Inhibition of intestinal Cl- secretion by clotrimazole: direct effect on basolateral membrane K+ channels

The exocyst complex is required for the trafficking and delivery of KCa3.1 to the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelia

Control of the movement of ions and water across epithelia is essential for homeostasis. Changing the number or activity of ion channels at the plasma membrane is a significant regulator of epithelial transport. In polarized epithelia, the intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, KCa3.1 is delivered to the basolateral membrane where it generates and maintains the electrochemical gradients required for epithelial transport. The mechanisms that control the delivery of KCa3.1 to the basolateral membrane are still emerging. Herein, we investigated the role of the highly conserved tethering complex exocyst. In epithelia, exocyst is involved in the tethering of post-Golgi secretory vesicles with the basolateral membrane, which is required before membrane fusion. In our Fisher rat thyroid cell line that stably expresses KCa3.1, siRNA knockdown of either of the exocyst subunits Sec3, Sec6, or Sec8 significantly decreased KCa3.1-specific current. In addition, knockdown of exocyst complex subunits significantly reduced the basolateral membrane protein level of KCa3.1. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggest associations between Sec6 and KCa3.1, but not between Sec8 and KCa3.1. Collectively, based on these data and our previous studies, we suggest that components of exocyst complex are crucially important in the tethering of KCa3.1 to the basolateral membrane. After which, Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (SNF) Attachment Receptors (SNARE) proteins aid in the insertion of KCa3.1-containing vesicles into the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our Ussing chamber and immunoblot experiments demonstrate that when subunits of the exocyst complex were transiently knocked down, this significantly reduced the basolateral population and functional expression of KCa3.1. These data suggest, combined with our protein association experiments, that the exocyst complex regulates the tethering of KCa3.1-containing vesicles to the basolateral membrane prior to the SNARE-dependent insertion of channels into the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells.

Role of SNARE Proteins in the Insertion of KCa3.1 in the Plasma Membrane of a Polarized Epithelium

Targeting proteins to a specific membrane is crucial for proper epithelial cell function. KCa3.1, a calcium-activated, intermediate-conductance potassium channel, is targeted to the basolateral membrane (BLM) in epithelial cells. Surprisingly, the mechanism of KCa3.1 membrane targeting is poorly understood. We previously reported that targeting of KCa3.1 to the BLM of epithelial cells is Myosin-Vc-, Rab1-and Rab8-dependent. Here, we examine the role of the SNARE proteins VAMP3, SNAP-23 and syntaxin 4 (STX-4) in the targeting of KCa3.1 to the BLM of Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) epithelial cells. We carried out immunoblot, siRNA and Ussing chamber experiments on FRT cells, stably expressing KCa3.1-BLAP/Bir-A-KDEL, grown as high-resistance monolayers. siRNA-mediated knockdown of VAMP3 reduced BLM expression of KCa3.1 by 57 ± 5% (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5). Measurements of BLM-localized KCa3.1 currents, in Ussing chambers, demonstrated knockdown of VAMP3 reduced KCa3.1 current by 70 ± 4% (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5). Similarly, siRNA knockdown of SNAP-23 reduced the expression of KCa3.1 at the BLM by 56 ± 7% (p ≤ 0.01, n = 6) and reduced KCa3.1 current by 80 ± 11% (p ≤ 0.05, n = 6). Also, knockdown of STX-4 lowered the BLM expression of KCa3.1 by 54 ± 6% (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5) and reduced KCa3.1 current by 78 ± 11% (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5). Finally, co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated associations between KCa3.1, VAMP3, SNAP-23 and STX-4. These data indicate that VAMP3, SNAP-23 and STX-4 are critical for the targeting KCa3.1 to BLM of polarized epithelial cells.

Ligand modulation of KCNQ-encoded (KV7) potassium channels in the heart and nervous system

KCNQ-encoded (K_V7) potassium channels are diversely distributed in the human tissues, associated with many physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. These channels are increasingly used as drug targets for treating diseases. More selective and potent molecules on various types of the K_V7 channels are desirable for appropriate therapies. The recent knowledge of the structure and function of human KCNQ-encoded channels makes it more feasible to achieve these goals. This review discusses the role and mechanism of action of many molecules in modulating the function of the KCNQ-encoded potassium channels in the heart and nervous system. The effects of these compounds on K_V7 channels help to understand their involvement in many diseases, and to search for more selective and potent ligands to be used in the treatment of many disorders such as various types of cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, and pain.

Cyclic AMP-Dependent Regulation of Kv7 Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

Voltage-gated Kv7 potassium channels, encoded by KCNQ genes, have major physiological impacts cardiac myocytes, neurons, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a well-known intracellular secondary messenger, can activate numerous downstream effector proteins, generating downstream signaling pathways that regulate many functions in cells. A role for cAMP in ion channel regulation has been established, and recent findings show that cAMP signaling plays a role in Kv7 channel regulation. Although cAMP signaling is recognized to regulate Kv7 channels, the precise molecular mechanism behind the cAMP-dependent regulation of Kv7 channels is complex. This review will summarize recent research findings that support the mechanisms of cAMP-dependent regulation of Kv7 channels.

Functional Role of Basolateral ClC-2 Channels in the Regulation of Duodenal Anion Secretion in Mice

BACKGROUND

Although ClC-2 channels are important in colonic Cl^- secretion, it is unclear about their roles in small intestinal anion secretion. Therefore, we sought to examine whether ClC-2 channels play important roles in anion secretion, particularly duodenal bicarbonate secretion (DBS).

METHODS

Duodenal mucosae from mice were stripped of seromuscular layers and mounted in Ussing chambers. Both duodenal short-circuit current (I_sc) and HCO₃^- secretion in vitro were simultaneously recorded. DBS in vivo was measured by a CO₂-sensitive electrode.

RESULTS

Lubiprostone, a selective ClC-2 activator, concentration-dependently increased both duodenal I_sc and DBS only when applied basolaterally, but not when applied apically. Removal of extracellular Cl^- abolished lubiprostone-induced duodenal I_sc, but did not alter HCO₃^- secretion even in the presence of DIDS, a Cl^-/HCO₃^- exchanger inhibitor. However, further addition of glibenclamide, a CFTR channel blocker, abolished lubiprostone-evoked HCO₃^- secretion. Moreover, lubiprostone-induced HCO₃^- secretion was impaired in CFTR^-/- mice compared to wild-type littermates. Luminal perfusion of duodenal lumen with lubiprostone did not alter basal DBS in vivo, but lubiprostone (i.p.) was able to induce DBS, which was also significantly inhibited by Cd²⁺, a ClC-2 channel blocker. [Ca²⁺]_cyt level, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel- and cAMP-mediated duodenal I_sc, and HCO₃^- secretion were unchanged by lubiprostone.

CONCLUSIONS

We have provided the first evidence for the novel functional role of basolateral ClC-2 channels in the regulation of duodenal anion secretion.

Colonic Potassium Absorption and Secretion in Health and Disease

The colon has large capacities for K⁺ absorption and K⁺ secretion, but its role in maintaining K⁺ homeostasis is often overlooked. For many years, passive diffusion and/or solvent drag were thought to be the primary mechanisms for K⁺ absorption in human and animal colon. However, it is now clear that apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase, in coordination with basolateral K⁺ -Cl^- cotransport and/or K⁺ and Cl^- channels operating in parallel, mediate electroneutral K⁺ absorption in animal colon. We now know that K⁺ absorption in rat colon reflects ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activities. Ouabain-insensitive and ouabain-sensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPases are localized in surface and crypt cells, respectively. Colonic H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase consists of α- (HKC_α ) and β- (HKC_β ) subunits which, when coexpressed, exhibit ouabain-insensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity in HEK293 cells, while HKC_α coexpressed with the gastric β-subunit exhibits ouabain-sensitive H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity in Xenopus oocytes. Aldosterone enhances apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase activity, HKC_α specific mRNA and protein expression, and K⁺ absorption. Active K⁺ secretion, on the other hand, is mediated by apical K⁺ channels operating in a coordinated way with the basolateral Na⁺ -K⁺ -2Cl^- cotransporter. Both Ca²⁺ -activated intermediate conductance K⁺ (IK) and large conductance K⁺ (BK) channels are located in the apical membrane of colonic epithelia. IK channel-mediated K⁺ efflux provides the driving force for Cl^- secretion, while BK channels mediate active (e.g., cAMP-activated) K⁺ secretion. BK channel expression and activity are increased in patients with end-stage renal disease and ulcerative colitis. This review summarizes the role of apical H⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase in K⁺ absorption, and apical BK channel function in K⁺ secretion in health and disease. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1513-1536, 2018.

