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Skeletal muscle weakness has been associated with different pathological conditions, including sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, and is accompanied by altered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. We wanted to elucidate the functional role of mTOR in muscle contractility. Most loss-of-function studies for mTOR signalling have used the drug rapamycin to inhibit some of the signalling downstream of mTOR. However, given that rapamycin does not inhibit all mTOR signalling completely, we generated a double knockout for mTOR and for the scaffold protein of mTORC1, raptor, in skeletal muscle. We found that double knockout in mice results in a more severe phenotype compared with deletion of raptor or mTOR alone. Indeed, these animals display muscle weakness, increased fibre denervation and a slower muscle relaxation following tetanic stimulation. This is accompanied by a shift towards slow-twitch fibres and changes in the expression levels of calcium-related genes, such as Serca1 and Casq1. Double knockout mice show a decrease in calcium decay kinetics after tetanus in vivo, suggestive of a reduced calcium reuptake. In addition, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that many downregulated genes, such as Tcap and Fhod3, are linked to sarcomere organization. These results suggest a key role for mTOR signalling in maintaining proper fibre relaxation in skeletal muscle. KEY POINTS: Skeletal muscle wasting and weakness have been associated with different pathological conditions, including sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, and are accompanied by altered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. Mammalian target of rapamycin plays a crucial role in the maintenance of muscle mass and functionality. We found that the loss of both mTOR and raptor results in contractile abnormalities, with severe muscle weakness and delayed relaxation following tetanic stimulation. These results are associated with alterations in the expression of genes involved in sarcomere organization and calcium handling and with an impairment in calcium reuptake after contraction. Taken together, these results provide a mechanistic insight into the role of mTOR in muscle contractility.

Polyglutamine (polyQ)-expanded androgen receptor (AR) causes spinobulbar muscular atrophy. Skeletal muscle is a primary site of polyQ-expanded AR toxicity, however it remains to be established what the early pathological processes are and how they unfold during disease progression. Using transgenic, knock-in SBMA mice and patient-derived muscle biopsies, we show that polyQ-expanded AR alters the generation of intrinsic muscle force prior to denervation. The pattern of expression of genes encoding key components of the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) machinery is altered in the muscles of presymptomatic mice and patients. Altered mitochondrial respiration is another early event followed by stimulus-dependent accumulation of calcium into mitochondria during disease onset and structural organization alterations of the muscle triad. Surgical castration and AR silencing prevented early pathological processes. These observations show that androgen-dependent deregulations of ECC and defective mitochondrial respiration are early but reversible events followed by altered muscle force, contraction dynamics, and calcium dyshomeostasis.

Summary Parvalbumin (PV) is a cytosolic Ca2+-binding protein highly expressed in fast skeletal muscle, contributing to an increased relaxation rate. Moreover, PV is an “atrogene” downregulated in most muscle atrophy conditions. Here, we exploit mice lacking PV to explore the link between the two PV functions. Surprisingly, PV ablation partially counteracts muscle loss after denervation. Furthermore, acute PV downregulation is accompanied by hypertrophy and upregulation by atrophy. PV ablation has a minor impact on sarcoplasmic reticulum but is associated with increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, mitochondrial size and number, and contacts with Ca2+ release sites. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) silencing abolishes the hypertrophic effect of PV ablation, suggesting that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is required for hypertrophy. In turn, an increase of mitochondrial Ca2+ is required to enhance expression of the pro-hypertrophy gene PGC-1α4, whose silencing blocks hypertrophy due to PV ablation. These results reveal how PV links cytosolic Ca2+ control to mitochondrial adaptations, leading to muscle mass regulation., Graphical abstract, Highlights • PV is downregulated during skeletal muscle atrophy, and its levels affect trophism • Skeletal muscle mitochondria undergo remodeling in PV knockout mice • Mitochondria increase cytosolic Ca2+ buffer capacity in PV knockout skeletal muscles • Increased mitochondrial Ca2+ triggers the PGC-1α4 pathway, inducing muscle growth, Parvalbumin is one of the most important cytosolic Ca2+ buffers in skeletal muscle. Butera et al. demonstrate that the profound mitochondria rearrangement in muscle fibers, caused by parvalbumin ablation, increases mitochondria Ca2+ buffering capacity. This impinges on the PGC-1α4 pathway, counteracting atrophy and inducing muscle fiber hypertrophy.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Although clinical and experimental evidence highlight a primary role for skeletal muscle in the onset, progression, and outcome of disease, the pathophysiological and molecular processes underlying SBMA muscle atrophy are poorly understood. Here we show that polyQ-expanded AR alters intrinsic muscle force generation before denervation. Reduced muscle force was associated with a switch in fiber-type composition, disrupted muscle striation, altered calcium (Ca++) dynamics in response to muscle contraction, and aberrant expression of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) machinery genes in transgenic, knock-in and inducible SBMA mice and patients. Importantly, treatment to suppress polyQ-expanded AR toxicity restored ECC gene expression back to normal. Suppression of AR activation by surgical castration elicited similar ECC gene expression changes in normal mice, suggesting that AR regulates the expression of these genes in physiological conditions. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of androgen-responsive elements on several genes involved in muscle function and homeostasis, and experimental evidence showed AR-dependent regulation of expression and promoter occupancy of the most up-regulated gene from transcriptomic analysis in SBMA muscle, i.e. sarcolipin, a key ECC gene. These observations reveal an unpredicted role for AR in the regulation of expression of genes involved in muscle contraction and Ca++ dynamics, a level of muscle function regulation that is disrupted in SBMA muscle, yet restored by pharmacologic treatment.

