1
|
Wang XP, Srinivasan P, El Hamdaoui M, Blobner BM, Grytz R, Kashlan OB. Varying Selection Pressure for a Na+ Sensing Site in Epithelial Na+ Channel Subunits Reflect Divergent Roles in Na+ Homeostasis. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae162. [PMID: 39101592 PMCID: PMC11331422 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) emerged early in vertebrates and has played a role in Na+ and fluid homeostasis throughout vertebrate evolution. We previously showed that proteolytic activation of the channel evolved at the water-to-land transition of vertebrates. Sensitivity to extracellular Na+, known as Na+ self-inhibition, reduces ENaC function when Na+ concentrations are high and is a distinctive feature of the channel. A fourth ENaC subunit, δ, emerged in jawed fishes from an α subunit gene duplication. Here, we analyzed 849 α and δ subunit sequences and found that a key Asp in a postulated Na+ binding site was nearly always present in the α subunit, but frequently lost in the δ subunit (e.g. human). Analysis of site evolution and codon substitution rates provide evidence that the ancestral α subunit had the site and that purifying selection for the site relaxed in the δ subunit after its divergence from the α subunit, coinciding with a loss of δ subunit expression in renal tissues. We also show that the proposed Na+ binding site in the α subunit is a bona fide site by conferring novel function to channels comprising human δ subunits. Together, our findings provide evidence that ENaC Na+ self-inhibition improves fitness through its role in Na+ homeostasis in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ping Wang
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Priyanka Srinivasan
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mustapha El Hamdaoui
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Rafael Grytz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ossama B Kashlan
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Houser A, Baconguis I. Structural Insights into Subunit-Dependent Functional Regulation in Epithelial Sodium Channels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.595834. [PMID: 38853903 PMCID: PMC11160588 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.595834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) play a crucial role in Na + reabsorption in mammals. To date, four subunits have been identified-α, β, γ, and δ-believed to form different heteromeric complexes. Currently, only the structure of the αβγ complex is known. To understand how these channels form with varying subunit compositions and define the contribution of each subunit to distinct properties, we co-expressed human δ, β, and γ. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we observed three distinct ENaC complexes. The structures unveil a pattern in which β and γ positions are conserved among the different complexes while the α position in αβγ trimer is occupied by either δ or another β. The presence of δ induces structural rearrangements in the γ subunit explaining the differences in channel activity observed between αβγ and δβγ channels. These structures define the mechanism by which ENaC subunit composition tunes ENaC function.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ríos-Medina Y, Rico-Chávez P, Martínez-Vieyra I, Durán-Álvarez JC, Rodriguez-Varela M, Rincón-Heredia R, Reyes-López C, Cerecedo D. Altered Plasma Membrane Lipid Composition in Hypertensive Neutrophils Impacts Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) Endocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4939. [PMID: 38732158 PMCID: PMC11084340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological membranes are composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, including ion channels like the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which are critical for sodium homeostasis and implicated in arterial hypertension (HTN). Changes in the lipid composition of the plasma membrane can significantly impact cellular processes related to physiological functions. We hypothesized that the observed overexpression of ENaC in neutrophils from HTN patients might result from alterations in the structuring domains within the plasma membrane, disrupting the endocytic processes responsible for ENaC retrieval. This study assessed the structural lipid composition of neutrophil plasma membranes from HTN patients along with the expression patterns of key elements regulating ENaC at the plasma membrane. Our findings suggest alterations in microdomain structure and SGK1 kinase activity, which could prolong ENaC presence on the plasma membrane. Additionally, we propose that the proteasomal and lysosomal degradation pathways are insufficient to diminish ENaC presence at the plasma membrane in HTN. These results highlight the importance of understanding ENaC retrieval mechanisms and suggest that targeting these mechanisms could provide insights for developing drugs to prevent and treat HTN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Ríos-Medina
- Laboratorio de Hematobiología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07230, Mexico; (Y.R.-M.); (P.R.-C.); (I.M.-V.)
| | - Pedro Rico-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Hematobiología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07230, Mexico; (Y.R.-M.); (P.R.-C.); (I.M.-V.)
| | - Ivette Martínez-Vieyra
- Laboratorio de Hematobiología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07230, Mexico; (Y.R.-M.); (P.R.-C.); (I.M.-V.)
| | - Juan C. Durán-Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.C.D.-Á.); (M.R.-V.)
| | - Mario Rodriguez-Varela
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.C.D.-Á.); (M.R.-V.)
| | - Ruth Rincón-Heredia
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - César Reyes-López
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Estructural, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07230, Mexico;
| | - Doris Cerecedo
- Laboratorio de Hematobiología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07230, Mexico; (Y.R.-M.); (P.R.-C.); (I.M.-V.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim HK, Choi SH, Kim DH, Jeong YT. Comprehensive mapping of Epithelial Na + channel α expression in the mouse brain. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:681-694. [PMID: 38305875 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is responsible for regulating Na+ homeostasis. While its physiological functions have been investigated extensively in peripheral tissues, far fewer studies have explored its functions in the brain. Since our limited knowledge of ENaC's distribution in the brain impedes our understanding of its functions there, we decided to explore the whole-brain expression pattern of the Scnn1a gene, which encodes the core ENaC complex component ENaCα. To visualize Scnn1a expression in the brain, we crossed Scnn1a-Cre mice with Rosa26-lsl-tdTomato mice. Brain sections were subjected to immunofluorescence staining using antibodies against NeuN or Myelin Binding Protein (MBP), followed by the acquisition of confocal images. We observed robust tdTomato fluorescence not only in the soma of cortical layer 4, the thalamus, and a subset of amygdalar nuclei, but also in axonal projections in the hippocampus and striatum. We also observed expression in specific hypothalamic nuclei. Contrary to previous reports, however, we did not detect significant expression in the circumventricular organs, which are known for their role in regulating Na+ balance. Finally, we detected fluorescence in cells lining the ventricles and in the perivascular cells of the median eminence. Our comprehensive mapping of Scnn1a-expressing cells in the brain will provide a solid foundation for further investigations of the physiological roles ENaC plays within the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Kyeong Kim
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taek Jeong
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kashlan OB, Wang XP, Sheng S, Kleyman TR. Epithelial Na + Channels Function as Extracellular Sensors. Compr Physiol 2024; 14:1-41. [PMID: 39109974 PMCID: PMC11309579 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c230015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial Na + channel (ENaC) resides on the apical surfaces of specific epithelia in vertebrates and plays a critical role in extracellular fluid homeostasis. Evidence that ENaC senses the external environment emerged well before the molecular identity of the channel was reported three decades ago. This article discusses progress toward elucidating the mechanisms through which specific external factors regulate ENaC function, highlighting insights gained from structural studies of ENaC and related family members. It also reviews our understanding of the role of ENaC regulation by the extracellular environment in physiology and disease. After familiarizing the reader with the channel's physiological roles and structure, we describe the central role protein allostery plays in ENaC's sensitivity to the external environment. We then discuss each of the extracellular factors that directly regulate the channel: proteases, cations and anions, shear stress, and other regulators specific to particular extracellular compartments. For each regulator, we discuss the initial observations that led to discovery, studies investigating molecular mechanism, and the physiological and pathophysiological implications of regulation. © 2024 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 14:5407-5447, 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ossama B. Kashlan
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University
of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xue-Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shaohu Sheng
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas R. Kleyman
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University
of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mhalhel K, Arena R, Rizzo M, Piccione G, Aragona M, Levanti M, Aragona F, Arfuso F. Potential Implications of Acid-Sensing Ion Channels ASIC2 and ASIC4 in Gonadal Differentiation of Dicentrarchus labrax Subjected to Water Temperature Increase during Gonadal Development. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1024. [PMID: 38612263 PMCID: PMC11010900 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, the expression and implication of acid-sensing ion channels 2 and 4 (ASIC2 and ASIC4) in the gonadal sex differentiation of Dicentrarchus labrax (D. labrax), subjected to increasing water temperatures during gonadal development, were evaluated. Two groups were selected: a control group (CG), in which the average water temperature was maintained at 15 °C and increased to 20 °C in 20 days until weaning; and an experimental group (EG), in which the water temperature was retained at 15 °C for 60 days; thereafter, the temperature was increased daily by 0.5 °C until it reached 20 °C up to the weaning time. Ten fish from the CG and 13 fish from the EG were sampled randomly on the 335th day after hatching (dph). A higher percentage of gonad differentiation in ovaries rather than in testes was observed in the EG compared to the CG (p = 0.01). ASIC2 and ASIC4 were detected for the first time in D. labrax ovaries by indirect immunofluorescence. Both ASIC2 and ASIC4 were expressed in previtellogenic oocytes of ovaries and in scattered cells within some testes, and were most likely intratesticular previtellogenic oocytes in both the CG and EG groups. The CG group showed a higher expression of ASIC4 than the EG cohort (p < 0.05). The results gathered in this study revealed the capacity of water temperature to influence both gonadal differentiation and growth in this gonochoristic fish species, and suggests the possible role of ASIC2 and ASIC4 in gonad differentiation and gamete development in D. labrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mhalhel
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Rosaria Arena
- Marine Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Sea Science, University of Palermo, Via Barlotta 4, 91100 Trapani, Italy;
