The identification of the phosphorylated 150/160-kDa proteins of sarcoplasmic reticulum, their kinase and their association with the ryanodine receptor

Alterations in cytoskeletal and Ca2+ cycling regulators in atria lacking the obscurin Ig58/59 module

Introduction

Obscurin (720-870 kDa) is a giant cytoskeletal and signaling protein that possesses both structural and regulatory functions in striated muscles. Immunoglobulin domains 58/59 (Ig58/59) of obscurin bind to a diverse set of proteins that are essential for the proper structure and function of the heart, including giant titin, novex-3, and phospholamban (PLN). Importantly, the pathophysiological significance of the Ig58/59 module has been further underscored by the discovery of several mutations within Ig58/59 that are linked to various forms of myopathy in humans. We previously generated a constitutive deletion mouse model, Obscn-ΔIg58/59, that expresses obscurin lacking Ig58/59, and characterized the effects of this deletion on cardiac morphology and function through aging. Our findings demonstrated that Obscn-ΔIg58/59 male animals develop severe arrhythmia, primarily manifesting as episodes of junctional escape and spontaneous loss of regular p-waves, reminiscent of human atrial fibrillation, accompanied by significant atrial enlargement that progresses in severity with aging.

Methods and Results

To comprehensively characterize the molecular alterations responsible for these pathologies, we performed proteomic and phospho-proteomic analyses in aging Obscn-ΔIg58/59 atria. Our studies revealed extensive and novel alterations in the expression and phosphorylation profile of major cytoskeletal proteins, Ca²⁺ regulators, and Z-disk associated protein complexes in the Obscn-ΔIg58/59 atria through aging.

Discussion

These studies implicate obscurin, particularly the Ig58/59 module, as an essential regulator of the Z-disk associated cytoskeleton and Ca²⁺ cycling in the atria and provide new molecular insights into the development of atrial fibrillation and remodeling.

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Buffer Proteins: A Focus on the Yet-To-Be-Explored Role of Sarcalumenin in Skeletal Muscle Health and Disease

Sarcalumenin (SAR) is a luminal Ca²⁺ buffer protein with high capacity but low affinity for calcium binding found predominantly in the longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles and the heart. Together with other luminal Ca²⁺ buffer proteins, SAR plays a critical role in modulation of Ca²⁺ uptake and Ca²⁺ release during excitation-contraction coupling in muscle fibers. SAR appears to be important in a wide range of other physiological functions, such as Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) stabilization, Store-Operated-Calcium-Entry (SOCE) mechanisms, muscle fatigue resistance and muscle development. The function and structural features of SAR are very similar to those of calsequestrin (CSQ), the most abundant and well-characterized Ca²⁺ buffer protein of junctional SR. Despite the structural and functional similarity, very few targeted studies are available in the literature. The present review provides an overview of the role of SAR in skeletal muscle physiology, as well as of its possible involvement and dysfunction in muscle wasting disorders, in order to summarize the current knowledge on SAR and drive attention to this important but still underinvestigated/neglected protein.

Calsequestrin: a well-known but curious protein in skeletal muscle

Calsequestrin (CASQ) was discovered in rabbit skeletal muscle tissues in 1971 and has been considered simply a passive Ca²⁺-buffering protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that provides Ca²⁺ ions for various Ca²⁺ signals. For the past three decades, physiologists, biochemists, and structural biologists have examined the roles of the skeletal muscle type of CASQ (CASQ1) in skeletal muscle and revealed that CASQ1 has various important functions as (1) a major Ca²⁺-buffering protein to maintain the SR with a suitable amount of Ca²⁺ at each moment, (2) a dynamic Ca²⁺ sensor in the SR that regulates Ca²⁺ release from the SR to the cytosol, (3) a structural regulator for the proper formation of terminal cisternae, (4) a reverse-directional regulator of extracellular Ca²⁺ entries, and (5) a cause of human skeletal muscle diseases. This review is focused on understanding these functions of CASQ1 in the physiological or pathophysiological status of skeletal muscle.

The Histidine-Rich Calcium Binding Protein in Regulation of Cardiac Rhythmicity

Sudden unexpected cardiac death (SCD) accounts for up to half of all-cause mortality of heart failure patients. Standardized cardiology tools such as electrocardiography, cardiac imaging, electrophysiological and serum biomarkers cannot accurately predict which patients are at risk of life-threatening arrhythmic episodes. Recently, a common variant of the histidine-rich calcium binding protein (HRC), the Ser96Ala, was identified as a potent biomarker of malignant arrhythmia triggering in these patients. HRC has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ cycling, by binding and storing Ca²⁺ in the SR, as well as interacting with the SR Ca²⁺ uptake and release complexes. The underlying mechanisms, elucidated by studies at the molecular, biochemical, cellular and intact animal levels, indicate that transversion of Ser96 to Ala results in abolishment of an HRC phosphorylation site by Fam20C kinase and dysregulation of SR Ca²⁺ cycling. This is mediated through aberrant SR Ca²⁺ release by the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) quaternary complex, due to the impaired HRC/triadin interaction, and depressed SR Ca²⁺ uptake by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2) pump, due to the impaired HRC/SERCA2 interaction. Pharmacological intervention with KN-93, an inhibitor of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), in the HRC Ser96Ala mouse model, reduced the occurrence of malignant cardiac arrhythmias. Herein, we summarize the current evidence on the pivotal role of HRC in the regulation of cardiac rhythmicity and the importance of HRC Ser96Ala as a genetic modifier for arrhythmias in the setting of heart failure.

