Intracellular calcium waves accompany neutrophil polarization, formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine stimulation, and phagocytosis: a high speed microscopy study

Fast and synchronized fluctuations of cortical actin negatively correlate with nucleoli liquid-liquid phase separation in T cells

Liquid-liquid phase separation is an important mechanism by which eukaryotic cells functionally organize their intracellular content and has been related to cell malignancy and neurodegenerative diseases. These cells also undergo ATP-driven mechanical fluctuations, yet the effect of these fluctuations on the liquid-liquid phase separation remains poorly understood. Here, we employ high-resolution microscopy and atomic force microscopy of live Jurkat T cells to characterize the spectrum of their mechanical fluctuations, and to relate these fluctuations to the extent of nucleoli liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We find distinct fluctuation of the cytoskeleton and of the cell diameter around 110 Hz, which depend on ATP and on myosin activity. Importantly, these fluctuations negatively correlate to nucleoli LLPS. According to a model of cell viscoelasticity, we propose that these fluctuations generate mechanical work that increases intracellular homogeneity by inhibiting LLPS. Thus, active mechanical fluctuations serve as an intracellular regulatory mechanism that could affect multiple pathophysiological conditions.

Multi-MHz laser-scanning single-cell fluorescence microscopy by spatiotemporally encoded virtual source array

Apart from the spatial resolution enhancement, scaling of temporal resolution, equivalently the imaging throughput, of fluorescence microscopy is of equal importance in advancing cell biology and clinical diagnostics. Yet, this attribute has mostly been overlooked because of the inherent speed limitation of existing imaging strategies. To address the challenge, we employ an all-optical laser-scanning mechanism, enabled by an array of reconfigurable spatiotemporally-encoded virtual sources, to demonstrate ultrafast fluorescence microscopy at line-scan rate as high as 8 MHz. We show that this technique enables high-throughput single-cell microfluidic fluorescence imaging at 75,000 cells/second and high-speed cellular 2D dynamical imaging at 3,000 frames per second, outperforming the state-of-the-art high-speed cameras and the gold-standard laser scanning strategies. Together with its wide compatibility to the existing imaging modalities, this technology could empower new forms of high-throughput and high-speed biological fluorescence microscopy that was once challenged.

Ca2+ dynamics correlates with phenotype and function in primary human neutrophils

Central to the immune defense function of neutrophils is to sense, to move and to kill. Neutrophils acquire distinct cellular states necessary to fulfill these functions each associated with a particular phenotype. The cells constituting the neutrophil population are presumably not synchronized with respect to their actual state, e.g. due to maturity or preactivation. It is also likely that they exhibit a different degree of phenotypic plasticity (that is, the ability to switch to a particular state). Calcium is known to play a crucial role in neutrophils such as for cell motility. The present study focuses on characterizing the cell-to-cell variability at the morphological as well as at the level of calcium dynamics by studying single primary human neutrophils. We apply long-term multivariate live cell imaging to (i) characterize neutrophil phenotypes of different functional states, (ii) analyze the distribution of cells being in these states and, (iii) study the individual intracellular calcium response simultaneously with shape changes. We are able to differentiate the five distinct subpopulations of neutrophils based on quantitative parameters of cell morphology and motility. As a major result, we demonstrate that the calcium dynamics of individual cells correlates with their respective functional state. Finally, we see a number of cells that undergo spontaneous phenotypic changes from one cellular state to another. These events are preceded either by exhibiting the calcium dynamics of the future state or by switching to the respective calcium dynamics in parallel to switching the morphology. Based on our results we conclude that specific calcium dynamics carries crucial information for the function and phenotype of neutrophils.

Stretch-activated calcium channels relay fast calcium waves propagated by calcium-induced calcium influx

For nearly 30 years, fast calcium waves have been attributed to a regenerative process propagated by CICR (calcium-induced calcium release) from the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, I propose a model containing a new subclass of fast calcium waves which is propagated by CICI (calcium-induced calcium influx) through the plasma membrane. They are called fast CICI waves. These move at the order of 100 to 1000 microm/s (at 20 degrees C), rather than the order of 3 to 30 microm/s found for CICR. Moreover, in this proposed subclass, the calcium influx which drives calcium waves is relayed by stretch-activated calcium channels. This model is based upon reports from approx. 60 various systems. In seven of these reports, calcium waves were imaged, and, in five of these, evidence was presented that these waves were regenerated by CICI. Much of this model involves waves that move along functioning flagella and cilia. In these systems, waves of local calcium influx are thought to cause waves of local contraction by inducing the sliding of dynein or of kinesin past tubulin microtubules. Other cells which are reported to exhibit waves, which move at speeds in the fast CICI range, include ones from a dozen protozoa, three polychaete worms, three molluscs, a bryozoan, two sea urchins, one arthropod, four insects, Amphioxus, frogs, two fish and a vascular plant (Equisetum), together with numerous healthy, as well as cancerous, mammalian cells, including ones from human. In two of these systems, very gentle local mechanical stimulation is reported to initiate waves. In these non-flagellar systems, the calcium influxes are thought to speed the sliding of actinomyosin filaments past each other. Finally, I propose that this mechanochemical model could be tested by seeing if gentle mechanical stimulation induces waves in more of these systems and, more importantly, by imaging the predicted calcium waves in more of them.

