Forskolin-induced apical membrane insertion of virally expressed, epitope-tagged CFTR in polarized MDCK cells

Hydrokinetic pancreatic function and insulin secretion are moduled by Cl- uniporter Slc26a9 in mice

AIM

Slc26a9 is a member of the Slc26 multifunctional anion transporter family. Polymorphisms in Slc26a9 are associated with an increased incidence of meconium ileus and diabetes in cystic fibrosis patients. We investigated the expression of Slc26a9 in the murine pancreatic ducts, islets and parenchyma, and elucidated its role in pancreatic ductal electrolyte and fluid secretion and endocrine function.

METHODS

Pancreatic Slc26a9 and CFTR mRNA expression, fluid and bicarbonate secretion were assessed in slc26a9^-/- mice and their age- and sex-matched wild-type (wt) littermates. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed.

RESULTS

Compared with stomach, the mRNA expression of Slc26a9 was low in pancreatic parenchyma, 20-fold higher in microdissected pancreatic ducts than parenchyma, and very low in islets. CFTR mRNA was ~10 fold higher than Slc26a9 mRNA expression in each pancreatic cell type. Significantly reduced pancreatic fluid secretory rates and impaired glucose tolerance were observed in female slc26a9^-/- mice, whereas alterations in male mice did not reach statistical significance. No significant difference was observed in peripheral insulin resistance in slc26a9^-/- compared to sex- and aged-matched wt controls. In contrast, isolated slc26a9^-/- islets in short term culture displayed no difference in insulin content, but a significantly reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion compared to age- and sex-matched wt islets, suggesting that the impaired glucose tolerance in the absence of Slc26a9 expression these is a pancreatic defect.

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion of Slc26a9 is associated with a reduction in pancreatic fluid secretion and impaired glucose tolerance in female mice. The results underline the importance of Slc26a9 in pancreatic physiology.

CK19 stabilizes CFTR at the cell surface by limiting its endocytic pathway degradation

Protein interactions that stabilize the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) at the apical membranes of epithelial cells have not yet been fully elucidated. We identified keratin 19 (CK19 or K19) as a novel CFTR-interacting protein. CK19 overexpression stabilized both wild-type (WT)-CFTR and Lumacaftor (VX-809)-rescued F508del-CFTR (where F508del is the deletion of the phenylalanine residue at position 508) at the plasma membrane (PM), promoting Cl- secretion across human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. CK19 prevention of Rab7A-mediated lysosomal degradation was a key mechanism in apical CFTR stabilization. Unexpectedly, CK19 expression was decreased by ∼40% in primary HBE cells from homogenous F508del patients with CF relative to non-CF controls. CK19 also positively regulated multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 expression at the PM, suggesting that this keratin may regulate the apical expression of other ATP-binding cassette proteins as well as CFTR.-Hou, X., Wu, Q., Rajagopalan, C., Zhang, C., Bouhamdan, M., Wei, H., Chen, X., Zaman, K., Li, C., Sun, X., Chen, S., Frizzell, R. A., Sun, F. CK19 stabilizes CFTR at the cell surface by limiting its endocytic pathway degradation.

Bile Acid-Activated Receptors: GPBAR1 (TGR5) and Other G Protein-Coupled Receptors

The BA-responsive GPCRs S1PR2 and TGR5 are almost ubiquitously expressed in human and rodent tissues. In the liver, S1PR2 is expressed in all cell types, while TGR5 is predominately found in non-parenchymal cells. In contrast to S1PR2, which is mainly activated by conjugated bile acids (BAs), all BAs serve as ligands for TGR5 irrespective of their conjugation state and substitution pattern.Mice with targeted deletion of either S1PR2 or TGR5 are viable and develop no overt phenotype. In liver injury models, S1PR2 exerts pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects and thus aggravates liver damage, while TGR5 mediates anti-inflammatory, anti-cholestatic, and anti-fibrotic effects. Thus, inhibitors of S1PR2 signaling and agonists for TGR5 have been employed to attenuate liver injury in rodent models for cholestasis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and fibrosis/cirrhosis.In biliary epithelial cells, both receptors activate a similar signaling cascade resulting in ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation. Overexpression of both S1PR2 and TGR5 was found in human cholangiocarcinoma tissue as well as in CCA cell lines, where stimulation of both GPCRs resulted in transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and triggered cell proliferation as well as increased cell migration and invasiveness.This chapter will focus on the function of S1PR2 and TGR5 in different liver cell types and summarizes current knowledge on the role of these receptors in liver disease models.

TGR5: pathogenetic role and/or therapeutic target in fibrosing cholangitis?

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree leading to bile duct strictures, progressive cholestasis, and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The pathogenesis of PSC is still elusive; however, both an immune-mediated injury of the bile ducts as well as increased recruitment of intestinal-primed T lymphocytes to the biliary tracts seem to contribute to disease development and progression. TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor responsive to bile acids, which is expressed in cholangiocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, and macrophages of the liver and intestine as well as in CD14-positive monocytes of the peripheral blood. Activation of TGR5 in biliary epithelial cells promotes chloride and bicarbonate secretion, triggers cell proliferation, and prevents apoptotic cell death. In immune cells, stimulation of TGR5 inhibits cytokine expression and secretion, thus reducing systemic as well as hepatic and intestinal inflammation. The expression pattern of TGR5 in the liver and intestine as well as the potential protective functions of TGR5 suggest a role for this receptor in the pathogenesis of PSC. While mutations in the coding region of the TGR5 gene are too rare to contribute to overall disease susceptibility, the expression and localization of the receptor have not been studied in PSC livers. Pharmacological activation of TGR5 in mice promotes protective mechanisms in biliary epithelial cells and reduces hepatic and systemic inflammation; however, it also provokes pruritus. Further studies are needed to predict the potential benefits as well as side effects of TGR5 agonist treatment in PSC patients.

A stable human-cell system overexpressing cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator recombinant protein at the cell surface

Recent human clinical trials results demonstrated successful treatment for certain genetic forms of cystic fibrosis (CF). To extend treatment opportunities to those afflicted with other genetic forms of CF disease, structural and biophysical characterization of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is urgently needed. In this study, CFTR was modified with various tags, including a His10 purification tag, the SUMOstar (SUMO*) domain, an extracellular FLAG epitope, and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), each alone or in various combinations. Expressed in HEK293 cells, recombinant CFTR proteins underwent complex glycosylation, compartmentalized with the plasma membrane, and exhibited regulated chloride-channel activity with only modest alterations in channel conductance and gating kinetics. Surface CFTR expression level was enhanced by the presence of SUMO* on the N-terminus. Quantitative mass-spectrometric analysis indicated approximately 10% of the total recombinant CFTR (SUMO*-CFTR(FLAG)-EGFP) localized to the plasma membrane. Trial purification using dodecylmaltoside for membrane protein extraction reproducibly recovered 178 ± 56 μg SUMO*-CFTR(FLAG)-EGFP per billion cells at 80% purity. Fluorescence size-exclusion chromatography indicated purified CFTR was monodisperse. These findings demonstrate a stable mammalian cell expression system capable of producing human CFTR of sufficient quality and quantity to augment future CF drug discovery efforts, including biophysical and structural studies.

Energy metabolism and cytochrome oxidase activity: linking metabolism to gene expression

Modification of mitochondrial content demands the synthesis of hundreds of proteins encoded by nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The responsibility for coordination of this process falls to nuclear-encoded master regulators of transcription. DNA-binding proteins and coactivators integrate information from energy-sensing pathways and hormones to alter mitochondrial gene expression. In mammals, the signaling cascade for mitochondrial biogenesis can be described as follows: hormonal signals and energetic information are sensed by protein-modifying enzymes that in turn regulate the post-translational modification of transcription factors. Once activated, transcription-factor complexes form on promoter elements of many of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, recruiting proteins that remodel chromatin and initiate transcription. One master regulator in mammals, PGC-1α, is well studied because of its role in determining the metabolic phenotype of muscles, but also due to its importance in mitochondria-related metabolic diseases. However, relatively little is known about the role of this pathway in other vertebrates. These uncertainties raise broader questions about the evolutionary origins of the pathway and its role in generating the diversity in muscle metabolic phenotypes seen in nature.