Mitochondrial quality control is essential in highly structured cells such as neurons and muscles. In skeletal muscle the mitochondrial fission proteins are reduced in different physiopathological conditions including ageing sarcopenia, cancer cachexia and chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting. However, whether mitochondrial fission is essential for muscle homeostasis is still unclear. Here we show that muscle-specific loss of the pro-fission dynamin related protein (DRP) 1 induces muscle wasting and weakness. Constitutive Drp1 ablation in muscles reduces growth and causes animal death while inducible deletion results in atrophy and degeneration. Drp1 deficient mitochondria are morphologically bigger and functionally abnormal. The dysfunctional mitochondria signals to the nucleus to induce the ubiquitin-proteasome system and an Unfolded Protein Response while the change of mitochondrial volume results in an increase of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and myofiber death. Our findings reveal that morphology of mitochondrial network is critical for several biological processes that control nuclear programs and Ca2+ handling., Muscle loss is associated with altered expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, but whether this is causative remains unclear. Here, the authors show that genetic ablation of the pro-fission protein DRP1 leads to accumulation of abnormal mitochondria that induce muscle atrophy by altering Ca2+ homeostasis and cellular stress responses.

Selenoprotein N (SELENON) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein whose loss of function leads to human SELENON-related myopathies. SelenoN knockout (KO) mouse limb muscles, however, are protected from the disease, and display no major alterations in muscle histology or contractile properties. Interestingly, we find that the highly active diaphragm muscle shows impaired force production, in line with the human phenotype. In addition, after repeated stimulation with a protocol which induces muscle fatigue, also hind limb muscles show altered relaxation times. Mechanistically, muscle SELENON loss alters activity-dependent calcium handling selectively impinging on the Ca2+ uptake of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and elicits an ER stress response, including the expression of the maladaptive CHOP-induced ERO1. In SELENON-devoid models, ERO1 shifts ER redox to a more oxidised poise, and further affects Ca2+ uptake. Importantly, CHOP ablation in SelenoN KO mice completely prevents diaphragm dysfunction, the prolonged limb muscle relaxation after fatigue, and restores Ca2+ uptake by attenuating the induction of ERO1. These findings suggest that SELENON is part of an ER stress-dependent antioxidant response and that the CHOP/ERO1 branch of the ER stress response is a novel pathogenic mechanism underlying SELENON-related myopathies. Key words: Diaphragm dysfunction, ER stress response, SELENON

Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic compound found in grapes, peanuts, and in some berries. RES has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative properties, and to target mitochondrial-related pathways in mammalian cells and animal models. Therefore, RES is currently advised as supplement in the diet of elderly individuals. Although it is hypothesized that some of RES beneficial actions likely arise from its action on the skeletal muscle, the investigation of RES effects on this tissue remains still elusive. This study reports the effects of a 0,04% RES-supplemented diet for six months, on the skeletal muscle properties of C57/BL6 aging mice. The analysis of the morphology, protein expression, and functional-mechanical properties of selected skeletal muscles in treated compared to control mice, revealed that treated animals presented less tubular aggregates and a better resistance to fatigue in an ex-vivo contraction test, suggesting RES as a good candidate to reduce age-related alterations in muscle.

Variations of free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) are powerful intracellular signals, controlling contraction as well as metabolism in muscle cells. To fully understand the role of calcium redistribution upon excitation and contraction in skeletal muscle cells, the local [Ca2+] in different compartments needs to be taken into consideration. Fluorescent probes allow the determination of [Ca2+] in the cytosol where myofibrils are embedded, the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the mitochondrial matrix. Previously, models have been developed describing intracellular calcium handling in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. However, a comprehensive model describing the kinetics of the changes in free calcium concentration in these three compartments is lacking. We designed a new 3D compartmental model of the half sarcomere with radial symmetry, which accounts for diffusion of Ca2+ into the three compartments and simulates its dynamics at rest and at various rates of stimulation in mice skeletal muscle fibers. This model satisfactorily reproduces both the amplitude and time course of the variations of [Ca2+] in the three compartments in mouse fast fibers. As an illustration of the applicability of the model, we investigated the effects of Calsequestrin (CSQ) ablation. CSQ is the main Ca2+ buffer in the SR, localized in close proximity of its calcium release sites and near to the mitochondria. CSQ knock-out mice muscles still preserve a near-normal contractile behavior, but it is unclear whether this is caused by additional SR calcium buffering or a significant contribution of calcium entry from extracellular space, via stored-operated calcium entry (SOCE). The model enabled quantitative assessment of these two scenarios by comparison to measurements of local calcium in the cytosol, the SR and the mitochondria. In conclusion, the model represents a useful tool to investigate the impact of protein ablation and of pharmacological interventions on intracellular calcium dynamics in mice skeletal muscle.

Oxidative stress has been proposed to play a key role in malignant hyperthermia (MH), a syndrome caused by excessive Ca2+release in skeletal muscle. Incidence of mortality in male calsequestrin-1 knockout (CASQ1-null) mice during exposure to halothane and heat (a syndrome closely resembling human MH) is far greater than that in females. To investigate the possible role of sex hormones in this still unexplained gender difference, we treated male and female CASQ1-null mice for 1 month, respectively, with Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and leuprolide (GnRH analog) and discovered that during exposure to halothane and heat Premarin reduced the mortality rate in males (79–27% and 86–20%), while leuprolide increased the incidence of mortality in females (18–73% and 24–82%). We then evaluated the (a) responsiveness of isolated muscles to temperature and caffeine, (b) sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+release in single fibers, and (c) oxidative stress and the expression levels of main enzymes involved in the regulation of the redox balance in muscle. Premarin treatment reduced the temperature and caffeine sensitivity of EDL muscles, normalized SR Ca2+release, and reduced oxidative stress in males, suggesting that female sex hormones may protect mice from lethal hyperthermic episodes by reducing both the SR Ca2+leak and oxidative stress.

The aim of our study was to investigate fiber type distribution and contractile characteristics of Latissimus Dorsi muscle (LDM). Samples were collected from 18 young healthy subjects (9 males and 9 females) through percutaneous fine needle muscle biopsy. The results showed a predominance of fast myosin heavy chain isoforms (MyHC) with 42% of MyHC 2A and 25% of MyHC 2X, while MyHC 1 represented only 33%. The unbalance toward fast isoforms was even greater in males (71%) than in females (64%). Fiber type distribution partially reflected MyHC isoform distribution with 28% type 1/slow fibers and 5% hybrid 1/2A fibers, while fast fibers were divided into 30% type 2A, 31% type A/X, 4% type X, and 2% type 1/2X. Type 1/slow fibers were not only less abundant but also smaller in cross-sectional area than fast fibers. During maximal isometric contraction, type 1/slow fibers developed force and tension significantly lower than the two major groups of fast fibers. In conclusion, the predominance of fast fibers and their greater size and strength compared to slow fibers reveal that LDM is a muscle specialized mainly in phasic and powerful activity. Importantly, such specialization is more pronounced in males than in females.

