Identification of the pH sensor and activation by chemical modification of the ClC-2G Cl- channel

Cell Volume-Activated and Volume-Correlated Anion Channels in Mammalian Cells: Their Biophysical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Properties

There are a number of mammalian anion channel types associated with cell volume changes. These channel types are classified into two groups: volume-activated anion channels (VAACs) and volume-correlated anion channels (VCACs). VAACs can be directly activated by cell swelling and include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is also called the volume-regulated anion channel; the maxi-anion channel (MAC or Maxi-Cl); and the voltage-gated anion channel, chloride channel (ClC)-2. VCACs can be facultatively implicated in, although not directly activated by, cell volume changes and include the cAMP-activated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, the Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel (CaCC), and the acid-sensitive (or acid-stimulated) outwardly rectifying anion channel. This article describes the phenotypical properties and activation mechanisms of both groups of anion channels, including accumulating pieces of information on the basis of recent molecular understanding. To that end, this review also highlights the molecular identities of both anion channel groups; in addition to the molecular identities of ClC-2 and CFTR, those of CaCC, VSOR, and Maxi-Cl were recently identified by applying genome-wide approaches. In the last section of this review, the most up-to-date information on the pharmacological properties of both anion channel groups, especially their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀ values) and voltage-dependent blocking, is summarized particularly from the standpoint of pharmacological distinctions among them. Future physiologic and pharmacological studies are definitely warranted for therapeutic targeting of dysfunction of VAACs and VCACs.

Chloride channelopathies of ClC-2

Chloride channels (ClCs) have gained worldwide interest because of their molecular diversity, widespread distribution in mammalian tissues and organs, and their link to various human diseases. Nine different ClCs have been molecularly identified and functionally characterized in mammals. ClC-2 is one of nine mammalian members of the ClC family. It possesses unique biophysical characteristics, pharmacological properties, and molecular features that distinguish it from other ClC family members. ClC-2 has wide organ/tissue distribution and is ubiquitously expressed. Published studies consistently point to a high degree of conservation of ClC-2 function and regulation across various species from nematodes to humans over vast evolutionary time spans. ClC-2 has been intensively and extensively studied over the past two decades, leading to the accumulation of a plethora of information to advance our understanding of its pathophysiological functions; however, many controversies still exist. It is necessary to analyze the research findings, and integrate different views to have a better understanding of ClC-2. This review focuses on ClC-2 only, providing an analytical overview of the available literature. Nearly every aspect of ClC-2 is discussed in the review: molecular features, biophysical characteristics, pharmacological properties, cellular function, regulation of expression and function, and channelopathies.

Crucial residue involved in L-lactate recognition by human monocarboxylate transporter 4 (hMCT4)

Background

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) transport monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate and ketone bodies. These transporters are very attractive therapeutic targets in cancer. Elucidations of the functions and structures of MCTs is necessary for the development of effective medicine which targeting these proteins. However, in comparison with MCT1, there is little information on location of the function moiety of MCT4 and which constituent amino acids govern the transport function of MCT4. The aim of the present work was to determine the molecular mechanism of L-lactate transport via hMCT4.

Experimental approach

Transport of L-lactate via hMCT4 was determined by using hMCT4 cRNA-injected Xenopus laevis oocytes. hMCT4 mediated L-lactate uptake in oocytes was measured in the absence and presence of chemical modification agents and 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulphonate (DIDS). In addition, L-lactate uptake was measured by hMCT4 arginine mutants. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed the localization of hMCT4.

Results

In hMCT4-expressing oocytes, treatment with phenylglyoxal (PGO), a compound specific for arginine residues, completely abolished the transport activity of hMCT4, although this abolishment was prevented by the presence of L-lactate. On the other hand, chemical modifications except for PGO treatment had no effect on the transport activity of hMCT4. The transporter has six conserved arginine residues, two in the transmembrane-spanning domains (TMDs) and four in the intracellular loops. In hMCT4-R278 mutants, the uptake of L-lactate is void of any transport activity without the alteration of hMCT4 localization.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Arg-278 in TMD8 is a critical residue involved in substrate, L-lactate recognition by hMCT4.

Assembly and function of the botulinum neurotoxin progenitor complex

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most poisonous substances known to man, but paradoxically, BoNT-containing medicines and cosmetics have been used with great success in the clinic. Accidental BoNT poisoning mainly occurs through oral ingestion of food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. BoNTs are naturally produced in the form of progenitor toxin complexes (PTCs), which are high molecular weight (up to ~900 kDa) multiprotein complexes composed of BoNT and several non-toxic neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs). NAPs protect the inherently fragile BoNTs against the hostile environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and help BoNTs pass through the intestinal epithelial barrier before they are released into the general circulation. These events are essential for ingested BoNTs to gain access to motoneurons, where they inhibit neurotransmitter release and cause muscle paralysis. In this review, we discuss the structural basis for assembly of NAPs and BoNT into the PTC that protects BoNT and facilitate its delivery into the bloodstream.

