Regulation of organic cation transport

SERT and OCT mediate 5-HT1B receptor regulation of immobility behavior and uptake of 5-HT and HIS

5-HT clearance, commonly mediated by transporters in the uptake-1 and uptake-2 families, has been linked to 5-HT1B receptor's action on behaviors. Since no specific transporters identified yet, effects of serotonin transporter (SERT) and organic cation transporter (OCTs) on 5-HT1B-elicited immobility phenotype, and 5-HT and HIS uptake were then investigated. Intraperitoneal injections of SERT inhibitor fluoxetine (FLX) and/or OCTs inhibitor decynium (D22) were used prior to local perfusion of 5-HT1B agonist CP93129 into the ventral hippocampus to measure immobility times in the FST and TST, to measure 5-HT uptake efficiencies and HIS uptake efficiencies derived from linear regressions using the transient no-net-flux quantitative microdialysis in C57BL/6 mice. Exogenous 5-HT and HIS uptake were measured following incubation of FLX and/or D22 with CP93129 in the RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, surface membrane levels of SERT and OCT were detected in response to CP93129. Local CP93129 prolonged immobility times, which were attenuated following pretreatment of either inhibitor. Local CP93129 lowered the slopes obtained from the lineal regressions for 5-HT and HIS (slope is reciprocal to uptake efficiency), which were then weakened following pretreatment of either inhibitor. Similar findings were obtained following CP93129 incubation, and co-incubation of CP93129 with either inhibitor in the RBL-2H3. Moreover, CP93129 dose-dependently moved SERT and OCT3 in the cytosol to the surface membrane. Both SERT and OCT are the target effectors mediating 5-HT1B regulation of immobility time and 5-HT uptake, OCT mediates 5-HT1B regulation of HIS uptake. Their underlying signal transductions need to be further explored.

Interaction of the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib with the organic cation transporter 2

Oxaliplatin (OHP) is effective in colorectal cancer treatment but induces peripheral neurotoxicity (OHP-induced peripheral neurotoxicity, OIPN), diminishing survivor quality of life. Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) is a key OHP uptake pathway in dorsal root ganglia. Competing for OCT2-mediated OHP uptake, such as with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib, may mitigate OHP side effects. We investigated OHP and dasatinib interaction with OCT2 in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells expressing OCT2 within a 10-3 to 10-7 M concentration range. Uptake competition experiments using fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP+, 1 µM) and mass spectrometry (MS) to determine cellular platinum content indicated that OHP (100 µM) is an OCT2 substrate, mediating OHP cellular toxicity. ASP+ and MS analysis revealed dasatinib as a non-transported inhibitor of hOCT2 (IC50 = 5.9 µM) and as a regulator of OCT2 activity. Dasatinib reduced transporter Vmax, potentially via Y544 phosphorylation suppression. MS analysis showed cellular dasatinib accumulation independent of hOCT2. Although 3 µM dasatinib reduced 100 µM OHP accumulation in hOCT2-HEK293 cells, co-incubation with dasatinib and OHP did not prevent OHP toxicity, possibly due to dasatinib-induced cell viability reduction. In summary, this study demonstrates OHP as an OCT2 substrate and dasatinib as a non-transported inhibitor and regulator of OCT2, offering potential for OIPN mitigation.

Regulation of renal organic cation transporters

Transporters for organic cations (OCs) facilitate exchange of positively charged molecules through the plasma membrane. Substrates for these transporters encompass neurotransmitters, metabolic byproducts, drugs, and xenobiotics. Consequently, these transporters actively contribute to the regulation of neurotransmission, cellular penetration and elimination process for metabolic products, drugs, and xenobiotics. Therefore, these transporters have significant physiological, pharmacological, and toxicological implications. In cells of renal proximal tubules, the vectorial secretion pathways for OCs involve expression of organic cation transporters (OCTs) and multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATEs) on basolateral and apical membrane domains, respectively. This review provides an overview of documented regulatory mechanisms governing OCTs and MATEs. Additionally, regulation of these transporters under various pathological conditions is summarized. The expression and functionality of OCTs and MATEs are subject to diverse pre- and post-translational modifications, providing insights into their regulation in various pathological conditions. Typically, in diseases, downregulation of transporter expression is observed, probably as a protective mechanism to prevent additional damage to kidney tissue. This regulation may be attributed to the intricate network of modifications these transporters undergo, shedding light on their dynamic responses in pathological contexts.

Regulation of Transporters for Organic Cations by High Glucose

Endogenous positively charged organic substances, including neurotransmitters and cationic uremic toxins, as well as exogenous organic cations such as the anti-diabetic medication metformin, serve as substrates for organic cation transporters (OCTs) and multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATEs). These proteins facilitate their transport across cell membranes. Vectorial transport through the OCT/MATE axis mediates the hepatic and renal excretion of organic cations, regulating their systemic and local concentrations. Organic cation transporters are part of the remote sensing and signaling system, whose activity can be regulated to cope with changes in the composition of extra- and intracellular fluids. Glucose, as a source of energy, can also function as a crucial signaling molecule, regulating gene expression in various organs and tissues. Its concentration in the blood may fluctuate in specific physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this work, the regulation of the activity of organic cation transporters was measured by incubating human embryonic kidney cells stably expressing human OCT1 (hOCT1), hOCT2, or hMATE1 with high glucose concentrations (16.7 mM). Incubation with this high glucose concentration for 48 h significantly stimulated the activity of hOCT1, hOCT2, and hMATE1 by increasing their maximal velocity (Vmax), but without significantly changing their affinity for the substrates. These effects were independent of changes in osmolarity, as the addition of equimolar concentrations of mannitol did not alter transporter activity. The stimulation of transporter activity was associated with a significant increase in transporter mRNA expression. Inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase with Torin-1 suppressed the transporter stimulation induced by incubation with 16.7 mM glucose. Focusing on hOCT2, it was shown that incubation with 16.7 mM glucose increased hOCT2 protein expression in the plasma membrane. Interestingly, an apparent trend towards higher hOCT2 mRNA expression was observed in kidneys from diabetic patients, a pathology characterized by high serum glucose levels. Due to the small number of samples from diabetic patients (three), this observation must be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, incubation for 48 h with a high glucose concentration of 16.7 mM stimulated the activity and expression of organic cation transporters compared to those measured in the presence of 5.6 mM glucose. This stimulation by a diabetic environment could increase cellular uptake of the anti-diabetic drug metformin and increase renal tubular secretion of organic cations in an early stage of diabetes.

