Galectin-7 modulates the length of the primary cilia and wound repair in polarized kidney epithelial cells

Galectin-4 Antimicrobial Activity Primarily Occurs Through its C-Terminal Domain

Although immune tolerance evolved to reduce reactivity with self, it creates a gap in the adaptive immune response against microbes that decorate themselves in self-like antigens. This is particularly apparent with carbohydrate-based blood group antigens, wherein microbes can envelope themselves in blood group structures similar to human cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the innate immune lectin, galectin-4 (Gal-4), exhibits strain-specific binding and killing behavior towards microbes that display blood group-like antigens. Examination of binding preferences using a combination of microarrays populated with ABO(H) glycans and a variety of microbial strains, including those that express blood group-like antigens, demonstrated that Gal-4 binds mammalian and microbial antigens that have features of blood group and mammalian-like structures. Although Gal-4 was thought to exist as a monomer that achieves functional bivalency through its two linked carbohydrate recognition domains, our data demonstrate that Gal-4 forms dimers and that differences in the intrinsic ability of each domain to dimerize likely influences binding affinity. While each Gal-4 domain exhibited blood group-binding activity, the C-terminal domain (Gal-4C) exhibited dimeric properties, while the N-terminal domain (Gal-4N) failed to similarly display dimeric activity. Gal-4C not only exhibited the ability to dimerize but also possessed higher affinity toward ABO(H) blood group antigens and microbes expressing glycans with blood group-like features. Furthermore, when compared to Gal-4N, Gal-4C exhibited more potent antimicrobial activity. Even in the context of the full-length protein, where Gal-4N is functionally bivalent by virtue of Gal-4C dimerization, Gal-4C continued to display higher antimicrobial activity. These results demonstrate that Gal-4 exists as a dimer and exhibits its antimicrobial activity primarily through its C-terminal domain. In doing so, these data provide important insight into key features of Gal-4 responsible for its innate immune activity against molecular mimicry.

Compartmentalized ciliation changes of oligodendrocytes in aged mouse optic nerve

Primary cilia are microtubule-based sensory organelles that project from the apical surface of most mammalian cells, including oligodendrocytes, which are myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that support critical axonal function. Dysfunction of CNS glia is associated with aging-related white matter diseases and neurodegeneration, and ciliopathies are known to affect CNS white matter. To investigate age-related changes in ciliary profile, we examined ciliary length and frequency in the retinogeniculate pathway, a white matter tract commonly affected by diseases of aging but in which expression of cilia has not been characterized. We found expression of Arl13b, a marker of primary cilia, in a small group of Olig2-positive oligodendrocytes in the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and optic tract in young and aged C57BL/6 wild-type mice. While the ciliary length and ciliated oligodendrocyte cells were constant in young mice in the retinogeniculate pathway, there was a significant increase in ciliary length in the anterior optic nerve as compared to the aged animals. Morphometric analysis confirmed a specific increase in the ciliation rate of CC1+ /Olig2+ oligodendrocytes in aged mice compared with young mice. Thus, the prevalence of primary cilia in oligodendrocytes in the visual pathway and the age-related changes in ciliation suggest that they may play important roles in white matter and age-associated optic neuropathies.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Potential Biomarkers and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: An Update Review

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a widespread disease in small animal clinics, which mainly presents with urinary signs like dysuria, stranguria, hematuria, pollakiuria, and periuria. The etiopathogenesis of the disease may involve interactions between the environmental stressors, neuroendocrine system and bladder of affected cats. Diagnostic biomarkers have not been tested in clinical studies though they are theoretically feasible, and since the clinical signs of the disease assemble those of other feline lower urinary diseases, its diagnosis is a procedure of exclusion. The primary treatment of the disease is long-term multimodal environmental modification (or enrichment) while anti-anxiety drugs and nutritional supplements are recommended for chronic recurrent cases. Still, many medicines need to be evaluated for their efficacy and safety. This review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of feline idiopathic cystitis by summarizing and updating studies concerning the prevalence, risk factors, etiological hypotheses, diagnostic procedures, possible treatments, and prognosis of the disease.

High expression of galectin-7 associates with poor overall survival in patients with non-metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Galectin-7, has a controversial role in tumor progression, can either suppress tumor growth or induce chemoresistance depends on different tumor histology types. The aim was to appraise Galectin-7 expression on the overall survival (OS) of patients with non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) following surgery.

