Cystic fibrosis gene encodes a cAMP-dependent chloride channel in heart

Oxygen transport and utilisation during exercise in cystic fibrosis: contributors to exercise intolerance

NEW FINDINGS

What is the topic of this review? This review highlights the central and peripheral mechanisms that alter oxygen transport and utilisation and thereby contribute to exercise limitation in people with cystic fibrosis, considering also viable therapeutic targets for intervention. What advances does it highlight? Although traditionally considered a respiratory condition, pathological intramuscular and cardiovascular changes in people with cystic fibrosis appear to be key determinants of exercise intolerance up until the later stages of respiratory disease. Even young, habitually active patients with normal lung function experience multisystemic abnormalities, which play a role in exercise intolerance.

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex condition, commonly associated with exercise limitation. The mechanisms responsible for this in CF are of interest, given that lower aerobic fitness is associated with an increased risk of being hospitalised with pulmonary exacerbation, a poorer quality of life and a poorer prognosis. Pathophysiological changes in lung function are considered central to CF, and may contribute to exercise limitation. However, it is now clear that the pathogenesis of exercise limitation in this population is multifactorial, with alterations in cardiovascular, muscle and pulmonary function contributing. Whilst some of these changes are attributable to respiratory disease per se, the CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein is also found in skeletal muscle and the vascular endothelium and can directly alter central and localised oxygen delivery, as well as the ability to effectively extract and utilise oxygen at the myocyte level. Since intense exercise poses considerable challenges to arterial oxygen content and/or blood flow and its supply to the working skeletal muscle, evaluating the exercise physiology of people with CF has helped us understand the mechanisms underlying exercise intolerance. Through several investigations over recent years, we have collectively demonstrated that people with CF exhibit reduced skeletal muscle oxygen extraction and utilisation during exercise, with a lesser contribution from haemodynamic or chronotropic mechanisms. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of targeting mechanisms of skeletal muscle oxygen utilisation in CF to improve exercise tolerance and we offer potential therapeutic interventional strategies.

Cell Volume-Activated and Volume-Correlated Anion Channels in Mammalian Cells: Their Biophysical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Properties

There are a number of mammalian anion channel types associated with cell volume changes. These channel types are classified into two groups: volume-activated anion channels (VAACs) and volume-correlated anion channels (VCACs). VAACs can be directly activated by cell swelling and include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is also called the volume-regulated anion channel; the maxi-anion channel (MAC or Maxi-Cl); and the voltage-gated anion channel, chloride channel (ClC)-2. VCACs can be facultatively implicated in, although not directly activated by, cell volume changes and include the cAMP-activated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, the Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel (CaCC), and the acid-sensitive (or acid-stimulated) outwardly rectifying anion channel. This article describes the phenotypical properties and activation mechanisms of both groups of anion channels, including accumulating pieces of information on the basis of recent molecular understanding. To that end, this review also highlights the molecular identities of both anion channel groups; in addition to the molecular identities of ClC-2 and CFTR, those of CaCC, VSOR, and Maxi-Cl were recently identified by applying genome-wide approaches. In the last section of this review, the most up-to-date information on the pharmacological properties of both anion channel groups, especially their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀ values) and voltage-dependent blocking, is summarized particularly from the standpoint of pharmacological distinctions among them. Future physiologic and pharmacological studies are definitely warranted for therapeutic targeting of dysfunction of VAACs and VCACs.

Endothelial and smooth muscle cell ion channels in pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling

The pulmonary circulation is a low resistance and low pressure system. Sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and excessive vascular remodeling often occur under pathophysiological conditions such as in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vasoconstriction is a consequence of smooth muscle contraction. Many factors released from the endothelium contribute to regulating pulmonary vascular tone, while the extracellular matrix in the adventitia is the major determinant of vascular wall compliance. Pulmonary vascular remodeling is characterized by adventitial and medial hypertrophy due to fibroblast and smooth muscle cell proliferation, neointimal proliferation, intimal, and plexiform lesions that obliterate the lumen, muscularization of precapillary arterioles, and in situ thrombosis. A rise in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction, while increased release of mitogenic factors, upregulation (or downregulation) of ion channels and transporters, and abnormalities in intracellular signaling cascades are key to the remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature. Changes in the expression, function, and regulation of ion channels in PASMC and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone and development of vascular remodeling. This article will focus on describing the ion channels and transporters that are involved in the regulation of pulmonary vascular function and structure and illustrating the potential pathogenic role of ion channels and transporters in the development of pulmonary vascular disease.

Nickel inhibits β-1 adrenoceptor mediated activation of cardiac CFTR chloride channels

Cardiac ventricular myocytes exhibit a protein kinase A-dependent Cl(-) current (ICl.PKA) mediated by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). There is conflicting evidence regarding the ability of the divalent cation nickel (Ni(2+)), which has been used widely in vitro in the study of other cardiac ionic conductances, to inhibit ICl.PKA. Here the action of Ni(2+) on ICl.PKA activated by β-adrenergic stimulation has been elucidated. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from rabbit isolated ventricular myocytes. Externally applied Ni(2+) blocked ICl.PKA activated by 1 μM isoprenaline with a log IC50 (M) of -4.107 ± 0.075 (IC50=78.1 μM) at +100 mV and -4.322 ± 0.107 (IC50=47.6 μM) at -100 mV. Thus, the block of ICl.PKA by Ni(2+) was not strongly voltage dependent. Ni(2+) applied internally via the patch-pipette was ineffective at inhibiting isoprenaline-activated ICl,PKA, but in the same experiments the current was suppressed by external Ni(2+) application, indicative of an external site of Ni(2+) action. In the presence of 1 μM atenolol isoprenaline was ineffective at activating ICl.PKA, but in the presence of the β2-adrenoceptor inhibitor ICI 118,551 isoprenaline still activated Ni(2+)-sensitive ICl.PKA. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Ni(2+) ions produce marked inhibition of β1-adrenoceptor activated ventricular ICl.PKA at submillimolar [Ni(2+)]: an action that is likely to involve an interaction between Ni(2+) and β1-adrenoceptors. The concentration-dependence for ICl.PKA inhibition seen here indicates the potential for confounding effects on ICl,PKA to occur even at comparatively low Ni(2+) concentrations, when Ni(2+) is used to study other cardiac ionic currents under conditions of β-adrenergic agonism.

Arrhythmia and sudden death associated with elevated cardiac chloride channel activity

The identification and analysis of several cationic ion channels and their associated genes have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmia. Our objective in this study was to examine the involvement of anionic ion channels in cardiac arrhythmia. We used a transgenic mouse model to overexpress the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a cAMP-regulated chloride channel. We used RNase protection and in situ hybridization assays to determine the level of CFTR expression, and radiotelemetry and in vivo electrophysiological study in combination with pharmacological intervention to analyse the cardiac function. Cardiac CFTR overexpression leads to stress-related sudden death in this model. In vivo intracardiac electrophysiological studies performed in anaesthetized mice showed no significant differences in baseline conduction parameters including atrial-His bundle (AH) or His bundle-ventricular (HV) conduction intervals, atrioventricular (AV) Wenckebach or 2:1 AV block cycle length and AV nodal functional refractory period. However, following isoproterenol administration, there was marked slowing of conduction parameters, including high-grade AV block in transgenic mice, with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia easily inducible using programmed stimulation or burst pacing. Our sudden death mouse model can be a valuable tool for investigation of the role of chloride channels in arrhythmogenesis and, potentially, for future evaluation of novel anti-arrhythmic therapeutic strategies and pharmacological agents.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein expression in the male excretory duct system during development

Sterility due to bilateral destruction in utero or in early infancy resulting in congenital absence of the vas deferens is the rule in male patients with cystic fibrosis. To understand the developmental pattern of this anomaly, the microscopic morphology of the male excretory system was analyzed during development and the expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein was explored by immunohistochemistry. We observed that cystic fibrosis fetuses had no excretory ducts agenesis or obstruction until 22 weeks of gestation. However, a focal inflammatory pattern and mucinous plugs in the oldest cystic fibrosis case suggested a disruptive mechanism. Immunolabeling of cytoplasmic epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein was demonstrated in all cystic fibrosis and control cases with a similar pattern of expression of the protein between age-matched controls and cystic fibrosis cases. At midgestation, an apical intensification appeared in both cystic fibrosis and control cases and was stable during the remainder of fetal life. No gradient of intensity could be detected between the different segments of the excretory tract. These findings are different from those reported in adults. The absence of any morphologic anomaly until 22 weeks of gestation, the focal destruction of the epithelial structures during the second trimester, and the chronological pattern of expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator are of interest for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease.

