Hormone-specific regulation of the kidney androgen-regulated gene promoter in cultured mouse renal proximal-tubule cells

5α-dihydrotestosterone reduces renal Cyp24a1 expression via suppression of progesterone receptor

Androgens act in concert with vitamin D to influence reabsorption of calcium. However, it is unclear whether androgens directly regulate vitamin D homeostasis or control other cellular events that are related to vitamin D metabolism. To examine whether the expression of vitamin D-related genes in mouse kidney is driven by androgens or androgen-dependent effects, the androgen receptor and other sex steroid receptors were monitored in orchidectomized mice treated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Our results revealed that exposing orchidectomized mice to DHT inhibited the expression of progesterone receptor (Pgr) with or without estrogen receptor α expression, the latter was confirmed by ER-positive (MCF7 and T47D) or -negative (PCT) cells analysis. The loss of Pgr in turn decreased the expression of renal 24-hydroxylase via transcriptional regulation because Cyp24a1 gene has a progesterone receptor-binding site on promoter. When male kidneys preferentially hydroxylate 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ using 24-hydroxylase rather than 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-1-alpha hydroxylase, DHT suppressed the Pgr-mediated 24-hydroxylase expression, and it is important to note that DHT increased the blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels. These findings uncover an important link between androgens and vitamin D homeostasis and suggest that therapeutic modulation of Pgr may be used to treat vitamin D deficiency and related disorders.

KAP degradation by calpain is associated with CK2 phosphorylation and provides a novel mechanism for cyclosporine A-induced proximal tubule injury

The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) is limited by its severe nephrotoxicity that includes reversible vasoconstrictor effects and proximal tubule cell injury, the latter associated whith chronic kidney disease progression. The mechanisms of CsA-induced tubular injury, mainly on the S3 segment, have not been completely elucidated. Kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP) is exclusively expressed in kidney proximal tubule cells, interacts with the CsA-binding protein cyclophilin B and its expression diminishes in kidneys of CsA-treated mice. Since we reported that KAP protects against CsA toxicity in cultured proximal tubule cells, we hypothesized that low KAP levels found in kidneys of CsA-treated mice might correlate with proximal tubule cell injury. To test this hypothesis, we used KAP Tg mice developed in our laboratory and showed that these mice are more resistant to CsA-induced tubular injury than control littermates. Furthermore, we found that calpain, which was activated by CsA in cell cultures and kidney, is involved in KAP degradation and observed that phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues found in KAP PEST sequences by protein kinase CK2 enhances KAP degradation by calpain. Moreover, we also observed that CK2 inhibition protected against CsA-induced cytotoxicity. These findings point to a novel mechanism for CsA-induced kidney toxicity that might be useful in developing therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing tubular cell damage while maintaining the immunosuppressive effects of CsA.

New insights and perspectives on intrarenal renin-angiotensin system: focus on intracrine/intracellular angiotensin II

Although renin, the rate-limiting enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), was first discovered by Robert Tigerstedt and Bergman more than a century ago, the research on the RAS still remains stronger than ever. The RAS, once considered to be an endocrine system, is now widely recognized as dual (circulating and local/tissue) or multiple hormonal systems (endocrine, paracrine and intracrine). In addition to the classical renin/angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor (AT₁/AT₂) axis, the prorenin/(Pro)renin receptor (PRR)/MAP kinase axis, the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axis, and the Ang IV/AT₄/insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) axis have recently been discovered. Furthermore, the roles of the evolving RAS have been extended far beyond blood pressure control, aldosterone synthesis, and body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Indeed, novel actions and underlying signaling mechanisms for each member of the RAS in physiology and diseases are continuously uncovered. However, many challenges still remain in the RAS research field despite of more than one century's research effort. It is expected that the research on the expanded RAS will continue to play a prominent role in cardiovascular, renal and hypertension research. The purpose of this article is to review the progress recently being made in the RAS research, with special emphasis on the local RAS in the kidney and the newly discovered prorenin/PRR/MAP kinase axis, the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axis, the Ang IV/AT₄/IRAP axis, and intracrine/intracellular Ang II. The improved knowledge of the expanded RAS will help us better understand how the classical renin/ACE/Ang II/AT₁ receptor axis, extracellular and/or intracellular origin, interacts with other novel RAS axes to regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular and kidney function in both physiological and diseased states.