Results

High galectin-7 expression was specifically correlated with necrosis (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis confirmed galectin-7 as an independent prognosticator for OS (P = 0.005). High galectin-7 expression suggested poor OS (P < 0.001), particularly with UISS intermediate and high score groups. Notably, the predictive accuracy of the traditional prognostic scores was improved when combined with galectin-7 expression.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 416 patients who underwent nephrectomy at a single institute between 2008 and 2009 and detected their intratumor galectin-7 expression by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to plot survival curves and multivariate cox regression analysis for potential independent prognostic factors on OS. A nomogram was constructed with concordance index (C-index) and Akaike's Information Criteria (AIC) to appraise prognostic accuracy of different models.

Conclusions

High galectin-7 expression is an independent adverse predictor for survival. Evaluation of galectin-7 could help guide postsurgical management for non-metastatic ccRCC patients.

Downregulation of exocyst Sec10 accelerates kidney tubule cell recovery through enhanced cell migration

Migration of surviving kidney tubule cells after sub-lethal injury, for example ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), plays a critical role in recovery. Exocytosis is known to be involved in cell migration, and a key component in exocytosis is the highly-conserved eight-protein exocyst complex. We investigated the expression of a central exocyst complex member, Sec10, in kidneys following I/R injury, as well as the role of Sec10 in wound healing following scratch injury of cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Sec10 overexpression and knockdown (KD) in MDCK cells were used to investigate the speed of wound healing and the mechanisms underlying recovery. In mice, Sec10 decreased after I/R injury, and increased during the recovery period. In cell culture, Sec10 OE inhibited ruffle formation and wound healing, while Sec10 KD accelerated it. Sec10 OE cells had higher amounts of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) gamma at the leading edge than did control cells. A DGK inhibitor reversed the inhibition of wound healing and ruffle formation in Sec10 OE cells. Conclusively, downregulation of Sec10 following I/R injury appears to accelerate recovery of kidney tubule cells through activated ruffle formation and enhanced cell migration.

Galectin-7 in Epithelial Homeostasis and Carcinomas

Galectins are small unglycosylated soluble lectins distributed both inside and outside the cells. They share a conserved domain for the recognition of carbohydrates (CRD). Although galectins have a common affinity for β-galatosides, they exhibit different binding preferences for complex glycans. First described twenty years ago, galectin-7 is a prototypic galectin, with a single CRD, able to form divalent homodimers. This lectin, which is mainly expressed in stratified epithelia, has been described in epithelial tissues as being involved in apoptotic responses, in proliferation and differentiation but also in cell adhesion and migration. Most members of the galectins family have been associated with cancer biology. One of the main functions of galectins in cancer is their immunomodulating potential and anti-angiogenic activity. Indeed, galectin-1 and -3, are already targeted in clinical trials. Another relevant function of galectins in tumour progression is their ability to regulate cell migration and cell adhesion. Among these galectins, galectin-7 is abnormally expressed in various cancers, most prominently in carcinomas, and is involved in cancer progression and metastasis but its precise functions in tumour biology remain poorly understood. In this issue, we will focus on the physiological functions of galectin-7 in epithelia and present the alterations of galectin-7 expression in carcinomas with the aim to describe its possible functions in tumour progression.

High-glucose environment induced intracellular O-GlcNAc glycosylation and reduced galectin-7 expression in keratinocytes: Implications on impaired diabetic wound healing

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is an important global health issue due to its increasing prevalence and association with various complications. Impaired wound healing is a serious complication associated with diabetes that frequently results in infection and amputation. Galectin-7 (Gal-7) has been reported to play an important role during skin wound healing. Previously, we had demonstrated that high glucose environment alters physiologic functions of keratinocytes and contributes to impaired wound healing in diabetic condition.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we hypothesized that Gal-7 expression of keratinocytes may be involved in delayed wound healing of diabetics.

METHODS

Using cultured human keratinocytes and diabetic mice model, the Gal-7 expression was evaluated under high glucose environment.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that high-glucose environment reduced Gal-7 expression, a molecule that plays an important role in keratinocyte migration. Additionally, we found that increased O-linked N-Acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is responsible for reduced Gal-7 expression in keratinocytes exposed to high glucose environment.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, restoring the levels of Gal-7 and O-GlcNAc glycosylation may present novel therapeutic approach to promote wound healing in diabetic patients.

