Identification of FXYD protein genes in a teleost: tissue-specific expression and response to salinity change

Na+/K+-ATPase: More than an Electrogenic Pump

The sodium pump, or Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), is an essential enzyme found in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. Its primary role is to transport sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the cell membrane, using energy from ATP hydrolysis. This transport creates and maintains an electrochemical gradient, which is crucial for various cellular processes, including cell volume regulation, electrical excitability, and secondary active transport. Although the role of NKA as a pump was discovered and demonstrated several decades ago, it remains the subject of intense research. Current studies aim to delve deeper into several aspects of this molecular entity, such as describing its structure and mode of operation in atomic detail, understanding its molecular and functional diversity, and examining the consequences of its malfunction due to structural alterations. Additionally, researchers are investigating the effects of various substances that amplify or decrease its pumping activity. Beyond its role as a pump, growing evidence indicates that in various cell types, NKA also functions as a receptor for cardiac glycosides like ouabain. This receptor activity triggers the activation of various signaling pathways, producing significant morphological and physiological effects. In this report, we present the results of a comprehensive review of the most outstanding studies of the past five years. We highlight the progress made regarding this new concept of NKA and the various cardiac glycosides that influence it. Furthermore, we emphasize NKA's role in epithelial physiology, particularly its function as a receptor for cardiac glycosides that trigger intracellular signals regulating cell-cell contacts, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. We also analyze the role of NKA β-subunits as cell adhesion molecules in glia and epithelial cells.

Endocrine control of gill ionocyte function in euryhaline fishes

The endocrine system is an essential regulator of the osmoregulatory organs that enable euryhaline fishes to maintain hydromineral balance in a broad range of environmental salinities. Because branchial ionocytes are the primary site for the active exchange of Na+, Cl-, and Ca2+ with the external environment, their functional regulation is inextricably linked with adaptive responses to changes in salinity. Here, we review the molecular-level processes that connect osmoregulatory hormones with branchial ion transport. We focus on how factors such as prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, and insulin-like growth-factors operate through their cognate receptors to direct the expression of specific ion transporters/channels, Na+/K+-ATPases, tight-junction proteins, and aquaporins in ion-absorptive (freshwater-type) and ion-secretory (seawater-type) ionocytes. While these connections have historically been deduced in teleost models, more recently, increased attention has been given to understanding the nature of these connections in basal lineages. We conclude our review by proposing areas for future investigation that aim to fill gaps in the collective understanding of how hormonal signaling underlies ionocyte-based processes.

Ion Transporters and Osmoregulation in the Kidney of Teleost Fishes as a Function of Salinity

Euryhaline teleosts exhibit major changes in renal function as they move between freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW) environments, thus tolerating large fluctuations in salinity. In FW, the kidney excretes large volumes of water through high glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and low tubular reabsorption rates, while actively reabsorbing most ions at high rates. The excreted product has a high urine flow rate (UFR) with a dilute composition. In SW, GFR is greatly reduced, and the tubules reabsorb as much water as possible, while actively secreting divalent ions. The excreted product has a low UFR, and is almost isosmotic to the blood plasma, with Mg²⁺, SO₄^2–, and Cl^– as the major ionic components. Early studies at the organismal level have described these basic patterns, while in the last two decades, studies of regulation at the cell and molecular level have been implemented, though only in a few euryhaline groups (salmonids, eels, tilapias, and fugus). There have been few studies combining the two approaches. The aim of the review is to integrate known aspects of renal physiology (reabsorption and secretion) with more recent advances in molecular water and solute physiology (gene and protein function of transporters). The renal transporters addressed include the subunits of the Na⁺, K⁺- ATPase (NKA) enzyme, monovalent ion transporters for Na⁺, Cl^–, and K⁺ (NKCC1, NKCC2, CLC-K, NCC, ROMK2), water transport pathways [aquaporins (AQP), claudins (CLDN)], and divalent ion transporters for SO₄^2–, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ (SLC26A6, SLC26A1, SLC13A1, SLC41A1, CNNM2, CNNM3, NCX1, NCX2, PMCA). For each transport category, we address the current understanding at the molecular level, try to synthesize it with classical knowledge of overall renal function, and highlight knowledge gaps. Future research on the kidney of euryhaline fishes should focus on integrating changes in kidney reabsorption and secretion of ions with changes in transporter function at the cellular and molecular level (gene and protein verification) in different regions of the nephrons. An increased focus on the kidney individually and its functional integration with the other osmoregulatory organs (gills, skin and intestine) in maintaining overall homeostasis will have applied relevance for aquaculture.

FXYD proteins and sodium pump regulatory mechanisms

The sodium/potassium-ATPase (NKA) is the enzyme that establishes gradients of sodium and potassium across the plasma membrane. NKA activity is tightly regulated for different physiological contexts through interactions with single-span transmembrane peptides, the FXYD proteins. This diverse family of regulators has in common a domain containing a Phe-X-Tyr-Asp (FXYD) motif, two conserved glycines, and one serine residue. In humans, there are seven tissue-specific FXYD proteins that differentially modulate NKA kinetics as appropriate for each system, providing dynamic responsiveness to changing physiological conditions. Our understanding of how FXYD proteins contribute to homeostasis has benefitted from recent advances described in this review: biochemical and biophysical studies have provided insight into regulatory mechanisms, genetic models have uncovered remarkable complexity of FXYD function in integrated physiological systems, new posttranslational modifications have been identified, high-resolution structural studies have revealed new details of the regulatory interaction with NKA, and new clinical correlations have been uncovered. In this review, we address the structural determinants of diverse FXYD functions and the special roles of FXYDs in various physiological systems. We also discuss the possible roles of FXYDs in protein trafficking and regulation of non-NKA targets.

Osmoregulatory actions of prolactin in the gastrointestinal tract of fishes

In fishes, prolactin (Prl) signaling underlies the homeostatic regulation of hydromineral balance by controlling essential solute and water transporting functions performed by the gill, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, urinary bladder, and integument. Comparative studies spanning over 60 years have firmly established that Prl promotes physiological activities that enable euryhaline and stenohaline teleosts to reside in freshwater environments; nonetheless, the specific molecular and cellular targets of Prl in ion- and water-transporting tissues are still being resolved. In this short review, we discuss how particular targets of Prl (e.g., ion cotransporters, tight-junction proteins, and ion pumps) confer adaptive functions to the esophagus and intestine. Additionally, in some instances, Prl promotes histological and functional transformations within esophageal and intestinal epithelia by regulating cell proliferation. Collectively, the demonstrated actions of Prl in the gastrointestinal tract of teleosts indicate that Prl operates to promote phenotypes supportive of freshwater acclimation and to inhibit phenotypes associated with seawater acclimation. We conclude our review by underscoring that future investigations are warranted to determine how growth hormone/Prl-family signaling evolved in basal fishes to support the gastrointestinal processes underlying hydromineral balance.