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Levanti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci SNC, 98168 Messina, Italy; (K.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (F.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Demirci M, Hinton A, Kirabo A. Dendritic cell epithelial sodium channel induced inflammation and salt-sensitive hypertension. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:145-153. [PMID: 38180118 PMCID: PMC10842661 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a critical role in renal electrolyte and volume regulation and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of SSBP. This review describes recent advances regarding the role of ENaC-dependent inflammation in the development of SSBP. RECENT FINDINGS We recently found that sodium enters dendritic cells via ENaC, a process regulated by serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid 14,15. Sodium entry activates NADPH oxidase, leading to the production of isolevuglandins (IsoLGs). IsoLGs adduct self-proteins to form neoantigens in dendritic cells that activate T cells and result in the release of cytokines promoting sodium retention, kidney damage, and endothelial dysfunction in SSBP. Additionally, we described a novel mechanistic pathway involving ENaC and IsoLG-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings hold promise for the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic options for SSBP. SUMMARY The exact mechanisms underlying SSBP remain elusive. Recent advances in understanding the extrarenal role of ENaC have opened a new perspective, and further research efforts should focus on understanding the link between ENaC, inflammation, and SSBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mert Demirci
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lysikova DV, Vasileva VY, Chubinskiy-Nadezhdin VI, Morachevskaya EA, Sudarikova AV. Capsazepine activates amiloride-insensitive ENaC-like channels in human leukemia cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149187. [PMID: 37944472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Sodium influx carried out by ion channels is one of the main regulators of water-salt and volume balance in cells of blood origin. Previously, we described amiloride-insensitive ENaC-like channels in human myeloid leukemia K562 cells; the intracellular regulatory mechanisms of the channels are associated with actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Recently, an extracellular mechanism of ENaC-like channels activation in K562 cells by the action of serine protease trypsin has been revealed. The other extracellular pathways that modulate ENaC (epithelial Na+ channel) activity and sodium permeability in transformed blood cells are not yet fully investigated. Here, we study the action of capsazepine (CPZ), as δ-ENaC activator, on single channel activity in K562 cells in whole-cell patch clamp experiments. Addition of CPZ (2 μM) to the extracellular solution caused an activation of sodium channels with typical features; unitary conductance was 15.1 ± 0.8 pS. Amiloride derivative benzamil (50 μM) did not inhibit their activity. Unitary currents and conductance of CPZ-activated channels were higher in Na+-containing extracellular solution than in Li+, that is one of the main fingerprints of δ-ENaC. The results of RT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescence staining also confirmed the expression of δ-hENaC (as well as α-, β-, γ-ENaC) at the mRNA and protein level. These findings allow us to speculate that CPZ activates amiloride-insensitive ENaC-like channels that contain δ-ENaC in К562 cells. Our data reveal a novel extracellular mechanism for ENaC-like activation in human leukemia cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Lysikova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Valeria Y Vasileva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Elena A Morachevskaya
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Sudarikova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Varga Á, Madácsy T, Görög M, Kiss A, Susánszki P, Szabó V, Jójárt B, Dudás K, Farkas G, Szederkényi E, Lázár G, Farkas A, Ayaydin F, Pallagi P, Maléth J. Human pancreatic ductal organoids with controlled polarity provide a novel ex vivo tool to study epithelial cell physiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:192. [PMID: 37380797 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ion and fluid secretion determine the physiological functions of a broad range of organs, such as the lung, liver, or pancreas. The molecular mechanism of pancreatic ion secretion is challenging to investigate due to the limited access to functional human ductal epithelia. Patient-derived organoids may overcome these limitations, however direct accessibility of the apical membrane is not solved. In addition, due to the vectorial transport of ions and fluid the intraluminal pressure in the organoids is elevated, which may hinder the study of physiological processes. To overcome these, we developed an advanced culturing method for human pancreatic organoids based on the removal of the extracellular matrix that induced an apical-to-basal polarity switch also leading to reversed localization of proteins with polarized expression. The cells in the apical-out organoids had a cuboidal shape, whereas their resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration was more consistent compared to the cells in the apical-in organoids. Using this advanced model, we demonstrated the expression and function of two novel ion channels, the Ca2+ activated Cl- channel Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), which were not considered in ductal cells yet. Finally, we showed that the available functional assays, such as forskolin-induced swelling, or intracellular Cl- measurement have improved dynamic range when performed with apical-out organoids. Taken together our data suggest that polarity-switched human pancreatic ductal organoids are suitable models to expand our toolset in basic and translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Árpád Varga
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamara Madácsy
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marietta Görög
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
| | - Aletta Kiss
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
| | - Petra Susánszki
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Viktória Szabó
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Boldizsár Jójárt
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Dudás
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Farkas
- Department of Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - György Lázár
- Department of Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Farkas
- HCEMM-USZ Functional Cell Biology and Immunology Advanced Core Facility, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferhan Ayaydin
- HCEMM-USZ Functional Cell Biology and Immunology Advanced Core Facility, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Petra Pallagi
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Maléth
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
- ELRN-USZ Momentum Epithelial Cell Signaling and Secretion Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary.
- HCEMM-USZ Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mikami Y, Grubb BR, Rogers TD, Dang H, Asakura T, Kota P, Gilmore RC, Okuda K, Morton LC, Sun L, Chen G, Wykoff JA, Ehre C, Vilar J, van Heusden C, Livraghi-Butrico A, Gentzsch M, Button B, Stutts MJ, Randell SH, O’Neal WK, Boucher RC. Chronic airway epithelial hypoxia exacerbates injury in muco-obstructive lung disease through mucus hyperconcentration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo7728. [PMID: 37285404 PMCID: PMC10664029 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo7728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Unlike solid organs, human airway epithelia derive their oxygen from inspired air rather than the vasculature. Many pulmonary diseases are associated with intraluminal airway obstruction caused by aspirated foreign bodies, virus infection, tumors, or mucus plugs intrinsic to airway disease, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Consistent with requirements for luminal O2, airway epithelia surrounding mucus plugs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lungs are hypoxic. Despite these observations, the effects of chronic hypoxia (CH) on airway epithelial host defense functions relevant to pulmonary disease have not been investigated. Molecular characterization of resected human lungs from individuals with a spectrum of muco-obstructive lung diseases (MOLDs) or COVID-19 identified molecular features of chronic hypoxia, including increased EGLN3 expression, in epithelia lining mucus-obstructed airways. In vitro experiments using cultured chronically hypoxic airway epithelia revealed conversion to a glycolytic metabolic state with maintenance of cellular architecture. Chronically hypoxic airway epithelia unexpectedly exhibited increased MUC5B mucin production and increased transepithelial Na+ and fluid absorption mediated by HIF1α/HIF2α-dependent up-regulation of β and γENaC (epithelial Na+ channel) subunit expression. The combination of increased Na+ absorption and MUC5B production generated hyperconcentrated mucus predicted to perpetuate obstruction. Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analyses of chronically hypoxic cultured airway epithelia revealed transcriptional changes involved in airway wall remodeling, destruction, and angiogenesis. These results were confirmed by RNA-in situ hybridization studies of lungs from individuals with MOLD. Our data suggest that chronic airway epithelial hypoxia may be central to the pathogenesis of persistent mucus accumulation in MOLDs and associated airway wall damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mikami
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Barbara R. Grubb
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Troy D. Rogers
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Hong Dang
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Takanori Asakura
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Pradeep Kota
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rodney C. Gilmore
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kenichi Okuda
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lisa C. Morton
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ling Sun
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jason A. Wykoff
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Camille Ehre
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Juan Vilar
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Catharina van Heusden
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | | | - Martina Gentzsch
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brian Button
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - M. Jackson Stutts
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Scott H. Randell
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Wanda K. O’Neal
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Richard C. Boucher
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lawong RY, May F, Etang EC, Vorrat P, George J, Weder J, Kockler D, Preller M, Althaus M. Recording Sodium Self-Inhibition of Epithelial Sodium Channels Using Automated Electrophysiology in Xenopus Oocytes. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13050529. [PMID: 37233590 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key regulator of sodium homeostasis that contributes to blood pressure control. ENaC open probability is adjusted by extracellular sodium ions, a mechanism referred to as sodium self-inhibition (SSI). With a growing number of identified ENaC gene variants associated with hypertension, there is an increasing demand for medium- to high-throughput assays allowing the detection of alterations in ENaC activity and SSI. We evaluated a commercially available automated two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) system that records transmembrane currents of ENaC-expressing Xenopus oocytes in 96-well microtiter plates. We employed guinea pig, human and Xenopus laevis ENaC orthologs that display specific magnitudes of SSI. While demonstrating some limitations over traditional TEVC systems with customized perfusion chambers, the automated TEVC system was able to detect the established SSI characteristics of the employed ENaC orthologs. We were able to confirm a reduced SSI in a gene variant, leading to C479R substitution in the human α-ENaC subunit that has been reported in Liddle syndrome. In conclusion, automated TEVC in Xenopus oocytes can detect SSI of ENaC orthologs and variants associated with hypertension. For precise mechanistic and kinetic analyses of SSI, optimization for faster solution exchange rates is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rene Y Lawong
