Expression and functional analysis of water channels in a stably AQP2-transfected human collecting duct cell line

A versatile aquaporin-2 cell system for quantitative temporal expression and live cell imaging

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) fine tunes urine concentration in response to the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. In addition, AQP2 has been suggested to promote cell migration and epithelial morphogenesis. A cell system allowing temporal and quantitative control of expression levels of AQP2 and phospho-mimicking mutants has been missing, as has a system allowing expression of fluorescently tagged AQP2 for time-lapse imaging. In the present study, we generated and validated a Flp-In T-REx Madin-Darby canine kidney cell system for temporal and quantitative control of AQP2 and phospho-mimicking mutants. We verified that expression levels can be temporally and quantitatively controlled and that AQP2 translocated to the plasma membrane in response to elevated cAMP, which also induced S256 phosphorylation. The phospho-mimicking mutants AQP2-S256A and AQP2-S256D localized as previously described, primarily intracellular and to the plasma membrane, respectively. Induction of AQP2 expression in combination with transient, low expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged AQP2 enabled expression without aggregation and correct translocation in response to elevated cAMP. Interestingly, time-lapse imaging revealed AQP2-containing tubulating endosomes and that tubulation significantly decreased 30 min after cAMP elevation. This was mirrored by the phospho-mimicking mutants AQP2-S256A and AQP2-S256D, where AQP2-S256A-containing endosomes tubulated, whereas AQP2-S256D-containing endosomes did not. Thus, this cell system enables a multitude of cell-based assays warranted to provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of AQP2 regulation and effects on cell migration and epithelial morphogenesis.

Aquaporins in Urinary System

Several aquaporin (AQP )-type water channels are expressed in kidney: AQP1 in the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle, and vasa recta; AQP2 -6 in the collecting duct; AQP7 in the proximal tubule; AQP8 in the proximal tubule and collecting duct; and AQP11 in the endoplasmic reticulum of proximal tubule cells. AQP2 is the vasopressin-regulated water channel that is important in hereditary and acquired diseases affecting urine-concentrating ability. The roles of AQPs in renal physiology and transepithelial water transport have been determined using AQP knockout mouse models. This chapter describes renal physiologic insights revealed by phenotypic analysis of AQP knockout mice and the prospects for further basic and clinical studies.

Culturing primary rat inner medullary collecting duct cells

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) facilitates water reabsorption by renal collecting duct principal cells and thereby fine-tunes body water homeostasis. AVP binds to vasopressin V2 receptors (V2R) on the surface of the cells and thereby induces synthesis of cAMP. This stimulates cellular signaling processes leading to changes in the phosphorylation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Protein kinase A phoshorylates AQP2 and thereby triggers the translocation of AQP2 from intracellular vesicles into the plasma membrane facilitating water reabsorption from primary urine. Aberrations of AVP release from the pituitary or AVP-activated signaling in principal cells can cause central or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, respectively; an elevated blood plasma AVP level is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as chronic heart failure and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Here, we present a protocol for cultivation of primary rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, which express V2R and AQP2 endogenously. The cells are suitable for elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying the control of AQP2 and thus to discover novel drug targets for the treatment of diseases associated with dysregulation of AVP-mediated water reabsorption. IMCD cells are obtained from rat renal inner medullae and are used for experiments six to eight days after seeding. IMCD cells can be cultured in regular cell culture dishes, flasks and micro-titer plates of different formats, the procedure only requires a few hours, and is appropriate for standard cell culture laboratories.

Cell culture models and animal models for studying the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are key players regulating urinary-concentrating ability. To date, eight aquaporins have been characterized and localized along the nephron, namely, AQP1 located in the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle, and vasa recta; AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in collecting duct principal cells; AQP5 in intercalated cell type B; AQP6 in intercalated cells type A in the papilla; AQP7, AQP8 and AQP11 in the proximal tubule. AQP2, whose expression and cellular distribution is dependent on vasopressin stimulation, is involved in hereditary and acquired diseases affecting urine-concentrating mechanisms. Due to the lack of selective aquaporin inhibitors, the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins has not yet been completely clarified, and despite extensive studies, several questions remain unanswered. Until the recent and large-scale development of genetic manipulation technology, which has led to the generation of transgenic mice models, our knowledge on renal aquaporin regulation was mainly based on in vitro studies with suitable renal cell models. Transgenic and knockout technology approaches are providing pivotal information on the role of aquaporins in health and disease. The main goal of this review is to update and summarize what we can learn from cell and animal models that will shed more light on our understanding of aquaporin-dependent renal water regulation.

Altered expression of aquaporin 4 and H+/K+-ATPase in the stomachs of peptide YY (PYY) transgenic mice

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The hormone PYY (peptide YY), synthesized by endocrine cells in the pancreas, ileum, colon and stomach has widespread inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal and pancreatic fluid secretion. Transgenic mice expressing a viral oncoprotein under the control of the PYY gene 5'-flanking region develop well-differentiated colonic endocrine tumours producing mainly PYY and enteroglucagon. In the present study, we investigated the expression of AQP4 (aquaporin 4) water channel and H(+)/K(+)-ATPase in stomachs from both control and transgenic mice.

RESULTS

Semi-quantitative RT (reverse transcriptase)-PCR showed an increase in the AQP4 transcript compared with control mice. Quantitative Western-blot analysis of stomachs from control and transgenic mice confirmed a significant increase in the 30 kDa AQP4 protein in transgenic mice. In control mice, AQP4 is specifically expressed in the basolateral membrane of gastric parietal cells, located in the basal region of the fundic glands. This particular location suggests that parietal cells in the base region of gastric pits might have a major role in water transport when compared with the more superficial parietal cells. Interestingly, immunofluorescence studies on transgenic mice revealed that the quantitative increase of AQP4 expression was actually due to an increase in the number of AQP4-expressing epithelial cells rather than to a higher expression of AQP4 in parietal cells. In fact, immunofluorescence experiments using the specific antibody raised against the AE2 isoform of Cl(-)/HCO3- exchanger specifically expressed in parietal cells confirmed that the number of parietal cells was comparable in both PYY and control stomachs. Moreover, in transgenic mice, a parallel significant decrease in the expression of H(+)/K(+)-ATPase was observed, as revealed by RT-PCR, quantitative immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we demonstrate that the sustained inhibition of gastric secretion due to tumours producing PYY/enteroglucagon in transgenic mice is associated with an increase in AQP4 expression and a down-regulation of H(+)/K(+)-ATPase in parietal cells that acquire the characteristics of basal parietal cells. The absence of H2 receptors-mediated signalling due to the inhibition of histamine release from ECL (enterochromaffin-like) cells by PYY may be in part responsible for the observed increase in the number of parietal cells expressing AQP4.

Volume regulation in cortical collecting duct cells: role of AQP2

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The renal CCD (cortical collecting duct) plays a role in final volume and concentration of urine by a process that is regulated by the antidiuretic hormone, [arginine]vasopressin. This hormone induces an increase in water permeability due to the translocation of AQP2 (aquaporin 2) from the intracellular vesicles to the apical membrane of principal cells. During the transition from antidiuresis to diuresis, CCD cells are exposed to changes in environmental osmolality, and cell-volume regulation may be especially important for the maintenance of intracellular homoeostasis. Despite its importance, cell-volume regulation in CCD cells has not been widely investigated. Moreover, no studies have been carried out till date to evaluate the putative role of AQPs during this process in renal cells.

