LC-MS/MS analysis of differential centrifugation fractions from native inner medullary collecting duct of rat

Candesartan prevents arteriopathy progression in cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy model

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes dementia and gait disturbance due to arteriopathy. Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is a hereditary form of CSVD caused by loss of high-temperature requirement A1 (HTRA1) serine protease activity. In CARASIL, arteriopathy causes intimal thickening, smooth muscle cell (SMC) degeneration, elastic lamina splitting, and vasodilation. The molecular mechanisms were proposed to involve the accumulation of matrisome proteins as substrates or abnormalities in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling. Here, we show that HTRA1-/- mice exhibited features of CARASIL-associated arteriopathy: intimal thickening, abnormal elastic lamina, and vasodilation. In addition, the mice exhibited reduced distensibility of the cerebral arteries and blood flow in the cerebral cortex. In the thickened intima, matrisome proteins, including the hub protein fibronectin (FN) and latent TGF-β binding protein 4 (LTBP-4), which are substrates of HTRA1, accumulated. Candesartan treatment alleviated matrisome protein accumulation and normalized the vascular distensibility and cerebral blood flow. Furthermore, candesartan reduced the mRNA expression of Fn1, Ltbp-4, and Adamtsl2, which are involved in forming the extracellular matrix network. Our results indicate that these accumulated matrisome proteins may be potential therapeutic targets for arteriopathy in CARASIL.

Aquaporin-4 Removal from the Plasma Membrane of Human Müller Cells by AQP4-IgG from Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Induces Changes in Cell Volume Homeostasis: the First Step of Retinal Injury?

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the target of the specific immunoglobulin G autoantibody (AQP4-IgG) produced in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Previous studies demonstrated that AQP4-IgG binding to astrocytic AQP4 leads to cell-destructive lesions. However, the early physiopathological events in Müller cells in the retina are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the consequences of AQP4-IgG binding to AQP4 of Müller cells, previous to the inflammatory response, on two of AQP4's key functions, cell volume regulation response (RVD) and cell proliferation, a process closely associated with changes in cell volume. Experiments were performed in a human retinal Müller cell line (MIO-M1) exposed to complement-inactivated sera from healthy volunteers or AQP4-IgG positive NMOSD patients. We evaluated AQP4 expression (immunofluorescence and western blot), water permeability coefficient, RVD, intracellular calcium levels and membrane potential changes during hypotonic shock (fluorescence videomicroscopy) and cell proliferation (cell count and BrdU incorporation). Our results showed that AQP4-IgG binding to AQP4 induces its partial internalization, leading to the decrease of the plasma membrane water permeability, a reduction of swelling-induced increase of intracellular calcium levels and the impairment of RVD in Müller cells. The loss of AQP4 from the plasma membrane induced by AQP4-IgG positive sera delayed Müller cells' proliferation rate. We propose that Müller cell dysfunction after AQP4 removal from the plasma membrane by AQP4-IgG binding could be a non-inflammatory mechanism of retinal injury in vivo, altering cell volume homeostasis and cell proliferation and consequently, contributing to the physiopathology of NMOSD.

Introduction to Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics

Mass spectrometry, a technology to determine the mass of ionized molecules and biomolecules, is increasingly applied for the global identification and quantification of proteins. Proteomics applies mass spectrometry in many applications, and each application requires consideration of analytical choices, instrumental limitations and data processing steps. These depend on the aim of the study and means of conducting it. Choosing the right combination of sample preparation, MS instrumentation, and data processing allows exploration of different aspects of the proteome. This chapter gives an outline for some of these commonly used setups and some of the key concepts, many of which later chapters discuss in greater depth. Understanding and handling mass spectrometry data is a multifaceted task that requires many user decisions to obtain the most comprehensive information from an MS experiment. Later chapters in this book deal in-depth with various aspects of the process and how different tools addresses the many analytical challenges. This chapter revises the basic concept in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics.

Ex vivo kidney slice preparations as a model system to study signaling cascades in kidney epithelial cells

Several model systems have been used to study signaling cascades in kidney epithelial cells, including kidney histology after systemic treatments, ex vivo isolated tubule perfusion, epithelial cell lines in culture, kidney micropuncture, and ex vivo kidney slices. We and others have found the ex vivo kidney slice method useful to study the signaling cascades involved in the regulation of kidney transport proteins. In this chapter we describe our adaptations to this classic method for the study of the regulation of kinases and endocytosis in rodent kidney epithelial cells. Briefly, slices are obtained by sectioning of freshly harvested rat or mouse kidneys using a Stadie-Riggs tissue slicer. Alternatively, a vibratome can be used to obtain slices at a more consistent and finer thickness. The harvested kidney and kidney slices are kept viable in either cell culture media or in buffers that mimic physiological conditions equilibrated with 5% CO₂ at body temperature (37°C). These buffers keep the slices viable during hours for incubations in the presence/absence of different pharmacological agents. After the incubation period the slices can be used for biochemistry experiments by preparing tissue lysates or for histological evaluation after fixation. Moreover, the fixed slices can be used to evaluate changes in subcellular trafficking of epithelial proteins or endosomes via immunolabeling followed by confocal microscopy. The resulting micrographs can then be used for systematic quantification of protein- or compartment-specific changes in subcellular localization under each condition.