LMTK2-mediated phosphorylation regulates CFTR endocytosis in human airway epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a Cl⁻-selective ion channel expressed in fluid-transporting epithelia. Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2) is a transmembrane protein with serine and threonine but not tyrosine kinase activity. Previous work identified CFTR as an in vitro substrate of LMTK2, suggesting a functional link. Here we demonstrate that LMTK2 co-immunoprecipitates with CFTR and phosphorylates CFTR-Ser⁷³⁷ in human airway epithelial cells. LMTK2 knockdown or expression of inactive LMTK2 kinase domain increases cell surface density of CFTR by attenuating its endocytosis in human airway epithelial cells. Moreover, LMTK2 knockdown increases Cl⁻ secretion mediated by the wild-type and rescued ΔF508-CFTR. Compared with the wild-type CFTR, the phosphorylation-deficient mutant CFTR-S737A shows increased cell surface density and decreased endocytosis. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism of the phospho-dependent inhibitory effect of CFTR-Ser⁷³⁷ mediated by LMTK2 via endocytosis and inhibition of the cell surface density of CFTR Cl⁻ channels. These data indicate that targeting LMTK2 may increase the cell surface density of CFTR Cl⁻ channels and improve stability of pharmacologically rescued ΔF508-CFTR in patients with cystic fibrosis.

The silent codon change I507-ATC->ATT contributes to the severity of the ΔF508 CFTR channel dysfunction

The most common disease-causing mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is the out-of-frame deletion of 3 nucleotides (CTT). This mutation leads to the loss of phenylalanine-508 (ΔF508) and a silent codon change (SCC) for isoleucine-507 (I507-ATC→ATT). ΔF508 CFTR is misfolded and degraded by endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). We have demonstrated that the I507-ATC→ATT SCC alters ΔF508 CFTR mRNA structure and translation dynamics. By comparing the biochemical and functional properties of the I507-ATT and I507-ATC ΔF508 CFTR, we establish that the I507-ATC→ATT SCC contributes to the cotranslational misfolding, ERAD, and to the functional defects associated with ΔF508 CFTR. We demonstrate that the I507-ATC ΔF508 CFTR is less susceptible to the ER quality-control machinery during translation than the I507-ATT, although 27°C correction is necessary for sufficient cell-surface expression. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings indicate sustained, thermally stable cAMP-activated Cl(-) transport through I507-ATC and unstable function of the I507-ATT ΔF508 CFTR. Single-channel recordings reveal improved gating properties of the I507-ATC compared to I507-ATT ΔF508 CFTR (NPo=0.45±0.037 vs. NPo=0.09±0.002; P<0.001). Our results signify the role of the I507-ATC→ATT SCC in the ΔF508 CFTR defects and support the importance of synonymous codon choices in determining the function of gene products.

Recent advances in 2D and 3D in vitro systems using primary hepatocytes, alternative hepatocyte sources and non-parenchymal liver cells and their use in investigating mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, cell signaling and ADME

This review encompasses the most important advances in liver functions and hepatotoxicity and analyzes which mechanisms can be studied in vitro. In a complex architecture of nested, zonated lobules, the liver consists of approximately 80 % hepatocytes and 20 % non-parenchymal cells, the latter being involved in a secondary phase that may dramatically aggravate the initial damage. Hepatotoxicity, as well as hepatic metabolism, is controlled by a set of nuclear receptors (including PXR, CAR, HNF-4α, FXR, LXR, SHP, VDR and PPAR) and signaling pathways. When isolating liver cells, some pathways are activated, e.g., the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway, whereas others are silenced (e.g. HNF-4α), resulting in up- and downregulation of hundreds of genes. An understanding of these changes is crucial for a correct interpretation of in vitro data. The possibilities and limitations of the most useful liver in vitro systems are summarized, including three-dimensional culture techniques, co-cultures with non-parenchymal cells, hepatospheres, precision cut liver slices and the isolated perfused liver. Also discussed is how closely hepatoma, stem cell and iPS cell-derived hepatocyte-like-cells resemble real hepatocytes. Finally, a summary is given of the state of the art of liver in vitro and mathematical modeling systems that are currently used in the pharmaceutical industry with an emphasis on drug metabolism, prediction of clearance, drug interaction, transporter studies and hepatotoxicity. One key message is that despite our enthusiasm for in vitro systems, we must never lose sight of the in vivo situation. Although hepatocytes have been isolated for decades, the hunt for relevant alternative systems has only just begun.

c-Cbl reduces stability of rescued ∆F508-CFTR in human airway epithelial cells: Implications for cystic fibrosis treatment

CFTR is a PKA activated Cl^- channel expressed in the apical membrane of fluid transporting epithelia. We previously demonstrated that c-Cbl decreases CFTR stability in the plasma membrane by facilitating its endocytosis and lysosomal degradation in human airway epithelium. The most common mutation associated with cystic fibrosis, deletion of Phe508 (∆F508), leads to a temperature sensitive biosynthetic processing defect in the CFTR protein. Mature ∆F508-CFTR that has been rescued by low temperature or chemical chaperones is partially functional as a Cl^- channel but has decreased plasma membrane stability due to altered post-maturational trafficking. Our present data demonstrate that c-Cbl controls the post-maturational trafficking of rescued ∆F508-CFTR. Partial depletion of c-Cbl increased stability of the plasma membrane associated mature ∆F508-CFTR and the ∆F508-CFTR mediated Cl^- secretion. These data indicate that correcting the post-maturational trafficking of ∆F508-CFTR may represent a therapeutic approach complementary to the biosynthetic rescue. Because c-Cbl functions as an adaptor and scaffolding protein during CFTR endocytosis, we propose that interfering with the c-Cbl mediated endocytic recruitment of ∆F508-CFTR may increase stability of ∆508-CFTR in the plasma membrane after its biosynthetic rescue.

Tgf-β1 inhibits Cftr biogenesis and prevents functional rescue of ΔF508-Cftr in primary differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells

CFTR is an integral transmembrane glycoprotein and a cAMP-activated Cl(-) channel. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to Cystic Fibrosis (CF)-an autosomal recessive disease with majority of the morbidity and mortality resulting from airway infection, inflammation, and fibrosis. The most common disease-associated mutation in the CFTR gene-deletion of Phe508 (ΔF508) leads to a biosynthetic processing defect of CFTR. Correction of the defect and delivery of ΔF508-CFTR to the cell surface has been highly anticipated as a disease modifying therapy. Compared to promising results in cultured cell this approach was much less effective in CF patients in an early clinical trial. Although the cause of failure to rescue ΔF508-CFTR in the clinical trial has not been determined, presence of factor(s) that interfere with the rescue in vivo could be considered. The cytokine TGF-β1 is frequently elevated in CF patients. TGF-β1 has pleiotropic effects in different disease models and genetic backgrounds and little is known about TGF-β1 effects on CFTR in human airway epithelial cells. Moreover, there are no published studies examining TGF-β1 effects on the functional rescue of ΔF508-CFTR. Here we found that TGF-β1 inhibits CFTR biogenesis by reducing mRNA levels and protein abundance in primary differentiated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells from non-CF individuals. TGF-β1 inhibits CFTR biogenesis without compromising the epithelial phenotype or integrity of HBE cells. TGF-β1 also inhibits biogenesis and impairs the functional rescue of ΔF508-CFTR in HBE cells from patients homozygous for the ΔF508 mutation. Our data indicate that activation of TGF-β1 signaling may inhibit CFTR function in non-CF individuals and may interfere with therapies directed at correcting the processing defect of ΔF508-CFTR in CF patients.

