Human intestinal H+/peptide cotransporter. Cloning, functional expression, and chromosomal localization

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of dietary regulation on rat intestinal H+/Peptide transporter PepT1

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Dietary regulation is one of the most important factors of intestinal peptide transport. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of dietary regulation of the intestinal peptide transport system remain unknown. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of transcriptional activation of intestinal peptide transporter (PepT1) gene by the dietary protein. The promoter region of the rat PepT1 gene was isolated and characterized.

METHODS

PepT1 messenger RNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. In transient transfection experiments, effects of amino acid and dipeptide on luciferase activity were investigated.

RESULTS

The proximal promoter region of the rat PepT1 gene has a TATA-like box and a GC box sequence. The luciferase activities of the clone -351 RPT-LUC responded to particular amino acids (phenylalanine, arginine, and lysine) and dipeptides (Gly-Sar, Gly-Phe, Lys-Phe, and Asp-Lys). An AP-1 binding site and an amino acid-responsible element were present at -295 and -277 nucleotides relative to the transcription start site in this region.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the up-regulation of dipeptide transport activity by dietary protein is caused by transcriptional activation of the PepT1 gene by selective amino acids and dipeptides in the diet.

Endogenous expression of the renal high-affinity H+-peptide cotransporter in LLC-PK1 cells

The reabsorption of filtered di- and tripeptides as well as certain peptide mimetics from the tubular lumen into renal epithelial cells is mediated by an H+-coupled high-affinity transport process. Here we demonstrate for the first time H+-coupled uptake of dipeptides into the renal proximal tubule cell line LLC-PK1. Transport was assessed 1) by uptake studies using the radiolabeled dipeptide D-[3H]Phe-L-Ala, 2) by cellular accumulation of the fluorescent dipeptide D-Ala-Lys-AMCA, and 3) by measurement of intracellular pH (pHi) changes as a consequence of H+-coupled dipeptide transport. Uptake of D-Phe-L-Ala increased linearly over 11 days postconfluency and showed all the characteristics of the kidney cortex high-affinity peptide transporter, e.g., a pH optimum for transport of D-Phe-L-Ala of 6.0, an apparent Km value for influx of 25.8 +/- 3. 6 microM, and affinities of differently charged dipeptides or the beta-lactam antibiotic cefadroxil to the binding site in the range of 20-80 microM. pHi measurements established the peptide transporter to induce pronounced intracellular acidification in LLC-PK1 cells and confirm its postulated role as a cellular acid loader.

hPepT1-mediated epithelial transport of bacteria-derived chemotactic peptides enhances neutrophil-epithelial interactions

Intestinal epithelial cells express hPepT1, an apical transporter responsible for the uptake of a broad array of small peptides. As these could conceivably include n-formyl peptides, we examined whether hPepT1 could transport the model n-formylated peptide fMLP and, if so, whether such cellular uptake of fMLP influenced neutrophil-epithelial interactions. fMLP uptake into oocytes was enhanced by hPepT1 expression. In addition, fMLP competitively inhibited uptake of a known hPepT1 substrate (glycylsarcosine) in hPepT1 expressing oocytes. hPepT1 peptide uptake was further examined in a polarized human intestinal epithelial cell line (Caco2-BBE) known to express this transporter. Epithelial monolayers internalized apical fMLP in a fashion that was competitively inhibited by other hPepT1 recognized solutes, but not by related solutes that were not transported by hPepT1. Fluorescence analyses of intracellular pH revealed that fMLP uptake was accompanied by cytosolic acidification, consistent with the known function of hPepT1 as a peptide H+ cotransporter. Lumenal fMLP resulted in directed movement of neutrophils across epithelial monolayers. Solutes that inhibit hPepT1-mediated fMLP transport decreased neutrophil transmigration by approximately 50%. Conversely, conditions that enhanced the rate of hPepT1-mediated fMLP uptake (cytosolic acidification) enhanced neutrophil-transepithelial migration by approximately 70%. We conclude that hPepT1 transports fMLP and uptake of these peptide influences neutrophil-epithelial interactions. These data (a) emphasize the importance of hPepT1 in mediating intestinal inflammation, (b) raise the possibility that modulating hPepT1 activity could influence states of intestinal inflammation, and (c) provide the first evidence of a link between active transepithelial transport and neutrophil-epithelial interactions.

Improvement of L-dopa absorption by dipeptidyl derivation, utilizing peptide transporter PepT1

In the present study, possible enhancement of intestinal absorption of L-dopa by utilizing intestinal peptide transporter was examined using Caco-2 cells and Xenopus oocytes expressing human peptide transporter (hPepT1). To see whether this peptide transporter could be utilized for the improvement of L-dopa absorption, we employed a dipeptide-mimetic derivative of L-dopa, L-dopa-L-Phe. L-Dopa-L-Phe inhibited the uptake of [14C]Gly-Sar, but not that of L-[3H]-dopa by Caco-2 cells. Uptake of L-dopa-L-Phe was increased by expression of hPepT1 in Xenopus oocytes. The appearance of L-dopa and its metabolite, dopamine, on the basolateral side of Caco-2 cells was significantly higher after addition of L-dopa-L-Phe than after that of L-dopa and was reduced by the presence of Gly-Sar on the apical side. These results indicate that the L-dopa-L-Phe is absorbed more efficiently than L-dopa and is taken up via the peptide transporter, but not via the amino acid transporter, demonstrating the possibility of targeting the peptide transporter as a means for improving intestinal absorption of peptide-like drugs.

Structure, function, and molecular modeling approaches to the study of the intestinal dipeptide transporter PepT1

The proton-coupled intestinal dipeptide transporter, PepT1, has 707 amino acids, 12 putative transmembrane domains (TMD), and is of importance in the transport of nutritional di- and tripeptides and structurally related drugs, such as penicillins and cephalosporins. By using a combination of molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified several key amino acid residues that effect catalytic transport properties of PepT1. Our molecular model of the transporter was examined by dividing it into four sections, parallel to the membrane, starting from the extracellular side. The molecular model revealed a putative transport channel and the approximate locations of several aromatic and charged amino acid residues that were selected as targets for mutagenesis. Wild type or mutagenized human PepT1 cDNA was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, and the uptake of tritiated glycylsarcosine [3H]-(Gly-Sar) was measured. Michaelis-Menton analysis of the wild-type and mutated transporters revealed the following results for site-directed mutagenesis. Mutation of Tyr-12 or Arg-282 into alanine has only a very modest effect on Gly-Sar uptake. By contrast, mutation of Trp-294 or Glu-595 into alanine reduced Gly-Sar uptake by 80 and 95%, respectively, and mutation of Tyr-167 reduced Gly-Sar uptake to the level of mock-transfected cells. In addition, preliminary data from fluorescence microscopy following the expression of N-terminal-GFP-labeled PepT1Y167A in HEK cells indicates that the Y167A mutation was properly inserted into the plasma membrane but has a greatly reduced Vmax.