Cardiac ion channel current modulation by the CFTR inhibitor GlyH-101

The role in the heart of the cardiac isoform of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which underlies a protein kinase A-dependent Cl(-) current (I(Cl.PKA)) in cardiomyocytes, remains unclear. The identification of a CFTR-selective inhibitor would provide an important tool for the investigation of the contribution of CFTR to cardiac electrophysiology. GlyH-101 is a glycine hydrazide that has recently been shown to block CFTR channels but its effects on cardiomyocytes are unknown. Here the action of GlyH-101 on cardiac I(Cl.PKA) and on other ion currents has been established. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from rabbit isolated ventricular myocytes. GlyH-101 blocked I(Cl.PKA) in a concentration- and voltage-dependent fashion (IC(50) at +100 mV=0.3 ± 1.5 μM and at -100 mV=5.1 ± 1.3 μM). Woodhull analysis suggested that GlyH-101 blocks the open pore of cardiac CFTR channels at an electrical distance of 0.15 ± 0.03 from the external membrane surface. A concentration of GlyH-101 maximally effective against I(Cl.PKA) (30 μM) was tested on other cardiac ion currents. Inward current at -120 mV, comprised predominantly of the inward-rectifier background K(+) current, I(K1), was reduced by ∼43% (n=5). Under selective recording conditions, the Na(+) current (I(Na)) was markedly inhibited by GlyH-101 over the entire voltage range (with a fractional block at -40 mV of ∼82%; n=8). GlyH-101 also produced a voltage-dependent inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channel current (I(Ca,L)); fractional block at +10 mV of ∼49% and of ∼28% at -10 mV; n=11, with a ∼-3 mV shift in the voltage-dependence of I(Ca,L) activation. Thus, this study demonstrates for the first time that GlyH-101 blocks cardiac I(Cl.PKA) channels in a similar fashion to that reported for recombinant CFTR. However, inhibition of other cardiac conductances may limit its use as a CFTR-selective blocker in the heart.

Cardiomyocytes with disrupted CFTR function require CaMKII and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel activity to maintain contraction rate

The physiological role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cardiomyocytes remains unclear. Using spontaneously beating neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes from wild-type (WT) or CFTR knockout (KO) mice, we examined the role of CFTR in the modulation of cardiomyocyte contraction rate. Contraction rates of spontaneously beating myocytes were captured by video imaging. Real-time changes in intracellular ([Ca(2+)](i)) and protein kinase A (PKA) activity were measured by fura-2 and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, respectively. Acute inhibition of CFTR in WT cardiomyocytes using the CFTR inhibitor CFTR(inh)-172 transiently inhibited the contraction rate. By contrast, cardiomyocytes from CFTR KO mice displayed normal contraction rates. Further investigation revealed that acute inhibition of CFTR activity in WT cardiomyocytes activated L-type Ca(2+) channels, leading to a transient increase of [Ca(2+)](i) and inhibition of PKA activity. Additionally, we found that contraction rate normalization following acute CFTR inhibition in WT cardiomyocytes or chronic deletion in cardiomyocytes from CFTR KO mice requires the activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (CaCC) because simultaneous addition of myristoylated-autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide or niflumic acid and CFTR(inh)-172 to WT cardiomyocytes or treatment of cardiomyoctes from CFTR KO mice with these agents caused sustained attenuation of contraction rates. Our results demonstrate that regulation of cardiomyocyte contraction involves CFTR. They also reveal that activation of CaMKII and CaCC compensates for loss of CFTR function. Increased dependence on CaMKII upon loss of CFTR function might leave cystic fibrosis patients at increased risk of heart dysfunction and disease.

Clustering of protein kinase A-dependent CFTR chloride channels in the sarcolemma of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

Cardiac myocytes express protein kinase A-dependent Cl(-) (Cl(PKA)) channels that are thought to represent cardiac expression of CFTR. In the present study, the 'Smart' patch clamp technique was used to investigate the distribution of Cl(PKA) channels at the cell surface of isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Imaging the cell surface using scanning ion conductance microscopy allowed the identification of the mouths to t-tubules and lateral z-grooves with a spacing of 1.86 microm. Cell-attached patch clamp recordings were made from specified locations within the imaged area. Perfusion of the cells with an activating cocktail of isoprenaline (5 microM), forskolin (10 microM) and isobutylmethylxanthine (50 microM) activated large, noisy anion-selective currents in which unitary channel currents could not be identified. Currents were recorded both from within z-grooves and in the inter-groove region but not at the mouths of t-tubules. Power spectral and noise analyses indicated the involvement of 13.5pS channels occurring in clusters of >50 channels. Channel activity was lost on excision of the patch from the cell but could be recovered in inside-out excised patches by application of the catalytic subunit of PKA. These results suggest that CFTR Cl(PKA) channels occur in clusters in the sarcolemma of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes; there was no evidence of a heterogeneous distribution of clusters between the z-grooves and the inter-groove region.

Lack of CFTR in skeletal muscle predisposes to muscle wasting and diaphragm muscle pump failure in cystic fibrosis mice

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often have reduced mass and strength of skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration. Here we show that lack of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays an intrinsic role in skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction. In normal murine and human skeletal muscle, CFTR is expressed and co-localized with sarcoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins. CFTR-deficient myotubes exhibit augmented levels of intracellular calcium after KCl-induced depolarization, and exposure to an inflammatory milieu induces excessive NF-kB translocation and cytokine/chemokine gene upregulation. To determine the effects of an inflammatory environment in vivo, sustained pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was produced, and under these conditions diaphragmatic force-generating capacity is selectively reduced in Cftr(-/-) mice. This is associated with exaggerated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression as well as upregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligases (MuRF1 and atrogin-1) involved in muscle atrophy. We conclude that an intrinsic alteration of function is linked to the absence of CFTR from skeletal muscle, leading to dysregulated calcium homeostasis, augmented inflammatory/atrophic gene expression signatures, and increased diaphragmatic weakness during pulmonary infection. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for CFTR in skeletal muscle function that may have major implications for the pathogenesis of cachexia and respiratory muscle pump failure in CF patients.

Evidence for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride current in swine ventricular myocytes

The present study investigated whether cAMP-dependent cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel current (i.e., I(Cl.CFTR) or I(Cl.cAMP)) would be expressed in pig cardiac myocytes using whole-cell patch technique and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was found that the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol activated a time-independent current in myocytes from the ventricle, but not the atrium of pig heart. Histamine and forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator) induced a similar current in pig ventricular cells. The current induced by isoproterenol was blocked by the PKA inhibitor H-7, reduced by the replacement of external Cl(-) ion, and inhibited by the application of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB), but not 4'-diisothiocynatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), typical of I(Cl.CFTR). I(Cl.CFTR) showed a small difference in regional myocytes across the left ventricular wall from epicardium to endocardium. Isoproterenol-induced current was 3.1+/-0.2 (n=33), 2.8+/-0.2 (n=25) and 2.3+/-0.2 pA/pF (n=31) respectively in subepicardial, midmyocardial, and subendocardial myocytes (P<0.05, subepicardium vs. subendocardium). RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis revealed that significant differences in CFTR channel mRNA and protein levels were present in atrial and ventricular cells, but not in regional ventricular cells across the ventricular wall from subepicardium to subendocardium. These results indicate that the functional CFTR channel (i.e., I(Cl.CFTR)) is present in ventricular myocytes, but not in atrial cells of pig heart.