In humans, hyperthermic episodes can be triggered by halogenated anesthetics [malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility] and by high temperature [environmental heat stroke (HS)]. Correlation between MH susceptibility and HS is supported by extensive work in mouse models that carry a mutation in ryanodine receptor type-1 (RYR1Y522S/WT) and calsequestrin-1 knockout (CASQ1-null), 2 proteins that control Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle. As overheating episodes in humans have also been described during exertion, here we subjected RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice to an exertional-stress protocol (incremental running on a treadmill at 34°C and 40% humidity). The mortality rate was 80 and 78.6% in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice, respectively, vs. 0% in wild-type mice. Lethal crises were characterized by hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis, classic features of MH episodes. Of importance, pretreatment with azumolene, an analog of the drug used in humans to treat MH crises, reduced mortality to 0 and 12.5% in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice, respectively, thanks to a striking reduction of hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis. At the molecular level, azumolene strongly prevented Ca2+-dependent activation of calpains and NF-κB by lowering myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and nitro-oxidative stress, parameters that were elevated in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice. These results suggest that common molecular mechanisms underlie MH crises and exertional HS in mice.-Michelucci, A., Paolini, C., Boncompagni, S., Canato, M., Reggiani, C., Protasi, F. Strenuous exercise triggers a life-threatening response in mice susceptible to malignant hyperthermia.

The response to resistance training and protein supplementation in the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) has never been investigated. We investigated the effects of resistance training (RT) and protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and fiber characteristics of the LDM. Eighteen healthy young subjects were randomly assigned to a progressive eight-week RT program with a normal protein diet (NP) or high protein diet (HP) (NP 0.85 vs. HP 1.8 g of protein·kg−1·day−1). One repetition maximum tests, magnetic resonance imaging for cross-sectional muscle area (CSA), body composition, and single muscle fibers mechanical and phenotype characteristics were measured. RT induced a significant gain in strength (+17%, p < 0.0001), whole muscle CSA (p = 0.024), and single muscle fibers CSA (p < 0.05) of LDM in all subjects. Fiber isometric force increased in proportion to CSA (+22%, p < 0.005) and thus no change in specific tension occurred. A significant transition from 2X to 2A myosin expression was induced by training. The protein supplementation showed no significant effects on all measured outcomes except for a smaller reduction of 2X myosin expression. Our results suggest that in LDM protein supplementation does not further enhance RT-induced muscle fiber hypertrophy nor influence mechanic muscle fiber characteristics but partially counteracts the fast-to-slow fiber shift.

Introduction: Glucocorticoids are the only drugs available for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but it is unclear whether their efficacy is dependent on their anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: To address this issue, mdx mice were treated daily with methylprednisolone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: aspirin, ibuprofen, parecoxib). Results: NSAID treatment was effective in ameliorating muscle morphology and reducing macrophage infiltration and necrosis. The percentage of regenerating myofibers was not modified by the treatments. The drugs were effective in reducing COX-2 expression and inflammatory cytokines, but they did not affect utrophin levels. The effects of the treatments on contractile performance were analyzed. Isometric tension did not differ in treated and untreated muscle, but the resistance to fatigue was decreased by treatment with methylprednisolone and aspirin. Conclusions: NSAIDs have a beneficial effect on mdx muscle morphology, pointing to a crucial role of inflammation in the progression of DMD. Muscle Nerve, 2012

Calsequestrin (CS), the major Ca(2+)-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), is thought to play a dual role in excitation-contraction coupling: buffering free Ca(2+) increasing SR capacity, and modulating the activity of the Ca(2+) release channels (RyRs). In this study, we generated and characterized the first murine model lacking the skeletal CS isoform (CS1). CS1-null mice are viable and fertile, even though skeletal muscles appear slightly atrophic compared to the control mice. No compensatory increase of the cardiac isoform CS2 is detectable in any type of skeletal muscle. CS1-null muscle fibres are characterized by structural and functional changes, which are much more evident in fast-twitch muscles (EDL) in which most fibres express only CS1, than in slow-twitch muscles (soleus), where CS2 is expressed in about 50% of the fibres. In isolated EDL muscle, force development is preserved, but characterized by prolonged time-to-peak and half-relaxation time, probably related to impaired calcium release from and re-uptake by the SR. Ca(2+)-imaging studies show that the amount of Ca(2+) released from the SR and the amplitude of the Ca(2+) transient are significantly reduced. The lack of CS1 also causes significant ultrastructural changes, which include: (i) striking proliferation of SR junctional domains; (ii) increased density of Ca(2+)-release channels (confirmed also by (3)H-ryanodine binding); (iii) decreased SR terminal cisternae volume; (iv) higher density of mitochondria. Taken together these results demonstrate that CS1 is essential for the normal development of the SR and its calcium release units and for the storage and release of appropriate amounts of SR Ca(2+).

Calcium plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the differentiated phenotype in myogenic cells but the involved molecular mechanisms are still matter of debate. Here we studied the effects of exposing L6-C5 myogenic cells to high extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o), which induces an increase of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) without involving Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores but exclusively due to plasma membrane influx (Naro et al., 2003). Exposure of L6-C5 cells to [Ca2+]o up to 20 mM for 30 min, before shifting them into a differentiative medium, induced the appearance of multinucleated, myosin-positive myotubes, much larger than in control cells with an increased protein/DNA ratio. These large myotubes showed nuclear accumulation of the hypertrophy marker GATA-2. The hypertrophic growth of these cells was blocked by cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506, or overexpression of a calcineurin-dominant negative protein, suggesting the involvement in this process of the Ca2+ responsive phosphatase calcineurin. Furthermore, transient exposure of L6-C5 cells to high [Ca2+]o increased the expression of luciferase reporter driven by myoglobin (Mb) and beta-MHC promoters but not IIB-MHC and MCK promoters. Luciferase transcription driven by CK promoter was, instead, enhanced by mobilizing Ca2+ from the intracellular stores. These data indicate that a transient increase of [Ca2+]i due to plasma-membrane influx is sufficient to induce a hypertrophic phenotype and an increased expression of slow-fiber genes but not fast-fiber genes.

Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle growth even if some studies have shown a counterintuitive positive correlation between MSTN and muscle mass (MM). Our aim was to investigate the influence of 2 months of resistance training (RT) and diets with different protein contents on plasma MSTN, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomly divided in two groups: high protein (HP) and normal protein (NP) groups. Different protein diet contents were 1.8 and 0.85 g of protein·kg bw(-1)·day(-1) for HP and NP, respectively. Subjects underwent 8 weeks of standardized progressive RT. MSTN, IGF-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were analyzed before and after the first and the last training sessions. Lean body mass, MM, upper-limb muscle area, and strength were measured. Plasma MSTN showed a significant increase (P

Background: Mice lacking calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1-null), a Ca2+-binding protein that modulates the activity of Ca2+ release in the skeletal muscle, exhibit lethal hypermetabolic episodes that resemble malignant hyperthermia in humans when exposed to halothane or heat stress. Methods: Because oxidative species may play a critical role in malignant hyperthermia crises, we treated CASQ1-null mice with two antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC, Sigma-Aldrich, Italy; provided ad libitum in drinking water) and (±)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox, Sigma-Aldrich; administered by intraperitoneal injection), before exposure to halothane (2%, 1 h) or heat (41°C, 1 h). Results: NAC and Trolox significantly protected CASQ1-null mice from lethal episodes, with mortality being 79% (n = 14), 25% (n = 16), and 20% (n = 5) during halothane exposure and 86% (n = 21), 29% (n = 21), and 33% (n = 6) during heat stress in untreated, NAC-treated, and Trolox-treated mice, respectively. During heat challenge, an increase in core temperature in CASQ1-null mice (42.3° ± 0.1°C, n=10) was significantly reduced by both NAC and Trolox (40.6° ± 0.3°C, n = 6 and 40.5° ± 0.2°C, n = 6). NAC treatment of CASQ1-null muscles/mice normalized caffeine sensitivity during in vitro contracture tests, Ca2+ transients in single fibers, and significantly reduced the percentage of fibers undergoing rhabdomyolysis (37.6 ± 2.5%, 38/101 fibers in 3 mice; 11.6 ± 1.1%, 21/186 fibers in 5 mice). The protective effect of antioxidant treatment likely resulted from mitigation of oxidative stress, because NAC reduced mitochondrial superoxide production, superoxide dismutase type-1 expression, and 3-nitrotyrosine expression, and increased both reduced glutathione and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Conclusion: These studies provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that underlie hyperthermic crises in CASQ1-deficient muscle and demonstrate that antioxidant pretreatment may prevent them.

Calcium storage, release, and reuptake are essential for normal physiological function of muscle. Several human skeletal muscle disorders can arise from dysfunction in the control and coordination of these three critical processes. The release from the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum stores (SR) is handled by a multiprotein complex called Calcium Release Unit and composed of DiHydroPyridine Receptor or DHPR, Ryanodine Receptor or RYR, Calsequestrin or CASQ, junctin, Triadin, Junctophilin and Mitsugumin 29. Malignant hyperthermia (MH), Central Core Disease (CCD), Exertional/environmental Heat Stroke (EHS) and Multiminicore disease (MmD) are inherited disorders of calcium homeostasis in skeletal muscles directly related to mutations of genes coding for proteins of the CRU, primarily ryanodine receptor (RYR1). To understand the pathophysiology of MH and CCD, four murine lines carrying point mutations of human RYR1 have been developed: Y524S, R163C, I4898T and T4826I. Mice carrying those mutations show a phenotype with the traits of MH and/or CCD. Interestingly, also ablation of skeletal muscle calsequestrin (CASQ1) leads to a phenotype with MH-like lethal episodes in response to halothane and heat stress and development of central cores. In this review, we aim to describe the murine lines with RYR mutations or CASQ ablation, which show a phenotype similar to human MH or CCD, to underline their specific phenotypes and their differences and to discuss their contribution to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorders and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Organelle-targetted Cameleons provide a useful tool to quantify variations in local free calcium concentration. We studied murine FDB single fibers with a probe targetted to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and a probe targetted to mitochondria and assuming organelle volumes available in the literature (Luff & Atwood, J Cell Biol 1971). In wild type C57 mice, SR free calcium concentration was found to be 570 uM and, assuming a bound/free calcium ratio of 60/1 (Murphy et al, J Physiol 2009) and a volume of 5%, this corresponded to 1.7 mmole/fiber liter. Following similar approach the amount released was 0.4 and 0.6 mmole/fiber liter in a 2 s - 60Hz tetanus and, respectively, after 20 mM caffeine administration. Resting mitochondrial calcium concentration was 140 nM and, assuming a ratio of bound to free of 100/1 and a volume of 5%, this corresponded to a 1.2 umol/fiber liter. According to this line of reasoning, the increase in mitochondrial calcium content was 1.32 and 1.4 umole/fiber liter in a 2 s - 60Hz tetanus and, respectively, after 20 mM caffeine administration. The results showed that the fraction of calcium released by SR and taken up by mitochondria is below 1 % of the calcium release, with minimal impact on cytosolic calcium level, but likely sufficient to activate metabolic mitochondrial response. Supported by Telethon Grant GGP 13 213.