Structure-affinity relationships of Val-Val and Val-Val-Val stereoisomers with the apical oligopeptide transporter in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

The objective of this study was to elucidate the structural features of the stereoisomers of Val-Val and Val-Val-Val that afford optimal binding affinity for the apical oligopeptide transporter in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Three-dimensional conformations of cephalexin and Val stereoisomers were optimized using Chem-X molecular modeling software. Molecular features associated with the optimized conformations of the Val stereoisomers were analyzed to identify potential relationships with their binding affinities for the apical oligopeptide transporter. For Val-Val stereoisomers, the distance between the N-terminal amino group and the C-terminal carboxyl group, d(N1-C7), was found to have a linear relationship with their binding affinities at the 95% confidence level. For Val-Val-Val stereoisomers, three molecular features were found to have linear relationships with their binding affinities at the 95% confidence level. These features included: a) the distance between the N-terminal amino group and the C-terminal carboxyl group, d(N1-C11); b) the distance between the N-terminal amino group and the second peptide bond, d(N1-N9); and c) the molecular dipole moment. Principal component analysis on all molecular features of Val-Val-Val stereoisomers identified three components that accounted for 90% of the variance. A linear model built with these three components by multiple linear regression adequately described the binding affinities (r2 = 0.90). Results from the current study suggest that the distance between the N-terminal amino group and the C-terminal carboxyl group is important for interaction with the apical oligopeptide transporter in Caco-2 cells. In addition, the binding affinities of the Val-Val-Val stereoisomers appear to be influenced by additional factors, including the position of the second peptide bond and the molecular dipole moment.

H(+)-coupled uphill transport of the dipeptide glycylsarcosine by bovine intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles

In monogastric species, a considerable portion of amino acid nitrogen is absorbed across the brush-border membrane of the small intestine as small peptides (e.g., tripeptides and dipeptides). In ruminants, however, this process is less clear. Therefore, we investigated the uptake of radioactively labeled glycylsarcosine as a model dipeptide across the intestinal brush-border membrane using brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from the bovine small intestine. Uphill transport of glycylsarcosine was energized by a transmembrane H+ gradient and was further stimulated by an electrical potential difference across the membrane. Transport mediated by a carrier contributes to total glycylsarcosine transport across the brush-border membrane. Comparison of the apparent kinetic constants between brush-border membranes prepared from the proximal jejunum or ileum revealed similar half-saturating substrate concentrations (1.28 and 0.93 mmol/L for proximal jejunum and ileum, respectively), but maximal transport rates appeared to be somewhat higher in the proximal small intestine (2.15 and 1.20 nmol/mg of protein per 3 s for proximal jejunum and ileum, respectively). Uptake of glycylsarcosine was strongly inhibited by other dipeptides, but the amino acids glycine and sarcosine did not affect transport. Inhibition of glycylsarcosine uptake by cephalexin indicated an affinity of the carrier for cephalosporin antibiotics. Transport of intact dipeptides across the brush-border membrane of the small intestine might be of physiological importance in ruminants because the microbial and dietary proteins resistant to rumen degradation are digested and absorbed in the small intestine.

Electrophysiological characteristics of the proton-coupled peptide transporter PEPT2 cloned from rat brain

We have cloned a peptide transporter from rat brain and found it to be identical to rat kidney PEPT2. In the present study we characterize the transport function of the rat brain PEPT2, with special emphasis on electrophysiological properties and interaction with N-acetyl-L-aspartyl-L-glutamate (NAAG). When heterologously expressed in HeLa cells and in SK-N-SH cells, PEPT2 transports several dipeptides but not free amino acids in the presence of a proton gradient. NAAG competes with other peptides for the PEPT2-mediated transport process. When PEPT2 is expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, substrate-induced inward currents are detectable with dipeptides of differing charge in the presence of a proton gradient. Proton activation kinetics are similar for differently charged peptides. NAAG is a transportable substrate for PEPT2, as evidenced by NAAG-induced currents. The Hill coefficient for protons for the activation of the transport of differently charged peptides, including NAAG, is 1. Although the peptide-to-proton stoichiometry for negatively charged peptides is 1, the transport nonetheless is associated with transfer of positive charge into the oocyte, as indicated by peptide-induced inward currents.

Use of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter for production of functional mammalian membrane transport proteins in the yeast Pichia pastoris

The promoter of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (PGAP) was employed to produce the mammalian peptide transporters hPEPT1 and rPEPT2 as models for polytopic transmembrane proteins in the methylotrophic yeast Prichia pastoris. Cells of a recombinant renal peptide transporter (rPEPT2) clone produced constitutively the functional carrier protein. The level of functional expression of rPEPT2 with PGAP varied depending on the carbon source used for cell growth, but was up to five times higher than that obtained with the commonly employed inducible alcohol oxidase 1 promoter (PAOX1). Similar results were obtained for the expression level of the human intestinal peptide transporter hPEPT1 controlled by either PGAP or PAOX1. Therefore, the PGAP seems to be an attractive alternative to PAOX1 for generation of transgenic P. pastoris cells expressing functional mammalian membrane transport proteins at high levels.

Direct evidence for peptide transporter (PepT1)-mediated uptake of a nonpeptide prodrug, valacyclovir

Xenopus laevis oocytes were used as a gene expression system to characterize the carrier-mediated transport of valacyclovir (vacv), the L-valine ester prodrug of the acyclic nucleoside acyclovir (acv). A significant increase in the uptake of [3H]vacv by Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with human intestinal peptide transporter (hPepT1) cRNA compared to the uptake by water injected oocytes indicated that vacv was translocated by hPepT1. Vacv uptake was found to be concentration dependent, saturable (K(m) = 5.94 +/- 1.91 mM and Jmax = 1.68 +/- 0.25 nmoles/hr/oocyte), pH dependent, and inhibited by various known substrates of hPepT1 but not by acv, valine or pentaglycine. Vacv also inhibited the uptake of 14C-glycylsarcosine, a known substrate of hPepT1, in a concentration-dependent manner (Ki = 4.08 +/- 1.02 mM). These results demonstrate that human intestinal peptide transporter hPepT1 has broad specificity since it recognizes vacv as a substrate even though it lacks a typical peptide bond.

Minimal molecular determinants of substrates for recognition by the intestinal peptide transporter

Proton-dependent electrogenic transporters for di- and tripeptides have been identified in bacteria, fungi, plants, and mammalian cells. They all show sequence-independent transport of all possible di- and tripeptides as well as of a variety of peptidomimetics. We used the mammalian intestinal peptide transporter PEPT1 as a model to define the molecular basis for its multisubstrate specificity. By employing computational analysis of possible substrate conformations in combination with transport assays using transgenic yeast cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing PEPT1, the minimal structural requirements for substrate binding and transport were determined. Based on a series of medium chain fatty acids bearing an amino group as a head group (omega-amino fatty acids, omega-AFA), we show that electrogenic transport by PEPT1 requires as a minimum the two ionized head groups separated by at least four methylene groups. Consequently, a > 500 pm < 630 pm distance between the two charged centers (carboxylic carbon and amino nitrogen) is sufficient for substrate recognition and transport. Removal of either the amino group or the carboxyl group in omega-AFA maintained the affinity of the compound for interaction with the transporter but abolished the capability for electrogenic transport. Additional groups in the omega-AFA backbone that provide more hydrogen bonding sites appear to increase substrate affinity but are not essential. The information provided here does (a) explain the capability of the peptide carrier for sequence-independent transport of thousands of different substrates and (b) set the molecular basis for a rational drug design to increase the absorption of peptide-based drugs mediated by PEPT1.

