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Erythropoietin-modulated calcium influx through TRPC2 is mediated by phospholipase Cgamma and IP3R.

In the present study, we examined the mechanisms through which erythropoietin (Epo) activates the calcium-permeable transient receptor potential protein channel (TRPC)2. Erythroblasts were isolated from the spleens of phenylhydrazine-treated mice, and Epo stimulation resulted in a significant and dose-dependent increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). This increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was inhibited by pretreatment with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 but not by the inactive analog U-73343, demonstrating the requirement for PLC activity in Epo-modulated Ca(2+) influx in primary erythroid cells. To determine whether PLC is involved in the activation of TRPC2 by Epo, cell models were used to examine this interaction. Single CHO-S cells that expressed transfected Epo receptor (Epo-R) and TRPC2 were identified, and [Ca(2+)](i) was quantitated. Epo-induced Ca(2+) influx through TRPC2 was inhibited by pretreatment with U-73122 or by downregulation of PLCgamma1 by RNA interference. PLC activation results in the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), and TRPC2 has IP(3) receptor (IP(3)R) binding sites. To determine whether IP(3)R is involved in Epo-R signaling, TRPC2 mutants were prepared with partial or complete deletions of the COOH-terminal IP(3)R binding domains. In cells expressing TRPC2 IP(3)R binding mutants and Epo-R, no significant increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was observed after Epo stimulation. TRPC2 coassociated with Epo-R, PLCgamma, and IP(3)R, and the association between TRPC2 and IP(3)R was disrupted in these mutants. Our data demonstrate that Epo-R modulates TRPC2 activation through PLCgamma; that interaction of IP(3)R with TRPC2 is required; and that Epo-R, TRPC2, PLCgamma, and IP(3)R interact to form a signaling complex.

Animals↗

Role of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in regulating cytosolic Ca2+ in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

A rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is an important stimulus for cell contraction, migration, and proliferation. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores opens store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOC) and causes Ca2+ entry. Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels that are permeable to Na+ and Ca2+ are believed to form functional SOC. Because sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger has also been implicated in regulating [Ca2+]cyt, this study was designed to test the hypothesis that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in cultured human PASMC is functionally involved in regulating [Ca2+]cyt by contributing to store depletion-mediated Ca2+ entry. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed mRNA and protein expression for NCX1 and NCKX3 in cultured human PASMC. Removal of extracellular Na+, which switches the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger from the forward (Ca2+ exit) to reverse (Ca2+ entry) mode, significantly increased [Ca2+]cyt, whereas inhibition of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger with KB-R7943 (10 microM) markedly attenuated the increase in [Ca2+]cyt via the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Store depletion also induced a rise in [Ca2+]cyt via the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Removal of extracellular Na+ or inhibition of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger with KB-R7943 attenuated the store depletion-mediated Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, treatment of human PASMC with KB-R7943 also inhibited cell proliferation in the presence of serum and growth factors. These results suggest that NCX is functionally expressed in cultured human PASMC, that Ca2+ entry via the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchange contributes to store depletion-mediated increase in [Ca2+]cyt, and that blockade of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in its reverse mode may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Animals↗

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from normal subjects and IPAH patients show divergent cAMP-mediated effects on TRPC expression and capacitative Ca2+ entry.

