Ca^(2+)-induced myelin pathology precedes axonal spheroid formation and is mediated in part by store-operated Ca^(2+)entry after spinal cord injury

The formation of axonal spheroid is a common feature following spinal cord injury.To further understand the source of Ca^(2+)that mediates axonal spheroid formation,we used our previously characterized ex vivo mouse spinal cord model that allows precise perturbation of extracellular Ca^(2+).We performed twophoton excitation imaging of spinal cords isolated from Thy1YFP+transgenic mice and applied the lipophilic dye,Nile red,to record dynamic changes in dorsal column axons and their myelin sheaths respectively.We selectively released Ca^(2+)from internal stores using the Ca^(2+)ionophore ionomycin in the presence or absence of external Ca^(2+).We reported that ionomycin dose-dependently induces pathological changes in myelin and pronounced axonal spheroid formation in the presence of normal 2 m M Ca^(2+)artificial cerebrospinal fluid.In contrast,removal of external Ca^(2+)significantly decreased ionomycin-induced myelin and axonal spheroid formation at 2 hours but not at 1 hour after treatment.Using mice that express a neuron-specific Ca^(2+)indicator in spinal cord axons,we confirmed that ionomycin induced significant increases in intra-axonal Ca^(2+),but not in the absence of external Ca^(2+).Periaxonal swelling and the resultant disruption in the axo-myelinic interface often precedes and is negatively correlated with axonal spheroid formation.Pretreatment with YM58483(500 n M),a well-established blocker of store-operated Ca^(2+)entry,significantly decreased myelin injury and axonal spheroid formation.Collectively,these data reveal that ionomycin-induced depletion of internal Ca^(2+)stores and subsequent external Ca^(2+)entry through store-operated Ca^(2+)entry contributes to pathological changes in myelin and axonal spheroid formation,providing new targets to protect central myelinated fibers.

Effects of 2-APB on Store-operated Ca^(2+) Channel Currents of Hepatocytes after Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

The effects of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries on hepatocellular viability and store-operated calcium current (Isoc) in isolated rat hepatocytes and the effects of 2-APB on store-operated calcium current (Isoc) in isolated rat hepatocytes after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injuries were studied. Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury model was established and whole cell patch-clamp techniques were used to investigate the effects of 2-APB on Isoc. The results showed that ischemia/reperfusion injuries could significantly reduce hepatocellular viability and further increase Isoc in hepatocytes and 2-APB (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 μmol/L) produced a concentration-dependent decrease of Isoc with IC 50 value of 64.63±10.56 μmol/L (n=8). It was concluded that ischemia/reperfusion injuries could reduce hepatocellular viability, probably through increased Isoc in hepatocytes and 2-APB had a protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury, probably though inhibiting Isoc.

Polydatin attenuated food allergy via store-operated calcium channels in mast cell

AIM: To investigate the effect of polydatin (PD), a resveratrol glucoside, on mast cell degranulation and antiallergic activity. METHODS: After the rats were orally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) for 48 d and underwent PD treatment for 4 d, all the rats were stimulated by 100 mg/mL OVA for24 h and then sacrificed for the following experiments. The small intestines from all the groups were prepared for morphology examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining. We also used a smooth muscle organ bath to evaluate the motility of the small intestines. The OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and interleu-kin-4 (IL-4) levels in serum or supernatant of intestinal mucosa homogenates were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using toluidine blue stain, the activation and degranulation of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were analyzed. Release of histamine from RPMCs was measured by ELISA, and regulation of PD on intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization was investigated by probing intracellular Ca 2+ with fluo-4 fluo-rescent dye, with the signal recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: We found that intragastric treatment with PD significantly reduced loss of mucosal barrier integrity in the small intestine. However, OVA-sensitization caused significant hyperactivity in the small intestine of allergic rats, which was attenuated by PD administration by 42% (1.26 ± 0.13 g vs OVA 2.18 ± 0.21 g, P < 0.01). PD therapy also inhibited IgE production (3.95 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs OVA 4.53 ± 0.52 ng/mL, P < 0.05) by suppressing the secretion of Th2-type cytokine, IL-4, by 34% (38.58 ± 4.41 pg/mLvs OVA 58.15 ± 6.24 pg/mL, P < 0.01). The ratio of degranulated mast cells, as indicated by vehicles (at least five) around the cells, dramatically increased in the OVA group by 5.5 fold (63.50% ± 15.51% vs phosphate-buffered saline 11.15% ± 8.26%, P < 0.001) and fell by 65% after PD treatment (21.95% ± 4.37% vs OVA 63.50% ± 15.51%, P < 0.001). PD mediated attenuation of mast cell degranulation was further confirmed by decreased histamine levels in both serum (5.98 ± 0.17 vs OVA 6.67 ± 0.12, P < 0.05) and intestinal mucosa homogenates (5.83 ± 0.91 vs OVA 7.35 ± 0.97, P < 0.05). Furthermore, we demonstrated that administration with PD significantly decreased mast cell degranulation due to reduced Ca 2+ influx through store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) (2.35 ± 0.39vs OVA 3.51 ± 0.38,P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data indicate that PD stabilizes mast cells by suppressing intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization, mainly through inhibiting Ca 2+ entry via SOCs, thus exerting a protective role against OVA-sensitized food allergy.