Cellular uptake mechanism of amino acid ester prodrugs in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells overexpressing a human peptide transporter

PURPOSE

This study characterized the cellular uptake mechanism and hydrolysis of the amino acid ester prodrugs of nucleoside antiviral drugs in the transiently transfected Caco-2 cells overexpressing a human intestinal peptide transporter, hPEPT1 (Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells).

METHODS

Amino acid ester prodrugs of acyclovir and AZT were synthesized and their apical membrane permeability and hydrolysis were evaluated in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells. The cellular uptake mechanism of prodrugs was investigated through the competitive inhibition study in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells.

RESULTS

L-Valyl ester of acyclovir (L-Val-ACV) was approximately ten fold more permeable across the apical membrane than acyclovir and four times more permeable than D-valyl ester of acyclovir (D-Val-ACV). Correspondingly, L-valyl ester of AZT (L- Val-AZT) exhibited three fold higher cellular uptake than AZT. Therefore, amino acid ester prodrugs significantly increased the cellular uptake of the parent drugs and exhibited the D,L-stereoselectivity. Furthermore, prodrugs were rapidly hydrolyzed to the parent drugs by the intracellular hydrolysis, following the apical membrane transport. In the inhibition studies, cephalexin and small dipeptides strongly inhibited the cellular uptake of L-Val-ACV while L-valine had no effect, indicating that the peptide transporter is primarily responsible for the apical membrane transport of L-Val-ACV. In addition, the cellular uptake of L-Val-ACV was five times higher in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells than the uptake in the untransfected Caco-2 cells, implying the cellular uptake of L-Val-ACV was related to the enhancement of the peptide transport activity in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Caco-2/hPEPT1 system is an efficient in vitro model for the uptake study of peptidyl derivatives. Amino acid ester prodrugs significantly improved the cellular uptake of the parent drugs via peptide transport mechanism and were rapidly converted to the active parent drugs by the intracellular hydrolysis.

Overexpression of human intestinal oligopeptide transporter in mammalian cells via adenoviral transduction

PURPOSE

Our goals are to establish an in vitro screening system and to evaluate a new approach in improving oral absorption of peptides and peptide-like drugs by overexpression of the human intestinal oligopeptide transporter (hPepT1). This study characterizes the expression of hPepT1 in human intestinal Caco-2 cells, rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-18), and human cervix epithelial cells (Hela) after adenoviral transduction.

METHODS

A recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus carrying the hPepT1 gene was made and used as a vector for the expression of hPepT1. The increase in the uptake permeability of cephalexin and Gly-Sar was determined. The effects of time, dose, apical pH, and substrate specificity were evaluated.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the uptake permeability of Gly-Sar and cephalexin was found in all three cell lines after viral transduction. The increase of Gly-Sar permeability in Hela. IEC-18, and Caco-2 cells was 85-, 46-, and 15-fold respectively. Immunoblotting using an antibody against hPepT1 detected high levels of a 85-98-kDa protein in all three infected cell lines. Substrate permeability was dependent on time of infection, inward pH gradients, and multiplicity of infection (MOI). Decreased infectivity and lower hPepT1 expression were observed in differentiated Caco-2 cells. The uptake was inhibited by dipeptides and beta-lactam antibiotics but not amino acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenoviral infected Hela cells displayed a pronounced level of hPepT1 expression with a low background and high specificity to dipeptides. These features make this system a useful tool for screening of potential substrates. The success of overexpression of hPepT1 in Caco-2 and IEC-18 cells may lead to a novel approach in improving oral absorption of peptides and peptidornimetic drugs.

The opt1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a proton-dependent dipeptide transporter

We have cloned and characterized the opt1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster. This gene encodes a protein with significant similarity to the PTR family of oligopeptide transporters. The OPT1 protein is localized to the apical epithelial membrane domains of the midgut, rectum, and female reproductive tract. The opt1 message is maternally loaded into developing oocytes, and OPT1 is found in the alpha-yolk spheres of the developing embryo. It is also found throughout the neuropil of the central nervous system, with elevated expression within the alpha- and beta-lobes of the mushroom bodies. Transport activity was examined in HeLa cells transiently expressing OPT1. This protein is a high-affinity transporter of alanylalanine; the approximate Km constant is 48.8 microM for this substrate. OPT1 dipeptide transport activity is proton dependent. The ability of selected beta-lactams to inhibit alanylalanine transport suggests that OPT1 has a broad specificity in amino acid side chains and has a substrate requirement for an alpha-amino group. Together these data suggest an important role for OPT1 in regulating amino acid availability.

Structural studies of the H+/oligopeptide transport system from rabbit small intestine

A 127-kDa protein was identified as a component of the H+/oligopeptide transport system in brush-border membrane vesicles from rabbit small intestine by photoaffinity labeling with [3H]cephalexin and further photoreactive beta-lactam antibiotics and dipeptides. Reconstitution of stereospecific transport activity revealed the involvement of the 127-kDa protein in H+-dependent transport of oligopeptides and orally active alpha-amino-beta-lactam antibiotics (Kramer et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 204 (1992) 923-930). H+-Dependent transport activity was found in all segments of the small intestine concomitantly with the specific labeling of the 127-kDa protein. By enzymatic deglycosylation, fragments of Mr 116 and 95 kDa were obtained from the 127-kDa protein with endoglucosidase F and N-glycanase, whereas with endoglucosidase H, a fragment of Mr 116 kDa was formed. These findings indicate that the photolabeled 127-kDa protein is a microheterogenous glycoprotein. Surprisingly, it was found that the solubilized and purified 127-kDa protein showed enzymatic sucrase and isomaltase activity. Inhibition of the glucosidase activities with the glucosidase inhibitor HOE 120 influenced neither H+/oligopeptide transport nor photoaffinity labeling of the 127-kDa protein. With polyclonal antibodies raised against the purified 127-kDa protein, a coprecipitation of sucrase activity and the photolabeled 127-kDa beta-lactam antibiotic binding protein occurred. Target size analysis revealed a functional molecular mass of 165+/-17 kDa for photoaffinity labeling of the 127-kDa protein, suggesting a homo- or heterodimeric functional structure of the 127-kDa protein in the brush-border membrane. These findings indicate that the H+/oligopeptide binding protein of Mr 127000 is closely associated with the sucrase/isomaltase complex in the enterocyte brush-border membrane.

Tubular localization and tissue distribution of peptide transporters in rat kidney

PURPOSE

To define the tubular localization and tissue distribution of PEPT1 (low-affinity, high-capacity transporter) and PEPT2 (high-affinity, low-capacity transporter) in rat kidney.

METHODS

mRNA expression of PEPT1 and PEPT2 was assessed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods using cDNA prepared from microdissected nephron segments in rat. Tissue localization of rat renal PEPT1 and PEPT2 mRNA was further assessed by in situ hybridization with radiolabeled probes.

RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis of microdissected segments from rat nephron showed that both PEPT1 and PEPT2 are confined to a proximal tubule. While PEPT1 is specific for early regions of the proximal tubule (pars convoluta), PEPT2 is overwhelmingly but not exclusively expressed in latter regions of the proximal tubule (pars recta). All other segments along the nephron were negative for PEPT1 or PEPT2 mRNA transcripts. These finding were supported by in situ hybridization results in which PEPT1 was selectively expressed in kidney cortex and PEPT2 in the outer stripe of outer medulla.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to current opinion, the data suggest that peptides are handles in a sequential manner in proximal regions of the nephron, first by the low-affinity, high-capacity transport system and second by the high-affinity, low-capacity transport system.

