A large-conductance K+ channel that is inhibited by the cytoskeleton in the smooth muscle cell line DDT1 MF-2

Influenza virus uses mGluR2 as an endocytic receptor to enter cells

Influenza virus infection is initiated by the attachment of the viral haemagglutinin (HA) protein to sialic acid receptors on the host cell surface. Most virus particles enter cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). However, it is unclear how viral binding signals are transmitted through the plasma membrane triggering CME. Here we found that metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 (mGluR2) and potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M alpha 1 (KCa1.1) are involved in the initiation and completion of CME of influenza virus using an siRNA screen approach. Influenza virus HA directly interacted with mGluR2 and used it as an endocytic receptor to initiate CME. mGluR2 interacted and activated KCa1.1, leading to polymerization of F-actin, maturation of clathrin-coated pits and completion of the CME of influenza virus. Importantly, mGluR2-knockout mice were significantly more resistant to different influenza subtypes than the wild type. Therefore, blocking HA and mGluR2 interaction could be a promising host-directed antiviral strategy.

Piezo1 and BKCa channels in human atrial fibroblasts: Interplay and remodelling in atrial fibrillation

AIMS

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia of increasing prevalence in the aging populations of developed countries. One of the important indicators of AF is sustained atrial dilatation, highlighting the importance of mechanical overload in the pathophysiology of AF. The mechanisms by which atrial cells, including fibroblasts, sense and react to changing mechanical forces, are not fully elucidated. Here, we characterise stretch-activated ion channels (SAC) in human atrial fibroblasts and changes in SAC- presence and activity associated with AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using primary cultures of human atrial fibroblasts, isolated from patients in sinus rhythm or sustained AF, we combine electrophysiological, molecular and pharmacological tools to identify SAC. Two electrophysiological SAC- signatures were detected, indicative of cation-nonselective and potassium-selective channels. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, we identified the cation-nonselective SAC as Piezo1. Biophysical properties of the potassium-selective channel, its sensitivity to calcium, paxilline or iberiotoxin (blockers), and NS11021 (activator), indicated presence of calcium-dependent 'big potassium channels' (BK_Ca). In cells from AF patients, Piezo1 activity and mRNA expression levels were higher than in cells from sinus rhythm patients, while BK_Ca activity (but not expression) was downregulated. Both Piezo1-knockdown and removal of extracellular calcium from the patch pipette resulted in a significant reduction of BK_Ca current during stretch. No co-immunoprecipitation of Piezo1 and BK_Ca was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Human atrial fibroblasts contain at least two types of ion channels that are activated during stretch: Piezo1 and BK_Ca. While Piezo1 is directly stretch-activated, the increase in BK_Ca activity during mechanical stimulation appears to be mainly secondary to calcium influx via SAC such as Piezo1. During sustained AF, Piezo1 is increased, while BK_Ca activity is reduced, highlighting differential regulation of both channels. Our data support the presence and interplay of Piezo1 and BK_Ca in human atrial fibroblasts in the absence of physical links between the two channel proteins.

Complexes formed with integrin-α5 and KCNB1 potassium channel wild type or epilepsy-susceptibility variants modulate cellular plasticity via Ras and Akt signaling

Voltage-gated potassium (K⁺) channel subfamily B member 1 (KCNB1, Kv2.1) and integrin-α5 form macromolecular complexes-named integrin-α5-KCNB1 complexes (IKCs)-in the human brain, but their function was poorly understood. Here we report that membrane depolarization triggered IKC intracellular signals mediated by small GTPases of the Ras subfamily and protein kinase B (Akt) to advance the development of filopodia and lamellipodia in Chinese hamster ovary cells, stimulate their motility, and enhance neurite outgrowth in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a cells. Five KCNB1 mutants (L211P, R312H G379R, G381R, and F416L) linked to severe infancy or early-onset epileptic encephalopathy exhibited markedly defective conduction. However, although L211P, G379R, and G381R normally engaged Ras/Akt and stimulated cell migration, R312H and F416L failed to activate Ras/Akt signaling and did not enhance cell migration. Taken together, these data suggest that IKCs modulate cellular plasticity via Ras and Akt signaling. As such, defective IKCs may cause epilepsy through mechanisms other than dysregulated excitability such as, for example, abnormal neuronal development and resulting synaptic connectivity.-Yu, W., Shin, M. R., Sesti, F. Complexes formed with integrin-α5 and KCNB1 potassium channel wild type or epilepsy-susceptibility variants modulate cellular plasticity via Ras and Akt signaling.

