TRPP2 channels regulate apoptosis through the Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum

Abstract

Ca2+ is an important signalling molecule that regulates multiple cellular processes, including apoptosis. Although Ca2+ influx through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the plasma membrane is known to trigger cell death, the function of intracellular TRP proteins in the regulation of Ca2+‐dependent signalling pathways and apoptosis has remained elusive. Here, we show that TRPP2, the ion channel mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), protects cells from apoptosis by lowering the Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER‐resident TRPP2 counteracts the activity of the sarcoendoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase by increasing the ER Ca2+ permeability. This results in diminished cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals upon stimulation of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors and reduces Ca2+ release from the ER in response to apoptotic stimuli. Conversely, knockdown of TRPP2 in renal epithelial cells increases ER Ca2+ release and augments sensitivity to apoptosis. Our findings indicate an important function of ER‐resident TRPP2 in the modulation of intracellular Ca2+ signalling, and provide a molecular mechanism for the increased apoptosis rates in ADPKD upon loss of TRPP2 channel function.