Delta-aminolevulinic acid transport by intestinal and renal peptide transporters and its physiological and clinical implications

Delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is the precursor of porphyrin synthesis and has been recently used in vitro and in clinical studies as an endogenous photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of various tumors. For this purpose, ALA is given topically, systemically, or orally. When administered by the oral route, it shows excellent intestinal absorption. ALA is also efficiently reabsorbed in the renal proximal tubule after glomerular filtration. However, the pathways and mechanisms for its transmembrane transport into epithelial cells of intestine and kidney are unknown. Here we demonstrate that ALA uses the intestinal and renal apical peptide transporters for entering into epithelial cells. Kinetics and characteristics of ALA transport were determined in Xenopus laevis ooyctes and Pichia pastoris yeast cells expressing either the cloned intestinal peptide transporter PEPT1 or the renal form PEPT2. By using radiolabeled ALA and electrophysiological techniques in these heterologous expression systems, we established that: (a) PEPT1 and PEPT2 translocate 3H-ALA by saturable and pH-dependent transport mechanisms, (b) that ALA and di-/tripeptides, but not GABA or related amino acids, compete at the same substrate-binding site of the carriers, and (c) that ALA transport is electrogenic in nature as a consequence of H+/ALA cotransport. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis performed with specific primers for PEPT1 and PEPT2 in rabbit tissues demonstrates that, in particular, the PEPT2 mRNA is expressed in a variety of other tissues including lung, brain, and mammary gland, which have been shown to accumulate ALA. This suggests that these tissues could take up the porphyrin precusor via expressed peptide transporters, providing the endogenous photosensitizers for efficient photodynamic therapy.

Two oligopeptide transporters from Caenorhabditis elegans: molecular cloning and functional expression

Two novel oligopeptide transporter cDNA clones, CPTA and CPTB, were identified by screening a Caenorhabditis elegans cDNA library using homology hybridization. The transporter proteins deduced from the cDNAs possess multiple transmembrane domains and reveal a moderate similarity to their mammalian counterparts in amino acid sequences. CPTA and CPTB, when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and studied by both radiotracer flux and microelectrode voltage-clamp protocol, displayed a saturable electrogenic transport activity driven by a proton gradient with an overlapping broad spectrum of substrate specificity. Both transporters recognize di-, tri- and tetra-peptides including phenylalanylmethionylarginylphenylalaninamide (FMRFamide) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate, members of a large neuropeptide family commonly found throughout the animal kingdom. Kinetic analysis, however, revealed that CPTA and CPTB differed in their affinity for the peptide substrates, the former being a high-affinity type and the latter a low-affinity type. CPTA and CPTB are encoded by two distinct genes localized on separate chromosomes and are expressed during the whole life span of the organism.

Intestinal absorption of fluorescence-derivatized cationic peptide 001-C8-NBD via adsorptive-mediated transcytosis

The intestinal absorption of an intact oligopeptide was investigated in rats using a synthetic cationic peptide, 001-C8 (H-MeTyr-Arg-MeArg-D-Leu-NH(CH2)8NH2). The peptide was coupled with 4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) to prepare a fluorescence-labeled derivative 001-C8-NBD (H-MeTyr-Arg-MeArg-D-Leu-NH(CH2)8NH-NBD) for the purpose of quantification. The degradation half-life of 001-C8-NBD in jejunal homogenate (1 mg/mL) was 99.5 min, which was significantly longer than that of natural leucine enkephalin (1.14 min). The absorption of 001-C8-NBD was evaluated by the vascular-perfusion method. Intact 001-C8-NBD appeared in the blood time-dependently and the absorption volume at 30 min (2.75 +/- 0.14 microL/cm intestine) was significantly larger than that of [3H]PEG 900 (0.88 +/- 0.13 microL/cm intestine), of which membrane permeability is very low. The absorption of 001-C8-NBD was greatly reduced by an adsorptive-mediated endocytosis inhibitor, protamine (10 mM). No inhibition of the absorption of [3H]PEG 900 by protamine was observed. The intestinal absorption was also measured by an in vivo loop method. The absorption clearance of 001-C8-NBD measured by this method (0.083 +/- 0.008 microL/min/cm intestine) was comparable to that obtained by the vascular perfusion method (0.092 +/- 0.005 microL/min/cm intestine). All of these data suggested that 001-C8-NBD was absorbed as the intact oligopeptide in the intestine in vivo. Adsorptive-mediated transcytosis is suggested to have enormous potential as an oral delivery system for peptide and/or protein drugs.

Valacyclovir: a substrate for the intestinal and renal peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral agent acyclovir and it does not contain a peptide bond in its structure. We studied the interaction of valacyclovir with the peptide transporters in the human intestinal cell line Caco-2 and the rat kidney proximal tubular cell line SKPT which differentially express peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. The results of the studies done with these cell lines were confirmed with the cloned peptide transporters human PEPT1 and rat PEPT2, expressed heterologously in HeLa cells. The activity of the peptide transporters was assessed by measuring the uptake of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine in the presence of a H+ gradient. Valacyclovir inhibited the uptake of glycylsarcosine with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.49 +/- 0.04 mM in Caco-2 cells and 0.17 +/- 0.01 mM in SKPT cells. In both cell types, the inhibition was competitive. Acyclovir, in contrast to valacyclovir, did not interact with the peptide transporters. Similar results were obtained with heterologously expressed human PEPT1 and rat PEPT2. Valacyclovir inhibited the hPEPT1-mediated glycylsarcosine transport competitively with a Ki value of 0.74 +/- 0.14 mM. The rPEPT2-mediated transport of glycylsarcosine was also inhibited by valacyclovir competitively and the Ki value for the process was 0.39 +/- 0.03 mM. Acyclovir did not interact with either of these cloned peptide transporters. We conclude that valacyclovir is a substrate for the peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 and that a peptide bond is not a prerequisite for recognition as a substrate by the peptide transporters.

Identification of a potential substrate binding domain in the mammalian peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 using PEPT1-PEPT2 and PEPT2-PEPT1 chimeras

The mammalian peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 are energized by a transmembrane electrochemical H+ gradient and exhibit similar broad substrate specificity. These transporters however differ in their affinity for substrates, PEPT1 being a low-affinity transporter and PEPT2 being a high-affinity transporter. To identify the substrate binding domain in PEPT1 and PEPT2 which is responsible for the differing affinities, we constructed a series of PEPT1-PEPT2 and PEPT2-PEPT1 chimeras using an in vivo restriction site-independent procedure and determined their substrate affinities. A comparison of these kinetic data for different chimeras with those of the wild-type PEPT1 and PEPT2 in conjunction with the specific structural PEPT1/PEPT2 crossover regions in these chimeras has led to the identification of a putative substrate binding site, which is comprised of the transmembrane domains 7, 8 and 9 of the transporters.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe isp4 encodes a transporter representing a novel family of oligopeptide transporters

We have recently cloned an oligopeptide transport gene from Candida albicans denoted OPT1. This gene showed significant sequence similarity to three open reading frames (ORFs) with no previously established function: isp4 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJL212C and YPR194C, identified during the genome project. The S. pombe gene isp4 was originally identified by Sato et al. as a gene that was upregulated through nitrogen starvation induction of meiosis. However, an isp4delta strain exhibited a wild-type phenotype with respect to sexual differentiation. We have found that the same isp4delta strain is deficient in tetrapeptide transport activity as measured by its resistance to toxic tetrapeptides, by its inability to accumulate a radiolabelled tetrapeptide and by the inability to use tetrapeptides as a sole source of an amino acid to satisfy an auxotrophic requirement. Similarly, we found that the ORF YPR194C from S. cerevisiae encodes an oligopeptide transporter. Sequence analyses as well as physiological evidence has led us to propose that the proteins encoded by isp4 and the genes identified from S. cerevisiae and C. albicans comprise a new group of transporters specific for small oligopeptides, which we have named the OPT family.