Ischemia-induced enhancement of CFTR expression on the plasma membrane in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

Pathophysiological functions of cardiac cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (cCFTR) in ischemia are not well known. Using neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes in primary culture in this study, we thus examined whether the CFTR protein is expressed and is functioning as a cAMP-activated anion channel on the plasma membrane under ischemic conditions. After the cells were subjected to simulated ischemia (O(2) and glucose deprivation), an up-regulation of the CFTR expression was transiently observed in the membrane fraction by Western blot. A peak expression of mature CFTR protein was found at 3 h of ischemia, and thereafter the signal diminished gradually. In contrast, the results of Northern blot indicated that the expression level of CFTR mRNA changed little until 3 h of ischemia, whereas the level slightly decreased after 8 h of ischemia. An immunohistochemical examination showed, in agreement with the results of Western blot analysis, that the expression of CFTR protein on the plasma membrane became most prominent at 3 h of ischemia, whereas the plasmalemmal CFTR signal was markedly reduced after 8 h of ischemia. Whole-cell recordings showed that the cardiomyocytes responded to cAMP with an activation of time- and voltage-independent currents that contained an anion-selective component sensitive to CFTR Cl(-) channel blockers (NPPB and glibenclamide) but not to a stilbene-derivative conventional Cl(-) channel blocker (SITS). This cAMP-activated Cl(-) channel current was found to be enhanced after an application of ischemic stress for 3 to 4 h. These findings indicate that a plasmalemmal expression of CFTR is transiently enhanced under glucose-free hypoxic conditions presumably because of a posttranslational control.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the cystic fibrosis gene in cardiac development and hypertrophy

Eukaryotic gene expression, reflected in the amount of steady-state mRNA, is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) of some transcripts contain cis-acting elements, including upstream open reading frames (uORFs), that have been identified as being fundamental in modulating translation efficiency and mRNA stability. Previously, we demonstrated that uORFs present in the 5'-UTR of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regular (CFTR) transcripts expressed in the heart were able to modulate translation efficiency of the main CFTR ORF. Here, we show that the same 5'-UTR elements are associated with the differential stability of the 5'-UTR compared to the main coding region of CFTR transcripts. Furthermore, these post-transcriptional mechanisms are important factors governing regulated CFTR expression in the heart, in response to developmental and pathophysiological stimuli.

Cardiac Expression of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Involves Novel Exon 1 Usage to Produce a Unique Amino-terminal Protein

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a chloride channel present in many cells. In cardiomyocytes, we report that multiple exon 1 usage and alternative splicing produces four CFTR transcripts, with different 5'-untranslated regions, CFTR(TRAD-139), CFTR(-1C/-1A), CFTR(-1C), and CFTR(-1B). CFTR transcripts containing the novel upstream exons (exons -1C, -1B, and -1A) represent more than 90% of cardiac expressed CFTR mRNA. Regulation of cardiac CFTR expression, in response to developmental and pathological stimuli, is exclusively due to the modulation of CFTR(-1C) and CFTR(-1C/-1A) expression. Upstream open reading frames have been identified in the 5'-untranslated regions of all CFTR transcripts that, in conjunction with adjacent stem-loop structures, modulate the efficiency of translation initiation at the AUG codon of the main CFTR coding region in CFTR(TRAD-139) and CFTR(-1C/-1A) transcripts. Exon -1A, only present in CFTR(-1C/-1A) transcripts, encodes an AUG codon that is in-frame with the main CFTR open reading frame, the efficient translation of which produces a novel CFTR protein isoform with a curtailed amino terminus. As the expression of this CFTR transcript parallels the spatial and temporal distribution of the cAMP-activated whole-cell current density in normal and diseased hearts, we suggest that CFTR(-1C/-1A) provides the molecular basis for the cardiac cAMP-activated chloride channel. Our findings provide further insight into the complex nature of in vivo CFTR expression, to which multiple mRNA transcripts, protein isoforms, and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are now added.

Physiological modulation of CFTR activity by AMP-activated protein kinase in polarized T84 cells

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated, ATP-gated Cl(-) channel and cellular conductance regulator, but the detailed mechanisms of CFTR regulation and its regulation of other transport proteins remain obscure. We previously identified the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a novel protein interacting with CFTR and found that AMPK phosphorylated CFTR and inhibited CFTR-dependent whole cell conductances when coexpressed with CFTR in Xenopus oocytes. To address the physiological relevance of the CFTR-AMPK interaction, we have now studied polarized epithelia and have evaluated the localization of endogenous AMPK and CFTR and measured CFTR activity with modulation of AMPK activity. By immunofluorescent imaging, AMPK and CFTR share an overlapping apical distribution in several rat epithelial tissues, including nasopharynx, submandibular gland, pancreas, and ileum. CFTR-dependent short-circuit currents (I(sc)) were measured in polarized T84 cells grown on permeable supports, and several independent methods were used to modulate endogenous AMPK activity. Activation of endogenous AMPK with the cell-permeant adenosine analog 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) inhibited forskolin-stimulated CFTR-dependent I(sc) in nonpermeabilized monolayers and monolayers with nystatin permeabilization of the basolateral membrane. Raising intracellular AMP concentration in monolayers with basolateral membranes permeabilized with alpha-toxin also inhibited CFTR, an effect that was unrelated to adenosine receptors. Finally, overexpression of a kinase-dead mutant AMPK-alpha1 subunit (alpha1-K45R) enhanced forskolin-stimulated I(sc) in polarized T84 monolayers, consistent with a dominant-negative reduction in the inhibition of CFTR by endogenous AMPK. These results indicate that AMPK plays a physiological role in modulating CFTR activity in polarized epithelia and suggest a novel paradigm for the coupling of ion transport to cellular metabolism.

The PEST sequence does not contribute to the stability of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

BACKGROUND

Endoplasmic reticulum retention of misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutants and their rapid degradation is the major cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). An important goal is to understand the mechanism of how the misfolded proteins are recognized, retained, and targeted for degradation.

RESULTS

Using a web-based algorithm, PESTFind, we found a PEST sequence in the regulatory (R) domain of CFTR. The PEST sequence is found in many short-lived eukaryotic proteins and plays a role in their degradation. To determine its role in the stability and degradation of misprocessed CFTR, we introduced a number of site-directed mutations into the PEST sequence in the cDNA of DeltaF508 CFTR, the most prevalent misprocessed mutation found in CF patients. Analysis of these mutants showed that the disruption of the PEST sequence plays a minor role in the degradation of the CFTR mutants. Multiple mutations to the PEST sequence within the R domain of CFTR inhibit maturation of CFTR and prevent the formation of a 100 kDa degradation product. The mutations, however, do not improve the stability of the mutant DeltaF508 CFTR.

CONCLUSION

These observations show that disruption of the structure of the R domain of CFTR can inhibit maturation of the protein and that the predicted PEST sequence plays no significant role in the degradation of CFTR.

Characterization of cyclic AMP-regulated chloride conductance in the pigmented rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells

We have previously reported that the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva is a Cl- secreting tissue, subject to cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC modulation. The present study was conducted to characterize, at the cellular and molecular levels, cAMP-regulated Cl- channels in rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells. cAMP-inducible Cl- channel properties were evaluated by monitoring the whole-cell currents using patch clamp techniques. Results showed that 10 microM forskolin significantly stimulated a glibenclamide-inhibitable whole-cell conductance by approximately five-fold. Furthermore, reduction of the Cl- concentration in the bathing solution through partial substitution of NaCl with Na-isethionate resulted in a rightward shift of the reversal potential for both baseline and forskolin-stimulated whole-cell currents from 0 to values close to the theoretical Cl- reversal potential predicted by the Nernst equation. Western blot analysis with a monoclonal antibody recognizing the epitope in the C-terminus of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) showed a positive band at its molecular weight, approximately 170 kD. Immunostaining under confocal microscopy revealed a CFTR specific signal in the apical sections of primary conjunctival epithelial cells. In addition, RT-PCR detection amplified a cDNA fragment 100% identical to the predicted portion of the cloned rabbit CFTR message. The stage is thus set for determining the extent of CFTR contribution to cAMP-regulated Cl- conductance in pigmented rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells.