A molecular mechanism for proton-dependent gating in KcsA

Activation gating in KcsA is elicited by changes in intracellular proton concentration. Thompson et al. identified a charge cluster around the inner gate that plays a key role in defining proton activation in KcsA. Here, through functional and spectroscopic approaches, we confirmed the role of this charge cluster and now provide a mechanism of pH-dependent gating. Channel opening is driven by a set of electrostatic interactions that include R117, E120 and E118 at the bottom of TM2 and H25 at the end of TM1. We propose that electrostatic compensation in this charge cluster stabilizes the closed conformation at neutral pH and that its disruption at low pH facilitates the transition to the open conformation by means of helix-helix repulsion.

Entry to "formula tunnel" revealed by SLC4A4 human mutation and structural model

Glaucoma, cataracts, and proximal renal tubular acidosis are diseases caused by point mutations in the human electrogenic Na(+) bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1/SLC4A4) (1, 2). One such mutation, R298S, is located in the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of NBCe1 and has only moderate (75%) function. As SLC transporters have high similarity in their membrane and N-terminal primary sequences, we homology-modeled NBCe1 onto the crystal structure coordinates of Band 3(AE1) (3). Arg-298 is predicted to be located in a solvent-inaccessible subsurface pocket and to associate with Glu-91 or Glu-295 via H-bonding and charge-charge interactions. We perturbed these putative interactions between Glu-91 and Arg-298 by site-directed mutagenesis and used expression in Xenopus oocyte to test our structural model. Mutagenesis of either residue resulted in reduced transport function. Function was "repaired" by charge reversal (E91R/R298E), implying that these two residues are interchangeable and interdependent. These results contrast the current understanding of the AE1 N terminus as protein-binding sites and propose that hkNBCe1 (and other SLC4) cytoplasmic N termini play roles in controlling HCO(3)(-) permeation.

The V-ATPase a2-subunit as a putative endosomal pH-sensor

V-ATPase (vesicular H(+)-ATPase)-driven intravesicular acidification is crucial for vesicular trafficking. Defects in vesicular acidification and trafficking have recently been recognized as essential determinants of various human diseases. An important role of endosomal acidification in receptor-ligand dissociation and in activation of lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes is well established. However, the molecular mechanisms by which luminal pH information is transmitted to the cytosolic small GTPases that control trafficking events such as budding, coat formation and fusion are unknown. Here, we discuss our recent discovery that endosomal V-ATPase is a pH-sensor regulating the degradative pathway. According to our model, V-ATPase is responsible for: (i) the generation of a pH gradient between vesicular membranes; (ii) sensing of intravesicular pH; and (iii) transmitting this information to the cytosolic side of the membrane. We also propose the hypothetical molecular mechanism involved in function of the V-ATPase a2-subunit as a putative pH-sensor. Based on extensive experimental evidence on the crucial role of histidine residues in the function of PSPs (pH-sensing proteins) in eukaryotic cells, we hypothesize that pH-sensitive histidine residues within the intra-endosomal loops and/or C-terminal luminal tail of the a2-subunit could also be involved in the pH-sensing function of V-ATPase. However, in order to identify putative pH-sensitive histidine residues and to test this hypothesis, it is absolutely essential that we increase our understanding of the folding and transmembrane topology of the a-subunit isoforms of V-ATPase. Thus the crucial role of intra-endosomal histidine residues in pH-dependent conformational changes of the V-ATPase a2-isoform, its interaction with cytosolic small GTPases and ultimately in its acidification-dependent regulation of the endosomal/lysosomal protein degradative pathway remain to be determined.

Interregulation of proton-gated Na(+) channel 3 and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Proton-gated Na(+) channels (ASIC) are new members of the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin gene family. ASIC3 mRNA has been detected in the homogenate of pulmonary tissues. However, whether ASIC3 is expressed in the apical membranes of lung epithelial cells and whether it regulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function are not known at the present time. Using reverse transcription-PCR, we found that the ASIC3 mRNA was expressed in the human airway mucosal gland (Calu-3) and human airway epithelial (16HBE14o) cells. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that ASIC3 was co-segregated with CFTR in the apical membranes of Calu-3 cells. Proton-gated, amiloride-sensitive short circuit Na(+) currents were recorded across Calu-3 monolayers mounted in an Ussing chamber. In whole-cell patch clamp studies, activation of CFTR channels with cAMP reduced proton-gated Na(+) current in Calu-3 cells from -154 +/- 28 to -33 +/- 16 pA (n = 5, p < 0.05) at -100 mV. On the other hand, cAMP-activated CFTR activity was significantly inhibited following constitutive activation of putative ASIC3 at pH 6.0. Immunoassays showed that both ASIC3 and CFTR proteins were expressed and co-immunoprecipitated mutually in Calu-3 cells. Similar results were obtained in human embryonic kidney 293T cells following transient co-transfection of ASIC3 and CFTR. Our results indicate that putative CFTR and ASIC3 channels functionally interact with each other, possibly via an intermolecular association. Because acidic luminal fluid in the cystic fibrosis airway and lung tends to stimulate ASIC3 channel expression and activity, the interaction of ASIC3 and CFTR may contribute to defective salt and fluid transepithelial transport in the cystic fibrotic pulmonary system.

