Differential expression of epithelial sodium channel subunit mRNAs in rat skin

Integrative analyses identified ion channel genes GJB2 and SCNN1B as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Abnormal expressions of ion channel genes are associated with the occurrence and progression of tumors. At present, their roles in the carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Differentially expressed (DE) genes in the tumorigenesis were identified from 328 ion channel genes in 102 LUAD and paired adjacent normal samples. Similar analyses were performed between 177 metastatic and 286 non-metastatic LUAD samples to identify DE ion channel genes in the progression of LUAD. Independent prognostic factors selected from DE ion channel genes were used to construct a prognostic model. Correlation analysis and drugs-drug targets interaction network were used to screen the potential drugs for LUAD patients stratified by GJB2 or SCNN1B.

RESULTS

Six ion channel genes (GJB2, CACNA1D, KCNQ1, SCNN1B, SCNN1G and TRPV6) were continuous differentially expressed in the tumorigenesis and progression of LUAD. The survival analysis in four datasets with 522 LUAD samples showed that GJB2 and SCNN1B were independent prognostic biomarkers. Patients with overexpression of GJB2 or underexpression of SCNN1B had shorter overall survival. Moreover, multi-omics analysis showed that hypomethylation of GJB2 and hypermethylation of SCNN1B in the promoter region may contribute to their aberrant expressions. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the overexpressed genes in the group with high GJB2 or low SCNN1B were enriched in cancer-related pathways, while the underexpressed genes were enriched in metabolism-related pathways. The prognostic model with GJB2 and SCNN1B can stratify all LUAD patients into two groups with significantly different survival. Correlation analysis and drugs-drug targets interaction network suggested that GJB2 and SCNN1B expression might have indicative therapeutic values for LUAD patients. Finally, pan-cancer analysis in other eight cancer types showed that GJB2 and SCNN1B might be also potential prognostic factors for KIRC.

CONCLUSIONS

GJB2 and SCNN1B were identified as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LUAD.

Function and Regulation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel ENaC

The Epithelial Na⁺ Channel, ENaC, comprised of 3 subunits (αβγ, or sometimes δβγENaC), plays a critical role in regulating salt and fluid homeostasis in the body. It regulates fluid reabsorption into the blood stream from the kidney to control blood volume and pressure, fluid absorption in the lung to control alveolar fluid clearance at birth and maintenance of normal airway surface liquid throughout life, and fluid absorption in the distal colon and other epithelial tissues. Moreover, recent studies have also revealed a role for sodium movement via ENaC in nonepithelial cells/tissues, such as endothelial cells in blood vessels and neurons. Over the past 25 years, major advances have been made in our understanding of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease. These include the recently solved three-dimensional structure of ENaC, ENaC function in various tissues, and mutations in ENaC that cause a hereditary form of hypertension (Liddle syndrome), salt-wasting hypotension (PHA1), or polymorphism in ENaC that contributes to other diseases (such as cystic fibrosis). Moreover, great strides have been made in deciphering the regulation of ENaC by hormones (e.g., the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, glucocorticoids, vasopressin), ions (e.g., Na⁺ ), proteins (e.g., the ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4-2, the kinases SGK1, AKT, AMPK, WNKs & mTORC2, and proteases), and posttranslational modifications [e.g., (de)ubiquitylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, palmitoylation]. Characterization of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease, including using animal models, are described in this article, with a special emphasis on recent advances in the field. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-29, 2021.

Sodium Channel Subunit SCNN1B Suppresses Gastric Cancer Growth and Metastasis via GRP78 Degradation