Galectin-7 promotes the invasiveness of human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via activation of ERK and JNK signaling

Galectin-7 is a member of the β-galactoside-binding protein family, and is highly expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of manipulating galectin-7 expression on the biological phenotype of human OSCC cells and the associated molecular mechanisms. Knockdown of endogenous galectin-7 via small interfering RNA (siRNA) was performed and cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were subsequently assessed. The data indicated that galectin-7 silencing had no impact on the proliferation or apoptosis of OSCC cells. However, compared with non-transfected cells, percentage wound closure was significantly lower in galectin-7-silenced cells following 24 h incubation, indicating decreased cell migration. Furthermore, Matrigel invasion assays demonstrated that galectin-7 knockdown significantly reduced the number of invaded cells, compared with the number in non-transfected cells. Western blot analysis indicated that galectin-7 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the expression of the proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. The invasive abilities of cells overexpressing galectin-7 significantly decreased following co-transfection with MMP-2- or MMP-9-specific siRNA. Increasing galectin-7 expression significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK or JNK activity significantly suppressed the invasiveness of galectin-7-overexpressing cells and abrogated the upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, the results of the current study provide novel evidence for the pro-invasive activity of galectin-7 in OSCC cells, which is associated with activation of ERK and JNK signaling and the induction of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Aurora kinase A activates the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) in kidney carcinoma cells

Extracellular proton-secreting transport systems that contribute to extracellular pH include the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase). This pump, which mediates ATP-driven transport of H(+) across membranes, is involved in metastasis. We previously showed (Alzamora R, Thali RF, Gong F, Smolak C, Li H, Baty CJ, Bertrand CA, Auchli Y, Brunisholz RA, Neumann D, Hallows KR, Pastor-Soler NM. J Biol Chem 285: 24676-24685, 2010) that V-ATPase A subunit phosphorylation at Ser-175 is important for PKA-induced V-ATPase activity at the membrane of kidney intercalated cells. However, Ser-175 is also located within a larger phosphorylation consensus sequence for Aurora kinases, which are known to phosphorylate proteins that contribute to the pathogenesis of metastatic carcinomas. We thus hypothesized that Aurora kinase A (AURKA), overexpressed in aggressive carcinomas, regulates the V-ATPase in human kidney carcinoma cells (Caki-2) via Ser-175 phosphorylation. We found that AURKA is abnormally expressed in Caki-2 cells, where it binds the V-ATPase A subunit in an AURKA phosphorylation-dependent manner. Treatment with the AURKA activator anacardic acid increased V-ATPase expression and activity at the plasma membrane of Caki-2 cells. In addition, AURKA phosphorylates the V-ATPase A subunit at Ser-175 in vitro and in Caki-2 cells. Immunolabeling revealed that anacardic acid induced marked membrane accumulation of the V-ATPase A subunit in transfected Caki-2 cells. However, anacardic acid failed to induce membrane accumulation of a phosphorylation-deficient Ser-175-to-Ala (S175A) A subunit mutant. Finally, S175A-expressing cells had decreased migration in a wound-healing assay compared with cells expressing wild-type or a phospho-mimetic Ser-175-to-Asp (S175D) mutant A subunit. We conclude that AURKA activates the V-ATPase in kidney carcinoma cells via phosphorylation of Ser-175 in the V-ATPase A subunit. This regulation contributes to kidney carcinoma V-ATPase-mediated extracellular acidification and cell migration.