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Fabian May
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Etang C Etang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Philipp Vorrat
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Jonas George
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Julia Weder
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kockler
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Matthias Preller
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lemmens-Gruber R, Tzotzos S. The Epithelial Sodium Channel-An Underestimated Drug Target. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097775. [PMID: 37175488 PMCID: PMC10178586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) are part of a complex network of interacting biochemical pathways and as such are involved in several disease states. Dependent on site and type of mutation, gain- or loss-of-function generated symptoms occur which span from asymptomatic to life-threatening disorders such as Liddle syndrome, cystic fibrosis or generalized pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1. Variants of ENaC which are implicated in disease assist further understanding of their molecular mechanisms in order to create models for specific pharmacological targeting. Identification and characterization of ENaC modifiers not only furthers our basic understanding of how these regulatory processes interact, but also enables discovery of new therapeutic targets for the disease conditions caused by ENaC dysfunction. Numerous test compounds have revealed encouraging results in vitro and in animal models but less in clinical settings. The EMA- and FDA-designated orphan drug solnatide is currently being tested in phase 2 clinical trials in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the NOX1/ NOX4 inhibitor setanaxib is undergoing clinical phase 2 and 3 trials for therapy of primary biliary cholangitis, liver stiffness, and carcinoma. The established ENaC blocker amiloride is mainly used as an add-on drug in the therapy of resistant hypertension and is being studied in ongoing clinical phase 3 and 4 trials for special applications. This review focuses on discussing some recent developments in the search for novel therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Lemmens-Gruber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ahmad T, Ertuglu LA, Masenga SK, Kleyman TR, Kirabo A. The epithelial sodium channel in inflammation and blood pressure modulation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1130148. [PMID: 37123470 PMCID: PMC10132033 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1130148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A major regulator of blood pressure and volume homeostasis in the kidney is the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). ENaC is composed of alpha(α)/beta(β)/gamma(γ) or delta(δ)/beta(β)/gamma(γ) subunits. The δ subunit is functional in the guinea pig, but not in routinely used experimental rodent models including rat or mouse, and thus remains the least understood of the four subunits. While the δ subunit is poorly expressed in the human kidney, we recently found that its gene variants are associated with blood pressure and kidney function. The δ subunit is expressed in the human vasculature where it may influence vascular function. Moreover, we recently found that the δ subunit is also expressed human antigen presenting cells (APCs). Our studies indicate that extracellular Na+ enters APCs via ENaC leading to inflammation and salt-induced hypertension. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the role of extra-renal ENaC in inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and blood pressure modulation. Targeting extra-renal ENaC may provide new drug therapies for salt-induced hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taseer Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Lale A. Ertuglu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sepiso K. Masenga
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Thomas R. Kleyman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Davis MJ, Earley S, Li YS, Chien S. Vascular mechanotransduction. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1247-1421. [PMID: 36603156 PMCID: PMC9942936 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00053.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Scott Earley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Yi-Shuan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Shu Chien
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Johnston JG, Welch AK, Cain BD, Sayeski PP, Gumz ML, Wingo CS. Aldosterone: Renal Action and Physiological Effects. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4409-4491. [PMID: 36994769 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Aldosterone exerts profound effects on renal and cardiovascular physiology. In the kidney, aldosterone acts to preserve electrolyte and acid-base balance in response to changes in dietary sodium (Na+ ) or potassium (K+ ) intake. These physiological actions, principally through activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), have important effects particularly in patients with renal and cardiovascular disease as demonstrated by multiple clinical trials. Multiple factors, be they genetic, humoral, dietary, or otherwise, can play a role in influencing the rate of aldosterone synthesis and secretion from the adrenal cortex. Normally, aldosterone secretion and action respond to dietary Na+ intake. In the kidney, the distal nephron and collecting duct are the main targets of aldosterone and MR action, which stimulates Na+ absorption in part via the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), the principal channel responsible for the fine-tuning of Na+ balance. Our understanding of the regulatory factors that allow aldosterone, via multiple signaling pathways, to function properly clearly implicates this hormone as central to many pathophysiological effects that become dysfunctional in disease states. Numerous pathologies that affect blood pressure (BP), electrolyte balance, and overall cardiovascular health are due to abnormal secretion of aldosterone, mutations in MR, ENaC, or effectors and modulators of their action. Study of the mechanisms of these pathologies has allowed researchers and clinicians to create novel dietary and pharmacological targets to improve human health. This article covers the regulation of aldosterone synthesis and secretion, receptors, effector molecules, and signaling pathways that modulate its action in the kidney. We also consider the role of aldosterone in disease and the benefit of mineralocorticoid antagonists. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4409-4491, 2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jermaine G Johnston
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda K Welch
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brian D Cain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter P Sayeski
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michelle L Gumz
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles S Wingo
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Salt taste, the taste of sodium chloride (NaCl), is mechanistically one of the most complex and puzzling among basic tastes. Sodium has essential functions in the body but causes harm in excess. Thus, animals use salt taste to ingest the right amount of salt, which fluctuates by physiological needs: typically, attraction to low salt concentrations and rejection of high salt. This concentration-valence relationship is universally observed in terrestrial animals, and research has revealed complex peripheral codes for NaCl involving multiple taste pathways of opposing valence. Sodium-dependent and -independent pathways mediate attraction and aversion to NaCl, respectively. Gustatory sensors and cells that transduce NaCl have been uncovered, along with downstream signal transduction and neurotransmission mechanisms. However, much remains unknown. This article reviews classical and recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying salt taste in mammals and insects and discusses perspectives on human salt taste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Taruno
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; .,Japan Science and Technology Agency, CREST, Saitama, Japan
| | - Michael D Gordon
- Department of Zoology and Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mutchler SM, Shi S, Whelan SCM, Kleyman TR. Validation of commercially available antibodies directed against subunits of the epithelial Na + channel. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15554. [PMID: 36636010 PMCID: PMC9837423 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is traditionally composed of three subunits, although non-canonical expression has been found in various tissues including the vasculature, brain, lung, and dendritic cells of the immune system. Studies of ENaC structure and function have largely relied on heterologous expression systems, often with epitope-tagged channel subunits. Relevant in vivo physiological studies have used ENaC inhibitors, mice with global or tissue specific knockout of subunits, and anti-ENaC subunit antibodies generated by investigators or by commercial sources. Availability of well-characterized, specific antibodies is imperative as we move forward in understanding the role of ENaC in non-epithelial tissues where expression, subunit organization, and electrophysiological characteristics may differ from epithelial tissues. We report that a commonly used commercial anti-α subunit antibody recognizes an intense non-specific band on mouse whole kidney and lung immunoblots, which migrates adjacent to a less intense, aldosterone-induced full length α-subunit. This antibody localizes to the basolateral membrane of aquaporin 2 negative cells in kidney medulla. We validated antibodies against the β- and γ-subunits from the same commercial source. Our work illustrates the importance of validation studies when using popular, commercially available anti-ENaC antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shujie Shi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Thomas R. Kleyman
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kasahara Y, Narukawa M, Takeuchi A, Tominaga M, Abe K, Asakura T. Molecular logic of salt taste reception in special reference to transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4). J Physiol Sci 2022; 72:31. [DOI: 10.1186/s12576-022-00856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe taste is biologically of intrinsic importance. It almost momentarily perceives environmental stimuli for better survival. In the early 2000s, research into taste reception was greatly developed with discovery of the receptors. However, the mechanism of salt taste reception is not fully elucidated yet and many questions still remain. At present, next-generation sequencing and genome-editing technologies are available which would become pivotal tools to elucidate the remaining issues. Here we review current mechanisms of salt taste reception in particular and characterize the properties of transmembrane channel-like 4 as a novel salt taste-related molecule that we found using these sophisticated tools.