Promoter haplotype structure of solute carrier 22 member 2 (SLC22A2) in the Xhosa population of South Africa and their differential effect on gene expression

SLC22A2 is abundantly expressed in the kidney and facilitates the transport of endogenous and exogenous cationic compounds. It plays a pivotal role in the transport of pharmacologically important compounds such as metformin, cisplatin, lamivudine and cimetidine. Polymorphisms within SLC22A2 could potentially contribute to the inter-individual variable response to drugs. The SLC22A2 gene is known to show polymorphism variability amongst populations of different ethnicities. The present study was undertaken to characterize the promoter haplotype structure of the SLC22A2 gene in the Xhosa population of South Africa. In addition to this, we also investigate the effects of the observed promoter haplotypes on gene expression levels in vitro. We identified six known single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region, namely rs60249401 (G424A), rs113150889 (G289A), rs55920607 (C246T), rs59695691 (A195G), rs572296424 (G156A), rs150063153 (A95C/G) and one novel SNP at location 6:160258967 (A209T). While these polymorphisms appeared in other African and non-African populations, their minor allele frequencies differed considerably from the non-African populations and could be considered to be African specific. A total of nine promoter haplotypes were characterized and the functional significance of each haplotype on promoter activity was determined using a luciferase reporter assay system. Amongst the nine observed haplotypes, three haplotypes (i.e. haplotypes 7, 8 and 9) displayed a significant decrease in expression level when compared to the wild-type with p -values of: 0.0317, <0.0001 and 0.0013 respectively. The data presented here shows African specific promoter haplotypes to cause a decrease in SLC22A2 gene expression levels, which in turn may have an impact on the pharmacokinetic profiles of cationic drugs.

Intravital Imaging with Two-Photon Microscopy: A Look into the Kidney

Fluorescence microscopy has represented a crucial technique to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms in the field of biomedicine. However, the conventional one-photon microscopy exhibits many limitations when living samples are imaged. The new technologies, including two-photon microscopy (2PM), have considerably improved the in vivo study of pathophysiological processes, allowing the investigators to overcome the limits displayed by previous techniques. 2PM enables the real-time intravital imaging of the biological functions in different organs at cellular and subcellular resolution thanks to its improved laser penetration and less phototoxicity. The development of more sensitive detectors and long-wavelength fluorescent dyes as well as the implementation of semi-automatic software for data analysis allowed to gain insights in essential physiological functions, expanding the frontiers of cellular and molecular imaging. The future applications of 2PM are promising to push the intravital microscopy beyond the existing limits. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art methods of intravital microscopy, focusing on the most recent applications of 2PM in kidney physiology.

Regulation of Solute Carriers OCT2 and OAT1/3 in the Kidney: A Phylogenetic, Ontogenetic and Cell Dynamic Perspective

Over the course of more than 500 million years, the kidneys have undergone a remarkable evolution from primitive nephric tubes to intricate filtration-reabsorption systems that maintain homeostasis and remove metabolic end products from the body. The evolutionarily conserved solute carriers Organic Cation Transporter 2 (OCT2), and Organic Anion Transporters 1 and 3 (OAT1/3) coordinate the active secretion of a broad range of endogenous and exogenous substances, many of which accumulate in the blood of patients with kidney failure despite dialysis. Harnessing OCT2 and OAT1/3 through functional preservation or regeneration could alleviate the progression of kidney disease. Additionally, it would improve current in vitro test models that lose their expression in culture. With this review, we explore OCT2 and OAT1/3 regulation using different perspectives: phylogenetic, ontogenetic and cell dynamic. Our aim is to identify possible molecular targets to both help prevent or compensate for the loss of transport activity in patients with kidney disease, and to enable endogenous OCT2 and OAT1/3 induction in vitro in order to develop better models for drug development.

Drug-Drug Interactions at Organic Cation Transporter 1

The interaction between drugs and various transporters is one of the decisive factors that affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. The organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) is a member of the Solute Carrier 22A (SLC22A) family that plays a vital role in the membrane transport of organic cations including endogenous substances and xenobiotics. This article mainly discusses the drug-drug interactions (DDIs) mediated by OCT1 and their clinical significance.

Acute infusion of angiotensin II regulates organic cation transporters function in the kidney: its impact on the renal dopaminergic system and sodium excretion

A close relationship between angiotensin II (ANG II) and the renal dopaminergic system (RDS) has been reported. Our aim was to study whether renal dopamine and ANG II can interact to modify renal sodium handling and then to elucidate the related mechanism. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in experiments. ANG II, exogenous dopamine, and decynium-22 (or D-22, an isocyanine that specifically blocks electrogenic organic cation transporters, OCTs), were infused in vivo for 120 min. We analyzed renal and hemodynamic parameters, renal Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase levels, OCT activity, and urinary dopamine concentrations. We also evaluated the expression of D₁ receptor, electroneutral organic cation transporters (OCTNs), and OCTs. ANG II decreased renal excretion of sodium in the presence of exogenous dopamine, increased Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, and decreased the urinary dopamine concentration. D-22 treatment exacerbated the ANG II-mediated decrease in renal excretion of sodium and dopamine urine excretion but did not modify ANG II stimulation of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity. The infusion of ANG II did not affect the expression of D₁ receptor, OCTs, or OCTNs. However, the activity of OCTs was diminished by the presence of ANG II. Although ANG II did not alter the expression of D₁ receptor, OCTs, and OCTNs in renal tissues, it modified the activity of OCTs and thereby decreased the urinary dopamine concentration, showing a novel mechanism by which ANG II decreases dopamine transport and its availability in the tubular lumen to stimulate D₁ receptor. This study demonstrates a relationship between ANG II and dopamine, where both agents counteract their effects on sodium excretion.

Rapid Regulation of Human Multidrug and Extrusion Transporters hMATE1 and hMATE2K

Vectorial transport of organic cations (OCs) in renal proximal tubules is mediated by sequential action of human OC transporter 2 (hOCT2) and human multidrug and toxic extrusion protein 1 and 2K (hMATE1 and hMATE2K), expressed in the basolateral (hOCT2) and luminal (hMATE1 and hMATE2K) plasma membranes, respectively. It is well known that hOCT2 activity is subjected to rapid regulation by several signaling pathways, suggesting that renal OC secretion may be acutely adapted to physiological requirements. Therefore, in this work, the acute regulation of hMATEs stably expressed in human embryonic kidney cells was characterized using the fluorescent substrate 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP⁺) as a marker. A specific regulation of ASP⁺ transport by hMATE1 and hMATE2K measured in uptake and efflux configurations was observed. In the example of hMATE1 efflux reduction by inhibition of casein kinase II, it was also shown that this regulation is able to modify transcellular transport of ASP⁺ in Madin–Darby canine kidney II cells expressing hOCT2 and hMATE1 on the basolateral and apical membrane domains, respectively. The activity of hMATEs can be rapidly regulated by some intracellular pathways, which sometimes are common to those found for hOCTs. Interference with these pathways may be important to regulate renal secretion of OCs.