Calsequestrin type 1 (CASQ1) is both the major Ca2+ binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in skeletal muscle and a direct modulator of type 1 ryanodine receptor (RYR1) Ca2+-release channel activity. Mice lacking CASQ1 (CASQ1-null) exhibit increased susceptibility for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and Environmental Heat Stroke (EHS), life-threatening disorders triggered by volatile anaesthetics and high temperature, respectively. Excessive oxidative stress during MH/EHS crises are proposed to result in increased RYR1 nitrosylation, and subsequently, enhanced SR Ca2+ leak that leads to hypercontractures and rhabdomyolysis. Here, we treated CASQ1-null mice for 2 months (from 2-to-4 months of age) with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a potent anti-oxidant) provided ad libitum in their drinking water (1% w/v). NAC treatment significantly protected CASQ1-null mice from lethal episodes induced by both halothane (2%, 1h at 32°C) and heat challenge (41°C, 1h) with the rate of mortality being 79 vs 25% and 86 vs 30% in control vs NAC-treated mice, respectively. This protection resulted from several factors including: a) reduced oxidative stress measured as both GSH/GSSG ratio and the frequency of mitochondrial superoxide flash activity (P

Mitochondrial Ca2+-uptake is important for the regulation of aerobic ATP production and is involved in apoptosis. Muscle fibers contract in response to transient elevation in intracellular calcium concentration. At rest, the Ca2+ stored inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is predominantly bound to calsequestrin (CASQ). Since muscle fibers lacking calsequestrin (CASQ) have a reduced SR Ca2+ content and present alterations in mitochondrial morphology that may affect function, we investigated mitochondrial Ca2+-handling using a ratiometric FRET-based calcium indicator (mtD3cpv Cameleon) targeted to the mitochondrial matrix. Experiments were conducted in enzymatically dissociated FDB muscle fibers from wild type (WT) and CASQ-null mice, lacking both CASQ isoforms either in the presence (1 mM) or absence of extracellular calcium. Small but significant differences in free mitochondrial Ca2+-concentration ([Ca2+]mito) were observed between quiescent WT and CASQ-null fibers. The free [Ca2+]mito during steady state electrical stimulation at 1 Hz showed a rapid increase with a 10% - 90% rise time of 18.4±0.4 ms. The decline in [Ca2+]mito during and after stimulation trains was governed by 3 temporally distinct processes with rate constants of approximately 40 s−1, 1.6 s−1 and 0.2 s−1 (at 26 oC). During the sustained contractions in WT fibers, frequency-dependent increases in free [Ca2+]mito occurred, which were smaller in the absence than in the presence of external Ca2+. In CASQ-null fibers the increase in free [Ca2+]mito was less pronounced, and in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the increase in free [Ca2+]mito was virtually absent. These results provide direct evidence for rapid Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria and suggest that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is sensitive to the amount of Ca2+ available inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum as well as in the extracellular spaces.

Amplitude of Ca2+transients, ultrastructure of Ca2+release units, and molecular composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are altered in fast-twitch skeletal muscles of calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1)-null mice. To determine whether such changes are directly caused by CASQ1 ablation or are instead the result of adaptive mechanisms, here we assessed ability of CASQ1 in rescuing the null phenotype. In vivo reintroduction of CASQ1 was carried out by cDNA electro transfer in flexor digitorum brevis muscle of the mouse. Exogenous CASQ1 was found to be correctly targeted to the junctional SR (jSR), as judged by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy; terminal cisternae (TC) lumen was filled with electron dense material and its width was significantly increased, as judged by electron microscopy; peak amplitude of Ca2+transients was significantly increased compared with null muscle fibers transfected only with green fluorescent protein (control); and finally, transfected fibers were able to sustain cytosolic Ca2+concentration during prolonged tetanic stimulation. Only the expression of TC proteins, such as calsequestrin 2, sarcalumenin, and triadin, was not rescued as judged by Western blot. Thus our results support the view that CASQ1 plays a key role in both Ca2+homeostasis and TC structure.

The influence of nutrition on skin health is a growing research area but the findings of various studies on the effect of diet on the development of acne have often been contradictory. The general opinion among researchers has oscillated between two different, opposing positions: that diet either is or is not a key factor for acne development. This review examines the evidence supporting an influence of various dietary components on the development of acne particularly focusing on the role played by carbohydrates. The physiological and biochemical effects of the ketogenic diet are examined from this perspective and mechanisms will be proposed via which this type of diet could have a role in the treatment of acne. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Calsequestrin type-1 (CASQ1), the main sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) binding protein, plays a dual role in skeletal fibers: a) it provides a large pool of rapidly-releasable Ca(2+) during excitation-contraction (EC) coupling; and b) it modulates the activity of ryanodine receptors (RYRs), the SR Ca(2+) release channels. We have generated a mouse lacking CASQ1 in order to further characterize the role of CASQ1 in skeletal muscle. Contrary to initial expectations, CASQ1 ablation is compatible with normal motor activity, in spite of moderate muscle atrophy. However, CASQ1 deficiency results in profound remodeling of the EC coupling apparatus: shrinkage of junctional SR lumen; proliferation of SR/transverse-tubule contacts; and increased density of RYRs. While force development during a twitch is preserved, it is nevertheless characterized by a prolonged time course, likely reflecting impaired Ca(2+) re-uptake by the SR. Finally, lack of CASQ1 also results in increased rate of SR Ca(2+) depletion and inability of muscle to sustain tension during a prolonged tetani. All modifications are more pronounced (or only found) in fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscle compared to slow-twitch soleus muscle, likely because the latter expresses higher amounts of calsequestrin type-2 (CASQ2). Surprisingly, male CASQ1-null mice also exhibit a marked increased rate of spontaneous mortality suggestive of a stress-induced phenotype. Consistent with this idea, CASQ1-null mice exhibit an increased susceptibility to undergo a hypermetabolic syndrome characterized by whole body contractures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia and sudden death in response to halothane- and heat-exposure, a phenotype remarkably similar to human malignant hyperthermia and environmental heat-stroke. The latter findings validate the CASQ1 gene as a candidate for linkage analysis in human muscle disorders.

The present study is aimed to design a prototype of hybrid silicon-muscle cell junction, analog to an artificial neuromuscular junction prototype and relevant to the development of advanced neuro-prostheses and bionic systems. The device achieves focal Electric Capacitive Stimulation (ECS) by coupling of single cells and semiconductors, without electrochemical reaction with the substrate. A voltage change applied to a stimulation spot beneath an electrogenic cell leads to a capacitive current (charge accumulation) that opens voltage-gated ion channels in the membrane and generates an action potential. The myo-electronic junction was employed to chronically stimulate muscle cells via ECS and to induce cytosolic calcium transients in myotubes, fibers isolated from mouse FDB (fast [Ca 2+ ] i transients) and surprisingly also in undifferentiated myoblasts (slow [Ca 2+ ] i waves). The hybrid junction elicited, via chronic ECS, a differential reprogramming of single muscle cells by inducing early muscle contraction maturation and plasticity effects, such as NFAT-C3 nuclear translocation. In addition, in the presence of agrin, chronic ECS induced a modulation of AchR clustering which simulates in vitro synaptogenesis. This methodology can coordinate the myogenic differentiation, thus offering direct but non-invasive single cell/wiring, providing a platform for regenerative medicine strategies.