Collapse
|
19
|
Blobner BM, Kirabo A, Kashlan OB, Sheng S, Arnett DK, Becker LC, Boerwinkle E, Carlson JC, Gao Y, Gibbs RA, He J, Irvin MR, Kardia SLR, Kelly TN, Kooperberg C, McGarvey ST, Menon VK, Montasser ME, Naseri T, Redline S, Reiner AP, Reupena MS, Smith JA, Sun X, Vaidya D, Viaud-Martinez KA, Weeks DE, Yanek LR, Zhu X, Minster RL, Kleyman TR. Rare Variants in Genes Encoding Subunits of the Epithelial Na + Channel Are Associated With Blood Pressure and Kidney Function. Hypertension 2022; 79:2573-2582. [PMID: 36193739 PMCID: PMC9669116 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is intrinsically linked to fluid volume homeostasis and blood pressure. Specific rare mutations in SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G, genes encoding the α, β, and γ subunits of ENaC, respectively, are associated with extreme blood pressure phenotypes. No associations between blood pressure and SCNN1D, which encodes the δ subunit of ENaC, have been reported. A small number of sequence variants in ENaC subunits have been reported to affect functional transport in vitro or blood pressure. The effects of the vast majority of rare and low-frequency ENaC variants on blood pressure are not known. METHODS We explored the association of low frequency and rare variants in the genes encoding ENaC subunits, with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. Using whole-genome sequencing data from 14 studies participating in the Trans-Omics in Precision Medicine Whole-Genome Sequencing Program, and sequence kernel association tests. RESULTS We found that variants in SCNN1A and SCNN1B were associated with diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (P<0.00625). Although SCNN1D is poorly expressed in human kidney tissue, SCNN1D variants were associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure (P<0.00625). ENaC variants in 2 of the 4 subunits (SCNN1B and SCNN1D) were also associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.00625), but not with stroke. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that variants in extrarenal ENaCs, in addition to ENaCs expressed in kidneys, influence blood pressure and kidney function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Blobner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ossama B Kashlan
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shaohu Sheng
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donna K Arnett
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lewis C Becker
- GeneSTAR Research Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jenna C Carlson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane University Translational Science Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Marguerite R Irvin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sharon LR Kardia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tanika N Kelly
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane University Translational Science Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Charles Kooperberg
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen T McGarvey
- Department of Epidemiology and International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Vipin K Menon
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - May E Montasser
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Take Naseri
- Department of Epidemiology and International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
| | - Susan Redline
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander P Reiner
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiao Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- GeneSTAR Research Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Daniel E Weeks
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lisa R Yanek
- GeneSTAR Research Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Ryan L Minster
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas R Kleyman
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Paudel P, van Hout I, Bunton RW, Parry DJ, Coffey S, McDonald FJ, Fronius M. Epithelial Sodium Channel δ Subunit Is Expressed in Human Arteries and Has Potential Association With Hypertension. Hypertension 2022; 79:1385-1394. [PMID: 35510563 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.18924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated expression and increased activity of vascular epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) can result in vascular dysfunction in small animal models. However, there is limited or no knowledge on expression and function of ENaC channels in human vasculature. Hence, this study explored the expression and function of ENaC in human arteries and their association with hypertension. METHODS Human internal mammary artery (IMA) and aorta were obtained from cardiovascular patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Expression of the ENaC subunit was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. ENaC function was observed by patch-clamp electrophysiology in endothelial cells isolated from IMA. Levels of ENaC subunit expression levels were compared between arteries from normotensive, uncontrolled hypertensive, and controlled hypertensive patients. RESULTS For the first time, expression of α, β, γ, and δ was detected at mRNA and protein levels in human IMA and aorta. Single-channel patch-clamp recordings identified both αβγ- and δβγ-like channel conductance in primary endothelial cells isolated and cultured from IMA. Reduced expression of the δ subunit was observed in controlled hypertensive IMA, whereas reduced expression of γ-ENaC was observed in controlled hypertensive aorta. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that functional ENaC channels are expressed in human arteries and their expression levels are associated with hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puja Paudel
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences (P.P., I.v.H., F.J.M., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago (P.P., I.v.H., S.C., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Isabelle van Hout
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences (P.P., I.v.H., F.J.M., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago (P.P., I.v.H., S.C., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard W Bunton
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otago Medical School, Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand (R.W.B., D.J.P.)
| | - Dominic J Parry
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otago Medical School, Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand (R.W.B., D.J.P.)
| | - Sean Coffey
- HeartOtago (P.P., I.v.H., S.C., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, Otago Medical School (S.C.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Fiona J McDonald
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences (P.P., I.v.H., F.J.M., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences (P.P., I.v.H., F.J.M., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago (P.P., I.v.H., S.C., M.F.), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brown EF, Mitaera T, Fronius M. COVID-19 and Liquid Homeostasis in the Lung—A Perspective through the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) Lens. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111801. [PMID: 35681496 PMCID: PMC9180030 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with a new corona virus in 2019 lead to the definition of a new disease known as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The sever cases of COVID-19 and the main cause of death due to virus infection are attributed to respiratory distress. This is associated with the formation of pulmonary oedema that impairs blood oxygenation and hypoxemia as main symptoms of respiratory distress. An important player for the maintenance of a defined liquid environment in lungs needed for normal lung function is the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The present article reviews the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infections from the perspective of impaired function of ENaC. The rationale for this perspective is derived from the recognition that viral spike protein and ENaC share a common proteolytic cleavage site. This cleavage site is utilized by the protease furin, that is essential for ENaC activity. Furin cleavage of spike ‘activates’ the virus protein to enable binding to host cell membrane receptors and initiate cell infection. Based on the importance of proteolytic cleavage for ENaC function and activation of spike, it seems feasible to assume that virus infections are associated with impaired ENaC activity. This is further supported by symptoms of COVID-19 that are reminiscent of impaired ENaC function in the respiratory tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Brown
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (E.F.B.); (T.M.)
- HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tamapuretu Mitaera
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (E.F.B.); (T.M.)
- HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (E.F.B.); (T.M.)
- HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Discovery, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-471-6081
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fronius M. Epithelial Na+ channel and the glycocalyx: a sweet and salty relationship for arterial shear stress sensing. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2022; 31:142-150. [PMID: 34966089 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The ability of endothelial cells to sense mechanical force, and shear stress in particular, is crucial for normal vascular function. This relies on an intact endothelial glycocalyx that facilitates the production of nitric oxide (NO). An emerging arterial shear stress sensor is the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). This review highlights existing and new evidence for the interdependent activity of the glycocalyx and ENaC and its implications for vascular function. RECENT FINDINGS New evidence suggests that the glycocalyx and ENaC are physically connected and that this is important for shear stress sensing. The connection relies on N-glycans attached to glycosylated asparagines of α-ENaC. Removal of specific N-glycans reduced ENaC's shear stress response. Similar effects were observed following degradation of the glycocalyx. Endothelial specific viral transduction of α-ENaC increased blood pressure (∼40 mmHg). This increase was attenuated in animals transduced with an α-ENaC version lacking N-glycans. SUMMARY These observations indicate that ENaC is connected to the glycocalyx and their activity is interdependent to facilitate arterial shear stress sensation. Future research focusing on how N-glycans mediate this interaction can provide new insights for the understanding of vascular function in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences
- HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin
- Healthy Hearts Aotearoa New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang XP, Balchak DM, Gentilcore C, Clark NL, Kashlan OB. Activation by cleavage of the epithelial Na + channel α and γ subunits independently coevolved with the vertebrate terrestrial migration. eLife 2022; 11:75796. [PMID: 34984981 PMCID: PMC8791634 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates evolved mechanisms for sodium conservation and gas exchange in conjunction with migration from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) function is critical to systems responsible for extracellular fluid homeostasis and gas exchange. ENaC is activated by cleavage at multiple specific extracellular polybasic sites, releasing inhibitory tracts from the channel’s α and γ subunits. We found that proximal and distal polybasic tracts in ENaC subunits coevolved, consistent with the dual cleavage requirement for activation observed in mammals. Polybasic tract pairs evolved with the terrestrial migration and the appearance of lungs, coincident with the ENaC activator aldosterone, and appeared independently in the α and γ subunits. In summary, sites within ENaC for protease activation developed in vertebrates when renal Na+ conservation and alveolar gas exchange were required for terrestrial survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Deidra M Balchak
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Clayton Gentilcore
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Nathan L Clark
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Ossama B Kashlan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gumbel JH, Yang CB, Hubscher CH. Timeline of Changes in Biomarkers Associated with Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Polyuria. Neurotrauma Rep 2021; 2:462-475. [PMID: 34901942 PMCID: PMC8655813 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in upper and lower urinary tract function, which include detrusor overactivity, urinary incontinence, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, and polyuria, are among the leading issues that arise after spinal cord injury (SCI) affecting quality of life. Given that overproduction of urine (polyuria) has been shown to be associated with an imbalance in key regulators of body fluid homeostasis, the current study examined the timing of changes in levels of various relevant hormones, peptides, receptors, and channels post-contusion injury in adult male Wistar rats. The results show significant up- or downregulation at various time points, beginning at 7 days post-injury, in levels of urinary atrial natriuretic peptide, serum arginine vasopressin (AVP), kidney natriuretic peptide receptor-A, kidney vasopressin-2 receptor, kidney aquaporin-2 channels, and kidney epithelial sodium channels (β- and γ-, but not α-, subunits). The number of AVP-labeled neurons in the hypothalamus (supraoptic and -chiasmatic, but not paraventricular, nuclei) was also significantly altered at one or more time points. These data show significant fluctuations in key biomarkers involved in body fluid homeostasis during the post-SCI secondary injury phase, suggesting that therapeutic interventions (e.g., desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of AVP) should be considered early post-SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason H. Gumbel
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Cui Bo Yang
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Charles H. Hubscher
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gettings SM, Maxeiner S, Tzika M, Cobain MRD, Ruf I, Benseler F, Brose N, Krasteva-Christ G, Vande Velde G, Schönberger M, Althaus M. Two functional epithelial sodium channel isoforms are present in rodents despite pronounced evolutionary pseudogenisation and exon fusion. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5704-5725. [PMID: 34491346 PMCID: PMC8662647 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a key role in salt and water homeostasis in
tetrapod vertebrates. There are four ENaC subunits (α, β, γ, δ), forming heterotrimeric
αβγ- or δβγ-ENaCs. Although the physiology of αβγ-ENaC is well understood, for decades the
field has stalled with respect to δβγ-ENaC due to the lack of mammalian model organisms.
The SCNN1D gene coding for δ-ENaC was previously believed to be absent in
rodents, hindering studies using standard laboratory animals. We analyzed all currently
available rodent genomes and discovered that SCNN1D is present in rodents
but was independently lost in five rodent lineages, including the Muridae (mice and rats).