Pulmonary vascular remodeling due to overgrowth of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is a major cause for the elevated vascular resistance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, resulting from enhanced capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) and upregulated transient receptor potential (TRP) channel expression, is involved in stimulating PASMC proliferation. The current study was designed to determine the impact of cAMP, a second messenger that we hypothesized would blunt aspects of PASMC activity, as a possible contributor to IPAH pathophysiology. Short-term (30 min) pretreatment with forskolin (FSK; 10 muM), a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, in combination with the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX; 200 muM), attenuated CCE in PASMC from normal subjects, patients without pulmonary hypertension (NPH), and patients with IPAH. The FSK-mediated CCE inhibition was independent of protein kinase A (PKA), because the PKA inhibitor H89 negligibly affected the decrease in CCE produced by cAMP. By contrast, longer (4 h) treatment with FSK (with IBMX) attenuated CCE in normal and NPH PASMC but enhanced CCE in IPAH PASMC. This enhancement of CCE was abolished by PKA inhibition and associated with an upregulation of TRPC3. In addition, cAMP increased TRPC1 mRNA expression in IPAH (but not in normal or NPH) PASMC, an effect blunted by H89. Furthermore, iloprost, a prostacyclin analog that increases cAMP, downregulated TRPC3 expression in IPAH PASMC and FSK-mediated cAMP increase inhibited IPAH PASMC proliferation. Although a rapid rise in cellular cAMP decreases CCE by a PKA-independent mechanism, sustained cAMP increase inhibits CCE in normal and NPH PASMC but increases CCE via a PKA-dependent pathway in IPAH PASMC. The divergent effect of cAMP on CCE parallels effects on TRPC expression. The results suggest that the combined use of a PKA inhibitor and cAMP-elevating drugs may provide a novel approach for treatment of IPAH.

Adult↗

Neuronal control of skin function: the skin as a neuroimmunoendocrine organ.

This review focuses on the role of the peripheral nervous system in cutaneous biology and disease. During the last few years, a modern concept of an interactive network between cutaneous nerves, the neuroendocrine axis, and the immune system has been established. We learned that neurocutaneous interactions influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell growth, immunity, inflammation, pruritus, and wound healing. This interaction is mediated by primary afferent as well as autonomic nerves, which release neuromediators and activate specific receptors on many target cells in the skin. A dense network of sensory nerves releases neuropeptides, thereby modulating inflammation, cell growth, and the immune responses in the skin. Neurotrophic factors, in addition to regulating nerve growth, participate in many properties of skin function. The skin expresses a variety of neurohormone receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins that are tightly involved in skin homeostasis and inflammation. This neurohormone-receptor interaction is modulated by endopeptidases, which are able to terminate neuropeptide-induced inflammatory or immune responses. Neuronal proteinase-activated receptors or transient receptor potential ion channels are recently described receptors that may have been important in regulating neurogenic inflammation, pain, and pruritus. Together, a close multidirectional interaction between neuromediators, high-affinity receptors, and regulatory proteases is critically involved to maintain tissue integrity and regulate inflammatory responses in the skin. A deeper understanding of cutaneous neuroimmunoendocrinology may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of several skin diseases.

Animals↗

Evidence for a functional role of endothelial transient receptor potential V4 in shear stress-induced vasodilatation.

OBJECTIVE: Ca2+-influx through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels was proposed to be important in endothelial function, although the precise role of specific TRP channels is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the putatively mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel in the mechanisms of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Expression and function of TRPV4 was investigated in rat carotid artery endothelial cells (RCAECs) by using in situ patch-clamp techniques, single-cell RT-PCR, Ca2+ measurements, and pressure myography in carotid artery (CA) and Arteria gracilis. In RCAECs in situ, TRPV4 currents were activated by the selective TRPV4 opener 4alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (4alphaPDD), arachidonic acid, moderate warmth, and mechanically by hypotonic cell swelling. Single-cell RT-PCR in endothelial cells demonstrated mRNA expression of TRPV4. In FURA-2 Ca2+ measurements, 4alphaPDD increased [Ca2+]i by &140 nmol/L above basal levels. In pressure myograph experiments in CAs and A gracilis, 4alphaPDD caused robust endothelium-dependent and strictly endothelium-dependent vasodilatations by &80% (K(D) 0.3 microL), which were suppressed by the TRPV4 blocker ruthenium red (RuR). Shear stress-induced vasodilatation was similarly blocked by RuR and also by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3). 4alphaPDD produced endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type responses in A gracilis but not in rat carotid artery. Shear stress did not produce EDHF-type vasodilatation in either vessel type. CONCLUSIONS: Ca2+ entry through endothelial TRPV4 channels triggers NO- and EDHF-dependent vasodilatation. Moreover, TRPV4 appears to be mechanistically important in endothelial mechanosensing of shear stress.