There remains a paucity of functional biomarkers in gastric cancer. Here, we report the identification of the sodium channel subunit SCNN1B as a candidate biomarker in gastric cancer. SCNN1B mRNA expression was silenced commonly by promoter hypermethylation in gastric cancer cell lines and primary tumor tissues. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that high expression of SCNN1B was an independent prognostic factor for longer survival in gastric cancer patients, especially those with late-stage disease. Functional studies demonstrated that SCNN1B overexpression was sufficient to suppress multiple features of cancer cell pathophysiology in vitro and in vivo Mechanistic investigations revealed that SCNN1B interacted with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, GRP78, and induced its degradation via polyubiquitination, triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR) via activation of PERK, ATF4, XBP1s, and C/EBP homologous protein and leading in turn to caspase-dependent apoptosis. Accordingly, SCNN1B sensitized gastric cancer cells to the UPR-inducing drug tunicamycin. GRP78 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of SCNN1B on cell growth and migration, whereas GRP78 silencing aggravated growth inhibition by SCNN1B. In summary, our results identify SCNN1B as a tumor-suppressive function that triggers UPR in gastric cancer cells, with implications for its potential clinical applications as a survival biomarker in gastric cancer patients. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1968-82. ©2017 AACR.

Expression of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and CFTR in the human epidermis and epidermal appendages

A major function of the skin is the regulation of body temperature by sweat secretions. Sweat glands secrete water and salt, especially NaCl. Excreted water evaporates, cooling the skin surface, and Na⁺ ions are reabsorbed by the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). Mutations in ENaC subunit genes lead to a severe multi-system (systemic) form of pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) type I, characterized by salt loss from aldosterone target organs, including sweat glands in the skin. In this study, we mapped the sites of localization of ENaC in the human skin by confocal microscopy using polyclonal antibodies generated against human αENaC. Our results reveal that ENaC is expressed strongly in all epidermal layers except stratum corneum, and also in the sebaceous glands, eccrine glands, arrector pili smooth muscle cells, and intra-dermal adipocytes. In smooth muscle cells and adipocytes, ENaC is co-localized with F-actin. No expression of ENaC was detected in the dermis. CFTR is strongly expressed in sebaceous glands. In epidermal appendages noted, except the eccrine sweat glands, ENaC is mainly located in the cytoplasm. In the eccrine glands and ducts, ENaC and CFTR are located on the apical side of the membrane. This localization of ENaC is compatible with ENaC's role in salt reabsorption. PHA patients may develop folliculitis, miliaria rubra, and atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, due to sweat gland duct occlusion and inflammation of eccrine glands as a result of salt accumulation.

Emerging Roles of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Pathology: Toward New Paradigms in Clinical Pharmacology

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and its ligand aldosterone are the principal modulators of hormone-regulated renal sodium reabsorption. In addition to the kidney, there are several other cells and organs expressing MR, in which its activation mediates pathologic changes, indicating potential therapeutic applications of pharmacological MR antagonism. Steroidal MR antagonists have been used for decades to fight hypertension and more recently heart failure. New therapeutic indications are now arising, and nonsteroidal MR antagonists are currently under development. This review is focused on nonclassic MR targets in cardiac, vascular, renal, metabolic, ocular, and cutaneous diseases. The MR, associated with other risk factors, is involved in organ fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging; for example, in the kidney and heart MR mediates hormonal tissue-specific ion channel regulation. Genetic and epigenetic modifications of MR expression/activity that have been documented in hypertension may also present significant risk factors in other diseases and be susceptible to MR antagonism. Excess mineralocorticoid signaling, mediated by aldosterone or glucocorticoids binding, now appears deleterious in the progression of pathologies that may lead to end-stage organ failure and could therefore benefit from the repositioning of pharmacological MR antagonists.

Localization of ENaC subunit mRNAs in adult bullfrog skin

Adult amphibian skin has served as a model for the investigation of Na(+)-transporting epithelia, such as mammalian renal tubules. The amiloride-blockable epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), which is located in the apical membrane of the outer living cell layer, regulates Na(+) transport across the epithelium. ENaC is thought to develop during the terminal differentiation of epidermal cells, but the details are unclear. Here, we used in situ hybridization to examine the localization of the ENaC subunit mRNAs in skin of adult bullfrogs, to clarify the development of ENaC. We found that α-ENaC mRNA was expressed within the cells of the Stratum granulosum, the Stratum spinosum, and the Stratum germinativum, while β-ENaC mRNA was expressed within the cells of the S. granulosum and the S. spinosum. However, we could not detect expression of γ-ENaC mRNA, possibly for technical reasons. α- and β-ENaC mRNAs, at least, were present in the sub-apical cells, in which ENaC protein is not necessary for amphibian skin to possess its Na(+)-transport function. Our results may mean that the sub-apical cells are already producing the ENaC subunit mRNAs prior to the final step in their differentiation.

