Pharmacological characterization of NAADP-induced Ca2+ signals in starfish oocytes

F Moccia1, R A Billington, Luigia Santella

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy. moccia1997@hotmail.it

Insights

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) triggers calcium signals. In starfish oocytes, NAADP-induced calcium entry does not involve acidic organelles or ryanodine receptors, suggesting a novel plasma membrane channel target.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Physiology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a key second messenger initiating intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signals.
  • The specific Ca2+ pool and molecular targets of NAADP remain debated, with possibilities including acidic organelles or ryanodine receptors (RyRs).
  • NAADP is known to induce Ca2+ influx in starfish oocytes via a Ca2+-mediated current.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular targets of NAADP responsible for Ca2+ entry in starfish oocytes.
  • To determine whether acidic compartments or RyRs are involved in NAADP-mediated Ca2+ influx.
  • To identify the mechanism underlying NAADP-elicited depolarization in these cells.

Main Methods:

  • Single-electrode intracellular recording technique was utilized.
  • Experiments involved applying NAADP to starfish oocytes.
  • The effects of acidic compartment modulators and RyR inhibitors on NAADP-induced responses were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Neither drugs affecting acidic compartments nor RyR inhibitors altered NAADP-induced depolarization.
  • These findings indicate that acidic organelles and RyRs are not the primary targets for NAADP-induced Ca2+ entry in this model.
  • The results strongly suggest the involvement of an unknown plasma membrane Ca2+ channel.

Conclusions:

  • NAADP-induced Ca2+ entry in starfish oocytes is independent of acidic organelles and RyRs.
  • A novel, unidentified plasma membrane Ca2+ channel is likely the direct target of NAADP in starfish oocytes.
  • This study advances the understanding of NAADP signaling pathways and Ca2+ mobilization mechanisms.