RESULTS

In the present study, we have studied the regulatory cell-volume responses to hypo-osmotic or hyperosmotic challenges in two CCD cell lines: one not expressing AQPs and the other stably transfected with AQP2. We have used a fluorescent probe technique in which the acquisition of single-cell kinetic data can be simultaneously recorded with the intracellular pH. Experiments with hyperosmotic mannitol media demonstrated that, independent of AQP2 expression, CCD cells shrink but fail to show regulatory volume increase, at least under the studied conditions. In contrast, under hypo-osmotic shocks, regulatory volume decrease occurs and the activation of these mechanisms is more rapid in AQP2 transfected cells. This regulatory response takes place in parallel with intracellular acidification, which is faster in cells expressing AQP2. The acidification and the initial regulatory volume decrease response were inhibited by glibenclamide and BaCl2 only in AQP2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that increases in the osmotic water permeability due to the expression of AQP2 are critical for a rapid activation of regulatory volume decrease mechanisms, which would be linked to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and to barium-sensitive potassium channels.

AQP5 is expressed in type-B intercalated cells in the collecting duct system of the rat, mouse and human kidney

We screened human kidney-derived multipotent CD133+/CD24+ ARPCs for the possible expression of all 13 aquaporin isoforms cloned in humans. Interestingly, we found that ARPCs expressed both AQP5 mRNA and mature protein. This novel finding prompted us to investigate the presence of AQP5 in situ in kidney. We report here the novel finding that AQP5 is expressed in human, rat and mouse kidney at the apical membrane of type-B intercalated cells. AQP5 is expressed in the renal cortex and completely absent from the medulla. Immunocytochemical analysis using segment- and cell type-specific markers unambiguously indicated that AQP5 is expressed throughout the collecting system at the apical membrane of type-B intercalated cells, where it co-localizes with pendrin. No basolateral AQPs were detected in type-B intercalated cells, suggesting that AQP5 is unlikely to be involved in the net trans-epithelial water reabsorption occurring in the distal tubule. An intriguing hypothesis is that AQP5 may serve an osmosensor for the composition of the fluid coming from the thick ascending limb. Future studies will unravel the physiological role of AQP5 in the kidney.

Regulation of the water channel aquaporin-2 by posttranslational modification

The cellular functions of many eukaryotic membrane proteins, including the vasopressin-regulated water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2), are regulated by posttranslational modifications. In this article, we discuss the experimental discoveries that have advanced our understanding of how posttranslational modifications affect AQP2 function, especially as they relate to the role of AQP2 in the kidney. We review the most recent data demonstrating that glycosylation and, in particular, phosphorylation and ubiquitination are mechanisms that regulate AQP2 activity, subcellular sorting and distribution, degradation, and protein interactions. From a clinical perspective, posttranslational modification resulting in protein misrouting or degradation may explain certain forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In addition to providing major insight into the function and dynamics of renal AQP2 regulation, the analysis of AQP2 posttranslational modification may provide general clues as to the role of posttranslational modification for regulation of other membrane proteins.

Higher order structure of aquaporin-4

Unlike other mammalian AQPs, multiple tetramers of AQP4 associate in the plasma membrane to form peculiar structures called Orthogonal Arrays of Particles (OAPs), that are observable by freeze-fracture electron microscopy (FFEM). However, FFEM cannot give information about the composition of OAPs of different sizes, and due to its technical complexity is not easily applicable as a routine technique. Recently, we employed the 2D gel electrophoresis BN-SDS/PAGE that for the first time enabled the biochemical isolation of AQP4-OAPs from several tissues. We found that AQP4 protein is present in several higher-order complexes (membrane pools of supra-structures) which contain different ratios of M1/M23 isoforms corresponding to AQP4-OAPs of different size. In this paper, we illustrate in detail the potentiality of 2D BN/SDS-PAGE for analyzing AQP4 supra-structures, their relationship with the dystrophin glycoprotein complex and other membrane proteins, and their role as a specific target of Neuromyelitis Optica autoantibodies.

Atrial natriuretic peptide and nitric oxide signaling antagonizes vasopressin-mediated water permeability in inner medullary collecting duct cells

AVP and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have opposite effects in the kidney. AVP induces antidiuresis by insertion of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels into the plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells. ANP acts as a diuretic factor. An ANP- and nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-induced insertion of AQP2 into the plasma membrane is reported from different models. However, functional data on the insertion of AQP2 is missing. We used primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells and digital holographic microscopy, calcein-quenching measurements, and immunofluorescence and Western blotting to analyze the effects of ANP and NO donors on AQP2 phosphorylation, membrane expression, and water permeability. While AVP led to acceleration in osmotically induced swelling, ANP had no effect. However, in AVP-pretreated cells ANP significantly decreased the kinetics of cell swelling. This effect was mimicked by 8-bromo-cGMP and blunted by PKG inhibition. Stimulation of the NO/sGC pathway or direct activation of sGC with BAY 58-2667 had similar effects to ANP. In cells treated with AVP, AQP2 was predominantly localized in the plasma membrane, and after additional incubation with ANP AQP2 was mostly localized in the cytosol, indicating an increased retrieval of AQP2 from the plasma membrane by ANP. Western blot analysis showed that ANP was able to reduce AVP-induced phosphorylation of AQP2 at position S256. In conclusion, we show that the diuretic action of ANP or NO in the IMCD involves a decreased localization of AQP2 in the plasma membrane which is mediated by cGMP and PKG.

Actin cytoskeleton remodeling governs aquaporin-4 localization in astrocytes

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is constitutively concentrated in the plasma membrane of the perivascular glial processes, and its expression is altered in certain pathological conditions associated with brain edema or altered glial migration. When astrocytes are grown in culture, they lose their characteristic star-like shape and AQP4 continuous plasma membrane localization observed in vivo. In this study, we differentiated primary astrocyte cultures with cAMP and lovastatin, both able to induce glial stellation through a reorganization of F-actin cytoskeleton, and obtained AQP4 selectively localized on the cell plasma membrane associated with an increase in the plasma membrane water transport level, but only cAMP induced an increase in AQP4 total protein expression. Phosphorylation experiments indicated that AQP4 in astrocytes is neither phosphorylated nor a substrate of PKA. Depolymerization of F-actin cytoskeleton performed by cytochalasin-D suggested that F-actin cytoskeleton plays a primary role for AQP4 plasma membrane localization and during cell adhesion. Finally, AQP4 knockdown does not compromise the ability of astrocytes to stellate in the presence of cAMP, indicating that astrocyte stellation is independent of AQP4.

Regulation of aquaporin-2 trafficking

Principal cells lining renal collecting ducts control the fine-tuning of body water homeostasis by regulating water reabsorption through the water channels aquaporin-2 (AQP2), aquaporin-3 (AQP3), and aquaporin-4 (AQP4). While the localization of AQP2 is subject to regulation by arginine-vasopressin (AVP), AQP3 and AQP4 are constitutively expressed in the basolateral plasma membrane. AVP adjusts the amount of AQP2 in the plasma membrane by triggering its redistribution from intracellular vesicles into the plasma membrane. This permits water entry into the cells and water exit through AQP3 and AQP4. The translocation of AQP2 is initiated by an increase in cAMP following V2R activation through AVP. The AVP-induced rise in cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which in turn phosphorylates AQP2, and thereby triggers the redistribution of AQP2. Several proteins participating in the control of cAMP-dependent AQP2 trafficking have been identified; for example, A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) tethering PKA to cellular compartments; phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulating the local cAMP level; cytoskeletal components such as F-actin and microtubules; small GTPases of the Rho family controlling cytoskeletal dynamics; motor proteins transporting AQP2-bearing vesicles to and from the plasma membrane for exocytic insertion and endocytic retrieval; SNAREs inducing membrane fusions, hsc70, a chaperone, important for endocytic retrieval. In addition, cAMP-independent mechanisms of translocation mainly involving the F-actin cytoskeleton have been uncovered. Defects of AQP2 trafficking cause diseases such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disorder characterized by a massive loss of hypoosmotic urine.This review summarizes recent data elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying the trafficking of AQP2. In particular, we focus on proteins involved in the regulation of trafficking, and physiological and pathophysiological stimuli determining the cellular localization of AQP2. The identification of proteins and protein-protein interactions may lead to the development of drugs targeting AQP2 trafficking. Such drugs may be suitable for the treatment of diseases associated with dysregulation of body water homeostasis, including NDI or cardiovascular diseases (e.g., chronic heart failure) where the AVP level is elevated, inducing excessive water retention.

