Francesco Michelangeli

University of Birmingham, Birmingham, ENG, United Kingdom

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Publications (31)110.43 Total impact

  • Article: Ca2+ signalling through CatSper and Ca2+ stores regulate different behaviours in human sperm.
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    ABSTRACT: [Ca(2+)](i) signaling regulates sperm motility, enabling switching between functionally different behaviours that the sperm must employ as it ascends the female tract and fertilizes the oocyte. We report that different behaviours in human sperm are recruited according to the Ca(2+) signalling pathway employed. Activation of CatSper (by raising pH(i) or stimulating with progesterone) caused sustained [Ca(2+)](i) elevation but did not induce hyperactivation, the whiplash-like behaviour required for progression along oviduct and penetration of the zona pellucida. In contrast, penetration into methylcellulose (mimicking penetration into cervical mucus or cumulus matrix) was enhanced by activation of CatSper. NNC55-0396, which potently blocks CatSper currents in human sperm, inhibited this effect. Treatment with 5 uM thimerosal to mobilize stored Ca(2+) caused sustained [Ca(2+)](i) elevation and induced strong, sustained hyperactivation that was completely insensitive to NNC55-0396. Thimerosal had no effect on penetration into methylcellulose. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a powerful modulator of sperm motility, both raised pHi and mobilized Ca(2+) stored in sperm (and from microsomal membrane preparations). 4-AP potently induced hyperactivation, even in cells suspended in Ca(2+)-depleted medium, and also potentiated penetration into methylcellulose. The latter was sensitive to NNC55-039 but induction of hyperactivaton was not. We conclude that these two components of the sperm [Ca(2+)](i) signaling apparatus have strikingly different effects on sperm motility. Furthermore, since release of stored Ca(2+) at the sperm neck occurs by Ca(2+)-induced-Ca(2+)-release, CatSper activation will elicit functionally different behaviors according to the sensitivity of the Ca(2+) store, which is regulated by capacitation and sensitive to NO from the cumulus.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 01/2013; · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Bis(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-phenyl)-methane (bis-phenol) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the secretory pathway Ca²⁺ ATPase (SPCA1).
    Pei Lai, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: The secretory pathway Ca(2+) ATPase (SPCA) provides the Golgi apparatus with a Ca(2+) supply essential for Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of proteins in transit through the secretory pathway. Ca(2+) in the Golgi apparatus is also agonist-releasable and plays a role in hormone-induced Ca(2+) transients. Although the Ca(2+) ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin is more selective for the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) than for SPCA, no inhibitor has been characterised that selectively inhibits SPCA. A number of inhibitors were assessed for their selectivity to the human SPCA1d compared to the more ubiquitous human SERCA2b. Each isoform was over-expressed in COS-7 cells and the Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity measured in their microsomal membranes. Both bis(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-phenyl)methane(bis-phenol) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2-APB) selectively inhibited SPCA1d (with IC(50) values of 0.13 μM and 0.18 mM, respectively), which were of 62- and 8.3-fold greater potency than the values for hSERCA2b (IC(50) values; 8.1 μM and 1.5mM, respectively). Other inhibitors tested such as bis-phenol-A, tetrabromobisphenol-A and trifluoperazine inhibited both Ca(2+) ATPases similarly. Furthermore, bis-phenol was able to mobilize Ca(2+) in cells that had been pre-treated with thapsigargin. Therefore we conclude that given the potency and selectivity of bis-phenol it may prove a valuable tool in further understanding the role of SPCA in cellular processes.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 07/2012; 424(3):616-9. · 2.48 Impact Factor
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    Article: Some commonly used brominated flame retardants cause Ca2+-ATPase inhibition, beta-amyloid peptide release and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.
    Fawaz Al-Mousa, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are chemicals commonly used to reduce the flammability of consumer products and are considered pollutants since they have become widely dispersed throughout the environment and have also been shown to bio-accumulate within animals and man. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of some of the most commonly used groups of BFRs on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that of the BFRs tested, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and decabromodiphenyl ether (DBPE), all are cytotoxic at low micromolar concentrations (LC(50) being 2.7 ± 0.7 µM, 15 ± 4 µM and 28 ± 7 µM, respectively). They induced cell death, at least in part, by apoptosis through activation of caspases. They also increased intracellular [Ca(2+)] levels and reactive-oxygen-species within these neuronal cells. Furthermore, these BFRs also caused rapid depolarization of the mitochondria and cytochrome c release in these neuronal cells. Elevated intracellular [Ca(2+)] levels appear to occur through a mechanism involving microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibition and this maybe responsible for Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, µM levels of these BFRs caused β-amyloid peptide (Aβ-42) processing and release from these cells with a few hours of exposure. These results therefore shows that these pollutants are both neurotoxic and amyloidogenic in-vitro.
    PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(4):e33059. · 4.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Regucalcin (RGN/SMP30) alters agonist- and thapsigargin-induced cytosolic [Ca2+] transients in cells by increasing SERCA Ca(2+)ATPase levels.
    Pei Lai, Nga Chi Yip, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Regucalcin (RGN), also reported as senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), plays a role in Ca(2+) homeostasis by modulating a number of Ca(2+)-dependent proteins. RGN also plays a cyto-protective role and its decrease is linked to age-related diseases and cell death. This study shows that RGN reduces agonist (histamine)-induced Ca(2+) transients in RGN(+) transfected COS-7 cells (RGN(+)) and also increases their Ca(2+) storage capacity. These observations are explained by RGN(+) cells having increased mRNA and protein expression levels of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). Therefore down-regulation of RGN expression may contribute to characteristics of age-dependent Ca(2+) homeostasis dis-regulation, by decreasing SERCA levels.
    FEBS letters 06/2011; 585(14):2291-4. · 3.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: Recent advances in Membrane Biochemistry.
    J Malcolm East, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: This Biochemical Society Annual Symposium on Recent Advances in Membrane Biochemistry was organized to bring together experts from across the spectrum of biomembrane disciplines from the biological to the biophysical/structural, with the intention of promoting interactions and collaborations across the field. We were keen that the potential for improving human health that stems from a deeper understanding of membrane structure/function should be acknowledged, especially in the light of the increasing numbers of membrane protein structures that continue to be made available to the biomembrane community. This foreword provides an idea of what was communicated in the various sessions and, we hope, gives an impression of the excitement generated by the speakers and delegates at this over-subscribed Symposium.
    Biochemical Society Transactions 06/2011; 39(3):703-6. · 3.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: A diversity of SERCA Ca2+ pump inhibitors.
    Francesco Michelangeli, J Malcolm East
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    ABSTRACT: The SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase) is probably the most extensively studied membrane protein transporter. There is a vast array of diverse inhibitors for the Ca2+ pump, and many have proved significant in helping to elucidate both the mechanism of transport and gaining conformational structures. Some SERCA inhibitors such as thapsigargin have been used extensively as pharmacological tools to probe the roles of Ca2+ stores in Ca2+ signalling processes. Furthermore, some inhibitors have been implicated in the cause of diseases associated with endocrine disruption by environmental pollutants, whereas others are being developed as potential anticancer agents. The present review therefore aims to highlight some of the wide range of chemically diverse inhibitors that are known, their mechanisms of action and their binding location on the Ca2+ ATPase. Additionally, some ideas for the future development of more useful isoform-specific inhibitors and anticancer drugs are presented.
    Biochemical Society Transactions 06/2011; 39(3):789-97. · 3.71 Impact Factor
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    Article: Alisol B, a novel inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase pump, induces autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Emerging evidence suggests that autophagic modulators have therapeutic potential. This study aims to identify novel autophagic inducers from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs as potential antitumor agents. Using an image-based screen and bioactivity-guided purification, we identified alisol B 23-acetate, alisol A 24-acetate, and alisol B from the rhizome of Alisma orientale as novel inducers of autophagy, with alisol B being the most potent natural product. Across several cancer cell lines, we showed that alisol B-treated cells displayed an increase of autophagic flux and formation of autophagosomes, leading to cell cycle arrest at the G(1) phase and cell death. Alisol B induced calcium mobilization from internal stores, leading to autophagy through the activation of the CaMKK-AMPK-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Moreover, the disruption of calcium homeostasis induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein responses in alisol B-treated cells, leading to apoptotic cell death. Finally, by computational virtual docking analysis and biochemical assays, we showed that the molecular target of alisol B is the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase. This study provides detailed insights into the cytotoxic mechanism of a novel antitumor compound.
    Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 03/2010; 9(3):718-30. · 5.23 Impact Factor
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    Article: Changes in expression and activity of the secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPase 1 (SPCA1) in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells cultured at different glucose concentrations.
    Pei Lai, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Diabetes mellitus-related vascular disease is often associated with both a dysregulation of Ca2+ homoeostasis and enhanced secretory activity in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). Here, we employ a commonly used rat cell line for VSMCs (A7r5 cells) to investigate the effects of glucose on the expression and activity of the SPCA1 (secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase 1; also known as ATP2C1), which is a P-type Ca2+ pump located in the Golgi apparatus that plays a key role in the secretory pathway. Our results show that mRNA expression levels of SPCA1 are significantly increased in A7r5 cells cultured in high glucose (25.0 mM)-supplemented medium compared with normal glucose (5.55 mM)-supplemented medium. SPCA1 protein expression levels and thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity were also consistent with a higher than normal expression level of SPCA1 in high-glucose-cultured A7r5 cells. Analysis of AVP (arginine-vasopressin)-induced cytosolic Ca2+ transients in A7r5 cells (after pre-treatment with thapsigargin) showed faster rise and decay phases in cells grown in high glucose medium compared with cells grown in normal glucose medium, supporting the observation of increased SPCA expression/activity. The significant levels of both Ca2+-ATPase activity and AVP-induced Ca2+ transients, in the presence of thapsigargin, indicate that SPCA must play a significant role in Ca2+ uptake within VSMCs. We therefore propose that, if such increases in SPCA expression and activity also occur in primary VSMCs, this may play a substantial role in the aetiology of diabetes mellitus-associated vascular disease, due to alterations in Ca2+ homoeostasis within the Golgi apparatus.
    Bioscience Reports 07/2009; 29(6):397-404. · 2.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Ca2+-stores in sperm: their identities and functions.
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    ABSTRACT: Intracellular Ca2+ stores play a central role in the regulation of cellular [Ca2+](i) and the generation of complex [Ca2+] signals such as oscillations and waves. Ca2+ signalling is of particular significance in sperm cells, where it is a central regulator in many key activities (including capacitation, hyperactivation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction) yet mature sperm lack endoplasmic reticulum and several other organelles that serve as Ca2+ stores in somatic cells. Here, we review i) the evidence for the expression in sperm of the molecular components (pumps and channels) which are functionally significant in the activity of Ca2+ stores of somatic cells and ii) the evidence for the existence of functional Ca2+ stores in sperm. This evidence supports the existence of at least two storage organelles in mammalian sperm, one in the acrosomal region and another in the region of the sperm neck and midpiece. We then go on to discuss the probable identity of these organelles and their discrete functions: regulation by the acrosome of its own secretion and regulation by membranous organelles at the sperm neck (and possibly by the mitochondria) of flagellar activity and hyperactivation. Finally, we consider the ability of the sperm discretely to control mobilisation of these stores and the functional interaction of stored Ca2+ at the sperm neck/midpiece with CatSper channels in the principal piece in regulation of the activities of mammalian sperm.
    Reproduction 07/2009; 138(3):425-37. · 2.58 Impact Factor
  • Article: Dual mechanisms of sHA 14-1 in inducing cell death through endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
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    ABSTRACT: HA 14-1 is a small-molecule Bcl-2 antagonist that promotes apoptosis in malignant cells, but its mechanism of action is not well defined. We recently reported that HA 14-1 has a half-life of only 15 min in vitro, which led us to develop a stable analog of HA 14-1 (sHA 14-1). The current study characterizes its mode of action. Because of the antiapoptotic function of Bcl-2 family proteins on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, the effect of sHA 14-1 on both organelles was evaluated. sHA 14-1 induced ER calcium release in human leukemic cells within 1 min, followed by induction of the ER stress-inducible transcription factor ATF4. Similar kinetics and stronger intensity of ER calcium release were induced by the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin, accompanied by similar kinetics and intensity of ATF4 induction. sHA 14-1 directly inhibited SERCA enzymatic activity but had no effect on the inositol triphosphate receptor. Evaluation of the mitochondrial pathway showed that sHA 14-1 triggered a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Delta psi m) and weak caspase-9 activation, whereas thapsigargin had no effect. (R)-4-(3-Dimethylamino-1-phenylsulfanylmethyl-propylamino)-N-{4-[4-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzoyl}-3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (ABT-737), a well established small-molecule Bcl-2 antagonist, rapidly induced loss of Delta psi m and caspase-9 activation but had no effect on the ER. The pan-caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone had some protective effect on sHA 14-1-induced cell death. These collective results suggest a unique dual targeting mechanism of sHA 14-1 on the apoptotic resistance machinery of tumor cells that includes antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and SERCA proteins.