Multiple binding sites in organic cation transporters require sophisticated procedures to identify interactions of novel drugs

In vitro evaluation of drugs for interaction with transporters is essential during drug development. As polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs) are critical for pharmacokinetics of many cationic drugs, in vitro testing of human OCT1 and human OCT2 is recommended. In the currently applied tests it is determined whether uptake of one model cation in stably transfected epithelial cells is inhibited using a substrate concentration in the micromolar range. In this review experimental evidence for the existence of low- and high-affinity cation binding sites in OCTs that may interact with drugs is compiled. Most data were obtained from studies performed with rat Oct1. Whereas overlapping low-affinity cation binding sites are directly involved in transport, the high-affinity cation binding sites may induce allosteric inhibition of transport. Remarkably, high-affinity inhibition is only observed when uptake is measured using nanomolar substrate concentrations far below the respective Km values. Affinities of inhibitors are dependent on molecular structure and concentration of the employed substrate. Because the currently applied in vitro tests for identification of interaction of novel drugs with OCTs do not consider the influence of substrate structure and are not capable of identifying high-affinity inhibition, more sophisticated testing protocols are proposed.

The human organic cation transporter OCT1 and its role as a target for drug responses

The human organic cation uptake transporter OCT1, encoded by the SLC22A1 gene, is highly expressed in the liver and reported to possess a broad substrate specificity. OCT1 operates by facilitated diffusion and allows the entry of nutrients into cells. Recent findings revealed that OCT1 can mediate the uptake of drugs for treating various diseases such as cancers. The levels of OCT1 expression correlate with the responses towards many drugs and functionally defective OCT1 lead to drug resistance. It has been recently proposed that OCT1 should be amongst the crucial drug targets used for pharmacogenomic analyses. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms exist and are distributed across the entire OCT1 gene. While there are differences in the OCT1 gene polymorphisms between populations, there are at least five variants that warrant consideration in any genetic screen. To date, and despite two decades of research into OCT1 functional role, it still remains uncertain what are the define substrates for this uptake transporter, although studies from mice revealed that one of the substrates is vitamin B1. It is also unclear how OCT1 recognizes a broad array of ligands and whether this involves specific modifications and interactions with other proteins. In this review, we highlight the current findings related to OCT1 with the aim of propelling further studies on this key uptake transporter.

Identification of the Tetraspanin CD9 as an Interaction Partner of Organic Cation Transporters 1 and 2

Organic cation transporters (OCTs) are membrane proteins with relevant physiological (because they accept neurotransmitters as substrate) and pharmacological (because of their interaction with drugs) roles. The human OCTs hOCT1 (SLC22A1/hOCT1) and hOCT2 (SLC22A2/hOCT2) are highly expressed in hepatic (hOCT1) and in renal and neuronal tissue (hOCT2), suggesting a possible role in modulating neurotransmitter activity in the liver, kidney, and brain, and their clearance from the blood. Even though there are several data demonstrating that OCTs are regulated under various patho-physiological conditions, it remains largely unknown which proteins directly interact with OCTs and thereby influence their cellular processing, localization, and function. In this work, using a mating-based split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid system, we characterized the potential interactome of hOCT1 and 2. It became evident that these OCTs share some potential interaction partners, such as the tetraspanins CD63 and CD9. Moreover, we confirmed interaction of hOCT2 with CD9 by fluorescence-activated cell sorting coupled with Förster resonance energy transfer analysis. Together with other proteins, tetraspanins build "tetraspanins webs" in the plasma membrane, which are able to regulate cellular trafficking and compartmentalization of interacting partners. While CD63 was demonstrated to mediate the localization of the hOCT2 to the endosomal system, we show here that co-expression of hOCT2 and CD9 led to strong cell surface localization of the transporter. These data suggest that tetraspanins regulate the cellular localization and function of OCTs. Co-localization of CD9 and hOCT was confirmed in tissues endogenously expressing proteins, highlighting the potential biological relevance of this interaction.

Ligand-dependent modulation of hOCT1 transport reveals discrete ligand binding sites within the substrate translocation channel

The human hepatic organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1) is a well-known transporter of both xenobiotic and endogenous cations. The substrates and inhibitors of hOCT1 are structurally and physiochemically diverse and include some widely prescribed drugs (metformin and imatinib), vitamins (thiamine), and neurotransmitters (serotonin). It has been demonstrated that the closely related renal isoform, hOCT2, is subject to ligand-dependent modulation, wherein one ligand may enhance or inhibit transport of a second, chemically unrelated, ligand. This phenomenon has important implications for drug-drug interactions due to the ubiquity of polypharmacy and the large number of drugs that are present as cations under physiological conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if hOCT1 is subject to the same ligand-dependent modulation as hOCT2, and to identify unique putative ligand binding sites in the translocation channel for a sub-set of ligands using computational modeling. The competitive counter flow (CCF) assay was employed to examine ligand-dependent effects by utilizing four different radiolabeled probe substrates: MPP+, serotonin, metformin, and TEA. We identified 20 ligands that modulated the transport of the four test substrates examined. One of the putative ligands identified, BSP, is an anion at physiological pH. Direct uptake studies of radiolabeled BSP suggested that it is a hOCT1 substrate with a Km of 13.6 ± 2.6 µM and Vmax of 55.1 ± 4.1 pmol/mg protein/min. Each ligand identified was computationally docked into a homology model of hOCT1 using the UCSF DOCK software package. The docking study revealed three separate ligand binding pockets within the hOCT1 translocation pathway, defined by their interactions with three prototypical substrates: MPP+, TEA, and acyclovir. Our results suggest that hOCT1 is not only subject to ligand-dependent modulation, but also that individual ligand binding occurs at discrete sites within the hOCT1 translocation pathway which may influence ligand binding at the other sites.

Whole body physiologically based modelling of β-blockers in the rat: events in tissues and plasma following an i.v. bolus dose

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whole body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been increasingly applied in drug development to describe kinetic events of therapeutic agents in animals and humans. The advantage of such modelling is the ability to incorporate vast amounts of physiological information, such as organ blood flow and volume, to ensure that the model is as close to reality as possible.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Previous PBPK model development of enantiomers of a series of seven racemic β-blockers, namely, acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, oxprenolol, pindolol and propranolol, together with S-timolol in rat was based on tissue and blood concentration data at steady state. Compounds were administered in several cassettes with the composition mix and blood and tissue sampling times determined using a D-optimal design.

KEY RESULTS

Closed-loop PBPK models were developed initially based on the application of open loop forcing function models to individual tissues and compounds. For the majority of compounds and tissues, distribution kinetics was adequately characterized by perfusion rate-limited models. For some compounds in the testes and gut, a permeability rate-limited distribution model was required to best fit the data. Parameter estimates of the tissue-to-blood partition coefficient through fitting of individual enantiomers and of racemic pair were generally in agreement and also concur with those from previous steady-state experiments.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

PBPK modelling is a very powerful tool to aid drug discovery and development of therapeutic agents in animals and humans. However, careful consideration of the assumptions made during the modelling exercise is essential.

Uptake Assays to Monitor Anthracyclines Entry into Mammalian Cells

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, are DNA damaging agents that autofluoresce and can be readily detected in cells. Herein, we developed suitable assays to quantify and localize daunorubicin in mammalian cells. These assays can be exploited to identify components that are involved in the uptake of anthracyclines.