Local calcium signalling is mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels in mesenchymal stem cells

Mechanical forces are implicated in key physiological processes in stem cells, including proliferation, differentiation and lineage switching. To date, there is an evident lack of understanding of how external mechanical cues are coupled with calcium signalling in stem cells. Mechanical reactions are of particular interest in adult mesenchymal stem cells because of their promising potential for use in tissue remodelling and clinical therapy. Here, single channel patch-clamp technique was employed to search for cation channels involved in mechanosensitivity in mesenchymal endometrial-derived stem cells (hMESCs). Functional expression of native mechanosensitive stretch-activated channels (SACs) and calcium-sensitive potassium channels of different conductances in hMESCs was shown. Single current analysis of stretch-induced channel activity revealed functional coupling of SACs and BK channels in plasma membrane. The combination of cell-attached and inside-out experiments have indicated that highly localized Ca²⁺ entry via SACs triggers BK channel activity. At the same time, SK channels are not coupled with SACs despite of high calcium sensitivity as compared to BK. Our data demonstrate novel mechanism controlling BK channel activity in native cells. We conclude that SACs and BK channels are clusterized in functional mechanosensitive domains in the plasma membrane of hMESCs. Co-clustering of ion channels may significantly contribute to mechano-dependent calcium signalling in stem cells.

TRPC6 channels and their binding partners in podocytes: role in glomerular filtration and pathophysiology

Loss or dysfunction of podocytes is a major cause of glomerular kidney disease. Several genetic forms of glomerular disease are caused by mutations in genes that encode structural elements of the slit diaphragm or the underlying cytoskeleton of podocyte foot processes. The recent discovery that gain-of-function mutations in Ca(2+)-permeable canonical transient receptor potential-6 channels (TRPC6) underlie a subset of familial forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has focused attention on the basic cellular physiology of podocytes. Several recent studies have examined the role of Ca(2+) dynamics in normal podocyte function and their possible contributions to glomerular disease. This review summarizes the properties of TRPC6 and related channels, focusing on their permeation and gating properties, the nature of mutations associated with familial FSGS, and the role of TRPC channels in podocyte cell biology as well as in glomerular pathophysiology. TRPC6 interacts with several proteins in podocytes, including essential slit diaphragm proteins and mechanosensitive large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. The signaling dynamics controlling ion channel function and localization in podocytes appear to be quite complex.

Regulation of podocyte BK(Ca) channels by synaptopodin, Rho, and actin microfilaments

Mechanosensitive large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels encoded by the Slo1 gene (BK(Ca) channels) are expressed in podocytes. Here we show that BK(Ca) channels reciprocally coimmunoprecipitate with synaptopodin (Synpo) in mouse glomeruli, in mouse podocytes, and in a heterologous expression system (HEK293T cells) in which these proteins are transiently expressed. Synpo and Slo1 colocalize along the surface of the glomerular basement membrane in mouse glomeruli. Synpo interacts with BK(Ca) channels at COOH-terminal domains that overlap with an actin-binding domain on the channel molecule that is necessary for trafficking of BK(Ca) channels to the cell surface. Moreover, addition of exogenous beta-actin to mouse podocyte lysates reduces BK(Ca)-Synpo interactions. Coexpression of Synpo increases steady-state surface expression of BK(Ca) channels in HEK293T cells. However, Synpo does not affect the stability of cell surface BK(Ca) channels, suggesting a primary effect on the rate of forward trafficking, and Synpo coexpression does not affect BK(Ca) gating. Conversely, stable knockdown of Synpo expression in mouse podocyte cell lines reduces steady-state surface expression of BK(Ca) channels but does not affect total expression of BK(Ca) channels or their gating. The effects of Synpo on surface expression of BK(Ca) are blocked by inhibition of Rho signaling in HEK293T cells and in podocytes. Functional cell surface BK(Ca) channels in podocytes are also reduced by sustained (2 h) but not acute (15 min) depolymerization of actin with cytochalasin D. Synpo may regulate BK(Ca) channels through its effects on actin dynamics and by modulating interactions between BK(Ca) channels and regulatory proteins of the podocyte slit diaphragm.

