Temperature-dependent STIM1 activation induces Ca²+ influx and modulates gene expression

Nat Chem Biol. 2011 Jun;7(6):351-8. doi: 10.1038/nchembio.558. Epub 2011 Apr 17.

Abstract

Intracellular Ca(2+) is essential for diverse cellular functions. Ca(2+) entry into many cell types including immune cells is triggered by depleting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+), a process termed store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). STIM1 is an ER Ca(2+) sensor. Upon Ca(2+) store depletion, STIM1 clusters at ER-plasma membrane junctions where it interacts with and gates Ca(2+)-permeable Orai1 ion channels. Here we show that STIM1 is also activated by temperature. Heating cells caused clustering of STIM1 at temperatures above 35 °C without depleting Ca(2+) stores and led to Orai1-mediated Ca(2+) influx as a heat off-response (response after cooling). Notably, the functional coupling of STIM1 and Orai1 is prevented at high temperatures, potentially explaining the heat off-response. Additionally, physiologically relevant temperature shifts modulate STIM1-dependent gene expression in Jurkat T cells. Therefore, temperature is an important regulator of STIM1 function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • ORAI1 Protein
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • ORAI1 Protein
  • ORAI1 protein, human
  • STIM1 protein, human
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
  • Calcium