The phosphorylation state of serine 256 is dominant over that of serine 261 in the regulation of AQP2 trafficking in renal epithelial cells

Phosphorylation of serine 256 (S256) plays a critical role in vasopressin (VP)-mediated membrane accumulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Recently, phosphorylation of serine 261 was also reported, raising the possibility that it has a role in AQP2 trafficking. We addressed this issue using transfected LLC-PK(1) cells that express point mutations of AQP2 S261 and S256, mimicking the phosphorylated (S to D) or dephosphorylated (S to A) states of these residues. Both AQP2 (S261A) and AQP2 (S261D) were located in the perinuclear cytoplasm without stimulation but, like wild-type AQP2, they both accumulated on the plasma membrane after 20-min exposure to VP or forskolin. Following membrane accumulation, S261A, S261D, and wild-type AQP2 reinternalization was complete over a similar time frame, between 30 and 60 min after VP washout. Using various combinations of point mutations, we showed that the phosphorylation state of S256 is dominant with respect to AQP2 behavior; AQP2 membrane accumulation and internalization were not detectably affected by the phosphorylation state of S261. Finally, blocking AQP2 endocytosis by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin caused membrane accumulation of AQP2 in cells expressing either a single S-A mutation or double mutations of S256 and S261, although as previously reported, the S256D mutation was always present at the cell surface. This suggests that constitutive recycling of AQP2 was not modified by the phosphorylation state of S261. Together, our data indicate that the phosphorylation state of AQP2 at S261 does not detectably affect regulated or constitutive trafficking of AQP2. The potential role of S261 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in vasopressin action remains to be determined.

Functional involvement of Annexin-2 in cAMP induced AQP2 trafficking

Annexin-2 is required for the apical transport in epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the involvement of annexin-2 in cAMP-induced aquaporin-2 (AQP2) translocation to the apical membrane in renal cells. We found that the cAMP-elevating agent forskolin increased annexin-2 abundance in the plasma membrane enriched fraction with a parallel decrease in the soluble fraction. Interestingly, forskolin stimulation resulted in annexin-2 enrichment in lipid rafts, suggesting that hormonal stimulation might be responsible for a new configuration of membrane interacting proteins involved in the fusion of AQP2 vesicles to the apical plasma membrane. To investigate the functional involvement of annexin-2 in AQP2 exocytosis, the fusion process between purified AQP2 membrane vesicles and plasma membranes was reconstructed in vitro and monitored by a fluorescence assay. An N-terminal peptide that comprises 14 residues of annexin-2 and that includes the binding site for the calcium binding protein p11 strongly inhibited the fusion process. Preincubation of cells with this annexin-2 peptide also failed to increase the osmotic water permeability in the presence of forskolin in intact cells. Altogether, these data demonstrate that annexin-2 is required for cAMP-induced AQP2 exocytosis in renal cells.

Compartmentalized cAMP signalling in regulated exocytic processes in non-neuronal cells

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a central second messenger controlling a plethora of vital functions. Studies of cAMP dynamics in living cells have revealed markedly inhomogeneous concentrations of the second messenger in different compartments. Moreover, cAMP effectors such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cAMP-activated GTP-exchange factors (Epacs) are tethered to specific cellular sites. Both the tailoring of cAMP concentrations, and the activities of cAMP-dependent signalling systems at specific cellular locations are prerequisites for most, if not all, cAMP-dependent processes. This review focuses on the role of compartmentalized cAMP signalling in exocytic processes in non-neuronal cells. Particularly, the insertion of aquaporin-2 into the plasma membrane of renal principal cells as an example for a cAMP-dependent exocytic process in a non-secretory cell type, renin secretion from juxtaglomerular cells as a cAMP-triggered exocytosis from an endocrine cell, insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells as a Ca2+-mediated and cAMP-potentiated exocytic processes in an endocrine cell, and cAMP- or Ca2+ -triggered H+ secretion from gastric parietal cells as an exocytic process in an exocrine cell are discussed. The selected examples of cAMP-regulated exocytic pathways are reviewed with regard to key proteins involved: adenylyl cyclases, phosphodiesterases, PKA, A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) and Epacs.

Hypotonicity causes actin reorganization and recruitment of the actin-binding ERM protein moesin in membrane protrusions in collecting duct principal cells

Hypotonicity-induced cell swelling is characterized by a modification in cell architecture associated with actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family proteins are important signal transducers during actin reorganization regulated by the monomeric G proteins of the Rho family. We report here that in collecting duct CD8 cells hypotonicity-induced cell swelling resulted in deep actin reorganization, consisting of loss of stress fibers and formation of F-actin patches in membrane protrusions where the ERM protein moesin was recruited. Cell swelling increased the interaction between actin and moesin and induced the transition of moesin from an oligomeric to a monomeric functional conformation, characterized by both the COOH- and NH2-terminal domains being exposed. In this conformation, which is stabilized by phosphorylation of a conserved threonine in the COOH-terminal domain by PKC or Rho kinase, moesin can bind interacting proteins. Interestingly, hypotonic stress increased the amount of threonine-phosphorylated moesin, which was prevented by the PKC-α inhibitor Gö-6976 (50 nM). In contrast, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (1 μM) did not affect the hypotonicity-induced increase in phosphorylated moesin. The present data represent the first evidence that hypotonicity-induced actin remodeling is associated with phosphorylated moesin recruitment at the cell border and interaction with actin.

A Role of myosin Vb and Rab11-FIP2 in the aquaporin-2 shuttle

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) regulates water reabsorption in renal collecting duct principal cells. Its binding to Gs-coupled vasopressin V2 receptors increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) and subsequently elicits the redistribution of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from intracellular vesicles into the plasma membrane (AQP2 shuttle), thereby facilitating water reabsorption from primary urine. The AQP2 shuttle is a paradigm for cAMP-dependent exocytic processes. Using sections of rat kidney, the AQP2-expressing cell line CD8, and primary principal cells, we studied the role of the motor protein myosin Vb, its vesicular receptor Rab11, and the myosin Vb- and Rab11-binding protein Rab11-FIP2 in the AQP2 shuttle. Myosin Vb colocalized with AQP2 intracellularly in resting and at the plasma membrane in AVP-treated cells. Rab11 was found on AQP2-bearing vesicles. A dominant-negative myosin Vb tail construct and Rab11-FIP2 lacking the C2 domain (Rab11-FIP2-DeltaC2), which disrupt recycling, caused condensation of AQP2 in a Rab11-positive compartment and abolished the AQP2 shuttle. This effect was dependent on binding of myosin Vb tail and Rab11-FIP2-DeltaC2 to Rab11. In summary, we identified myosin Vb as a motor protein involved in AQP2 recycling and show that myosin Vb- and Rab11-FIP2-dependent recycling of AQP2 is an integral part of the AQP2 shuttle.

