Identification of three isoforms for the Na+-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-2) in rat kidney

Alternative channels for urea in the inner medulla of the rat kidney

The ascending thin limbs (ATLs) and lower descending thin limbs (DTLs) of Henle's loop in the inner medulla of the rat are highly permeable to urea, and yet no urea transporters have been identified in these sections. We hypothesized that novel, yet-unidentified transporters in these tubule segments could explain the high urea permeability. cDNAs encoding for Na(+)-glucose transporter 1a (SGLT1a), Na(+)-glucose transporter 1 (NaGLT1), urea transporter (UT)-A2c, and UT-A2d were isolated and cloned from the Munich-Wistar rat inner medulla. SGLT1a is a novel NH2-terminal truncated variant of SGLT1. NaGLT1 is a Na(+)-dependent glucose transporter primarily located in the proximal tubules and not previously described in the thin limbs. UT-A2c and UT-A2d are novel variants of UT-A2. UT-A2c is truncated at the COOH terminus, and UT-A2d has one exon skipped. When rats underwent water restriction for 72 h, mRNA levels of SGLT1a increased in ATLs, NaGLT1 levels increased in both ATLs and DTLs, and UT-A2c increased in ATLs. [(14)C]urea uptake assays performed on Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing these proteins revealed that despite having structural differences from their full-length versions, SGLT1a, UT-A2c, and UT-A2d enhanced urea uptake. NaGLT1 also facilitated urea uptake. Uptakes were Na(+) independent and inhibitable by phloretin and/or phloridzin. Our data indicate that there are several alternative channels for urea in the rat inner medulla that could potentially contribute to the high urea permeabilities in thin limb segments.

Thyroid hormones regulate phosphate homoeostasis through transcriptional control of the renal type IIa sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (Npt2a) gene

The type IIa renal sodium-dependent phosphate (Na/Pi) co-transporter Npt2a is implicated in the control of serum phosphate levels. It has been demonstrated previously that renal Npt2a protein and its mRNA expression are both up-regulated by the thyroid hormone T3 (3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine) in rats. However, it has never been established whether the induction was mediated by a direct effect of thyroid hormones on the Npt2a promoter. To address the role of Npt2a in T3-dependent regulation of phosphate homoeostasis and to identify the molecular mechanisms by which thyroid hormones modulate Npt2a gene expression, mice were rendered pharmacologically hypo- and hyper-thyroid. Hypothyroid mice showed low levels of serum phosphate and a marked decrease in renal Npt2a protein abundance. Importantly, we also showed that Npt2a-deficient mice had impaired serum phosphate responsiveness to T3 compared with wild-type mice. Promoter analysis with a luciferase assay revealed that the transcriptional activity of a reporter gene containing the Npt2a promoter and intron 1 was dependent upon TRs (thyroid hormone receptors) and specifically increased by T3 in renal cells. Deletion analysis and EMSAs (electrophoretic mobility-shift assays) determined that there were unique TREs (thyroid-hormone-responsive elements) within intron 1 of the Npt2a gene. These results suggest that Npt2a plays a critical role as a T3-target gene, to control phosphate homoeostasis, and that T3 transcriptionally activates the Npt2a gene via TRs in a renal cell-specific manner.

Isoforms of renal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2: expression and functional significance

The renal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2, BSC1) is selectively expressed in the apical membrane of cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) and macula densa. NKCC2-dependent salt transport constitutes the major apical entry pathway for transepithelial salt reabsorption in the TAL. Although NKCC2 is encoded by a single gene (Slc12a1), differential splicing of the NKCC2 pre-mRNA results in the formation of several alternate transcripts. Thus three full-length splice isoforms of NKCC2 differ in their variable exon 4, resulting in transcripts for NKCC2B, NKCC2A, and NKCC2F. In addition to full-length isoforms, variants with truncated COOH-terminal ends have been described. The various splice isoforms of NKCC2 differ in their localization along the TAL and in their transport characteristics. Data in the literature are reviewed to assess the principles of NKCC2 differential splicing, the localization of NKCC2 splice isoforms along the TAL in various species, and the functional characteristics of the splice isoforms. In addition, we discuss the functional significance of NKCC2 isoforms for TAL salt retrieval and for the specific salt sensor function of macula densa cells based on studies using isoform-specific NKCC2-knockout mice. We suggest that different NKCC2 splice variants cooperate in salt retrieval along the TAL and that the coexpression of two splice variants (NKCC2B and NKCC2A) in the macula densa cells facilitates efficient salt sensing over wide ranges of fluctuating salt concentrations.