Ion transit pathways and gating in ClC chloride channels

ClC chloride channels possess a homodimeric structure in which each monomer contains an independent chloride ion pathway. ClC channel gating is regulated by chloride ion concentration, pH and voltage. Based on structural and physiological evidence, it has been proposed that a glutamate residue on the extracellular end of the selectivity filter acts as a fast gate. We utilized a new search algorithm that incorporates electrostatic information to explore the ion transit pathways through wild-type and mutant bacterial ClC channels. Examination of the chloride ion permeation pathways supports the importance of the glutamate residue in gating. An external chloride binding site previously postulated in physiological experiments is located near a conserved basic residue adjacent to the gate. In addition, access pathways are found for proton migration to the gate, enabling pH control at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. A chloride ion in the selectivity filter is required for the pH-dependent gating mechanism.

Functional characterization of novel alternatively spliced ClC-2 chloride channel variants in the heart

A novel volume-regulated hyperpolarization-activated chloride inward rectifier channel (Cl.ir) was identified in mammalian heart. To investigate whether ClC-2 is the gene encoding Cl.ir channels in heart, ClC-2 cDNAs cloned from rat (rClC-2) and guinea pig (gpClC-2) hearts were functionally characterized. When expressed in NIH/3T3 cells, full-length rClC-2 yielded inwardly rectifying whole-cell currents with very slow activation kinetics (time constants > 1.7 s) upon hyperpolarization under hypotonic condition. The single-channel rClC-2 currents had a unitary slope conductance of 3.9 +/- 0.2 picosiemens. A novel variant with an in-frame deletion at the beginning of exon 15 that leads to a deletion of 45 bp (corresponding to 15 amino acids in alpha-helices O and P, rClC-2(Delta509-523)) was identified in rat heart. The relative transcriptional expression levels of full-length rClC-2 and rClC-2(Delta509-523) in rat heart were 0.018 +/- 0.003 and 0.028 +/- 0.006 arbitrary units, respectively, relative to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (n = 5, p = nonsignificant). A similar partial exon 15 skipping with a deletion of 105 bp (35 amino acids in alpha-helices O-Q, gpClC-2(Delta509-543)) was also identified in guinea pig heart. Expression of both rClC-2(Delta509-523) and gpClC-2(Delta509-543) resulted in functional channels with phenotypic activation kinetics and many properties identical to those of endogenous Cl.ir channels in native rat and guinea pig cardiac myocytes, respectively. Intracellular dialysis of anti-ClC-2 antibody inhibited expressed ClC-2 channels and endogenous Cl.ir currents in native rat and guinea pig cardiac myocytes. These results demonstrate that novel deletion variants of ClC-2 due to partial exon 15 skipping may be expressed normally in heart and contribute to the formation of endogenous Cl.ir channels in native cardiac cells.

Extracellular acidification elicits a chloride current that shares characteristics with ICl(swell)

A Cl− current activated by extracellular acidification, ICl(pHac), has been characterized in various mammalian cell types. Many of the properties of ICl(pHac) are similar to those of the cell swelling-activated Cl− current ICl(swell): ion selectivity (I− > Br− > Cl− > F−), pharmacology [ ICl(pHac) is inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 1,9-dideoxyforskolin (DDFSK), diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC), and niflumic acid], lack of dependence on intra- or extracellular Ca2+, and presence in all cell types tested. ICl(pHac) differs from ICl(swell) in three aspects: 1) its rate of activation and inactivation is very much more rapid, currents reaching a maximum in seconds rather than minutes; 2) it exhibits a slow voltage-dependent activation in contrast to the fast voltage-dependent activation and time- and voltage-dependent inactivation observed for ICl(swell); and 3) it shows a more pronounced outward rectification. Despite these differences, study of the transition between the two currents strongly suggests that ICl(swell) and ICl(pHac) are related and that extracellular acidification reflects a novel stimulus for activating ICl(swell) that, additionally, alters the biophysical properties of the channel.

