• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.87-94
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• 2021

Skin photoaging occurs due to chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UV), the main factor contributing to extrinsic skin aging. Clinical signs of photoaging include the formation of deep, coarse skin wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Although melanogenesis and skin wrinkling occur in different skin cells and have different underlying mechanisms, their initiation involves intracellular calcium signaling via calcium ion channels. The ORAI1 channel initiates melanogenesis in melanocytes, and the TRPV1 channel initiates MMP-1 production in keratinocytes in response to UV stimulation. We aimed to develop a drug that may simultaneously inhibit ORAI1 and TRPV1 activity to help prevent photoaging. We synthesized nootkatol, a chemical derivative of valencene. TRPV1 and ORAI1 activities were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i was measured using calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye (Fura-2 AM). UV-induced melanin formation and MMP-1 production were quantified in B16F10 melanoma cells and HaCaT cells, respectively. Our results indicate that nootkatol (90 μM) reduced TRPV1 current by 94% ± 2% at -60 mV and ORAI1 current by 97% ± 1% at -120 mV. Intracellular calcium signaling was significantly inhibited by nootkatol in response to ORAI1 activation in human primary melanocytes (51.6% ± 0.98% at 100 μM). Additionally, UV-induced melanin synthesis was reduced by 76.38% ± 5.90% in B16F10 melanoma cells, and UV-induced MMP-1 production was reduced by 59.33% ± 1.49% in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, nootkatol inhibits both TRPV1 and ORAI1 to prevent photoaging, and targeting ion channels may be a promising strategy for preventing photoaging.

• BMB Reports
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.382-386
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• 1995

One of the reaction pathways in light-invoked signal transduction can be initiated through ion fluxes across the plasma membrane in higher plants. We isolated protoplasts from oat coleoptile and examined the effects of light on the membrane potential using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe (bisoxonol). Both red and far-red light initially induced a hyperpolarization in oat cells. Red light-induced hyperpolarization was effectively dissipated by 100 mM $K^+$, but the hyperpolarization induced by far-red light was not depolarized by any of the cations ($K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Li^+$, $Na^+$) tested. The depolarization induced by red light and $K^+$ was inhibited by 200 mM TEA, which is a $K^+$ channel blocker. These results suggest that $K^+$ influx through the inward $K^+$ channel may be a depolarization path in the phytochrome-mediated signal transduction.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.88-100
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• 2021

Anoctamin 6/TMEM16F (ANO6) is a dual-function protein with Ca2+-activated ion channel and Ca2+-activated phospholipid scramblase activities, requiring a high intracellular Ca2+ concentration (e.g., half-maximal effective Ca2+ concentration [EC50] of [Ca2+]i > 10 μM), and strong and sustained depolarization above 0 mV. Structural comparison with Anoctamin 1/TMEM16A (ANO1), a canonical Ca2+-activated chloride channel exhibiting higher Ca2+ sensitivity (EC50 of 1 μM) than ANO6, suggested that a homologous Ca2+-transferring site in the N-terminal domain (Nt) might be responsible for the differential Ca2+ sensitivity and kinetics of activation between ANO6 and ANO1. To elucidate the role of the putative Ca2+-transferring reservoir in the Nt (Nt-CaRes), we constructed an ANO6-1-6 chimera in which Nt-CaRes was replaced with the corresponding domain of ANO1. ANO6-1-6 showed higher sensitivity to Ca2+ than ANO6. However, neither the speed of activation nor the voltage-dependence differed between ANO6 and ANO6-1-6. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed a reduced Ca2+ interaction with Nt-CaRes in ANO6 than ANO6-1-6. Moreover, mutations on potentially Ca2+-interacting acidic amino acids in ANO6 Nt-CaRes resulted in reduced Ca2+ sensitivity, implying direct interactions of Ca2+ with these residues. Based on these results, we cautiously suggest that the net charge of Nt-CaRes is responsible for the difference in Ca2+ sensitivity between ANO1 and ANO6.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.697-703
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• 2018

