Role of Regulators of G-Protein Signaling 4 in Ca²⁺ Signaling in Mouse Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Abstract

Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are regulators of Ca²⁺ signaling that accelerate the GTPase activity of the G-protein α-subunit. RGS1, RGS2, RGS4, and RGS16 are expressed in the pancreas, and RGS2 regulates G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations. However, the role of RGS4 in Ca²⁺ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells is unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of GPCR-induced Ca²⁺ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells derived from RGS4^-/- mice. RGS4^-/- acinar cells showed an enhanced stimulus intensity response to a muscarinic receptor agonist in pancreatic acinar cells. Moreover, deletion of RGS4 increased the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations. RGS4^-/- cells also showed increased expression of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase type 2. However, there were no significant alterations, such as Ca²⁺ signaling in treated high dose of agonist and its related amylase secretion activity, in acinar cells from RGS4^-/- mice. These results indicate that RGS4 protein regulates Ca²⁺ signaling in mouse pancreatic acinar cells.

INTRODUCTION

Following the stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) or receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) by hormones, neurotransmitters, stretch, or cytokines [1] activated G_α subunits stimulate phospholipase C β (PLCβ), and phosphorylated RTKs stimulate PLCγ, respectively. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP₃) generated by PLC [2-4] evokes Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and depletion of Ca²⁺ from the ER activates the entry of store-operated Ca²⁺[1]. In this way, the cytosolic concentration of intracellular Ca²⁺ is increased, which plays various roles in fertilization, proliferation, development, learning and memory, contraction and secretion, as well as initiation of apoptosis accompanied by cytotoxic effects [1,4,5]. Finally, increased levels of Ca²⁺ lead to activation of the sarco/ER Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA), and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (PMCA) pump removes Ca²⁺ from the cytosol [1,4].

Ca²⁺ oscillation is an important phenomenon in Ca²⁺ signaling because a weak physiological stimulus generates transient repetitive oscillations in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) [6]. There are two theories to explain Ca²⁺ oscillation. One theory is based on an IP₃ receptor-related adaptation model. In this model, IP₃ affinity to IP₃ receptors is related to [Ca²⁺]_i. Therefore, the generation of Ca²⁺ oscillations is explained biophysically [7]. The other theory is a biochemical model, which is explained by oscillations of intracellular amounts of IP₃; this phenomenon itself leads to Ca²⁺ oscillations [8]. In addition, regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are regarded as components of this biochemical mechanism [9].

Several types of RGS proteins exist; the homolog of RGS4 protein, SST2, was discovered first in Saccharomyces cerevisiae [10,11]. Homologs of SST2 were found in various species, including Caenorhabditis elegans [12] and Homo sapiens [13]. RGS proteins were named because of their biochemical function of activating GTPases [14]. RGS proteins inhibit GPCRs via their GTPase activity which accelerates GTP hydrolysis [14]. In mammals, there are many members of the RGS protein family, and some types of RGS proteins have tissue specificity [9].

Pancreatic acinar cells are a good model in which to study Ca²⁺ signaling because cholecystokinin (CCK) and acetylcholine induce Ca²⁺ oscillations that are initiated in the pancreatic secretory granules; these cells have characteristics that are regulated in both a spatial and temporal manner [15,16]. Exocytosis of secretory granules containing digestive enzymes occurs via Ca²⁺ oscillations [15-17]. It is currently thought that RGS1, RGS2, RGS4, and RGS16 are expressed in pancreatic acinar cells [18]. Increased steady-state levels of IP₃ were shown to lead to an increased frequency of [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations in RGS2 knock-out mice [19]. Nevertheless, the roles of other RGS proteins in pancreatic acinar cells have not been investigated. The GTPase accelerating activity of RGS4 can be stimulated by Homer 2, which preferentially binds PLCβ in pancreatic acinar extracts [20]. In pancreatic islets, RGS4 deficiency had an effect on insulin release caused by the activation of other β-cell GPCRs. Additionally, treatment of mutant mice selectively lacking RGS4 in pancreatic β-cells treated with a muscarinic agonist (i.e., bethanechol) led to increased plasma insulin and reduced blood glucose levels [21]. From these results, we inferred that RGS4 protein might have an important role in pancreatic acinar cells.

