Biochemical properties of endogenous presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 in cultured human B-lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Presenilin 1 (PS1) and presenilin 2 (PS2) are membranous proteins involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The development of specific therapies targeted at PS1 or PS2 requires the determination of biochemical properties of presenilins. Hence, in this study we analyzed the hydrophobic and ionic properties of endogenous presenilins. METHODS: Lysates of immortalized human B-lymphocytes were used as a source of endogenous presenilins. The presence of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) detergent in lysates favored preservation of PS1 and PS2 native protein complexes. We compared Kyte-Doolittle hydropathicity profiles and hydrophobic interactions of PS1 and PS2 with phenyl-agarose. We also compared the ionic properties of presenilins using anion-exchange chromatography. RESULTS: The hydropathicity profiles of PS1 and PS2 revealed similarly located hydrophobic regions and more hydrophobic region in the C-terminal fragment of PS2. However, both PS1 and PS2 under physiological conditions showed no interactions with phenyl-agarose. Despite similar predicted isoelectric points, PS1 and PS2 exhibited different ionic behavior during anion-exchange chromatography. CONCLUSIONS: The different than expected hydrophobic and ionic behavior of PS1 and PS2 may be caused by interactions with other proteins present in complexes formed by endogenous presenilins. The observed difference in ionic properties of PS1 and PS2 can be further explained assuming that PS1 and PS2 form complexes with different sets of proteins. The composition of such variegated PS1 and PS2 complexes can be explored using a proteomic approach. The difference in PS1 and PS2 ionic behavior can be used for purification of endogenous PS1 from PS2, which has not yet been achieved by any other means.     

Transient receptor potential 1 regulates capacitative Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum in B lymphocytes

Capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) activated by release/depletion of Ca(2+) from internal stores represents a major Ca(2+) influx mechanism in lymphocytes and other nonexcitable cells. Despite the importance of CCE in antigen-mediated lymphocyte activation, molecular components constituting this mechanism remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that genetic disruption of transient receptor potential (TRP)1 significantly attenuates both Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) currents and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-mediated Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in DT40 B cells. As a consequence, B cell antigen receptor-mediated Ca(2+) oscillations and NF-AT activation are reduced in TRP1-deficient cells. Thus, our results suggest that CCE channels, whose formation involves TRP1 as an important component, modulate IP(3) receptor function, thereby enhancing functional coupling between the ER and plasma membrane in transduction of intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in B lymphocytes.     

In vitro characterization of missense mutations associated with quantitative protein S deficiency

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular consequences of hereditary protein S (PS) deficiency, we investigated the in vitro synthesis of the PS missense mutants in COS-1 cells and their activated protein C (APC) cofactor activities. PATIENTS: Four patients with quantitative PS deficiency suffering from venous thrombosis were examined. RESULTS: We identified three distinct novel missense mutations, R275C, P375Q and D455Y, and two previously reported missense mutations, C80Y and R314H. The P375Q and D455Y mutations were found in one patient and observed to be in linkage on the same allele. The R314H mutant showed the lowest level of expression (32.7%), and the C80Y, P375Q + D455Y, and R275C mutants exhibited a moderate impairment of expression, that is, 43.8%, 49.5%, and 72.3% of the wild type, respectively. Furthermore, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that all mutants showed impaired secretion and longer half-lives in the cells than the wild type PS. In the APC cofactor assays, the C80Y mutant showed no cofactor activity, and the R275C mutant showed reduced activity, 62.3% of the wild type PS, whereas the R314H and P375Q + D455Y mutants exhibited normal cofactor activity. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the C80Y and R275C mutations affect the secretion and function of the PS molecule, and that the R314H and P375Q + D455Y mutations are responsible for only secretion defects, causing the phenotype of quantitative PS deficiency observed in the patients.     

Chain-reaction Ca(2+) signaling in the heart

Mutations in Ca(2+) -handling proteins in the heart have been linked to exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. The best characterized of these have been mutations in the cardiac Ca(2+) release channel known as the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2). RyR2 mutations cause "leaky" channels, resulting in diastolic Ca(2+) leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmias during stress. In this issue of the JCI, Song et al. show that mutations in the SR Ca(2+)-binding protein calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2) in mice result not only in reduced CASQ2 expression but also in a surprising, compensatory elevation in expression of both the Ca(2+)-binding protein calreticulin and RyR2, culminating in premature Ca(2+) release from cardiac myocytes and stress-induced arrhythmia (see the related article beginning on page 1814). In the context of these findings and other recent reports studying CASQ2 mutations, we discuss how CASQ2 influences the properties of Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of RyR2 and how this contributes to cardiac arrhythmogenesis.     