From Molecules to Mechanisms: Functional Proteomics and Its Application to Renal Tubule Physiology

Classical physiological studies using electrophysiological, biophysical, biochemical, and molecular techniques have created a detailed picture of molecular transport, bioenergetics, contractility and movement, and growth, as well as the regulation of these processes by external stimuli in cells and organisms. Newer systems biology approaches are beginning to provide deeper and broader understanding of these complex biological processes and their dynamic responses to a variety of environmental cues. In the past decade, advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomic technologies have provided invaluable tools to further elucidate these complex cellular processes, thereby confirming, complementing, and advancing common views of physiology. As one notable example, the application of proteomics to study the regulation of kidney function has yielded novel insights into the chemical and physical processes that tightly control body fluids, electrolytes, and metabolites to provide optimal microenvironments for various cellular and organ functions. Here, we systematically review, summarize, and discuss the most significant key findings from functional proteomic studies in renal epithelial physiology. We also identify further improvements in technological and bioinformatics methods that will be essential to advance precision medicine in nephrology.

Sequence-based searching of custom proteome and transcriptome databases

A long-term goal in renal physiology is to understand the mechanisms involved in collecting duct function and regulation at a cellular and molecular level. The first step in modeling of these mechanisms, which can provide a guide to experimentation, is the generation of a list of model components. We have curated a list of proteins expressed in the rat renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) from proteomic data from 18 different publications. The database has been posted as a public resource at https://hpcwebapps.cit.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/IMCD_Proteome_Database/. It includes 8956 different proteins. To search the IMCD Proteomic Database efficiently, we have created a Java-based program called curated database Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (cdbBLAST), which uses the NCBI BLAST kernel to search for specific amino acid sequences corresponding to proteins in the database. cdbBLAST reports information on the matched protein and identifies proteins in the database that have similar sequences. We have also adapted cdbBLAST to interrogate our previously published IMCD Transcriptome Database. We have made the cdbBLAST program available for use either as a web application or a downloadable .jar file at https://hpcwebapps.cit.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/cdbBLAST/. Database searching based on protein sequence removes ambiguities arising from the standard search method based on official gene symbols and allows the user efficient identification of related proteins that may fulfill the same functional roles.

Using Ex Vivo Kidney Slices to Study AMPK Effects on Kidney Proteins

The ex vivo kidney slice technique has been used extensively in the fields of kidney physiology and cell biology. Our group and others have used this method to study epithelial traffic of transport proteins in situ in kidney tissue. In this methodology chapter, we summarize our adaptation of this classic protocol for the study of the effect of AMPK in the modulation of transport protein regulation, especially in kidney epithelial cells. Briefly, slices were obtained by sectioning freshly harvested rodent (rat or mouse) kidneys using a Stadie-Riggs tissue slicer. The harvested kidney and the kidney slices are kept in a physiological buffer equilibrated with 5% CO₂ at body temperature (37 °C) in the presence of different AMPK activating agents vs. vehicle control followed by rapid freezing or fixation of the slices to prevent non-specific AMPK activation. Thus, homogenates of these frozen slices can be used to study AMPK activation status in the tissue as well as the downstream effects of AMPK on kidney proteins via biochemical techniques, such as immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. Alternatively, the fixed slices can be used to evaluate AMPK-mediated subcellular traffic changes of epithelial transport proteins via immunolabeling followed by confocal microscopy. The resulting micrographs can then be used for systematic quantification of AMPK-induced changes in subcellular localization of transport proteins.

Molecular mechanisms regulating aquaporin-2 in kidney collecting duct

The kidney collecting duct is an important renal tubular segment for regulation of body water homeostasis and urine concentration. Water reabsorption in the collecting duct principal cells is controlled by vasopressin, a peptide hormone that induces the osmotic water transport across the collecting duct epithelia through regulation of water channel proteins aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). In particular, vasopressin induces both intracellular translocation of AQP2-bearing vesicles to the apical plasma membrane and transcription of the Aqp2 gene to increase AQP2 protein abundance. The signaling pathways, including AQP2 phosphorylation, RhoA phosphorylation, intracellular calcium mobilization, and actin depolymerization, play a key role in the translocation of AQP2. This review summarizes recent data demonstrating the regulation of AQP2 as the underlying molecular mechanism for the homeostasis of water balance in the body.

