Ca2+ -calmodulin feedback mediates sensory adaptation and inhibits pheromone-sensitive ion channels in the vomeronasal organ

J Neurosci. 2009 Feb 18;29(7):2125-35. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5416-08.2009.

Abstract

The mammalian vomeronasal organ (VNO) mediates the regulation of social behaviors by complex chemical signals. These cues trigger transient elevations of intracellular Ca(2+) in vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs), but the functional role of such Ca(2+) elevations is unknown. We show that stimulus-induced Ca(2+) entry plays an essential role as a negative feedback regulator of VSN sensitivity. Electrophysiological VSN responses undergo effective sensory adaptation that requires the influx of Ca(2+) and is mediated by calmodulin (CaM). Removal of the Ca(2+)-CaM feedback eliminates this form of adaptation. A key target of this feedback module is the pheromone-sensitive TRPC2-dependent cation channel of VSNs, as its activation is strongly inhibited by Ca(2+)-CaM. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized CaM-signaling pathway that endows the VSNs with a mechanism for adjusting gain and sensitivity of chemosensory signaling in the VNO.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Feedback / physiology
  • Female
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Pheromones / physiology*
  • Sensation / physiology
  • Smell / physiology
  • TRPC Cation Channels / metabolism
  • Vomeronasal Organ / metabolism*

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Ion Channels
  • Pheromones
  • TRPC Cation Channels
  • Trpc2 protein, mouse
  • Calcium