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Bijelić A, Silovski T, Mlinarić M, Čipak Gašparović A. Peroxiporins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Biomarker Potential and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6658. [PMID: 38928364 PMCID: PMC11203578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most challenging subtypes since it is initially characterized by the absence of specific biomarkers and corresponding targeted therapies. Advances in methodology, translational informatics, genomics, and proteomics have significantly contributed to the identification of therapeutic targets. The development of innovative treatments, such as antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors, alongside chemotherapy, has now become the standard of care. However, the quest for biomarkers defining therapy outcomes is still ongoing. Peroxiporins, which comprise a subgroup of aquaporins, which are membrane pores facilitating the transport of water, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide, have emerged as potential biomarkers for therapy response. Research on peroxiporins reveals their involvement beyond traditional channeling activities, which is also reflected in their cellular localization and roles in cellular signaling pathways. This research on peroxiporins provides fresh insights into the mechanisms of therapy resistance in tumors, offering potential avenues for predicting treatment outcomes and tailoring successful TNBC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bijelić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Tajana Silovski
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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2
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Login FH, Nejsum LN. Aquaporin water channels: roles beyond renal water handling. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:604-618. [PMID: 37460759 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) water channels are pivotal to renal water handling and therefore in the regulation of body water homeostasis. However, beyond the kidney, AQPs facilitate water reabsorption and secretion in other cells and tissues, including sweat and salivary glands and the gastrointestinal tract. A growing body of evidence has also revealed that AQPs not only facilitate the transport of water but also the transport of several small molecules and gases such as glycerol, H2O2, ions and CO2. Moreover, AQPs are increasingly understood to contribute to various cellular processes, including cellular migration, adhesion and polarity, and to act upstream of several intracellular and intercellular signalling pathways to regulate processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell invasiveness. Of note, several AQPs are highly expressed in multiple cancers, where their expression can correlate with the spread of cancerous cells to lymph nodes and alter the response of cancers to conventional chemotherapeutics. These data suggest that AQPs have diverse roles in various homeostatic and physiological systems and may be exploited for prognostics and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric H Login
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene N Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Al-Samir S, Yildirim AÖ, Sidhaye VK, King LS, Breves G, Conlon TM, Stoeger C, Gailus-Durner V, Fuchs H, Hrabé de Angelis M, Gros G, Endeward V. Aqp5 -/- mice exhibit reduced maximal body O 2 consumption under cold exposure, normal pulmonary gas exchange, and impaired formation of brown adipose tissue. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R109-R119. [PMID: 36409022 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00130.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The fundamental body functions that determine maximal O2 uptake (V̇o2max) have not been studied in Aqp5-/- mice (aquaporin 5, AQP5). We measured V̇o2max to globally assess these functions and then investigated why it was found altered in Aqp5-/- mice. V̇o2max was measured by the Helox technique, which elicits maximal metabolic rate by intense cold exposure of the animals. We found V̇o2max reduced in Aqp5-/- mice by 20%-30% compared with wild-type (WT) mice. As AQP5 has been implicated to act as a membrane channel for respiratory gases, we studied whether this is caused by the known lack of AQP5 in the alveolar epithelial membranes of Aqp5-/- mice. Lung function parameters as well as arterial O2 saturation were normal and identical between Aqp5-/- and WT mice, indicating that AQP5 does not contribute to pulmonary O2 exchange. The cause for the decreased V̇o2max thus might be found in decreased O2 consumption of an intensely O2-consuming peripheral organ such as activated brown adipose tissue (BAT). We found indeed that absence of AQP5 greatly reduces the amount of interscapular BAT formed in response to 4 wk of cold exposure, from 63% in WT to 25% in Aqp5-/- animals. We conclude that lack of AQP5 does not affect pulmonary O2 exchange, but greatly inhibits transformation of white to brown adipose tissue. As under cold exposure, BAT is a major source of the animals' heat production, reduction of BAT likely causes the decrease in V̇o2max under this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Al-Samir
- Zentrum Physiologie, AG Vegetative Physiologie, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), München, Germany
| | - Venkataramana K Sidhaye
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Landon S King
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gerhard Breves
- Institut für Physiologie und Zellbiologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas M Conlon
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), München, Germany
| | - Claudia Stoeger
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabé de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technische Universität München School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Gerolf Gros
- Zentrum Physiologie, AG Vegetative Physiologie, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Endeward
- Zentrum Physiologie, AG Vegetative Physiologie, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
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4
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Charlestin V, Fulkerson D, Arias Matus CE, Walker ZT, Carthy K, Littlepage LE. Aquaporins: New players in breast cancer progression and treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988119. [PMID: 36212456 PMCID: PMC9532844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small transmembrane proteins that selectively transport water and other small molecules and ions following an osmotic gradient across cell plasma membranes. This enables them to regulate numerous functions including water homeostasis, fat metabolism, proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Previous structural and functional studies highlight a strong biological relationship between AQP protein expression, localization, and key biological functions in normal and cancer tissues, where aberrant AQP expression correlates with tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the roles of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, and AQP7 in breast cancer progression and metastasis, including the role of AQPs in the tumor microenvironment, to highlight potential contributions of stromal-derived to epithelial-derived AQPs to breast cancer. Emerging evidence identifies AQPs as predictors of response to cancer therapy and as targets for increasing their sensitivity to treatment. However, these studies have not evaluated the requirements for protein structure on AQP function within the context of breast cancer. We also examine how AQPs contribute to a patient's response to cancer treatment, existing AQP inhibitors and how AQPs could serve as novel predictive biomarkers of therapy response in breast cancer. Future studies also should evaluate AQP redundancy and compensation as mechanisms used to overcome aberrant AQP function. This review highlights the need for additional research into how AQPs contribute molecularly to therapeutic resistance and by altering the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verodia Charlestin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Daniel Fulkerson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Carlos E. Arias Matus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Zachary T. Walker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Carthy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Laurie E. Littlepage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
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Wagner K, Unger L, Salman MM, Kitchen P, Bill RM, Yool AJ. Signaling Mechanisms and Pharmacological Modulators Governing Diverse Aquaporin Functions in Human Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1388. [PMID: 35163313 PMCID: PMC8836214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small integral membrane proteins that facilitate the bidirectional transport of water across biological membranes in response to osmotic pressure gradients as well as enable the transmembrane diffusion of small neutral solutes (such as urea, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide) and ions. AQPs are expressed throughout the human body. Here, we review their key roles in fluid homeostasis, glandular secretions, signal transduction and sensation, barrier function, immunity and inflammation, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Evidence from a wide variety of studies now supports a view of the functions of AQPs being much more complex than simply mediating the passive flow of water across biological membranes. The discovery and development of small-molecule AQP inhibitors for research use and therapeutic development will lead to new insights into the basic biology of and novel treatments for the wide range of AQP-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wagner
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Lucas Unger
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK;
- Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Roslyn M. Bill
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Andrea J. Yool
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
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6
