Anion-sensitive regions of L-type CaV1.2 calcium channels expressed in HEK293 cells

The architecture of invaginating rod synapses slows glutamate diffusion and shapes synaptic responses

Synapses of retinal rod photoreceptors involve deep invaginations occupied by second-order rod bipolar cell (RBP) and horizontal cell (HC) dendrites. Synaptic vesicles are released into this invagination at multiple sites beneath an elongated presynaptic ribbon. To study the impact of this architecture on glutamate diffusion and receptor activity, we reconstructed four rod terminals and their postsynaptic dendrites from serial electron micrographs of the mouse retina. We incorporated these structures into anatomically realistic Monte Carlo simulations of neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation. By comparing passive diffusion of glutamate in realistic structures with geometrically simplified models, we found that glutamate exits anatomically realistic synapses 10-fold more slowly than previously predicted. Constraining simulations with physiological data, we modeled activity of EAAT5 glutamate transporters in rods, AMPA receptors on HC dendrites, and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR6) on RBP dendrites. Simulations suggested that ∼3,000 EAAT5 populate rod membranes. While uptake by surrounding glial Müller cells retrieves most glutamate released by rods, binding and uptake by EAAT5 influence RBP kinetics. Glutamate persistence allows mGluR6 on RBP dendrites to integrate the stream of vesicles released by rods in darkness. Glutamate's tortuous diffusional path confers quantal variability, as release from nearby ribbon sites exerts larger effects on RBP and HC receptors than release from more distant sites. Temporal integration supports slower sustained release rates, but additional quantal variability can impede postsynaptic detection of changes in release produced by rod light responses. These results show an example of the profound impact that synaptic architecture can have on postsynaptic responses.

Geometric tortuosity at invaginating rod synapses slows glutamate diffusion and shapes synaptic responses: insights from anatomically realistic Monte Carlo simulations

At the first synapse in the vertebrate retina, rod photoreceptor terminals form deep invaginations occupied by multiple second-order rod bipolar and horizontal cell (RBP and HC) dendrites. Synaptic vesicles are released into this invagination at multiple sites beneath an elongated presynaptic ribbon. We investigated the impact of this complex architecture on the diffusion of synaptic glutamate and activity of postsynaptic receptors. We obtained serial electron micrographs of mouse retina and reconstructed four rod terminals along with their postsynaptic RBP and HC dendrites. We incorporated these structures into an anatomically realistic Monte Carlo simulation of neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation. We compared passive diffusion of glutamate in these realistic structures to existing, geometrically simplified models of the synapse and found that glutamate exits anatomically realistic synapses ten times more slowly than previously predicted. By comparing simulations with electrophysiological recordings, we modeled synaptic activation of EAAT5 glutamate transporters in rods, AMPA receptors on HC dendrites, and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR6) on RRBP dendrites. Our simulations suggested that ~3,000 EAAT5 transporters populate the rod presynaptic membrane and that, while uptake by surrounding glial Müller cells retrieves much of the glutamate released by rods, binding and uptake by EAAT5 influences RBP response kinetics. The long lifetime of glutamate within the cleft allows mGluR6 on RBP dendrites to temporally integrate the steady stream of vesicles released at this synapse in darkness. Glutamate's tortuous diffusional path through realistic synaptic geometry confers quantal variability, as release from nearby ribbon sites exerts larger effects on RBP and HC receptors than release from more distant sites. While greater integration may allow slower sustained release rates, added quantal variability complicates the challenging task of detecting brief decreases in release produced by rod light responses at scotopic threshold.

A red-emitting carborhodamine for monitoring and measuring membrane potential

Biological membrane potentials, or voltages, are a central facet of cellular life. Optical methods to visualize cellular membrane voltages with fluorescent indicators are an attractive complement to traditional electrode-based approaches, since imaging methods can be high throughput, less invasive, and provide more spatial resolution than electrodes. Recently developed fluorescent indicators for voltage largely report changes in membrane voltage by monitoring voltage-dependent fluctuations in fluorescence intensity. However, it would be useful to be able to not only monitor changes but also measure values of membrane potentials. This study discloses a fluorescent indicator which can address both. We describe the synthesis of a sulfonated tetramethyl carborhodamine fluorophore. When this carborhodamine is conjugated with an electron-rich, methoxy (-OMe) containing phenylenevinylene molecular wire, the resulting molecule, CRhOMe, is a voltage-sensitive fluorophore with red/far-red fluorescence. Using CRhOMe, changes in cellular membrane potential can be read out using fluorescence intensity or lifetime. In fluorescence intensity mode, CRhOMe tracks fast-spiking neuronal action potentials (APs) with greater signal-to-noise than state-of-the-art BeRST 1 (another voltage-sensitive fluorophore). CRhOMe can also measure values of membrane potential. The fluorescence lifetime of CRhOMe follows a single exponential decay, substantially improving the quantification of membrane potential values using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The combination of red-shifted excitation and emission, mono-exponential decay, and high voltage sensitivity enable fast FLIM recording of APs in cardiomyocytes. The ability to both monitor and measure membrane potentials with red light using CRhOMe makes it an important approach for studying biological voltages.