Molecular mechanisms of electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransport: structural and equilibrium thermodynamic considerations

The electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporters play an essential role in regulating intracellular pH and extracellular acid-base homeostasis. Of the known members of the bicarbonate transporter superfamily (BTS), NBC1 and NBC4 proteins have been shown to be electrogenic. The electrogenic nature of these transporters results from the unequal coupling of anionic and cationic fluxes during each transport cycle. This unique property distinguishes NBC1 and NBC4 proteins from other sodium bicarbonate cotransporters and members of the bicarbonate transporter superfamily that are known to be electroneutral. Structure-function studies have played an essential role in revealing the basis for the modulation of the coupling ratio of NBC1 proteins. In addition, the recent transmembrane topographic analysis of pNBC1 has shed light on the potential structural determinants that are responsible for ion permeation through the cotransporter. The experimentally difficult problem of determining the nature of anionic species being transported by these proteins (HCO(3)(-) versus CO(3)(2-)) is analyzed using a theoretical equilibrium thermodynamics approach. Finally, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of ion coupling and flux through electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporters is reviewed in detail.

Sites of protein kinase A activation of the human ClC-2 Cl(-) channel

Human ClC-2 Cl(-) (hClC-2) channels are activated by protein kinase A (PKA) and low extracellular pH(o). Both of these effects are prevented by the PKA inhibitor, myristoylated PKI. The aims of the present study were to identify the PKA phosphorylation site(s) important for PKA activation of hClC-2 at neutral and low pH(o) and to examine the relationship between PKA and low pH(o) activation. Recombinant hClC-2 with point mutations of consensus phosphorylation sites was prepared and stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. The responses to forskolin plus isobutylmethylxanthine at neutral and acidic pH(o) were studied by whole cell patch clamp in the presence and absence of phosphatase inhibitors. The double phosphorylation site (RRAT655(A) plus RGET691(A)) mutant hClC-2 lost PKA activation and low pH(o) activation. Either RRAT or RGET was sufficient for PKA activation of hClC-2 at pH(o) 7.4, as long as phosphatase inhibitors (cyclosporin A or endothal) were present. At pH(o) 6 only RGET was needed for PKA activation of hClC-2. Low pH(o) activation of hClC-2 Cl(-) channel activity was PKA-dependent, retained in RGET(A) mutant hClC-2, but lost in RRAT(A) mutant hClC-2. RRAT655(D) mutant hClC-2 was constitutively active and was further activated by PKA at pH(o) 7.4 and 6.0, consistent with the above findings. These results show that activation of hClC-2 is differentially regulated by PKA at two sites, RRAT655 and RGET691. Either RRAT655 or RGET691 was sufficient for activation at pH(o) 7.4. RGET, but not RRAT, was sufficient for activation at pH(o) 6.0. However, in the RGET691(D) mutant, there was PKA activation at pH(o) 6.0.

Mechanism of proton gating of a urea channel

The size and complexity of many pH-gated channels have frustrated the development of specific structural models. The small acid-activated six-membrane segment urea channel of Helicobacter hepaticus (HhUreI), homologous to the essential UreI of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori, enables identification of all the periplasmic sites of proton gating by site-directed mutagenesis. Exposure to external acidity enhances [(14)C]urea uptake by Xenopus oocytes expressing HhUreI, with half-maximal activity (pH(0.5)) at pH 6.8. A downward shift of pH(0.5) in single site mutants identified four of six protonatable periplasmic residues (His-50 at the boundary of the second transmembrane segment TM2, Glu-56 in the first periplasmic loop, Asp-59 at the boundary of TM3, and His-170 at the boundary of TM6) that affect proton gating. Asp-59 was the only site at which a protonatable residue appeared to be essential for pH gating. Mutation of Glu-110 or Glu-114 in PL2 did not affect the pH(0.5) of gating. A chimera, where the entire periplasmic domain of HhUreI was fused to the membrane domain of Streptococcus salivarius UreI (SsUreI), retained the pH-independent properties of SsUreI. Hence, proton gating of HhUreI likely depends upon the formation of hydrogen bonds by periplasmic residues that in turn produce conformational changes of the transmembrane domain. Further studies on HhUreI may facilitate understanding of other physiologically important pH-responsive channels.

