Biophysical physiology of phosphoinositide rapid dynamics and regulation in living cells

The Influence of Phosphoinositide Lipids in the Molecular Biology of Membrane Proteins: Recent Insights from Simulations

The phosphoinositide family of membrane lipids play diverse and critical roles in eukaryotic molecular biology. Much of this biological activity derives from interactions of phosphoinositide lipids with integral and peripheral membrane proteins, leading to modulation of protein structure, function, and cellular distribution. Since the discovery of phosphoinositides in the 1940s, combined molecular biology, biophysical, and structural approaches have made enormous progress in untangling this vast and diverse cellular network of interactions. More recently, in silico approaches such as molecular dynamics simulations have proven to be an asset in prospectively identifying, characterising, explaining the structural basis of these interactions, and in the best cases providing atomic level testable hypotheses on how such interactions control the function of a given membrane protein. This review details a number of recent seminal discoveries in phosphoinositide biology, enabled by advanced biomolecular simulation, and its integration with molecular biology, biophysical, and structural biology approaches. The results of the simulation studies agree well with experimental work, and in a number of notable cases have arrived at the key conclusion several years in advance of the experimental structures. SUMMARY: Hedger and Yen review developments in simulations of phosphoinositides and membrane proteins.

Evaluation of Small-Molecule Candidates as Modulators of M-Type K+ Currents: Impacts on Current Amplitude, Gating, and Voltage-Dependent Hysteresis

The core subunits of the KV7.2, KV7.3, and KV7.5 channels, encoded by the KCNQ2, KCNQ3, and KCNQ5 genes, are expressed across various cell types and play a key role in generating the M-type K+ current (IK(M)). This current is characterized by an activation threshold at low voltages and displays slow activation and deactivation kinetics. Variations in the amplitude and gating kinetics of IK(M) can significantly influence membrane excitability. Notably, IK(M) demonstrates distinct voltage-dependent hysteresis when subjected to prolonged isosceles-triangular ramp pulses. In this review, we explore various small-molecule modulators that can either inhibit or enhance the amplitude of IK(M), along with their perturbations on its gating kinetics and voltage-dependent hysteresis. The inhibitors of IK(M) highlighted here include bisoprolol, brivaracetam, cannabidiol, nalbuphine, phenobarbital, and remdesivir. Conversely, compounds such as flupirtine, kynurenic acid, naringenin, QO-58, and solifenacin have been shown to enhance IK(M). These modulators show potential as pharmacological or therapeutic strategies for treating certain disorders linked to gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations in M-type K+ (KV7x or KCNQx) channels.

Electrocalcium coupling in brain capillaries: Rapidly traveling electrical signals ignite local calcium signals

The routing of blood flow throughout the brain vasculature is precisely controlled by mechanisms that serve to maintain a fine balance between local neuronal demands and vascular supply of nutrients. We recently identified two capillary endothelial cell (cEC)-based mechanisms that control cerebral blood flow in vivo: 1) electrical signaling, mediated by extracellular K+-dependent activation of strong inward rectifying K+ (Kir2.1) channels, which are steeply activated by hyperpolarization and thus are capable of cell-to-cell propagation, and 2) calcium (Ca2+) signaling, which reflects release of Ca2+ via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-a target of Gq-protein-coupled receptor signaling. Notably, Ca2+ signals were restricted to the cell in which they were initiated. Unexpectedly, we found that these two mechanisms, which were presumed to operate in distinct spatiotemporal realms, are linked such that Kir2.1-dependent hyperpolarization induces increases in the electrical driving force for Ca2+ entry into cECs through resident TRPV4 channels. This process, termed electrocalcium (E-Ca) coupling, enhances IP3R-mediated Ca2+ release via a Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release mechanism, and allows focally induced hyperpolarization, including that initiated by ATP-dependent K+ (KATP) channels, to travel cell-to-cell via activation of Kir2.1 channels in adjacent cells, providing a mechanism for the "pseudopropagation" of Ca2+ signals. Computational modeling supported the basic features of E-Ca coupling and provided insight into the intracellular processes involved. Collectively, these data provide strong support for the concept of E-Ca coupling and provide a mechanism for the spatiotemporal integration of diverse signaling pathways in the control of cerebral blood flow.

Membrane lipid nanodomains modulate HCN pacemaker channels in nociceptor DRG neurons

Cell membranes consist of heterogeneous lipid nanodomains that influence key cellular processes. Using FRET-based fluorescent assays and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), we find that the dimension of cholesterol-enriched ordered membrane domains (OMD) varies considerably, depending on specific cell types. Particularly, nociceptor dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons exhibit large OMDs. Disruption of OMDs potentiated action potential firing in nociceptor DRG neurons and facilitated the opening of native hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) pacemaker channels. This increased neuronal firing is partially due to an increased open probability and altered gating kinetics of HCN channels. The gating effect on HCN channels is likely due to a direct modulation of their voltage sensors by OMDs. In animal models of neuropathic pain, we observe reduced OMD size and a loss of HCN channel localization within OMDs. Additionally, cholesterol supplementation inhibited HCN channels and reduced neuronal hyperexcitability in pain models. These findings suggest that disturbances in lipid nanodomains play a critical role in regulating HCN channels within nociceptor DRG neurons, influencing pain modulation.