To reveal the function of RGS4 protein in pancreatic acinar cells, we investigated the mechanism of GPCR-induced Ca²⁺ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells derived from RGS4^-/- mice. We found that mutant mice demonstrated more frequent Ca²⁺ signaling oscillations, more robust Ca²⁺ mobilization, and increased SERCA2b expression. Our findings suggest that RGS4 protein can regulate Ca²⁺ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells.

METHODS

Materials and antibodies

Fura-2/AM was purchased from Teflabs (Austin, TX, USA); CCK octapeptides (sulfated) were purchased from Tocris Biosciences (Bristol, BS11 0QL, UK). Collagenase P was purchased from Roche (Indianapolis, IN, USA). All other chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Anti-PMCA (5F10) antibodies were from Santa Cruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, CA, USA). Anti-IP₃R2 and anti-SERCA2b antibodies were from AbFrontier (Seoul, Korea). Anti-IP₃R3 antibodies were from BD Transduction Laboratories (San Jose, CA, USA). Anti-β-actin was from Sigma-Aldrich.

Animals and preparation of pancreatic acinar cells

Wild-type (WT) and RGS4 mutant (RGS4^-/-) mice with a C57BL/6 background were purchased from Jackson Laboratories, All experiments were performed on adult male C57BL/6 or RGS4 knock-out mice (2 to 6 months of age) that were maintained on a 12-h day/night cycle with normal mouse chow and water provided ad libitum. All procedures involving animals were performed according to the guidelines of the Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Intramural Animal Use and Care Committee. Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under CO₂ anesthesia. The cells were prepared from the pancreases of WT and RGS4^-/- mice by limited collagenase digestion as previously described [22]. Following isolation, the acinar cells were suspended in an extracellular physiologic salt solution (PSS), the composition of which was as follows (in mM): 140 NaCl, 5 KCl, 1 MgCl₂, 1 CaCl₂, 10 HEPES, and 10 glucose, adjusted to pH 7.4 with 10 N NaOH and to 310 mOsm with 5 M NaCl.

Measurement of [Ca²⁺]_i

Pancreatic acinar cells from WT and RGS4^-/- mice were loaded with 4μM fura-2/AM and 0.05% pluronic acid F-127 for 30 min in PSS at room temperature. Fura-2/AM fluorescence was measured at an excitation wavelength of 340/380 nm, and emission was measured at 510 nm (ratio=F₃₄₀/F₃₈₀) using an imaging system (Molecular Devices, CA, USA). The emitted fluorescence was monitored using a CCD camera (CoolSNAP HQ, AZ, USA) attached to an inverted microscope. Fluorescence images were obtained at 2-s intervals. All data were analyzed using the MetaFluor software (Molecular Devices, Downingtown, PA, USA).

Western blot

Protein extracts were prepared from isolated pancreatic acini from WT and RGS4^-/- mice as follows. Pure acinar cells were lysed in a buffer containing (in mM): 150 NaCl, 10 Tris (pH 7.8 with HCl), 1 EDTA, 1% NP-40, 0.1% SDS, and a protease inhibitor mixture (2 Na₃VO₄, 10 NaF, 10μg/ml leupeptin, and 10μg/ml phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride). The samples were probed overnight with 1:1,000 dilutions of antibodies against PMCA (5F10), IP₃R₂, IP₃R3, SERCA2b, and β-actin at 4℃ and then separated by SDS-PAGE.