The Role of Transporters in the Toxicity of Chemotherapeutic Drugs: Focus on Transporters for Organic Cations

The introduction of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer is one of the most important achievements of modern medicine, even allowing the cure of some lethal diseases such as testicular cancer and other malignant neoplasms. The number and type of chemotherapeutic agents available have steadily increased and have developed until the introduction of targeted tumor therapy. It is now evident that transporters play an important role for determining toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs not only against target but also against nontarget cells. This is of special importance for intracellularly active hydrophilic drugs, which cannot freely penetrate the plasma membrane. Because many important chemotherapeutic agents are substrates of transporters for organic cations, this review discusses the known interaction of these substances with these transporters. A particular focus is given to the role of transporters for organic cations in the development of side effects of chemotherapy with platinum derivatives and in the efficacy of recently developed tyrosine kinase inhibitors to specifically target cancer cells. It is evident that specific inhibition of uptake transporters may be a possible strategy to protect against undesired side effects of platinum derivatives without compromising their antitumor efficacy. These transporters are also important for efficient targeting of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to cancer cells. However, in order to achieve the aims of protecting from undesired toxicities and improving the specificity of uptake by tumor cells, an exact knowledge of transporter expression, function, regulation under normal and pathologic conditions, and of genetically and epigenetically regulation is mandatory.

Activation of liver X receptor inhibits OCT2-mediated organic cation transport in renal proximal tubular cells

Liver X receptor (LXR) is transcriptional factor that plays an important role in the regulation of energy metabolism such as cholesterol, lipid, and glucose metabolism as well as membrane transporters and channels. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, LXR regulation of the expression and function of renal organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) was observed. Synthetic LXR agonist (GW3965) and endogenous LXR agonist (22R-hydroxycholesterol) significantly reduced the uptake of ³H-MPP⁺, a prototypic substrate of OCT2, in both OCT2- Chinese hamster ovary K1 and human renal proximal tubular cells (RPTEC/TERT1). GW3965 decreased transport activity of OCT2 via a reduction of the maximal transport rate of MPP⁺ without affecting transporter affinity. The inhibitory effect of GW3965 was attenuated by co-treatment with LXR antagonist (fenofibrate) indicating the inhibition was LXR-dependent mechanism. In addition, co-treatment with a retinoic X receptor (RXR) ligand, 9-cis retinoic acid enhanced the inhibitory effect of GW3965, indicating negative regulation of OCT2 transport activity by the LXR/RXR complex. Treatment RPTEC/TERT1 cells with GW3965 significantly reduced OCT2 protein expression without changing mRNA expression. In parallel, the effect of LXR activation on OCT2 function was investigated in intact mouse kidney. Treating mice with 50 mg/kg BW T0901317 for 14 days significantly decreased ³H-MPP⁺ uptake into renal cortical slices, correlating with decreased OCT2 protein expression in renal cortex without changes in mRNA expression levels. Taken together, LXR/RXR activation downregulates the protein expression and function of OCT2 in renal proximal tubule, suggesting LXR might affect the total profile of renal excretion of cationic compounds.

Structural modeling of human organic cation transporters

Human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) belong to solute carriers (SLC) 22 family of membrane proteins that play a central role in transportation of chemotherapeutic drugs for several clinical and pathological conditions, including cancer and diabetes. These transporters mediate drug transport; however, the precise mechanism of drug-binding and transport by them is not fully uncovered yet, partly due to unavailability of any crystal structure record. In this work, we performed a multi-phasic approach to compute the 3D structural models of seven human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) starting from primary protein sequence. Our structure modeling approach included 1) I-TASSER based comparative sequence alignment, threading and ab-initio protein modeling; 2) models comparison with PSIPRED secondary structure prediction; 3) loop modeling for incongruent secondary structure in Chimera 1.10.1; 4) high resolution structure simulation, refinement, energy minimization using ModRefiner, and 5) validation of the structure models using PROCHECK at SAVEs. From structural point, the computed 3D structures of hOCTs consist of a typical major facilitator superfamily (MFS) fold of twelve α-transmembrane helix domains arranged in a manner rendering hOCTs a barrel shaped structure with a large cleft that opens in cytoplasm. The modeled 3D structure of all hOCTs closely resemble to human SLC2A3 (GLUT3) transporter (PDB ID: 5c65) and displayed an outward-open confirmation and putative cyclic C1 protein symmetry. In addition, hOCTs has a large (>100 amino acids) unique extracellular loop between TMH1 and TMH2 having potential glycosylation sites (Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr) and cysteine residues, both features indicative of putative role in drug binding and uptake. There is an intracellular three/four-helix loop between TMH6 and TMH7 containing putative phosphorylation sites for precise regulation of hOCTs function as drug transporters. There are nine loops of 4 to 11 amino acids length that protrude from membrane, both intracellularly and extracellularly, and connect adjacent TMHs. The 2D structure prediction showed N_in-C_in topology of all hOCTs. In the unavailability of the crystal structures of hOCTs, the 3D structural models computed in-silico and presented herein can be used for studying the mechanism of drug binding and transport by hOCTs.

Characterization of murine polyspecific monoamine transporters

The dysregulation of monoamine clearance in the central nervous system occurs in various neuropsychiatric disorders, and the role of polyspecific monoamine transporters in monoamine clearance is increasingly highlighted in recent studies. However, no study to date has properly characterized polyspecific monoamine transporters in the mouse brain. In the present study, we examined the kinetic properties of three mouse polyspecific monoamine transporters [organic cation transporter 2 (Oct2), Oct3, and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (Pmat)] and compared the absolute mRNA expression levels of these transporters in various brain areas. First, we evaluated the affinities of each transporter for noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and histamine, and found that mouse ortholog substrate affinities were similar to those of human orthologs. Next, we performed drug inhibition assays and identified interspecies differences in the pharmacological properties of polyspecific monoamine transporters; in particular, corticosterone and decynium‐22, which are widely recognized as typical inhibitors of human OCT3, enhanced the transport activity of mouse Oct3. Finally, we quantified absolute mRNA expression levels of each transporter in various regions of the mouse brain and found that while all three transporters were ubiquitously expressed, Pmat was the most highly expressed transporter. These results provide an important foundation for future translational research investigating the roles of polyspecific monoamine transporters in neurological and neuropsychiatric disease.