The mineralocorticoid receptor as a novel player in skin biology: beyond the renal horizon?

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and its ligand aldosterone regulate renal sodium reabsorption and blood pressure and much knowledge has been accumulated in MR physiopathology, cellular and molecular targets. In contrast, our understanding of this hormonal system in non-classical targets (heart, blood vessels, neurons, keratinocytes...) is limited, particularly in the mammalian skin. We review here the few available data that point on MR in the skin and that document cutaneous MR expression and function, based on mouse models and very limited observations in humans. Mice that overexpress the MR in the basal epidermal keratinocytes display developmental and post-natal abnormalities of the epidermis and hair follicle, raising exciting new questions regarding skin biology. The MR as a transcription factor may be an unexpected novel player in regulating keratinocyte and hair physiology and pathology. Because its activating ligand also includes glucocorticoids, that are widely used in dermatology, we propose that the MR may be also involved in the side-effects of corticoids, opening novel options for therapeutical intervention.

Epithelial Na+ channel delta subunit is an acid sensor in the human oesophagus

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus, and thus the oesophageal lumen is damaged by gastric acid. The acid sensor involved in oesophageal epithelial defense is still unclear. Recently, we described that the epithelial Na(+) channel delta subunit (ENaCdelta) is a candidate molecule for a pH sensor in the human brain. Here, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization methods, we showed that the proton-sensitive ENaCdelta was strongly expressed in the epithelial layer of the human oesophagus, representative peripheral tissue that can be exposed to an acidic environment. Other ENaC subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) were also localized there. Based on the expression pattern, human oesophageal ENaC complex was mimicked in the Xenopus oocyte expression system and the response to acidic pH was recorded using a two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. The human oesophageal-mimicking ENaCdeltabetagammaalpha complex generated an amiloride-sensitive inward current at the holding potential of -60 mV. The ENaCdeltabetagammaalpha current was significantly activated by acidic pH (pH 4.0), approximately equal to the luminal value when gastric acid refluxes into the oesophagus. In conclusion, ENaCdelta is a candidate molecule for pH sensing in the gastrointestinal system in humans, providing a novel therapeutic target for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Epithelial Na+ channel delta subunit mediates acid-induced ATP release in the human skin

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) regulates Na(+) homeostasis in cells and across epithelia. Although we described that ENaCdelta is a candidate molecule for a pH sensor in the human brain, the physiological and pathological roles of ENaCdelta in non-neuronal tissues are still unknown. Here we show a novel physiological function of ENaCdelta in peripheral tissues in humans. Expression analyses at the level of mRNA clearly revealed that ENaCdelta was abundantly expressed in human epidermis and keratinocytes. In addition, ENaCdelta protein was detected in there. In cultured keratinocytes, acidic stress (pH 5.0) evoked ATP release, which was significantly reduced in the presence of 100 microM amiloride or 10 microM benzamil. In conclusion, ENaCdelta may be involved in the mechanism underlying pH sensing followed by the regulation of cell viability in the human skin.

Expression analysis of the epithelial Na+ channel delta subunit in human melanoma G-361 cells

Malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing worldwide. The plasma membrane in melanoma cells possesses a variety of ion channels, so its profile is thought to lead to a novel target for medical treatment for malignant melanoma. Here we showed that human melanoma G-361 cells expressed the epithelial Na(+) channel delta subunit (ENaC delta), which is largely unknown in physiological and pathological functions in non-neuronal tissues. Expression analyses at the level of mRNA clearly revealed that ENaC delta transcript was strongly expressed in human melanoma cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and cell-based in situ hybridization techniques. Other ENaC subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) were also distributed in human melanoma cells. In addition, human melanoma cells possessed an abundant expression of ENaC delta protein by immunocytochemistry. These results provide an attractive target for drug development of malignant melanoma.

