A database search of the Paramecium genome reveals 34 genes related to Ca 2؉ -release channels of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) or ryanodine receptor type (IP 3 R, RyR). Phylogenetic analyses show that these Ca 2؉ release channels (CRCs) can be subdivided into six groups (Paramecium tetraurelia CRC-I to CRC-VI), each one with features in part reminiscent of IP 3 Rs and RyRs. We characterize here the P. tetraurelia CRC-IV-1 gene family, whose relationship to IP 3 Rs and RyRs is restricted to their C-terminal channel domain. CRC-IV-1 channels localize to cortical Ca 2؉ stores (alveolar sacs) and also to the endoplasmic reticulum. This is in contrast to a recently described true IP 3 channel, a group II member (P. tetraurelia IP 3 R N -1), found associated with the contractile vacuole system. Silencing of either one of these CRCs results in reduced exocytosis of dense core vesicles (trichocysts), although for different reasons. Knockdown of P. tetraurelia IP 3 R N affects trichocyst biogenesis, while CRC-IV-1 channels are involved in signal transduction since silenced cells show an impaired release of Ca 2؉ from cortical stores in response to exocytotic stimuli. Our discovery of a range of CRCs in Paramecium indicates that protozoans already have evolved multiple ways for the use of Ca 2؉ as signaling molecule.Ca 2ϩ is an important component of cell activity in all organisms, from protozoa to mammals. Thereby Ca 2ϩ may originate from the outside medium and/or from internal stores (7, 18). Ca 2ϩ release from internal stores is mediated by various Ca 2ϩ release channels (CRCs), of which the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP 3 R) and ryanodine receptor (RyR) families have been studied most extensively (8,9,29,63 (14). IP 3 generates and maintains a Ca 2ϩ gradient in the hyphal tip of Neurospora crassa and the IP 3 -sensitive channels have been reconstituted and characterized with the planar bilayer method (87). In summary, these publications suggest that IP 3 -dependent signaling pathways are conserved among unicellular organisms, including protozoa.Despite these data, the molecular characterization of IP 3 or ryanodine receptors in low eukaryotes is currently a challenge since the identification of orthologues has not been possible thus far, probably because of evolutionary sequence divergence (66). Traynor et al. (96) identified an IP 3 receptor-like protein, IplA, in Dictyostelium discoideum, which possesses regions related to IP 3 R sequences, but thus far no evidence for IP 3 interaction exists. We have recently described an IP 3 R in the ciliated protozoa Paramecium tetraurelia (referred to here as P. tetraurelia IP 3 R N ) (53), with features characteristic of mammalian IP 3 Rs in terms of topology and ability for IP 3 binding. The expression level of P. tetraurelia IP 3 R N is modulated by extracellular Ca 2ϩ concentrations ([Ca 2ϩ ] o ) and immunofluorescence studies reveal an unexpected localization to the contractile vacuole complex (CVC), the major organelle involved in osmoregulation...

The importance of Ca2+-signaling for many subcellular processes is well established in higher eukaryotes, whereas information about protozoa is restricted. Recent genome analyses have stimulated such work also with Alveolates, such as ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) and their pathogenic close relatives, the Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma). Here we compare Ca2+ signaling in the two closely related groups. Acidic Ca2+ stores have been characterized in detail in Apicomplexa, but hardly in ciliates. Two-pore channels engaged in Ca2+-release from acidic stores in higher eukaryotes have not been stingently characterized in either group. Both groups are endowed with plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA, SERCA), respectively. Only recently was it possible to identify in Paramecium a number of homologs of ryanodine and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate receptors (RyR, IP3R) and to localize them to widely different organelles participating in vesicle trafficking. For Apicomplexa, physiological experiments suggest the presence of related channels although their identity remains elusive. In Paramecium, IP3Rs are constitutively active in the contractile vacuole complex; RyR-related channels in alveolar sacs are activated during exocytosis stimulation, whereas in the parasites the homologous structure (inner membrane complex) may no longer function as a Ca2+ store. Scrutinized comparison of the two closely related protozoan phyla may stimulate further work and elucidate adaptation to parasitic life. See also "Conclusions" section.

Zebrafish have the remarkable ability to fully regenerate a lost appendage, faithfully restoring its size, shape and tissue patterning. Studies over the past decades have identified mechanisms underlying the formation, spatial organization, and regenerative growth of the blastema, a pool of proliferative progenitor cells. The patterning of newly forming tissue is tightly regulated to ensure proper rebuilding of anatomy. Precise niche regulation of retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog signaling ensures adherence to ray—interray boundaries. The molecular underpinnings of systems underlying re‐establishment of pre‐amputation size and shape (positional information) are also slowly starting to emerge. Osteoblasts play an important role as a cellular source of regenerating skeletal elements, and in zebrafish both osteoblast dedifferentiation as well as de novo osteoblast formation occurs. Both dedifferentiation and proliferation are tightly controlled, which makes it interesting to compare it to tumorigenesis, and to identify potential players involved in these processes. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

We have identified new synaptobrevin-like SNAREs and localized the corresponding gene products with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fusion constructs and specific antibodies at the light and electron microscope (EM) levels. These SNAREs, named Paramecium tetraurelia synaptobrevins 8 to 12 (PtSyb8 to PtSyb12), showed mostly very restricted, specific localization, as they were found predominantly on structures involved in endoor phagocytosis. In summary, we found PtSyb8 and PtSyb9 associated with the nascent food vacuole, PtSyb10 near the cell surface, at the cytostome, and in close association with ciliary basal bodies, and PtSyb11 on early endosomes and on one side of the cytostome, while PtSyb12 was found in the cytosol. PtSyb4 and PtSyb5 (identified previously) were localized on small vesicles, PtSyb5 probably being engaged in trichocyst (dense core secretory vesicle) processing. PtSyb4 and PtSyb5 are related to each other and are the furthest deviating of all SNAREs identified so far. Because they show no similarity with any other R-SNAREs outside ciliates, they may represent a ciliate-specific adaptation. PtSyb10 forms small domains near ciliary bases, and silencing slows down cell rotation during depolarization-induced ciliary reversal. NSF silencing supports a function of cell surface SNAREs by revealing vesicles along the cell membrane at sites normally devoid of vesicles. The distinct distributions of these SNAREs emphasize the considerable differentiation of membrane trafficking, particularly along the endo-/phagocytic pathway, in this protozoan.

Highlights d In vivo chemical screen identifies regulators of osteoblast dedifferentiation d NF-kB signaling is active in mature osteoblasts and inactive during dedifferentiation d NF-kB signaling inhibits osteoblast dedifferentiation cell autonomously d NF-kB acts upstream of retinoic acid signaling