Phosphorylation of serine96 of histidine-rich calcium-binding protein by the Fam20C kinase functions to prevent cardiac arrhythmia

Precise Ca cycling through the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), a Ca storage organelle, is critical for proper cardiac muscle function. This cycling initially involves SR release of Ca via the ryanodine receptor, which is regulated by its interacting proteins junctin and triadin. The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca ATPase (SERCA) pump then refills SR Ca stores. Histidine-rich Ca-binding protein (HRC) resides in the lumen of the SR, where it contributes to the regulation of Ca cycling by protecting stressed or failing hearts. The common Ser96Ala human genetic variant of HRC strongly correlates with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying molecular pathways of this disease remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate that family with sequence similarity 20C (Fam20C), a recently characterized protein kinase in the secretory pathway, phosphorylates HRC on Ser96. HRC Ser96 phosphorylation was confirmed in cells and human hearts. Furthermore, a Ser96Asp HRC variant, which mimics constitutive phosphorylation of Ser96, diminished delayed aftercontractions in HRC null cardiac myocytes. This HRC phosphomimetic variant was also able to rescue the aftercontractions elicited by the Ser96Ala variant, demonstrating that phosphorylation of Ser96 is critical for the cardioprotective function of HRC. Phosphorylation of HRC on Ser96 regulated the interactions of HRC with both triadin and SERCA2a, suggesting a unique mechanism for regulation of SR Ca homeostasis. This demonstration of the role of Fam20C-dependent phosphorylation in heart disease will open new avenues for potential therapeutic approaches against arrhythmias.

Characterization of Post-Translational Modifications to Calsequestrins of Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle

Calsequestrin is glycosylated and phosphorylated during its transit to its final destination in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. To determine the significance and universal profile of these post-translational modifications to mammalian calsequestrin, we characterized, via mass spectrometry, the glycosylation and phosphorylation of skeletal muscle calsequestrin from cattle (B. taurus), lab mice (M. musculus) and lab rats (R. norvegicus) and cardiac muscle calsequestrin from cattle, lab rats and humans. On average, glycosylation of skeletal calsequestrin consisted of two N-acetylglucosamines and one mannose (GlcNAc₂Man₁), while cardiac calsequestrin had five additional mannoses (GlcNAc₂Man₆). Skeletal calsequestrin was not phosphorylated, while the C-terminal tails of cardiac calsequestrin contained between zero to two phosphoryls, indicating that phosphorylation of cardiac calsequestrin may be heterogeneous in vivo. Static light scattering experiments showed that the Ca²⁺-dependent polymerization capabilities of native bovine skeletal calsequestrin are enhanced, relative to the non-glycosylated, recombinant isoform, which our crystallographic studies suggest may be due to glycosylation providing a dynamic “guiderail”-like scaffold for calsequestrin polymerization. Glycosylation likely increases a polymerization/depolymerization response to changing Ca²⁺ concentrations, and proper glycosylation, in turn, guarantees both effective Ca²⁺ storage/buffering of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and localization of calsequestrin (Casq) at its target site.

Glycosylation of skeletal calsequestrin: implications for its function

Calsequestrin (CASQ) serves as a major Ca(2+) storage/buffer protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). When purified from skeletal muscle, CASQ1 is obtained in its glycosylated form. Here, we have confirmed the specific site and degree of glycosylation of native rabbit CASQ1 and have investigated its effect on critical properties of CASQ by comparison with the non-glycosylated recombinant form. Based on our comparative approach utilizing crystal structures, Ca(2+) binding capacities, analytical ultracentrifugation, and light-scattering profiles of the native and recombinant rabbit CASQ1, we propose a novel and dynamic role for glycosylation in CASQ. CASQ undergoes a unique degree of mannose trimming as it is trafficked from the proximal endoplasmic reticulum to the SR. The major glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc(2)Man(9)) found in the proximal endoplasmic reticulum can severely hinder formation of the back-to-back interface, potentially preventing premature Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization of CASQ and ensuring its continuous mobility to the SR. Only trimmed glycans can stabilize both front-to-front and the back-to-back interfaces of CASQ through extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, the mature glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc(2)Man(1-4)) within the SR can be retained upon establishing a functional high capacity Ca(2+) binding polymer. In addition, based on the high resolution structures, we propose a molecular mechanism for the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT2) mutation, K206N.

The cytosolic protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates cardiac calsequestrin in intact cells

The luminal SR protein CSQ2 contains phosphate on roughly half of the serines found in its C-terminus. The sequence around phosphorylation sites in CSQ2 suggest that the in vivo kinase is protein kinase CK2, even though this enzyme is thought to be present only in the cytoplasm and nucleus. To test whether CSQ2 kinase is CK2, we combined approaches that reduced CK2 activity and CSQ2 phosphorylation in intact cells. Tetrabromocinnamic acid, a specific inhibitor of CK2, inhibited both the CSQ2 kinase and CK2 in parallel across a range of concentrations. In intact primary adult rat cardiomyocytes and COS cells, 24 h of drug treatment reduced phosphorylation of overexpressed CSQ2 by 75%. Down-regulation of CK2α subunits in COS cells using siRNA, produced a 90% decrease in CK2α protein levels, and CK2-silenced COS cells exhibited a twofold reduction in CSQ2 kinase activity. Phosphorylation of CSQ2 overexpressed in CK2-silenced cells was also reduced by a factor of two. These data suggested that CSQ2 in intact cells is phosphorylated by CK2, a cytosolic kinase. When phosphorylation site mutants were analyzed in COS cells, the characteristic rough endoplasmic reticulum form of the CSQ2 glycan (GlcNAc2Man9,8) underwent phosphorylation site dependent processing such that CSQ2-nonPP (Ser to Ala mutant) and CSQ2-mimPP (Ser to Glu mutant) produced apparent lower and greater levels of ER retention, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest CK2 can phosphorylate CSQ2 co-translationally at biosynthetic sites in rough ER, a process that may result in changes in its subsequent trafficking through the secretory pathway.

