Chloride channels play an essential role in the physiology of the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, and secretory glands. Their dysregulation underlies debilitating pathologies such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and certain cancers. The CLCA (Chloride Channel Accessory) gene family is thought to determine severity of these diseases by modulating an unidentified Calcium-activated Chloride Channel (CaCC). Recent evidence indicates Ano1 to be the mediator of strong quintessential calcium-activated chloride current in several cell types. Ano1 is highly expressed in airway epithelium and downregulated in cystic fibrosis patients. Human CLCA2 is also expressed in epithelium of airways and mammary glands, and there it promotes calcium-activated chloride current. Hence, we hypothesized that CLCA2 modulates the conductance of Ano1. We tested this by introducing Ano1 and CLCA2 together or separately into HEK293 cells, which express endogenous Ano1 at a low level. Using whole-cell voltage clamp, we found that CLCA2 enhanced the conductance of the endogenous CaCC. This current was inhibited by a specific inhibitor of Ano1, tannic acid. CLCA2 also increased both the amplitude and the onset rate of the Ano1-mediated current. To determine the mechanism by which CLCA2 amplifies Ano1 mediated current, we used co-immunoprecipitation with or without a protein cross-linking agent and to test whether the interaction if any, was stable or transient, respectively. Neither any interaction, nor any change in Ano1 multimerization was found. We next tested whether CLCA2 enhanced Ano1 conductance by increasing its stability or surface localization. Surface-labelling the cells expressing Ano1 alone or both proteins with biotin, no difference in Ano1 level or surface expression was detected. Ano1 has recently been shown to be activated by intracellular calcium released from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores and by subsequent store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Therefore, we investigated whether CLCA2 could increase intracellular calcium levels. With Fluo-4 dye calcium imaging, we found that CLCA2 expression enhanced both ER calcium stores and SOCE upon exhaustion of intracellular stores, and the SOCE response could be abolished by a specific inhibitor of SOCE, BTP-2. This inhibitor also abolished CLCA2-induced chloride current, establishing that CLCA2 enhances CaCC via SOCE. Moreover, knockdown of CLCA2 in MCF10A cells, that naturally express both proteins, reduced both ER calcium stores and SOCE. Mutations that abolished the metalloprotease activity of CLCA2 or deleted the cytoplasmic tail had little effect on its enhancement of chloride current or intracellular calcium, suggesting that the uncleaved ectodomain was responsible for both effects of CLCA2. Since, the ectodomain is the most conserved region of the protein, we found that another member of the CLCA family, CLCA1, was also effective in enhancing intracellular calcium storage and SOCE. Co-immunoprecipitation studies further revealed that CLCA2 interacts in a ternary complex with mediators of SOCE, STIM1 and ORAI1. These results explain the CaCC-enhancing effects of CLCA family members and suggest a broader role in other calcium-dependent processes. Understanding the modulatory relationship between these molecules may lead to better therapies for airway diseases and Ano1-dependent cancers. Furthermore, the discovery that CLCA2 regulates intracellular calcium levels may explain its effects on cellular differentiation, stress response, and cell death.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is involved in the maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ levels. The SOCE involves Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1), distributed throughout the ER, and Orai1 channels, dispersed on the plasma membrane. SOCE is activated by the depletion of ER Ca2+ causing STIM1 to induce ER expansion and recruits Orai1 channels thus replenishing ER Ca2+. We reported downregulation of STIM1 in human islets from donors with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in INS-1 β-cells treated with cytokines, and loss of STIM1 expression impairs β-cell SOCE, ER stress, and reduced insulin secretion. However, the regulatory mechanisms of STIM1 downregulation are unknown. To test this, actinomycin D and cycloheximide chase assay was performed to define whether IL-1β treatment impacted STIM1 mRNA or protein half-life. IL-1β had no impact on mRNA or protein decay. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs can regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary regions in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, affecting mRNA stability and translatability. The objective of this study was to establish miRNA regulation of STIM1 expression and altered SOCE. To identify potential miRNA candidates, RNA sequencing was done in human islets, treated with IL-1β and IFN-γ for 24 hrs. A total of 20 miRNAs were differentially expressed using a FC value of ≥ 1.5 and a p value of < 0.05. Of these, two miRNAs (miR-146a-5p and miR-4640-5p) were predicted by TargetScan to bind the 3’UTR of STIM1.To validate these findings, INS-1 β-cells, and human islets were treated with or without IL-1β. Only miR-146a-5p was upregulated in both systems. Consistent with inverse correlation, INS-1 β-cells transfected with miR-146a-5p mimic showed reduced STIM1 expression. To test whether miR-146a-5p inhibition preserves STIM1 expression, INS1 cells were treated with miR-146a-5p inhibitor along with IL-1β and inhibition of miR-146a-5p led to partial preservation of STIM1 expression. Future studies will test the effect of miR-146a-5p mimics and inhibitors on SOCE. The results indicate that the stress induced by IL-1β leads to induction of miR-146a-5p, which may then target STIM1 mRNA. Such studies could enable broader implementation of miRNA in βcell dysfunction.