A Mutation in the Carbohydrate Recognition Domain Drives a Phenotypic Switch in the Role of Galectin-7 in Prostate Cancer

The observation that galectin-7 (gal-7) is specifically expressed in mammary myoepithelial (basal) cells prompted us to investigate whether this protein is expressed in the basal cells of other tissues. Given that breast and prostate cancer have remarkable underlying biological similarities and given the important roles of basal cells in prostate cancer, we examined the expression patterns and role of gal-7 in human prostate cancer. Using tissue microarray, we found that although gal-7 is readily expressed in basal cells in normal prostate tissue, it is downregulated in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. De novo expression of gal-7 in prostate cancer cells increases their sensitivity to apoptosis in response to etoposide and cisplatin. The assessment of a carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD)-defective mutant form of gal-7 (R7S) showed that the ability of this protein to modulate apoptosis was independent of its CRD activity. This activity was also independent of its ability to translocate to the mitochondrial and nuclear compartments. However, CRD activity was necessary to inhibit the invasive behaviors of prostate cancer cells. In vivo, gal-7 overexpression in PCa cells led to a modest yet significant reduction in tumor size, while its CRD-defective mutant form significantly increased tumor growth compared to controls. Taken together, these results suggest that although de novo expression of gal-7 may be an interesting means of increasing the tumorigenic phenotypes of PCa cells, alterations in the CRD activity of this protein drive a phenotypic switch in its role in PCa cells. This CRD-independent activity represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the functions of galectin. The R74S model will be useful to distinguish CRD-dependent and CRD-independent functions of gal-7 in cancer progression.

The galectin lattice at a glance

Galectins are a family of widely expressed β-galactoside-binding lectins in metazoans. The 15 mammalian galectins have either one or two conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), with galectin-3 being able to pentamerize; they form complexes that crosslink glycosylated ligands to form a dynamic lattice. The galectin lattice regulates the diffusion, compartmentalization and endocytosis of plasma membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids. The galectin lattice also regulates the selection, activation and arrest of T cells, receptor kinase signaling and the functionality of membrane receptors, including the glucagon receptor, glucose and amino acid transporters, cadherins and integrins. The affinity of transmembrane glycoproteins to the galectin lattice is proportional to the number and branching of their N-glycans; with branching being mediated by Golgi N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-branching enzymes and the supply of UDP-GlcNAc through metabolite flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. The relative affinities of glycoproteins for the galectin lattice depend on the activities of the Golgi enzymes that generate the epitopes of their ligands and, thus, provide a means to analyze biological function of lectins and of the 'glycome' more broadly.

Examination of galectin localization using confocal microscopy

Confocal microscopy provides a unique modality to examine the expression and localization of biomolecules in a variety of settings. Using this technique, an image is acquired from the focal plane of the objective using focused laser light, making it possible to work within the resolution limit of the optical system. In addition, by acquiring multiple images from a variety of focal planes, stacked series of images can provide clear spatial localization of a probed structure or protein. We describe herein the immunofluorescence methods for galectin staining in frozen sections of tissue for galectin localization using confocal microscopy.

Examination of the role of galectins in cell migration and re-epithelialization of wounds

Re-epithelialization is a crucial step for wound healing. As galectins play important roles in re-epithelialization, we describe here protocols for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro examination of the role of galectins in cell migration and in re-epithelialization of wounds. For in vivo models, mouse corneas are wounded by a variety of techniques and the rate of re-epithelialization is quantified. For ex vivo organ culture models, mouse corneas are wounded in situ, the eyes are enucleated, the eyeballs are cultured in the presence or absence of galectins and the rate of re-epithelialization is quantified. For cell cultured-based in vitro assays, we examine formation of lamellipodia and activation of focal adhesion kinase in various epithelial cells.

Increased cell proliferation and differential protein expression induced by low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation in human gingival fibroblasts: proteomic analysis

Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment has demonstrated favorable wound healing effect after periodontal therapy. One of the reasons may be the positive biological effect of the low-level laser on the irradiated tissues, although the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation on cell proliferation and laser-induced differential expression of proteins in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) by proteomic analysis. In the first experiment, HGFs were exposed to low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation and the laser-induced cell proliferation and damage were evaluated on day 3. In the second experiment, proteomic analysis was performed on day 1 after irradiation. The peptides prepared from HGFs were analyzed by a hybrid ion trap-Fourier transform mass spectrometer, Mascot search engine, and UniProtKB database. A significant increase in cell proliferation without cell damage after irradiation was observed. Among the total identified 377 proteins, 59 proteins, including galectin-7, which was associated with the process of wound healing, were upregulated and 15 proteins were downregulated in laser-treated HGFs. In the third experiment, the increase in messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of galectin-7 in the irradiated HGFs was validated by various analytical techniques. In addition, the effect of recombinant human galectin-7 on the modulation of HGFs proliferation was confirmed. The results indicate that low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation can promote HGF proliferation and induce a significant change in protein expression and the upregulation of galectin-7 expression may partly contribute to the increase in cell proliferation.