Modulation of Retrograde Trafficking of KCa3.1 in a Polarized Epithelium

In epithelia, the intermediate conductance, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (KCa3.1) is targeted to the basolateral membrane (BLM) where this channel plays numerous roles in absorption and secretion. A growing body of research suggests that the membrane resident population of KCa3.1 may be critical in clinical manifestation of diseases. In this study, we investigated the key molecular components that regulate the degradation of KCa3.1 using a Fisher rat thyroid cell line stably expressing KCa3.1. Using immunoblot, Ussing chamber, and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated that KCa3.1 is targeted exclusively to the BLM, provided a complete time course of degradation of KCa3.1 and degradation time courses of the channel in the presence of pharmacological inhibitors of ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation to advance our understanding of the retrograde trafficking of KCa3.1. We provide a complete degradation profile of KCa3.1 and that the degradation is via an ubiquitin-dependent pathway. Inhibition of E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme by UBEI-41 crippled the ability of the cells to internalize the channel, shown by the increased BLM surface expression resulting in an increased function of the channel as measured by a DCEBIO sensitive K⁺ current. Additionally, the involvement of deubiquitylases and degradation by the lysosome were also confirmed by treating the cells with PR-619 or leupeptin/pepstatin, respectively; which significantly decreased the degradation rate of membrane KCa3.1. Additionally, we provided the first evidence that KCa3.1 channels were not deubiquitylated at the BLM. These data further define the retrograde trafficking of KCa3.1, and may provide an avenue for therapeutic approach for treatment of disease.

The Role of the Cytoskeleton and Myosin-Vc in the Targeting of KCa3.1 to the Basolateral Membrane of Polarized Epithelial Cells

Understanding the targeting of KCa3.1 to the basolateral membrane (BLM) of polarized epithelial cells is still emerging. Here, we examined the role of the cytoskeleton (microtubules and microfilaments) and Myosin-Vc (Myo-Vc) in the targeting of KCa3.1 in Fischer rat thyroid epithelial cells. We used a pharmacological approach with immunoblot (for the BLM expression of KCa3.1), Ussing chamber (functional BLM expression of KCa3.1) and siRNA experiments. The actin cytoskeleton inhibitors cytochalasin D (10 μM, 5 h) and latrunculin A (10 μM, 5 h) reduced the targeting of KCa3.1 to the BLM by 88 ± 4 and 70 ± 5%, respectively. Colchicine (10 μM, 5 h) a microtubule inhibitor reduced targeting of KCa3.1 to the BLM by 63 ± 7% and decreased 1-EBIO-stimulated KCa3.1 K⁺ current by 46 ± 18%, compared with control cells. ML9 (10 μM, 5 h), an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, decreased targeting of the channel by 83 ± 2% and reduced K⁺ current by 54 ± 8% compared to control cells. Inhibiting Myo-V with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (10 mM, 5 h) reduced targeting of the channel to the BLM by 58 ± 5% and decreased the stimulated current of KCa3.1 by 48 ± 12% compared with control cells. Finally, using siRNA for Myo-Vc, we demonstrated that knockdown of Myo-Vc reduced the BLM expression of KCa3.1 by 44 ± 7% and KCa3.1 K⁺ current by 1.04 ± 0.14 μA compared with control cells. These data suggest that the microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton and Myo-Vc are critical for the targeting of KCa3.1.

Lithocholic acid attenuates cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion in human colonic epithelial T84 cells

Bile acids (BAs) play a complex role in colonic fluid secretion. We showed that dihydroxy BAs, but not the monohydroxy BA lithocholic acid (LCA), stimulate Cl(-) secretion in human colonic T84 cells (Ao M, Sarathy J, Domingue J, Alrefai WA, Rao MC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 305: C447-C456, 2013). In this study, we explored the effect of LCA on the action of other secretagogues in T84 cells. While LCA (50 μM, 15 min) drastically (>90%) inhibited FSK-stimulated short-circuit current (Isc), it did not alter carbachol-stimulated Isc LCA did not alter basal Isc, transepithelial resistance, cell viability, or cytotoxicity. LCA's inhibitory effect was dose dependent, acted faster from the apical membrane, rapid, and not immediately reversible. LCA also prevented the Isc stimulated by the cAMP-dependent secretagogues 8-bromo-cAMP, lubiprostone, or chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). The LCA inhibitory effect was BA specific, since CDCA, cholic acid, or taurodeoxycholic acid did not alter FSK or carbachol action. While LCA alone had no effect on intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i), it decreased FSK-stimulated [cAMP]i by 90%. Although LCA caused a small increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), chelation by BAPTA-AM did not reverse LCA's effect on Isc LCA action does not appear to involve known BA receptors, farnesoid X receptor, vitamin D receptor, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3, or bile acid-specific transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5. LCA significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was completely abolished by the MEK inhibitor PD-98059. Surprisingly PD-98059 did not reverse LCA's effect on Isc Finally, although LCA had no effect on basal Isc, nystatin permeabilization studies showed that LCA both stimulates an apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) current and inhibits a basolateral K(+) current. In summary, 50 μM LCA greatly inhibits cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) secretion, making low doses of LCA of potential therapeutic interest for diarrheal diseases.

Inhibition of airway surface fluid absorption by cholinergic stimulation

In upper airways airway surface liquid (ASL) depth and clearance rates are both increased by fluid secretion. Secretion is opposed by fluid absorption, mainly via the epithelial sodium channel, ENaC. In static systems, increased fluid depth activates ENaC and decreased depth inhibits it, suggesting that secretion indirectly activates ENaC to reduce ASL depth. We propose an alternate mechanism in which cholinergic input, which causes copious airway gland secretion, also inhibits ENaC-mediated absorption. The conjoint action accelerates clearance, and the increased transport of mucus out of the airways restores ASL depth while cleansing the airways. We were intrigued by early reports of cholinergic inhibition of absorption by airways in some species. To reinvestigate this phenomenon, we studied inward short-circuit currents (Isc) in tracheal mucosa from human, sheep, pig, ferret, and rabbit and in two types of cultured cells. Basal Isc was inhibited 20–70% by the ENaC inhibitor, benzamil. Long-lasting inhibition of ENaC-dependent Isc was also produced by basolateral carbachol in all preparations except rabbit and the H441 cell line. Atropine inhibition produced a slow recovery or prevented inhibition if added before carbachol. The mechanism for inhibition was not determined and is most likely multi-factorial. However, its physiological significance is expected to be increased mucus clearance rates in cholinergically stimulated airways.

Molecular mechanisms of calcium-sensing receptor-mediated calcium signaling in the modulation of epithelial ion transport and bicarbonate secretion

Epithelial ion transport is mainly under the control of intracellular cAMP and Ca(2+) signaling. Although the molecular mechanisms of cAMP-induced epithelial ion secretion are well defined, those induced by Ca(2+) signaling remain poorly understood. Because calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) activation results in an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]cyt) but a decrease in cAMP levels, it is a suitable receptor for elucidating the mechanisms of [Ca(2+)]cyt-mediated epithelial ion transport and duodenal bicarbonate secretion (DBS). CaSR proteins have been detected in mouse duodenal mucosae and human intestinal epithelial cells. Spermine and Gd(3+), two CaSR activators, markedly stimulated DBS without altering duodenal short circuit currents in wild-type mice but did not affect DBS and duodenal short circuit currents in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout mice. Clotrimazole, a selective blocker of intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels but not chromanol 293B, a selective blocker of cAMP-activated K(+) channels (KCNQ1), significantly inhibited CaSR activator-induced DBS, which was similar in wild-type and KCNQ1 knockout mice. HCO3 (-) fluxes across epithelial cells were activated by a CFTR activator, but blocked by a CFTR inhibitor. CaSR activators induced HCO3 (-) fluxes, which were inhibited by a receptor-operated channel (ROC) blocker. Moreover, CaSR activators dose-dependently raised cellular [Ca(2+)]cyt, which was abolished in Ca(2+)-free solutions and inhibited markedly by selective CaSR antagonist calhex 231, and ROC blocker in both animal and human intestinal epithelial cells. Taken together, CaSR activation triggers Ca(2+)-dependent DBS, likely through the ROC, intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, and CFTR channels. This study not only reveals that [Ca(2+)]cyt signaling is critical to modulate DBS but also provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of CaSR-mediated Ca(2+)-induced DBS.

Evidence that two distinct crypt cell types secrete chloride and potassium in human colon

BACKGROUND

Human colon may secrete substantial amounts of water secondary to chloride (Cl(-)) and/or potassium (K(+)) secretion in a variety of diarrhoeal diseases. Ion secretion occurs via Cl(-) and K(+) channels, which are generally assumed to be co-located in the colonocyte apical membrane, although their exact cellular sites remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

 To investigate the location of apical Cl(-) (CFTR) and apical K(+) (large conductance; BK) channels within human colonic epithelium.

DESIGN

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from intact human colonic crypts. Specific blockers of K(+) channels and CFTR identified different types of K(+) channel and CFTR under resting conditions and after stimulating intracellular cAMP with forskolin. The BK channel β3-subunit was localised by immunostaining.

RESULTS

Two types of crypt cells were identified. One (73% of cells) had whole-cell currents dominated by intermediate conductance (IK) K(+) channels under resting conditions, which developed large CFTR-mediated currents in response to increasing intracellular cAMP. The other (27% of cells) had resting currents dominated by BK channels inhibited by the BK channel blocker penitrem A, but insensitive to both forskolin and the IK channel blocker clotrimazole. Immunostaining showed co-localisation of the BK channel β3-subunit and the goblet cell marker, MUC2.