Optical Estimation of Membrane Potential Values Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy and Hybrid Chemical-Genetic Voltage Indicators

Introduction

Membrane potential (Vm), the voltage across a cell membrane, is an important biophysical phenomenon, central to the physiology of cells, tissues, and organisms. Voltage-sensitive fluorescent indicators are a powerful method for interrogating membrane potential in living systems, but most indicators are best suited for detecting changes in membrane potential rather than measuring values of the membrane potential. One promising approach is to use fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in combination of chemically synthesized dyes to estimate a value of membrane potential. However, a drawback is that chemically synthesized dyes show poor specificity of staining.

Objectives

To address this problem, we applied a chemical-genetic voltage imaging approach to FLIM to enable optical estimation of membrane potential values from genetically defined cells.

Results

In this report, we detail the characterization and evaluation of two of these systems in mammalian cells. We further validate the use of a FLIM-based chemical genetic voltage indicator in mammalian neurons.

Conclusions

Finally, we discuss opportunities for future improvements to chemical-genetic FLIM-based voltage indicators.

A red-emitting carborhodamine for monitoring and measuring membrane potential

Biological membrane potentials, or voltages, are a central facet of cellular life. Optical methods to visualize cellular membrane voltages with fluorescent indicators are an attractive complement to traditional electrode-based approaches, since imaging methods can be high throughput, less invasive, and provide more spatial resolution than electrodes. Recently developed fluorescent indicators for voltage largely report changes in membrane voltage by monitoring voltage-dependent fluctuations in fluorescence intensity. However, it would be useful to be able to not only monitor changes, but also measure values of membrane potentials. This study discloses a new fluorescent indicator which can address both. We describe the synthesis of a new sulfonated tetramethyl carborhodamine fluorophore. When this carborhodamine is conjugated with an electron-rich, methoxy (-OMe) containing phenylenevinylene molecular wire, the resulting molecule, CRhOMe, is a voltage-sensitive fluorophore with red/far-red fluorescence. Using CRhOMe, changes in cellular membrane potential can be read out using fluorescence intensity or lifetime. In fluorescence intensity mode, CRhOMe tracks fast-spiking neuronal action potentials with greater signal-to-noise than state-of-the-art BeRST (another voltage-sensitive fluorophore). CRhOMe can also measure values of membrane potential. The fluorescence lifetime of CRhOMe follows a single exponential decay, substantially improving the quantification of membrane potential values using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The combination of red-shifted excitation and emission, mono-exponential decay, and high voltage sensitivity enable fast FLIM recording of action potentials in cardiomyocytes. The ability to both monitor and measure membrane potentials with red light using CRhOMe makes it an important approach for studying biological voltages.

Transmission at rod and cone ribbon synapses in the retina

Light-evoked voltage responses of rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the vertebrate retina must be converted to a train of synaptic vesicle release events for transmission to downstream neurons. This review discusses the processes, proteins, and structures that shape this critical early step in vision, focusing on studies from salamander retina with comparisons to other experimental animals. Many mechanisms are conserved across species. In cones, glutamate release is confined to ribbon release sites although rods are also capable of release at non-ribbon sites. The role of non-ribbon release in rods remains unclear. Release from synaptic ribbons in rods and cones involves at least three vesicle pools: a readily releasable pool (RRP) matching the number of membrane-associated vesicles along the ribbon base, a ribbon reserve pool matching the number of additional vesicles on the ribbon, and an enormous cytoplasmic reserve. Vesicle release increases in parallel with Ca²⁺ channel activity. While the opening of only a few Ca²⁺ channels beneath each ribbon can trigger fusion of a single vesicle, sustained release rates in darkness are governed by the rate at which the RRP can be replenished. The number of vacant release sites, their functional status, and the rate of vesicle delivery in turn govern replenishment. Along with an overview of the mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis, we consider specific properties of ribbon-associated proteins and pose a number of remaining questions about this first synapse in the visual system.

