scholarly journals Brodifacoum does not modulate human cannabinoid receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in HEK 293 cells

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Sachdev ◽  
Rochelle Boyd ◽  
Natasha L Grimsey ◽  
Mark Connor
Keyword(s):  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells

AbstractBackgroundSynthetic cannabinoids are a commonly used class of recreational drugs that can have significant adverse effects. There have been sporadic reports of co-consumption of illicit drugs with rodenticides such as warfarin and brodifacoum (BFC) over the past 20 years but recently, hundreds of people have been reported to have been poisoned with a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids and BFC. We have sought to establish whether BFC directly affects cannabinoid receptors, or their activation by the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 or the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).MethodsThe effects of BFC on the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells, or AtT20 cells stably expressing human CB1- and CB2-mediated receptors, were studied using a fluorescent assay of membrane potential. The effects of BFC on CB1and CB2mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation was measured using a BRET assay of cAMP levels in HEK 293 cells stably expressing human CB1and CB2.ResultsBFC did not activate CB1or CB2receptors, or affect the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells produced by somatostatin. BFC (10µM) did not affect the hyperpolarization of AtT20-CB1or AtT20-CB2cells produced by CP55940 or Δ9-THC. BFC (1µM) did not affect the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated AC activity by CP55940 in HEK 293 cells expressing CB1or CB2. BFC (1µM) also failed to affect the desensitization of CB1and CB2signalling produced by prolonged (30 min) application of CP55940 or Δ9-THC to AtT20 cells.DiscussionBFC is not a cannabinoid receptor agonist, and appeared not to affect cannabinoid receptor activation. Our data suggests there is no pharmacodynamic rationale for mixing BFC with synthetic cannabinoids, however, it does not speak to whether BFC may affect synthetic cannabinoid metabolism or biodistribution. The reasons underlying the mixing of BFC with synthetic cannabinoids are unknown, and it remains to be established whether the “contamination” was deliberate or accidental. However, the consequences for people who ingested the mixture were often serious, and sometimes fatal, but this seems unlikely to be due to BFC action at cannabinoid receptors.

scholarly journals Brodifacoum does not modulate human cannabinoid receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in HEK 293 cells

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Sachdev ◽  
Rochelle Boyd ◽  
Natasha L. Grimsey ◽  
Marina Santiago ◽  
Mark Connor
Keyword(s):  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells

BackgroundSynthetic cannabinoids are a commonly used class of recreational drugs that can have significant adverse effects. There have been sporadic reports of co-consumption of illicit drugs with rodenticides such as warfarin and brodifacoum (BFC) over the past 20 years but recently, hundreds of people have been reported to have been poisoned with a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids and BFC. We have sought to establish whether BFC directly affects cannabinoid receptors, or their activation by the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 or the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).MethodsThe effects of BFC on the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells, or AtT20 cells stably expressing human CB1- or CB2- receptors, were studied using a fluorescent assay of membrane potential. The effect of BFC on CB1- and CB2-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation was measured using a BRET assay of cAMP levels in HEK 293 cells stably expressing human CB1or CB2.ResultsBFC did not activate CB1or CB2receptors, or affect the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells produced by somatostatin. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the hyperpolarization of AtT20-CB1or AtT20-CB2cells produced by CP55940 or Δ9-THC. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated AC activity by CP55940 in HEK 293 cells expressing CB1or CB2. BFC (1 µM) also failed to affect the desensitization of CB1and CB2signaling produced by prolonged (30 min) application of CP55940 or Δ9-THC to AtT20 cells.DiscussionBFC is not a cannabinoid receptor agonist, and appeared not to affect cannabinoid receptor activation. Our data suggests there is no pharmacodynamic rationale for mixing BFC with synthetic cannabinoids; however, it does not speak to whether BFC may affect synthetic cannabinoid metabolism or biodistribution. The reasons underlying the mixing of BFC with synthetic cannabinoids are unknown, and it remains to be established whether the “contamination” was deliberate or accidental. However, the consequences for people who ingested the mixture were often serious, and sometimes fatal, but this seems unlikely to be due to BFC action at cannabinoid receptors.

scholarly journals Activity-Based Detection of Cannabinoids in Serum and Plasma Samples