The independent loss of SCNN1D in rodent lineages may be constrained by
phylogeny and taxon-specific adaptation to dry habitats, however habitat aridity does not
provide a selection pressure for maintenance of SCNN1D across Rodentia. A
fusion of two exons coding for a structurally flexible region in the extracellular domain
of δ-ENaC appeared in the Hystricognathi (a group that includes guinea pigs). This
conserved pattern evolved at least 41 Ma and represents a new autapomorphic feature for
this clade. Exon fusion does not impair functionality of guinea pig (Cavia
porcellus) δβγ-ENaC expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
Electrophysiological characterization at the whole-cell and single-channel level revealed
conserved biophysical features and mechanisms controlling guinea pig αβγ- and δβγ-ENaC
function as compared with human orthologs. Guinea pigs therefore represent commercially
available mammalian model animals that will help shed light on the physiological function
of δ-ENaC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gettings
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Maxeiner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Maria Tzika
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew R D Cobain
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Ruf
- Division of Messel Research and Mammalogy, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fritz Benseler
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Schönberger
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mike Althaus
- Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang J, Yuan HK, Chen S, Zhang ZR. Detrimental or beneficial: Role of endothelial ENaC in vascular function. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:29-48. [PMID: 34279047 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the past, it was believed that the expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) was restricted to epithelial tissues, such as the distal nephron, airway, sweat glands, and colon, where it is critical for sodium homeostasis. Over the past two decades, this paradigm has shifted due to the finding that ENaC is also expressed in various nonepithelial tissues, notably in vascular endothelial cells. In this review, the recent findings of the expression, regulation, and function of the endothelial ENaC (EnNaC) are discussed. The expression of EnNaC subunits is reported in a variety of endothelial cell lines and vasculatures, but this is controversial across different species and vessels and is not a universal finding in all vascular beds. The expression density of EnNaC is very faint compared to ENaC in the epithelium. To date, little is known about the regulatory mechanism of EnNaC. Through it can be regulated by aldosterone, the detailed downstream signaling remains elusive. EnNaC responds to increased extracellular sodium with the feedforward activation mechanism, which is quite different from the Na+ self-inhibition mechanism of ENaC. Functionally, EnNaC was shown to be a determinant of cellular mechanics and vascular tone as it can sense shear stress, and its activation or insertion into plasma membrane causes endothelial stiffness and reduced nitric oxide production. However, in some blood vessels, EnNaC is essential for maintaining the integrity of endothelial barrier function. In this context, we discuss the possible reasons for the distinct role of EnNaC in vasculatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Kai Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, China
| | - Zhi-Ren Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacy and Cardiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder & Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Harbin Medical University & Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The Epithelial Na+ Channel, ENaC, comprised of 3 subunits (αβγ, or sometimes δβγENaC), plays a critical role in regulating salt and fluid homeostasis in the body. It regulates fluid reabsorption into the blood stream from the kidney to control blood volume and pressure, fluid absorption in the lung to control alveolar fluid clearance at birth and maintenance of normal airway surface liquid throughout life, and fluid absorption in the distal colon and other epithelial tissues. Moreover, recent studies have also revealed a role for sodium movement via ENaC in nonepithelial cells/tissues, such as endothelial cells in blood vessels and neurons. Over the past 25 years, major advances have been made in our understanding of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease. These include the recently solved three-dimensional structure of ENaC, ENaC function in various tissues, and mutations in ENaC that cause a hereditary form of hypertension (Liddle syndrome), salt-wasting hypotension (PHA1), or polymorphism in ENaC that contributes to other diseases (such as cystic fibrosis). Moreover, great strides have been made in deciphering the regulation of ENaC by hormones (e.g., the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, glucocorticoids, vasopressin), ions (e.g., Na+ ), proteins (e.g., the ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4-2, the kinases SGK1, AKT, AMPK, WNKs & mTORC2, and proteases), and posttranslational modifications [e.g., (de)ubiquitylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, palmitoylation]. Characterization of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease, including using animal models, are described in this article, with a special emphasis on recent advances in the field. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-29, 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rotin
- The Hospital for Sick Children, and The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olivier Staub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lossow K, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Meyerhof W, Behrens M. Segregated Expression of ENaC Subunits in Taste Cells. Chem Senses 2021; 45:235-248. [PMID: 32006019 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Salt taste is one of the 5 basic taste qualities. Depending on the concentration, table salt is perceived either as appetitive or aversive, suggesting the contribution of several mechanisms to salt taste, distinguishable by their sensitivity to the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blocker amiloride. A taste-specific knockout of the α-subunit of the ENaC revealed the relevance of this polypeptide for low-salt transduction, whereas the response to other taste qualities remained normal. The fully functional ENaC is composed of α-, β-, and γ-subunits. In taste tissue, however, the precise constitution of the channel and the cell population responsible for detecting table salt remain uncertain. In order to examine the cells and subunits building the ENaC, we generated mice carrying modified alleles allowing the synthesis of green and red fluorescent proteins in cells expressing the α- and β-subunit, respectively. Fluorescence signals were detected in all types of taste papillae and in taste buds of the soft palate and naso-incisor duct. However, the lingual expression patterns of the reporters differed depending on tongue topography. Additionally, immunohistochemistry for the γ-subunit of the ENaC revealed a lack of overlap between all potential subunits. The data suggest that amiloride-sensitive recognition of table salt is unlikely to depend on the classical ENaCs formed by α-, β-, and γ-subunits and ask for a careful investigation of the channel composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Lossow
- Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Transgenic Animal Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (ZMNH), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Meyerhof
- Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Maik Behrens
- Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee, Nuthetal, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Grand DL, Gosling M, Baettig U, Bahra P, Bala K, Brocklehurst C, Budd E, Butler R, Cheung AK, Choudhury H, Collingwood SP, Cox B, Danahay H, Edwards L, Everatt B, Glaenzel U, Glotin AL, Groot-Kormelink P, Hall E, Hatto J, Howsham C, Hughes G, King A, Koehler J, Kulkarni S, Lightfoot M, Nicholls I, Page C, Pergl-Wilson G, Popa MO, Robinson R, Rowlands D, Sharp T, Spendiff M, Stanley E, Steward O, Taylor RJ, Tranter P, Wagner T, Watson H, Williams G, Wright P, Young A, Sandham DA. Discovery of Icenticaftor (QBW251), a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Potentiator with Clinical Efficacy in Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7241-7260. [PMID: 34028270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channel are established as the primary causative factor in the devastating lung disease cystic fibrosis (CF). More recently, cigarette smoke exposure has been shown to be associated with dysfunctional airway epithelial ion transport, suggesting a role for CFTR in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, the identification and characterization of a high throughput screening hit 6 as a potentiator of mutant human F508del and wild-type CFTR channels is reported. The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of compounds 7-33 to establish structure-activity relationships of the scaffold are described, leading to the identification of clinical development compound icenticaftor (QBW251) 33, which has subsequently progressed to deliver two positive clinical proofs of concept in patients with CF and COPD and is now being further developed as a novel therapeutic approach for COPD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Le Grand
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Martin Gosling
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Urs Baettig
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Parmjit Bahra
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Kamlesh Bala
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Cara Brocklehurst
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Emma Budd
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Rebecca Butler
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Atwood K Cheung
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hedaythul Choudhury
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Stephen P Collingwood
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Brian Cox
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Henry Danahay
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Lee Edwards
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Brian Everatt
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Ulrike Glaenzel
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Lise Glotin
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Paul Groot-Kormelink
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Edward Hall
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Julia Hatto
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Catherine Howsham
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Glyn Hughes
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Anna King
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Julia Koehler
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Swarupa Kulkarni
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, United States
| | - Megan Lightfoot
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Ian Nicholls
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Page
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Giles Pergl-Wilson
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Mariana Oana Popa
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Richard Robinson
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David Rowlands
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tom Sharp
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Matthew Spendiff
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Emily Stanley
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Oliver Steward
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Roger J Taylor
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Pamela Tranter
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Trixie Wagner
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Hazel Watson
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Gareth Williams
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland
| | - Penny Wright
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - Alice Young
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham Research Center, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham RH12 5AB, U.K
| | - David A Sandham
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fechner S, D'Alessandro I, Wang L, Tower C, Tao L, Goodman MB. DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels vary in their sensitivity to anti-hypertensive and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:211847. [PMID: 33656557 PMCID: PMC7933985 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The degenerin channels, epithelial sodium channels, and acid-sensing ion channels (DEG/ENaC/ASICs) play important roles in sensing mechanical stimuli, regulating salt homeostasis, and responding to acidification in the nervous system. They have two transmembrane domains separated by a large extracellular domain and are believed to assemble as homomeric or heteromeric trimers. Based on studies of selected family members, these channels are assumed to form nonvoltage-gated and sodium-selective channels sensitive to the anti-hypertensive drug amiloride. They are also emerging as a target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Caenorhabditis elegans has more than two dozen genes encoding DEG/ENaC/ASIC subunits, providing an excellent opportunity to examine variations in drug sensitivity. Here, we analyze a subset of the C. elegans DEG/ENaC/ASIC proteins to test the hypothesis that individual family members vary not only in their ability to form homomeric channels but also in their drug sensitivity. We selected a panel of C. elegans DEG/ENaC/ASICs that are coexpressed in mechanosensory neurons and expressed gain-of-function or d mutants in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We found that only DEGT‑1d, UNC‑8d, and MEC‑4d formed homomeric channels and that, unlike MEC‑4d and UNC‑8d, DEGT‑1d channels were insensitive to amiloride and its analogues. As reported for rat ASIC1a, NSAIDs inhibit DEGT‑1d and UNC‑8d channels. Unexpectedly, MEC‑4d was strongly potentiated by NSAIDs, an effect that was decreased by mutations in the putative NSAID-binding site in the extracellular domain. Collectively, these findings reveal that not all DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels are amiloride-sensitive and that NSAIDs can both inhibit and potentiate these channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Fechner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Isabel D'Alessandro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Lingxin Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Calvin Tower
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Miriam B Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Knock Down of δ-ENaC Blunted the TNF-Induced Activation of ENaC in A549 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041858. [PMID: 33673381 PMCID: PMC7917654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to activate the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in A549 cells. A549 cells are widely used model for ENaC research. The role of δ-ENaC subunit in TNF-induced activation has not been studied. In this study we hypothesized that δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC channel in A549 cells which are widely used model for ENaC research. We used CRISPR/Cas 9 approach to knock down (KD) the δ-ENaC in A549 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed to analyze efficacy of δ-ENaC protein KD. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to analyze the TNF-induced activation of ENaC. Overexpression of wild type δ-ENaC in the δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells restored the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current. Neither N-linked glycosylation sites nor carboxyl terminus domain of δ-ENaC was necessary for the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current in δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells. Our data demonstrated that in A549 cells the δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC.
