Cloning and characterization of the entire cDNA encoded by ATP1AL1--a member of the human Na,K/H,K-ATPase gene family

The Non-Gastric H+/K+ ATPase (ATP12A) Is Expressed in Mammalian Spermatozoa

H⁺/K⁺ ATPase Type 2 is an heteromeric membrane protein involved in cation transmembrane transport and consists of two subunits: a specific α subunit (ATP12A) and a non-specific β subunit. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence and establish the localization of ATP12A in spermatozoa from Bubalus bubalis, Bos taurus and Ovis aries. Immunoblotting revealed, in all three species, a major band (100 kDa) corresponding to the expected molecular mass. The ATP12A immunolocalization pattern showed, consistently in the three species, a strong signal at the acrosome. These results, described here for the first time in spermatozoa, are consistent with those observed for the β₁ subunit of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, suggesting that the latter may assemble with the α subunit to produce a functional ATP12A dimer in sperm cells. The above scenario appeared to be nicely supported by 3D comparative modeling and interaction energy calculations. The expression of ATP12A during different stages of bovine sperm maturation progressively increased, moving from epididymis to deferent ducts. Based on overall results, we hypothesize that ATP12A may play a role in acrosome reactions. Further studies will be required in order to address the functional role of this target protein in sperm physiology.

Differential Transcriptome Responses to Aflatoxin B₁ in the Cecal Tonsil of Susceptible and Resistant Turkeys

The nearly-ubiquitous food and feed-borne mycotoxin aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is carcinogenic and mutagenic, posing a food safety threat to humans and animals. One of the most susceptible animal species known and thus a good model for characterizing toxicological pathways, is the domesticated turkey (DT), a condition likely due, at least in part, to deficient hepatic AFB₁-detoxifying alpha-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTAs). Conversely, wild turkeys (Eastern wild, EW) are relatively resistant to the hepatotoxic, hepatocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive effects of AFB₁ owing to functional gene expression and presence of functional hepatic GSTAs. This study was designed to compare the responses in gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract between DT (susceptible phenotype) and EW (resistant phenotype) following dietary AFB₁ challenge (320 ppb for 14 days); specifically in cecal tonsil which functions in both nutrient absorption and gut immunity. RNAseq and gene expression analysis revealed significant differential gene expression in AFB₁-treated animals compared to control-fed domestic and wild birds and in within-treatment comparisons between bird types. Significantly upregulated expression of the primary hepatic AFB₁-activating P450 (CYP1A5) as well as transcriptional changes in tight junction proteins were observed in AFB₁-treated birds. Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β and EGF were significantly down regulated by AFB₁ treatment in DT birds and pathway analysis suggested suppression of enteroendocrine cells. Conversely, AFB₁ treatment modified significantly fewer unique genes in EW birds; among these were genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism and immune response. This is the first investigation of the effects of AFB₁ on the turkey gastro-intestinal tract. Results suggest that in addition to the hepatic transcriptome, animal resistance to this mycotoxin occurs in organ systems outside the liver, specifically as a refractory gastrointestinal tract.

Colonic Potassium Absorption and Secretion in Health and Disease

The colon has large capacities for K⁺ absorption and K⁺ secretion, but its role in maintaining K⁺ homeostasis is often overlooked. For many years, passive diffusion and/or solvent drag were thought to be the primary mechanisms for K⁺ absorption in human and animal colon. However, it is now clear that apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase, in coordination with basolateral K⁺ -Cl^- cotransport and/or K⁺ and Cl^- channels operating in parallel, mediate electroneutral K⁺ absorption in animal colon. We now know that K⁺ absorption in rat colon reflects ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activities. Ouabain-insensitive and ouabain-sensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPases are localized in surface and crypt cells, respectively. Colonic H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase consists of α- (HKC_α ) and β- (HKC_β ) subunits which, when coexpressed, exhibit ouabain-insensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity in HEK293 cells, while HKC_α coexpressed with the gastric β-subunit exhibits ouabain-sensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity in Xenopus oocytes. Aldosterone enhances apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity, HKC_α specific mRNA and protein expression, and K⁺ absorption. Active K⁺ secretion, on the other hand, is mediated by apical K⁺ channels operating in a coordinated way with the basolateral Na⁺ -K⁺ -2Cl^- cotransporter. Both Ca²⁺ -activated intermediate conductance K⁺ (IK) and large conductance K⁺ (BK) channels are located in the apical membrane of colonic epithelia. IK channel-mediated K⁺ efflux provides the driving force for Cl^- secretion, while BK channels mediate active (e.g., cAMP-activated) K⁺ secretion. BK channel expression and activity are increased in patients with end-stage renal disease and ulcerative colitis. This review summarizes the role of apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase in K⁺ absorption, and apical BK channel function in K⁺ secretion in health and disease. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1513-1536, 2018.

Postnatal regulation of X,K-ATPases in rat skin and conserved lateroapical polarization of Na,K-ATPase in vertebrate epidermis

Development of epidermis creates stratified epithelium with different sets of ion-transporting enzymes in its layers. We have characterized expression of Na,K- and H,K-ATPase α and β subunits and FXYD isoforms in rat skin. Maturation of rat skin from newborn to adult is associated with an increase in FXYD4 and a decrease of Na,K-ATPase α1-isoform, ATP1B4 and FXYD6 transcripts. Na,K-ATPase of rat epidermis is represented predominantly by α1 and β3 isoforms. Keratinization is associated with the loss of the Na,K-ATPase α-subunit and an enrichment of αng. Na,K-ATPase α1 is abundant in the innermost layer, stratum basale, where it is lacking in basal membranes, thus indicating lateroapical polarization of Na,K-ATPase. Immunocytochemical detection of Na,K-ATPase in Xenopus laevis skin shows that cellular and subcellular localization of the enzyme has a pattern highly similar to that of mammals: basolateral in glandular epithelium and lateroapical in epidermis.

Pharmacological profiles of the murine gastric and colonic H,K-ATPases

BACKGROUND

The H,K-ATPase, consisting of α and ß subunits, belongs to the P-type ATPase family. There are two isoforms of the α subunit, HKα₁ and HKα₂ encoded by different genes. The ouabain-resistant gastric HKα₁-H,K-ATPase is Sch28080-sensitive. However, the colonic HKα₂-H,K-ATPase from different species shows poor primary structure conservation of the HKα₂ subunit between species and diverse pharmacological sensitivity to ouabain and Sch28080. This study sought to determine the contribution of each gene to functional activity and its pharmacological profile using mouse models with targeted disruption of HKα₁, HKα₂, or HKbeta genes.

METHODS

Membrane vesicles from gastric mucosa and distal colon in wild-type (WT), HKα₁, HKα₂, or HKß knockout (KO) mice were extracted. K-ATPase activity and pharmacological profiles were examined.

RESULTS

The colonic H,K-ATPase demonstrated slightly greater affinity for K(+) than the gastric H,K-ATPase. This K-ATPase activity was not detected in the colon of HKα₂ KO but was observed in HKß KO with properties indistinguishable from WT. Neither ouabain nor Sch28080 had a significant effect on the WT colonic K-ATPase activity, but orthovanadate abolished this activity. Amiloride and its analogs benzamil and 5-N-ethyl-N-isopropylamiloride inhibited K-ATPase activity of HKα₁-containing H,K-ATPase; the dose dependence of inhibition was similar for all three inhibitors. In contrast, the colonic HKα₂-H,K-ATPase was not inhibited by these compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that the mouse colonic H,K-ATPase exhibits a ouabain- and Sch28080-insensitive, orthovanadate-sensitive K-ATPase activity. Interestingly, pharmacological studies suggested that the mouse gastric H,K-ATPase is sensitive to amiloride.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Characterization of the pharmacological profiles of the H,K-ATPases is important for understanding the relevant knockout animals and for considering the specificity of the inhibitors.