    Molecular pharmacology 07/2009; 76(3):667-78. · 4.53 Impact Factor
  • Article: Inhibition of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase by flavonoids: a quantitative structure-activity relationship study.
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    ABSTRACT: Flavonoids are commonly found in fruit and vegetables and have been shown to reach concentrations of several micromolars in human blood plasma. Flavonoids are also believed to have cancer chemoprotective properties. One hypothesis is that flavonoids are able to initiate apoptosis, especially in cancer cells, via a Ca(2+)-dependent mitochondrial pathway. This pathway can be activated through an exaggerated elevation of cytosolic [Ca(2+)], and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases (SERCA) play an essential role in ameliorating such changes. In this study, we demonstrate that flavonoids (especially flavones) can inhibit the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPases isoforms SERCA1A and SERCA2B in the micromolar concentration range. Of the 25 flavonoids tested, 3,6-dihydroxyflavone (IC(50), 4.6 microM) and 3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (quercetin) (IC(50), 8.9 microM) were the most potent inhibitors. We show that polyhydroxylation of the flavones are important for inhibition, with hydroxylation at position 3 (for SERCA1A) and position 6 (for SERCA2B) being particularly relevant.
    International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Life 10/2008; 60(12):853-8. · 3.51 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), induces cell death in TM4 Sertoli cells by modulating Ca2+ transport proteins and causing dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.
    Oluseye A Ogunbayo, Pei F Lai, Thomas J Connolly, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a commonly used brominated flame retardant (BFR) utilized to reduce the flammability of a variety of products. Studies have indicated that a number of BFRs are becoming widely distributed within the environment and are bio-accumulating within organisms. There has been much speculation that a variety of phenolic pollutants (including compounds chemically related to TBBPA, such as bisphenol A) may cause endocrine disruption and Ca2+ dysregulation in cells involved in spermatogenesis. In this study we therefore investigate the effects of TBBPA on mouse TM4 Sertoli cells (essential for sperm development). Results show that TBBPA increases Ca2+ within these cells in the 5-60 microM concentration range (EC50, 21 microM). TBBPA also causes cell death (LC50, 18 microM) partly via apoptosis, involving Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial depolarisation. Studies on intracellular Ca2+ transporters shows that TBBPA can inhibit sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCA) at low concentrations (IC50, 0.4 to 1.2 microM) and also activate the Ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel within the 0.4-4 microM concentration range. Therefore these studies suggest that the cytotoxic effects of TBBPA on cells is partly due to dysregulation of Ca2+ signalling, by directly affecting Ca2+ transport proteins.
    Toxicology in Vitro 07/2008; 22(4):943-52. · 2.78 Impact Factor
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    Article: The widely utilized brominated flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a potent inhibitor of the SERCA Ca2+ pump.
    Oluseye A Ogunbayo, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A) is currently the most widely used type of BFR (brominated flame retardant) employed to reduce the combustibility of a large variety of electronic and other manufactured products. Recent studies have indicated that BFRs, including TBBPA, are bio-accumulating within animal and humans. BFRs including TBBPA have also been shown to be cytotoxic and potentially endocrine-disrupting to a variety of cells in culture. Furthermore, TBBPA has specifically been shown to cause disruption of Ca2+ homoeostasis within cells, which may be the underlying cause of its cytotoxicity. In this study, we have demonstrated that TBBPA is a potent non-isoform-specific inhibitor of the SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase) (apparent K(i) 0.46-2.3 microM), thus we propose that TBBPA inhibition of SERCA contributes in some degree to Ca2+ signalling disruption. TBBPA binds directly to the SERCA without the need to partition into the phospholipid bilayer. From activity results and Ca2+-induced conformational results, it appears that the major effect of TBBPA is to decrease the SERCA affinity for Ca2+ (increasing the K(d) from approx. 1 microM to 30 microM in the presence of 10 microM TBBPA). Low concentrations of TBBPA can quench the tryptophan fluorescence of the SERCA and this quenching can be reversed by BHQ [2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone] and 4-n-nonylphenol, but not thapsigargin, indicating that TBBPA and BHQ may be binding to similar regions in the SERCA.