Evidence for functional GABAA but not GABAC receptors in mouse cone photoreceptors

At the first retinal synapse, horizontal cells (HCs) contact both photoreceptor terminals and bipolar cell dendrites, modulating information transfer between these two cell types to enhance spatial contrast and mediate color opponency. The synaptic mechanisms through which these modulations occur are still debated. The initial hypothesis of a GABAergic feedback from HCs to cones has been challenged by pharmacological inconsistencies. Surround antagonism has been demonstrated to occur via a modulation of cone calcium channels through ephaptic signaling and pH changes in the synaptic cleft. GABAergic transmission between HCs and cones has been reported in some lower vertebrates, like the turtle and tiger salamander. In these reports, it was revealed that GABA is released from HCs through reverse transport and target GABA receptors are located at the cone terminals. In mammalian retinas, there is growing evidence that HCs can release GABA through conventional vesicular transmission, acting both on autaptic GABA receptors and on receptors expressed at the dendritic tips of the bipolar cells. The presence of GABA receptors on mammalian cone terminals remains equivocal. Here, we looked specifically for functional GABA receptors in mouse photoreceptors by recording in the whole-cell or amphotericin/gramicidin-perforated patch clamp configurations. Cones could be differentiated from rods through morphological criteria. Local GABA applications evoked a Cl- current in cones but not in rods. It was blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide and unaffected by the GABAC receptor antagonist TPMPA [(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid]. The voltage dependency of the current amplitude was as expected from a direct action of GABA on cone pedicles but not from an indirect modulation of cone currents following the activation of the GABA receptors of HCs. This supports a direct role of GABA released from HCs in the control of cone activity in the mouse retina.

Voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels of neurons in the vertebrate retina

In this review, we summarize studies investigating the types and distribution of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels in the different classes of retinal neurons: rods, cones, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and ganglion cells. We discuss differences among cell subtypes within these major cell classes, as well as differences among species, and consider how different ion channels shape the responses of different neurons. For example, even though second-order bipolar and horizontal cells do not typically generate fast sodium-dependent action potentials, many of these cells nevertheless possess fast sodium currents that can enhance their kinetic response capabilities. Ca2+ channel activity can also shape response kinetics as well as regulating synaptic release. The L-type Ca2+ channel subtype, CaV1.4, expressed in photoreceptor cells exhibits specific properties matching the particular needs of these cells such as limited inactivation which allows sustained channel activity and maintained synaptic release in darkness. The particular properties of K+ and Cl- channels in different retinal neurons shape resting membrane potentials, response kinetics and spiking behavior. A remaining challenge is to characterize the specific distributions of ion channels in the more than 100 individual cell types that have been identified in the retina and to describe how these particular ion channels sculpt neuronal responses to assist in the processing of visual information by the retina.

The inhibition of chloride intracellular channel 1 enhances Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species signaling in A549 human lung cancer cells

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is a promising therapeutic target in cancer due to its intrinsic characteristics; it is overexpressed in specific tumor types and its localization changes from cytosolic to surface membrane depending on activities and cell cycle progression. Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical signaling molecules that modulate diverse cellular functions, including cell death. In this study, we investigated the function of CLIC1 in Ca²⁺ and ROS signaling in A549 human lung cancer cells. Depletion of CLIC1 via shRNAs in A549 cells increased DNA double-strand breaks both under control conditions and under treatment with the putative anticancer agent chelerythrine, accompanied by a concomitant increase in the p-JNK level. CLIC1 knockdown greatly increased basal ROS levels, an effect prevented by BAPTA-AM, an intracellular calcium chelator. Intracellular Ca²⁺ measurements clearly showed that CLIC1 knockdown significantly increased chelerythrine-induced Ca²⁺ signaling as well as the basal Ca²⁺ level in A549 cells compared to these levels in control cells. Suppression of extracellular Ca²⁺ restored the basal Ca²⁺ level in CLIC1-knockdown A549 cells relative to that in control cells, implying that CLIC1 regulates [Ca²⁺]_i through Ca²⁺ entry across the plasma membrane. Consistent with this finding, the L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC) blocker nifedipine reduced the basal Ca²⁺ level in CLIC1 knockdown cells to that in control cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CLIC1 knockdown induces an increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺ level via LTCC, which then triggers excessive ROS production and consequent JNK activation. Thus, CLIC1 is a key regulator of Ca²⁺ signaling in the control of cancer cell survival.

