TRPP2 and STIM1 form a microdomain to regulate store-operated Ca²⁺ entry and blood vessel tone

Polycystin-2 (TRPP2) is a Ca²⁺ permeable nonselective cationic channel essential for maintaining physiological function in live cells. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is an important Ca²⁺ sensor in store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Both TRPP2 and STIM1 are expressed in endoplasmic reticular membrane and participate in Ca²⁺ signaling, suggesting a physical interaction and functional synergism.

We performed co-localization, co-immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay to identify the interactions of TRPP2 and STIM1 in transfected HEK293 cells and native vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The function of the TRPP2-STIM1 complex in thapsigargin (TG) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced SOCE was explored using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Further, we created TRPP2 conditional knockout (CKO) mouse to investigate the functional role of TRPP2 in agonist-induced vessel contraction.

TRPP2 and STIM1 form a complex in transfected HEK293 cells and native VSMCs. Genetic manipulations with TRPP2 siRNA, dominant negative TRPP2 or STIM1 siRNA significantly suppressed ATP and TG-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ release and SOCE in HEK293 cells. Inositol triphosphate receptor inhibitor 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2APB) abolished ATP-induced Ca²⁺ release and SOCE in HEK293 cells. In addition, TRPP2 and STIM1 knockdown significantly inhibited ATP- and TG-induced STIM1 puncta formation and SOCE in VSMCs. Importantly, knockdown of TRPP2 and STIM1 or conditional knockout TRPP2 markedly suppressed agonist-induced mouse aorta contraction.

Our data indicate that TRPP2 and STIM1 are physically associated and form a functional complex to regulate agonist-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization, SOCE and blood vessel tone. Video abstract.