TGR5 in cholangiocytes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is an emerging drug target for metabolic, intestinal and liver diseases. In liver, the highest expression of TGR5 is found in biliary epithelial cells. This review focusses on the function of TGR5 in cholangiocytes and the potential role of the receptor in biliary diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

TGR5 is localized in the primary cilium and the apical membrane domain of cholangiocytes, where the receptor exerts secretory, proliferative and antiapoptotic effects. Recent human and animal studies using bile acid analogues suggest a therapeutic potential for TGR5 in primary biliary cirrhosis but not in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

SUMMARY

TGR5 has protective functions in cholangiocytes. Further studies are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of TGR5 agonists and antagonists in biliary diseases.

Regulated recycling of mutant CFTR is partially restored by pharmacological treatment

Efficient trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to and from the cell surface is essential for maintaining channel density at the plasma membrane (PM) and ensuring proper physiological activity. The most common mutation, F508del, exhibits reduced surface expression and impaired function despite treatment with currently available pharmacological small molecules, called correctors. To gain more detailed insight into whether CFTR enters compartments that allow corrector stabilization in the cell periphery, we investigated the peripheral trafficking itineraries and kinetics of wild type (WT) and F508del in living cells using high-speed fluorescence microscopy together with fluorogen activating protein detection. We directly visualized internalization and accumulation of CFTR WT from the PM to a perinuclear compartment that colocalized with the endosomal recycling compartment (ERC) markers Rab11 and EHD1, reaching steady-state distribution by 25 minutes. Stimulation by protein kinase A (PKA) depleted this intracellular pool and redistributed CFTR channels to the cell surface, elicited by reduced endocytosis and active translocation to the PM. Corrector or temperature rescue of F508del also resulted in targeting to the ERC and exhibited subsequent PKA-stimulated trafficking to the PM. Corrector treatment (24 hours) led to persistent residence of F508del in the ERC, while thermally destabilized F508del was targeted to lysosomal compartments by 3 hours. Acute addition of individual correctors, C4 or C18, acted on peripheral trafficking steps to partially block lysosomal targeting of thermally destabilized F508del. Taken together, corrector treatment redirects F508del trafficking from a degradative pathway to a regulated recycling route, and proteins that mediate this process become potential targets for improving the efficacy of current and future correctors.

Tissue-specific control of CFTR endocytosis by Dab2: Cargo recruitment as a therapeutic target

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis dynamically regulates cell membrane abundance of CFTR and plays an essential role in CFTR-dependent Cl(-) conductance in fluid-transporting epithelia. It requires two closely related, but distinct processes: assembly of the clathrin coat and recruitment of cargo proteins for endocytosis. The assembly polypeptide-2 complex (AP-2) is the prototypical endocytic adaptor responsible for optimal clathrin coat formation. Disabled-2 (Dab2) is a clathrin associated sorting protein (CLASP) that also mediates clathrin assembly and cargo selection. Both of these complexes have clearly been shown to play roles in CFTR endocytosis in cells that endogenously express the channel. However, their precise functions exhibit cell-specific differences. While Dab2 appears to play a central role in CFTR recruitment to the clathrin coat in airway epithelial cells, it does not play a direct role in CFTR endocytosis in intestinal epithelial cells. Here, we review our current understanding of the role of Dab2 in CFTR endocytosis in different tissues. Next, we present new data demonstrating the role of Dab2 in endocytosis of the most commonly mutated CFTR gene product, ∆F508-CFTR, in human airwy epithelial cells. Finally we discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting the functional interaction between ∆F508-CFTR and Dab2.

Perspective: TGR5 (Gpbar-1) in liver physiology and disease

Bile acids are signaling molecules with diverse endocrine functions. Bile acid effects are mediated through the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the G-protein coupled receptor TGR5 (Gpbar-1) and various other bile acid sensing molecules. TGR5 is almost ubiquitously expressed and has been detected in different non-parenchymal cells of human and rodent liver. Here, TGR5 has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and choleretic functions. Mice with targeted deletion of TGR5 are protected from the development of cholesterol gallstones. Administration of specific TGR5 agonists lowers serum and liver triglyceride levels thereby reducing liver steatosis. Furthermore, activation of TGR5 promotes intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release, thereby modulating glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Additionally, TGR5 exerts anti-inflammatory actions resulting in decreased liver injury in animal models of sepsis. These beneficial effects make TGR5 an attractive therapeutic target for metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and steatohepatitis.

Arsenic promotes ubiquitinylation and lysosomal degradation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels in human airway epithelial cells

Arsenic exposure significantly increases respiratory bacterial infections and reduces the ability of the innate immune system to eliminate bacterial infections. Recently, we observed in the gill of killifish, an environmental model organism, that arsenic exposure induced the ubiquitinylation and degradation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel that is essential for the mucociliary clearance of respiratory pathogens in humans. Accordingly, in this study, we tested the hypothesis that low dose arsenic exposure reduces the abundance and function of CFTR in human airway epithelial cells. Arsenic induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in multiubiquitinylated CFTR, which led to its lysosomal degradation, and a decrease in CFTR-mediated chloride secretion. Although arsenic had no effect on the abundance or activity of USP10, a deubiquitinylating enzyme, siRNA-mediated knockdown of c-Cbl, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, abolished the arsenic-stimulated degradation of CFTR. Arsenic enhanced the degradation of CFTR by increasing phosphorylated c-Cbl, which increased its interaction with CFTR, and subsequent ubiquitinylation of CFTR. Because epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic increases the incidence of respiratory infections, this study suggests that one potential mechanism of this effect involves arsenic-induced ubiquitinylation and degradation of CFTR, which decreases chloride secretion and airway surface liquid volume, effects that would be proposed to reduce mucociliary clearance of respiratory pathogens.

Disabled-2 protein facilitates assembly polypeptide-2-independent recruitment of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator to endocytic vesicles in polarized human airway epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated Cl(-) channel expressed in the apical plasma membrane of fluid-transporting epithelia, where the plasma membrane abundance of CFTR is in part controlled by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The protein networks that control CFTR endocytosis in epithelial cells have only been partially explored. The assembly polypeptide-2 complex (AP-2) is the prototypical endocytic adaptor critical for optimal clathrin coat formation. AP-2 is essential for recruitment of cargo proteins bearing the YXXΦ motif. Although AP-2 interacts directly with CFTR in vitro and facilitates CFTR endocytosis in some cell types, it remains unknown whether it is critical for CFTR uptake into clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). Disabled-2 (Dab2) is a clathrin-associated sorting protein (CLASP) that contributes to clathrin recruitment, vesicle formation, and cargo selection. In intestinal epithelial cells Dab2 was not found to play a direct role in CFTR endocytosis. By contrast, AP-2 and Dab2 were shown to facilitate CFTR endocytosis in human airway epithelial cells, although the specific mechanism remains unknown. Our data demonstrate that Dab2 mediates AP-2 independent recruitment of CFTR to CCVs in polarized human airway epithelial cells. As a result, it facilitates CFTR endocytosis and reduces CFTR abundance and stability in the plasma membrane. These effects are mediated by the DAB homology domain. Moreover, we show that in human airway epithelial cells AP-2 is not essential for CFTR recruitment to CCVs.

Update on the mechanisms of gastric acid secretion

Acid-related disorders represent a major healthcare concern. In recent years, our understanding of the physiologic processes underlying gastric acid secretion has improved notably. The identity of several apical ion transport proteins, which are necessary for acid secretion to take place, has been resolved. The recent developments have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of acid-related disorders. This brief review provides an update on the mechanisms of gastric acid secretion, with a particular focus on apical ion transport.

