The role of volume-sensitive ion transport systems in regulation of epithelial transport

HepG2 cells undergo regulatory volume decrease by mechanically induced efflux of water and solutes

This study challenges the conventional belief that animal cell membranes lack a significant hydrostatic gradient, particularly under anisotonic conditions, as demonstrated in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The Boyle van't Hoff (BvH) relation describes volumetric equilibration to anisotonic conditions for many cells. However, the BvH relation is simple and does not include many cellular components such as the cytoskeleton and actin cortex, mechanosensitive channels, and ion pumps. Here we present alternative models that account for mechanical resistance to volumetric expansion, solute leakage, and active ion pumping. We found the BvH relation works well to describe hypertonic volume equilibration but not hypotonic volume equilibration. After anisotonic exposure and return isotonic conditions cell volumes were smaller than their initial isotonic volume, indicating solutes had leaked out of the cell during swelling. Finally, we observed HepG2 cells undergo regulatory volume decrease at both 20 °C and 4 °C, indicating regulatory volume decrease to be a relatively passive phenomenon and not driven by ion pumps. We determined the turgor-leak model, which accounts for mechanical resistance and solute leakage, best fits the observations found in the suite of experiments performed, while other models were rejected.

Meta-analysis of the Boyle van 't Hoff relation: Turgor and leak models explain non-ideal volume equilibrium

There has been much recent attention paid to the interaction of cell volume, its regulation, and the molecular biology of the cell. Cells are generally assumed to behave as linear osmometers, with their water volume linearly proportionate to the inverse of osmotic pressure as described by the Boyle van 't Hoff (BvH) relation. This study evaluates the generality of this and other long-standing assumptions about cell responses to anisotonic conditions. We present alternative models that account for osmoregulation including mechanical resistance to volumetric expansion (the turgor model) and ion-osmolyte leakage (the leak model). To evaluate the generality of the BvH relation and determine the suitability of alternative models, we performed a comprehensive survey of the literature and a careful analysis of the resulting data, and then we used these data to compare among models. We identified 137 articles published from 1964 to 2019 spanning 14 animal species and 26 cell types and determined the BvH relation is not an appropriate general model but is adequate when restricted to the hypertonic region. In contrast, models that account for either mechanical resistance or ion-osmolyte leakage fit well to almost all collected data. The leak model has fitted parameters that are in the same range as the current literature estimate, while the turgor model typically requires an elastic modulus value of one or multiple orders of magnitude larger than literature values. However, confirmation of the underlying mechanism of osmotic regulation is required at the cell-specific level and cannot be assumed a priori.

The expanding toolbox to study the LRRC8-formed volume-regulated anion channel VRAC

The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is activated upon cell swelling and facilitates the passive movement of anions across the plasma membrane in cells. VRAC function underlies many critical homeostatic processes in vertebrate cells. Among them are the regulation of cell volume and membrane potential, glutamate release and apoptosis. VRAC is also permeable for organic osmolytes and metabolites including some anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of VRAC's structure-function relationships, its physiological roles, its utility for therapy of diseases, and the development of compounds modulating its activity are important research frontiers. Here, we describe approaches that have been applied to study VRAC since it was first described more than 30 years ago, providing an overview of the recent methodological progress. The diverse applications reflecting a compromise between the physiological situation, biochemical definition, and biophysical resolution range from the study of VRAC activity using a classic electrophysiology approach, to the measurement of osmolytes transport by various means and the investigation of its activation using a novel biophysical approach based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

ClC-3: A Novel Promising Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis

Chloride channel 3 (ClC-3), a Cl^-/H⁺ antiporter, has been well established as a member of volume-regulated chloride channels (VRCCs). ClC-3 may be a crucial mediator for activating inflammation-associated signaling pathways by regulating protein phosphorylation. A growing number of studies have indicated that ClC-3 overexpression plays a crucial role in mediating increased plasma low-density lipoprotein levels, vascular endothelium dysfunction, pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages, hyper-proliferation and hyper-migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), as well as oxidative stress and foam cell formation, which are the main factors responsible for atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arterial wall. In the present review, we summarize the molecular structures and classical functions of ClC-3. We further discuss its emerging role in the atherosclerotic process. In conclusion, we explore the potential role of ClC-3 as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Focal adhesion kinase and osmotic responses in ionocytes of Fundulus heteroclitus, a euryhaline teleost fish

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) anion channels are the regulated exit pathway in Cl^- secretion by teleost salt secreting ionocytes of the gill and opercular epithelia of euryhaline teleosts. By confocal light immunocytochemistry using regular and phospho-antibodies directed against conserved sites, we found that killifish CFTR (kfCFTR) and the tyrosine kinase Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) phosphorylated at Y407 (FAKpY407) and FAKpY397 are colocalized at the apical membrane and in subjacent membrane vesicles of ionocytes. Hypotonic shock and the α-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine rapidly and reversibly inhibit Cl^- secretion by isolated opercular epithelia, simultaneous with dephosphorylation of FAKpY407 and increased FAKpY397, located in the apical membrane of ionocytes in the opercular epithelium. FAKpY407 is re-phosphorylated at the apical membrane of ionocytes and Cl^- secretion rapidly restored by hypertonic shock, detectable at 2 min., maximum at 5 min and still elevated at 30 min. In isolated opercular epithelia, the FAK phosphorylation inhibitor Y15 and p38MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 significantly blunted the recovery of short-circuit current (I_sc, equal to Cl^- secretion rate) after hypertonic shock. The cSRC inhibitor saracatinib dephosphorylated FAKpY861 seen near tight junctions of pavement cells, and reduced the increase in epithelial resistance normally seen with clonidine inhibition of ion transport, while FAKpY397 was unaffected. The results show rapid osmosensitive responses in teleost fish ionocytes involve phosphorylation of CFTR by FAKpY407, an opposing role for FAKpY397 and a possible role for FAKpY861 in tight junction dynamics.

More than just a pressure relief valve: physiological roles of volume-regulated LRRC8 anion channels

The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is a key player in the volume regulation of vertebrate cells. This ubiquitously expressed channel opens upon osmotic cell swelling and potentially other cues and releases chloride and organic osmolytes, which contributes to regulatory volume decrease (RVD). A plethora of studies have proposed a wide range of physiological roles for VRAC beyond volume regulation including cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, apoptosis, intercellular communication by direct release of signaling molecules and by supporting the exocytosis of insulin. VRAC was additionally implicated in pathological states such as cancer therapy resistance and excitotoxicity under ischemic conditions. Following extensive investigations, 5 years ago leucine-rich repeat-containing family 8 (LRRC8) heteromers containing LRRC8A were identified as the pore-forming components of VRAC. Since then, molecular biological approaches have allowed further insight into the biophysical properties and structure of VRAC. Heterologous expression, siRNA-mediated downregulation and genome editing in cells, as well as the use of animal models have enabled the assessment of the proposed physiological roles, together with the identification of new functions including spermatogenesis and the uptake of antibiotics and platinum-based cancer drugs. This review discusses the recent molecular biological insights into the physiology of VRAC in relation to its previously proposed roles.