Inhibitory effect of endothelin-1 on the isoproterenol-induced chloride current in human cardiac myocytes

It is still controversial whether the cAMP-activated Cl(-) current (I(Cl,cAMP)) is expressed in human cardiomyocytes. The whole-cell configuration of the voltage-clamp technique was used to examine in detail the I(Cl,cAMP) in single human atrial and ventricular myocytes. Human cardiomyocytes were enzymatically isolated from atrial or ventricular specimens obtained from open-heart surgery or cardiac transplantation, respectively. Isoproterenol (1 microM) or forskolin (10 microM) was used to activate the cAMP second-messenger system. The isoproterenol- or forskolin-induced Cl(-) current was elicited in 12 of 54 atrial myocytes but was completely absent from ventricular myocytes. The isoproterenol-induced Cl(-) current in atrial myocytes was time-independent and had a reversal potential close to zero. Endothelin-1 (30 nM) inhibited the isoproterenol-induced Cl(-) current by 75+/-6% (n=4). This inhibitory effect of endothelin-1 was attenuated by pretreating atrial myocytes with the endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist, BQ485, but not with the ET(B) receptor antagonist, BQ-788. The results provide evidence that the I(Cl,cAMP) exists in human atria, but not ventricle, and is inhibited by endothelin-1.

Cardiac chloride channels: physiology, pharmacology and approaches for identifying novel modulators of activity

Drugs that block cardiac cation channels have been marketed as the therapeutic answer to cardiac arrhythmia. However, such molecules have been only moderately successful at improving the survival of cardiac patients, and so new targets have been needed for future antiarrhythmic agents. This article outlines the properties and roles of Cl(-) channels, which are one of these new targets, and describes an approach for identifying novel CI(2) channel modulators.

Intracellular cyclic AMP inhibits native and recombinant volume-regulated chloride channels from mammalian heart

1. ClC-3 encodes a volume-regulated Cl- channel (ICl,vol) in heart. We studied the regulation of native and recombinant cardiac ICl,vol by intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMPi). 2. Symmetrical high Cl- concentrations were used to effectively separate outwardly rectifying ICl,vol from other non-rectifying Cl- currents, such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Ca2+-activated Cl- currents (ICl,CFTR and ICl,Ca, respectively), which are concomitantly expressed in cardiac myocytes. 3. 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) significantly inhibited ICl,vol in most guinea-pig atrial myocytes. In approximately 30 % of the atrial myocytes examined, 8-Br-cAMP increased macroscopic Cl- currents. However, the 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated difference currents exhibited a linear current-voltage (I-V ) relation, consistent with activation of ICl,CFTR, not ICl,vol. 4. In canine atrial myocytes, isoprenaline (1 microM) consistently reduced ICl,vol in Ca2+-free hypotonic bath solutions with strong intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) buffering. In Ca2+-containing hypotonic bath solutions with weak Ca2+i buffering, however, isoprenaline increased net macroscopic Cl- currents. Isoprenaline-stimulated difference currents were not outwardly rectifying, consistent with activation of ICl,Ca, not ICl, vol. 5. In NIH/3T3 cells transfected with gpClC-3 (the gene encoding ICl,vol), 8-Br-cAMP consistently inhibited ICl,ClC-3. These effects were prevented by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, KT5720, or by mutation of a single consensus protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site (S51A) on the N-terminus of ClC-3, which also mediates PKC inhibition of ICl,ClC-3. 6. We conclude that cAMPi causes inhibition of ICl,vol in mammalian heart due to cross-phosphorylation of the same PKC consensus site on ClC-3 by PKA. Our results suggest that contamination of macroscopic ICl,vol by ICl,CFTR and/or ICl,Ca may account for some of the inconsistent and controversial effects of cAMPi on ICl,vol previously reported in native cardiac myocytes.

A Novel Anionic Inward Rectifier in Native Cardiac Myocytes

Abstract —Although the cationic inward rectifiers (Kir and hyperpolarization-activated I f channels) have been well characterized in cardiac myocytes, the expression and physiological role of anionic inward rectifiers in heart are unknown. In the present study, we report the functional and molecular identification of a novel chloride (Cl − ) inward rectifier (Cl.ir) in mammalian heart. Under conditions in which cationic inward rectifier channels were blocked, membrane hyperpolarization (−40 to −140 mV) activated an inwardly rectifying whole-cell current in mouse atrial and ventricular myocytes. Under isotonic conditions, the current activated slowly with a biexponential time course (time constants averaging 179.7±23.4 [mean±SEM] and 2073.6±287.6 ms at −120 mV). Hypotonic cell swelling accelerated the activation and increased the current amplitude whereas hypertonic cell shrinkage inhibited the current. The inwardly rectifying current was carried by Cl − ( I Cl.ir ) and had an anion permeability sequence of Cl − > I − ≫aspartate. I Cl.ir was blocked by 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid and cadmium but not by stilbene disulfonates and tamoxifen. A similar I Cl.ir was also observed in guinea pig cardiac myocytes. The properties of I Cl.ir are consistent with currents generated by expression of ClC-2 Cl − channels. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis confirmed transcriptional expression of ClC-2 in both atrial and ventricular tissues and isolated myocytes of mouse and guinea pig hearts. These results indicate that a novel I Cl.ir is present in mammalian heart and support a potentially important role of ClC-2 channels in the regulation of cardiac electrical activity and cell volume under physiological and pathological conditions. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha.org.

Anion transport in heart

Anion transport proteins in mammalian cells participate in a wide variety of cell and intracellular organelle functions, including regulation of electrical activity, pH, volume, and the transport of osmolites and metabolites, and may even play a role in the control of immunological responses, cell migration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although significant progress over the past decade has been achieved in understanding electrogenic and electroneutral anion transport proteins in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes, information on the molecular nature and physiological significance of many of these proteins, especially in the heart, is incomplete. Functional and molecular studies presently suggest that four primary types of sarcolemmal anion channels are expressed in cardiac cells: channels regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C, and purinergic receptors (I(Cl.PKA)); channels regulated by changes in cell volume (I(Cl.vol)); channels activated by intracellular Ca(2+) (I(Cl.Ca)); and inwardly rectifying anion channels (I(Cl.ir)). In most animal species, I(Cl.PKA) is due to expression of a cardiac isoform of the epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel. New molecular candidates responsible for I(Cl.vol), I(Cl.Ca), and I(Cl.ir) (ClC-3, CLCA1, and ClC-2, respectively) have recently been identified and are presently being evaluated. Two isoforms of the band 3 anion exchange protein, originally characterized in erythrocytes, are responsible for Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange, and at least two members of a large vertebrate family of electroneutral cotransporters (ENCC1 and ENCC3) are responsible for Na(+)-dependent Cl(-) cotransport in heart. A 223-amino acid protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane of most eukaryotic cells comprises a voltage-dependent anion channel. The molecular entities responsible for other types of electroneutral anion exchange or Cl(-) conductances in intracellular membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum or nucleus are unknown. Evidence of cardiac expression of up to five additional members of the ClC gene family suggest a rich new variety of molecular candidates that may underlie existing or novel Cl(-) channel subtypes in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes. The application of modern molecular biological and genetic approaches to the study of anion transport proteins during the next decade holds exciting promise for eventually revealing the actual physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical significance of these unique transport processes in cardiac and other mammalian cells.