Alternative promoters and renal cell-specific regulation of the mouse type IIa sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter gene

The type IIa sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NPT2a) expressed in renal proximal tubules represents an important determinant in maintaining inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis. In the present study, we identified two variant transcripts of the mouse NPT2a gene, Npt2a-v1 and Npt2a-v2, characterized by the presence of alternative first exons (either exon 1A or exon 1B). The chromosomal structure analysis revealed that the Npt2a gene comprises of two promoters (promoters 1 and 2) and 14 exons, and spans approximately 17 kb. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that renal mRNA levels of both the variants markedly decreased in X-linked vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic rickets (Hyp) mice compared to normal littermates. Interestingly, transcriptional activity of a reporter gene, containing Npt2a promoters 1 and 2, was renal cell-specifically increased by 1alpha, 25(OH)2D3 and its analogs. The deletion analysis revealed that the CAAT box in the Npt2a promoter 2 is important for the 1alpha, 25(OH)2D3-dependent renal cell-specific activation of the reporter gene. These data suggested that two alternative promoters control the renal expression of Npt2a gene and both Npt2a variant transcripts are down regulated in Hyp mice.

Intraperitoneal administration of recombinant receptor-associated protein causes phosphaturia via an alteration in subcellular distribution of the renal sodium phosphate co-transporter

Megalin is a multifunctional endocytic receptor that is expressed in renal proximal tubules and plays critical roles in the renal uptake of various proteins. It was hypothesized that megalin-dependent endocytosis might play a role in renal phosphate reabsorption. For addressing the short-term effects of altered megalin function, a recombinant protein for the soluble form of 39-kD receptor-associated protein (RAP) was administered intraperitoneally to 7-wk-old mice. Histidine (His)-tagged soluble RAP (amino acids 39 to 356) lacking the amino-terminal signal peptide and the carboxy-terminal endoplasmic reticulum retention signal was prepared by bacterial expression (designated His-sRAP). After the direct interaction between His-sRAP and megalin was confirmed, mice were given a single intraperitoneal administration of His-sRAP (3.5 mg/dose). Immunostaining and Western blot analyses demonstrated the uptake of His-sRAP and the accelerated internalization of megalin in proximal tubular cells 1 h after administration. In addition, internalization of the type II sodium/phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-II) was observed. The effects of three sequential administrations of His-sRAP (3.5 mg/dose, three doses at 4-h intervals) then were examined, and increased urinary excretion of low molecular weight proteins, including vitamin D-binding protein, was found, which is consistent with findings reported for megalin-deficient mice. It is interesting that urinary excretion of phosphate was also increased, and the protein level of NaPi-II in the brush border membrane was decreased. Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was decreased, whereas the plasma level of intact parathyroid hormone was not altered by the administration of His-sRAP. The results suggest that the His-sRAP-induced acceleration of megalin-mediated endocytosis caused phosphaturia via altered subcellular distribution of NaPi-II.

Physiological regulation of renal sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporters

The physiological regulation of renal Pi reabsorption is mediated by renal type II Na/Pi cotransporters (type IIa and type IIc). The type IIa transporter is regulated, among other factors, by dietary Pi intake and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The PTH-induced inhibition of Pi reabsorption is mediated by endocytosis of the type IIa transporter from the brush-border membrane and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Type IIa is part of the heteromeric protein complexes organized by PDZ proteins. Furthermore, during Pi depletion the type IIc Na/Pi cotransporter is induced in the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells. The type IIc transporter is also regulated by PTH via internalization, but by a vesicular transport pathway distinct from that used by the type IIc transporter. Studying the mechanisms of type IIa and type IIc transporters has increased the understanding of the control of proximal tubular Pi handling and thus of overall Pi homeostasis.