In an effort to dissect the mechanism of SOCe activation, I used two novel 2-APB analogs (DPB162-AE and DPB163-AE) which are ~50-100 times more potent at modifying SOCe than 2-APB. In the presence of STIM1, both compounds (2 µM) differentially affected Orai subtypes, fully blocking endogenous Orai1, but not Orai2 or Orai3 mediated SOCe in DT40 Orai-specific knockout cells. Neither analog directly activated Orai3 over-expressed alone in HEK293 cells. Analysis of constitutively active Orai1 mutant, Orai1V102C, showed an increase in Ca2+ entry after application of DPB162-AE independent of STIM1. When STIM1 was co-expressed with Orai1V102C, there was no inhibitory effect of the analog on the mutant channel complex. DPB162-AE appeared to have a long term effect on the channel complex revealed a lack of SOCe 10 minutes after washout of the analog. STIM1ct-Orai1 Ca2+ entry was moderately increased by DPB162-AE yet constitutively active Stim1ct4EA-Orai1 Ca2+ entry was robustly inhibited. The activation of mutant Orai1V102C indicated the analogs are capable of interacting with Orai1, perhaps to widen the pore, and pointing to a putative mechanism of action for inhibition. FRET analysis indicated no effect on STIM1-Orai1, STIM1ct-Orai1 or SOAR-Orai1 coupling. Thus, the inhibitory effect on STIM1-Orai may be through physical alteration of Orai1 gating. Previously reported as having biphasic effect on SOCe proteins, DPB163-AE appeared to effect its potentiation exclusively via STIM2 with no evident inhibition of STIM2 SOCe. Inhibition by both analogs was mediated by STIM1. DPB162-AE and DPB163-AE had remarkable specificity on Orai1 as opposed to other Ca2+ permeant channels. Neither compound affected Ca2+ entry through TRPC3, TRPC6, or strontium entry through Cav1.2 channels at concentrations (2 µM) that completely inhibited Orai1-mediated SOCe. In summary, DPB162-AE and DPB163-AE are highly specific inhibitors of Orai1 SOCe, with little effect on Orai2 and Orai3, and no effect on other Ca2+ channels. They do not disrupt STIM-Orai coupling but may modify functional Orai1 channel structure to effect their inhibitory action on SOCe. / Biochemistry

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La myopathie à agrégats tubulaires (TAM) est une maladie génétique qui se caractérise par la présence d’agrégats tubulaires dans les biopsies musculaires de patients. Notre équipe a identifié pour la première fois des mutations dans STIM1 comme étant à l’origine de cette maladie. STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) est le senseur calcique du réticulum sarco/endoplasmique (RE/RS). En effet, en cas de diminution du calcium (Ca2+) dans le RE/RS, STIM1 se déplie, oligomérise et migre à proximité de la membrane plasmique (MP) pour activer le canal calcique ORAI1 et permettre le remplissage des stocks. Ce mécanisme est le «store-operated Ca2+ entry» (SOCE). D’autres équipes ont rapporté une mutation dans STIM1 (p.R304W) conduisant à une TAM associée à d’autres symptômes, ou encore syndrome de Stormorken. Ainsi, ce travail a eu pour but d’étudier et de comparer l’impact des mutations TAM et Stormorken à différents niveaux du SOCE. Nous avons ainsi montré que les mutations TAM et Stormorken conduisent à une augmentation de l’expression de STIM1, à la formation de clusters constitutifs de STIM1 à proximité de la MP, ainsi qu’au recrutement du canal ORAI1 et à l’activation de la voie du NFAT, dépendante du Ca2+. / Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) is a genetic disorder characterized by tubular aggregates in muscle biopsies of patients. Our team identified for the first time mutations in STIM1 as causative of this disease. STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) is the main calcium (Ca2+) sensor of the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR). Following Ca2+ depletion of the ER/SR, STIM1 unfolds, oligomerizes and migrates close to the plasma membrane (PM) to activate the Ca2+ channel ORAI1, leading to Ca2+ entry. This mechanism is the «store-operated Ca2+ entry» (SOCE). Several teams report a mutation in STIM1 (p.R304W) leading to TAM associated with other symptoms, described as Stormorken syndrome. Therefore, this work aims to assess and compare the impact of TAM and Stormorken mutations at different stages of the SOCE pathway. We show that TAM and Stormorken mutations lead to an increase expression of the protein, a constitutive STIM1 clustering near the PM, to ORAI1 constitutive recruitment and to the activation of a Ca2+ -dependent pathway: the NFAT pathway.

