Diabetes insipidus in mice with a mutation in aquaporin-2

Tubular-specific CDK12 knockout causes a defect in urine concentration due to premature cleavage of the slc12a1 gene

Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) plays a critical role in regulating gene transcription. CDK12 inhibition is a potential anticancer therapeutic strategy. However, several clinical trials have shown that CDK inhibitors might cause renal dysfunction and electrolyte disorders. CDK12 is abundant in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), but the exact role of CDK12 in renal physiology remains unclear. Genetic knockout of CDK12 in mouse RTECs causes polydipsia, polyuria, and hydronephrosis. This phenotype is caused by defects in water reabsorption that are the result of reduced Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) levels in the kidney. In addition, CKD12 knockout causes an increase in Slc12a1 (which encodes NKCC2) intronic polyadenylation events, which results in Slc12a1 truncated transcript production and NKCC2 downregulation. These findings provide novel insight into CDK12 being necessary for maintaining renal homeostasis by regulating NKCC2 transcription, which explains the critical water and electrolyte disturbance that occurs during the application of CDK12 inhibitors for cancer treatment. Therefore, there are safety concerns about the clinical use of these new anticancer drugs.

Molecular Characterization of an Aquaporin-2 Mutation Causing Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

The aquaporin 2 (AQP2) plays a critical role in water reabsorption to maintain water homeostasis. AQP2 mutation leads to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), characterized by polyuria, polydipsia, and hypernatremia. We previously reported that a novel AQP2 mutation (G215S) caused NDI in a boy. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the cell biological consequences of this mutation on AQP2 function and clarify the molecular pathogenic mechanism for NDI in this patient. First, we analyzed AQP2 expression in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by AQP2-G215S or AQP2-WT plasmid transfection and found significantly decreased AQP2-G215S expression in cytoplasmic membrane compared with AQP2-WT, independent of forskolin treatment. Further, we found co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker (Calnexin) with AQP2-G215S rather than AQP2-WT in MDCK cells by immunocytochemistry. The functional analysis showed that MDCK cells transfected with AQP2-G215S displayed reduced water permeability compared with AQP2-WT. Visualization of AQP2 structure implied that AQP2-G215S mutation might interrupt the folding of the sixth transmembrane α-helix and/or the packing of α-helices, resulting in the misfolding of monomer and further impaired formation of tetramer. Taken together, these findings suggested that AQP2-G215S was misfolded and retained in the ER and could not be translocated to the apical membrane to function as a water channel, which revealed the molecular pathogenic mechanism of AQP2-G215S mutation and explained for the phenotype of NDI in this patient.

Aquaporin regulation in metabolic organs

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small trans-membrane proteins, which facilitate shuttling of glycerol, water and urea. The peculiar role of AQPs in glycerol transport makes them attractive targets in metabolic organs since glycerol represents the backbone of triglyceride synthesis. Importantly, AQPs are known to be regulated by various nuclear receptors which in turn govern lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammatory cascades. Here, we review the role of AQPs regulation in metabolic organs exploring their physiological impact in health and disease.

Computation and application of tissue-specific gene set weights

Motivation

Gene set testing, or pathway analysis, has become a critical tool for the analysis of high-dimensional genomic data. Although the function and activity of many genes and higher-level processes is tissue-specific, gene set testing is typically performed in a tissue agnostic fashion, which impacts statistical power and the interpretation and replication of results.

Results

To address this challenge, we have developed a bioinformatics approach to compute tissue-specific weights for individual gene sets using information on tissue-specific gene activity from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). We used this approach to create a public repository of tissue-specific gene set weights for 37 different human tissue types from the HPA and all collections in the Molecular Signatures Database. To demonstrate the validity and utility of these weights, we explored three different applications: the functional characterization of human tissues, multi-tissue analysis for systemic diseases and tissue-specific gene set testing.

Availability and implementation

All data used in the reported analyses is publicly available. An R implementation of the method and tissue-specific weights for MSigDB gene set collections can be downloaded at http://www.dartmouth.edu/∼hrfrost/TissueSpecificGeneSets.

Developmental pathology of congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys or lower urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common causes of renal failure in children and account for 25% of end-stage renal disease in adults. The spectrum of anomalies includes renal agenesis; hypoplasia; dysplasia; supernumerary, ectopic or fused kidneys; duplication; ureteropelvic junction obstruction; primary megaureter or ureterovesical junction obstruction; vesicoureteral reflux; ureterocele; and posterior urethral valves. CAKUT originates from developmental defects and can occur in isolation or as part of other syndromes. In recent decades, along with better understanding of the pathological features of the human congenital urinary tract defects, researchers using animal models have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the genetic causes and etiology of many CAKUT cases remain unknown, presenting challenges in finding effective treatment. Here we provide an overview of the critical steps of normal development of the urinary system, followed by a description of the pathological features of major types of CAKUT with respect to developmental mechanisms of their etiology.