Proteomic profiling of nuclear fractions from native renal inner medullary collecting duct cells

The control of renal water excretion occurs in part by regulation of transcription in response to vasopressin in cells of the collecting duct. A systems biology-based approach to understanding transcriptional control in renal collecting duct cells depends on knowledge of what transcription factors and other regulatory proteins are present in the cells' nuclei. The goal of this article is to report comprehensive proteomic profiling of cellular fractions enriched in nuclear proteins from native inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells of the rat. Multidimensional separation procedures and state-of-the art protein mass spectrometry produced 18 GB of spectral data that allowed the high-stringency identification of 5,048 proteins in nuclear pellet (NP) and nuclear extract (NE) fractions of biochemically isolated rat IMCD cells (URL: https://helixweb.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/IMCD_Nucleus/). The analysis identified 369 transcription factor proteins out of the 1,371 transcription factors coded by the rat genome. The analysis added 1,511 proteins to the recognized proteome of rat IMCD cells, now amounting to 8,290 unique proteins. Analysis of samples treated with the vasopressin analog dDAVP (1 nM for 30 min) or its vehicle revealed 99 proteins in the NP fraction and 88 proteins in the NE fraction with significant changes in spectral counts (Fisher exact test, P < 0.005). Among those altered by vasopressin were seven distinct histone proteins, all of which showed decreased abundance in the NP fraction, consistent with a possible effect of vasopressin to induce chromatin remodeling. The results provide a data resource for future studies of vasopressin-mediated transcriptional regulation in the renal collecting duct.

Deep proteomic profiling of vasopressin-sensitive collecting duct cells. II. Bioinformatic analysis of vasopressin signaling

Vasopressin controls osmotic water transport in the renal collecting duct through regulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). We carried out bioinformatic analysis of quantitative proteomic data from the accompanying article to investigate the mechanisms involved. The experiments used stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture in cultured mpkCCD cells to quantify each protein species in each of five differential-centrifugation (DC) fractions with or without the vasopressin analog 1-desamino-8-d-arginine-vasopressin (dDAVP). The mass spectrometry data and parallel Western blot experiments confirmed that dDAVP addition is associated with an increase in AQP2 abundance in the 17,000-g pellet and a corresponding decrease in the 200,000-g pellet. Remarkably, all subunits of the cytoplasmic ribosome also increased in the 17,000-g pellet in response to dDAVP (P < 10(-34)), with a concomitant decrease in the 200,000-g pellet. Eukaryotic translation initiation complex 3 (eIF3) subunits underwent parallel changes (P < 10(-6)). These findings are consistent with translocation of assembled ribosomes and eIF3 complexes into the rough endoplasmic reticulum in response to dDAVP. Conversely, there was a systematic decrease in small GTPase abundances in the 17,000-g fraction. In contrast, most proteins, including protein kinases, showed no systematic redistribution among DC fractions. Of the 521 protein kinases coded by the mouse genome, 246 were identified, but many fewer were found to colocalize with AQP2 among DC fractions. Bayes' rule was used to integrate the new colocalization data with prior data to identify protein kinases most likely to phosphorylate aquaporin-2 at Ser(256) (Camk2b > Camk2d > Prkaca) and Ser(261) (Mapk1 = Mapk3 > Mapk14).

Increasing plasma [K+] by intravenous potassium infusion reduces NCC phosphorylation and drives kaliuresis and natriuresis

Dietary potassium loading results in rapid kaliuresis, natriuresis, and diuresis associated with reduced phosphorylation (p) of the distal tubule Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NCC). Decreased NCC-p inhibits NCC-mediated Na(+) reabsorption and shifts Na(+) downstream for reabsorption by epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC), which can drive K(+) secretion. Whether the signal is initiated by ingesting potassium or a rise in plasma K(+) concentration ([K(+)]) is not understood. We tested the hypothesis, in male rats, that an increase in plasma [K(+)] is sufficient to reduce NCC-p and drive kaliuresis. After an overnight fast, a single 3-h 2% potassium (2%K) containing meal increased plasma [K(+)] from 4.0 ± 0.1 to 5.2 ± 0.2 mM; increased urinary K(+), Na(+), and volume excretion; decreased NCC-p by 60%; and marginally reduced cortical Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC) phosphorylation 25% (P = 0.055). When plasma [K(+)] was increased by tail vein infusion of KCl to 5.5 ± 0.1 mM over 3 h, significant kaliuresis and natriuresis ensued, NCC-p decreased by 60%, and STE20/SPS1-related proline alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) phosphorylation was marginally reduced 35% (P = 0.052). The following were unchanged at 3 h by either the potassium-rich meal or KCl infusion: Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3), NHE3-p, NKCC, ENaC subunits, and renal outer medullary K(+) channel. In summary, raising plasma [K(+)] by intravenous infusion to a level equivalent to that observed after a single potassium-rich meal triggers renal kaliuretic and natriuretic responses, independent of K(+) ingestion, likely driven by decreased NCC-p and activity sufficient to shift sodium reabsorption downstream to where Na(+) reabsorption and flow drive K(+) secretion.

