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Limb‐Girdle Muscular Dystrophy R1/2A (LGMD R1/2A) is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene encoding Calpain 3, a skeletal‐muscle specific, Ca2+‐dependent protease. Localization of Calpain 3 within the triad suggests it contributes to Ca2+ homeostasis. Through live‐cell Ca2+ measurements, muscle mechanics, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy (EM) in Capn3 deficient (C3KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice, we determined whether loss of Calpain 3 altered Store‐Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) activity. Direct Ca2+ influx measurements revealed loss of Capn3 elicits elevated resting SOCE and increased resting cytosolic Ca2+, supported by high incidence of calcium entry units (CEUs) observed by EM. C3KO and WT mice were subjected to a single bout of treadmill running to elicit SOCE. Within 1HR post‐treadmill running, C3KO mice exhibited diminished force production in extensor digitorum longus muscles and a greater decay of Ca2+ transients in flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers during repetitive stimulation. Striking evidence for impaired exercise‐induced SOCE activation in C3KO mice included poor colocalization of key SOCE proteins, stromal‐interacting molecule 1 (STIM1) and ORAI1, combined with disappearance of CEUs in C3KO muscles. These results demonstrate that Calpain 3 is a key regulator of SOCE in skeletal muscle and identify SOCE dysregulation as a contributing factor to LGMD R1/2A pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major mechanism for Ca2+ influx in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This mechanism, regulated by the filling state of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, is mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensors of the stromal interaction molecules (STIM) family [stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and STIM2] and the Ca2+‐release‐activated Ca2+ channels constituted by Orai family members, with predominance of calcium release‐activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1). CRC cells exhibit enhanced SOCE due to remodeling of the expression of the key SOCE molecular components. The enhanced SOCE supports a variety of cancer hallmarks. Here, we show that treatment of the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HT‐29 and Caco‐2 with inanimate Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (CECT9610) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CECT9608) attenuates SOCE, although no detectable effect is seen on SOCE in normal colon mucosa cells. The effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics was mediated by downregulation of Orai1 and STIM1, while the expression levels of Orai3 and STIM2 remained unaltered. Treatment of HT‐29 and Caco‐2 cells with inanimate Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum impairs in vitro migration by a mechanism likely involving attenuation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation. Cell treatment with the Orai1 inhibitor synta‐66 attenuates SOCE and prevents any further effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics. Together, our results indicate for the first time that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics selectively exert negative effects on Ca2+ influx through SOCE in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines, providing evidence for an attractive strategy against CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family of stromal interaction molecules (STIM) includes two widely expressed single‐pass endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane proteins and additional splice variants that act as precise ER‐luminal Ca2+ sensors. STIM proteins mainly function as one of the two essential components of the so‐called Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. The second CRAC channel component is constituted by pore‐forming Orai proteins in the plasma membrane. STIM and Orai physically interact with each other to enable CRAC channel opening, which is a critical prerequisite for various downstream signalling pathways such as gene transcription or proliferation. Their activation commonly requires the emptying of the intracellular ER Ca2+ store. Using their Ca2+ sensing capabilities, STIM proteins confer this Ca2+ content‐dependent signal to Orai, thereby linking Ca2+ store depletion to CRAC channel opening. Here we review the conformational dynamics occurring along the entire STIM protein upon store depletion, involving the transition from the quiescent, compactly folded structure into an active, extended state, modulation by a variety of accessory components in the cell as well as the impairment of individual steps of the STIM activation cascade associated with disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor for store‐operated calcium entry and is closely associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Previously, we found that STIM1 is upregulated in melanoma cells resistant to the serine/threonine‐protein kinase B‐raf inhibitor vemurafenib, although the mechanism underlying this upregulation is unknown. Here, we show that vemurafenib resistance upregulates STIM1 through an epidermal growth factor (EGF)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1)/TEA domain transcription factor 2 (TEAD2) signaling axis. Vemurafenib resistance can lead to an increase in EGF and EGFR levels, causing activation of the EGFR signaling pathway, which promotes YAP1 nuclear localization to increase the expression of STIM1. Our findings not only reveal the mechanism by which vemurafenib resistance promotes STIM1 upregulation, but also provide a rationale for combined targeting of the EGF/EGFR‐YAP1/TEAD2‐STIM1 axis to improve the therapeutic efficacy of BRAF inhibitor in melanoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and senses luminal calcium (Ca2+) concentration. STIM1 activation involves a large‐scale conformational transition that exposes a STIM1 domain termed "CAD/SOAR", ‐ which is required for activation of the calcium channel Orai. Under resting cell conditions, STIM1 assumes a quiescent state where CAD/SOAR is suspended in an intramolecular clamp formed by the coiled‐coil 1 domain (CC1) and CAD/SOAR. Here, we present a structural model of the cytosolic part of the STIM1 resting state using molecular docking simulations that take into account previously reported interaction sites between the CC1α1 and CAD/SOAR domains. We corroborate and refine previously reported interdomain coiled‐coil contacts. Based on our model, we provide a detailed analysis of the CC1‐CAD/SOAR binding interface using molecular dynamics simulations. We find a very similar binding interface for a proposed domain‐swapped configuration of STIM1, where the CAD/SOAR domain of one monomer interacts with the CC1α1 domain of another monomer of STIM1. The rich structural and dynamical information obtained from our simulations reveals novel interaction sites such as M244, I409, or E370, which are crucial for STIM1 quiescent state stability. We tested our predictions by electrophysiological and Förster resonance energy transfer experiments on corresponding single‐point mutants. These experiments provide compelling support for the structural model of the STIM1 quiescent state reported here. Based on transitions observed in enhanced‐sampling simulations paired with an analysis of the quiescent STIM1 conformational dynamics, our work offers a first atomistic model for CC1α1‐CAD/SOAR detachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of function mutations in store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) are associated with severe paediatric disorders in humans, including combined immunodeficiency, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, anhidrosis and muscle hypotonia. Given its central role in immune cell activation, SOCE has been a therapeutic target for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Treatment for such chronic diseases would require prolonged SOCE inhibition. It is, however, unclear whether chronic SOCE inhibition is viable therapeutically. Here we address this issue using a novel genetic mouse model (SOCE hypomorph) with deficient SOCE, nuclear factor of activated T cells activation, and T cell cytokine production. SOCE hypomorph mice develop and reproduce normally and do not display muscle weakness or overt anhidrosis. They do, however, develop cardiovascular complications, including hypertension and tachycardia, which we show are due to increased sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity and not cardiac or vascular smooth muscle autonomous defects. These results assert that chronic SOCE inhibition is viable therapeutically if the cardiovascular complications can be managed effectively clinically. They further establish the SOCE hypomorph line as a genetic model to define the therapeutic window of SOCE inhibition and dissect toxicities associated with chronic SOCE inhibition in a tissue‐specific fashion. Key points: A floxed stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) hypomorph mouse model was generated with significant reduction in Ca2+ influx through store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), resulting in defective nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytokine production and inflammatory response. The hypomorph mice are viable and fertile, with no overt defects.Decreased SOCE in the hypomorph mice is due to poor