Gastric parietal cell secretory membrane contains PKA- and acid-activated Kir2.1 K+ channels

Our objective was to identify and localize a K+ channel involved in gastric HCl secretion at the parietal cell secretory membrane and to characterize and compare the functional properties of native and recombinant gastric K+ channels. RT-PCR showed that mRNA for Kir2.1 was abundant in rabbit gastric mucosa with lesser amounts of Kir4.1 and Kir7.1, relative to beta-actin. Kir2.1 mRNA was localized to parietal cells of rabbit gastric glands by in situ RT-PCR. Resting and stimulated gastric vesicles contained Kir2.1 by Western blot analysis at approximately 50 kDa as observed with in vitro translation. Immunoconfocal microscopy showed that Kir2.1 was present in parietal cells, where it colocalized with H+ -K+ -ATPase and ClC-2 Cl- channels. Function of native K+ channels in rabbit resting and stimulated gastric mucosal vesicles was studied by reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers. Native gastric K+ channels exhibited a linear current-voltage relationship and a single-channel slope conductance of approximately 11 pS in 400 mM K2SO4. Channel open probability (Po) in stimulated vesicles was high, and that of resting vesicles was low. Reduction of extracellular pH plus PKA treatment increased resting channel Po to approximately 0.5 as measured in stimulated vesicles. Full-length rabbit Kir2.1 was cloned. When stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, it was activated by reduced extracellular pH and forskolin/IBMX with no effects observed in nontransfected CHO cells. Cation selectivity was K+ = Rb+ >> Na+ = Cs+ = Li+ = NMDG+. These findings strongly suggest that the Kir2.1 K+ channel may be involved in regulated gastric acid secretion at the parietal cell secretory membrane.

Regulation of AE2-mediated Cl- transport by intracellular or by extracellular pH requires highly conserved amino acid residues of the AE2 NH2-terminal cytoplasmic domain

We reported recently that regulation by intracellular pH (pH(i)) of the murine Cl-/HCO(3)(-) exchanger AE2 requires amino acid residues 310-347 of the polypeptide's NH(2)-terminal cytoplasmic domain. We have now identified individual amino acid residues within this region whose integrity is required for regulation of AE2 by pH. 36Cl- efflux from AE2-expressing Xenopus oocytes was monitored during variation of extracellular pH (pH(o)) with unclamped or clamped pH(i), or during variation of pH(i) at constant pH(o). Wild-type AE2-mediated 36Cl- efflux was profoundly inhibited by acid pH(o), with a value of pH(o50) = 6.87 +/- 0.05, and was stimulated up to 10-fold by the intracellular alkalinization produced by bath removal of the preequilibrated weak acid, butyrate. Systematic hexa-alanine [(A)6]bloc substitutions between aa 312-347 identified the greatest acid shift in pH(o(50)) value, approximately 0.8 pH units in the mutant (A)6 342-347, but only a modest acid-shift in the mutant (A)6 336-341. Two of the six (A)6 mutants retained normal pH(i) sensitivity of 36Cl- efflux, whereas the (A)6 mutants 318-323, 336-341, and 342-347 were not stimulated by intracellular alkalinization. We further evaluated the highly conserved region between aa 336-347 by alanine scan and other mutagenesis of single residues. Significant changes in AE2 sensitivity to pH(o) and to pH(i) were found independently and in concert. The E346A mutation acid-shifted the pH(o(0) value to the same extent whether pH(i) was unclamped or held constant during variation of pH(o). Alanine substitution of the corresponding glutamate residues in the cytoplasmic domains of related AE anion exchanger polypeptides confirmed the general importance of these residues in regulation of anion exchange by pH. Conserved, individual amino acid residues of the AE2 cytoplasmic domain contribute to independent regulation of anion exchange activity by pH(o) as well as pH(i).

Coordinated regulation of gastric chloride secretion with both acid and alkali secretion

Gastric secretion of hydrochloric acid requires protons and chloride, yet the mechanisms and regulation of gastric chloride secretion remain unclear. We developed an in vivo technique to simultaneously measure acid/base and chloride secretion into the gastric lumen of anesthetized rats. The cannulated stomach lumen was perfused with weakly pH-buffered chloride-free solution containing a chloride-sensitive fluorophore [5 microM N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (MQAE)]. Gastric acid and chloride secretion was detected in gastric effluents by 1) flow-through pH electrode and 2) MQAE fluorescence. Gastric effluent was also collected at 1-min intervals for independent determination of chloride amount by chloridometer. In all conditions, both optical and chemical determinations of chloride report similar amounts of secreted chloride. During luminal perfusion with pH 5 solution, net acid and chloride secretion into the lumen was observed. Pentagastrin stimulated both secretions. In contrast, proton pump inhibition (omeprazole) caused alkalinization of the gastric effluent, but chloride secretion was not diminished. During luminal pH 3 perfusion, net alkali secretion was observed, and chloride secretion at luminal pH 3 was greater than pH 5. When tissue is pretreated with omeprazole at luminal pH 3, the addition of prostaglandin E2 synchronously stimulates both alkali and chloride secretion. Results suggest that both acid and alkali secretions are separately coupled with chloride secretion.