Association of OSR-1 With Vascular Dysfunction and Hypertension in Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is associated with oxidative stress and hypertension development before renal function decline and cardiovascular disease development. Oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1 (OSR-1) participates in the signaling regulating Na⁺ transport during oxidative stress and also plays a role in the regulation of cell volume and blood pressure. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential role of OSR-1 in ADPKD patients. Eighty ADPKD patients, 80 healthy controls, and 80 non-ADPKD patients with hypertension were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted in all participants. Blood samples were taken after 12-h fasting for the measurement of biochemical parameters and OSR-1 gene expression. Vascular dysfunction was assessed using ischemia-induced forearm flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Briefly, of the 80 ADPKD patients, 41(51%) were male, and 53(66%) of them were hypertensive. The mean age of the 80 controls was 35.3 ± 12.6 years, and 37(46%) of them were male. The mean age of the 80 non-ADPKD patients with hypertension was 44.6 ± 11.9 years, and 38(47.5) of them were male. There were significant differences in serum OSR-1 gene expression between the ADPKD patients and the control subjects. Serum OSR-1 gene expression was also significantly increased in hypertensive ADPKD patients in comparison with both normotensive ADPKD counterparts and non-ADPKD hypertensive subjects. Serum OSR-1 gene expression was increased in patients with ADPKD than healthy subjects. Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), OSR-1 gene expression, total kidney volume (TKV), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also independently associated with hypertension in ADPKD patients.

Physiological mechanism of osmoregulatory adaptation in anguillid eels

In recent years, the production of eel larvae has dramatic declines due to reductions in spawning stocks, overfishing, growth habitat destruction and access reductions, and pollution. Therefore, it is particularly important and urgent for artificial production of glass eels. However, the technique of artificial hatching and rearing larvae is still immature, which has long been regarded as an extremely difficult task. One of the huge gaps is artificial condition which is far from the natural condition to develop their capability of osmoregulation. Thus, understanding their osmoregulatory mechanisms will help to improve the breed and adapt to the changes in the environment. In this paper, we give a general review for a study progress of osmoregulatory mechanisms in eels from five aspects including tissues and organs, ion transporters, hormones, proteins, and high throughput sequencing methods.

WNK1 and p38-MAPK distribution in ionocytes and accessory cells of euryhaline teleost fish implies ionoregulatory function

Ionocytes of euryhaline teleost fish secrete NaCl, under regulation by serine and threonine kinases, including with-no-lysine kinase (WNK1) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus L.) were acclimated to freshwater (FW), full strength seawater (SW) and hypersaline conditions (2SW). Immunocytochemistry of ionocytes in opercular epithelia of fish acclimated to SW and 2SW revealed that WNK1-anti-pT58 phosphoantibody localized strongly to accessory cells and was present in the cytosol of ionocytes, close to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the apical membrane and the sodium potassium 2 chloride cotransporter (NKCC) in the basolateral membrane. In FW acclimated fish, WNK1 localized to a sub-apical zone, did not colocalize with apical membrane-located sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC), and typically was present in one cell of paired ionocytes and in some single ionocytes. Forskolin treatment (10 μM, 30 min) increased WNK1 immunofluorescence in SW ionocytes only, while hypertonicity had little effect, compared to controls. Anti-p38-MAPK antibody localized to the cytosolic compartment. The distribution of WNK1 and p38MAPK is consistent with a proximal position in regulatory cascades, rather than directly affecting transporters. The strong staining of accessory cells by WNK1 phosphoantibody infers an osmoregulatory function for WNK.

Summary: Fish opercular epithelium ionocytes and accessory cells have WNK family kinases that may regulate paracellular and transcellular ion transport.

Severe Convulsions and Dysmyelination in Both Jimpy and Cx32/47 -/- Mice may Associate Astrocytic L-Channel Function with Myelination and Oligodendrocytic Connexins with Internodal Kv Channels

The Jimpy mouse illustrates the importance of interactions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. It has a mutation in Plp coding for proteolipid protein and DM20. Its behavior is normal at birth but from the age of ~2 weeks it shows severe convulsions associated with oligodendrocyte/myelination deficits and early death. A normally occurring increase in oxygen consumption by highly elevated K+ concentrations is absent in Jimpy brain slices and cultured astrocytes, reflecting that Plp at early embryonic stages affects common precursors as also shown by the ability of conditioned medium from normal astrocytes to counteract histological abnormalities. This metabolic response is now known to reflect opening of L-channels for Ca2+. The resulting deficiency in Ca2+ entry has many consequences, including lack of K+-stimulated glycogenolysis and release of gliotransmitter ATP. Lack of purinergic stimulation compromises oligodendrocyte survival and myelination and affects connexins and K+ channels. Mice lacking the oligodendrocytic connexins Cx32 and 47 show similar neurological dysfunction as Jimpy. This possibly reflects that K+ released by intermodal axonal Kv channels is transported underneath a loosened myelin sheath instead of reaching the extracellular space via connexin-mediated transport to oligodendrocytes, followed by release and astrocytic Na+,K+-ATPase-driven uptake with subsequent Kir4.1-facilitated release and neuronal uptake.

Sodium caprate-induced increases in intestinal permeability and epithelial damage are prevented by misoprostol

Epithelial damage caused by intestinal permeation enhancers is a source of debate concerning safety. The medium chain fatty acid, sodium caprate (C10), causes reversible membrane perturbation at high dose levels required for efficacy in vivo, so the aim was to model it in vitro. Exposure of Caco-2 monolayers to 8.5mM C10 for 60min followed by incubation in fresh buffer led to (i) recovery in epithelial permeability (i.e. transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of [(14)C]-mannitol), (ii) recovery of cell viability parameters (monolayer morphology, plasma membrane potential, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular calcium) and (iii) reduction in mRNA expression associated with inflammation (IL-8). Pre-incubation of monolayers with a mucosal prostaglandin cytoprotectant was attempted in order to further decipher the mechanism of C10. Misoprostol (100nM), inhibited C10-induced changes in monolayer parameters, an effect that was partially attenuated by the EP1 receptor antagonist, SC51322. In rat isolated intestinal tissue mucosae and in situ loop instillations, C10-induced respective increases in the [(14)C]-mannitol Papp and the AUC of FITC-dextran 4000 (FD-4) were similarly inhibited by misoprostol, with accompanying morphological damage spared. These data support a temporary membrane perturbation effect of C10, which is linked to its capacity to mainly increase paracellular flux, but which can be prevented by pre-exposure to misoprostol.