Mitochondrial regulation by c-Myc and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha controls sensitivity to econazole

Econazole is an azole antifungal with anticancer activity that blocks Ca(2+) influx and stimulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) release through the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in sustained depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores, protein synthesis inhibition, and cell death. c-Myc, a commonly activated oncogene, also promotes apoptosis in response to growth factor withdrawal and a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. We have investigated the role of c-myc in regulating sensitivity to econazole. Here, we show that c-myc-negative cells are profoundly resistant to econazole. c-Myc-negative rat fibroblasts failed to generate mitochondrial ROS in response to econazole and consequently failed to deplete the ER of Ca(2+). HL60 cells knocked down for c-myc expression also displayed decreased ROS generation and decreased econazole sensitivity. Addition of H(2)O(2) restored sensitivity to econazole in both c-myc-negative rat fibroblasts and c-myc knocked-down HL60 cells, supporting a role for ROS in cell death induction. c-Myc-negative cells and HL60 cells knocked down for c-myc have reduced mitochondrial content compared with c-myc-positive cells. The hypoxia sensor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), interacts antagonistically with c-myc and also regulates mitochondrial biogenesis. Knockdown of HIF-1alpha in c-myc-negative cells increased mitochondrial content restored ROS generation in response to econazole and increased sensitivity to the drug. Taken together, these results show that c-myc and HIF-1alpha regulate sensitivity to econazole by modulating the ability of the drug to generate mitochondrial ROS.     

Familial Alzheimer’s disease–associated presenilin-1 alters cerebellar activity and calcium homeostasis

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) is characterized by autosomal dominant heritability and early disease onset. Mutations in the gene encoding presenilin-1 (PS1) are found in approximately 80% of cases of FAD, with some of these patients presenting cerebellar damage with amyloid plaques and ataxia with unclear pathophysiology. A Colombian kindred carrying the PS1-E280A mutation is the largest known cohort of PS1-FAD patients. Here, we investigated PS1-E280A–associated cerebellar dysfunction and found that it occurs early in PS1-E208A carriers, while cerebellar signs are highly prevalent in patients with dementia. Postmortem analysis of cerebella of PS1-E280A carrier revealed greater Purkinje cell (PC) loss and more abnormal mitochondria compared with controls. In PS1-E280A tissue, ER/mitochondria tethering was impaired, Ca²⁺ channels IP3Rs and CACNA1A were downregulated, and Ca²⁺-dependent mitochondrial transport proteins MIRO1 and KIF5C were reduced. Accordingly, expression of PS1-E280A in a neuronal cell line altered ER/mitochondria tethering and transport compared with that in cells expressing wild-type PS1. In a murine model of PS1-FAD, animals exhibited mild ataxia and reduced PC simple spike activity prior to cerebellar β-amyloid deposition. Our data suggest that impaired calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in PS1-FAD PCs reduces their activity and contributes to motor coordination deficits prior to Aβ aggregation and dementia. We propose that PS1-E280A affects both Ca²⁺ homeostasis and Aβ precursor processing, leading to FAD and neurodegeneration.     

The calcium sensor STIM1 is an essential mediator of arterial thrombosis and ischemic brain infarction

Platelet activation and aggregation are essential to limit posttraumatic blood loss at sites of vascular injury but also contributes to arterial thrombosis, leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. Agonist-induced elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) is a central step in platelet activation, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. A major pathway for Ca(2+) entry in nonexcitable cells involves receptor-mediated release of intracellular Ca(2+) stores, followed by activation of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels in the plasma membrane. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) has been identified as the Ca(2+) sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that activates Ca(2+) release-activated channels in T cells, but its role in mammalian physiology is unknown. Platelets express high levels of STIM1, but its exact function has been elusive, because these cells lack a normal ER and Ca(2+) is stored in a tubular system referred to as the sarcoplasmatic reticulum. We report that mice lacking STIM1 display early postnatal lethality and growth retardation. STIM1-deficient platelets have a marked defect in agonist-induced Ca(2+) responses, and impaired activation and thrombus formation under flow in vitro. Importantly, mice with STIM1-deficient platelets are significantly protected from arterial thrombosis and ischemic brain infarction but have only a mild bleeding time prolongation. These results establish STIM1 as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of ischemic cardio- and cerebrovascular events.     