Les lysosomes sont importants pour la survie et la fonction des cellules du système nerveux central et en particulier des neurones. Le mécanisme de la reformation des lysosomes est crucial pour maintenir une quantité adéquate de lysosomes fonctionnels dans les cellules. La spatacsine, qui joue un rôle dans le ce mécanisme est impliquée dans la paraplégie spastique de type SPG11 ; une maladie caractérisée par des troubles moteurs et cognitifs sévères. L’utilisation de modèles cellulaires de cette pathologie permet d’étudier les mécanismes physiopathologiques à l’origine d’altérations de la reformation des lysosomes. J’ai montré que la perte de fonction de la spatacsine est responsable de l’accumulation de lipides dans les lysosomes. Ces accumulations sont constituées de gangliosides et de cholestérol et sont présentes dans les autolysosomes perturbant leur recyclage en lysosomes, notamment en empêchant le recrutement de protéines impliquées dans le mécanisme. Les accumulations de gangliosides rendent les neurones à l’exposition au glutamate ce qui suggère que ces altérations pourraient avoir un rôle dans la neurodégénérescence. J’ai aussi montré que l’absence de spatacsine provoque une dérégulation de l’import de Ca2+ extracellulaire par le « store-operated calcium entry » ce qui conduit à altération de l’homéostasie calcique. L’inhibition de l’import de calcium par le SOCE permet de réduire les accumulations de lipides et de rétablir partiellement le recyclage des lysosomes. Ainsi, l’absence de spatacsine induit une altération de l’homéostasie calcique qui participe à l’accumulation de lipides dans le système lysosomal ce qui est délétère pour la survie des neurones. / Lysosomal dysfunctions are involved in a large number of neurodegenerative diseases highlightingthe crucial function of lysosomes in neuron survival and function. The mechanism of lysosomereformation from autolysosomes allow cells to maintain the ool of functional lysosomes.Disruptions of this rocess are involved in athologies affecting the central nervous system. Inparticular, spatacsin that lays a role in lysosome recycling is implicated in hereditary spasticparaplegia type SPG11, a severe disease characterized by motors and cognitive alterations. Thispathology is caused by loss of function mutations in SPG11, encoding spatacsin. The study ofSPG11 cellular models gives the opportunity to decipher the hysiopathological mechanismsunderlying lysosomal reformation disruptions.During my thesis, I showed that loss of spatacsin function induces lipid accumulation in lysosomesand articularly in autolysosomes both in fibroblasts and neurons from Spg11-/- mice. Gangliosidesand cholesterol are among lipids that accumulate in autolysosomes impairing lysosomal membranerecycling by disrupting the recruitment of keys roteins. Neurons with ganglioside accumulationsare more sensitive to glutamate induced neuronal death, suggesting that these accumulations areinvolved in neurodegeneration. These results could be of great importance since accumulations ofgangliosides in lysosomes arise in many diseases.I also showed that loss of spatacsin disrupts extracellular calcium import by the store-operatedcalcium entry (SOCE) leading to an increase in cytosolic calcium levels. Lysosomal calcium contentis also increased in Spg11-/- cells and calcium release from lysosome by TRPML1 is reduced.Inhibiting SOCE and stimulating lysosomal calcium release by TRPML1 reduced lipidsaccumulations in lysosomes and artially restored lysosome reformation.Our data suggest that absence of spatacsin is responsible for a disruption of calcium homeostasisthat contributes to lipid accumulation in autolysosomes, disturbing reformation of lysosomes fromautolysosomes. Inhibiting gangliosides synthesis could be used as a therapeutic strategy. However,understanding how loss of function of spatacsin alters these cellular athways will allow thedevelopment of targeted therapeutic approaches.