A novel actin-binding domain on Slo1 calcium-activated potassium channels is necessary for their expression in the plasma membrane

Large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels regulate the physiological properties of many cell types. The gating properties of BK(Ca) channels are Ca(2+)-, voltage- and stretch-sensitive, and stretch-sensitive gating of these channels requires interactions with actin microfilaments subjacent to the plasma membrane. Moreover, we have previously shown that trafficking of BK(Ca) channels to the plasma membrane is associated with processes that alter cytoskeletal dynamics. Here, we show that the Slo1 subunits of BK(Ca) channels contain a novel cytoplasmic actin-binding domain (ABD) close to the C terminus, considerably downstream from regions of the channel molecule that play a major role in determining channel-gating properties. Binding of actin to the ABD can occur in a binary mixture in the absence of other proteins. Coexpression of a small ABD-green fluorescent protein fusion protein that competes with full-length Slo1 channels for binding to actin markedly suppresses trafficking of full-length Slo1 channels to the plasma membrane. In addition, Slo1 channels containing deletions of the ABD that eliminate actin binding are retained in intracellular pools, and they are not expressed on the cell surface. At least one point mutation within the ABD (L1020A) reduces surface expression of Slo1 channels to approximately 25% of wild type, but it does not cause a marked effect on the gating of point mutant channels that reach the cell surface. These data suggest that Slo1-actin interactions are necessary for normal trafficking of BK(Ca) channels to the plasma membrane and that the mechanisms of this interaction may be different from those that underlie F-actin and stretch-sensitive gating.

One-trial in vitro conditioning of hermissenda regulates phosphorylation of ser-122 of csp24

The regulation of the intrinsic excitability of a neuron is an important aspect of cellular and synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Various voltage-dependent K(+) channels have been shown to be critical for the modification of membrane excitability. Components of the cytoskeleton have been proposed to contribute to the location, distribution, and function of diverse K(+) channels. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the cytoskeleton by signaling pathways and the role of the cytoskeleton in the induction of intrinsic excitability is not understood. Hermissenda Csp24 is a beta-thymosin-like protein containing multiple actin-binding domains that contributes to intrinsic enhanced excitability produced by Pavlovian conditioning. One-trial in vitro conditioning produces a significant reduction in the A-type transient K(+) current (I(A)) and a depolarized shift in the steady-state activation curve of I(A). Intermediate and long-term enhanced excitability produced by one-trial conditioning is also dependent on the expression and phosphorylation of Csp24. Blocking the expression of Csp24 with an antisense oligonucleotide inhibits the development of intermediate-term enhanced excitability and the concomitant reduction in I(A) normally produced by one-trial in vitro conditioning. In this report using two-dimensional gel PAGE and electrospray mass spectrometry, we have identified two phosphorylation sites on Csp24. Using phospho-specific antibodies with Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation procedures we show that one-trial in vitro conditioning results in an increase in the phosphorylation of Ser-122, but not Ser-49 of Csp24.