Animals↗

TRPA1 induced in sensory neurons contributes to cold hyperalgesia after inflammation and nerve injury.

Cold hyperalgesia is a well-documented symptom of inflammatory and neuropathic pain; however, the underlying mechanisms of this enhanced sensitivity to cold are poorly understood. A subset of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels mediates thermosensation and is expressed in sensory tissues, such as nociceptors and skin. Here we report that the pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 in primary sensory neurons reversed cold hyperalgesia caused by inflammation and nerve injury. Inflammation and nerve injury increased TRPA1, but not TRPM8, expression in tyrosine kinase A-expressing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Intrathecal administration of anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF), p38 MAPK inhibitor, or TRPA1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide decreased the induction of TRPA1 and suppressed inflammation- and nerve injury-induced cold hyperalgesia. Conversely, intrathecal injection of NGF, but not glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, increased TRPA1 in DRG neurons through the p38 MAPK pathway. Together, these results demonstrate that an NGF-induced TRPA1 increase in sensory neurons via p38 activation is necessary for cold hyperalgesia. Thus, blocking TRPA1 in sensory neurons might provide a fruitful strategy for treating cold hyperalgesia caused by inflammation and nerve damage.

Animals↗

TRPM7 and ischemic CNS injury.

Ischemic brain damage represents a major source of morbidity and mortality in westernized society and poses a significant financial burden on the health care system. To date, few effective therapies have been realized to treat stroke and once promising avenues such as antiexcitotoxic therapy with NMDA receptor antagonists have not proven clinically useful. Thus, we need to identify new targets for research and therapeutic intervention of the neurodegeneration caused by stroke. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are an exciting new family of cation channels that respond to intracellular and extracellular stimuli. Indeed, several members can be induced by oxidative stress and oxygen free radicals. We have recently demonstrated that one member, TRPM7, is an essential mediator of anoxic neuronal death that is activated by oxidative stress, in parallel to excitotoxic signal pathways. Thus, future treatment of ischemic brain injury may need to include strategies that inhibit or modulate TRPM7 activity. Further investigation of the physiology and pathophysiology of TRPM7 and other TRP family members is needed to provide both pharmacological targets and a better understanding of ischemic brain disorders.

Brain Ischemia↗

A potential rearrangement between CYP19 and TRPM7 genes on chromosome 15q21.2 as a cause of aromatase excess syndrome.

CONTEXT: Aromatase excess syndrome (AES) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant disorder characterized by increased extraglandular aromatization of steroids and presented with heterosexual precocity in males and isosexual precocity in females. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the molecular basis of AES in a kindred with 16 affected subjects, both males and females. PATIENTS: The propositus, currently a 17-year-old boy, presented with breast enlargement in the first year of life, which persisted thereafter. Investigations at the age of 7.5 yr revealed growth acceleration (height sd score, 2.8), puberty staging Tanner P1B3, testicular volume 6 ml, and bone age 13 yr. The hormonal data were compatible with increased conversion of androgens to estrogens, which was independent of gonadotropin secretion. In the affected adults, there were short stature (height sd score ranged from -3.7 to -2), gynecomastia in males, and macromastia in females. DESIGN: Linkage analysis was performed using a polymorphic tetranucleotide (TTTA) repeat marker at nucleotide position 682 of CYP gene, as well as two additional STS markers, D15S123 (CA)n and D15S209 (CA)n, located within genetic distance of less than 5 cM from CYP19 gene. Using RNA extracted from the breast tissue of the propositus, a 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was performed with gene-specific primers corresponding to exon 2 of CYP19 gene. RESULTS: Linkage analysis with (TTTA)n, D15S123 (CA)n, and D15S209 (CA)n markers produced LOD scores 0.85, 1.5, and 1.17, respectively. 5'-RACE revealed a novel untranslated exon 1 composed by exon 1 of TRPM7 gene (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily M, member 7), which has ubiquitous expression. CONCLUSIONS: 5'-RACE finding points to a potential rearrangement between CYP19 and TRPM7 genes on chromosome 15q21.2 as a cause of AES.