Polarized membrane distribution of potassium-dependent ion pumps in epithelial cells: different roles of the N-glycans of their beta subunits

The Na,K-ATPases and the H,K-ATPases are two potassium-dependent homologous heterodimeric P2-type pumps that catalyze active transport of Na+ in exchange for K+ (Na,K-ATPase) or H+ in exchange for K+ (H,K-ATPase). The ubiquitous Na,K-ATPase maintains intracellular ion balance and membrane potential. The gastric H,K-ATPase is responsible for acid secretion by the parietal cell of the stomach. Both pumps consist of a catalytic alpha-subunit and a glycosylated beta-subunit that is obligatory for normal pump maturation and trafficking. Individual N-glycans linked to the beta-subunits of the Na,K-ATPase and H,K-ATPase are important for stable membrane integration of their respective alpha subunits, folding, stability, subunit assembly, and enzymatic activity of the pumps. They are also essential for the quality control of unassembled beta-subunits that results in either the exit of the subunits from the ER or their ER retention and subsequent degradation. Overall, the importance of N-glycans for the maturation and quality control of the H,K-ATPase is greater than that of the Na,K-ATPase. The roles of individual N-glycans of the beta-subunits in the post-ER trafficking, membrane targeting and plasma membrane retention of the Na,K-ATPase and H,K-ATPase are different. The Na,K-ATPase beta1-subunit is the major beta-subunit isoform in cells with lateral location of the pump. All three N-glycans of the Na,K-ATPase beta1-subunit are important for the lateral membrane retention of the pump due to glycan-mediated interaction between the beta1-subunits of the two neighboring cells in the cell monolayer and cytosolic linkage of the alpha-subunit to the cytoskeleton. This intercellular beta1-beta1 interaction is also important for formation of cell-cell contacts. In contrast, the N-glycans unique to the Na,K-ATPase beta2-subunit,which has up to eight N-glycosylation sites, contain apical sorting information. This is consistent with the apical location of the Na,K-ATPase in normal and malignant epithelial cells with high abundance of the beta2-subunit. Similarly, all seven N-glycans of the gastric H,K-ATPase beta-subunit determine apical sorting of this subunit.

Palytoxin acts on Na(+),K (+)-ATPase but not nongastric H(+),K (+)-ATPase

Palytoxin (PTX) opens a pathway for ions to pass through Na,K-ATPase. We investigate here whether PTX also acts on nongastric H,K-ATPases. The following combinations of cRNA were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes: Bufo marinus bladder H,K-ATPase alpha(2)- and Na,K-ATPase beta(2)-subunits; Bufo Na,K-ATPase alpha(1)- and Na,K-ATPase beta(2)-subunits; and Bufo Na,K-ATPase beta(2)-subunit alone. The response to PTX was measured after blocking endogenous Xenopus Na,K-ATPase with 10 microM ouabain. Functional expression was confirmed by measuring (86)Rb uptake. PTX (5 nM: ) produced a large increase of membrane conductance in oocytes expressing Bufo Na,K-ATPase, but no significant increase occurred in oocytes expressing Bufo H,K-ATPase or in those injected with Bufo beta(2)-subunit alone. Expression of the following combinations of cDNA was investigated in HeLa cells: rat colonic H,K-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit and Na,K-ATPase beta(1)-subunit; rat Na,K-ATPase alpha(2)-subunit and Na,K-ATPase beta(2)-subunit; and rat Na,K-ATPase beta(1)- or Na,K-ATPase beta(2)-subunit alone. Measurement of increases in (86)Rb uptake confirmed that both rat Na,K and H,K pumps were functional in HeLa cells expressing rat colonic HKalpha(1)/NKbeta(1) and NKalpha(2)/NKbeta(2). Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements in HeLa cells expressing rat colonic HKalpha(1)/NKbeta(1) exposed to 100 nM PTX showed no significant increase of membrane current, and there was no membrane conductance increase in HeLa cells transfected with rat NKbeta(1)- or rat NKbeta(2)-subunit alone. However, in HeLa cells expressing rat NKalpha(2)/NKbeta(2), outward current was observed after pump activation by 20 mM K(+) and a large membrane conductance increase occurred after 100 nM PTX. We conclude that nongastric H,K-ATPases are not sensitive to PTX when expressed in these cells, whereas PTX does act on Na,K-ATPase.

Characterization of the rabbit HKalpha2 gene promoter

The HKalpha2 gene directs synthesis of the HKalpha2 subunit of the H(+), K(+)-ATPase. In the kidney and colon, the gene is highly expressed and is thought to play a role in potassium (K(+)) conservation. The rabbit has been an important experimental system for physiological studies of ion transport in the kidney, so the rabbit HKalpha2 gene has been cloned and characterized. The genomic clones and the previously reported HKalpha2a and HKalpha2c subunit cDNAs provided a means to address several issues regarding the structure and expression of the HKalpha2 gene. First, the genomic organization established that the rabbit HKalpha2 gene was unambiguously homologous to the mouse HKalpha2 gene and the human ATP1AL1 gene. Second, the mapping of the transcription start site for the alternate transcript, HKalpha2c, confirmed that it was an authentic rabbit transcript. Finally, isolation of DNA from the 5' end of the HKalpha2 gene enabled us to initiate studies on its regulation in the rabbit cortical collecting duct. The promoter and two putative negative regulatory regions were identified and the effect of cell confluency on gene expression was studied.

An extracellular loop of the human non-gastric H,K-ATPase alpha-subunit is involved in apical plasma membrane polarization

The human non-gastric H,K-ATPase, ATP1AL1, belongs to the gene family of P-type ATPases. Consistent with their physiological roles in ion transport, members of this group, including the Na,KATPase and the gastric and non-gastric H,K-ATPases, are differentially polarized to either the basolateral or apical plasma membrane in epithelial cells. However, their polarized distribution is highly complex and depends on specific sorting signals or motifs which are recognized by the subcellular targeting machinery. For the gastric H,K-ATPase it has been suggested that the 4(th) transmembrane spanning domain (TM4) and its flanking regions induce conformational sorting motifs which direct the ion pump exclusively to the epithelial apical membrane. Here, we show in transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells that the related non-gastric H,KATPase, ATP1AL1, does contain similar sorting motifs in close proximity to TM4. A short extracellular loop between TM3 and TM4 is critical for this pump's apical delivery. A single point mutation in the corresponding region redirects ATP1AL1 to the basolateral membrane. In conclusion, our work provides further evidence that the cellular distribution of P-type ATPases is determined by conformational sorting motifs.

Loss of acidification of anterior prostate fluids in Atp12a-null mutant mice indicates that nongastric H-K-ATPase functions as proton pump in vivo

The physiological functions of nongastric (colonic) H-K-ATPase (gene symbol Atp12a), unlike those of Na-K-ATPase and gastric H-K-ATPase, are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it pumps Na+ more efficiently than H+; however, so far, there is no direct evidence that it pumps H+ in vivo. Previously, we found that the nongastric H-K-ATPase alpha-subunit is expressed in apical membranes of rodent anterior prostate epithelium, in a complex with the Na-K-ATPase beta1-subunit. Here we report the effects of Atp12a gene ablation on polarization of the beta1-subunit and secretory function of the anterior prostate. In nongastric H-K-ATPase-deficient prostate, the Na-K-ATPase alpha-subunit resided exclusively in basolateral membranes; however, the beta1-subunit disappeared from apical membranes, demonstrating that beta1 is an authentic subunit of nongastric H-K-ATPase in vivo and that apical localization of beta1 in the prostate is completely dependent on its association with the nongastric H-K-ATPase alpha-subunit. A remarkable reduction in acidification of anterior prostate fluids was observed: pH 6.38 +/- 0.14 for wild-type mice and 6.96 +/- 0.10 for homozygous mutants. These results show that nongastric H-K-ATPase is required for acidification of luminal prostate fluids, thereby providing a strong in vivo correlate of previous functional expression studies demonstrating that it operates as a proton pump.

Non-gastric H+/K+ ATPase is present in the microvillous membrane of the human placental syncytiotrophoblast

In humans, the non-gastric H(+)/K(+)ATPase (ATP1AL1) has previously been shown to be expressed in the epithelia of skin, kidney and colon. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the non-gastric H(+)/K(+)ATPase is localized to the syncytiotrophoblast, the transporting epithelium of the human placenta. Microvillous (MVM) and basal plasma membranes (BM) of the syncytiotrophoblast were isolated from term placenta and membrane proteins were separated using SDS-PAGE. The ATP1AL1 protein was identified as a 114 kD band in both MVM and BM by Western blot, however, the protein was more abundant in the MVM. Using immunocytochemistry H(+)/K(+)ATPase protein was localized in MVM but not BM. We constructed primers specific for ATP1AL1 and performed RT-PCR on RNA isolated from human placenta and human kidney. A product of the expected size could be detected in both tissues after 30 cycles of amplification. The sequence identity of this 517 nucleotide product was confirmed by sequencing and found to be identical to the human non-gastric H(+)/K(+)ATPase. The activity of this proton pump appears to be low in normal healthy placental at term, however, it is speculated that MVM non-gastric H(+)/K(+)ATPase may be important in pathological states. In conclusion, non-gastric H(+)/K(+)ATPase is present in the microvillous plasma membrane of the transporting epithelia of the human placenta.