Amylase secretion assay

Animals were allowed water but starved for 24 h prior to the experiment. Each acinar cell was stimulated with equal concentrations of carbachol used in the [Ca²⁺]_i measurement study. Acinar cells were incubated with carbachol for 20 min in a shaking incubator at 37℃ and 60 rpm. Acinar cells were lysed by sonication. The lysates were clarified by centrifugation at 13,000 rpm for 10 min. The total amylase content or content of amylase released into the medium was determined by the method described by Bernfeld [23]. Aliquots of the incubation medium and the supernatants of the homogenized cells were incubated with a 0.5% starch suspension for 10 min at 37℃. Absorbance was measured at 540 nm. Amylase activity in the medium was expressed as a percentage of the total activity.

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Total RNA was extracted from isolated pancreatic acinar cells using Trizol reagent (Sigma-Aldrich) according to the manufacturer's instructions. RT-PCR was performed using a SuperScript III RT kit (Sigma-Aldrich) and oligo-dTs (Fermentas, MA, USA). For PCR analysis of SERCA2b, the following primers were used: forward: 5'-TCGGAATACAGCGAGGAGAACATT-3'; reverse: 5'-TCCCTGCCTCTGTGTGAGAATTAG-3'. PCR was initiated by a 5-min incubation of the samples at 94℃, preceded by 25 cycles of 30 s at 94℃, 30 s at 58℃ for annealing, and 30 s at 72℃. After 25 cycles, samples were incubated for 10 min at 72℃ for complete extension. No reverse transcription control was performed using the same protocol, except for a control with no reverse transcriptase added.

Data analysis and statistics

Results are expressed as the mean±S.E.M. The statistical significance of differences between groups was determined using the Student's t test. In statistical tests, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Deletion of RGS4 increases stimulus intensity in pancreatic acinar cells

To investigate the role of RGS4, we treated acinar cells with different concentrations of carbachol, an agonist of muscarinic receptors. After the initial period of carbachol treatment, its concentration was immediately increased to the maximum level. As shown in Fig. 1, the amount of mobilized Ca²⁺ ions in the time between the two different concentrations (i.e., initial and maximum) of agonist was measured. Consequently, significant differences in Ca²⁺ concentrations were observed after treatment with 0.1μM carbachol (WT, 10.3±3.17; RGS4^-/-, 21.95±1.63, n=5, p< 0.05) and with 3μM carbachol (WT: 79.46±3.27; RGS4^-/-: 94.74±1.03, n=5, p<0.01). No differences in Ca²⁺ concentrations were observed at levels of 100μM carbachol or higher.

Fig. 1.

Measurement of Ca²⁺ mobilization in wild-type and RGS4^-/- pancreatic acinar cells. Briefly, pancreatic acinar cells were isolated from WT and RGS4^-/- mice and treated with various concentrations of carbachol (i.e., 0.05 to 100µM). The treatment concentration was then immediately changed to the maximum concentration (i.e., 1 mM). Ca²⁺ mobilization was calculated using the ratio of the calculated area below the graph of the initial carbachol concentration and that of the maximum carbachol concentration (i.e., 1 mM). Intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations were measured by fluorescence microscopy using fura2-AM. In RGS4^-/- cells (B), a more sensitive and enhanced response was observed than in WT cells (A). Graphical representation of the data is presented in (C). Car, carbachol.

Alterations of Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency in RGS4^-/- pancreatic acinar cells

Deletion of RGS4 disturbs normal Ca²⁺ oscillation patterns due to the reduction in its GTPase accelerating activity. We tested 1μM carbachol and 10 pM CCK in pancreatic acinar cells because these are the known physiologic concentrations of these agonists. As shown in Fig. 2A, the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations was observed to be 0.181±0.020 (spikes/min) in WT and 0.294±0.024 (spikes/min, n=16, p<0.01) in RGS4^-/-acinar cells. In the same protocol, we observed the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations in response to 1μM carbachol. Ca²⁺ oscillations were more frequent in RGS4^-/- knock-out mice than in WT mice [WT: 0.830±0.131 (spikes/min); RGS4^-/-: 1.072±0.099 (spikes/min)].