Use of LC-MS/MS and Bayes' theorem to identify protein kinases that phosphorylate aquaporin-2 at Ser256

In the renal collecting duct, binding of AVP to the V2 receptor triggers signaling changes that regulate osmotic water transport. Short-term regulation of water transport is dependent on vasopressin-induced phosphorylation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) at Ser256. The protein kinase that phosphorylates this site is not known. We use Bayes' theorem to rank all 521 rat protein kinases with regard to the likelihood of a role in Ser256 phosphorylation on the basis of prior data and new experimental data. First, prior probabilities were estimated from previous transcriptomic and proteomic profiling data, kinase substrate specificity data, and evidence for kinase regulation by vasopressin. This ranking was updated using new experimental data describing the effects of several small-molecule kinase inhibitors with known inhibitory spectra (H-89, KN-62, KN-93, and GSK-650394) on AQP2 phosphorylation at Ser256 in inner medullary collecting duct suspensions. The top-ranked kinase was Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMK2), followed by protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase B (AKT). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based in vitro phosphorylation studies compared the ability of three highly ranked kinases to phosphorylate AQP2 and other inner medullary collecting duct proteins, PKA, CAMK2, and serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK). All three proved capable of phosphorylating AQP2 at Ser256, although CAMK2 and PKA were more potent than SGK. The in vitro phosphorylation experiments also identified candidate protein kinases for several additional phosphoproteins with likely roles in collecting duct regulation, including Nedd4-2, Map4k4, and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1. We conclude that Bayes' theorem is an effective means of integrating data from multiple data sets in physiology.

Quantitative apical membrane proteomics reveals vasopressin-induced actin dynamics in collecting duct cells

In kidney collecting duct cells, filamentous actin (F-actin) depolymerization is a critical step in vasopressin-induced trafficking of aquaporin-2 to the apical plasma membrane. However, the molecular components of this response are largely unknown. Using stable isotope-based quantitative protein mass spectrometry and surface biotinylation, we identified 100 proteins that showed significant abundance changes in the apical plasma membrane of mouse cortical collecting duct cells in response to vasopressin. Fourteen of these proteins are involved in actin cytoskeleton regulation, including actin itself, 10 actin-associated proteins, and 3 regulatory proteins. Identified were two integral membrane proteins (Clmn, Nckap1) and one actin-binding protein (Mpp5) that link F-actin to the plasma membrane, five F-actin end-binding proteins (Arpc2, Arpc4, Gsn, Scin, and Capzb) involved in F-actin reorganization, and two actin adaptor proteins (Dbn1, Lasp1) that regulate actin cytoskeleton organization. There were also protease (Capn1), protein kinase (Cdc42bpb), and Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (Arhgef2) that mediate signal-induced F-actin changes. Based on these findings, we devised a live-cell imaging method to observe vasopressin-induced F-actin dynamics in polarized mouse cortical collecting duct cells. In response to vasopressin, F-actin gradually disappeared near the center of the apical plasma membrane while consolidating laterally near the tight junction. This F-actin peripheralization was blocked by calcium ion chelation. Vasopressin-induced apical aquaporin-2 trafficking and forskolin-induced water permeability increase were blocked by F-actin disruption. In conclusion, we identified a vasopressin-regulated actin network potentially responsible for vasopressin-induced apical F-actin dynamics that could explain regulation of apical aquaporin-2 trafficking and water permeability increase.

Adenylyl cyclase VI mediates vasopressin-stimulated ENaC activity

Vasopressin modulates sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct through adenylyl cyclase-stimulated cyclic AMP, which exists as multiple isoforms; the specific isoform involved in vasopressin-stimulated sodium transport is unknown. To assess this, we studied mice deficient in adenylyl cyclase type VI specifically in the principal cells of the collecting duct. Knockout mice had increased urine volume and reduced urine sodium concentration, but regardless of the level of sodium intake, they did not exhibit significant alterations in urinary sodium excretion, arterial pressure, or pulse rate. Plasma renin concentration was elevated in knockout mice, however, suggesting a compensatory response. Valsartan significantly reduced arterial pressure in knockout mice but not in controls. Knockout mice had decreased renal cortical mRNA content of all three epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) isoforms, and total cell sodium channel isoforms α and γ were reduced in these animals. Patch-clamp analysis of split-open cortical collecting ducts revealed no difference in baseline activity of sodium channels, but knockout mice had abolished vasopressin-stimulated ENaC open probability and apical membrane channel number. In summary, these data suggest that adenylyl cyclase VI mediates vasopressin-stimulated ENaC activity in the kidney.

Introduction to mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Mass spectrometry has been widely applied to study biomolecules and one rapidly developing field is the global analysis of proteins, proteomics. Understanding and handling mass spectrometry data is a multifaceted task that requires many decisions to be made to get the most comprehensive information from an experiment. Later chapters in this book deal in-depth with various aspects of the process and how different tools can be applied to the many analytical challenges. This introductory chapter is intended as a basic introduction to mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to set the scene for newcomers and give pointers to reference material. There are many applications of mass spectrometry in proteomics and each application is associated with some analytical choices, instrumental limitations and data processing steps that depend on the aim of the study and means of conducting it. Different aspects of the proteome can be explored by choosing the right combination of sample preparation, MS instrumentation and data processing. This chapter gives an outline for some of these commonly used setups and some of the key concepts, many of which are explored in greater depth in later chapters.