Identification of the β-subunit for nongastric H-K-ATPase in rat anterior prostate

The structural organization of nongastric H-K-ATPase, unlike that of closely related Na-K-ATPase and gastric H-K-ATPase, is not well characterized. Recently, we demonstrated that nongastric H-K-ATPase α-subunit (αng) is expressed in apical membranes of rodent prostate. Its highest level, as well as relative abundance, with respect to α1-isoform of Na-K-ATPase, was observed in anterior lobe. Here, we aimed to determine the subunit composition of nongastric H-K-ATPase through the detailed analysis of the expression of all known X-K-ATPase β-subunits in rat anterior prostate (AP). RT-PCR detects transcripts of β-subunits of Na-K-ATPase only. Measurement of absolute protein content of these three β-subunit isoforms, with the use of quantitative Western blotting of AP membrane proteins, indicates that the abundance order is β1> β3≫ β2. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrate that β1is present predominantly in apical membranes, coinciding with αng, whereas β3is localized in the basolateral compartment, coinciding with α1. This is the first direct demonstration of the αng-β1colocalization in situ indicating that, in rat AP, αngassociates only with β1. The existence of αng-β1complex has been confirmed by immunoprecipitation experiments. These results indicate that β1-isoform functions as the authentic subunit of Na-K-ATPase and nongastric H-K-ATPase. Putatively, the intracellular polarization of X-K-ATPase isoforms depends on interaction with other proteins.

Nongastric H,K-ATPase: structure and functional properties

Nongastric H,K-ATPases whose catalytic subunits (AL1) encoded by human ATP1AL1 and homologous animal genes comprise the third distinct group within the X,K-ATPase family. No unique nongastric beta has been identified. Precise in situ colocalization and strong association of AL1 with beta1 of Na,K-ATPase was detected in apical membranes of rodent prostate epithelium. In this tissue, beta1NK serves as an authentic subunit of both the Na,K- and nongastric H,K-pumps. Upon expression in Xenopus oocytes the human AL1 can assemble with beta1NK, and more efficiently with gastric betaHK, into functional H,K-pumps. Both AL1/beta complexes exhibit a similar K-affinity, and their K-transport depends on intra- and extracellular Na. These data provide new evidence that nongastric H,K-ATPase can perform Na/K-exchange, and indicate that beta does not significantly affect this ion-pump function. Analysis of human nongastric H,K-ATPase expressed in Sf-21 insect cells revealed that AL1/betaHK exhibits substantial enzymatic activities in K-free medium and K stimulates, but Na has inhibitory effect on ATP hydrolysis. Thus, although the nongastric H,K-ATPase can function as Na/K exchanger, its reaction mechanism is different from that of the Na,K-ATPase. Human nongastric H,K-ATPase is highly sensitive to bufalin, digoxin, and digitoxin, but almost resistant to digoxigenin and ouabagenin.

Extracellular domains, transmembrane segments, and intracellular domains interact to determine the cation selectivity of Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase

We have previously reported that three residues of the fourth transmembrane segment (TM4) of the Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase alpha-subunits appear to play a major role in the distinct cation selectivities of these pumps [Mense, M., et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1749-1756]. Substituting these three residues in the Na,K-ATPase sequence with their H,K-ATPase counterparts (L319F, N326Y, T340S) and replacing the TM3-TM4 ectodomain sequence with that of the H,K-ATPase alpha-subunit result in a pump that exhibits 50% of its maximal ATPase activity in the absence of Na(+) when the assay is performed at pH 6.0. This effect is not seen when the ectodomain alone is replaced. To gain more insight into the contributions of the three residues to establishing the selectivity of these pumps for Na(+) ions versus protons, we generated Na,K-ATPase constructs in which these residues are replaced by their H,K-ATPase counterparts either singly or in combinations. Surprisingly, none of the point mutants nor even the triple mutant was able to hydrolyze ATP at pH 6.0 at a rate greater than 20% of their respective V(max)s. For the point mutants L319F and N326Y, protons seem to competitively inhibit ATP hydrolysis at pH 6.0, based on the low apparent affinity for Na(+) ions at pH 6.0 compared to pH 7.5. It would appear, therefore, that the cation selectivity of Na,K- and H,K-ATPase is generated through a cooperative effort between residues of transmembrane segments and the flanking loops that connect these transmembrane domains. This view is further supported by homology modeling of the Na,K-ATPase based on the crystal structure of the SERCA pump.

Expression of ATP1AL1, a non-gastric proton pump, in human colorectum

The expression of mRNAs encoding a human nongastric proton pump (ATP1AL1) in the colorectum was investigated. The real-time PCR gave significant levels of signals not only in the distal part of human colon and rectum, but also in the proximal part of the colon. ATP1AL1 mRNA was overexpressed in 12 out of 20 human colorectal adenocarcinomas compared with the level in the accompanying normal mucosa. It is noted that astonishing levels of the mRNA overexpression were found in 4 carcinomas, which were detected even by Northern blot. The very high levels of ATP1AL1 mRNA expression in some cancer tissues may be connected to an unknown specific pathophysiological condition.

Betam, a structural member of the X,K-ATPase beta subunit family, resides in the ER and does not associate with any known X,K-ATPase alpha subunit

betam, a muscle-specific protein, is structurally closely related to the X,K-ATPase beta subunits, but its intrinsic function is not known. In this study, we have expressed betam in Xenopus oocytes and have investigated its biosynthesis and processing as well as its putative role as a chaperone of X,K-ATPase alpha subunits, as a regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), or as a Ca(2+)-sensing protein. Our results show that betam is stably expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in its core glycosylated, partially trimmed form. Both full-length betam, initiated at Met(1), and short betam species, initiated at Met(89), are detected in in vitro translations as well as in Xenopus oocytes. betam cannot associate with and stabilize Na,K-ATPase (NK), or gastric and nongastric H,K-ATPase (HK) alpha isoforms. betam neither assembles stably with SERCA nor is its trypsin sensitivity or electrophoretic mobility influenced by Ca(2+). A mutant, in which the distinctive Glu-rich regions in the betam N-terminus are deleted, remains stably expressed in the ER and can associate with, but not stabilize X,K-ATPase alpha subunits. On the other hand, a chimera in which the ectodomain of betam is replaced with that of beta1 NK associates efficiently with alpha NK isoforms and produces functional Na,K-pumps at the plasma membrane. In conclusion, our results indicate that betam exhibits a cellular location and functional role clearly distinct from the typical X,K-ATPase beta subunits.

Nongastric H-K-ATPase in rodent prostate: lobe-specific expression and apical localization

The molecular basis of active ion transport in secretory glands such as the prostate is not well characterized. Rat nongastric H-K-ATPase is expressed at high levels in distal colon surface cell apical membranes and thus is referred to as "colonic." Here we show that the ATPase is expressed in rodent prostate complex in a lobe-specific manner. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicate that rat nongastric H-K-ATPase alpha-subunit (alpha(ng)) mRNA and protein are present in coagulating gland (anterior prostate) and lateral and dorsal prostate and absent from ventral lobe, whereas Na-K-ATPase alpha-subunit is present in all lobes. RT-PCR analysis shows that Na-K-ATPase alpha(4) and alpha(3) and gastric H-K-ATPase alpha-subunit are not present in significant amounts in all prostate lobes. Relatively low levels of Na-K-ATPase alpha(2) were found in lateral, dorsal, and anterior lobes. alpha(ng) protein expression is anteriodorsolateral: highest in coagulating gland, somewhat lower in dorsal lobe, and even lower in lateral lobe. Na-K-ATPase protein abundance has the reverse order: expression in ventral lobe is higher than in coagulating gland. alpha(ng) protein abundance is higher in coagulating gland than distal colon membranes. Immunohistochemistry shows that in rat and mouse coagulating gland epithelium alpha(ng) protein has an apical polarization and Na-K-ATPase alpha(1) is localized in basolateral membranes. The presence of nongastric H-K-ATPase in rodent prostate apical membranes may indicate its involvement in potassium concentration regulation in secretions of these glands.