Fig. 2.

Measurement of Ca²⁺ oscillations in WT and RGS4^-/- cells. Effects on Ca²⁺ oscillations after treatment of pancreatic acinar cells with 10 pM cholecystokinin (CCK) (A); graphically represented in (B). Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency increased in RGS4^-/- cells (p<0.01). Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency in 0.5µM carbachol-treated cells (C); graphically represented in (D).

Different expression levels of SERCA2b in WT and RGS4^-/- acinar cells

It is possible that the increases in Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency and Ca²⁺ mobilization are due to the different protein expression levels of SERCA2b related to the Ca²⁺ oscillation pathways. To confirm this hypothesis, we isolated RGS4^-/- pancreatic acini and performed western blotting analysis. We observed that the expression levels of PMCA, IP₃R2, and IP₃R3 were the same between WT and RGS4^-/- cells; however, there was an increase in SERCA2b gene expression in RGS4^-/- cells (Fig. 3A). Using RT-PCR for a detailed comparison of mRNA expression levels between WT and RGS4^-/- cells, we observed an increased SERCA2b gene expression in RGS4^-/- pancreatic acini (Fig. 3B) (n=4, p<0.05).

Fig. 3.

Expression of Ca²⁺ signaling molecules in WT and RGS4^-/- cells. Western blotting was performed using anti-SERCA2b, anti-PMCA (5F10), anti-IP₃R2, and anti-IP₃R3 antibodies in isolated pancreatic acinar cells (A). Increases in SERCA2b mRNA (n=4, p<0.05) were confirmed by RT-PCR (B).

Similar levels of Ca²⁺ influx/efflux and amylase secretion in WT and RGS4^-/- pancreatic acinar cells

As suggested in Figs. 1 and 2, increases in Ca²⁺ mobilization and Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency can exert an effect of Ca²⁺ influx and efflux in pancreatic acini. We removed Ca²⁺ ions from the external solution after initial treatment with agonist and re-introduced the Ca²⁺ ions during treatment with maximum levels of agonist (1μM carbachol or 10 nM CCK) (Fig. 4A, B). WT and RGS4^-/- cells did not show any differences in transient cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels. Exocytosis and fluid secretion occurs during Ca²⁺ signaling in stimulated secretory cells. Therefore, we tested the levels of secreted amylase in WT and RGS4^-/- acinar cells. Levels of secreted amylase were slightly increased in RGS4^-/- cells compared with WT cells; however, the differences were not statistically significant (Fig. 4C).

Fig. 4.

Measurement of Ca²⁺ influx/efflux and amylase secretion. During the treatment with high doses of CCK (A) and carbachol (B), regulation of cytosol Ca²⁺ was observed. There were no significant differences between WT and RGS4^-/- acinar cells. Percent average amylase secretion was slightly higher in RGS4^-/- cells than in WT cells (n=4); however, the differences were not statistically significant (C).

DISCUSSION

In this study, we demonstrated different Ca²⁺ signaling patterns in WT and RGS4^-/- pancreatic acinar cells. First, Ca²⁺ mobilization was more prominent in pancreatic acinar cells of RGS4^-/- mice compared with WT. This effect could be the result of reduced GTPase accelerating activity in RGS4^-/- cells, which is the normal physiological function of the RGS4 protein. The effect could also be related to increased SERCA2b expression levels in RGS4^-/- cells. Both factors could influence Ca²⁺ mobilization; however, based on our current experiments, we cannot conclude which is the major factor.

Nevertheless, this study indicates that RGS4^-/- pancreatic acinar cells are more sensitive to carbachol-induced Ca²⁺ signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations would increase in these cells. Results of the calcium mobilization test can be explained in the same manner. Ca²⁺ oscillation is regarded as a key component in signal transmission and is related to the secretory process in pancreatic acinar cells [15,16]. Therefore, there would be an increase in the secretory function of cells that show an increase in the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations.