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Alderdice R, Pernice M, Cárdenas A, Hughes DJ, Harrison PL, Boulotte N, Chartrand K, Kühl M, Suggett DJ, Voolstra CR. Hypoxia as a physiological cue and pathological stress for coral larvae. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:571-587. [PMID: 34716959 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ocean deoxygenation events are intensifying worldwide and can rapidly drive adult corals into a state of metabolic crisis and bleaching-induced mortality, but whether coral larvae are subject to similar stress remains untested. We experimentally exposed apo-symbiotic coral larvae of Acropora selago to deoxygenation stress with subsequent reoxygenation aligned to their night-day light cycle, and followed their gene expression using RNA-Seq. After 12 h of deoxygenation stress (~2 mg O2 /L), coral planulae demonstrated a low expression of HIF-targeted hypoxia response genes concomitant with a significantly high expression of PHD2 (a promoter of HIFα proteasomal degradation), similar to corresponding adult corals. Despite exhibiting a consistent swimming phenotype compared to control samples, the differential gene expression observed in planulae exposed to deoxygenation-reoxygenation suggests a disruption of pathways involved in developmental regulation, mitochondrial activity, lipid metabolism, and O2 -sensitive epigenetic regulators. Importantly, we found that treated larvae exhibited a disruption in the expression of conserved HIF-targeted developmental regulators, for example, Homeobox (HOX) genes, corroborating how changes in external oxygen levels can affect animal development. We discuss how the observed deoxygenation responses may be indicative of a possible acclimation response or alternatively may imply negative latent impacts for coral larval fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Alderdice
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Anny Cárdenas
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - David J Hughes
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter L Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Nadine Boulotte
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Katie Chartrand
- Centre of Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Michael Kühl
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.,Marine Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - David J Suggett
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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7
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Róg T, Girych M, Bunker A. Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1062. [PMID: 34681286 PMCID: PMC8537670 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard "lock and key" paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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8
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Lin R, Zheng J, Pu L, Wang Z, Mei Q, Zhang M, Jian S. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of aquaporin family in Canavalia rosea and their roles in the adaptation to saline-alkaline soils and drought stress. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:333. [PMID: 34256694 PMCID: PMC8278772 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC. (bay bean) is an extremophile halophyte that is widely distributed in coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics. Seawater and drought tolerance in this species may be facilitated by aquaporins (AQPs), channel proteins that transport water and small molecules across cell membranes and thereby maintain cellular water homeostasis in the face of abiotic stress. In C. rosea, AQP diversity, protein features, and their biological functions are still largely unknown. RESULTS We describe the action of AQPs in C. rosea using evolutionary analyses coupled with promoter and expression analyses. A total of 37 AQPs were identified in the C. rosea genome and classified into five subgroups: 11 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins, 10 tonoplast intrinsic proteins, 11 Nod26-like intrinsic proteins, 4 small and basic intrinsic proteins, and 1 X-intrinsic protein. Analysis of RNA-Seq data and targeted qPCR revealed organ-specific expression of aquaporin genes and the involvement of some AQP members in adaptation of C. rosea to extreme coral reef environments. We also analyzed C. rosea sequences for phylogeny reconstruction, protein modeling, cellular localizations, and promoter analysis. Furthermore, one of PIP1 gene, CrPIP1;5, was identified as functional using a yeast expression system and transgenic overexpression in Arabidopsis. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that AQPs play an important role in C. rosea responses to saline-alkaline soils and drought stress. These findings not only increase our understanding of the role AQPs play in mediating C. rosea adaptation to extreme environments, but also improve our knowledge of plant aquaporin evolution more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyi Lin
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jiexuan Zheng
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lin Pu
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhengfeng Wang
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Qiming Mei
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
- Center of Economic Botany, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
| | - Shuguang Jian
- Guangdong, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Vegetation Ecosystem Restoration On Islands and Coastal Zones, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
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9
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Al Rihani SB, Darakjian LI, Deodhar M, Dow P, Turgeon J, Michaud V. Disease-Induced Modulation of Drug Transporters at the Blood-Brain Barrier Level. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073742. [PMID: 33916769 PMCID: PMC8038419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective and restrictive semipermeable network of cells and blood vessel constituents. All components of the neurovascular unit give to the BBB its crucial and protective function, i.e., to regulate homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS) by removing substances from the endothelial compartment and supplying the brain with nutrients and other endogenous compounds. Many transporters have been identified that play a role in maintaining BBB integrity and homeostasis. As such, the restrictive nature of the BBB provides an obstacle for drug delivery to the CNS. Nevertheless, according to their physicochemical or pharmacological properties, drugs may reach the CNS by passive diffusion or be subjected to putative influx and/or efflux through BBB membrane transporters, allowing or limiting their distribution to the CNS. Drug transporters functionally expressed on various compartments of the BBB involve numerous proteins from either the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) or the solute carrier (SLC) superfamilies. Pathophysiological stressors, age, and age-associated disorders may alter the expression level and functionality of transporter protein elements that modulate drug distribution and accumulation into the brain, namely, drug efficacy and toxicity. This review focuses and sheds light on the influence of inflammatory conditions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and stroke on the expression and functionality of the BBB drug transporters, the consequential modulation of drug distribution to the brain, and their impact on drug efficacy and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweilem B. Al Rihani
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Lucy I. Darakjian
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Malavika Deodhar
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Pamela Dow
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Jacques Turgeon
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Veronique Michaud
- Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.B.A.R.); (L.I.D.); (M.D.); (P.D.); (J.T.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-856-938-8697
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10
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Hadidi H, Kamali R, Binesh A. Investigation of the aquaporin‐2 gating mechanism with molecular dynamics simulations. Proteins 2021; 89:819-831. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.26061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Hadidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Shiraz University Shiraz Fars Iran
| | - Reza Kamali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Shiraz University Shiraz Fars Iran
| | - Alireza Binesh
- Hydro‐Aerodynamics Division Malek‐e‐Ashtar University of Technology Shiraz Tehran Iran
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11
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Chow PH, Bowen J, Yool AJ. Combined Systematic Review and Transcriptomic Analyses of Mammalian Aquaporin Classes 1 to 10 as Biomarkers and Prognostic Indicators in Diverse Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1911. [PMID: 32679804 PMCID: PMC7409285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer therapies. Patterns of AQP expression and survival rates for patients were evaluated by systematic review (PubMed and Embase) and transcriptomic analyses of RNAseq data (Human Protein Atlas database). Meta-analyses confirmed predominantly negative associations between AQP protein and RNA expression levels and patient survival times, most notably for AQP1 in lung, breast and prostate cancers; AQP3 in esophageal, liver and breast cancers; and AQP9 in liver cancer. Patterns of AQP expression were clustered for groups of cancers and associated with risk of death. A quantitative transcriptomic analysis of AQP1-10 in human cancer biopsies similarly showed that increased transcript levels of AQPs 1, 3, 5 and 9 were most frequently associated with poor survival. Unexpectedly, increased AQP7 and AQP8 levels were associated with better survival times in glioma, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and increased AQP11 with better survival in colorectal and breast cancers. Although molecular mechanisms of aquaporins in pathology or protection remain to be fully defined, results here support the hypothesis that overexpression of selected classes of AQPs differentially augments cancer progression. Beyond fluid homeostasis, potential roles for AQPs in cancers (suggested from an expanding appreciation of their functions in normal tissues) include cell motility, membrane process extension, transport of signaling molecules, control of proliferation and apoptosis, increased mechanical compliance, and gas exchange. AQP expression also has been linked to differences in sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments, suggesting possible roles as biomarkers for personalized treatments. Development of AQP pharmacological modulators, administered in cancer-specific combinations, might inspire new interventions for controlling malignant carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea J Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia; (P.H.C.); (J.B.)
