Multiple intracellular signallings involved in regulation of on channels by GH releasing or inhibitory hormones in pituitary somatotropes

Influx of Ca2-via Ca2+ channels is the major step triggering exocytosis of pituitary somatotropes to release growth hormone (GH). Voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels, the primary determinants of the influx of Ca2+ in somatotropes, are regulated by GH-releasing hornone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF) through G protein-coupled signalling systems. Using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, the changes of the Ca2+ and K+ currents in primary cultured somatotropes were recorded and signalling systems were studied using pharmacological reagents and intracellular dialysis of non-permeable molecules including antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides. GHRH increased both L-and T-types Ca2+ currents and decreased transient (I4) and delayed rectified (Ik) K+ currents. The increase in Ca2+ currents by GHRH was mediated by cAMP/protein kinase A system but the decrease in K+ currents required normal function of protein kinase C system. The GHRH-induced alteration of Ca2+ and K+ currents augments the influx of Ca2+ , leading to an increase in the [ Ca2+ ]I and the GH secretion. In contrary, a significant reduction in Ca2+ currents and increase in K currents were obtained in response to SRIF. The ion channel response to SRIF was demonstrated as a membrane delimited pathway and can be recorded by classic whole-cell configuration, Intracellular dialysis of anti-αi3 antibodies attenuated the increase in K + currents by SRIF whereas anti-αo antibodies blocked the reduction in the Ca2+ current by SRIF. Dialysis of antisense oligonucleotides specific for αo2 sub-units also attenuated the inhibition of SRIF on the Ca2+current. The Gi3 protein mediated the increase in K + currents and the Go2 protein mediated the reduction in the Ca2 +current by SRIF. The SRIF-induced alteration of Ca2 + and K + currents diminished the influx of Ca2+ , leading to a decrease in the [ Ca2+ ]I and the GH secretion. It is therefore concluded that multiple signalling systems are employed in the ion channel response to GHRH or SRIF in somatotropes, which leads to an increase or decrease in the GH secretion.     

A dynamic model of calcium signaling in mast cells and LTC4 release induced by mechanical stimuli

Mast cells （MCs） play an important role in theimmune system. It is known that mechanical stimuli caninduce intracellular Ca2＋ signal and release a variety ofmediators, including leukotriene C4 （LTC4）, leading toother cellular and physiological changes. In this paper, wepresent a mathematical model to explore signalling path-ways in MCs, by including cellular mechanisms for intra-cellular Ca2＋ increase and LTC4 release in response tomechanical stimuli, thapsigargin （TG, SERCA pumpinhibitor）, and LTC4 stimuli. We show that （i） mechanicalstimuli activate mechano-sensitive ion channels and induceinward ion fluxes and Ca2＋ entry which increases intra-cellular Ca2＋ concentration and releases LTC4; （ii） TGinhibits SERCA pumps, empties the internal Ca2＋ stores,which activates Ca2＋ release-activated Ca2＋ channels andresults in sustained intracellular Ca2＋ increase; and （iii）LTC4 activates receptors on MCs surface and increasesintracellular Ca2＋ concentration. Our results are consistentwith experimental observations, and furthermore, they alsoreveal that mechanical stimuli can increase intracellularCa2＋ even when LTC4 release is blocked, which suggests afeed forward loop involved in LTC4 production. This studymay facilitate our understanding of the mechanotransduc-tion process in MCs and provide a useful modeling tool forquantitatively analyzing immune mechanisms involvingMCs.     