Regulation of the PepT1 peptide transporter in the rat small intestine in response to 5-fluorouracil-induced injury

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The oligopeptide transport system of the small intestine is resistant to mucosal injury. The mechanism of this resistance was investigated by examining the activity level and expression of the peptide transporter PepT1 in the intestine of rats treated with 5-fluorouracil.

METHODS

The expression and localization of PepT1 were examined by immunoblot analysis of brush border membrane vesicles and immunohistochemical analysis of intestinal sections with PepT1-specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Also, Northern blot analysis was used for the expression of PepT1 messenger RNA (mRNA).

RESULTS

Although the amounts of sucrase and an Na+-dependent glucose transporter protein in intestinal vesicles decreased markedly after 5-fluorouracil treatment, the amount of PepT1 protein remained largely unaffected. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that the PepT1 immunoreactivity level was preserved in the brush border membrane of the remaining villi of 5-fluorouracil-treated rats. Levels of amino acid, glucose, and phosphate transporter mRNAs were profoundly depressed in 5-fluorouracil-treated animals, whereas the level of PepT1 mRNA conversely increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The resistance of intestinal peptide transport to tissue injury may be attributable to increased synthesis of PepT1 rather than to a change in the kinetic properties of the residual absorbing cells.

Cloning and functional expression of a cDNA encoding a mammalian sodium-dependent vitamin transporter mediating the uptake of pantothenate, biotin, and lipoate

Previous studies have shown that a Na+-dependent transport system is responsible for the transplacental transfer of the vitamins pantothenate and biotin and the essential metabolite lipoate. We now report the isolation of a rat placental cDNA encoding a transport protein responsible for this function. The cloned cDNA, when expressed in HeLa cells, induces Na+-dependent pantothenate and biotin transport activities. The transporter is specific for pantothenate, biotin, and lipoate. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Kt) for the transport of pantothenate and biotin in cDNA-transfected cells is 4.9 +/- 1.1 and 15.1 +/- 1.2 microM, respectively. The transport of both vitamins in cDNA-transfected cells is inhibited by lipoate with an inhibition constant (Ki) of approximately 5 microM. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA (sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT)) predicts a protein of 68.6 kDa with 634 amino acids and 12 potential transmembrane domains. Protein data base search indicates significant sequence similarity between SMVT and known members of the Na+-dependent glucose transporter family. Northern blot analysis shows that SMVT transcripts are present in all of the tissues that were tested. The size of the principal transcript is 3.2 kilobases. SMVT represents the first Na+-dependent vitamin transporter to be cloned from a mammalian tissue.

Substrate upregulation of the human small intestinal peptide transporter, hPepT1

1. Molecular mechanisms underlying physiological adaptation to increased levels of dietary peptides have been elucidated by studying the response to the substrate glycyl-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln) of the proton-coupled peptide transporter, hPepT1, in the Caco-2 human intestinal cell line. Vmax for apical uptake of [14C]glycyl-[14C]sarcosine was increased 1.64 (+/- 0.34)-fold after incubation of Caco-2 cells for 3 days in a peptide-rich medium (4 mM Gly-Gln replacing 4 mM Gln). 2. A full-length Caco-2 hPepT1 cDNA clone was identical to human small intestinal hPepT1 with the exception of a single amino acid substitution Ile-662 to Val. Transcript sizes, on Northern blots of Caco-2 poly(A)+ RNA probed with a 630 bp 5' hPepT1 cDNA probe, correspond to the reported band pattern seen with human small intestinal RNA. The dipeptide-induced increase in substrate transport was accompanied by a parallel increase of 1.92 (+/- 0.30)-fold (n = 9) in hPepT1 mRNA. This was in part due to an increase in hPepT1 mRNA half-life from 8.9 +/- 1.1 to 12.5 +/- 1.6 h (n = 3), but the increase in half-life does not account fully for the observed increase in mRNA levels, suggesting that there was also a dipeptide-mediated increase in hPepT1 transcription. 3. Anti-hPepT1-specific antipeptide antibodies localized hPepT1 exclusively to the apical membrane of human small intestinal enterocytes and Caco-2 cells. Gly-Gln supplementation of media resulted in a 1.72 (+/- 0.26)-fold (n = 5) increase in staining intensity of Caco-2 cells. 4. We conclude that Caco-2 cells provide an appropriate model for the study of adaptation of intestinal hPepT1, at the molecular level, to increased levels of dietary peptide. The magnitude of functional increase in apical peptide transport activity in response to Gly-Gln can be fully accounted for by the increased levels of hPepT1 protein and mRNA, the latter mediated by both enhanced hPepT1 mRNA stability and increased transcription. The signalling pathway between increased dietary peptide and hPepT1 upregulation, therefore, involves direct action on the enterocyte, independent of hormonal and/or neural control.

Purification by ceftibuten-affinity chromatography and the functional reconstitution of oligopeptide transporter(s) in rat intestinal brush-border membrane

The transport activity of ceftibuten, a dianionic peptide-like compound, was extracted from rat intestinal brush-border membrane by n-octylglucoside and reconstituted into asolectin liposomes by dialysis. The proteoliposomes prepared from the membrane extract showed an inward H+-gradient-dependent uptake of ceftibuten and glycylsarcosine. Ceftibuten-immobilized affinity chromatography of the membrane extract permitted the isolation of two polypeptides (apparent molecular mass of 117 and 127 kDa) that can recognize the dianionic peptide structure of ceftibuten. Proteoliposomes prepared from reconstituting the isolated proteins into asolectin vesicles showed an overshooting uptake of ceftibuten in the presence of an inwardly directed H+ gradient, and this uptake could be inhibited by L-valyl-L-proline. N-glycanase digestion of the isolated proteins, 117 and 127 kDa, trimmed them into 78 and 120 kDa products, respectively. The protein core size of the smaller protein was in agreement with the calculated molecular mass of approximately 79 kDa for the rat PepT1 transporter obtained by other investigators.

Evidence for the absolute conformational specificity of the intestinal H+/peptide symporter, PEPT1

This study was initiated to determine whether the intestinal H+/peptide symporter PEPT1 differentiates between the peptide bond conformers of substrates. We synthesized a modified dipeptide where the peptide bond is replaced by the isosteric thioxo peptide bond. The Ala-Pro derivative Ala-psi[CS-N]-Pro exists as a mixture of cis and trans conformation in aqueous solution and is characterized by a low cis/trans isomerization rate. The compound was recognized by PEPT1 with high affinity. The Ki value of Ala-psi[CS-N]-Pro for the inhibition of the uptake of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine in Caco-2 cells was 0.30 +/- 0.02 mM, determined in solution with 96% trans conformation. In contrast, the Ki value was 0.51 +/- 0.02 mM when uptake media with 62% trans conformer were used. We conclude that only the trans conformer interacts with the transport system. From our data, a significant affinity of the cis conformer at PEPT1 cannot be derived. In a second approach, conformer-specific uptake of Ala-psi[CS-N]-Pro was studied by analyzing the intracellular content of Caco-2 cells following transport as well as the composition of the extracellular medium using capillary electrophoresis. The percentage of trans conformer that was 62% in the uptake medium increased to 92% inside the cells. This is the first direct evidence that an H+/peptide cotransport system selectively binds and transports the trans conformer of a peptide derivative.

