Calcium influx is required for endocytotic membrane retrieval

Cells use endocytotic membrane retrieval to compensate for excess surface m embrane after exocytosis. Retrieval is thought to be calcium-dependent, but the source of this calcium is not known. We found that, in sea urchin eggs , endocytotic membrane retrieval required extracellular calcium. Inhibitors of P-type calcium channels-cadmium, omega-conotoxin MVIIC, omega-agatoxin IVA, and omega-agatoxin TK-blocked membrane retrieval; selective inhibitors of N-type and L-type channels did not. Treatment with calcium ionophores o vercame agatoxin inhibition in a calcium dependent manner. Cadmium blocked membrane retrieval when applied during the first 5 minutes after fertilizat ion, the period when the membrane potential is depolarized. We conclude tha t calcium influx through omega-agatoxin-sensitive channels plays a key role in signaling for endocytotic membrane retrieval.