Biology subjects

Gudermann, T.

Publications and source records attributed to Gudermann, T..

9 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Pathogenicity of autoreactive TH17 cells is modulated by the TRPM7 kinase

The melastatin-like transient receptor potential channel, TRPM7, is crucial for signaling in leukocytes. It harbors a channel domain, permeable to divalent cations as well as a serine/threonine -kinase, phosphorylating inter alia SMAD2. TRPM7 kinase activity is essential for the differentiation of non-pathogenic T helper 17 (TH17) cells as well as for T cell colonization and alloreactivity in the gut. As pathogenic TH17 (pTH17) cells drive autoimmune diseases, we studied TRPM7 kinase involvement in pTH17 polarization and function as well as in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), using human T cells and established murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. Our results reveal an elevated TRPM7 activity in T effector cells derived from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients, in line with higher functional TRPM7 expression on human TH17 cells. Utilizing a mouse line with disrupted kinase activity (Trpm7R/R), we uncovered both impaired differentiation of pathogenic TH17 cells as well as a significantly milder course of TH17-mediated transfer EAE in Trpm7R/R mice compared to Trpm7+/+ controls. In the CNS of Trpm7R/R mice, the number of FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) was increased, while fewer TH17 cells infiltrated the CNS due to a migration defect of transferred pTH17 cells in the Trpm7R/R hosts and a failure to reactivate in the intestine, due to reduced MHCII signaling. Thus, inactivation of TRPM7 kinase may represent a promising therapeutic strategy targeting both differentiation and reactivation of pTH17 cells while preserving Tregs function and thereby dampening CNS inflammation in MS.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2026

Cigarette Smoke Extract (CSE) reduces expression of functional TRPV4 channels in primary human bronchial epithelial cells differentiated at an Air Liquid Interface (ALI) in vitro

Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (pHBECs) of the airways of smokers are chronically exposed to cigarette smoke, which may induce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranked fourth among the most common global causes of death. Using an established protocol for differentiation of pHBECs to a pseudostratified epithelium at an air liquid interface (ALI), we analyzed functional expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) proteins after application of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), which upregulated seven smoke exposure regulated genes (SERGs). TRPV4 protein expression in the plasma membrane and localization next to the cilia of ciliated cells was reduced, while cell barrier function was not altered after chronic exposure to CSE for 28 days compared to untreated control cells. Accordingly, TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx was blocked in pHBECs after CSE exposure. Moreover, Os-9 protein, which after binding mediates protection from degradation of TRPV4 protein by polyubiquitination, was significantly less expressed in pHBECs upon CSE exposure. Most interestingly, overexpression of OS-9 in pHBECs rescued reduced TRPV4 protein levels induced by CSE. Our study identifies a novel molecular mechanism of toxicity by CSE interfering with TRPV4 and OS-9 expression in pHBECs, which may blaze the trail for new therapeutic options in COPD.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Tracheal tuft cell-released leukotrienes promote antibacterial immune responses

Tuft cells act as crucial sentinels in the airways that detect bacterial metabolites. In response, tuft cells release signaling molecules that trigger immune responses essential for clearing the infection. The molecular mechanisms driving immune cell activation following tuft cell stimulation in pneumonia are still not fully understood. Here, we identify tuft cells as the primary source of proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs), which are released in the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the airways. We show that tracheal tuft cells discriminate pathogenic from non-pathogenic bacteria by sensing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rodentibacter pneumotropicus within the first 4 h of invasion, and recruit neutrophils and macrophages to the trachea and alveolar spaces. Taste signaling through the chemosensory transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (Trpm5) channel was essential for tuft cell activation and LT release. Mice lacking Trpm5 were not capable of detecting bacteria-released ATP and became colonized upon R. pneumotropicus infection. In contrast, Trpm5+/+ mice cleared the pathogen. We uncover a critical tuft cell-dependent sensing mechanism in pneumonia and establish tracheal tuft cells as both detectors of bacterial extracellular ATP and triggers of acute innate immune responses.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2025

TRPV2 and TRPM2 channels facilitate pulmonary endothelial barrier recovery after ROS-induced permeability

