present study suggest that: (a) 8Br-cGMP can inhibit the basal or stimulated (by PK-A(cat)) ICa(L) in embryonic chick myocardial cells. (b) PK-G applied intracellularly inhibits the basal ICa(L).

On the regulation of the expressed L-type calcium channel by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation

The Ca2+ channel subunits alpha 1C-a and alpha 1C-b were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The peak Ba2+ current (IBa) of these cells was not affected significantly by internal dialysis with 0.1 mM cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor peptide (mPKI), 25 microM cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (PKA), or a combination of 25 microM PKA and 1 microM okadaic acid. The activity of the alpha 1C-b channel subunit expressed stably in HEK 293 cells was depressed by 1 microM H 89 and was not increased by superfusion with 5 microM forskolin plus 20 microM isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX). The alpha 1C-a.beta 2.alpha 2/delta complex was transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells; it was inhibited by internal dialysis of the cells with 1 microM H 89, but was not affected by internal dialysis with mPKI, PKA or microcystin. Internal dialysis of cells expressing the alpha 1C-a.beta 2.alpha 2/delta channel with 10 microM PKA did not induce facilitation after a 150-ms prepulse to +50 mV. The Ca2+ current (ICa) of cardiac myocytes increased threefold during internal dialysis with 5 microM PKA or 25 microM microcystin and during external superfusion with 0.1 microM isoproterenol or 5 microM forskolin plus 50 microM IBMX. These results indicate that the L-type Ca2+ channel expressed is not modulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation to the same extent as in native cardiac myocytes.

Proteins that interact with the pore-forming subunits of voltage-gated ion channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are composed of pore-forming subunits, as well as auxiliary subunits that modify the functions of these channels. In addition, the channels interact with other modulatory proteins in a more transient manner, although with significant effects on channel activity. Even though many second-messenger systems influence the voltage-gated ion channels, only in a few cases has clear evidence for direct protein-protein interactions been demonstrated. Recent biochemical and genetic studies have helped to elucidate the scope of the interactions between these ion channels and various modulatory proteins by determining the structures and functions of nonpore-forming subunits.

Use of site-directed antibodies to probe the topography of the alpha 2 subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Polyclonal antibodies were raised against peptides corresponding to residues 1-15, 469-483 and 933-951 of the rabbit skeletal muscle L-type calcium channel alpha 2/delta primary translation product, for use as topological probes. Immunocytochemical comparison of the abilities of the antibodies to bind to the alpha 2 and delta subunits in intact and detergent-permeabilised rat dorsal root ganglion cells enabled the membrane orientation of these regions to be established. The resultant data indicate that the regions containing residues 1-15 and 469-483 of the alpha 2 subunit, and residues 1-17 of the delta subunit, are exposed on the extracellular surface of the membrane, findings consistent with a model that proposes alpha 2 to be entirely extracellular.

Stable expression and coupling of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels with beta 1-adrenoceptors

A number of neurotransmitters modulate cardiac dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels through several homologous G protein-coupled receptors. Previous studies that have examined receptor-Ca2+ channel interactions have suffered because of the coexpression of various receptor subtypes in native cells. To study the functional coupling of a particular receptor subtype to these channels, rabbit cardiac Ca2+ channel alpha 1 and skeletal beta and alpha 2/delta subunits were stably expressed in baby hamster kidney cells. In this stable cell line, Ca2+ channels remained at high levels (> 1000 fmol/mg protein, or 2700 channels per cell) over extended times. The expressed recombinant Ca2+ channels displayed the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, unitary conductance, and pharmacology characteristic of native cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels. Subsequent coexpression of the beta 1-adrenoceptors (150 to 300 fmol/mg protein) with the Ca2+ channels resulted in cell responsiveness to the extracellular application of isoproterenol. These results indicate that heterogeneous expression in mammalian cells provides a useful system for studying both biophysical analysis of Ca2+ channel properties and receptor-coupled regulatory processes.