Increased AQP2 targeting in primary cultured IMCD cells in response to angiotensin II through AT1 receptor

Vasopressin and angiotensin II (ANG II) play a major role in renal water and Na(+) reabsorption. We previously demonstrated that ANG II AT(1) receptor blockade decreases dDAVP-induced water reabsorption and AQP2 levels in rats, suggesting cross talk between these two peptide hormones (Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 288: F673-F684, 2005). To directly address this issue, primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells from male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 15 min with 1) vehicle, 2) ANG II, 3) ANG II + the AT(1) receptor blocker candesartan, 4) dDAVP, 5) ANG II + dDAVP, or 6) ANG II + dDAVP + candesartan. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that 10(-8) M ANG II or 10(-11) M dDAVP (protocol 1) was associated with increased AQP2 labeling of the plasma membrane and decreased cytoplasmic labeling, respectively. cAMP levels increased significantly in response to 10(-8) M ANG II and were potentiated by cotreatment with 10(-11) M dDAVP. Consistent with this finding, immunoblotting revealed that this cotreatment significantly increased expression of phosphorylated AQP2. ANG II-induced AQP2 targeting was blocked by 10(-5) M candesartan. In protocol 2, treatment with a lower concentration of dDAVP (10(-12) M) or ANG II (10(-9) M) did not change subcellular AQP2 distribution, whereas 10(-12) M dDAVP + 10(-9) M ANG II enhanced AQP2 targeting. This effect was inhibited by cotreatment with 10(-5) M candesartan. ANG II-induced cAMP accumulation and AQP2 targeting were inhibited by inhibition of PKC activity. In conclusion, ANG II plays a role in the regulation of AQP2 targeting to the plasma membrane in IMCD cells through AT(1) receptor activation and potentiates the effect of dDAVP on AQP2 plasma membrane targeting.

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) and vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) endocytosis in kidney epithelial cells: AQP2 is located in 'endocytosis-resistant' membrane domains after vasopressin treatment

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) plays an important, VP (vasopressin)-regulated role in water reabsorption by the kidney. The amount of AQP2 expressed at the surface of principal cells results from an equilibrium between the AQP2 in intracellular vesicles and the AQP2 on the plasma membrane. VP shifts the equilibrium in favour of the plasma membrane and this allows osmotic equilibration to occur between the collecting duct lumen and the interstitial space. Membrane accumulation of AQP2 could result from a VP-induced increase in exocytosis, a decrease in endocytosis, or both. In the present study, we further investigated AQP2 accumulation at the cell surface, and compared it with V2R (VP type 2 receptor) trafficking using cells that express epitope-tagged AQP2 and V2R.

RESULTS

Endocytosis of V2R and of AQP2 are independent events that can be separated temporally and spatially. The burst of endocytosis seen after VP addition to target cells, when AQP2 accumulates at the cell surface, is primarily due to internalization of the V2R. Increased endocytosis is not induced by forskolin, which also induces membrane accumulation of AQP2 by direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase. This indicates that cAMP elevation is not the primary cause of the initial, VP-induced endocytic process. After VP exposure, AQP2 is not located in endosomes with internalized V2R. Instead, it remains at the cell surface in 'endocytosis-resistant' membrane domains, visualized by confocal imaging. After VP washout, AQP2 is progressively internalized with the fluid-phase marker FITC-dextran, indicating that VP washout releases an endocytotic block that maintains AQP2 at the cell surface. Finally, polarized application of VP to filter-grown cells shows that apical VP can induce basolateral endocytosis and V2R down-regulation, and vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

After VP stimulation of renal epithelial cells, AQP2 accumulates at the cell surface, while the V2R is actively internalized. This endocytotic block may involve a reduced capacity of phosphorylated AQP2 to interact with components of the endocytotic machinery. In addition, a complex cross-talk exists between the apical and basolateral plasma-membrane domains with respect to endocytosis and V2R down-regulation. This may be of physiological significance in down-regulating the VP response in the kidney in vivo.

Polarisation, key to good localisation

Polarisation of cells is crucial for vectorial transport of ions and solutes. In literature, however, proteins specifically targeted to the apical or basolateral membrane are often studied in non-polarised cells. To investigate whether these data can be extrapolated to expression in polarised cells, we studied several membrane-specific proteins. In polarised MDCK cells, the Aquaporin-2 water channel resides in intracellular vesicles and apical membrane, while the vasopressin-type 2 receptor, anion-exchanger 1 (AE1) protein and E-Cadherin mainly localise to the basolateral membrane. In non-polarised MDCK cells, however, Aquaporin-2 localises, besides plasma membrane, mainly in the Golgi complex, while the others show a dispersed staining throughout the cell. Moreover, while AQP2 mutants in dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are missorted to different organelles in polarised cells, they all predominantly localise to the Golgi complex in non-polarised MDCK cells. Additionally, the maturation of V2R, and likely its missorting, is affected in transiently-transfected compared to stably-transfected cells. In conclusion, we show that the use of stably-transfected polarised cells is crucial in interpreting the processing and the localisation of membrane targeted proteins.

The C-terminal tail of aquaporin-2 determines apical trafficking

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) proteins are mainly expressed at the apical region of the collecting duct cells. We previously reported three different mutations in the C-terminus of AQP-2 that all-cause autosomal-dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. When one of these mutant AQP-2s was expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, it was mistargeted to the basolateral membrane, suggesting a critical role of the C-terminal tail in the apical trafficking of AQP-2.

METHODS

Portions of the AQP-2 C-terminal tail (residues 226-271) were mutated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and inserted into the pcDNA3.1 vector. Constructs were transfected into MDCK cells to examine the localization of mutated AQP-2 proteins by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell surface expression was detected by biotinylation assay.

RESULTS

The wild-type AQP-2 was localized at the apical membrane, whereas mutants lacking residues 262-271 (the last 10 amino acids) were predominantly distributed in the endoplasmic reticulum. Deletion mutants of the initial (226-240del) and middle (241-252del) portions of the C-terminal tail were identified at the apical membrane, suggesting that residues 226-252 have no involvement in apical targeting. An AQP-4-AQP-2 chimera in which a portion of the AQP-4 C-terminal tail was replaced by the corresponding site in AQP-2 (residues 256-271) was found at the apical membrane. The sequence of the last 4 amino acids of AQP-2 (G-T-K-A) corresponds to a PDZ-interacting motif. Our investigations identified a mutant of this portion mostly localized to the subapical region. Further, apical expression was found to be significantly decreased in mutants lacking a consensus sequence for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent phosphorylation (residues 253-256).

CONCLUSION

The sequence at 256-271 is sufficient for apical trafficking in AQP-2. The putative PDZ-interacting motif (G-T-K-A, residues 268-271) plays a key role in apical membrane expression. In addition, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation was found to be critical for apical targeting.

Minireview: aquaporin 2 trafficking

In the kidney aquaporin-2 (AQP2) provides a target for hormonal regulation of water transport by vasopressin. Short-term control of water permeability occurs via vesicular trafficking of AQP2 and long-term control through changes in the abundance of AQP2 and AQP3 water channels. Defective AQP2 trafficking causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by the kidney inability to produce concentrated urine because of the insensitivity of the distal nephron to vasopressin. AQP2 is redistributed to the apical membrane of collecting duct cells through activation of a cAMP signaling cascade initiated by the binding of vasopressin to its V2-receptor. Protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of AQP2 has been proposed to be essential in regulating AQP2-containing vesicle exocytosis. Cessation of the stimulus is followed by endocytosis of the AQP2 proteins exposed on the plasma membrane and their recycling to the original stores, in which they are retained. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) and actin cytoskeleton organization regulated by small GTPase of the Rho family were also proved to be essential for AQP2 trafficking. Data for functional involvement of the SNARE vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 in AQP2 targeting has recently been provided. Changes in AQP2 expression/trafficking are of particular importance in pathological conditions characterized by both dilutional and concentrating defects. One of these conditions, hypercalciuria, has shown to be associated with alteration of AQP2 urinary excretion. More precisely, recent data support the hypothesis that, in vivo external calcium, through activation of calcium-sensing receptors, modulates the expression/trafficking of AQP2. Together these findings underscore the importance of AQP2 in kidney pathophysiology.