Reciprocal osmotic challenges reveal mechanisms of divergence in phenotypic plasticity in the killifish Fundulus heteroclitus

The killifish Fundulus heteroclitus is an estuarine species with broad physiological plasticity enabling acclimation to diverse stressors. Previous work suggests freshwater populations expanded their physiology to accommodate low salinity environments, however, it is unknown if this compromises their tolerance to high salinity. We employed a comparative approach to investigate the mechanisms of a derived freshwater phenotype and the fate of an ancestral euryhaline phenotype after invasion of a freshwater environment. We compared physiological and transcriptomic responses to high and low salinity stress in fresh and brackish water populations and found an enhanced plasticity to low salinity in the freshwater population coupled with a reduced ability to acclimate to high salinity. Transcriptomic data identified genes with a conserved common response, a conserved salinity dependent response, and responses associated with population divergence. Conserved common acclimation responses revealed stress responses and alterations in cell-cycle regulation as important mechanisms in the general osmotic response. Salinity-specific responses included the regulation of genes involved in ion transport, intracellular calcium, energetic processes, and cellular remodeling. Genes diverged between populations were primarily those showing salinity-specific expression and included those regulating polyamine homeostasis and cell cycle. Additionally, when populations were matched with their native salinity, expression patterns were consistent with the concept of “transcriptomic resilience,” suggesting local adaptation. These findings provide insight into the fate of a plastic phenotype after a shift in environmental salinity and help to reveal mechanisms allowing for euryhalinity.

Downregulation of peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 by oxidative stress responsive kinase OSR1

BACKGROUND/AIMS

OSR1 (oxidative-stress-responsive kinase 1) participates in the regulation of renal tubular ion transport, cell volume and blood pressure. Whether OSR1 contributes to the regulation of organic solute transport remained; however, elusive. The present study thus explored the OSR1 sensitivity of the peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2.

METHODS

cRNA encoding PEPT1 or PEPT2 were injected into Xenopus oocytes without or with additional injection of cRNA encoding wild-type OSR1, WNK1 insensitive inactive (T185A)OSR1, constitutively active (T185E)OSR1, and catalytically inactive (D164A)OSR1. Electrogenic peptide (glycine-glycine) transport was determined by dual electrode voltage clamp, the abundance of hemagglutinin-tagged PEPT2 (PEPT2-HA) by chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

In Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA encoding PEPT1 or PEPT2, but not in oocytes injected with water, the dipeptide gly-gly (2 mM) generated an appreciable inward current (I(gly-gly)). Coexpression of OSR1 significantly decreased Igly-gly in both PEPT1 and PEPT2 expressing oocytes. The effect of OSR1 coexpression on Igly-gly in PEPT1 expressing oocytes was mimicked by coexpression of (T185E)OSR1, but not of (D164A)OSR1 or (T185A)OSR1. Kinetic analysis revealed that coexpression of OSR1 decreased maximal Igly-gly. OSR1 further decreased the PEPT2-HA protein abundance in the cell membrane.

CONCLUSION

OSR1 has the capacity to downregulate the peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 by decreasing the carrier protein abundance in the cell membrane.

SPAK dependent regulation of peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2

BACKGROUND/AIMS

SPAK (STE20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) is a powerful regulator of renal tubular ion transport and blood pressure. Moreover, SPAK contributes to the regulation of cell volume. Little is known, however, about a role of SPAK in the regulation or organic solutes. The present study thus addressed the influence of SPAK on the peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2.

METHODS

To this end, cRNA encoding PEPT1 or PEPT2 were injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes without or with additional injection of cRNA encoding wild-type, SPAK, WNK1 insensitive inactive (T233A)SPAK, constitutively active (T233E)SPAK, and catalytically inactive (D212A)SPAK. Electrogenic peptide (glycine-glycine) transport was determined by dual electrode voltage clamp and PEPT2 protein abundance in the cell membrane by chemiluminescence. Intestinal electrogenic peptide transport was estimated from peptide induced current in Ussing chamber experiments of jejunal segments isolated from gene targeted mice expressing SPAK resistant to WNK-dependent activation (spak(tg/tg)) and respective wild-type mice (spak(+/+)).

RESULTS

In PEPT1 and in PEPT2 expressing oocytes, but not in oocytes injected with water, the dipeptide gly-gly (2 mM) generated an inward current, which was significantly decreased following coexpression of SPAK. The effect of SPAK on PEPT1 was mimicked by (T233E)SPAK, but not by (D212A)SPAK or (T233A)SPAK. SPAK decreased maximal peptide induced current of PEPT1. Moreover, SPAK decreased carrier protein abundance in the cell membrane of PEPT2 expressing oocytes. In intestinal segments gly-gly generated a current, which was significantly higher in spak(tg/tg) than in spak(+/+) mice.

CONCLUSION

SPAK is a powerful regulator of peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2.

Role of ion transport in control of apoptotic cell death

Cell shrinkage is a hallmark and contributes to signaling of apoptosis. Apoptotic cell shrinkage requires ion transport across the cell membrane involving K(+) channels, Cl(-) or anion channels, Na(+)/H(+) exchange, Na(+),K(+),Cl(-) cotransport, and Na(+)/K(+)ATPase. Activation of K(+) channels fosters K(+) exit with decrease of cytosolic K(+) concentration, activation of anion channels triggers exit of Cl(-), organic osmolytes, and HCO3(-). Cellular loss of K(+) and organic osmolytes as well as cytosolic acidification favor apoptosis. Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels may result in apoptosis by affecting mitochondrial integrity, stimulating proteinases, inducing cell shrinkage due to activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels, and triggering cell-membrane scrambling. Signaling involved in the modification of cell-volume regulatory ion transport during apoptosis include mitogen-activated kinases p38, JNK, ERK1/2, MEKK1, MKK4, the small G proteins Cdc42, and/or Rac and the transcription factor p53. Osmosensing involves integrin receptors, focal adhesion kinases, and tyrosine kinase receptors. Hyperosmotic shock leads to vesicular acidification followed by activation of acid sphingomyelinase, ceramide formation, release of reactive oxygen species, activation of the tyrosine kinase Yes with subsequent stimulation of CD95 trafficking to the cell membrane. Apoptosis is counteracted by mechanisms involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI), by organic osmolytes, by focal adhesion kinase, and by heat-shock proteins. Clearly, our knowledge on the interplay between cell-volume regulatory mechanisms and suicidal cell death is still far from complete and substantial additional experimental effort is needed to elucidate the role of cell-volume regulatory mechanisms in suicidal cell death.

The ClC-3 chloride channel and osmoregulation in the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax

Dicentrarchus labrax migrates between sea (SW), brackish and fresh water (FW) where chloride concentrations and requirements for chloride handling change: in FW, fish absorb chloride and restrict renal losses; in SW, they excrete chloride. In this study, the expression and localization of ClC-3 and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) were studied in fish adapted to SW, or exposed to FW from 10 min to 30 days. In gills, NKA-α1 subunit expression transiently increased from 10 min and reached a stabilized intermediate expression level after 24 h in FW. ClC-3 co-localized with NKA in the basolateral membrane of mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs) at all conditions. The intensity of MRC ClC-3 immunostaining was significantly higher (by 50 %) 1 h after the transfer to FW, whereas the branchial ClC-3 protein expression was 30 % higher 7 days after the transfer as compared to SW. This is consistent with the increased number of immunopositive MRCs (immunostained for NKA and ClC-3). However, the ClC-3 mRNA expression was significantly lower in FW gills. In the kidney, after FW transfer, a transient decrease in NKA-α1 subunit expression was followed by significantly higher stable levels from 24 h. The low ClC-3 protein expression detected at both salinities was not observed by immunocytochemistry in the SW kidney; ClC-3 was localized in the basal membrane of the collecting ducts and tubules 7 and 30 days after transfer to FW. Renal ClC-3 mRNA expression, however, seemed higher in SW than in FW. The potential role of this chloride channel ClC-3 in osmoregulatory and osmosensing mechanisms is discussed.