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are known signaling molecules that increase endothelial barrier permeability. In this study, we investigated the roles of two redox-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, TRPM2 and TRPV2, in H2O2- induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Using primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC), we employed impedance-based resistance measurements, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining to assess the effects of H2O2 on the endothelial barrier. Exposure to sublytic concentrations of H2O2 caused an acute loss of endothelial barrier integrity, accompanied by the cleavage of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), which was also apparent after application of the TRPV2 activator cannabidiol. The inhibition of either TRPV2 with tranilast or a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) with GI254023X significantly reduced H2O2-induced VE-cadherin cleavage, while TRPM2 inhibition by econazole significantly increased H2O2-driven VE-cadherin cleavage. Although inhibition of either TRP channel did not prevent the initial loss of barrier resistance upon H2O2 exposure, both were essential for the subsequent recovery of barrier integrity. Time-course immunofluorescence stainings revealed that HPMEC barrier recovery involved a transient localization of N-cadherin proteins at cell-cell junctions, which were replaced by VE-cadherin within 90 minutes. This process of cadherin-switching did not occur upon inhibition of TRPV2 or ADAM10. Our results highlight complementary roles for TRPM2 and TRPV2 as redox sensitive ion channels in the microvascular endothelium and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier recovery. Graphical Abstract: See text for more details O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=188 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/638083v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (35K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5dbdacorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4f9bb5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@77927dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@32894e_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2024

TRPM7 activity drives human CD4 T-cell activation and differentiation in a magnesium dependent manner

T lymphocyte activation is a crucial process in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The ion channel-kinase TRPM7 has previously been implicated in cellular Mg2+ homeostasis, proliferation, and immune cell modulation. Here, we show that pharmacological and genetic silencing of TRPM7 leads to diminished human CD4 T-cell activation and proliferation following TCR mediated stimulation. In both primary human CD4 T cells and CRISPR/Cas-9 engineered Jurkat T cells, loss of TRPM7 led to altered Mg2+ homeostasis, Ca2+ signaling, reduced NFAT translocation, decreased IL-2 secretion and ultimately diminished proliferation and differentiation. While the activation of primary human CD4 T cells was dependent on TRPM7, polarization of naive CD4 T cells into regulatory T cells (Treg) was not. Taken together, these results highlight TRPM7 as a key protein of cellular Mg2+ homeostasis and CD4 T-cell activation. Its role in lymphocyte activation suggests therapeutic potential for TRPM7 in numerous T-cell mediated diseases. SummaryTRPM7 is crucial to maintaining cellular Mg2+ homeostasis and regulates human CD4 T-cell activation by modulating early Ca2+ signaling events in response to TCR-mediated stimulation subsequently, influencing T-cell differentiation in a Mg2+ dependent manner.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

An Inhibitory Function of TRPA1 Channels in TGF-β1-driven Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Differentiation

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a non-selective Ca2+ permeable cation channel, which was originally cloned from human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ entry is evoked by exposure to several chemicals, including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and a protective effect of TRPA1 activation in the development of cardiac fibrosis has been proposed. Yet, the function of TRPA1 in transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1)-driven fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation and the development of pulmonary fibrosis remains elusive. TRPA1 expression and function was analyzed in cultured primary HLFs, and mRNA levels were significantly reduced after adding TGF-{beta}1. Expression of genes encoding fibrosis markers, e.g. alpha smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SERPINE1), fibronectin (FN1) and type I collagen (COL1A1) was increased after siRNA-mediated down-regulation of TRPA1-mRNA in HLFs. Moreover, AITC-induced Ca2+ entry in HLFs was decreased after TGF-{beta}1 treatment and by application of TRPA1 siRNAs, while AITC treatment alone did not reduce cell viability or enhanced apoptosis. Cell barrier function increased after addition of TRPA1 siRNAs or TGF-{beta}1 treatment. Most interestingly, AITC-induced TRPA1 activation augmented ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which might inhibit TGF-{beta}-receptor signaling. Our results suggest an inhibitory function of TRPA1 channels in TGF-{beta}1-driven fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Therefore, activation of TRPA1 channels might be protective during the development of pulmonary fibrosis in patients.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

The molecular appearance of native TRPM7 channel complexes identified by high-resolution proteomics

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed membrane protein consisting of ion channel and protein kinase domains. TRPM7 plays a fundamental role in the cellular uptake of divalent cations such as Zn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, and thus shapes cellular excitability, plasticity and metabolic activity. The molecular appearance and operation of TRPM7 channel complexes in native tissues have remained unresolved. Here, we investigated the subunit composition of endogenous TRPM7 channels in rodent brain by multi-epitope affinity purification and high-resolution quantitative MS analysis. We found that native TRPM7 channels are high molecular-weight multi-protein complexes that contain the putative metal transporter proteins CNNM1-4 and a small G-protein ARL15. Heterologous reconstitution experiments confirmed the formation of TRPM7/CNNM/ARL15 ternary complexes and indicated that ARL15 effectively and specifically impacts TRPM7 channel activity. These results open up new avenues towards a mechanistic understanding of the cellular regulation and function of TRPM7 channels. Impact StatementHigh-resolution proteomics in conjunction with biochemical and electrophysiological experiments revealed that the channel-kinase TRPM7 in the rodent brain forms macromolecular complexes containing the metal transporters CNNM1-4 and a small G protein ARL15.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2021