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12
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Shivaraj SM, Vats S, Bhat JA, Dhakte P, Goyal V, Khatri P, Kumawat S, Singh A, Prasad M, Sonah H, Sharma TR, Deshmukh R. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide crosstalk during heavy metal stress in plants. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2020; 168:437-455. [PMID: 31587278 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gases such as ethylene, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) have been recognized as vital signaling molecules in plants and animals. Of these gasotransmitters, NO and H2 S have recently gained momentum mainly because of their involvement in numerous cellular processes. It is therefore important to study their various attributes including their biosynthetic and signaling pathways. The present review provides an insight into various routes for the biosynthesis of NO and H2 S as well as their signaling role in plant cells under different conditions, more particularly under heavy metal stress. Their beneficial roles in the plant's protection against abiotic and biotic stresses as well as their adverse effects have been addressed. This review describes how H2 S and NO, being very small-sized molecules, can quickly pass through the cell membranes and trigger a multitude of responses to various factors, notably to various stress conditions such as drought, heat, osmotic, heavy metal and multiple biotic stresses. The versatile interactions between H2 S and NO involved in the different molecular pathways have been discussed. In addition to the signaling role of H2 S and NO, their direct role in posttranslational modifications is also considered. The information provided here will be helpful to better understand the multifaceted roles of H2 S and NO in plants, particularly under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheelavanta M Shivaraj
- Département de phytologie, University Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanskriti Vats
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Javaid A Bhat
- Soybean Research Institution, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Sheng, China
| | - Priyanka Dhakte
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Goyal
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana, India
| | - Praveen Khatri
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Surbhi Kumawat
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Akshay Singh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Manoj Prasad
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Humira Sonah
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Tilak R Sharma
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
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Maroli N, Kalagatur NK, Bhasuran B, Jayakrishnan A, Manoharan RR, Kolandaivel P, Natarajan J, Kadirvelu K. Molecular Mechanism of T-2 Toxin-Induced Cerebral Edema by Aquaporin-4 Blocking and Permeation. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:4942-4958. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
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A Perspective: Active Role of Lipids in Neurotransmitter Dynamics. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:910-925. [PMID: 31595461 PMCID: PMC7031182 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic neurotransmission is generally considered as a function of membrane-embedded receptors and ion channels in response to the neurotransmitter (NT) release and binding. This perspective aims to widen the protein-centric view by including another vital component—the synaptic membrane—in the discussion. A vast set of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical experiments indicate that NTs are divided into membrane-binding and membrane-nonbinding categories. The binary choice takes place at the water-membrane interface and follows closely the positioning of the receptors’ binding sites in relation to the membrane. Accordingly, when a lipophilic NT is on route to a membrane-buried binding site, it adheres on the membrane and, then, travels along its plane towards the receptor. In contrast, lipophobic NTs, which are destined to bind into receptors with extracellular binding sites, prefer the water phase. This membrane-based sorting splits the neurotransmission into membrane-independent and membrane-dependent mechanisms and should make the NT binding into the receptors more efficient than random diffusion would allow. The potential implications and notable exceptions to the mechanisms are discussed here. Importantly, maintaining specific membrane lipid compositions (MLCs) at the synapses, especially regarding anionic lipids, affect the level of NT-membrane association. These effects provide a plausible link between the MLC imbalances and neurological diseases such as depression or Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, the membrane plays a vital role in other phases of the NT life cycle, including storage and release from the synaptic vesicles, transport from the synaptic cleft, as well as their synthesis and degradation.
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Transport of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species across Aquaporin: A Molecular Level Picture. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:2930504. [PMID: 31316715 PMCID: PMC6604302 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2930504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins that conduct not only water molecules across the cell membrane but also other solutes, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), produced (among others) by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). These RONS may induce oxidative stress in the cell interior, which plays a role in cancer treatment. The underlying mechanisms of the transport of RONS across AQPs, however, still remain obscure. We apply molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the permeation of both hydrophilic (H2O2 and OH) and hydrophobic (NO2 and NO) RONS through AQP1. Our simulations show that these RONS can all penetrate across the pores of AQP1. The permeation free energy barrier of OH and NO is lower than that of H2O2 and NO2, indicating that these radicals may have easier access to the pore interior and interact with the amino acid residues of AQP1. We also study the effect of RONS-induced oxidation of both the phospholipids and AQP1 (i.e., sulfenylation of Cys191) on the transport of the above-mentioned RONS across AQP1. Both lipid and protein oxidation seem to slightly increase the free energy barrier for H2O2 and NO2 permeation, while for OH and NO, we do not observe a strong effect of oxidation. The simulation results help to gain insight in the underlying mechanisms of the noticeable rise of CAP-induced RONS in cancer cells, thereby improving our understanding on the role of AQPs in the selective anticancer capacity of CAP.
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Enkavi G, Javanainen M, Kulig W, Róg T, Vattulainen I. Multiscale Simulations of Biological Membranes: The Challenge To Understand Biological Phenomena in a Living Substance. Chem Rev 2019; 119:5607-5774. [PMID: 30859819 PMCID: PMC6727218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biological membranes are tricky to investigate. They are complex in terms of molecular composition and structure, functional over a wide range of time scales, and characterized by nonequilibrium conditions. Because of all of these features, simulations are a great technique to study biomembrane behavior. A significant part of the functional processes in biological membranes takes place at the molecular level; thus computer simulations are the method of choice to explore how their properties emerge from specific molecular features and how the interplay among the numerous molecules gives rise to function over spatial and time scales larger than the molecular ones. In this review, we focus on this broad theme. We discuss the current state-of-the-art of biomembrane simulations that, until now, have largely focused on a rather narrow picture of the complexity of the membranes. Given this, we also discuss the challenges that we should unravel in the foreseeable future. Numerous features such as the actin-cytoskeleton network, the glycocalyx network, and nonequilibrium transport under ATP-driven conditions have so far received very little attention; however, the potential of simulations to solve them would be exceptionally high. A major milestone for this research would be that one day we could say that computer simulations genuinely research biological membranes, not just lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giray Enkavi
- Department
of Physics, University of
Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Javanainen
- Department
of Physics, University of
Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy
of Sciences, Flemingovo naḿesti 542/2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
- Computational
Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, P.O. Box 692, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Waldemar Kulig
- Department
of Physics, University of
Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomasz Róg
- Department
of Physics, University of
Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Computational
Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, P.O. Box 692, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department
of Physics, University of
Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Computational
Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, P.O. Box 692, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
- MEMPHYS-Center
for Biomembrane Physics
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How Supraphysiological Oxygen Levels in Standard Cell Culture Affect Oxygen-Consuming Reactions. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:8238459. [PMID: 30363917 PMCID: PMC6186316 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8238459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Most mammalian tissue cells experience oxygen partial pressures in vivo equivalent to 1–6% O2 (i.e., physioxia). In standard cell culture, however, headspace O2 levels are usually not actively regulated and under these conditions are ~18%. This drives hyperoxia in cell culture media that can affect a wide variety of cellular activities and may compromise the ability of in vitro models to reproduce in vivo biology. Here, we review and discuss some specific O2-consuming organelles and enzymes, including mitochondria, NADPH oxidases, the transplasma membrane redox system, nitric oxide synthases, xanthine oxidase, and monoamine oxidase with respect to their sensitivities to O2 levels. Many of these produce reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) as either primary end products or byproducts and are acutely sensitive to O2 levels in the range from 1% to 18%. Interestingly, many of them are also transcriptional targets of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and chronic cell growth at physioxia versus 18% O2 may alter their expression. Aquaporins, which facilitate hydrogen peroxide diffusion into and out of cells, are also regulated by HIFs, indicating that O2 levels may affect intercellular communication via hydrogen peroxide. The O2 sensitivities of these important activities emphasize the importance of maintaining physioxia in culture.