An inventory of the human ABC proteins

Currently 30 human ABC proteins are represented by full sequences in various databases, and this paper provides a brief overview of these proteins. ABC proteins are composed of transmembrane domains (TMDs), and nucleotide binding domains (NBDs, or ATP-binding cassettes, ABSs). The arrangement of these domains, together with available membrane topology models of the family members, are presented. Based on their sequence similarity scores, the members of the human ABC protein family can be grouped into eight subfamilies. At present the MDR/TAP, the ALD, the MRP/CFTR, the ABC1, the White, the RNAseL inhibitor, the ANSA, and the GCN20 subfamilies are identified. Mutations of many human ABC proteins are known to be causative in inherited diseases, and a short description of the molecular pathology of these ABC gene-related genetic diseases is also provided.

Purinoceptor-coupled Cl- channels in mouse heart: a novel, alternative pathway for CFTR regulation

1. P2-purinoceptors couple extracellular ATP to the activation of a Cl- current (ICl,ATP) in heart. We studied the molecular mechanism and intracellular signalling pathways of ICl,ATP activation in mouse heart. 2. Extracellular adenosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS; 100 microM) activated ICl,ATP in both atrial and ventricular myocytes. A specific PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide blocked the effect of ATPgammaS while a PKC activator, phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) activated a current with identical properties to ICl,ATP. Maximal activation of ICl,ATP by ATPgammaS or PDBu occluded further modulation by the other agonist, suggesting that they may activate the same population of Cl- channels. 3. Isoprenaline increased ICl,ATP pre-activated by ATPgammaS or PDBu, while isoprenaline or forskolin alone failed to activate any Cl- current in these myocytes. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothionate, a PKA inhibitor, prevented ATPgammaS or PDBu activation of ICl,ATP. Thus, ICl,ATP is regulated by dual intracellular phosphorylation pathways involving both PKA and PKC in a synergistic manner similar to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels. 4. Glibenclamide (50 microM) significantly blocked ICl,ATP activated by ATPgammaS or by the CFTR channel activator, levamisole. 5. The slope conductance of the unitary ICl,ATP in cell-attached patches was 11.8 +/- 0.3 pS, resembling the known properties of CFTR Cl- channels in cardiac myocytes. 6. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis revealed CFTR mRNA expression in mouse heart. 7. We conclude that ICl,ATP in mouse heart is due to activation of CFTR Cl- channels through a novel intracellular signalling pathway involving purinergic activation of PKC and PKA.

Molecular and functional distributions of chloride conductances in rabbit ventricle

The regulation of cardiac electrical activity is critically dependent on the distribution of ion channels in the heart. For most ion channels, however, the patterns of distribution and what regulates these patterns are not well characterized. The most likely candidates for the genes that encode the cAMP- and swelling-activated chloride conductances in the heart are an alternatively spliced variant of CFTR and ClC-3, respectively. In this study we have 1) measured the density of CFTR and ClC-3 mRNA levels across the left ventricular free wall (LVFW) of the rabbit heart using in situ hybridization and 2) measured the corresponding current density of cAMP- and swelling-activated chloride channels in myocytes isolated from subepicardial, midmyocardial, and subendocardial regions of the LVFW. There was a highly significant gradient in the whole cell slope conductance of cAMP-activated chloride currents; normalized slope conductance at 0 mV was 15.7 +/- 1.8 pS/pF (n = 9) in subepicardial myocytes, 7.8 +/- 1.5 pS/pF (n = 11) in midmyocardial myocytes, and 4.9 +/- 1.1 pS/pF (n = 9) in subendocardial myocytes. The level of CFTR mRNA was closely correlated with the density of cAMP-activated chloride conductances in different regions of the heart, with the level of CFTR mRNA being three times higher in the subepicardium than in the subendocardium. The whole cell slope conductance of swelling-activated chloride channel activity, measured 3-5 min after the commencement of cell swelling, was higher in myocytes isolated from the subepicardium than in myocytes isolated from the midmyocardium or subendocardium. In contrast, there was a uniform expression of ClC-3 mRNA across the LVFW of the rabbit heart. These results suggest that the control of gene expression is an important contributor in regulating the distribution of cAMP-activated chloride channels in the rabbit heart but that it may be less important for the swelling-activated chloride channels.

Changes in cell volume induced by ion channel flux in guinea-pig cardiac myocytes

1. The cell width of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes was measured using an optic device during patch-clamp experiments and the relationship between the ion channel flux and changes in cell volume was examined. 2. On superfusing myocytes with 50, 70, 150 and 200% osmotic solutions, the relative cell width changed to 121.1 (n = 4), 110.8 (n = 27), 87.1 (n = 6) and 82.6% (n = 6) of control, respectively. Changes in cell length were less than 2% in these test solutions. 3. The application of 300 nmol/L isoprenaline to myocytes swollen in the 70% hypotonic solution induced a decrease in cell width from 111.2 to 106.2% (n = 13). The application of isoprenaline in the isotonic solution also induced a decrease in cell width to 96.5% in eight of 13 cells. A membrane depolarization of 2-4 mV accompanied the isoprenaline-induced decrease in volume. In the remaining five cells, neither an obvious isoprenaline-induced decrease in volume nor membrane depolarization was observed. Under ruptured whole-cell voltage clamp conditions, the activation of inward isoprenaline-induced Cl- current decreased cell width. 4. Cell width was seen to either decrease or increase when a large outward or inward K+ current, respectively, was induced by shifting the holding potential or by applying 200 mumol/L pinacidil. Under gramicidin-perforated whole-cell clamp conditions, the cell width did not change, even when a large inward K+ current was induced. 5. When the test solution was applied to half of an elongated myocyte by using a micropipette, the cell width increased or decreased in the part exposed to the hypotonic or hypertonic test solutions, respectively. In contrast, in the other half of the elongated myocyte, the cell width responded in the opposite direction. 6. It is concluded that a continuous ionic flux through ion channels is capable of inducing changes in cell volume by generating a localized osmotic gradient across the cardiac sarcolemma.

Cardiac ionic currents and acute ischemia: from channels to arrhythmias

The aim of this review is to provide basic information on the electrophysiological changes during acute ischemia and reperfusion from the level of ion channels up to the level of multicellular preparations. After an introduction, section II provides a general description of the ion channels and electrogenic transporters present in the heart, more specifically in the plasma membrane, in intracellular organelles of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and in the gap junctions. The description is restricted to activation and permeation characterisitics, while modulation is incorporated in section III. This section (ischemic syndromes) describes the biochemical (lipids, radicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites) and ion concentration changes, the mechanisms involved, and the effect on channels and cells. Section IV (electrical changes and arrhythmias) is subdivided in two parts, with first a description of the electrical changes at the cellular and multicellular level, followed by an analysis of arrhythmias during ischemia and reperfusion. The last short section suggests possible developments in the study of ischemia-related phenomena.