Phosphorylation of human calsequestrin: implications for calcium regulation

Both cardiac and skeletal calsequestrin (CASQ2 and CASQ1) serve as a major Ca(2+) storage/buffer protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by sequestering and releasing large numbers of Ca(2+) ions during each muscular contraction and relaxation cycle. CASQ isolated from various species often exists in a phosphorylated form, but phosphorylation's role is not yet understood. Here, the authors identified two phosphorylation sites, Ser(385) and Ser(393), for the first time, in human CASQ2 (hCASQ2) by mass-spectroscopy and evaluated the consequences of such phosphorylation. Substitution of these two serines with phosphoserine-mimicking aspartic-acid residues results in a significant increase in helical content, solubility and Ca(2+)-binding capacity above 6 mM [Ca(2+)]. However, neither substitution of Ser(385) nor Ser(393) alone produce any significant changes. Based on the crystal structures of hCASQ2, Ca(2+) binding capacity data, turbidity, and light scattering profiles, it was propose that phosphorylation at these two positions produces a disorder-to-order or coil-to-helix transition of the C-terminus, which in turn provides a more stable network of polyanions. Therefore, considering all the previous reports and the new data, the observed dynamic in vivo phosphorylation of CASQ could provide the basis not only for effective regulation of Ca(2+) buffering capacity, but also for the junctional SR trafficking mechanism.

Inhibition by 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) of Ca2+ transport by SERCA1a: low concentrations of HNE open protein-mediated leaks in the membrane

Exposure of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes to 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) resulted in inhibition of the maximal ATPase activity and Ca(2+) transport ability of SERCA1a, the Ca(2+) pump in these membranes. The concomitant presence of ATP significantly protected SERCA1a ATPase activity from inhibition. ATP binding and phosphoenzyme formation from ATP were reduced after treatment with HNE, whereas Ca(2+) binding to the high-affinity sites was altered to a lower extent. HNE reacted with SH groups, some of which were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and competition studies with FITC indicated that HNE also reacted with Lys(515) within the nucleotide binding pocket of SERCA1a. A remarkable fact was that both the steady-state ability of SR vesicles to sequester Ca(2+) and the ATPase activity of SR membranes in the absence of added ionophore or detergent were sensitive to concentrations of HNE much smaller than those that affected the maximal ATPase activity of SERCA1a. This was due to an increase in the passive permeability of HNE-treated SR vesicles to Ca(2+), an increase in permeability that did not arise from alteration of the lipid component of these vesicles. Judging from immunodetection with an anti-HNE antibody, this HNE-dependent increase in permeability probably arose from modification of proteins of about 150-160kDa, present in very low abundance in longitudinal SR membranes (and in slightly larger abundance in SR terminal cisternae). HNE-induced promotion, via these proteins, of Ca(2+) leakage pathways might be involved in the general toxic effects of HNE.

Histidine-rich calcium binding protein: the new regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling

The histidine-rich calcium binding protein (HRC) is a novel regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-uptake, storage and release. Residing in the SR lumen, HRC binds Ca(2+) with high capacity but low affinity. In vitro phosphorylation of HRC affects ryanodine affinity of the ryanodine receptor (RyR), suggesting a functional role of HRC on SR Ca(2+)-release. Indeed, acute HRC overexpression in isolated rodent cardiomyocytes decreases Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release, increases SR Ca(2+)-load, and impairs contractility. The HRC effects on RyR may be regulated by the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of its interaction with triadin. However, HRC also affects the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, as shown by HRC overexpression in transgenic mouse hearts, which resulted in reduced SR Ca(2+)-uptake rates, cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. In fact, in vitro generated evidence suggests that HRC directly interacts with SR Ca(2+)-ATPase2, supporting a dual role of HRC in Ca(2+)-homeostasis: regulation of both SR Ca(2+)-uptake and Ca(2+)-release. Furthermore, HRC plays an important role in myocyte differentiation and in antiapoptotic cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion induced cardiac injury. Interestingly, HRC has been linked with familiar cardiac conduction disease and an HRC polymorphism was shown to associate with malignant ventricular arrhythmias in the background of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes studies, which have established the critical role of HRC in Ca(2+)-homeostasis, suggesting its importance in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.