Adipocytes support cAMP-dependent translocation of aquaporin-2 from intracellular sites distinct from the insulin-responsive GLUT4 storage compartment

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2), when expressed in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, displays cAMP-dependent plasma membrane translocation in a manner similar to its behavior in renal epithelial cells. The translocation of AQP2 required phosphorylation at serine 256, as the expression of AQP2/S256D was constitutively plasma membrane localized, whereas AQP2/S256A was refractory to forskolin stimulation. Unlike GLUT4, this property is not inhibited by depolymerization of cortical actin. In addition, coexpression with the dominant negative form of TC10 (TC10/T31N) or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase did not abrogate the cAMP-mediated response. Under basal conditions, AQP2 is localized in both the perinuclear region and in punctate vesicles scattered within the periphery of the cell. Two- and three-dimensional confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the adipocyte AQP2 cAMP-responsive compartment was distinct from the GLUT4 insulin-responsive compartment. Consistent with this conclusion, insulin was an effective stimulator of GLUT4 translocation but had no effect on AQP2. Conversely, forskolin induced AQP2 translocation but not GLUT4. Colocalization studies with the early endosomal marker EEA1 and transferrin receptor suggested that the AQP2 compartment is mostly distinct from endosomal vesicles. Interestingly, however, the peripheral AQP2 vesicles significantly overlapped vesicle-associated membrane protein-2, underscoring the role of the latter in hormone-regulated exocytosis. To acquire insulin responsiveness following biosynthesis, GLUT4 undergoes a slow sorting step that requires 6-9 h. In contrast, AQP2 rapidly acquires forskolin responsiveness (3 h following biosynthesis) and directly enters the cAMP-regulated compartment without transiting the plasma membrane. Together, these data demonstrate that adipocytes display two different intracellular sorting mechanisms that direct distinct hormone-sensitive partitioning of GLUT4 and AQP2.

Asymmetry in the Osmotic Response of a Rat Cortical Collecting Duct Cell Line: Role of Aquaporin-2

Transition from antidiuresis to diuresis exposes cortical collecting duct cells (CCD) to asymmetrical changes in environment osmolality, inducing an osmotic stress, which activates numerous membrane-associated events. The aim of the present work was to investigate, either in the presence or not of AQP2, the transepithelial osmotic water permeability (P(osm)) following cell exposure to asymmetrical hyper- or hypotonic gradients. For this purpose, transepithelial net volume fluxes were recorded every minute in two CCD cell lines: one not expressing AQPs (WT-RCCD(1)) and another stably transfected with AQP2 (AQP2-RCCD(1)). Our results demonstrated that the rate of osmosis produced by a given hypotonic shock depends on the gradient direction (osmotic rectification) only in the presence of apical AQP2. In contrast, hypertonic shocks elicit P(osm) rectification independently of AQP2 expression, and this phenomenon may be linked to modulation of basolateral membrane permeability. No asymmetry in transepithelial resistance was observed under hypo- or hypertonicity, indicating that rectification cannot be attributed to a shunt through the tight junction path. We conclude that osmotic rectification may be explained in terms of dynamical changes in membrane permeability probably due to activation/incorporation of AQPs or transporters to the plasma membrane via some mechanism triggered by osmolality.

Bradykinin signaling counteracts cAMP-elicited aquaporin 2 translocation in renal cells

Bradykinin (BK) is one of the most important peptides regulating vascular tone, water, and ionic balance in the body, playing a key role in controlling BP. It is interesting that patients with essential hypertension excrete less BK than normotensive individuals. For elucidating the mechanism by which BK regulates renal water transport that contributes to its antihypertensive effect, aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-transfected collecting duct CD8 cells, expressing the BK type II receptor (BK2R), were used as an experimental model. In CD8 cells, BK pretreatment impaired forskolin-induced AQP2 translocation to the apical plasma membrane. For clarifying the signal transduction cascade associated with this effect, whether BK induced an increase in cytosolic calcium, via the G protein Gq, known to be coupled to BK2R, first was investigated. Spectrofluorometry using fura-2-AM revealed that 100 nM BK elicited a significant increase in Ca(i), which was abolished by the receptor antagonist HOE-140. BK acts through BK2R coupled to both Gq and Galpha13, a known upstream effector of Rho protein. In CD8 cells, BK causes an increase in Rho activity, likely as a result of Galpha13 activation. This results in stabilization of the cortical F-actin network, thus impairing AQP2 trafficking. These effects counteract physiologic vasopressin stimulation, which instead has an opposite effect on actin network organization through Rho inactivation.

Actin remodeling requires ERM function to facilitate AQP2 apical targeting

This study provides the first evidence that actin reorganization during AQP2 vesicular trafficking to the plasma membrane requires the functional involvement of ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins cross-linking actin filaments with plasma membrane proteins. We report that forskolin stimulation was associated with a redistribution of moesin from intracellular sites to the cell cortex and with a concomitant enrichment of moesin in the particulate fraction in renal cells. Introduction of a peptide reproducing a short sequence of moesin within the binding site for F-actin induced all the key effects of forskolin stimulation, including a decrease in F-actin, translocation of endogenous moesin, and AQP2 translocation. A straightforward explanation for these effects is the ability of the peptide to uncouple moesin from its putative effector. This modifies the balance between the active and inactive forms of moesin. Extraction with Triton X-100, which preserves cytoskeletal associated proteins, showed that forskolin stimulation or peptide introduction reduced the amount of phophorylated moesin, a molecular modification known to stabilize moesin in an active state. Our data point to a dual role of moesin in AQP2 trafficking: it might modulate actin depolymerization and it participates in the reorganization of F-actin-containing cytoskeletal structures close to the fusion sites of the AQP2-bearing vesicles.

Extracellular calcium antagonizes forskolin-induced aquaporin 2 trafficking in collecting duct cells

BACKGROUND

Urinary concentrating defects and polyuria are the most important renal manifestations of hypercalcemia and the resulting hypercalciuria. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that hypercalciuria-associated polyuria in kidney collecting duct occurs through an impairment of the vasopressin-dependent aquaporin 2 (AQP2) water channel targeting to the apical membrane possibly involving calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) signaling.

METHODS

AQP2-transfected collecting duct CD8 cells were used as experimental model. Quantitation of cell surface AQP2 immunoreactivity was performed using an antibody recognizing the extracellular AQP2 C loop. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation was measured in CD8 cells using a cAMP enzyme immunoassay kit. To study the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC), membranes or cytosol fractions from CD8 cells were subjected to Western blotting using anti-PKC isozymes antibodies. The amount of F-actin was determined by spectrofluorometric techniques. Intracellular calcium measurements were performed by spectrofluorometric analysis with Fura-2/AM.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that extracellular calcium (Ca2+ o) (5 mmol/L) strongly inhibited forskolin-stimulated increase in AQP2 expression in the apical plasma membrane. At least three intracellular pathways activated by extracellular calcium were found to contribute to this effect. Firstly, the increase in cAMP levels in response to forskolin stimulation was drastically reduced in cells pretreated with Ca2+ o compared to untreated cells. Second, Ca2+ o activated PKC, known to counteract vasopressin response. Third, quantification of F-actin demonstrated that Ca2+ o caused a nearly twofold increase in F-actin content compared with basal conditions. All these effects were mimicked by a nonmembrane permeable agonist of the extracellular CaR, Gd3+.

CONCLUSION

Together, these data demonstrate that extracellular calcium, possibly acting through the endogenous CaR, antagonizes forskolin-induced AQP2 translocation to the apical plasma membrane in CD8 cells. In hypercalciuria, this mechanism might blunt water reabsorption and prevent further calcium concentration, thus protecting against a potential risk of urinary calcium-containing stone formation.