Gene expression profiling of proximal and distal renal tubules in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) acclimated to fresh water and seawater

Euryhaline teleost kidneys undergo a major functional switch from being filtratory in freshwater (FW) to being predominantly secretory in seawater (SW) conditions. The transition involves both vascular and tubular effects. There is consensus that the glomerular filtration rate is greatly reduced upon exposure to hyperosmotic conditions. Yet, regulation at the tubular level has only been examined sporadically in a few different species. This study aimed to obtain a broader understanding of transcriptional regulation in proximal versus distal tubular segments during osmotic transitions. Proximal and distal tubule cells were dissected separately by laser capture microdissection, RNA was extracted, and relative mRNA expression levels of >30 targets involved in solute and water transport were quantified by quantitative PCR in relation to segment type in fish acclimated to FW or SW. The gene categories were aquaporins, solute transporters, fxyd proteins, and tight junction proteins. aqp8bb1, aqp10b1, nhe3, sglt1, slc41a1, cnnm3, fxyd12a, cldn3b, cldn10b, cldn15a, and cldn12 were expressed at a higher level in proximal compared with distal tubules. aqp1aa, aqp1ab, nka-a1a, nka-a1b, nkcc1a, nkcc2, ncc, clc-k, slc26a6C, sglt2, fxyd2, cldn3a, and occln were expressed at a higher level in distal compared with proximal tubules. Expression of aqp1aa, aqp3a1, aqp10b1, ncc, nhe3, cftr, sglt1, slc41a1, fxyd12a, cldn3a, cldn3b, cldn3c, cldn10b, cldn10e, cldn28a, and cldn30c was higher in SW- than in FW-acclimated salmon, whereas the opposite was the case for aqp1ab, slc26a6C, and fxyd2. The data show distinct segmental distribution of transport genes and a significant regulation of tubular transcripts when kidney function is modulated during salinity transitions.

Na+ K+ ATPase isoform switching in zebrafish during transition to dilute freshwater habitats

Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase (NKA) is crucial to branchial ion transport as it uses the energy from ATP to move Na⁺ against its electrochemical gradient. When fish encounter extremely dilute environments the energy available from ATP hydrolysis may not be sufficient to overcome thermodynamic constraints on ion transport. Yet many fish species-including zebrafish-are capable of surviving in dilute environments. Despite much study, the physiological mechanisms by which this occurs remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish acclimated to less than 10 µM Na⁺ water exhibit upregulation of a specific NKA α subunit ( zatp1a1a.5) that, unlike most NKA heterotrimers, would result in transfer of only a single Na⁺ and K⁺ per ATP hydrolysis reaction. Thermodynamic models demonstrate that this change is sufficient to reduce the activation energy of NKA, allowing it to overcome the adverse electrochemical gradient imposed by dilute freshwater. Importantly, upregulation of zatp1a1a.5 also coincides with the recovery of whole body Na⁺ post-transfer, which occurs within 24 h. While these structural modifications are crucial for allowing zebrafish to survive in ion-poor environments, phylogenetic and structural analysis of available α subunits from a range of teleosts suggests this adaptation is not widely distributed.

Hormonal regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase from the evolutionary perspective

Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, an α/β heterodimer, is an ancient enzyme that maintains Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients, thus preserving cellular ion homeostasis. In multicellular organisms, this basic housekeeping function is integrated to fulfill the needs of specialized organs and preserve whole-body homeostasis. In vertebrates, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase is essential for many fundamental physiological processes, such as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, nutrient absorption, and urine excretion. During vertebrate evolution, three key developments contributed to diversification and integration of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase functions. Generation of novel α- and β-subunits led to formation of multiple Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase isoenyzmes with distinct functional characteristics. Development of a complex endocrine system enabled efficient coordination of diverse Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase functions. Emergence of FXYDs, small transmembrane proteins that regulate Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, opened new ways to modulate its function. FXYDs are a vertebrate innovation and an important site of hormonal action, suggesting they played an especially prominent role in evolving interaction between Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and the endocrine system in vertebrates.

Positive correlation of gene expression between branchial FXYD proteins and Na+/K+-ATPase of euryhaline milkfish in response to hypoosmotic challenges

FXYD proteins are crucial regulators of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA), which plays an important role in ion exchange by providing the driving force for other ion-transporting systems in the osmoregulatory organs, including the gills. In milkfish (Chanos chanos), gill NKA has been widely investigated and found to alter its expression (both mRNA and protein) and activity in response to environmental salinity changes. However, the expression and roles of the regulatory proteins of NKA, the FXYD proteins, in milkfish gills upon salinity challenge is not yet clear. Hence, this study illustrated the potential roles of milkfish branchial FXYD proteins in modulating NKA expression via identification and tissue distributions of FXYD proteins, as well as the effects of salinity on expression of gill fxyd and nka mRNA. Six milkfish FXYD proteins (CcFXYD) were identified. In milkfish gill, gill-specific Ccfxyd11 was the predominant member, followed by Ccfxyd9 and Ccfxyd8. Upon hypoosmotic challenges, increases in gill Ccfxyd11, Ccfxyd8, Ccnka α1, and Ccnka β1 mRNA as well as significantly positive correlations were observed. Moreover, after acute salinity changes, expression of gill Ccfxyd11 and Ccnka was found to change with ambient salinity, and significant positive correlations were also exhibited between Ccfxyd11 and Ccnka α1. Overall, these results revealed close relationships between CcFXYD11 and CcNKA α1 in milkfish gills, highlighting the potential roles of CcFXYD11 in osmoregulation.

Intestinal FXYD12 and sodium-potassium ATPase: A comparative study on two euryhaline medakas in response to salinity changes

FXYD proteins are the regulators of sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase, NKA). In teleosts, NKA is a primary driving force for the operation of many ion transport systems in the osmoregulatory organs (e.g. intestines). Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the expression of FXYD proteins and NKA α-subunit in the intestines of two closely related medakas (Oryzias dancena and O. latipes), which came from different salinity habitats and have diverse osmoregulatory capabilities, to illustrate the association between NKA and FXYD proteins of two medaka species in response to salinity changes. The results showed that the fxyd12 mRNA was the most predominant in the intestines of both medakas. The association of FXYD12 and NKA in the intestines of the two medaka species was demonstrated via double immunofluorescent staining and co-immunoprecipitation. Upon salinity challenge, the localization of FXYD12 and NKA was similar in the intestines of the two medaka species. However, the expression profiles of intestinal FXYD12 and NKA (mRNA and protein levels), as well as NKA activity differed between the medakas. These results showed that FXYD12 may play a role in modulating NKA activity in the intestines of the two medakas following salinity changes in the maintenance of internal homeostasis. These findings contributed to knowledge of the expression and potential role of vertebrate FXYD12, the regulators of NKA, upon salinity challenge.