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Socha JK, Saito N, Wolak D, Sechman A, Hrabia A. Expression of aquaporin 4 in the chicken oviduct following tamoxifen treatment. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1339-1346. [PMID: 30028042 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine whether aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is present in the chicken oviduct, and if so, whether its expression changes during pause in laying induced by tamoxifen (TMX; oestrogen receptor modulator) treatment. The control chickens were injected with a vehicle (ethanol) and the experimental ones with TMX at a dose of 6 mg/kg of body weight. Birds were treated daily until complete cessation of egg laying. The oviductal parts, that is the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland and vagina were isolated from hens on day 8 of the experiment, and subsequently, the gene and protein expressions of AQP4 in tissues were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Immunohistochemical localization of AQP4 in the wall of the chicken oviduct was also investigated. Both mRNA and protein of AQP4 were found in all segments of the chicken oviduct. The relative expression [RQ] of AQP4 was the highest in the infundibulum and the vagina and the lowest, less detectable, in the magnum and isthmus. The pattern of AQP4 protein expression was similar to that of mRNA. Treatment of hens with TMX decreased the mRNA and protein levels of AQP4 in the oviduct. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated tissue and cell-dependent localization of AQP4 protein in the oviductal wall. The intensity of the immunopositive reaction was as follows: the infundibulum > vagina > shell gland ≥ isthmus >˃ magnum. In the control chickens, the immunoreactivity for AQP4 in all oviductal segments was stronger compared with the TMX-treated hens. The results obtained indicate that AQP4 takes part in the regulation of water transport required for the formation of egg in the chicken oviduct. Moreover, a relationship between oestrogen action and AQP4 gene and protein expression is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna K Socha
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Noboru Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Dominika Wolak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Sechman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Hrabia
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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Mahinthichaichan P, Gennis RB, Tajkhorshid E. Bacterial denitrifying nitric oxide reductases and aerobic respiratory terminal oxidases use similar delivery pathways for their molecular substrates. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2018; 1859:712-724. [PMID: 29883591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The superfamily of heme‑copper oxidoreductases (HCOs) include both NO and O2 reductases. Nitric oxide reductases (NORs) are bacterial membrane enzymes that catalyze an intermediate step of denitrification by reducing nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N2O). They are structurally similar to heme‑copper oxygen reductases (HCOs), which reduce O2 to water. The experimentally observed apparent bimolecular rate constant of NO delivery to the deeply buried catalytic site of NORs was previously reported to approach the diffusion-controlled limit (108-109 M-1 s-1). Using the crystal structure of cytochrome-c dependent NOR (cNOR) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we employed several protocols of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, which include flooding simulations of NO molecules, implicit ligand sampling and umbrella sampling simulations, to elucidate how NO in solution accesses the catalytic site of this cNOR. The results show that NO partitions into the membrane, enters the enzyme from the lipid bilayer and diffuses to the catalytic site via a hydrophobic tunnel that is resolved in the crystal structures. This is similar to what has been found for O2 diffusion through the closely related O2 reductases. The apparent second order rate constant approximated using the simulation data is ~5 × 108 M-1 s-1, which is optimized by the dynamics of the amino acid side chains lining in the tunnel. It is concluded that both NO and O2 reductases utilize well defined hydrophobic tunnels to assure that substrate diffusion to the buried catalytic sites is not rate limiting under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Robert B Gennis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, 179 Looomis, MC-704, 1110 Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, 179 Looomis, MC-704, 1110 Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Mahinthichaichan P, Gennis RB, Tajkhorshid E. Cytochrome aa 3 Oxygen Reductase Utilizes the Tunnel Observed in the Crystal Structures To Deliver O 2 for Catalysis. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2150-2161. [PMID: 29546752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome aa3 is the terminal respiratory enzyme of all eukaryotes and many bacteria and archaea, reducing O2 to water and harnessing the free energy from the reaction to generate the transmembrane electrochemical potential. The diffusion of O2 to the heme-copper catalytic site, which is buried deep inside the enzyme, is the initiation step of the reaction chemistry. Our previous molecular dynamics (MD) study with cytochrome ba3, a homologous enzyme of cytochrome aa3 in Thermus thermophilus, demonstrated that O2 diffuses from the lipid bilayer to its reduction site through a 25 Å long tunnel inferred by Xe binding sites detected by X-ray crystallography [Mahinthichaichan, P., Gennis, R., and Tajkhorshid, E. (2016) Biochemistry 55, 1265-1278]. Although a similar tunnel is observed in cytochrome aa3, this putative pathway appears partially occluded between the entrances and the reduction site. Also, the experimentally determined second-order rate constant for O2 delivery in cytochrome aa3 (∼108 M-1 s-1) is 10 times slower than that in cytochrome ba3 (∼109 M-1 s-1). A question to be addressed is whether cytochrome aa3 utilizes this X-ray-inferred tunnel as the primary pathway for O2 delivery. Using complementary computational methods, including multiple independent flooding MD simulations and implicit ligand sampling calculations, we probe the O2 delivery pathways in cytochrome aa3 of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. All of the O2 molecules that arrived in the reduction site during the simulations were found to diffuse through the X-ray-observed tunnel, despite its apparent constriction, supporting its role as the main O2 delivery pathway in cytochrome aa3. The rate constant for O2 delivery in cytochrome aa3, approximated using the simulation results, is 10 times slower than in cytochrome ba3, in agreement with the experimentally determined rate constants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Robert B Gennis
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
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Sutka M, Amodeo G, Ozu M. Plant and animal aquaporins crosstalk: what can be revealed from distinct perspectives. Biophys Rev 2017; 9:545-562. [PMID: 28871493 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-017-0313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) can be revisited from a distinct and complementary perspective: the outcome from analyzing them from both plant and animal studies. (1) The approach in the study. Diversity found in both kingdoms contrasts with the limited number of crystal structures determined within each group. While the structure of almost half of mammal AQPs was resolved, only a few were resolved in plants. Strikingly, the animal structures resolved are mainly derived from the AQP2-lineage, due to their important roles in water homeostasis regulation in humans. The difference could be attributed to the approach: relevance in animal research is emphasized on pathology and in consequence drug screening that can lead to potential inhibitors, enhancers and/or regulators. By contrast, studies on plants have been mainly focused on the physiological role that AQPs play in growth, development and stress tolerance. (2) The transport capacity. Besides the well-described AQPs with high water transport capacity, large amount of evidence confirms that certain plant AQPs can carry a large list of small solutes. So far, animal AQP list is more restricted. In both kingdoms, there is a great amount of evidence on gas transport, although there is still an unsolved controversy around gas translocation as well as the role of the central pore of the tetramer. (3) More roles than expected. We found it remarkable that the view of AQPs as specific channels has evolved first toward simple transporters to molecules that can experience conformational changes triggered by biochemical and/or mechanical signals, turning them also into signaling components and/or behave as osmosensor molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Sutka
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Amodeo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo Ozu