Enhancement of the small intestinal uptake of phenylalanylglycine via a H+/oligopeptide transport system by chemical modification with fatty acids

The transport characteristics of chemically modified phenylalanylglycine (Phe-Gly) with butyric acid (C4-Phe-Gly) and caproic acid (C6-Phe-Gly) were examined using rabbit intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). In the presence of an inwardly H+ gradient (pH 7.5 inside, pH 6.0 outside), the uptake of Phe-Gly via BBMVs was significantly enhanced by the covalent attachment of butyric or caproic acid to the N-terminal of Phe-Gly. Moreover, C4-Phe-Gly uptake was stimulated by the trans-stimulation effect of some dipeptides and cefadroxil, and was inhibited by other dipeptides and cefadroxil. These results indicate that N-terminal modified Phe-Gly with fatty acids are transported into BBMVs via an oligopeptide transporter. Therefore, chemical modification of dipeptides with fatty acids can enhance the intestinal absorption of dipeptide by a carrier-mediated transport via an oligopeptide transporter.

Localization of peptide transporter in nuclei and lysosomes of the pancreas

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show for the first time the localization of a H+/peptide cotrasporter in nuclei of vascular smooth muscle cells and Schwann cells and its localization in lysosomes of the exocrine pancreas. It is likely that the transporter functions to move small peptides from the lysosome to the cytoplasm following intralysosomal protein degradation. The nature of the transporter function in the nucleus remains to be determined, including the possibility that peptide signaling molecules may be transmitted between nucleus and cytoplasm.

BACKGROUND

PEPT1 transports di- and tripeptides through plasma membranes. Peptides are cotransported with H+, thus deriving the energy for the active transport process from an electrochemical H+ gradient. The main regions in which PEPT1 has been thought to function are the plasma membranes of the small intestinal epithelial cells for absorption of protein digestion products and in the kidney tubules for recovery of small peptides from the glomerular filtrate.

METHODS

Pancreas was removed from rats and quick frozen with liquid nitrogen. Frozen sections were fixed in cold acetone. Sections were incubated with primary antibody against PEPT1, followed by a secondary antibody conjugated with fluorescein, then examined with a fluorescence microscope.

RESULTS

Three major structures were immunopositive with the antibody to PEPT1: the nuclei of smooth muscle cells in the wall of arterioles, the nuclei of Schwann cells in unmyelinated pancreatic nerves, and lysosomes in acinar cells.

Evidence for extensive and non-specific translocation of oligopeptides across plasma membranes of mammalian cells

After exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to various small peptides (tetra- to undeca-mer), extensive transport of the peptides across the plasma membrane was observed in the concentration range 10(-7) to 10(-2) M. The observed transport events, which contradict the generally anticipated poor permeability of peptides across plasma membranes, exhibited high complexity and showed no saturability up to a concentration of 10(-2) M. Evidence was found for the involvement of mdrp-like transporters as well as of energy-independent facilitated diffusion events. The peptide levels within the cells approximated those of the incubation solution within 30 min, indicating high capacity and velocity for the involved transport processes. Correspondingly, preloaded cells exported about 80% of the internalized peptide within 5 min at 37 degrees C. Analogous results were found after peptide exposure to several other mammalian cell types, indicating a more general importance of the transport phenomena described here. Our findings contradict the prevailing opinion that the often observed lack of activity of externally administered peptides against their targets within intact cells is accounted for primarily by poor cellular uptake and point to export processes counteracting the uptake to be more important in this context.

Recognition of beta-lactam antibiotics by rat peptide transporters, PEPT1 and PEPT2, in LLC-PK1 cells

PEPT1 and PEPT2 are H(+)-coupled peptide transporters expressed preferentially in the intestine and kidney, respectively, which mediate uphill transport of oligopeptides and peptide-like drugs such as beta-lactam antibiotics. In the present study, we have compared the recognition of beta-lactam antibiotics by LLC-PK1 cells stably transfected with PEPT1 or PEPT2 cDNA. Cyclacillin (aminopenicillin) and ceftibuten (anionic cephalosporin without an alpha-amino group) showed potent inhibitory effects on the glycylsarcosine uptake in the PEPT1-expressing cells. Other beta-lactams, such as cephalexin, cefadroxil, and cephradine (aminocephalosporins), inhibited modestly the PEPT1-mediated glycylsarcosine uptake. Except for ceftibuten, these beta-lactams showed much more potent inhibitions on the glycylsarcosine uptake via PEPT2 than via PEPT1. Comparison of the inhibition constant (Ki) values between cefadroxil and cephalexin suggested that the hydroxyl group at the NH2-terminal phenyl ring increased affinity for both PEPT1 and PEPT2. It is concluded that PEPT2 has a much higher affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics having an alpha-amino group than PEPT1 and that substituents at the NH2-terminal side chain of these drugs are involved in the recognition by both peptide transporters.

Molecular and structural features of the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter superfamily

Work in the area of molecular biology of transport proteins has unveiled the presence of a distinct peptide transporter superfamily whose members extend from the prokaryotic to the eukaryotic kingdom. There are two subgroups within this superfamily, one subgroup harnessing the energy necessary for active transport from a transmembrane H+ gradient and the other subgroup relying directly on ATP hydrolysis. In addition to the use of different driving forces, the two subgroups are also distinguishable with regard to molecular structure and operational mechanism. This review is intended to analyze critically the molecular nature of the members of the H+ gradient-dependent peptide transporter subgroup, with emphasis on the cloning strategies utilized in the isolation of the individual transporter cDNAs or genes; on the structural patterns, motifs, and conserved amino acid residues common to constituent members of the subgroup; and on the characteristic topological features of the individual members.

Electrophysiological analysis of the function of the mammalian renal peptide transporter expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes

1. To gain information on the mode of operation of the renal proton-coupled peptide transporter PepT2, voltage clamp studies were performed in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the rabbit renal PepT2. 2. Using differently charged glycyl-dipeptides we show that PepT2 translocates these dipeptides by an electrogenic pH-dependent process that is essentially independent of the substrate net charge. The apparent substrate affinities are in the micromolar range (2-50 microM) between pH 5.5 and 7.4 and membrane potentials of +/- 0 to -50 mV. 3. Maximal substrate-evoked inward currents (Imax) are affected by membrane voltage (Vm) and extracellular pH (pHo). Potential-dependent interactions of H+/H3O+ with PepT2 seem to be mediated by a single low affinity binding site and PepT2 remains pH dependent at all voltages. 4. The effects of voltage on apparent Imax and substrate affinity display an inverse relationship. As Vm is altered from -50 to -150 mV substrate affinities decrease 10- to 50-fold whereas apparent Imax increases almost 10-fold. 5. Even at saturating H+/H3O+ and dipeptide concentrations the I-V curves did not show saturation at negative membrane potentials, suggesting that other steps in the reaction cycle and not the ligand affinity changes are rate limiting. These are possibly the conformational changes of the empty and/or loaded transporters. 6. These findings demonstrate that not only substrate affinities but also other kinetic characteristics of PepT2 differ markedly from those of the intestinal peptide transporter isoform PepT1.