CONCLUSIONS

In human colon, Cl(-) secretion originates from the dominant population of colonocytes expressing apical CFTR, whereas K(+) secretion is derived from a smaller population of goblet cells expressing apical BK channels. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of secretory diarrhoea and should be taken into account during the development of anti-diarrhoeal drugs.

Decreased basal chloride secretion and altered cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory protein, Villin, GLUT5 protein expression in jejunum from leptin-deficient mice

Patients with diabetes and obesity are at increased risk of developing disturbances in intestinal function. In this study, we characterized jejunal function in the clinically relevant leptin-deficient ob/ob mouse, a model of diabetes and obesity. We measured transepithelial short circuit current (Isc), across freshly isolated segments of jejunum from 12-week-old ob/ob and lean C57BL/6J (female and male) mice. The basal Isc was significantly decreased (~30%) in the ob/ob mice (66.5±5.7 μA/cm(2) [n=20]) (P< 0.05) compared with their lean counterparts (95.1±9.1 μA/cm(2) [n=19]). Inhibition with clotrimazole (100 μM, applied bilaterally) was significantly reduced in the ob/ob mice (-7.92%±3.67% [n=15]) (P<0.05) compared with the lean mice (10.44%±7.92% [n=15]), indicating a decreased contribution of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) channels in the ob/ob mice. Inhibition with ouabain (100 μM, applied serosally) was significantly reduced in the ob/ob mice (1.40%±3.61%, n=13) (P< 0.05) versus the lean mice (18.93%±3.76% [n=18]), suggesting a potential defect in the Na(+)/K(+)-adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase pump with leptin-deficiency. Expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory protein (CFTR) (normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH]) was significantly decreased ~twofold (P<0.05) in the ob/ob mice compared with the leans, whilst crypt depth was unchanged. Villi length was significantly increased by ~25% (P<0.05) in the ob/ob mice compared with the leans and was associated with an increase in Villin and GLUT5 expression. GLUT2 and SGLT-1 expression were both unchanged. Our data suggests that reduced basal jejunal Isc in ob/ob mice is likely a consequence of reduced CFTR expression and decreased activity of the basolateral KCa channel and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Understanding intestinal dysfunctions in ob/ob jejunum may allow for the development of novel drug targets to treat obesity and diabetes.

Benzimidazolones enhance the function of epithelial Na⁺ transport

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pharmacological enhancement of vectorial Na⁺ transport may be useful to increase alveolar fluid clearance. Herein, we investigated the influence of the benzimidazolones 1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2-benzimidazolone (1-EBIO), 5,6-dichloro-1-EBIO (DC-EBIO) and chlorzoxazone on vectorial epithelial Na⁺ transport.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Effects on vectorial Na⁺ transport and amiloride-sensitive apical membrane Na⁺ permeability were determined by measuring short-circuit currents (I(SC)) in rat fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) monolayers. Furthermore, amiloride-sensitive membrane conductance and the open probability of epithelial Na⁺ channels (ENaC) were determined by patch clamp experiments using A549 cells.

KEY RESULTS

I(SC) was increased by approximately 50% after addition of 1-EBIO, DC-EBIO and chlorzoxazone. With permeabilized basolateral membranes in the presence of a 145:5 apical to basolateral Na⁺ gradient, the benzimidazolones markedly increased amiloride-sensitive I(SC). 5-(N-Ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride-induced inhibition of I(SC) was not affected. The benzamil-sensitive I(SC) was increased in benzimidazolone-stimulated monolayers. Pretreating the apical membrane with amiloride, which inhibits ENaC, completely prevented the stimulating effects of benzimidazolones on I(SC). Furthermore, 1-EBIO (1 mM) and DC-EBIO (0.1 mM) significantly increased (threefold) the open probability of ENaC without influencing current amplitude. Whole cell measurements showed that DC-EBIO (0.1 mM) induced an amiloride-sensitive increase in membrane conductance.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Benzimidazolones have a stimulating effect on vectorial Na⁺ transport. The antagonist sensitivity of this effect suggests the benzimidazolones elicit this action by activating the highly selective ENaC currents. Thus, the results demonstrate a possible new strategy for directly enhancing epithelial Na⁺ transport.

Trafficking of intermediate (KCa3.1) and small (KCa2.x) conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels: a novel target for medicinal chemistry efforts?

Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) channels play a pivotal role in the physiology of a wide variety of tissues and disease states, including vascular endothelia, secretory epithelia, certain cancers, red blood cells (RBC), neurons, and immune cells. Such widespread involvement has generated an intense interest in elucidating the function and regulation of these channels, with the goal of developing pharmacological strategies aimed at selective modulation of KCa channels in various disease states. Herein we give an overview of the molecular and functional properties of these channels and their therapeutic importance. We discuss the achievements made in designing pharmacological tools that control the function of KCa channels by modulating their gating properties. Moreover, this review discusses the recent advances in our understanding of KCa channel assembly and anterograde trafficking toward the plasma membrane, the micro-domains in which these channels are expressed within the cell, and finally the retrograde trafficking routes these channels take following endocytosis. As the regulation of intracellular trafficking by agonists as well as the protein-protein interactions that modify these events continue to be explored, we anticipate this will open new therapeutic avenues for the targeting of these channels based on the pharmacological modulation of KCa channel density at the plasma membrane.

The K+ channel opener 1-EBIO potentiates residual function of mutant CFTR in rectal biopsies from cystic fibrosis patients

Background

The identification of strategies to improve mutant CFTR function remains a key priority in the development of new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous studies demonstrated that the K⁺ channel opener 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolone (1-EBIO) potentiates CFTR-mediated Cl⁻ secretion in cultured cells and mouse colon. However, the effects of 1-EBIO on wild-type and mutant CFTR function in native human colonic tissues remain unknown.

Methods

We studied the effects of 1-EBIO on CFTR-mediated Cl⁻ secretion in rectal biopsies from 47 CF patients carrying a wide spectrum of CFTR mutations and 57 age-matched controls. Rectal tissues were mounted in perfused micro-Ussing chambers and the effects of 1-EBIO were compared in control tissues, CF tissues expressing residual CFTR function and CF tissues with no detectable Cl⁻ secretion.

Results

Studies in control tissues demonstrate that 1-EBIO activated CFTR-mediated Cl⁻ secretion in the absence of cAMP-mediated stimulation and potentiated cAMP-induced Cl⁻ secretion by 39.2±6.7% (P<0.001) via activation of basolateral Ca²⁺-activated and clotrimazole-sensitive KCNN4 K⁺ channels. In CF specimens, 1-EBIO potentiated cAMP-induced Cl⁻ secretion in tissues with residual CFTR function by 44.4±11.5% (P<0.001), but had no effect on tissues lacking CFTR-mediated Cl⁻conductance.

Conclusions

We conclude that 1-EBIO potentiates Cl⁻secretion in native CF tissues expressing CFTR mutants with residual Cl⁻ channel function by activation of basolateral KCNN4 K⁺ channels that increase the driving force for luminal Cl⁻ exit. This mechanism may augment effects of CFTR correctors and potentiators that increase the number and/or activity of mutant CFTR channels at the cell surface and suggests KCNN4 as a therapeutic target for CF.

Stimulation of murine intestinal secretion by daily genistein injections: gender-dependent differences

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The effect of daily injections with genistein (naturally occurring phytoestrogen) on intestinal chloride (Cl(-)) secretion was measured with Ussing chamber short circuit current (I(sc), μA/cm(2)), in C57BL/6J male and female mice, using 600 mg/kg genistein/day (600G), 300 mg/kg genistein/day (300G), 150 mg/kg genistein/day (150G) or genistein-free vehicle control (0G) for 1- or 2-weeks.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Injecting with 600G elicited significant increases in basal I(sc) in females after 1-week (ñ70 μA/cm(2), n=15, p < 0.05) and in males after 2-weeks (ñ80 μA/cm(2), n=5, p < 0.05) compared to their 0G counterparts. Chloride-free ringer significantly reduced basal I(sc) by 65% in 600G males and 72% in 600G females, suggesting that Cl(-) was the major anion comprising the genistein-stimulated secretion. The forskolin-stimulated (10 μM) I(sc) was significantly inhibited by the CFTR chloride channel inhibitors, glibenclamide (500 μM) and CFTR(inh)-172 (100 μM) in 600G males and females, suggesting some contribution by genistein-dependent CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion. We found no associated changes in intestinal morphology, nor change in total CFTR protein with 600G. There was a 5% increase in apical/subapical ratio in 600G males compared to controls (no change in females).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that male and female mice both exhibit increased Cl- secretion with 600G, however, the mechanisms mediating this are gender-dependent.