Toxin mediated diarrhea in the 21 century: the pathophysiology of intestinal ion transport in the course of ETEC, V. cholerae and rotavirus infection

An estimated 4 billion episodes of diarrhea occur each year. As a result, 2–3 million children and 0.5–1 million adults succumb to the consequences of this major healthcare concern. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to toxin mediated diarrhea by infectious agents, such as E. coli, V. cholerae or Rotavirus. Our understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying these infectious diseases has notably improved over the last years. This review will focus on the cellular mechanism of action of the most common enterotoxins and the latest specific therapeutic approaches that have been developed to contain their lethal effects.

c-Cbl facilitates endocytosis and lysosomal degradation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in human airway epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated Cl(-) channel expressed in the apical membrane of fluid-transporting epithelia. The apical membrane density of CFTR channels is determined, in part, by endocytosis and the postendocytic sorting of CFTR for lysosomal degradation or recycling to the plasma membrane. Although previous studies suggested that ubiquitination plays a role in the postendocytic sorting of CFTR, the specific ubiquitin ligases are unknown. c-Cbl is a multifunctional molecule with ubiquitin ligase activity and a protein adaptor function. c-Cbl co-immunoprecipitated with CFTR in primary differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells and in cultured human airway cells. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of c-Cbl increased CFTR expression in the plasma membrane by inhibiting CFTR endocytosis and increased CFTR-mediated Cl(-) currents. Silencing c-Cbl did not change the expression of the ubiquitinated fraction of plasma membrane CFTR. Moreover, the c-Cbl mutant with impaired ubiquitin ligase activity (FLAG-70Z-Cbl) did not affect the plasma membrane expression or the endocytosis of CFTR. In contrast, the c-Cbl mutant with the truncated C-terminal region (FLAG-Cbl-480), responsible for protein adaptor function, had a dominant interfering effect on the endocytosis and plasma membrane expression of CFTR. Moreover, CFTR and c-Cbl co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated in early endosomes, and silencing c-Cbl reduced the amount of ubiquitinated CFTR in early endosomes. In summary, our data demonstrate that in human airway epithelial cells, c-Cbl regulates CFTR by two mechanisms: first by acting as an adaptor protein and facilitating CFTR endocytosis by a ubiquitin-independent mechanism, and second by ubiquitinating CFTR in early endosomes and thereby facilitating the lysosomal degradation of CFTR.

Metabolic and molecular stress responses of gilthead seam bream Sparus aurata during exposure to low ambient temperature: an analysis of mechanisms underlying the winter syndrome

The winter syndrome in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata indicates that the species is exposed to critically low temperatures in Mediterranean aquaculture in winter. The present study of metabolic patterns and molecular stress responses during cold exposure was carried out to investigate this "disease", in light of the recent concept of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance. The metabolic profile of fuel oxidation was examined by determining the activities of the enzymes hexokinase (HK), aldolase (Ald), pyruvate kinase (PK), L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) in heart, red and white muscle after exposure to temperatures of 10, 14 and 18°C. Especially, the increase in LDH activity combined with the accumulation of L-lactate in tissues indicates that temperatures below 14°C are critical for Sparus aurata and stimulate the anaerobic component of metabolism. Increase in the activity of HOAD suggests that oxidation of free fatty acids might contribute to ATP turnover at low temperatures. The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in all tissues examined revealed a cellular stress response during cooling below 18°C. In the light of winter temperatures in S. aurata cultures around 10°C, our data suggest that the fish are exposed to stressful conditions at the low end of their thermal tolerance window. These conditions likely impair the aerobic capacity of the fish, compromise the rates of growth and reproduction and may contribute to elicit pathological conditions.

Cadmium regulates the expression of the CFTR chloride channel in human airway epithelial cells

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal ranked seventh on the Priority List of Hazardous Substances. As a byproduct of smelters, cadmium is a prevalent environmental contaminant. It is also a major component of cigarette smoke, and its inhalation is associated with decreased pulmonary function, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ion channels, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), play a central role in maintaining fluid homeostasis and lung functions. CFTR is mostly expressed in epithelial cells, and little is known about the effect of cadmium exposure on lung epithelial cell function. We show that exposure to cadmium decreases the expression of the CFTR protein and subsequent chloride transport in human airway epithelial cells in vitro. Impairment of CFTR protein expression was also observed in vivo in the lung of mice after intranasal instillation of cadmium. We established that the inhibitory effect of cadmium was not a nonspecific effect of heavy metals, as nickel had no effect on CFTR protein levels. Finally, we show that selected antioxidants, including alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), but not N-acetylcysteine, can prevent the cadmium-induced suppression of CFTR. In summary, we have identified cadmium as a regulator of the CFTR chloride channel present in lung epithelial cells. Future strategies to prevent the deleterious effect of cadmium on epithelial cells and lung functions may benefit from the finding that alpha-tocopherol protects CFTR expression and function.

Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 overexpression-dependent increase of cytoskeleton organization is fundamental in the rescue of F508del cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in human airway CFBE41o- cells

NHERF1 overexpression increases functional apical expression of F508del CFTR in CFBE41o- cells. Here, we show that this occurs via the formation of the multiprotein complex NHERF1-phosphoezrin-actin, which provides a regulated linkage between F508del CFTR and the actin cytoskeleton resulting in an increased F508del CFTR stability in the membrane.

We have demonstrated that Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) overexpression in CFBE41o- cells induces a significant redistribution of F508del cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) from the cytoplasm to the apical membrane and rescues CFTR-dependent chloride secretion. Here, we observe that CFBE41o- monolayers displayed substantial disassembly of actin filaments and that overexpression of wild-type (wt) NHERF1 but not NHERF1-Δ Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) increased F-actin assembly and organization. Furthermore, the dominant-negative band Four-point one, Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin homology (FERM) domain of ezrin reversed the wt NHERF1 overexpression-induced increase in both F-actin and CFTR-dependent chloride secretion. wt NHERF1 overexpression enhanced the interaction between NHERF1 and both CFTR and ezrin and between ezrin and actin and the overexpression of wt NHERF1, but not NHERF1-ΔERM, also increased the phosphorylation of ezrin in the apical region of the cell monolayers. Furthermore, wt NHERF1 increased RhoA activity and transfection of constitutively active RhoA in CFBE41o- cells was sufficient to redistribute phospho-ezrin to the membrane fraction and rescue both the F-actin content and the CFTR-dependent chloride efflux. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibition, in contrast, reversed the wt NHERF1 overexpression-induced increase of membrane phospho-ezrin, F-actin content, and CFTR-dependent secretion. We conclude that NHERF1 overexpression in CFBE41o- rescues CFTR-dependent chloride secretion by forming the multiprotein complex RhoA-ROCK-ezrin-actin that, via actin cytoskeleton reorganization, tethers F508del CFTR to the cytoskeleton stabilizing it on the apical membrane.

The membrane-bound bile acid receptor TGR5 is localized in the epithelium of human gallbladders

TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is a plasma membrane-bound, G protein-coupled receptor for bile acids. TGR5 messenger RNA (mRNA) has been detected in many tissues, including rat cholangiocytes and mouse gallbladder. A role for TGR5 in gallstone formation has been suggested, because TGR5 knockout mice did not develop gallstones when fed a lithogenic diet. In this study, expression and localization of TGR5 was studied in human gallbladders. TGR5 mRNA and protein were detected in all 19 gallbladders. Although TGR5 mRNA was significantly elevated in the presence of gallstones, no such relation was found for TGR5 protein levels. In order to study the localization of TGR5 in human gallbladders, a novel antibody was generated. The receptor was localized in the apical membrane and the rab11-positive recycling endosome of gallbladder epithelial cells. Furthermore, the TGR5 staining colocalized with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the apical sodium-dependent bile salt uptake transporter, suggesting a functional coupling of TGR5 to bile acid uptake and chloride secretion. Stimulation with bile acids significantly increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration in human gallbladder tissue. Incubation of gallbladder epithelial cells with a TGR5 agonist led to a rise of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (MQAE)-fluorescence, suggestive of a decrease in intracellular chloride concentration. The TGR5 agonist-dependent increase in MQAE-fluorescence was absent in TGR5 knockout mice or in the presence of a CFTR inhibitor, indicating that TGR5 mediates chloride secretion via activation of CFTR. The presence of the receptor in both the plasma membrane and the recycling endosome indicate that TGR5 can be regulated by translocation.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest a role for TGR5 in bile acid-induced fluid secretion in biliary epithelial cells.

Involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in cAMP- and cGMP-induced duodenal epithelial CFTR activation in mice

Although phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is essential for several cellular signal transductions, its role in the regulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activity in intestinal epithelial cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the possible involvement of PI3K in the regulation of cAMP- and cGMP-induced duodenal epithelial CFTR activation was investigated in the present study. Forskolin and 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) markedly stimulated duodenal mucosal HCO(3)(-) secretion and short-circuit current (I(sc)) in CFTR wild-type mice, which was significantly inhibited by CFTR(inh)-172, a highly potent and specific CFTR inhibitor. Forskolin and 8-Br-cGMP failed to stimulate duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion and I(sc) in CFTR knockout mice. Moreover, forskolin- and 8-Br-cGMP-stimulated duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion and I(sc) were significantly reduced by wortmannin and LY294002, two selective PI3K inhibitors that are structurally and mechanistically different. Forskolin and 8-Br-cGMP induced CFTR phosphorylation and shifted CFTR proteins to the plasma membrane of duodenal epithelial cells, which were inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002. Forskolin and 8-Br-cGMP not only increased the activity of PI3K but also induced the phosphorylation of Akt, a signaling molecule downstream of PI3K, which were again inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002. Together, our results obtained from functional, biochemical, and morphological studies demonstrate that PI3K pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cAMP- and cGMP-induced duodenal epithelial CFTR channel activity and intracellular trafficking.

CFTR function and prospects for therapy

Mutations in the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) epithelial anion channel cause cystic fibrosis (CF). The multidomain integral membrane glycoprotein, a member of the adenine nucleotide-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, conserved in metazoan salt-transporting tissues, is required to control ion and fluid homeostasis on epithelial surfaces. This review considers different therapeutic strategies that have arisen from knowledge of CFTR structure and function as well as its biosynthetic processing, intracellular trafficking, and turnover.

Cif is negatively regulated by the TetR family repressor CifR

We previously reported that the novel Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin Cif is capable of decreasing apical membrane expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We further demonstrated that Cif is capable of degrading the synthetic epoxide hydrolase (EH) substrate S-NEPC [(2S,3S)-trans-3-phenyl-2-oxiranylmethyl 4-nitrophenol carbonate], suggesting that Cif may be reducing apical membrane expression of CFTR via its EH activity. Here we report that Cif is capable of degrading the xenobiotic epoxide epibromohydrin (EBH) to its vicinal diol 3-bromo-1,2-propanediol. We also demonstrate that this epoxide is a potent inducer of cif gene expression. We show that the predicted TetR family transcriptional repressor encoded by the PA2931 gene, which is immediately adjacent to and divergently transcribed from the cif-containing, three-gene operon, negatively regulates cif gene expression by binding to the promoter region immediately upstream of the cif-containing operon. Furthermore, this protein-DNA interaction is disrupted by the epoxide EBH in vitro, suggesting that the binding of EBH by the PA2931 protein product drives the disassociation from its DNA-binding site. Given its role as a repressor of cif gene expression, we have renamed PA2931 as CifR. Finally, we demonstrate that P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patient sputum with increased cif gene expression are impaired for the expression of the cifR gene.

Homeostatic regulation of Kv1.2 potassium channel trafficking by cyclic AMP

The Shaker family potassium channel, Kv1.2, is a key determinant of membrane excitability in neurons and cardiovascular tissue. Kv1.2 is subject to multiple forms of regulation and therefore integrates cellular signals involved in the homeostasis of excitability. The cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway enhances Kv1.2 ionic current; however, the mechanisms for this are not fully known. Here we show that cAMP maintains Kv1.2 homeostasis through opposing effects on channel trafficking. We found that Kv1.2 is regulated by two distinct cAMP pathways, one PKA-dependent and the other PKA-independent. PKA inhibitors elevate Kv1.2 surface levels, suggesting that basal levels of cAMP control steady-state turnover of the channel. Elevation of cAMP above basal levels also increases the amount of Kv1.2 at the cell surface. This effect is not blocked by PKA inhibitors, but is blocked by inhibition of Kv1.2 endocytosis. We conclude that Kv1.2 levels at the cell surface are kept in dynamic balance by opposing effects of cAMP.

Expression and maturation of Sendai virus vector-derived CFTR protein: functional and biochemical evidence using a GFP-CFTR fusion protein

Sendai virus (SeV) vector has been shown to efficiently transduce airway epithelial cells. As a precursor to the potential use of this vector for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy, the correct maturation of the SeV vector-derived CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein was examined using biochemical and functional analyses. We constructed a recombinant SeV vector, based on the fusion (F) gene-deleted non-transmissible SeV vector, carrying the GFP-CFTR gene in which the N terminus of CFTR was fused to green fluorescence protein (GFP). This vector was recovered and propagated to high titers in the packaging cell line. Western blotting using an anti-GFP antibody detected both the fully glycosylated (mature) and the core-glycosylated (immature) proteins, indicating that SeV vector-derived GFP-CFTR was similar to endogenous CFTR. We also confirmed the functional channel activity of GFP-CFTR in an iodide efflux assay. The efficient expression of GFP-CFTR, and its apical surface localization, were observed in both MDCK cells in vitro, and in the nasal epithelium of mice in vivo. We concluded that recombinant SeV vector, a cytoplasmically maintained RNA vector, is able to direct production of a correctly localized, mature form of CFTR, suggesting the value of this vector for studies of CF gene therapy.

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa secreted protein PA2934 decreases apical membrane expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

We previously reported that Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 secretes a protein that can reduce the apical membrane expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Here we report that we have used a proteomic approach to identify this secreted protein as PA2934 [corrected], and we have named the gene cif, for CFTR inhibitory factor. We demonstrate that Cif is a secreted protein and is found associated with outer membrane-derived vesicles. Expression of Cif in Escherichia coli and purification of the C-terminal six-His-tagged Cif protein showed that Cif is necessary and sufficient to mediate the reduction in apical membrane expression of CFTR and a concomitant reduction in CFTR-mediated Cl(-) ion secretion. Cif demonstrates epoxide hydrolase activity in vitro and requires a highly conserved histidine residue identified in alpha/beta hydrolase family enzymes to catalyze this reaction. Mutating this histidine residue also abolishes the ability of Cif to reduce apical membrane CFTR expression. Finally, we demonstrate that the cif gene is expressed in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung and that nonmucoid isolates of P. aeruginosa show greater expression of the gene than do mucoid isolates. We propose a model in which the Cif-mediated decrease in apical membrane expression of CFTR by environmental isolates of P. aeruginosa facilitates the colonization of the CF lung by this microbe.

Myosin Vb is required for trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in Rab11a-specific apical recycling endosomes in polarized human airway epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated Cl(-) secretion across fluid-transporting epithelia is regulated, in part, by modulating the number of CFTR Cl(-) channels in the plasma membrane by adjusting CFTR endocytosis and recycling. However, the mechanisms that regulate CFTR recycling in airway epithelial cells remain unknown, at least in part, because the recycling itineraries of CFTR in these cells are incompletely understood. In a previous study, we demonstrated that CFTR undergoes trafficking in Rab11a-specific apical recycling endosomes in human airway epithelial cells. Myosin Vb is a plus-end-directed, actin-based mechanoenzyme that facilitates protein trafficking in Rab11a-specific recycling vesicles in several cell model systems. There are no published studies examining the role of myosin Vb in airway epithelial cells. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether myosin Vb facilitates CFTR recycling in polarized human airway epithelial cells. Endogenous CFTR formed a complex with endogenous myosin Vb and Rab11a. Silencing myosin Vb by RNA-mediated interference decreased the expression of wild-type CFTR and DeltaF508-CFTR in the apical membrane and decreased CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion across polarized human airway epithelial cells. A recombinant tail domain fragment of myosin Vb attenuated the plasma membrane expression of CFTR by arresting CFTR recycling. The dominant-negative effect was dependent on the ability of the myosin Vb tail fragment to interact with Rab11a. Taken together, these data indicate that myosin Vb is required for CFTR recycling in Rab11a-specific apical recycling endosomes in polarized human airway epithelial cells.