Ce travail de thèse a eu pour but la synthèse de nouveaux composés hétérocycliques (rhodanines et pyrazoles) potentiellement actifs sur des protéines kinases, des lignées cellulaires tumorales, les influx SOCE (Store Operated Calcium Entry) et a ciblé principalement comme pathologies la malaria, la leishmaniose et le cancer. La première partie de cette étude a permis la synthèse d'une nouvelle famille de dérivés 5-arylidène rhodanines dissymétriques comportant un bras espaceur diaminé et ce par l'intermédiaire de la technologie micro-onde. Sur les 7 protéines kinases testées avec ces composés, CK1δ/ε et CDK5/p25 ont été inhibées spécifiquement avec des CI50 comprises entre 1,1 et 10 µM. L'activité anticancéreuse enregistrée est moyenne avec des CI50 variant de 8 à 23 µM. Les travaux réalisés au cours de la seconde partie de cette étude se sont appuyés sur le SKF-96365 comme modèle structural et ont permis d'accéder à 3 librairies inédites d'analogues comportant les plateformes pyrazole et rhodanine. L'activité pharmacologique visée ici était une modulation des influx SOCE et diverses variations structurales ont été effectuées en vue de réaliser une étude Relation Structure-Activité (RSA). Plusieurs analogues "pyrazoles" ont montré une activité supérieure à celle du SKF-96365 et de la GSK-7975A sur les influx SOCE de la lignée HEK-293. Les 2 composés montrant la meilleure activité (30f et 30h), sont également plus actifs que la Synta 66 aux faibles concentrations. Ces analogues ont également une activité sélective des canaux SOCE concernés car totalement inactifs sur l'ensemble des protéines kinases testées. Les CI50 les plus significatives pour l'activité anticancéreuse varient entre 3 et 8 µM. / This thesis work has been aimed the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds (rhodanines and pyrazoles) potentially active on kinase proteins, tumor cell lines, SOCE impulses (Store Operated Calcium Entry) and has mainly targeted pathologies such as malaria, leishmaniasis and cancer. The first part of this study allowed the synthesis of a new family of 5-arylidene rhodanine derivatives asymmetric having a diamino spacer arm and via microwave technology. Of the 7 protein kinases tested with these compounds, CK1δ/ε and CDK5/p25 have been specifically inhibited with IC50 between 1.1 and 10 µM. The recorded anticancer activity is average with IC50 ranging from 8 to 23 µM. The work carried out during the second part of this study was based on SKF-96365 as structural model and provided access to 3 unpublished libraries of analogs containing pyrazole and rhodanine platforms. The desired pharmacological activity was SOCE modulating and various structural changes were made to undertake a study Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR). Several "pyrazole" analogs have shown a higher activity than SKF-96365 and GSK-7975A on SOCE of HEK-293 line. The two compounds showing the best activity (30f and 30h) are also more active than Synta 66 at low concentrations. These analogs are completely inactive on all protein kinases tested, indicating selectivity for SOCE channels concerned. The most significant IC50 for the anticancer activity vary between 3 and 8 µM.