Osmoregulation in the Plotosidae Catfish: Role of the Salt Secreting Dendritic Organ

Unlike other marine teleosts, the Plotosidae catfishes reportedly have an extra-branchial salt secreting dendritic organ (DO). Salinity acclimation [brackishwater (BW) 3aaa, seawater (SWcontrol) 34aaa, and hypersaline water (HSW) 60aaa] for 14 days was used to investigate the osmoregulatory abilities of Plotosus lineatus through measurements of blood chemistry, muscle water content (MWC), Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) specific activity and ion transporter expression in gills, DO, kidney and intestine. Ion transporter expression was determined using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). HSW elevated mortality, plasma osmolality and ions, and hematocrit, and decreased MWC indicating an osmoregulatory challenge. NKA specific activity and protein levels were significantly higher in DO compared to gill, kidney and intestine at all salinities. NKA specific activity increased in kidney and posterior intestine with HSW but only kidney showed correspondingly higher NKA α-subunit protein levels. Since DO mass was greater in HSW, the total amount of DO NKA activity expressed per gram fish was greater indicating higher overall capacity. Gill NKA and V-ATPase protein levels were greater with HSW acclimation but this was not reflected in NKA activity, mRNA or ionocyte abundance. BW acclimation resulted in lower NKA activity in gill, kidney and DO. Cl^- levels were better regulated and the resulting strong ion ratio in BW suggests a metabolic acidosis. Elevated DO heat shock protein 70 levels in HSW fish indicate a cellular stress. Strong NKA and NKCC1 (Na⁺:K⁺:2Cl^- cotransporter1) co-localization was observed in DO parenchymal cells, which was rare in gill ionocytes. NKCC1 immunoblot expression was only detected in DO, which was highest at HSW. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator Cl^- channel (CFTR) localize apically to DO NKA immunoreactive cells. Taken together, the demonstration of high NKA activity in DO coexpressed with NKCC1 and CFTR indicates the presence of the conserved secondary active Cl^- secretion mechanism found in other ion transporting epithelia suggesting a convergent evolution with other vertebrate salt secreting organs. However, the significant osmoregulatory challenge of HSW indicates that the DO may be of limited use under more extreme salinity conditions in contrast to the gill based ionoregulatory strategy of marine teleosts.

FXYD8, a Novel Regulator of Renal Na+/K+-ATPase in the Euryhaline Teleost, Tetraodon nigroviridis

FXYD proteins are important regulators of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity in mammals. As an inhabitant of estuaries, the pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis) responds to ambient salinity changes with efficient osmoregulation, including alterations in branchial, and renal NKA activities. Previous studies on teleostean FXYDs have mainly focused on the expression and potential functions of FXYD proteins in gills. The goal of the present study was to elucidate the potential role of FXYD8, a member of the fish FXYD protein family, in the modulation of NKA activity in the kidneys of this euryhaline pufferfish by using molecular, biochemical, and physiological approaches. The results demonstrate that T. nigroviridis FXYD8 (TnFXYD8) interacts with NKA in renal tubules. Meanwhile, the protein expression of renal TnFXYD8 was found to be significantly upregulated in hyperosmotic seawater-acclimated pufferfish. Moreover, overexpression of TnFXYD8 in Xenopus oocytes decreased NKA activity. Our results suggest the FXYD8 is able to modulate NKA activity through inhibitory effects upon salinity challenge. The present study further extends our understanding of the functions of FXYD proteins, the regulators of NKA, in vertebrates.

Early vertebrate origin and diversification of small transmembrane regulators of cellular ion transport

KEY POINTS

Small transmembrane proteins such as FXYDs, which interact with Na⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase, and the micropeptides that interact with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ -ATPase play fundamental roles in regulation of ion transport in vertebrates. Uncertain evolutionary origins and phylogenetic relationships among these regulators of ion transport have led to inconsistencies in their classification across vertebrate species, thus hampering comparative studies of their functions. We discovered the first FXYD homologue in sea lamprey, a basal jawless vertebrate, which suggests small transmembrane regulators of ion transport emerged early in the vertebrate lineage. We also identified 13 gene subfamilies of FXYDs and propose a revised, phylogeny-based FXYD classification that is consistent across vertebrate species. These findings provide an improved framework for investigating physiological and pathophysiological functions of small transmembrane regulators of ion transport.

ABSTRACT

Small transmembrane proteins are important for regulation of cellular ion transport. The most prominent among these are members of the FXYD family (FXYD1-12), which regulate Na⁺ ,K⁺ -ATPase, and phospholamban, sarcolipin, myoregulin and DWORF, which regulate the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ -ATPase (SERCA). FXYDs and regulators of SERCA are present in fishes, as well as terrestrial vertebrates; however, their evolutionary origins and phylogenetic relationships are obscure, thus hampering comparative physiological studies. Here we discovered that sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), a representative of extant jawless vertebrates (Cyclostomata), expresses an FXYD homologue, which strongly suggests that FXYDs predate the emergence of fishes and other jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomata). Using a combination of sequence-based phylogenetic analysis and conservation of local chromosome context, we determined that FXYDs markedly diversified in the lineages leading to cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) and bony vertebrates (Euteleostomi). Diversification of SERCA regulators was much less extensive, indicating they operate under different evolutionary constraints. Finally, we found that FXYDs in extant vertebrates can be classified into 13 gene subfamilies, which do not always correspond to the established FXYD classification. We therefore propose a revised classification that is based on evolutionary history of FXYDs and that is consistent across vertebrate species. Collectively, our findings provide an improved framework for investigating the function of ion transport in health and disease.