Depletion of plasma membrane-associated phosphoinositides mimics inhibition of TRPM7 channels by cytosolic Mg2+, spermine, and pH

Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is an ion channel/protein kinase belonging to the TRP melastatin and eEF2 kinase families. Under physiological conditions, most native TRPM7 channels are inhibited by cytoplasmic Mg²⁺, protons, and polyamines. Currents through these channels (I_TRPM7) are robustly potentiated when the cell interior is exchanged with low Mg²⁺-containing buffers. I_TRPM7 is also potentiated by phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂) and suppressed by its hydrolysis. Here we characterized internal Mg²⁺- and pH-mediated inhibition of TRPM7 channels in HEK293 cells overexpressing WT voltage-sensing phospholipid phosphatase (VSP) or its catalytically inactive variant VSP-C363S. VSP-mediated depletion of membrane phosphoinositides significantly increased channel sensitivity to Mg²⁺ and pH. Proton concentrations that were too low to inhibit I_TRPM7 when the VSP-C363S variant was expressed (pH 8.2) became inhibitory in WT VSP-expressing cells. At pH 6.5, protons inhibited I_TRPM7 both in WT and VSP C363S-expressing cells but with a faster time course in the WT VSP-expressing cells. Inhibition by 150 μm Mg²⁺ was also significantly faster in the WT VSP-expressing cells. Cellular PI(4,5)P₂ depletion increased the sensitivity of TRPM7 channels to the inhibitor 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borinate, which acidifies the cytosol. Single substitutions at Ser-1107 of TRPM7, reducing its sensitivity to Mg²⁺, also decreased its inhibition by spermine and acidic pH. Furthermore, these channel variants were markedly less sensitive to VSP-mediated PI(4,5)P₂ depletion than the WT. We conclude that the internal Mg²⁺-, polyamine-, and pH-mediated inhibition of TRPM7 channels is not direct but, rather, reflects electrostatic screening and resultant disruption of PI(4,5)P₂-channel interactions.

Activity-Dependent Facilitation of CaV1.3 Calcium Channels Promotes KCa3.1 Activation in Hippocampal Neurons

Ca_V1 L-type calcium channels are key to regulating neuronal excitability, with the range of functional roles enhanced by interactions with calmodulin, accessory proteins, or CaMKII that modulate channel activity. In hippocampal pyramidal cells, a prominent elevation of Ca_V1 activity is apparent in late channel openings that can last for seconds following a depolarizing stimulus train. The current study tested the hypothesis that a reported interaction among Ca_V1.3 channels, the scaffolding protein densin, and CaMKII could generate a facilitation of channel activity that outlasts a depolarizing stimulus. We found that Ca_V1.3 but not Ca_V1.2 channels exhibit a long-duration calcium-dependent facilitation (L-CDF) that lasts up to 8 s following a brief 50 Hz stimulus train, but only when coexpressed with densin and CaMKII. To test the physiological role for Ca_V1.3 L-CDF, we coexpressed the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 potassium channel, revealing a strong functional coupling to Ca_V1.3 channel activity that was accentuated by densin and CaMKII. Moreover, the Ca_V1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction gave rise to an outward tail current of up to 8 s duration following a depolarizing stimulus in both tsA-201 cells and male rat CA1 pyramidal cells. A slow afterhyperpolarization in pyramidal cells was reduced by a selective block of Ca_V1 channels by isradipine, a CaMKII blocker, and siRNA knockdown of densin, and spike frequency increased upon selective block of Ca_V1 channel conductance. The results are important in revealing a Ca_V1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction that extends the contribution of Ca_V1.3 calcium influx to a time frame well beyond a brief input train.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ca_V1 L-type calcium channels play a key role in regulating the output of central neurons by providing calcium influx during repetitive inputs. This study identifies a long-duration calcium-dependent facilitation (L-CDF) of Ca_V1.3 channels that depends on the scaffolding protein densin and CaMKII and that outlasts a depolarizing stimulus by seconds. We further show a tight functional coupling between Ca_V1.3 calcium influx and the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 potassium channel that promotes an outward tail current of up to 8 s following a depolarizing stimulus. Tests in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells reveal that a slow AHP is reduced by blocking different components of the Ca_V1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction, identifying an important role for Ca_V1.3 L-CDF in regulating neuronal excitability.