Acute-phase protein α1-antitrypsin inhibits neutrophil calpain I and induces random migration

A rapid recruitment of neutrophils to sites of injury or infection is a hallmark of the inflammatory response and is required for effective host defense against pathogenic stimuli. However, neutrophil-mediated inflammation can also lead to chronic tissue destruction; therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neutrophil influx and activation is of critical importance. We have previously shown that the acute phase protein α1-antitrypsin (AAT) inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis. In this study, we examine mechanisms related to the effect of AAT on neutrophil responses. We report a previously unknown function of AAT to inactivate calpain I (μ-calpain) and to induce a rapid cell polarization and random migration. These effects of AAT coincided with a transient rise in intracellular calcium, increase in intracellular lipids, activation of the Rho GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42, and extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Furthermore, AAT caused a significant inhibition of nonstimulated as well as formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP)-stimulated neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin, strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-8 release and slightly delayed neutrophil apoptosis. The results presented here broaden our understanding of the regulation of calpain-related neutrophil functional activities, and provide the impetus for new studies to define the role of AAT and other acute phase proteins in health and disease.

Calcium-actin waves and oscillations of cellular membranes

We propose a mechanism for the formation of membrane oscillations and traveling waves, which arise due to the coupling between the actin cytoskeleton and the calcium flux through the membrane. In our model, the fluid cell membrane has a mobile but constant population of proteins with a convex spontaneous curvature, which act as nucleators of actin polymerization and adhesion. Such a continuum model couples the forces of cell-substrate adhesion, actin polymerization, membrane curvature, and the flux of calcium through the membrane. Linear stability analysis shows that sufficiently strong coupling among the calcium, membrane, and protein dynamics may induce robust traveling waves on the membrane. This result was checked for a reduced feedback scheme and is compared to the results without the effects of calcium, where permanent phase separation without waves or oscillations is obtained. The model results are compared to the published observations of calcium waves in cell membranes, and a number of testable predictions are proposed.

Ca2+ waves initiate antigen-stimulated Ca2+ responses in mast cells

Ca(2+) mobilization is central to many cellular processes, including stimulated exocytosis and cytokine production in mast cells. Using single cell stimulation by IgE-specific Ag and high-speed imaging of conventional or genetically encoded Ca(2+) sensors in rat basophilic leukemia and bone marrow-derived rat mast cells, we observe Ca(2+) waves that originate most frequently from the tips of extended cell protrusions, as well as Ca(2+) oscillations throughout the cell that usually follow the initiating Ca(2+) wave. In contrast, Ag conjugated to the tip of a micropipette stimulates local, repetitive Ca(2+) puffs at the region of cell contact. Initiating Ca(2+) waves are observed in most rat basophilic leukemia cells stimulated with soluble Ag and are sensitive to inhibitors of Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum stores and to extracellular Ca(2+), but they do not depend on store-operated Ca(2+) entry. Knockdown of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC)1 and TRPC3 channel proteins by short hairpin RNA reduces the sensitivity of these cells to Ag and shifts the wave initiation site from protrusions to the cell body. Our results reveal spatially encoded Ca(2+) signaling in response to immunoreceptor activation that utilizes TRPC channels to specify the initiation site of the Ca(2+) response.

Elevated intracellular calcium in neutrophils in patients with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Neutrophils of patients with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have numerous abnormalities associated with diminished resistance to infection. The intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)i) acts as a second messenger and regulates diverse functions in many cell types. The purpose of the present study was to compare the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) at baseline and stimulated conditions in DS patients and in normal subjects to investigate [Ca(2+)]i regulation in neutrophils.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 27 subjects with DS (age, 8.6 +/- 4.6 years) and 14 healthy subjects (age, 12.0 +/- 3.9 years). Using a fluorescent probe, fura-2, the baseline levels and changes in [Ca(2+)]i were examined after stimulation of neutrophils with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP).

RESULTS

At baseline, the [Ca(2+)]i of neutrophils from DS subjects was significantly higher than that of the controls (70.6 +/- 28.0 nmol/L vs 44.4 +/- 16.0 nmol/L, P < 0.01). The absolute [Ca(2+)]i after addition of fMLP in the DS subjects was also significantly higher than that of the control group (250 +/- 91 nmol/L vs 167 +/- 60 nmol/L, respectively: P < 0.01). The neutrophils from the DS subjects had a consistently and significantly prolonged response to fMLP as compared to the neutrophils of control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher [Ca(2+)]i and the prolonged response of [Ca(2+)]i to fMLP appear to be phenotypic traits of neutrophils in subjects with DS. This suggests intrinsic cellular defects in DS.

Oscillatory NAD(P)H waves and calcium oscillations in neutrophils? A modeling study of feasibility

The group of Howard Petty has claimed exotic metabolic wave phenomena together with mutually phase-coupled NAD(P)H- and calcium-oscillations in human neutrophils. At least parts of these phenomena are highly doubtful due to extensive failure of reproducibility by several other groups and hints that unreliable data from the Petty lab are involved in publications concerning circular calcium waves. The aim of our theoretical spatiotemporal modeling approach is to propose a possible and plausible biochemical mechanism which would, in principle, be able to explain metabolic oscillations and wave phenomena in neutrophils. Our modeling suggests the possibility of a calcium-controlled glucose influx as a driving force of metabolic oscillations and a potential role of polarized cell geometry and differential enzyme distribution for various NAD(P)H wave phenomena. The modeling results are supposed to stimulate further controversial discussions of such phenomena and potential mechanisms and experimental efforts to finally clarify the existence and biochemical basis of any kind of temporal and spatiotemporal patterns of calcium signals and metabolic dynamics in human neutrophils. Independent of Petty's observations, they present a general feasibility study of such phenomena in cells.