translocation of the mutant STIM1 to endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane contact sites resulting in fewer STIM1 puncta.Hypomorph mice have similar susceptibility to controls to develop diabetes but exhibit tachycardia and hypertension. The hypertension is not due to increased vascular smooth muscle contractility or vascular remodelling.The tachycardia is not due to heart‐specific defects but rather seems to be due to increased circulating catecholamines in the hypomorph.Therefore, long term SOCE inhibition is viable if the cardiovascular defects can be managed clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in melanoma metastasis is highly controversial. To address this, we here examined UV‐dependent metastasis, revealing a critical role for SOCE suppression in melanoma progression. UV‐induced cholesterol biosynthesis was critical for UV‐induced SOCE suppression and subsequent metastasis, although SOCE suppression alone was both necessary and sufficient for metastasis to occur. Further, SOCE suppression was responsible for UV‐dependent differences in gene expression associated with both increased invasion and reduced glucose metabolism. Functional analyses further established that increased glucose uptake leads to a metabolic shift towards biosynthetic pathways critical for melanoma metastasis. Finally, examination of fresh surgically isolated human melanoma explants revealed cholesterol biosynthesis‐dependent reduced SOCE. Invasiveness could be reversed with either cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors or pharmacological SOCE potentiation. Collectively, we provide evidence that, contrary to current thinking, Ca2+ signals can block invasive behavior, and suppression of these signals promotes invasion and metastasis. Synopsis: The role of STIM/Orai‐mediated store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in melanoma is debated. This work reports a novel signaling axis linking UV exposure to cholesterol biosynthesis and suppression of SOCE, promoting aberrant cancer metabolism and invasive phenotypes.UV radiation suppresses SOCE and enhances invasiveness of melanoma cell lines in vivo.STIM‐Orai inhibition is sufficient to drive metastasis in syngeneic mice.Increased cholesterol biosynthesis is required for UV‐induced SOCE suppression and melanoma metastasis.UV‐induced SOCE reduction enhances glucose uptake and anabolic O‐GlcNAcylation, shifting melanoma cells to a more invasive phenotype.Cholesterol‐mediated SOCE suppression and increased O‐GlcNAcylation are conserved in melanoma patient explants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main component of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells are in close contact with germ cells and generate niche signals, which exhibit pivotal functions in spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the regulatory mechanisms of Sertoli cell–germline interactions (SGIs) in the testes of neonatal mice (NM) remain largely unclear. Previously, we identified spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyl transferase 2 (SAT2) and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) to be potential regulators of testicular cord formation via comparative proteomics analysis. Here, we demonstrated a novel role of SAT2 for SGIs during testicular development in NM. Testicular explants lacking SAT2 affected the mislocation, but not the quantity, of Sertoli cells, which led to maintenance defects in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Interestingly, SAT2 was essential for the migration of TM4 cells, a Sertoli cell line. Mechanistically, SAT2 was able to bind STIM1, repress its expression, and regulate homeostasis of a reactive oxygen species/wingless type (WNT)/β‐catenin pathway in NM testes. Collectively, our study identified that SAT2 was able to regulate SGIs via a STIM1‐mediated WNT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelets from neonates have been shown to exhibit a reduced response to physiological agonists, such as thrombin; however, the mechanism behind these findings is poorly understood. Berna‐Erro et al. now provide differences in SARAF and pannexin‐1 expression and function between neonatal and maternal platelets that might shed some light on the underlying mechanism. Commentary on: Berna‐Erro. SARAF overexpression impairs thrombin‐induced Ca2+ homeostasis in neonatal platelets. Br J Haematol 2024;204:988‐1004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deregulated store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) mediated by aberrant STIM1‐ORAI1 signaling is closely implicated in cancer initiation and progression. Here the authors report the identification of an alternatively spliced variant of STIM1, designated STIM1β, that harbors an extra exon to encode 31 additional amino acids in the cytoplasmic domain. STIM1β, highly conserved in mammals, is aberrantly upregulated in glioma tissues to perturb Ca2+ signaling. At the molecular level, the 31‐residue insertion destabilizes STIM1β by perturbing its cytosolic inhibitory domain and accelerating its activation kinetics to efficiently engage and gate ORAI calcium channels. Functionally, STIM1β depletion affects SOCE in glioblastoma cells, suppresses tumor cell proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, their study establishes a splicing variant‐specific tumor‐promoting role of STIM1β that can be potentially targeted for glioblastoma intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Orai (Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3) and two stromal interaction molecule (STIM1 and STIM2) mammalian protein homologues constitute major components of the store‐operated Ca2+ entry mechanism. When co‐expressed with STIM1, Orai1, Orai2 and Orai3 form highly selective Ca2+ channels with properties of Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. Despite the high level of homology between Orai proteins, CRAC channels formed by different Orai isoforms have distinctive properties, particularly with regards to Ca2+‐dependent inactivation, inhibition/potentiation by 2‐aminoethyl diphenylborinate and sensitivity to reactive oxygen species. This study characterises and compares the regulation of Orai1, Orai2‐ and Orai3‐mediated CRAC current (ICRAC) by intracellular pH (pHi). Using whole‐cell patch clamping of HEK293T cells heterologously expressing Orai and STIM1, we show that ICRAC formed by each Orai homologue has a unique sensitivity to changes in pHi. Orai1‐mediated ICRAC exhibits a strong dependence on pHi of both current amplitude and the kinetics of Ca2+‐dependent inactivation. In contrast, Orai2 amplitude, but not kinetics, depends on pHi, whereas Orai3 shows no dependence on pHi at all. Investigation of different Orai1–Orai3 chimeras suggests that pHi dependence of Orai1 resides in both the N‐terminus and intracellular loop 2, and may also involve pH‐dependent interactions with STIM1. Key points: It has been shown previously that Orai1/stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)‐mediated Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ current (ICRAC) is inhibited by intracellular acidification and potentiated by intracellular alkalinisation.The present study reveals that CRAC channels formed by each of the Orai homologues Orai1, Orai2 and Orai3 has a unique sensitivity to changes in intracellular pH (pHi). The amplitude of Orai2 current is affected by the changes in pHi similarly to the amplitude of Orai1. However, unlike Orai1, fast Ca2+‐dependent inactivation of Orai2 is unaffected by acidic pHi. In contrast to both Orai1 and Orai2, Orai3 is not sensitive to pHi changes.Domain swapping between Orai1 and Orai3 identified the N‐terminus and intracellular loop 2 as the molecular structures responsible for Orai1 regulation by pHi.Reduction of ICRAC dependence on pHi seen in a STIM1‐independent Orai1 mutant suggested that some parts of STIM1 are also involved in ICRAC modulation by pHi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a reticular Ca2+ sensor composed of a luminal and a cytosolic domain. Autosomal dominant mutations in STIM1 cause tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome or its variant York platelet syndrome. In this study we aimed to expand the features related to new variants in STIM1. Methods: We performed a cross‐sectional study of individuals harboring monoallelic STIM1 variants recruited at five tertiary centers involved in a study of inherited myopathies analyzed with a multigene‐targeted panel. Results: We identified seven individuals (age range, 26‐57 years) harboring variants in STIM1, including five novel changes: three located in the EF‐hand domain, one in the sterile α motif (SAM) domain, and one in the cytoplasmatic region of the protein. Functional evaluation of the pathogenic variants using a heterologous expression system and measuring store‐operated calcium entry demonstrated their causative role and suggested a link of new variants with the clinical phenotype. Muscle contractures, found in three individuals, showed variability in body distribution and in the number of joints involved. Three patients showed cardiac and respiratory involvement. Short stature, hyposplenism, sensorineural hearing loss, hypothyroidism, and Gilbert syndrome were variably observed among the patients. Laboratory tests revealed hyperCKemia in six patients, thrombocytopenia in two patients, and hypocalcemia in one patient. Muscle biopsy showed the presence of tubular aggregates in three patients, type I fiber atrophy in one patient, and nonspecific myopathic changes in two patients. Discussion: Our clinical, histological, and molecular data expand the genetic and clinical spectrum of STIM1‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STIM1, the stromal interaction molecule 1, is the key protein for maintaining calcium concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum by triggering the Store Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE). Bi‐allelic mutations in STIM1 gene are responsible for a loss‐of‐function in patients affected with a CRAC channelopathy syndrome in which severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID‐like), autoimmunity, ectodermal dysplasia and muscle hypotonia are combined. Here, we studied two siblings from a consanguineous Syrian family, presenting with muscle weakness, hyperlaxity, elastic skin, tooth abnormalities, dysmorphic facies, hypoplastic patellae and history of respiratory infections. Using exome sequencing, we have identified a new homozygous frameshift mutation in STIM1: c.685delT [p.