Role of Protein Kinase C in the Activation of Store-operated Ca^(2+) Entry in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Store-operated Ca2＋ channels （SOCs） are plasma membrane Ca2＋ permeable channels activated by depletion of intracellular Ca2＋ store. Ca2＋ entry through SOCs is known as store-operated Ca2＋ entry （SOCE）, which plays an important role in the functional regulation of airway smooth muscle cells （ASMCs）. Protein kinase C （PKC） has been shown to have an activating or inhibiting effect on SOCE, depending on cell types and PKC isoforms that are involved. In ASMCs, the effect of PKC on SOCE has not been elucidated so far. In this study, the role of PKC in the activation of SOCE in rat ASMCs was examined by using Ca2＋ fluorescence imaging technique. The results showed that acute application of PKC activators PMA and PDBu did not affect SOCE induced by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2＋-ATPase （SERCA） inhibitor thapsigargin. The non-selective PKC inhibitor chelerythrine significantly inhibited thapsigargin- and bradykinin-induced SOCE. RT-PCR assay identified PKCα, δ and ε isoforms in rat ASMCs. PKCα-selective inhibitor G6976 and PKCε-inhibiting peptide Epsilon-V1-2 had no effect on SOCE; by contrast, PKCδ-selective inhibitor rottlerin attenuated SOCE dramatically, suggesting that PKCδ was the major PKC isoform involved in the activation of SOCE in ASMCs. Moreover, PKC down-regulation by extended exposure to high doses of PMA or PDBu also reduced SOCE, confirming the essential role of PKC in the activation of SOCE in ASMCs. In addition, PKC down-regulation did not influence the expression of stromal interaction molecule 1 （STIM1） and Orai1, two elementary molecules in the regulation and activation of SOCs. These results identified PKCδ as an essential PKC isoform involved in the activation of SOCE, and confirmed that PKC regulates the function of ASMCs in a SOCE-dependent manner.

Store-operated calcium entry in neuroglia

Neuroglial cells are homeostatic neural cells. Generally, they are electrically non-excitable and their activation is associated with the generation of complex intracellular Ca^2＋ signals that define the ＂Ca^2＋ excitability＂ of glia. In mammalian glial cells the major source of Ca^2＋ for this excitability is the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum （ER）, which is ultimately （re）filled from the extracellular space. This occurs via store-operated Ca^2＋ entry （SOCE） which is supported by a specific signaling system connecting the ER with plasmalemmal Ca^2＋ entry. Here, emptying of the ER Ca^2＋ store is necessary and sufficient for the activation of SOCE, and without Ca^2＋ influx via SOCE the ER store cannot be refilled. The molecular arrangements underlying SOCE are relatively complex and include plasmalemmal channels, ER Ca^2＋ sensors, such as stromal interaction molecule, and possibly ER Ca^2＋ pumps （of the SERCA type）. There are at least two sets of plasmalemmal channels mediating SOCE, the Ca2＊-release activated channels, Orai, and transient receptor potential （TRP） channels. The molecular identity of neuroglial SOCE has not been yet identified unequivocally. However, it seems that Orai is predominantly expressed in microglia, whereas astrocytes and oligodendrocytes rely more on TRP channels to produce SOCE. In physiological conditions the SOCE pathway is instrumental for the sustained phase of the Ca^2＋ signal observed following stimulation of metabotropic receptors on glial cells.

New insights into store-independent Ca^(2+) entry: secretory pathway calcium ATPase 2 in normal physiology and cancer

Recent studies in secretory pathway calcium ATPases （SPCA） revealed novel functions of SPCA2 in interacting with store-operated Ca2＋ channel Oral I and inducing Ca2＋ influx at the cell surface. Importantly, SPCA2-mediated Ca2＋ signaling is uncoupled from its conventional role of Ca2＋-ATPase and independent of store-operated Ca2＋ signaling pathway. SPCA2-induced store-independent Ca2＋ entry （SICE） plays essential roles in many important physiological processes, while unbalanced SICE leads to enhanced cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Finally, we have summarized the clinical implication of SICE in oral cancer prognosis and treatment. Inhibition of SICE may be a new target for the development of cancer therapeutics.

Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Upregulates Intracellular Calcium Signaling by Binding C-terminal of Orai1 Protein

Hepatitis B virus X（HBx） protein plays a pivotal role in the development of hepatitis B virus（HBV）-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.Although regulation of cytosolic calcium is essential for HBV replication and is mediated by HBx protein,the mechanism of HBx protein regulating intracellular calcium level remains poorly understood.The present study examined whether HBx protein elevated the intracellular calcium through interacting with storeoperated calcium entry（SOCE） components,Orai1 and stromal interaction molecule 1,and then identified the targets of HBx protein,with an attempt to understand the mechanism of HBx protein upsetting intracellular calcium homeostasis.By employing co-immunoprecipitation and GST-pull-down assay,we found that Orai1 protein interacted with HBx protein,and the C-terminus of Orai1 was implicated in the interaction.Confocal microscopy also revealed that HBx protein could co-localize with full-length Orai1 protein in HEK293 cells.Moreover,live cell calcium imaging exhibited that HBx protein elevated intracellular calcium,possibly by binding to SOCE components.Our results suggest that HBx protein binds to STIM1-Orai1 complexes to positively regulate the activity of plasma membrane store-operated calcium channels.

Effects of total flavonoids of Rhododendra simsii on ameliorating brain injury via G protein-coupled SOCE pathway mediated by STIM and Orai in subacute phase of ischemia/reperfusion

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of total flavonoids of Rhododendra simsii(TFR)on improving cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury(CIRI)and its relationship with STIM/Orai-regulated operational Ca^(2+)influx(SOCE)pathway.METHODS Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)PC12 cells were used to simulate CIRI in vitro,and the intracellular Ca^(2+)concentration and apoptosis rate of PC12 cells were detected by laser confocal microscope and flow cytometry,respectively.The regulation of STIM/Orai on SOCE was analyzed by STIM/Orai gene silencing and STIM/O rai gene overexpression.The CIRI model was established by MCAO in SD rats.The activities of inflammatory cytokines IL^(-1),IL-6 and TNF-αin serum were detected by ELISA.The pathological changes of ischemic brain tissue and the infarction of rat brain tissue were detected by HE staining and TTC staining.The protein and mRNA expression levels of STIM1,STIM2,Orai1,caspase-3 and PKB in brain tissue were detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR,respectively.RESULTS The results of in vitro experiment showed that the fluorescence intensity of Ca^(2+)and apoptosis rate in PC12 cells treated with TFR were significantly lower than those in OGD/R group,and this trend was enhanced by SOCE antagonist 2-APB.STIM1/STIM2/Orai1 gene silencing significantly reduced apoptosis and Ca^(2+)overload in OGD/R model,while TFR combined with overexpression of STIM1/STIM2/Orai1 aggravated apoptosis and Ca2+overload.In the in vivo experiment,TFR significantly reduced the brain histopathological damage,infarction of brain tissue,the contents of IL^(-1),IL-6 and TNF-αin the serum in MCAO rats and down-regulated the expression of STIM1,STIM2,Orai1 and caspase-3 protein and mRNA in the brain tissue,and up-regulated the expression of PKB.The above effects were enhanced by the addition of 2-APB.CONCLUSION The above results indicate that TFR may reduce the contents of inflammatory factors and apoptosis,decrease Ca2+overload and ameliorate brain injury by inhibiting SOCE pathway mediated by STIM and Orai,suggesting that it has a protective effect against subacute CIRI.

Targeting calcium signaling in cancer therapy

The intracellular calcium ions(Ca^(2+)) act as second messenger to regulate gene transcription,cell proliferation, migration and death. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that intracellular Ca^(2+)homeostasis is altered in cancer cells and the alteration is involved in tumor initiation, angiogenesis,progression and metastasis. Targeting derailed Ca^(2+)signaling for cancer therapy has become an emerging research area. This review summarizes some important Ca^(2+)channels, transporters and Ca^(2+)-ATPases,which have been reported to be altered in human cancer patients. It discusses the current research effort toward evaluation of the blockers, inhibitors or regulators for Ca^(2+)channels/transporters or Ca^(2+)-ATPase pumps as anti-cancer drugs. This review is also aimed to stimulate interest in, and support for researchinto the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Ca^(2+)signaling in different cancer cells, and to search for novel therapies to cure these malignancies by targeting Ca^(2+)channels or transporters.