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Modulation of fibroblast response to maitotoxin along the cell division cycle

J Berreur-Bonnenfant1, M Ammar, A Dubreuil

  • 1ECMR, CNRS URA 1449, Université P.M. Curie, Paris, France.

Insights

Maitotoxin (MTX) triggers calcium increases in cells, with responses varying by cell cycle stage. This suggests MTX sensitivity is cell-cycle dependent, impacting calcium signaling research.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Maitotoxin (MTX) is known to elevate intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and induce phosphoinositide breakdown in diverse cell types.
  • MTX-induced [Ca2+]i increases are characterized as slow and sustained, differing from rapid signals evoked by calcium ionophores like ionomycin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Maitotoxin (MTX) on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) dynamics in synchronized fibroblastic cell lines.
  • To determine if MTX sensitivity and calcium response vary across different phases of the cell division cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Synchronization of BHK21 C13 and FR 3T3 fibroblasts using serum deprivation in isoleucine-free medium.
  • Flow cytometry and scanning laser cytometry with Indo-1 to analyze intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) changes in response to MTX.
  • Assessment of MTX effects on cell cycle progression, specifically at G1/S and G2/M transitions.

Main Results:

  • BHK21 C13 cells showed heightened susceptibility to MTX at the G1/S and G2/M stages of the cell cycle.
  • In FR 3T3 cells, the delay in [Ca2+]i increase after MTX addition varied significantly with cell cycle phase (0 min in S/G2/M transition, 10-20 min in G1).
  • No significant [Ca2+]i changes were observed during mitosis; the S phase exhibited a biphasic calcium response.

Conclusions:

  • The observed sustained calcium responses to MTX in cell populations likely represent an averaged effect across different cell cycle stages.
  • Cells exhibit distinct sensitivities to MTX at specific points in the cell division cycle, correlating with periods of endogenous calcium signaling.

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