This study aimed to analyse the sarcolemma of Col6a1−/−fibers in comparison with wild type and mdx fibers, taken as positive control in view of the known structural and functional alterations of their membranes. Structural and mechanical properties were studied in single muscle fibers prepared from FDB muscle using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and conventional electrophysiological techniques to measure ionic conductance and capacitance. While the sarcolemma topography was preserved in both types of dystrophic fibers, membrane elasticity was significantly reduced in Col6a1−/−and increased in mdx fibers. In the membrane of Col6a1−/−fibers ionic conductance was increased likely due to an increased leakage, whereas capacitance was reduced, and the action potential (ap) depolarization rate was reduced. The picture emerging from experiments on fibers in culture was consistent with that obtained on intact freshly dissected muscle. Mdx fibers in culture showed a reduction of both membrane conductance and capacitance. In contrast, in mdx intact FDB muscle resting conductance was increased while resting potential and ap depolarization rate were reduced, likely indicating the presence of a consistent population of severely altered fibers which disappear during the culture preparation.

It is commonly accepted that skeletal muscles from dystrophin-deficient mdx mice are more susceptible than those from wild-type mice to damage from eccentric contractions. However, the downstream mechanisms involved in this enhanced force drop remain controversial. We studied the reduction of contractile force induced by eccentric contractions elicited in vivo in the gastrocnemius muscle of wild-type mice and three distinct models of muscle dystrophy: mdx, α-sarcoglycan ( Sgca)-null, and collagen 6A1 ( Col6a1)-null mice. In mdx and Sgca-null mice, force decreased 35% compared with 14% in wild-type mice. Drop of force in Col6a1-null mice was comparable to that in wild-type mice. To identify the determinants of the force drop, we measured force generation in permeabilized fibers dissected from gastrocnemius muscle that had been exposed in vivo to eccentric contractions and from the contralateral unstimulated muscle. A force loss in skinned fibers after in vivo eccentric contractions was detectable in fibers from mdx and Sgca-null, but not wild-type and Col6a1-null, mice. The enhanced force reduction in mdx and Sgca-null mice was observed only when eccentric contractions were elicited in vivo, since eccentric contractions elicited in vitro had identical effects in wild-type and dystrophic skinned fibers. These results suggest that 1) the enhanced force loss is due to a myofibrillar impairment that is present in all fibers, and not to individual fiber degeneration, and 2) the mechanism causing the enhanced force reduction is active in vivo and is lost after fiber permeabilization.

Calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1) is a moderate-affinity, high-capacity Ca2+-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) terminal cisternae of skeletal muscle. CASQ1 functions as both a Ca2+-binding protein and a luminal regulator of ryanodine receptor (RYR1)-mediated Ca2+ release. Mice lacking skeletal CASQ1 are viable but exhibit reduced levels of releasable Ca2+ and altered contractile properties. Here we report that CASQ1-null mice exhibit increased spontaneous mortality and susceptibility to heat- and anesthetic-induced sudden death. Exposure of CASQ1-null mice to either 2% halothane or heat stress triggers lethal episodes characterized by whole-body contractures, elevated core temperature, and severe rhabdomyolysis, which are prevented by prior dantrolene administration. The characteristics of these events are remarkably similar to analogous episodes observed in humans with malignant hyperthermia (MH) and animal models of MH and environmental heat stroke (EHS). In vitro studies indicate that CASQ1-null muscle exhibits increased contractile sensitivity to temperature and caffeine, temperature-dependent increases in resting Ca2+, and an increase in the magnitude of depolarization-induced Ca2+ release. These results demonstrate that CASQ1 deficiency alters proper control of RYR1 function and suggest CASQ1 as a potential candidate gene for linkage analysis in families with MH/EHS where mutations in the RYR1 gene are excluded.—Dainese, M., Quarta, M., Lyfenko, A. D., Paolini, C., Canato, M., Reggiani, C., Dirksen, R. T., Protasi, F. Anesthetic- and heat-induced sudden death in calsequestrin-1-knockout mice.

Malignant hyperthermia (MHS) and environmental heat stroke (EHS) in humans present as similar life threatening crises triggered by volatile anesthetics and strenuous exercise and/or high temperature, respectively. Many families (70-80%) diagnosed with MH susceptibility (MHS), and a few with EHS, are linked to mutations in the gene that encodes the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RYR1) located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. However, mutations in the RYR1 gene are not found in all MH families, suggesting that alternative genes remain to be identified. Here we investigated whether a MH/EHS-like phenotype results from deficiency in skeletal muscle calsequestrin (CASQ1), a SR Ca2+-binding protein that modulates RYR1 function. Exposure of CASQ1-null mice to halothane or heat stress triggers lethal episodes characterized by elevated core temperature, whole body contractures, and severe rhabdomyolysis. Both heat- and halothane-induced episodes are prevented by prior dantrolene administration, the standard antidote used to treat MH episodes in humans. In vitro studies indicate that CASQ1-null muscle exhibits increased contractile sensitivity to caffeine, temperature-dependent increases in resting Ca2+, and an increase in the magnitude of depolarization-induced Ca2+ release. These findings validate CASQ1 as a candidate gene for linkage analysis in MH/EHS families where mutations in RYR1 are excluded.