Identification of a novel A-kinase anchoring protein 18 isoform and evidence for its role in the vasopressin-induced aquaporin-2 shuttle in renal principal cells

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) increases the water permeability of renal collecting duct principal cells by inducing the fusion of vesicles containing the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) with the plasma membrane (AQP2 shuttle). This event is initiated by activation of vasopressin V2 receptors, followed by an elevation of cAMP and the activation of protein kinase A (PKA). The tethering of PKA to subcellular compartments by protein kinase A anchoring proteins (AKAPs) is a prerequisite for the AQP2 shuttle. During the search for AKAP(s) involved in the shuttle, a new splice variant of AKAP18, AKAP18delta, was identified. AKAP18delta functions as an AKAP in vitro and in vivo. In the kidney, it is mainly expressed in principal cells of the inner medullary collecting duct, closely resembling the distribution of AQP2. It is present in both the soluble and particulate fractions derived from renal inner medullary tissue. Within the particulate fraction, AKAP18delta was identified on the same intracellular vesicles as AQP2 and PKA. AVP not only recruited AQP2, but also AKAP18delta to the plasma membrane. The elevation of cAMP caused the dissociation of AKAP18delta and PKA. The data suggest that AKAP18delta is involved in the AQP2 shuttle.

Ser-256 phosphorylation dynamics of Aquaporin 2 during maturation from the ER to the vesicular compartment in renal cells

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) phosphorylation at Ser-256 by protein kinase A (PKA) is a key signal for vasopressin-stimulated AQP2 insertion into the plasma membrane in renal cells. This study underscores the possible role of phosphorylation at Ser-256 in regulating AQP2 maturation. AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells were incubated with brefeldin A (BFA) to accumulate newly synthesized AQP2 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and AQP2 flow from ER to the vesicular compartment was analyzed after BFA washout. We found that a) in the ER, AQP2 is weakly phosphorylated; b) the amount of phosphorylated AQP2 (p-AQP2) at Ser-256 increased significantly during transit in the Golgi, even in the presence of the PKA inhibitor H89; and c) AQP2 transport from the Golgi to the vasopressin-regulated vesicular compartment occurred with a concomitant decrease in p-AQP2 at Ser-256. These results support the hypothesis that AQP2 transition in the Golgi apparatus is associated with a PKA-independent increase in AQP2 phosphorylation at Ser-256. Conversely, impaired constitutive phosphorylation in a Golgi-associated compartment occurring in cells expressing mutated S256A-AQP2 or E258K-AQP2 causes phosphorylation-defective AQP2 routing to lysosomes. This result might explain the molecular basis of the dominant form of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus caused by the mutation E258K-AQP2, in which the phenotype is caused by an impaired routing of AQP2.

The ins and outs of aquaporin-2 trafficking

This review outlines recent advances related to the molecular mechanisms and pathways of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel trafficking. AQP2 is a fascinating protein, whose sorting signals can be interpreted by different cell types to achieve apical or basolateral membrane insertion, in both regulated and constitutive trafficking pathways. In addition to the well-known cAMP-mediated, stimulatory effect of vasopressin on AQP2 membrane insertion, other signaling and trafficking events can also lead to AQP2 membrane accumulation via cAMP-independent mechanisms. These include 1) elevation of cGMP, mediated by sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor), atrial natriuretic factor, and l-arginine (via nitric oxide synthase); 2) disruption of the actin cytoskeleton; and 3) inhibition of the clathrin-mediated endocytotic arm of the AQP2 recycling pathway by dominant-negative dynamin expression and by membrane cholesterol depletion. Recent data also indicate that AQP2 recycles constitutively in epithelial cells, it can be inserted into different membrane domains in different cell types both in vitro and in vivo, and these pathways can be modulated by factors including hypertonicity. The roles of accessory proteins, including small GTPases and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins in AQP2 membrane insertion, are also being uncovered. Understanding cAMP-independent mechanisms for membrane insertion of AQP2 is especially relevant to the therapeutic bypassing of the mutated, dysfunctional vasopressin receptor in patients with X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Involvement of the V2 receptor in vasopressin-stimulated translocation of placental leucine aminopeptidase/oxytocinase in renal cells

The placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP)/oxytocinase is a membrane-bound enzyme thought to play an important role during pregnancy. In this study, we identified the presence of P-LAP protein in the renal distal tubules and collecting ducts. In rat NRK52E cells derived from renal tubules, P-LAP was localized mainly in the intracellular compartment. Upon the treatment of cells with 8-arginine-vasopressin (AVP), a significant increase in the surface level of P-LAP was observed. [deamino-Cys1, d-Arg8]-vasopressin (DDAVP), a specific V2 receptor agonist, increased the surface level of P-LAP, while [adamantaneacetyl1, O-Et-d-Tyr2, Val4, aminobutyryl6, Arg8,9]-vasopressin (AEAVP), a potent V2 receptor antagonist, blocked the AVP-stimulated enhancement. Moreover, reagents known to enhance the intracellular level of cAMP have also been shown to increase the surface level of P-LAP. When we examined the colocalization of P-LAP with the cell surface water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) that is regulated by AVP, the P-LAP-containing vesicles had a relatively higher density than the AQP-2-containing vesicles, suggesting that P-LAP and AQP-2 are differently distributed in NRK52E cells. These results suggest that AVP induces the translocation of P-LAP via V2 receptor and P-LAP plays a role in the regulation of excessive AVP level in the renal collecting duct, acting as a negative feedback mechanism for the AVP action of regulating water reabsorption.

cAMP-induced AQP2 translocation is associated with RhoA inhibition through RhoA phosphorylation and interaction with RhoGDI

We have recently demonstrated that inhibition of Rho GTPase with Clostridium difficile toxin B, or with Clostridium botulinum C3 toxin, causes actin depolymerization and translocation of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in renal CD8 cells in the absence of hormonal stimulation. Here we demonstrate that Rho inhibition is part of the signal transduction cascade activated by vasopressin leading to AQP2 insertion into the apical membrane. Quantitation of active RhoA (GTP-bound) by selective pull down experiments demonstrated that the amount of active RhoA decreased upon stimulation of CD8 cells with the cAMP-elevating agent forskolin. Consistent with this observation, forskolin treatment resulted in a decreased expression of membrane-associated (active) Rho, as assessed by cell fractionation followed by western blotting analysis. In addition, the abundance of the endogenous Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (Rho-GDI) was found to have decreased in the membrane fraction after forskolin stimulation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that, after forskolin stimulation, the amount of Rho-GDI complexed with RhoA increased, suggesting that Rho GTPase inhibition occurs through association of RhoA with Rho-GDI. Finally, forskolin stimulation was associated with an increase in Rho phosphorylation on a serine residue, a protein modification known to stabilize the inactive form of RhoA and to increase its interaction with Rho-GDI. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RhoA inhibition through Rho phosphorylation and interaction with Rho-GDI is a key event for cytoskeletal dynamics controlling cAMP-induced AQP2 translocation.

Axial heterogeneity in basolateral AQP2 localization in rat kidney: effect of vasopressin

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there is axial heterogeneity in the basolateral plasma membrane (BLM) localization of AQP2 and whether altered vasopressin action or medullary tonicity affects the BLM localization of AQP2. Immunocytochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy revealed AQP2 labeling of the BLM in connecting tubule (CNT) cells and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) principal cells in normal rats and vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats. In contrast there was little basolateral AQP2 labeling in cortical (CCD) and outer medullary collecting duct principal cells. Short-term desamino-Cys(1), (D)-Arg(8) vasopressin (dDAVP) treatment (2 h) of Brattleboro rats caused no increase in AQP2 labeling of the BLM. In contrast, long-term dDAVP treatment (6 days) of Brattleboro rats caused an increased BLM labeling in CNT, CCD, and IMCD. Treatment of normal rats with V(2)-receptor antagonist for 60 min caused retrieval of AQP2 from the apical plasma membrane. Moreover, AQP2 labeling of the BLM was unchanged in CNT and IMCD but increased in CCD. In conclusion, there is an axial heterogeneity in the subcellular localization of AQP2 with prominent AQP2 labeling of the BLM in CNT and IMCD. There was no increase in AQP2 labeling of the BLM in response to short-term dDAVP. Moreover, acute V(2)-receptor antagonist treatment did not cause retrieval of AQP2 from the BLM. In contrast, long-term dDAVP treatment caused a major increase in AQP2 expression in the BLM in CCD.