Regulation of recombinant cardiac cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channels by protein kinase C

We investigated the regulation of cardiac cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels by protein kinase C (PKC) in Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA encoding the cardiac (exon 5-) CFTR Cl- channel isoform. Membrane currents were recorded using a two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Activators of PKC or a cAMP cocktail elicited robust time-independent Cl- currents in cardiac CFTR-injected oocytes, but not in control water-injected oocytes. The effects of costimulation of both pathways were additive; however, maximum protein kinase A (PKA) activation occluded further activation by PKC. In oocytes expressing either the cardiac (exon 5-) or epithelial (exon 5+) CFTR isoform, Cl- currents activated by PKA were sustained, whereas PKC-activated currents were transient, with initial activation followed by slow current decay in the continued presence of phorbol esters, the latter effect likely due to down-regulation of endogenous PKC activity. The specific PKA inhibitor, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS), and various protein phosphatase inhibitors were used to determine whether the stimulatory effects of PKC are dependent upon the PKA phosphorylation state of cardiac CFTR channels. Intraoocyte injection of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N, N,N-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) or pretreatment of oocytes with BAPTA-acetoxymethyl-ester (BAPTA-AM) nearly completely prevented dephosphorylation of CFTR currents activated by cAMP, an effect consistent with inhibition of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) by chelation of intracellular Mg2+. PKC-induced stimulation of CFTR channels was prevented by inhibition of basal endogenous PKA activity, and phorbol esters failed to stimulate CFTR channels trapped into either the partially PKA phosphorylated (P1) or the fully PKA phosphorylated (P1P2) channel states. Site-directed mutagenesis of serines (S686 and S790) within two consensus PKC phosphorylation sites on the cardiac CFTR regulatory domain attentuated, but did not eliminate, the stimulatory effects of phorbol esters on mutant CFTR channels. The effects of PKC on cardiac CFTR Cl- channels are consistent with a simple model in which PKC phosphorylation of the R domain facilitates PKA-induced transitions from dephosphorylated (D) to partially (P1) phosphorylated and fully (P1P2) phosphorylated channel states.

Structure and function of the CFTR chloride channel

Structure and Function of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S23-S45, 1999. - The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a unique member of the ABC transporter family that forms a novel Cl- channel. It is located predominantly in the apical membrane of epithelia where it mediates transepithelial salt and liquid movement. Dysfunction of CFTR causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. The CFTR is composed of five domains: two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs), and a regulatory (R) domain. Here we review the structure and function of this unique channel, with a focus on how the various domains contribute to channel function. The MSDs form the channel pore, phosphorylation of the R domain determines channel activity, and ATP hydrolysis by the NBDs controls channel gating. Current knowledge of CFTR structure and function may help us understand better its mechanism of action, its role in electrolyte transport, its dysfunction in cystic fibrosis, and its relationship to other ABC transporters.

Tyrosine kinase-independent extracellular action of genistein on the CFTR Cl- channel in guinea pig ventricular myocytes and CFTR-transfected mouse fibroblasts

The effects of genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel were studied in guinea pig ventricular myocytes and in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably transfected with CFTR cDNA by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Genistein did not activate whole-cell Cl- currents when applied to the intracellular (pipette) solution. In contrast, when applied to the extracellular solution, genistein alone promptly activated the Cl- current in a fully reversible manner. Also, extracellular genistein reversibly potentiated the forskolin-activated Cl- current. However, both basal and forskolin-activated Cl- currents were not affected by other protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including herbimycin A, lavendustin A, tyrphostin 21, tyrphostin 47, and tyrphostin 51. A nonspecific inhibitor of protein phosphatases, orthovanadate, had no effect on the genistein-induced activation of CFTR. Pretreatment with a protein kinase inhibitor, either H-89 or H-7, or with an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22536, also had no effect on the genistein-induced response. Thus, it is concluded that genistein alone activates CFTR by a protein tyrosine kinase-independent and protein phosphatase-independent mechanism from the extracellular side, but not from the intracellular side.

What we know and what we do not know about cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-regulated chloride channel that resides in the apical membrane of many epithelial cells. Channel opening requires phosophorylation of serine residues in an intracellular regulatory domain by protein kinase A and as the binding and hydrolysis of ATP by intracellular nucleotide binding domains. Besides conducting the chloride ion, CFTR also regulates the function of other membrane proteins, directly or indirectly, notably the outwardly rectifying chloride channel and the epithelial sodium channel. The disease cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in CFTR, which can result in defective protein production, defective processing and degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum, or defective channel pore properties or gating properties.

PKC regulation of cardiac CFTR Cl- channel function in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulating the protein kinase A (PKA)-activated Cl- current conducted by the cardiac isoform of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (cCFTR) was studied in guinea pig ventricular myocytes using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Although stimulation of endogenous PKC with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) alone did not activate this Cl- current, even when intracellular dialysis was limited with the perforated patch-clamp technique, activation of PKC did elicit a significant response in the presence of PKA-dependent activation of the current by the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. PDBu increased the magnitude of the Cl- conductance activated by a supramaximally stimulating concentration of isoproterenol by 21 +/- 3.3% (n = 9) when added after isoproterenol and by 36 +/- 16% (n = 14) when introduced before isoproterenol. 4alpha-Phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester that does not activate PKC, did not mimic these effects. Preexposure to chelerythrine or bisindolylmaleimide, two highly selective inhibitors of PKC, significantly reduced the magnitude of the isoproterenol-activated Cl- current by 79 +/- 7.7% (n = 11) and 52 +/- 10% (n = 8), respectively. Our results suggest that although acute activation of endogenous PKC alone does not significantly regulate cCFTR Cl- channel activity in native myocytes, it does potentiate PKA-dependent responses, perhaps most dramatically demonstrated by basal PKC activity, which may play a pivotal role in modulating the function of these channels.

Comparative effects of glibenclamide, tedisamil, dofetilide, E-4031, and BRL-32872 on protein kinase A-activated chloride current in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

The modulation of the protein kinase A-activated chloride current (PKA-I[Cl]) may lead to modification of the cardiac action potential shape. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of glibenclamide, tedisamil, dofetilide, E-4031, and BRL-32872 on the PKA-I(Cl). Experiments were conducted by using the patch-clamp technique in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. PKA-I(Cl) was activated by application of 1 microM isoproterenol and was inhibited by 1 microM propranolol, 10 microM acetylcholine, or 1 mM 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS). The sulfonylurea receptor inhibitor, glibenclamide, inhibited PKA-I(Cl) at micromolar concentration. Among class III antiarrhythmic agents, tedisamil induced a dose-dependent inhibition of PKA-I(Cl) with a half effective concentration (EC50) of 7.15 microM (Hill coefficient, 0.54). This effect may contribute to action potential widening induced by tedisamil. In contrast, the selective inhibitors of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K current (I[Kr]), dofetilide, and E-4031, as well as BRL-32872, that blocks I(Kr) and the L-type calcium current, did not significantly affect the amplitude of PKA-I(Cl), even at high concentrations (10-30 microM). These results demonstrate that compounds such as glibenclamide and tedisamil that are known to block the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K current also affect PKA-I(Cl). Furthermore it appears that blockade of PKA-I(Cl) is not a common feature for all class III antiarrhythmic agents.

Regulation of chloride secretion across porcine endometrial epithelial cells by prostaglandin E2

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of PGE2 regulation of Cl- transport across glandular endometrial cells grown in primary culture. 2. Most of the basal short circuit current (Isc) was inhibited by luminal addition of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) or glibenclamide, suggesting the presence of a basally active Cl- conductance in the apical membrane. 3. Basolateral addition of 10 microM PGE2 increased Isc by 41 +/- 3 microA. A similar response was observed when cells were treated with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP). Pretreatment of monolayers with NPPB and glibenclamide blocked the PGE2 and cAMP-mediated increase in Isc, suggesting that the effects of PGE2 and cAMP were dependent on the activity of an apical NPPB- and glibenclamide-sensitive conductance. 4. Addition of 50 nM antiPGE2 antibody to the basolateral bathing solution decreased basal Isc by 20 % and shifted the threshold response to exogenous PGE2. This result suggests autocrine regulation of electrogenic Cl- transport by PGE2. 5. Experiments with amphotericin B-permeabilized monolayers revealed that the apical PGE2-activated, NPPB- and glibenclamide-sensitive conductance was Cl- dependent and that the current-voltage relationship and anion permeation properties (SCN->Br- > Cl- > I-) were characteristic of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). 6. Cultured porcine endometrial epithelial cells were specifically labelled with an antibody to a peptide sequence within the regulatory domain of CFTR. 7. The effect of PGE2 was blocked by basolateral addition of bumetanide and furosemide at concentrations that are selective for inhibition of Na+-K+-2Cl-cotransport activity. The effect of bumetanide on Isc was Cl- dependent, suggesting a role for the bumetanide-sensitive transport pathway in Cl- secretion. 8. PGE2 and cAMP also activated an outwardly rectifying basolateral K+ channel which presumably sustains the driving force for electrogenic Cl- efflux across the apical membrane. 9. The concentration-conductance and concentration-Isc response relationships for PGE2 showed that basolateral K+ permeability was rate limiting with respect to transepithelial anion secretion and that activation of a basolateral K+ channel by PGE2 was necessary to achieve maximum rates of Cl- secretion.