Junctin and the histidine-rich Ca2+ binding protein: potential roles in heart failure and arrhythmogenesis

Contractile dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias associated with heart failure have been attributed to aberrant sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) cycling. The study of junctin (JCN) and histidine-rich Ca(2+) binding protein (HRC) becomes of particular importance since these proteins have been shown to be critical regulators of Ca(2+) cycling. Specifically, JCN is a SR membrane protein, which is part of the SR Ca(2+) release quaternary structure that also includes the ryanodine receptor, triadin and calsequestrin. Functionally, JCN serves as a bridge between calsequestrin and the Ca(2+) release channel, ryanodine receptor. HRC is a SR luminal Ca(2+) binding protein known to associate with both triadin and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, and may thus mediate the crosstalk between SR Ca(2+) uptake and release. Indeed, evidence from genetic models of JCN and HRC indicate that they are important in cardiophysiology as alterations in these proteins affect SR Ca(2+) handling and cardiac function. In addition, downregulation of JCN and HRC may contribute to Ca(2+) cycling perturbations manifest in the failing heart, where their protein levels are significantly reduced. This review examines the roles of JCN and HRC in SR Ca(2+) cycling and their potential significance in heart failure.

Phosphorylation of skeletal muscle calsequestrin enhances its Ca2+ binding capacity and promotes its association with junctin

Calcium signaling, intrinsic to skeletal and cardiac muscle function, is critically dependent on the amount of calcium stored within the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Calsequestrin, the main calcium buffer in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, provides a pool of calcium for release through the ryanodine receptor and acts as a luminal calcium sensor for the channel via its interactions with triadin and junctin. We examined the influence of phosphorylation of calsequestrin on its ability to store calcium, to polymerise and to regulate ryanodine receptors by binding to triadin and junctin. Our hypothesis was that these parameters might be altered by phosphorylation of threonine 353, which is located near the calcium and triadin/junctin binding sites. Although phosphorylation increased the calcium binding capacity of calsequestrin nearly 2-fold, it did not alter calsequestrin polymerisation, its binding to triadin or junctin or inhibition of ryanodine receptor activity at 1 mM luminal calcium. Phosphorylation was required for calsequestrin binding to junctin when calcium concentration was low (100 nM), and ryanodine receptors were activated by dephosphorylated calsequestrin when it bound to triadin alone. These novel data shows that phosphorylated calsequestrin is required for high capacity calcium buffering and suggest that ryanodine receptor inhibition by calsequestrin is mediated by junctin.

The Ser96Ala variant in histidine-rich calcium-binding protein is associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Aims

To investigate whether genetic variants of the histidine-rich calcium (HRC)-binding protein are associated with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its progression.

Methods and results

We screened 123 idiopathic DCM patients and 96 healthy individuals by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing for genetic variants in HRC. Six polymorphisms were detected: Leu35Leu (A/G), Ser43Asn (G/A), Ser96Ala (T/G), Glu202_Glu203insGlu (−/GAG), Asp261del (GAT/−), and an in-frame insertion of 51 amino acids at His321. The analysis of their frequencies did not reveal any significant correlation with DCM development. However, the Ser96Ala polymorphism exhibited a statistically significant correlation with the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. During a follow-up of 4.02 ± 2.4 years, the risk for ventricular arrhythmias was higher (HR, 9.620; 95% CI, 2.183–42.394; P = 0.003) in the Ala/Ala patients, compared with Ser/Ser homozygous patients. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, the Ser96Ala polymorphism was the only significant genetic arrythmogenesis predictor in DCM patients (HR, 4.191; 95% CI, 0.838–20.967; P = 0.018).

Conclusion

The Ser96Ala genetic variant of HRC is associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in idiopathic DCM and may serve as an independent predictor of susceptibility to arrhythmogenesis in the setting of DCM.

The voltage-dependent anion channel in endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum: characterization, modulation and possible function

In recent years, it has been recognized that there is a metabolic coupling between the cytosol, ER/SR and mitochondria. In this cross-talk, mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis and ATP production and supply play a major role. The primary transporter of adenine nucleotides, Ca(2+)and other metabolites into and out of mitochondria is the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) located at the outer mitochondrial membrane, at a crucial position in the cell. VDAC has been established as a key player in mitochondrial metabolite and ion signaling and it has also been proposed that VDAC is present in extramitochondrial membranes. Thus, regulation of VDAC, as the main interface between mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, by other molecules is of utmost importance. This article reviews localization and function of VDAC, and focuses on VDAC as a skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum channel. The regulation of VDAC activity by associated proteins and by inhibitors is also presented. Several aspects of the physiological relevance of VDAC to Ca(2+) homeostasis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis will be discussed.

Regulation of ryanodine receptors by calsequestrin: effect of high luminal Ca2+ and phosphorylation

Calsequestrin, the major calcium sequestering protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle, forms a quaternary complex with the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel and the intrinsic membrane proteins triadin and junctin. We have investigated the possibility that calsequestrin is a luminal calcium concentration sensor for the ryanodine receptor. We measured the luminal calcium concentration at which calsequestrin dissociates from the ryanodine receptor and the effect of calsequestrin on the response of the ryanodine receptor to changes in luminal calcium. We provide electrophysiological and biochemical evidence that: 1), luminal calcium concentration of >/=4 mM dissociates calsequestrin from junctional face membrane, whereas in the range of 1-3 mM calsequestrin remains attached; 2), the association with calsequestrin inhibits ryanodine receptor activity, but amplifies its response to changes in luminal calcium concentration; and 3), under physiological calcium conditions (1 mM), phosphorylation of calsequestrin does not alter its ability to inhibit native ryanodine receptor activity when the anchoring proteins triadin and junctin are present. These data suggest that the quaternary complex is intact in vivo, and provides further evidence that calsequestrin is involved in the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium signaling pathway and has a role as a luminal calcium sensor for the ryanodine receptor.