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kida T, Oku H, Horie T, Fukumoto M, Okuda Y, Morishita S, Ikeda T. Implication of VEGF and aquaporin 4 mediating Müller cell swelling to diabetic retinal edema. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 255:1149-1157. [PMID: 28303331 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-017-3631-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water channel protein, is known to be expressed in retinal Müller cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of VEGF and AQP4 channels on the volumetric changes in Müller cells. METHODS Retinas from diabetic rats and a cultured Müller cell line, TR-MUL5, were used in this study. Intravitreal injections of VEGF or PBS were performed on either streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic or normoglycemic rats. Retinal sections were immunostained for anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), anti-AQP4, and anti-VEGF. VEGF protein levels from collected retinas were determined by western blot analysis. Volumetric changes and nitric oxide (NO) levels in cultured Müller cells were determined using flow cytometry (FACS), in the presence or absence of VEGF and TGN-020, a selective AQP4 inhibitor. RESULTS In the diabetic rat retina, VEGF immunoreactivity was concentrated in the internal retinal layers, and AQP4 immunoreactivity was higher than controls. The expressions of AQP4 were colocalized with GFAP. Protein levels of VEGF in the hyperglycemic rat retina were significantly higher than controls. FACS analyses showed that exposure to VEGF enlarged Müller cells, while exposure to TGN-020 suppressed the enlargement. Intracellular levels of NO were increased after exposure to VEGF, which was suppressed following the addition of TGN-020. CONCLUSION The observed Müller cell swelling is mediated by VEGF and AQP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruyo Kida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Hidehiro Oku
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Taeko Horie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Masanori Fukumoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Okuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Seita Morishita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Tsunehiko Ikeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
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Mayne CG, Arcario MJ, Mahinthichaichan P, Baylon JL, Vermaas JV, Navidpour L, Wen PC, Thangapandian S, Tajkhorshid E. The cellular membrane as a mediator for small molecule interaction with membrane proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1858:2290-2304. [PMID: 27163493 PMCID: PMC4983535 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cellular membrane constitutes the first element that encounters a wide variety of molecular species to which a cell might be exposed. Hosting a large number of structurally and functionally diverse proteins associated with this key metabolic compartment, the membrane not only directly controls the traffic of various molecules in and out of the cell, it also participates in such diverse and important processes as signal transduction and chemical processing of incoming molecular species. In this article, we present a number of cases where details of interaction of small molecular species such as drugs with the membrane, which are often experimentally inaccessible, have been studied using advanced molecular simulation techniques. We have selected systems in which partitioning of the small molecule with the membrane constitutes a key step for its final biological function, often binding to and interacting with a protein associated with the membrane. These examples demonstrate that membrane partitioning is not only important for the overall distribution of drugs and other small molecules into different compartments of the body, it may also play a key role in determining the efficiency and the mode of interaction of the drug with its target protein. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biosimulations edited by Ilpo Vattulainen and Tomasz Róg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Mayne
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Mark J Arcario
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Javier L Baylon
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Josh V Vermaas
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Latifeh Navidpour
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Po-Chao Wen
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Sundarapandian Thangapandian
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
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24
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Al-Samir S, Goossens D, Cartron JP, Nielsen S, Scherbarth F, Steinlechner S, Gros G, Endeward V. Maximal Oxygen Consumption Is Reduced in Aquaporin-1 Knockout Mice. Front Physiol 2016; 7:347. [PMID: 27559317 PMCID: PMC4978734 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have measured maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2,max) of mice lacking one or two of the established mouse red-cell CO2 channels AQP1, AQP9, and Rhag. We intended to study whether these proteins, by acting as channels for O2, determine O2 exchange in the lung and in the periphery. We found that V˙O2,max as determined by the Helox technique is reduced by ~16%, when AQP1 is knocked out, but not when AQP9 or Rhag are lacking. This figure holds for animals respiring normoxic as well as hypoxic gas mixtures. To see whether the reduction of V˙O2,max is due to impaired O2 uptake in the lung, we measured carotid arterial O2 saturation (SO2) by pulse oximetry. Neither under normoxic (inspiratory O2 21%) nor under hypoxic conditions (11% O2) is there a difference in SO2 between AQP1null and WT mice, suggesting that AQP1 is not critical for O2 uptake in the lung. The fact that the % reduction of V˙O2,max is identical in normoxia and hypoxia indicates moreover that the limitation of V˙O2,max is not due to an O2 diffusion problem, neither in the lung nor in the periphery. Instead, it appears likely that AQP1null animals exhibit a reduced V˙O2,max due to the reduced wall thickness and muscle mass of the left ventricles of their hearts, as reported previously. We conclude that very likely the properties of the hearts of AQP1 knockout mice cause a reduced maximal cardiac output and thus cause a reduced V˙O2,max, which constitutes a new phenotype of these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Al-Samir
- Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Abt. Molekular-und Zellphysiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominique Goossens
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR_S1134 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Cartron
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR_S1134 Paris, France
| | - Søren Nielsen
- Biomedicine, Department Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Frank Scherbarth
- Institut für Zoologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Gerolf Gros
- Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Abt. Molekular-und Zellphysiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Endeward
- Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Abt. Molekular-und Zellphysiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
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25
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Vermaas JV, Trebesch N, Mayne CG, Thangapandian S, Shekhar M, Mahinthichaichan P, Baylon JL, Jiang T, Wang Y, Muller MP, Shinn E, Zhao Z, Wen PC, Tajkhorshid E. Microscopic Characterization of Membrane Transporter Function by In Silico Modeling and Simulation. Methods Enzymol 2016; 578:373-428. [PMID: 27497175 PMCID: PMC6404235 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Membrane transporters mediate one of the most fundamental processes in biology. They are the main gatekeepers controlling active traffic of materials in a highly selective and regulated manner between different cellular compartments demarcated by biological membranes. At the heart of the mechanism of membrane transporters lie protein conformational changes of diverse forms and magnitudes, which closely mediate critical aspects of the transport process, most importantly the coordinated motions of remotely located gating elements and their tight coupling to chemical processes such as binding, unbinding and translocation of transported substrate and cotransported ions, ATP binding and hydrolysis, and other molecular events fueling uphill transport of the cargo. An increasing number of functional studies have established the active participation of lipids and other components of biological membranes in the function of transporters and other membrane proteins, often acting as major signaling and regulating elements. Understanding the mechanistic details of these molecular processes require methods that offer high spatial and temporal resolutions. Computational modeling and simulations technologies empowered by advanced sampling and free energy calculations have reached a sufficiently mature state to become an indispensable component of mechanistic studies of membrane transporters in their natural environment of the membrane. In this article, we provide an overview of a number of major computational protocols and techniques commonly used in membrane transporter modeling and simulation studies. The article also includes practical hints on effective use of these methods, critical perspectives on their strengths and weak points, and examples of their successful applications to membrane transporters, selected from the research performed in our own laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Vermaas