Characterization of aquaporin-6 as a nitrate channel in mammalian cells. Requirement of pore-lining residue threonine 63

Aquaporins (AQP) were originally regarded as plasma membrane channels that are freely permeated by water or small uncharged solutes but not by ions. Unlike other aquaporins, AQP6 overexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes was previously found to exhibit Hg2+ or pH-activated ion conductance. AQP6 could not be analyzed electrophysiologically in mammalian cells, however, because the protein is restricted to intracellular vesicles. Here we report that addition of a green fluorescence protein (GFP) tag to the N terminus of rat AQP6 (GFP-AQP6) redirects the protein to the plasma membranes of transfected mammalian cells. This permitted measurement of rapid, reversible, pH-induced anion currents by GFP-AQP6 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Surprisingly, anion selectivity relative to Cl- revealed high nitrate permeability even at pH 7.4; P(NO3)/P(Cl) > 9.8. Site-directed mutation of a pore-lining threonine to isoleucine at position 63 at the midpoint of the channel reduced NO3-/Cl- selectivity. Moreover, no anomalous mole-fraction behavior was observed with NO3-/Cl- mixtures, suggesting a single ion-binding pore in each subunit. Our studies indicate that AQP6 exhibits a new form of anion permeation with marked specificity for nitrate conferred by a specific pore-lining residue, observations that imply that the primary role of AQP6 may be in cellular regulation rather than simple fluid transport.

Molecular structure and physiological function of chloride channels

Cl- channels reside both in the plasma membrane and in intracellular organelles. Their functions range from ion homeostasis to cell volume regulation, transepithelial transport, and regulation of electrical excitability. Their physiological roles are impressively illustrated by various inherited diseases and knock-out mouse models. Thus the loss of distinct Cl- channels leads to an impairment of transepithelial transport in cystic fibrosis and Bartter's syndrome, to increased muscle excitability in myotonia congenita, to reduced endosomal acidification and impaired endocytosis in Dent's disease, and to impaired extracellular acidification by osteoclasts and osteopetrosis. The disruption of several Cl- channels in mice results in blindness. Several classes of Cl- channels have not yet been identified at the molecular level. Three molecularly distinct Cl- channel families (CLC, CFTR, and ligand-gated GABA and glycine receptors) are well established. Mutagenesis and functional studies have yielded considerable insights into their structure and function. Recently, the detailed structure of bacterial CLC proteins was determined by X-ray analysis of three-dimensional crystals. Nonetheless, they are less well understood than cation channels and show remarkably different biophysical and structural properties. Other gene families (CLIC or CLCA) were also reported to encode Cl- channels but are less well characterized. This review focuses on molecularly identified Cl- channels and their physiological roles.

ClC-2 Cl- channels in human lung epithelia: activation by arachidonic acid, amidation, and acid-activated omeprazole

ClC-2 Cl- channels represent a potential target for therapy in cystic fibrosis. Key questions regarding the feasibility of using ClC-2 as a therapeutic target are addressed in the present studies, including whether the channels are present in human lung epithelia and whether activators of the channel can be identified. Two new mechanisms of activation of human recombinant ClC-2 Cl- channels expressed in HEK-293 cells were identified: amidation with glycine methyl ester catalyzed by 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and treatment with acid-activated omeprazole. ClC-2 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Channel function was assessed by measuring Cl- currents by patch clamp in the presence of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor, myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor, to prevent PKA-activated Cl- currents. Calu-3, A549, and BEAS-2B cell lines derived from different human lung epithelia contained ClC-2 mRNA, and Cl- currents were increased by amidation, acid-activated omeprazole, and arachidonic acid. Similar results were obtained with buccal cells from healthy individuals and cystic fibrosis patients. The ClC-2 Cl- channel is thus a potential target for therapy in cystic fibrosis.

Characterization of a novel 132-bp exon of the human maxi-K channel

The large-conductance Ca2+-activated voltage-dependent K+ channel (maxi-K channel) induces a significant repolarizing current that buffers cell excitability. This channel can derive its diversity by alternative splicing of its transcript-producing isoforms that differ in their sensitivity to voltage and intracellular Ca2+. We have identified a novel 132-bp exon of the maxi-K channel from human myometrial cells that encodes 44 amino acids within the first intracellular loop of the channel protein. Distribution analysis reveals that this exon is expressed predominantly in human smooth muscle tissues with the highest abundance in the uterus and aorta and resembles the previously reported distribution of the total maxi-K channel transcript. Single-channel K+ current measurements in fibroblasts transfected with the maxi-K channel containing this novel 132-bp exon demonstrate that the presence of this insert attenuates the sensitivity to voltage and intracellular Ca2+. Alternative splicing to introduce this 132-bp exon into the maxi-K channel may elicit another mode to modulate cell excitability.