Drastic reduction of sarcalumenin in Dp427 (dystrophin of 427 kDa)-deficient fibres indicates that abnormal calcium handling plays a key role in muscular dystrophy

Although the primary abnormality in dystrophin is the underlying cause for mdx (X-chromosome-linked muscular dystrophy), abnormal Ca2+ handling after sarcolemmal microrupturing appears to be the pathophysiological mechanism leading to muscle weakness. To develop novel pharmacological strategies for eliminating Ca2+-dependent proteolysis, it is crucial to determine the fate of Ca2+-handling proteins in dystrophin-deficient fibres. In the present study, we show that a key luminal Ca2+-binding protein SAR (sarcalumenin) is affected in mdx skeletal-muscle fibres. One- and two-dimensional immunoblot analyses revealed the relative expression of the 160 kDa SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) protein to be approx. 70% lower in mdx fibres when compared with normal skeletal muscles. This drastic reduction in SAR was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Patchy internal labelling of SAR in dystrophic fibres suggests an abnormal formation of SAR domains. Differential co-immunoprecipitation experiments and chemical cross-linking demonstrated a tight linkage between SAR and the SERCA1 (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1) isoform of the SR Ca2+-ATPase. However, the relative expression of the fast Ca2+ pump was not decreased in dystrophic membrane preparations. This implies that the reduction in SAR and calsequestrin-like proteins plays a central role in the previously reported impairment of Ca2+ buffering in the dystrophic SR [Culligan, Banville, Dowling and Ohlendieck (2002) J. Appl. Physiol. 92, 435-445]. Impaired Ca2+ shuttling between the Ca2+-uptake SERCA units and calsequestrin clusters via SAR, as well as an overall decreased luminal ion-binding capacity, might indirectly amplify the Ca2+-leak-channel-induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels. This confirms the idea that abnormal Ca2+ cycling is involved in Ca2+-induced myonecrosis. Hence, manipulating disturbed Ca2+ handling might represent new modes of abolishing proteolytic degradation in muscular dystrophy.

Calsequestrin and the calcium release channel of skeletal and cardiac muscle

Calsequestrin is by far the most abundant Ca(2+)-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal and cardiac muscle. It allows the Ca2+ required for contraction to be stored at total concentrations of up to 20mM, while the free Ca2+ concentration remains at approximately 1mM. This storage capacity confers upon muscle the ability to contract frequently with minimal run-down in tension. Calsequestrin is highly acidic, containing up to 50 Ca(2+)-binding sites, which are formed simply by clustering of two or more acidic residues. The Kd for Ca2+ binding is between 1 and 100 microM, depending on the isoform, species and the presence of other cations. Calsequestrin monomers have a molecular mass of approximately 40 kDa and contain approximately 400 residues. The monomer contains three domains each with a compact alpha-helical/beta-sheet thioredoxin fold which is stable in the presence of Ca2+. The protein polymerises when Ca2+ concentrations approach 1mM. The polymer is anchored at one end to ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels either via the intrinsic membrane proteins triadin and junctin or by binding directly to the RyR. It is becoming clear that calsequestrin has several functions in the lumen of the SR in addition to its well-recognised role as a Ca2+ buffer. Firstly, it is a luminal regulator of RyR activity. When triadin and junctin are present, calsequestrin maximally inhibits the Ca2+ release channel when the free Ca2+ concentration in the SR lumen is 1mM. The inhibition is relieved when the Ca2+ concentration alters, either because of small changes in the conformation of calsequestrin or its dissociation from the junctional face membrane. These changes in calsequestrin's association with the RyR amplify the direct effects of luminal Ca2+ concentration on RyR activity. In addition, calsequestrin activates purified RyRs lacking triadin and junctin. Further roles for calsequestrin are indicated by the kinase activity of the protein, its thioredoxin-like structure and its influence over store operated Ca2+ entry. Clearly, calsequestrin plays a major role in calcium homeostasis that extends well beyond its ability to buffer Ca2+ ions.

Regulation of myocardial function by histidine-rich, calcium-binding protein

Impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release has been suggested to contribute to the depressed cardiac function in heart failure. The release of Ca from the SR may be regulated by the ryanodine receptor, triadin, junctin, calsequestrin, and a histidine-rich, Ca-binding protein (HRC). We observed that the levels of HRC were reduced in animal models and human heart failure. To gain insight into the physiological function of HRC, we infected adult rat cardiac myocytes with a recombinant adenovirus that contains the full-length mouse HRC cDNA. Overexpression (1.7-fold) of HRC in adult rat cardiomyocytes was associated with increased SR Ca load (28%) but decreased SR Ca-induced Ca release (37%), resulting in impaired Ca cycling and depressed fractional shortening (36%) as well as depressed rates of shortening (38%) and relengthening (33%). Furthermore, the depressed basal contractile and Ca kinetic parameters in the HRC-infected myocytes remained significantly depressed even after maximal isoproterenol stimulation. Interestingly, HRC overexpresssion was accompanied by increased protein levels of junctin (1.4-fold) and triadin (1.8-fold), whereas the protein levels of ryanodine receptor, calsequestrin, phospholamban, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase remained unaltered. Collectively, these data indicate that alterations in expression levels of HRC are associated with impaired cardiac SR Ca homeostasis and contractile function.