Critical role of rabphilin-3A in the pathophysiology of experimental lymphocytic neurohypophysitis

Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) is thought to be an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland. Among AH pathologies, lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis (LINH) involves infiltration of the neurohypophysis and/or the hypothalamic infundibulum, causing central diabetes insipidus resulting from insufficiency of arginine vasopressin secretion. The pathophysiological and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying LINH are largely unknown. Clinically, differentiating LINH from other pituitary diseases accompanied by mass lesions, including tumours, has often been difficult, because of similar clinical manifestations. We recently reported that rabphilin-3A is an autoantigen and that anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies constitute a possible diagnostic marker for LINH. However, the involvement of rabphilin-3A in the pathogenesis of LINH remains to be elucidated. This study was undertaken to explore the role of rabphilin-3A in lymphocytic neurohypophysitis and to investigate the mechanism. We found that immunization of mice with rabphilin-3A led to neurohypophysitis. Lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the neurohypophysis and supraoptic nucleus 1 month after the first immunization. Mice immunized with rabphilin-3A showed an increase in the volume of urine that was hypotonic as compared with control mice. Administration of a cocktail of monoclonal anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies did not induce neurohypophysitis. However, abatacept, which is a chimeric protein that suppresses T-cell activation, decreased the number of T cells specific for rabphilin-3A in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). It ameliorated lymphocytic infiltration of CD3+ T cells in the neurohypophysis of mice that had been immunized with rabphilin-3A. Additionally, there was a linear association between the number of T cells specific for rabphilin-3A in PBMCs and the number of CD3+ T cells infiltrating the neurohypophysis. In conclusion, we suggest that rabphilin-3A is a pathogenic antigen, and that T cells specific for rabphilin-3A are involved in the pathogenesis of neurohypophysitis in mice. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hereditary Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Pathophysiology and Possible Treatment. An Update

Under physiological conditions, excessive loss of water through the urine is prevented by the release of the antidiuretic hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) from the posterior pituitary. In the kidney, AVP elicits a number of cellular responses, which converge on increasing the osmotic reabsorption of water in the collecting duct. One of the key events triggered by the binding of AVP to its type-2 receptor (AVPR2) is the exocytosis of the water channel aquaporin 2 (AQP2) at the apical membrane the principal cells of the collecting duct. Mutations of either AVPR2 or AQP2 result in a genetic disease known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by the lack of responsiveness of the collecting duct to the antidiuretic action of AVP. The affected subject, being incapable of concentrating the urine, presents marked polyuria and compensatory polydipsia and is constantly at risk of severe dehydration. The molecular bases of the disease are fully uncovered, as well as the genetic or clinical tests for a prompt diagnosis of the disease in newborns. A real cure for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is still missing, and the main symptoms of the disease are handled with s continuous supply of water, a restrictive diet, and nonspecific drugs. Unfortunately, the current therapeutic options are limited and only partially beneficial. Further investigation in vitro or using the available animal models of the disease, combined with clinical trials, will eventually lead to the identification of one or more targeted strategies that will improve or replace the current conventional therapy and grant NDI patients a better quality of life. Here we provide an updated overview of the genetic defects causing NDI, the most recent strategies under investigation for rescuing the activity of mutated AVPR2 or AQP2, or for bypassing defective AVPR2 signaling and restoring AQP2 plasma membrane expression.

Hyperactivation of Nrf2 in early tubular development induces nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) regulates cellular responses to oxidative and electrophilic stress. Loss of Keap1 increases Nrf2 protein levels, and Keap1-null mice die of oesophageal hyperkeratosis because of Nrf2 hyperactivation. Here we show that deletion of oesophageal Nrf2 in Keap1-null mice allows survival until adulthood, but the animals develop polyuria with low osmolality and bilateral hydronephrosis. This phenotype is caused by defects in water reabsorption that are the result of reduced aquaporin 2 levels in the kidney. Renal tubular deletion of Keap1 promotes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus features, confirming that Nrf2 activation in developing tubular cells causes a water reabsorption defect. These findings suggest that Nrf2 activity should be tightly controlled during development in order to maintain renal homeostasis. In addition, tissue-specific ablation of Nrf2 in Keap1-null mice might create useful animal models to uncover novel physiological functions of Nrf2.