PIP2 inhibits pore opening of the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel SthK

The signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) regulates many ion channels. It inhibits eukaryotic cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels while activating their relatives, the hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels. The prokaryotic SthK channel from Spirochaeta thermophila shares features with CNG and HCN channels and is an established model for this channel family. Here, we show SthK activity is inhibited by PIP2. A cryo-EM structure of SthK in nanodiscs reveals a PIP2-fitting density coordinated by arginine and lysine residues from the S4 helix and the C-linker, located between voltage-sensing and pore domains of adjacent subunits. Mutation of two arginine residues weakens PIP2 inhibition with the double mutant displaying insensitivity to PIP2. We propose that PIP2 inhibits SthK by gluing S4 and S6 together, stabilizing a resting channel conformation. The PIP2 binding site is partially conserved in CNG channels suggesting the possibility of a similar inhibition mechanism in the eukaryotic homologs.

Nonlinear dynamics in phosphoinositide metabolism

Phosphoinositides broadly impact membrane dynamics, signal transduction and cellular physiology. The orchestration of signaling complexity by this seemingly simple metabolic pathway remains an open question. It is increasingly evident that comprehending the complexity of the phosphoinositides metabolic network requires a systems view based on nonlinear dynamics, where the products of metabolism can either positively or negatively modulate enzymatic function. These feedback and feedforward loops may be paradoxical, leading to counterintuitive effects. In this review, we introduce the framework of nonlinear dynamics, emphasizing distinct dynamical regimes such as the excitable state, oscillations, and mixed-mode oscillations-all of which have been experimentally observed in phosphoinositide metabolisms. We delve into how these dynamical behaviors arise from one or multiple network motifs, including positive and negative feedback loops, coherent and incoherent feedforward loops. We explore the current understanding of the molecular circuits responsible for these behaviors. While mapping these circuits presents both conceptual and experimental challenges, redefining cellular behavior based on dynamical state, lipid fluxes, time delay, and network topology is likely essential for a comprehensive understanding of this fundamental metabolic network.

Effect of hormone-induced plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate depletion on receptor endocytosis suggests the importance of local regulation in phosphoinositide signaling

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) has been shown to be critical for the endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We have previously demonstrated that depletion of PIP2 by chemically induced plasma membrane (PM) recruitment of a 5-phosphatase domain prevents the internalization of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) from the PM to early endosomes. In this study, we tested the effect of hormone-induced PM PIP2 depletion on β2AR internalization using type-1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R) or M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R). We followed the endocytic route of β2ARs in HEK 293T cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer between the receptor and endosome marker Rab5. To compare the effect of lipid depletion by different means, we created and tested an AT1R fusion protein that is capable of both recruitment-based and hormone-induced depletion methods. The rate of PM PIP2 depletion was measured using a biosensor based on the PH domain of phospholipase Cδ1. As expected, β2AR internalization was inhibited when PIP2 depletion was evoked by recruiting 5-phosphatase to PM-anchored AT1R. A similar inhibition occurred when wild-type AT1R was activated by adding angiotensin II. However, stimulation of the desensitization/internalization-impaired mutant AT1R (TSTS/4A) caused very little inhibition of β2AR internalization, despite the higher rate of measurable PIP2 depletion. Interestingly, inhibition of PIP2 resynthesis with the selective PI4KA inhibitor GSK-A1 had little effect on the change in PH-domain-measured PM PIP2 levels but did significantly decrease β2AR internalization upon either AT1R or M3R activation, indicating the importance of a locally synthetized phosphoinositide pool in the regulation of this process.

Direct regulation of the voltage sensor of HCN channels by membrane lipid compartmentalization

Ion channels function within a membrane environment characterized by dynamic lipid compartmentalization. Limited knowledge exists regarding the response of voltage-gated ion channels to transmembrane potential within distinct membrane compartments. By leveraging fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), we visualized the localization of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in membrane domains. HCN4 exhibits a greater propensity for incorporation into ordered lipid domains compared to HCN1. To investigate the conformational changes of the S4 helix voltage sensor of HCN channels, we used dual stop-codon suppression to incorporate different noncanonical amino acids, orthogonal click chemistry for site-specific fluorescence labeling, and transition metal FLIM-FRET. Remarkably, altered FRET levels were observed between VSD sites within HCN channels upon disruption of membrane domains. We propose that the voltage-sensor rearrangements, directly influenced by membrane lipid domains, can explain the heightened activity of pacemaker HCN channels when localized in cholesterol-poor, disordered lipid domains, leading to membrane hyperexcitability and diseases.

