In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the RyR1 Ca2+ channel closure is sensitive to outward trans-SR membrane Ca2+ gradients established by SERCA1 pumping. To perform these studies, we employed stopped-flow rapid-kinetic fluorescence methods to measure and assess how variation in trans-SR membrane Ca2+ distribution affects evolution of RyR1 Ca2+ leaks in RyR1/ CASQ1/SERCA1-rich membrane vesicles. Our studies showed that rapid filling of a Mag-Fura-2-sensitive free Ca2+ pool during SERCA1-mediated Ca2+ sequestration appears to be a crucial condition allowing RyR1 Ca2+ channels to close once reloading of luminal Ca2+ stores is complete. Disruption in the filling of this pool caused activation of Ruthenium Red inhibitable RyR1 Ca2+ leaks, suggesting that SERCA1 pump formation of outward Ca2+ gradients is an important aspect of Ca2+ flux control channel opening and closing. In addition, our observed ryanodine-induced shift in luminal Ca2+ from free to a CTC-Ca+-sensitive, CASQ1-associated bound compartment underscores the complex organization and regulation of SR luminal Ca2+. Our study provides strong evidence that RyR1 functional states directly and indirectly influence the compartmentation of luminal Ca2+. This, in turn, is influenced by the activity of SERCA1 pumps to fill luminal pools while synchronously reducing Ca2+ levels on the cytosolic face of RyR1 channels.
Keywords: CASQ1; CICR; RyR1; SERCA1; SR; ryanodine; réticulum sarcoplasmique; thapsigargin; thapsigargine.