Calsequestrin (CS), the major Ca(2+)-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), is thought to play a dual role in excitation-contraction coupling: buffering free Ca(2+) increasing SR capacity, and modulating the activity of the Ca(2+) release channels (RyRs). In this study, we generated and characterized the first murine model lacking the skeletal CS isoform (CS1). CS1-null mice are viable and fertile, even though skeletal muscles appear slightly atrophic compared to the control mice. No compensatory increase of the cardiac isoform CS2 is detectable in any type of skeletal muscle. CS1-null muscle fibres are characterized by structural and functional changes, which are much more evident in fast-twitch muscles (EDL) in which most fibres express only CS1, than in slow-twitch muscles (soleus), where CS2 is expressed in about 50% of the fibres. In isolated EDL muscle, force development is preserved, but characterized by prolonged time-to-peak and half-relaxation time, probably related to impaired calcium release from and re-uptake by the SR. Ca(2+)-imaging studies show that the amount of Ca(2+) released from the SR and the amplitude of the Ca(2+) transient are significantly reduced. The lack of CS1 also causes significant ultrastructural changes, which include: (i) striking proliferation of SR junctional domains; (ii) increased density of Ca(2+)-release channels (confirmed also by (3)H-ryanodine binding); (iii) decreased SR terminal cisternae volume; (iv) higher density of mitochondria. Taken together these results demonstrate that CS1 is essential for the normal development of the SR and its calcium release units and for the storage and release of appropriate amounts of SR Ca(2+).

Immunological derangement is assumed to be present in a subgroup of patients affected by drug-resistant epilepsy with serum harboring antiglutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GAD-Ab). To further investigate the specific reactivity of GAD-Ab with target cells, we tested sera from drug-resistant epileptics harboring GAD-Ab on cultured fetal rat hippocampal neurons. As a control, we tested sera from GAD-Ab-negative epileptics and GAD-Ab-positive patients affected by Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), ataxia or diabetes. A specific pattern of reactivity, varying according to disease, was detected on application of sera from GAD-Ab-positive patients with epilepsy, SPS and ataxia, but no specific labeling was found on application of sera from patients with GAD-Ab-negative epilepsy or from GAD-Ab-positive diabetic controls. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This study aimed to describe the three-dimensional structure and the elastic properties of the sarcolemma of adult, fully differentiated, skeletal muscle fibres combining Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. Single fibres were enzymatically dissociated from Flexor Digitorum Brevis of adult mice and were maintained in culture up to 3 weeks. On the sixth day after dissociation, the upper surface of intact fibres, either alive in solution or fixed and kept in solution or fixed and exposed in air, was analysed with AFM. The most prominent features in AFM images were periodic transversal foldings with an interval that corresponded to the sarcomere length. More detailed analysis of the topography profile showed that the depth in the folding decreased with increasing sarcomere length and that the crests of the foldings corresponded to the Z-lines. Minor periodic structures could be detected in the valleys between the major foldings. AFM images also showed deep depressions on the sarcolemma likely corresponding to openings of T tubules and caveolae. Two-dimensional elasticity maps were obtained using AFM as an indenter and showed that the crests of the transversal foldings correspond to higher stiffness regions. This study provides the first complete three-dimensional topography and mechanical characterization of intact, living skeletal muscle fibres and might form the basis for further investigations aimed to compare healthy and dystrophic muscles.

In muscle, Calsequestrin (CASQ), the major Ca2+-binding protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) terminal cisternae, is expressed as two different isoforms. CASQ1 is the only isoform present in adult fast-twitch fibers. On the other hand, CASQ2 expression, abundant in all fibers before birth, decreases progressively after birth and in the adult is only found in slow twitch fibers, co-expressed with CASQ1. Lack of CASQ1 results in: a) significant structural and functional alterations to the excitation-contraction coupling machinery (Paolini et al., 2007. J Physiol 583:767); b) higher rate of spontaneous mortality in males; and c) malignant hyperthermia (MH)-like phenotype (Dainese et al., 2009. Faseb J 23:1710). However, in CASQ1-null mice CASQ2 is still expressed in slow twitch fibers. We have now generated a mouse lacking both CASQ isoforms (double CASQ-null), by cross-breeding our mice with CASQ2-knockout animals (Knollmann et al., 2006. J Clin Invest 116:2510). Lack of both CASQ isoforms was confirmed by western blot. The double-null mice are viable and breed normally, however the rate of spontaneous mortality of male animals is higher than CASQ1-null animals. Whereas the overall phenotype of mice is similar to that of CASQ1-null mice, significant differences are found in Soleus. From the structural point of view, in Soleus muscle we find many fibers (about 30%) with severe structural damage that were not found in CASQ1-null animals. Functional studies indicate significant prolongation in twitch time parameters, increased twitch tension and impaired tension generation during prolonged tetani both in EDL and Soleus, likely related to abnormal calcium release kinetics. These findings suggest that: a) expression of CASQ2 is essential for the maintenance of a subpopulation of Soleus fibers; and b) lack of both CASQ1 and 2 exacerbates the overall phenotype of CASQ1-null mice.

Amplitude of calcium (Ca2+) transients and width of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) lumen in Ca2+ release units (CRUs) are significantly reduced in Calsequestrin1 (CS1)- null mice, moreover increase in fatigue resistance is characteristic of the CS1-null-model (Paolini et al 2007). We extend the study of the null model at molecular level: decrease in expression of CS2, Triadin, Sarcalumenin were detected in CS1-null FDB muscles in comparison to wild type (wt) and differential FDB (null/wt) expression of 13400 mRNAs was assayed by microarray profiling. To rescue the CS1-null phenotype, exogenous mouse CS1 was expressed in adult null-FDBs by in vivo DNA electrotransfer. CS1 expression and correct targeting to CRUs was verified by confocal microscopy, whereas restoration of CRUs architecture - i.e. shape and width of junctional SR (jSR) containing CS1 - was assessed by electron microscopy. Exogenous CS1 was correctly targeted to CRUs and positioned at the jSR, in close proximity of Ca2+ release sites. Size of the SR lumen was increased. At proteomic level CS2, Sarcalumenin, Triadin and Junctin did not change upon CS1 expression. Ca2+ transients induced by electrical stimulation were recorded in mock-transfected , and CS1-transfected fibres: successfully, average peak height and baseline showed significant increase upon CS1 expression resembling wt fibres. The present results provide strong evidences that expression of CS1 directly controls size of jSR terminal cisternae, influences resting cytosolic Ca2+ and modulates the amplitude of Ca2+ transient in response to electrical stimulation in fast-twitch muscles.Paolini, C et al. 2007 J Physiol, 583: 767.

