Modulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase cell surface abundance through structural determinants on the α1-subunit

Identified and potential internalization signals involved in trafficking and regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase activity

The sodium-potassium pump (NKA) or Na+/K+ ATPase consumes around 30-40% of the total energy expenditure of the animal cell on the generation of the sodium and potassium electrochemical gradients that regulate various electrolyte and nutrient transport processes. The vital role of this protein entails proper spatial and temporal regulation of its activity through modulatory mechanisms involving its expression, localization, enzymatic activity, and protein-protein interactions. The residence of the NKA at the plasma membrane is compulsory for its action as an antiporter. Despite the huge body of literature reporting on its trafficking between the cell membrane and intracellular compartments, the mechanisms controlling the trafficking process are by far the least understood. Among the molecular determinants of the plasma membrane proteins trafficking are intrinsic sequence-based endocytic motifs. In this review, we (i) summarize previous reports linking the regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase trafficking and/or plasma membrane residence to its activity, with particular emphasis on the endocytic signals in the Na+/K+ ATPase alpha-subunit, (ii) map additional potential internalization signals within Na+/K+ ATPase catalytic alpha-subunit, based on canonical and noncanonical endocytic motifs reported in the literature, (iii) pinpoint known and potential phosphorylation sites associated with NKA trafficking, (iv) highlight our recent studies on Na+/K+ ATPase trafficking and PGE2-mediated Na+/K+ ATPase modulation in intestine, liver, and kidney cells.

Control of cardiac contraction by sodium: Promises, reckonings, and new beginnings

Several generations of cardiac physiologists have verified that basal cardiac contractility depends strongly on the transsarcolemmal Na gradient, and the underlying molecular mechanisms that link cardiac excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) to the Na gradient have been elucidated in good detail for more than 30 years. In brief, small increases of cytoplasmic Na push cardiac (NCX1) Na/Ca exchangers to increase contractility by increasing the myocyte Ca load. Accordingly, basal cardiac contractility is expected to be physiologically regulated by pathways that modify the cardiac Na gradient and the function of Na transporters. Assuming that this expectation is correct, it remains to be elucidated how in detail signaling pathways affecting the cardiac Na gradient are controlled in response to changing cardiac output requirements. Some puzzle pieces that may facilitate progress are outlined in this short review. Key open issues include (1) whether the concept of local Na gradients is viable, (2) how in detail Na channels, Na transporters and Na/K pumps are regulated by lipids and metabolic processes, (3) the physiological roles of Na/K pump inactivation, and (4) the possibility that key diffusible signaling molecules remain to be discovered.

Lipid signaling to membrane proteins: From second messengers to membrane domains and adapter-free endocytosis

Hilgemann et al. explain how lipid signaling to membrane proteins involves a hierarchy of mechanisms from lipid binding to membrane domain coalescence.

Lipids influence powerfully the function of ion channels and transporters in two well-documented ways. A few lipids act as bona fide second messengers by binding to specific sites that control channel and transporter gating. Other lipids act nonspecifically by modifying the physical environment of channels and transporters, in particular the protein–membrane interface. In this short review, we first consider lipid signaling from this traditional viewpoint, highlighting innumerable Journal of General Physiology publications that have contributed to our present understanding. We then switch to our own emerging view that much important lipid signaling occurs via the formation of membrane domains that influence the function of channels and transporters within them, promote selected protein–protein interactions, and control the turnover of surface membrane.