A rat kidney tubule suspension for the study of vasopressin-induced shuttling of AQP2 water channels

AVP increases the osmotic water permeability of renal collecting ducts by inducing the translocation of specific aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels from cytoplasmic vesicles to the apical plasma membrane of the principal cells. Here, we report a novel inner medullary tubule suspension for the study of this phenomenon that overcomes some of the drawbacks faced by present techniques; both primary cultures of inner medullary collecting duct cells and cell lines expressing AQP2 show aberrant trafficking and/or signaling pathways. The tubule suspensions were prepared by proteolytic digestion of inner medullas dissected from freshly isolated rat kidneys. After drug treatment, cellular distribution of AQP2 was determined by membrane fractionation and Western blotting or by immunocytochemistry. Treatment of suspensions with 1 nM AVP caused redistribution of AQP2 to the apical plasma membrane of the principal cells, a process inhibited by microtubule disruption or PKA inhibition. We conclude that this method provides a valuable new approach to the study of the cellular mechanisms involved in the response of the collecting duct to AVP.

Functional involvement of VAMP/synaptobrevin-2 in cAMP-stimulated aquaporin 2 translocation in renal collecting duct cells

The involvement of soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins in the cAMP-induced exocytosis of aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-containing vesicles was investigated in AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells. RT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed the presence of the SNARE homologs VAMP/synaptobrevin-2, syntaxin-1, syntaxin-4 and SNAP-23 in CD8 cells. Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) was efficient in cleaving synaptobrevin-like protein both in vitro and in intact CD8 cells incubated with the toxin. TeNT treatment in intact CD8 cells completely abolished cAMP-stimulated AQP2 targeting to the plasma membrane, as assessed by quantification of cell-surface immunoreactivity to an anti-AQP2 antibody raised against a peptide reproducing the extracellular AQP2 C-loop. These results represent the first evidence for the functional involvement of VAMP-2 in cAMP-induced AQP2 exocytosis in renal cells.

Long term regulation of aquaporin-2 expression in vasopressin-responsive renal collecting duct principal cells

Fine regulation of water reabsorption by the antidiuretic hormone [8-arginine]vasopressin (AVP) occurs in principal cells of the collecting duct and is largely dependent on regulation of the aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel. AVP-inducible long term AQP2 expression was investigated in immortalized mouse cortical collecting duct principal cells. Combined RNase protection assay, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that physiological concentrations of AVP added to the basal side, but not to the apical side, of cells grown on filters induced both AQP2 mRNA and apical protein expression. The stimulatory effect of AVP on AQP2 expression followed a V(2) receptor-dependent pathway because [deamino-8-d-arginine]vasopressin (dDAVP), a specific V(2) receptor agonist, produced the same effect as AVP, whereas the V(2) antagonist SR121463B antagonized action of both AVP and dDAVP. Moreover, forskolin and cyclic 8-bromo-AMP fully reproduced the effects of AVP on AQP2 expression. Analysis of protein degradation pathways showed that inhibition of proteasomal activity prevented synthesis of AVP-inducible AQP2 mRNA and protein. Once synthesized, AQP2 protein was quickly degraded, a process that involves both the proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. This is the first study that delineates induction and degradation mechanisms of AQP2 endogenously expressed by a renal collecting duct principal cell line.

Aquaporins in the kidney: from molecules to medicine

The discovery of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) answered the long-standing biophysical question of how water specifically crosses biological membranes. In the kidney, at least seven aquaporins are expressed at distinct sites. AQP1 is extremely abundant in the proximal tubule and descending thin limb and is essential for urinary concentration. AQP2 is exclusively expressed in the principal cells of the connecting tubule and collecting duct and is the predominant vasopressin-regulated water channel. AQP3 and AQP4 are both present in the basolateral plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells and represent exit pathways for water reabsorbed apically via AQP2. Studies in patients and transgenic mice have demonstrated that both AQP2 and AQP3 are essential for urinary concentration. Three additional aquaporins are present in the kidney. AQP6 is present in intracellular vesicles in collecting duct intercalated cells, and AQP8 is present intracellularly at low abundance in proximal tubules and collecting duct principal cells, but the physiological function of these two channels remains undefined. AQP7 is abundant in the brush border of proximal tubule cells and is likely to be involved in proximal tubule water reabsorption. Body water balance is tightly regulated by vasopressin, and multiple studies now have underscored the essential roles of AQP2 in this. Vasopressin regulates acutely the water permeability of the kidney collecting duct by trafficking of AQP2 from intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membrane. The long-term adaptational changes in body water balance are controlled in part by regulated changes in AQP2 and AQP3 expression levels. Lack of functional AQP2 is seen in primary forms of diabetes insipidus, and reduced expression and targeting are seen in several diseases associated with urinary concentrating defects such as acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, postobstructive polyuria, as well as acute and chronic renal failure. In contrast, in conditions with water retention such as severe congestive heart failure, pregnancy, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, both AQP2 expression levels and apical plasma membrane targetting are increased, suggesting a role for AQP2 in the development of water retention. Continued analysis of the aquaporins is providing detailed molecular insight into the fundamental physiology and pathophysiology of water balance and water balance disorders.

Polarized trafficking and surface expression of the AQP4 water channel are coordinated by serial and regulated interactions with different clathrin-adaptor complexes

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel in the brain. It is targeted to specific membrane domains of astrocytes and plays a crucial role in cerebral water balance in response to brain edema formation. AQP4 is also specifically expressed in the basolateral membranes of epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its polarized targeting and membrane trafficking remain largely unknown. Here, we show that two independent C-terminal signals determine AQP4 basolateral membrane targeting in epithelial MDCK cells. One signal involves a tyrosine-based motif; the other is encoded by a di-leucine-like motif. We found that the tyrosine-based basolateral sorting signal also determines AQP4 clathrin-dependent endocytosis through direct interaction with the mu subunit of AP2 adaptor complex. Once endocytosed, a regulated switch in mu subunit interaction changes AP2 adaptor association to AP3. We found that the stress-induced kinase casein kinase (CK)II phosphorylates the Ser276 immediately preceding the tyrosine motif, increasing AQP4-mu 3A interaction and enhancing AQP4-lysosomal targeting and degradation. AQP4 phosphorylation by CKII may thus provide a mechanism that regulates AQP4 cell surface expression.

Rho inhibits cAMP-induced translocation of aquaporin-2 into the apical membrane of renal cells

First published August 8, 2001; 10.1152/ajprenal.00091.2001.-We have recently demonstrated that actin depolymerization is a prerequisite for cAMP-dependent translocation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) into the apical membrane in AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells (29). The Rho family of small GTPases, including Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, regulates the actin cytoskeleton. In AQP2-transfected CD8 cells, inhibition of Rho GTPases with Clostridium difficile toxin B or with C. limosum C3 fusion toxin, as well as incubation with the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, caused actin depolymerization and translocation of AQP2 in the absence of the cAMP-elevating agent forskolin. Both forskolin and C3 fusion toxin-induced AQP2 translocation were associated with a similar increase in the osmotic water permeability coefficient. Expression of constitutively active RhoA induced formation of stress fibers and abolished AQP2 translocation in response to forskolin. Cytochalasin D induced both depolymerization of F-actin and AQP2 translocation, suggesting that depolymerization of F-actin is sufficient to induce AQP2 translocation. Together, these data indicate that Rho inhibits cAMP-dependent translocation of AQP2 into the apical membrane of renal principal cells by controlling the organization of the actin cytoskeleton.