A better understanding of the signaling pathways that control muscle growth is required to identify appropriate countermeasures to prevent or reverse the loss of muscle mass and force induced by aging, disuse, or neuromuscular diseases. However, two major issues in this field have not yet been fully addressed. The first concerns the pathways involved in leading to physiological changes in muscle size. Muscle hypertrophy based on perturbations of specific signaling pathways is either characterized by impaired force generation, e.g., myostatin knockout, or incompletely studied from the physiological point of view, e.g., IGF-1 overexpression. A second issue is whether satellite cell proliferation and incorporation into growing muscle fibers is required for a functional hypertrophy. To address these issues, we used an inducible transgenic model of muscle hypertrophy by short-term Akt activation in adult skeletal muscle. In this model, Akt activation for 3 wk was followed by marked hypertrophy ( approximately 50% of muscle mass) and by increased force generation, as determined in vivo by ankle plantar flexor stimulation, ex vivo in intact isolated diaphragm strips, and in single-skinned muscle fibers. No changes in fiber-type distribution and resistance to fatigue were detectable. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation experiments showed that Akt-dependent muscle hypertrophy was accompanied by proliferation of interstitial cells but not by satellite cell activation and new myonuclei incorporation, pointing to an increase in myonuclear domain size. We can conclude that during a fast hypertrophic growth myonuclear domain can increase without compromising muscle performance.

The cytosolic free Ca2+-concentrations transients elicited during muscular contraction are well characterized but little is known about the free [Ca2+] dynamics inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). FRET-based Ca2+ indicators (Cameleons) allowed us to investigate SR Ca2+-handling with high time resolution (9 ms or less). The impact of calsequestrin (CS) on SR [Ca2+] was studied in enzymatically dissociated FDB muscle fibers from wild type (WT), CS type 1(-/-) (KO) and double CS type 1/CS type 2(-/-) (DKO) mice 7 days after transfection with the cDNA coding for D1ER.[Ca2+] measurements were performed at rest and during repetitive stimulation at 1, 5, 20 and 60 Hz, and the YFP(535nm)/CFP(480nm) ratio was deemed as a measure of the free SR [Ca2+].The SR [Ca2+] at rest did not differ between WT (n=26), KO (n=25) and DKO (n=21) fibers while during electrical stimulation they were rather small in WT, reflecting powerful buffering of SR [Ca2+]. In KO and DKO fibers, a significant reduction in the SR [Ca2+] occurred, which increased in parallel with the stimulation frequency. At 60 Hz the SR became virtually depleted of Ca2+, both in KO and DKO fibers. Calcium reuptake during and after the trains of stimuli was governed by 3 rate constants of 50 s−1, 1-5 s−1 and 0.3 s−1 (at 26°C). In conclusion, CS-KO fibers represent a unique model to resolve the kinetics of SR release and reuptake.

The cytosolic free Ca 2+ transients elicited by muscle fiber excitation are well characterized, but little is known about the free [Ca 2+ ] dynamics within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). A targetable ratiometric FRET-based calcium indicator (D1ER Cameleon) allowed us to investigate SR Ca 2+ dynamics and analyze the impact of calsequestrin (CSQ) on SR [Ca 2+ ] in enzymatically dissociated flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers from WT and CSQ-KO mice lacking isoform 1 (CSQ-KO) or both isoforms [CSQ-double KO (DKO)]. At rest, free SR [Ca 2+ ] did not differ between WT, CSQ-KO, and CSQ-DKO fibers. During sustained contractions, changes were rather small in WT, reflecting powerful buffering of CSQ, whereas in CSQ-KO fibers, significant drops in SR [Ca 2+ ] occurred. Their amplitude increased with stimulation frequency between 1 and 60 Hz. At 60 Hz, the SR became virtually depleted of Ca 2+ , both in CSQ-KO and CSQ-DKO fibers. In CSQ-KO fibers, cytosolic free calcium detected with Fura-2 declined during repetitive stimulation, indicating that SR calcium content was insufficient for sustained contractile activity. SR Ca 2+ reuptake during and after stimulation trains appeared to be governed by three temporally distinct processes with rate constants of 50, 1–5, and 0.3 s −1 (at 26 °C), reflecting activity of the SR Ca 2+ pump and interplay of luminal and cytosolic Ca 2+ buffers and pointing to store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). SOCE might play an essential role during muscle contractures responsible for the malignant hyperthermia-like syndrome in mice lacking CSQ.

Calsequestrin (CASQ) is an acidic, high capacity Ca2+-binding protein located within the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). CASQ1 is the major SR Ca2+- buffer in fast muscle fibers, whereas CASQ2 predominates in cardiomyocytes and slow muscle fibers. Mice devoid of CASQ were generated by crossing mice lacking CASQ1 (Paolini et al J Physiol 2007, 583, 767) and mice lacking CASQ2 (Knollman et al J Clin Inv 2006, 116, 2510).When studied ex vivo, fast muscles (EDL) showed an earlier decline in tension during tetanic stimulation than WT fibers. This was not the case in slow muscle, soleus. Such decline of the developed tension was compatible with the decay of free cytosolic calcium during repeated stimulation observed using Fura-2 in single intact fast FDB muscle fibers.Single permeabilized fibers from EDL and tibialis anterior showed a reduction of the amount of calcium released by 30 mM caffeine, which is supposed to release about 80% of SR calcium (Murphy et al. J Physiol 2009, 587, 443), thus suggesting a depletion of SR. The depletion was confirmed by measurements of SR fee [Ca2+] using a FRET-based indicator (D1ER) genetically targeted to the SR. During contraction a massive/marked reduction in intraluminal free [Ca2+] was observed to a level close to full depletion.The results are consistent with the function of CASQ as a intraluminal SR buffer. CASQ1/2 null mice lack sufficient compensation for the loss in buffering power by other SR proteins. The diversity between slow and fast muscles might be attributed to the presence of parvalbumin as a relevant sink of calcium in cytosol of fast but not slow muscles (Celio et al Nature 1982, 297, 504).