Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jinhong Wei, Wenting Guo, Ruiwu Wang, John Paul Estillore, Darrell Belke, Yong-Xiang Chen, Alexander Vallmitjana, Raul Benitez, Leif Hove-Madsen, S. R. Wayne Chen
Summary: The physiological significance of PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 in the heart is still poorly understood. Recent structural studies have shown that the PKA phosphorylation site S2030 in RyR2 is located within a pathway that is important for the termination of Ca2+ release. We investigated the impact of S2030 mutations on Ca2+ release termination in cells and generated a mouse model to study the role of S2030 in a physiological setting.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhan Li, Jeffrey F. Harper, Chrystle Weigand, Jian Hua
Summary: Calmodulin-regulated Ca2+ pumps play a crucial role in maintaining basal cytosol Ca2+ levels, which are important for biotic and abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis. The resting cytosol Ca2+ levels have an impact on plant survival under chilling and heat-stress conditions, and the regulation of these levels is critical for plant immune activation and environmental responses. Loss-of-function mutants of the calmodulin-regulated Ca2+ pumps exhibited elevated resting cytosol Ca2+ levels and increased susceptibility to chilling and heat stress, indicating the importance of these pumps in plant stress tolerance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Marcinkowski, Tomas Pilzys, Damian Garbicz, Jan Piwowarski, Kaja Przygonska, Maria Winiewska-Szajewska, Karolina Ferenc, Oleksandr Skorobogatov, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Elzbieta Grzesiuk
Summary: FTO is an N-6-methyladenosine demethylase which can remove methyl groups from nucleic acids, forming complexes with other proteins. Research indicates an interaction between FTO and calmodulin (CaM), influencing calcium-binding loops in CaM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gang Zhong, Huiping Long, Fei Chen, Yin Yu
Summary: In this study, oxoglaucine was found to attenuate progression of deterioration and pathological changes in osteoarthritis by activating autophagy and inhibiting calcium influx. It suppressed expression of proinflammatory and apoptosis-related proteins, prevented matrix degradation in OA chondrocytes, and blocked Ca2+ influx while up-regulating autophagic markers. Oxoglaucine shows potential as a candidate drug for OA treatment.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Samar Sayedyahossein, Louise Thines, David B. Sacks
Summary: The Hippo signaling pathway regulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and mechanosensation. Calcium ion (Ca2+) has been found to influence core components of the Hippo pathway. However, the crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and the Hippo pathway is not fully understood.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maryam Rahmati Ishka, Elizabeth Brown, Alexa Rosenberg, Shawn Romanowsky, James A. Davis, Won-Gyu Choi, Jeffrey F. Harper
Summary: In Arabidopsis, ER-localized ACA1, 2, and 7 are essential for plant growth and pollen fertility. Single-gene knockouts had weak or undetected phenotypes, while the triple KO of aca1/2/7 showed decreased pollen transmission efficiency and smaller rosettes with lesions. Expression of transgenes encoding ACA1, 2, or 7 rescued both vegetative and reproductive phenotypes, suggesting biochemical redundancy. Loss of these ER-localized pumps resulted in male fertility and growth deficiencies.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xiaobo Cai, Xiazhen Yu, Jiawen Yang, Lin Lu, Ning Hua, Xin Duan, Peiwu Ye, Lei Ni, Linhua Jiang, Wei Yang, Tingbo Liang, Peilin Yu
Summary: In this study, it was found that the TRPM2 channel plays a crucial role in the development and progression of HCC. Inhibition or silencing of TRPM2, as well as inhibition of the downstream signaling pathway, significantly suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells. Furthermore, inhibition or depletion of TRPM2 also slowed down the growth of HCC xenografts in mice, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for HCC.
HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antoni Kowalski, Cristine Betzer, Sigrid Thirup Larsen, Emil Gregersen, Estella A. Newcombe, Montana Caballero Bermejo, Viktor Wisniewski Bendtsen, Jorin Diemer, Christina Ernstsen, Shweta Jain, Alicia Espina Bou, Annette Eva Langkilde, Lene N. Nejsum, Edda Klipp, Robert Edwards, Birthe B. Kragelund, Poul Henning Jensen, Poul Nissen
Summary: This study shows that monomeric alpha-synuclein can activate plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) to promote calcium clearance in neurons. The colocalization of alpha-synuclein and PMCA at neuronal synapses suggests a potential physiological function for alpha-synuclein in regulating calcium expulsion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahnaz Amini, Yiming Chang, Ulrich Wissenbach, Veit Flockerzi, Gabriel Schlenstedt, Andreas Beck
Summary: The mechanism of Ca2+-dependent regulation of TRPY1 and possible contributions of Ca2+-binding proteins are not well understood. The study shows a Ca2+-dependent binding of yeast calmodulin (CaM) to TRPY1. Furthermore, mammalian CaM can replace yeast CaM for inhibitory control of TRPY1.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christiane K. Bauer, Tess Holling, Denise Horn, Mario Noro Laco, Ebtesam Abdalla, Omneya Magdy Omar, Malik Alawi, Kerstin Kutsche
Summary: Dominant variants of KCNQ1 are well-known to cause cardiac arrhythmia syndromes. This study identified two heterozygous missense variants of KCNQ1, R116L and P369L, that lead to pituitary hormone deficiency and maternally inherited gingival fibromatosis. Patch-clamp experiments showed increased constitutive K+ conductance of V185M-Q1E2 channels, confirming the pathogenicity of the novel variant. Manipulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration revealed impaired Ca2+ sensitivity of the mutant KCNQ1 channels, providing insight into the pathomechanism. The study suggests a link between impaired Ca2+ sensitivity and Q1E2 gain-of-function in certain KCNQ1 channelopathies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Bencurova, Terezia Lysikova, Katarina Leskova Majdova, Peter Kaplan, Peter Racay, Jan Lehotsky, Zuzana Tatarkova
Summary: Heart structure and function deteriorate with aging, making the heart more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage. Maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial for cardiac contractility. Aging reduces the abundance and function of Ca2+-handling proteins, but the effect of IR on these proteins does not increase with age.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vanessa J. J. Lee, Marie C. C. Heffern
Summary: This study investigates the intersection between the biological activity of flavonoids and their interactions with copper ions. By employing spectroscopic techniques and biological experiments, the researchers studied the binding of flavonoids with copper and their effects on copper transport. The findings provide insights into the intricate nature of flavonoids in affecting copper transport and have implications for therapeutic development and dietary recommendations.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Malou Zuidscherwoude, Mark K. K. van Goor, Sara R. R. Roig, Niky Thijssen, Merijn van Erp, Jack Fransen, Jenny van der Wijst, Joost G. G. Hoenderop
Summary: This study characterizes the interaction between functional TRPV5 and CaM, demonstrating that they interact in the absence of Ca2+ and the interaction is intensified with increasing Ca2+ concentrations. The CaM C-lobe achieves channel pore blocking, leading to channel inactivation. Furthermore, the study shows a Ca2+-dependent binding stoichiometry at the single channel level. This research proposes a new CaM-dependent regulation model for TRPV5, involving apoCaM interaction and lobe-specific actions, which is of significant physiological relevance given its role in Ca2+ transport in the kidney.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhenghao Chen, Satoshi Watanabe, Hironori Hashida, Michio Inoue, Yasukazu Daigaku, Masahide Kikkawa, Kenji Inaba
Summary: This study used nanobody/megabody technologies to determine the structures of human SPCA1a in the ATP and Ca2+/Mn2+-bound (E1-ATP) state and the metal-free phosphorylated (E2P) state, revealing the unique mechanisms of SPCA1a-mediated Ca2+/Mn2+ transport.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolas A. Saffioti, Marilina de Sautu, Ana Sol Riesco, Mariela S. Ferreira-Gomes, Juan Pablo F. C. Rossi, Irene C. Mangialavori
Summary: The study investigated the structural changes of PMCA during the reaction cycle, revealing that calmodulin binds to E2P-like states and conformational changes occur during dephosphorylation. It was found that the hydrophobicity in the nucleotide-binding pocket decreases and the Ca2+ binding site becomes inaccessible to the extracellular medium. Finally, a model describing the conformational changes during the Ca2+ transport of PMCA was proposed.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabriele Tullii, Federico Gobbo, Alex Costa, Maria Rosa Antognazza