Effects of ACE inhibition and ANG II stimulation on renal Na-Cl cotransporter distribution, phosphorylation, and membrane complex properties

The renal distal tubule Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) reabsorbs <10% of the filtered Na(+) but is a key control point for blood pressure regulation by angiotensin II (ANG II), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), and thiazide diuretics. This study aimed to determine whether NCC phosphorylation (NCCp) was regulated by acute (20-30 min) treatment with the ACEI captopril (12 μg/min × 20 min) or by a sub-pressor dose of ANG II (20 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1)) in Inactin-anesthetized rats. By immuno-EM, NCCp was detected exclusively in or adjacent to apical plama membranes (APM) in controls and after ACEI or ANG II treatment, while NCC total was detected in both APM and subapical cytoplasmic vesicles (SCV) in all conditions. In renal homogenates, neither ACEI nor ANG II treatment altered NCCp abundance, assayed by immunoblot. However, by density gradient fractionation we identified a pool of low-density APM in which NCCp decreased 50% in response to captopril and was restored during ANG II infusion, and another pool of higher-density APM that responded reciprocally, indicative of regulated redistribution between two APM pools. In both pools, NCCp was preferentially localized to Triton-soluble membranes. Blue Native gel electrophoresis established that APM NCCp localized to ~700 kDa complexes (containing γ-adducin) while unphosphorylated NCC in intracellular membranes primarily localized to ~400 kDa complexes: there was no evidence for native monomeric or dimeric NCC or NCCp. In summary, this study demonstrates that phosphorylated NCC, localized to multimeric complexes in the APM, redistributes in a regulated manner within the APM in response to ACEI and ANG II.

Systems biology in physiology: the vasopressin signaling network in kidney

Over the past 80 years, physiological research has moved progressively in a reductionist direction, providing mechanistic information on a smaller and smaller scale. This trend has culminated in the present focus on "molecular physiology," which deals with the function of single molecules responsible for cellular function. There is a need to assemble the information from the molecular level into models that explain physiological function at cellular, tissue, organ, and whole organism levels. Such integration is the major focus of an approach called "systems biology." The genome sequencing projects provide a basis for a new kind of systems biology called "data-rich" systems biology that is based on large-scale data acquisition methods including protein mass spectrometry, DNA microarrays, and deep sequencing of nucleic acids. These techniques allow investigators to measure thousands of variables simultaneously in response to an external stimulus. My laboratory is applying such an approach to the question: "How does the peptide hormone vasopressin regulate water permeability in the renal collecting duct?" We are using protein mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the phosphoproteome of collecting duct cells. The response to vasopressin, presented in the form of a network model, includes a general downregulation of proline-directed kinases (MAP kinases and cyclin-dependent kinases) and upregulation of basophilic kinases (ACG kinases and calmodulin-dependent kinases). Further progress depends on characterization and localization of candidate protein kinases in these families. The ultimate goal is to use multivariate statistical techniques and differential equations to obtain predictive models describing vasopressin signaling in the renal collecting duct.

Effects of K+-deficient diets with and without NaCl supplementation on Na+, K+, and H2O transporters' abundance along the nephron

Dietary potassium (K(+)) restriction and hypokalemia have been reported to change the abundance of most renal Na(+) and K(+) transporters and aquaporin-2 isoform, but results have not been consistent. The aim of this study was to reexamine Na(+), K(+) and H(2)O transporters' pool size regulation in response to removing K(+) from a diet containing 0.74% NaCl, as well as from a diet containing 2% NaCl (as found in American diets) to blunt reducing total diet electrolytes. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5-6) were fed for 6 days with one of these diets: 2% KCl, 0.74% NaCl (2K1Na, control chow) compared with 0.03% KCl, 0.74% NaCl (0K1Na); or 2% KCl, 2%NaCl (2K2Na) compared with 0.03% KCl, 2% NaCl (0K2Na, Na(+) replete). In both 0K1Na and 0K2Na there were significant decreases in: 1) plasma [K(+)] (<2.5 mM); 2) urinary K(+) excretion (<5% of control); 3) urine osmolality and plasma [aldosterone], as well as 4) an increase in urine volume and medullary hypertrophy. The 0K2Na group had the lowest [aldosterone] (172.0 ± 17.4 pg/ml) and lower blood pressure (93.2 ± 4.9 vs. 112.0 ± 3.1 mmHg in 2K2Na). Transporter pool size regulation was determined by quantitative immunoblotting of renal cortex and medulla homogenates. The only differences measured in both 0K1Na and 0K2Na groups were a 20-30% decrease in cortical β-ENaC, 30-40% increases in kidney-specific Ste20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase, and a 40% increase in medullary sodium pump abundance. The following proteins were not significantly changed in both the 0 K groups: Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 3; Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter; Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter, oxidative stress response kinase-1; renal outer medullary K(+) channel; autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia; c-Src, aquaporin 2 isoform; or renin. Thus, despite profound hypokalemia and renal K(+) conservation, we did not confirm many of the changes that were previously reported. We predict that changes in transporter distribution and activity are likely more important for conserving K(+) than changes in total abundance.