The development of taste transduction and taste chip technology

Taste is one of important sensations. The primary taste sensations commonly are categorized as sweet, acid, bitter, salty and umami, of which various tastes are composed. The sensation of taste is initiated by the interaction of tas- tants with receptors and ion channels in the apical micro- villi of taste receptor cells (TRCs) when some sapid molecules (tastants) dissolve in saliva. Subsequently, through a cellular signaling pathway (TRC depolarization and Ca2+ release) gustatory signals a…     

Induction of human β-defensin-2 in airway epithelial cells by Streptococcus pneumoniae:involvement of IP3-dependent intracellular calcium release and NF-jB

Human β-definsin-2(hBD-2)is mainly induced by bacterial factors and pro-inflammation mediators in epithelial cells.As the major cause of community-acquired pneumonia,whether Streptococcus pneumoniae(S.pneumoniae)stimulation induces hBD-2 expression in airway epithelial cells is elusive.In this study,we found that S.pneumoniae stimulation induced hBD-2 expression in a time-and concentration-dependent manner in primary human airway epithelial cells.To further reveal the mechanism of S.pneumoniae inducing hBD-2,we found that S.pneumoniae stimulation activated NF-jB signaling pathway.Specific NF-jB inhibitor,PDTC,could reverse the induction of hBD-2 by S.pneumoniae.We also found that cellular inner Ca2+ signaling is involved in the S.pneumoniae-induced hBD-2.Taken together,our findings indicated that S.pneumoniae can stimulate the expression of hBD-2 in airway epithelial cells and NF-jB and inositol triphosphate-dependent intracellular calcium release is involved in this induction.     

A model of calcium signaling and degranulation dynamics induced by laser irradiation in mast cells

Recent experiments show that calcium signaling and degranulation dynamics induced by low power laser irradiation in mast cells must rely on extracellular Ca^2＋ influx. An analytical expression of Ca^2＋ flux through TRPV4 cation channel in response to interaction of laser photon energy and extracellular Ca^2＋ is deduced, and a model characterizing dynamics of calcium signaling and degranulation activated by laser irradiation in mast cells is established. The model indicates that the characteristics of calcium signaling and degranulation dynamics are determined by interaction between laser photon energy and Ca^2＋ influx. Extracellular Ca^2＋ concentration is so high that even small photon energy can activate mast cells, thus avoiding the possible injury caused by laser irradiation with shorter wavelengths. The model predicts that there exists a narrow parameter domain of photon energy and extracellular Ca^2＋ concentration of which results in cytosolic Ca^2＋ limit cycle oscillations, and shows that PKC activity is in direct proportion to the frequency of Ca^2＋ oscillations. With the model it is found that sustained and stable maximum plateau of cytosolic Ca^2＋ concentration can get optimal degranulation rate. Furthermore, the idea of introducing the realistic physical energy into model is applicable to modeling other physical signal transduction systems.     

Effects of Cu2+ and Ph on osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro

The effects of Cu2+ and pH on osteoclastic bone resorption lacunae are studied by culturing Japanese white rabbit osteoclasts on bone slices. The number and surface area of bone resorption lacunae are measured by photomicrography and image analysis. Concentration of calcium ion in the supernatant is measured by atomic absorption spectrometry to evaluate the activity of osteoclasts. The morphology of the lacunae is observed under a scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that Cu2+ at concentration of 1.00×10-6 mol/L and 1.00×10-7 mol/L inhibits osteoclastic activity and causes a dose-dependent reduction in the number and surface area of the lacunae. While the number of lanunae is increased and osteoclastic bone resorbing function is significantly improved at Cu2+ concentration of 1.00×10-8 mol/L. It is suggested that the effect of Cu2+ on osteoclastic bone resorption depends on Cu2+ concentration. pH had no significant effect on osteoclastic function in the near neutral range.     

Heterotrimeric G protein participated in modulation of cytoplasmic calcium concentration in pollen cells

Cytoplasmic free calcium concentration([Ca2+]c) in pollen cells of Lilium daviddi is measured with confocal laser scanning microscopy to investigate the effect of heterotrimeric G protein (G protein) on [Ca2+]c and the possible signal transduction pathway of G protein triggering cellular calcium signal. After application, cholera toxin (CTX), an agonist of G protein, triggers a transient increase of [Ca2+]c in pollen cells, and evokes a spatial-temporal characteristic calcium dynamics; while pertussis toxin (PTX), a G protein antagonist, leads to the decrease of [Ca2+]c. Both L-type Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil and inhibitor of IP3 receptor heparin inhibit CTX-induced [Ca2+]c increase. The results show that G protein may play a role in the modulation of [Ca2+]c through enhancing the extracellular Ca2+ influx and releasing of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.     