    Biochemical Journal 01/2008; 408(3):407-15. · 4.90 Impact Factor
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    Article: The interaction of the brominated flame retardant: tetrabromobisphenol A with phospholipid membranes.
    Oluseye A Ogunbayo, Karina T Jensen, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is one of the most widely used members of the family of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). BFRs, including TBBPA have been shown to be widely distributed within the environment and there is growing evidence of their bio-accumulation within animals and man. Toxicological studies have shown that TBBPA can be harmful to cells by modulating a number of cell signalling processes. In this study, we employed fluorescence spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to investigate the interaction of TBBPA with phospholipid membranes, as this is the most likely route for it to influence membrane-associated cellular processes. TBBPA readily and randomly partitions throughout all regions of the phospholipid bilayer with high efficacy [partition coefficient (Log K(p))=5.7+/-0.7]. A decrease in membrane fluidity in both liquid-crystalline and gel-phase membranes was detected at concentrations of TBBPA as low as 2.5 microM. TBBPA also decreases the phase transition temperature of dipalmitoyl phoshatidylcholine (DPPC) membranes and broadened transition peaks, in a fashion similar to that for cholesterol. TBBPA, however, also prefers to partition into membrane regions not too highly enriched with cholesterol. Our findings therefore suggests that, the toxic effects of TBBPA, may at least in part, be due to its lipid membrane binding/perturbing effects, which in turn, could influence biological processes involving cell membranes.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 07/2007; 1768(6):1559-66. · 4.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: The interaction of the brominated flame retardant: tetrabromobisphenol a with phospholipid membranes
    Karina T Jensen, Oluseye A. Ogunbayo, Francesco Michelangeli
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes 01/2007; · 3.99 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effects of the phenylalanine 256 to valine mutation on the sensitivity of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) Ca2+ pump isoforms 1, 2, and 3 to thapsigargin and other inhibitors.
    Laura L Wootton, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: Three isoforms of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) are known to exist in mammalian cells. This study investigated the effects of thapsigargin and a variety of commonly used hydrophobic inhibitors on these SERCA isoforms (i.e. SERCA1b, SERCA2b, and SERCA3a), which were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. In addition, the study assessed whether the introduction of the phenylalanine to valine mutation at position 256 (F256V), known to reduce the potency of thapsigargin inhibition in avian SERCA1, affects the other SERCA isoforms in a similar manner and whether this mutation also affects the inhibition by other inhibitors. This study has shown that the sensitivity to thapsigargin is different for the SERCA isoforms (apparent K(i) values being 0.21, 1.3, and 12 nm for SERCA1b, SERCA2b, and SERCA3a, respectively). The reduction in thapsigargin sensitivity caused by the F256V mutation was also different for the three isoforms, with SERCA2b only being modestly affected by this mutation. Although some of the other inhibitors investigated (i.e. cyclopiazonic acid and curcumin) showed some differences in their sensitivity toward the SERCA isoforms, most were little affected by the F256V mutation, indicating that they inhibit the Ca(2+)-ATPase by binding to sites on SERCA distinct from that of thapsigargin.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 04/2006; 281(11):6970-6. · 4.77 Impact Factor
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    Article: A plethora of interacting organellar Ca2+ stores.
    Francesco Michelangeli, Oluseye A Ogunbayo, Laura L Wootton
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    ABSTRACT: The endoplasmic reticulum is not the only major agonist-releasable Ca2+ store within cells; it is now clear that virtually all organelles so far studied have the ability to act as mobilizable Ca2+ stores. From recent findings with regard to Ca2+ transportation and Ca2+ homeostasis within a variety of cell organelles such as the mitochondria, nucleus, Golgi and lysosomes, it emerges that many of these organellar Ca2+ stores appear to interact with each other, adding a further level of complexity to Ca2+ signalling events.
    Current Opinion in Cell Biology 05/2005; 17(2):135-40. · 12.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: Secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase (SPCA1) Ca(2)+ pumps, not SERCAs, regulate complex [Ca(2+)](i) signals in human spermatozoa.