A rapid transcriptome response is associated with desiccation resistance in aerially-exposed killifish embryos

Delayed hatching is a form of dormancy evolved in some amphibian and fish embryos to cope with environmental conditions transiently hostile to the survival of hatchlings or larvae. While diapause and cryptobiosis have been extensively studied in several animals, very little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms involved in the sensing and response of fish embryos to environmental cues. Embryos of the euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus advance dvelopment when exposed to air but hatching is suspended until flooding with seawater. Here, we investigated how transcriptome regulation underpins this adaptive response by examining changes in gene expression profiles of aerially incubated killifish embryos at ∼100% relative humidity, compared to embryos continuously flooded in water. The results confirm that mid-gastrula embryos are able to stimulate development in response to aerial incubation, which is accompanied by the differential expression of at least 806 distinct genes during a 24 h period. Most of these genes (∼70%) appear to be differentially expressed within 3 h of aerial exposure, suggesting a broad and rapid transcriptomic response. This response seems to include an early sensing phase, which overlaps with a tissue remodeling and activation of embryonic development phase involving many regulatory and metabolic pathways. Interestingly, we found fast (0.5–1 h) transcriptional differences in representatives of classical “stress” proteins, such as some molecular chaperones, members of signalling pathways typically involved in the transduction of sensor signals to stress response genes, and oxidative stress-related proteins, similar to that described in other animals undergoing dormancy, diapause or desiccation. To our knowledge, these data represent the first transcriptional profiling of molecular processes associated with desiccation resistance during delayed hatching in non-mammalian vertebrates. The exceptional transcriptomic plasticity observed in killifish embryos provides an important insight as to how the embryos are able to rapidly adapt to non-lethal desiccation conditions.

Dexamethasone (DEX) induces Osmotic stress transcription factor 1 (Ostf1) through the Akt-GSK3β pathway in freshwater Japanese eel gill cell cultures

Osmosensing and osmoregulatory processes undertaken in gills of euryhaline fish are coordinated by integrative actions of various signaling molecules/transcriptional factors. Considerable numbers of studies report the hyper- and hypo-osmoregulatory functions of fish gills, by illustrating the process of gill cell remodeling and the modulation of the expression of ion channels/transporters. Comparatively mechanistic information relayed from signal integration to transcriptional regulation in mediating gill cell functions has not yet been elucidated. In this study we demonstrate the functional links from cortisol stimulation, to Akt activation, to the expression of the transcriptional factor, Ostf1. Using the synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone (DEX), Ostf1 expression is found to be activated via glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mediated by the Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway. Pharmacological experiments using kinase inhibitors reveal that the expression of Ostf1 is negatively regulated by Akt activation. The inhibition of PI3K or Akt activities, by the specific kinase inhibitors (wortmannin, LY294002 or SH6), stimulates Ostf1 expression, while a reduction of GSK3β activity by LiCl reduces Ostf1 expression. Collectively, our report for the first time indicates that DEX can induce Ostf1 via GR, with the involvement of the Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway in primary eel gill cell cultures. The data also suggest that Ostf1 may play different roles in gill cell survival during seawater acclimation.

OSR1-sensitive small intestinal Na+ transport

The oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) contributes to WNK (with no K)-dependent regulation of renal tubular salt transport, renal salt excretion, and blood pressure. Little is known, however, about a role of OSR1 in the regulation of intestinal salt transport. The present study thus explored whether OSR1 is expressed in intestinal tissue and whether small intestinal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), small intestinal Na(+)-glucose cotransport (SGLT1), and/or colonic epithelium Na(+) channel (ENaC) differ between knockin mice carrying one allele of WNK-resistant OSR1 (osr1(+/KI)) and wild-type mice (osr1(+/+)). OSR1 protein abundance was determined by Western blotting, cytosolic pH from BCECF fluorescence, NHE activity from Na(+)-dependent realkalinization following an ammonium pulse, SGLT1 activity from glucose-induced current, and colonic ENaC activity from amiloride-sensitive transepithelial current in Ussing chamber experiments. As a result, OSR1 protein was expressed in small intestine of both osr1(+/KI) mice and osr1(+/+) mice. Daily fecal Na(+), K(+), and H(2)O excretion and jejunal SGLT1 activity were lower, whereas small intestinal NHE activity and colonic ENaC activity were higher in osr1(+/KI) mice than in osr1(+/+) mice. NHE3 inhibitor S-3226 significantly reduced NHE activity in both genotypes but did not abrogate the difference between the genotypes. Plasma osmolarity, serum antidiuretic hormone, plasma aldosterone, and plasma corticosterone concentrations were similar in both genotypes. Small intestinal NHE3 and colonic α-ENaC protein abundance were not significantly different between genotypes, but colonic phospho-β-ENaC (ser633) was significantly higher in osr1(+/KI) mice. In conclusion, OSR1 is expressed in intestine and partial WNK insensitivity of OSR1 increases intestinal NHE activity and colonic ENaC activity.

The acute and regulatory phases of time-course changes in gill mitochondrion-rich cells of seawater-acclimated medaka (Oryzias dancena) when exposed to hypoosmotic environments

The recent model showed that seawater (SW) mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells with hole-type apical openings secrete Cl(-) through the transporters including the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA), Na(+), K(+), 2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The present study focused on the dynamic elimination of the Cl(-) secretory capacity and illustrated different phases (i.e., acute and regulatory phases) of branchial MR cells in response to hypoosmotic challenge. Time-course remodeling of the cell surfaces and the altered expressions of typical ion transporters were observed in the branchial MR cells of SW-acclimated brackish medaka (Oryzias dancena) when exposed to fresh water (FW). On the 1st day post-transfer, rapid changes were shown in the acute phase: the flat-type MR cells with large apical surfaces replaced the hole-type cells, the gene expression of both Odnkcc1a and Odcftr decreased, and the apical immunostaining signals of CFTR protein disappeared. The basolateral immunostaining signals of NKCC1a protein decreased throughout the regulatory phase (>1day post-transfer). During this period, the size and number of NKA-immunoreactive MR cells were significantly reduced and elevated, respectively. Branchial NKA expression and activity were maintained at constant levels in both phases. The results revealed that when SW-acclimated brackish medaka were transferred to hypoosmotic FW for 24h, the Cl(-) secretory capacity of MR cells was eliminated, whereas NKCC1a protein was retained to maintain the hypoosmoregulatory endurance of the gills. The time-course acute and regulatory phases of gill MR cells showed different strategies of the euryhaline medaka when subjected to hypoosmotic environments.