Résumé : La variation de la [Ca2+] intracellulaire participe à nombreux de processus biologiques. Les cellules eucaryotes expriment à la membrane plasmique une variété de canaux par lesquelles le calcium peut entrer. Dans les cellules non excitables, deux mécanismes principaux permettent l'entrée calcique; l'entrée capacitative de Ca2+ via Orai1 (SOCE) et l'entrée calcique activé par un récepteur (ROCE). Plusieurs protéines clés sont impliquées dans la régulation de ces voies d'entrée calcique, ainsi que dans l'homéostasie calcique. TRPC6 est un canal calcique impliquée dans l'entrée calcique dans les cellules à la suite d’une stimulation d’un récepteur hormonal. TRPC6 transloque à la membrane cellulaire et il y demeure jusqu'à ce que le stimulus soit retiré. Les mécanismes qui régulent le trafic et l'activation de TRPC6 sont cependant encore peu connus. Des découvertes récentes ont démontré qu'il y a un rôle potentiel de Rho kinase dans l'activité de TRPC6. Rho kinase est activée par la petite protéine G RhoA qui peut être activée par les protéines G hétérotrimériques Gα12 et Gα13. En plus de Gα12 et Gα13, les protéines de désensibilisation des GPCR β -arrestin 1 et / ou β-arrestin 2 peuvent aussi activer RhoA. Le but de notre étude est d'examiner la participation des protéines Gα12/13 et β-arrestin 1/ β-arrestin 2 dans l'activation de TRPC6 et de la protéine Orai1. Nous avons utilisé des ARN interférant (siRNA) spécifiques pour induire une réduction de l'expression de Gα12/13 ou β-arrestin 1/β-arrestin 2. La conséquence sur l’entrée de Ca2+ dans les cellules a été ensuite déterminée par imagerie calcique en temps réel suite à une stimulation par la vasopressine (AVP), thapsigargin ou carbachol. Nous avons donc identifié que dans des cellules A7r5, une lignée cellulaire de musculaires lisses vasculaires où le canal TRPC6 exprimé de manière endogène, la diminution de l’expression des protéines Gα12 ou Gα13 ne semble pas modifier l’entrée Ca2+ induit par l’AVP par rapport aux cellules témoins. D'autre part, la diminution de l’expression β-arrestin 1 ou β-arrestin 2 dans des cellules HEK 293 ainsi que des cellules HEK 293 exprimant de façon stable TRPC6 (cellules T6.11) ont augmenté l’entrée de Ca2+ induite par thapsigargin, un activateur pharmacologique de SOCE. Des études de co-immunoprécipitation démontrent une interaction entre la β-arrestin 1 et STIM1, alors qu'aucune interaction n'a été observée entre les β-arrestin 1 et Orai1. Nous avons de plus montré à l'aide d'analyse en microscopie confocale que la diminution de l’expression β-arrestin 1 ou β-arrestin 2 n’influence pas la quantité d’Orai1 à la périphérie cellulaire. Cependant, des résultats préliminaires indiquent que la diminution de l’expression β-arrestin 1 ou β-arrestin 2 augmente la quantité de STIM1-YFP dans l'espace intracellulaire et diminue sa quantité à la périphérie cellulaire. En conclusion, nous avons montré que les β-arrestin 1 ou β-arrestin 2 sont impliquées dans l'entrée capacitative de Ca2+ (SOCE) et contrôlent la quantité de STIM1 dans le réticulum endoplasmique. / Abstract : In an organism, intracellular [Ca2+] takes part in many biological processes. Eukaryotic cells express a variety of channels in the plasma membrane through which calcium can enter. In non-excitable cells, two main mechanisms allow calcium entry; the store-operated calcium entry via Orai1 (SOCE) and receptor-operated calcium entry (ROCE). Several key proteins are involved in the regulation of these calcium entry pathways as well as in calcium homeostasis. TRPC6 is a calcium channel implied in calcium entrance into the cells following hormonal stimulation and translocates to the plasma membrane. TRPC6 channel appear to the plasma membrane until the stimulus is present. Although, the mechanisms that regulate the trafficking and activation of TRPC6 are still little known. Recent findings have demonstrated that there is a potential role of Rho kinase in activity of TRPC6. Rho kinase is activated by the small G protein RhoA that itself can be activated by the heterotrimeric G proteins Gα12 and Gα13. In addition to Gα12 and Gα13 proteins, cytosolic GPCR desensitizing proteins β-arrestin 1 and/or β-arrestin 2 could also activate RhoA. The purpose of our study