Anoctamin-4 is a bona fide Ca2+-dependent non-selective cation channel.

Changes in cell function occur by specific patterns of intracellular Ca2+, activating Ca2+-sensitive proteins. The anoctamin (TMEM16) protein family has Ca2+-dependent ion channel activity, which provides transmembrane ion transport, and/or Ca2+-dependent phosphatidyl-scramblase activity. Using amino acid sequence analysis combined with measurements of ion channel function, we clarified the so far unknown Ano4 function as Ca2+-dependent, non-selective monovalent cation channel; heterologous Ano4 expression in HEK293 cells elicits Ca2+ activated conductance with weak selectivity of K+ > Na+ > Li+. Endogenously expressed Ca2+-dependent cation channels in the retinal pigment epithelium were identified as Ano4 by KO mouse-derived primary RPE cells and siRNA against Ano4. Exchanging a negatively charged amino acid in the putative pore region (AA702-855) into a positive one (E775K) turns Ano4-elicited currents into Cl- currents evidencing its importance for ion selectivity. The molecular identification of Ano4 as a Ca2+-activated cation channel advances the understanding of its role in Ca2+ signaling.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation in Pediatric Lens Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a complication after cataract surgery, particularly in children. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells, mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGFß), contributes to PCO. However, its pathogenesis in children is poorly understood. We correlated cell growth in culture with patient characteristics, studied gene expression of pediatric lens epithelial cells (pLEC), and examined the effects of TGFß-2 on these cells in vitro. Methods: Clinical characteristics of children with cataracts correlated with growth behavior of pLEC in vitro. mRNA expression of epithelial (αB-crystallin, connexin-43) and mesenchymal (αV-integrin, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen-Iα2, fibronectin-1) markers was quantified in pLEC and in cell line HLE-B3 in the presence and absence of TGFß-2. Results: Fifty-four anterior lens capsules from 40 children aged 1 to 180 months were obtained. Cell outgrowth occurred in 44% of the capsules from patients ≤ 12 months and in 33% of capsules from children aged 13 to 60 months, but in only 6% of capsules from children over 60 months. TGFß-2 significantly upregulated expression of αB-crystallin (HLE-B3), αV-integrin (HLE-B3), collagen-Iα2, and fibronectin-1 (in pLEC and HLE-B3 cells). Conclusions: Patient characteristics correlated with growth behavior of pLEC in vitro, paralleling a higher clinical incidence of PCO in younger children. Gene expression profiles of pLEC and HLE-B3 suggest that upregulation of αV-integrin, collagen-Iα2, and fibronectin-1 are involved in EMT.

Activation of a Ca2+-dependent cation conductance with properties of TRPM2 by reactive oxygen species in lens epithelial cells.

Ion channels are crucial for maintenance of ion homeostasis and transparency of the lens. The lens epithelium is the metabolically and electrophysiologically active cell type providing nutrients, ions and water to the lens fiber cells. Ca2+-dependent non-selective ion channels seem to play an important role for ion homeostasis. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize Ca2+- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent non-selective cation channels in human lens epithelial cells. RT-PCR revealed gene expression of the Ca2+-activated non-selective cation channels TRPC3, TRPM2, TRPM4 and Ano6 in both primary lens epithelial cells and the cell line HLE-B3, whereas TRPM5 mRNA was only found in HLE-B3 cells. Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, ionomycin evoked non-selective cation currents with linear current-voltage relationship in both cell types. The current was decreased by flufenamic acid (FFA), 2-APB, 9-phenanthrol and miconazole, but insensitive to DIDS, ruthenium red, and intracellularly applied spermine. H2O2 evoked a comparable current, abolished by FFA. TRPM2 protein expression in HLE-B3 cells was confirmed by means of immunocytochemistry and western blot. In summary, we conclude that lens epithelial cells functionally express Ca2+- and H2O2-activated non-selective cation channels with properties of TRPM2.

Anoctamin2 (TMEM16B) forms the Ca2+-activated Cl- channel in the retinal pigment epithelium.

Chloride channels (Cl channels) play an essential role for the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). They provide a plasma membrane conductance for Cl- important for transepithelial transport and volume regulation. Ca2+-dependent chloride channels (CaCC) in the RPE were found to adapt Cl- transport to specific needs by increasing intracellular free Ca2+. Although a variety of Cl channels have been identified in the RPE, the molecular identity of the CaCC remains controversial. Sagittal sections of mouse retina were stained against anoctamin2 (Ano2) and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Membrane currents from ARPE-19 cells and primary murine RPE cells were recorded in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Expression of Ano2 was assessed via immunocytochemistry, PCR and western-blot and down-regulated via siRNA approaches. In the mouse retina, Ano2 was found in the basolateral membrane of the RPE. In primary mouse RPE cells, Ano2 was localized predominantly in the cell membrane. Ano2 mRNA and protein were also detected in rat and primate RPE as well as ARPE-19 cells. Whole-cell currents were elicited by increasing intracellular free Ca2+ via ATP application. These currents were identified as Cl- currents by their reversal potential and blocker sensitivity. Knock-down of Ano2 by siRNA decreased both the Ca2+ dependent chloride conductance and protein expression of Ano2. The biophysical and pharmacological properties of CaCC in ARPE-19 and primary mouse RPE cells resemble those described in previous publications using RPE cells from different species. The siRNA knock-down suggests that Ano2 contributes to Ca2+-dependent chloride conductance in the RPE.

Regulation of surface expression of TRPV2 channels in the retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) interacts closely with the photoreceptors in fulfilling tasks of visual function. Since an understanding of the RPE function is essential for understanding the patho-mechanisms involved in vision loss, we explored the regulation of the vanilloid receptor subtype transient receptor potential TRPV2 channels that trigger insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) secretion. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess TRPV2 expression in retinal cross-sections or ARPE-19 cells, and surface expression of TRPV2 was quantified using confocal microscopy. Membrane currents of ARPE-19 cells were recorded using a whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. RESULTS: TRPV2 expression was detected in the RPE of the mouse retina as well as in ARPE-19 cells. Increasing the temperature to 45 °C activated membrane conductance sensitive to SKF-96365 and ruthenium red in 60 % of cells. Preincubation with either cannabidiol (CBD) or IGF-1 led to a three- or fourfold increase in current density, respectively, in all cells, which was blocked by SKF-96365. In contrast to IGF-1, CBD stimulation of membrane conductance was further increased by heat. TRPV2 surface expression was increased by both IGF-1 and CBD, with the increase by CBD twice as large as that by IGF-1. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 abolished the effects on membrane conductance and surface expression. CONCLUSIONS: Both CBD and IGF-1 enhance TRPV2 channel activity by specific proportions of both channel activation and PI 3-kinase-dependent surface expression: IGF-1 predominantly increases ion channel activity, whereas CBD is more active in increasing TRPV2 surface expression. Thus, differential regulation of TRPV2 surface expression is an important mechanism for modulating the responsiveness of the RPE to growth factors.