OSR1-sensitive regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger activity in dendritic cells

The oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) is activated by WNK (with no K kinases) and in turn stimulates the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) and the furosemide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC), thus contributing to transport and cell volume regulation. Little is known about extrarenal functions of OSR1. The present study analyzed the impact of decreased OSR1 activity on the function of dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity. DCs were cultured from bone marrow of heterozygous WNK-resistant OSR1 knockin mice (osr(KI)) and wild-type mice (osr(WT)). Cell volume was estimated from forward scatter in FACS analysis, ROS production from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate fluorescence, cytosolic pH (pH(i)) from 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein fluorescence, and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity from Na(+)-dependent realkalinization following ammonium pulse and migration utilizing transwell chambers. DCs expressed WNK1, WNK3, NCC, NKCC1, and OSR1. Phosphorylated NKCC1 was reduced in osr(KI) DCs. Cell volume and pH(i) were similar in osr(KI) and osr(WT) DCs, but Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity and ROS production were higher in osr(KI) than in osr(WT) DCs. Before LPS treatment, migration was similar in osr(KI) and osr(WT) DCs. LPS (1 μg/ml), however, increased migration of osr(WT) DCs but not of osr(KI) DCs. Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 inhibitor cariporide (10 μM) decreased cell volume, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, and pH(i) to a greater extent in osr(KI) than in osr(WT) DCs. LPS increased cell volume, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, and ROS formation in osr(WT) DCs but not in osr(KI) DCs and blunted the difference between osr(KI) and osr(WT) DCs. Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in osr(WT) DCs was increased by the NKCC1 inhibitor furosemide (100 nM) to values similar to those in osr(KI) DCs. Oxidative stress (10 μM tert-butyl-hydroperoxide) increased Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in osr(WT) DCs but not in osr(KI) DCs and reversed the difference between genotypes. Cariporide virtually abrogated Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in both genotypes and blunted LPS-induced cell swelling and ROS formation in osr(WT) mice. In conclusion, partial OSR1 deficiency influences Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, ROS formation, and migration of dendritic cells.

The plasma membrane potential and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton of epithelial cells

The establishment and maintenance of the polarized epithelial phenotype require a characteristic organization of the cytoskeletal components. There are many cellular effectors involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. Recently, modifications in the plasma membrane potential (PMP) have been suggested to participate in the modulation of the cytoskeletal organization of epithelia. Here, we review evidence showing that changes in the PMP of diverse epithelial cells promote characteristic modifications in the cytoskeletal organization, with a focus on the actin cytoskeleton. The molecular paths mediating these effects may include voltage-sensitive integral membrane proteins and/or peripheral proteins sensitive to surface potentials. The voltage dependence of the cytoskeletal organization seems to have implications in several physiological processes, including epithelial wound healing and apoptosis.

NADPH oxidase and PKC contribute to increased Na transport by the thick ascending limb during type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes triggers protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent NADPH oxidase activation in the renal medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL), resulting in accelerated superoxide production. As acute exposure to superoxide stimulates NaCl transport by the mTAL, we hypothesized that diabetes increases mTAL Na(+) transport through PKC-dependent and NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanisms. An O(2)-sensitive fluoroprobe was used to measure O(2) consumption by mTALs from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and sham rats. In sham mTALs, total O(2) consumption was evident as a 0.34±0.03 U change in normalized relative fluorescence (ΔNRF)/min per mg protein. Ouabain (2 mmol/L) reduced O(2) consumption by 69±4% and 500 μmol/L furosemide reduced O(2) consumption by 58±8%. Total O(2) consumption was accelerated in mTAL from diabetic rats (0.74±0.07 ΔNRF/min/mg protein; P<0.05 versus sham), reflecting increases in ouabain- and furosemide-sensitive O(2) consumption. NADPH oxidase inhibition (100 μmol/L apocynin) reduced furosemide-sensitive O(2) consumption by mTAL from diabetic rats to values not different from sham. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C (1 μmol/L) or the PKCα/β inhibitor Gö6976 (1 μmol/L) decreased furosemide-sensitive O(2) consumption in both groups, achieving values that did not differ between sham and diabetic. PKCβ inhibition had no effect in either group. Similar inhibitory patterns were evident with regard to ouabain-sensitive O(2) consumption. We conclude that NADPH oxidase and PKC (primarily PKCα) contribute to an increase in O(2) consumption by the mTAL during type 1 diabetes through effects on the ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and furosemide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter that are primarily responsible for active transport Na(+) reabsorption by this nephron segment.

p38 MAPK activation and function following osmotic shock of erythrocytes

p38 protein kinase is activated by hyperosmotic shock, participates in the regulation of cell volume sensitive transport and metabolism and is involved in the regulation of various physiological functions including cell proliferation and apoptosis. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may undergo suicidal death or eryptosis, which is paralleled by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Triggers of eryptosis include hyperosmotic shock, which increases cytosolic Ca(2+) activity and ceramide formation. The present study explored whether p38 kinase is expressed in human erythrocytes, is activated by hyperosmotic shock and participates in the regulation of eryptosis. Western blotting was utilized to determine phosphorylation of p38 kinase, forward scatter to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to depict phosphatidylserine exposure and Fluo3 fluorescence to estimate cytosolic Ca(2+) activity. As a result, erythrocytes express p38 kinase, which is phosphorylated upon osmotic shock (+550 mM sucrose). Osmotic shock decreased forward scatter, increased annexin V binding and increased Fluo3 fluorescence, all effects significantly blunted by the p38 kinase inhibitors SB203580 (2 μM) and p38 Inh III (1 μM). In conclusion, p38 kinase is expressed in erythrocytes and participates in the machinery triggering eryptosis following hyperosmotic shock.

New molecular mechanisms for cardiovascular disease: cardiac hypertrophy and cell-volume regulation

Cardiac hypertrophy is an increase in the muscle volume of the ventricle due to the enlargement of cardiac cells. Physiological cardiac hypertrophy is the normal response to healthy exercise, and pathological hypertrophy is the response to increased stress such as hypertension. Intracellular and extracellular aniosmotic conditions also change cell volume. Since persistent cell swelling or cell shrinkage during aniosmotic conditions results in cell death, the ability to regulate cell volume is important for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Cell swelling activates a regulatory volume decrease (RVD) response in which solute leakage pathways are stimulated and solute with water exits cells, reducing the cell volume towards the original value. In cardiac cells, one of the essential factors for cell-volume regulation is the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). However, the relationship between cardiac hypertrophy and cell-volume regulation is not clear. In this review, we introduce our recent findings showing that the impairment of VRAC current is exhibited in ventricular cells from mice with cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction. Similar results were shown in caveolin-3-deficient mice, which develop cardiac hypertrophy without pressure overload. These results suggest that VRAC will be a new target for protection from the development of cardiac hypertrophy.