Myoblast fusion depends on mitochondrial integrity and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signaling regulated by various ion channels. In this study, we investigated the ionic currents associated with $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ regulation in normal and mitochondrial DNA-depleted(${\rho}0$) L6 myoblasts. The ${\rho}0$ myoblasts showed impaired myotube formation. The inwardly rectifying $K^+$ current ($I_{Kir}$) was largely decreased with reduced expression of KIR2.1, whereas the voltage-operated $Ca^{2+}$ channel and $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channel currents were intact. Sustained inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport by antimycin A treatment (24 h) also decreased the $I_{Kir}$. The ${\rho}0$ myoblasts showed depolarized resting membrane potential and higher basal $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. Our results demonstrated the specific downregulation of $I_{Kir}$ by dysfunctional mitochondria. The resultant depolarization and altered $Ca^{2+}$ signaling might be associated with impaired myoblast fusion in ${\rho}0$ myoblasts.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.137-141
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• 2008

Molecular cloning revealed the three isoforms($Ca_v3.1,\;Ca_v3.2,\;and\;Ca_v3.3$) of the T-type calcium channel subfamily. Expression studies exhibited their distinctive electrophysiological and pharmacological properties, accounting for diverse properties of T-type calcium channel currents previously characterized from isolated cells. However, electrophysiological properties of ion channels have shown to be more diversified by their splice variants. We here searched splice variants of rat $Ca_v3.1$ T-type channel by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) to further explore diversity of $Ca_v3.1$. Interestingly, analyses of cloned RT-PCR products displayed that there were at least four splicing variants of rat $Ca_v3.1$ in the loop connecting repeats III and IV. Southern blot analyses indicated that the predominantly detected variant in brain was $Ca_v3.1a$(492 bp), which were rarely detected in most of peripheral tissues. Other two variants($Ca_v3.1c$, 546 bp; $Ca_v3.1d$, 525 bp) were detected in most of the tissues examined. The smallest isoform($Ca_v3.1b$, 471 bp) was rarely detected all the tissues. Electrophysiological characterization of the splicing variants indicated that the splice variants differ in inactivation kinetics and the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation as well.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 1985

Isolated sinus node cells of the rabbit were used to assess the effects of extracellular Na, K, Ca and Mg concentrations on cardiac pacemaker activity. With intracellular glass micro-electrodes spontaneous action potentials of SA node were recorded and the effects of various ions and their blockers were analyzed in terms of the cycle length, the amplitude and the duration of action potentials, the results obtained were as follows. 1. Sodium reduction [up to 30%] decreased the amplitude of action potential and lengthened the cycle length. TTX, specific blocker of Na channel slightly lengthened the cycle length. 2. Increasing potassium ion concentration, the duration of action potential decreased and the frequency increased in 6mM, however, spontaneous action potential was stopped in 24 mM. Barium ion known to be decreasing K conductance increased the duration of action potential but no significant change in the cycle length was noticed. 3. Calcium ion has shortening effect on the duration and the cycle length of action potential but not with dose-dependent manner. Cadmium ion .[0.02mM] lengthened cycle length and the duration of action potential. 4. Increasing the concentration of magnesium ion the cycle length was lengthened, significantly.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.125-132
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• 2020

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprise a diverse family of ion channels, the majority of which are calcium permeable and show sophisticated regulatory patterns in response to various environmental cues. Early studies led to the recognition of TRP channels as environmental and chemical sensors. Later studies revealed that TRP channels mediated the regulation of intracellular calcium. Mutations in TRP channel genes result in abnormal regulation of TRP channel function or expression, and interfere with normal spatial and temporal patterns of intracellular local Ca²⁺ distribution. The resulting dysregulation of multiple downstream effectors, depending on Ca²⁺ homeostasis, is associated with hallmarks of cancer pathophysiology, including enhanced proliferation, survival and invasion of cancer cells. These findings indicate that TRP channels affect multiple events that control cellular fate and play a key role in cancer progression. This review discusses the accumulating evidence supporting the role of TRP channels in tumorigenesis, with emphasis on prostate cancer.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.33-40
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• 2022