Undertaker, a Drosophila Junctophilin, links Draper-mediated phagocytosis and calcium homeostasis

Phagocytosis is important during development and in the immune response for the removal of apoptotic cells and pathogens, yet its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the CED2/5/10/12 pathway regulates actin during phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, whereas the role of the CED1/6/7 pathway in phagocytosis is unclear. We report that Undertaker (UTA), a Drosophila Junctophilin protein, is required for Draper (CED-1 homolog)-mediated phagocytosis. Junctophilins couple Ca2+ channels at the plasma membrane to those of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Ryanodine receptors. We place Draper, its adaptor drCed-6, UTA, the Ryanodine receptor Rya-r44F, the ER Ca2+ sensor dSTIM, and the Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ channel dOrai in the same pathway that promotes calcium homeostasis and phagocytosis. Thus, our results implicate a Junctophilin in phagocytosis and link Draper-mediated phagocytosis to Ca2+ homeostasis, highlighting a previously uncharacterized role for the CED1/6/7 pathway.

Observation of calcium microdomains at the uropod of living morphologically polarized human neutrophils using flash lamp-based fluorescence microscopy

The present study outlines improved strategies for ratiometric imaging of cell calcium using a flash lamp-based excitation method and its application to neutrophil polarization. A brief (approximately 6 micros) and intense flash was used to excite the Fluo-4 and Fura Red calcium dye combination in morphologically polarized human neutrophils. These illumination conditions do not allow the dye or calcium ions to diffuse significant distances during the exposure period. Buffer conditions such as pH, pyruvate concentration, and glucose levels were adjusted to more faithfully replicate these parameters in sepsis patients. Fluorescence images at both dyes' emission wavelengths were simultaneously collected using a Dual-View apparatus and an ICCD camera. The ratiometric images, when viewed as single frames or averaged image stacks, clearly demonstrated high calcium probe ratios at the uropod and comparatively low ratios at the cell body that were not evident using conventional imaging methods with longer exposure times. Calcium signaling at the uropod is likely associated with cytoskeletal remodeling during cell motility.

Structure of Ca2+-bound S100A4 and its interaction with peptides derived from nonmuscle myosin-IIA

S100A4, also known as mts1, is a member of the S100 family of Ca2+-binding proteins that is directly involved in tumor invasion and metastasis via interactions with specific protein targets, including nonmuscle myosin-IIA (MIIA). Human S100A4 binds two Ca2+ ions with the typical EF-hand exhibiting an affinity that is nearly 1 order of magnitude tighter than that of the pseudo-EF-hand. To examine how Ca2+ modifies the overall organization and structure of the protein, we determined the 1.7 A crystal structure of the human Ca2+-S100A4. Ca2+ binding induces a large reorientation of helix 3 in the typical EF-hand. This reorganization exposes a hydrophobic cleft that is comprised of residues from the hinge region,helix 3, and helix 4, which afford specific target recognition and binding. The Ca2+-dependent conformational change is required for S100A4 to bind peptide sequences derived from the C-terminal portion of the MIIA rod with submicromolar affinity. In addition, the level of binding of Ca2+ to both EF-hands increases by 1 order of magnitude in the presence of MIIA. NMR spectroscopy studies demonstrate that following titration with a MIIA peptide, the largest chemical shift perturbations and exchange broadening effects occur for residues in the hydrophobic pocket of Ca2+-S100A4. Most of these residues are not exposed in apo-S100A4 and explain the Ca2+ dependence of formation of theS100A4-MIIA complex. These studies provide the foundation for understanding S100A4 target recognition and may support the development of reagents that interfere with S100A4 function.

NF-kappaB signaling, elastase localization, and phagocytosis differ in HIV-1 permissive and nonpermissive U937 clones

To identify positive or negative factors for HIV-1 infectivity, clones from the U937 promonocytic cell line that express similar levels of CD4 and CXCR4, but differ in HIV-1 susceptibility, were compared. In contrast to HIV-1 permissive clone 10 (plus), nonpermissive clone 17 (minus) was adherent to coverslips coated with chemokines, was phagocytic, killed bacteria, and expressed human leukocyte elastase (HLE) in a granule-like compartment (HLEG) that was never detected at the cell surface (HLECS). In contrast to the minus clone, the plus clone expressed HLE on the cell surface and was adherent to coverslips coated with the HLECS ligands alpha1proteinase inhibitor (alpha1PI, alpha1antitrypsin) and the HIV-1 fusion peptide. The phosphorylation status of several important signaling proteins was studied at the single cell level. Tumor suppressor p53, NF-kappaB p65, and Akt were constitutively phosphorylated in the plus clone, but not in the minus clone. Surprisingly, both alpha1PI and LPS induced phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 Ser-536 in both clones, but induced dephosphorylation of Ser-529 in the plus clone only. HIV-1 permissivity was conferred to the minus clone in a manner that required stimulation by both alpha1PI and LPS and was coincident to NF-kappaB p65 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events as well as translocation of HLE to the cell surface. Even when stimulated, the minus clone exhibited greater reverse transcriptase activity, but less p24, than the plus clone. Results presented suggest that HIV-1 uptake and production efficiency are influenced by signaling profiles, receptor distribution, and the phagocytic capacity specific to the stage of differentiation of the CD4+ target cell.