Electric pulse stimulation induces NMDA glutamate receptor mRNA in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts

Excess glutamate and Ca(2+) influx into neurons exacerbate brain damage such as ischemia. Astrocytes at the site of damage proliferate and attenuate the glutamate- and Ca(2+)-induced neuronal damage by removing excess glutamate and Ca(2+) through the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor and the L-type Ca(2+) channel, respectively. Fibroblasts are commonly mobilized to the site of damage, probably supporting the restoration process. Notably, fibroblasts express the L-type voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel, but not central nervous system-specific NMDA glutamate receptor. We examined if electric pulse stimulation (EPS) was capable of inducing NMDA receptor on fibroblasts by way of Ca(2+) channel activation, so that they could potentially have a neuroprotective role. To activate L-type Ca(2+) channel, we delivered electric pulse to cultured NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts. EPS of 20 V with a pulse duration of 2 msec at a frequency of 1 Hz for more than 1 h up to 24 h successfully introduced Ca(2+) into NIH3T3 fibroblasts as detected by Fluo-4AM calcium imaging, which was totally inhibited by a L-type Ca(2+) channel inhibitor, verapamil. Remarkable expression of NMDA receptor mRNA in the fibroblasts after 24-h EPS was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Verapamil treatment during EPS totally abrogated the EPS-induced NMDA receptor mRNA expression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that electric pulse is able to induce sustained Ca(2+) influx via L-type Ca(2+) channel in a non-excitatory fibroblast, which leads to the expression CNS-specific NMDA receptor mRNA. Neuroprotective role of NMDA receptor induced in fibroblasts needs to be further examined.     

Acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions of adult tottering mice is controlled by N-(cav2.2) and R-type (cav2.3) but not L-type (cav1.2) Ca2+ channels

The mutation in the alpha(1A) subunit gene of the P/Q-type (Ca(v)2.1) Ca(2+) channel present in tottering (tg) mice causes ataxia and motor seizures that resemble absence epilepsy in humans. P/Q-type Ca(2+)channels are primarily involved in acetylcholine (ACh) release at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Unmasking of L-type (Ca(v)1.1-1.2) Ca(2+) channels occurs in cerebellar Purkinje cells of tg mice. However, whether L-type Ca(2+) channels are also up-regulated at neuromuscular junctions of tg mice is unknown. We characterized thoroughly the pharmacological sensitivity of the Ca(2+) channels, which control ACh release at adult tg neuromuscular junctions. Block of N- and R-type (Ca(v)2.2-2.3), but not L-type Ca(2+) channels, significantly reduced quantal content of end-plate potentials in tg preparations. Neither resting nor KCl-evoked miniature end-plate potential frequency differed significantly between tg and wild type (WT). Immunolabeling of Ca(2+) channel subunits alpha(1A), alpha(1B), alpha(1C), and alpha(1E) revealed an apparent increase of alpha(1B), and alpha(1E) staining, at tg but not WT neuromuscular junctions. This presumably compensates for the deficit of P/Q-type Ca(2+)channels, which localized presynaptically at WT neuromuscular junctions. No alpha(1C) subunits juxtaposed with pre- or postsynaptic markers at either WT or tg neuromuscular junctions. Thus, in adult tg mice, immunocytochemical and electrophysiological data indicate that N- and R-type channels both assume control of ACh release at motor nerve terminals. Recruitment of alternate subtypes of Ca(2+) channels to control transmitter release seems to represent a commonly occurring method of neuronal plasticity. However, it is unclear which conditions underlie recruitment of Ca(v)2 as opposed to Ca(v)1-type Ca(2+) channels.     