Structure, promoter analysis, and chromosomal localization of the murine H(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha 2 subunit gene

The H(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha2 subunit (HK alpha 2) of distal colon and renal collecting ducts plays a critical role in potassium and acid-base homeostasis. The isolation and complete sequence of the murine HK alpha 2 gene are reported. The HK alpha 2 gene contains 23 exons and spans 23.5 kb of genomic DNA. The exon/intron organization is comparable to that of the human ATP1AL1 gene. Primer extension and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends of distal colon RNA were used to map the transcription initiation site. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis localized the HK alpha 2 gene to murine chromosome 14C3. Sequence analysis of 7.2 kb of the 5'-flanking region revealed numerous consensus sites for transcription factors, including two potential glucocorticoid response elements. Transient transfection of promoter-luciferase constructs demonstrated strong basal HK alpha 2 promoter activity in renal collecting duct cells but not in fibroblasts or in a medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop cell line. Deletion analysis revealed that the proximal 0.2 kb of the promoter was sufficient to confer activity in collecting duct cells. These data should prove important in elucidation of the mechanisms controlling the differential, tissue-specific expression of the HK alpha 2 gene.

The betam protein, a member of the X,K-ATPase beta-subunits family, is located intracellularly in pig skeletal muscle

The sequence of the pig cDNA encoding the muscle-specific betam-protein, a member of the X,K-ATPase beta-subunits family, was determined. Two alternatively spliced transcripts encoding polypeptide chains of 355 and 351 residues were identified. The tissue specificity of expression of betam and other X,K-ATPase beta-subunit genes was studied by RT-PCR performed on 24 tissues from newborn pigs. The betam expression was shown to be highly tissue-specific, being detected at the highest level in skeletal muscle, at a lower level in heart, and at much lower level in skin. The betam transcripts are more abundant in the tissues from the newborn than adult. Immunoblotting and deglycosylation shift assay indicated that skeletal muscle membranes of newborn pigs contain betam protein with an electrophoretic mobility and carbohydrate content very similar to that of human betam. Fractionation of membranes from both newborn and adult pig skeletal muscles by isopycnic centrifugation revealed that the majority of the betam protein is concentrated in the sarcoplasmic reticulum-containing fractions. This intracellular location is a unique property that distinguishes the betam protein from other members of the X,K-ATPase beta-subunit family.

Detection and localization of H+-K+-ATPase isoforms in human kidney

An H+-K+-ATPase contributes to hydrogen secretion and potassium reabsorption by the rat and rabbit collecting ducts. Transport of these ions appears to be accomplished by one or both of two isoforms of the H+-K+-ATPase, HKalpha(1) and HKalpha(2,) because both isoforms are found in the collecting ducts and transport of hydrogen and potassium is attenuated by exposure to inhibitors of these transport proteins. To evaluate whether an H+-K+-ATPase is present in the human kidney, immunohistochemical studies were performed using normal human renal tissue probed with antibodies directed against epitopes of three of the known isoforms of the H+-K+-ATPase , HKalpha(1), HKalpha(2), and HKalpha(4), and the V-type H+-ATPase. Cortical and medullary tissue probed with antibodies against HKalpha(1) showed cytoplasmic staining of intercalated cells that was less intense than that observed in the parietal cells of normal rat stomach stained with the same antibody. Also, weak immunoreactivity was detected in principal cells of the human collecting ducts. Cortical and medullary tissue probed with antibodies directed against HKalpha(4) revealed weak, diffuse staining of intercalated cells of the collecting ducts and occasional light staining of principal cells. Cortical and medullary tissue probed with antibodies directed against the H+-ATPase revealed staining of intercalated cells of the collecting ducts and some cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. By contrast, no discernible staining was noted with the use of the antibody against HKalpha(2). These data indicate that HKalpha(1) and HKalpha(4) are present in the collecting ducts of the human kidney. In this location, these isoforms might contribute to hydrogen and potassium transport by the kidney.

Catalytic function of nongastric H,K-ATPase expressed in Sf-21 insect cells

We previously demonstrated that the alpha-subunit of human nongastric H,K-ATPase (Atp1al1) can assemble with the gastric H,K-ATPase beta-subunit (betaHK) into an active ion pump upon coexpression in Xenopus oocytes. To gain insight into enzymatic functions, we have analyzed the Atp1al1-betaHK complex using a baculovirus expression system. The efficient formation of the functional Atp1al1-betaHK complex in membranes of Sf-21 insect cells was obtained upon co-infection with recombinant baculoviruses expressing Atp1al1 and betaHK. Expression of either protein alone did not produce active ATPase. The effects of K(+), Na(+), pH, and ATP and inhibitors on ATPase activity of the recombinant Atp1al1-betaHK complex were analyzed. The Atp1al1-betaHK complex was shown to exhibit significant ATPase activity in nominally K(+)-free medium. The addition of K(+) stimulated the ATP hydrolysis up to 3-fold with K(m) approximately 116 microM K(+). The ATPase activity was moderately sensitive to ouabain and to SCH 28080 with apparent K(i) values in K(+)-free medium of approximately 64 microM and approximately 93 microM, respectively. Potassium exhibited strong antagonism toward both inhibitors. Assays of the ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity revealed inhibitory effects of Na(+) with the apparent K(i) of approximately 24 mM in the absence of added K(+) and with K(i) within the range of 60-70 mM in the presence of > or = 1 mM K(+). Thus, the human nongastric H,K-ATPase represented by the recombinant Atp1al1-betaHK complex exhibits enzymatic properties of K(+)-dependent ATPase sensitive to ouabain, SCH 28080, and Na(+). It differs from Na,K-ATPase in cation dependence and differs from gastric H,K-ATPase and Na,K-ATPase in sensitivity to inhibitors.

Digoxin and its related endogenous factors

The digitalis drugs are plant-derived cardenolide compounds used medicinally for several hundred years. These drugs elicit inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, but they also affect many other tissues. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of the ion-transport activity of a membrane-associated protein called Na, K-ATPase (sodium pump). Present theory holds that the sodium pump is the principal molecular receptor for the digitalis drugs. Recent evidence indicates the presence of naturally occurring digitalis-like compounds in mammals. It is believed these compounds, collectively known as either digitalis-like (DLF) or ouabain-like (OLF) factors, may be endogenous hormones regulating the biological activity of the sodium pump and its isoforms. The presence of deglycosylated and other congeners of one specific DLF, the digoxin-like immunoreactive factor (DLIF), has very recently been described in humans. Digoxin as a drug is the most widely prescribed digitalis in the U.S., and its measurement in serum has established a model for present-day therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Historically, the accurate measurement of digoxin in blood has been difficult. This article focuses on the present understanding of the clinical use of digoxin, factors that affect the accuracy of measuring digoxin, the principle of measuring metabolically active species of digoxin, and the effects of DLIF and other interfering substances in digoxin immunoassay.

Intersubunit interactions in human X,K-ATPases: role of membrane domains M9 and M10 in the assembly process and association efficiency of human, nongastric H,K-ATPase alpha subunits (ATP1al1) with known beta subunits

Na,K- and H,K-ATPase (X,K-ATPase) alpha subunits need association with a beta subunit for their maturation, but the authentic beta subunit of nongastric H,K-ATPase alpha subunits has not been identified. To better define alpha-beta interactions in these ATPases, we coexpressed human, nongastric H,K-ATPase alpha (AL1) and Na,K-ATPase alpha1 (alpha1NK) as well as AL1-alpha1 and alpha1-AL1 chimeras, which contain exchanged M9 and M10 membrane domains, together with each of the known beta subunits in Xenopus oocytes and followed their resistance to cellular and proteolytic degradation and their ER exit. We show that all beta subunits (gastric betaHK, beta1NK, beta2NK, beta3NK, or Bufo bladder beta) can associate efficiently with alpha1NK, but only gastric betaHK, beta2NK, and Bufo bladder beta can form stably expressed AL1-beta complexes that can leave the ER. The trypsin resistance and the forces of subunit interaction, probed by detergent resistance, are lower for AL1-beta complexes than for alpha1NK-beta complexes. Furthermore, chimeric alpha1-AL1 can be stabilized by beta subunits, but alpha1-AL1-gastric betaHK complexes are retained in the ER. On the other hand, chimeric AL1-alpha1 cannot be stabilized by any beta subunit. In conclusion, these results indicate that (1) none of the known beta subunits is the real partner subunit of AL1 but an as yet unidentified, authentic beta should have structural features resembling gastric betaHK, beta2NK, or Bufo bladder beta and (2) beta-mediated maturation of alpha subunits is a multistep process which depends on the membrane insertion properties of alpha subunits as well as on several discrete events of intersubunit interactions.