is to investigate the involvement of the proteins Gα12/13 and β-arrestin 1/β-arrestin 2 in the activation of TRPC6 and Orai1 protein. We used siRNA specific to Gα12/13 or β-arrestin 1/β-arrestin 2 to knockdown their endogenous expression. Then, calcium imaging in real time was performed in order to see the quantity of calcium entered into the cell following stimulation by vasopressin (AVP), thapsigargin, or carbachol. We hence identified that in A7r5 cell, vascular smooth muscle cell where TRPC6 channel expressed endogenously; reduced expression of Gα12 or Gα13 proteins does not seem to modify the AVP-induced Ca2+ entry compared to control cells. On the other hand, calcium imaging experiment in knocked down β-arrestin 1 or β-arrestin 2 in HEK 293 cells as well as HEK 293 cells stably transfected with TRPC6 (T6.11 cells) resulted in an increased thapsigargin-induced calcium entry. The co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate an interaction between β-arrestin 1 and STIM1, a calcium sensor in SOCE influx, while no interaction was observed between β-arrestin 1 and Orai1.We moreover showed by confocal microscopy that reduced expression of β-arrestin 1/ β-arrestin 2 does not influence the quantity of Orai1 at the cell periphery. Preliminary results showed that reduced expression of β-arrestin 1 or β-arrestin 2 increases the quantity of STIM1-YFP in the intracellular space and less it’s in peri-membrane space. In conclusion, we showed that β-arrestin 1 or β-arrestin 2 are involved in the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and control the quantity of STIM1 in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Glucose metabolism in pancreatic α- and β-cells is believed to regulate secretion of glucagon and insulin, respectively. In β-cells, ATP links glucose metabolism to electrical activity and insulin secretion. In α-cells, ATP has been attributed various roles in glucose-regulated glucagon release, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Despite its importance in insulin and glucagon secretion little is known about ATP kinetics in α- and β-cells. In this thesis, the novel fluorescent ATP biosensor Perceval was used to monitor physiologically relevant ATP concentrations with little influence of ADP. Glucose stimulation of β-cells within mouse and human pancreatic islets induced pronounced rise of ATP with superimposed oscillations. Simultaneous measurements of the sub-plasma membrane ATP and Ca2+ concentrations revealed glucose-induced oscillations in opposite phase. ATP increased further and the oscillations ceased when voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx was prevented. In contrast, ATP promptly decreased in response to K+-depolarization-induced elevation of Ca2+. Also mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores lowered ATP, but the negative effect was not due to increased ATP consumption by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. Store-operated Ca2+ entry alone had little effect but markedly elevated ATP when combined with muscarinic receptor activation. When comparing ATP and Ca2+ responses in α- and β-cells within the same islet, glucose-induced ATP generation was much less pronounced and the dose-response relationship left-shifted in the α-cells. At basal glucose, individual α-cells showed Ca2+ and concomitant ATP oscillations in opposite-phase with variable frequency. These oscillations largely cancelled out when averaging data from several α-cells. At high glucose, the Ca2+ and ATP oscillations in α-cells tended to synchronize with the corresponding β-cell oscillations. Since β-cell Ca2+ oscillations drive pulsatile insulin secretion, which is antiparallel to pulsatile glucagon secretion, there seems to be an inverse relationship between changes in α-cell Ca2+ and glucagon release. This paradox is attributed to paracrine inhibition overriding Ca2+ stimulation, since somatostatin receptor blockade potently stimulated glucagon release with little effect on α-cell Ca2+ signalling. The data indicate that complex ATP-Ca2+ interactions in α- and β-cells underlie cell-intrinsic regulation of glucagon and insulin secretion and that paracrine inhibition of glucagon release becomes important in hyperglycaemia.