Cloning and characterization of a pH-sensing regulatory factor that modulates transport activity of the human H+/peptide cotransporter, PEPT1

We have isolated a cDNA encoding a pH-sensing regulatory factor protein that modulates transport activity of the human H+/peptide cotransporter, hPEPT1, from the human duodenum cDNA library. The cDNA (1,724 bp) for the regulatory factor (hPEPT1-RF) had an open reading frame encoding a 208-amino acid. The 18-195 amino acid residues of hPEPT1-RF were completely consistent with the 8-185 amino acid residues of hPEPT1, whereas the 1-17 and 196-208 residues were unique sequences. Using a reticulocyte lysate, the in vitro synthesized hPEPT1-RF RNA translated a product of approximately 23 kDa. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-coupled PCR revealed that both hPEPT1 and hPEPT1-RF mRNA transcripts are expressed in Caco-2 cells. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, hPEPT1-RF showed no transport activity of glycylsarcosine, but shifted pH profile of the dipeptide transport mediated by the coexpressed hPEPT1. The pH profile of glycylsarcosine uptake in oocytes coexpressing hPEPT1 and hPEPT1-RF was almost similar to that in the Caco-2 cells. This is the first demonstration of cDNA isolation of a regulatory factor which modulates hPEPT1 activity.

Interaction of oligonucleotide-conjugates with the dipeptide transporter system in Caco-2 cells

Oligonucleotide-based therapies represent novel strategies for manipulating the expression and function of target proteins and are undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of viral diseases and malignancies. However, poor biological stability and cellular delivery represent potential limitations to the therapeutic development of oligonucleotides. Conjugation of oligonucleotides to lipophilic groups can improve delivery to cells but the enhanced cellular binding may also facilitate nonspecific interactions. In this report, we show that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides conjugated to lipophilic groups, either tocopherol (Vitamin E) or 2-Di-O-hexadecyl-3-glycerol, can significantly inhibit the functioning of the dipeptide transporter system (DTS) in cultured Caco-2 intestinal cells. Because the DTS mediates the binding and absorption of nutrient peptides and important drugs, such as the cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics, this finding has important implications in relation to the potential toxicity of lipophilic conjugates in vivo. It also suggests a potential drug interaction with lipophilic oligonucleotide-conjugates if they were to be delivered orally.

Cloning and functional expression of a brain peptide/histidine transporter

Here we report the cloning and functional characterization of a rat novel peptide/histidine transporter (PHT1), which was expressed in the brain and the retina. The cDNA encodes the predicted protein of 572 amino acid residues with 12 putative membrane-spanning domains. The amino acid sequence has moderate homology with a nonspecific peptide transporter found in the plant. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, PHT1 cRNA induced high affinity proton-dependent histidine transport activity. This transport process was inhibited by dipeptides and tripeptides but not by free amino acids such as glutamate, glycine, leucine, methionine, and aspartate. Dipeptide carnosine transport activity was also confirmed by direct uptake measurement. By in situ hybridization analysis, PHT1 mRNA was widely distributed throughout whole brain. Especially, intense hybridization signals were found in the hippocampus, choroid plexus, cerebellum, and pontine nucleus. Signals were located in both the neuronal and small nonneuronal cells in these areas. PHT1 protein could contribute to uptake of oligopeptides, which function as neuromodulators, and clearance of degraded neuropeptides and be a new member in the growing superfamily of proton-coupled peptide and nitrate transporters, although its structure, localization, and pharmacological characteristics are unique among these members.

Sequence alignments of the H(+)-dependent oligopeptide transporter family PTR: inferences on structure and function of the intestinal PET1 transporter

PURPOSE

To study the structure and function of the intestinal H+/ peptide transporter PET1, we compared its amino acid sequence with those of related transporters belonging to the oligopeptide transporter family PTR, and with more distant transporter families.

METHODS

We have developed a new approach to the sequence analysis of proteins with multiple transmembrane domains (TMDs) which takes into account the repeated TMD-loop topology. In addition to conventional analyses of the entire sequence, each TMD and its adjacent loop residues (= TMD segments) were analyzed separately as independent structural units. In combination with hydropathy analysis, this approach reveals any changes in the order of the TMD segments in the primary structure and permits TMD alignments among divergent structures even if rearrangements of the order of TMD segments have occurred in the course of evolution.

RESULTS

Alignments of TMD segments indicate that the TMD order in PTR transporters may have changed in the process of evolution. Consideration of such changes permits the alignment of homologous TMD segments from PTR transporters belonging to distant akaryotic and eukaryotic phyla. Multiple alignments of TMDs reveal several highly conserved regions that may play a role in transporter function. In comparing the PTR transporters with other transporter gene families, alignment scores using the entire primary structure are too low to support a finding of probable homology. However, statistically significant alignments were observed among individual TMD segments if one disregards the order in which they occur in the primary structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that the PTR transporters may have evolved by rearrangement, duplication, or insertions and deletions of TMD segments as independent modules. This modular structure suggests new alignment strategies for determining functional domains and testing relationship among distant transporter families.

Expression and functional characterization of the mammalian intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 in the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was used for heterologous expression of the rabbit intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 and its functional characterization. PepT1 mediates the electrogenic transmembrane transport of di- and tripeptides and peptido-mimetics such as beta-lactam antibiotics and ACE-inhibitors. Functional expression of PepT1 was determined in different recombinant clones by flux studies employing the radiolabeled dipeptide 3H-(D)-Phe-(L)-Ala. One clone (GS-PepT1) displayed high level functional expression that was pH dependent and saturable with an app. K0.6 of 1.17 +/- 0.18 mM. Inhibition of 3H-(D)-Phe-(L)-Ala uptake into GS-PepT1 by selected dipeptides, tripeptides and peptidomimetics including beta-lactam antibiotics and ACE-inhibitors revealed the same substrate specifity as reported for PepT1 when expressed in mammalian cells or Xenopus laevis oocytes. Pichia cells expressing PepT1 will provide an excellent tool for in vitro bioavailability studies for peptides and peptidomimetics. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of functional expression of a mammalian membrane transport protein using P. pastoris.

The influence of luminal pH on transport of neutral and charged dipeptides by rat small intestine, in vitro

Four hydrolysis-resistant dipeptides (D-phenylalanyl-L-alanine, D-phenylalanyl-L-glutamine, D-phenylalanyl-L-glutamate and D-phenylalanyl-L-lysine) were synthesized to investigate the effects of net charge on transmural dipeptide transport by isolated jejunal loops of rat small intestine. At a luminal pH of 7.4 and a concentration of 1 mM the two dipeptides with a net charge of -1 and +1 were transported at substantially slower rates (18 +/- 1.3 and 8.4 +/- 1.3 nmol min(-1)(g dry wt.)(-1), respectively) than neutral D-phenylalanyl-L-alanine and D-phenylalanyl-L-glutamine (87 +/- 0.2 and 197 +/- 14 nmol min(-1)(g dry wt.)(-1), respectively). We investigated the effects of luminal pH on dipeptide transport by varying the NaHCO3 content of Krebs Ringer perfusate equilibrated with 95% 02/5% CO2. The pH changes did not affect water transport, but serosal glucose appearance increased significantly at pH 6.8. Transmural transport of D-phenylalanyl-L-alanine and D-phenylalanyl-L-glutamine at pH 6.8 was stimulated (P < 0.01) by 61% and 49%, respectively, whereas the lower pH increased the rate for negatively charged D-phenylalanyl-L-glutamate by 306% (P < 0.01) and decreased that for positively charged D-phenylalanyl-L-lysine by 46% (P < 0.05). Increasing luminal pH to 8.0 inhibited D-phenylalanyl-L-alanine transport by 60%, whereas D-phenylalanyl-L-lysine transport was 60% faster.