Differential localization of human nongastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase ATP1AL1 in polarized renal epithelial cells

The human H(+)-K(+)-ATPase, ATP1AL1, belongs to the subgroup of nongastric, K(+)-transporting ATPases. In concert with the structurally related gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase, it plays a major role in K(+) reabsorption in various tissues, including colon and kidney. Physiological and immunocytochemical data suggest that the functional heteromeric ion pumps are usually found in the apical plasma membranes of renal epithelial cells. However, the low expression levels of characteristic nongastric ion pumps makes it difficult to verify their spatial distribution in vivo. To investigate the sorting behavior of ATP1AL1, we expressed this pump by stable transfection in MDCK and LLC-PK(1) renal epithelial cell lines. Stable interaction of ATP1AL1 with either the endogenous Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit or the gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit was tested by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and surface biotinylation. In cells transfected with ATP1AL1 alone, the alpha-subunit accumulated intracellularly, consistent with its inability to assemble and travel to the plasma membrane with the endogenous Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit. Cotransfection of ATP1AL1 with the gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit resulted in plasma membrane localization of both pump subunits. In cotransfected MDCK cells the heteromeric ion pump was predominantly polarized to the apical plasma membrane. Functional expression of ATP1AL1 was confirmed by (86)Rb(+) uptake measurements. In contrast, cotransfected LLC-PK(1) cells accumulate ATP1AL1 at the lateral membrane. The distinct polarization of ATP1AL1 indicates that the alpha-subunit encodes sorting information that is differently interpreted by cell type-specific sorting mechanisms.

The cell biology of ion pumps: sorting and regulation

The physiologic function of an ion pump is determined, in part, by its subcellular localization and by the cellular mechanisms that modulate its activity. The Na,K-ATPase and the gastric H,K-ATPase are two closely related members of the P-type family of ion transporting ATPases. Despite their homology, these pumps are sorted to different domains in polarized epithelial cells and their enzymatic activities are subject to distinct regulatory pathways. The molecular signals responsible for these properties have begun to be elucidated. It appears that a complex array of inter- and intra-molecular interactions govern these proteins' trafficking, distribution and catalytic capacity.

Residues of the fourth transmembrane segments of the Na,K-ATPase and the gastric H,K-ATPase contribute to cation selectivity

We have generated protein chimeras to investigate the role of the fourth transmembrane segments (TM4) of the Na,K- and gastric H, K-ATPases in determining the distinct cation selectivities of these two pumps. Based on a helical wheel analysis, three residues of TM4 of the Na,K-ATPase were changed to their H,K-counterparts. A construct carrying three mutations in TM4 (L319F, N326Y, and T340S) and two control constructs were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in the pig kidney epithelial cell line LLC-PK(1). Biochemical ATPase assays demonstrated a large sodium-independent ATPase activity at pH 6.0 for the pump carrying the TM4 substitutions, whereas the control constructs exhibited little or no activity in the absence of sodium. Furthermore, at pH 6.0 the K(1/2)(Na(+)) shifted to 1.5 mM for the TM4 construct compared with 9.4 and 5.9 mM for the controls. In contrast, at pH 7.5 all three constructs had characteristics similar to wild type Na,K-ATPase. Large increases in K(1/2)(K(+)) were observed for the TM4 construct compared with the control constructs both in two-electrode voltage clamp experiments in Xenopus oocytes and in ATPase assays. ATPase assays also revealed a 10-fold shift in vanadate sensitivity for the TM4 construct. Based on these findings, it appears that the three identified TM4 residues play an important role in determining both the specific cation selectivities and the E(1)/E(2) conformational equilibria of the Na,K- and H,K-ATPase.

K(+)/Na(+) antagonism at cytoplasmic sites of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase: a tissue-specific mechanism of sodium pump regulation

Tissue-distinct interactions of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase with Na(+) and K(+), independent of isoform-specific properties, were reported previously (A. G. Therien, N. B. Nestor, W. J. Ball, and R. Blostein. J. Biol. Chem. 271: 7104-7112, 1996). In this paper, we describe a detailed analysis of tissue-specific kinetics particularly relevant to regulation of pump activity by intracellular K(+), namely K(+) inhibition at cytoplasmic Na(+) sites. Our results show that the order of susceptibilities of alpha(1) pumps of various rat tissues to K(+)/Na(+) antagonism, represented by the ratio of the apparent affinity for Na(+) binding at cytoplasmic activation sites in the absence of K(+) to the affinity constant for K(+) as a competitive inhibitor of Na(+) binding at cytoplasmic sites, is red blood cell < axolemma approximately rat alpha(1)-transfected HeLa cells < small intestine < kidney < heart. In addition, we have carried out an extensive analysis of the kinetics of K(+) binding and occlusion to the cytoplasmic cation binding site and find that, for most tissues, there is a relationship between the rate of K(+) binding/occlusion and the apparent affinity for K(+) as a competitive inhibitor of Na(+) activation, the order for both parameters being heart >/= kidney > small intestine approximately rat alpha(1)-transfected HeLa cells. The notion that modulations in cytoplasmic K(+)/Na(+) antagonism are a potential mode of pump regulation is underscored by evidence of its reversibility. Thus the relatively high K(+)/Na(+) antagonism characteristic of kidney pumps was reduced when rat kidney microsomal membranes were fused into the dog red blood cell.

Intrarenal distribution of the colonic H,K-ATPase mRNA in rabbit

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that the colonic H,K-ATPase isoform is expressed in the kidney and that a mRNA species highly homologous to the rat and guinea pig HKalpha2 is expressed in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) of the rabbit. The goals of this study were to determine if this mRNA is the rabbit homologue of HKalpha2 or a novel isoform and to determine intrarenal distribution of the HKalpha2 mRNA in rabbit.

METHODS

5'-RACE and Dye Deoxy Terminator chemistry were used to determine the full-length sequence of the rabbit HKalpha2 mRNA. The intrarenal distribution of HKalpha2 mRNA was determined in microdissected nephron segments, connecting tubule (CNT), and CCD cells isolated by immunodissection, as well as in the three cell types of the CCD. Principal cells and alpha- and beta-intercalated cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. HKalpha2 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or single-nephron RT-PCR (SN-RTPCR).

RESULTS

The full-length sequence of the rabbit kidney HKalpha2 mRNA was determined. This transcript is identical to the one expressed in rabbit distal colon. In microdissected nephron segments, strong HKalpha2 amplicons were present in the CNT, CCD, and outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD), whereas no signal was detected in the proximal tubule, distal convoluted tubule, think ascending limb, and inner medullary collecting duct. Roughly comparable levels of HKalpha2 mRNA were present in all three CCD cell types, and the highest levels were observed in a subpopulation most likely corresponding to CNT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the HKalpha2 mRNA is expressed in rabbit collecting duct is identical in size and sequence to the one expressed in rabbit distal colon. HKalpha2 mRNA in the rabbit kidney is selectively expressed in the CNT, CCD, and OMCD, and all three collecting duct subtypes express its mRNA.