CFTR surface expression and chloride currents are decreased by inhibitors of N-WASP and actin polymerization

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) undergoes rapid turnover at the plasma membrane in various cell types. The ubiquitously expressed N-WASP promotes actin polymerization and regulates endocytic trafficking of other proteins in response to signaling molecules such as Rho-GTPases. In the present study we investigated the effects of wiskostatin, an N-WASP inhibitor, on the surface expression and activity of CFTR. We demonstrate, using surface biotinylation methods, that the steady-state surface CFTR pool in stably transfected BHK cells was dramatically decreased following wiskostatin treatment with a corresponding increase in the amount of intracellular CFTR. Similar effects were observed for latrunculin B, a specific actin-disrupting reagent. Both reagents strongly inhibited macroscopic CFTR-mediated Cl(-) currents in two cell types including HT29-Cl19A colonic epithelial cells. As previously reported, CFTR internalization from the cell surface was strongly inhibited by a cyclic-AMP cocktail. This effect of cyclic-AMP was only partially blunted in the presence of wiskostatin, which raises the possibility that these two factors modulate different steps in CFTR traffic. In kinetic studies wiskostatin appeared to accelerate the initial rate of CFTR endocytosis as well as inhibit its recycling back to the cell surface over longer time periods. Our studies implicate a role for N-WASP-mediated actin polymerization in regulating CFTR surface expression and channel activity.

NHE3 inhibits PKA-dependent functional expression of CFTR by NHERF2 PDZ interactions

It has been shown that when CFTR and NHE3 are co-expressed on the apical membrane of the A6-NHE3 cell monolayers, the two transporters interact via a shared regulatory complex composed of NHERF2, ezrin, and PKA. We observe here that co-expression of NHE3 reduced both PKA-dependent apical CFTR expression and its activation once in place by approximately 50%. To analyze the role of NHERF2 in this process, we transfected NHE3 expressing and non-expressing A6 monolayers with NHERF2 cDNA in which its binding domains had been deleted. When only CFTR is expressed on the apical membrane, deletion of any of the NHERF2 binding domains inhibited both PKA-dependent apical CFTR expression and its activation, while when NHE3 was co-expressed with CFTR PDZ2 deletion was without effect on CFTR sorting and activity. This suggests that when the PDZ2 domain is "sequestered" by interacting with NHE3 it can no longer participate in CFTR functional expression.

Efficient trafficking of MDR1/P-glycoprotein to apical canalicular plasma membranes in HepG2 cells requires PKA-RIIalpha anchoring and glucosylceramide

In hepatocytes, cAMP/PKA activity stimulates the exocytic insertion of apical proteins and lipids and the biogenesis of bile canalicular plasma membranes. Here, we show that the displacement of PKA-RIIalpha from the Golgi apparatus severely delays the trafficking of the bile canalicular protein MDR1 (P-glycoprotein), but not that of MRP2 (cMOAT), DPP IV and 5'NT, to newly formed apical surfaces. In addition, the direct trafficking of de novo synthesized glycosphingolipid analogues from the Golgi apparatus to the apical surface is inhibited. Instead, newly synthesized glucosylceramide analogues are rerouted to the basolateral surface via a vesicular pathway, from where they are subsequently endocytosed and delivered to the apical surface via transcytosis. Treatment of HepG2 cells with the glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor PDMP delays the appearance of MDR1, but not MRP2, DPP IV, and 5'NT at newly formed apical surfaces, implicating glucosylceramide synthesis as an important parameter for the efficient Golgi-to-apical surface transport of MDR1. Neither PKA-RIIalpha displacement nor PDMP inhibited (cAMP-stimulated) apical plasma membrane biogenesis per se, suggesting that other cAMP effectors may play a role in canalicular development. Taken together, our data implicate the involvement of PKA-RIIalpha anchoring in the efficient direct apical targeting of distinct proteins and glycosphingolipids to newly formed apical plasma membrane domains and suggest that rerouting of Golgi-derived glycosphingolipids may underlie the delayed Golgi-to-apical surface transport of MDR1.

Establishment and characterization of a novel polarized MDCK epithelial cellular model for CFTR studies

F508del is the most common mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsible for the genetic disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It results in a major failure of CFTR to traffic to the apical membrane of epithelial cells, where it should function as a chloride (Cl-) channel. Most studies on localization, processing and cellular trafficking of wild-type (wt) and F508del-CFTR have been performed in non-epithelial cells. Notwithstanding, polarized epithelial cells possess distinctly organized and regulated membrane trafficking pathways. We have used Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) type II cells (proximal tubular cells which do not express endogenous CFTR) to generate novel epithelial, polarized cellular models stably expressing wt- or F508del-CFTR through transduction with recombinant lentiviral vectors. Characterization of these cell lines shows that wt-CFTR is correctly processed and apically localized, producing a cAMP-activated Cl- conductance. In contrast, F508del-CFTR is mostly detected in itsimmature form, localized intracellularly and producing only residual Cl- conductance. These novel cell lines constitute bona fide models and significantly improved resources to investigate the molecular mechanisms of polarized membrane traffic of wt- and F508del-CFTR in the same cellular background. They are also useful to identify/validate novel therapeutic compounds for CF.

Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor Isoform 1 Overexpression Modulates Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Expression and Activity in Human Airway 16HBE14o- Cells and Rescues ΔF508 CFTR Functional Expression in Cystic Fibrosis Cells*

There is evidence that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) interacting proteins play critical roles in the proper expression and function of CFTR. The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor isoform 1 (NHERF1) was the first identified CFTR-binding protein. Here we further clarify the role of NHERF1 in the regulation of CFTR activity in two human bronchial epithelial cell lines: the normal, 16HBE14o-, and the homozygous DeltaF508 CFTR, CFBE41o-. Confocal analysis in polarized cell monolayers demonstrated that NHERF1 distribution was associated with the apical membrane in 16HBE14o- cells while being primarily cytoplasmic in CFBE41o- cells. Transfection of 16HBE14o- monolayers with vectors encoding for wild-type (wt) NHERF1 increased both apical CFTR expression and apical protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent CFTR-mediated chloride efflux, whereas transfection with NHERF1 mutated in the binding groove of the PDZ domains or truncated for the ERM domain inhibited both the apical CFTR expression and the CFTR-dependent chloride efflux. These data led us to hypothesize an important role for NHERF1 in regulating CFTR localization and stability on the apical membrane of 16HBE14o- cell monolayers. Importantly, wt NHERF1 overexpression in confluent DeltaF508 CFBE41o- and DeltaF508 CFT1-C2 cell monolayers induced both a significant redistribution of CFTR from the cytoplasm to the apical membrane and a PKA-dependent activation of CFTR-dependent chloride secretion.

The Short Apical Membrane Half-life of Rescued ΔF508-Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Results from Accelerated Endocytosis of ΔF508-CFTR in Polarized Human Airway Epithelial Cells

The most common mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in individuals with cystic fibrosis, DeltaF508, causes retention of DeltaF508-CFTR in the endoplasmic reticulum and leads to the absence of CFTR Cl(-) channels in the apical plasma membrane. Rescue of DeltaF508-CFTR by reduced temperature or chemical means reveals that the DeltaF508 mutation reduces the half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in the apical plasma membrane. Because DeltaF508-CFTR retains some Cl(-) channel activity, increased expression of DeltaF508-CFTR in the apical membrane could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for cystic fibrosis. However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the short apical membrane half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine the cellular defects in the trafficking of rescued DeltaF508-CFTR that lead to the decreased apical membrane half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells. We report that in polarized human airway epithelial cells (CFBE41o-) the DeltaF508 mutation increased endocytosis of CFTR from the apical membrane without causing a global endocytic defect or affecting the endocytic recycling of CFTR in the Rab11a-specific apical recycling compartment.