Stretch-elicited calcium responses in the intact mouse thoracic aorta

Stretch-elicited intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) changes in individual smooth muscle cells in a ring of aorta were measured simultaneously with the force developed by the ring. A phasic increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was observed in 30% of the cells and a sustained one in 10%. Depletion of intracellular calcium store by thapsigargin and caffeine decreased phasic and increased sustained calcium responses. The inhibition of calcium entry either by stretching the aorta in a calcium-free medium or by the inhibition of stretch-activated, non-selective cationic channels by 5 microM GsMtx-4 toxin, decreased the proportion of sustained [Ca(2+)](i) responses but increased transient responses. In this condition, a third of the cells responded to stretch by a bursts of [Ca(2+)](i) spikes. The decrease of calcium influx triggered the generation of burst of calcium spikes after the application of stretch steps to the vascular wall. We conclude that progressive recruitment of smooth muscle cells is the mechanism underlying the force-generating part of the myogenic response. Two types of stretch-elicited calcium responses were observed during the recruitment of the smooth muscle cells. One was a phasic calcium discharge generated by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The second was a tonic response produced by the activation of the stretch-sensitive cationic channels allowing extracellular Ca(2+) entry.

A noncanonical SH3 domain binding motif links BK channels to the actin cytoskeleton via the SH3 adapter cortactin

Calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels play a central role in regulating multiple physiological processes, from the control of blood flow to neuronal excitability. Coordinated regulation of BK channel activity by changes in actin cytoskeleton dynamics has been implicated in several of these processes and related disease states such as epilepsy and stroke. However, how BK channels interact with the actin cytoskeleton is essentially unknown. Here we demonstrate noncanonical Src homology domain 3 (SH3) binding site motifs in the intracellular C terminus of the BK channel pore-forming alpha-subunit that are conserved from fish to humans. These noncanonical motifs target multiple SH3 domain cellular signaling proteins to BK channels, including the SH3 adapter protein cortactin (EMS1). We demonstrate that cortactin provides a molecular bridge between BK channels and the cortical actin cytoskeleton in cells. Disruption of the SH3-mediated interaction prevents the regulation of BK channel activity controlled by changes in actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Targeting of cortactin to BK channels via a novel, noncanonical SH3 domain binding motif has important implications for the coordination of BK channel function in normal physiology and disease.

Inhibition of conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein 24 expression blocks the reduction in A-type transient K+ current produced by one-trial in vitro conditioning of Hermissenda

Long-term intrinsic enhanced excitability is a characteristic of cellular plasticity and learning-dependent modifications in the activity of neural networks. The regulation of voltage-dependent K+ channels by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and their localization is proposed to be important in the control of cellular plasticity. One-trial conditioning in Hermissenda results in enhanced excitability in sensory neurons, type B photoreceptors, of the conditioned stimulus pathway. Conditioning also regulates the phosphorylation of conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein 24 (Csp24), a cytoskeletal-related protein containing multiple beta-thymosin-like domains. Recently, it was shown that the downregulation of Csp24 expression mediated by an antisense oligonucleotide blocked the development of enhanced excitability in identified type B photoreceptors after one-trial conditioning without affecting short-term excitability. Here, we show using whole-cell patch recordings that one-trial in vitro conditioning applied to isolated photoreceptors produces a significant reduction in the amplitude of the A-type transient K+ current (I(A)) detected 1.5-16 h after conditioning. One-trial conditioning produced a depolarized shift in the steady-state activation curve of I(A) without altering the inactivation curve. The conditioning-dependent reduction in I(A) was blocked by preincubation of the photoreceptors with Csp antisense oligonucleotide. These results provide an important link between Csp24, a cytoskeletal protein, and regulation of voltage-gated ion channels associated with intrinsic enhanced excitability underlying pavlovian conditioning.