Troponin I converts the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor into a rectifying calcium release channel

The goal of our present studies has been to find novel ryanodine receptor (RyR1) interacting polypeptides that modulate the channel activity from the luminal side of RyR1. Using K(+) as charge carrier for recording of single channel events here we demonstrate a very unexpected observation that troponin I substantially alters RyR's gating behavior, and that RyR1 in association with troponin I becomes a rectifying Ca(2+) release channel. Troponin I rapidly locks the RyR1 in a non-conducting state only at a negative holding potential, and only when applied to the luminal side; switching to a positive holding potential results in the channel returning to its original activity, immediately. A hypothesis is proposed to account for how an intraluminally located, positively charged molecule might function as a RyR1 regulator under physiological conditions.

Ca(2+)-dependent interaction of triadin with histidine-rich Ca(2+)-binding protein carboxyl-terminal region

A direct binding of HRC (histidine-rich Ca(2+)-binding protein) to triadin, the main transmembrane protein of the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle, seems well supported. Opinions are still divided, however, concerning the triadin domain involved, either the cytoplasmic or the lumenal domain, and the exact role played by Ca(2+), in the protein-to-protein interaction. Further support for colocalization of HRC with triadin cytoplasmic domain is provided here by experiments of mild tryptic digestion of tightly sealed TC vesicles. Accordingly, we show that HRC is preferentially phosphorylated by endogenous CaM K II, anchored to SR membrane on the cytoplasmic side, and not by lumenally located casein kinase 2. We demonstrate that HRC can be isolated as a complex with triadin, following equilibrium sucrose-density centrifugation in the presence of mM Ca(2+). Here, we characterized the COOH-terminal portion of rabbit HRC, expressed and purified as a fusion protein (HRC(569-852)), with respect to Ca(2+)-binding properties, and to the interaction with triadin on blots, as a function of the concentration of Ca(2+). Our results identify the polyglutamic stretch near the COOH terminus, as the Ca(2+)-binding site responsible, both for the acceleration in mobility of HRC on SDS-PAGE in the presence of millimolar concentrations of Ca(2+), and for the enhancement by high Ca(2+) of the interaction between HRC and triadin cytoplasmic segment. (c)2001 Elsevier Science.

Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function, plasticity, and disease

Mammalian skeletal muscle shows an enormous variability in its functional features such as rate of force production, resistance to fatigue, and energy metabolism, with a wide spectrum from slow aerobic to fast anaerobic physiology. In addition, skeletal muscle exhibits high plasticity that is based on the potential of the muscle fibers to undergo changes of their cytoarchitecture and composition of specific muscle protein isoforms. Adaptive changes of the muscle fibers occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as, e.g., growth and differentition factors, hormones, nerve signals, or exercise. Additionally, the muscle fibers are arranged in compartments that often function as largely independent muscular subunits. All muscle fibers use Ca(2+) as their main regulatory and signaling molecule. Therefore, contractile properties of muscle fibers are dependent on the variable expression of proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling and handling. Molecular diversity of the main proteins in the Ca(2+) signaling apparatus (the calcium cycle) largely determines the contraction and relaxation properties of a muscle fiber. The Ca(2+) signaling apparatus includes 1) the ryanodine receptor that is the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release channel, 2) the troponin protein complex that mediates the Ca(2+) effect to the myofibrillar structures leading to contraction, 3) the Ca(2+) pump responsible for Ca(2+) reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and 4) calsequestrin, the Ca(2+) storage protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, a multitude of Ca(2+)-binding proteins is present in muscle tissue including parvalbumin, calmodulin, S100 proteins, annexins, sorcin, myosin light chains, beta-actinin, calcineurin, and calpain. These Ca(2+)-binding proteins may either exert an important role in Ca(2+)-triggered muscle contraction under certain conditions or modulate other muscle activities such as protein metabolism, differentiation, and growth. Recently, several Ca(2+) signaling and handling molecules have been shown to be altered in muscle diseases. Functional alterations of Ca(2+) handling seem to be responsible for the pathophysiological conditions seen in dystrophinopathies, Brody's disease, and malignant hyperthermia. These also underline the importance of the affected molecules for correct muscle performance.

Surface plasmon resonance studies prove the interaction of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) release channel/ryanodine receptor with calsequestrin

A high affinity molecular interaction is demonstrated between calsequestrin and the sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) release channel/ryanodine receptor (RyR) by surface plasmon resonance. K(D) values of 92 nM and 102 nM for the phosphorylated and dephosphorylated calsequestrin have been determined, respectively. Phosphorylation of calsequestrin seems not to influence this high affinity interaction, i.e. calsequestrin might always be bound to RyR. However, the phosphorylation state of calsequestrin determines the amount of Ca(2+) released from the lumen. Dephosphorylation of approximately 1% of the phosphorylated calsequestrin could be enough to activate the RyR channel half-maximally, as we have shown previously [Szegedi et al., Biochem. J. 337 (1999) 19].

