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Colecraft HM. Designer genetically encoded voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitors inspired by RGK GTPases. J Physiol 2020; 598:1683-1693. [PMID: 32104913 PMCID: PMC7195252 DOI: 10.1113/jp276544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High‐voltage‐activated calcium (CaV1/CaV2) channels translate action potentials into Ca2+ influx in excitable cells to control essential biological processes that include; muscle contraction, synaptic transmission, hormone secretion and activity‐dependent regulation of gene expression. Modulation of CaV1/CaV2 channel activity is a powerful mechanism to regulate physiology, and there are a host of intracellular signalling molecules that tune different aspects of CaV channel trafficking and gating for this purpose. Beyond normal physiological regulation, the diverse CaV channel modulatory mechanisms may potentially be co‐opted or interfered with for therapeutic benefits. CaV1/CaV2 channels are potently inhibited by a four‐member sub‐family of Ras‐like GTPases known as RGK (Rad, Rem, Rem2, Gem/Kir) proteins. Understanding the mechanisms by which RGK proteins inhibit CaV1/CaV2 channels has led to the development of novel genetically encoded CaV channel blockers with unique properties; including, chemo‐ and optogenetic control of channel activity, and blocking channels either on the basis of their subcellular localization or by targeting an auxiliary subunit. These genetically encoded CaV channel inhibitors have outstanding utility as enabling research tools and potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Signaling, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Engineering selectivity into RGK GTPase inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:12051-12056. [PMID: 30397133 PMCID: PMC6255209 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811024115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded inhibitors for voltage-dependent Ca2+ (CaV) channels (GECCIs) are useful research tools and potential therapeutics. Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem (RGK) proteins are Ras-like G proteins that potently inhibit high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ (CaV1/CaV2 family) channels, but their nonselectivity limits their potential applications. We hypothesized that nonselectivity of RGK inhibition derives from their binding to auxiliary CaVβ-subunits. To investigate latent CaVβ-independent components of inhibition, we coexpressed each RGK individually with CaV1 (CaV1.2/CaV1.3) or CaV2 (CaV2.1/CaV2.2) channels reconstituted in HEK293 cells with either wild-type (WT) β2a or a mutant version (β2a,TM) that does not bind RGKs. All four RGKs strongly inhibited CaV1/CaV2 channels reconstituted with WT β2a By contrast, when channels were reconstituted with β2a,TM, Rem inhibited only CaV1.2, Rad selectively inhibited CaV1.2 and CaV2.2, while Gem and Rem2 were ineffective. We generated mutant RGKs (Rem[R200A/L227A] and Rad[R208A/L235A]) unable to bind WT CaVβ, as confirmed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Rem[R200A/L227A] selectively blocked reconstituted CaV1.2 while Rad[R208A/L235A] inhibited CaV1.2/CaV2.2 but not CaV1.3/CaV2.1. Rem[R200A/L227A] and Rad[R208A/L235A] both suppressed endogenous CaV1.2 channels in ventricular cardiomyocytes and selectively blocked 25 and 62%, respectively, of HVA currents in somatosensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion, corresponding to their distinctive selectivity for CaV1.2 and CaV1.2/CaV2.2 channels. Thus, we have exploited latent β-binding-independent Rem and Rad inhibition of specific CaV1/CaV2 channels to develop selective GECCIs with properties unmatched by current small-molecule CaV channel blockers.