Na+/K+-ATPase response to salinity change and its correlation with FXYD11 expression in Anguilla marmorata

The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) is a primary electrogenic protein that promotes ion transport in teleosts. FXYD11 is a putative regulatory subunit of the NKA pump. The regulation of Na ⁺/K ⁺ -ATPase and FXYD11 is of critical importance for osmotic homeostasis. To investigate the changes of the two genes under different salinity environments, we first identified NKA (AmNKAα1) and FXYD11 (AmFXYD11) in Anguilla marmorata, and then evaluated the mRNA levels of NKA and FXYD11 as well as the activity of NKA in the gill and kidney at different timepoints (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 360 h) under three salinity conditions-0‰ (fresh water: FW), 10‰ (brackish water: BW), and 25‰ (seawater: SW). In the gill, the mRNA levels of AmNKAα1 and AmFXYD11 and the enzyme activity of AmNKAα1 were higher in BW and SW than in FW; the protein abundance was positively correlated with the specific activity of NKA in BW/SW. However, in the kidney, the mRNA level of AmNKAα1 in the BW group was higher than that in the FW group. In addition, AmFXYD mRNA levels in both BW and SW groups were significantly lower than that in the FW control group. These results suggested that AmFXYD11 was tissue specific in response to different salinity environment. Our results clearly demonstrated the important roles of AmNKAα1 and AmFXYD11 in osmotic homeostasis of juvenile A. marmorata under saline environment.

Molecular characterization and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase α1 isoforms in the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax osmoregulatory tissues following salinity transfer

The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) is considered as the main pump involved in active ion transport. In the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, we found two genes encoding for the alpha 1 subunit isoforms (NKA α1a and NKA α1b). NKA α1a and NKA α1b isoform amino acid (aa) sequences were compared through phylogeny and regarding key functional motifs between salmonids and other acanthomorph species. Analysis of aa sequences of both isoforms revealed a high degree of conservation across teleosts. The expression pattern of both nka α1a and nka α1b was measured in the gill, kidney and posterior intestine of fish in seawater (SW) and transferred to fresh water (FW) at different exposure times. Nka α1a was more expressed than nka α1b whatever the condition and the tissue analyzed. After long-term salinity acclimation (2.5 years) either in FW or SW, transcript levels of nka α1a were higher in the kidney followed by the posterior intestine and the gill. Compared to SW conditions, expression of nka α1a in FW was significantly increased or decreased, respectively, in gill and posterior intestine. In contrast, branchial nka α1b was significantly decreased in FW-acclimated fish. Short-term FW acclimation seems to rapidly increase nka α1a transcript levels in the kidney unlike in gill tissues where different gene expression levels are detected only after long-term acclimation.

Different Modulatory Mechanisms of Renal FXYD12 for Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase between Two Closely Related Medakas upon Salinity Challenge

Upon salinity challenge, the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase (NKA) of fish kidney plays a crucial role in maintaining ion and water balance. Moreover, the FXYD protein family was found to be a regulator of NKA. Our preliminary results revealed that fxyd12 was highly expressed in the kidneys of the two closely related euryhaline medaka species (Oryzias dancena and O. latipes) from different natural habitats (brackish water and fresh water). In this study, we investigated the expression and association of renal FXYD12 and NKA α-subunit as well as potential functions of FXYD12 in the two medakas. These findings illustrated and compared the regulatory roles of FXYD12 for NKA in kidneys of the two medakas in response to salinity changes. In this study, at the mRNA and/or protein level, the expression patterns were similar for renal FXYD12 and NKA in the two medakas. However, different patterns of NKA activities and different interaction levels between FXYD12 and NKA were found in the kidneys of these two medakas. The results revealed that different strategies were used in the kidneys of the two medaka species upon salinity challenge. On the other hand, gene knockdown experiments demonstrated that the function of O. dancena FXYD12 allowed maintenance of a high level of NKA activity. The results of the present study indicated that the kidneys of the examined euryhaline medakas originating from brackish water and fresh water exhibited different modulatory mechanisms through which renal FXYD12 enhanced NKA activity to maintain internal homeostasis. Our findings broadened the knowledge of expression and functions of FXYD proteins, the modulators of NKA, in vertebrates.

Does Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exhibit a gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase isoform switch during salinity change?

Some euryhaline teleosts exhibit a switch in gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (Nka) α isoform when moving between fresh water (FW) and seawater (SW). The present study tested the hypothesis that a similar mechanism is present in Japanese medaka and whether salinity affects ouabain, Mg(2+), Na(+) and K(+) affinity of the gill enzyme. Phylogenetic analysis classified six separate medaka Nka α isoforms (α1a, α1b, α1c, α2, α3a and α3b). Medaka acclimated long-term (>30 days) to either FW or SW had similar gill expression of α1c, α2, α3a and α3b, while both α1a and α1b were elevated in SW. Since a potential isoform shift may rely on early changes in transcript abundance, we conducted two short-term (1-3 days) salinity transfer experiments. FW to SW acclimation induced an elevation of α1b and α1a after 1 and 3 days. SW to FW acclimation reduced α1b after 3 days with no other α isoforms affected. To verify that the responses were typical, additional transport proteins were examined. Gill ncc and nhe3 expression were elevated in FW, while cftr and nkcc1a were up-regulated in SW. This is in accordance with putative roles in ion-uptake and secretion. SW-acclimated medaka had higher gill Nka V max and lower apparent K m for Na(+) compared to FW fish, while apparent affinities for K(+), Mg(2+) and ouabain were unchanged. The present study showed that the Japanese medaka does not exhibit a salinity-induced α isoform switch and therefore suggests that Na(+) affinity changes involve altered posttranslational modification or intermolecular interactions.

FXYD11 mediated modulation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in gills of the brackish medaka (Oryzias dancena) when transferred to hypoosmotic or hyperosmotic environments

FXYD proteins regulate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA), which is a primary active pump that provides the driving force that triggers osmoregulatory systems in teleosts. To explore the regulatory mechanisms between FXYD and NKA in euryhaline teleosts, the expression of NKA (mRNA, protein, and activity) and FXYD11 and their interaction were examined in the gills of brackish medaka (Oryzias dancena) when transferred from brackish water (BW; 15‰) to fresh water (FW) or seawater (SW; 35‰). The mRNA expression of Odfxyd11 and Odnka-α was elevated 48h post-hypoosmotic transfer. Moreover, FXYD11 protein and NKA activity were upregulated 12h after transfer to FW. When transferred to SW, the protein abundance of FXYD11 and the NKA α-subunit did not show apparent changes, while Odfxyd11 and Odnka-α mRNA expression and NKA activity increased significantly 12h and 1h post-transfer, respectively. To clarify the FXYD11 mechanisms involved in modulating NKA activity via their interaction, co-immunoprecipitation was further applied to O. dancena gills. The results revealed that the levels of protein-protein interaction between branchial NKA and FXYD11 increased acutely 12h after the transfer from BW to FW. However, immediate upregulation of NKA activity 1h following post-exposure to SW, without the elevation of protein-protein interaction levels, was found. Hence, branchial NKA activity of O. dancena was suggested to be rapidly regulated by FXYD11 interaction with NKA when acclimated to hypoosmotic environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on the efficacy of interactions between FXYD11 and NKA in the gills of euryhaline teleosts.