Summary: The study introduced a novel photoactive biohybrid interface based on nanotechnology, which can deterministically regulate stomatal aperture of Arabidopsis thaliana by optical excitation of polymer beads. Additionally, the optical excitation of the bio-polymer hybrid interfaces was found to modulate cytosolic calcium ions concentration.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ren Wang, Ellie Himschoot, Matteo Grenzi, Jian Chen, Alaeddine Safi, Melanie Krebs, Karin Schumacher, Moritz K. Nowack, Wolfgang Moeder, Keiko Yoshioka, Daniel Van Damme, Ive De Smet, Danny Geelen, Tom Beeckman, Jiri Friml, Alex Costa, Steffen Vanneste
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of different auxin analogs on the accumulation of PIN proteins in BFA bodies and their ability to induce Ca2+ responses. The results show that not all auxin analogs can elicit Ca2+ responses and their ability to do so partially correlates with their inhibition of BFA body formation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian Chen, Yangjie Hu, Pengchao Hao, Tashi Tsering, Jian Xia, Yuqin Zhang, Ohad Roth, Maria F. Njo, Lieven Sterck, Yun Hu, Yunde Zhao, Danny Geelen, Markus Geisler, Eilon Shani, Tom Beeckman, Steffen Vanneste
Summary: Based on the research, the positioning of the lateral root (LR) is influenced by an internal spacing mechanism controlled by auxin oscillations known as the root clock. Surprisingly, none of the previously identified PIN and ABCB auxin transporters are involved in this LR prepatterning mechanism. However, the novel auxin-transporting ABCBs, ABCB15-22, were found to contribute to shootward auxin transport in the lateral root cap (LRC) and epidermis, thereby explaining the reduced auxin oscillation that correlates with strongly reduced LR densities. These findings suggest that LRC-derived auxin contributes to the amplitude of the root clock.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rosario Pantaleno, Denise Scuffi, Alex Costa, Elina Welchen, Roberta Torregrossa, Matthew Whiteman, Carlos Garcia-Mata
Summary: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays a role in physiological processes in plants, including regulating stomatal pore width. In this study, it was found that a mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor called AP39 can induce stomatal closure in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of mitochondrial cytochrome c (CYTc) and/or complex IV was shown to be necessary for AP39-dependent stomatal closure. AP39 also affected the mitochondrial inner potential, cytosolic ATP, hydrogen peroxide levels, and the oxidation of the glutathione pool in guard cells. These findings highlight the interplay between mitochondrial H2S, mitochondrial activity, and stomatal closure.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matteo Grenzi, Stefano Buratti, Ambra Selene Parmagnani, Ilaria Abdel Aziz, Iwona Bernacka-Wojcik, Francesca Resentini, Jan Simura, Fabrizio Gandolfo Doccula, Andrea Alfieri, Laura Luoni, Karin Ljung, Maria Cristina Bonza, Eleni Stavrinidou, Alex Costa
Summary: In Arabidopsis thaliana, local wounding and herbivore feeding trigger Ca2+ waves that are dependent on the activity of glutamate receptor-like channels (GLRs). GLRs are also required for the synthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) and the subsequent signaling response for plant acclimation. The mechanism of GLR activation is still unclear.
Article
Plant Sciences
Joris Jourquin, Ana Ibis Fernandez, Qing Wang, Ke Xu, Jian Chen, Jan Simura, Karin Ljung, Steffen Vanneste, Tom Beeckman
Summary: GOLVEN peptides regulate lateral root spacing in Arabidopsis by inhibiting auxin accumulation and regulating the expression of auxin response genes. This is achieved through the action of PIN3 and PIN7 auxin export proteins in xylem-pole pericycle cells.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ke Xu, Joris Jourquin, Xiangyu Xu, Ive De Smet, Ana Fernandez, Tom Beeckman
Summary: During root exploration, roots adapt to different conditions and interact with their environment. Asymmetric molecular patterns guide directional root growth, but the mechanisms of their establishment and dynamic regulation are not well understood. Asymmetric gradients of the phytohormone auxin are established through polarized auxin transporters, mainly during root gravitropism. GOLVEN-ROOT GROWTH FACTOR 1 INSENSITIVE signaling in lateral root cap cells plays a crucial role in root gravitropism by regulating the plasma membrane abundance of PIN-FORMED2 in Arabidopsis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lisa Pavinato, Jennifer Stanic, Marta Barzasi, Antonia Gurgone, Giuseppe Chiantia, Valentina Cipriani, Ivano Eberini, Luca Palazzolo, Monica Di Luca, Alex Costa, Andrea Marcantoni, Elisa Biamino, Marco Spada, Susan M. Hiatt, Whitley Kelley, Letizia Vestito, Stephanie Efthymiou, Prem Chand, Rauan Kaiyrzhanov, Alessandro Bruselles, Simona Cardaropoli, Marco Tartaglia, Silvia De Rubies, Joseph D. Buxbaum, Damian Smedley, Giovanni Battista Ferrero, Maurizio Giustetto, Fabrizio Gardoni, Alfredo Brusco, Genomics England Res Consortium