Targeting characteristic wave properties in reaction-diffusion systems by optimization of external forcing

We consider the targeted manipulation of reaction-diffusion waves by optimization of an external forcing parameter. As an example, we present numerical results for the FitzHugh-Nagumo system exploiting model-based optimization capable of targeting characteristic wave properties such as wavelength, shape, and propagation speed by spatiotemporally controlling electric current. The conceptual basis of our approach is optimal control of periodic orbits in a wave-variable coordinate system. The results are transferred back to the partial differential equation context and validated in numerical simulations. The whole procedure is applicable to any reaction-diffusion model.

Oscillations in the immune system

Oscillations are surprisingly common in the immune system, both in its healthy state and in disease. The most famous example is that of periodic fevers caused by the malaria parasite. A number of hereditary disorders, which also cause periodic fevers, have also been known for a long time. Various reports of oscillations in cytokine concentrations following antigen challenge have been published over at least the past three decades. Oscillations can also occur at the intracellular level. Calcium oscillations following T-cell activation are familiar to all immunologists, and metabolic and reactive oxygen species oscillations in neutrophils have been well documented. More recently, oscillations in nuclear factor kappaB activity following stimulation by tumor necrosis factor alpha have received considerable publicity. However, despite all of these examples, oscillations in the immune system still tend to be considered mainly as pathological aberrations, and their causes and significance remained largely unknown. This is partly because of a lack of awareness within the immunological community of the appropriate theoretical frameworks for describing and analyzing such behavior. We provide an introduction to these frameworks and give a survey of the currently known oscillations that occur within the immune system.

Optical methods for the measurement and manipulation of cytosolic free calcium in neutrophils

The measurement and manipulation of cytosolic free Ca2+ permits the investigation of the mechanisms of generation of the Ca2+ signal and cellular responses to these Ca2+ signals within living neutrophils. The optical methods most applicable to neutrophils, which will be discussed here, are (1) the use of fluorescent indicators of Ca2+ and (2) photoactivation of reagents involved in Ca2+ signaling. Both of these synthetic agents can be loaded into neutrophils as lipid-soluble esters or can be microinjected into the cell. In this chapter, we will outline some of the techniques that have been used to monitor, visualize, and manipulate Ca2+ in neutrophils.

Imaging of cell migration

Cell migration is an essential process during many phases of development and adult life. Cells can either migrate as individuals or move in the context of tissues. Movement is controlled by internal and external signals, which activate complex signal transduction cascades resulting in highly dynamic and localised remodelling of the cytoskeleton, cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. To understand these processes, it will be necessary to identify the critical structural cytoskeletal components, their spatio-temporal dynamics as well as those of the signalling pathways that control them. Imaging plays an increasingly important and powerful role in the analysis of these spatio-temporal dynamics. We will highlight a variety of imaging techniques and their use in the investigation of various aspects of cell motility, and illustrate their role in the characterisation of chemotaxis in Dictyostelium and cell movement during gastrulation in chick embryos in more detail.

The S100A4 metastasis factor regulates cellular motility via a direct interaction with myosin-IIA

S100A4, a member of the Ca(2+)-dependent S100 family of proteins, is a metastasis factor that is thought to regulate the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. Previously, we showed that S100A4 specifically binds to nonmuscle myosin-IIA and promotes the unassembled state. S100A4, thus, provides a connection between the actomyosin cytoskeleton and the regulation of cellular motility; however, the step or steps in the motility cycle that are affected by S100A4 expression have not been investigated. To examine how the biochemical properties of S100A4 affect cell motility, we determined the effect of S100A4 expression on protrusive behavior during chemoattractant-stimulated motility. Our studies show that S100A4 modulates cellular motility by affecting cell polarization, with S100A4 expressing cells displaying few side protrusions and extensive forward protrusions during chemotaxis compared with control cells. To establish a direct link between S100A4 and the regulation of myosin-IIA function, we prepared an antibody to the S100A4 binding site on the myosin-IIA heavy chain that has comparable effects on myosin-IIA assembly as S100A4. Microinjection experiments show that the antibody elicits the same effects on cell polarization as S100A4. Our studies show for the first time that S100A4 promotes directional motility via a direct interaction with myosin-IIA. These findings establish S100A4 as a critical regulator of myosin-II function and metastasis-associated motility.

Trophoblast contact deactivates human neutrophils

Trophoblasts are fetal epithelial cells that form an interface between mother and offspring. To evaluate their anti-inflammatory capacity, we tested the hypothesis that trophoblasts deactivate neutrophils using single-cell assays. Several biophysical (Ca2+ and NAD(P)H oscillation frequency) and physiological (oxidant production) markers of activated neutrophils revert to a nonactivated phenotype as activated cells make contact with trophoblasts. Indistinguishable results were obtained using syncytiotrophoblasts and in experiments using trophoblasts and neutrophils from the same mother to recapitulate the semiallogeneic system. These changes suggest reduced hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity. We discovered that two metabolic regulatory points, glucose transport and HMS enzyme trafficking, are affected by trophoblasts. This restriction in HMS activity deactivates neutrophils, thereby limiting oxidative DNA damage within trophoblasts.