Prolactin and teleost ionocytes: new insights into cellular and molecular targets of prolactin in vertebrate epithelia

The peptide hormone prolactin is a functionally versatile hormone produced by the vertebrate pituitary. Comparative studies over the last six decades have revealed that a conserved function for prolactin across vertebrates is the regulation of ion and water transport in a variety of tissues including those responsible for whole-organism ion homeostasis. In teleost fishes, prolactin was identified as the "freshwater-adapting hormone", promoting ion-conserving and water-secreting processes by acting on the gill, kidney, gut and urinary bladder. In mammals, prolactin is known to regulate renal, intestinal, mammary and amniotic epithelia, with dysfunction linked to hypogonadism, infertility, and metabolic disorders. Until recently, our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of prolactin action in fishes has been hampered by a paucity of molecular tools to define and study ionocytes, specialized cells that control active ion transport across branchial and epidermal epithelia. Here we review work in teleost models indicating that prolactin regulates ion balance through action on ion transporters, tight-junction proteins, and water channels in ionocytes, and discuss recent advances in our understanding of ionocyte function in the genetically and embryonically accessible zebrafish (Danio rerio). Given the high degree of evolutionary conservation in endocrine and osmoregulatory systems, these studies in teleost models are contributing novel mechanistic insight into how prolactin participates in the development, function, and dysfunction of osmoregulatory systems across the vertebrate lineage.

Identification of fxyd genes from the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus): molecular cloning, tissue-specific expression, and response to acute hyposaline stress

By interacting with Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA), the FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator (FXYD) is involved in teleost osmoregulation, but knowledge of FXYD in marine fish is limited. In the present study, fxyd11 and fxyd12 were identified from the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus), and the two members of the FXYD protein family were expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Fxyd11 mRNA was predominantly expressed in gills, whereas fxyd12 mRNA was mainly distributed in kidneys and intestines. Acute hyposaline stress altered the activity of NKA and the expression of fxyd11 and fxyd12 in gills, kidneys, and intestines. Branchial fxyd11 mRNA expression remained at a low level during freshwater acclimation, whereas NKA activity increased, showing a negative correlation that differed from previous reports. Similarly, renal expression of fxyd11 and fxyd12 mRNA was negatively correlated with NKA activity. Unlike in gills and kidneys, intestinal NKA activity and mRNA expression of fxyd11 and fxyd12 were comparably suppressed. Taken together, the salinity-dependent expression of fxyd11 and fxyd12, and correlation with NKA activity suggested that both fxyd11 and fxyd12 were involved in the response to acute hyposaline challenge in the spotted scat.

Expression and clinical significance of FXYD3 in endometrial cancer

FXYD3 expression is upregulated in numerous cancer cell types. The present study compared the FXDY3 expression in normal endometrium, premalignant lesion and endometrial cancer tissue samples, and investigated the correlation between FXDY3 expression and clinicopathological features. FXYD3 expression was analyzed by streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry in 21 normal endometrial tissue samples, 18 atypical endometrial hyperplasia samples and 50 tissues obtained from patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The percentage of FXYD3-positive cell expression in the normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer tissues samples was 0, 22, and 26%, respectively. The differences between the atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups were statistically significant when compared with the normal group (P=0.007 and P=0.037, respectively). There was no significant difference between the atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups. The percentage of FXYD3-positive cells correlated with the fertility frequency (P<0.05). In conclusion, FXYD3 is a potential biomarker for endometrial cancer, and its upregulation may be an early event in endometrial carcinoma progression. In addition, FXYD3 expression in endometrial carcinoma correlates with fertility frequency.

Genome duplication and multiple evolutionary origins of complex migratory behavior in Salmonidae

Multiple rounds of whole genome duplication have repeatedly marked the evolution of vertebrates, and correlate strongly with morphological innovation. However, less is known about the behavioral, physiological and ecological consequences of genome duplication, and whether these events coincide with major transitions in vertebrate complexity. The complex behavior of anadromy - where adult fishes migrate up rivers from the sea to their natal site to spawn - is well known in salmonid fishes. Some hypotheses suggest that migratory behavior evolved as a consequence of an ancestral genome duplication event, which permitted salinity tolerance and osmoregulatory plasticity. Here we test whether anadromy evolved multiple times within salmonids, and whether genome duplication coincided with the evolution of anadromy. We present a method that uses ancestral character simulation data to plot the frequency of character transitions over a time calibrated phylogenetic tree to provide estimates of the absolute timing of character state transitions. Furthermore, we incorporate extinct and extant taxa to improve on previous estimates of divergence times. We present the first phylogenetic evidence indicating that anadromy evolved at least twice from freshwater salmonid ancestors. Results suggest that genome duplication did not coincide in time with changes in migratory behavior, but preceded a transition to anadromy by 55-50 million years. Our study represents the first attempt to estimate the absolute timing of a complex behavioral trait in relation to a genome duplication event.

Expression profiles of branchial FXYD proteins in the brackish medaka Oryzias dancena: a potential saltwater fish model for studies of osmoregulation

FXYD proteins are novel regulators of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase (NKA). In fish subjected to salinity challenges, NKA activity in osmoregulatory organs (e.g., gills) is a primary driving force for the many ion transport systems that act in concert to maintain a stable internal environment. Although teleostean FXYD proteins have been identified and investigated, previous studies focused on only a limited group of species. The purposes of the present study were to establish the brackish medaka (Oryzias dancena) as a potential saltwater fish model for osmoregulatory studies and to investigate the diversity of teleostean FXYD expression profiles by comparing two closely related euryhaline model teleosts, brackish medaka and Japanese medaka (O. latipes), upon exposure to salinity changes. Seven members of the FXYD protein family were identified in each medaka species, and the expression of most branchial fxyd genes was salinity-dependent. Among the cloned genes, fxyd11 was expressed specifically in the gills and at a significantly higher level than the other fxyd genes. In the brackish medaka, branchial fxyd11 expression was localized to the NKA-immunoreactive cells in gill epithelia. Furthermore, the FXYD11 protein interacted with the NKA α-subunit and was expressed at a higher level in freshwater-acclimated individuals relative to fish in other salinity groups. The protein sequences and tissue distributions of the FXYD proteins were very similar between the two medaka species, but different expression profiles were observed upon salinity challenge for most branchial fxyd genes. Salinity changes produced different effects on the FXYD11 and NKA α-subunit expression patterns in the gills of the brackish medaka. To our knowledge, this report is the first to focus on FXYD expression in the gills of closely related euryhaline teleosts. Given the advantages conferred by the well-developed Japanese medaka system, we propose the brackish medaka as a saltwater fish model for osmoregulatory studies.