(Phe229Leufs*12)], leading to a complete loss of STIM1 protein. In this study, we describe an unusual phenotype linked to STIM1 mutations, combining clinical signs usually observed in different STIM1‐related diseases. In particular, we confirmed that the complete loss of STIM1 function is not always associated with severe immune disorders. Altogether, our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes associated with mutations in STIM1 and opens new perspectives on the pathological mechanisms associated with a defect in the proteins constituting the SOCE complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by asymmetrical autonomic balance. Treatments to restore parasympathetic activity in human heart failure trials have shown beneficial effects. However, mechanisms of parasympathetic‐mediated improvement in cardiac function remain unclear. The present study examined the effects and underpinning mechanisms of chronic treatment with the cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine (PYR), in pressure overload HF induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice. TAC mice exhibited characteristic adverse structural (left ventricular hypertrophy) and functional remodelling (reduced ejection fraction, altered myocyte calcium (Ca) handling, increased arrhythmogenesis) with enhanced predisposition to arrhythmogenic aberrant sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release, cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) hyper‐phosphorylation and up‐regulated store‐operated Ca entry (SOCE). PYR treatment resulted in improved cardiac contractile performance and rhythmic activity relative to untreated TAC mice. Chronic PYR treatment inhibited altered intracellular Ca handling by alleviating aberrant Ca release and diminishing pathologically enhanced SOCE in TAC myocytes. At the molecular level, these PYR‐induced changes in Ca handling were associated with reductions of pathologically enhanced phosphorylation of RyR2 serine‐2814 and STIM1 expression in HF myocytes. These results suggest that chronic cholinergic augmentation alleviates HF via normalization of both canonical RyR2‐mediated SR Ca release and non‐canonical hypertrophic Ca signaling via STIM1‐dependent SOCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelets from neonates have been shown to exhibit a reduced response to physiological agonists, such as thrombin; however, the mechanism behind these findings is poorly understood. Berna-Erro et al. now provide differences in SARAF and pannexin-1 expression and function between neonatal and maternal platelets that might shed some light on the underlying mechanism. Commentary on: Berna-Erro. SARAF overexpression impairs thrombin-induced Ca 2+ homeostasis in neonatal platelets. Br J Haematol 2024;204:988-1004., (© 2023 The Authors. British Journal of Haematology published by British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) is a progressive disorder characterized by muscle weakness, cramps, and myalgia. TAM clinically overlaps with Stormorken syndrome (STRMK), combining TAM with miosis, thrombocytopenia, hyposplenism, ichthyosis, short stature, and dyslexia. TAM and STRMK arise from gain‐of‐function mutations in STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) or ORAI1, both encoding key regulators of Ca2+ homeostasis, and mutations in either gene result in excessive extracellular Ca2+ entry. The pathomechanistic similarities and differences between TAM and STRMK are only partially understood. Here we provide functional in vitro experiments demonstrating that STIM1 harboring the TAM D84G or the STRMK R304W mutation similarly cluster and exert a dominant effect on the wild‐type protein. Both mutants recruit ORAI1 to the clusters, increase cytosolic Ca2+ levels, promote major nuclear import of the Ca2+‐dependent transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells), and trigger the formation of circular membrane stacks. In conclusion, the analyzed TAM and STRMK mutations have a comparable impact on STIM1 protein function and downstream effects of excessive Ca2+ entry, highlighting that TAM and STRMK involve a common pathomechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a complex neurological disease caused by imbalance of excitation and inhibition in the brain. Growing literature implicates altered Ca2+ signalling in many aspects of epilepsy but the diversity of Ca2+ channels that regulate this syndrome are not well‐understood.Here, we report that mice lacking the store‐operated Ca2+ channel, Orai1, in the brain show markedly stronger seizures in response to the chemoconvulsants, kainic acid and pilocarpine.Electrophysiological analysis reveals that selective deletion of Orai1 channels in inhibitory neurons disables chemoconvulsant‐induced excitation of GABAergic neurons in the CA1 hippocampus.Likewise, deletion of Orai1 in GABAergic neurons abrogates the chemoconvulsant‐induced burst of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) on CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. This loss of chemoconvulsant inhibition likely aggravates status epilepticus in Orai1 KO mice.These results identify Orai1 channels as regulators of hippocampal interneuron excitability and seizures. Store‐operated Orai1 channels are a major mechanism for Ca2+ entry in many cells and mediate numerous functions including gene expression, cytokine production and gliotransmitter release. Orai1 is expressed in many regions of the mammalian brain; however, its role in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic function and brain disorders has only now begun to be investigated. To investigate a potential role of Orai1 channels in status epilepticus induced by chemoconvulsants, we examined acute seizures evoked by intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid (KA) and pilocarpine in mice with a conditional deletion of Orai1 (or its activator STIM1) in the brain. Brain‐specific Orai1 and STIM1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited significantly stronger seizures (P = 0.00003 and P < 0.00001), and higher chemoconvulsant‐induced mortality (P = 0.02) compared with wildtype (WT) littermates. Electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal brain slices revealed that KA stimulated the activity of inhibitory interneurons in the CA1 hippocampus (P = 0.04) which failed to occur in Orai1 KO mice. Further, KA and pilocarpine increased the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons >twofold (KA: P = 0.04; pilocarpine: P = 0.0002) which was abolished in Orai1 KO mice. Mice with selective deletion of Orai1 in GABAergic neurons alone also showed stronger seizures to KA (P = 0.001) and pilocarpine (P < 0.00001) and loss of chemoconvulsant‐induced increases in sIPSC responses compared with WT controls. We conclude that Orai1 channels regulate chemoconvulsant‐induced excitation in GABAergic neurons and that destabilization of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in Orai1 KO mice aggravates chemoconvulsant‐mediated seizures. These results identify Orai1 channels as novel molecular regulators of hippocampal neuronal excitability and seizures. Key points: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a complex neurological disease caused by imbalance of excitation and inhibition in the brain. Growing literature implicates altered Ca2+ signalling in many aspects of epilepsy but the diversity of Ca2+ channels that regulate this syndrome are not well‐understood.Here, we report that mice lacking the store‐operated Ca2+ channel, Orai1, in the brain show markedly stronger seizures in response to the chemoconvulsants, kainic acid and pilocarpine.Electrophysiological analysis reveals that selective deletion of Orai1 channels in inhibitory neurons disables chemoconvulsant‐induced excitation of GABAergic neurons in the CA1 hippocampus.Likewise, deletion of Orai1 in GABAergic neurons abrogates the chemoconvulsant‐induced burst of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) on CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. This loss of chemoconvulsant inhibition likely aggravates status epilepticus in Orai1 KO mice.These results identify Orai1 channels as regulators of hippocampal interneuron excitability and seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunity to fungal infections is mediated by cells of the innate and adaptive immune system including Th17 cells. Ca2+ influx in immune cells is regulated by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and its