Targeted skin overexpression of the mineralocorticoid receptor in mice causes epidermal atrophy, premature skin barrier formation, eye abnormalities, and alopecia

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor family, activation of which by aldosterone enhances salt reabsorption in the kidney. The MR is also expressed in nonclassical aldosterone target cells (brain, heart, and skin), in which its functions are incompletely understood. To explore the functional importance of MR in mammalian skin, we have generated a conditional doxycycline-inducible model of MR overexpression, resulting in double-transgenic (DT) mice [keratin 5-tTa/tetO-human MR (hMR)], targeting the human MR specifically to keratinocytes of the epidermis and hair follicle (HF). Expression of hMR throughout gestation resulted in early postnatal death that could be prevented by antagonizing MR signaling. DT mice exhibited premature epidermal barrier formation at embryonic day 16.5, reduced HF density and epidermal atrophy, increased keratinocyte apoptosis at embryonic day 18.5, and premature eye opening. When hMR expression was initiated after birth to overcome mortality, DT mice developed progressive alopecia and HF cysts, starting 4 months after hMR induction, preceded by dystrophy and cycling abnormalities of pelage HF. In contrast, interfollicular epidermis, vibrissae, and footpad sweat glands in DT mice were normal. This new mouse model reveals novel biological roles of MR signaling and offers an instructive tool for dissecting nonclassical functions of MR signaling in epidermal, hair follicle, and ocular physiology.

Regulation of the epithelial Na+ channel by peptidases

Recent investigations point to an important role for peptidases in regulating transcellular ion transport by the epithelial Na(+) channel, ENaC. Several peptidases, including furins and proteasomal hydrolases, modulate ENaC maturation and disposal. More idiosyncratically, apical Na(+) transport by ENaC in polarized epithelia of kidney, airway, and gut is stimulated constitutively by one or more trypsin-family serine peptidases, as revealed by inhibition of amiloride-sensitive Na(+) transport by broad-spectrum antipeptidases, including aprotinin and bikunin/SPINT2. In vitro, the transporting activity of aprotinin-suppressed ENaC can be restored by exposure to trypsin. The prototypical channel-activating peptidase (CAP) is a type 1 membrane-anchored tryptic peptidase first identified in Xenopus kidney cells. Frog CAP1 strongly upregulates Na(+) transport when coexpressed with ENaC in oocytes. The amphibian enzyme's apparent mammalian orthologue is prostasin, otherwise known as CAP1, which is coexpressed with ENaC in a variety of epithelia. In airway cells, prostasin is the major basal regulator of ENaC activity, as suggested by inhibition and knockdown experiments. Other candidate regulators of mature ENaC include CAP2/TMPRSS4 and CAP3/matriptase (also known as membrane-type serine protease 1/ST14). Mammalian CAPs are potential targets for treatment of ENaC-mediated Na(+) hyperabsorption by the airway in cystic fibrosis (CF) and by the kidney in hypertension. CAPs can be important for mammalian development, as indicated by embryonic lethality in mice with null mutations of CAP1/prostasin. Mice with selectively knocked out expression of CAP1/prostasin in the epidermis and mice with globally knocked out expression of CAP3/matriptase exhibit phenotypically similar defects in skin barrier function and neonatal death from dehydration. In rats, transgenic overexpression of human prostasin disturbs salt balance and causes hypertension. Thus, several converging lines of evidence indicate that ENaC function is regulated by peptidases, and that such regulation is critical for embryonic development and adult function of organs such as skin, kidney, and lung.

A nonconventional look at ionic fluxes in the skin: lessons from genetically modified mice

The mammalian, highly amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is member of the degenerin/ENaC superfamily of ion channels known to be implicated in sodium homeostasis, mechanosensation, and mechanoperception. A novel role for ENaC implicated in differentiation processes in skin reshapes our current view of this ancient transmembrane channel protein.