Genome-wide prediction and analysis of human tissue-selective genes using microarray expression data

Background

Understanding how genes are expressed specifically in particular tissues is a fundamental question in developmental biology. Many tissue-specific genes are involved in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases. However, experimental identification of tissue-specific genes is time consuming and difficult. The accurate predictions of tissue-specific gene targets could provide useful information for biomarker development and drug target identification.

Results

In this study, we have developed a machine learning approach for predicting the human tissue-specific genes using microarray expression data. The lists of known tissue-specific genes for different tissues were collected from UniProt database, and the expression data retrieved from the previously compiled dataset according to the lists were used for input vector encoding. Random Forests (RFs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) were used to construct accurate classifiers. The RF classifiers were found to outperform SVM models for tissue-specific gene prediction. The results suggest that the candidate genes for brain or liver specific expression can provide valuable information for further experimental studies. Our approach was also applied for identifying tissue-selective gene targets for different types of tissues.

Conclusions

A machine learning approach has been developed for accurately identifying the candidate genes for tissue specific/selective expression. The approach provides an efficient way to select some interesting genes for developing new biomedical markers and improve our knowledge of tissue-specific expression.

Intestinal fluid absorption in anadromous salmonids: importance of tight junctions and aquaporins

The anadromous salmonid life cycle includes both fresh water (FW) and seawater (SW) stages. The parr-smolt transformation (smoltification) pre-adapt the fish to SW while still in FW. The osmoregulatory organs change their mode of action from a role of preventing water inflow in FW, to absorb ions to replace water lost by osmosis in SW. During smoltification, the drinking rate increases, in the intestine the ion and fluid transport increases and is further elevated after SW entry. In SW, the intestine absorbs ions to create an inwardly directed water flow which is accomplished by increased Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase (NKA) activity in the basolateral membrane, driving ion absorption via ion channels and/or co-transporters. This review will aim at discussing the expression patterns of the ion transporting proteins involved in intestinal fluid absorption in the FW stage, during smoltification and after SW entry. Of equal importance for intestinal fluid absorption as the active absorption of ions is the permeability of the epithelium to ions and water. During the smoltification the increase in NKA activity and water uptake in SW is accompanied by decreased paracellular permeability suggesting a redirection of the fluid movement from a paracellular route in FW, to a transcellular route in SW. Increased transcellular fluid absorption could be achieved by incorporation of aquaporins (AQPs) into the enterocyte membranes and/or by a change in fatty acid profile of the enterocyte lipid bilayer. An increased incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into the membrane phospholipids will increase water permeability by enhancing the fluidity of the membrane. A second aim of the present review is therefore to discuss the presence and regulation of expression of AQPs in the enterocyte membrane as well as to discuss the profile of fatty acids present in the membrane phospholipids during different stages of the salmonid lifecycle.

Effects of salinity acclimation on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase responses and FXYD11 expression in the gills and kidneys of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) is a primary active pump provides the driving force for ion-transporting systems in the osmoregulatory tissues of teleosts. Therefore, modulation of NKA expression or activity and its regulatory subunit, FXYD protein, is essential for teleosts in salinity adaptation. To understand the mechanisms for modulation of NKA in catadromous fishes, NKA expression and activity, cloning and mRNA expression of FXYD11 (AjFXYD11) were examined in Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) exposed to fresh water (FW) and seawater (SW; 35‰). Expression and activity of NKA as well as mRNA expression of AjFXYD11 in gills were elevated in SW eel compared to FW eel. Conversely, NKA responses in eel kidneys were higher in FW group than SW group, whereas no significant difference was found in renal AjFXYD11 expression between the two groups. Comparison of NKA activity and AjFXYD11 expression between two osmoregulatory tissues suggested that AjFXYD11 plays a specific, functional role in gills. However, since cortisol plays an important role for regulation of ion transport in teleost SW acclimation and gill AjFXYD11 expression was elevated in SW eel, the organ culture approach was used to study the effect of cortisol on gill AjFXYD11 mRNA expression. Our results revealed that cortisol treatment increased the levels of gill AjFXYD11 transcripts. This finding suggested that cortisol could be involved in the regulation of NKA by altering AjFXYD11 expression during the process of SW acclimation in A. japonica. Taken together, the differential expression of branchial and renal NKA and AjFXYD11 implicated their roles in the osmotic homeostasis of Japanese eel exposed to environments of different salinities.

Characterization of rainbow trout gonad, brain and gill deep cDNA repertoires using a Roche 454-Titanium sequencing approach

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is an important aquaculture species worldwide and, in addition to being of commercial interest, it is also a research model organism of considerable scientific importance. Because of the lack of a whole genome sequence in that species, transcriptomic analyses of this species have often been hindered. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, we sought to fill these informational gaps. Here, using Roche 454-Titanium technology, we provide new tissue-specific cDNA repertoires from several rainbow trout tissues. Non-normalized cDNA libraries were constructed from testis, ovary, brain and gill rainbow trout tissue samples, and these different libraries were sequenced in 10 separate half-runs of 454-Titanium. Overall, we produced a total of 3million quality sequences with an average size of 328bp, representing more than 1Gb of expressed sequence information. These sequences have been combined with all publicly available rainbow trout sequences, resulting in a total of 242,187 clusters of putative transcript groups and 22,373 singletons. To identify the predominantly expressed genes in different tissues of interest, we developed a Digital Differential Display (DDD) approach. This approach allowed us to characterize the genes that are predominantly expressed within each tissue of interest. Of these genes, some were already known to be tissue-specific, thereby validating our approach. Many others, however, were novel candidates, demonstrating the usefulness of our strategy and of such tissue-specific resources. This new sequence information, acquired using NGS 454-Titanium technology, deeply enriched our current knowledge of the expressed genes in rainbow trout through the identification of an increased number of tissue-specific sequences. This identification allowed a precise cDNA tissue repertoire to be characterized in several important rainbow trout tissues. The rainbow trout contig browser can be accessed at the following publicly available web site (http://www.sigenae.org/).