Localization of ClC-2 Cl− channels in rabbit gastric mucosa

HCl secretion across the parietal cell apical secretory membrane involves the H+-K+-ATPase, the ClC-2 Cl− channel, and a K+ channel. In the present study, the cellular and subcellular distribution of ClC-2 mRNA and protein was determined in the rabbit gastric mucosa and in isolated gastric glands. ClC-2 mRNA was localized to parietal cells by in situ hybridization and by direct in situ RT-PCR. By immunoperoxidase microscopy, ClC-2 protein was concentrated in parietal cells. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy suggested that the ClC-2 was localized to the secretory canalicular membrane of stimulated parietal cells and to intracellular structures of resting parietal cells. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed that ClC-2 is in the secretory canalicular membrane of stimulated cells and in tubulovesicles of resting parietal cells. These findings, together with previous functional characterization of the native and recombinant channel, strongly indicate that ClC-2 is the Cl− channel, which together with the H+-K+-ATPase and a K+ channel, results in HCl secretion across the parietal cell secretory membrane.

Intra-endosomal pH-sensitive recruitment of the Arf-nucleotide exchange factor ARNO and Arf6 from cytoplasm to proximal tubule endosomes

Kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells have an extensive apical endocytotic apparatus that is critical for the reabsorption and degradation of proteins that traverse the glomerular filtration barrier and that is also involved in the extensive recycling of functionally important apical plasma membrane transporters. We show here that an Arf-nucleotide exchange factor, ARNO (ADP-ribosylation factor nucleotide site opener) as well as Arf6 and Arf1 small GTPases are located in the kidney proximal tubule receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway, and that ARNO and Arf6 recruitment from cytosol to endosomes is pH-dependent. In proximal tubules in situ, ARNO and Arf6 partially co-localized with the V-ATPase in apical endosomes in proximal tubules. Arf1 was localized both at the apical pole of proximal tubule epithelial cells, but also in the Golgi. By Western blot analysis ARNO, Arf6, and Arf1 were detected both in purified endosomes and in proximal tubule cytosol. A translocation assay showed that ATP-driven endosomal acidification triggered the recruitment of ARNO and Arf6 from proximal tubule cytosol to endosomal membranes. The translocation of both ARNO and Arf6 was reversed by V-type ATPase inhibitors and by uncouplers of endosomal intralumenal pH, and was correlated with the magnitude of intra-endosomal acidification. Our data suggest that V-type ATPase-dependent acidification stimulates the selective recruitment of ARNO and Arf6 to proximal tubule early endosomes. This mechanism may play an important role in the pH-dependent regulation of receptor-mediated endocytosis in proximal tubules in situ.

pH-sensitive inwardly rectifying chloride current in cultured rat cortical astrocytes

The effect of pH(o) on plasma membrane chloride current of cultured rat cortical astrocytes was investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In the presence of intra- and extracellular solutions with symmetrical high Cl(-) content and K(+) channel inhibitors, the cells exhibited an inwardly rectifying current. The current activated slowly at potentials negative to -40 mV and did not display time-dependent inactivation. The current was inhibited by 0.1 mM Cd(2+), 0.1 mM Zn(2+), 1 mM 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid, and 0.2 mM 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid, but not by 10 mM Ba(2+) or 3 mM Cs(+). Reversal potential of the current followed the chloride equilibrium potential and was not influenced by changes in K(+) or Na(+) concentration. The inwardly rectifying chloride current was augmented by extracellular acidosis and reduced by alkalosis. The pH sensitivity was most pronounced in the physiologically relevant pH(o) range of 6.9--7.9. Lowering pH to 6.4 induced no additional increase in steady-state current amplitude compared with pH(o) 6.9, but it substantially slowed the activation kinetics. According to its kinetic and pharmacological properties this chloride current is similar to that found in cultured rat astrocytes after long-term treatment with dibutyryl-cAMP, however, in our cultures it was consistently expressed without any treatment with the drug. Considering that astrocytes possess carbonic anhydrase and Cl(-)/HCO3(-) antiporter, this current may participate in the regulation of the interstitial and astrocyte pH.

Activation of human CIC-2 Cl- channels: implications for cystic fibrosis

1. The CIC-2 Cl- channels are present in the adult human lung epithelia and, therefore, are a potential target for therapy in cystic fibrosis. 2. Activators of CIC-2 Cl- channels that may have physiological relevance include activation by reduced external pH, protein kinase A and arachidonic acid. 3. Activators of CIC-2 Cl- channels that have therapeutic potential include amidation and omeprazole and, perhaps, effectors of arachidonic acid metabolism.