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 918-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies Cannaert ◽  
Jolien Storme ◽  
Cornelius Hess ◽  
Volker Auwärter ◽  
Sarah M R Wille ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Simple Liquid ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Monitoring Centre ◽  
Screening Strategies

Abstract BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoids are the largest group of new psychoactive substances monitored by the European Monitoring Centre of Drugs and Drug Addiction. The rapid proliferation of novel analogs makes the detection of these new derivatives challenging and has initiated considerable interest in the development of so-called “untargeted” screening strategies to detect these compounds. METHODS We developed new, stable bioassays in which cannabinoid receptor activation by cannabinoids led to recruitment of truncated β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) to the cannabinoid receptors, resulting in functional complementation of a split luciferase, allowing readout via bioluminescence. Aliquots (500 μL) of authentic serum (n = 45) and plasma (n = 73) samples were used for simple liquid–liquid extraction with hexane:ethyl acetate (99:1 v/v). Following evaporation and reconstitution in 100 μL of Opti-MEM® I/methanol (50/50 v/v), 10 μL of these extracts was analyzed in the bioassays. RESULTS Truncation of βarr2 significantly (for both cannabinoid receptors; P = 0.0034 and 0.0427) improved the analytical sensitivity over the previously published bioassays applied on urine samples. The new bioassays detected cannabinoid receptor activation by authentic serum or plasma extracts, in which synthetic cannabinoids were present at low- or sub-nanogram per milliliter concentration or in which Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol was present at concentrations >12 ng/mL. For synthetic cannabinoid detection, analytical sensitivity was 82%, with an analytical specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS The bioassays have the potential to serve as a first-line screening tool for (synthetic) cannabinoid activity in serum or plasma and may complement conventional analytical assays and/or precede analytical (mass spectrometry based) confirmation.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by parathyroid hormone in distal tubule cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (3) ◽  
pp. F1028-F1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Bruce Sneddon ◽  
Yanmei Yang ◽  
Jianming Ba ◽  
Lisa M. Harinstein ◽  
Peter A. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Conditioned Media ◽  
Kidney Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Egfr Transactivation ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Erk Activation ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Extracellular Signal

The PTH receptor (PTH1R) activates multiple signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in ERK1/2 activation by PTH in distal kidney cells, a primary site of PTH action, was characterized. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was stimulated by PTH and blocked by the EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Upon PTH stimulation, metalloprotease cleavage of membrane-bound heparin-binding fragment (HB-EGF) induced EGFR transactivation of ERK. Conditioned media from PTH-treated distal kidney cells activated ERK in HEK-293 cells. AG1478 added to HEK-293 cells ablated transactivation by conditioned media. HB-EGF directly activated ERK1/2 in HEK-293 cells. Pretreatment of distal kidney cells with the metalloprotease inhibitor GM-6001 abolished transactivation of ERK1/2 by PTH. The role of the PTH1R COOH terminus in PTX-sensitive ERK1/2 activation was characterized in HEK-293 cells transfected with wild-type PTH1R, with a PTH1R mutated at its COOH terminus, or with PTH1R truncated at position 480. PTH stimulated ERK by wild-type, mutated and truncated PTH1Rs 21-, 27- and 57-fold, respectively. Thus, the PTH1R COOH terminus exerts an inhibitory effect on ERK activation. EBP50, a scaffolding protein that binds to the PDZ recognition domain of the PTH1R, impaired PTH but not isoproterenol or calcitonin-induced ERK activation. Pertussis toxin inhibited PTH-stimulated ERK1/2 by mutated and truncated PTH1Rs and abolished ERK1/2 activation by wild-type PTH1R. We conclude that ERK phosphorylation in distal kidney cells by PTH requires PTH1R activation of Gi, which leads to stimulation of metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of HB-EGF and transactivation of the EGFR and is regulated by EBP50.