Branchial osmoregulation in the euryhaline bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas: a molecular analysis of ion transporters

Bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, are one of only a few species of elasmobranchs that live in both marine and freshwater environments. Osmoregulation in euryhaline elasmobranchs is achieved through the control and integration of various organs (kidney, rectal gland and liver) in response to changes in environmental salinity. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of ion transport in the gills of euryhaline elasmobranchs and how they are affected by osmoregulatory challenges. This study was conducted to gain insight into the branchial ion and acid-base regulatory mechanisms of C. leucas by identifying putative ion transporters and determining whether their expression is influenced by environmental salinity. We hypothesised that expression levels of the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) pump, Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3), vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (VHA) and anion exchanger pendrin (PDN) would be upregulated in freshwater (FW) C. leucas. Immunohistochemistry was used to localise all four ion transporters in gills of bull sharks captured in both FW and estuarine/seawater (EST/SW) environments. NHE3 immunoreactivity occurred in the apical region of cells with basolateral NKA expression whereas PDN was apically expressed in cells that also exhibited basolateral VHA immunoreactivity. In accordance with our hypotheses, quantitative real-time PCR showed that the mRNA expression of NHE3 and NKA was significantly upregulated in gills of FW-captured C. leucas relative to EST/SW-captured animals. These data suggest that NHE3 and NKA together may be important in mediating branchial Na+ uptake in freshwater environments, whereas PDN and VHA might contribute to Cl-/HCO3- transport in marine and freshwater bull shark gills.

Ion regulation in fish gills: recent progress in the cellular and molecular mechanisms

Fish encounter harsh ionic/osmotic gradients on their aquatic environments, and the mechanisms through which they maintain internal homeostasis are more challenging compared with those of terrestrial vertebrates. Gills are one of the major organs conducting the internal ionic and acid-base regulation, with specialized ionocytes as the major cells carrying out active transport of ions. Exploring the iono/osmoregulatory mechanisms in fish gills, extensive literature proposed several models, with many conflicting or unsolved issues. Recent studies emerged, shedding light on these issues with new opened windows on other aspects, on account of available advanced molecular/cellular physiological approaches and animal models. Respective types of ionocytes and ion transporters, and the relevant regulators for the mechanisms of NaCl secretion, Na(+) uptake/acid secretion/NH(4)(+) excretion, Ca(2+) uptake, and Cl(-) uptake/base secretion, were identified and functionally characterized. These new ideas broadened our understanding of the molecular/cellular mechanisms behind the functional modification/regulation of fish gill ion transport during acute and long-term acclimation to environmental challenges. Moreover, a model for the systematic and local carbohydrate energy supply to gill ionocytes during these acclimation processes was also proposed. These provide powerful platforms to precisely study transport pathways and functional regulation of specific ions, transporters, and ionocytes; however, very few model species were established so far, whereas more efforts are needed in other species.

FXYD-11 associates with Na+-K+-ATPase in the gill of Atlantic salmon: regulation and localization in relation to changed ion-regulatory status

The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in the teleost gill; thus regulation of its level of activity is of critical importance for osmotic homeostasis. In the present study, we examined the dynamics of the gill-specific FXYD-11 protein, a putative regulatory subunit of the pump, in Atlantic salmon during seawater (SW) acclimation, smoltification, and treatment with cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. Dual-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that branchial FXYD-11 is localized in Na+-K+-ATPase immunoreactive cells, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a direct association between FXYD-11 and the Na+-K+-ATPase α-subunit. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated salmon to SW induced a parallel increase in total α-subunit and FXYD-11 protein expression. A similar concurrent increase was seen during smoltification in FW. In FW fish, cortisol induced an increase in both α-subunit and FXYD-11 abundance, and growth hormone further stimulated FXYD-11 levels. In SW fish, prolactin induced a decrease in FXYD-11 and α-subunit protein levels. In vitro cortisol (18 h, 10 μg/ml) stimulated FXYD-11, but not FXYD-9, mRNA levels in gills from FW and SW salmon. The data show that Na+-K+-ATPase expressed in branchial mitochondrion-rich cells is accompanied by FXYD-11, and that regulation of the two proteins is highly coordinated. The demonstrated association of FXYD-11 and α-subunit strengthens our hypothesis that FXYD-11 has a role in modulating the pump's kinetic properties. The presence of putative phosphorylation sites on the intracellular domain of FXYD-11 suggests the possibility that this protein also may transmit external signals that regulate Na+-K+-ATPase activity.

Identification of zebrafish Fxyd11a protein that is highly expressed in ion-transporting epithelium of the gill and skin and its possible role in ion homeostasis

FXYD proteins, small single-transmembrane proteins, have been proposed to be auxiliary regulatory subunits of Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase and have recently been implied in ion osmoregulation of teleost fish. In freshwater (FW) fish, numerous ions are actively taken up through mitochondrion-rich cells (MRCs) of the gill and skin epithelia, using the Na⁺ electrochemical gradient generated by Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase. In the present study, to understand the molecular mechanism for the regulation of Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase in MRCs of FW fish, we sought to identify FXYD proteins expressed in MRCs of zebrafish. Reverse-transcriptase PCR studies of adult zebrafish tissues revealed that, out of eight fxyd genes found in zebrafish database, only zebrafish fxyd11 (zfxyd11) mRNA exhibited a gill-specific expression. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that zFxyd11 is abundantly expressed in MRCs rich in Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase (NaK-MRCs) but not in those rich in vacuolar-type H⁺-transporting ATPase. An in situ proximity ligation assay demonstrated its close association with Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase in NaK-MRCs. The zfxyd11 mRNA expression was detectable at 1 day postfertilization, and its expression levels in the whole larvae and adult gills were regulated in response to changes in environmental ionic concentrations. Furthermore, knockdown of zFxyd11 resulted in a significant increase in the number of Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase–positive cells in the larval skin. These results suggest that zFxyd11 may regulate the transport ability of NaK-MRCs by modulating Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase activity, and may be involved in the regulation of body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.

Discovery and characterization of nutritionally regulated genes associated with muscle growth in Atlantic salmon

A genomics approach was used to identify nutritionally regulated genes involved in growth of fast skeletal muscle in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Forward and reverse subtractive cDNA libraries were prepared comparing fish with zero growth rates to fish growing rapidly. We produced 7,420 ESTs and assembled them into nonredundant clusters prior to annotation. Contigs representing 40 potentially unrecognized nutritionally responsive candidate genes were identified. Twenty-three of the subtractive library candidates were also differentially regulated by nutritional state in an independent fasting-refeeding experiment and their expression placed in the context of 26 genes with established roles in muscle growth regulation. The expression of these genes was also determined during the maturation of a primary myocyte culture, identifying 13 candidates from the subtractive cDNA libraries with putative roles in the myogenic program. During early stages of refeeding DNAJA4, HSPA1B, HSP90A, and CHAC1 expression increased, indicating activation of unfolded protein response pathways. Four genes were considered inhibitory to myogenesis based on their in vivo and in vitro expression profiles (CEBPD, ASB2, HSP30, novel transcript GE623928). Other genes showed increased expression with feeding and highest in vitro expression during the proliferative phase of the culture (FOXD1, DRG1) or as cells differentiated (SMYD1, RTN1, MID1IP1, HSP90A, novel transcript GE617747). The genes identified were associated with chromatin modification (SMYD1, RTN1), microtubule stabilization (MID1IP1), cell cycle regulation (FOXD1, CEBPD, DRG1), and negative regulation of signaling (ASB2) and may play a role in the stimulation of myogenesis during the transition from a catabolic to anabolic state in skeletal muscle.