Lack of Restoration in Vivo by K-Channel Modulators of Jejunal Fluid Absorption after Heat Stable Escherichia coli Enterotoxin (STa) Challenge

Enhanced potassium ion permeability at the enterocyte basolateral membrane is assumed to facilitate sustained chloride ion and fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen during episodes of secretory diarrhoeal disease. To examine this concept in vivo, two potassium ion channel blockers and a channel opener were coperfused with E. coli heat stable STa enterotoxin to determine whether such compounds improved or worsened the inhibited fluid absorption. In the STa (80 ng/mL) challenged jejunal loop, the fluid absorption rate of 28.6 ± 5.8 (14) μL/cm/hr was significantly below (P < .001) the normal rate of 98.8 ± 6.2 (17) μL/cm/hr. Intraluminal (300 uM) glibenclamide added to STa perfused loops failed to improve the inhibited fluid absorption rate, which was 7.4 ± 3.2 (6) μL/cm/hr on coperfusion with STa. Similarly, on coperfusion with 30 uM clotrimazole, the fluid absorption rate with STa present remained inhibited at 11.4 ± 7.0 (4) μL/cm/hr. On coperfusion with intraluminal 1 uM cromakalim, STa reduced fluid absorption significantly (P < .02) to 24.7 ± 8.0 (10) μL/cm/hr, no different from STa challenge in the absence of cromakalim. Infusion i.v. with these agents also failed to restore fluid absorption after STa challenge. These observations do not support the proposed potassium ion permeability event as a necessary corollary of enterotoxin-mediated secretion. This makes it unlikely that modulators of such permeability prevent enterocyte secretion in diarrhoeal disease.

Properties of substance P-stimulated mucus secretion from porcine tracheal submucosal glands

Human and pig airway submucosal glands secrete mucus in response to substance P (SubP), but in pig tracheal glands the response to SubP is >10-fold greater than in humans and shares features with cholinergically produced secretion. CFTR-deficient pigs provide a model for human cystic fibrosis (CF), and in newborn CF pigs the response of tracheal glands to SubP is significantly reduced (Joo et al. J Clin Invest 120: 3161–3166, 2010). To further define features of SubP-mediated gland secretion, we optically measured secretion rates from individual adult porcine glands in isolated tracheal tissues in response to mucosal capsaicin and serosal SubP. Mucosal capsaicin (EC50 = 19 μM) stimulated low rates of secretion that were partially inhibited by tetrodotoxin and by inhibitors for muscarinic, VIP, and SubP receptors, suggesting reflex stimulation of secretion by multiple transmitters. Secretion in response to mucosal capsaicin was inhibited by CFTRinh-172, but not by niflumic acid. Serosal SubP (EC50 = 230 nM) stimulated 10-fold more secretion than mucosal capsaicin, with a Vmax similar to that of carbachol. Secretion rates peaked within 5 min and then declined to a lower sustained rate. SubP-stimulated secretion was inhibited 75% by bumetanide, 53% by removal of HCO3−, and 85% by bumetanide + removal of HCO3−; it was not inhibited by atropine but was inhibited by niflumic acid, clotrimazole, BAPTA-AM, nominally Ca2+-free bath solution, and the adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL-12330A. Ratiometric measurements of fura 2 fluorescence in dissociated gland cells showed that SubP and carbachol increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration by similar amounts. SubP produced rapid volume loss by serous and mucous cells, expansion of gland lumina, mucus flow, and exocytosis but little or no contraction of myoepithelial cells. These and prior results suggest that SubP stimulates pig gland secretion via CFTR- and Ca2+-activated Cl− channels.

Mucosal potassium efflux mediated via Kcnn4 channels provides the driving force for electrogenic anion secretion in colon

Intermediate conductance K(+) (Kcnn4) channels are present in both mucosal and serosal membranes of colon. However, only serosal Kcnn4 channels have been shown to be essential for agonist-induced (cAMP and Ca(2+)) anion secretion. The present study sought to determine whether mucosal Kcnn4 channels also play a role in colonic anion secretion. Mucosal-to-serosal and serosal-to-mucosal unidirectional (86)Rb (K(+) surrogate) fluxes as well as short-circuit current (I(sc); a measure of anion secretion) were measured under voltage-clamp conditions in distal colon from rats fed either a standard or K(+)-free diet. 5,6-Dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-one (DC-EBIO) was used to activate Kcnn4 channels. Mucosal DC-EBIO both induced K(+) secretion and enhanced anion secretion in normal rat distal colon. The DC-EBIO-induced K(+) secretion was completely blocked by nonspecific (Ba(2+)) and Kcnn4-specific (TRAM-34) inhibitors, but was not blocked by the large-conductance K(+) (iberiotoxin), small-conductance K(+) (apamin), or KCNQ1 (chromanol 293B) specific blockers. Ba(2+) and TRAM-34 also inhibited DC-EBIO-enhanced anion secretion. The DC-EBIO-enhanced anion secretion was completely inhibited by the nonspecific anion channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropyl-amino)benzoic acid, whereas it was only partially inhibited by CFTR [CFTR(inh)-172, glibenclamide]- and CaCC (niflumic acid)-specific Cl(-) channel blockers. In contrast, mucosal DC-EBIO-enhanced K(+) and anion secretion was not present in distal colon of dietary K-depleted rats, indicating absence of mucosal Kcnn4 channels. These observations indicate that mucosal Kcnn4 channels are capable of driving agonist-induced anion secretion mediated via CFTR and CaCC and likely contribute to stool K(+) losses that accompany diarrheal illnesses.

Recycling of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel, KCa2.3, is dependent upon RME-1, Rab35/EPI64C, and an N-terminal domain

Regulation of the number of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels at the endothelial cell surface contributes to control of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor response, although this process is poorly understood. To address the fate of plasma membrane-localized KCa2.3, we utilized an extracellular epitope-tagged channel in combination with fluorescence and biotinylation techniques in both human embryonic kidney cells and the human microvascular endothelial cell line, HMEC-1. KCa2.3 was internalized from the plasma membrane and degraded with a time constant of 18 h. Cell surface biotinylation demonstrated that KCa2.3 was rapidly endocytosed and recycled back to the plasma membrane. Consistent with recycling, expression of a dominant negative (DN) RME-1 or Rab35 as well as wild type EPI64C, the Rab35 GTPase-activating protein, resulted in accumulation of KCa2.3 in an intracellular compartment. Expression of DN RME-1, DN Rab35, or wild type EPI64C resulted in a decrease in steady-state plasma membrane expression. Knockdown of EPI64C increased cell surface expression of KCa2.3. Furthermore, the effect of EPI64C was dependent upon its GTPase-activating proteins activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed an association between KCa2.3 and both Rab35 and RME-1. In contrast to KCa2.3, KCa3.1 was rapidly endocytosed and degraded in an RME-1 and Rab35-independent manner. A series of N-terminal deletions identified a 12-amino acid region, Gly(206)-Pro(217), as being required for the rapid recycling of KCa2.3. Deletion of Gly(206)-Pro(217) had no effect on the association of KCa2.3 with Rab35 but significantly decreased the association with RME-1. These represent the first studies elucidating the mechanisms by which KCa2.3 is maintained at the plasma membrane.

Endolymphatic sodium homeostasis by extramacular epithelium of the saccule

The saccule is a vestibular sensory organ that depends upon regulation of its luminal fluid, endolymph, for normal transduction of linear acceleration into afferent neural transmission. Previous studies suggested that endolymph in the saccule was merely derived from cochlear endolymph. We developed and used a preparation of isolated mouse saccule to measure transepithelial currents from the extramacular epithelium with a current density probe. The direction and pharmacology of transepithelial current was consistent with Na(+) absorption by the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) and was blocked by the ENaC-specific inhibitors benzamil and amiloride. Involvement of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and K(+) channels was demonstrated by reduction of the current by ouabain and the K(+) channel blockers Ba(2+), XE991, and 4-AP. Glucocorticoids upregulated the current via glucocorticoid receptors. Dexamethasone stimulated the current after 24 h and the stimulation was blocked by mifepristone but not spironolactone. No acute response was observed to elevated cAMP in the presence of amiloride nor to bumetanide, a blocker of Na(+),K(+),2Cl(-) cotransporter. The results are consistent with a canonical model of corticosteroid-regulated Na(+) absorption that includes entry of luminal Na(+) through apical membrane Na(+) channels and active basolateral exit of Na(+) via a Na(+) pump, with recycling of K(+) at the basolateral membrane via K(+)-permeable channels. These observations provide our first understanding of the active role played by saccular epithelium in the local regulation of the [Na(+)] of endolymph for maintenance of our sense of balance.

Let's look at cysts from both sides now

In the years since identification of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) genes, the lag time between initial understanding and translation to therapy has decreased rapidly. Albaqumi and colleagues describe a promising approach to slow ADPKD cyst enlargement through inhibition of the basolateral KCa3.1 K(+) channel, using a nontoxic small molecule with a close congener poised for rapid entry into the clinic. Cyst fluid accumulation can be blocked from both sides now.