Effect of human acetylcholinesterase subunit assembly on its circulatory residence

2001 ◽  
Vol 354 (3) ◽  
pp. 613-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodor CHITLARU ◽  
Chanoch KRONMAN ◽  
Baruch VELAN ◽  
Avigdor SHAFFERMAN
Keyword(s):  
Laser Desorption Ionization ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Ionization Time ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Enzyme Preparations ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Differential Behaviour ◽  
Oligomeric Forms

Sialylated recombinant human acetylcholinesterase (rHuAChE), produced by stably transfected cells, is composed of a mixed population of monomers, dimers and tetramers and manifests a time-dependent circulatory enrichment of the higher-order oligomeric forms. To investigate this phenomenon further, homogeneous preparations of rHuAChE differing in their oligomerization statuses were generated: (1) monomers, represented by the oligomerization-impaired C580A-rHuAChE mutant, (2) wild-type (WT) dimers and (3) tetramers of WT-rHuAChE generated in vitro by complexation with a synthetic ColQ-derived proline-rich attachment domain (‘PRAD’) peptide. Three different series of each of these three oligoform preparations were produced: (1) partly sialylated, derived from HEK-293 cells; (2) fully sialylated, derived from engineered HEK-293 cells expressing high levels of sialyltransferase; and (3) desialylated, after treatment with sialidase to remove sialic acid termini quantitatively. The oligosaccharides associated with each of the various preparations were extensively analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight MS. With the enzyme preparations comprising the fully sialylated series, a clear linear relationship between oligomerization and circulatory mean residence time (MRT) was observed. Thus monomers, dimers and tetramers exhibited MRTs of 110, 195 and 740min respectively. As the level of sialylation decreased, this differential behaviour became less pronounced; eventually, after desialylation all oligoforms had the same MRT (5min). These observations suggest that multiple removal systems contribute to the elimination of AChE from the circulation. Here we also demonstrate that by the combined modulation of sialylation and tetramerization it is possible to generate a rHuAChE displaying a circulatory residence exceeding that of all other known forms of native or recombinant human AChE.

scholarly journals β-Arrestin mediates oxytocin receptor signaling, which regulates uterine contractility and cellular migration

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (3) ◽  
pp. E468-E477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad A. Grotegut ◽  
Liping Feng ◽  
Lan Mao ◽  
R. Phillips Heine ◽  
Amy P. Murtha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Uterine Muscle ◽  
293 Cells

Desensitization of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the setting of prolonged oxytocin exposure may lead to dysfunctional labor, which increases the risk for cesarean delivery, and uterine atony, which may result in postpartum hemorrhage. The molecular mechanism for OXTR desensitization is through the agonist-mediated recruitment of the multifunctional protein β-arrestin. In addition to its desensitizing function, β-arrestins have recently been shown to simultaneously activate downstream signaling. We tested whether oxytocin stimulation promotes β-arrestin-mediated OXTR desensitization in vivo and activates β-arrestin-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) growth signaling. Uterine muscle strips isolated from wild-type mice exhibited diminished uterine contractility following repeated exposure to oxytocin, whereas uterine muscle strips from β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mice showed no desensitization. Utilizing siRNA knockdown of β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 in HEK-293 cells expressing the OXTR, we demonstrated oxytocin-mediated MAPK signaling that was dependent on β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2. Wild-type and β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mice receiving intravenous oxytocin also demonstrated oxytocin-mediated MAPK signaling that was dependent on β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2. Finally, to test the significance of β-arrestin-mediated signaling from the OXTR, HEK-293 cells expressing the OXTR showed β-arrestin-dependent proliferation in a cell migration assay following oxytocin treatment. In conclusion, β-arrestin is a multifunctional scaffold protein that mediates both desensitization of the OXTR, leading to decreases in uterine contractility, and MAPK growth signaling following stimulation by oxytocin. The development of unique OXTR ligands that prevent receptor desensitization may be a novel approach in the treatment of adverse clinical events secondary to prolonged oxytocin therapy.

PKC-δ sensitizes Kir3.1/3.2 channels to changes in membrane phospholipid levels after M3 receptor activation in HEK-293 cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (3) ◽  
pp. C543-C556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean G. Brown ◽  
Alison Thomas ◽  
Lodewijk V. Dekker ◽  
Andrew Tinker ◽  
Joanne L. Leaney
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Membrane Phospholipid ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Receptor Stimulation ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Channel Inhibition ◽  
293 Cells