Localised PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 or PtdIns(3,4)P2 at the phagocytic cup is required for both phagosome closure and Ca2+ signalling in HL60 neutrophils

Several events accompany integrin-mediated phagocytosis by myeloid cells. These include local pseudopod and phagocytic cup formation followed by Ca2+ signalling. However, there is also a role for localised phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] production. Here we report that in neutrophilic HL-60 cells expressing PH-Akt-GFP, binding of iC3b-coated zymosan particles (2 μm in diameter) via β2 integrin induces an incomplete phagocytic cup to form before either PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 or phosphatidylinositol (3,4) bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P2] production or Ca2+ signalling. These phosphoinositides then accumulated locally at the site of the phagocytic cup and Ca2+ signalling and phagosome closure follows immediately. Although photobleaching showed that PH-Akt-GFP was freely diffusible in the cytosol and able to dissociate from the phagocytic cup, it was restricted to the plasma membrane of the formed but open phagosome and failed to diffuse into the surrounding plasma membrane or neighbouring phagocytic cups even if connected. Inhibition of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase or depletion of membrane cholesterol inhibited both Ca2+ signalling and phagosome closure, but had no effect on particle binding or phagocytic cup formation. We therefore conclude that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 or PtdIns(3,4)P2 generation was not required for the events that initiate the formation of the phagocytic cup, but that anchoring of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 at the phagocytic cup is an essential step for phagosome closure and Ca2+ signalling.

Copine A, a calcium-dependent membrane-binding protein, transiently localizes to the plasma membrane and intracellular vacuoles in Dictyostelium

Background

Copines are soluble, calcium-dependent membrane binding proteins found in a variety of organisms. Copines are characterized as having two C2 domains at the N-terminal region followed by an "A domain" at the C-terminal region. The "A domain" is similar in sequence to the von Willebrand A (VWA) domain found in integrins. The presence of C2 domains suggests that copines may be involved in cell signaling and/or membrane trafficking pathways.

Results

We have identified six copines genes in the Dictyostelium discoideum genome, cpnA-cpnF, and have focused our studies on cpnA. CpnA is expressed throughout development and was shown to be capable of binding to membranes in a calcium-dependent manner in vitro. A GFP-tagged CpnA was also capable of binding to membranes in a calcium-dependent manner in vitro. In live wildtype Dictyostelium cells expressing GFP-CpnA, GFP-CpnA was typically found in the cytoplasm without any specific localization to membranes. However, in a small subset of starved cells, GFP-CpnA was observed to bind transiently (typically ~1–10 s) to the plasma membrane and intracellular vacuoles. In some cells, the transient membrane localization of GFP-CpnA was observed to occur multiple times in an oscillatory manner over several minutes. In plasma membrane disrupted cells, GFP-CpnA was observed to associate with the plasma membrane and intracellular vacuoles in a calcium-dependent manner. In fixed cells, GFP-CpnA labeled the plasma membrane and intracellular vacuoles, including contractile vacuoles, organelles of the endolysosomal pathway, and phagosomes.

Conclusion

Our results show that Dictyostelium has multiple copine homologs and provides an excellent system in which to study copine function. The localization of a GFP-tagged CpnA to the plasma membrane, contractile vacuoles, organelles of the endolysosomal pathway, and phagosomes suggests that CpnA may have a role in the function of these organelles or the trafficking to and from them. In addition, we hypothesize that the observed transient oscillatory membrane localization of GFP-CpnA in a small subset of starved cells is caused by fast calcium waves and speculate that CpnA may have a role in development, particularly in the differentiation of stalk cells.

Differential calcium regulation of proinflammatory activities in human neutrophils exposed to the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating protein

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating protein (PACAP) acts via the G protein-coupled receptor vasoactive intestinal peptide/PACAP receptor-1 to induce phospholipase C/calcium and MAPK-dependent proinflammatory activities in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). In this study, we evaluate other mechanisms that regulate PACAP-evoked calcium transients, the nature of the calcium sources, and the role of calcium in proinflammatory activities. Reduction in the activity of PMNs to respond to PACAP was observed after cell exposure to inhibitors of the cAMP/protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and PI3K pathways, to pertussis toxin, genistein, and after chelation of intracellular calcium or after extracellular calcium depletion. Mobilization of intracellular calcium stores was based on the fact that PACAP-associated calcium transient was decreased after exposure to 1) thapsigargin, 2) Xestospongin C, and 3) the protonophore carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl hydrazone; inhibition of calcium increase by calcium channel blockers, by nifedipine and verapamil, indicated that PACAP was also acting on calcium influx. Such mobilization was not dependent on a functional actin cytoskeleton. Homologous desensitization with nanomoles of PACAP concentration and heterologous receptors desensibilization by G protein-coupled receptor agonists were observed. Intracellular calcium depletion modulated PACAP-associated ERK but not p38 phosphorylation; in contrast, extracellular calcium depletion modulated PACAP-associated p38 but not ERK phosphorylation. In PACAP-treated PMNs, reactive oxygen species production and CD11b membrane up-regulation in contrast to lactoferrin release were dependent on both intra- and extracellular calcium, whereas matrix metalloproteinase-9 release was unaffected by extracellular calcium depletion. These data indicate that both extracellular and intracellular calcium play key roles in PACAP proinflammatory activities.

Physical schemata underlying biological pattern formation-examples, issues and strategies

Biological systems excel at building spatial structures on scales ranging from nanometers to kilometers and exhibit temporal patterning from milliseconds to years. One approach that nature has taken to accomplish this relies on the harnessing of pattern-forming processes of non-equilibrium physics and chemistry. For these systems, the study of biological pattern formation starts with placing a biological phenomenon of interest within the context of the proper pattern-formation schema and then focusing on the ways in which control is exerted to adapt the pattern to the needs of the organism. This approach is illustrated by several examples, notably bacterial colonies (diffusive-growth schema) and intracellular calcium waves (excitable-media schema).