Genomic DNA sequence of Rhesus (M. mulatta) cystic fibrosis (CFTR) gene

Cystic fibrosis is a common human genetic disease caused by mutations in CFTR, a gene that codes for a chloride channel that is regulated by phosphorylation and cytosolic nucleotides. As part of a program to discover natural animal models for human genetic diseases, we have determined the genomic sequence of CFTR in the Rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta. The coding region of rhesus CFTR is 98.3% identical to human CFTR at the nucleotide level and 98.2% identical and 99.7% similar at the amino acid level. Partial sequences of flanking introns (5582 base pair positions analyzed) revealed 91.1% identity with human introns. Relative to rhesus intronic sequence, the human sequences had 27 insertions and 22 deletions. Primer sequences for amplification of rhesus genomic CFTR sequences are provided. The accession number is AF013753 (all 27 exons and some flanking intronic sequence).

Arylaminobenzoate block of the cardiac cyclic AMP-dependent chloride current

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel has been identified in the cardiac muscle of a number of mammalian species, including humans. The goal of this study was to begin quantifying the structural requirements necessary for arylaminobenzoate block of the CFTR channel. The cardiac cAMP-dependent Cl- current (ICl) was measured using the whole-cell arrangement of the patch-clamp technique in guinea pig ventricular myocytes during stimulation of protein kinase A with forskolin. At drug concentrations below the IC50 value for channel block, reduction of ICl by the arylaminobenzoates occurred in a strongly voltage-dependent manner with preferential inhibition of the inward currents. At higher drug concentrations, block of both the inward and outward ICl was observed. Increasing the length of the carbon chain between the benzoate and phenyl rings of the arylaminobenzoates resulted in a marked increase in drug block of the channel, with IC50 values of 47, 17, and 4 microM for 2-benzylamino-5-nitro-benzoic acid, 5-nitro-2-(2-phenylethylamino)-benzoic acid, and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB), respectively. Increasing the carbon chain length further with the compound 5-nitro-2-(4-phenylbutylamino)-benzoic acid, caused no additional increase in the potency of drug block (IC50 = 4 microM). Inhibition of ICl by the arylaminobenzoates was modulated by the pH of the external solution; increasing the pH from 7.4 to 10.0 greatly weakened NPPB block, whereas decreasing the pH to 6.4 enhanced block. In addition, block of ICl was observed during intracellular dialysis of NPPB, and this action was not affected by raising the external pH.

Fluoride stimulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel activity

While studying the regulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), we found that addition of F- to the cytosolic surface of excised, inside-out membrane patches reversibly increased Cl- current in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation required prior phosphorylation and the presence of ATP. F- increased current even in the presence of deferoxamine, which chelates Al3+, suggesting that stimulation was not due to AlF4-. F- also stimulated current in a CFTR variant that lacked a large part of the R domain, suggesting that the effect was not mediated via this domain. Studies of single channels showed that F- increased the open-state probability by slowing channel closure from bursts of activity; the mean closed time between bursts and single-channel conductance was not altered. These results suggested that F- influenced regulation by the cytosolic domains, most likely the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). Consistent with this, we found that mutation of a conserved Walker lysine in NBD2 changed the relative stimulatory effect of F- compared with wild-type CFTR, whereas mutation of the Walker lysine in NBD1 had no effect. Based on these and previous data, we speculate that F- interacts with CFTR, possibly via NBD2, and slows the rate of channel closure.

Swelling-induced Cl- current in guinea-pig atrial myocytes: inhibition by glibenclamide

1. Whole-cell currents were recorded from guinea-pig atrial myocytes using the patch-clamp technique under conditions designed to block K+ channels, Ca2+ channels and electrogenic transporters. 2. Exposure of atrial myocytes to the hyposmotic external solution (Na+ reduction to about 70% of control) resulted in hyposmotic cell swelling which was associated with activation of an outwardly rectifying Cl- current (ICl,swell). 3. Whereas the activation of ICl,swell was not significantly affected by replacement of ATP in the pipette solution with the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue 5'-adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), its activation was greatly reduced in cells dialysed with an ATP-free pipette solution, thus indicating that the activation process of ICl,swell requires the presence of intracellular ATP, but not its hydrolysis. 4. Bath application of glibenclamide produced a concentration-dependent block of ICl,swell with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 60.0 microM and a Hill coefficient of 2.1. The maximal effect (100% inhibition) was obtained with 500 microM glibenclamide. The steady-state inhibition showed little voltage dependence, while glibenclamide at concentrations of more than 100 microM inhibited the outward ICl,swell more rapidly than the inward ICl,swell. The glibenclamide inhibition was fully reversible after removal of the drug, even when a maximal effect (full inhibition) was achieved at a high drug concentration (500 microM). 5. These results show that (i) glibenclamide is one of the most potent inhibitors of guinea-pig atrial ICl,swell, and (ii) atrial ICl,swell and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- currents are almost equally sensitive to inhibition by glibenclamide.

Phosphatase-mediated enhancement of cardiac cAMP-activated Cl-conductance by a Cl- channel blocker, anthracene-9-carboxylate

An aromatic carboxylate, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9-AC), is known as a Cl- channel blocker. However, variable 9-AC effects have hitherto been reported on the cardiac cAMP-activated Cl- conductance, when applied extracellularly. We have reexamined the 9-AC effect on the Cl-conductance activated by isoproterenol or forskolin in guinea pig ventricular myocytes under whole-cell patch-clamp conditions. The inward current was blocked by 9-AC at > or = 0.5 mmol/L, but in contrast, the outward current was enhanced at much lower concentrations (ED50, approximately 13 mumol/L). 9-AC applied by the intracellular perfusion technique increased both the inward and outward currents. In the presence of intracellular 9-AC, deactivation of the conductance after washout of isoproterenol or forskolin was largely prevented. 9-AC produced an enhancing effect, even after inhibiting the deactivation process by okadaic acid (OA), whereas it failed to produce additional-effects in the presence of orthovanadate. Intracellular application of 9-AC together with OA virtually abolished the current deactivation. The 9-AC effects on the Cl-conductance were not dependent on intracellular Ca2+ or pH. Putative inhibitors of alkaline (bromotetramisole) and acid phosphatases (tartrate) were without effect. 9-AC failed to inhibit the activities of purified protein phosphatase (PP)-1, -2A, and -2C. In the extract of guinea pig ventricle, 9-AC (> or = 10 mumol/L for full action) significantly inhibited a fraction of endogenous phosphatase activity that was sensitive to orthovanadate but not to OA, bromotetramisole, and tartrate. It is concluded that 9-AC blocks cardiac cAMP-activated (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) Cl- conductance from the extracellular side but enhances the conductance from the intracellular side by inhibiting an orthovanadate-sensitive phosphatase distinct from PP-1, -2A, -2B, or -2C and alkaline or acid phosphatase.