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    ABSTRACT: The sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors thapsigargin (0.1-1 microM) and cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM), failed to affect resting [Ca(2+)] in human spermatozoa. Slow progesterone-induced [Ca(2+ i)](i) oscillations in human spermatozoa, which involve cyclic emptying-refilling of an intracellular Ca(2+) store were also insensitive to these inhibitors. Non-selective doses of thapsigargin (5-30 microM, 50-300 times the saturating dose for SERCA inhibition), caused elevation of resting [Ca(2+)](i) and partial, dose-dependent disruption of oscillations. A 10-40 microM concentration of bis(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-phenyl)methane (bis-phenol), which inhibits both thapsigargin-sensitive and -insensitive microsomal Ca(2+) ATPases, caused elevation of resting [Ca(2+)](i) and inhibition of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations at doses consistent with inhibition of thapsigargin-resistant, microsomal ATPase and liberation of stored Ca(2+). Low doses of bis-phenol had marked effects on [Ca(2+)](i) oscillation kinetics. Application of the drug to cells previously stimulated with progesterone had effects very similar to those observed when it was applied to unstimulated cells, suggesting that the sustained Ca(2+) influx induced by progesterone is not mediated via mobilisation of Ca(2+) stores. Western blotting for human sperm proteins showed expression of secretory pathway Ca(2+) ATPase (SPCA1). Immunolocalisation studies revealed expression of SPCA1 in all cells in an area behind the nucleus, extending into the midpiece. Staining for SERCA, carried out in parallel, detected no expression with either technique. We conclude that: (1) intracellular Ca(2+) store(s) and store-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in human spermatozoa rely primarily on a thapsigargin/cyclopiazonic acid-insensitive Ca(2+) pump, which is not a SERCA as characterised in somatic cells; (2) effects of high-dose thapsigargin on spermatozoa primarily reflect non-specific actions on non-SERCAs and; (3) secretory pathway Ca(2+) ATPases contribute at least part of this non-SERCA Ca(2+) pump activity.
    Journal of Cell Science 05/2005; 118(Pt 8):1673-85. · 6.11 Impact Factor
  • Article: The expression, activity and localisation of the secretory pathway Ca2+ -ATPase (SPCA1) in different mammalian tissues.
    Laura L Wootton, Cymone C H Argent, Mark Wheatley, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: The distribution of the secretory pathway Ca2+ -ATPase (SPCA1) was investigated at both the mRNA and protein level in a variety of tissues. The mRNA and the protein for SPCA1 were relatively abundant in rat brain, testis and testicular derived cells (myoid cells, germ cells, primary Sertoli cells and TM4 cells; a mouse Sertoli cell line) and epididymal fat pads. Lower levels were found in aorta (rat and porcine), heart, liver, lung and kidney. SPCA activities from a number of tissues were measured and shown to be particularly high in brain, aorta, heart, fat pads and testis. As the proportion of SPCA activity compared to total Ca2+ ATPase activity in brain, aorta, fat pads and testis were relatively high, this suggests that SPCA1 plays a major role in Ca2+ storage within these tissues. The subcellular localisation of SPCA1 was shown to be predominantly around the Golgi in both human aortic smooth muscle cells and TM4 cells.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 09/2004; 1664(2):189-97. · 4.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Alkylphenol endocrine disrupters inhibit IP3-sensitive Ca2+ channels.
    Shahla Zafar Khan, Christopher J Kirk, Francesco Michelangeli
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    ABSTRACT: We have investigated the influence of alkylphenol endocrine disrupters and the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive Ca(2+) channels from porcine cerebellum and rat testicular membranes. All alkylphenols and DES inhibited the extent of IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release (IICR) from both cerebellar and testicular microsomes. 4-n-nonylphenol was the most potent compound tested (IC(50), 8 microM). Inhibition of IICR was directly related to the length and hydrophobicity of the alkylphenol side chain. None of the alkylphenols or DES appeared to influence the concentration dependence of IICR nor did they have a significant effect on [3H]IP(3) binding to the membranes. An investigation of the effects of nonylphenol on the transient kinetics of IICR showed that it inhibited the rate constants for both the fast and the slow phases of IICR and also the extent of Ca(2+) release. These results illustrate another mechanism by which these environmental pollutants can disrupt endocrine function without the involvement of estrogen receptors.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 11/2003; 310(2):261-6. · 2.48 Impact Factor