Regulation of Dopamine Uptake by Vasoactive Peptides in the Kidney

Considering the key role of renal dopamine in tubular sodium handling, we hypothesized that c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and Ang-(1-7) may regulate renal dopamine availability in tubular cells, contributing to Na(+), K(+)-ATPase inhibition. Present results show that CNP did not affect either (3)H-dopamine uptake in renal tissue or Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity; meanwhile, Ang-(1-7) was able to increase (3)H-dopamine uptake and decreased Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in renal cortex. Ang-(1-7) and dopamine together decreased further Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity showing an additive effect on the sodium pump. In addition, hydrocortisone reversed Ang-(1-7)-dopamine overinhibition on the enzyme, suggesting that this inhibition is closely related to Ang-(1-7) stimulation on renal dopamine uptake. Both anantin and cANP (4-23-amide) did not modify CNP effects on (3)H-dopamine uptake by tubular cells. The Mas receptor antagonist, A-779, blocked the increase elicited by Ang-(1-7) on (3)H-dopamine uptake. The stimulatory uptake induced by Ang-(1-7) was even more pronounced in the presence of losartan, suggesting an inhibitory effect of Ang-(1-7) on AT1 receptors on (3)H-dopamine uptake. By increasing dopamine bioavailability in tubular cells, Ang-(1-7) enhances Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition, contributing to its natriuretic and diuretic effects.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Stimulates Dopamine Tubular Transport by Organic Cation Transporters: A Novel Mechanism to Enhance Renal Sodium Excretion

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on organic cation transporters (OCTs) expression and activity, and its consequences on dopamine urinary levels, Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and renal function. Male Sprague Dawley rats were infused with isotonic saline solution during 120 minutes and randomized in nine different groups: control, pargyline plus tolcapone (P+T), ANP, dopamine (DA), D-22, DA+D-22, ANP+D-22, ANP+DA and ANP+DA+D-22. Renal functional parameters were determined and urinary dopamine concentration was quantified by HPLC. Expression of OCTs and D1-receptor in membrane preparations from renal cortex tissues were determined by western blot and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was determined using in vitro enzyme assay. ³H-DA renal uptake was determined in vitro. Compared to P+T group, ANP and dopamine infusion increased diuresis, urinary sodium and dopamine excretion significantly. These effects were more pronounced in ANP+DA group and reversed by OCTs blockade by D-22, demonstrating that OCTs are implied in ANP stimulated-DA uptake and transport in renal tissues. The activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase exhibited a similar fashion when it was measured in the same experimental groups. Although OCTs and D1-receptor protein expression were not modified by ANP, OCTs-dependent-dopamine tubular uptake was increased by ANP through activation of NPR-A receptor and protein kinase G as signaling pathway. This effect was reflected by an increase in urinary dopamine excretion, natriuresis, diuresis and decreased Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity. OCTs represent a novel target that links the activity of ANP and dopamine together in a common mechanism to enhance their natriuretic and diuretic effects.

Histamine Clearance Through Polyspecific Transporters in the Brain

Histamine plays an important role as a neurotransmitter in diverse brain functions, and clearance of histamine is essential to avoid excessive histaminergic neuronal activity. Histamine N-methyltransferase, which is an enzyme in the central nervous system that metabolizes histamine, is localized to the cytosol. This suggests that a histamine transport process is essential to inactivate histamine. Previous reports have shown the importance of astrocytes for histamine transport, although neuronal histamine transport could not be ruled out. High-affinity and selective histamine transporters have not yet been discovered, although it has been reported that the following three polyspecific transporters transport histamine: organic cation transporter (OCT) 2, OCT3, and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT). The K _m values of human OCT2, OCT3, and PMAT are 0.54, 0.64, and 4.4 mM, respectively. The three transporters are expressed in the brain, and their regional distribution is different. Recent studies revealed the contribution of OCT3 and PMAT to histamine transport by primary human astrocytes. Several investigations using mice supported the importance of OCT3 for histamine clearance in the brain. However, further studies are required to elucidate the detailed mechanism of histamine transport in the brain.

Interaction of green tea catechins with renal organic cation transporter 2

1. Green tea extract (GTE) and EGCG have previously shown to increase the uptake of MPP⁺ into Caco-2 cells. However, whether GTE and its derivatives interact with renal basolateral organic cation transporter 2 (Oct2) which plays a crucial role for cationic clearance remains unknown. Thus, this study assessed the potential of drug-green tea (GT) catechins and its derivatives interactions with rat Oct2 using renal cortical slices and S2 stably expressing rat Oct2 (S2rOct2). 2. Both GTE and ECG inhibited MPP⁺ uptake in renal slices in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 2.71 ± 0.360 mg/ml and 0.87 ± 0.151 mM), and this inhibitory effect was reversible. Inhibition of [³H]MPP⁺ transport in S2rOct2 by either GTE or ECG (IC₅₀ = 1.90 ± 0.087 mg/ml and 1.67 ± 0.088 mM) was also observed. 3. The weak and reversible interactions of GTE and ECG with rOct2 indicate that consumption of GT beverages could not interfere with cationic drugs secreted via renal OCT2 in humans. However, the rise of therapeutic use of GTE and ECG might have to take into account the significant possibility of adverse drug-green tea catechins interactions which could alter renal organic cation drug clearance.

Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: Effects, Mechanisms and Protection Strategies

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used to treat solid organ malignancies. However, serious side effects have been associated with its use, such as bilateral, progressive, irreversible, dose-dependent neurosensory hearing loss. Current evidence indicates that cisplatin triggers the production of reactive oxygen species in target tissues in the inner ear. A variety of agents that protect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity have been successfully tested in cell culture and animal models. However, many of them interfere with the therapeutic effect of cisplatin, and therefore are not suitable for systemic administration in clinical practice. Consequently, local administration strategies, namely intratympanic administration, have been developed to achieve otoprotection, without reducing the antitumoral effect of cisplatin. While a considerable amount of pre-clinical information is available, clinical data on treatments to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity are only just beginning to appear. This review summarizes clinical and experimental studies of cisplatin ototoxicity, and focuses on understanding its toxicity mechanisms, clinical repercussions and prevention strategies.

OCT1 and imatinib transport in CML: is it clinically relevant?

Imatinib is a highly effective therapy for chronic phase-chronic myeloid leukaemia (CP-CML) patients; however, responses to frontline imatinib are variable. The human organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1; SLC22A1) has been reported to be the main influx transporter involved in imatinib uptake into CML cells. Furthermore, variation in the efficiency of imatinib influx via OCT1 has been demonstrated to result in the inter-patient variation observed in primary response to imatinib. Although studies have questioned the role of OCT1 in imatinib influx, these have been largely performed in non-clinical settings. Measuring both OCT1 mRNA levels and the functional activity of OCT1 in primary leukaemic cells has been demonstrated to predict molecular response and outcome in imatinib-treated CP-CML patients in several independent studies. Here, the role of OCT1 and OCT1 genetic variants in imatinib uptake and response prediction is summarised and data generated from model systems assessing the role of OCT1 in imatinib transport is discussed.

Uremic Toxins Induce ET-1 Release by Human Proximal Tubule Cells, which Regulates Organic Cation Uptake Time-Dependently

In renal failure, the systemic accumulation of uremic waste products is strongly associated with the development of a chronic inflammatory state. Here, the effect of cationic uremic toxins on the release of inflammatory cytokines and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was investigated in conditionally immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cells (ciPTEC). Additionally, we examined the effects of ET-1 on the cellular uptake mediated by organic cation transporters (OCTs).