Regulation of transport in the connecting tubule and cortical collecting duct

The central goal of this overview article is to summarize recent findings in renal epithelial transport,focusing chiefly on the connecting tubule (CNT) and the cortical collecting duct (CCD).Mammalian CCD and CNT are involved in fine-tuning of electrolyte and fluid balance through reabsorption and secretion. Specific transporters and channels mediate vectorial movements of water and solutes in these segments. Although only a small percent of the glomerular filtrate reaches the CNT and CCD, these segments are critical for water and electrolyte homeostasis since several hormones, for example, aldosterone and arginine vasopressin, exert their main effects in these nephron sites. Importantly, hormones regulate the function of the entire nephron and kidney by affecting channels and transporters in the CNT and CCD. Knowledge about the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of transport in the CNT and CCD and particular roles of specific channels/transporters has increased tremendously over the last two decades.Recent studies shed new light on several key questions concerning the regulation of renal transport.Precise distribution patterns of transport proteins in the CCD and CNT will be reviewed, and their physiological roles and mechanisms mediating ion transport in these segments will also be covered. Special emphasis will be given to pathophysiological conditions appearing as a result of abnormalities in renal transport in the CNT and CCD.

Proteomic profiling of the effect of metabolic acidosis on the apical membrane of the proximal convoluted tubule

The physiological response to the onset of metabolic acidosis requires pronounced changes in renal gene expression. Adaptations within the proximal convoluted tubule support the increased extraction of plasma glutamine and the increased synthesis and transport of glucose and of NH(4)(+) and HCO(3)(-) ions. Many of these adaptations involve proteins associated with the apical membrane. To quantify the temporal changes in these proteins, proteomic profiling was performed using brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from proximal convoluted tubules (BBMV(PCT)) that were purified from normal and acidotic rats. This preparation is essentially free of contaminating apical membranes from other renal cortical cells. The analysis identified 298 proteins, 26% of which contained one or more transmembrane domains. Spectral counts were used to assess changes in protein abundance. The onset of acidosis produced a twofold, but transient, increase in the Na(+)-dependent glucose transporter and a more gradual, but sustained, increase (3-fold) in the Na(+)-dependent lactate transporter. These changes were associated with the loss of glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes that are contained in the BBMV(PCT) isolated from normal rats. In addition, the levels of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase increased twofold, while transporters that participate in the uptake of neutral amino acids, including glutamine, were decreased. These changes could facilitate the deamidation of glutamine within the tubular lumen. Finally, pronounced increases were also observed in the levels of DAB2 (3-fold) and myosin 9 (7-fold), proteins that may participate in endocytosis of apical membrane proteins. Western blot analysis and accurate mass and time analyses were used to validate the spectral counting.

Gene expression databases for kidney epithelial cells

The 21st century has seen an explosion of new high-throughput data from transcriptomic and proteomic studies. These data are highly relevant to the design and interpretation of modern physiological studies but are not always readily accessible to potential users in user-friendly, searchable formats. Data from our own studies involving transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of renal tubule epithelia have been made available on a variety of online databases. Here, we provide a roadmap to these databases and illustrate how they may be useful in the design and interpretation of physiological studies. The databases can be accessed through http://helixweb.nih.gov/ESBL/Database.

Activation of the bumetanide-sensitive Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) is facilitated by Tamm-Horsfall protein in a chloride-sensitive manner

Active transport of NaCl across thick ascending limb (TAL) epithelium is accomplished by Na(+),K(+),2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC2). The activity of NKCC2 is determined by vasopressin (AVP) or intracellular chloride concentration and includes its amino-terminal phosphorylation. Co-expressed Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) has been proposed to interact with NKCC2. We hypothesized that THP modulates NKCC2 activity in TAL. THP-deficient mice (THP(-/-)) showed an increased abundance of intracellular NKCC2 located in subapical vesicles (+47% compared with wild type (WT) mice), whereas base-line phosphorylation of NKCC2 was significantly decreased (-49% compared with WT mice), suggesting reduced activity of the transporter in the absence of THP. Cultured TAL cells with low endogenous THP levels and low base-line phosphorylation of NKCC2 displayed sharp increases in NKCC2 phosphorylation (+38%) along with a significant change of intracellular chloride concentration upon transfection with THP. In NKCC2-expressing frog oocytes, co-injection with THP cRNA significantly enhanced the activation of NKCC2 under low chloride hypotonic stress (+112% versus +235%). Short term (30 min) stimulation of the vasopressin V2 receptor pathway by V2 receptor agonist (deamino-cis-D-Arg vasopressin) resulted in enhanced NKCC2 phosphorylation in WT mice and cultured TAL cells transfected with THP, whereas in the absence of THP, NKCC2 phosphorylation upon deamino-cis-D-Arg vasopressin was blunted in both systems. Attenuated effects of furosemide along with functional and structural adaptation of the distal convoluted tubule in THP(-/-) mice supported the notion that NaCl reabsorption was impaired in TAL lacking THP. In summary, these results are compatible with a permissive role for THP in the modulation of NKCC2-dependent TAL salt reabsorptive function.

Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein interacts with renal outer medullary potassium channel ROMK2 and regulates its function

Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THGP) or Uromodulin is a membrane protein exclusively expressed along the thick ascending limb (TAL) and early distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of the nephron. Mutations in the THGP encoding gene result in Familial Juvenile Hyperuricemic Nephropathy (FJHN), Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease type 2 (MCKD-2), and Glomerulocystic Kidney Disease (GCKD). The physicochemical and biological properties of THGP have been studied extensively, but its physiological function in the TAL remains obscure. We performed yeast two-hybrid screening employing a human kidney cDNA library and identified THGP as a potential interaction partner of the renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK2), a key player in the process of salt reabsorption along the TAL. Functional analysis by electrophysiological techniques in Xenopus oocytes showed a strong increase in ROMK current amplitudes when co-expressed with THGP. The effect of THGP was specific for ROMK2 and did not influence current amplitudes upon co-expression with Kir2.x, inward rectifier potassium channels related to ROMK. Single channel conductance and open probability of ROMK2 were not altered by co-expression of THGP, which instead increased surface expression of ROMK2 as determined by patch clamp analysis and luminometric surface quantification, respectively. Despite preserved interaction with ROMK2, disease-causing THGP mutants failed to increase its current amplitude and surface expression. THGP(-/-) mice exhibited increased ROMK accumulation in intracellular vesicular compartments when compared with WT animals. Therefore, THGP modulation of ROMK function confers a new role of THGP on renal ion transport and may contribute to salt wasting observed in FJHN/MCKD-2/GCKD patients.

A combination method of chemical with enzyme reactions for identification of membrane proteins

A simple method for effective analysis of various proteins has been developed, including membrane proteins, with LC-MS/MS, using CNBr and acetic acid cleavage in one reaction for the digestion of both the M/ and /D/ positions within the target proteins. This dual chemical reaction has been compared with traditional CNBr or an acid cleavage method using a rat kidney membrane fraction and it showed an advantage of the dual reaction with respect to a high number of peptides detected and a high protein recovery. Furthermore, when this dual chemical reaction was combined with trypsin digestion, the number of proteins surprisingly increased approximately 3.0 times more than in the cases with the trypsin digestion only. It was also 1.9 times more than in cases dealing with Tube-Gel trypsin digestion, which is one of the most efficient digestion methods. In addition, it was shown that this dual chemical reaction could be applied to an in-gel digestion. Using the combination of the chemical and enzyme reaction, 172 proteins including 95 membrane proteins were identified. This indicated that this method is one of the efficient systems in single MS/MS analysis. In particular, many membrane proteins identified in this study were detected by a new combination, but not by a traditional trypsin digestion method.

Proteomic analysis of V-ATPase-rich cells harvested from the kidney and epididymis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting

Proton-transporting cells are located in several tissues where they acidify the extracellular environment. These cells express the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) B1 subunit (ATP6V1B1) in their plasma membrane. We provide here a comprehensive catalog of the proteins that are expressed in these cells, after their isolation by enzymatic digestion and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from transgenic B1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice. In these mice, type A and B intercalated cells and connecting segment cells of the kidney, and narrow and clear cells of the epididymis, which all express ATP6V1B1, also express EGFP, while all other cell types are negative. The proteome of renal and epididymal EGFP-positive (EGFP(+)) cells was identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and compared with their respective EGFP-negative (EGFP(-)) cell populations. A total of 2,297 and 1,564 proteins were detected in EGFP(+) cells from the kidney and epididymis, respectively. Out of these proteins, 202 and 178 were enriched by a factor greater than 1.5 in EGFP(+) cells compared with EGFP(-) cells, in the kidney and epididymis respectively, and included subunits of the V-ATPase (B1, a4, and A). In addition, several proteins involved in intracellular trafficking, signaling, and cytoskeletal dynamics were identified. A novel common protein that was enriched in renal and epididymal EGFP(+) cells is the progesterone receptor, which might be a potential candidate for the regulation of V-ATPase-dependent proton transport. These proteomic databases provide a framework for comprehensive future analysis of the common and distinct functions of V-ATPase-B1-expressing cells in the kidney and epididymis.