Role of galectins in re-epithelialization of wounds

Re-epithelialization is a critical contributing process in wound healing in the human body. When this process is compromised, impaired or delayed, serious disorders of wound healing may result that are painful, difficult to treat, and affect a variety of human tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that members of the galectin class of β-galactoside-binding proteins modulate re-epithelialization of wounds by novel carbohydrate-based recognition systems. Galectins constitute a family of widely distributed carbohydrate-binding proteins with the affinity for the β-galactoside-containing glycans found on many cell surface and extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins. There are 15 members of the mammalian galectin family that so far have been identified. Studies of the role of galectins in wound healing have revealed that galectin-3 promotes re-epithelialization of corneal, intestinal and skin wounds; galectin-7 promotes re-epithelialization of corneal, skin, kidney and uterine wounds; and galectins-2 and -4 promote re-epithelialization of intestinal wounds. Promising prospects for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of problematic, slow- or non-healing wounds are implicit in the findings that galectins stimulate the re-epithelialization of wounds of the cornea, skin, intestinal tract and kidney. Molecular mechanisms by which galectins modulate the process of wound healing are beginning to emerge and are described in this review.

Highlights of glycosylation and adhesion related genes involved in myogenesis

BACKGROUND

Myogenesis is initiated by myoblast differentiation and fusion to form myotubes and muscle fibres. A population of myoblasts, known as satellite cells, is responsible for post-natal growth of muscle and for its regeneration. This differentiation requires many changes in cell behaviour and its surrounding environment. These modifications are tightly regulated over time and can be characterized through the study of changes in gene expression associated with this process. During the initial myogenesis steps, using the myoblast cell line C2C12 as a model, Janot et al. (2009) showed significant variations in expression for genes involved in pathways of glycolipid synthesis. In this study we used murine satellite cells (MSC) and their ability to differentiate into myotubes or early fat storage cells to select glycosylation related genes whose variation of expression is myogenesis specific.

RESULTS

The comparison of variant genes in both MSC differentiation pathways identified 67 genes associated with myogenesis. Comparison with data obtained for C2C12 revealed that only 14 genes had similar expression profiles in both cell types and that 17 genes were specifically regulated in MSC. Results were validated statistically by without a priori clustering. Classification according to protein function encoded by these 31 genes showed that the main regulated cellular processes during this differentiation were (i) remodeling of the extracellular matrix, particularly, sulfated structures, (ii) down-regulation of O-mannosyl glycan biosynthesis, and (iii) an increase in adhesion protein expression. A functional study was performed on Itga11 and Chst5 encoding two highly up-regulated proteins. The inactivation of Chst5 by specific shRNA delayed the fusion of MSC. By contrast, the inactivation of Itga11 by specific shRNA dramatically decreased the fusion ability of MSC. This result was confirmed by neutralization of Itga11 product by specific antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our screening method detected 31 genes specific for myogenic differentiation out of the 383 genes studied. According to their function, interaction networks of the products of these selected genes converged to cell fusion. Functional studies on Itga11 and Chst5 demonstrated the robustness of this screening.

Cilioplasm is a cellular compartment for calcium signaling in response to mechanical and chemical stimuli

Primary cilia with a diameter of ~200 nm have been implicated in development and disease. Calcium signaling within a primary cilium has never been directly visualized and has therefore remained a speculation. Fluid-shear stress and dopamine receptor type-5 (DR5) agonist are among the few stimuli that require cilia for intracellular calcium signal transduction. However, it is not known if these stimuli initiate calcium signaling within the cilium or if the calcium signal originates in the cytoplasm. Using an integrated single-cell imaging technique, we demonstrate for the first time that calcium signaling triggered by fluid-shear stress initiates in the primary cilium and can be distinguished from the subsequent cytosolic calcium response through the ryanodine receptor. Importantly, this flow-induced calcium signaling depends on the ciliary polycystin-2 calcium channel. While DR5-specific agonist induces calcium signaling mainly in the cilioplasm via ciliary CaV1.2, thrombin specifically induces cytosolic calcium signaling through the IP3 receptor. Furthermore, a non-specific calcium ionophore triggers both ciliary and cytosolic calcium responses. We suggest that cilia not only act as sensory organelles but also function as calcium signaling compartments. Cilium-dependent signaling can spread to the cytoplasm or be contained within the cilioplasm. Our study thus provides the first model to understand signaling within the cilioplasm of a living cell.