Epithelial sodium channel/degenerin family of ion channels: a variety of functions for a shared structure

The recently discovered epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)/degenerin (DEG) gene family encodes sodium channels involved in various cell functions in metazoans. Subfamilies found in invertebrates or mammals are functionally distinct. The degenerins in Caenorhabditis elegans participate in mechanotransduction in neuronal cells, FaNaC in snails is a ligand-gated channel activated by neuropeptides, and the Drosophila subfamily is expressed in gonads and neurons. In mammals, ENaC mediates Na+ transport in epithelia and is essential for sodium homeostasis. The ASIC genes encode proton-gated cation channels in both the central and peripheral nervous system that could be involved in pain transduction. This review summarizes the physiological roles of the different channels belonging to this family, their biophysical and pharmacological characteristics, and the emerging knowledge of their molecular structure. Although functionally different, the ENaC/DEG family members share functional domains that are involved in the control of channel activity and in the formation of the pore. The functional heterogeneity among the members of the ENaC/DEG channel family provides a unique opportunity to address the molecular basis of basic channel functions such as activation by ligands, mechanotransduction, ionic selectivity, or block by pharmacological ligands.

The ENaC channel is required for normal epidermal differentiation

Ionic fluxes are important for critical aspects of keratinocyte differentiation, including synthesis of differentiation-specific proteins, enzymatic catalysis of protein cross-linking, post-transcriptional processing of profilaggrin, and lipid secretion. The epithelial sodium channel is expressed in epidermis and the expression of its alpha and beta subunits is enhanced as keratinocytes differentiate. In order to ascertain the role of the epithelial sodium channel in epidermal differentiation, we examined skin of mice in which the epithelial sodium channel alpha subunit had been deleted. Newborn -/- mice, in which the alpha subunit had been completely inactivated, demonstrated epithelial hyperplasia, abnormal nuclei, premature secretion of lipids, and abnormal keratohyaline granules. In addition, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that expression of the differentiation markers K1, K6, and involucrin were abnormal. These data suggest that the epithelial sodium channel modulates ionic signaling for specific aspects of epidermal differentiation, such as synthesis or processing of differentiation- specific proteins, and lipid secretion.

Scnn1Sodium Channel Gene Family in Genetically Engineered Mice

Abstract.The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel is the limiting step in salt absorption. In mice, this channel is composed of three subunits (α, β, and γ), which are encoded by different genes (Scnn1a, Scnn1b, andScnn1c, respectively). The functions of these genes were recently investigated in transgenic (knockout) experiments, and the absence of any subunit led to perinatal lethality. More defined phenotypes have been obtained by introducing specific mutations or using transgenic rescue experiments. In this report, these approaches are summarized and a current gene-targeting strategy to obtain conditional inactivation of the channel is illustrated. This latter approach will be indispensable for the investigation of channel function in a wide variety of organ systems.

Structure and regulation of amiloride-sensitive sodium channels

Amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels constitute a new class of proteins known as the ENaC-Deg family of ion channels. All members in this family share a common protein structure but differ in their ion selectivity, their affinity for the blocker amiloride, and in their gating mechanisms. These channels are expressed in many tissues of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms where they serve diverse functions varying from Na+ absorption across epithelia to being the receptors for neurotransmitters in the nervous system. Here, we review progress made during the last years in the characterization, regulation, and cloning of new amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels.

Distribution of ion transport mRNAs throughout murine nose and lung

Evidence of absorptive or secretory ion transport in different respiratory regions of the mouse was sought by assessing the regional distribution of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-epithelial sodium channel (ENaC; Na(+) absorptive), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductor regulator (CFTR), and Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter mRNAs. High levels of ENaC subunit expression were found in nasal surface epithelium and gland ducts. CFTR was expressed in both superficial nasal respiratory epithelium and glands. These results are consistent with basal amiloride-sensitive Na(+) absorption and cAMP-dependent Cl(-) secretion in murine nasal epithelia. Expression of all three ENaC subunits increased progressively from trachea to terminal bronchioles. Intermediate levels of CFTR and cotransporter expression in bronchial epithelium diminished in bronchioles. The low abundance of CFTR mRNA throughout murine pulmonary epithelium is consistent with functional data that attributes Cl(-) secretion predominantly to an alternative Cl(-) channel. alpha-ENaC as the only mRNA found in all regions of airway epithelia is consistent with the alpha-subunit as requisite for Na(+) absorption, and the increased expression of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-ENaC in distal airways suggests a greater absorptive capability in this region.