Spatiotemporal chemical dynamics in living cells: from information trafficking to cell physiology

Biological thought in the 20th century was dominated by the study of structures at increasingly minute levels. For biology to advance beyond structural reductionism and contribute its full measure to clinical care, living biological structures must be understood in the context of their collective chemical processes at the relevant chemical time-scales. Using high-speed fluorescence microscopy, we have studied intra- and inter-cellular signaling using shutter speeds ( approximately 100 ns) that remove the effects of wave motion and diffusion from optical images. By collecting a series of such images, stop-action movies of signal trafficking in living cells are created; these have revealed a new level of spatiotemporal chemical organization within cells. Numerous types of chemical waves have been found in living cells expressing a great variety of physical properties. In this article I will review some of these basic findings, discuss these events in the context of information trafficking, and illustrate the potential implications of this work in medicine.

Tracking thymocyte migration in situ

The dynamic process of thymocyte migration can now be visualized in real-time and in the context of the native thymic environment. With improved computational resources, key information can be extracted from real-time imaging data and the migratory behaviors of developing thymocytes can be quantitated. The extraction and exploitation of three dimensional data through time is providing new insight into the nature and regulation of intrathymic migration. In this review we discuss this interdisciplinary approach and the promise it holds for the study of thymocyte migration in situ.

Calcium mobilization stimulatesDictyostelium discoideumshear-flow-induced cell motility

Application of hydrodynamic mild shear stress to adherent Dictyostelium discoideum vegetative cells triggers active actin cytoskeleton remodeling resulting in net cell movement along the flow. The average cell speed is strongly stimulated by external calcium (Ca2+, K50%=22 μM), but the directionality of the movement is almost unaffected. This calcium concentration is ten times higher than the one promoting cell adhesion to glass surfaces (K50%=2 μM). Addition of the calcium chelator EGTA or the Ca2+-channel blocker gadolinium (Gd3+) transiently stops cell movement. Monitoring the evolution of cell-surface contact area with time reveals that calcium stimulates cell speed by increasing the amplitude of both protrusion and retraction events at the cell edge, but not the frequency. As a consequence, with saturating external calcium concentrations, cells are sensitive to very low shear forces (20 pN; σ=0.1 Pa). Moreover, a null-mutant lacking the unique Gβ subunit does not respond to external Ca2+ changes (K50%&gt;1000 μM), although the directionality of the movement is comparable with that of wild-type cells. Furthermore, cells lacking the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3-receptor) exhibit a markedly reduced Ca2+ sensitivity. Thus, calcium release from internal stores and calcium entry through the plasma membrane modulate cell speed in response to shear stress.

Differential intracellular distributions of inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors within and among hematopoietic cells

To better understand the mechanism(s) of leukocyte Ca(2+) signaling, we have studied the intracellular locations of two Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor, by immunofluorescence microscopy. Our results show that localization differs not only between receptor classes within a cell, but among leukocyte types as well. We also illustrate the importance of preserving labile cellular filaments in maintaining cell integrity by fixation with the Safiejko-Mroczka and Bell protocol, because conventional fixation methods distort receptor patterns. We suggest that the observed differences influence intracellular Ca(2+) signaling.

Ion channel clustering enhances weak electric field detection by neutrophils: apparent roles of SKF96365-sensitive cation channels and myeloperoxidase trafficking in cellular responses

We have tested Galvanovskis and Sandblom's prediction that ion channel clustering enhances weak electric field detection by cells as well as how the elicited signals couple to metabolic alterations. Electric field application was timed to coincide with certain known intracellular chemical oscillators (phase-matched conditions). Polarized, but not spherical, neutrophils labeled with anti-K(v)1.3, FL-DHP, and anti-TRP1, but not anti-T-type Ca(2+) channels, displayed clusters at the lamellipodium. Resonance energy transfer experiments showed that these channel pairs were in close proximity. Dose-field sensitivity studies of channel blockers suggested that K(+) and Ca(2+) channels participate in field detection, as judged by enhanced oscillatory NAD(P)H amplitudes. Further studies suggested that K(+) channel blockers act by reducing the neutrophil's membrane potential. Mibefradil and SKF93635, which block T-type Ca(2+) channels and SOCs, respectively, affected field detection at appropriate doses. Microfluorometry and high-speed imaging of indo-1-labeled neutrophils was used to examine Ca(2+) signaling. Electric fields enhanced Ca(2+) spike amplitude and triggered formation of a second traveling Ca(2+) wave. Mibefradil blocked Ca(2+) spikes and waves. Although 10 microM SKF96365 mimicked mibefradil, 7 microM SKF96365 specifically inhibited electric field-induced Ca(2+) signals, suggesting that one SKF96365-senstive site is influenced by electric fields. Although cells remained morphologically polarized, ion channel clusters at the lamellipodium and electric field sensitivity were inhibited by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. As a result of phase-matched electric field application in the presence of ion channel clusters, myeloperoxidase (MPO) was found to traffic to the cell surface. As MPO participates in high amplitude metabolic oscillations, this suggests a link between the signaling apparatus and metabolic changes. Furthermore, electric field effects could be blocked by MPO inhibition or removal while certain electric field effects were mimicked by the addition of MPO to untreated cells. Therefore, channel clustering plays an important role in electric field detection and downstream responses of morphologically polarized neutrophils. In addition to providing new mechanistic insights concerning electric field interactions with cells, our work suggests novel methods to remotely manipulate physiological pathways.