H+,K+-ATPase

The H+,K+-ATPases comprise a group of integral membrane proteins that belong to the X+,K+-ATPase subfamily of P-type cation-transporting ATPases. Although these H+,K+-ATPase isoforms share approximately 60-70% amino acid identity, they exhibit discrete kinetic and pharmacological properties when expressed in heterologous systems. HK alpha2 has been categorized by its insensitivity to Sch-28080, an inhibitor of the gastric H+,K+-ATPase, and partial sensitivity to ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na+,K+-ATPase. This functional profile contrasts with the pharmacological sensitivities ascribed to HK alpha2 in transport studies in rat isolated medullary collecting ducts perfused in vitro and in mouse medullary collecting duct cell lines. HK alpha2 mRNA and protein abundance appears to be both tissue and site-specifically upregulated in response to chronic hypokalemia. This regulatory response has been localized to the outer and inner medulla. To reconcile these expressed sensitivities to those reported in vitro in isolated tubules and cells in culture, it would be necessary to invoke modification of the pharmacologic insensitivity of the colonic H+,K+-ATPase to Sch-28080. Although a 'unique' beta-subunit has been reported recently, this beta-subunit (beta(c)) is identical at the amino acid level to the recently cloned beta3-Na+,K+-ATPase. Moreover, while HK alpha2 can assemble indiscriminately with any X+,K+-ATPase beta-subunit, HK alpha2 has been reported to assemble stably with beta1-Na+,K+-ATPase in the renal medulla and in the distal colon. It remains conceivable that subunit assembly could be tissue specific and might respond to different physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested that the H+,K+-ATPase is both Na+-dependent and localized to the apical membrane in the distal colon. Therefore, future studies will need to resolve these discrepancies by determining if a unique, yet undiscovered H+,K+-ATPase isoform exists in kidney, or if post-translational modifications of the alpha- and/or beta-subunits could account for these functional diversities.

Identification of a novel gene of the X,K-ATPase beta-subunit family that is predominantly expressed in skeletal and heart muscles

We have identified the fifth member of the mammalian X,K-ATPase beta-subunit gene family. The human and rat genes are largely expressed in skeletal muscle and at a lower level in heart. The deduced human and rat proteins designated as beta(muscle) (beta(m)) consist of 357 and 356 amino acid residues, respectively, and exhibit 89% identity. The sequence homology of beta(m) proteins with known Na,K- and H,K-ATPase beta-subunits are 30.5-39.4%. Unlike other beta-subunits, putative beta(m) proteins have large N-terminal cytoplasmic domains containing long Glu-rich sequences. The data obtained indicate the existence of hitherto unknown X,K-ATPase (most probably Na,K-ATPase) isozymes in muscle cells.

Glu-857 moderates K+-dependent stimulation and SCH 28080-dependent inhibition of the gastric H,K-ATPase

The rabbit H,K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunits were transiently expressed in HEK293 T cells. The co-expression of the H,K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunits was essential for the functional H,K-ATPase. The K+-stimulated H,K-ATPase activity of 0.82 +/- 0.2 micromol/mg/h saturated with a K0.5 (KCl) of 0.6 +/- 0.1 mM, whereas the 2-methyl-8-(phenylmethoxy)imidazo[1,2a]pyridine-3-acetonitrile (SCH 28080)-inhibited ATPase of 0.62 +/- 0.07 micromol/mg/h saturated with a Ki (SCH 28080) of 1.0 +/- 0.3 microM. Site mutations were introduced at the N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-reactive residue, Glu-857, to evaluate the role of this residue in ATPase function. Variations in the side chain size and charge of this residue did not inhibit the specific activity of the H,K-ATPase, but reversal of the side chain charge by substitution of Lys or Arg for Glu produced a reciprocal change in the sensitivity of the H,K-ATPase to K+ and SCH 28080. The K0.5 for K+stimulated ATPase was decreased to 0.2 +/-.05 and 0.2 +/-.03 mM, respectively, in Lys-857 and Arg-857 site mutants, whereas the Ki for SCH 28080-dependent inhibition was increased to 6.5 +/- 1.4 and 5.9 +/- 1.5 microM, respectively. The H,K-ATPase kinetics were unaffected by the introduction of Ala at this site, but Leu produced a modest reciprocal effect. These data indicate that Glu-857 is not an essential residue for cation-dependent activity but that the residue influences the kinetics of both K+ and SCH 28080-mediated functions. This finding suggests a possible role of this residue in the conformational equilibrium of the H,K-ATPase.

H-K-ATPase in the RCCT-28A rabbit cortical collecting duct cell line

In the present study, we demonstrate that the rabbit cortical collecting duct cell line RCCT-28A possesses three distinct H-K-ATPase catalytic subunits (HKalpha). Intracellular measurements of RCCT-28A cells using the pH-sensitive dye 2', 7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) indicated that the mechanism accounting for recovery from an acid load exhibited both K+ dependence and sensitivity to Sch-28080 characteristic of H-K-ATPases. Recovery rates were 0.022 +/- 0.005 pH units/min in the presence of K+, 0.004 +/- 0.002 in the absence of K+, and 0.002 +/- 0.002 in the presence of Sch-28080. The mRNAs encoding the HKalpha1 subunit and the H-K-ATPase beta-subunit (HKbeta) were detected by RT-PCR. In addition, two HKalpha2 species were found by RT-PCR and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'-RACE) in the rabbit renal cortex. One was homologous to HKalpha2 cDNAs generated from other species, and the second was novel. The latter, referred to as HKalpha2c, encoded an apparent 61-residue amino-terminal extension that bore no homology to reported sequences. Antipeptide antibodies were designed on the basis of this extension, and these antibodies recognized a protein of the appropriate mass in both rabbit renal tissue samples and RCCT-28A cells. Such findings constitute very strong evidence for expression of the HKalpha2c subunit in vivo. The results suggest that the rabbit kidney and RCCT-28A cells express at least three distinct H-K-ATPases.

Ouabain-sensitive H,K-ATPase: tissue-specific expression of the mammalian genes encoding the catalytic alpha subunit

Human ATP1AL1 and corresponding genes of other mammals encode the catalytic alpha subunit of a non-gastric ouabain-sensitive H,K-ATPases, the ion pump presumably involved in maintenance of potassium homeostasis. The tissue specificity of the expression of these genes in different species has not been analyzed in detail. Here we report comparative RT-PCR screening of mouse, rat, rabbit, human, and dog tissues. Significant expression levels were observed in the skin, kidney and distal colon of all species (with the exception of the human colon). Analysis of rat urogenital organs also revealed strong expression in coagulating and preputial glands. Relatively lower expression levels were detected in many other tissues including brain, placenta and lung. In rabbit brain the expression was found to be specific to choroid plexus and cortex. Prominent similarity of tissue-specific expression patterns indicates that animal and human non-gastric H,K-ATPases are indeed products of homologous genes. This is also consistent with the high sequence similarity of non-gastric H,K-ATPases (including partial sequences of hitherto unknown cDNAs for mouse and dog proteins).

A tyrosine-based signal regulates H-K-ATPase-mediated potassium reabsorption in the kidney

Isoforms of the H-K-ATPase participate in active K resorption in the renal collecting tubule. The cytoplasmic tail of the beta-subunit of the gastric H-K-ATPase includes a 4 amino acid motif which is highly homologous to tyrosine-based endocytosis signals. We have generated transgenic mice expressing an H-K-ATPase beta-subunit in which the tyrosine residue in this sequence has been mutated to alanine. Mice expressing the mutated protein manifest constitutive hypersecretion of gastric acid, demonstrating that the beta-subunit tyrosine-based motif is required for the regulated endocytosis of the H-K pump and hence the cessation of gastric acid output. To test the possibility that the tyrosine-based sequence in the tail of the H-K-ATPase beta-subunit plays a role in regulating the function of renal H-K-ATPases, we examined renal K clearance in normal and in transgenic mice. Blood pressure, urine volume, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma Na, and Na excretion are similar in control and transgenic mice. However, plasma K concentrations are significantly higher in transgenic mice (4.76 +/- 0.13 meq/l in transgenic and 4. 12 +/- 0.04 meq/l in control; n = 9, P < 0.05) and K excretion is lower in the transgenic animals (fractional excretion of K was 26.2 +/- 3.62% in transgenic and 50.1 +/- 4.78% in control; n = 9, P < 0. 01). These data suggest that the tyrosine-based signal in the cytoplasmic tail of the H-K-ATPase beta-subunit functions in the kidney as it does in the stomach to internalize H-K pump and thus inactivate pump function. Its elimination may result in the constitutive presence of the pump at the cell surface and lead to excessive urinary K reabsorption.