Exposure of ciPTEC to cationic uremic toxins initiated production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (117 ± 3%, p < 0.001), IL-8 (122 ± 3%, p < 0.001), and ET-1 (134 ± 5%, p < 0.001). This was accompanied by a down-regulation of OCT mediated 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium-iodide (ASP⁺) uptake in ciPTEC at 30 min (23 ± 4%, p < 0.001), which restored within 60 min of incubation. Exposure to ET-1 for 24 h increased the ASP⁺ uptake significantly (20 ± 5%, p < 0.001). These effects could be blocked by BQ-788, indicating activation of an ET-B-receptor-mediated signaling pathway. Downstream the receptor, iNOS inhibition by (N(G)‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine) l-NMMA acetate or aminoguanidine, as well as protein kinase C activation, ameliorated the short-term effects.

These results indicate that uremia results in the release of cytokines and ET-1 from human proximal tubule cells, in vitro. Furthermore, ET-1 exposure was found to regulate proximal tubular OCT transport activity in a differential, time-dependent, fashion.

Role of transporters in the distribution of platinum-based drugs

Platinum derivatives used as chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin have a potent antitumor activity. However, severe side effects such as nephro-, oto-, and neurotoxicity are associated with their use. Effects and side effects of platinum-based drugs are in part caused by their transporter-mediated uptake in target and non target cells. In this mini review, the transport systems involved in cellular handling of platinum derivatives are illustrated, focusing on transporters for cisplatin. The copper transporter 1 seems to be of particular importance for cisplatin uptake in tumor cells, while the organic cation transporter (OCT) 2, due to its specific organ distribution, may play a major role in the development of undesired cisplatin side effects. In polarized cells, e.g., in renal proximal tubule cells, apically expressed transporters, such as multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1, mediate secretion of cisplatin and in this way contribute to the control of its toxic effects. Specific inhibition of cisplatin uptake transporters such as the OCTs may be an attractive therapeutic option to reduce its toxicity, without impairing its antitumor efficacy.

Blood brain barrier: a challenge for effectual therapy of brain tumors

Brain tumors are one of the most formidable diseases of mankind. They have only a fair to poor prognosis and high relapse rate. One of the major causes of extreme difficulty in brain tumor treatment is the presence of blood brain barrier (BBB). BBB comprises different molecular components and transport systems, which in turn create efflux machinery or hindrance for the entry of several drugs in brain. Thus, along with the conventional techniques, successful modification of drug delivery and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome this obstacle for treatment of brain tumors. In this review, we have elucidated some critical insights into the composition and function of BBB and along with it we have discussed the effective methods for delivery of drugs to the brain and therapeutic strategies overcoming the barrier.

Transporters at CNS barrier sites: obstacles or opportunities for drug delivery?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (BCSF) barriers are critical determinants of CNS homeostasis. Additionally, the BBB and BCSF barriers are formidable obstacles to effective CNS drug delivery. These brain barrier sites express putative influx and efflux transporters that precisely control permeation of circulating solutes including drugs. The study of transporters has enabled a shift away from "brute force" approaches to delivering drugs by physically circumventing brain barriers towards chemical approaches that can target specific compounds of the BBB and/or BCSF barrier. However, our understanding of transporters at the BBB and BCSF barriers has primarily focused on understanding efflux transporters that efficiently prevent drugs from attaining therapeutic concentrations in the CNS. Recently, through the characterization of multiple endogenously expressed uptake transporters, this paradigm has shifted to the study of brain transporter targets that can facilitate drug delivery (i.e., influx transporters). Additionally, signaling pathways and trafficking mechanisms have been identified for several endogenous BBB/BCSF transporters, thereby offering even more opportunities to understand how transporters can be exploited for optimization of CNS drug delivery. This review presents an overview of the BBB and BCSF barrier as well as the many families of transporters functionally expressed at these barrier sites. Furthermore, we present an overview of various strategies that have been designed and utilized to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain with a particular emphasis on those approaches that directly target endogenous BBB/BCSF barrier transporters.

Atrial natriuretic peptide and renal dopaminergic system: a positive friendly relationship?

Sodium metabolism by the kidney is accomplished by an intricate interaction between signals from extrarenal and intrarenal sources and between antinatriuretic and natriuretic factors. Renal dopamine plays a central role in this interactive network. The natriuretic hormones, such as the atrial natriuretic peptide, mediate some of their effects by affecting the renal dopaminergic system. Renal dopaminergic tonus can be modulated at different steps of dopamine metabolism (synthesis, uptake, release, catabolism, and receptor sensitization) which can be regulated by the atrial natriuretic peptide. At tubular level, dopamine and atrial natriuretic peptide act together in a concerted manner to promote sodium excretion, especially through the overinhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase activity. In this way, different pathological scenarios where renal sodium excretion is dysregulated, as in nephrotic syndrome or hypertension, are associated with impaired action of renal dopamine and/or atrial natriuretic peptide, or as a result of impaired interaction between these two natriuretic systems. The aim of this review is to update and comment on the most recent evidences demonstrating how the renal dopaminergic system interacts with atrial natriuretic peptide to control renal physiology and blood pressure through different regulatory pathways.

Renal transport of organic anions and cations

Organic anions and cations (OAs and OCs, respectively) comprise an extraordinarily diverse array of compounds of physiological, pharmacological, and toxicological importance. The kidney, primarily the renal proximal tubule, plays a critical role in regulating the plasma concentrations of these organic electrolytes and in clearing the body of potentially toxic xenobiotics agents, a process that involves active, transepithelial secretion. This transepithelial transport involves separate entry and exit steps at the basolateral and luminal aspects of renal tubular cells. Basolateral and luminal OA and OC transport reflects the concerted activity of a suite of separate proteins arranged in parallel in each pole of proximal tubule cells. The cloning of multiple members of several distinct transport families, the subsequent characterization of their activity, and their subcellular localization within distinct regions of the kidney, now allows the development of models describing the molecular basis of the renal secretion of OAs and OCs. New information on naturally occurring genetic variation of many of these processes provides insight into the basis of observed variability of drug efficacy and unwanted drug-drug interactions in human populations. The present review examines recent work on these issues.

The SLC22 family with transporters of organic cations, anions and zwitterions

The SLC22 family contains 13 functionally characterized human plasma membrane proteins each with 12 predicted α-helical transmembrane domains. The family comprises organic cation transporters (OCTs), organic zwitterion/cation transporters (OCTNs), and organic anion transporters (OATs). The transporters operate as (1) uniporters which mediate facilitated diffusion (OCTs, OCTNs), (2) anion exchangers (OATs), and (3) Na(+)/zwitterion cotransporters (OCTNs). They participate in small intestinal absorption and hepatic and renal excretion of drugs, xenobiotics and endogenous compounds and perform homeostatic functions in brain and heart. Important endogeneous substrates include monoamine neurotransmitters, l-carnitine, α-ketoglutarate, cAMP, cGMP, prostaglandins, and urate. It has been shown that mutations of the SLC22 genes encoding these transporters cause specific diseases like primary systemic carnitine deficiency and idiopathic renal hypouricemia and are correlated with diseases such as Crohn's disease and gout. Drug-drug interactions at individual transporters may change pharmacokinetics and toxicities of drugs.