A human sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 isoform acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of ascorbic acid transport

Vitamin C is transported as ascorbic acid (AA) through the sodium-ascorbate cotransporters (SVCT1 and -2) and as dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) through the facilitative glucose transporters. All cells have glucose transporters and take up DHA that is trapped intracellularly by reduction and accumulated as AA. SVCT2 is widely expressed in cells and tissues at the mRNA level; however, only specialized cells directly transport AA. We undertook a molecular analysis of SVCT2 expression and discovered a transcript encoding a short form of human SVCT2 (hSVCT2-short) in which 345 bp is deleted without a frame shift. The deletion involves domains 5 and 6 and part of domain 4. cDNA encoding this isoform was isolated and expressed in 293T cells, where the protein was detected on the plasma membrane. Transport studies, however, revealed that hSVCT2-short gave rise to a nonfunctional transporter protein. hSVCT2-short arises by alternative splicing and encodes a protein that strongly inhibited the function of SVCT2 and, to a lesser extent, SVCT1 in a dominant-negative manner, probably by protein-protein interaction. The expression of hSVCT2-short varies among cells. PCR analysis of cDNA isolated from melanocytes capable of transporting AA revealed a predominance of the full-length isoform, while HL-60 cells, which express SVCT2 at the mRNA level and were incapable of transporting AA, showed a predominance of the short isoform. These findings suggest a mechanism of AA uptake regulation whereby an alternative SVCT2 gene product inhibits transport through the two known AA transporters.

EXPRESSION STUDIES AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF RENAL HUMAN ORGANIC ANION TRANSPORTER 1 ISOFORMS

The human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) facilitates the basolateral entry of organic anions such as endogenous metabolites, xenobiotics, and drugs into the proximal tubule cells. In the present study we investigated the general occurrence of hOAT1 isoforms in the kidneys and performed functional characterizations. Kidney specimens of 10 patients were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We detected hOAT1-2 as the main transcript in almost all patients, and weak transcripts of hOAT1-1, hOAT1-3, and hOAT1-4 in many of them. An evaluation of the renal distribution showed all four mRNAs mostly restricted to the cortex. Western blot analysis of membrane fractions from two kidney specimens yielded two bands corresponding to the observed mRNA expression, suggesting hOAT1-3 and hOAT1-4 to be expressed on the protein level in vivo. This observation is further supported by immunofluorescence analyses of all four cloned hOAT1 isoforms transiently transfected in COS 7 cells. Functional characterizations did not show any transport activity of hOAT1-3 and hOAT1-4 for the tested substrates. Cotransfection studies of each of them with hOAT1-1 did not alter fluorescein uptake indicating no regulatory impact of these isoforms. Further functional comparisons of hOAT1-1 and hOAT1-2 in fluorescein uptake studies exhibited almost identical affinities for fluorescein with Michaelis constants of 11.6 +/- 3.7 microM (hOAT1-1) and 11.9 +/- 6.4 microM (hOAT1-2), and similar sensitivities to inhibition by p-aminohippurate [IC(50): 16 microM (hOAT1-1), 10 microM (hOAT1-2)], urate [IC(50): 440 microM (hOAT1-1), 385 microM (hOAT1-2)], and furosemide (IC(50): 14 microM (hOAT1-1), 20 microM (hOAT1-2)], implying functional equivalence.

The sodium phosphate cotransporter family SLC34

This review summarizes the characteristics of the solute carrier family SLC34 that is represented by the type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters NaPi-lla (SLC34A1), NaPi-llb (SLC34A2) and NaPi-llc (SLC34A3). Other Na/P(i)-cotransporters are described within the SLC17 and SLC20 families. Type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters are expressed in several tissues and play a major role in the homeostasis of inorganic phosphate. In kidney and small intestine, type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters are located at the apical sites of epithelial cells and represent the rate limiting steps for transepithelial movement of phosphate. Physiological and pathophysiological regulation of renal and small intestinal epithelial transport of phosphate occurs through alterations in the abundance of type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters.