Interaction of triadin with histidine-rich Ca(2+)-binding protein at the triadic junction in skeletal muscle fibers

The present study documents the binding interaction of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) transmembrane protein triadin with peripheral histidine-rich, Ca(2+)-binding protein (HCP). In addition to providing further evidence that HCP coenriches with RyR1, FKBP-12, triadin and calsequestrin (CS) in sucrose-density-purified TC vesicles, using specific polyclonal antibody, we show it to be expressed as a single protein species, both in fast-twitch and slow-twitch fibers, and to identically localize to the I-band. Colocalization of HCP and triadin at junctional triads is supported by the overlapping staining pattern using monoclonal antibodies to triadin. We show a specific binding interaction between digoxigenin-HCP and triadin, using ligand blot techniques. The importance of this finding is strengthened by the similarities in binding affinity and in Ca2+ dependence, (0.1-1 mM Ca2+) of the interaction of digoxigenin-HCP with immobilized TC vesicles. Suggesting that triadin dually interacts with HCP and with CS, at distinct sites, we have found that triadin-CS interaction in overlays does not require the presence of Ca2+. Consistent with the binding of CS to triadin luminal domain (Guo and Campbell, 1995), we show that binding sites for digoxigenin-CS, although not binding sites for digoxigenin-HCP, can be recovered in the 92 kDa triadin fragment, after chymotryptic cleavage of the NH2-terminal end of the folded molecule in intact TC vesicles. These differential effects form the basis for the hypothesis that HCP anchors to the junctional membrane domain of the SR, through binding to triadin short cytoplasmic domain at the NH2 terminus. Although the function of this interaction, as such, is not well understood, it seems of potential biological interest within the more general context of the structural-functional role of triadin at the triadic junction in skeletal muscle.

HRC (histidine-rich Ca2+ binding protein) resides in the lumen of sarcoplasmic reticulum as a multimer

HRC (histidine-rich Ca2+ binding protein) has been identified from skeletal and cardiac muscle and shown to bind Ca2+ with low affinity and high capacity that is reminiscent of calsequestrin. The physiological role of HRC is largely unknown. In this study, we show that HRC exists as a multimeric complex (probably larger than a pentamer) under physiological conditions. At higher Ca2+ concentrations, the complex appeared to dissociate into dimers or trimers that form a more relaxed structure. This is in striking contrast to the characteristics of calsequestrin. An earlier immuno-electron microscopic study showed that HRC resides in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), but this conclusion has been challenged by other data. By tryptic digestion and biotinylation of SR vesicles, we provide compelling evidence showing that HRC is indeed present in the lumen of the SR.

Interaction of triadin with histidine-rich Ca(2+)-binding protein at the triadic junction in skeletal muscle fibers

The present study documents the binding interaction of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) transmembrane protein triadin with peripheral histidine-rich, Ca(2+)-binding protein (HCP). In addition to providing further evidence that HCP coenriches with RyR1, FKBP-12, triadin and calsequestrin (CS) in sucrose-density-purified TC vesicles, using specific polyclonal antibody, we show it to be expressed as a single protein species, both in fast-twitch and slow-twitch fibers, and to identically localize to the I-band. Colocalization of HCP and triadin at junctional triads is supported by the overlapping staining pattern using monoclonal antibodies to triadin. We show a specific binding interaction between digoxigenin-HCP and triadin, using ligand blot techniques. The importance of this finding is strengthened by the similarities in binding affinity and in Ca2+ dependence, (0.1-1 mM Ca2+) of the interaction of digoxigenin-HCP with immobilized TC vesicles. Suggesting that triadin dually interacts with HCP and with CS, at distinct sites, we have found that triadin-CS interaction in overlays does not require the presence of Ca2+. Consistent with the binding of CS to triadin luminal domain (Guo and Campbell, 1995), we show that binding sites for digoxigenin-CS, although not binding sites for digoxigenin-HCP, can be recovered in the 92 kDa triadin fragment, after chymotryptic cleavage of the NH2-terminal end of the folded molecule in intact TC vesicles. These differential effects form the basis for the hypothesis that HCP anchors to the junctional membrane domain of the SR, through binding to triadin short cytoplasmic domain at the NH2 terminus. Although the function of this interaction, as such, is not well understood, it seems of potential biological interest within the more general context of the structural-functional role of triadin at the triadic junction in skeletal muscle.

Calsequestrin: more than 'only' a luminal Ca2+ buffer inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum

In striated muscle, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release/ryanodine receptor (RyR) channel provides the pathway through which stored Ca2+ is released into the myoplasm during excitation-contraction coupling. Various luminal Ca2+-binding proteins are responsible for maintaining the free [Ca2+] at 10(-3)-10(-4) M in the SR lumen; in skeletal-muscle SR, it is mainly calsequestrin. Here we show that, depending on its phosphorylation state, calsequestrin selectively controls the RyR channel activity at 1 mM free luminal [Ca2+]. Calsequestrin exclusively in the dephosphorylated state enhanced the open probability by approx. 5-fold with a Hill coefficient (h) of 3.3, and increased the mean open time by about 2-fold, i.e. solely dephosphorylated calsequestrin regulates Ca2+ release from the SR. Because calsequestrin has been found to occur mainly in the phosphorylated state in the skeletal-muscle SR for the regulation of RyR channel activity, the dephosphorylation of calsequestrin would appear to be a quintessential physiological event.