The Trafficking of the Water Channel Aquaporin-2 in Renal Principal Cells-a Potential Target for Pharmacological Intervention in Cardiovascular Diseases

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the redistribution of water channels, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from intracellular vesicles into the plasma membrane of renal collecting duct principal cells. By this AVP directs 10% of the water reabsorption from the 170 L of primary urine that the human kidneys produce each day. This review discusses molecular mechanisms underlying the AVP-induced redistribution of AQP2; in particular, it provides an overview over the proteins participating in the control of its localization. Defects preventing the insertion of AQP2 into the plasma membrane cause diabetes insipidus. The disease can be acquired or inherited, and is characterized by polyuria and polydipsia. Vice versa, up-regulation of the system causing a predominant localization of AQP2 in the plasma membrane leads to excessive water retention and hyponatremia as in the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), late stage heart failure or liver cirrhosis. This article briefly summarizes the currently available pharmacotherapies for the treatment of such water balance disorders, and discusses the value of newly identified mechanisms controlling AQP2 for developing novel pharmacological strategies. Innovative concepts for the therapy of water balance disorders are required as there is a medical need due to the lack of causal treatments.

A gain-of-function mutation in adenylate cyclase 3 protects mice from diet-induced obesity

In a screen for genes that affect the metabolic response to high-fat diet (HFD), we selected one line of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mutagenized mice, Jll, with dominantly inherited resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO). Mutant animals had dramatically reduced body weight and fat mass, and low basal insulin and glucose levels relative to unaffected controls. Both white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) depots were smaller in mutant animals. Mutant animals fed a HFD gained only slightly more weight than animals fed regular chow, and were protected from hepatic lipid accumulation. The phenotype was genetically linked to a 5.7-Mb interval on chromosome 12, and sequencing of the entire interval identified a single coding mutation, predicted to cause a methionine-to-isoleucine substitution at position 279 of the Adcy3 protein (Adcy3^M279I, henceforth referred to as Adcy3^Jll). The mutant protein is hyperactive, possibly constitutively so, producing elevated levels of cyclic AMP in a cell-based assay. These mice demonstrate that increased Adcy3 activity robustly protect animals from diet-induced metabolic derangements.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: essential insights into the molecular background and potential therapies for treatment

The water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2), expressed in the kidney collecting ducts, plays a pivotal role in maintaining body water balance. The channel is regulated by the peptide hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), which exerts its effects through the type 2 vasopressin receptor (AVPR2). Disrupted function or regulation of AQP2 or the AVPR2 results in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a common clinical condition of renal origin characterized by polydipsia and polyuria. Over several years, major research efforts have advanced our understanding of NDI at the genetic, cellular, molecular, and biological levels. NDI is commonly characterized as hereditary (congenital) NDI, arising from genetic mutations in the AVPR2 or AQP2; or acquired NDI, due to for exmple medical treatment or electrolyte disturbances. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic, cell biological, and pathophysiological causes of NDI, with emphasis on the congenital forms and the acquired forms arising from lithium and other drug therapies, acute and chronic renal failure, and disturbed levels of calcium and potassium. Additionally, we provide an overview of the exciting new treatment strategies that have been recently proposed for alleviating the symptoms of some forms of the disease and for bypassing G protein-coupled receptor signaling.

Claudin-4 deficiency results in urothelial hyperplasia and lethal hydronephrosis

Claudin (Cld)-4 is one of the dominant Clds expressed in the kidney and urinary tract, including selective segments of renal nephrons and the entire urothelium from the pelvis to the bladder. We generated Cldn4^−/− mice and found that these mice had increased mortality due to hydronephrosis of relatively late onset. While the renal nephrons of Cldn4^−/− mice showed a concomitant diminution of Cld8 expression at tight junction (TJ), accumulation of Cld3 at TJ was markedly enhanced in compensation and the overall TJ structure was unaffected. Nonetheless, Cldn4^−/− mice showed slightly yet significantly increased fractional excretion of Ca²⁺ and Cl⁻, suggesting a role of Cld4 in the specific reabsorption of these ions via a paracellular route. Although the urine volume tended to be increased concordantly, Cldn4^−/− mice were capable of concentrating urine normally on dehydration, with no evidence of diabetes insipidus. In the urothelium, the formation of TJs and uroplaques as well as the gross barrier function were also unaffected. However, intravenous pyelography analysis indicated retarded urine flow prior to hydronephrosis. Histological examination revealed diffuse hyperplasia and a thickening of pelvic and ureteral urothelial layers with markedly increased BrdU uptake in vivo. These results suggest that progressive hydronephrosis in Cldn4^−/− mice arises from urinary tract obstruction due to urothelial hyperplasia, and that Cld4 plays an important role in maintaining the homeostatic integrity of normal urothelium.

