Differential regulation of Ca²⁺ influx by Orai channels mediates enamel mineralization

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) channels are highly selective Ca²⁺ channels activated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) sensors STIM1 and STIM2. Their direct interaction with the pore-forming plasma membrane Orai proteins (Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3) leads to sustained Ca²⁺ fluxes that are critical for many cellular functions. Mutations in the human Orai1 gene result in immunodeficiency, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, and enamel defects. In our investigation of the role of Orai proteins in enamel, we identified enamel defects in a patient with an Orai1 null mutation. Targeted deletion of the Orai1 gene in mice showed enamel defects and reduced SOCE in isolated enamel cells. However, Orai2^−/− mice showed normal enamel despite having increased SOCE in the enamel cells. Knockdown experiments in the enamel cell line LS8 suggested that Orai2 and Orai3 modulated Orai1 function, with Orai1 and Orai2 being the main contributors to SOCE. Orai1-deficient LS8 cells showed altered mitochondrial respiration with increased oxygen consumption rate and ATP, which was associated with altered redox status and enhanced ER Ca²⁺ uptake, likely due to S-glutathionylation of SERCA pumps. Our findings demonstrate an important role of Orai1 in Ca²⁺ influx in enamel cells and establish a link between SOCE, mitochondrial function, and redox homeostasis.