Physiology and pathophysiology of potassium channels in gastrointestinal epithelia

Epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract are an important barrier between the "milieu interne" and the luminal content of the gut. They perform transport of nutrients, salts, and water, which is essential for the maintenance of body homeostasis. In these epithelia, a variety of K(+) channels are expressed, allowing adaptation to different needs. This review provides an overview of the current literature that has led to a better understanding of the multifaceted function of gastrointestinal K(+) channels, thereby shedding light on pathophysiological implications of impaired channel function. For instance, in gastric mucosa, K(+) channel function is a prerequisite for acid secretion of parietal cells. In epithelial cells of small intestine, K(+) channels provide the driving force for electrogenic transport processes across the plasma membrane, and they are involved in cell volume regulation. Fine tuning of salt and water transport and of K(+) homeostasis occurs in colonic epithelia cells, where K(+) channels are involved in secretory and reabsorptive processes. Furthermore, there is growing evidence for changes in epithelial K(+) channel expression during cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and, under pathological conditions, carcinogenesis. In the future, integrative approaches using functional and postgenomic/proteomic techniques will help us to gain comprehensive insights into the role of K(+) channels of the gastrointestinal tract.

Fenofibrate inhibits intestinal Cl- secretion by blocking basolateral KCNQ1 K+ channels

Fibrates are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) ligands in widespread clinical use to lower plasma triglyceride levels. We investigated the effect of fenofibrate and clofibrate on ion transport in mouse intestine and in human T84 colonic adenocarcinoma cells through the use of short-circuit current (I(sc)) and ion flux analysis. In mice, oral administration of fenofibrate produced a persistent inhibition of cAMP-stimulated electrogenic Cl(-) secretion by isolated jejunum and colon without affecting electroneutral fluxes of (22)Na(+) or (86)Rb(+) (K(+)) across unstimulated colonic mucosa. When applied acutely to isolated mouse intestinal mucosa, 100 microM fenofibrate inhibited cAMP-stimulated I(sc) within 5 min. In T84 cells, fenofibrate rapidly inhibited approximately 80% the Cl(-) secretory responses to forskolin (cAMP) and to heat stable enterotoxin STa (cGMP) without affecting the response to carbachol (Ca(2+)). Both fenofibrate and clofibrate inhibited cAMP-stimulated I(sc) with an IC(50) approximately 1 muM, whereas other PPARalpha activators (gemfibrozil and Wy-14,643) were without effect. Membrane permeabilization experiments on T84 cells indicated that fenofibrate inhibits basolateral cAMP-stimulated K(+) channels (putatively KCNQ1/KCNE3) without affecting Ca(2+)-stimulated K(+) channel activity, whereas clofibrate inhibits both K(+) pathways. Fenofibrate had no effect on apical cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) channel activity. Patch-clamp analysis of HEK-293T cells confirmed that 100 microM fenofibrate rapidly inhibits K(+) currents associated with ectopic expression of human KCNQ1 with or without the KCNE3 beta-subunit. We conclude that fenofibrate inhibits intestinal cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) secretion through a nongenomic mechanism that involves a selective inhibition of basolateral KCNQ1/KCNE3 channel complexes. Our findings raise the prospect of fenofibrate as a safe and effective antidiarrheal agent.

Synergistic airway gland mucus secretion in response to vasoactive intestinal peptide and carbachol is lost in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by dysfunction of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel whose dysfunction leads to chronic bacterial and fungal airway infections via a pathophysiological cascade that is incompletely understood. Airway glands, which produce most airway mucus, do so in response to both acetylcholine (ACh) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). CF glands fail to secrete mucus in response to VIP, but do so in response to ACh. Because vagal cholinergic pathways still elicit strong gland mucus secretion in CF subjects, it is unclear whether VIP-stimulated, CFTR-dependent gland secretion participates in innate defense. It was recently hypothesized that airway intrinsic neurons, which express abundant VIP and ACh, are normally active and stimulate low-level gland mucus secretion that is a component of innate mucosal defenses. Here we show that low levels of VIP and ACh produced significant mucus secretion in human glands via strong synergistic interactions; synergy was lost in glands of CF patients. VIP/ACh synergy also existed in pig glands, where it was CFTR dependent, mediated by both Cl(-) and HCO(3) (-), and clotrimazole sensitive. Loss of "housekeeping" gland mucus secretion in CF, in combination with demonstrated defects in surface epithelia, may play a role in the vulnerability of CF airways to bacterial infections.

Role of protein kinase C in aldosterone-induced non-genomic inhibition of basolateral potassium channels in human colonic crypts

Aldosterone produces rapid, non-genomic, inhibition of basolateral intermediate conductance K(+) (IK(Ca)) channels in human colonic crypt cells but the intracellular second messengers involved are unclear. We therefore evaluated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in aldosterone's non-genomic inhibitory effect on basolateral IK(Ca) channels in crypt cells from normal human sigmoid colon. Patch clamp studies revealed that in cell-attached patches, IK(Ca) channel activity decreased progressively to 38+/-8% (P<0.001) of the basal value 10 min after the addition of 1 nmol/L aldosterone, and decreased further to 23+/-6% (P<0.02) of the basal value 5 min after increasing the aldosterone concentration to 10 nmol/L. Pre-incubation of crypts with 1 micromol/L chelerythrine chloride or 1 micromol/L Gö 6976 (PKC inhibitors) prevented the inhibitory effect of aldosterone. Conversely, channel activity decreased to 60+/-9% (P<0.02) of the basal value 10 min after the addition of 500 nmol/L PMA (a PKC activator), whereas 4alpha-PMA (an inactive ester) had no effect. When aldosterone (10 nmol/L) and PMA were added together, IK(Ca) channel activity was inhibited to the same extent as with aldosterone alone. These results indicate that aldosterone's non-genomic inhibitory effect on the macroscopic basolateral K(+) conductance in human colonic crypts reflects PKC-mediated inhibition of IK(Ca) channels.

Role of cholinergic-activated KCa1.1 (BK), KCa3.1 (SK4) and KV7.1 (KCNQ1) channels in mouse colonic Cl- secretion

AIM

Colonic crypts are the site of Cl- secretion. Basolateral K+ channels provide the driving force for luminal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator-mediated Cl- exit. Relevant colonic epithelial K+ channels are the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K(Ca)3.1 (SK4) channel and the cAMP-activated K(V)7.1 (KCNQ1) channel. In addition, big conductance Ca2+-activated K(Ca)1.1 (BK) channels may play a role in Ca2+-activated Cl- secretion. Here we use K(Ca)1.1 and K(Ca)3.1 knock-out mice, and the K(V)7.1 channel inhibitor 293B (10 microm) to investigate the role of K(Ca)1.1, K(Ca)3.1 and K(V)7.1 channels in cholinergic-stimulated Cl- secretion.

METHODS

A Ussing chamber was used to quantify agonist-stimulated increases in short circuit current (Isc) in distal colon. Chloride secretion was activated by bl. forskolin (FSK, 2 microm) followed by bl. carbachol (CCH, 100 microm). Luminal Ba2+ (5 mm) was used to inhibit K(Ca)1.1 channels.

RESULTS

K(Ca)1.1 WT and KO mice displayed identical FSK and CCH-stimulated Isc changes, indicating that K(Ca)1.1 channels are not involved in FSK- and cholinergic-stimulated Cl- secretion. CCH-stimulated DeltaIsc was significantly reduced in K(Ca)3.1 KO mice, underscoring the known relevance of this channel in the activation of Cl- secretion by an intracellular Ca2+ increasing agonist. The residual CCH effect observed in K(Ca)3.1 KO mice suggests that yet another K+ channel is driving the CCH-stimulated Cl- secretion. In the presence of the specific K(V)7.1 channel blocker 293B, the residual CCH effect was abolished.

CONCLUSIONS

This demonstrates that both K(Ca)3.1 and K(V)7.1 channels are activated by cholinergic agonists and drive Cl- secretion. In contrast, K(Ca)1.1 channels are not involved in stimulated electrogenic Cl- secretion.

Role of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in duodenal mucosal ion transport and bicarbonate secretion

Stimulation of muscarinic receptors in the duodenal mucosa raises cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)), thereby regulating duodenal epithelial ion transport. However, little is known about the downstream molecular targets that account for this Ca(2+)-mediated biological action. Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels are candidates, but the expression and function of duodenal K(Ca) channels are poorly understood. Therefore, we determined whether K(Ca) channels are expressed in the duodenal mucosa and investigated their involvement in Ca(2+)-mediated duodenal epithelial ion transport. Two selective blockers of intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (IK(Ca)) channels, clotrimazole (30 muM) and 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34; 10 muM), significantly inhibited carbachol (CCh)-induced duodenal short-circuit current (I(sc)) and duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion (DMBS) in mice but did not affect responses to forskolin and heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli. Tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, and BaCl(2) failed to inhibit CCh-induced I(sc) and DMBS. A-23187 (10 muM), a Ca(2+) ionophore, and 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO; 1 mM), a selective opener of K(Ca) channels, increased both I(sc) and DMBS. The effect of 1-EBIO was more pronounced with serosal than mucosal addition. Again, both clotrimazole and TRAM-34 significantly reduced A23187- or 1-EBIO-induced I(sc) and DMBS. Moreover, clotrimazole (20 mg/kg ip) significantly attenuated acid-stimulated DMBS of mice in vivo. Finally, the molecular identity of IK(Ca) channels was verified as KCNN4 (SK4) in freshly isolated murine duodenal mucosae by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Together, our results suggest that the IK(Ca) channel is one of the downstream molecular targets for [Ca(2+)](cyt) to mediate duodenal epithelial ion transport.