TGFbeta down-regulation of the CFTR: a means to limit epithelial chloride secretion

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is a multifunctional cytokine with effects on many cell types. We recently showed that in addition to epithelial barrier enhancing properties, TGFbeta causes diminished cAMP-driven chloride secretion in colonic epithelia, in a manner that is p38 MAPK-dependent. In this study, we sought to further delineate the mechanism behind TGFbeta diminution of chloride secretion. Using colonic and kidney epithelial cell lines, we found that exposure to TGFbeta causes dramatic changes in the expression and localization of the apical membrane chloride channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In TGFbeta-treated colonic epithelia (T84 and HT-29), CFTR mRNA was significantly reduced 2-24 h post-cytokine exposure. At a time consistent with decreased colonic epithelial secretory responses (16 h), TGFbeta treatment caused diminished intracellular CFTR protein expression (confocal microscopy) and reduced channel expression in the apical membrane during stimulated chloride secretion (biotinylation assay). In comparison, polarized kidney epithelia (MDCK) treated with TGFbeta displayed similarly reduced secretory responses to cAMP stimulating agents; however, a perinuclear accumulation of CFTR was observed, contrasting the diffuse cytoplasmic CFTR expression of control cells. Our data indicate that TGFbeta has profound effects on the expression and subcellular localization of an important channel involved in cAMP-driven chloride secretion, and thus suggest TGFbeta represents a key regulator of fluid movement.

Myosin VI regulates endocytosis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic AMP-regulated Cl(-) channel expressed in the apical plasma membrane in fluid-transporting epithelia. Although CFTR is rapidly endocytosed from the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells and efficiently recycled back to the plasma membrane, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating CFTR endocytosis and endocytic recycling. Myosin VI, an actin-dependent, minus-end directed mechanoenzyme, has been implicated in clathrin-mediated endocytosis in epithelial cells. The goal of this study was to determine whether myosin VI regulates CFTR endocytosis. Endogenous, apical membrane CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells (Calu-3) formed a complex with myosin VI, the myosin VI adaptor protein Disabled 2 (Dab2), and clathrin. The tail domain of myosin VI, a dominant-negative recombinant fragment, displaced endogenous myosin VI from interacting with Dab2 and CFTR and increased the expression of CFTR in the plasma membrane by reducing CFTR endocytosis. However, the myosin VI tail fragment had no effect on the recycling of endocytosed CFTR or on fluid-phase endocytosis. CFTR endocytosis was decreased by cytochalasin D, an actin-filament depolymerizing agent. Taken together, these data indicate that myosin VI and Dab2 facilitate CFTR endocytosis by a mechanism that requires actin filaments.

Endocytic trafficking routes of wild type and DeltaF508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Intracellular trafficking of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a focus of attention because it is defective in most patients with cystic fibrosis. DeltaF508 CFTR, which does not mature conformationally, normally does not exit the endoplasmic reticulum, but if induced to do so at reduced temperature is short-lived at the surface. We used external epitope-tagged constructs to elucidate the itinerary and kinetics of wild type and DeltaF508 CFTR in the endocytic pathway and visualized movement of CFTR from the surface to intracellular compartments. Modulation of different endocytic steps with low temperature (16 degrees C) block, protease inhibitors, and overexpression of wild type and mutant Rab GTPases revealed that surface CFTR enters several different routes, including a Rab5-dependent initial step to early endosomes, then either Rab11-dependent recycling back to the surface or Rab7-regulated movement to late endosomes or alternatively Rab9-mediated transit to the trans-Golgi network. Without any of these modulations DeltaF508 CFTR rapidly disappears from and does not return to the cell surface, confirming that its altered structure is detected in the distal as well as proximal secretory pathway. Importantly, however, the mutant protein can be rescued at the plasma membrane by Rab11 overexpression, proteasome inhibitors, or inhibition of Rab5-dependent endocytosis.

Mammalian osmolytes and S-nitrosoglutathione promote Delta F508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein maturation and function

In cystic fibrosis, the absence of functional CFTR results in thick mucous secretions in the lung and intestines, as well as pancreatic deficiency. Although expressed at high levels in the kidney, mutations in CFTR result in little or no apparent kidney dysfunction. In an effort to understand this phenomenon, we analyzed Delta F508 CFTR maturation and function in kidney cells under conditions that are common to the kidney, namely osmotic stress. Kidney cells were grown in culture and adapted to 250 mM NaCl and 250 mM urea. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of lysates from kidney cells adapted to these conditions identified an increase in the cellular osmolytes glycerophosphorylcholine, myo-inositol, sorbitol, and taurine. In contrast to isoosmotic conditions, hyperosmotic stress led to the proper folding and processing of Delta F508 CFTR. Furthermore, three of the cellular osmolytes, when added individually to cells, proved effective in promoting the proper folding and processing of the Delta F508 CFTR protein in both epithelial and fibroblast cells. Whole-cell patch clamping of osmolyte-treated cells showed that Delta F508 CFTR had trafficked to the plasma membrane and was activated by forskolin. Encouraged by these findings, we looked at other features common to the kidney that may impact Delta F508 maturation and function. Interestingly, a small molecule, S-nitrosoglutathione, which is a substrate for gamma glutamyltranspeptidase, an abundant enzyme in the kidney, likewise promoted Delta F508 CFTR maturation and function. S-Nitrosoglutathione-corrected Delta F508 CFTR exhibited a shorter half-life as compared with wild type CFTR. These results demonstrate the feasibility of a small molecule approach as a therapeutic treatment in promoting Delta F508 CFTR maturation and function and suggest that an additional treatment may be required to stabilize Delta F508 CFTR protein once present at the plasma membrane. Finally, our observations may help to explain why Delta F508 homozygous patients do not present with kidney dysfunction.

Stimulation of beta 2-adrenergic receptor increases cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator expression in human airway epithelial cells through a cAMP/protein kinase A-independent pathway

PSD-95/Dlg-A/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains play an essential role in determining cell polarity. The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF), also known as EBP50, contains two PDZ domains that mediate the assembly of transmembrane and cytosolic proteins into functional signal transduction complexes. Moreover, it has been shown that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) bind equally well to the PDZ1 domain of EBP50. We hypothesized that beta(2)AR activation may regulate CFTR protein expression. To verify this, we evaluated the effects of a pharmacologically relevant concentration of salmeterol (2.10(-7) m), a long acting beta(2)AR agonist, on CFTR expression in primary human airway epithelial cells (HAEC). beta(2)AR stimulation induced a time-dependent increase in apical CFTR protein expression, with a maximal response reached after treatment for 24 h. This effect was post-transcriptional, dependent upon the beta(2)AR agonist binding to beta(2)AR and independent of the known beta(2)AR agonist-mediated cAMP/PKA pathway. We demonstrated by immunohistochemistry that CFTR, beta(2)AR, and EBP50 localize to the apical membrane of HAEC. Analyses of anti-EBP50 protein immunoprecipitate showed that salmeterol induced an increase in the amount of CFTR that binds to EBP50. These data suggest that beta(2)AR activation regulates the association of CFTR with EBP50 in polarized HAEC.

cAMP-dependent exocytosis and vesicle traffic regulate CFTR and fluid transport in rat jejunum in vivo

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel is regulated by cAMP-dependent vesicle traffic and exocytosis to the apical membrane in some cell types, but this has not been demonstrated in the intestinal crypt. The distribution of CFTR, lactase (control), and fluid secretion were determined in rat jejunum after cAMP activation in the presence of nocodazole and primaquine to disrupt vesicle traffic. CFTR and lactase were localized by immunofluorescence, and surface proteins were detected by biotinylation of enterocytes. Immunoprecipitates from biotinylated and nonbiotinylated cells were analyzed by streptavidin detection and immunoblots. Immunolocalization confirmed a cAMP-dependent shift of CFTR but not lactase from a subapical compartment to the apical surface associated with fluid secretion that was reduced in the presence of primaquine and nocodazole. Analysis of immunoblots from immunoprecipitates after biotinylation revealed a 3.8 +/- 1.7-fold (P < 0.005) increase of surface-exposed CFTR after vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These measurements provide independent corroboration supporting a role for vesicle traffic in regulating CFTR and cAMP-induced fluid transport in the intestine.