Collapse
|
32
|
Paudel P, McDonald FJ, Fronius M. The δ subunit of epithelial sodium channel in humans-a potential player in vascular physiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 320:H487-H493. [PMID: 33275523 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00800.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) made up of canonical α, β, and γ subunits have attracted more attention recently owing to their physiological role in vascular health and disease. A fourth subunit, δ-ENaC, is expressed in various mammalian species, except mice and rats, which are common animal models for cardiovascular research. Accordingly, δ-ENaC is the least understood subunit. However, the recent discovery of δ subunit in human vascular cells indicates that this subunit may play a significant role in normal/pathological vascular physiology in humans. Channels containing the δ subunit have different biophysical and pharmacological properties compared with channels containing the α subunit, with the potential to alter the vascular function of ENaC in health and disease. Hence, it is important to investigate the expression and function of δ-ENaC in the vasculature to identify whether δ-ENaC is a potential new drug target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will focus on the existing knowledge of δ-ENaC and implications for vascular physiology and pathophysiology in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puja Paudel
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Fiona J McDonald
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Suchkova IO, Borisova EV, Patkin EL. Length Polymorphism and Methylation Status of UPS29 Minisatellite of the ACAP3 Gene as Molecular Biomarker of Epilepsy. Sex Differences in Seizure Types and Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9206. [PMID: 33276684 PMCID: PMC7730309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease with different clinical forms and inter-individuals heterogeneity, which may be associated with genetic and/or epigenetic polymorphisms of tandem-repeated noncoding DNA. These polymorphisms may serve as predictive biomarkers of various forms of epilepsy. ACAP3 is the protein regulating morphogenesis of neurons and neuronal migration and is an integral component of important signaling pathways. This study aimed to carry out an association analysis of the length polymorphism and DNA methylation of the UPS29 minisatellite of the ACAP3 gene in patients with epilepsy. We revealed an association of short UPS29 alleles with increased risk of development of symptomatic and cryptogenic epilepsy in women, and also with cerebrovascular pathologies, structural changes in the brain, neurological status, and the clinical pattern of seizures in both women and men. The increase of frequency of hypomethylated UPS29 alleles in men with symptomatic epilepsy, and in women with both symptomatic and cryptogenic epilepsy was observed. For patients with hypomethylated UPS29 alleles, we also observed structural changes in the brain, neurological status, and the clinical pattern of seizures. These associations had sex-specific nature similar to a genetic association. In contrast with length polymorphism epigenetic changes affected predominantly the long UPS29 allele. We suppose that genetic and epigenetic alterations UPS29 can modify ACAP3 expression and thereby affect the development and clinical course of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina O. Suchkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics of Mammalian Development, Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 197376, Russia;
| | - Elena V. Borisova
- Department of Neurology, Clinic of Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg 197376, Russia;
| | - Eugene L. Patkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics of Mammalian Development, Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 197376, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hill MA, Jaisser F, Sowers JR. Role of the vascular endothelial sodium channel activation in the genesis of pathologically increased cardiovascular stiffness. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 118:130-140. [PMID: 33188592 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) stiffening represents a complex series of events evolving from pathological changes in individual cells of the vasculature and heart which leads to overt tissue fibrosis. While vascular stiffening occurs naturally with ageing it is accelerated in states of insulin (INS) resistance, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. CV stiffening is clinically manifested as increased arterial pulse wave velocity and myocardial fibrosis-induced diastolic dysfunction. A key question that remains is how are these events mechanistically linked. In this regard, heightened activation of vascular mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and hyperinsulinaemia occur in obesity and INS resistance states. Further, a downstream mediator of MR and INS receptor activation, the endothelial cell Na+ channel (EnNaC), has recently been identified as a key molecular determinant of endothelial dysfunction and CV fibrosis and stiffening. Increased activity of the EnNaC results in a number of negative consequences including stiffening of the cortical actin cytoskeleton in endothelial cells, impaired endothelial NO release, increased oxidative stress-meditated NO destruction, increased vascular permeability, and stimulation of an inflammatory environment. Such endothelial alterations impact vascular function and stiffening through regulation of vascular tone and stimulation of tissue remodelling including fibrosis. In the case of the heart, obesity and INS resistance are associated with coronary vascular endothelial stiffening and associated reductions in bioavailable NO leading to heart failure with preserved systolic function (HFpEF). After a brief discussion on mechanisms leading to vascular stiffness per se, this review then focuses on recent findings regarding the role of INS and aldosterone to enhance EnNaC activity and associated CV stiffness in obesity/INS resistance states. Finally, we discuss how coronary artery-mediated EnNaC activation may lead to cardiac fibrosis and HFpEF, a condition that is especially pronounced in obese and diabetic females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Hill
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Frederic Jaisser
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - James R Sowers
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.,Diabetes and Cardiovascular Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mukherjee A, MacDonald KD, Kim J, Henderson MI, Eygeris Y, Sahay G. Engineered mutant α-ENaC subunit mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles reduces amiloride currents in cystic fibrosis-based cell and mice models. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/47/eabc5911. [PMID: 33208364 PMCID: PMC7673816 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc5911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) results from mutations in the chloride-conducting CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Airway dehydration and impaired mucociliary clearance in CF is proposed to result in tonic epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity, which drives amiloride-sensitive electrogenic sodium absorption. Decreasing sodium absorption by inhibiting ENaC can reverse airway surface liquid dehydration. Here, we inhibit endogenous heterotrimeric ENaC channels by introducing inactivating mutant ENaC α mRNA (αmutENaC). Lipid nanoparticles carrying αmutENaC were transfected in CF-based airway cells in vitro and in vivo. We observed a significant decrease in macroscopic as well as amiloride-sensitive ENaC currents and an increase in airway surface liquid height in CF airway cells. Similarly, intranasal transfection of αmutENaC mRNA decreased amiloride-sensitive nasal potential difference in CFTRKO mice. These data suggest that mRNA-based ENaC inhibition is a powerful strategy for reducing mucus dehydration and has therapeutic potential for treating CF in all patients, independent of genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Kelvin D MacDonald
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Michael I Henderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Schnipper J, Dhennin-Duthille I, Ahidouch A, Ouadid-Ahidouch H. Ion Channel Signature in Healthy Pancreas and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:568993. [PMID: 33178018 PMCID: PMC7596276 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.568993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in United States and Europe. It is predicted that PDAC will become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths during the next decades. The development of PDAC is not well understood, however, studies have shown that dysregulated exocrine pancreatic fluid secretion can contribute to pathologies of exocrine pancreas, including PDAC. The major roles of healthy exocrine pancreatic tissue are secretion of enzymes and bicarbonate rich fluid, where ion channels participate to fine-tune these biological processes. It is well known that ion channels located in the plasma membrane regulate multiple cellular functions and are involved in the communication between extracellular events and intracellular signaling pathways and can function as signal transducers themselves. Hereby, they contribute to maintain resting membrane potential, electrical signaling in excitable cells, and ion homeostasis. Despite their contribution to basic cellular processes, ion channels are also involved in the malignant transformation from a normal to a malignant phenotype. Aberrant expression and activity of ion channels have an impact on essentially all hallmarks of cancer defined as; uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, sustained angiogenesis and promotion of invasion and migration. Research indicates that certain ion channels are involved in the aberrant tumor growth and metastatic processes of PDAC. The purpose of this review is to summarize the important expression, localization, and function of ion channels in normal exocrine pancreatic tissue and how they are involved in PDAC progression and development. As ion channels are suggested to be potential targets of treatment they are furthermore suggested to be biomarkers of different cancers. Therefore, we describe the importance of ion channels in PDAC as markers of diagnosis and clinical factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Schnipper
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, UR-4667, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Isabelle Dhennin-Duthille
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, UR-4667, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Ahmed Ahidouch
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, UR-4667, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Halima Ouadid-Ahidouch