Regulation of Na/Pi transporter in the proximal tubule

The physiological tuning and pathophysiological alterations of renal proximal reabsorption of inorganic phosphate can be ascribed to the net amount of the Na/Pi-cotransporter NaPi-IIa localized in the brush border membrane. The net amount of NaPi-IIa appears to be the result of an endocytotic rate regulated by a complex network of different protein kinases. New approaches demonstrated that NaPi-IIa is part of heteromeric protein complexes, organized by PDZ (postsynaptic protein PSD95, Drosophila junction protein Disc-large, tight junction protein ZO-1) proteins. Such complexes are thought to play important roles in the apical positioning and regulated endocytosis of NaPi-IIa and therefore such interactions have to be considered when explaining proximal phosphate ion reabsorption.

cAMP-dependent activation of the renal-specific Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter is mediated by regulation of cotransporter trafficking

The murine apical bumetanide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter gene (mBSC1) exhibits two spliced isoform products that differ at the COOH-terminal domain. A long COOH-terminal isoform (L-mBSC1) encodes the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter, and a short isoform (S-mBSC1) exerts a dominant-negative effect on L-mBSC1 cotransporter activity that is abrogated by cAMP. However, the mechanism of this dominant-negative effect was not clear. In this study, we used confocal microscopic analysis of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion construct (L-mBSC1-EGFP) expressed to characterize the surface expression of the L-BSC1 isoform in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Functional expression was also assessed in L-mBSC1-injected oocytes by measuring the bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb(+) uptake. Oocytes injected with L-mBSC1-EGFP cRNA developed a distinct plasma membrane-associated fluorescence that colocalized with the fluorescent membrane dye FM 4-64. The fluorescence intensity in L-mBSC1-EGFP oocytes did not change after cAMP was added to the extracellular medium. In contrast, L-mBSC1-EGFP fluorescence intensity was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, with coexpression of S-mBSC1. The inhibitory effect of S-mBSC1 was abrogated by cAMP. Finally, the exocytosis inhibitor colchicine blocked the effect of cAMP on the L-mBSC1-EGFP/S-mBSC1-coinjected oocytes. All changes in L-mBSC1 surface expression correlated with modification of bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb(+) uptake. Our data suggest that the dominant-negative effect of S-mBSC1 on L-mBSC1 transport function is due to the effects of the cotransporter on trafficking.

Forging the link between structure and function of electrogenic cotransporters: the renal type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter as a case study

Electrogenic cotransporters are membrane proteins that use the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane of a cosubstrate ion, for example Na(+) or H(+), to mediate uphill cotransport of a substrate specific to the transport protein. The cotransport process involves recognition of both cosubstrate and substrate and translocation of each species according to a defined stoichiometry. Electrogenicity implies net movement of charges across the membrane in response to the transmembrane voltage and therefore, in addition to isotope flux assays, the cotransport kinetics can be studied in real-time using electrophysiological methods. As well as the cotransport mode, many cotransporters also display a uniport or slippage mode, whereby the cosubstrate ions translocate in the absence of substrate. The current challenge is to define structure-function relationships by identifying functionally important elements in the protein that confer the transport properties and thus contribute to the ultimate goal of having a 3-D model of the protein that conveys both structural and functional information. In this review we focus on a functional approach to meet this challenge, based on a combination of real-time electrophysiological assays, together with molecular biological and biochemical methods. This is illustrated, by way of example, using data obtained by heterologous expression of the renal Na(+)-coupled inorganic phosphate cotransporter (NaP(i)-IIa) for which structure-function relationships are beginning to emerge.

Growth-related renal type II Na/Pi cotransporter

Growth is critically dependent on the retention of a variety of nutrients. The kidney contributes to this positive external balance. In the present study, we isolated a cDNA from the human and rat kidney that encodes a growth-related Na(+)-dependent inorganic phosphate (P(i)) cotransporter (type IIc). Microinjection of type IIc cRNA into Xenopus oocytes demonstrated sodium-dependent P(i) cotransport activity. Affinity for P(i) was 0.07 mm in 100 mm Na(+). The transport activity was dependent on extracellular pH. In electrophysiological studies, type IIc Na/P(i) cotransport was electroneutral, whereas type IIa was highly electrogenic. In Northern blotting analysis, the type IIc transcript was only expressed in the kidney and highly in weaning animals. In immunohistochemical analysis, the type IIc protein was shown to be localized at the apical membrane of the proximal tubular cells in superficial and midcortical nephrons of weaning rat kidney. Hybrid depletion experiments suggested that type IIc could function as a Na/P(i) cotransporter in weaning animals, but its role is reduced in adults. The finding of the present study suggest that the type IIc is a growth-related renal Na/P(i) cotransporter, which has a high affinity for P(i) and is electroneutral.