To confirm this hypothesis, we performed amylase secretion assays because pancreatic acinar cells secrete α-amylase during cytosolic Ca²⁺ oscillations. Unfortunately, we did not find any differences in amylase secretion between WT and RGS4^-/- cells. This result indicates that the increase in Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency is insufficient to change the secretory function of the acinar cells.

The next goal of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of molecules such as IP₃R2, IP₃R3, PMCA, and SERCA2b in WT and RGS4^-/- acinar cells. A change in the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations was observed due to altered expression levels of these molecules. According to western blotting analysis, IP₃R2, IP₃R3, and PMCA exprxession levels were similar, but SERCA2b expression was slightly increased in RGS4^-/- acinar cells. Quantitative PCR further confirmed these results, and these results suggest that deletion of RGS4 is probably related to SERCA2b gene expression in pancreatic acini cell. From these results, we inferred that deletion of RGS4 affects SERCA2b expression through an uncertain mechanism. We speculate that this phenomenon is an example of adaptation because cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels in RGS4^-/- cells are higher and last longer than those in WT cells. In this situation, RGS4^-/- cells need to clear Ca²⁺ ions from the cytosol more quickly.

The present study adds new insight into the signal transduction pathway of pancreatic acinar cells that regulate secretory function. RGS4 is a member of the B/R4 subfamily of RGS proteins, acting as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for G_q- and G_i-type G-protein α-subunits [24,25]. In WT pancreatic acini, RGS4 inhibited certain G_q subunits, such as those in muscarinic receptors. For this reason, RGS4^-/- pancreatic acini may display enhanced activity of muscarinic receptors. Thus, increased Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency and mobilization in RGS4^-/- acinar cells could be a result of function of RGS4.

And results of the increased SERCA2b expression, released Ca²⁺ would be quickly uptake to ER, and thereby makes the RGS4^-/- acinar cells more ready for next stimulation. This change would be another explanation of increased frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillation.

In RGS4^-/- mouse pancreatic acinar cells, the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations increased along with the induction of SERCA2b expression. In addition, levels of secretory amylase were slightly higher in RGS4^-/- cells. Elevated cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels can induce cellular apoptosis [5], and increased concentrations of cytosolic Ca²⁺ lead to increased concentrations of Ca²⁺ in the mitochondrial matrix, thereby inducing apoptosis [26]. For these reasons, viable cells must clear cytosolic Ca²⁺ rapidly. In RGS4^-/- pancreatic acini, more robust Ca²⁺ release could be induced by physiologic stimuli when compared with WT cells. Hence, we suggest that the potential role of RGS4 in acinar cells is to regulate SERCA2b expression levels and the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations.

Increased activity of store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCs) induces Ca²⁺ oscillations [27]. In this context, increased frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations could be unrelated with SERCA2b expression. Nevertheless, in the present study, patterns of Ca²⁺ influx/efflux were similar between WT and RGS4^-/- acinar cells after treatment with GPCR agonists. This result indicates that SOCs are not influenced by Ca²⁺ signaling and that increases in the frequency of Ca²⁺ oscillations would be due to increased expression of SERCA2b.

All alterations induced by RGS4 deletion in pancreatic acini could be a result of the modified physiologic function of pancreatic acinar cells. To confirm this hypothesis, we performed an amylase secretion assay. The average secretory value was slightly higher in RGS4^-/- acinar cells than in WT cells, although the difference was not significant, indicating that the alteration in Ca²⁺ signaling induced by the deletion of RGS4 is insufficient to increase amylase secretion.

Our study provides insights into the function of RGS4 in pancreatic acinar cells. We believe that these data will help in the understanding of the function of Ca²⁺ dynamics and the physiology of the pancreas.

ABBREVIATIONS

RGS

regulators of G-protein signaling

GTPase

guanosine triphosphatase