Ouabain Contributes to Kidney Damage in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Warm renal ischemia performed during partial nephrectomy has been found to be associated with kidney disease. Since endogenous ouabain (EO) is a neuro-endocrine hormone involved in renal damage, we evaluated the role of EO in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). We measured plasma and renal EO variations and markers of glomerular and tubular damage (nephrin, KIM-1, Kidney-Injury-Molecule-1, α1 Na-K ATPase) and the protective effect of the ouabain inhibitor, rostafuroxin. We studied five groups of rats: (1) normal; (2) infused for eight weeks with ouabain (30 µg/kg/day, OHR) or (3) saline; (4) ouabain; or (5) saline-infused rats orally treated with 100 µg/kg/day rostafuroxin for four weeks. In group 1, 2-3 h after IRI, EO increased in ischemic kidneys while decreased in plasma. Nephrin progressively decreased and KIM-1 mRNA increased starting from 24 h. Ouabain infusion (group 2) increased blood pressure (from 111.7 to 153.4 mmHg) and ouabain levels in plasma and kidneys. In OHR ischemic kidneys at 120 h from IRI, nephrin, and KIM-1 changes were greater than those detected in the controls infused with saline (group 3). All these changes were blunted by rostafuroxin treatment (groups 4 and 5). These findings support the role of EO in IRI and suggest that rostafuroxin pre-treatment of patients before partial nephrectomy with warm ischemia may reduce IRI, particularly in those with high EO.

Plasticity of sarcolemmal KATP channel surface expression: relevance during ischemia and ischemic preconditioning

Myocardial ischemia remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a powerful form of endogenous protection against myocardial infarction. We studied alterations in KATP channels surface density as a potential mechanism of the protection of IPC. Using cardiac-specific knockout of Kir6.2 subunits, we demonstrated an essential role for sarcolemmal KATP channels in the infarct-limiting effect of IPC in the mouse heart. With biochemical membrane fractionation, we demonstrated that sarcolemmal KATP channel subunits are distributed both to the sarcolemma and intracellular endosomal compartments. Global ischemia causes a loss of sarcolemmal KATP channel subunit distribution and internalization to endosomal compartments. Ischemia-induced internalization of KATP channels was prevented by CaMKII inhibition. KATP channel subcellular redistribution was also observed with immunohistochemistry. Ischemic preconditioning before the index ischemia reduced not only the infarct size but also prevented KATP channel internalization. Furthermore, not only did adenosine mimic IPC by preventing infarct size, but it also prevented ischemia-induced KATP channel internalization via a PKC-mediated pathway. We show that preventing endocytosis with dynasore reduced both KATP channel internalization and strongly mitigated infarct development. Our data demonstrate that plasticity of KATP channel surface expression must be considered as a potentially important mechanism of the protective effects of IPC and adenosine.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Targeting of Cyclosporine A Enhances Cardioprotection Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury limits the therapeutic effects of early reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction (MI), in which mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening plays a critical role. Our aim was to determine whether poly-lactic/glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle-mediated mitochondrial targeting of a molecule that inhibits mPTP opening, cyclosporine A (CsA), enhances CsA-induced cardioprotection. In an in vivo murine IR model, intravenously injected PLGA nanoparticles were located at the IR myocardium mitochondria. Treatment with nanoparticles incorporated with CsA (CsA-NP) at the onset of reperfusion enhanced cardioprotection against IR injury by CsA alone (as indicated by the reduced MI size at a lower CsA concentration) through the inhibition of mPTP opening. Left ventricular remodeling was ameliorated 28 days after IR, but the treatment did not affect inflammatory monocyte recruitment to the IR heart. In cultured rat cardiomyocytes in vitro, mitochondrial PLGA nanoparticle-targeting was observed after the addition of hydrogen peroxide, which represents oxidative stress during IR, and was prevented by CsA. CsA-NP can be developed as an effective mPTP opening inhibitor and may protect organs from IR injury.

Massive palmitoylation-dependent endocytosis during reoxygenation of anoxic cardiac muscle

In fibroblasts, large Ca transients activate massive endocytosis (MEND) that involves membrane protein palmitoylation subsequent to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) openings. Here, we characterize this pathway in cardiac muscle. Myocytes with increased expression of the acyl transferase, DHHC5, have decreased Na/K pump activity. In DHHC5-deficient myocytes, Na/K pump activity and surface area/volume ratios are increased, the palmitoylated regulatory protein, phospholemman (PLM), and the cardiac Na/Ca exchanger (NCX1) show greater surface membrane localization, and MEND is inhibited in four protocols. Both electrical and optical methods demonstrate that PTP-dependent MEND occurs during reoxygenation of anoxic hearts. Post-anoxia MEND is ablated in DHHC5-deficient hearts, inhibited by cyclosporine A (CsA) and adenosine, promoted by staurosporine (STS), reduced in hearts lacking PLM, and correlates with impaired post-anoxia contractile function. Thus, the MEND pathway appears to be deleterious in severe oxidative stress but may constitutively contribute to cardiac sarcolemma turnover in dependence on metabolic stress.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01295.001