Regulatory function of hyperosmotic stress-induced signaling cascades in the expression of transcription factors and osmolyte transporters in freshwater Japanese eel primary gill cell culture

In the present study, we investigated the early activation of osmotic stress-related protein kinases, with the aim of characterizing their functional links with downstream effectors (i.e. transcription factors and osmolyte transporters). Freshwater eel primary gill cells were cultured in hypertonic medium (500 mosmol l(-1)) for 6 h. Protein lysates and total RNA were collected for western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR assays. In this study, the osmotic challenge stimulated histone H3 phosphorylation, various signaling pathways (i.e. ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, CREB, MARCKS and MLCK) and expression of some downstream effectors (i.e. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, TauT and Ostf). Increased phosphorylation of acetylated histone is known to promote chromatin relaxation for global gene transcription, probably leading to the activation of downstream effectors for osmotic responses. In addition, the importance of the p38 MAPK and MLCK pathways in the regulation of the expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and TauT was demonstrated. Inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway by SB202190 reduced histone H3 phosphorylation and TauT mRNA expression. Moreover, inhibition of the MLCK pathway by ML-7 decreased the expression level of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase but increased the transcript level of TauT. Collectively, the present study reveals possible functional links of osmosensing signaling cascades to the regulation of downstream effectors.

Mechanosensitive signalling in fish gill and other ion transporting epithelia

Epithelia involved in vectorial salt transport respond to apical and basolateral changes in osmotic activity by moderating the transmural solute transport rate simultaneously with underlying volume regulatory mechanisms involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI) and decrease (RVD). This review examines rapid osmotic responses in salt secreting epithelia of marine and euryhaline teleost fish, with inclusion of recent results from other ion transporting epithelia that also respond rapidly to osmotic shock. Mitochondrion-rich chloride secreting cells of marine teleost fish gills and skin, when exposed to hypertonic shock, activate NaCl secretion via phosphorylation of Na(+), K(+), 2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) in the basolateral membrane and activation of anion channels in the apical membrane. Conversely, NaCl secretion is inhibited when chloride secreting cells are swollen osmotically. Mammalian airway epithelial cells also possess NKCC1 basally and apical anion channels [Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR)]; with hypotonic shock, this epithelium releases ATP and NaCl secretion is stimulated via purinergic receptors, while hypertonic shock inhibits Na(+) uptake. In the eye, the ciliary epithelium activates Cl(-) channels in response to hypotonic shock as RVD, an effect that modulates transepithelial fluid transport rates. In the renal A6 cell line, K(+) and Cl(-) effluxes activate during RVD and RVI Na(+) transepithelial absorption. A common theme in these systems is ATP release in hypotonic shock with subsequent RVD-effective mechanisms such as NKCC1 inhibition and K(+) and Cl(-) efflux, but there are different effects of osmotic changes on transepithelial transport, apparently depending on the role of the epithelial system.

Ion regulation in fish gills: recent progress in the cellular and molecular mechanisms

Fish encounter harsh ionic/osmotic gradients on their aquatic environments, and the mechanisms through which they maintain internal homeostasis are more challenging compared with those of terrestrial vertebrates. Gills are one of the major organs conducting the internal ionic and acid-base regulation, with specialized ionocytes as the major cells carrying out active transport of ions. Exploring the iono/osmoregulatory mechanisms in fish gills, extensive literature proposed several models, with many conflicting or unsolved issues. Recent studies emerged, shedding light on these issues with new opened windows on other aspects, on account of available advanced molecular/cellular physiological approaches and animal models. Respective types of ionocytes and ion transporters, and the relevant regulators for the mechanisms of NaCl secretion, Na(+) uptake/acid secretion/NH(4)(+) excretion, Ca(2+) uptake, and Cl(-) uptake/base secretion, were identified and functionally characterized. These new ideas broadened our understanding of the molecular/cellular mechanisms behind the functional modification/regulation of fish gill ion transport during acute and long-term acclimation to environmental challenges. Moreover, a model for the systematic and local carbohydrate energy supply to gill ionocytes during these acclimation processes was also proposed. These provide powerful platforms to precisely study transport pathways and functional regulation of specific ions, transporters, and ionocytes; however, very few model species were established so far, whereas more efforts are needed in other species.

Genomic mechanisms of evolved physiological plasticity in killifish distributed along an environmental salinity gradient

Adaptive variation tends to emerge clinally along environmental gradients or discretely among habitats with limited connectivity. However, in Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), a population genetic discontinuity appears in the absence of obvious barriers to gene flow along parallel salinity clines and coincides with a physiologically stressful salinity. We show that populations resident on either side of this discontinuity differ in their abilities to compensate for osmotic shock and illustrate the physiological and functional genomic basis of population variation in hypoosmotic tolerance. A population native to a freshwater habitat, upstream of the genetic discontinuity, exhibits tolerance to extreme hypoosmotic challenge, whereas populations native to brackish or marine habitats downstream of the discontinuity lose osmotic homeostasis more severely and take longer to recover. Comparative transcriptomics reveals a core transcriptional response associated with acute and acclimatory responses to hypoosmotic shock and posits unique mechanisms that enable extreme osmotic tolerance. Of the genes that vary in expression among populations, those that are putatively involved in physiological acclimation are more likely to exhibit nonneutral patterns of divergence between freshwater and brackish populations. It is not the well-known effectors of osmotic acclimation, but rather the lesser-known immediate-early responses, that appear important in contributing to population differences.

Phosphorylation state of the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) in the gills of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) during acclimation to water of varying salinity

Euryhaline teleosts such as Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) are able to acclimate to changing environmental salinity by tightly regulating NaCl absorption and secretion across their gills. Many studies have examined the mechanisms responsible for long-term (days) salinity acclimation; however, much remains unknown about the mechanisms of acute (hours) salinity acclimation. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that phosphorylation of the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) located in the basolateral membrane of the gill plays a role in acute salinity acclimation and that changes in NKCC1 phosphorylation are mediated by a cAMP-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) pathway. Using a phospho-specific antibody, we determined the time course of changes in total and phosphorylated NKCC1 protein during acclimation to water of various salinities. Long-term (>or=14 days) acclimation of killifish to seawater (SW) and 2x SW resulted in 4- to 6-fold and 5- to 8-fold increases, respectively, in total gill NKCC1 protein relative to fish maintained in freshwater (FW). NKCC1 was found to be between 20% and 70% activated in fish, with lower average activation in fish acclimated to SW and 2x SW compared with FW fish. Increases and decreases in the fractional level of NKCC1 phosphorylation were seen within 1 h of transfer of fish to water of higher and lower salinity, respectively, consistent with a regulatory role of phosphorylation prior to an increase in the biosynthesis of NKCC1; large changes in protein expression of NKCC1 were observed over periods of hours to days. We found that NKCC1 phosphorylation is acutely regulated in the killifish gill in response to changing environmental salinity and that phosphorylation in excised gills increases in response to forskolin stimulation of the cAMP-PKA pathway. The role of phosphorylation is further underscored by the observation that mRNA expression of sterile 20 (Ste20)-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) changes with salinity acclimation, being 2.7-fold greater in SW-acclimated killifish relative to FW fish. Overall, these results demonstrate an important role of NKCC1 phosphorylation in the gill of Atlantic killifish during acute salinity acclimation.