An APP ectodomain mutation outside of the Aβ domain promotes Aβ production in vitro and deposition in vivo

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD)–linked mutations in the APP gene occur either within the Aβ-coding region or immediately proximal and are located in exons 16 and 17, which encode Aβ peptides. We have identified an extremely rare, partially penetrant, single nucleotide variant (SNV), rs145081708, in APP that corresponds to a Ser198Pro substitution in exon 5. We now report that in stably transfected cells, expression of APP harboring the S198P mutation (APPS198P) leads to elevated production of Aβ peptides by an unconventional mechanism in which the folding and exit of APPS198P from the endoplasmic reticulum is accelerated. More importantly, coexpression of APP S198P and the FAD-linked PS1ΔE9 variant in the brains of male and female transgenic mice leads to elevated steady-state Aβ peptide levels and acceleration of Aβ deposition compared with age- and gender-matched mice expressing APP and PS1ΔE9. This is the first AD-linked mutation in APP present outside of exons 16 and 17 that enhances Aβ production and deposition.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate has dual functions in the regulation of endothelial cell permeability and Ca2+ metabolism

Ca2+ signaling plays an important role in endothelial cell (EC) functions including the regulation of barrier integrity. Recently, the endogenous lipid derivative, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), has emerged as an important modulator of EC barrier function. We investigated the role of endogenously generated S1P in Ca2+ metabolism and barrier function in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by thrombin, histamine, or other agonists. Barrier function was assessed by dextran diffusion through HUVEC monolayers, and Ca2+ transients were measured using a fluoroprobe. Thrombin or histamine increased Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels (SOCs) that was accompanied by increased EC permeability. Inhibition of S1P synthesis by a specific sphingosine kinase inhibitor (SKI) decreased thrombin or histamine-induced increased permeability and decreased Ca2+ entry via SOC in a concentration-dependent fashion. SKI had minuscule effects on thrombin or histamine-induced Ca2+ release from ER. SKI also inhibited thapsigargin or ionomycin-induced Ca2+ entry via SOC without affecting Ca2+ release from the ER. In contrast to the effects of endogenously generated S1P, when S1P was administered externally, it initiated Ca2+ release from ER similar to thrombin and histamine while decreasing EC permeability. These observations indicate that after agonist-induced conditions, endogenously generated S1P functions as a positive modulator of Ca2+ entry via SOC and a mediator of increased cell permeability. In contrast, extracellular exposure to S1P has different signaling mechanisms and effects. Thus, the potential dual roles of endogenous and exogenous S1P on EC function need to be considered in pharmacological studies targeting sphingosine metabolism.     

Selectivities of dihydropyridine derivatives in blocking Ca(2+) channel subtypes expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Some dihydropyridines (DHPs), such as amlodipine and cilnidipine, have been shown to block not only L-type but also N-type Ca(2+) channels; therefore, DHPs are no longer considered as L-type-specific Ca(2+) channel blockers. However, selectivity of DHPs for Ca(2+) channel subtypes including N-, P/Q-, and R-types are poorly understood. To address this issue at the molecular level, blocking effects of 10 DHPs (nifedipine, nilvadipine, barnidipine, nimodipine, nitrendipine, amlodipine, nicardipine, benidipine, felodipine, and cilnidipine) on four subtypes of Ca(2+) channels (L-, N-, P/Q-, and R-types) were investigated in the Xenopus oocyte expression system with the use of the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. L-type Ca(2+) channels expressed as alpha(1C)alpha(2)beta(1a) combination were profoundly blocked by all DHPs examined, whereas blocking actions of these DHPs on R-type (alpha(1E)alpha(2)beta(1a)) channels were equally weak. In contrast, 5 of the 10 DHPs (amlodipine, benidipine, cilnidipine, nicardipine, and barnidipine) significantly blocked N-type (alpha(1B)alpha(2)beta(1a)) and P/Q-type (alpha(1A)alpha(2)beta(1a)) Ca(2+) channels. These selectivities of DHPs in blocking Ca(2+) channel subtypes would provide useful pharmacological and clinical information on the mode of action of the drugs including side effects and adverse effects.     