activation of the Ca2+ channel ORAI1. We here identify patients with a novel mutation in STIM1 (p.L374P) that abolished Ca2+ influx and resulted in increased susceptibility to fungal and other infections. In mice, deletion of STIM1 in all immune cells enhanced susceptibility to mucosal C. albicans infection, whereas T cell‐specific deletion of STIM1 impaired immunity to systemic C. albicans infection. STIM1 deletion impaired the production of Th17 cytokines essential for antifungal immunity and compromised the expression of genes in several metabolic pathways including Foxo and HIF1α signaling that regulate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Our study further revealed distinct roles of STIM1 in regulating transcription and metabolic programs in non‐pathogenic Th17 cells compared to pathogenic, proinflammatory Th17 cells, a finding that may potentially be exploited for the treatment of Th17 cell‐mediated inflammatory diseases. Synopsis: Pathogenic Th17 cells have been implicated in autoimmune diseases, while non‐pathogenic Th17 cells provide immunity to fungal pathogens. Patients with mutations in ORAI1 or STIM1 have impaired Ca2+ signaling in immune cells and are more susceptible to infections with fungal pathogens. A novel missense mutation in STIM1 (p.L374P) abolishes Ca2+ signals in immune cells by interfering with the activation of ORAI1, the pore‐forming subunit of the calcium release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channel.T cells of patients with STIM1 p.L374P mutation fail to produce cytokines when challenged with C. albicans and have severe defects in metabolic functions including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).Deletion of STIM1 and its homologue STIM2 in all immune cells results in enhanced severity of mucosal C. albicans infection, which is associated with defective T cell and neutrophil function.T cell‐specific deletion of STIM1 reduces resistance to systemic C. albicans infection and is associated with impaired effector functions of Th1 and non‐pathogenic Th17 cells.STIM1 is required for the transcriptional regulation of aerobic glycolysis and OXPHOS in non‐pathogenic Th17 cells, whereas glycolysis in pathogenic Th17 cells is independent of STIM1 and CRAC channel function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the zinc finger transcription factors EGR1, EGR2, and EGR3 are recognized as critical for T‐cell function, the role of EGR4 remains unstudied. Here, we show that EGR4 is rapidly upregulated upon TCR engagement, serving as a critical "brake" on T‐cell activation. Hence, TCR engagement of EGR4−/− T cells leads to enhanced Ca2+ responses, driving sustained NFAT activation and hyperproliferation. This causes profound increases in IFNγ production under resting and diverse polarizing conditions that could be reversed by pharmacological attenuation of Ca2+ entry. Finally, an in vivo melanoma lung colonization assay reveals enhanced anti‐tumor immunity in EGR4−/− mice, attributable to Th1 bias, Treg loss, and increased CTL generation in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, these observations reveal for the first time that EGR4 is a key regulator of T‐cell differentiation and function. Synopsis: EGR proteins regulate T cell development and differentiation, but no role for EGR4 has previously been shown. T cell activation upregulates EGR4, whereas EGR4−/− T cells exhibit increased Ca2+ responses, promoting Th1 bias and anti‐cancer immunity. EGR4 is expressed in activated T cells.EGFR4 suppresses Ca2+ responses by regulating KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 expression.In the absence of EGR4, Ca2+‐dependent NFAT activation drives Th1 differentiation.EGR4−/− T cells exhibit enhanced anti‐cancer immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Store‐operated Ca2+ entry through Orai1 channels is a primary mechanism for Ca2+ entry in many cells and mediates numerous cellular effector functions ranging from gene transcription to exocytosis. Orai1 channels are amongst the most Ca2+‐selective channels known and are activated by direct physical interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in response to store depletion triggered by stimulation of a variety of cell surface G‐protein coupled and tyrosine kinase receptors. Work in the last decade has revealed that the Orai1 gating process is highly cooperative and strongly allosteric, likely driven by a wave of interdependent conformational changes throughout the protein originating in the peripheral C‐terminal ligand binding site and culminating in pore opening. In this review, we survey the structural and molecular features in Orai1 that contribute to channel gating and consider how they give rise to the unique biophysical fingerprint of Orai1 currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gemcitabine (GEM) alone and GEM‐based chemotherapy are the preferred regimens for treating advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). However, these treatments have limited efficacy due to acquired resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, the mechanisms of which are not fully understood. In this study, we established two stable multidrug‐resistant cell lines, BxPC‐3‐GR and CFPAC‐1‐GR, from their corresponding parental cells through exposure to GEM following a stepwise incremental dosing strategy. The GEM IC50 values of BxPC‐3‐GR and CFPAC‐1‐GR increased 112‐fold and 210‐fold, respectively, compared to parental cell lines. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that both GEM‐resistant cell subgroups declined in proliferative capacity, but were more resistant to GEM. Unlike CFPAC‐1‐GR, BxPC‐3‐GR exhibited enhanced migratory and invasive properties compared with BxPC‐3 in vitro. We also compared differentially expressed mRNA profiles between parental and GEM‐resistant cells using transcriptome sequencing. RRM1, STIM1, and TRIM21 were significantly upregulated in both GEM‐resistant cell lines and confirmed to be associated with the degree of GEM resistance by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. These three genes were more highly expressed in PC tissues and potentially regarded as prognostic biomarkers through database mining. Thus, our findings provide chemo‐resistant cell models to better understand the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance, and to explore potential biomarkers for GEM response in PC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMPK is a crucial regulator of energy homeostasis that acts downstream of its upstream kinase liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CaMKK2). LKB1 primarily phosphorylates AMPK after energy stress, whereas calcium-mediated activation of AMPK requires CaMKK2, although the regulatory mechanisms of calcium-mediated AMPK activation remain unclear. Using biochemical, microscopic, and genetic approaches, we demonstrate that the stromal interaction molecule (STIM)2, a calcium sensor, acts as a novel regulator of CaMKK2-AMPK signaling. We reveal that STIM2 interacts with AMPK and CaMKK2 and that the increase in intracellular calcium levels promotes AMPK colocalization and interaction with STIM2. We further show that STIM2 deficiency attenuates calcium-induced but not energy stress-induced AMPK activation, possibly by regulating the CaMKK2-AMPK interaction. Together, our results identify a previously unappreciated mechanism that modulates calcium-mediated AMPK activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Gain‐of‐function mutations in the highly selective Ca2+ channel ORAI1 cause tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) characterized by muscular pain, weakness and cramping.TAM‐associated mutations in ORAI1 first and third transmembrane domain facilitate channel opening by STIM1, causing constitutive Ca2+ influx and increasing the currents evoked by Ca2+ store depletion.Mutation V107M additionally decreases the channel selectivity for Ca2+ ions and its inhibition by acidic pH, while mutation T184M does not alter the channel sensitivity to pH or to reactive oxygen species.The ORAI blocker GSK‐7975A prevents the constitutive activity of TAM‐associated channels and might be used in therapy for patients suffering from TAM. Skeletal muscle differentiation relies on store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mediated by STIM proteins linking the depletion of endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores to the activation of membrane Ca2+‐permeable ORAI channels. Gain‐of‐function mutations in STIM1 or ORAI1 isoforms cause tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM), a skeletal muscle disorder with muscular pain, weakness and cramping. Here, we characterize two overactive ORAI1 mutants from patients with TAM: V107M and T184M, located in the first and third transmembrane domain of the channel. When ectopically expressed in HEK‐293T cells or human primary myoblasts, the mutated channels increased basal and store‐operated Ca2+ entry. The constitutive activity of V107M, L138F, T184M and P245L mutants was prevented by low concentrations of GSK‐7975A while the G98S mutant was resistant to inhibition. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed ORAI1‐V107M constitutive activity and revealed larger STIM1‐gated V107M‐ and T184M‐mediated currents with conserved fast and slow Ca2+‐dependent inactivation. Mutation V107M altered the channel selectivity for Ca2+ ions and conferred resistance to acidic inhibition. Ca2+ imaging and molecular dynamics simulations showed a preserved sensitivity of T184M to the negative regulation by reactive oxygen species. Both mutants were able to mediate SOCE in Stim1−/−/Stim2−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing the binding‐deficient STIM1‐F394H mutant, indicating a higher sensitivity for STIM1‐mediated gating, with ORAI1‐T184M gain‐of‐function being strictly dependent on STIM1. These findings provide new insights into the permeation and regulatory properties of ORAI1 mutants that might translate into therapies against diseases with gain‐of‐function mutations in ORAI1. Key points: Gain‐of‐function mutations in the highly selective Ca2+ channel ORAI1 cause tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) characterized by muscular pain, weakness and cramping.TAM‐associated mutations in ORAI1 first and third transmembrane domain facilitate channel opening by STIM1, causing constitutive Ca2+ influx and increasing the currents evoked by Ca2+ store depletion.Mutation V107M additionally decreases the channel selectivity for Ca2+ ions and its inhibition by acidic pH, while mutation T184M does not alter the channel sensitivity to pH or to reactive oxygen species.The ORAI blocker GSK‐7975A prevents the constitutive activity of TAM‐associated channels and might be used in therapy for patients suffering from TAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST); however, primary and secondary resistance to imatinib is still a major cause of treatment failure. Multiple mechanisms are involved in this progression. In the present study, we reported a novel mechanism for the acquired resistance to imatinib, which was induced by enhanced Ca2+ influx via stromal‐interacting molecule 1 (STIM1)‐mediated store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). We found that the STIM1 expression level was related to the acquired resistance to imatinib in our studied cohort. The function of STIM1 in imatinib‐resistant GIST cells was also confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that STIM1 overexpression contributed to SOCE and drug response in imatinib‐sensitive GIST cells. Blockage of SOCE by STIM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation of imatinib‐resistant GIST cell lines and xenografts. In addition, STIM1‐mediated SOCE exerted an antiapoptotic effect via the MEK/ERK pathway. The results from this study provide a basis for further research into potential novel therapeutic strategies in acquired imatinib‐resistant GIST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) junctions form functionally active microdomains that connect intracellular and extracellular environments. While the key role of these interfaces in maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ levels has been uncovered in recent years, the functional significance of ER-PM junctions in nonexcitable cells has remained unclear. Here, we show that the ER calcium sensor protein STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) interacts with the plasma membrane-localized adenylyl cyclase 6 (ADCY6) to govern melanogenesis. The physiological stimulus a-melanocytestimulating hormone (αMSH) depletes ER Ca2+ stores, thus recruiting STIM1 to ER-PM junctions, which in turn activates ADCY6. Using zebrafish as a model system, we further established STIM1's significance in regulating pigmentation in vivo. STIM1 domain deletion studies reveal the importance of Ser/Pro-rich C-terminal region in this interaction. This mechanism of cAMP generation creates a positive feedback loop, controlling the output of the classical αMSHcAMP- MITF axis in melanocytes. Our study thus delineates a signaling module that couples two fundamental secondary messengers to drive pigmentation. Given the central role of calcium and cAMP signaling pathways, this module may be operative during various other physiological processes and pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) is up-regulated in several clinical disorders, including dehydration. NFAT5-sensitive genes include serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). The kinase is a powerful regulator of Orai1, a Ca2+ channel accomplishing store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Orai1 is stimulated after intracellular store depletion by the Ca2+ sensors stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), or STIM2, or both. In the present study, we explored whether nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)-5 influences Ca2+ signaling in megakaryocytes. To this end, human megakaryocytic (MEG-01) cells were transfected with NFAT5 or with siNFAT5. Platelets and megakaryocytes were isolated from wild-type mice with either access to water ad libitum or dehydration by 36 h of water deprivation. Transcript levels were determined with quantitative RT-PCR and protein abundance by Western blot analysis and flow cytometry, cytosolic (intracellular) Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by fura-2-fluorescence. SOCE was estimated from the increase of [Ca2+]i following readdition of extracellular Ca2+ after store depletion with thapsigargin (1 µM). Platelet degranulation was estimated from P-selectin abundance and integrin activation from aIIbß3 integrin abundance determined by flow cytometry. As a result, NFAT5 transfection or exposure to hypertonicity (+40 mM NaCl) of MEG-01 cells increased Orai1, Orai2, STIM1, and STIM2 transcript levels. Orai1 transcript levels were decreased by NFAT5 silencing. NFAT5 transfection and IκB inhibitor BMS 345541 (5 µM) increased SOCE, whereas NFAT5 silencing and SGK1 inhibitor GSK650394 (10 µM) decreased SOCE. In the mice, dehydration increased NFAT5 and Orai1 protein abundance in megakaryocytes and NFAT5, Orai1, and Orai2 abundance in platelets. Dehydration further augmented the degranulation and integrin activation by thrombin and collagen-related peptide. In summary, NFAT5 is a powerful regulator of Orai1-expression and SOCE in megakaryocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points Depletion of Ca2+ stores activates store-operated channels (SOCs), which mediate Ca2+ entry pathways that regulate cellular processes such as contraction, proliferation and gene expression., In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), stimulation of SOCs composed of canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) proteins requires G protein α q subunit (Gαq)/phospholipase C (PLC)β1/protein kinase C (PKC) activity. We studied the role of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in coupling store depletion to this activation pathway using patch clamp recording, GFP-PLCδ1-PH imaging and co-localization techniques., Store-operated TRPC1 channel and PLCβ1 activities were inhibited by STIM1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and absent in TRPC1−/− cells, and store-operated PKC phosphorylation of TRPC1 was inhibited by STIM1 shRNA. Store depletion induced interactions between STIM1 and TRPC1, Gαq and PLCβ1, which required STIM1 and TRPC1. Similar effects were produced with noradrenaline., These findings identify a new activation mechanism of TRPC1-based SOCs in VSMCs, and a novel role for STIM1, where store-operated STIM1-TRPC1 interactions stimulate Gαq/PLCβ1/PKC activity to induce channel gating., Abstract In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), stimulation of canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) protein-based store-operated channels (SOCs) mediates Ca2+ entry pathways that regulate contractility, proliferation and migration. It is therefore important to understand how these channels are activated. Studies have shown that stimulation of TRPC1-based SOCs requires G protein α q subunit (Gαq)/phospholipase C (PLC)β1 activities and protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation, although it is unclear how store depletion stimulates this gating pathway. The present study examines this issue by focusing on the role of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor. Store-operated TRPC1 channel activity was inhibited by TRPC1 and STIM1 antibodies and STIM1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in wild-type VSMCs, and was absent in TRPC1−/− VSMCs. Store-operated PKC phosphorylation of TRPC1 was reduced by knockdown of STIM1. Moreover, store-operated PLCβ1 activity measured with the fluorescent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate biosensor GFP-PLCδ1-PH was reduced by STIM1 shRNA and absent in TRPC1−/− cells. Immunocytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays revealed that store depletion activated STIM1 translocation from within the cell to the plasma membrane (PM) where it formed STIM1-TRPC1 complexes, which then associated with Gαq and PLCβ1. Noradrenaline also evoked TRPC1 channel activity and associations between TRPC1, STIM1, Gαq and PLCβ1, which were inhibited by STIM1 knockdown. Effects of N-terminal and C-terminal STIM1 antibodies on TRPC1-based SOCs and STIM1 staining suggest that channel activation may involve insertion of STIM1 into the PM. The findings of the present study identify a new activation mechanism of TRPC1-based SOCs in VSMCs, and a novel role for STIM1, in which store-operated STIM1-TRPC1 interactions stimulate PLCβ1 activity to induce PKC phosphorylation of TRPC1 and channel gating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The present study was conducted to determine whether two important signalling molecules of store-operated channel (SOC), stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1, were involved in glomerular podocyte injury. We explored the effects of STIM1/Orai1 overexpression on podocyte associated proteins and cell permeability. Methods The expression of STIM1 and Orai1 were examined in the renal cortex of adriamycin-induced nephropathy mice by real-time RT-PCR. The recombinant plasmid of STIM1/ Orai1, identified by restriction enzyme digestion and PCR, was transfected into MPC5 cells via lipofectamine 2000. The transfecting efficiency was observed by a fluorescence microscope. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression levels of STIM1, Orai 1 and some podocyte-associated molecules in the transfected MPC5 cells. In addition, we examined the diffusion of FITC-dextran across the podocyte monolayer to investigate whether STIM1/Orai1 overexpression could affect cell permeability. Results We found that the mRNA levels of STIM1 and Orai1 were increased in adriamycin-induced nephropathy mice. STIM1/Orai1 overexpression significantly decreased the expression of podocin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), whereas it increased the expression of α-actinin-4. The permeability was significantly increased in the STIM1/Orai1 overexpression group. Conclusion Our findings suggested that STIM1/Orai1 overexpression could affect the cell permeability and the expression of partial podocyte-associated proteins, which may ultimately result in podocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2+ acts as a universal and versatile second messenger in the regulation of a myriad of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mediated by ORAI and the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) constitutes one of the major routes of calcium entry in nonexcitable cells, in which the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores triggers activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident Ca2+ sensor protein STIM to gate and open the ORAI Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane (PM). Accumulating evidence indicates that SOCE plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor neovascularization, as well as in antitumor immunity. We summarize herein the recent advances in our understanding of the function of SOCE in various types of tumor cells, vascular endothelial cells and cells of the immune system. Finally, the therapeutic potential of SOCE inhibitors in the treatment of cancer is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels mediate a specific formof Ca2+ influx called store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) that contributes to the function of many cell types. CRAC channels are composed of ORAI1 proteins located in the plasma membrane, which form its ion-conducting pore. ORAI1 channels are activated by stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 and STIM2 located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Loss- and gain-of-function gene mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 in human patients cause distinct disease syndromes. CRAC channelopathy is caused by loss-offunctionmutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 that abolish CRAC channel function and SOCE; it is characterized by severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-like disease, autoimmunity, muscular hypotonia, and ectodermal dysplasia, with defects in sweat gland function and dental enamel formation. The latter defect emphasizes an important role of CRAC channels in tooth development. By contrast, autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 result in constitutive CRAC channel activation, SOCE, and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels that are associated with an overlapping spectrum of diseases, including nonsyndromic tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and York platelet and Stormorken syndromes. The latter two syndromes are defined, besides myopathy, by thrombocytopenia, thrombopathy, and bleeding diathesis. The fact that myopathy results from both loss- and gain of- function mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 highlights the importance of CRAC channels for Ca2+ homeostasis in skeletalmuscle function. The cellular dysfunction and clinical disease spectrum observed inmutant patients provide important information about the molecular regulation of ORAI1 and STIM1 proteins and the role of CRAC channels in human physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) are ER proteins that act as Ca2+-regulated tethers between the ER and the plasma membrane ( PM) and have a putative role in lipid transport between the two membranes. Ca2+ regulation of their tethering function, as well as the interplay of their different domains in such function, remains poorly understood. By exposing semi-intact cells to buffers of variable Ca2+ concentrations, we found that binding of E-Syt1 to the PI(4,5)P2-rich PM critically requires its C2C and C2E domains and that the EC50 of such binding is in the low micromolar Ca2+ range. Accordingly, E-Syt1 accumulation at ER- PM contact sites occurred only upon experimental manipulations known to achieve these levels of Ca2+ via its influx from the extracellular medium, such as store-operated Ca2+ entry in fibroblasts and membrane depolarization in β-cells. We also show that in spite of their very different physiological functions, membrane tethering by E-Syt1 ( ER to PM) and by synaptotagmin (secretory vesicles to PM) undergo a similar regulation by plasma membrane lipids and cytosolic Ca2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a cellular condition in which unfolded proteins accumulate in the ER because of various but specific causes. Physiologic ER stress occurs transiently during myoblast differentiation, and although its cause remains unknown, it plays a critical role in myofiber formation. To examine the mechanism underlying ER stress, we monitored ER morphology during differentiation of murine myoblasts. Novel ER-derived structures transiently appeared prior to myoblast fusion both in vitro and in vivo. Electron microscopy studies revealed that these structures consisted of pseudoconcentric ER cisternae with narrow lumens. Similar structures specifically formed by pharmacologically induced ER Ca2+ depletion, and inhibition of ER Ca2+ efflux channels in differentiating myoblasts considerably suppressed ER-specific deformation and ER stress signaling. Thus, we named the novel structures stress-activated response to Ca2+ depletion (SARC) bodies. Prior to SARC body formation, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an ER Ca2+ sensor protein, formed ER Ca2+ depletion-specific clusters. Furthermore, myoblast differentiation manifested by myoblast fusion did not proceed under the same conditions as inhibition of ER Ca2+ depletion. Altogether, these observations suggest that ER Ca2+ depletion is a prerequisite for myoblast fusion, causing both physiologic ER stress signaling and SARC body formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Upon denervation, skeletal muscle fibres initiate complex changes in gene expression. Many of these genes are involved in muscle fibre remodelling and atrophy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) leads to progressive neurodegeneration and neurogenic muscular atrophy (NMA). Disturbed calcium homeostasis and misfolded protein aggregation both in motor neurones and muscle fibres are key elements of ALS pathogenesis that are mutually interdependent. Therefore, we hypothesized that the calcium sensor STIM1 might be abnormally modified and involved in muscle fibre degeneration in ALS and other types of NMA. Methods We examined ALS and NMA patient biopsy and autopsy tissue and tissue from G93 A SOD1 mice by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Results In normal human and mouse muscle STIM1 was found to be differentially expressed in muscle fibres of different types and to concentrate at neuromuscular junctions, compatible with its known role in calcium sensing. Denervated muscle fibres of sALS and NMA cases and SOD1 mice showed diffusely increased STIM1 immunoreactivity along with ubiquitinated material. In addition, distinct focal accumulations of STIM1 were observed in target structures within denervated fibres of sALS and other NMA as well as SOD1 mouse muscles. Large STIM1-immunoreactive structures were found in ALS-8 patient muscle harbouring the P56 S mutation in the ER protein VAPB. Conclusion These findings suggest that STIM1 is involved in several ways in the reaction of muscle fibres to denervation, probably reflecting alterations in calcium homeostasis in denervated muscle fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores evokes store-operated Ca2+ entry through the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. In this study, we found that the store-operated Ca2+ entry was inhibited by neomycin, an aminoglycoside that strongly binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2). Patch clamp recordings revealed that neomycin blocked the CRAC currents reconstituted by co-expression of Orai1 and Stim1 in HEK293 cells. Using a rapamycin-inducible PtdIns(4,5)P2-specific phosphatase (Inp54p) system to manipulate the PtdIns(4,5)P2 in the plasma membrane, we found that the CRAC current was not altered by PtdIns(4,5)P2 depletion. This result suggests that PtdIns(4,5)P2 is not required for CRAC channel activity, and thereby, neomycin inhibits CRAC channels in a manner that is independent of neomycin-PtdIns(4,5)P2 binding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal interaction molecule 1 ( STIM1), an endoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca2+ sensor, activates Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ channels and migrates from the Ca2+ store to the plasma membrane. Recently, STIM1 was shown be critical for the progression of several cancers, including breast cancer and cervical cancer. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma has remained unknown. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of STIM1 on the growth of hepatocellular cancer. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting STIM1 was transduced into SMMC7721 cells to knock down STIM1 expression. Knockdown of STIM1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony-forming ability and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/ G1 phase. Moreover, the DNA synthesis progression was also decreased. Furthermore, lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of STIM1 promoted the proliferation of SMMC7721 cells. Our findings suggest that STIM1 may play an important role in the development of hepatocellular cancer and may be a potential target for therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decrease in ER Ca SP 2+ sp is sensed by STIM1 proteins, which aggregate and move closer to the plasma membrane, and activate Orai1 channels by protein-protein interaction (Woo I et al i . 2018) (Fig. The resulting decrease in ER Ca2+ content is sensed by the Ca2+ binding protein STIM1, which activates plasma Orai1 channels in the plasma membrane by protein-protein interaction. [Extracted from the article]

Depletion of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen triggers the opening of Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels at the plasma membrane. CRAC channels are activated by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an ER resident protein that senses Ca2+ store depletion and interacts with Orai1, the pore‐forming subunit of the channel. The subunit stoichiometry of the CRAC channel is controversial. Here we provide evidence, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, that Orai1 assembles as a hexamer, and that STIM1 binds to Orai1 with sixfold symmetry. STIM1 associates with Orai1 in the form of monomers, dimers, and multimeric string‐like structures that form links between the Orai1 hexamers. Our results provide new insights into the nature of the interactions between STIM1 and Orai1.The subunit stoichiometry of the CRAC channel is controversial. AFM imaging shows that Orai1 assembles as a hexamer. STIM1 binds to Orai1 with sixfold symmetry. STIM1 forms string‐like structures that link Orai1 hexamers. Our results provide new insights into the interaction between STIM1 and Orai1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Depletion of the Ca2+ store by ryanodine receptor ( RyR) agonists induces store-operated Ca2+ entry ( SOCE). 4-Chloro-3-ethylphenol (4- CEP) and 4-chloro- m-cresol (4- C mC) are RyR agonists commonly used as research tools and diagnostic reagents for malignant hyperthermia. Here, we investigated the effects of 4- CEP and its analogues on SOCE. Experimental Approach SOCE and ORAI1-3 currents were recorded by Ca2+ imaging and whole-cell patch recordings in rat L6 myoblasts and in HEK293 cells overexpressing STIM1/ ORAI1-3. Key Results 4- CEP induced a significant release of Ca2+ in rat L6 myoblasts, but inhibited SOCE. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and more potent than its analogues 4- C mC and 4-chlorophenol (4- ClP). In the HEK293 T-REx cells overexpressing STIM1/ ORAI1-3, 4- CEP inhibited the ORAI1, ORAI2 and ORAI3 currents evoked by thapsigargin. The 2- APB-induced ORAI3 current was also blocked by 4- CEP. This inhibitory effect was reversible and independent of the Ca2+ release. The two analogues, 4- C mC and 4- ClP, also inhibited the ORAI1-3 channels. Excised patch and intracellular application of 4- CEP demonstrated that the action site was located extracellularly. Moreover, 4- CEP evoked STIM1 translocation and subplasmalemmal clustering through its Ca2+ store-depleting effect via the activation of RyR, but no effect on STIM1 redistribution was observed in cells co-expressing STIM1/ ORAI1-3. Conclusion and Implications 4- CEP not only acts as a RyR agonist to deplete the Ca2+ store and trigger STIM1 subplasmalemmal translocation and clustering, but also directly inhibits ORAI1-3 channels. These findings demonstrate a novel pharmacological property for the chlorophenol derivatives that act as RyR agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) within immune cell phagosomes is critical for antimicrobial activity and for correct antigen processing, and influences signaling pathways that direct host responses to infection and inflammation. Because excess oxidants can cause tissue damage and oxidative stress, phagocytes must precisely control both the location and timing of NADPH oxidase activity. How differential regulation is achieved at phagosomes is not well understood. Recent studies have revealed that the PI(3)P phosphoinositide plays an important role in locally boosting phagosomal NADPH oxidase activity through its binding to the p40 phox NADPH oxidase subunit. Furthermore, phox subunit dynamics at phagosomes may regulate the timing of the oxidative burst. Novel elements regulating catalytic core trafficking include Rab27 and SNAP-23. In addition to trafficking events, the activity of the electrogenic oxidase is also governed by ionic fluxes, which are constrained at phagosomes owing to low intraphagosomal volume and dynamic display of channels, transporters, and pumps. New insights on the interdependence of phagosomal pH and ROS have been recently elucidated, and chloride channels important for microbicidal functions, including CFTR, and CLIC family channels, have been identified. Finally, periphagosomal calcium microdomains and calcium-dependent S100A8/9 protein recruitment may help fine-tune spatiotemporal regulation of NADPH oxidase activation for an effective immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels regulates the function of many immune cells. Patients with loss-of-function mutations in the CRAC channel genes ORAI1 or STIM1 are immunodeficient and are prone to develop virus-associated tumours. This and the reported role of Ca2+ signals in cytotoxic lymphocyte function suggest that SOCE may be critical for tumour immune surveillance. Using conditional knock out mice lacking STIM1 and its homologue STIM2, we find that SOCE in CD8+ T cells is required to prevent the engraftment of melanoma and colon carcinoma cells and to control tumour growth. SOCE is essential for the cytotoxic function of CTLs both in vivo and in vitro by regulating the degranulation of CTLs, their expression of Fas ligand and production of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Our results emphasize an important role of SOCE in antitumour immunity, which is significant given recent reports arguing in favour of CRAC channel inhibition for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1155-1166. Abstract Coordinated calcium signalling is vital for neuronal growth cone function and axon pathfinding. Although store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) has been suggested to be an important source of calcium in growth cone navigation, the mechanisms that regulate calcium signalling, particularly the regulation of internal calcium stores within growth cones, are yet to be fully determined. Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) is a calcium-sensing protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane that interacts with Orai proteins in the plasma membrane to initiate SOCE and refilling of intracellular calcium stores. We hypothesize that STIM1- and Orai1/2-mediated SOCE are necessary for growth cone turning responses to extracellular guidance cues. We show that STIM1 and Orai reorganize into puncta upon store depletion and during growth cone turning with STIM1 localization biased towards the turning side (high calcium side) of the growth cone. Importantly, STIM1 knock-down perturbed growth cone turning responses to the guidance cues brain-derived neurotrophic factor and semaphorin-3a (Sema-3a), as well as abolishing Sema-3a-induced growth cone collapse. Furthermore, STIM1 knock-down abolished SOCE induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor, but not Sema-3a. Our data suggest that STIM1 is essential for correct growth cone navigation, playing multiple roles in growth cone motility, including the activation of SOCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in genes encoding the calcium-release activated calcium (CRAC) channel abolish calcium influx in cells of the immune system and cause severe congenital immunodeficiency. Patients with autosomal recessive mutations in the CRAC channel gene ORAI1, its activator stromal interaction molecule 1 ( STIM1), and mice with targeted deletion of Orai1, Stim1, and Stim2 genes reveal important roles for CRAC channels in adaptive and innate immune responses to infection and in autoimmunity. Because CRAC channels have important functions outside the immune system, deficiency of either ORAI1 or STIM1 is associated with a unique clinical phenotype. This review will give an overview of CRAC channel function in the immune system, examine the consequences of CRAC channel deficiency for immunity in human patients and mice, and discuss genetic defects in immunoreceptor-associated signaling molecules that compromise calcium influx and cause immunodeficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduction • Part I: STIM proteins - STIM1 and