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - N Trebesch
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - C G Mayne
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - S Thangapandian
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - M Shekhar
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - P Mahinthichaichan
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - J L Baylon
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - T Jiang
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Y Wang
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - M P Muller
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - E Shinn
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Z Zhao
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - P-C Wen
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - E Tajkhorshid
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
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26
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Mahinthichaichan P, Gennis RB, Tajkhorshid E. All the O2 Consumed by Thermus thermophilus Cytochrome ba3 Is Delivered to the Active Site through a Long, Open Hydrophobic Tunnel with Entrances within the Lipid Bilayer. Biochemistry 2016; 55:1265-78. [PMID: 26845082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome ba3 is a proton-pumping heme-copper oxygen reductase from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus. Despite the fact that the enzyme's active site is buried deep within the protein, the apparent second order rate constant for the initial binding of O2 to the active-site heme has been experimentally found to be 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) at 298 K, at or near the diffusion limit, and 2 orders of magnitude faster than for O2 binding to myoglobin. To provide quantitative and microscopic descriptions of the O2 delivery pathway and mechanism in cytochrome ba3, extensive molecular dynamics simulations of the enzyme in its membrane-embedded form have been performed, including different protocols of explicit ligand sampling (flooding) simulations with O2, implicit ligand sampling analysis, and in silico mutagenesis. The results show that O2 diffuses to the active site exclusively via a Y-shaped hydrophobic tunnel with two 25-Å long membrane-accessible branches that coincide with the pathway previously suggested by the crystallographically identified xenon binding sites. The two entrances of the bifurcated tunnel of cytochrome ba3 are located within the lipid bilayer, where O2 is preferentially partitioned from the aqueous phase. The largest barrier to O2 migration within the tunnel is estimated to be only 1.5 kcal/mol, allowing O2 to reach the enzyme active site virtually impeded by one-dimensional diffusion once it reaches a tunnel entrance at the protein surface. Unlike other O2-utilizing proteins, the tunnel is "open" with no transient barriers observed due to protein dynamics. This unique low-barrier passage through the protein ensures that O2 transit through the protein is never rate-limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Department of Biochemistry, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Robert B Gennis
- Department of Biochemistry, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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27
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Galán-Cobo A, Ramírez-Lorca R, Echevarría M. Role of aquaporins in cell proliferation: What else beyond water permeability? Channels (Austin) 2016; 10:185-201. [PMID: 26752515 PMCID: PMC4954585 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2016.1139250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the extensive data demonstrating the importance of mammalian AQPs for the movement of water and some small solutes across the cell membrane, there is now a growing body of evidence indicating the involvement of these proteins in numerous cellular processes seemingly unrelated, at least some of them in a direct way, to their canonical function of water permeation. Here, we have presented a broad range of evidence demonstrating that these proteins have a role in cell proliferation by various different mechanisms, namely, by allowing fast cell volume regulation during cell division; by affecting progression of cell cycle and helping maintain the balance between proliferation and apoptosis, and by crosstalk with other cell membrane proteins or transcription factors that, in turn, modulate progression of the cell cycle or regulate biosynthesis pathways of cell structural components. In the end, however, after discussing all these data that strongly support a role for AQPs in the cell proliferation process, it remains impossible to conclude that all these other functions attributed to AQPs occur completely independently of their water permeability, and there is a need for new experiments designed specifically to address this interesting issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Galán-Cobo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla (Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica), Seville, Spain
| | - Reposo Ramírez-Lorca
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla (Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica), Seville, Spain
| | - Miriam Echevarría
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla (Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica), Seville, Spain
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28
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Oku H, Morishita S, Horie T, Kida T, Mimura M, Fukumoto M, Kojima S, Ikeda T. Nitric Oxide Increases the Expression of Aquaporin-4 Protein in Rat Optic Nerve Astrocytes through the Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate/Protein Kinase G Pathway. Ophthalmic Res 2015; 54:212-21. [PMID: 26517822 DOI: 10.1159/000440846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Nitric oxide (NO) is associated with neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. We determined whether NO increases the expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in optic nerve astrocytes of rats. METHODS Isolated astrocytes were incubated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions with or without glucose (5.5 mM). The astrocytes were also exposed to different concentrations of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP, 1.0-100 μM), an NO donor. The expression of AQP4 was determined by Western blot analyses, and NO formation was measured by the Griess reaction. The changes in astrocytic cellular volumes were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS Hypoxia and glucose deprivation increased AQP4 expression and NO formation. Inhibition of NO synthetase (NOS) significantly suppressed these changes. SNAP caused a significant increase in AQP4 expression, and the increase was significantly suppressed by carboxy-PTIO, a scavenger of NO. Incubation with 8-Br-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) mimicked the effects of SNAP, while the addition of either 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase) or KT5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor) suppressed the SNAP-induced increase in AQP4 significantly. SNAP also caused a significant increase in astrocytic cellular volume through the AQP4 channels. CONCLUSIONS NO increased the AQP4 expression of optic nerve astrocytes through the cGMP/protein kinase G pathway and enlarged their volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiro Oku
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan
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29
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Polyphenols as Modulators of Aquaporin Family in Health and Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2015:196914. [PMID: 26346093 PMCID: PMC4539495 DOI: 10.1155/2015/196914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Polyphenols are bioactive molecules widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages. Polyphenols in food sources are extensively studied for their role in the maintenance of human health and in the protection against development of chronic/degenerative diseases. Polyphenols act mainly as antioxidant molecules, protecting cell constituents against oxidative damage. The enormous number of polyphenolic compounds leads to huge different mechanisms of action not fully understood. Recently, some evidence is emerging about the role of polyphenols, such as curcumin, pinocembrin, resveratrol, and quercetin, in modulating the activity of some aquaporin (AQP) isoforms. AQPs are integral, small hydrophobic water channel proteins, extensively expressed in many organs and tissues, whose major function is to facilitate the transport of water or glycerol over cell plasma membranes. Here we summarize AQP physiological functions and report emerging evidence on the implication of these proteins in a number of pathophysiological processes. In particular, this review offers an overview about the role of AQPs in brain, eye, skin diseases, and metabolic syndrome, focusing on the ability of polyphenols to modulate AQP expression. This original analysis can contribute to elucidating some peculiar effects exerted by polyphenols and can lead to the development of an innovative potential preventive/therapeutic strategy.