Adolescent↗

Perineural resiniferatoxin prevents hyperalgesia in a rat model of postoperative pain.

Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is a vanilloid agonist with a unique spectrum of activities. Vanilloids bind to the transient receptor potential ion channel subtype 1, a nonselective cation ionophore important in the integration of different noxious signals. Vanilloid agonists selectively decrease sensitivity to noxious stimuli. In this study, we sought to determine whether perineural RTX prevents hyperalgesia in a model of incisional pain. In a rat model, RTX was administered percutaneously to the sciatic and saphenous nerves before the plantar incision. The withdrawal response to von Frey filaments, the struggle response to pressure on the paw, and pain scoring based on weight bearing were measured before RTX and at various intervals for 8 days after RTX. A percutaneous injection of RTX (0.0003%) to the sciatic (0.1 mL) and saphenous (0.05 mL) nerves completely prevented incisional hyperalgesia. Two hours after incision, the withdrawal threshold was 51 mN without and 456 mN with RTX (P < 0.0001). RTX also prevented the incision-induced decrease in struggle threshold and abolished the pain behavior associated with weight bearing. We conclude that RTX provides a type of neural blockade when postoperative pain is abolished and that nonpainful sensations and motor functions are preserved.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Extracellular cations sensitize and gate capsaicin receptor TRPV1 modulating pain signaling.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels detect diverse sensory stimuli, including alterations in osmolarity. However, a molecular detector of noxious hypertonic stimuli has not yet been identified. We show here that acute pain-related behavior evoked by elevated ionic strength is abolished in TRP vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1)-null mice and inhibited by iodoresiniferatoxin, a potent TRPV1 antagonist. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrate a novel form of ion channel modulation by which extracellular Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ ions sensitize and activate the capsaicin receptor, TRPV1. At room temperature, increasing extracellular Mg2+ (from 1 to 5 mM) or Na+ (+50 mM) increased ligand-activated currents up to fourfold, and 10 mM Mg2+ reduced the EC50 for activation by capsaicin from 890 to 450 nM. Moreover, concentrations of divalent cations >10 mM directly gate the receptor. These effects occur via electrostatic interactions with two glutamates (E600 and E648) formerly identified as proton-binding residues. Furthermore, phospholipase C-mediated signaling enhances the effects of cations, and physiological concentrations of cations contribute to the bradykinin-evoked activation of TRPV1 and the sensitization of the receptor to heat. Thus, the modulation of TRPV1 by cationic strength may contribute to inflammatory pain signaling.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Activation of Src-family kinases in spinal microglia contributes to mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury.

Hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation is a well documented symptom of neuropathic pain, for which there is currently no effective therapy. Src-family kinases (SFKs) are involved in proliferation and differentiation and in neuronal plasticity, including long-term potentiation, learning, and memory. Here we show that activation of SFKs induced in spinal cord microglia is crucial for mechanical hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury. Nerve injury induced a striking increase in SFK phosphorylation in the ipsilateral dorsal horn, and SFKs were activated in hyperactive microglia but not in neurons or astrocytes. Intrathecal administration of the Src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) suppressed nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity but not heat and cold hypersensitivity. Furthermore, PP2 reversed the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, in spinal microglia. In contrast, there was no change in SFK phosphorylation in primary sensory neurons, and PP2 did not decrease the induction of transient receptor potential ion channel TRPV1 and TRPA1 in sensory neurons. Together, these results demonstrate that SFK activation in spinal microglia contributes to the development of mechanical hypersensitivity through the ERK pathway. Therefore, preventing the activation of the Src/ERK signaling cascade in microglia might provide a fruitful strategy for treating neuropathic pain.

Animals↗

A phosphoinositide synthase required for a sustained light response.