The structure, function, and cellular regulation of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels

The fundamental biological process of Ca2+ signaling is known to be important in most eukaryotic cells, and inositol 1,2,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors, intracellular Ca2+ release channels encoded by two distantly related gene families, are central to this phenomenon. Ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal and cardiac muscle have a predominant role in excitation-contraction coupling, but the channels are also present in the endoplasmic reticulum of noncontractile tissues including the central nervous system and the immune system. In all, three highly homologous ryanodine receptor isoforms have been identified, all very large proteins which assemble as (homo)tetramers of approximately 2 MDa. They contain large cytoplasmically disposed regulatory domains and are always associated with other structural or regulatory proteins, including calmodulin and immunophilins, which can have marked effects on channel function. The type 1 isoform in skeletal muscle is electromechanically coupled to surface membrane voltage sensors, whereas the remaining isoforms appear to be activated solely by endogenous cytoplasmic second messengers or other ligands, including Ca2+ itself ("Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release"). This review concentrates on ryanodine receptor structure-function relationships as probed by a variety of methods and on the molecular mechanisms of channel modulation at the cellular level (including evidence for the regulation of gene expression and transcription). It also touches on the relevance of ryanodine receptors to complex cellular functions and disease.

Is all bone the same? Distinctive distributions and properties of non-collagenous matrix proteins in lamellar vs. woven bone imply the existence of different underlying osteogenic mechanisms

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent functional and structural findings regarding non-collagenous matrix proteins in bone and teeth, to compare gene locations for bone and tooth matrix proteins with loci for hereditary skeletal diseases, and to present several provocative hypotheses which integrate this new information into a physiological context. Hypothesis I proposes that the molecular composition of rapidly deposited and mineralized woven bone, as well as the responsiveness of cells synthesizing woven bone to stimuli, is different from that for more slowly synthesized lamellar bone, implying the existence of distinctive osteogenic mechanisms. This review of recent research strongly supports this proposal. Briefly, the protein composition of woven bone matrix is enriched in acidic phosphoproteins BAG-75 and BSP, which are not expressed in lamellar bone, which is itself enriched in osteocalcin. De novo deposition and mineralization of woven bone occurs faster than in lamellar bone by means of a matrix-vesicle-assisted mechanism. Deposition of woven bone occurs at sites experiencing biomechanical strains higher than those experienced by lamellar bone. In addition, woven bone in metaphyseal regions is more susceptible to osteoclastic resorption after space flight, ovariectomy, and loss of weightbearing than is lamellar bone. Finally, osteoprogenitor cells responsive to parathyroid hormone reside in the metaphyseal region of long bones. Taken together, these findings suggest that Hypothesis I represents a useful paradigm for future studies. Specific functions mediated by most individual bone and tooth matrix proteins remain uncertain. A review of current literature suggests that the functionality of skeletal matrix proteins is expressed through specific binding sites composed of particular species-conserved structural motifs (Hypothesis 2). Examples include the previously recognized Asp-Ser-Ser motif of dentin phosphophoryns and the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid motif of matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin. A new polyacidic amino acid motif composed of consecutive Asp and Glu residues (n > 7) was defined in extracellular matrix components osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and bone acidic glycoprotein-75 on the basis of strong functional analogies with similar polyacidic stretches in divalent metal storage proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum. These structural motifs represent prime targets for future structure-function studies in vivo and in vitro.

Protein kinase CK2 ("casein kinase-2") and its implication in cell division and proliferation

Protein kinase CK2 (also termed casein kinase-2 or -II) is a ubiquitous Ser/Thr-specific protein kinase required for viability and for cell cycle progression. CK2 is especially elevated in proliferating tissues, either normal or transformed, and the expression of its catalytic subunit in transgenic mice is causative of lymphomas. CK2 is highly pleiotropic: more than 160 proteins phosphorylated by it at sites specified by multiple acidic residues are known. Despite its heterotetrameric structure generally composed by two catalytic (alpha and/or alpha') and two non catalytic beta-subunits, the regulation of CK2 is still enigmatic. A number of functional features of the beta-subunit which could cooperate to the modulation of CK2 targeting/activity will be discussed.

Modulation of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor by endogenous phosphorylation of 160/150-kDa proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum

This paper demonstrates and characterizes the inhibition of ryanodine binding caused by the phosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Inhibition of ryanodine binding was obtained by preincubation of SR membranes with ATP + NaF . The inhibition was characterized by the following findings: (a) If ATP was replaced by AdoPP[NH]P, inhibition of ryanodine binding activity was not observed. (b) The inhibitory effect of preincubation with ATP + NaF, like the phosphorylation of 150/160-kDa proteins, was Ca2+ dependent. (c) Inhibition of ryanodine binding, as the protein phosphorylation, was not observed if NaF (> 30 mM) was replaced with okadaic acid. (d) The optimal pH for the inhibition and the phosphorylation was about 7.0. (e) Both the phosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins and inhibition of ryanodine binding were prevented by dichlorobenzimidazole riboside and hemin, inhibitors of casein kinase II. (f) Dephosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins prevented the inhibition of ryanodine binding. (g) The presence of NP-40 during the phosphorylation prevented both the 160/150-kDa phosphorylation and the inhibition of ryanodine binding. Furthermore, a linear relationship was obtained between the degree of ryanodine binding inhibition and the level of phosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins, as controlled by ATP or NaF concentrations. The binding affinity for Ca2+ of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) was modified by phosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins, decreasing by up to 100-fold. The phosphorylation of the SR membranes resulted in an elimination of ryanodine binding sites with slight effect on the ryanodine binding affinity. These results suggest the modulation of the properties of the RyR by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the 160/150-kDa proteins. The identification of the phosphorylated 160/150-kDa proteins, their kinase, and the structural interactions between them and the RyR are presented in the accompanying paper.