Regulation of channel gating by AMP-activated protein kinase modulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity in lung submucosal cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel activity is important for fluid and electrolyte transport in many epithelia including the lung, the site of most cystic fibrosis-associated morbidity. CFTR is unique among ion channels in requiring ATP hydrolysis for its gating, suggesting that its activity is coupled to cellular metabolic status. The metabolic sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) binds to and phosphorylates CFTR, co-localizes with it in various tissues, and inhibits CFTR currents in Xenopus oocytes (Hallows, K. R., Raghuram, V., Kemp, B. E., Witters, L. A. & Foskett, J. K. (2000) J. Clin. Invest. 105, 1711-1721). Here we demonstrate that this AMPK-CFTR interaction has functional implications in human lung epithelial cells. Pharmacologic activation of AMPK inhibited forskolin-stimulated CFTR short circuit currents in polarized Calu-3 cell monolayers. In whole-cell patch clamp experiments, the activation of endogenous AMPK either pharmacologically or by the overexpression of an AMPK-activating non-catalytic subunit mutant (AMPK-gamma1-R70Q) dramatically inhibited forskolin-stimulated CFTR conductance in Calu-3 and CFTR-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. Plasma membrane expression of CFTR, assessed by surface biotinylation, was not affected by AMPK activation. In contrast, the single channel open probability of CFTR was strongly reduced in cell-attached patch clamp measurements of Calu-3 cells transfected with the AMPK-activating mutant, an effect due primarily to a substantial prolongation of the mean closed time of the channel. As a metabolic sensor in cells, AMPK may be important in tuning CFTR activity to cellular energy charge, thereby linking transepithelial transport and the maintenance of cellular ion gradients to cellular metabolism.

Cysteine string protein interacts with and modulates the maturation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-regulated chloride channel whose phosphorylation regulates both channel gating and its trafficking at the plasma membrane. Cysteine string proteins (Csps) are J-domain-containing, membrane-associated proteins that have been functionally implicated in regulated exocytosis. Therefore, we evaluated the possibility that Csp is involved in regulated CFTR trafficking. We found Csp expressed in mammalian epithelial cell lines, several of which express CFTR. In Calu-3 airway cells, immunofluorescence colocalized Csp with calnexin in the endoplasmic reticulum and with CFTR at the apical membrane domain. CFTR coprecipitated with Csp from Calu-3 cell lysates. Csp associated with both core-glycosylated immature and fully glycosylated mature CFTRs (bands B and C); however, in relation to the endogenous levels of the B and C bands expressed in Calu-3 cells, the Csp interaction with band B predominated. In vitro protein binding assays detected physical interactions of both mammalian Csp isoforms with the CFTR R-domain and the N terminus, having submicromolar affinities. In Xenopus oocytes expressing CFTR, Csp overexpression decreased the chloride current and membrane capacitance increases evoked by cAMP stimulation and decreased the levels of CFTR protein detected by immunoblot. In mammalian cells, the steady-state expression of CFTR band C was eliminated, and pulse-chase studies showed that Csp coexpression blocked the conversion of immature to mature CFTR and stabilized band B. These results demonstrate a primary role for Csp in CFTR protein maturation. The physical interaction of this Hsc70-binding protein with immature CFTR, its localization in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the decrease in production of mature CFTR observed during Csp overexpression reflect a role for Csp in CFTR biogenesis. The documented role of Csp in regulated exocytosis, its interaction with mature CFTR, and its coexpression with CFTR at the apical membrane domain of epithelial cells may reflect also a role for Csp in regulated CFTR trafficking at the plasma membrane.

Non-conventional trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator through the early secretory pathway

The mechanism(s) of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Golgi apparatus, the step impaired in individuals afflicted with the prevalent CFTR-DeltaF508 mutation leading to cystic fibrosis, is largely unknown. Recent morphological observations suggested that CFTR is largely absent from the Golgi in situ (Bannykh, S. I., Bannykh, G. I., Fish, K. N., Moyer, B. D., Riordan, J. R., and Balch, W. E. (2000) Traffic 1, 852-870), raising the possibility of a novel trafficking pathway through the early secretory pathway. We now report that export of CFTR from the ER is regulated by the conventional coat protein complex II (COPII) in all cell types tested. Remarkably, in a cell type-specific manner, processing of CFTR from the core-glycosylated (band B) ER form to the complex-glycosylated (band C) isoform followed a non-conventional pathway that was insensitive to dominant negative Arf1, Rab1a/Rab2 GTPases, or the SNAp REceptor (SNARE) component syntaxin 5, all of which block the conventional trafficking pathway from the ER to the Golgi. Moreover, CFTR transport through the non-conventional pathway was potently blocked by overexpression of the late endosomal target-SNARE syntaxin 13, suggesting that recycling through a late Golgi/endosomal system was a prerequisite for CFTR maturation. We conclude that CFTR transport in the early secretory pathway can involve a novel pathway between the ER and late Golgi/endosomal compartments that may influence developmental expression of CFTR on the cell surface in polarized epithelial cells.

Mechanisms of CFTR regulation by syntaxin 1A and PKA

Activation of the chloride selective anion channel CFTR is stimulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and is regulated by the target membrane t-SNARE syntaxin 1A. The mechanism by which SNARE proteins modulate CFTR in secretory epithelia is controversial. In addition, controversy exists as to whether PKA activates CFTR-mediated Cl- currents (ICFTR) by increasing the number of channels in the plasma membrane and/or by stimulating membrane-resident channels. SNARE proteins play a well known role in exocytosis and have recently been implicated in the regulation of ion channels; therefore this investigation sought to resolve two related issues:(a) is PKA activation or SNARE protein modulation of CFTR linked to changes in membrane turnover and (b) does syntaxin 1A modulate CFTR via direct effects on the gating of channels residing in the plasma membrane versus alterations in membrane traffic. Our data demonstrate that syntaxin 1A inhibits CFTR as a result of direct protein-protein interactions that decrease channel open probability (Po) and serves as a model for other SNARE protein-ion channel interactions. We also show that PKA activation can enhance membrane trafficking in some epithelial cell types, and this is independent from CFTR activation or syntaxin 1A association.

Electrolyte transport in the mammalian colon: mechanisms and implications for disease

The colonic epithelium has both absorptive and secretory functions. The transport is characterized by a net absorption of NaCl, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and water, allowing extrusion of a feces with very little water and salt content. In addition, the epithelium does secret mucus, bicarbonate, and KCl. Polarized distribution of transport proteins in both luminal and basolateral membranes enables efficient salt transport in both directions, probably even within an individual cell. Meanwhile, most of the participating transport proteins have been identified, and their function has been studied in detail. Absorption of NaCl is a rather steady process that is controlled by steroid hormones regulating the expression of epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC), the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and additional modulating factors such as the serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase SGK. Acute regulation of absorption may occur by a Na(+) feedback mechanism and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Cl(-) secretion in the adult colon relies on luminal CFTR, which is a cAMP-regulated Cl(-) channel and a regulator of other transport proteins. As a consequence, mutations in CFTR result in both impaired Cl(-) secretion and enhanced Na(+) absorption in the colon of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Ca(2+)- and cAMP-activated basolateral K(+) channels support both secretion and absorption of electrolytes and work in concert with additional regulatory proteins, which determine their functional and pharmacological profile. Knowledge of the mechanisms of electrolyte transport in the colon enables the development of new strategies for the treatment of CF and secretory diarrhea. It will also lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological events during inflammatory bowel disease and development of colonic carcinoma.