Interaction of anionic cephalosporins with the intestinal and renal peptide transporters PEPT 1 and PEPT 2

The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of anionic cephalosporins (cefixime, ceftibuten, and cefdinir) with the renal peptide transporter (PEPT 2) and the intestinal peptide transporter (PEPT 1) using four different experimental model systems. In the first approach, the human colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2 which expresses PEPT 1 and the SHR rat kidney cell line SKPT which expresses PEPT 2 were used. The uptake of the dipeptide Gly-Sar mediated by PEPT 1 or PEPT 2 in these cells was inhibited significantly by the anionic cephalosporins, with the following order of potency: ceftibuten > cefixime > cefdinir. The inhibition was competitive in nature. Even though the order of potency was the same for PEPT 1 and PEPT 2, PEPT 1 exhibited much lesser sensitivity to inhibition than PEPT 2. In the second approach, the cloned human PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 were functionally expressed in HeLa cells following which the cells were used to study the interaction of anionic cephalosporins with PEPT 1 and PEPT 2. Again, Gly-Sar uptake mediated by the human PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 in HeLa cells was found to be inhibited by the anionic cephalosporins with the same order potency as in Caco-2 and SKPT cells. In the third approach, brush border membrane vesicles isolated from rat kidneys were employed. In this approach also it was found that PEPT 2-mediated Gly-Sar uptake was inhibited by cefixime and ceftibuten. In the fourth approach, the human PEPT 1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and PEPT 1-mediated transport of ceftibuten was investigated directly by electrophysiological methods. Ceftibuten evoked inward currents in PEPT 1-expressing oocytes but not in water-injected oocytes, showing that the transport of the anionic cephalosporin via PEPT 1 is associated with transfer of positive charge. The ceftibuten-evoked currents were saturable with respect to ceftibuten concentration and were markedly dependent on membrane potential. It is concluded that anionic cephalosporins interact with the peptide transporters expressed in the intestine (PEPT 1) as well as in the kidney (PEPT 2).

Influence of proton and essential histidyl residues on the transport kinetics of the H+/peptide cotransport systems in intestine (PEPT 1) and kidney (PEPT 2)

The mechanism by which H+ alters the kinetics of the H+-coupled peptide transporters PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 was investigated in two different cell lines which differentially express these transporters, namely Caco-2 cells (PEPT 1) and SKPT cells (PEPT 2). The effects of H+ on the affinity and the maximal velocity of Gly-Sar uptake were analyzed in these cells under identical conditions. In both cells, H+ influenced only the maximal velocity of uptake and not the apparent affinity. The effects of H+ on the IC50 values (i.e., concentration necessary to cause 50% inhibition) of the cationic dipeptide Ala-Lys and the anionic dipeptide Ala-Asp for inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake were also investigated. H+ did not change the IC50 value for Ala-Lys but did decrease the IC50 value for Ala-Asp considerably. The influence of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) on the kinetic parameters of PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 was then studied. Histidyl residues are the most likely amino acid residues involved in H+ binding and translocation in H+-coupled transport systems and DEP is known to chemically modify histidyl residues and block their function. DEP treatment altered the maximal velocity of Gly-Sar uptake but had no effect on its K(t) (Michaelis-Menten constant) or the IC50 values of Ala-Lys or Ala-Asp for the inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake. It is concluded that H+ stimulates PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 primarily by increasing the maximal velocity of the transporters with no detectable influence on the substrate affinity.

Genes expressed in neurons of adult male Drosophila

We have identified two genes, roX1 and roX2, whose expression in the adult fly is restricted to neurons of males. The two genes reside on the X chromosome, and each encodes an RNA with no apparent open reading frame. Both genes are physically linked to female-specific genes that encode proteins expressed in the ovary: opt1, a novel peptide transporter, and nod, a member of the kinesin family. The male-specific transcripts are positively regulated by the dosage compensation pathway in an all-or-none fashion. Our data suggest that the multimeric complex of dosage compensation proteins may operate in different ways on different sets of X-linked genes.

Functional analysis of a chimeric mammalian peptide transporter derived from the intestinal and renal isoforms

l. Recently two genes have been identified by expression cloning that encode mammalian epithelial peptide transporters capable of translocating di- and tripeptides and selected peptidomimetics by stereoselective and rheogenic substrate-H+ cotransport. PepT1 from rabbit or human small intestine induces a transport activity with high transport capacity but rather low substrate affinity when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast, the renal carrier PepT2 is a high affinity-type transporter with a lower maximal transport capacity. In addition, both transporters show differences in pH dependence and substrate specificity. 2. As a first approach to identify structural components of the transport proteins that determine their phenotypical characteristics, we constructed a recombinant chimeric peptide transporter (CH1Pep) in which the aminoterminal region (residues 1-401) is derived from PepT2 whereas the carboxyterminal region (residues 402-707) starting at the end of transmembrane domain 9 is derived from PepT1. Expression of PepT1, PepT2 and CH1Pep in Xenopus oocytes allowed the characteristics of the transporters to be determined by flux studies employing a radiolabelled dipeptide and by the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. 3. Our studies indicate that CH1Pep conserves the characteristics of PepT2 including the high affinity for dipeptides and peptidomimetics, the substrate specificity, the pH dependence of transport activation and the electrophysiological parameters. We conclude that the phenotypical characteristics of the renal peptide transporter are determined by its amino-terminal region.

Human dipeptide transporter, hPEPT1, stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells

PURPOSE

A cDNA encoding the H(+)-coupled peptide transporter, hPEPT1, has previously been cloned from human ileum (8). The objective of this study was to establish a stably transfected cell line expressing hPEPT1 in mammalian cell culture.

METHODS

The hPEPT1 cDNA was subcloned into an expression vector carrying the CMV promoter and a neomycin resistance gene. This vector, pCDNA3-PEPT1, was transiently transfected into several cell lines to identify those capable of expressing PEPT1 transport function. CHO cells were selected and stably transfected with PEPT1 (CHO-PEPT1). Dipeptide transport activity was measured with 3H-Gly-Sar, in the presence and absence of inhibitors.

RESULTS

The clonal cell line, CHO-PEPT1, displayed high transport activity. Dipeptide transport was sensitive to pH and specific for dipeptides and other small peptides. Peptidomimetic antibiotics, such as cephalexin, were competitors for peptide transport.

CONCLUSIONS

The stably transfected cell line, CHO-PEPT1 exhibits enhanced transport over that of cell lines with native expression of PEPT1, and therefore, represents a useful tool for rapid screening of drugs that utilize the peptide transporter in the human intestine for absorption.