Many people who survive a stroke or heart attack experience substantial tissue damage when the blood supply is restored. Much of this damage can be caused by the mitochondria inside the cells releasing a protein called cytochrome c that can cause cells to die in a process called apoptosis. The cytochrome c is released as the outer membrane of the mitochondria becomes permeable and pores called permeability transition pores open up in the inner membrane. Now Lin et al. explore if additional molecules released from the mitochondria might also initiate important cellular responses during the reoxygenation of oxygen-deprived tissue.

Lin and co-workers recently showed that the mitochondria of some cells can release a small enzyme cofactor, coenzyme A, which then promotes a cellular response called massive endocytosis. This process can cause up to 70% of the cell surface membrane to be absorbed into the interior of the cell in the form of membrane vesicles. Most forms of endocytosis involve a much smaller fraction of the cell membrane and employ a set of well-known endocytic proteins that are not involved in massive endocytosis. Now, Lin et al. investigate the role of massive endocytosis in cardiac muscle.

Electrical and optical measurements reveal that massive endocytosis occurs as cardiac cells that have been deprived of oxygen are reoxygenated. Lin et al. also find that an enzyme called DHHC5 must be present to allow endocytosis to take place during reoxygenation. DHHC5 is an enzyme that catalyzes a process called acylation – the transfer of acyl groups to proteins at the cell surface. Moreover, the deletion of DHHC5 has a beneficial impact on the performance of cardiac muscle after oxygen deprivation, which implies that molecules that inhibit protein acylation might protect the heart from damage during reoxygenation. Together, these results establish new pathological and physiological roles for the acylation, which is one of the most common biochemical modifications made to membrane proteins after they are synthesized.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01295.002

Na(+),K (+)-ATPase as a docking station: protein-protein complexes of the Na(+),K (+)-ATPase

The Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, or sodium pump, is well known for its role in ion transport across the plasma membrane of animal cells. It carries out the transport of Na(+) ions out of the cell and of K(+) ions into the cell and thus maintains electrolyte and fluid balance. In addition to the fundamental ion-pumping function of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, recent work has suggested additional roles for Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in signal transduction and biomembrane structure. Several signaling pathways have been found to involve Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, which serves as a docking station for a fast-growing number of protein interaction partners. In this review, we focus on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase as a signal transducer, but also briefly discuss other Na(+),K(+)-ATPase protein-protein interactions, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse signaling functions ascribed to this well-known enzyme.

Modulation of cardiac Na+,K+-ATPase cell surface abundance by simulated ischemia-reperfusion and ouabain preconditioning

Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and cell survival were investigated in a cellular model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury and protection by ouabain-induced preconditioning (OPC). Rat neonatal cardiac myocytes were subjected to 30 min of substrate and coverslip-induced ischemia followed by 30 min of simulated reperfusion. This significantly compromised cell viability as documented by lactate dehydrogenase release and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Total Na(+),K(+)-ATPase α(1)- and α(3)-polypeptide expression remained unchanged, but cell surface biotinylation and immunostaining studies revealed that α(1)-cell surface abundance was significantly decreased. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase-activity in crude homogenates and (86)Rb(+) transport in live cells were both significantly decreased by about 30% after I/R. OPC, induced by a 4-min exposure to 10 μM ouabain that ended 8 min before the beginning of ischemia, increased cell viability in a PKCε-dependent manner. This was comparable with the protective effect of OPC previously reported in intact heart preparations. OPC prevented I/R-induced decrease of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and surface expression. This model also revealed that Na(+),K(+)-ATPase-mediated (86)Rb(+) uptake was not restored to control levels in the OPC group, suggesting that the increased viability was not conferred by an increased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase-mediated ion transport capacity at the cell membrane. Consistent with this observation, transient expression of an internalization-resistant mutant form of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase α(1) known to have increased surface abundance without increased ion transport activity successfully reduced I/R-induced cell death. These results suggest that maintenance of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase cell surface abundance is critical to myocyte survival after an ischemic attack and plays a role in OPC-induced protection. They further suggest that the protection conferred by increased surface expression of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase may be independent of ion transport.