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, UR-4667, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Taruno A, Nomura K, Kusakizako T, Ma Z, Nureki O, Foskett JK. Taste transduction and channel synapses in taste buds. Pflugers Arch 2020; 473:3-13. [PMID: 32936320 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The variety of taste sensations, including sweet, umami, bitter, sour, and salty, arises from diverse taste cells, each of which expresses specific taste sensor molecules and associated components for downstream signal transduction cascades. Recent years have witnessed major advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying transduction of basic tastes in taste buds, including the identification of the bona fide sour sensor H+ channel OTOP1, and elucidation of transduction of the amiloride-sensitive component of salty taste (the taste of sodium) and the TAS1R-independent component of sweet taste (the taste of sugar). Studies have also discovered an unconventional chemical synapse termed "channel synapse" which employs an action potential-activated CALHM1/3 ion channel instead of exocytosis of synaptic vesicles as the conduit for neurotransmitter release that links taste cells to afferent neurons. New images of the channel synapse and determinations of the structures of CALHM channels have provided structural and functional insights into this unique synapse. In this review, we discuss the current view of taste transduction and neurotransmission with emphasis on recent advances in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Taruno
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. .,Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Kengo Nomura
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhongming Ma
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Kevin Foskett
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wichmann L, Althaus M. Evolution of epithelial sodium channels: current concepts and hypotheses. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R387-R400. [PMID: 32783689 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00144.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The conquest of freshwater and terrestrial habitats was a key event during vertebrate evolution. Occupation of low-salinity and dry environments required significant osmoregulatory adaptations enabling stable ion and water homeostasis. Sodium is one of the most important ions within the extracellular liquid of vertebrates, and molecular machinery for urinary reabsorption of this electrolyte is critical for the maintenance of body osmoregulation. Key ion channels involved in the fine-tuning of sodium homeostasis in tetrapod vertebrates are epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), which allow the selective influx of sodium ions across the apical membrane of epithelial cells lining the distal nephron or the colon. Furthermore, ENaC-mediated sodium absorption across tetrapod lung epithelia is crucial for the control of liquid volumes lining the pulmonary surfaces. ENaCs are vertebrate-specific members of the degenerin/ENaC family of cation channels; however, there is limited knowledge on the evolution of ENaC within this ion channel family. This review outlines current concepts and hypotheses on ENaC phylogeny and discusses the emergence of regulation-defining sequence motifs in the context of osmoregulatory adaptations during tetrapod terrestrialization. In light of the distinct regulation and expression of ENaC isoforms in tetrapod vertebrates, we discuss the potential significance of ENaC orthologs in osmoregulation of fishes as well as the putative fates of atypical channel isoforms in mammals. We hypothesize that ancestral proton-sensitive ENaC orthologs might have aided the osmoregulatory adaptation to freshwater environments whereas channel regulation by proteases evolved as a molecular adaptation to lung liquid homeostasis in terrestrial tetrapods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wichmann
- Institute for Animal Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Does ENaC Work as Sodium Taste Receptor in Humans? Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12041195. [PMID: 32344597 PMCID: PMC7230849 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste reception is fundamental for the proper selection of food and beverages. Among the several chemicals recognized by the human taste system, sodium ions (Na+) are of particular relevance. Na+ represents the main extracellular cation and is a key factor in many physiological processes. Na+ elicits a specific sensation, called salty taste, and low-medium concentrations of table salt (NaCl, the common sodium-containing chemical we use to season foods) are perceived as pleasant and appetitive. How we detect this cation in foodstuffs is scarcely understood. In animal models, such as the mouse and the rat, the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) has been proposed as a key protein for recognizing Na+ and for mediating preference responses to low-medium salt concentrations. Here, I will review our current understanding regarding the possible involvement of ENaC in the detection of food Na+ by the human taste system.
Collapse
|
40
|
Shi S, Montalbetti N, Wang X, Rush BM, Marciszyn AL, Baty CJ, Tan RJ, Carattino MD, Kleyman TR. Paraoxonase 3 functions as a chaperone to decrease functional expression of the epithelial sodium channel. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4950-4962. [PMID: 32079677 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The paraoxonase (PON) family comprises three highly conserved members: PON1, PON2, and PON3. They are orthologs of Caenorhabditis elegans MEC-6, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone that has a critical role in proper assembly and surface expression of the touch-sensing degenerin channel in nematodes. We have shown recently that MEC-6 and PON2 negatively regulate functional expression of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), suggesting that the chaperone function is conserved within this family. We hypothesized that other PON family members also modulate ion channel expression. Pon3 is specifically expressed in the aldosterone-sensitive distal tubules in the mouse kidney. We found here that knocking down endogenous Pon3 in mouse cortical collecting duct cells enhanced Na+ transport, which was associated with increased γENaC abundance. We further examined Pon3 regulation of ENaC in two heterologous expression systems, Fisher rat thyroid cells and Xenopus oocytes. Pon3 coimmunoprecipitated with each of the three ENaC subunits in Fisher rat thyroid cells. As a result of this interaction, the whole-cell and surface abundance of ENaC α and γ subunits was reduced by Pon3. When expressed in oocytes, Pon3 inhibited ENaC-mediated amiloride-sensitive Na+ currents, in part by reducing the surface expression of ENaC. In contrast, Pon3 did not alter the response of ENaC to chymotrypsin-mediated proteolytic activation or [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethiosulfonate-induced activation of αβS518Cγ, suggesting that Pon3 does not affect channel open probability. Together, our results suggest that PON3 regulates ENaC expression by inhibiting its biogenesis and/or trafficking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Shi
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Nicolas Montalbetti
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Xueqi Wang
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.,Department of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Brittney M Rush
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Allison L Marciszyn
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Catherine J Baty
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Roderick J Tan
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Marcelo D Carattino
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Thomas R Kleyman
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Baldin JP, Barth D, Fronius M. Epithelial Na + Channel (ENaC) Formed by One or Two Subunits Forms Functional Channels That Respond to Shear Force. Front Physiol 2020; 11:141. [PMID: 32256376 PMCID: PMC7090232 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are heterotrimers formed by α, β, and γ ENaC subunits in vertebrates and belong to the Degenerin/ENaC family of proteins. Proteins from this family form mechanosensitive channels throughout the animal kingdom. Activity of canonical ENaC is regulated by shear force (SF) mediating Na+ absorption in the kidney and vascular tone of arteries. Expression analysis suggests that non-canonical ENaC, formed by single or only two subunits, exist in certain tissues, but it is unknown if these channels respond to SF. α, β, γ, and δ ENaC subunits were expressed either alone or in combinations of two subunits in Xenopus oocytes. Amiloride-sensitive currents and the responses to SF were assessed using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings. With the exception of γ ENaC, all homomeric channels provided amiloride-sensitive currents and responded to SF applied via a fluid stream directed onto the oocytes. Channels containing two subunits were also activated by SF. Here, the presence of the γ ENaC subunit when co-expressed with α or δ augmented the SF response in comparison to the αβγ/δβγ ENaC. Overall, we provide evidence that non-canonical ENaC can form channels that respond to SF. This supports a potential function of non-canonical ENaC as mechanosensors in epithelial, vascular, and sensory cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Baldin
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Barth
- Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li Q, Fung E. Multifaceted Functions of Epithelial Na + Channel in Modulating Blood Pressure. Hypertension 2019; 73:273-281. [PMID: 30580685 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Q.L., E.F.).,Laboratory for Heart Failure and Circulation Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR (Q.L., E.F.)
| | - Erik Fung
- From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Q.L., E.F.).,Gerald Choa Cardiac Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (E.F.).,Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (E.F.).,Laboratory for Heart Failure and Circulation Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR (Q.L., E.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhao R, Ali G, Chang J, Komatsu S, Tsukasaki Y, Nie HG, Chang Y, Zhang M, Liu Y, Jain K, Jung BG, Samten B, Jiang D, Liang J, Ikebe M, Matthay MA, Ji HL. Proliferative regulation of alveolar epithelial type 2 progenitor cells by human Scnn1d gene. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:8155-8170. [PMID: 31754387 PMCID: PMC6857051 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) encoded by Scnn1 genes is essential for maintaining transepithelial salt and fluid homeostasis in the airway and the lung. Compared to α, β, and γ subunits, the role of respiratory δ-ENaC has not been studied in vivo due to the lack of animal models. Methods: We characterized full-length human δ802-ENaC expressed in both Xenopus oocytes and humanized transgenic mice. AT2 proliferation and differentiation in 3D organoids were analysed with FACS and a confocal microscope. Both two-electrode voltage clamp and Ussing chamber systems were applied to digitize δ802-ENaC channel activity. Immunoblotting was utilized to analyse δ802-ENaC protein. Transcripts of individual ENaC subunits in human lung tissues were quantitated with qPCR. Results: The results indicate that δ802-ENaC functions as an amiloride-inhibitable Na+ channel. Inhibitory peptide α-13 distinguishes δ802- from α-type ENaC channels. Modified proteolysis of γ-ENaC by plasmin and aprotinin did not alter the inhibition of amiloride and α-13 peptide. Expression of δ802-ENaC at the apical membrane of respiratory epithelium was detected with biophysical features similar to those of heterologously expressed channels in oocytes. δ802-ENaC regulated alveologenesis through facilitating the proliferation of alveolar type 2 epithelial cells. Conclusion: The humanized mouse line conditionally expressing human δ802-ENaC is a novel model for studying the expression and function of this protein in vivo .