Inhibition of high voltage-activated calcium channels by spider toxin PnTx3-6

Animal peptide toxins have become powerful tools to study structure-function relationships and physiological roles of voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PnTx3-6, a neurotoxin purified from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer on cloned mammalian Ca(2+) channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and endogenous Ca(2+) channels in N18 neuroblastoma cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements indicate that PnTx3-6 reversibly inhibited L-(alpha(1C)/Ca(v)1.2), N-(alpha(1B)/Ca(v)2.2), P/Q-(alpha(1A)/Ca(v)2.1), and R-(alpha(1E)/Ca(v)2.3) type channels with varying potency (alpha(1B) > alpha(1E) > alpha(1A) > alpha(1C)) and IC(50) values of 122, 136, 263, and 607 nM, respectively. Inhibition occurred without alteration of the kinetics or the voltage dependence of the exogenously expressed Ca(2+) channels. In N18 cells, PnTx3-6 exhibited highest potency against N-type (conotoxin-GVIA-sensitive) current. In contrast to its effects on high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels subtypes, application of 1 microM PnTx3-6 did not affect alpha(1G)/Ca(v)3.1 T-type Ca(2+) channels. Based on our study, we suggest that PnTx3-6 acts as a omega-toxin that targets high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels, with a preference for the Ca(v)2 subfamily (N-, P/Q-, and R-types).     

Functional characterization of calcium-sensing receptor mutations expressed in human embryonic kidney cells.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that plays a key role in extracellular calcium ion homeostasis. We have engineered 11 CaR mutants that have been described in the disorders familial benign hypercalcemia (FBH), neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT), and autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia (ADH), and studied their function by characterizing intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i transients in response to varying concentrations of extracellular calcium [Ca2+]o or gadolinium [Gd3+]o. The wild type receptor had an EC50 for calcium (EC50[Ca2+]o) (the value of [Ca2+]o producing half of the maximal increase in [Ca2+]i) of 4.0 mM (+/- 0.1 SEM). However, five missense mutations associated with FBH or NSHPT, (P55L, N178D, P221S, R227L, and V817I) had significantly higher EC50[Ca2+]os of between 5.5 and 9.3 mM (all P < 0.01). Another FBH mutation, Y218S, had an EC50[Ca2+]o of > 50 mM but had only a mildly attenuated response to gadolinium, while the FBH mutations, R680C and P747fs, were unresponsive to either calcium or gadolinium. In contrast, three mutations associated with ADH, (F128L, T151M, and E191K), showed significantly reduced EC50[Ca2+]os of between 2.2 and 2.8 mM (all P < 0.01). These findings provide insights into the functional domains of the CaR and demonstrate that mutations which enhance or reduce the responsiveness of the CaR to [Ca2+]o cause the disorders ADH, FBH, and NSHPT, respectively.     

Structure and dynamics of γ-secretase with presenilin 2 compared to presenilin 1

Severe early-onset familial Alzheimer''s disease (FAD) is caused by more than 200 different mutations in the genes coding for presenilin, the catalytic subunit of the 4-subunit protease complex γ-secretase, which cleaves the C99 fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce Aβ peptides. γ-Secretase exists with either of two homologues, PS1 and PS2. All cryo-electron microscopic structures and computational work has so far focused on γ-secretase with PS1, yet PS2 mutations also cause FAD. A central question is thus whether there are structural and dynamic differences between PS1 and PS2. To address this question, we use the cryo-electron microscopic data for PS1 to develop the first structural and dynamic model of PS2-γ-secretase in the catalytically relevant mature membrane-bound state at ambient temperature, equilibrated by three independent 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the characteristic nicastrin extra-cellular domain breathing mode and major movements in the cytosolic loop between TM6 and TM7 occur in both PS2- and PS1-γ-secretase. The overall structures and conformational states are similar, suggesting similar catalytic activities. However, at the sequence level, charge-controlled membrane-anchoring is extracellular for PS1 and intracellular for PS2, which suggests different subcellular locations. The tilt angles of the TM2, TM6, TM7 and TM9 helices differ in the two forms of γ-secretase, suggesting that the two proteins have somewhat different substrate processing and channel sizes. Our MD simulations consistently indicated that PS2 retains several water molecules near the catalytic site at the bilayer, as required for catalysis. The possible reasons for the differences of PS1 and PS2 are discussed in relation to their location and function.

We constructed a model of presenilin-2 γ-secretase in the membrane and studied it by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The study provides the first structural-dynamic comparison of presenilin 1 and 2 relevant to Alzheimer''s disease.     