Calcium-sensing soluble adenylyl cyclase mediates TNF signal transduction in human neutrophils

Through chemical screening, we identified a pyrazolone that reversibly blocked the activation of phagocyte oxidase (phox) in human neutrophils in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or formylated peptide. The pyrazolone spared activation of phox by phorbol ester or bacteria, bacterial killing, TNF-induced granule exocytosis and phox assembly, and endothelial transmigration. We traced the pyrazolone's mechanism of action to inhibition of TNF-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevations, and identified a nontransmembrane ("soluble") adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in neutrophils as a Ca2+-sensing source of cAMP. A sAC inhibitor mimicked the pyrazolone's effect on phox. Both compounds blocked TNF-induced activation of Rap1A, a phox-associated guanosine triphosphatase that is regulated by cAMP. Thus, TNF turns on phox through a Ca2+-triggered, sAC-dependent process that may involve activation of Rap1A. This pathway may offer opportunities to suppress oxidative damage during inflammation without blocking antimicrobial function.

Movies, measurement, and modeling: the three Ms of mechanistic immunology

Immunological phenomena that were once deduced from genetic, biochemical, and in situ approaches are now being witnessed in living color, in three dimensions, and in real time. The information in time-lapse imaging can provide valuable mechanistic insight into a host of processes, from cell migration to signal transduction. What we need now are methods to quantitate these new visual data and to exploit computational resources and statistical mechanical methods to develop mechanistic models.

Mechanisms of mycobacterial persistence in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is one of the world's most devastating diseases, with more than two million deaths and eight million new cases occurring annually. Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the innate antimicrobial defenses of macrophages by inhibiting the maturation of its phagosome to a bactericidal phagolysosome. Phagosome maturation is dependent on macrophage Ca(2+) signaling, which results in the recruitment of cytosolic calmodulin (CaM) to the phagosome membrane and subsequent focal activation of CaM kinase II (CaMKII). M. tuberculosis blocks this process via inhibition of a macrophage enzyme, sphingosine kinase, which is a proximal generator of Ca(2+) signaling during phagocytosis. This results in a failure of assembly of the Ca(2+)/CaM/CaMKII signaling complex on the membrane of the mycobacterial phagosome and the bacilli's persistence and replication in a protective intracellular niche. Pharmacologic or physiologic reversal of this inhibition of macrophage Ca(2+) signaling restores the normal sequence of phagosome maturation, resulting in decreased intracellular viability of M. tuberculosis.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) of retinal pigment epithelial cells participates in transmembrane signaling in response to photoreceptor outer segments

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells mediate the recognition and clearance of effete photoreceptor outer segments (POS), a process central to the maintenance of normal vision. Given the emerging importance of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in transmembrane signaling in response to invading pathogens as well as endogenous substances, we hypothesized that TLRs are associated with RPE cell management of POS. TLR4 clusters on human RPE cells in response to human, but not bovine, POS. However, TLR4 clustering could be inhibited by saturating concentrations of an inhibitory anti-TLR4 mAb. Furthermore, human POS binding to human RPE cells elicited transmembrane metabolic and calcium signals within RPE cells, which could be blocked by saturating doses of an inhibitory anti-TLR4 mAb. However, the heterologous combination of bovine POS and human RPE did not trigger these signals. The pattern recognition receptor CD36 collected at the POS-RPE cell interface for both homologous and heterologous samples, but human TLR4 only collected at the human POS-human RPE cell interface. Kinetic experiments of human POS binding to human RPE cells revealed that CD36 arrives at the POS-RPE interface followed by TLR4 accumulation within 2 min. Metabolic and calcium signals immediately follow. Similarly, the production of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) was observed for the homologous human system, but not the heterologous bovine POS-human RPE cell system. As (a) the bovine POS/human RPE combination did not elicit TLR4 accumulation, RPE signaling, or ROM release, (b) TLR4 arrives at the POS-RPE cell interface just before signaling, (c) TLR4 blockade with an inhibitory anti-TLR4 mAb inhibited TLR4 clustering, signaling, and ROM release in the human POS-human RPE system, and (d) TLR4 demonstrates similar clustering and signaling responses to POS in confluent RPE monolayers, we suggest that TLR4 of RPE cells participates in transmembrane signaling events that contribute to the management of human POS.

Cutting edge: optical microspectrophotometry supports the existence of gel phase lipid rafts at the lamellipodium of neutrophils: apparent role in calcium signaling

Although much progress has been made in elucidating the biochemical properties of lipid rafts, there has been less success in identifying these structures within living cell membranes, which has led to some concern regarding their existence. One difficulty in analyzing lipid rafts using optical microscopy is their small size. We now test the existence of lipid rafts in polarized neutrophils, which redistribute lipid raft markers into comparatively large lamellipodia. Optical microspectrophotometry of Laurdan-labeled neutrophils revealed a large blue shift at lamellipodia relative to cell bodies. This blue shift disappeared after exposure to methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (m beta CD), which disrupts lipid rafts. The Ca(2+) channel transient receptor potential-like channel-1, a lipid raft marker, traffics to lamellipodia, but redistributes uniformly about cells after exposure to m beta CD. This is accompanied by disruption of Ca(2+) waves normally initiated at lamellipodia. Thus, m beta CD-sensitive lipid-ordered domains are present at and participate in signaling from the lamellipodia of living neutrophils.