Multiple second messenger routes enhance two high-voltage-activated calcium currents in molluscan neuroendocrine cells

Two types of high-voltage-activated calcium currents were identified in whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings of the neuroendocrine caudodorsal cells, which control egg-laying in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. The currents were: (i) a rapidly inactivating high-voltage-activated current, with an activation threshold of -40 mV and maximal amplitude at +10 mV; and (ii) a slowly inactivating high-voltage-activated current, with a threshold of -10 mV and a peak at +30 mV. Both currents were reduced by nifedipine and verapamil, but not by omega-conotoxin GVIA, suggesting that they belong to the L-type family of calcium currents. The voltage-dependence of inactivation of the rapidly inactivating high-voltage-activated current was bell-shaped. Time-constants of inactivation ranged from 10 to 25 ms. Steady-state inactivation was characterized by a potential of half maximal inactivation of -21.7 +/- 3.4 mV and a slope factor of 8.1 +/- 1.7 mV. The voltage-dependence of inactivation of the slowly inactivating high-voltage-activated current was S-shaped. Time-constants of inactivation increased with depolarization up to a maximum of 300 ms. The steady-state inactivation parameters were a potential of half maximal inactivation of +6.8 +/- 2.2 mV and a slope factor of 6.0 +/- 1.1 mV. The membrane-permeable analog of cAMP, 8-chlorophenylthio-cyclic AMP, predominantly increased the slowly inactivating high-voltage-activated current, and shifted its voltage-dependence of activation and inactivation 10 mV to the left. The rapidly inactivating high-voltage-activated current was slightly increased by 8-chlorophenylthio-cyclic AMP. 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP and the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate, had qualitatively similar effects. Both agents enhanced the rapidly inactivating current and, to a lesser degree, the slowly inactivating current, without affecting their voltage-dependence. The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, Walsh inhibitor peptide, antagonized the stimulating effect of 8-chlorophenylthio-cyclic AMP. The broad-spectrum protein kinase inhibitor 1-(5-isoquino-linylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine (H-7) strongly attenuated the effects of 8-chlorophenylthio-cyclic AMP, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate, suggesting that all treatments increase both types of high-voltage-activated calcium currents through phosphorylation of the channel-complex.

Modulation of calcium currents by a D1 dopaminergic protein kinase/phosphatase cascade in rat neostriatal neurons

In rat neostriatal neurons, D1 dopamine receptors regulate the activity of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). The influence of these signaling elements on high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium currents was studied using whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. The application of D1 agonists or cyclic AMP analogs reversibly reduced N- and P-type Ca2+ currents. Inhibition of PKA antagonized this modulation, as did inhibition of PP1, suggesting that the D1 effect was mediated by a PKA enhancement of PP1 activity directed toward Ca2+ channels. In a subset of neurons, D1 receptor-mediated activation of PKA enhanced L-type currents. The differential regulation of HVA currents by the D1 pathway helps to explain the diversity of effects this pathway has on synaptic integration and plasticity in medium spiny neurons.

Phosphorylation of the L-type calcium channel beta subunit is involved in beta-adrenergic signal transduction in canine myocardium

Cyclic AMP-mediated phosphorylation of calcium channel subunits was studied in vitro and in vivo in preparations from dog heart. Calcium channels in native cardiac membranes were phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) solubilized with digitonin and subsequently immunoprecipitated using a polyclonal antibody generated against the deduced carboxy-terminal sequence of the cardiac beta subunit. A 62 kDa protein was identified as the major PKA-substrate in the immunoprecipitates. In the intact myocardium, this putative beta subunit was found to be phosphorylated in response to cAMP elevating agents. In contrast, no phosphorylation of a protein with an electrophoretic mobility similar to the alpha 1 subunit was detected, although 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor sites were recovered in the immunoprecipitates. Thus, we suggest that PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the beta subunit is the major mechanism for beta-adrenergic regulation of cardiac L-type calcium channel activity.

