A Single Mutation in TRPC6 Protects Mice from Acute Lung Injury by Regenerating Endothelium

Regenerating vascular endothelium under sepsis, trauma, and viral infections is vital for promoting the resolution of inflammatory diseases such as acute lung injury (ALI). Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels mediated Ca2+ entry compromises organ functions and survival from lung injury. Through decoding the domain in TRPC6 responsible for vascular injury, we unveiled the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular regeneration in injured tissue. We found that the substitution of isoleucine111 within the Ist ankyrin domain of TRPC6 for its isomer 111leucine (I111L-TRPC6) altered channel localization at the membrane, blocked TRPC6-mediated Ca2+ entry and cation currents without affecting TRPC6 protein expression. Next, we delivered WT-TRPC6 and I111L-TRPC6 to the endothelial cells (ECs) of TRPC6 knockout mice using liposomes and found that while WT-TRPC6 induced lung vascular inflammatory injury and EC death these responses were blocked in lungs expressing I111L-TRPC6 mutant. Instead, the I111L-TRPC6 mutant promoted lung EC proliferation and prevented vascular injury. These responses were recapitulated in a preclinical mouse model of ALI after injection of engineered TRPC6-blocking peptide, suggesting a novel strategy for regenerating anti-inflammatory vascular niche and preventing ALI therapeutically.