Distinct K+ conductive pathways are required for Cl- and K+ secretion across distal colonic epithelium

Secretion of Cl(-) and K(+) in the colonic epithelium operates through a cellular mechanism requiring K(+) channels in the basolateral and apical membranes. Transepithelial current [short-circuit current (I(sc))] and conductance (G(t)) were measured for isolated distal colonic mucosa during secretory activation by epinephrine (Epi) or PGE(2) and synergistically by PGE(2) and carbachol (PGE(2) + CCh). TRAM-34 at 0.5 microM, an inhibitor of K(Ca)3.1 (IK, Kcnn4) K(+) channels (H. Wulff, M. J. Miller, W. Hänsel, S. Grissmer, M. D. Cahalan, and K. G. Chandy. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 8151-8156, 2000), did not alter secretory I(sc) or G(t) in guinea pig or rat colon. The presence of K(Ca)3.1 in the mucosa was confirmed by immunoblot and immunofluorescence detection. At 100 microM, TRAM-34 inhibited I(sc) and G(t) activated by Epi ( approximately 4%), PGE(2) ( approximately 30%) and PGE(2) + CCh ( approximately 60%). The IC(50) of 4.0 microM implicated involvement of K(+) channels other than K(Ca)3.1. The secretory responses augmented by the K(+) channel opener 1-EBIO were inhibited only at a high concentration of TRAM-34, suggesting further that K(Ca)3.1 was not involved. Sensitivity of the synergistic response (PGE(2) + CCh) to a high concentration TRAM-34 supported a requirement for multiple K(+) conductive pathways in secretion. Clofilium (100 microM), a quaternary ammonium, inhibited Cl(-) secretory I(sc) and G(t) activated by PGE(2) ( approximately 20%) but not K(+) secretion activated by Epi. Thus Cl(-) secretion activated by physiological secretagogues occurred without apparent activity of K(Ca)3.1 channels but was dependent on other types of K(+) channels sensitive to high concentrations of TRAM-34 and/or clofilium.

Pulmonary and systemic nitric oxide metabolites in a baboon model of neonatal chronic lung disease

We report on developmental changes of pulmonary and systemic nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in a baboon model of chronic lung disease with or without exposure to inhaled NO. The plasma levels of nitrite and nitrate, staining for S-nitrosothiols and 3-nitrotyrosine in the large airways, increased between 125 d and 140 d of gestation (term 185 d) in animals developing in utero. The developmental increase in NO-mediated protein modifications was not interrupted by delivery at 125 d of gestation and mechanical ventilation for 14 d, whereas plasma nitrite and nitrate levels increased in this model. Exposure to inhaled NO resulted in a further increase in plasma nitrite and nitrate and an increase in plasma S-nitrosothiol without altering lung NO synthase expression. These data demonstrate a developmental progression in levels of pulmonary NO metabolites that parallel known maturational increases in total NO synthase activity in the lung. Despite known suppression of total pulmonary NO synthase activity in the chronic lung disease model, pulmonary and systemic NO metabolite levels are higher than in the developmental control animals. Thus, a deficiency in NO production and biological function in the premature baboon was not apparent by the detection and quantification of these surrogate markers of NO production.

DCEBIO stimulates Cl- secretion in the mouse jejunum

We investigated the effects of 5,6-dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one(DCEBIO) on the Cl- secretory response of the mouse jejunum using the Ussing short-circuit current (Isc) technique. DCEBIO stimulated a concentration-dependent, sustained increase in Isc (EC50 41 +/- 1 microM). Pretreating tissues with 0.25 microM forskolin reduced the concentration-dependent increase in Isc by DCEBIO and increased the EC50 (53 +/- 5 microM). Bumetanide blocked (82 +/- 5%) the DCEBIO-stimulated Isc consistent with Cl- secretion. DCEBIO was a more potent stimulator of Cl- secretion than its parent molecule, 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone. Glibenclamide or NPPB reduced the DCEBIO-stimulated Isc by >80% indicating the participation of CFTR in the DCEBIO-stimulated Isc response. Clotrimazole reduced DCEBIO-stimulated Isc by 67 +/- 15%, suggesting the participation of the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (IKCa) in the DCEBIO-activated Isc response. In the presence of maximum forskolin (10 microM), the DCEBIO response was reduced and biphasic, reaching a peak response of the change in Isc of 43 +/- 5 microA/cm2 and then falling to a steady-state response of 17 +/- 10 microA/cm2 compared with DCEBIO control tissues (61 +/- 6 microA/cm2). The forskolin-stimulated Isc in the presence of DCEBIO was reduced compared with forskolin control tissues. Similar results were observed with DCEBIO and 8-BrcAMP where adenylate cyclase was bypassed. H89, a PKA inhibitor, reduced the DCEBIO-activated Isc, providing evidence that DCEBIO increased Cl- secretion via a cAMP/PKA-dependent manner. These data suggest that DCEBIO stimulates Cl- secretion of the mouse jejunum and that DCEBIO targets components of the Cl- secretory mechanism.

Role of an S4-S5 linker lysine in the trafficking of the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels IK1 and SK3

We have investigated the role of the S4-S5 linker in the trafficking of the intermediate (human (h) IK1) and small (rat SK3) conductance K(+) channels using a combination of patch-clamp, protein biochemical, and immunofluorescence-based techniques. We demonstrate that a lysine residue (Lys(197)) located on the intracellular loop between the S4 and S5 domains is necessary for the correct trafficking of hIK1 to the plasma membrane. Mutation of this residue to either alanine or methionine precluded trafficking of the channel to the membrane, whereas the charge-conserving arginine mutation had no effect on channel localization or function. Immunofluorescence localization demonstrated that the K197A mutation resulted in a channel that was primarily retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, and this could not be rescued by incubation at 27 degrees C. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis revealed that the K197A mutation was overexpressed compared with wild-type hIK1 and that this was due to a greatly diminished rate of channel degradation. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the K197A mutation did not preclude multimer formation. Indeed, the K197A mutation dramatically suppressed expression of wild-type hIK1 at the cell surface. Finally, mutation of this conserved lysine in rat SK3 similarly resulted in a channel that failed to correctly traffic to the plasma membrane. These results are the first to demonstrate a critical role for the S4-S5 linker in the trafficking and/or function of IK and SK channels.

The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate phosphatase myotubularin- related protein 6 (MTMR6) is a negative regulator of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1

Myotubularins (MTMs) belong to a large subfamily of phosphatases that dephosphorylate the 3' position of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P] and PI(3,5)P(2). MTM1 is mutated in X-linked myotubular myopathy, and MTMR2 and MTMR13 are mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome. However, little is known about the general mechanism(s) whereby MTMs are regulated or the specific biological processes regulated by the different MTMs. We identified a Ca(2+)-activated K channel, K(Ca)3.1 (also known as KCa4, IKCa1, hIK1, or SK4), that specifically interacts with the MTMR6 subfamily of MTMs via coiled coil (CC) domains on both proteins. Overexpression of MTMR6 inhibited K(Ca)3.1 channel activity, and this inhibition required MTMR6's CC and phosphatase domains. This inhibition is specific; MTM1, a closely related MTM, did not inhibit K(Ca)3.1. However, a chimeric MTM1 in which the MTM1 CC domain was swapped for the MTMR6 CC domain inhibited K(Ca)3.1, indicating that MTM CC domains are sufficient to confer target specificity. K(Ca)3.1 was also inhibited by the PI(3) kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin, and this inhibition was rescued by the addition of PI(3)P, but not other phosphoinositides, to the patch pipette solution. PI(3)P also rescued the inhibition of K(Ca)3.1 by MTMR6 overexpression. These data, when taken together, indicate that K(Ca)3.1 is regulated by PI(3)P and that MTMR6 inhibits K(Ca)3.1 by dephosphorylating the 3' position of PI(3)P, possibly leading to decreased PI(3)P in lipid microdomains adjacent to K(Ca)3.1. K(Ca)3.1 plays important roles in controlling proliferation by T cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and some cancer cell lines. Thus, our findings not only provide unique insights into the regulation of K(Ca)3.1 channel activity but also raise the possibility that MTMs play important roles in the negative regulation of T cells and in conditions associated with pathological cell proliferation, such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

Pathways for K+ Efflux in Isolated Surface and Crypt Colonic Cells. Activation by Calcium