Histamine treatment induces rearrangements of orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs) in human AQP4-expressing gastric cells

To test the involvement of the water channel aquaporin (AQP)-4 in gastric acid physiology, the human gastric cell line (HGT)-1 was stably transfected with rat AQP4. AQP4 was immunolocalized to the basolateral membrane of transfected HGT-1 cells, like in native parietal cells. Expression of AQP4 in transfected cells increased the osmotic water permeability coefficient (Pf) from 2.02 +/- 0.3 x 10-4 to 16.37 +/- 0.5 x 10-4 cm/s at 20 degrees C. Freeze-fracture EM showed distinct orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs), the morphological signature of AQP4, on the plasma membrane of AQP4-expressing cells. Quantitative morphometry showed that the density of OAPs was 2.5 +/- 0.3% under basal condition and decreased by 50% to 1.2 +/- 0.3% after 20 min of histamine stimulation, mainly due to a significant decrease of the OAPs number. Concomitantly, Pf decreased by approximately 35% in 20-min histamine-stimulated cells. Both Pf and OAPs density were not modified after 10 min of histamine exposure, time at which the maximal hormonal response is observed. Cell surface biotinylation experiments confirmed that AQP4 is internalized after 20 min of histamine exposure, which may account for the downregulation of water transport. This is the first evidence for short term rearrangement of OAPs in an established AQP4-expressing cell line.

An inhibitory role of Rho in the vasopressin-mediated translocation of aquaporin-2 into cell membranes of renal principal cells

Vasopressin regulates water reabsorption in renal collecting duct principal cells by a cAMP-dependent translocation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from intracellular vesicles into the cell membrane. In the present work primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct cells were used to study the role of the proteins of the Rho family in the translocation of AQP2. Clostridium difficile toxin B, which inhibits all members of the Rho family, Clostridium limosum C3 toxin, which inactivates only Rho, and the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, induced both depolymerization of actin stress fibers and AQP2 translocation in the absence of vasopressin. The data suggest an inhibitory role of Rho in this process, whereby constitutive membrane localization is prevented in resting cells. Expression of constitutively active RhoA induced formation of actin stress fibers and abolished AQP2 translocation in response to elevation of intracellular cAMP, confirming the inhibitory role of Rho. Cytochalasin D induced both depolymerization of the F-actin cytoskeleton and AQP2 translocation, indicating that depolymerization of F-actin is sufficient to induce AQP2 translocation. Thus Rho is likely to control the intracellular localization of AQP2 via regulation of the F-actin cytoskeleton.

Cell volume kinetics of adherent epithelial cells measured by laser scanning reflection microscopy: determination of water permeability changes of renal principal cells

The water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2), a key component of the antidiuretic machinery in the kidney, is rapidly regulated by the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. The hormone exerts its action by inducing a translocation of AQP2 from intracellular vesicles to the cell membrane. This step requires the elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP. We describe here a new method, laser scanning reflection microscopy (LSRM), suitable for determining cellular osmotic water permeability coefficient changes in primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. The recording of vertical-reflection-mode x-z-scan section areas of unstained, living IMCD cells proved useful and valid for the investigation of osmotic water permeability changes. The time-dependent increases of reflection-mode x-z-scan section areas of swelling cells were fitted to a single-exponential equation. The analysis of the time constants of these processes indicates a twofold increase in osmotic water permeability of IMCD cells after treatment of the cells both with forskolin, a cyclic AMP-elevating agent, and with Clostridium difficile toxin B, an inhibitor of Rho proteins that leads to depolymerization of F-actin-containing stress fibers. This indicates that both agents lead to the functional insertion of AQP2 into the cell membrane. Thus, we have established a new functional assay for the study of the regulation of the water permeability at the cellular level.

The mechanisms of aquaporin control in the renal collecting duct

The antidiuretic hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) regulates water reabsorption in renal collecting duct principal cells. Central to its antidiuretic action in mammals is the exocytotic insertion of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from intracellular vesicles into the apical membrane of principal cells, an event initiated by an increase in cAMP and activation of protein kinase A. Water is then reabsorbed from the hypotonic urine of the collecting duct. The water channels aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which are constitutively present in the basolateral membrane, allow the exit of water from the cell into the hypertonic interstitium. Withdrawal of the hormone leads to endocytotic retrieval of AQP2 from the cell membrane. The hormone-induced rapid redistribution between the interior of the cell and the cell membrane establishes the basis for the short term regulation of water permeability. In addition water channels (AQP2 and 3) of principal cells are regulated at the level of expression (long term regulation). This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the short and long term regulation of water channels in principal cells. In the first part special emphasis is placed on the proteins involved in short term regulation of AQP2 (SNARE proteins, Rab proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, G proteins, protein kinase A anchoring proteins and endocytotic proteins). In the second part, physiological and pathophysiological stimuli determining the long term regulation are discussed.

Routing of the aquaporin-2 water channel in health and disease

The identification of the first water channel in 1991 opened up a new field in cell biology and physiology that significantly increased our understanding of mammalian water balance regulation. Since then, nine other mammalian aquaporins have been identified. Although the physiological significance of many aquaporins is still to be elucidated, it has been clearly established for aquaporin-2. This water channel, which is expressed in the renal collecting duct, is redistributed to the apical membrane in response to a intracellular signaling cascade, initiated by binding of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin to its receptor. In pathological conditions, characterized by a reduced reabsorption of water from urine, the expression of aquaporin-2 and the apical targeting is always found to be reduced or absent. Naturally-occurring AQP2 mutations that cause Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, a disease in which the kidney is unable to concentrate urine in response to vasopressin, are extreme examples of this condition. In contrast, in diseases with increased renal water uptake, total and apical membrane expression of aquaporin-2 is increased. Since most aquaporins, including aquaporin-2, are considered to be constitutively open channels, much attention has been given to the regulation of the shuttling of aquaporin-2 to the apical membrane. This review focusses on the present understanding of the regulation of the routing of aquaporin-2 in collecting duct cells and the misrouting of aquaporin-2 mutants in Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus.

The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid induces AQP2 translocation independently from AQP2 phosphorylation in renal collecting duct cells

Phosphorylation by kinases and dephosphorylation by phosphatase markedly affect the biological activity of proteins involved in intracellular signaling. In this study we investigated the effect of the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid on water permeability properties and on aquaporin2 (AQP2) translocation in AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells. In CD8 cells both forskolin alone and okadaic acid alone increased the osmotic water permeability coefficient P(f) by about 4- to 5-fold. In intact cells, in vivo phosphorylation studies revealed that forskolin stimulation resulted in a threefold increase in AQP2 phosphorylation. In contrast, okadaic acid treatment promoted only a 60% increase in AQP2 phosphorylation which was abolished when this treatment was performed in the presence of 1 μM H89, a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Nevertheless, in this latter condition, confocal microscopy analysis revealed that AQP2 translocated and fused to the apical membrane. Okadaic acid-induced AQP2 translocation was dose dependent having its maximal effect at a concentration of 1 μM. In conclusion, our results clearly indicate that okadaic acid exerts a full forskolin-like effect independent from AQP2 phosphorylation. Thus AQP2 phosphorylation is not essential for water channel translocation in renal cells, indicating that different pathways might exist leading to AQP2 apical insertion and increase in P(f).