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Puckerin AA, Chang DD, Subramanyam P, Colecraft HM. Similar molecular determinants on Rem mediate two distinct modes of inhibition of Ca V1.2 channels. Channels (Austin) 2016; 10:379-394. [PMID: 27115600 PMCID: PMC4988437 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2016.1180489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem (RGK) proteins are Ras-like GTPases that potently inhibit all high-voltage-gated calcium (CaV1/CaV2) channels and are, thus, well-positioned to tune diverse physiological processes. Understanding how RGK proteins inhibit CaV channels is important for perspectives on their (patho)physiological roles and could advance their development and use as genetically-encoded CaV channel blockers. We previously reported that Rem can block surface CaV1.2 channels in 2 independent ways that engage distinct components of the channel complex: (1) by binding auxiliary β subunits (β-binding-dependent inhibition, or BBD); and (2) by binding the pore-forming α1C subunit N-terminus (α1C-binding-dependent inhibition, or ABD). By contrast, Gem uses only the BBD mechanism to block CaV1.2. Rem molecular determinants required for BBD CaV1.2 inhibition are the distal C-terminus and the guanine nucleotide binding G-domain which interact with the plasma membrane and CaVβ, respectively. However, Rem determinants for ABD CaV1.2 inhibition are unknown. Here, combining fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electrophysiology, systematic truncations, and Rem/Gem chimeras we found that the same Rem distal C-terminus and G-domain also mediate ABD CaV1.2 inhibition, but with different interaction partners. Rem distal C-terminus interacts with α1C N-terminus to anchor the G-domain which likely interacts with an as-yet-unidentified site. In contrast to some previous studies, neither the C-terminus of Rem nor Gem was sufficient to inhibit CaV1/CaV2 channels. The results reveal that similar molecular determinants on Rem are repurposed to initiate 2 independent mechanisms of CaV1.2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akil A Puckerin
- a Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Signaling , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Donald D Chang
- b Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Prakash Subramanyam
- b Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Henry M Colecraft
- a Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Signaling , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
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Functional assessment of three Rem residues identified as critical for interactions with Ca(2+) channel β subunits. Pflugers Arch 2015; 467:2299-306. [PMID: 25771954 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1700-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Rem, Rem2, Rad, Gem/Kir (RGK) family of small GTP-binding proteins inhibit high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels through interactions with both the principal α1 and the auxiliary β subunits of the channel complex. Three highly conserved residues of Rem (R200, L227, and H229) have been shown in vitro to be critical for interactions with β subunits. However, the functional significance of these residues is not known. To investigate the contributions of R200, L227, and H229 to β subunit-mediated RGK protein-dependent inhibition of HVA channels, we introduced alanine substitutions into all three positions of Venus fluorescent protein-tagged Rem (V-Rem AAA) and made three other V-Rem constructs with an alanine introduced at only one position (V-Rem R200A, V-Rem L227A, and V-Rem H229A). Confocal imaging and immunoblotting demonstrated that each Venus-Rem mutant construct had comparable expression levels to Venus-wild-type Rem when heterologously expressed in tsA201 cells. In electrophysiological experiments, V-Rem AAA failed to inhibit N-type Ca(2+) currents in tsA201 cells coexpressing CaV2.2 α1B, β3, and α2δ-1 channel subunits. The V-Rem L227A single mutant also failed to reduce N-type currents conducted by coexpressed CaV2.2 channels, a finding consistent with the previous observation that a leucine at position 227 is critical for Rem-β interactions. Rem-dependent inhibition of CaV2.2 channels was impaired to a much lesser extent by the R200A substitution. In contrast to the earlier work demonstrating that Rem H229A was unable to interact with β3 subunits in vitro, V-Rem H229A produced nearly complete inhibition of CaV2.2-mediated currents.
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Subramanyam P, Colecraft HM. Ion channel engineering: perspectives and strategies. J Mol Biol 2014; 427:190-204. [PMID: 25205552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels facilitate the passive movement of ions down an electrochemical gradient and across lipid bilayers in cells. This phenomenon is essential for life and underlies many critical homeostatic processes in cells. Ion channels are diverse and differ with respect to how they open and close (gating) and to their ionic conductance/selectivity (permeation). Fundamental understanding of ion channel structure-function mechanisms, their physiological roles, how their dysfunction leads to disease, their utility as biosensors, and development of novel molecules to modulate their activity are important and active research frontiers. In this review, we focus on ion channel engineering approaches that have been applied to investigate these aspects of ion channel function, with a major emphasis on voltage-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Subramanyam
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Henry M Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, NY, 10032, USA.
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Bio-inspired voltage-dependent calcium channel blockers. Nat Commun 2014; 4:2540. [PMID: 24096474 PMCID: PMC4190111 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent CaV1/CaV2 channels couples electrical signals to biological responses in excitable cells. CaV1/CaV2 channel blockers have broad biotechnological and therapeutic applications. Here we report a general method for developing novel genetically-encoded calcium channel blockers inspired by Rem, a small G-protein that constitutively inhibits CaV1/CaV2 channels. We show that diverse cytosolic proteins (CaVβ, 14-3-3, calmodulin, and CaMKII) that bind pore-forming α1-subunits can be converted into calcium channel blockers with tunable selectivity, kinetics, and potency, simply by anchoring them to the plasma membrane. We term this method “channel inactivation induced by membrane-tethering of an associated protein” (ChIMP). ChIMP is potentially extendable to small-molecule drug discovery, as engineering FK506-binding protein into intracellular sites within CaV1.2-α1C permits heterodimerization-initiated channel inhibition with rapamycin. The results reveal a universal method for developing novel calcium channel blockers that may be extended to develop probes for a broad cohort of unrelated ion channels.