Induction of human β-defensin-2 in airway epithelial cells by Streptococcus pneumoniae： involvement of IP3-dependent intracellular calcium release and NF-κB

Human β-definsin-2 （hBD-2） is mainly induced by bacterial factors and pro-inflammation mediators in epithelial cells. As the major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, whether Streptococcus pneumoniae （S. pneu-moniae） stimulation induces hBD-2 expression in airway epithelial cells is elusive. In this study, we found that S. pneumoniae stimulation induced hBD-2 expression in a time-and concentration-dependent manner in primary human airway epithelial cells. To further reveal the mechanism of S. pneumoniae inducing hBD-2, we found that S. pneumoniae stimulation activated NF-κB signaling pathway. Specific NF-κB inhibitor, PDTC, could reverse the induction of hBD-2 by S. pneumoniae. We also found that cellular inner Ca^2＋ signaling is involved in the S. pneumoniae-induced hBD-2. Taken together, our find-ings indicated that S. pneumoniae can stimulate the expression of hBD-2 in airway epithelial cells and NF-κB and inositol triphosphate-dependent intracellular calcium release is involved in this induction.     

Heat and hyposmotic stimulation increase in [Ca^2＋]i by Ca^2＋ influx in rat synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA）, which is marked by inflammatory synovitis, is a common, chronic autoimmune-disease, whose pathogenesis is complex and still unclear. In order to explore the effects of heat and hyposmotic stimuli on synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis, the changes of [Ca^2＋]i induced by heat, hyposmotic and 4α-PDD stimuli were observed in synoviocytes. [Ca^2＋]i elevation induced by heat 28℃, hyposmotic and 4α-PDD stimuli is found to be positively relative to increasing temperature, decreasing osmolality and rising concentration of 4α-PDD. Results show that there is reciprocity among these stimuli and desensitization, and that [Ca^2＋]i elevation depends on Ca^2＋ influx, but not necessarily links to Ca^2＋ release from intracellular stores and voltage-dependent Ca^2＋ channel in synoviocytes. The above characteristics of Ca^2＋ influx are similar to those of TRPV4. A probable mechanism has been suggested that heat and hyposmotic stimulation might increase the level of [Ca^2＋]i by activating the TRPV4-like channel and Ca^2＋ influx in the synoviocytes.     

Summer monsoon and dust signals recorded in the Dasuopu firn core, central Himalayas

In September 1997, a 15-m firn core was recovered from an elevation of 7 000 m a. s.l. from the Dasuopu Glacier in the central Himalayas. The analysis of δ18O values and major ion (Ca2+ , Mg2+ , NH4+ , SO42- and NO3-) concentrations shows that average annual accumulation is 0.75 m (water equivalent) in the Dasuopu firn core. The seasonal variations of δ18O values and major ion concentrations in the core indicate that present summer monsoon and dust signals are recorded with high-resolution in the Dasuopu Glacier. δ18O in precipitation are controlled by amount effect in summer monsoon season, more negative δ18O is representative of summer monsoon signal in snow layers. Higher concentrations of Ca2+ , Mg2+ , SO42- and NO3-are dominated by spring dust storm imput derived from the arid and semi-arid desert regions in central Asia. Also EOF analysis verifies that high spring concentrations of major ions are consistent. Due to the possibly different sources, the secondary variations of NH4+ and NO3- are negatively relevant with that of Ca2+ and Mg2+ .     