Dysfunction of epithelial sodium transport: from human to mouse

The highly amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is an apical membrane constituent of cells of many salt-absorbing epithelia. In the kidney, the functional relevance of ENaC expression has been well established. ENaC mediates the aldosterone-dependent sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Mutations in genes encoding ENaC subunits are causative for two human inherited diseases: Liddle's syndrome, a severe form of hypertension associated with ENaC hyperfunction, and pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA-1), a salt-wasting syndrome caused by decreased ENaC function. Transgenic mouse technologies provide a useful tool to study the role of ENaC in vivo. Different mouse lines have been established in which each of the ENaC subunits was affected. The phenotypes observed in these mice demonstrated that each subunit is essential for survival and for regulation of sodium transport in kidney and colon. Moreover, the alpha subunit plays a specific role in the control of fluid absorption in the airways at birth. Such mice can now be used to study the role of ENaC in various organs and can serve as models to understand the pathophysiology of these human diseases.

Epithelial sodium channels are upregulated during epidermal differentiation

Terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes is linked to transmembrane ion flux. Previously, we have shown that amiloride, an inhibitor of epithelial sodium channels, blocks synthesis of differentiation-specific proteins in normal human keratinocytes. Here, we have identified the specific subunits of amiloride-sensitive human epithelial sodium channels in relation to differentiation of cultured human keratinocytes, as well as to epidermal development. As assessed by northern hybridization, RNase protection assay, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, transcripts encoding functional alpha and regulatory beta subunits of human epithelial sodium channels were expressed both in cultured keratinocytes and in epidermis at levels comparable with the kidney. The mRNA expression of both human epithelial sodium channel-alpha and -beta increased during calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. Whereas the beta subunit of human epithelial sodium channel was induced by elevated concentrations of calcium, the alpha subunit increased with duration of culture. The regulatory gamma subunit was less abundant but also expressed in epidermis. Both human epithelial sodium channel-alpha and -beta were localized throughout the nucleated layers of human adult epidermis, but these channels were not detected in early stages of fetal epidermal development. This co-ordinated expression of subunits suggests that epithelial sodium channels may play an important part in both epidermal differentiation and skin development, presumably by modulating ion transport required for epidermal terminal differentiation.

Epithelial sodium channel in human epidermal keratinocytes: expression of its subunits and relation to sodium transport and differentiation

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a main determinant of sodium absorption in renal and colonic epithelial cells. Surprisingly, it is also expressed in non-transporting epithelia such as the epidermis. To gain insight into the putative role of ENaC in keratinocytes, we have evaluated its expression in human skin and in cultured human keratinocytes. Our results indicate that (1) ENaC is expressed in the epidermis and in cultured keratinocytes, at the mRNA and at the protein levels, (2) the ratio of expression of the different ENaC subunits is drastically modified at the protein level during cell growth and differentiation, with a selective upregulation of the β subunit, (3) no transepithelial sodium transport function is apparent in cultured keratinocytes, but patch-clamp recordings indicate the existence of functional sodium channels with properties similar to those of the cloned ENaC and (4) ENaC inhibition does not alter keratinocyte proliferation, but it significantly decreases the frequency of dome formation in confluent keratinocyte cultures. These results document for the first time the characteristics of ENaC subunit expression in human keratinocytes, and suggest that ENaC may be important during differentiation.