Maxi-K channels localize to caveolae in human myometrium: a role for an actin-channel-caveolin complex in the regulation of myometrial smooth muscle K+ current

Multiple cell-signaling pathways converge to modulate large-conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel (maxi-K channel) activity and buffer cell excitability in human myometrial smooth muscle cells (hMSMCs). Recent evidence indicates that maxi-K channel proteins can target to membrane microdomains; however, their association with other proteins within these macromolecular complexes has not been elucidated. Biochemical isolation of detergent-resistant membrane fractions from human myometrium demonstrates the presence of maxi-K channels in lipid raft microdomains, which cofractionate with caveolins. In both nonpregnant and late-pregnant myometrium, maxi-K channels associate and colocalize with caveolar scaffolding proteins caveolin-1 and caveolin-2, but not caveolin-3. Disruption of cultured hMSMC caveolar complexes by cholesterol depletion with cyclodextrin increases an iberiotoxin-sensitive K+ current. Coimmunoprecipitations have indicated that the maxi-K channel also is associated with both α- and γ-actin. Immunocytochemical analysis indicates colocalization of maxi-K channels, actin, and caveolin-1 in primary cultures of hMSMCs. Further experiments using immunoelectron microscopy have shown the proximity of both actin and the maxi-K channel within the same cell surface caveolar structures. Functionally, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in cultured hMSMCs by cytochalasin D and latrunculin A greatly increased the open-state probability of the channel, while stabilization of actin cytoskeleton with jasplakinolide abolished the effect of latrunculin A. These data indicate that the actin cytoskeleton is involved as part of a caveolar complex in the regulation of myometrial maxi-K channel function.

Effect of actin microfilament on potassium current in guinea pig gastric myocytes

AIM: To investigate the effect of actin microfilament on potassium current and hyposmotic membrane stretch-induced increase of potassium current in gastric antral circular myocytes of guinea pig.

METHODS: Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record potassium current in isolated gastric myocyes.

RESULTS: When the membrane potential was clamped at -60 mV, an actin microfilament disruptor, cytochanlasin-B(Cyt-B, 20 μmol/L in pipette) increased calcium-activated potassium current (I_K(Ca)) and delayed rectifier potassium current (I_K(V)) to 138.4% ± 14.3% and 142.1% ± 13.1% respectively at +60 mV. In the same condition, an actin microfilament stabilizer phalloidin(20 μmol/L in pipette) inhibited I_K(Ca) and I_K(V) to 74.2% ± 7.1% and 75.4% ± 9.9% respectively. At the holding potential of -60 mV, hyposmotic membrane stretch increased I_K(Ca) and I_K(V) by 50.6% ± 9.7% and 24.9% ± 3.3% at +60 mV respectively. In the presence of cytochalasin-B and phalloidin (20 μmol/L, in the pipette) condition, hyposmotic membrane stretch also increased I_K(Ca) by 44.5% ± 7.9% and 55.7% ± 9.8% at +60 mV respectively. In the same condition, cytochalasin-B and phalloidin also increased I_K(V) by 23.0% ± 5.5% and 30.3% ± 4.5% respectively. However, Cyt-B and phalloidin did not affect the amplitude of hyposmotic membrane stretch-induced increase of I_K(Ca) and I_K(V).

CONCLUSION: Actin microfilaments regulate the activities of potassium channels, but they are not involved in the process of hyposmotic membrane stretch-induced increase of potassium currents in gastric antral circular myocytes of guinea pig.

Focal adhesion kinase pp125FAK interacts with the large conductance calcium-activated hSlo potassium channel in human osteoblasts: potential role in mechanotransduction

Molecular events of mechanotransduction in osteoblasts are poorly defined. We show that the mechanosensitive BK channels open and recruit the focal adhesion kinase FAK in osteoblasts on hypotonic shock. This could convert mechanical signals in biochemical events, leading to osteoblast activation.

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical strains applied to the skeleton influence bone remodeling and architecture mainly through the osteoblast lineage. The molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblastic mechanotransduction include opening of mechanosensitive cation channels and the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, notably FAK, but their interplay remains poorly characterized. The large conductance K+ channel (BK) seems likely as a bone mechanoreceptor candidate because of its high expression in osteoblasts and its ability to open in response to membrane stretch or hypotonic shock. Propagation of the signals issued from the mechanosensitivity of BK channels inside the cell likely implies complex interactions with molecular partners involved in mechanotransduction, notably FAK.