Expression regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase α1-subunit subtypes in zebrafish gill ionocytes

In zebrafish ( Danio rerio), six distinct Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) α1-subunit genes have been identified, and four of them, zatp1a1a.1, zatp1a1a.2, zatp1a1a.4, and zatp1a1a.5, are expressed in embryonic skin where different types of ionocytes appear. The present study attempted to test a hypothesis of whether these NKA α1 paralogues are specifically expressed and function in respective ionocytes. Double fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated the specific expression of zatp1a1a.1, zatp1a1a.2, and zatp1a1a. 5 in NKA-rich (NaR) cells, Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC)-expressing cells, and H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells, respectively, based on the colocalization of the three NKA α1 genes with marker genes of the respective ionocytes (epithelial Ca2+ channel in NaR cells; NCC in NCC cells; and H+-ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger 3b in HR cells). The mRNA expression (by real-time PCR) of zatp1a1a.1, zatp1a1a.2, and zatp1a1a.5 were, respectively, upregulated by low-Ca2+, low-Cl−, and low-Na+ freshwater, which had previously been reported to stimulate uptake functions of Ca2+, Cl−, and Na+. However, zatp1a1a.4 was not colocalized with any of the three types of ionocytes, nor did its mRNA respond to the ambient ions examined. Taken together, zATP1a1a.1, zATP1a1a.2, and zATP1a1a.5 may provide driving force for Na+-coupled cotransporter activity specifically in NaR, NCC, and HR cells, respectively.

Characterization of an Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) embryonic stem cell cDNA library

BACKGROUND

The Atlantic cod is an ecologically and economically important North Atlantic fish species and also an emerging aquaculture species. To study gene expression in Atlantic cod embryonic stem (ES) cells, our goal was to generate and analyze expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from an ES cell cDNA library of mRNA consisting of approximately 3,900 ESTs.

RESULTS

We sequenced 3,935 EST clones using a directional cDNA library made from pooled ES cells harvested at the blastula stage. Quality filtering of these ESTs allowed identification of 2,719 high-quality sequences with an average length of 442 bp containing 368 contigs and 1,276 singletons (1,644 unique sequences). BLASTX searches produced 889 significant (E-value < 10-3) hits, of which 698 (42.5%) were annotated with Gene Ontology terms (E-value < 10-6). The number of unknown unique sequences was 946 (57.5%). All the high-quality EST sequences have been deposited in GenBank (GenBank: 2,719 sequences in UniGene library dbEST id: 22,021). Gene discovery and annotations are presented and discussed.

CONCLUSION

This set of ESTs represents one of the first attempts to describe mRNA in ES cells from a marine cold-water fish species, and provides a basis for gene expression studies of Atlantic cod ES cells.

Multiplicity of expression of Na+,K+-ATPase {alpha}-subunit isoforms in the gill of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): cellular localisation and absolute quantification in response to salinity change

The ability to reverse the net direction of gill ion transport in response to a salinity change is critical for euryhaline teleosts and involves a complex cellular and molecular remodelling of the gill epithelium. The present study aimed to clarify the cellular localisation and exact quantitative inter-relationship of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunit transcripts in Atlantic salmon gill during salinity change. The combined expression level of all alpha-isoforms in the gill increased by 100% after freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) transfer. The alpha(1a) and alpha(1b) isoforms were both in the range 1-6 amol 20 ng(-1) total RNA; alpha(1a) decreased and alpha(1b) increased after SW-transfer, their ratio changing from 5:1 in FW to 0.26:1 in SW. The alpha(1c) and alpha(3) levels were 10- and 100-fold lower, respectively. The beta(1)-subunit mRNA level was 0.1-0.3 amol 20 ng(-1) total RNA, thus much lower than the sum of alpha-subunits. Even though increasing 3-fold after SW-transfer, beta-subunit availability may still limit functional pump synthesis. The mRNAs of the predominant alpha(1a) and alpha(1b) isoforms were localised by in situ hybridisation in specific gill cells of both FW and SW salmon. Labelling occurred mainly in presumed chloride cells and cells deep in the filament but occasionally also on lamellae. Overall, the salinity-induced variation in labelling pattern and intensity matched the quantification data. In conclusion, the predominant switching of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit isoform mRNA during salinity acclimation reflects a marked remodelling of mitochondrion-rich cells (MRCs) in the gill and probably tuning of the pump performance to accomplish a net reversal of gill ion transport in hypo- and hypertonic environments.

Branchial FXYD protein expression in response to salinity change and its interaction with Na+/K+-ATPase of the euryhaline teleost Tetraodon nigroviridis

Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) is a ubiquitous membrane-bound protein crucial for teleost osmoregulation. The enzyme is composed of two essential subunits, a catalytic alpha subunit and a glycosylated beta subunit which is responsible for membrane targeting of the enzyme. In mammals, seven FXYD members have been found. FXYD proteins have been identified as the regulatory protein of NKA in mammals and elasmobranchs, it is thus interesting to examine the expression and functions of FXYD protein in the euryhaline teleosts with salinity-dependent changes of gill NKA activity. The present study investigated the expression and distribution of the FXYD protein in gills of seawater (SW)- or freshwater (FW)-acclimated euryhaline pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis). The full-length pufferfish FXYD gene (pFXYD) was confirmed by RT-PCR. pFXYD was found to be expressed in many organs including gills of both SW and FW pufferfish. pFXYD mRNA abundance in gills, determined by real-time PCR, was significantly higher in FW fish than in SW fish. An antiserum raised against a partial amino acid sequence of pFXYD was used for the immunoblots of gill homogenates and a major band at 13 kDa was detected. The relative amounts of pFXYD protein and mRNA in gills of SW and FW pufferfish were identical, but opposite to the expression levels of NKA. Immunofluorescent staining of frozen sections demonstrated that pFXYD was colocalized to NKA-immunoreactive cells in the gill filaments. In addition, interaction between pFXYD and NKA was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. Taken together, salinity-dependent expression of pFXYD protein and NKA, as well as the evidence for their colocalization and interaction in pufferfish gills suggested that pFXYD regulates NKA activity in gills of euryhaline teleosts upon salinity challenge.