Mechano-electrical transduction in mice lacking the alpha-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel

Sensory hair cells of the vertebrate inner ear use mechanically gated transducer channels (MET) to perceive mechanical stimuli. The molecular nature of the MET channel is not known but several findings suggested that the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel, ENaC, might be a candidate gene for this function. In order to test this hypothesis, we examined knockout mice deficient in the alpha-subunit of ENaC, and therefore in ENaC function. First, neonatal alphaENaC(-/-) mice exhibited vestibular reflexes not different from wildtype littermates thus indicating normal vestibular function. We used organotypic cultures of cochlear outer hair cells from newborns to rescue the hair cells from the perinatal death of alphaENaC(-/-) mice. When hair bundles of cochlear outer hair cells of alphaENaC(-/-) mice were mechanically stimulated by a fluid jet in whole cell voltage clamp experiments, transducer currents were elicited that were not significantly different from those of alphaENaC(+/-) or (+/+) cochlear outer hair cells. These results suggest that the vertebrate mechano-electrical transducer apparatus does not include the alpha-subunit of the epithelial Na+ channel.

Codependence of renal calcium and sodium transport

Calcium and sodium absorption by the kidney normally proceed in parallel. However, a number of physiological, pharmacological, pathological, and genetic conditions dissociate this relation. In each instance, the dissociation can be traced to the distal convoluted tubule, where calcium and sodium transport are inversely related. Based on the identification of the relevant sodium transporters in these cells and on analysis of the mechanism of calcium transport, an explanation for this inverse relation can be developed. Apical membrane calcium entry is mediated by voltage-sensitive calcium channels that are activated upon membrane hyperpolarization. Basolateral calcium efflux is effected primarily by Na+/Ca2+ exchange. According to the model, inhibition of sodium entry through either the Na-Cl cotransporter or the Na+ channel hyperpolarizes the cell, as does parathyroid hormone, thereby activating the calcium entry channel and increasing the driving force for diffusional entry. Membrane hyperpolarization also increases the driving force of calcium efflux through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Thus sodium-dependent changes of calcium transport are indirect and occur secondarily through effects on membrane voltage.

Expression and localization of epithelial sodium channel in mammalian urinary bladder

The mammalian urinary bladder exhibits transepithelial Na+ absorption that contributes to Na+ gradients established by the kidney. Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that electrogenic Na+ absorption across the urinary bladder is mediated in part by amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels situated within the apical membrane of the bladder epithelium. We have used a combination of in situ hybridization, Northern blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry to examine whether the recently cloned epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is expressed in the rat urinary bladder. In situ hybridization and Northern blot analyses indicate that alpha-, beta-, and gamma-rat ENaC (rENaC) are expressed in rat urinary bladder epithelial cells. Quantitation of the levels of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-rENaC mRNA expression in rat urinary bladder, relative to beta-actin mRNA expression, indicates that, although comparable levels of alpha- and beta-rENaC subunits are expressed in the urinary bladder of rats maintained on standard chow, the level of gamma-rENaC mRNA expression is 5- to 10-fold lower than alpha- or beta-rENaC mRNA. Immunocytochemistry, using an antibody directed against alpha-rENaC, revealed that ENaCs are predominantly localized to the luminal membrane of the bladder epithelium. Together, these data demonstrate that ENaC is expressed in the mammalian urinary bladder and suggest that amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport across the apical membrane of the mammalian urinary bladder epithelium is mediated primarily by ENaC.

Noncoordinated expression of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subunit mRNAs of epithelial Na+ channel along rat respiratory tract

Na+ reabsorption from the epithelial surface of the respiratory tract plays a fundamental role in respiratory physiology. As in the epithelia of the renal collecting tubule and distal colon, Na+ enters across the luminal surface of respiratory epithelial cells via a recently cloned amiloride-sensitive multisubunit (alpha, beta, gamma) epithelial Na+ channel. We have examined the cellular expression at the mRNA level of the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subunits of rat epithelial Na+ channel (rENaC) in the rat lung and upper airway epithelial cells using in situ hybridization. A large prevalence of alpha- and gamma-rENaC subunit expression (over beta) was found in tracheal epithelium, in a subpopulation of alveolar cells, presumably type II pneumocytes, and in nasal and tracheal gland acini. In contrast, equivalent levels of expression of all three subunits were detected in bronchiolar epithelium and in rat nasal gland ducts. This diversity of expression may reflect cell-specific functions of the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel along the respiratory tract.