Cytoplasmic accumulation of incompletely glycosylated SHBG enhances androgen action in proximal tubule epithelial cells

Human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) accumulates within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells lining the proximal convoluted tubules of mice expressing human SHBG transgenes. The main ligands of SHBG, testosterone and its metabolite, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), alter expression of androgen-responsive genes in the kidney. To determine how intracellular SHBG might influence androgen action, we used a mouse proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) cell line with characteristics of S1/S2 epithelial cells in which human SHBG accumulates. Western blotting revealed that SHBG extracted from PCT cells expressing a human SHBG cDNA (PCT-SHBG) is 5-8 kDa smaller than the SHBG secreted by these cells, due to incomplete N-glycosylation and absence of O-linked oligosaccharides. PCT-SHBG cells sequester [(3)H]DHT more effectively from culture medium than parental PCT cells, and the presence of SHBG accentuates androgen-dependent activation of a luciferase reporter gene, as well as the endogenous kidney androgen-regulated protein (Kap) gene. After androgen withdrawal, androgen-induced Kap mRNA levels in PCT-SHBG cells are maintained for more than 2 wk vs 2 d in parental PCT cells. Transcriptome profiling after testosterone or DHT pretreatments, followed by 3 d of steroid withdrawal, also demonstrated that intracellular SHBG enhances androgen-dependent stimulation (e.g. Adh7, Vcam1, Areg, Tnfaip2) or repression (e.g. Cldn2 and Osr2) of many other genes in PCT cells. In addition, nuclear localization of the androgen receptor is enhanced and retained longer after steroid withdrawal in PCT cells containing functional SHBG. Thus, intracellular SHBG accentuates the uptake of androgens and sustains androgens access to the androgen receptor, especially under conditions of limited androgen supply.

Identification and characterization of an androgen-responsive Kap promoter enhancer located in the intron II region of human angiotensinogen gene

Transgenic expression of the human angiotensinogen (HAGT) gene directed by the mouse kidney androgen-regulated protein (Kap) gene promoter is proximal tubule cell-specific and androgen-regulated in vivo. The same Kap promoter fragment did not support similar regulation of other genes, but a transgene based on the original chimeric KAP-hAGT construct successfully directed NHE3 to kidney, suggesting that sequences within the HAGT gene fragment of the construct contributed to the regulation of its expression in vivo. In the present study, androgen-responsive regulatory sequences in the HAGT gene portions of the transgene were examined in transfected renal cells. A 1.4-kb enhancer between exons 2 and 3 was identified that increased the basal expression of Kap promoter 1.5- to 2-fold, its induction by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) 2- to 3-fold and its induction by dexamethasone (Dex) 4- to 5-fold. Sequence analysis revealed two potential hormone-responsive elements. Mutational assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed one of these elements was androgen-specific. These findings may influence future strategies for the design of inducible, cell-specific transgenes.

Transgenic expression of proximal tubule peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in mice confers protection during acute kidney injury

Our previous studies suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) plays a critical role in regulating fatty acid beta-oxidation in kidney tissue and this directly correlated with preservation of kidney morphology and function during acute kidney injury. To further study this, we generated transgenic mice expressing PPARalpha in the proximal tubule under the control of the promoter of KAP2 (kidney androgen-regulated protein 2). Segment-specific upregulation of PPARalpha expression by testosterone treatment of female transgenic mice improved kidney function during cisplatin or ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury. Ischemia-reperfusion injury or treatment with cisplatin in wild-type mice caused inhibition of fatty-acid oxidation, reduction of mitochondrial genes of oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial DNA, fatty-acid metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Similar injury in testosterone-treated transgenic mice resulted in amelioration of these effects. Similarly, there were increases in the levels of 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal-derived lipid peroxidation products in wild-type mice, which were also reduced in the transgenic mice. Similarly, necrosis of the S3 segment was reduced in the two injury models in transgenic mice compared to wild type. Our results suggest proximal tubule PPARalpha activity serves as a metabolic sensor. Its increased expression without the use of an exogenous PPARalpha ligand in the transgenic mice is sufficient to protect kidney function and morphology, and to prevent abnormalities in lipid metabolism associated with acute kidney injury.

Differential proteomic analysis of cyclosporine A-induced toxicity in renal proximal tubule cells

BACKGROUND

The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) as a potent immunosuppressant has been limited by its severe nephrotoxic effects. The mechanisms involved are haemodynamic but also related to direct toxic effects of CsA on proximal tubule epithelial cells. We focused on defining a proteomic profile in CsA-treated proximal tubule cells to distinguish the direct impact of CsA on these cells from overlapping haemodynamically mediated phenomena that occur in an in vivo system.