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Yang T, Colecraft HM. Regulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels by RGK proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:1644-54. [PMID: 23063948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RGK proteins belong to the Ras superfamily of monomeric G-proteins, and currently include four members - Rad, Rem, Rem2, and Gem/Kir. RGK proteins are broadly expressed, and are the most potent known intracellular inhibitors of high-voltage-activated Ca²⁺ (Ca(V)1 and Ca(V)2) channels. Here, we review and discuss the evidence in the literature regarding the functional mechanisms, structural determinants, physiological role, and potential practical applications of RGK-mediated inhibition of Ca(V)1/Ca(V)2 channels. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Yang T, Puckerin A, Colecraft HM. Distinct RGK GTPases differentially use α1- and auxiliary β-binding-dependent mechanisms to inhibit CaV1.2/CaV2.2 channels. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37079. [PMID: 22590648 PMCID: PMC3349659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CaV1/CaV2 channels, comprised of pore-forming α1 and auxiliary (β,α2δ) subunits, control diverse biological responses in excitable cells. Molecules blocking CaV1/CaV2 channel currents (ICa) profoundly regulate physiology and have many therapeutic applications. Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem GTPases (RGKs) strongly inhibit CaV1/CaV2 channels. Understanding how RGKs block ICa is critical for insights into their physiological function, and may provide design principles for developing novel CaV1/CaV2 channel inhibitors. The RGK binding sites within CaV1/CaV2 channel complexes responsible for ICa inhibition are ambiguous, and it is unclear whether there are mechanistic differences among distinct RGKs. All RGKs bind β subunits, but it is unknown if and how this interaction contributes to ICa inhibition. We investigated the role of RGK/β interaction in Rem inhibition of recombinant CaV1.2 channels, using a mutated β (β2aTM) selectively lacking RGK binding. Rem blocked β2aTM-reconstituted channels (74% inhibition) less potently than channels containing wild-type β2a (96% inhibition), suggesting the prevalence of both β-binding-dependent and independent modes of inhibition. Two mechanistic signatures of Rem inhibition of CaV1.2 channels (decreased channel surface density and open probability), but not a third (reduced maximal gating charge), depended on Rem binding to β. We identified a novel Rem binding site in CaV1.2 α1C N-terminus that mediated β-binding-independent inhibition. The CaV2.2 α1B subunit lacks the Rem binding site in the N-terminus and displays a solely β-binding-dependent form of channel inhibition. Finally, we discovered an unexpected functional dichotomy amongst distinct RGKs— while Rem and Rad use both β-binding-dependent and independent mechanisms, Gem and Rem2 use only a β-binding-dependent method to inhibit CaV1.2 channels. The results provide new mechanistic perspectives, and reveal unexpected variations in determinants, underlying inhibition of CaV1.2/CaV2.2 channels by distinct RGK GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HMC); (TY)
| | - Akil Puckerin
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Henry M. Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HMC); (TY)
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Gαi2- and Gαi3-specific regulation of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels in cardiomyocytes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24979. [PMID: 21966394 PMCID: PMC3180279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Two pertussis toxin sensitive Gi proteins, Gi2 and Gi3, are expressed in cardiomyocytes and upregulated in heart failure. It has been proposed that the highly homologous Gi isoforms are functionally distinct. To test for isoform-specific functions of Gi proteins, we examined their role in the regulation of cardiac L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC). Methods Ventricular tissues and isolated myocytes were obtained from mice with targeted deletion of either Gαi2 (Gαi2−/−) or Gαi3 (Gαi3−/−). mRNA levels of Gαi/o isoforms and L-VDCC subunits were quantified by real-time PCR. Gαi and Cavα1 protein levels as well as protein kinase B/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation levels were assessed by immunoblot analysis. L-VDCC function was assessed by whole-cell and single-channel current recordings. Results In cardiac tissue from Gαi2−/− mice, Gαi3 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated to 187±21% and 567±59%, respectively. In Gαi3−/− mouse hearts, Gαi2 mRNA (127±5%) and protein (131±10%) levels were