The evolution of ACh and GABA as neurotransmitters: a hypothesis

The development of a signaling system requires the evolution of a mechanism for producing signals, receptors and adaptive reactions to the signal. It is reasonable to assume that the evolution of such a system cannot be the consequence of a coordinated set of mutations resulting in a complete signaling system. It is more likely that each component evolved due to an advantage that was independent of its role in the signaling system. We hypothesize how the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) evolved gradually, from an initial stage in which the efflux of these molecules from the cell was an inevitable consequence of specific metabolic activities of the cell. The efflux later served as a cue that reflects the activity of the cell that released the molecules. These cues can later evolve into paracrine signals. We further suggest that the signals used in paracrine signaling were adopted by the central nervous system, as peripheral cells were already attentive to these signals. Signaling molecules released by the target cells of neurons, as an inevitable consequence of the activities of the target cells, could function as retrograde signals of the activity of the target cell. We hypothesize that ACh released by innervated myocytes functions as a retrograde signal of myocyte response to neuronal stimulation.

Role of the plasma membrane transporter of organic cations OCT1 and its genetic variants in modern liver pharmacology

Changes in the uptake of many drugs by the target cells may dramatically affect the pharmacological response. Thus, downregulation of SLC22A1, which encodes the organic cation transporter type 1 (OCT1), may affect the response of healthy hepatocytes and liver cancer cells to cationic drugs, such as metformin and sorafenib, respectively. Moreover, the overall picture may be modified to a considerable extent by the preexistence or the appearance during the pathogenic process of genetic variants. Some rare OCT1 variants enhance transport activity, whereas other more frequent variants impair protein maturation, plasma membrane targeting or the function of this carrier, hence reducing intracellular active drug concentrations. Here, we review current knowledge of the role of OCT1 in modern liver pharmacology, which includes the use of cationic drugs to treat several diseases, some of them of great clinical relevance such as diabetes and primary liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma). We conclude that modern pharmacology must consider the individual evaluation of OCT1 expression/function in the healthy liver and in the target tissue, particularly if this is a tumor, in order to predict the lack of response to cationic drugs and to be able to design individualized pharmacological treatments with the highest chances of success.

Substrate- and cell contact-dependent inhibitor affinity of human organic cation transporter 2: studies with two classical organic cation substrates and the novel substrate cd2+

Polyspecific organic cation transporter Oct2 from rat (gene Slc22A2) has been previously shown to transport Cs(+). Here we report that human OCT2 (hOCT2) is able to transport Cd(2+) showing substrate saturation with a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 54 ± 5.8 μM. Uptake of Cd(2+) by hOCT2 was inhibited by typical hOCT2 ligands (unlabeled substrates and inhibitors), and the rate of uptake was decreased by a point mutation in a substrate binding domain of hOCT2. Incubation of hOCT2 overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-hOCT2-C) or rat renal proximal tubule cells expressing rOct2 (NRK-52E-C) with Cd(2+) resulted in an increased level of apoptosis that was reduced by OCT2 inhibitory ligand cimetidine(+). HEK-hOCT2-C exhibited different functional properties when they were confluent or had been dissociated by removal of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). Only confluent HEK-hOCT2-C transported Cd(2+), and confluent and dissociated cells exhibited different potencies for inhibition of uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(+) (MPP(+)) by Cd(2+), MPP(+), tetraethylammonium(+), cimetidine(+), and corticosterone. In confluent HEK-hOCT2-C, largely different inhibitor potencies were obtained upon comparison of inhibition of Cd(2+) uptake, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-N-methylpyridinium(+) (ASP(+)) uptake, and MPP(+) uptake using substrate concentrations far below the respective Km values. Employing a point mutation in the previously identified substrate binding site of rat Oct1 produced evidence that short distance allosteric effects between binding sites for substrates and inhibitors are involved in substrate-dependent inhibitor potency. Substrate-dependent inhibitor affinity is probably a common property of OCTs. To predict interactions between drugs that are transported by OCTs and inhibitory drugs, it is necessary to employ the specific transported drug rather than a model substrate for in vitro measurements.

Kidney transplantation down-regulates expression of organic cation transporters, which translocate β-blockers and fluoroquinolones

Kidney transplanted patients are often treated with immunosuppressive, antihypertensive, and antibiotic drugs such as cyclosporine A (CsA), β-blockers, and fluoroquinolones, respectively. Organic cation transporters (OCT) expressed in the basolateral membrane of proximal tubules represent an important drug excretion route. In this work, the renal expression of OCT after syngeneic and allogeneic kidney transplantation in rats with or without CsA immunosuppression was studied. Moreover, the interactions of CsA, β-blockers (pindolol/atenolol), and fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin/norfloxacin) with rOCT1, rOCT2, hOCT1, and hOCT2 in stably transfected HEK293-cells were studied. Kidney transplantation was associated with reduced expression of rOCT1, while rOCT2 showed only reduced expression after allogeneic transplantation. All drugs interacted subtype- and species-dependently with OCT. However, only atenolol, pindolol, and ofloxacin were transported by hOCT2, the main OCT in human kidneys. While CsA is not an OCT substrate, it exerts a short-term effect on OCT activity, changing their affinity for some substrates. In conclusion, appropriate drug dosing in transplanted patients is difficult partly because OCT are down-regulated and because concomitant CsA treatment may influence the affinity of the transporters. Moreover, drug-drug competition at the transporter can also alter drug excretion rate.

Membrane transporters as mediators of Cisplatin effects and side effects

Transporters are important mediators of specific cellular uptake and thus, not only for effects, but also for side effects, metabolism, and excretion of many drugs such as cisplatin. Cisplatin is a potent cytostatic drug, whose use is limited by its severe acute and chronic nephro-, oto-, and peripheral neurotoxicity. For this reason, other platinum derivatives, such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin, with less toxicity but still with antitumoral action have been developed. Several transporters, which are expressed on the cell membranes, have been associated with cisplatin transport across the plasma membrane and across the cell: the copper transporter 1 (Ctr1), the copper transporter 2 (Ctr2), the P-type copper-transporting ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B, the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), and the multidrug extrusion transporter 1 (MATE1). Some of these transporters are also able to accept other platinum derivatives as substrate. Since membrane transporters display a specific tissue distribution, they can be important molecules that mediate the entry of platinum derivatives in target and also nontarget cells possibly mediating specific effects and side effects of the chemotherapeutic drug. This paper summarizes the literature on toxicities of cisplatin compared to that of carboplatin and oxaliplatin and the interaction of these platinum derivatives with membrane transporters.