Amiloride-Insensitive Salt Taste Is Mediated by Two Populations of Type III Taste Cells with Distinct Transduction Mechanisms

Responses in the amiloride-insensitive (AI) pathway, one of the two pathways mediating salty taste in mammals, are modulated by the size of the anion of a salt. This "anion effect" has been hypothesized to result from inhibitory transepithelial potentials (TPs) generated across the lingual epithelium as cations permeate through tight junctions and leave their larger and less permeable anions behind (Ye et al., 1991). We tested directly the necessity of TPs for the anion effect by measuring responses to NaCl and Na-gluconate (small and large anion sodium salts, respectively) in isolated taste cells from mouse circumvallate papillae. Using calcium imaging, we identified AI salt-responsive type III taste cells and demonstrated that they compose a subpopulation of acid-responsive taste cells. Even in the absence of TPs, many (66%) AI salt-responsive type III taste cells still exhibited the anion effect, demonstrating that some component of the transduction machinery for salty taste in type III cells is sensitive to anion size. We hypothesized that osmotic responses could explain why a minority of type III cells (34%) had AI salt responses but lacked anion sensitivity. All AI type III cells had osmotic responses to cellobiose, which were significantly modulated by extracellular sodium concentration, suggesting the presence of a sodium-conducting osmotically sensitive ion channel. However, these responses were significantly larger in AI type III cells that did not exhibit the anion effect. These findings indicate that multiple mechanisms could underlie AI salt responses in type III taste cells, one of which may contribute to the anion effect.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Understanding the mechanisms underlying salty taste will help inform strategies to combat the health problems associated with NaCl overconsumption by humans. Of the two pathways underlying salty taste in mammals, the amiloride-insensitive (AI) pathway is the least understood. Using calcium imaging of isolated mouse taste cells, we identify two separate populations of AI salt-responsive type III taste cells distinguished by their sensitivity to anion size and show that these cells compose subpopulations of acid-responsive taste cells. We also find evidence that a sodium-conducting osmotically sensitive mechanism contributes to salt responses in type III taste cells. Our data not only provide new insights into the transduction mechanisms of AI salt taste but also have important implications for general theories of taste encoding.

Homer proteins mediate the interaction between STIM1 and Cav1.2 channels

STIM1 is a ubiquitous Ca2+ sensor of the intracellular, agonist-sensitive, Ca2+ stores that communicates the filling state of the Ca2+ compartments to plasma membrane store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. STIM1 has been presented as a point of convergence between store-operated and voltage-operated Ca2+ influx, both inducing activation of SOC channels while suppressing Cav1.2 channels. Here we report that Homer proteins play a relevant role in the communication between STIM1 and Cav1.2 channels. HEK-293 cells transiently expressing Cav1.2 channel subunits α1, β2 and α2δ-1 exhibited a significant Ca2+ entry upon treatment with a high concentration of KCl. In Cav1.2-expressing cells, treatment with thapsigargin (TG), to induce passive discharge of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, resulted in Ca2+ influx that was significantly greater than in cells not expressing Cav1.2 channels, a difference that was abolished by nifedipine and diltiazem. Treatment with TG induces co-immunoprecipitation of Homer1 with STIM1 and the Cav1.2 α1 subunit. Impairment of Homer function by introduction of the synthetic PPKKFR peptide into cells, which emulates the proline-rich sequences of the PPXXF motif, or using siRNA Homer1, reduced the association of STIM1 and the Cav1.2 α1 subunit. These findings indicate that Homer is important for the association between both proteins. Finally, treatment with siRNA Homer1 or the PPKKFR peptide enhanced the nifedipine-sensitive component of TG response in Cav1.2-expressing cells. Altogether, these findings provide evidence for a new role of Homer1 supporting the regulation of Cav1.2 channels by STIM1.