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) represents one of the major Ca²⁺ entry routes in non-excitable cells. It is involved in a variety of fundamental biological processes and the maintenance of Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channel consists of stromal interaction molecule and Orai; however, the role and action of Homer proteins as an adaptor protein to SOCE-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling through the activation of CRAC channels in non-excitable cells still remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of Homer2 in the process of Ca²⁺ signaling induced by the interaction between CRACs and Homer2 proteins in non-excitable cells. The response to Ca²⁺ entry by thapsigargin-mediated Ca²⁺ store depletion remarkably decreased in pancreatic acinar cells of Homer2^-/- mice, as compared to wild-type cells. It also showed critical differences in regulated patterns by the specific blockers of SOCE in pancreatic acinar cells of Homer2^-/- mice. The response to Ca²⁺ entry by the depletion in Ca²⁺ store markedly increased in the cellular overexpression of Orai1 and STIM1 as compared to the overexpression of Homer2 in cells; however, this response was remarkably inhibited by the overexpression of Orai1, STIM1, and Homer2. These results suggest that Homer2 has a critical role in the regulatory action of SOCE activity and the interactions between CRAC channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.181-187
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• 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in various cells, including vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and regulate ion channel functions. $K_{Ca}3.1$ plays an important role in endothelial functions. However, the effects of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals on the expression of this ion channel in the endothelium remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of ROS donors on $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression and the $K^+$ current in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The hydrogen peroxide donor, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), upregulated $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression, while the superoxide donors, xanthine/xanthine oxidase mixture (X/XO) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), downregulated its expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. These ROS donor effects were prevented by antioxidants or superoxide dismustase. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was upregulated by TBHP and downregulated by X/XO. In addition, repressor element-1-silencing transcription factor (REST) was downregulated by TBHP, and upregulated by X/XO. Furthermore, $K_{Ca}3.1$ current, which was activated by clamping cells with 1 ${\mu}M$ $Ca^{2+}$ and applying the $K_{Ca}3.1$ activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, was further augmented by TBHP, and inhibited by X/XO. These effects were prevented by antioxidants. The results suggest that hydrogen peroxide increases $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression by upregulating pERK and downregulating REST, and augments the $K^+$ current. On the other hand, superoxide reduces $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression by downregulating pERK and upregulating REST, and inhibits the $K^+$ current. ROS thereby play a key role in both physiological and pathological processes in endothelial cells by regulating $K_{Ca}3.1$ and endothelial function.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.77-83
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• 1999

Calcium has a variety of functions in neuron and muscle cells and blood clotting, especially in the visual system where dark adapted rods cotransport with Na$\^$+/ into the cell. An influx of Ca$\^$++/ flows out of the cell through the Na$\^$+/-Ca$\^$++/ exchanger. By using a modified Using chamber in order to bring in vivo environment close, we have known that Ca$\^$++/ blocks the activity of guanylate cyclase, in consequence, having an effect on the amplitude of electroretinogram (ERG). We have measured the Ca$\^$++/, K$\^$+/, and Na$\^$+/ concentration in dark and light adapted bullfrog＇s (Rana catesbeiana) vitreous humor. The calcium concentration of the light adapted bullfrog＇s vitreous humor was higher than that of the dark adapted bullfrog＇s vitreous humor This means that ion activity between the photoreceptor and vitreous humor side is light dependent and we have found that a Ca$\^$++/ channel and Ca$\^$++/K$\^$+/ exchanger exist in the vitreous humor side. Taken together permeability of Ca$\^$++/, K$\^$+/ and K$\^$+/ ion internal limiting membrane faced in the vitreous humor side has light-dependent activity during the illumination.