Functional genomics of physiological plasticity and local adaptation in killifish

Evolutionary solutions to the physiological challenges of life in highly variable habitats can span the continuum from evolution of a cosmopolitan plastic phenotype to the evolution of locally adapted phenotypes. Killifish (Fundulus sp.) have evolved both highly plastic and locally adapted phenotypes within different selective contexts, providing a comparative system in which to explore the genomic underpinnings of physiological plasticity and adaptive variation. Importantly, extensive variation exists among populations and species for tolerance to a variety of stressors, and we exploit this variation in comparative studies to yield insights into the genomic basis of evolved phenotypic variation. Notably, species of Fundulus occupy the continuum of osmotic habitats from freshwater to marine and populations within Fundulus heteroclitus span far greater variation in pollution tolerance than across all species of fish. Here, we explore how transcriptome regulation underpins extreme physiological plasticity on osmotic shock and how genomic and transcriptomic variation is associated with locally evolved pollution tolerance. We show that F. heteroclitus quickly acclimate to extreme osmotic shock by mounting a dramatic rapid transcriptomic response including an early crisis control phase followed by a tissue remodeling phase involving many regulatory pathways. We also show that convergent evolution of locally adapted pollution tolerance involves complex patterns of gene expression and genome sequence variation, which is confounded with body-weight dependence for some genes. Similarly, exploiting the natural phenotypic variation associated with other established and emerging model organisms is likely to greatly accelerate the pace of discovery of the genomic basis of phenotypic variation.

Stimulation of human and mouse erythrocyte Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport by osmotic shrinkage does not involve AMP-activated protein kinase, but is associated with STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase activation

This study was undertaken to investigate whether the mechanism of increased Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) (NKCC1) cotransporter activity by osmotic shrinkage involved AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. AMPK was found to phosphorylate a recombinant GST-dogfish (1-260) NKCC1 fragment at Ser38 and Ser214, corresponding to Ser77 and Ser242 in human NKCC1, respectively. Incubation of human erythrocytes with 20 microM A769662 AMPK activator increased Ser242 NKCC1 phosphorylation but did not stimulate (86)Rb(+) uptake. Under hypertonic conditions in human red blood cells (RBCs) incubated with 0.3 M sucrose, NKCC1 activity increased as measured by bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb(+) uptake and AMPK was activated. However, there was no effect of AMPKalpha1 deletion in mouse RBCs on the increased rate of (86)Rb(+) uptake induced by hyperosmolarity. AMPK activation by osmotic shrinkage of mouse RBCs was abrogated by 10 microM STO-609 CaMKKbeta inhibitor, but incubation with STO-609 did not affect the increase in (86)Rb(+) uptake induced by hyperosmolarity. Osmotic shrinkage of human and mouse RBCs led to activation loop phosphorylation of the STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) at Thr233, which was accompanied by phosphorylation of NKCC1 at Thr203/207/212, one of which (Thr207) is responsible for cotransporter activation. Therefore, phosphorylation-induced activation of NKCC1 by osmotic shrinkage does not involve AMPK and is likely to be due to SPAK activation.

Ion transport in a human lens epithelial cell line exposed to hyposmotic and apoptotic stress

Membrane transport changes in human lens epithelial (HLE-B3) cells under hyposmotic and apoptotic stress were compared. Cell potassium content, K(i), uptake of the K congener rubidium, Rb(i), and water content were measured after hyposmotic stress induced by hypotonicity, and apoptotic stress by the protein-kinase inhibitor staurosporine (STP). Cell water increased in hyposmotic (150 mOsm) as compared to isosmotic (300 mOsm) balanced salt solution (BSS) by >2-fold at 5 min and decreased within 15 min to baseline values accompanied by a 40% K(i) loss commensurate with cell swelling and subsequent cell shrinkage likely due to regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Loss of K(i), and accompanying water, and Rb(i) uptake in hyposmotic BSS were prevented by clotrimazole (CTZ) suggesting water shifts associated with K and Rb flux via intermediate conductance K (IK) channels, also detected at the mRNA and protein level. In contrast, 2 h after 2 microM STP exposure, the cells lost approximately 40% water and approximately 60% K(i), respectively, consistent with apoptotic volume decrease (AVD). Indeed, water and K(i) loss was at least fivefold greater after hyposmotic than after apoptotic stress. High extracellular K and 2 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) but not CTZ significantly reduced apoptosis. Annexin labeling phosphatidylserine (PS) at 15 min suggested loss of lipid asymmetry. Quantitative PCR revealed significant IK channel expression during prolonged hyposmotic stress. Results suggest in HLE-B3 cells, IK channels likely partook in and were down regulated after RVD, whereas pro-apoptotic STP-activation of 4-AP-sensitive voltage-gated K channels preceded or accompanied PS externalization before subsequent apoptosis.

Cloning and regulation of expression of the Na+–Cl––taurine transporter in gill cells of freshwater Japanese eels

Our previous studies have demonstrated the hypertonic-induced expression of osmotic stress transcription factor and the regulatory volume increase (RVI)response in gill cells isolated from freshwater eels. In this study, we aimed to clone one of the organic osmolyte transporters, the Na+–Cl––taurine transporter (TauT),and to characterize its expression in anisosmotic conditions, using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. A cDNA clone encoding TauT was isolated from gill tissues of Japanese eels, Anguilla japonica. The deduced amino acid sequence shows 88–90% identity to other reported piscine TauT sequences. Our data indicated that TauT mRNA was detectable in both freshwater and seawater fish gills. The expression level of TauT mRNA increased in gills of seawater-acclimating fish. A high abundance of TauT protein was found to be localized in seawater gill chloride cells. Using primary gill cell culture, expression of the gene was induced when the ambient osmolarity was raised from 320 to 500 mosmol l–1. Hypertonic treatment of the culture caused an increase of F-actin distribution in the cell periphery. Treatment of the cells with colchicine or cytochalasin D significantly reduced TauT transcript level following hypertonic exposure. The inhibition of myosin light chain (MLC) kinase by ML-7 had a significant additive effect on hypertonic-induced TauT expression. Collectively, the data of this study reveal, for the first time, the regulation of TauT expression in gill cells of euryhaline fish. We have demonstrated the involvement of ionic strength, the cytoskeleton and MLC kinase in the regulation of TauT expression. The results shed light on the osmosensing and hyperosmotic adaption in fish gills.