Summary: This study demonstrates that missense gain-of-function variants in RPH3A increase the levels of GluN2A-containing NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors at extrasynaptic sites, altering synaptic function and leading to clinically variable neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from untreatable epilepsy to autism spectrum disorder.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Matteo Pivato, Matteo Grenzi, Alex Costa, Matteo Ballottari
Summary: The role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the perception and response mechanisms to light in unicellular microalgae was investigated using the Yellow Cameleon (YC3.6) Ca2+ indicator expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Light-induced Ca2+ signaling was observed in the chloroplast, influenced by light intensity and photosynthetic electron transport. The absence of the photoreceptors aCRY and PHOT had different effects on the chloroplast Ca2+ response, while a correlation between H2O2 gradients and Ca2+ transients was observed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qing Wang, Hugues De Gernier, Xingliang Duan, Yuanming Xie, Danny Geelen, Ken-ishiro Hayashi, Wei Xuan, Markus Geisler, Kirsten ten Tusscher, Tom Beeckman, Steffen Vanneste
Summary: LR positioning and development are regulated by auxin production, transport, and inactivation. This study demonstrates the impact of GH3-type auxin conjugating enzymes and DAO1 in LR development. The gh3hex mutants exhibit increased LR density due to enhanced initiation and faster progression, with GH3 activities controlling LR formation. GH3-mediated auxin inactivation attenuates LR development by modulating meristem activities and apical meristem size, resulting in accelerated auxin response oscillations and increased LR initiation rates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yinwei Zeng, Inge Verstraeten, Hoang Khai Trinh, Robin Lardon, Sebastien Schotte, Damilola Olatunji, Thomas Heugebaert, Christian Stevens, Mussa Quareshy, Richard Napier, Sara Paola Nastasi, Alex Costa, Bert De Rybel, Catherine Bellini, Tom Beeckman, Steffen Vanneste, Danny Geelen
Summary: This study reveals the molecular processes involved in the initiation of adventitious root (AR) formation along the hypocotyl of Arabidopsis seedlings exposed to light. The results show that AR induction by HYSPARIN involves nuclear TIR1/AFB and plasma membrane TMK auxin signaling, as well as multiple downstream LR development genes. Additionally, SAUR19, OFP4, and AGC2 are identified as novel regulators of AR formation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hans Motte, Boris Parizot, Wei Xuan, Qian Chen, Steven Maere, Sandra Bensmihen, Tom Beeckman
Summary: This study developed and adapted LRIS in rice, Medicago, and Arabidopsis to perform RNA-sequencing during different developmental stages of lateral root formation. The results provide valuable datasets and insights into the molecular control of lateral root development in multiple plant species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam Armada-Moreira, Abdul Manan Dar, Zifang Zhao, Claudia Cea, Jennifer Gelinas, Magnus Berggren, Alex Costa, Dion Khodagholy, Eleni Stavrinidou
Summary: We developed a conformable multielectrode array based on organic electronics and used it to study the electrical signals in plants. By mapping the action potential in Venus flytrap, we discovered its propagation characteristics and its correlation with trap movement. We also found that cells other than sensory hairs can activate the Venus flytrap circuitry. This work contributes to the understanding of electrical signaling in plants and its role in long-distance responses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Peng Wang, Wei Siao, Xiuyang Zhao, Deepanksha Arora, Ren Wang, Dominique Eeckhout, Jelle Van Leene, Rahul Kumar, Anaxi Houbaert, Nancy De Winne, Evelien Mylle, Michael Vandorpe, Ruud A. Korver, Christa Testerink, Kris Gevaert, Steffen Vanneste, Geert De Jaeger, Daniel Van Damme, Eugenia Russinova
Summary: Adaptor protein (AP) complexes play a crucial role in vesicle transport regulation. In plants, the AP complexes are involved in sorting cargoes and regulating endocytosis and post-Golgi trafficking routes. A comprehensive interactome analysis identified several hub proteins, including a previously unknown adaptin binding-like protein called P34, which interacts with AP complexes and controls their stability. This study provides important insights into the regulation of endomembrane trafficking in plant cells.