Cytokinin signal transduction： Known simplicity and unknown complexity

Cytokinin plays a critical role in plant growth and development by regulating cell divisions and cell differentiation. Recent studies suggest that cytokinin signaling is presumably mediated by a two-component system analogous to those found in bacteria and fungi, which transduces an external signal via a phosphorelay from the plasma membrane-anchored receptors to downstream effectors and regulators. Moreover, cytokinin signaling is highly interactive with other pathways, and many components of the pathway appear to be functionally redundant. Proper address of these questions will be crucial for our further understanding on this important network.     

ATHK1 acts downstream of hydrogen peroxide to mediate ABA signaling through regulation of calcium channel activity in Arabidopsis guard cells

Plants gradually develop their ability to tolerate environmental water deficit as part of the evolutionary process.Abscisic acid(ABA) plays a critical role during drought and osmotic stress.Several histidine protein kinases are regarded as osmotic sensors or regulators in the adaptive response of plants to water deficit.In this study,we report that ATHK1,which was previously shown to function as an osmotic regulator,is involved in ABA-induced stomatal signaling in Arabidopsis.Mutants null for ATHK1 expression were unable to transmit normal ABA responses in guard cells,including inducing stomatal closure,producing hydrogen peroxide and activating calcium influx.Moreover,patch clamp and confocal analysis demonstrated that ATHK1 may function downstream of hydrogen peroxide in ABA-induced stomatal closure,by regulating calcium channel activity and calcium oscillation in Arabidopsis guard cells.     

Role of FGF-2／FGFR signaling pathway in cancer and its signification in breast cancer

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a member of a large family of proteins that bind heparin and heparan sulfate and modulate the function of a wide range of cell types. It has been proved that FGF-2 stimulates the growth and development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that contribute to the pathogenesis of several diseases (i.e. cancer, atherosclerosis). However, many of the biological activities of FGF-2 have been found to depend on its receptor抯 intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and second messengers such as the mitogen activated protein kinases. This review will focus on the mechanism of FGF-2/FGFR induced signaling pathway in tumor and human breast cancer.     

Cellular fluorescent high-throughput screening assays of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor

The P2X 7 receptor (P2X7R) is an important member of the P2X family of ligand-gated ion channels that respond to ATP as the endogenous agonist. Studies suggest that P2X7R plays a potentially pivotal role in a variety of physiological functions, including peripheral and central neuronal transmission, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammation. Thus, P2X7R may be a potential target for drug development. Here, we used a FlexStation to examine the function of recombinant P2X7R stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and to compare three high-throughput screening assays: a membrane potential assay, an ethidium bromide uptake assay, and a calcium influx assay. We found that all three assays were suitable for the analysis of P2X7R, but the calcium influx assay was the most robust and is the best choice as a first high-throughput screening assay when embarking on a P2X7R drug discovery project.     

A dynamical system-Markov model for active postsynaptic responses of muscle spindle afferent nerve

Motoneuron is the control unit of skeletal muscles,and the dynamic frequency-regulating feedback from the afferent nerve of receptors like muscle spindles forms the physical basis of its closed-loop regulation.Focused on the synapses of muscle spindle afferents,this paper established a dynamical system-Markov model starting from presynaptic stimulations to postsynaptic responses,and further verified the model via comparisons between theoretical results and relevant experimental data.With the purpose of describing the active features of dendritic membrane,we employed the methods of dynamical systems rather than the traditional passive cable theory,and identified the physical meaning of parameters involved.For the dynamic behavior of postsynaptic currents,we adopted simplified Markov models so that the analytical solutions for the open dynamics of postsynaptic receptors can be obtained.The model in this paper is capable of simulating the actual non-uniformity of channel density,and is suitable for complex finite element analysis of neurons;thus it facilitates the exploration of the frequency-regulating feedback and control mechanisms of motoneurons.     