Alternative splicing and diversity of renal transporters

The growing molecular identification of renal transporter genes is revealing that alternative splicing is common among transporters. In this paper, I review the physiological consequences of alternative splicing in some genes encoding renal transporters in which spliced isoforms have recently been identified. In some cases, the spliced isoforms resulted in nonfunctional proteins, which, however, possess a dominant negative effect on the cotransporter function, suggesting that the presence of such isoforms can be important in the functional regulation of the transporter. In most transporter genes, however, the spliced isoforms have been shown to be functional, resulting in a variety of physiological consequences, including, for example, changes in the polarization of isoforms to the apical or basolateral membrane, changes in pharmacological or kinetic properties, and changes in tissue distribution or intrarenal localization. In some cases, although the spliced isoform is functional, the consequence of splicing is still unknown. Different regulation among isoforms is an interesting possibility. Thus the diversity of several renal transporters is enhanced by alternative splicing mechanisms.

Molecular mechanisms in proximal tubular and small intestinal phosphate reabsorption (plenary lecture)

Renal and small intestinal (re-)absorption contribute to overall phosphate(Pi)-homeostasis. In both epithelia, apical sodium (Na+)/Pi-cotransport across the luminal (brush border) membrane is rate limiting and the target for physiological/pathophysiological alterations. Three different Na/Pi-cotransporters have been identified: (i) type I cotransporter(s)--present in the proximal tubule--also show anion channel function and may play a role in secretion of organic anions; in the brain, it may serve vesicular glutamate uptake functions; (ii) type II cotransporter(s) seem to serve rather specific epithelial functions; in the renal proximal tubule (type Ila) and in the small intestine (type IIb), isoform determines Na+-dependent transcellular Pi-movements; (iii) type III cotransporters are expressed in many different cells/tissues where they could serve housekeeping functions. In the small intestine, alterations in Pi-absorption and, thus, apical expression of IIb protein are mostly in response to longer term (days) situations (altered Pi-intake, levels of 1.25 (OH2) vitamin D3, growth, etc), whereas in renal proximal tubule, in addition, hormonal effects (e.g. Parathyroid Hormone, PTH) acutely control (minutes/hours) the expression of the IIa cotransporter. The type II Na/Pi-cotransporters operate (as functional monomers) in a 3 Na+:1 Pi stoichiometry, including transfer of negatively charged (-1) empty carriers and electroneutral transfers of partially loaded carriers (1 Na+, slippage) and of the fully loaded carriers (3 Na+, 1 Pi). By a chimera (IIa/IIb) approach, and by site-directed mutagenesis (including cysteine-scanning), specific sequences have been identified contributing to either apical expression, PTH-induced membrane retrieval, Na+-interaction or specific pH-dependence of the IIa and IIIb cotransporters. For the COOH-terminal tail of the IIa Na/Pi-cotransporter, several interacting PDZ-domain proteins have been identified which may contribute to either its apical expression (NaPi-Cap1) or to its subapical/lysosomal traffic (NaPi-Cap2).

Molecular characteristics of phosphate transporters and their regulation

A key process in overall P(i)-homeostasis is renal proximal tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate (P(i)), which involves secondary active sodium/phosphate (Na(+)/P(i)) cotransport reabsorption at the brush border membrane. Among the two different molecularly identified Na(+)/P(i) cotransporters, the type-IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) accounts for up to 70% of brush border membrane transport. Regulation of renal P(i) reabsorption centers around brush border membrane insertion and retrieval of transporter protein under the influence of hormonal and nonhormonal factors. Immunohistochemical and fluorescence techniques have provided new insights into the tissue distribution and the regulation processes. The intrinsic electrogenicity of NaPi-IIa, has allowed detailed studies of the transport kinetics of NaPi-IIa and, combined with mutagenesis methods, structure-function information at the protein level is emerging.

Proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption: molecular mechanisms

Renal proximal tubular reabsorption of P(i) is a key element in overall P(i) homeostasis, and it involves a secondary active P(i) transport mechanism. Among the molecularly identified sodium-phosphate (Na/P(i)) cotransport systems a brush-border membrane type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter is the key player in proximal tubular P(i) reabsorption. Physiological and pathophysiological alterations in renal P(i) reabsorption are related to altered brush-border membrane expression/content of the type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter. Complex membrane retrieval/insertion mechanisms are involved in modulating transporter content in the brush-border membrane. In a tissue culture model (OK cells) expressing intrinsically the type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter, the cellular cascades involved in "physiological/pathophysiological" control of P(i) reabsorption have been explored. As this cell model offers a "proximal tubular" environment, it is useful for characterization (in heterologous expression studies) of the cellular/molecular requirements for transport regulation. Finally, the oocyte expression system has permitted a thorough characterization of the transport characteristics and of structure/function relationships. Thus the cloning of the type IIa Na-P(i )cotransporter (in 1993) provided the tools to study renal brush-border membrane Na-P(i) cotransport function/regulation at the cellular/molecular level as well as at the organ level and led to an understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in control of proximal tubular P(i) handling and, thus, of overall P(i) homeostasis.

The functional unit of the renal type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter is a monomer

The composition of the functional unit of the rat renal type IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) was investigated by using two approaches based on the differential sensitivities of the wild type (WT) and mutant S460C proteins to 2-aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA), a charged cysteine modifier. Transport activity of S460C is completely blocked after incubation in MTSEA, whereas that of the WT remains unaffected. First, Xenopus laevis oocytes were coinjected with cRNAs coding for the WT and S460C in different proportions, and the transport inhibition after MTSEA incubation was assayed by electrophysiology. The relationship between MTSEA inhibition and proportion of cRNA was consistent with that for a functional monomer. Second, concatameric proteins were constructed that either comprised two WT proteins (WT-WT), two S460C mutants (S460C-S460C), or one of each (WT-S460C). Western blots of oocytes injected with fusion protein cRNA showed bands at approximately 200 kDa, whereas a main band at approximately 90 kDa was obtained for the WT cRNA alone. The kinetic properties of concatamers were the same as for the single proteins. Transport activity of the WT-WT concatamer was unaffected by MTSEA incubation, fully inhibited for S460C-S460C, but 50% inhibited for WT-S460C. This behavior was also consistent with NaPi-IIa being a functional monomer.

Recent advances in epithelial sodium-coupled phosphate transport

This review focuses on recent developments in the molecular characterization of renal sodium-phosphate cotransporters and the mechanisms involved in their regulation. Of the three classes of sodium-phosphate cotransporters expressed in the mammalian kidney, the type II transporter, NPT2/Npt2 reflects the characteristics of apical sodium-dependent phosphate transport, and is a target for regulation. Studies in mice in which the Npt2 gene was disrupted by targeted mutagenesis underscore the importance of Npt2 in the maintenance of phosphate homeostasis. Recent advances in our understanding of phosphate transport mechanisms in intestine and bone are also discussed.

Membrane topography of the renal phosphate carrier NaPi-2: limited proteolysis studies

The rat sodium/phosphate cotransporter NaPi-2 is a 70 kDa polypeptide (p70) for which eight transmembrane segments have been predicted. We have shown that p70 exists predominantly as p45 and p40 fragments which are linked by disulfide bonds. In this work, the p40 fragment, corresponding to the C-terminus of NaPi-2, was purified from renal brush-border membranes using non-reducing and then reducing column electrophoresis followed by enzymatic deglycosylation and SDS-PAGE. The N-terminal sequence obtained for this fragment, VEAIG, indicates that the formation of p45 and p40 arises from the cleavage of p70 between arginine-319 and valine-320. In order to determine the membrane topography of NaPi-2, brush-border membrane vesicles were digested with various proteases and the transporter-derived proteolytic peptides were subsequently identified by Western blotting using N- and C-terminal-directed antibodies. Our results lead us to propose an alternative topographical model in which p45 and p40 possess three transmembrane domains each and indicate that the processing site of p70 for the generation of p45 and p40 is localized in a large protein core facing the extracellular milieu. This localization of the cleavage site indicated that NaPi-2 could either be processed intracellularly by vesicular proteases or extracellularly by secretory proteases or by brush-border membrane ectoenzymes.