ATP1AL1, a member of the non-gastric H,K-ATPase family, functions as a sodium pump

The human ATP1AL1-encoded protein (an alpha subunit of the human non-gastric H,K-ATPase) has previously been shown to assemble with the gastric H,K-ATPase beta subunit (gH,Kbeta) to form a functionally active ionic pump in HEK 293 cells. This pump has been found to be sensitive to both SCH 28080 and ouabain. However, the 86Rb+-influx mediated by the ATP1AL1-gH,Kbeta heterodimer in HEK 293 cells is at least 1 order of magnitude larger than the maximum ouabain-sensitive proton efflux detected in the same cells. In this study we find that the intracellular Na+ content in cells expressing ATP1AL1 and gH,Kbeta is two times lower than that in control HEK 293 cells in response to incubation for 3 h in the presence of 1 microM ouabain. Moreover, analysis of net Na+ efflux in HEK 293 expressing the ATP1AL1-gH,Kbeta heterodimer reveals the presence of Na+ extrusion activity that is not sensitive to 1 microM ouabain but can be inhibited by 1 mM of this drug. In contrast, ouabain-inhibitable Na+ efflux in control HEK 293 cells is similarly sensitive to either 1 microM or 1 mM ouabain. Finally, 86Rb+ influx through the ATP1AL1-gH,Kbeta complex is comparable to the 1 mM ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux in the same cells. The data presented here suggest that the enzyme formed by ATP1AL1 and the gastric H,K-ATPase beta subunit in HEK 293 cells mediates primarily Na+,K+ rather than H+,K+ exchange.

Gastric H+/K(+)-ATPase: targeting signals in the regulation of physiologic function

The H+/K(+)-ATPase of gastric parietal cells catalyzes acid secretion in the stomach. Regulation of this pump's function involves its targeting to an intracellular storage compartment, which fuses with the apical plasma membrane in response to secretagogue stimulation. The H+/K(+)-ATPase must also be returned to this intracellular storage compartment to inactivate acid secretion. Recent research suggests that a number of targeting signals and protein-protein interactions participate in governing this process.

The alpha-subunit of the colonic H+,K+-ATPase assembles with beta1-Na+,K+-ATPase in kidney and distal colon

Previous experiments from our laboratory (Codina, J., Kone, B. C., Delmas-Mata, J. T., and DuBose, T. D., Jr. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 29759-29763) demonstrated that the alpha-subunit of the colonic H+, K+-ATPase (HKalpha2) requires coexpression with a beta-subunit to support H+/K+ transport in a heterologous expression system (Xenopus laevis oocytes). In these studies, HKalpha2 formed stable and functional alpha.beta complexes when coexpressed with either the rat beta1-subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase or the beta-subunit of the gastric H+,K+-ATPase, suggesting that different beta-subunits may interact with HKalpha2. The present studies tested this hypothesis by development and application of a specific antibody against HKalpha2 peptide. Subsequently, immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to determine if HKalpha2 co-precipitates with the same beta-subunit in organs known to express HKalpha2 protein. The data demonstrate that HKalpha2 assembles with beta1-Na+,K+-ATPase in the renal medulla and in distal colon.

Insect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (sodium/potassium pump) is a P-type ion-motive ATPase found in the plasma membranes of animal cels. In vertebrates, the functions of this enzyme in nerves, heart and kidney are well characterized and characteristics a defined by different isoforms. In contrast, despite different tissue distributions, insects possess a single isoform of the alpha-subunit. A comparison of insect and vertebrate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases reveals that although the mode of action and structure are very highly conserved, the specific roles of the enzyme in most tissues varies. However, the enzyme is essential for the function of nerve cells, and in this respect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase appears to be fundamental in metazoan evolution.

A novel N-terminal splice variant of the rat H+-K+-ATPase alpha2 subunit. Cloning, functional expression, and renal adaptive response to chronic hypokalemia

The H+-K+-ATPase of renal collecting duct mediates K+ conservation during chronic hypokalemia. K+ deprivation promotes H+-K+-ATPase alpha2 (HKalpha2) gene expression in the medullary collecting duct, the principal site of active K+ reabsorption, suggesting that this isozyme contributes to renal K+ reclamation. We report here that alternative transcriptional initiation and mRNA splicing give rise to distinct N-terminal variants of the HKalpha2 subunit. Sequence analysis and in vitro translation revealed that HKalpha2a corresponds to the known HKalpha2 cDNA (Crowson, M. S., and Shull, G. E. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 13740-13748), whereas HKalpha2b represents a novel variant truncated by 108 amino acids at its N terminus. HKalpha2b mRNA contains a complex 5'-untranslated region with eight upstream open reading frames, features implicated in translational regulation of other genes. Heterologous expression of HKalpha2b with and without the gastric H+-K+-ATPase beta subunit in HEK 293 cells indicated that this variant encodes a K+ uptake mechanism that is relatively Sch 28080-resistant, partially sensitive to ouabain, and appears to require coexpression with the gastric H+-K+-ATPase beta subunit for optimal functional activity. Northern analysis demonstrated that both subtypes (HKalpha2b > HKalpha2a) are expressed abundantly in distal colon and modestly in proximal colon and kidney. Moreover, the abundance of the two mRNAs increases coordinately among the renal zones, but not in colon, with chronic K+ deprivation. These results demonstrate the potential for complex control of HKalpha2 gene expression by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms not recognized in other members of the Na+-K+-ATPase/H+-K+-ATPase family.

Enzymatic properties of human Na,K-ATPase alpha1beta3 isozyme

Recent results of a wide-scale human cDNA sequencing project have identified a cDNA which encodes a hitherto unknown human protein sequence exhibiting structural similarities with beta-subunits of the Na,K- and H,K-ATPase family and with the amphibian Na,KATPase beta3-subunit, in particular. In this study the ability of the putative human beta3-subunit to assemble with the human alpha1-subunit in functionally active Na,KATPase was examined using the baculovirus expression system. The recombinant baculovirus simultaneously expressing both alpha1 and beta3 human proteins was produced using the dual-promoter transfer vector p2Bac. The expression of both human proteins in baculovirus-infected Sf-9 cell membranes detected with specific antibodies resulted in the formation of a catalytically competent alpha1beta3 ATPase complex. Characterization of the recombinant ATPase complex involved the analysis of Na+, K+, and ATP dependencies of enzyme activity and its sensitivity toward ouabain. Preparations of HeLa cell membranes containing alpha1beta1 isozyme of human Na,K-ATPase were used as control. The data obtained clearly demonstrated that alpha1beta3 ATPase exhibits enzymatic properties which are characteristic of Na, K-ATPase. The recombinant alpha1beta3 isozyme displayed significantly lower sensitivity to ouabain than native alpha1beta1. These findings indicate that the hitherto unknown alpha1beta3 isozyme of human Na,K-ATPase is likely to exist in vivo, thus suggesting further expansion of human Na,K-ATPase isozyme diversity. The present studies are the first in which heterologous expression has been used for the characterization of an isozyme of human Na, K-ATPase.

Mutational analysis of putative SCH 28080 binding sites of the gastric H+,K+-ATPase

A compound, SCH 28080 (2-methyl-8-(phenylmethoxy)imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetonitrile), reversibly inhibits gastric and renal ouabain-insensitive H+,K+-ATPase, but not colonic ouabain-sensitive H+,K+-ATPase. By using the functional expression system and site-directed mutagenesis, we analyzed the putative binding sites of SCH 28080 in gastric H+,K+-ATPase alpha-subunit. It was previously reported that the binding site of SCH 28080, which is a K+-site inhibitor specific for gastric H+,K+-ATPase, was in the first extracellular loop between the first and second transmembrane segments of the alpha-subunit; Phe-126 and Asp-138 were putative binding sites. However, we found that all the mutants in the first extracellular loop including Phe-126 and Asp-138 retained H+, K+-ATPase activity and sensitivity to SCH 28080. Therefore, amino acid residues in the first extracellular loop are not directly involved in the SCH 28080 binding nor indispensable for the H+, K+-ATPase activity. Here we propose a candidate residue that is important for the binding with SCH 28080, Glu-822 in the sixth transmembrane segment. Mutations of Glu-822 to Asp and Ala (mutants termed E822D and E822A, respectively) decreased the ATPase activity to about 45% and 35% of the wild-type enzyme, respectively, while the mutations to Gln and Leu abolished the activity. Mutant E822A showed a significantly lower affinity for K+ than the wild-type enzyme, indicating that Glu-822 is involved in determining the affinity for K+. The sensitivity of mutant E822D to SCH 28080 was 8 times lower than that of the wild-type enzyme. The counterpart of Glu-822 in gastric H+,K+-ATPase is Asp in Na+,K+-ATPase and other colonic ouabain-sensitive H+,K+-ATPase, which are insensitive to SCH 28080. These results suggest that Glu-822 is one of important sites that bind with SCH 28080.