METHODS

By means of high-throughput differential proteomic analyses and mass spectrometry techniques in CsA and vehicle-treated proximal tubule-derived cell lines of human and mouse origin, we determined proteins that change their expression in the presence of CsA.

RESULTS

CsA-induced toxicity analyses revealed that 10 mM CsA for 24 h was the threshold condition to induce significant changes in cell viability and proteomic profile. We identified 38 differentially expressed proteins on CsA-treated mouse PCT3 and human HK-2 cells, related to protein metabolism, response to damage, cell organization and cytoskeleton, energy metabolism, cell cycle and nucleobase/nucleoside/nucleotidic metabolism. 1D and 2D western blot assays in crude extracts from CsA-treated cells or kidneys with impaired function upon CsA treatment revealed a correlation with proteomic changes or differential isoform expression, in randomly selected proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteins identified in this work might be useful markers to eventually distinguish CsA toxicity from chronic allograft nephropathy in protocol biopsies of transplanted patients, facilitating the adjustment of CsA doses to non-toxic ranges, as well as to study the impact of potential therapeutic interventions in an animal model.

Overexpression of cytochrome P450 4F2 in mice increases 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production and arterial blood pressure

Cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) activity is thought to be a factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension through its bioactive metabolite 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). We previously found that a gain-in-function CYP4F2 variant in a Chinese cohort was associated with elevated urinary 20-HETE and hypertension. To further explore this association we generated a transgenic mouse model expressing CYP4F2 driven by a modified mouse kidney androgen-regulated protein promoter. This heterologous promoter regulated the expression of luciferase and his-tagged CYP4F2 in transfected HEK 293 cells. In the kidney of transgenic mice, CYP4F2 was localized to renal proximal tubule epithelia and was expressed at a higher level than in control mice, leading to increased urinary 20-HETE excretion. Assessment of CYP4F2 activity by an arachidonic acid hydroxylation assay showed that 20-HETE production was significantly higher in kidney microsomes of transgenic mice compared to control mice, as was their systolic blood pressure. There was a positive correlation of blood pressure with urinary 20-HETE levels. Our results show that increased expression of CYP4F2 in mice enhanced 20-HETE production and elevated blood pressure.

Identification and characterization of the minimal androgen-regulated kidney-specific kidney androgen-regulated protein gene promoter

The kidney androgen-regulated protein (Kap) gene is tissue specific and regulated by androgen in mouse kidney proximal tubule cells (PTCs). In the present study, we aimed to identify the minimal PTC-specific androgen-regulated Kap promoter and analyze its androgen response elements (AREs). A deletion series of the Kap1542 promoter/luciferase constructs were assayed in opossum kidney (OK) PTCs in the presence or absence of 15 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Kap1542 and Kap637 had low activity and no androgen induction; Kap224 had a basal activity that was 4- to 5-fold higher than that of Kap1542, but was only slightly induced by DHT. Kap147 had a basal activity that was 2- to 3-fold higher than that of Kap1542 and was induced by DHT 4- to 6-fold. Kap77 abolished basal promoter activity but was still induced by DHT. Results showed that, in vitro, Kap147 was a minimal androgen-regulated promoter. Transient transfection in different cells demonstrated that Kap147 specifically initiated reporter gene expression in PTCs. Sequence analysis revealed two potential AREs located at positions -124 and -39 of Kap147. Mutational assays showed that only the ARE at -124 was involved in androgen response in OK cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay also verified -124 ARE bound specifically to androgen receptor. In conclusion, we defined the minimal Kap147 promoter that may be a good model for the study of kidney PTC-specific expression and molecular mechanisms that lead to an androgen-specific responsiveness in vivo.

An androgen-inducible proximal tubule-specific Cre recombinase transgenic model

To facilitate the study of renal proximal tubules, we generated a transgenic mouse strain expressing an improved Cre recombinase (iCre) under the control of the kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP) promoter. The transgene was expressed in the kidney of male mice but not in female mice. Treatment of female transgenic mice with androgen induced robust expression of the transgene in the kidney. We confirmed the presence of Cre recombinase activity and the cell specificity by breeding the KAP2-iCRE mice with ROSA26 reporter mice. X-Gal staining of kidney sections from male double transgenic mice showed robust staining in the epithelial cells of renal proximal tubules. beta-Gal staining in female mice became evident in proximal tubules after administration of androgen. This model of inducible Cre recombinase in the renal proximal tubule should provide a novel useful tool for studying the physiological significance of genes expressed in the renal proximal tubule. This has advantages over other current models where Cre recombinase expression is constitutive, not inducible.