Stable co-expression of calcium channel alpha 1, beta and alpha 2/delta subunits in a somatic cell line

1. The high-voltage-activated L-type calcium channel is a multi-protein complex of alpha 1, alpha 2/delta, beta and gamma subunits. The alpha 1 subunit contains the voltage-dependent calcium-conducting pore. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with the complementary DNA of the alpha 1, beta and alpha 2/delta subunits. These subunits were not detected in wild-type CHO cells. 2. The alpha 1 (CaCh2b) subunit itself directed the expression of functional calcium channels which bound calcium channel blockers and showed voltage-dependent activation and inactivation. 3. The co-expression of the alpha 1 subunit with the beta subunit (CaB1 gene) enhanced the density of the dihydropyridine binding sites 2- to 3-fold and increased dihydropyridine-sensitive barium inward currents (IBa) up to 3.5-fold from -13.3 microA/cm2 (alpha 1 subunit) to -46.7 microA/cm2 (alpha 1 and beta subunits). 4. Co-expression of the beta subunit did not change the sensitivity of IBa towards dihydropyridines, but accelerated current activation and inactivation and shifted the half-maximal steady-state activation and inactivation to slightly more hyperpolarizing potentials. 5. The co-expression of the alpha 2/delta subunit together with alpha 1 and beta subunits accelerated the inactivation kinetics of the channel without a major effect on the other parameters. 6. These results indicate that the beta and alpha 2/delta subunit interact with the alpha 1 subunit and modulate thereby the properties of the alpha 1 subunit-dependent inward current.

Subunit-dependent modulation of recombinant L-type calcium channels. Molecular basis for dihydropyridine tissue selectivity

At least four calcium channel subtypes (P, T, N, and L) have now been classified on the basis of their biophysical and/or pharmacological properties. L-type channels, a channel family particularly important to physiological function of the cardiovascular system, are identified by their slow voltage- and calcium-dependent inactivation as well as their sensitivity to dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists. In this study, we report the results of experiments in which we have measured the DHP modulation of recombinant calcium channel activity in cells transfected with alpha 1 subunits of cardiac and smooth muscle L-type calcium channels. We find subunit-dependent differences in the voltage and concentration dependence of channel modulation. Our results provide evidence for a molecular basis for DHP sensitivity of heart and smooth muscle calcium channels and, additionally, indicate that, even within one family of calcium channels, slight differences in channel structure can cause marked differences in channel pharmacology.

Mechanisms of beta-adrenergic stimulation of cardiac Ca2+ channels revealed by discrete-time Markov analysis of slow gating

Individual cardiac Ca2+ channels cycle slowly between a mode of gating in which the channel is available to open, and one in which the channel remains silent. The regulation of this multisecond cycling process by isoproterenol was investigated by single-channel recording and the development of a discrete-time Markov model that describes the slow switching among modes in terms of (de) phosphorylation reactions. The results provide evidence that isoproterenol increases Ca2+ channel activity by a reciprocal regulatory mechanism: not only is the phosphorylation rate of the channel increased, but also the dephosphorylation rate decreased. The discrete-time Markov formalism should prove useful as a general tool for understanding the mode switching demonstrated by a number of ionic channels.

Requirement of the calcium channel beta subunit for functional conformation

The cardiac dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel was stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells by transfecting the rabbit cardiac calcium channel alpha 1 subunit cDNA with or without coexpression of the beta subunit of skeletal muscle calcium channel. Whereas coexpression of the beta subunit significantly increased DHP binding activity and calcium channel activity, it did not affect the amount of the alpha 1 subunit expressed, as judged by RNA blot hybridization analysis and immunoblotting analysis. The results suggest that association with the beta subunit is necessary for the alpha 1 subunit protein to take a proper conformation suitable for a functional calcium channel.

Molecular cloning of three isoforms of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel beta subunit from normal human heart

We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs for three isoforms of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel beta subunit isolated from a normal human heart cDNA library. One of these subunits, designated beta a, hybridized with a 3.4-kb message, and the other two, designated beta b and beta c, hybridized with a message of approximately 1.9 kb. The presence of both of these latter two messages in human heart was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction methodology. Considering the differences between beta a and beta b/beta c, we find it likely that these messages may be encoded by two different gene sequences, beta a and beta b/beta c, and that the beta b/beta c sequence can be alternatively spliced in the 209-260 region. The data suggest that the human heart presents a different pattern of beta subunit expression from that found in the rat and rabbit heart.