Signal processing times in neutrophil activation: dependence on ligand concentration and the relative phase of metabolic oscillations

Intracellular NAD(P)H oscillations exhibited by polarized neutrophils display congruent with 20 s periods, which are halved to congruent with 10 s upon stimulation with chemotactic peptides such as FNLPNTL (N-formyl-nle-leu-phe-nle-tyr-lys). By monitoring this frequency change, we have measured accurately the time interval between stimulus and metabolic frequency changes. A microscope flow chamber was designed to allow rapid delivery of FNLPNTL to adherent cells. Using fluorescein as a marker, we found delivery to be complete and stable throughout the chamber within approximately 400 ms. Peptides were injected into the chamber at concentrations ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-9) M. Injections also varied with respect to the relative phase of a cell's NAD(P)H oscillations. The time interval between injection of 10(-6) M FNLPNTL and the acquisition of congruent with 10 s period metabolic oscillations was found to be 12.2+/-3.3 s when injections occurred at the NAD(P)H oscillation peak whereas the lag time was 22.5+/-4.8 s when coinciding with a trough. At 10(-8) M FNLPNTL, lag times were found to be 26.1+/-5.2 and 30.5+/-7.3 s for injections at NAD(P)H peaks and troughs, respectively. FNLPNTL at 10(-9) M had no effect on metabolic oscillations, consistent with previous studies. Our experiments show that the kinetics of transmembrane signal processing, in contrast to a simple transmembrane chemical reaction, can depend upon both ligand dose and its temporal relationship with intracellular metabolic oscillations.

Identification of Channels Promoting Calcium Spikes and Waves in HT1080 Tumor Cells

Intracellular Ca(2+) signals have been associated with cell polarization and locomotion. As cell motility underlies metastasis, we have sought to better characterize the Ca(2+) signaling events in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. We have tested the hypothesis that low voltage-activated (LVA) and nonvoltage-gated (NVG) channels of HT1080 cells participate in dynamic Ca(2+)-signaling events leading to cell migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence microscopy has shown that HT1080 cells express LVA T-type Ca(2+) channels uniformly about the cell periphery, whereas the transient receptor potential-1 (a NVG cation channel) protein appears as punctate spots about a cell's periphery. HT1080 cells exhibit periodic intracellular Ca(2+) spikes. High-speed imaging revealed that the Ca(2+) spikes were composed of a single Ca(2+) wave traveling unidirectionally about the periphery of the cytoplasm in a clockwise fashion (as viewed from basal to apical surfaces). The T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker mibefradil inhibited Ca(2+) spikes and waves on cells and, in parallel, inhibited cell motility and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were noted with the NVG cation channel blockers Gd(3+) and carboxyamido-triazole. The combination of LVA and NVG blockers further reduced Matrigel invasiveness. However, the Ca(2+) channel blockers nicardipine, SKF96365, diltiazem, and verapamil had no effect at appropriate doses. These results indicate that certain LVA and NVG channels regulate HT1080 cell motility. In addition to providing novel information regarding cancer cell motility, we suggest that it may be possible to design drugs that inhibit a key Ca(2+) wave, thereby enhancing the efficacy of emerging therapeutic protocols.

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Signal sequence within Fc gamma RIIA controls calcium wave propagation patterns: apparent role in phagolysosome fusion

Calcium oscillations and traveling calcium waves have been observed in living cells, although amino acid sequences regulating wave directionality and downstream cell functions have not been reported. In this study we identify an amino acid sequence within the cytoplasmic domain of the leukocyte IgG receptor Fc gamma RIIA that affects the amplitude of calcium spikes and the spatiotemporal dynamics of calcium waves in the vicinity of phagosomes. By using high-speed microscopy to map calcium-signaling routes within cells, we have discovered that bound IgG-coated targets trigger two calcium waves traveling in opposite directions about the perimeter of cells expressing Fc gamma RIIA. After phagocytosis, one calcium wave propagates around the plasma membrane to the site of phagocytosis where it splits into two calcium signals: one traveling to and encircling the phagosome once, and the second continuing around the plasma membrane to the point of origin. However, in a genetically engineered form of Fc gamma RIIA containing a mutation in the cytoplasmic L-T-L motif, the calcium signal travels around the plasma membrane, but is not properly routed to the phagosome. Furthermore, these calcium pattern-deficient mutants were unable to support phagolysosome fusion, although recruitment of phagolysosome-associated proteins lysosome-associated protein 1, Rab5, and Rab7 were normal. Our findings suggest that: (i) calcium signaling is a late step in phagolysosome fusion, (ii) a line of communication exists between the plasma membrane and phagosome, and (iii) the L-T-L motif is a signal sequence for calcium signal routing to the phagosome.

Visualizing signals moving in cells

Cells display a highly complex spatiotemporal organization, required to exert a wide variety of different functions, for example, detection, processing, and propagation of nerve impulses by neurons; contraction and relaxation by muscle cells; movement by leukocytes; and adsorption and secretion of nutrients and metabolites by epithelial cells lining the gut. Successful execution of these complex processes requires highly dynamic information transfer between different regions and compartments within cells. Through the development of fluorescent sensors for intracellular signaling molecules coupled with improved microscopic imaging techniques, it has now become possible to investigate signal propagation in cells with high spatial and temporal resolution.