Phosphodiesterase 4 and compartmentalization of cyclic AMP signaling

Cyclic AMP (cAMP), as a second messenger, plays a critical role in cellular signaling transduction. However, it is not clear how this apparently identical cAMP signal induces divergent physiological re- sponses. The potential explanation that cAMP signaling is compartmentalized was proposed by Buxton and Brunton twenty years ago. Compartmentalization of cAMP signaling allows spatially distinct pools of protein kinase A (PKA) to be differently activated. Research on cAMP signaling has regained impetus in many fields of life sciences due to the progress in understanding cAMP signaling complexity and functional diversity. The cAMP/PKA signaling compartments are maintained by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) which bind PKA and other signaling proteins, and by PDEs which hydrolyse cAMP and thus terminate PKA activity. PDE4 enzymes belong to PDE superfamily and stand at a crossroad that allows them to integrate various signaling pathways with that of cAMP in spatially distinct com- partments. In the current review, the nomenclature, taxonomy and gene expression of PDE4, and the system and region of its effect are described. In addition, the idiographic molecules, mechanisms, and regulation models of PDE4 are summarized. Furthermore, the important roles PDE4 plays in the matu- ration of rat granulosa cells and cAMP signaling compartmentalization are discussed.     

Development of a functional cell-based HTS assay for identification of NKCC1-negative modulators

Na–K–Cl cotransporter 1(NKCC1) cotransports Na+, K+, and Cl-ions across the plasma membrane into cells. Accumulation of Cl-ions in dorsal root ganglion neurons induces depolarizing GABAA receptors, which mediate presynaptic inhibition and filtration of sensory noise. The activity of the Na–K–Cl cotransporter is modulated by high-dose loop diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide. To identify NKCC1 modulators, we developed a functional cell-based assay feasible for highthroughput screening(HTS), in which the activity of NKCC1 was detected by a BTC-AM dye-based thallium transportation assay. We demonstrated that the influx of Tl?was mediated by NKCC1, which required the existence of Cl-ions and could be inhibited by bumetanide and furosemide. Our results demonstrated that the assay was stable, reproducible, and suitable for HTS of negative modulators for NKCC1.     

Transferring gfp gene with ion implantation and transient expression of gfp in liliaceous pollen cells

Liliaceous pollen cells were implanted by 4.0 MeV C2+ ion beam or by 25.0 keV N+ ion beam. Laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM) of the implanted intact samples showed that parts of the implanted pollen cells could be stained by propidium iodide (PI). This indicated that energetic ion beam could directly act on cells beneath the pollen coats and made channels for entry of the molecules from outside of the cells. LCSM analysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP) showed that energetic ion beam could mediate transient expression of gfp in treated pollen cells. Compared with 25.0 keV N+ ion beam, implantation of 4.0 MeV C2+ ion beam greatly improved gene transfer efficiency in pollen cells.     

Effect of Aβ1-40 on membrane permeability and intracellular free Ca2+ of nerve cells

The effects of soluble and fibrillar Aβ1-40 on membrane permeability and intracellular free Ca2+ of nerve cells were investigated by the laser confocal microscopy. Results indicate that: i) Effects of soluble and fibrillar Aβ1-40 on cell membrane permeability are both concentration-de- pendent. Soluble Aβ1-40 increases membrane permeability only at concentration of 3 ?mol/L, while the toxic effect of fibrillar Aβ1-40 is much stronger, its evident effect begins from 1 ?mol/L. When its concentration rose to 3 ?mol/L, not only the membrane permeability increased, but also the nuclear membrane broke seriously. ii) Both soluble and fibrillar Aβ1-40 at high concentrations increased the intracellular free Ca2+, and the increased amplitudes are concentration-dependent. However, the fibrillar one induces the increase of intracellular Ca2+ much quicker and synchronously. These results indicate that some correlation exists between the neurotoxicity of high concentration soluble and fibrillar Aβ1-40 and the change of physico-chemical properties and intracellular Ca ion imbalance.