Inhibitory effects of glibenclamide on cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, swelling-activated, and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels in mammalian cardiac myocytes

Recent studies have provided evidence that sulfonylureas, in addition to blocking ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, also inhibit cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels in epithelial and cardiac cells. The purpose of this study was to test whether the sulfonylurea glibenclamide might also inhibit other types of cardiac Cl- channels. Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to compare the effects of glibenclamide on CFTR Cl- currents in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, swelling-activated Cl- currents in guinea pig atrial myocytes, and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents in canine ventricular myocytes. Glibenclamide markedly inhibited CFTR Cl- currents in a voltage-independent manner at 22 degrees C, with estimated IC50 values of 12.5 and 11.0 mumol/L at +50 and -100 mV, respectively. The outwardly rectifying swelling-activated Cl- current in atrial cells was less sensitive to glibenclamide, and the block exhibited voltage dependence. At 22 degrees C, the estimated IC50 values were 193 and 470 mumol/L at +50 and -100 mV, respectively, and block was enhanced at 35 degrees C. Macroscopic Cl- currents activated by a rise in intracellular Ca2+, induced by either Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release or by external application of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, were also markedly inhibited at 22 degrees C by glibenclamide in a voltage-independent manner. The estimated IC50 values were 61.5 and 69.9 mumol/L at +50 and -100 mV, respectively. These results suggest that glibenclamide, an inhibitor of cardiac CFTR Cl- channels, also inhibits swelling-activated and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels at higher concentrations. The results also suggest that studies attributing the beneficial or deleterious effects of sulfonylurea compounds in the heart solely to blockade of KATP channels should use submicromolar concentrations of these agents to minimize possible secondary interactions with cardiac Cl- channels.

Regulatory volume decrease of cardiac myocytes induced by beta-adrenergic activation of the Cl- channel in guinea pig

A new method was developed to automatically measure the thickness of a single ventricular myocyte of guinea-pig heart. A fine marker was attached on the cell's upper surface and changes in its vertical position were measured by focusing it under the microscope. When the osmolarity of the bath solution was varied, the cell thickness reached a new steady level without any obvious regulatory volume change within the period of observation up to 15 min. The cell thickness was 7.8 +/- 0.2 microns (n = 94) in the control Tyrode solution and was varied to 130.4 +/- 3.1% (n = 10), 119.1 +/- 1.1% (n = 50), 87.2 +/- 1.9% (n = 9), and 75.6 +/- 3.2% (n = 5) of control at 50, 70, 130, and 200% osmolarity, respectively. The application of a Cl- channel blocker, 500 microM anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9AC) did not modify these osmotic volume changes. We discovered that the application of isoprenaline induced a regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in cells inflated by hypotonic solutions. This isoprenaline-induced RVD was inhibited by antagonizing beta-adrenergic stimulation with acetylcholine. The isoprenaline-induced RVD was mimicked by the external application of 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. The RVD was inhibited by blocking the cAMP-dependent Cl- channel (ICl, rAMP) with 9AC but was insensitive to 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-dissulphonate (DIDS). Taken together these data suggest an involvement of ICl, cAMP activation in the RVD. Whole cell voltage clamp experiments revealed activation of ICl, cAMP by isoprenaline under the comparable conditions. The cardiac cell volume may be regulated by the autonomic nervous activity.

Evidence that outwardly rectifying Cl- channels underlie volume-regulated Cl- currents in heart

Swelling-induced Cl- current (ICl.swell) is present in most cardiac tissues, but the unitary channel underlying ICls.well is unknown. We used the cell-attached patch-clamp technique to assess the properties of single channels underlying ICls.well and the basally active Cl- current (ICl.b) in rabbit atrial myocytes. Under isotonic conditions, single outwardly rectifying Cl- channels (ORCCs) with a slope conductance of 28 +/- 1 pS at the reversal potential were observed in 21 (5.7%) of 367 patches. Unconditional kinetic analysis revealed at least three open and four closed-channel states. Hypotonic superfusion-induced swelling resulted in the appearance of active channels in 41 (15.5%) of 265 patches without channel activity under isotonic conditions and caused a second active channel to appear in 3 of 14 patches showing a single channel under isotonic conditions. Overall, channels were seen in 54 of 336 patches under hypotonic conditions (16.1%, P < .001 versus isotonic conditions). The current-voltage relations, reversal potential-[Cl-]o relations, open probability, and kinetics of swelling-induced channels were indistinguishable from those of ORCCs under isotonic conditions. Unitary ORCCs, ICl.b, and ICl.swell were strongly and similarly inhibited by tamoxifen. Swelling-induced increases in macroscopic Cl- current were attributable to an increase in the number of active ORCCs with no significant effects on single-channel amplitude or open probability. Estimated macroscopic currents based on cell surface area, patch dimensions, single-channel ORCC current amplitude, open probability, and density were consistent with measured values of ICl.b and ICl.swell. We conclude that ORCCs underlie volume-regulated basal and swelling-induced Cl- currents in isolated rabbit atrial myocytes.

Functional activity of the CFTR Cl- channel in human myocardium

The cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent chloride channel in the heart has been identified in various species as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Although functional expression of the channel in the human atrium has been reported, we could not induce any cAMP-dependent chloride conductance in the atrial cells even with maximal cAMP stimulation, whereas the conductance could be induced in rabbit ventricular cells. To clarify the discrepancy between the results, we examined the level of CFTR mRNA expression in both conductance-positive (human colonic epithelium and rabbit ventricle) and -negative (human atrium) tissues. Total RNA samples prepared from these tissues were subjected to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). While CFTR transcripts were amplified from the conductance-positive samples, no amplified products could be detected from the conductance-negative sample. A nested PCR performed on the RT-PCR products of the conductance-negative sample resulted in successful amplification of the transcripts, indicating that the level of the CFTR mRNA expression in human atrium is extremely low compared with that in colonic epithelium and rabbit ventricle. The same molecular results were observed in human ventricular tissues. A nucleotide sequencing of the amplified transcripts showed that exon 5 of the CFTR gene was not alternatively spliced in human atrium and ventricle, and both the exon 5 spliced and unspliced isoforms were expressed in rabbit ventricle, unlike the findings of previous reports. Our data suggest that the amount of CFTR expressed in human myocardium might be physiologically insufficient to activate detectable cAMP-dependent chloride conductance.

Human epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator without exon 5 maintains partial chloride channel function in intracellular membranes

The cardiac isoform of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a splice variant of the epithelial CFTR, with lacks 30 amino acids encoded by exon 5 in the first intracellular loop. For examination of the role of exon 5 in CFTR channel function, a CFTR deletion mutant, in which exon 5 was removed from the human epithelial CFTR, was constructed. The wild type and delta exon5 CFTR were expressed in a human embryonic kidney cell line (293 HEK). Fully mature glycosylated CFTR (approximately 170 kDa) was immunoprecipitated from cells transfected with wild type CFTR cDNA, whereas cells transfected with delta exon5 CFTR express only a core-glycosylated from (approximately 140 kDa). The Western blot test performed on subcellular membrane fractions showed that delta exon5 CFTR was located in the intracellular membranes. Neither incubation at lower temperature (26 degrees C) nor stimulation of 293 HEK cells with forskolin or CPT-cAMP caused improvement in glycosylation and processing of delta exon5 CFTR proteins, indicating that the human epithelial CFTR lacking exon5 did not process properly in 293 HEK cells. On incorporation of intracellular membrane vesicles containing the delta exon5 CFTR proteins into the lipid bilayer membrane, functional phosphorylation- and ATP-dependent chloride channels were identified. CFTR channels with an 8-pS full-conductance state were observed in 14% of the experiments. The channel had an average open probability (Po) of 0.098 +/- 0.022, significantly less than that of the wild type CFTR (Po = 0.318 +/- 0.028). More frequently, the delta exon5 CFTR formed chloride channels with lower conductance states of approximately 2-3 and approximately 4-6 pS. These subconductance states were also observed with wild type CFTR but to a much lesser extent. Average Po for the 2-3-pS subconductance state, estimated from the area under the curve on an amplitude histogram, was 0.461 +/- 0.194 for delta exon5 CFTR and 0.332 +/- 0.142 for wild type (p = 0.073). The data obtained indicate that deleting 30 amino acids from the first intracellular loop of CFTR affects both processing and function of the CFTR chloride channel.