SOCE - Setting the level of SOCE: expression levels of STIM1 and ORAI1 - STIM1 and the regulation of other proteins at the plasma membrane - STIM2 and SOCE • Part II: STIM proteins and the regulation of cell physiology and pathology - Immune system - Skeletal muscle - Smooth muscle - Nervous system - Adipose tissue - Cancer • Part III: invertebrate animal models of STIM deficiency - D. melanogaster - C. elegans • Part IV: conclusions and future perspectives The stromal interaction molecules STIM1 and STIM2 are endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensors, serving to detect changes in receptor-mediated ER Ca2+ store depletion and to relay this information to plasma membrane localized proteins, including the store-operated Ca2+ channels of the ORAI family. The resulting Ca2+ influx sustains the high cytosolic Ca2+ levels required for activation of many intracellular signal transducers such as the NFAT family of transcription factors. Models of STIM protein deficiency in mice, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, in addition to the phenotype of patients bearing mutations in STIM1 have provided great insight into the role of these proteins in cell physiology and pathology. It is now becoming clear that STIM1 and STIM2 are critical for the development and functioning of many cell types, including lymphocytes, skeletal and smooth muscle myoblasts, adipocytes and neurons, and can interact with a variety of signalling proteins and pathways in a cell- and tissue-type specific manner. This review focuses on the role of STIM proteins in development, differentiation and disease, in particular highlighting the functional differences between STIM1 and STIM2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ca2+ entering cells through store-operated channels (SOCs) affects most cell functions, and excess SOC is associated with pathologies. The molecular makeup of SOCs and their mechanisms of gating were clarified with the discovery of the Orais and STIM1. Another form of SOCs are the TRPCs. STIM1 gates both Orai and TRPC channels but does so by different mechanisms. Although the STIM1 SOAR domain mediates the binding of STIM1 to both channel types, SOAR is sufficient to open the Orais but the STIM1 polylysine domain mediates opening of the TRPC channels. This short review discusses recent findings on how STIM1 gates and regulates the Orais and TRPCs, and how the STIM1/Orai1/TRPCs complexes may function in vivo to mediate SOC activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sorting of yeast Ist2 to the plasma membrane (PM) or the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) requires a cortical sorting signal (CSSIst2) that interacts with lipids including phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) at the PM. Here, we show that the expression of Ist2 in mammalian cells resulted in a peripheral patch-like localization without any detection of Ist2 at the cell surface. Attached to C-termini of mammalian integral membrane proteins, the CSSIst2 targeted these proteins to PM-associated domains of the ER and abolished trafficking via the classical secretory pathway. The interaction of integral membrane proteins with PI(4,5)P2 at the PM created ER–PM contacts. This process is similar to the regulated coupling of ER domains to the PM via stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins during store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). The CSSIst2 and the C-terminus of the ER-located Ca2+ sensor STIM2 were sufficient to bind PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3 at the PM, showing that an evolutionarily conserved mechanism is involved in the sorting of integral membrane proteins to PM-associated domains of the ER. Yeast Ist2 and STIM2 share a common basic and amphipathic signal at their extreme C-termini. STIM1 showed binding preference for liposomes containing PI(4,5)P2, suggesting a specific contribution of lipids to the recruitment of ER domains to the PM during SOCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is responsible for activating the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel by first sensing the changes in Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]ER) via its luminal canonical EF-hand motif and subsequently oligomerizing to interact with the CRAC channel pore-forming subunit Orai1. In this work, we applied a grafting approach to obtain the intrinsic metal-binding affinity of the isolated EF-hand of STIM1, and further investigated its oligomeric state using pulsed-field gradient NMR and size-exclusion chromatography. The canonical EF-hand bound Ca2+ with a dissociation constant at a level comparable with [Ca2+]ER (512 ± 15 μm). The binding of Ca2+ resulted in a more compact conformation of the engineered protein. Our results also showed that D to A mutations at Ca2+-coordinating loop positions 1 and 3 of the EF-hand from STIM1 led to a 15-fold decrease in the metal-binding affinity, which explains why this mutant was insensitive to changes in Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]ER) and resulted in constitutive punctae formation and Ca2+ influx. In addition, the grafted single EF-hand motif formed a dimer regardless of the presence of Ca2+, which conforms to the EF-hand paring paradigm. These data indicate that the STIM1 canonical EF-hand motif tends to dimerize for functionality in solution and is responsible for sensing changes in [Ca2+]ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is responsible for activating the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel by first sensing the changes in Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]ER) via its luminal canonical EF-hand motif and subsequently oligomerizing to interact with the CRAC channel pore-forming subunit Orai1. In this work, we applied a grafting approach to obtain the intrinsic metal-binding affinity of the isolated EF-hand of STIM1, and further investigated its oligomeric state using pulsed-field gradient NMR and size-exclusion chromatography. The canonical EF-hand bound Ca2+ with a dissociation constant at a level comparable with [Ca2+]ER (512 ± 15 μm). The binding of Ca2+ resulted in a more compact conformation of the engineered protein. Our results also showed that D to A mutations at Ca2+-coordinating loop positions 1 and 3 of the EF-hand from STIM1 led to a 15-fold decrease in the metal-binding affinity, which explains why this mutant was insensitive to changes in Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]ER) and resulted in constitutive punctae formation and Ca2+ influx. In addition, the grafted single EF-hand motif formed a dimer regardless of the presence of Ca2+, which conforms to the EF-hand paring paradigm. These data indicate that the STIM1 canonical EF-hand motif tends to dimerize for functionality in solution and is responsible for sensing changes in [Ca2+]ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium signals in immune cells regulate a variety of physiological responses such as cell activation, differentiation, gene transcription, and effector functions. Surface receptor stimulation induces an increase in the concentration of cytosolic calcium ions (Ca2+), which are derived mainly from two sources, intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores and the extracellular space. The major cascade for Ca2+ entry in immune cells is through store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. Activation of SOCE is triggered by depletion of intracellular ER Ca2+ stores, but the molecular mechanism was a long-standing issue. With the recent molecular identification of the ER Ca2+ sensor [stromal interacting molecule-1 (STIM1)] and a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel (Orai1), our understanding of the SOCE activation pathway has increased dramatically. These advances have now made it possible to shed some light on important questions: what is the physiological significance of SOCE, and what is its molecular basis? This review focuses on the recent progress in the field and the exciting opportunities for understanding how SOCE influences diverse immune functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2+ signals are essential for diverse cellular functions including differentiation, effector function, and gene transcription in the immune system. In lymphocytes, sustained Ca2+ entry is necessary for complete and long-lasting activation of calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathways. Engagement of immunoreceptors, such as the T-cell antigen receptor, induces store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. In lymphocytes, mast cells, and other immune cell types, SOCE through highly Ca2+-selective Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the major pathway of intracellular Ca2+ increase. A recent breakthrough in our understanding of CRAC channel function is the identification of STIM and ORAI, two essential regulators of CRAC channel function. This discovery allows us to directly address the physiological role of Ca2+ entry in lymphocytes. A growing number of studies have emphasized that Ca2+/calcineurin/NFAT pathway is crucial for both development and function of all T-cell lineage cells, such as conventional αβ+ TCR T cells, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and invariant natural killer T cells. This review focuses on the role of the signaling pathways upstream and downstream of Ca2+ influx in the development and function in T-cell lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]