Casq2 deletion causes sarcoplasmic reticulum volume increase, premature Ca2+ release, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Cardiac calsequestrin (Casq2) is thought to be the key sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ storage protein essential for SR Ca2+ release in mammalian heart. Human CASQ2 mutations are associated with catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia. However, homozygous mutation carriers presumably lacking functional Casq2 display surprisingly normal cardiac contractility. Here we show that Casq2-null mice are viable and display normal SR Ca2+ release and contractile function under basal conditions. The mice exhibited striking increases in SR volume and near absence of the Casq2-binding proteins triadin-1 and junctin; upregulation of other Ca2+ -binding proteins was not apparent. Exposure to catecholamines in Casq2-null myocytes caused increased diastolic SR Ca2+ leak, resulting in premature spontaneous SR Ca2+ releases and triggered beats. In vivo, Casq2-null mice phenocopied the human arrhythmias. Thus, while the unique molecular and anatomic adaptive response to Casq2 deletion maintains functional SR Ca2+ storage, lack of Casq2 also causes increased diastolic SR Ca2+ leak, rendering Casq2-null mice susceptible to catecholaminergic ventricular arrhythmias.     

Monocyte selectivity and tissue localization suggests a role for breast and kidney-expressed chemokine (BRAK) in macrophage development

Although numerous chemokines act on monocytes, none of them is specific for these cells. Here, we show that breast and kidney-expressed chemokine (BRAK) is a highly selective monocyte chemoattractant. Migration efficacy and Bordetella pertussis toxin-sensitive Ca(2+) mobilization responses to BRAK were strongly enhanced after treatment of monocytes with the cyclic AMP-elevating agents prostaglandin E(2) and forskolin. BRAK is the first monocyte-selective chemokine, as other types of blood leukocytes or monocyte-derived dendritic cells and macrophages did not respond. Expression in normal skin keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts as well as lamina propria cells in normal intestinal tissues suggests a homeostatic rather than an inflammatory function for this chemokine. In addition, macrophages were frequently found to colocalize with BRAK-producing fibroblasts. We propose that BRAK is involved in the generation of tissue macrophages by recruiting extravasated precursors to fibroblasts, which are known to secrete essential cytokines for macrophage development.     

Calcium release channel RyR2 regulates insulin release and glucose homeostasis

The type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a Ca²⁺ release channel on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of several types of cells, including cardiomyocytes and pancreatic β cells. In cardiomyocytes, RyR2-dependent Ca²⁺ release is critical for excitation-contraction coupling; however, a functional role for RyR2 in β cell insulin secretion and diabetes mellitus remains controversial. Here, we took advantage of rare RyR2 mutations that were identified in patients with a genetic form of exercise-induced sudden death (catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia [CPVT]). As these mutations result in a “leaky” RyR2 channel, we exploited them to assess RyR2 channel function in β cell dynamics. We discovered that CPVT patients with mutant leaky RyR2 present with glucose intolerance, which was heretofore unappreciated. In mice, transgenic expression of CPVT-associated RyR2 resulted in impaired glucose homeostasis, and an in-depth evaluation of pancreatic islets and β cells from these animals revealed intracellular Ca²⁺ leak via oxidized and nitrosylated RyR2 channels, activated ER stress response, mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased fuel-stimulated insulin release. Additionally, we verified the effects of the pharmacological inhibition of intracellular Ca²⁺ leak in CPVT-associated RyR2-expressing mice, in human islets from diabetic patients, and in an established murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Taken together, our data indicate that RyR2 channels play a crucial role in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.     

Gain-of-function mutation in the KCNMB1 potassium channel subunit is associated with low prevalence of diastolic hypertension

Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, present in almost 30% of adults. A key element in the control of vascular tone is the large-conductance, Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) (BK) channel. The BK channel in vascular smooth muscle is formed by an ion-conducting alpha subunit and a regulatory beta(1) subunit, which couples local increases in intracellular Ca(2+) to augmented channel activity and vascular relaxation. Our large population-based genetic epidemiological study has identified a new single-nucleotide substitution (G352A) in the beta(1) gene (KCNMB1), corresponding to an E65K mutation in the protein. This mutation results in a gain of function of the channel and is associated with low prevalence of moderate and severe diastolic hypertension. BK-beta(1E65K) channels showed increased Ca(2+) sensitivity, compared with wild-type channels, without changes in channel kinetics. In conclusion, the BK-beta(1E65K) channel might offer a more efficient negative-feedback effect on vascular smooth muscle contractility, consistent with a protective effect of the K allele against the severity of diastolic hypertension.