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30
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Chen LY. Computing membrane-AQP5-phosphatidylserine binding affinities with hybrid steered molecular dynamics approach. Mol Membr Biol 2015; 32:19-25. [PMID: 25955791 DOI: 10.3109/09687688.2015.1006275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In order to elucidate how phosphatidylserine (PS6) interacts with AQP5 in a cell membrane, we developed a hybrid steered molecular dynamics (hSMD) method that involved: (1) Simultaneously steering two centers of mass of two selected segments of the ligand, and (2) equilibrating the ligand-protein complex with and without biasing the system. Validating hSMD, we first studied vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in complex with N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-((pyridin-4-ylmethyl)amino)benzamide (8ST), for which the binding energy is known from in vitro experiments. In this study, our computed binding energy well agreed with the experimental value. Knowing the accuracy of this hSMD method, we applied it to the AQP5-lipid-bilayer system to answer an outstanding question relevant to AQP5's physiological function: Will the PS6, a lipid having a single long hydrocarbon tail that was found in the central pore of the AQP5 tetramer crystal, actually bind to and inhibit AQP5's central pore under near-physiological conditions, namely, when AQP5 tetramer is embedded in a lipid bilayer? We found, in silico, using the CHARMM 36 force field, that binding PS6 to AQP5 was a factor of 3 million weaker than "binding" it in the lipid bilayer. This suggests that AQP5's central pore will not be inhibited by PS6 or a similar lipid in a physiological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Y Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at San Antonio , One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, Texas , USA
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31
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Madeira A, Moura TF, Soveral G. Aquaglyceroporins: implications in adipose biology and obesity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:759-71. [PMID: 25359234 PMCID: PMC11113391 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane water/glycerol channels that are involved in many physiological processes. Their primary function is to facilitate the bidirectional transfer of water and small solutes across biological membranes in response to osmotic gradients. Aquaglyceroporins, a subset of the AQP family, are the only mammalian proteins with the ability to permeate glycerol. For a long time, AQP7 has been the only aquaglyceroporin associated with the adipose tissue, which is the major source of circulating glycerol in response to the energy demand. AQP7 dysregulation was positively correlated with obesity onset and adipocyte glycerol permeation through AQP7 was appointed as a novel regulator of adipocyte metabolism and whole-body fat mass. Recently, AQP3, AQP9, AQP10 and AQP11 were additionally identified in human adipocytes and proposed as additional glycerol pathways in these cells. This review contextualizes the importance of aquaglyceroporins in adipose tissue biology and highlights aquaglyceroporins' unique structural features which are relevant for the design of effective therapeutic compounds. We also refer to the latest advances in the identification and characterization of novel aquaporin isoforms in adipose tissue. Finally, considerations on the actual progress of aquaporin research and its implications on obesity therapy are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Madeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa F. Moura
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- FCT-UNL, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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32
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Abstract
The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small, integral membrane proteins that facilitate water transport across the plasma membranes of cells in response to osmotic gradients. Data from knockout mice support the involvement of AQPs in epithelial fluid secretion, cell migration, brain oedema and adipocyte metabolism, which suggests that modulation of AQP function or expression could have therapeutic potential in oedema, cancer, obesity, brain injury, glaucoma and several other conditions. Moreover, loss-of-function mutations in human AQPs cause congenital cataracts (AQP0) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (AQP2), and autoantibodies against AQP4 cause the autoimmune demyelinating disease neuromyelitis optica. Although some potential AQP modulators have been identified, challenges associated with the development of better modulators include the druggability of the target and the suitability of the assay methods used to identify modulators.
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33
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Endeward V, Al-Samir S, Itel F, Gros G. How does carbon dioxide permeate cell membranes? A discussion of concepts, results and methods. Front Physiol 2014; 4:382. [PMID: 24409149 PMCID: PMC3884148 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We review briefly how the thinking about the permeation of gases, especially CO2, across cell and artificial lipid membranes has evolved during the last 100 years. We then describe how the recent finding of a drastic effect of cholesterol on CO2 permeability of both biological and artificial membranes fundamentally alters the long-standing idea that CO2—as well as other gases—permeates all membranes with great ease. This requires revision of the widely accepted paradigm that membranes never offer a serious diffusion resistance to CO2 or other gases. Earlier observations of “CO2-impermeable membranes” can now be explained by the high cholesterol content of some membranes. Thus, cholesterol is a membrane component that nature can use to adapt membrane CO2 permeability to the functional needs of the cell. Since cholesterol serves many other cellular functions, it cannot be reduced indefinitely. We show, however, that cells that possess a high metabolic rate and/or a high rate of O2 and CO2 exchange, do require very high CO2 permeabilities that may not be achievable merely by reduction of membrane cholesterol. The article then discusses the alternative possibility of raising the CO2 permeability of a membrane by incorporating protein CO2 channels. The highly controversial issue of gas and CO2 channels is systematically and critically reviewed. It is concluded that a majority of the results considered to be reliable, is in favor of the concept of existence and functional relevance of protein gas channels. The effect of intracellular carbonic anhydrase, which has recently been proposed as an alternative mechanism to a membrane CO2 channel, is analysed quantitatively and the idea considered untenable. After a brief review of the knowledge on permeation of O2 and NO through membranes, we present a summary of the 18O method used to measure the CO2 permeability of membranes and discuss quantitatively critical questions that may be addressed to this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Endeward
- Zentrum Physiologie, Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | - Samer Al-Samir
- Zentrum Physiologie, Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | - Fabian Itel
- Departement Chemie, Universität Basel Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerolf Gros
- Zentrum Physiologie, Vegetative Physiologie 4220, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is one of the most abundant molecules in the brain and is particularly prevalent in astrocytic membranes at the blood-brain and brain-liquor interfaces. While AQP4 has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes, its role in brain physiology has remained elusive. Only recently has evidence accumulated to suggest that AQP4 is involved in such diverse functions as regulation of extracellular space volume, potassium buffering, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, interstitial fluid resorption, waste clearance, neuroinflammation, osmosensation, cell migration, and Ca(2+) signaling. AQP4 is also required for normal function of the retina, inner ear, and olfactory system. A review will be provided of the physiological roles of AQP4 in brain and of the growing list of data that emphasize the polarized nature of astrocytes.