Short-term stimulation of the thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl- cotransporter by vasopressin involves phosphorylation and membrane translocation

Vasopressin influences salt and water transport in renal epithelia. This is coordinated by the combined action of V2 receptor-mediated effects along distinct nephron segments. Modulation of NaCl reabsorption by vasopressin has been established in the loop of Henle, but its role in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), an effective site for fine regulation of urinary electrolyte composition and the target for thiazide diuretics, is largely unknown. The Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) of DCT is activated by luminal trafficking and phosphorylation at conserved NH2-terminal residues. Here, we demonstrate the effects of short-term vasopressin administration (30 min) on NCC activation in Brattleboro rats with central diabetes insipidus (DI) using the V2 receptor agonist desmopressin (dDAVP). The fraction of NCC abundance in the luminal plasma membrane was significantly increased upon dDAVP as shown by confocal microscopy, immunogold cytochemistry, and Western blot, suggesting increased apical trafficking of the transporter. Changes were paralleled by augmented phosphorylation of NCC as detected by antibodies against phospho-threonine and phospho-serine residues (2.5-fold increase at Thr53 and 1.4-fold increase at Ser71). dDAVP-induced phosphorylation of NCC, studied in tubular suspensions in the absence of systemic effects, was enhanced as well (1.7-fold increase at Ser71), which points to the direct mode of action of vasopressin in DCT. Changes were more pronounced in early (DCT1) than in late DCT as distinguished by the distribution of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 in DCT2. These results suggest that the vasopressin-V(2) receptor-NCC signaling cascade is a novel effector system to adjust transepithelial NaCl reabsorption in DCT.

Proteomic Study of Hepatic Nuclear Extracts in an Adaptive Acetaminophen Tolerance Model

Introduction

Variability in response to acetaminophen (APAP)-induced aseptic inflammation and tolerance to the impending hepatic damage has been described. To understand the mechanism of adaptive tolerance, we investigated the proteomic profiles of crude nuclear lysates in a mouse model. We hypothesized that pretreatment with low doses of APAP prior to a toxic dose results in differential protein expression.

Materials and Methods

Mice (BALB/C) were separated into three groups: the pretreated (PT) group received incremental doses of APAP while the last dose only (LD) and naïve groups were given saline vehicle. A toxic dose of APAP was administered on the seventh day to the PT and LD animals only and all groups were euthanized 3 h postdose. Total protein from crude hepatic nuclear lysates were applied to protein arrays and analyzed by immunoaffinity mass spectrometry.

Results and Discussion

Comparative data analyses of protein peaks revealed a protein that was significantly increased at m/z of 60,030 (p60) in the LD animals vs the other two groups. The closest match for the preliminary identification of the p60 protein based on a Swiss-Prot/TagIdent database search using the approximate isoelectric point and molecular weight information was Ccr4–Not complex subunit-2. This protein is a subunit of a multiprotein complex and serves as a transcriptional suppressor involved in controlling mRNA synthesis and degradation. Preliminary identification was also supported by Western blot analysis using anti-CNOT2 antibody.

Conclusion

Considering the APAP tolerance model, we conclude that toxicogenomic approaches such as nuclear profiling are useful tools in assessing differential expression of transcriptional factors involved in inflammatory response and adaptive tolerance to toxins.

Systems-level analysis of cell-specific AQP2 gene expression in renal collecting duct

We used a systems biology-based approach to investigate the basis of cell-specific expression of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the renal collecting duct. Computational analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the AQP2 gene (Genomatix) revealed 2 conserved clusters of putative transcriptional regulator (TR) binding elements (BEs) centered at -513 bp (corresponding to the SF1, NFAT, and FKHD TR families) and -224 bp (corresponding to the AP2, SRF, CREB, GATA, and HOX TR families). Three other conserved motifs corresponded to the ETS, EBOX, and RXR TR families. To identify TRs that potentially bind to these BEs, we carried out mRNA profiling (Affymetrix) in mouse mpkCCDc14 collecting duct cells, revealing expression of 25 TRs that are also expressed in native inner medullary collecting duct. One showed a significant positive correlation with AQP2 mRNA abundance among mpkCCD subclones (Ets1), and 2 showed a significant negative correlation (Elf1 and an orphan nuclear receptor Nr1h2). Transcriptomic profiling in native proximal tubules (PT), medullary thick ascending limbs (MTAL), and IMCDs from kidney identified 14 TRs (including Ets1 and HoxD3) expressed in the IMCD but not PT or MTAL (candidate AQP2 enhancer roles), and 5 TRs (including HoxA5, HoxA9 and HoxA10) expressed in PT and MTAL but not in IMCD (candidate AQP2 repressor roles). In luciferase reporter assays, overexpression of 3 ETS family TRs transactivated the mouse proximal AQP2 promoter. The results implicate ETS family TRs in cell-specific expression of AQP2 and point to HOX, RXR, CREB and GATA family TRs as playing likely additional roles.