METHODS

Interaction of FAK with the C terminus of the hSlo alpha-subunit of BK was investigated using the yeast two-hybrid system as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation experiments with a rabbit anti-hslo antibody on MG63 and CAL72 human osteosarcoma cell lines and on normal human osteoblasts. Mapping of the FAK region interacting with hSlo was approached by testing the ability of hSlo to recruit mutated ot truncated FAK proteins.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of the physical association of FAK with the intracellular part of hslo. We show that FAK/hSlo interaction likely takes place through the Pro-1-rich domain situated in the C-terminal region of the kinase. FAK/hSlo association occurs constitutively at a low, but appreciable, level in human osteosarcoma cells and normal human osteoblasts that express endogenous FAK and hSlo. In addition, we found that application of an hypo-osmotic shock to these cells induced a sustained activation of BK channels associated to a marked increase in the recruitment of FAK on hSlo.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these data, we propose that BK channels might play a triggering role in the signaling cascade induced by mechanical strains in osteoblasts.

Inhibition of conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein 24 expression blocks the development of intermediate-term memory in Hermissenda

Studies of memory consolidation have identified multiple phases or stages in the formation of memories. The multiple components of memory can be broadly divided into the three phases; short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term. Although molecular changes underlying short- and long-term memory have been examined extensively, the molecular mechanisms supporting the formation of intermediate-term memory are poorly understood. In several examples of cellular and synaptic plasticity, intermediate memory depends on translation but not transcription. One-trial conditioning in Hermissenda results in the development of intermediate memory that is associated with enhanced cellular excitability and the phosphorylation of a 24 kDa protein referred to as conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein (Csp24). Using amino acid sequences derived from Csp24 peptide fragments, a full-length cDNA was cloned and shown to contain multiple beta-thymosin-like domains. The expression of Csp24 and the development of enhanced excitability, a characteristic of intermediate memory, were blocked by antisense oligonucleotide-mediated downregulation of Csp24 without affecting the induction of immediate enhanced excitability, a characteristic of short-term memory. These results demonstrate that the synthesis of Csp24 is required for the development and maintenance of intermediate memory.

Inhibition of conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein 24 expression blocks the development of intermediate-term memory in Hermissenda

Studies of memory consolidation have identified multiple phases or stages in the formation of memories. The multiple components of memory can be broadly divided into the three phases; short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term. Although molecular changes underlying short- and long-term memory have been examined extensively, the molecular mechanisms supporting the formation of intermediate-term memory are poorly understood. In several examples of cellular and synaptic plasticity, intermediate memory depends on translation but not transcription. One-trial conditioning in Hermissenda results in the development of intermediate memory that is associated with enhanced cellular excitability and the phosphorylation of a 24 kDa protein referred to as conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein (Csp24). Using amino acid sequences derived from Csp24 peptide fragments, a full-length cDNA was cloned and shown to contain multiple beta-thymosin-like domains. The expression of Csp24 and the development of enhanced excitability, a characteristic of intermediate memory, were blocked by antisense oligonucleotide-mediated downregulation of Csp24 without affecting the induction of immediate enhanced excitability, a characteristic of short-term memory. These results demonstrate that the synthesis of Csp24 is required for the development and maintenance of intermediate memory.