Drosophila phototransduction serves as a model for phosphoinositide (PI) signaling and for characterizing the mechanisms regulating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in vivo. Activation of TRP and TRP-like (TRPL) requires hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), resulting in the generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Although a role for IP3 has been excluded, TRP channels have been proposed to be activated by either a reduction of inhibitory PIP2 or production of DAG/polyunsaturated fatty acids. Here, we characterize a protein, phosphatidylinositol synthase (dPIS), required for a key step during PIP2 regeneration, the production of phosphatidylinositol. Overexpression of dPIS suppressed the retinal degeneration resulting from two other mutations affecting PIP2 cycling, rdgB (retinal degeneration B) and cds (CDP-diacylglycerol synthase). To characterize the role of dPIS, we generated a mutation in dpis, which represented the first mutation in a gene encoding a PI synthase in an animal. In contrast to other mutations that reduce PIP2 regeneration, the dpis1 mutation eliminated all PI synthase activity in flies and resulted in lethality. In mosaic animals, we found that dPIS was essential for maintaining the photoresponse. Because the dpis1 mutation eliminates production of an enzyme essential for PIP2 regeneration, our data argue against activation of TRP and TRPL through a reduction of inhibitory PIP2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polycystin-2 immunolocalization and function in zebrafish.

Polycystin-2 functions as a cation-permeable transient receptor potential ion channel in kidney epithelial cells and when mutated results in human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. For further exploration of the in vivo functions of Polycystin-2, this study examined its expression and function during zebrafish embryogenesis. pkd2 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed, and its presence in the larval kidney could be confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR on isolated pronephroi. Immunostaining with anti-zebrafish Polycystin-2 antibody revealed protein expression in motile kidney epithelial cell cilia and intracellular cell membranes. Intracellular localization was segment specific; in the proximal nephron segment, Polycystin-2 was localized to basolateral cell membranes, whereas in the caudal pronephric segment, Polycystin-2 was concentrated in subapical cytoplasmic vesicles. Polycystin-2 also was expressed in muscle cells and in a variety of sensory cells that are associated with mechanotransduction, including cells of the ear, the lateral line organ, and the olfactory placodes. Disruption of Polycystin-2 mRNA expression resulted in pronephric kidney cysts, body axis curvature, organ laterality defects, and hydrocephalus-defects that could be rescued by expression of a human PKD2 mRNA. In-frame deletions in the first extracellular loop and C-terminal phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein-1 (PACS-1) binding sites in the cytoplasmic tail caused Polycystin-2 mislocalization to the apical cell surface. Unlike zebrafish intraflagellar transport protein (IFT) mutants, cyst formation was not associated with cilia defects and instead correlated with reduced kidney fluid output, expansion of caudal duct apical cell membranes, and occlusion of the caudal pronephric nephron segment.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and immunolocalization of a novel vertebrate trp homologue from Xenopus.

We report the sequence, structure and distribution of a novel transient receptor potential (trp) homologue from Xenopus, Xtrp, determined by screening an oocyte cDNA library. On the basis of sequence similarity and predicted structure, Xtrp appears to be a homologue of mammalian trp1 proteins. Two polyclonal antibodies raised against distinct regions of the Xtrp sequence revealed Xtrp expression in various Xenopus tissues, and the localization of Xtrp at the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes and HeLa cells. Since capacitative calcium entry into Xenopus oocytes has been shown previously to be substantially inhibited by trp1 antisense oligonucleotides [Tomita, Kaneko, Funayama, Kondo, Satoh and Akaike (1998) Neurosci. Lett. 248, 195-198] we suggest that Xtrp may underlie capacitative calcium entry in Xenopus tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expressed sequence tag analysis of adult human iris for the NEIBank Project: steroid-response factors and similarities with retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: The iris is a specialized tissue with important roles in the development and function of the eye. It is involved in diseases, including glaucoma and ocular melanoma, and its pigmented cells share an origin with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis of human iris has been performed to explore the repertoire of genes expressed in this tissue. METHODS: An unamplified, un-normalized cDNA library (designated bx) was constructed from pooled (4-80 years old) human iris tissue. Over 2000 clones were picked and sequenced. Sequences were analyzed and clustered using GRIST (GRouping and Identification of Sequence Tags). The library was then normalized (and designated fg) and a further 2200 clones were sequenced for deeper examination of rarer sequence. Some sequences of interest were investigated further by standard methods. RESULTS: From bx and fg libraries respectively, 1263 and 1604 clusters of expressed genes have been identified, giving a combined total of almost 2700 potentially unique genes. The most abundant novel transcript in bx is oculoglycan/opticin. Others include glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper protein (GILZ), Ris, a novel member of the Ras family, Iris Ring Finger (IRF), a member of the midline family, melastatin 2 (MLSN2), a member of the transient receptor potential calcium channel family, and iris expressed growth factor (IEGF), a member of the VEGF/PDGF family. Several factors involved in steroid responses are also represented. CONCLUSIONS: The iris libraries are a rich source of novel as well as known genes, including molecular markers for pigmented cells that are also shared with RPE. A number of transcripts code for proteins involved in steroid response, with interesting implications for control of intraocular pressure. These sequence verified clones provide a nonredundant set for micro-array construction.