Protonophore properties of hyperforin are essential for its pharmacological activity

Hyperforin is a pharmacologically active component of the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), recommended as a treatment for a range of ailments including mild to moderate depression. Part of its action has been attributed to TRPC6 channel activation. We found that hyperforin induces TRPC6-independent H⁺ currents in HEK-293 cells, cortical microglia, chromaffin cells and lipid bilayers. The latter demonstrates that hyperforin itself acts as a protonophore. The protonophore activity of hyperforin causes cytosolic acidification, which strongly depends on the holding potential, and which fuels the plasma membrane sodium-proton exchanger. Thereby the free intracellular sodium concentration increases and the neurotransmitter uptake by Na⁺ cotransport is inhibited. Additionally, hyperforin depletes and reduces loading of large dense core vesicles in chromaffin cells, which requires a pH gradient in order to accumulate monoamines. In summary the pharmacological actions of the “herbal Prozac” hyperforin are essentially determined by its protonophore properties shown here.

Structure and function of TMEM16 proteins (anoctamins)

TMEM16 proteins, also known as anoctamins, are involved in a variety of functions that include ion transport, phospholipid scrambling, and regulation of other membrane proteins. The first two members of the family, TMEM16A (anoctamin-1, ANO1) and TMEM16B (anoctamin-2, ANO2), function as Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs), a type of ion channel that plays important functions such as transepithelial ion transport, smooth muscle contraction, olfaction, phototransduction, nociception, and control of neuronal excitability. Genetic ablation of TMEM16A in mice causes impairment of epithelial Cl- secretion, tracheal abnormalities, and block of gastrointestinal peristalsis. TMEM16A is directly regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ as well as indirectly by its interaction with calmodulin. Other members of the anoctamin family, such as TMEM16C, TMEM16D, TMEM16F, TMEM16G, and TMEM16J, may work as phospholipid scramblases and/or ion channels. In particular, TMEM16F (ANO6) is a major contributor to the process of phosphatidylserine translocation from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Intriguingly, TMEM16F is also associated with the appearance of anion/cation channels activated by very high Ca2+ concentrations. Furthermore, a TMEM16 protein expressed in Aspergillus fumigatus displays both ion channel and lipid scramblase activity. This finding suggests that dual function is an ancestral characteristic of TMEM16 proteins and that some members, such as TMEM16A and TMEM16B, have evolved to a pure channel function. Mutations in anoctamin genes (ANO3, ANO5, ANO6, and ANO10) cause various genetic diseases. These diseases suggest the involvement of anoctamins in a variety of cell functions whose link with ion transport and/or lipid scrambling needs to be clarified.

Genetic engineering of somatic cells to study and improve cardiac function

AIMS

To demonstrate the utility of genetically engineered excitable cells for studies of basic electrophysiology and cardiac cell therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

'Zig-zag' networks of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were micropatterned onto thin elastomeric films to mimic the slow action potential (AP) conduction found in fibrotic myocardium. Addition of genetically engineered excitable human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293 cells) ('Ex-293' cells stably expressing Kir2.1, Na(v)1.5, and Cx43 channels) increased both cardiac conduction velocity by 370% and twitch force amplitude by 64%. Furthermore, we stably expressed mutant Na(v)1.5 [A1924T (fast sodium channel mutant (substitution of alanine by threonine at amino acid 1924)] channels with hyperpolarized steady-state activation and showed that, despite a 71.6% reduction in peak I(Na), these cells propagated APs at the same velocity as the wild-type Na(v)1.5-expressing Ex-293 cells. Stable expression of Ca(v)3.3 (T-type voltage-gated calcium) channels in Ex-293 cells (to generate an 'ExCa-293' line) significantly increased their AP duration and reduced repolarization gradients in cocultures of these cells and NRVMs. Additional expression of an optogenetic construct [ChIEF (light-gated Channelrhodopsin mutant)]enabled light-based control of AP firing in ExCa-293 cells.

CONCLUSION

We show that, despite being non-contractile, genetically engineered excitable cells can significantly improve both electrical and mechanical function of engineered cardiac tissues in vitro. We further demonstrate the utility of engineered cells for tissue-level studies of basic electrophysiology and cardiac channelopathies. In the future, this novel platform could be utilized in the high-throughput design of new genetically encoded indicators of cell electrical function, validation, and improvement of computer models of AP conduction, and development of novel engineered somatic cell therapies for the treatment of cardiac infarction and arrhythmias.