slightly enhanced. Interestingly, L-VDCC current density in cardiomyocytes from Gαi2−/− mice was lowered (−7.9±0.6 pA/pF, n = 11, p<0.05) compared to wild-type cells (−10.7±0.5 pA/pF, n = 22), whereas it was increased in myocytes from Gαi3−/− mice (−14.3±0.8 pA/pF, n = 14, p<0.05). Steady-state inactivation was shifted to negative potentials, and recovery kinetics slowed in the absence of Gαi2 (but not of Gαi3) and following treatment with pertussis toxin in Gαi3−/−. The pore forming Cavα1 protein level was unchanged in all mouse models analyzed, similar to mRNA levels of Cavα1 and Cavβ2 subunits. Interestingly, at the cellular signalling level, phosphorylation assays revealed abolished carbachol-triggered activation of ERK1/2 in mice lacking Gαi2. Conclusion Our data provide novel evidence for an isoform-specific modulation of L-VDCC by Gαi proteins. In particular, loss of Gαi2 is reflected by alterations in channel kinetics and likely involves an impairment of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway.
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Minor DL, Findeisen F. Progress in the structural understanding of voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV) function and modulation. Channels (Austin) 2011; 4:459-74. [PMID: 21139419 DOI: 10.4161/chan.4.6.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (CaVs) are large, transmembrane multiprotein complexes that couple membrane depolarization to cellular calcium entry. These channels are central to cardiac action potential propagation, neurotransmitter and hormone release, muscle contraction, and calcium-dependent gene transcription. Over the past six years, the advent of high-resolution structural studies of CaV components from different isoforms and CaV modulators has begun to reveal the architecture that underlies the exceptionally rich feedback modulation that controls CaV action. These descriptions of CaV molecular anatomy have provided new, structure-based insights into the mechanisms by which particular channel elements affect voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI), calcium‑dependent inactivation (CDI), and calcium‑dependent facilitation (CDF). The initial successes have been achieved through structural studies of soluble channel domains and modulator proteins and have proven most powerful when paired with biochemical and functional studies that validate ideas inspired by the structures. Here, we review the progress in this growing area and highlight some key open challenges for future efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Minor
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California-San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Yang T, Xu X, Kernan T, Wu V, Colecraft HM. Rem, a member of the RGK GTPases, inhibits recombinant CaV1.2 channels using multiple mechanisms that require distinct conformations of the GTPase. J Physiol 2010; 588:1665-81. [PMID: 20308247 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.187203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rad/Rem/Gem/Kir (RGK) GTPases potently inhibit Ca(V)1 and Ca(V)2 (Ca(V)1-2) channels, a paradigm of ion channel regulation by monomeric G-proteins with significant physiological ramifications and potential biotechnology applications. The mechanism(s) underlying how RGK proteins inhibit I(Ca) is unknown, and it is unclear how key structural and regulatory properties of these GTPases (such as the role of GTP binding to the nucleotide binding domain (NBD), and the C-terminus which contains a membrane-targeting motif) feature in this effect. Here, we show that Rem inhibits Ca(V)1.2 channels by three independent mechanisms that rely on distinct configurations of the GTPase: (1) a reduction in surface density of channels is accomplished by enhancing dynamin-dependent endocytosis, (2) a diminution of channel open probability (P(o)) that occurs without impacting on voltage sensor movement, and (3) an immobilization of Ca(V) channel voltage sensors. The presence of both the Rem NBD and C-terminus (whether membrane-targeted or not) in one molecule is sufficient to reconstitute all three mechanisms. However, membrane localization of the NBD by a generic membrane-targeting module reconstitutes only the decreased P(o) function (mechanism 2). A point mutation that prevents GTP binding to the NBD selectively eliminates the capacity to immobilize voltage sensors (mechanism 3). The results reveal an uncommon multiplicity in the mechanisms Rem uses to inhibit I(Ca), predict new physiological dimensions of the RGK GTPase-Ca(V) channel crosstalk, and suggest original approaches for developing novel Ca(V) channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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