Adolescent↗

Deep mutational scan of the pore of the cold-sensing TRPM8 channel.

Members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) family of ion channels have a nearly ubiquitous role in human physiology, tuning cell signaling to remarkably diverse physical and chemical stimuli. Although there is extensive structural data on TRP channels, a systematic and unbiased interrogation of structure-function relations in these proteins is required to fully elucidate their mechanisms of function. By focusing on a critical pore region of the TRPM8 channel, which is the main detector of cold and cooling agents in sensory neurons, we show how deep mutational scanning can be used in combination with the available structural data to understand how TRP channels respond to stimuli. We define a novel mechanism whereby the extracellular pore loop, which has only been resolved in structures representing desensitized states of the channel, plays an essential role in the response of TRPM8 to menthol or cold by coordinating the movement of the S6 helices that line and gate the pore, and the ion-selectivity filter that binds permeant cations. Moreover, our screen reveals sequence determinants along the S6 helices that explain how their architecture sustains gating and, together, provide strong support for a structural mechanism of TRPM8 pore opening in response to menthol and cold.

Journal Article↗

Rescue of light responses in the Drosophila "null" phospholipase C mutant, norpAP24, by the diacylglycerol kinase mutant, rdgA, and by metabolic inhibition.

Light responses in Drosophila are reportedly abolished in severe mutants of the phospholipase C (PLC) gene, norpA. However, on establishing the whole-cell recording configuration in photoreceptors of the supposedly null allele, norpAP24, we detected a small ( approximately 15 pA) inward current that represented spontaneous light channel activity. The current decayed during approximately 20 min, after which tiny residual responses (<2 pA) were elicited by intense flashes. Both spontaneous currents and light responses appeared to be mediated by residual PLC activity, because they were enhanced by impairing diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase function by mutation (rdgA) or by restricting ATP but were reduced or abolished by a mutation of the PLC-specific Gq alpha subunit. It was reported recently that metabolic inhibition activated the light-sensitive transient receptor potential and transient receptor potential-like channels, even in norpAP24, leading to the conclusion that this action was independent of PLC (Agam, K., von Campenhausen, M., Levy, S., Ben-Ami, H. C., Cook, B., Kirschfeld, K., and Minke, B. (2000) J. Neurosci. 20, 5748-5755). However, we found that channel activation by metabolic inhibitors in norpAP24 was strictly dependent on the residual PLC activity underlying the spontaneous current, because the inhibitors failed to activate any channels after the spontaneous current had decayed. By contrast, polyunsaturated fatty acids invariably activated the channels independently of PLC. The results strongly support the obligatory requirement for PLC and DAG in Drosophila phototransduction, suggest that activation by metabolic inhibition is primarily because of the failure of diacylglycerol kinase, and are consistent with the proposal that polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are potential DAG metabolites, act directly on the channels.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