Amino acids Val115-Ile126 of rat gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase confer high affinity for Sch-28080 to Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase

Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is inhibited by cardiac glycosides and is insensitive to Sch-28080, an inhibitor of gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase is not inhibited by cardiac glycosides. Both ouabain and, Sch-28080 binding are inhibited by K+, and it has been suggested that the inhibitors bind to corresponding regions on the alpha-subunit of each ion pump. For identification of regions of each pump that interact with the specific inhibitors, chimeric alpha-subunits consisting of selected regions from Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase have been prepared. One chimera (gM1/2) has been constructed from cDNA of the sheep alpha1-subunit of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by replacement of the last 12 amino acids of the first predicted transmembrane region (Ile99-Ile110) with corresponding amino acids from rat gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase. gM1/2 was expressed in yeast cells together with either the rat Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta 1-subunit (NK beta 1) or rat gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit (HK beta). Western blots show that the expression level of the chimeric alpha-subunit was comparable to the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha 1. Ouabain binds with high affinity to gM1/2+NK beta 1 [ouabain binding affinity (Kd) = 9.5 nM] but not to gM1/2+HK beta. The Kd for ouabain binding to Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was 7.8 nM. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity of gM1/2+NK beta 1 was inhibited both by ouabain and Sch-28080. The 50% inhibition concentration for Sch-28080 was 20-60 nM. Sch-28080 at 10 microM did not inhibit Mg(2+)- and Pi-dependent ouabain binding to gM1/2+NK beta 1. Ouabain (0.75 mM) inhibited palytoxin-induced K+ efflux from yeast cells expressing either gM1/2+NK beta 1 or gM1/2+NK beta, and Sch-28080 increased the palytoxin-induced K+ efflux from yeast cells expressing gM1/2+NK beta 1 or gM1/2+HK beta. These results implicate a small number of amino acids in the first transmembrane part of gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase as partial determinants of the sensitivity to Sch-28080. The data also suggest that ouabain and Sch-28080 do not bind to the same site on the chimera.

Functional expression of the colonic H+,K+-ATPase alpha-subunit. Pharmacologic properties and assembly with X+,K+-ATPase beta-subunits

The functional and pharmacological properties of the alpha-subunit of the colonic H+,K+-ATPase (alphaC) were studied in Xenopus laevis oocytes. alphaC was injected with different rat beta-subunits, the beta-subunit of the gastric H+,K+-ATPase (betaG, the only H+, K+-ATPase beta-subunit identified in rat), or the beta1-subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase (beta1) (associated with the basolateral Na+, K+-ATPase, but also expressed in the epithelial apical membranes of rat distal colon) (Marxer, A., Stieger, B., Quarini, A., Kashgarian, M., and Hauri, H. P. (1989) J. Cell Biol. 109, 1057-1069). The effect of the different beta-subunits was studied by measuring 86Rb+ uptake (a K+ congener) in the presence or absence of Sch-28080 and ouabain. Significant Na+-independent 86Rb+ uptake was observed only when alphaC was coexpressed with one of the beta-subunits. The expressed alphaCbeta1 and alphaCbetaG complexes were not inhibited by Sch-28080, were only partially sensitive to ouabain (IC50 = 400-600 microM, in the presence of external 1 mM KCl), and exhibited comparable K+ activation kinetics. Coexpression of alphaC with epitope-tagged betaG or beta1, followed by immunopurification of the alphabeta complexes, confirmed stable assembly of alphaCbetaG and alphaCbeta1 complexes. Since the beta1-subunit, but not the alpha1-subunit, of Na+,K+-ATPase is expressed in the apical membrane of rat colonocytes, our data support the view that, in rat distal colon, the beta1-subunit may play a surrogate role as the beta-subunit for the colonic H+,K+-ATPase.

Differential regulation of putative K(+)-ATPase by low-K+ diet and corticosteroids in rat distal colon and kidney

K+ homeostasis depends on K+ absorption in digestive and renal epithelia. Recently, a cDNA encoding for a putative K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) alpha-subunit has been characterized. We studied its expression by ribonuclease protection assay and in situ hybridization in the distal colon and the kidney of rats in various physiological states. In the distal colon of control rats, high expression of the colonic putative K(+)-ATPase mRNA was restricted to the surface epithelial cells. A low-K+ diet did not modify this expression, adrenalectomy decreased it, and aldosterone or dexamethasone treatment for 2 days restored normal levels. In the kidney of control rats, levels of K(+)-ATPase mRNA were very low. A low-K+ diet revealed a clear mRNA expression, which is consistent with a recent report [J.A. Kraut, F. Starr, G. Sachs, and M. Reuben. Am. J. Physiol. 268 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 37): F581-F587, 1995]. This expression was restricted to the outer medullary collecting duct, presumably in principal cells. Changes in corticosteroid status did not influence the renal expression. Our results, together with previous studies on K+ absorption and K(+)-ATPase activity, suggest that more than a single molecular form of K(+)-ATPase is likely to be responsible for the regulation of K+ absorption in the colon and distal nephron.

Human ATP1AL1 gene encodes a ouabain-sensitive H-K-ATPase

The cDNA for ATP1AL1, the fifth member of the human Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase)/H-K-ATPase gene family, was recently cloned (A. V. Grishin, V. E. Sverdlov, M. B. Kostina, and N. N. Modyanov. FEBS Lett. 349: 144-150, 1994). The encoded protein (ATP1AL1) has all the primary structural features common to the catalytic alpha-subunit of ion-transporting P-type ATPases and is similar (63-64% identity) to the Na-K-ATPase alpha-subunit isoforms and the gastric H-K-ATPase alpha-subunit. In this study, ATP1AL1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes in combination with the beta-subunit of rabbit gastric H-K-ATPase. The functional properties of the stable alpha/beta-complex were studied by 86Rb+ uptake and demonstrated that ATP1AL1 is a novel human K(+)-dependent ATPase [apparent half-constant activation/(K1/2) for K+ approximately 375 microM)]. ATP1AL1-mediated inward K+ transport was inhibited by ouabain (inhibition constant approximately 13 microM) and was found to be inhibited by high concentrations of SCH-28080 (approximately 70% at 500 microM). ATP1AL1 expression resulted in the alkalinization of the oocytes' cytoplasm and ouabain-sensitive proton extrusion, as measured with pH-sensitive microelectrodes. These data argue that ATP1AL1 is the catalytic alpha-subunit of a human nongastric P-type ATPase capable of exchanging extracellular potassium for intracellular protons.

Functional consequences of mutation Asn326-->Leu in the 4th transmembrane segment of the alpha-subunit of the rat kidney Na+, K(+)-ATPase

Site-specific mutagenesis was used to replace Asn326 in transmembrane segment M4 of the ouabain-insensitive alpha 1-isoform of rat kidney Na+, K(+)-ATPase. Mutant Asn326-->Leu was functional as demonstrated by the ability of COS cells expressing the mutant enzyme to grow in the presence of ouabain. In three independent assays encompassing Na+ titrations of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity, Na(+)-ATPase activity, and phosphorylation from ATP, the Asn326-->Leu mutant displayed a reduced apparent affinity for Na+. By contrast, this mutant exhibited a slightly increased apparent affinity for K+ relative to the wild-type enzyme. In the presence of Na+ without K+, the Asn326-->Leu mutant hydrolyzed ATP at a high rate corresponding to 32% of the maximal Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity, and the rate of dephosphorylation of the phosphoenzyme intermediate was enhanced in the mutant relative to that of the wild-type enzyme. Oligomycin, known to stabilize the Na(+)-occluded phosphoenzyme intermediate, reduced the dephosphorylation rate of the mutant and increased the steady-state phosphoenzyme level formed by the mutant at least 3-fold, whereas an increase in the steady-state phosphoenzyme level of only 10-15% was determined for the wild-type enzyme. The molecular turnover number for the Na+,K(+)-ATPase reaction, calculated when the steady-state phosphoenzyme level obtained in the presence of oligomycin was taken as a measure of the concentration of active sites, was slightly reduced relative to that of the wild-type enzyme. The data are discussed in terms of a role for Asn326 in binding of cytoplasmic Na+ and in mediation of inhibition of dephosphorylation.