Galectin-7 is important for normal uterine repair following menstruation

Menstruation involves the shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium in the absence of pregnancy. At sites where tissue shedding is complete, re-epithelialization of the tissue is essential for repair and termination of bleeding. The complement of growth factors that mediate post-menstrual endometrial repair are yet to be completely elucidated. Galectins regulate many cell functions important for post-menstrual repair, such as cell adhesion and migration. Galectin-7 has a well characterized role in re-epithelialization and wound healing. We hypothesized that galectin-7 would be important in re-epithelialization during post-menstrual repair. We aimed to identify endometrial expression of galectin-7 in women undergoing normal endometrial repair and in women with amenorrhoea who do not experience endometrial breakdown and repair, and to determine whether galectin-7 enhances endometrial re-epithelialization in vitro. Galectin-7 immunolocalized to the endometrial luminal and glandular epithelium during the late secretory and menstrual phases, and to decidualized stroma in regions exhibiting tissue breakdown. Immunostaining intensity was significantly reduced in the endometrium of women with amenorrhoea compared with normally cycling woman. ELISA identified galectin-7 in menstrual fluid at significantly elevated levels compared with matched peripheral plasma. Exogenous galectin-7 (2.5 µg/ml) significantly enhanced endometrial epithelial wound repair in vitro; this was abrogated by inhibition of integrin binding. Galectin-7 elevated epithelial expression of extracellular matrix-related molecules likely involved in repair including β-catenin, contactin and TGF-β1. In conclusion, galectin-7 is produced by the premenstrual and menstrual endometrium, where it accumulates in menstrual fluid and likely acts as a paracrine factor to facilitate post-menstrual endometrial re-epithelialization.

Isolation of primary cilia by shear force

The cell's primary cilium is both a mechanical and chemical sensor involved in many signaling pathways. In order to ascertain protein enrichment in the primary cilium or study sub-ciliary localization of various proteins, it is advantageous to remove the primary cilium from the cell body. The protocol described here gives detailed instructions on purifying primary cilia by separating them from the cell body using shear force. This simple technique avoids using harsh purification conditions that may affect signaling proteins in the cilium or cause the ciliary membrane to disintegrate. In addition, as the cell body remains mostly intact, contamination of the isolated cilia by proteins from the cell body is minimized. This protocol is ideally suited for isolating cilia from renal cell lines, as primary cilia in these cells grow to greater lengths than in other cell types (up to 50-µm long in Xenopus A6 toad kidney cells as opposed to 1 to 5 µm in NIH3T3 fibroblast cells).

Let's play a game of chutes and ladders: Lysosome fusion with the epithelial plasma membrane

In non-polarized cells, calcium-induced exocytosis of “conventional” lysosomes is important in diverse processes like membrane repair after exposure to pore-forming toxins and clearance of cellular debris. Resealing of torn membranes is especially critical for barrier epithelia that directly interact with pathogens and toxins, which can result in membrane microdisruptions and lesions. However, whether lysosomes participate in membrane repair in polarized epithelia has been an open question. We recently reported that in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, localized influx of calcium induces lysosomes to fuse with the basolateral membrane. This spatial segregation of exocytosis depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton, membrane cholesterol and restricted distribution of fusion machinery such as the t-SNARE syntaxin 4. Our data show that the polarity of syntaxin 4 (which is regulated by the clathrin adaptor protein AP-1) dictates whether lysosomes parachute down to the basolateral membrane or take a ladder up to the apical membrane. Here, we speculate about additional machinery (such as the lysosomal calcium sensor synaptotagmin VII and the v-SNARE VAMP7) that could be involved in polarized fusion of lysosomes with the epithelial membrane. We also discuss the potential importance of lysosome exocytosis in maintaining membrane integrity in the retinal pigment epithelium, the primary tissue affected in blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Novel potential interacting partners of fibronectin in spontaneous animal model of interstitial cystitis