Short-term low-salinity tolerance by the longhorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus

The bottom-dwelling, longhorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus, is traditionally viewed as a stenohaline marine fish, but fishermen have described finding this sculpin in estuaries during high tide. Little is known about the salinity tolerance of the longhorn sculpin; thus, the purposes of these experiments were to explore the effects of low environmental salinity on ion transporter expression and distribution in the longhorn sculpin gill. Longhorn sculpin were acclimated to either 100% seawater (SW, sham), 20% SW, or 10% SW for 24 or 72 hr. Plasma osmolality, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations were not different between the 20 and 100% treatments; however, they were 20-25% lower with exposure to 10% SW at 24 and 72 hr. In the teleost gill, regulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA), Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1), and the chloride channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are necessary for ion homeostasis. We immunolocalized these proteins to the mitochondrion-rich cell of the gill and determined that acclimation to low salinity does not affect their localization. Also, there was not a downregulation of gill NKA, NKCC1, and CFTR mRNA or protein during acclimation to low salinities. Collectively, these results suggest that down to 20% SW longhorn sculpin are capable of completely regulating ion levels over a 72-hr period, whereas 10% SW exposure results in a significant loss of ions and no change in ion transporter density or localization in the gill. We conclude that longhorn sculpin can tolerate low-salinity environments for days but, because they cannot regulate ion transporter density, they are unable to tolerate low salinity for longer periods or enter freshwater (FW). The genus Myoxocephalus has three FW species, making this group an excellent model to test evolutionary and physiological mechanisms that allow teleosts to invade new low salinities successfully.

Oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes

The present contribution reviews current knowledge of apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes and presents modern hypotheses on their regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles. In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension. It appears that the transporter molecules themselves do not have direct oxygen sensors. Thus, the oxygen level must be sensed elsewhere, and the effect transduced to the transporter. The possible pathways involved in the regulation of transport, including haemoglobin as a sensor, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions both in the transporter and its upstream effectors, are discussed.

Physiology of cell volume regulation in vertebrates

The ability to control cell volume is pivotal for cell function. Cell volume perturbation elicits a wide array of signaling events, leading to protective (e.g., cytoskeletal rearrangement) and adaptive (e.g., altered expression of osmolyte transporters and heat shock proteins) measures and, in most cases, activation of volume regulatory osmolyte transport. After acute swelling, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which involves the activation of KCl cotransport and of channels mediating K(+), Cl(-), and taurine efflux. Conversely, after acute shrinkage, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume increase (RVI), which is mediated primarily by Na(+)/H(+) exchange, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, and Na(+) channels. Here, we review in detail the current knowledge regarding the molecular identity of these transport pathways and their regulation by, e.g., membrane deformation, ionic strength, Ca(2+), protein kinases and phosphatases, cytoskeletal elements, GTP binding proteins, lipid mediators, and reactive oxygen species, upon changes in cell volume. We also discuss the nature of the upstream elements in volume sensing in vertebrate organisms. Importantly, cell volume impacts on a wide array of physiological processes, including transepithelial transport; cell migration, proliferation, and death; and changes in cell volume function as specific signals regulating these processes. A discussion of this issue concludes the review.

Action of N-acylated ambroxol derivatives on secretion of chloride ions in human airway epithelia

We report the effects of new N-acylated ambroxol derivatives (TEI-588a, TEI-588b, TEI-589a, TEI-589b, TEI-602a and TEI-602b: a, aromatic amine-acylated derivative; b, aliphatic amine-acylated derivative) induced from ambroxol (a mucolytic agent to treat human lung diseases) on Cl(-) secretion in human submucosal serous Calu-3 cells under a Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter-1 (NKCC1)-mediated hyper-secreting condition. TEI-589a, TEI-589b and TEI-602a diminished hyper-secretion of Cl(-) by diminishing the activity of NKCC1 without blockade of apical Cl(-) channel (TEI-589a>TEI-602a>TEI-589b), while any other tested compounds including ambroxol had no effects on Cl(-) secretion. These indicate that the inhibitory action of an aromatic amine-acylated derivative on Cl(-) secretion is stronger that that of an aliphatic amine-acylated derivative, and that 3-(2,5-dimethyl)furoyl group has a strong action in inhibition of Cl(-) secretion than cyclopropanoyl group. We here indicate that TEI-589a, TEI-589b and TEI-602a reduce hyper-secretion to an appropriate level in the airway, providing a possibility that the compound can be an effective drug in airway obstructive diseases including COPD by reducing the airway resistance under a hyper-secreting condition.

Differential contribution of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter NKCC1 to chloride handling in rat embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons and motor neurons

Plasma membrane chloride (Cl(-)) pathways play an important role in neuronal physiology. Here, we investigated the role of NKCC1 cotransporters (a secondary active Cl(-) uptake mechanism) in Cl(-) handling in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs) and motor neurons (MNs) derived from fetal stage embryonic day 14. Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings revealed that DRGNs accumulate intracellular Cl(-) through a bumetanide- and Na(+)-sensitive mechanism, indicative of the functional expression of NKCC1. Western blotting confirmed the expression of NKCC1 in both DRGNs and MNs, but immunocytochemistry experiments showed a restricted expression in dendrites of MNs, which contrasts with a homogeneous expression in DRGNs. Both MNs and DRGNs could be readily loaded with or depleted of Cl(-) during GABA(A) receptor activation at depolarizing or hyperpolarizing membrane potentials. After loading, the rate of recovery to the resting Cl(-) concentration (i.e., [Cl(-)](i) decrease) was similar in both cell types and was unaffected by lowering the extracellular Na(+) concentration. In contrast, the recovery on depletion (i.e., [Cl(-)](i) increase) was significantly faster in DRGNs in control conditions but not in low extracellular Na(+). The experimental observations could be reproduced by a mathematical model for intracellular Cl(-) kinetics, in which DRGNs show higher NKCC1 activity and smaller Cl(-)-handling volume than MNs. On the basis of these results, we conclude that embryonic DRGNs show a higher somatic functional expression of NKCC1 than embryonic MNs. The high NKCC1 activity in DRGNs is important for maintaining high [Cl(-)](i), whereas lower NKCC1 activity in MNs allows large [Cl(-)](i) variations during neuronal activity.

Cell volume regulation: physiology and pathophysiology

Cell volume perturbation initiates a wide array of intracellular signalling cascades, leading to protective and adaptive events and, in most cases, activation of volume-regulatory osmolyte transport, water loss, and hence restoration of cell volume and cellular function. Cell volume is challenged not only under physiological conditions, e.g. following accumulation of nutrients, during epithelial absorption/secretion processes, following hormonal/autocrine stimulation, and during induction of apoptosis, but also under pathophysiological conditions, e.g. hypoxia, ischaemia and hyponatremia/hypernatremia. On the other hand, it has recently become clear that an increase or reduction in cell volume can also serve as a specific signal in the regulation of physiological processes such as transepithelial transport, cell migration, proliferation and death. Although the mechanisms by which cell volume perturbations are sensed are still far from clear, significant progress has been made with respect to the nature of the sensors, transducers and effectors that convert a change in cell volume into a physiological response. In the present review, we summarize recent major developments in the field, and emphasize the relationship between cell volume regulation and organism physiology/pathophysiology.