K+ -conductive pathways were evaluated in isolated surface and crypt colonic cells, by measuring (86)Rb efflux. In crypt cells, basal K+ efflux (rate constant: 0.24 +/- 0.044 min(-1), span: 24 +/- 1.3%) was inhibited by 30 mM TEA and 5 mM Ba2+ in an additive way, suggesting the existence of two different conductive pathways. Basal efflux was insensitive to apamin, iberiotoxin, charybdotoxin and clotrimazole. Ionomycin (5 microM) stimulated K+ efflux, increasing the rate constant to 0.65 +/- 0.007 min(-1) and the span to 83 +/- 3.2%. Ionomycin-induced K+ efflux was inhibited by clotrimazole (IC(50) of 25 +/- 0.4 microM) and charybdotoxin (IC(50) of 65 +/- 5.0 nM) and was insensitive to TEA, Ba2+, apamin and iberiotoxin, suggesting that this conductive pathway is related to the Ca2+-activated intermediate-conductance K+ channels (IK(ca)). Absence of extracellular Ca2+ did neither affect basal nor ionomycin-induced K+ efflux. However, intracellular Ca2+ depletion totally inhibited the ionomycin-induced K+ efflux, indicating that the activation of these K+ channels mainly depends on intracellular calcium liberation. K+ efflux was stimulated by intracellular Ca(2+) with an EC(50) of 1.1 +/- 0.04 microM. In surface cells, K+ efflux (rate constant: 0.17 +/- 0.027 min(-1); span: 25 +/- 3.4%) was insensitive to TEA and Ba2+. However, ionomycin induced K+ efflux with characteristics identical to that observed in crypt cells. In conclusion, both surface and crypt cells present IK(Ca) channels but only crypt cells have TEA- and Ba2+-sensitive conductive pathways, which would determine their participation in colonic K+ secretion.

K+ channel inhibition accelerates intestinal epithelial cell wound healing

Restitution is the process by which superficial interruptions in the gastrointestinal mucosa are repaired by the flattening and spreading of epithelial cells surrounding the damage. During this process, mucosal epithelial cells undergo extensive reshaping and cytoskeletal remodeling. K(+) channels, located primarily on the basolateral surface of gut epithelial cells, are central to both actin polymerization, via their control of membrane potential, and cell volume regulation. We questioned whether K(+) channels are involved in restitution using an in vitro model of intestinal epithelium, monolayers of the human colon carcinoma cell line T84. We report that pharmacologic K(+) channel inhibition accelerates wound healing in T84 cell monolayers. Both Ca(++)-dependent and constitutively active channels are involved, as indicated by the sensitivity to clotrimazole, charybdotoxin, and barium. The ability of clotrimazole to accelerate wound resealing was also observed in Caco-2 cell sheets. Pharmacologic stimulation of K(+) channel activity had no effect on the repair rate. Analysis of the resealing process by time lapse and confocal microscopy revealed that K(+) channel inhibitors abolished the initial wound retraction, briefly accelerated the repair rate, and altered the shape of the cell sheet abutting the injury during the early phase of resealing. We hypothesize that K(+) channel inactivation interrupts the coregulation of f-actin polymerization and volume control that is initiated by the healing process.

Genistein stimulates electrogenic Cl−secretion in mouse jejunum

We used the short-circuit current ( Isc) technique to investigate the effects of the isoflavone genistein on the electrogenic Cl−secretion of the mouse jejunum. Genistein stimulated a sustained increase in Iscthat was dose dependent. Bumetanide inhibited 76 ± 5% of the genistein-stimulated Iscconsistent with activation of Cl−secretion. Genistein failed to stimulate Iscfollowing maximal activation of the cAMP pathway by forskolin. In addition, forskolin had a reduced effect on Iscof the mouse jejunum in the presence of genistein. Glibenclamide, a blocker of CFTR, eliminated the genistein-stimulated increase of Iscand reduced the forskolin-activated Isc. Clotrimazole, a Ca2+-activated K+channel blocker, failed to reduce the genistein-stimulated Isc. Vanadate, a blocker of tyrosine-dependent phosphatases, reduced the genistein-activated Isc. Tyrphostin A23, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduced basal Isc, after which genistein failed to stimulate Isc. These data suggest that genistein activated a sustained Cl−secretory response of the mouse jejunum and that the effect of genistein was via a tyrosine-dependent phosphorylation pathway.

Calcium-dependent regulation of secretion in biliary epithelial cells: the role of apamin-sensitive SK channels

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Increases in intracellular Ca 2+ are thought to complement cAMP in stimulating Cl - secretion in cholangiocytes, although the site(s) of action and channels involved are unknown. We have identified a Ca 2+ -activated K + channel (SK2) in biliary epithelium that is inhibited by apamin. The purpose of the present studies was to define the role of SK channels in Ca 2+ -dependent cholangiocyte secretion.

METHODS

Studies were performed in human Mz-Cha-1 cells and normal rat cholangiocytes (NRC). Currents were measured by whole-cell patch clamp technique and transepithelial secretion by Ussing chamber.

RESULTS

Ca 2+ -dependent stimuli, including purinergic receptor stimulation, ionomycin, and increases in cell volume, each activated K + -selective currents with a linear IV relation and time-dependent inactivation. Currents were Ca 2+ dependent and were inhibited by apamin and by Ba 2+. In intact liver, immunoflourescence with an antibody to SK2 showed a prominent signal in cholangiocyte plasma membrane. To evaluate the functional significance, NRC monolayers were mounted in a Ussing chamber, and the short-circuit current ( I sc ) was measured. Exposure to ionomycin caused an increase in I sc 2-fold greater than that induced by cAMP. Both the basal and ionomycin-induced I sc were inhibited by basolateral Ba 2+, and approximately 58% of the basolateral K + current was apamin sensitive.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that cholangiocytes exhibit robust Ca 2+ -stimulated secretion significantly greater in magnitude than that stimulated by cAMP. SK2 plays an important role in mediating the increase in transepithelial secretion due to increases in intracellular Ca 2+. SK2 channels, therefore, may represent a target for pharmacologic modulation of bile flow.

Functional and molecular identification of intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in breast cancer cells: association with cell cycle progression

We have previously reported that the hEAG K(+) channels are responsible for the potential membrane hyperpolarization that induces human breast cancer cell progression into the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In the present study, we evaluate the role and functional expression of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel, hIK1-like, in controlling cell cycle progression. Our results demonstrate that hIK1 current density increased in cells synchronized at the end of the G1 or S phase compared with those in the early G1 phase. This increased current density paralleled the enhancement in hIK1 mRNA levels and the highly negative membrane potential. Furthermore, in cells synchronized at the end of G1 or S phases, basal cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was also higher than in cells arrested in early G1. Blocking hIK1 channels with a specific blocker, clotrimazole, induced both membrane potential depolarization and a decrease in the [Ca(2+)](i) in cells arrested at the end of G1 and S phases but not in cells arrested early in the G1 phase. Blocking hIK1 with clotrimazole also induced cell proliferation inhibition but to a lesser degree than blocking hEAG with astemizole. The two drugs were essentially additive, inhibiting MCF-7 cell proliferation by 82% and arresting >90% of cells in the G1 phase. Thus, although the progression of MCF-7 cells through the early G1 phase is dependent on the activation of hEAG K(+) channels, when it comes to G1 and checkpoint G1/S transition, the membrane potential appears to be primarily dependent on the hIK1-activity level.

Chloride secretion in a morphologically differentiated human colonic cell line that expresses the epithelial Na+ channel

Cell line models of colonic electrolyte transport have been extensively used despite lacking some of the characteristics of native tissue. While native colonic crypts absorb or secrete NaCl, immortalized cell lines only retain the secretory phenotype. In the present study we have characterized functionally and molecularly, vectorial fluid and electrolyte transport in the morphologically differentiated human colonic cell line LIM1863. LIM1863 cells form morphologically differentiated organoids resembling native human colonic crypts, which secrete fluid and electrolytes across the apical membrane into a centrally located lumen. Net fluid secretion was evaluated by means of morphometric measurement of lumens formed in LIM organoids in response to known secretagogues. Pharmacological profiling of the channels and transporters involved in fluid and electrolyte transport showed that net fluid transport requires Cl- uptake across the basolateral membrane through a Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) and its subsequent exit across an apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel. Similar to the native colon, net Cl- secretion in the LIM1863 cell line is activated by cAMP-mediated agonists. Carbachol, a Ca(2+)-mediated agonist, does not induce net Cl- secretion but modulates the cAMP-activated response. Expression of chloride channels (CFTR and the Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- channel, ClCa1), potassium channels (KCNN4 and KCNQ1), epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) alpha, beta and gamma subunits and ion transporters (NKCC1; anion exchanger, AE2; Na+/H+ exchangers, NHE1-3) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot in the case of ENaC. Based on this evidence we propose that LIM1863 cells provide a unique model for studying CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion in a morphologically differentiated human colonic crypt cell line that also expresses ENaC.