The epoxyeicosatrienoic pathway is intact in endothelial and smooth muscle cells exposed to aldosterone excess

ObjectivesEndothelial dysfunction (ED) is considered to be a major driver of the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in primary aldosteronism (PA). Whether the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) pathway, involving the release of beneficial endothelium-derived lipid mediators, contributes to ED in PA is unknown. Preclinical evidence suggests this pathway to be relevant in the pathogenesis in various models of experimental hypertension. In addition, an orally available soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, which halts the breakdown of EETs, has already passed a phase 1 clinical trial. We, therefore, exposed primary human coronary artery endothelial cells to 1 nM aldosterone. MethodsWe used qPCR to investigate changes in the expression levels of essential genes for the synthesis and degradation of EETs as well as mass spectrometry to determine endothelial synthetic capacity to release EETs upon stimulation. We also assessed primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells for expression of putative EET receptor ion channels or downstream mediators as well as for the calcium response to EETs using calcium imaging. ResultsNo major aldosterone-related expression changes were detected on the endothelial as well as the smooth muscle side. Stimulated release of endothelial EETs was unaffected. Likewise, the smooth muscle calcium response was unchanged after aldosterone excess. ConclusionsThe EET pathway is not negatively affected by increased aldosterone concentrations as seen in PA. Modulating the EET pathway with therapeutic intent in patients with PA might therefore be assessed in future preclinical and clinical trials to address ED.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Transient receptor vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are essential for alveolar epithelial cell function

Ischemia-reperfusion(IR)-induced edema formation can be mimicked ex-vivo in isolated perfused mouse lungs (IPL). Here we show enhanced edema formation in transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)-deficient (TRPV4-/-) IPL compared to wild-type (WT) controls in response to IR, indicating a protective role of TRPV4 to maintain the alveolar epithelial barrier. By immunohistochemistry, mRNA profiling or electrophysiological analysis we detected TRPV4 in bronchial epithelium, alveolar type I (ATI) and alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Genetic ablation of TRPV4 resulted in reduced expression of aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) channels in ATI as well as decreased production of pro surfactant protein C (pSP-C) in ATII cells. Migration of TRPV4-deficient ATI cells was reduced and cell barrier function was impaired. Moreover, adult TRPV4-/- lungs developed emphysema-like changes and altered lung parameters compared to WT lungs. Therefore, our data highlight novel essential functions of TRPV4 channels in alveolar epithelial cells and in the protection from edema formation.\n\neLife digestTransient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a non-selective Ca2+ permeable cation channel expressed in lung endothelium where increased channel activity has been shown to compromise endothelial barrier function. In other tissues however, the channel maintains physiological cell barriers, e.g. in skin, the urogenital tract and the corneal epithelium. In tracheal epithelial cells TRPV4 channels regulate ciliar beat frequency and in alveolar epithelial cells TRPV4 activation by 4-phorbol esters produced blebs and breaks in lung septa by unknown molecular mechanisms. To understand the channels role in lung function Weber et al. employed ex-vivo isolated perfused mouse lungs (IPL) to mimic ischemia-reperfusion-induced edema as one of the most common and significant causes of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation in human patients. TRPV4-deficient (TRPV4-/-) IPL developed enhanced edema formation compared to wild-type (WT) controls in response to ischemia and reperfusion, indicating a protective role of TRPV4 to maintain the alveolar epithelial barrier. TRPV4 was detected in bronchial epithelium, alveolar type I (ATI) and alveolar type II (ATII) cells by immunohistochemistry or mRNA profiling. Genetic ablation of TRPV4 resulted in reduced expression and plasma membrane insertion of water conducting aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) channels in ATI cells compared to WT mice. Analysis of isolated primary TRPV4-/- ATII cells revealed a reduced expression of pro surfactant protein-C (pSP-C) a precursor of a protein important for decreasing surface tension and for alveolar fluid homeostasis. Moreover, the TRPV4 activator GSK1016790A induced increases in current densities only in WT but not in TRPV4-/- ATII cells. On a molecular level ablation of TRPV4 induced less Ca2+-mediated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) to the nucleus, which may be responsible for reduced expression of the identified proteins. Although the ability of TRPV4-/- ATII to differentiate to ATI cells was unchanged, migration of TRPV4-deficient ATI cells was reduced and cell barrier function was impaired. Moreover, TRPV4-/- lungs of adult mice developed significantly larger mean chord lengths and altered lung function compared to WT lungs. The findings of Weber et al. highlights novel essential functions of TRPV4 channels in alveolar epithelial cells and in the protection from edema formation.

cell biology↗