OATPs, OATs and OCTs: the organic anion and cation transporters of the SLCO and SLC22A gene superfamilies

The human organic anion and cation transporters are classified within two SLC superfamilies. Superfamily SLCO (formerly SLC21A) consists of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), while the organic anion transporters (OATs) and the organic cation transporters (OCTs) are classified in the SLC22A superfamily. Individual members of each superfamily are expressed in essentially every epithelium throughout the body, where they play a significant role in drug absorption, distribution and elimination. Substrates of OATPs are mainly large hydrophobic organic anions, while OATs transport smaller and more hydrophilic organic anions and OCTs transport organic cations. In addition to endogenous substrates, such as steroids, hormones and neurotransmitters, numerous drugs and other xenobiotics are transported by these proteins, including statins, antivirals, antibiotics and anticancer drugs. Expression of OATPs, OATs and OCTs can be regulated at the protein or transcriptional level and appears to vary within each family by both protein and tissue type. All three superfamilies consist of 12 transmembrane domain proteins that have intracellular termini. Although no crystal structures have yet been determined, combinations of homology modelling and mutation experiments have been used to explore the mechanism of substrate recognition and transport. Several polymorphisms identified in members of these superfamilies have been shown to affect pharmacokinetics of their drug substrates, confirming the importance of these drug transporters for efficient pharmacological therapy. This review, unlike other reviews that focus on a single transporter family, briefly summarizes the current knowledge of all the functionally characterized human organic anion and cation drug uptake transporters of the SLCO and the SLC22A superfamilies.

LAPTM4A interacts with hOCT2 and regulates its endocytotic recruitment

Human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2) is involved in the transport of endogenous and exogenous organic cations mainly in cells of the kidney and the brain. Here, we focus on the regulation of hOCT2 by direct protein-protein interaction. Screening within a mating-based split-ubiquitin-yeast-two-hybrid system (mBSUS) revealed the lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 4 alpha (LAPTM4A) as a potential interacting protein. Interaction of LAPTM4A and hOCT2 was confirmed by pulldown assays, FRET microscopy analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Functionally, overexpression of LAPTM4A significantly decreased ASP(+) uptake in HEK293 cells stably transfected with hOCT2, suggesting a negative regulation of hOCT2-mediated transport. Furthermore, overexpression of LAPTM4A leads to a significantly decreased hOCT2 plasma membrane expression in surface biotinylation experiments. In addition, significant expression of LAPTM4A in human kidney was demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.In this work, LAPTM4A has been identified as interaction partner of hOCT2. LAPTM4A regulates the function of hOCT2 by influencing its trafficking to/from the cell membrane and processing it via the intracellular sorting machinery.

The cysteines of the extracellular loop are crucial for trafficking of human organic cation transporter 2 to the plasma membrane and are involved in oligomerization

Human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2) is involved in transport of many endogenous and exogenous organic cations, mainly in kidney and brain cells. Because the quaternary structure of transmembrane proteins plays an essential role for their cellular trafficking and function, we investigated whether hOCT2 forms oligomeric complexes, and if so, which part of the transporter is involved in the oligomerization. A yeast 2-hybrid mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS), fluorescence resonance energy transfer, Western blot analysis, cross-linking experiments, immunofluorescence, and uptake measurements of the fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium were applied to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells transfected with hOCT2 and partly also to freshly isolated human proximal tubules. The role of cysteines for oligomerization and trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membranes was investigated in cysteine mutants of hOCT2. hOCT2 formed oligomers both in the HEK293 expression system and in native human kidneys. The cysteines of the large extracellular loop are important to enable correct folding, oligomeric assembly, and plasma membrane insertion of hOCT2. Mutation of the first and the last cysteines of the loop at positions 51 and 143 abolished oligomer formation. Thus, the cysteines of the extracellular loop are important for correct trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membrane and for its oligomerization.

The large extracellular loop of organic cation transporter 1 influences substrate affinity and is pivotal for oligomerization

Polyspecific organic anion transporters (OATs) and organic cation transporters (OCTs) of the SLC22 transporter family play a pivotal role in absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs. Polymorphisms in these transporters influence therapeutic effects. On the basis of functional characterizations, homology modeling, and mutagenesis, hypotheses for how OCTs bind and translocate structurally different cations were raised, assuming functionally competent monomers. However, homo-oligomerization has been described for OATs and OCTs. In the present study, evidence is provided that the large extracellular loops (EL) of rat Oct1 (rOct1) and rat Oat1 (rOat1) mediate homo- but not hetero-oligomerization. Replacement of the cysteine residues in the EL of rOct1 by serine residues (rOct1(6ΔC-l)) or breaking disulfide bonds with dithiothreitol prevented oligomerization. rOct1 chimera containing the EL of rOat1 (rOct1(rOat1-l)) showed oligomerization but reduced transporter amount in the plasma membrane. For rOct1(6ΔC-l) and rOct1(rOat1-l), similar K(m) values for 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(+) (MPP(+)) and tetraethylammonium(+) (TEA(+)) were obtained that were higher compared with rOct1 wild type. The increased K(m) of rOct1(rOat1-l) indicates an allosteric effect of EL on the cation binding region. The similar substrate affinity of the oligomerizing and non-oligomerizing loop mutants suggests that oligomerization does not influence transport function. Independent transport function of rOct1 monomers was also demonstrated by showing that K(m) values for MPP(+) and TEA(+) were not changed after treatment with dithiothreitol and that a tandem protein with two rOct1 monomers showed about 50% activity with unchanged K(m) values for MPP(+) and TEA(+) when one monomer was blocked. The data help to understand how OCTs work and how mutations in patients may affect their functions.

Properties and regulation of organic cation transport in freshly isolated mouse proximal tubules analyzed with a fluorescence reader-based method

The main elimination site of organic cations (OCs) is the renal proximal tubule (PT). OC transporters (OCT) accept endogenous and exogenous substances and xenobiotics. As transgenic mouse models are increasingly used in translational medicine, functional properties with special focus on regulation of OCT of isolated mouse PTs were studied with a new fluorescence reader-based method, which allows studying larger numbers of tubules per kidney. OC transport across the basolateral membrane of PTs from male mice was measured as initial uptake of the fluorescent dye 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP). A microtiter plate fluorescence reader was used to semi-automatically analyze OC transport in freshly isolated tubules. Relative mRNA expression of OCT1/OCT2/OCT3 in PTs was 1/0.3/0.01 and did not vary from S1 to S3 segments. ASP was transported by PTs with a K (m) of 6 μM. It was inhibited by TEA, TPA, or cimetidine (IC(50)=5, 19, or 53 μM, respectively). Angiotensin II stimulated ASP uptake (+63%), while stimulation of PKC reduced (-37%) OC transport. Inhibition of p56(lck) tyrosine kinase (-60%), of PI3K (-36%), of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (-25%), or of PKA (-33%) reduced OC transport. In PTs from OCT1/2(-/-) mice ASP uptake was reduced to ~20%. Using this fluorescence reader-based method, we report substrate specificities and a complex pattern of acute regulation of OC transport in isolated mouse PTs. Compared to isolated human PTs or rat and human OCT isoforms expressed in HEK293-cells, OC transport across the basolateral membrane of freshly isolated mouse PTs shows similarities but also specific differences.