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the only spontaneous animal model for human interstitial cystitis (IC), as both possess a distinctive chronical and relapsing character. Underlying pathomechanisms of both diseases are not clearly established yet. We recently detected increased urine fibronectin levels in FIC cases. The purpose of this study was to gain further insight into the pathogenesis by assessing interacting partners of fibronectin in urine of FIC affected cats. Several candidate proteins were identified via immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. Considerable changes in FIC conditions compared to physiological expression of co-purified proteins were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Compared to controls, complement C4a and thioredoxin were present in higher levels in urine of FIC patients whereas loss of signal intensity was detected in FIC affected tissue. Galectin-7 was exclusively detected in urine of FIC cats, pointing to an important role of this molecule in FIC pathogenesis. Moderate physiological signal intensity of galectin-7 in transitional epithelium shifted to distinct expression in transitional epithelium under pathophysiological conditions. I-FABP expression was reduced in urine and urinary bladder tissue of FIC cats. Additionally, transduction molecules of thioredoxin, NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK, were examined. In FIC affected tissue, colocalization of thioredoxin and NF-κB p65 could be demonstrated compared to absent coexpression of thioredoxin and p38 MAPK. These considerable changes in expression level and pattern point to an important role for co-purified proteins of fibronectin and thioredoxin-regulated signal transduction pathways in FIC pathogenesis. These results could provide a promising starting point for novel therapeutic approaches in the future.

Mechanism of polarized lysosome exocytosis in epithelial cells

Fusion of lysosomes with the plasma membrane is a calcium-dependent process that is crucial for membrane repair, limiting pathogen entry and clearing cellular debris. In non-polarized cells, lysosome exocytosis facilitates rapid resealing of torn membranes. Here, we investigate the mechanism of lysosome exocytosis in polarized epithelia, the main barrier between the organism and the external environment and the first line of defense against pathogens. We find that in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, calcium ionophores or pore-forming toxins cause lysosomes to fuse predominantly with the basolateral membrane. This polarized exocytosis is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton, membrane cholesterol and the clathrin adaptor AP-1. Depolymerization of actin, but not microtubules, causes apical lysosome fusion, supporting the hypothesis that cortical actin is a barrier to exocytosis. Overloading lysosomes with cholesterol inhibits exocytosis, suggesting that excess cholesterol paralyzes lysosomal traffic. The clathrin adaptor AP-1 is responsible for accurately targeting syntaxin 4 to the basolateral domain. In cells lacking either the ubiquitous AP-1A or the epithelial-specific AP-1B, syntaxin 4 is non-polar. This causes lysosomes to fuse with both the apical and basolateral membranes. Consistent with these findings, RNAi-mediated depletion of syntaxin 4 inhibits basolateral exocytosis in wild-type MDCK, and both apical and basolateral exocytosis in cells lacking AP-1A or AP-1B. Our results provide fundamental insight into the molecular machinery involved in membrane repair in polarized epithelia and suggest that AP-1 is a crucial regulator of this process.

Apical targeting and endocytosis of the sialomucin endolyn are essential for establishment of zebrafish pronephric kidney function

Kidney function requires the appropriate distribution of membrane proteins between the apical and basolateral surfaces along the kidney tubule. Further, the absolute amount of a protein at the cell surface versus intracellular compartments must be attuned to specific physiological needs. Endolyn (CD164) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed at the brush border and in apical endosomes of the proximal convoluted tubule and in lysosomes of more distal segments of the kidney. Endolyn has been shown to regulate CXCR4 signaling in hematopoietic precursor cells and myoblasts; however, little is known about endolyn function in the adult or developing kidney. Here we identify endolyn as a gene important for zebrafish pronephric kidney function. Zebrafish endolyn lacks the N-terminal mucin-like domain of the mammalian protein, but is otherwise highly conserved. Using in situ hybridization we show that endolyn is expressed early during development in zebrafish brain, eye, gut and pronephric kidney. Embryos injected with a translation-inhibiting morpholino oligonucleotide targeted against endolyn developed pericardial edema, hydrocephaly and body curvature. The pronephric kidney appeared normal morphologically, but clearance of fluorescent dextran injected into the common cardinal vein was delayed, consistent with a defect in the regulation of water balance in morphant embryos. Heterologous expression of rat endolyn rescued the morphant phenotypes. Interestingly, rescue experiments using mutant rat endolyn constructs revealed that both apical sorting and endocytic/lysosomal targeting motifs are required for normal pronephric kidney function. This suggests that both polarized targeting and postendocytic trafficking of endolyn are essential for the protein's proper function in mammalian kidney.