Dynamic ABCG2 expression in human embryonic stem cells provides the basis for stress response

ABCG2 is a plasma membrane multidrug transporter with an established role in the cancer drug-resistance phenotype. This protein is expressed in a variety of tissues, including several types of stem cell. Although ABCG2 is not essential for life, knock-out mice were found to be hypersensitive to xenobiotics and had reduced levels of the side population of hematopoietic stem cells. Previously we have shown that ABCG2 is present in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines, with a heterogeneous expression pattern. In this study we examined this heterogeneity, and investigated whether it is related to stress responses in hESCs. We did not find any difference between expression of pluripotency markers in ABCG2-positive and negative hESCs; however, ABCG2-expressing cells had a higher growth rate after cell separation. We found that some harmful conditions (physical stress, drugs, and UV light exposure) are tolerated much better in the presence of ABCG2 protein. This property can be explained by the transporter function which eliminates potential toxic metabolites accumulated during stress conditions. In contrast, mild oxidative stress in hESCs caused rapid internalization of ABCG2, indicating that some environmental factors may induce removal of this transporter from the plasma membrane. On the basis of these results we suggest that a dynamic balance of ABCG2 expression at the population level has the advantage of enabling prompt response to changes in the cellular environment. Such actively maintained heterogeneity might be of evolutionary benefit in protecting special cell types, including pluripotent stem cells.

(Na+ + K+)-ATPase is a target for phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and protein kinase C pathways triggered by albumin

In recent decades, evidence has confirmed the crucial role of albumin in the progression of renal disease. However, the possible role of signaling pathways triggered by physiologic concentrations of albumin in the modulation of proximal tubule (PT) sodium reabsorption has not been considered. In the present work, we have shown that a physiologic concentration of albumin increases the expression of the α1 subunit of (Na(+) + K(+))-ATPase in LLC-PK1 cells leading to an increase in enzyme activity. This process involves the sequential activation of PI3K/protein kinase B and protein kinase C pathways promoting inhibition of protein kinase A. This integrative network is inhibited when albumin concentration is increased, similar to renal disease, leading to a decrease in the α1 subunit of (Na(+) + K(+))-ATPase expression. Together, the results indicate that variation in albumin concentration in PT cells has an important effect on PT sodium reabsorption and, consequently, on renal sodium excretion.

Essential role of endocytosis of the type II transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS6 in regulating its functionality

The type II transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS6 (also known as matriptase-2) controls iron homeostasis through its negative regulation of expression of hepcidin, a key hormone involved in iron metabolism. Upstream of the hepcidin-regulated signaling pathway, TMPRSS6 cleaves its target substrate hemojuvelin (HJV) at the plasma membrane, but the dynamics of the cell-surface expression of the protease have not been addressed. Here, we report that TMPRSS6 undergoes constitutive internalization in transfected HEK293 cells and in two human hepatic cell lines, HepG2 and primary hepatocytes, both of which express TMPRSS6 endogenously. Cell surface-labeled TMPRSS6 was internalized and was detected in clathrin- and AP-2-positive vesicles via a dynamin-dependent pathway. The endocytosed TMPRSS6 next transited in early endosomes and then to lysosomes. Internalization of TMPRSS6 is dependent on specific residues within its N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, as site-directed mutagenesis of these residues abrogated internalization and maintained the enzyme at the cell surface. Cells coexpressing these mutants and HJV produced significantly decreased levels of hepcidin compared with wild-type TMPRSS6 due to the sustained cleavage of HJV at the cell surface by TMPRSS6 mutants. Our results underscore for the first time the importance of TMPRSS6 trafficking at the plasma membrane in the regulation of hepcidin expression, an event that is essential for iron homeostasis.