Biophysical physiology of phosphoinositide rapid dynamics and regulation in living cells

Phosphoinositide membrane lipids are ubiquitous low-abundance signaling molecules. They direct many physiological processes that involve ion channels, membrane identification, fusion of membrane vesicles, and vesicular endocytosis. Pools of these lipids are continually broken down and refilled in living cells, and the rates of some of these reactions are strongly accelerated by physiological stimuli. Recent biophysical experiments described here measure and model the kinetics and regulation of these lipid signals in intact cells. Rapid on-line monitoring of phosphoinositide metabolism is made possible by optical tools and electrophysiology. The experiments reviewed here reveal that as for other cellular second messengers, the dynamic turnover and lifetimes of membrane phosphoinositides are measured in seconds, controlling and timing rapid physiological responses, and the signaling is under strong metabolic regulation. The underlying mechanisms of this metabolic regulation remain questions for the future

Membrane-localized beta-subunits alter the PIP2 regulation of high-voltage activated Ca2+ channels

The β-subunits of voltage-gated Ca 2+ (Ca V) channels regulate the functional expression and several biophysical properties of high-voltage-activated Ca V channels. We find that Ca V β-subunits also determine channel regulation by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2). When Ca V1.3, -2.1, or -2.2 channels are cotransfected with the β3-subunit, a cytosolic protein, they can be inhibited by activating a voltage-sensitive lipid phosphatase to deplete PIP 2. When these channels are coexpressed with a β2a-subunit, a palmitoylated peripheral membrane protein, the inhibition is much smaller. PIP 2 sensitivity could be increased by disabling the two palmitoylation sites in the β2a-subunit. To further test effects of membrane targeting of Ca V β-subunits on PIP 2 regulation, the N terminus of Lyn was ligated onto the cytosolic β3-subunit to confer lipidation. This chimera, like the Ca V β2a-subunit, displayed plasma membrane localization, slowed the inactivation of Ca V2.2 channels, and increased the current density. In addition, the Lyn-β3 subunit significantly decreased Ca Vchannel inhibition by PIP 2 depletion. Evidently lipidation and membrane anchoring of Ca V β-subunits compete with the PIP 2 regulation of high-voltage-activated Ca V channels. Compared with expression with Ca V β3-subunits alone, inhibition of Ca V2.2 channels by PIP 2 depletion could be significantly attenuated when β2a was coexpressed with β3. Our data suggest that the Ca V currents in neurons would be regulated by membrane PIP 2 to a degree that depends on their endogenous β-subunit combinations.

FARS-ADL across Ataxias: Construct Validity, Sensitivity to Change, and Minimal Important Change

BackgroundPatient-focused outcomes present a central need for trial-readiness across all ataxias. The Activities of Daily Living part of the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS-ADL) captures functional impairment and longitudinal change but is only validated in Friedreich Ataxia. ObjectiveValidation of FARS-ADL regarding disease severity and patient-meaningful impairment, and its sensitivity to change across genetic ataxias. MethodsReal-world registry data of FARS-ADL in 298 ataxia patients across genotypes were analyzed, including (1) cross-correlation with FARS-stage, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM)-ataxia, and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions visual analogue scale (EQ5D-VAS);(2) sensitivity to change within a trial-relevant 1-year median follow-up, anchored in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C);and (3) general linear modeling of factors age, sex, and depression (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]). Results FARS-ADL correlated with overall disability (rho(FARS-stage) = 0.79), clinical disease severity (rho(SARA) = 0.80), and patient-reported impairment (rho(PROM-ataxia) = 0.69, rho(EQ5D-VAS) = -0.37), indicating comprehensive construct validity. Also at item level, and validated within genotype (SCA3, RFC1), FARS-ADL correlated with the corresponding SARA effector domains;and all items correlated to EQ5D-VAS quality of life. FARS-ADL was sensitive to change at a 1-year interval, progressing only in patients with worsening PGI-C. Minimal important change was 1.1. points based on intraindividual variability in patients with stable PGI-C. Depression was captured using FARS-ADL (+0.3 points/PHQ-9 count) and EQ5D-VAS, but not FARS-stage or SARA. ConclusionFARS-ADL reflects both disease severity and patient-meaningful impairment across genetic ataxias, with sensitivity to change in trial-relevant timescales in patients perceiving change. It thus presents a promising patient-focused outcome for upcoming ataxia trials. (c) 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society