Generation and characterization of a lysosomally targeted, genetically encoded Ca(2+)-sensor

Biochem J. 2013 Jan 15;449(2):449-57. doi: 10.1042/BJ20120898.

Abstract

Distinct spatiotemporal Ca2+ signalling events regulate fundamental aspects of eukaryotic cell physiology. Complex Ca2+ signals can be driven by release of Ca2+ from intracellular organelles that sequester Ca2+ such as the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) or through the opening of Ca2+-permeable channels in the plasma membrane and influx of extracellular Ca2+. Late endocytic pathway compartments including late-endosomes and lysosomes have recently been observed to sequester Ca2+ to levels comparable with those found within the ER lumen. These organelles harbour ligand-gated Ca2+-release channels and evidence indicates that they can operate as Ca2+-signalling platforms. Lysosomes sequester Ca2+ to a greater extent than any other endocytic compartment, and signalling from this organelle has been postulated to provide 'trigger' release events that can subsequently elicit more extensive Ca2+ signals from stores including the ER. In order to investigate lysosomal-specific Ca2+ signalling a simple method for measuring lysosomal Ca2+ release is essential. In the present study we describe the generation and characterization of a genetically encoded, lysosomally targeted, cameleon sensor which is capable of registering specific Ca2+ release in response to extracellular agonists and intracellular second messengers. This probe represents a novel tool that will permit detailed investigations examining the impact of lysosomal Ca2+ handling on cellular physiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / genetics
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histamine / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / drug effects
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 / genetics
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 / metabolism*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism*
  • Macrolides / pharmacology
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Tetraspanin 30 / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1
  • Macrolides
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Tetraspanin 30
  • YCaM3.6 protein
  • Histamine
  • bafilomycin A1
  • Calcium