Actin cytoskeletal modulation of pressure-induced depolarization and Ca(2+) influx in cerebral arteries

The objective of this study was to examine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the development of pressure-induced membrane depolarization and Ca(2+) influx underlying myogenic constriction in cerebral arteries. Elevating intraluminal pressure from 10 to 60 mmHg induced membrane depolarization, increased intracellular cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and elicited myogenic constriction in both intact and denuded rat posterior cerebral arteries. Pretreatment with cytochalasin D (5 microM) or latrunculin A (3 microM) abolished constriction but enhanced the [Ca(2+)](i) response; similarly, acute application of cytochalasin D to vessels with tone, or in the presence of 60 mM K(+), elicited relaxation accompanied by an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). The effects of cytochalasin D were inhibited by nifedipine (3 microM), demonstrating that actin cytoskeletal disruption augments Ca(2+) influx through voltage-sensitive L-type Ca(2+) channels. Finally, pressure-induced depolarization was enhanced in the presence of cytochalasin D, further substantiating a role for the actin cytoskeleton in the modulation of ion channel function. Together, these results implicate vascular smooth muscle actin cytoskeletal dynamics in the control of cerebral artery diameter through their influence on membrane potential as well as via a direct effect on L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Regulation of cell volume via microvillar ion channels

A novel mechanism of cellular volume regulation is presented, which ensues from the recently introduced concept of transport and ion channel regulation via microvillar structures (Lange K, 1999, J Cell Physiol 180:19-35). According to this notion, the activity of ion channels and transporter proteins located on microvilli of differentiated cells is regulated by changes in the structural organization of the bundle of actin filaments in the microvillar shaft region. Cells with microvillar surfaces represent two-compartment systems consisting of the cytoplasm on the one side and the sum of the microvillar tip (or, entrance) compartments on the other side. The two compartments are separated by the microvillar actin filament bundle acting as diffusion barrier ions and other solutes. The specific organization of ion and water channels on the surface of microvillar cell types enables this two-compartment system to respond to hypo- and hyperosmotic conditions by activation of ionic fluxes along electrochemical gradients. Hypotonic exposure results in swelling of the cytoplasmic compartment accompanied by a corresponding reduction in the length of the microvillar diffusion barrier, allowing osmolyte efflux and regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Hypertonic conditions, which cause shortening of the diffusion barrier via swelling of the entrance compartment, allow osmolyte influx for regulatory volume increase (RVI). Swelling of either the cytoplasmic or the entrance compartment, by using membrane portions of the microvillar shafts for surface enlargement, activates ion fluxes between the cytoplasm and the entrance compartment by shortening of microvilli. The pool of available membrane lipids used for cell swelling, which is proportional to length and number of microvilli per cell, represents the sensor system that directly translates surface enlargements into activation of ion channels. Thus, the use of additional membrane components for osmotic swelling or other types of surface-expanding shape changes (such as the volume-invariant cell spreading or stretching) directly regulates influx and efflux activities of microvillar ion channels. The proposed mechanism of ion flux regulation also applies to the physiological main functions of epithelial cells and the auxiliary action of swelling-induced ATP release. Furthermore, the microvillar entrance compartment, as a finely dispersed ion-accessible peripheral space, represents a cellular sensor for environmental ionic/osmotic conditions able to detect concentration gradients with high lateral resolution. Volume regulation via microvillar surfaces is only one special aspect of the general property of mechanosensitivity of microvillar ionic pathways.

Signaling mechanisms underlying the vascular myogenic response

The vascular myogenic response refers to the acute reaction of a blood vessel to a change in transmural pressure. This response is critically important for the development of resting vascular tone, upon which other control mechanisms exert vasodilator and vasoconstrictor influences. The purpose of this review is to summarize and synthesize information regarding the cellular mechanism(s) underlying the myogenic response in blood vessels, with particular emphasis on arterioles. When necessary, experiments performed on larger blood vessels, visceral smooth muscle, and even striated muscle are cited. Mechanical aspects of myogenic behavior are discussed first, followed by electromechanical coupling mechanisms. Next, mechanotransduction by membrane-bound enzymes and involvement of second messengers, including calcium, are discussed. After this, the roles of the extracellular matrix, integrins, and the smooth muscle cytoskeleton are reviewed, with emphasis on short-term signaling mechanisms. Finally, suggestions are offered for possible future studies.