Collapse
|
44
|
Verkhratsky A, Parpura V, Vardjan N, Zorec R. Physiology of Astroglia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:45-91. [PMID: 31583584 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are principal cells responsible for maintaining the brain homeostasis. Additionally, these glial cells are also involved in homocellular (astrocyte-astrocyte) and heterocellular (astrocyte-other cell types) signalling and metabolism. These astroglial functions require an expression of the assortment of molecules, be that transporters or pumps, to maintain ion concentration gradients across the plasmalemma and the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Astrocytes sense and balance their neurochemical environment via variety of transmitter receptors and transporters. As they are electrically non-excitable, astrocytes display intracellular calcium and sodium fluctuations, which are not only used for operative signalling but can also affect metabolism. In this chapter we discuss the molecules that achieve ionic gradients and underlie astrocyte signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kasahara Y, Sakurai T, Matsuda R, Narukawa M, Yasuoka A, Mori N, Watanabe H, Okabe T, Kojima H, Abe K, Misaka T, Asakura T. Novel indole and benzothiophene ring derivatives showing differential modulatory activity against human epithelial sodium channel subunits, ENaC β and γ. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2018; 83:243-250. [PMID: 30343635 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1533802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a pivotal role in sodium homeostasis, and the development of drugs that modulate ENaC activity is of great potential therapeutic relevance. We screened 6100 chemicals for their ability to activate sodium permeability of ENaC. We used a two-step strategy: a high throughput cell-based assay and an electrophysiological assay. Five compounds were identified showing common structural features including an indole or benzothiophene ring. ENaC consists of three subunits: α, β, and γ. Changing the heteromeric combination of human and mouse ENaC αβγ subunits, we found that all five compounds activated the human β subunit but not the mouse subunit. However, four of them exhibited lower activity when the human γ subunit was substituted by the mouse γ subunit. Our findings provide a structural basis for designing human ENaC activity modulators. Abbreviations: ENaC: Epithelial sodium channel; ΔRFU: delta relative fluorescence units; EC50: Half-maximal effective concentration; Emax: maximum effect value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Kasahara
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Takanobu Sakurai
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Ryusei Matsuda
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masataka Narukawa
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akihito Yasuoka
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hidenori Watanabe
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Takayoshi Okabe
- b Drug Discovery Initiative (DDI) , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hirotatsu Kojima
- b Drug Discovery Initiative (DDI) , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Keiko Abe
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan.,c Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (KISTEC) , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Takumi Misaka
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Tomiko Asakura
- a Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Puga Molina LC, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Marín-Briggiler CI, Romarowski A, Buffone MG. Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:72. [PMID: 30105226 PMCID: PMC6078053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara I Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Puga Molina LC, Pinto NA, Torres NI, González-Cota AL, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Romarowski A, Krapf D, Santi CM, Treviño CL, Darszon A, Buffone MG. CFTR/ENaC-dependent regulation of membrane potential during human sperm capacitation is initiated by bicarbonate uptake through NBC. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9924-9936. [PMID: 29743243 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an egg, sperm must reside in the female reproductive tract to undergo several maturational changes that are collectively referred to as capacitation. From a molecular point of view, the HCO3--dependent activation of the atypical soluble adenylyl cyclase (ADCY10) is one of the first events that occurs during capacitation and leads to the subsequent cAMP-dependent activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Capacitation is also accompanied by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane. We previously reported that PKA activation is necessary for CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel) activity and for the modulation of membrane potential (Em). However, the main HCO3- transporters involved in the initial transport and the PKA-dependent Em changes are not well known nor characterized. Here, we analyzed how the activity of CFTR regulates Em during capacitation and examined its relationship with an electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBC) and epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs). We observed that inhibition of both CFTR and NBC decreased HCO3- influx, resulting in lower PKA activity, and that events downstream of the cAMP activation of PKA are essential for the regulation of Em. Addition of a permeable cAMP analog partially rescued the inhibitory effects caused by these inhibitors. HCO3- also produced a rapid membrane hyperpolarization mediated by ENaC channels, which contribute to the regulation of Em during capacitation. Altogether, we demonstrate for the first time, that NBC cotransporters and ENaC channels are essential in the CFTR-dependent activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and Em regulation during human sperm capacitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás A Pinto
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás I Torres
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana L González-Cota
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina, and
| | - Celia M Santi
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Er LK, Teng MS, Wu S, Hsu LA, Tzeng IS, Cheng CF, Chang HI, Chou HH, Ko YL. Combined effect of acid-sensing ion channel 3 and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 gene polymorphisms on blood pressure variations in Taiwanese. Tzu Chi Med J 2018; 30:29-36. [PMID: 29643714 PMCID: PMC5883834 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_187_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Both acid-sensing ion channel acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) have been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Common colocalization of ASIC3 and TRPV1 channels in the same sensory neuron has been reported. We aimed to study the combined ASIC3 and TRPV1 gene polymorphisms in the risk of hypertension. Materials and Methods: To test the statistical association between genetic polymorphisms of the ASIC3 and TRPV1 genes and blood pressure (BP) variations in Taiwanese, 551 unrelated individuals (286 men and 265 women) having routine health examinations were recruited. The participants had no history of cardiovascular disease or use of medication for hypertension. Results: Six ASIC3 and four TRPV1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped, and only the ASIC3 rs2288646 polymorphism was associated with variations in BP in the participants. In subgroup analysis, we found participants carrying the combined ASIC3 rs2288646 AA or AG and TRPV1 rs8065080 CC genotypes (combined genotypes) had significantly higher systolic, mean and diastolic BP compared with the other subgroups (P = 0.009, 0.003, and 0.006, respectively, after Bonferroni correction). Interaction analysis also revealed significant gene-gene interaction in the systolic, mean, and diastolic BP in the ASIC3 and TRPV1 genotypes (interaction P = 0.006, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively). A trend of increasing frequencies of the combined genotype was observed in normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive subgroups (P for trend = 0.001), as well as in those with higher systolic and diastolic BPs (P for trend = 9.13 × 10−4 and P for trend = 5.5 × 10−5, respectively). Conclusion: Our data show a combined effect of ASIC3 and TRPV1 gene polymorphisms in BP variations in Taiwanese. These results suggest that the interaction between ASIC3 and TRPV1 is involved in BP regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leay-Kiaw Er
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Sheng Teng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Semon Wu
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lung-An Hsu
- First Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - I-Shiang Tzeng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-I Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Medical Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chou
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Medical Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Ko
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Medical Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Wichmann L, Vowinkel KS, Perniss A, Manzini I, Althaus M. Incorporation of the δ-subunit into the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) generates protease-resistant ENaCs in Xenopus laevis. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:6647-6658. [PMID: 29576549 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a critical regulator of vertebrate electrolyte homeostasis. ENaC is the only constitutively open ion channel in the degenerin/ENaC protein family, and its expression, membrane abundance, and open probability therefore are tightly controlled. The canonical ENaC is composed of three subunits (α, β, and γ), but a fourth δ-subunit may replace α and form atypical δβγ-ENaCs. Using Xenopus laevis as a model, here we found that mRNAs of the α- and δ-subunits are differentially expressed in different tissues and that δ-ENaC predominantly is present in the urogenital tract. Using whole-cell and single-channel electrophysiology of oocytes expressing Xenopus αβγ- or δβγ-ENaC, we demonstrate that the presence of the δ-subunit enhances the amount of current generated by ENaC due to an increased open probability, but also changes current into a transient form. Activity of canonical ENaCs is critically dependent on proteolytic processing of the α- and γ-subunits, and immunoblotting with epitope-tagged ENaC subunits indicated that, unlike α-ENaC, the δ-subunit does not undergo proteolytic maturation by the endogenous protease furin. Furthermore, currents generated by δβγ-ENaC were insensitive to activation by extracellular chymotrypsin, and presence of the δ-subunit prevented cleavage of γ-ENaC at the cell surface. Our findings suggest that subunit composition constitutes an additional level of ENaC regulation, and we propose that the Xenopus δ-ENaC subunit represents a functional example that demonstrates the importance of proteolytic maturation during ENaC evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wichmann
- From the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom and.,the Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kirsty Sophia Vowinkel
- the Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander Perniss
- the Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivan Manzini
- the Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- From the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom and
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Localization of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and CFTR in the germinal epithelium of the testis, Sertoli cells, and spermatozoa. J Mol Histol 2018; 49:195-208. [PMID: 29453757 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis starts within the seminiferous tubules of the testis by mitotic division of spermatogonia that produces spermatocytes. Meiotic division of these spermatocytes produces haploid spermatids that differentiate into spermatozoa. In this study, we examined the expression of ENaC and CFTR (a Cl- channel) in rat testicular sections using confocal microscopic immunofluorescence. The structural integrity of the seminiferous tubule sections was verified by precise phalloidin staining of the actin fibers located abundantly at both basal and adluminal tight junctions. The acrosome forming regions in the round spermatids were stained using an FITC coupled lectin (wheat germ agglutinin). In all phases of the germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids) ENaC was localized in cytoplasmic pools. Prior to spermiation, ENaC immunofluorescence appeared along the tails of the spermatids. In spermatozoa isolated from the epididymis, ENaC was localized at the acrosome and a central region of the sperm flagellum. The mature sperm are transcriptionally silent. Hence, we suggest that ENaC subunits in cytoplasmic pools in germ cells serve as the source of ENaC subunits located along the tail of spermatozoa. The locations of ENaC is compatible with a possible role in the acrosomal reaction and sperm mobility. In contrast to ENaC, CFTR immunofluorescence was most strongly observed specifically within the Sertoli cell nuclei. Based on the nuclear localization of CFTR we suggest that, in addition to its role as an ion channel, CFTR may have an independent role in gene regulation within the nuclei.
Collapse
|