Ca2+ signals regulate diverse functions in the developing nervous system, including proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs), migration of nascent neurons, and apoptosis. Although the role of Ca2+ signaling in the development of the nervous system is widely recognized, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for production of Ca2+ signals in NSCs. Among the various mechanisms by which cellular Ca2+ signals are generated, store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels have emerged as a widespread pathway for regulating many Ca2+-dependent functions, including transcription, motility and proliferation. CRAC channels are encoded by the Orai genes, which give rise to three highly homologous proteins that are widely expressed in most tissues. Emerging evidence in our laboratory indicates that CRAC channels encoded by the canonical Orai1-STIM1 pathway are a major route of Ca2+ entry in NSCs. Moreover, Ca2+ influx through CRAC channels powerfully activates Ca2+-dependent gene expression mediated by the transcription factor, NFAT, and regulates the proliferation of NSCs. We hypothesize that CRAC channels are a key checkpoint for proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. The overall goal of the present proposal is to elucidate the molecular and functional properties of CRAC channels in NSCs and illuminate their role for gene expression, proliferation, and differentiation of NSCs. Using a combination of electrophysiological and biochemical approaches as well as genetically engineered mice lacking CRAC channel function, we will: 1) define the electrophysiolgical properties and molecular machinery of CRAC channels in NSCs, 2) investigate the gating mechanisms involved in the opening of the pore following binding of the ER Ca2+ sensor, STIM1, to CRAC channels, and, 3) illuminate the downstream functions of CRAC channels for gene expression, proliferation, and differentiation in NSCs. Findings from these studies will significantly deepen our understanding of Ca2+ signaling pathways in NSCs and the mechanisms regulating early neuronal development. In addition, by addressing the mechanisms of CRAC channel gating, our studies are likely to impact the design of new drugs against CRAC channels and provide a basis for new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury.
Store-operated CRAC channels mediate vital roles in the functions of various organ systems including the immune, muscle, and other tissues. Recent discoveries indicate that the proteins encoding CRAC channels are expressed widely, including in developing neural stem cells. The goal of this project is to understand the relevance of CRAC channels for the biology of neural stem cells. Findings from these studies will deepen our understanding of how diverse processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration of neural stem cells are controlled, and may enable the development of stem-cell based therapeutic strategies to tackle brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
| Yeung, Priscilla S-W; Yamashita, Megumi; Ing, Christopher E et al. (2018) Mapping the functional anatomy of Orai1 transmembrane domains for CRAC channel gating. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115:E5193-E5202 |
| Vaeth, Martin; Yang, Jun; Yamashita, Megumi et al. (2017) ORAI2 modulates store-operated calcium entry and T cell-mediated immunity. Nat Commun 8:14714 |
| Yeung, Priscilla S-W; Yamashita, Megumi; Prakriya, Murali (2017) Pore opening mechanism of CRAC channels. Cell Calcium 63:14-19 |
| Yamashita, Megumi; Yeung, Priscilla S-W; Ing, Christopher E et al. (2017) STIM1 activates CRAC channels through rotation of the pore helix to open a hydrophobic gate. Nat Commun 8:14512 |
| Toth, Anna B; Shum, Andrew K; Prakriya, Murali (2016) Regulation of neurogenesis by calcium signaling. Cell Calcium 59:124-34 |
| Jairaman, Amit; Yamashita, Megumi; Schleimer, Robert P et al. (2015) Store-Operated Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca2+ Channels Regulate PAR2-Activated Ca2+ Signaling and Cytokine Production in Airway Epithelial Cells. J Immunol 195:2122-33 |
| Maus, Mate; Jairaman, Amit; Stathopulos, Peter B et al. (2015) Missense mutation in immunodeficient patients shows the multifunctional roles of coiled-coil domain 3 (CC3) in STIM1 activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112:6206-11 |
| Shim, Ann Hye-Ryong; Tirado-Lee, Leidamarie; Prakriya, Murali (2015) Structural and functional mechanisms of CRAC channel regulation. J Mol Biol 427:77-93 |
| Prakriya, Murali; Lewis, Richard S (2015) Store-Operated Calcium Channels. Physiol Rev 95:1383-436 |
| Tirado-Lee, Leidamarie; Yamashita, Megumi; Prakriya, Murali (2015) Conformational Changes in the Orai1 C-Terminus Evoked by STIM1 Binding. PLoS One 10:e0128622 |
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