Renal gene expression profiling using kinin B1 and B2 receptor knockout mice reveals comparable modulation of functionally related genes

The kinin B2 receptor, which is constitutively expressed in a large number of tissues, mediates most of the known effects of bradykinin (BK). Normally undetectable in healthy tissues, the B1 receptor is strongly over-expressed under pathological conditions. BK is an important mediator in renal homeostasis and is mainly known for its natriuretic and vasodilatory effects. Recent data evidenced a role for BK in many other biological processes, such as apoptosis, development, extracellular matrix regulation and angiogenesis. In a first step to better understand how BK and its receptors could be involved in such a large variety of biological effects, we used microarray analysis to identify, under physiological conditions, the global renal gene expression profile in mice lacking either the kinin B1 or B2 receptor. Microarray experiments were performed using Agilent Mouse Oligonucleotide Microarrays (21 000 genes/microarray). Interestingly, there was a considerable number of mostly downregulated genes in both BK null mouse models compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, a number of genes that are known to be implicated in renal physiology and/or pathology were differentially expressed in the BK null mice, which is indicative of the important role of both BK receptors in renal function.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide upregulates MUC2 intestinal mucin via CREB/ATF1

VIP exerts a spectrum of effects as a potent anti-inflammatory factor. In addition, VIP increases expression of MUC2, a major intestinal secretory mucin. We therefore investigated the effects of VIP on the promoter activity of the 5'-flanking region of the MUC2 gene. VIP activated MUC2 transcription in human colonic epithelial cells via cAMP signaling to ERK and p38. cAMP/Epac/Rap1/B-Raf signaling was not involved in MUC2 reporter activation. Furthermore, activation of MUC2 transcription was independent of many of the reported downstream effectors of G protein-coupled receptors, such as PKC, Ras, Raf, Src, calcium, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. VIP induced cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/ATF1 phosphorylation, and this was prevented by treatment with inhibitors of either MEK or p38 and by PKA and MSK1 inhibitor H89. CREB/ATF1 and c-Jun were shown to bind to an oligonucleotide encompassing a distal, conserved CREB/AP1 site in the 5'-flanking region of the MUC2 gene, and this cis element was shown to mediate promoter reporter activation by VIP. This study has identified a new, functional cis element within the MUC2 promoter and also a new pathway regulating MUC2 expression, thus providing further insight into the molecular mechanism of VIP action in the colon. These findings are relevant to the normal biology of the colonic mucosa as well as to the development of VIP as a therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Identification of LAT4, a novel amino acid transporter with system L activity

System L amino acid transporters mediate the movement of bulky neutral amino acids across cell membranes. Until now three proteins that induce system L activity have been identified: LAT1, LAT2, and LAT3. The former two proteins belong to the solute carrier family 7 (SLC7), whereas the latter belongs to SLC43. In the present study we present a new cDNA, designated LAT4, which also mediates system L activity when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Human LAT4 exhibits 57% identity to human LAT3. Like LAT3, the amino acid transport activity induced by LAT4 is sodium-, chloride- and pH-independent, is not trans-stimulated, and shows two kinetic components. The low affinity component of LAT4 induced activity is sensitive to the sulfhydryl-specific reagent N-ethylmaleimide but not that with high affinity. Mutation in LAT4 of the SLC43 conserved serine 297 to alanine abolishes sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide. LAT4 activity is detected at the basolateral membrane of PCT kidney cells. In situ hybridization experiments show that LAT4 mRNA is restricted to the epithelial cells of the distal tubule and the collecting duct in the kidney. In the intestine, LAT4 is mainly present in the cells of the crypt.

Hormonal regulation and characterisation of the mouse Cyp4b1 gene 5'-flanking region

The Cyp4b1 structural gene comprises 12 exons that span approximately 23kb. The transcriptional initiation site, mapped by 5(')-RACE and primer extension analyses from kidney mRNA, was found to be 34-bp upstream of the translation initiation site. Cyp4b1 mRNA expression was found restricted to kidney and androgenic up-regulation in several mouse strains was observed. Spatial location investigated by in situ hybridisation revealed abundant and specific expression of Cyp4b1 mRNA in the proximal tubules of the renal cortex. A 1.8-kb murine Cyp4b1 5(')-flanking region, which encompasses a TATA box-like sequence and several putative transcription factor-binding sites, was isolated. Transient transfection studies with different Cyp4b1 promoter constructs indicated that this flanking region exhibits promoter activity when expressed in different cell lines and that a 98-truncated fragment represents the minimal sequence required for basal transcription. Androgen responsiveness was examined by cotransfection with an androgen receptor expression vector, in the presence of androgens.