PKA and arachidonic acid activation of human recombinant ClC-2 chloride channels

An HEK-293 cell line stably expressing the human recombinant ClC-2 Cl(-) channel was used in patch-clamp studies to study its regulation. The relative permeability P(x)/P(Cl) calculated from reversal potentials was I(-) > Cl(-) = NO(3)(-) = SCN(-)>/=Br(-). The absolute permeability calculated from conductance ratios was Cl(-) = Br(-) = NO(3)(-) >/= SCN(-) > I(-). The channel was activated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), reduced extracellular pH, oleic acid (C:18 cisDelta9), elaidic acid (C:18 transDelta9), arachidonic acid (AA; C:20 cisDelta5,8,11,14), and by inhibitors of AA metabolism, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA; C:20 transDelta5,8,11,14), alpha-methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzeneacetic acid (ibuprofen), and 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3-[2H]-one (PZ51, ebselen). ClC-2 Cl(-) channels were activated by a combination of forskolin plus IBMX and were inhibited by the cell-permeant myristoylated PKA inhibitor (mPKI). Channel activation by reduction of bath pH was increased by PKA and prevented by mPKI. AA activation of the ClC-2 Cl(-) channel was not inhibited by mPKI or staurosporine and was therefore independent of PKA or protein kinase C activation.

Molecular determinants of pH sensitivity of the type IIa Na/P(i) cotransporter

Type II Na/P(i) cotransporters play key roles in epithelial P(i) transport and thereby contribute to overall P(i) homeostasis. Renal proximal tubular brush border membrane expresses the IIa isoform, whereas the IIb isoform is preferentially expressed in small intestinal brush border membrane of mammals. IIa and IIb proteins are predicted to contain eight transmembrane domains with the N- and C-terminal tails facing the cytoplasm. They differ in their pH dependences: the activity of IIa increases at higher pH, whereas the IIb shows no or a slightly opposite pH dependence. To determine the structural domains responsible for the difference in pH sensitivity, mouse IIa and IIb chimeras were constructed, and their pH dependence was characterized. A region between the fourth and fifth transmembrane domains was required for conferring pH sensitivity to the IIa-mediated Na/P(i) cotransport. Sequence comparison (IIa versus IIb) of the third extracellular loops revealed a stretch of three charged amino acids in IIa (REK) replaced by uncharged residues in IIb (GNT). Introduction of the uncharged GNT sequence (by REK) in IIa abolished its pH dependence, whereas introduction of the charged REK stretch in IIb (by GNT) led to a pH dependence similar to IIa. These findings suggest that charged residues within the third extracellular loop are involved in the pH sensitivity of IIa Na/P(i) cotransporter.

Anion transport in heart

Anion transport proteins in mammalian cells participate in a wide variety of cell and intracellular organelle functions, including regulation of electrical activity, pH, volume, and the transport of osmolites and metabolites, and may even play a role in the control of immunological responses, cell migration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although significant progress over the past decade has been achieved in understanding electrogenic and electroneutral anion transport proteins in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes, information on the molecular nature and physiological significance of many of these proteins, especially in the heart, is incomplete. Functional and molecular studies presently suggest that four primary types of sarcolemmal anion channels are expressed in cardiac cells: channels regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C, and purinergic receptors (I(Cl.PKA)); channels regulated by changes in cell volume (I(Cl.vol)); channels activated by intracellular Ca(2+) (I(Cl.Ca)); and inwardly rectifying anion channels (I(Cl.ir)). In most animal species, I(Cl.PKA) is due to expression of a cardiac isoform of the epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel. New molecular candidates responsible for I(Cl.vol), I(Cl.Ca), and I(Cl.ir) (ClC-3, CLCA1, and ClC-2, respectively) have recently been identified and are presently being evaluated. Two isoforms of the band 3 anion exchange protein, originally characterized in erythrocytes, are responsible for Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange, and at least two members of a large vertebrate family of electroneutral cotransporters (ENCC1 and ENCC3) are responsible for Na(+)-dependent Cl(-) cotransport in heart. A 223-amino acid protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane of most eukaryotic cells comprises a voltage-dependent anion channel. The molecular entities responsible for other types of electroneutral anion exchange or Cl(-) conductances in intracellular membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum or nucleus are unknown. Evidence of cardiac expression of up to five additional members of the ClC gene family suggest a rich new variety of molecular candidates that may underlie existing or novel Cl(-) channel subtypes in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes. The application of modern molecular biological and genetic approaches to the study of anion transport proteins during the next decade holds exciting promise for eventually revealing the actual physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical significance of these unique transport processes in cardiac and other mammalian cells.