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Thrane AS, Takano T, Rangroo Thrane V, Wang F, Peng W, Ottersen OP, Nedergaard M, Nagelhus EA. In vivo NADH fluorescence imaging indicates effect of aquaporin-4 deletion on oxygen microdistribution in cortical spreading depression. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2013; 33:996-9. [PMID: 23611872 PMCID: PMC3705443 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Using in vivo two-photon imaging, we show that mice deficient in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) display increased fluorescence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) when subjected to cortical spreading depression. The increased NADH signal, a proxy of tissue hypoxia, was restricted to microwatershed areas remote from the vasculature. Aqp4 deletion had no effects on the hyperemia response, but slowed [K(+)]o recovery. These observations suggest that K(+) uptake is suppressed in Aqp4(-/-) mice as a consequence of decreased oxygen delivery to tissue located furthest away from the vascular source of oxygen, although increased oxygen consumption may also contribute to our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Thrane
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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36
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Geyer RR, Musa-Aziz R, Enkavi G, Mahinthichaichan P, Tajkhorshid E, Boron WF. Movement of NH₃ through the human urea transporter B: a new gas channel. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 304:F1447-57. [PMID: 23552862 PMCID: PMC3680674 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00609.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins and Rh proteins can function as gas (CO₂ and NH₃) channels. The present study explores the urea, H₂O, CO₂, and NH₃ permeability of the human urea transporter B (UT-B) (SLC14A1), expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We monitored urea uptake using [¹⁴C]urea and measured osmotic water permeability (Pf) using video microscopy. To obtain a semiquantitative measure of gas permeability, we used microelectrodes to record the maximum transient change in surface pH (ΔpHS) caused by exposing oocytes to 5% CO₂/33 mM HCO₃⁻ (pHS increase) or 0.5 mM NH₃/NH₄⁺ (pHS decrease). UT-B expression increased oocyte permeability to urea by >20-fold, and Pf by 8-fold vs. H₂O-injected control oocytes. UT-B expression had no effect on the CO₂-induced ΔpHS but doubled the NH₃-induced ΔpHS. Phloretin reduced UT-B-dependent urea uptake (Jurea*) by 45%, Pf* by 50%, and (- ΔpHS*)NH₃ by 70%. p-Chloromercuribenzene sulfonate reduced Jurea* by 25%, Pf* by 30%, and (ΔpHS*)NH₃ by 100%. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of membrane-embedded models of UT-B identified the monomeric UT-B pores as the main conduction pathway for both H₂O and NH₃ and characterized the energetics associated with permeation of these species through the channel. Mutating each of two conserved threonines lining the monomeric urea pores reduced H₂O and NH₃ permeability. Our data confirm that UT-B has significant H₂O permeability and for the first time demonstrate significant NH₃ permeability. Thus the UTs become the third family of gas channels. Inhibitor and mutagenesis studies and results of MD simulations suggest that NH₃ and H₂O pass through the three monomeric urea channels in UT-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ryan Geyer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Pech V, Thumova M, Dikalov SI, Hummler E, Rossier BC, Harrison DG, Wall SM. Nitric oxide reduces Cl⁻ absorption in the mouse cortical collecting duct through an ENaC-dependent mechanism. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 304:F1390-7. [PMID: 23515718 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00292.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since nitric oxide (NO) participates in the renal regulation of blood pressure, in part, by modulating transport of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in the kidney, we asked whether NO regulates net Cl⁻ flux (JCl) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and determined the transporter(s) that mediate NO-sensitive Cl⁻ absorption. Cl⁻ absorption was measured in CCDs perfused in vitro that were taken from aldosterone-treated mice. Administration of an NO donor (10 μM MAHMA NONOate) reduced JCl and transepithelial voltage (VT) both in the presence or absence of angiotensin II. However, reducing endogenous NO production by inhibiting NO synthase (100 μM N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) increased JCl only in the presence of angiotensin II, suggesting that angiotensin II stimulates NO synthase activity. To determine the transport process that mediates NO-sensitive changes in JCl, we examined the effect of NO on JCl following either genetic ablation or chemical inhibition of transporters in the CCD. Since the application of hydrochlorothiazide (100 μM) or bafilomycin (5 nM) to the perfusate or ablation of the gene encoding pendrin did not alter NO-sensitive JCl, NO modulates JCl independent of the Na⁺-dependent Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻ exchanger (NDCBE, Slc4a8), the A cell apical plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase and pendrin. In contrast, both total and NO-sensitive JCl and VT were abolished with application of an epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) inhibitor (3 μM benzamil) to the perfusate. We conclude that NO reduces Cl⁻ absorption in the CCD through a mechanism that is ENaC-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Pech
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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38
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Abstract
The aquaporins are a family of membrane water channels, some of which also transport glycerol. They are involved in a wide range of physiological functions (including water/salt homeostasis, exocrine fluid secretion, and epidermal hydration) and human diseases (including glaucoma, cancer, epilepsy, and obesity). At the cellular level, aquaporin-mediated osmotic water transport across cell plasma membranes facilitates transepithelial fluid transport, cell migration, and neuroexcitation; aquaporin-mediated glycerol transport regulates cell proliferation, adipocyte metabolism, and epidermal water retention. Genetic diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations in aquaporins include nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and congenital cataracts. The neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease neuromyelitis optica is marked by pathogenic autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4. There remain broad opportunities for the development of aquaporin-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Disease-relevant aquaporin polymorphisms are beginning to be explored. There is great promise in the development of small-molecule aquaporin modulators for therapy of some types of refractory edema, brain swelling, neuroinflammation, glaucoma, epilepsy, cancer, pain, and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0521, USA.
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Mercury inhibits the L170C mutant of aquaporin Z by making waters clog the water channel. Biophys Chem 2011; 160:69-74. [PMID: 21963041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We conduct in silico experiments of the L170C mutant of the Escherichia coli aquaporin Z (AQPZ) with and without mercury bonded to residue Cys 170. We find that bonding mercury to Cys 170 does not induce consequential structural changes to the protein. We further find that mercury does not stick in the middle of the water channel to simply occlude water permeation, but resides on the wall of the water pore. However, we observe that the water permeation coefficient of L170C-Hg(+) (with one mercury ion bonded to Cys 170) is approximately half of that of the mercury-free L170C. We examine the interactions between the mercury ion and the waters in its vicinity and find that five to six waters are strongly attracted by the mercury ion, occluding the space of the water channel. Therefore we conclude that mercury, at low concentration, inhibits AQPZ-L170C mutant by making water molecules clog the water channel.
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Aquaporins as gas channels. Pflugers Arch 2011; 462:623-30. [PMID: 21809007 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-1002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Gas molecules play important roles in human physiology. Volatile substances produced by one cell often regulate neighboring cells in a paracrine fashion. While gaseous molecules have traditionally been thought to travel from cell to cell by free diffusion through the bilayer portion of the membrane, this does not explain their rapid physiological actions. The recent observations that: (1) water channels can transport other molecules besides water, and (2) aquaporins are often expressed in tissues where gas (but not water) transport is essential suggest that these channels conduct physiologically important gases in addition to water. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of aquaporins as gas transporters as well as their physiological significance.
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Wang Y, Shaikh SA, Tajkhorshid E. Exploring transmembrane diffusion pathways with molecular dynamics. Physiology (Bethesda) 2010; 25:142-54. [PMID: 20551228 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00046.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane exchange of materials is a fundamental process in biology. Molecular dynamics provides a powerful method to investigate in great detail various aspects of the phenomenon, particularly the permeation of small uncharged molecules, which continues to pose a challenge to experimental studies. We will discuss some of the recent simulation studies investigating the role of lipid-mediated and protein-mediated mechanisms in permeation of water and gas molecules across the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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