Role of the NH2 terminus in the assembly and trafficking of the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel hIK1

The role of the NH(2)-terminal leucine zipper and dileucine motifs of hIK1 in the assembly, trafficking, and function of the channel was investigated using cell surface immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), immunoblot, and whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Mutation of the NH(2)-terminal leucine zipper at amino acid positions 18 and 25 (L18A/L25A) resulted in a complete loss of steady-state protein expression, cell surface expression, and whole-cell current density. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation with lactacystin restored L18A/L25A protein expression, although this channel was not expressed at the cell surface as assessed by cell surface immunoprecipitation and whole-cell patch clamp. In contrast, inhibitors of lysosomal degradation (leupeptin/pepstatin) and endocytosis (chloroquine) had little effect on L18A/L25A protein expression or localization. Further studies confirmed the rapid degradation of this channel, having a time constant of 19.0 +/- 1.3 min compared with 3.2 +/- 0.8 h for wild type hIK1. Co-expression studies demonstrated that the L18A/L25A channel associates with wild type channel, thereby attenuating its expression at the cell surface. Co-IP studies confirmed this association. However, L18A/L25A channels failed to form homotetrameric channels, as assessed by Co-IP, suggesting the NH(2) terminus plays a role in tetrameric channel assembly. As with the leucine zipper, mutation of the dileucine motif to alanines, L18A/L19A, resulted in a near complete loss in steady-state protein expression with the protein being similarly targeted to the proteasome for degradation. In contrast to our results on the leucine zipper, however, both chloroquine and growing the cells at the permissive temperature of 27 degrees C restored expression of L18A/L19A at the cell surface, suggesting that the defect in the channel trafficking is the result of a subtle folding error. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the NH(2) terminus of hIK1 contains overlapping leucine zipper and dileucine motifs essential for channel assembly and trafficking to the plasma membrane.

14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic-mSI: a 14,15- and 5,6-EET antagonist in bovine coronary arteries

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin are mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). In bovine coronary arteries, arachidonic acid metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), function as EDHFs. The 14,15-EET analog 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic-methylsulfonylimide (14,15-EEZE-mSI) was synthesized and tested for agonist and antagonist activity. In U46619-preconstricted bovine coronary arterial rings, 14,15-, 11,12-, 8,9-, and 5,6-EET induced maximal concentration-related relaxation averaging 75% to 87% at 10 micromol/L, whereas, 14,15-EEZE-mSI induced maximal relaxation averaging only 7%. 14,15-EEZE-mSI (10 micromol/L) preincubation inhibited relaxation to 14,15- and 5,6- EET but not 11,12- or 8,9- EET. 14,15-EEZE-mSI also inhibited indomethacin-resistant relaxation to arachidonic acid and indomethacin-resistant and l-nitroarginine-resistant relaxation to bradykinin and methacholine. It did not alter the relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, iloprost, or the K+ channel openers bimakalim or NS1619. In cell-attached patches of isolated bovine coronary arterial smooth muscle cells, 14,15-EEZE-mSI (100 nmol/L) blocked the 14,15-EET-induced (100 nmol/L) activation of large-conductance, calcium-activated K+ channels. Mass spectrometric analysis of rat renal cortical microsomes incubated with arachidonic acid showed that 14,15-EEZE-mSI (10 micromol/L) increased EET concentrations while decreasing the concentrations of the corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Therefore, 14,15-EEZE-mSI inhibits relaxation to 5,6- and 14,15- EET and the K+ channel activation by 14,15-EET. It also inhibits the EDHF component of bradykinin-induced, methacholine-induced, and arachidonic acid-induced relaxation. These results suggest that 14,15- or 5,6 -EET act as an EDHF in bovine coronary arteries.

Active K+ secretion through multiple KCa-type channels and regulation by IKCa channels in rat proximal colon

Colonic K+ secretion stimulated by cholinergic agents requires activation of muscarinic receptors and the release of intracellular Ca2+. However, the precise mechanisms by which this rise in Ca2+ leads to K+ efflux across the apical membrane are poorly understood. In the present study, Northern blot analysis of rat proximal colon revealed the presence of transcripts encoding rSK2 [small conductance (SK)], rSK4 [intermediate conductance (IK)], and rSlo [large conductance (BK)] Ca2+-activated K+ channels. In dietary K+-depleted animals, only rSK4 mRNA was reduced in the colon. On the basis of this observation, a cDNA encoding the K+ channel rSK4 was cloned from a rat colonic cDNA library. Transfection of this cDNA into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells led to the expression of Ca2+-activated K+ channels that were blocked by the IK channel inhibitor clotrimazole (CLT). Confocal immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of IK channels in proximal colonic crypts, and Western blotting demonstrated that IK protein sorted to both the apical and basolateral surfaces of colonic epithelia. In addition, transcellular active K+ secretion was studied on epithelial strips of rat proximal colon using unidirectional 86Rb+ fluxes. The addition of thapsigargin or carbachol to the serosal surface enhanced net 86Rb+ secretion. The mucosal addition of CLT completely inhibited carbachol-induced net 86Rb+ secretion. In contrast, only partial inhibition was observed with the BK and SK channel inhibitors, iberiotoxin and apamin, respectively. Finally, in parallel with the reduction in SK4 message observed in animals deprived of dietary K+, carbachol-induced 86Rb+ secretion was abolished in dietary K+-depleted animals. These results suggest that the rSK4 channel mediates K+ secretion induced by muscarinic agonists in the rat proximal colon and that transcription of the rSK4 channel is downregulated to prevent K+ loss during dietary K+ depletion.

Molecular localization of the inhibitory arachidonic acid binding site to the pore of hIK1

We previously demonstrated that the endogenously expressed human intermediate conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (hIK1) was inhibited by arachidonic acid (AA) (Devor, D. C., and Frizzell, R. A. (1998) Am. J. Physiol. 274, C138-C148). Here we demonstrate, using the excised, inside-out patch-clamp technique, that hIK1, heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells, is inhibited 82 +/- 2% (n = 16) with 3 microm AA, being half-maximally inhibited (IC(50)) at 1.4 +/- 0.7 microm. In contrast, AA does not inhibit the Ca(2+)-dependent, small conductance K(+) channel, rSK2, another member of the KCNN gene family. Therefore, we utilized chimeric hIK1/rSK2 channels to define the AA binding domain on hIK1 to the S5-Pore-S6 region of the channel. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis revealed that mutation of Thr(250) to Ser (T250S) resulted in a channel with limited sensitivity to block by AA (8 +/- 2%, n = 8), demonstrating that Thr(250) is a key molecular determinant for the inhibition of hIK1 by AA. Likewise, when Val(275) in S6 was mutated to Ala (V275A) AA inhibited only 43 +/- 11% (n = 9) of current flow. The double mutation T250S/V275A eliminated the AA sensitivity of hIK1. Introducing the complimentary single amino acid substitutions into rSK2 (S359T and A384V) conferred partial AA sensitivity to rSK2, 21 +/- 3% and 31 +/- 3%, respectively. Further, introducing the double mutation S359T/A384V into rSK2 resulted in a 63 +/- 8% (n = 9) inhibition by AA, thereby demonstrating the ability to introduce this inhibitory AA binding site into another member of the KCNN gene family. These results demonstrate that AA interacts with the pore-lining amino acids, Thr(250) and Val(275) in hIK1, conferring inhibition of hIK1 by AA and that AA and clotrimazole share similar, if not identical, molecular sites of interaction.

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

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

Chloride and potassium channel function in alveolar epithelial cells

Electrolyte transport across the adult alveolar epithelium plays an important role in maintaining a thin fluid layer along the apical surface of the alveolus that facilitates gas exchange across the epithelium. Most of the work published on the transport properties of alveolar epithelial cells has focused on the mechanisms and regulation of Na(+) transport and, in particular, the role of amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels in the apical membrane and the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase located in the basolateral membrane. Less is known about the identity and role of Cl(-) and K(+) channels in alveolar epithelial cells, but studies are revealing important functions for these channels in regulation of alveolar fluid volume and ionic composition. The purpose of this review is to examine previous work published on Cl(-) and K(+) channels in alveolar epithelial cells and to discuss the conclusions and speculations regarding their role in alveolar cell transport function.

Electrophysiological analysis of heterologously expressed Kv and SK/IK potassium channels

This unit describes protocols to aid investigators in determining the electrophysiological and pharmacological profile of heterologously expressed voltage or calcium-activated potassium channels belonging to the Kv1.x and SK/IK gene families. Protocols for data acquisition as well as analysis are provided.

Localization of Ca2+ -activated big-conductance K+ channels in rabbit distal colon

Big-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK channels) may play an important role in the regulation of epithelial salt and water transport, but little is known about the expression level and the precise localization of BK channels in epithelia. The aim of the present study was to quantify and localize the BK channels in the distal colon epithelium by iberiotoxin (IbTX) binding using the radiolabeled iberiotoxin analogue (125)I-IbTX-D19Y/Y36F, by autoradiography and by immunohistochemical studies. The results showed that the surface cells, responsible for Na(+) absorption, contained a high number of BK channels, whereas the abundance of the channels in the Cl(-)-secreting crypt cells was very low or absent. Surprisingly, the (125)I-IbTX-D19Y/Y36F binding and immunohistochemical studies showed expression of BK channels in the apical as well as in the basolateral membranes of the surface cells. In conclusion, the significant and distinct expression of BK channels in epithelia, combined with their strict regulation, indicate that these channels may play an important role in the overall regulation of salt and water transport.