Ca(V)1.2 channel N-terminal splice variants modulate functional surface expression in resistance size artery smooth muscle cells

Voltage-dependent Ca(2+) (Ca(V)1.2) channels are the primary Ca(2+) influx pathway in arterial smooth muscle cells and are essential for contractility regulation by a variety of stimuli, including intravascular pressure. Arterial smooth muscle cell Ca(V)1.2 mRNA is alternatively spliced at exon 1 (e1), generating e1b or e1c variants, with e1c exhibiting relatively smooth muscle-specific expression in the cardiovascular system. Here, we examined physiological functions of Ca(V)1.2e1 variants and tested the hypothesis that targeting Ca(V)1.2e1 modulates resistance size cerebral artery contractility. Custom antibodies that selectively recognize Ca(V)1.2 channel proteins containing sequences encoded by either e1b (Ca(V)1.2e1b) or e1c (Ca(V)1.2e1c) both detected Ca(V)1.2 in rat and human cerebral arteries. shRNA targeting e1b or e1c reduced expression of that Ca(V)1.2 variant, induced compensatory up-regulation of the other variant, decreased total Ca(V)1.2, and reduced intravascular pressure- and depolarization-induced vasoconstriction. Ca(V)1.2e1b and Ca(V)1.2e1c knockdown reduced whole cell Ca(V)1.2 currents, with Ca(V)1.2e1c knockdown most effectively reducing total Ca(V)1.2 and inducing the largest vasodilation. Knockdown of α(2)δ-1, a Ca(V)1.2 auxiliary subunit, reduced surface expression of both Ca(V)1.2e1 variants, inhibiting Ca(V)1.2e1c more than Ca(V)1.2e1b. e1b or e1c overexpression reduced Ca(V)1.2 surface expression and whole cell currents, leading to vasodilation, with e1c overexpression inducing the largest effect. In summary, data indicate that arterial smooth muscle cells express Ca(V)1.2 channels containing e1b or e1c-encoded N termini that contribute to Ca(V)1.2 surface expression, α(2)δ-1 preferentially traffics the Ca(V)1.2e1c variant to the plasma membrane, and targeting of Ca(V)1.2e1 message or the Ca(V)1.2 channel proximal N terminus induces vasodilation.

Kainate receptor modulation by sodium and chloride

The kainate-type glutamate receptor displays strong modulation by monovalent anions and cations. This modulation is independent of permeation of the ion channel. Instead, structural, computational and biophysical evidence shows that receptor activity is controlled by binding of sodium and chloride ions at sites that stabilize active dimers of glutamate binding domains. Modulation by monovalent ions is a surprisingly general property across ion channel families. However, evidence of a physiological role for ion-dependent effects on glutamate receptors is lacking, perhaps reflecting the adventitious use of ions as structural components of the kainate receptor. "ergo, Hercules, vita humanior sine sale non quit degree […]" "Heaven known, a civilized life is impossible without salt" -Pliny the Elder, Natural History XXXI 88.

Location of release sites and calcium-activated chloride channels relative to calcium channels at the photoreceptor ribbon synapse

Vesicle release from photoreceptor ribbon synapses is regulated by L-type Ca(2+) channels, which are in turn regulated by Cl(-) moving through calcium-activated chloride [Cl(Ca)] channels. We assessed the proximity of Ca(2+) channels to release sites and Cl(Ca) channels in synaptic terminals of salamander photoreceptors by comparing fast (BAPTA) and slow (EGTA) intracellular Ca(2+) buffers. BAPTA did not fully block synaptic release, indicating some release sites are <100 nm from Ca(2+) channels. Comparing Cl(Ca) currents with predicted Ca(2+) diffusion profiles suggested that Cl(Ca) and Ca(2+) channels average a few hundred nanometers apart, but the inability of BAPTA to block Cl(Ca) currents completely suggested some channels are much closer together. Diffuse immunolabeling of terminals with an antibody to the putative Cl(Ca) channel TMEM16A supports the idea that Cl(Ca) channels are dispersed throughout the presynaptic terminal, in contrast with clustering of Ca(2+) channels near ribbons. Cl(Ca) currents evoked by intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) elevation through flash photolysis of DM-nitrophen exhibited EC(50) values of 556 and 377 nM with Hill slopes of 1.8 and 2.4 in rods and cones, respectively. These relationships were used to estimate average submembrane [Ca(2+)](i) in photoreceptor terminals. Consistent with control of exocytosis by [Ca(2+)] nanodomains near Ca(2+) channels, average submembrane [Ca(2+)](i) remained below the vesicle release threshold (∼ 400 nM) over much of the physiological voltage range for cones. Positioning Ca(2+) channels near release sites may improve fidelity in converting voltage changes to synaptic release. A diffuse distribution of Cl(Ca) channels may allow Ca(2+) influx at one site to influence relatively distant Ca(2+) channels.