G protein-gated inward rectifier (Kir3) channels are inhibited by activation of Gq/11-coupled receptors and this has been postulated to involve the signaling molecules protein kinase C (PKC) and/or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Their precise roles in mediating the inhibition of this family of channels remain controversial. We examine here their relative roles in causing inhibition of Kir3.1/3.2 channels stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells after muscarinic M3 receptor activation. In perforated patch mode, staurosporine prevented the Gq/11-mediated, M3 receptor, inhibition of channel activity. Recovery from M3-mediated inhibition was wortmannin sensitive. Whole cell currents, where the patch pipette was supplemented with PIP2, were still irreversibly inhibited by M3 receptor stimulation. When adenosine A1 receptors were co-expressed, inclusion of PIP2 rescued the A1-mediated response. Recordings from inside-out patches showed that catalytically active PKC applied directly to the intracellular membrane face inhibited the channels: a reversible effect modulated by okadaic acid. Generation of mutant heteromeric channel Kir3.1S185A/Kir3.2C-S178A, still left the channel susceptible to receptor, pharmacological, and direct kinase-mediated inhibition. Biochemically, labeled phosphate is incorporated into the channel. We suggest that PKC-δ mediates channel inhibition because recombinant PKC-δ inhibited channel activity, M3-mediated inhibition of the channel, was counteracted by overexpression of two types of dominant negative PKC-δ constructs, and, by using confocal microscopy, we have demonstrated translocation of green fluorescent protein-tagged PKC-δ to the plasma membrane on M3 receptor stimulation. Thus Kir3.1/3.2 channels are sensitive to changes in membrane phospholipid levels but this is contingent on the activity of PKC-δ after M3 receptor activation in HEK-293 cells.

Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 reduces inflammation in acute experimental pancreatitis via intra-acinar activation of p38 and MK2-dependent mechanisms

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (2) ◽  
pp. G181-G192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Michler ◽  
Martin Storr ◽  
Johannes Kramer ◽  
Stefanie Ochs ◽  
Antje Malo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Map Kinases ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Myeloperoxidase Activity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Pancreatic Acini

The endocannabinoid system has been shown to mediate beneficial effects on gastrointestinal inflammation via cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). These receptors have also been reported to activate the MAP kinases p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), which are involved in early acinar events leading to acute pancreatitis and induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Our aim was to examine the role of cannabinoid receptor activation in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis and the potential involvement of MAP kinases. Cerulein pancreatitis was induced in wild-type, CB1−/−, and MK2−/− mice pretreated with selective cannabinoid receptor agonists or antagonists. Severity of pancreatitis was determined by serum amylase and IL-6 levels, intracellular activation of pancreatic trypsinogen, lung myeloperoxidase activity, pancreatic edema, and histological examinations. Pancreatic lysates were investigated by Western blotting using phospho-specific antibodies against p38 and JNK. Quantitative PCR data, Western blotting experiments, and immunohistochemistry clearly show that CB1 and CB2 are expressed in mouse pancreatic acini. During acute pancreatitis, an upregulation especially of CB2 on apoptotic cells occurred. The unselective CB1/CB2 agonist HU210 ameliorated pancreatitis in wild-type and CB1−/− mice, indicating that this effect is mediated by CB2. Furthermore, blockade of CB2, not CB1, with selective antagonists engraved pathology. Stimulation with a selective CB2 agonist attenuated acute pancreatitis and an increased activation of p38 was observed in the acini. With use of MK2−/− mice, it could be demonstrated that this attenuation is dependent on MK2. Hence, using the MK2−/− mouse model we reveal a novel CB2-activated and MAP kinase-dependent pathway that modulates cytokine expression and reduces pancreatic injury and affiliated complications.

scholarly journals Tightly regulated and inducible expression of a yoked hormone-receptor complex in HEK 293 cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-255
Author(s):  
TP Meehan ◽  
D Puett ◽  
P Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone Receptor ◽  
Receptor Complex ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Clonal Lines