Molecular architecture of the Gαi-bound TRPC5 ion channel

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels serve as key molecular switches through which extracellular stimuli are transformed into intracellular effects, and it has long been postulated that ion channels are direct effector molecules of the alpha subunit of G-proteins (Gα). However, no complete structural evidence supporting the direct interaction between Gα and ion channels is available. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5)-Gαi3 complexes with a 4:4 stoichiometry in lipid nanodiscs. Remarkably, Gαi3 binds to the ankyrin repeat edge of TRPC5 ~ 50 Å away from the cell membrane. Electrophysiological analysis shows that Gαi3 increases the sensitivity of TRPC5 to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), thereby rendering TRPC5 more easily opened in the cell membrane, where the concentration of PIP2 is physiologically regulated. Our results demonstrate that ion channels are one of the direct effector molecules of Gα proteins triggered by GPCR activation-providing a structural framework for unraveling the crosstalk between two major classes of transmembrane proteins: GPCRs and ion channels.

Allosteric stabilization of calcium and phosphoinositide dual binding engages several synaptotagmins in fast exocytosis

Synaptic communication relies on the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, which leads to neurotransmitter release. This exocytosis is triggered by brief and local elevations of intracellular Ca²⁺ with remarkably high sensitivity. How this is molecularly achieved is unknown. While synaptotagmins confer the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of neurotransmitter exocytosis, biochemical measurements reported Ca²⁺ affinities too low to account for synaptic function. However, synaptotagmin’s Ca²⁺ affinity increases upon binding the plasma membrane phospholipid PI(4,5)P₂ and, vice versa, Ca²⁺ binding increases synaptotagmin’s PI(4,5)P₂ affinity, indicating a stabilization of the Ca²⁺/PI(4,5)P₂ dual-bound state. Here, we devise a molecular exocytosis model based on this positive allosteric stabilization and the assumptions that (1.) synaptotagmin Ca²⁺/PI(4,5)P₂ dual binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion and that (2.) the effect of multiple synaptotagmins on the energy barrier is additive. The model, which relies on biochemically measured Ca²⁺/PI(4,5)P₂ affinities and protein copy numbers, reproduced the steep Ca²⁺ dependency of neurotransmitter release. Our results indicate that each synaptotagmin engaging in Ca²⁺/PI(4,5)P₂ dual-binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion by ~5 k_BT and that allosteric stabilization of this state enables the synchronized engagement of several (typically three) synaptotagmins for fast exocytosis. Furthermore, we show that mutations altering synaptotagmin’s allosteric properties may show dominant-negative effects, even though synaptotagmins act independently on the energy barrier, and that dynamic changes of local PI(4,5)P₂ (e.g. upon vesicle movement) dramatically impact synaptic responses. We conclude that allosterically stabilized Ca²⁺/PI(4,5)P₂ dual binding enables synaptotagmins to exert their coordinated function in neurotransmission.

For our brains and nervous systems to work properly, the nerve cells within them must be able to ‘talk’ to each other. They do this by releasing chemical signals called neurotransmitters which other cells can detect and respond to.

Neurotransmitters are packaged in tiny membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. When a cell of the nervous system needs to send a signal to its neighbours, the vesicles fuse with the outer membrane of the cell, discharging their chemical contents for other cells to detect. The initial trigger for neurotransmitter release is a short, fast increase in the amount of calcium ions inside the signalling cell. One of the main proteins that helps regulate this process is synaptotagmin which binds to calcium and gives vesicles the signal to start unloading their chemicals.

Despite acting as a calcium sensor, synaptotagmin actually has a very low affinity for calcium ions by itself, meaning that it would not be efficient for the protein to respond alone. Synpatotagmin is more likely to bind to calcium if it is attached to a molecule called PIP₂, which is found in the membranes of cells The effect also occurs in reverse, as the binding of calcium to synaptotagmin increases the protein’s affinity for PIP₂. However, how these three molecules – synaptotagmin, PIP₂, and calcium – work together to achieve the physiological release of neurotransmitters is poorly understood.

To help answer this question, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. set up a computer simulation of ‘virtual vesicles’ using available experimental data on synaptotagmin’s affinity with calcium and PIP₂. In this simulation, synaptotagmin could only trigger the release of neurotransmitters when bound to both calcium and PIP₂. The model also showed that each ‘complex’ of synaptotagmin/calcium/PIP₂ made the vesicles more likely to fuse with the outer membrane of the cell – to the extent that only a handful of synaptotagmin molecules were needed to start neurotransmitter release from a single vesicle.

These results shed new light on a biological process central to the way nerve cells communicate with each other. In the future, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. hope that this insight will help us to understand the cause of diseases where communication in the nervous system is impaired.