Sialylation of N-linked glycans mediates apical delivery of endolyn in MDCK cells via a galectin-9-dependent mechanism

The sialomucin endolyn is implicated in adhesion, migration, and differentiation of various cell types. Apical delivery of endolyn requires recognition of sialic acids on its N-glycans possibly (or likely) mediated by galectin-9.

The sialomucin endolyn is implicated in adhesion, migration, and differentiation of various cell types. Along rat kidney tubules, endolyn is variously localized to the apical surface and endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Apical delivery of newly synthesized rat endolyn predominates over direct lysosomal delivery in polarized Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Apical sorting depends on terminal processing of a subset of lumenal N-glycans. Here we dissect the requirements of N-glycan processing for apical targeting and investigate the underlying mechanism. Modulation of glycan branching and subsequent polylactosamine elongation by knockdown of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III or V had no effect on apical delivery of endolyn. In contrast, combined but not individual knockdown of sialyltransferases ST3Gal-III, ST3Gal-IV, and ST6Gal-I, which together are responsible for addition of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids on N-glycans, dramatically decreased endolyn surface polarity. Endolyn synthesized in the presence of kifunensine, which blocks terminal N-glycan processing, reduced its interaction with several recombinant canine galectins, and knockdown of galectin-9 (but not galectin-3, -4, or -8) selectively disrupted endolyn polarity. Our data suggest that sialylation enables recognition of endolyn by galectin-9 to mediate efficient apical sorting. They raise the intriguing possibility that changes in glycosyltransferase expression patterns and/or galectin-9 distribution may acutely modulate endolyn trafficking in the kidney.

The extracellular matrix and ciliary signaling

The primary cilium protrudes like an antenna from the cell surface, sensing mechanical and chemical cues provided in the cellular environment. In some tissue types, ciliary orientation to lumens allows response to fluid flow; in others, such as bone, ciliary protrusion into the extracellular matrix allows response to compression forces. The ciliary membrane contains receptors for Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch, and other potent growth factors, and in some instances also harbors integrin and cadherin family members, allowing receipt of a robust range of signals. A growing list of ciliopathies, arising from deficient formation or function of cilia, includes both developmental defects and chronic, progressive disorders such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD); changes in ciliary function have been proposed to support cancer progression. Recent findings have revealed extensive signaling dialog between cilia and extracellular matrix (ECM), with defects in cilia associated with fibrosis in multiple contexts. Further, a growing number of proteins have been determined to possess multiple roles in control of cilia and focal adhesion interactions with the ECM, further coordinating functionality. We summarize and discuss these recent findings.

Emerging roles for renal primary cilia in epithelial repair

Primary cilia are microscopic sensory antennae that cells in many vertebrate tissues use to gather information about their environment. In the kidney, primary cilia sense urine flow and are essential for the maintenance of epithelial architecture. Defects of this organelle cause the cystic kidney disease characterized by epithelial abnormalities. These findings link primary cilia to the regulation of epithelial differentiation and proliferation, processes that must be precisely controlled during epithelial repair in the kidney. Here, we consider likely roles for primary cilium-based signaling during responses to renal injury and ensuing epithelial repair processes.

Axonemal positioning and orientation in three-dimensional space for primary cilia: what is known, what is assumed, and what needs clarification

Two positional characteristics of the ciliary axoneme--its location on the plasma membrane as it emerges from the cell, and its orientation in three-dimensional (3D) space--are known to be critical for optimal function of actively motile cilia (including nodal cilia), as well as for modified cilia associated with special senses. However, these positional characteristics have not been analyzed to any significant extent for primary cilia. This review briefly summarizes the history of knowledge of these two positional characteristics across a wide spectrum of cilia, emphasizing their importance for proper function. Then the review focuses what is known about these same positional characteristics for primary cilia in all major tissue types where they have been reported. The review emphasizes major areas that would be productive for future research for understanding how positioning and 3D orientation of primary cilia may be related to their hypothesized signaling roles within different cellular populations.