We have previously reported the construction of a constitutively active luteinizing hormone receptor by covalently linking a fused heterodimeric hormone to the extracellular domain of the G protein-coupled receptor. This yoked hormone-receptor complex (YHR) was found to produce high levels of cAMP in the absence of exogenous hormone. Stable lines expressing YHR were generated in HEK 293 cells to obtain lines with different expression levels; however, in a relatively short time of continued passage, it was found that YHR expression was greatly reduced. Herein, we describe the development of clonal lines of HEK 293 cells in which the expression of YHR is under the control of a tetracycline-regulated system. Characterization of clonal lines revealed tight control of YHR expression both by dose and time of incubation with doxycycline. These experiments demonstrated a good correlation between expression levels of the receptor and basal cAMP production. Moreover, the reduction in receptor expression following doxycycline removal revealed that YHR mRNA and protein decayed at similar rates, again suggesting a strong linkage between mRNA and protein levels. The controlled expression of YHR in this cell system will allow for a more detailed analysis of the signaling properties associated with constitutive receptor activation and may prove to be advantageous in developmental studies with transgenic animals.

scholarly journals K201 (JTV519) suppresses spontaneous Ca2+ release and [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR2 irrespective of FKBP12.6 association

2007 ◽  
Vol 404 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald J. Hunt ◽  
Peter P. Jones ◽  
Ruiwu Wang ◽  
Wenqian Chen ◽  
Jeff Bolstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Fk506 Binding Protein ◽  
293 Cells

K201 (JTV519), a benzothiazepine derivative, has been shown to possess anti-arrhythmic and cardioprotective properties, but the mechanism of its action is both complex and controversial. It is believed to stabilize the closed state of the RyR2 (cardiac ryanodine receptor) by increasing its affinity for the FKBP12.6 (12.6 kDa FK506 binding protein) [Wehrens, Lehnart, Reiken, Deng, Vest, Cervantes, Coromilas, Landry and Marks (2004) Science 304, 292–296]. In the present study, we investigated the effect of K201 on spontaneous Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ overload in rat ventricular myocytes and in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) expressing RyR2 and the role of FKBP12.6 in the action of K201. We found that K201 abolished spontaneous Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Treating ventricular myocytes with FK506 to dissociate FKBP12.6 from RyR2 did not affect the suppression of spontaneous Ca2+ release by K201. Similarly, K201 was able to suppress spontaneous Ca2+ release in FK506-treated HEK-293 cells co-expressing RyR2 and FKBP12.6. Furthermore, K201 suppressed spontaneous Ca2+ release in HEK-293 cells expressing RyR2 alone and in cells co-expressing RyR2 and FKBP12.6 with the same potency. In addition, K201 inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR2-wt (wild-type) and an RyR2 mutant linked to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death, N4104K, in the absence of FKBP12.6. These observations demonstrate that FKBP12.6 is not involved in the inhibitory action of K201 on spontaneous Ca2+ release. Our results also suggest that suppression of spontaneous Ca2+ release and the activity of RyR2 contributes, at least in part, to the anti-arrhythmic properties of K201.

Canonical transient receptor potential TRPC7 can function as both a receptor- and store-operated channel in HEK-293 cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (6) ◽  
pp. C1709-C1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Lièvremont ◽  
Gary St. J. Bird ◽  
James W. Putney
Keyword(s):  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Activation Mechanism ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Canonical Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Store Depletion ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Transient Receptor

Previous studies on the activation mechanism of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels have often produced conflicting conclusions. All seven have been shown to be activated by phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled receptors, but TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, and TRPC7 have also been proposed to function as store-operated channels. 1 1 Although PLC activation inevitably leads to activation of store-operated channels, in this report when we refer to PLC-activated channels, we mean those channels that are specifically activated by PLC independently of store depletion. In the case of TRPC3, the expression environment and the expression level appear to determine the mode of regulation. Evidence of a close structural relative of TRPC3, TRPC7, has been presented that this channel is activated by receptor activation or by store depletion. On the basis of previous findings for TRPC3, we reasoned that subtle differences in structure or expression conditions might account for the apparent distinct gating mechanisms of TRPC7. To reexamine the mode of activation of TRPC7, we stably and transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells with cDNA encoding for human TRPC7. We examined the ability of a PLC-activating agonist and an intracellular Ca2+ store-depleting agent to activate these channels. Our findings demonstrate that when transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells, TRPC7 forms channels that are activated by PLC-stimulating agonists, but not by Ca2+ store depletion. However, when stably expressed in HEK-293 cells, TRPC7 can be activated by either Ca2+ store depletion or PLC activation. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a channel protein that can be activated by both receptor- and store-operated modes in the same cell. In addition, the results reconcile the apparently conflicting findings of other laboratories regarding TRPC7 regulation.

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