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: the current state of affairs

The anti-diuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) is released from the pituitary upon hypovolemia or hypernatremia, and regulates water reabsorption in the renal collecting duct principal cells. Binding of AVP to the arginine vasopressin receptor type 2 (AVPR2) in the basolateral membrane leads to translocation of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) water channels to the apical membrane of the collecting duct principal cells, inducing water permeability of the membrane. This results in water reabsorption from the pro-urine into the medullary interstitium following an osmotic gradient. Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a disorder associated with mutations in either the AVPR2 or AQP2 gene, causing the inability of patients to concentrate their pro-urine, which leads to a high risk of dehydration. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the cell biological aspects of congenital X-linked, autosomal-recessive and autosomal-dominant NDI while specifically addressing the latest developments in the field. Based on deepened mechanistic understanding, new therapeutic strategies are currently being explored, which we also discuss here.

Cell culture models and animal models for studying the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are key players regulating urinary-concentrating ability. To date, eight aquaporins have been characterized and localized along the nephron, namely, AQP1 located in the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle, and vasa recta; AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in collecting duct principal cells; AQP5 in intercalated cell type B; AQP6 in intercalated cells type A in the papilla; AQP7, AQP8 and AQP11 in the proximal tubule. AQP2, whose expression and cellular distribution is dependent on vasopressin stimulation, is involved in hereditary and acquired diseases affecting urine-concentrating mechanisms. Due to the lack of selective aquaporin inhibitors, the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins has not yet been completely clarified, and despite extensive studies, several questions remain unanswered. Until the recent and large-scale development of genetic manipulation technology, which has led to the generation of transgenic mice models, our knowledge on renal aquaporin regulation was mainly based on in vitro studies with suitable renal cell models. Transgenic and knockout technology approaches are providing pivotal information on the role of aquaporins in health and disease. The main goal of this review is to update and summarize what we can learn from cell and animal models that will shed more light on our understanding of aquaporin-dependent renal water regulation.

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.

Forward genetic approaches to understanding complex behaviors

Assigning function to genes has long been a focus of biomedical research.Even with complete knowledge of the genomic sequences of humans, mice and other experimental organisms, there is still much to be learned about gene function and control. Ablation or overexpression of single genes using knockout or transgenic technologies has provided functional annotation for many genes, but these technologies do not capture the extensive genetic variation present in existing experimental mouse populations. Researchers have only recently begun to truly appreciate naturally occurring genetic variation resulting from single nucleotide substitutions,insertions, deletions, copy number variation, epigenetic changes (DNA methylation,histone modifications, etc.) and gene expression differences and how this variation contributes to complex phenotypes. In this chapter, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of different forward genetic approaches that capture the genetic variation present in inbred mouse strains and present the utility of these approaches for mapping QTL that influence complex behavioral phenotypes.

The epithelial sodium/proton exchanger, NHE3, is necessary for renal and intestinal calcium (re)absorption

Passive paracellular proximal tubular (PT) and intestinal calcium (Ca(2+)) fluxes have been linked to active sodium (re)absorption. Although the epithelial sodium/proton exchanger, NHE3, mediates apical sodium entry at both these sites, its role in Ca(2+) homeostasis remains unclear. We, therefore, set out to determine whether NHE3 is necessary for Ca(2+) (re)absorption from these epithelia by comparing Ca(2+) handling between wild-type and NHE3(-/-) mice. Serum Ca(2+) and plasma parathyroid hormone levels were not different between groups. However, NHE3(-/-) mice had increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The fractional excretion of Ca(2+) was also elevated in NHE3(-/-) mice. Paracellular Ca(2+) flux across confluent monolayers of a PT cell culture model was increased by an osmotic gradient equivalent to that generated by NHE3 across the PT in vivo and by overexpression of NHE3.( 45)Ca(2+) uptake after oral gavage and flux studies in Ussing chambers across duodenum of wild-type and NHE3(-/-) mice confirmed decreased Ca(2+) absorption in NHE3(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. Consistent with this, intestinal calbindin-D(9K), claudin-2, and claudin-15 mRNA expression was decreased. Microcomputed tomography analysis revealed a perturbation in bone mineralization. NHE3(-/-) mice had both decreased cortical bone mineral density and trabecular bone mass. Our results demonstrate significant alterations of Ca(2+) homeostasis in NHE3(-/-) mice and provide a molecular link between Na(+) and Ca(2+) (re)absorption.

Reduced cholesterol and triglycerides in mice with a mutation in Mia2, a liver protein that localizes to ER exit sites

Through forward genetic screening in the mouse, a recessive mutation (couch potato, cpto) has been discovered that dramatically reduces plasma cholesterol levels across all lipoprotein classes. The cpto mutation altered a highly conserved residue in the Src homology domain 3 (SH3) domain of the Mia2 protein. Full-length hepatic Mia2 structurally and functionally resembled the related Mia3 protein. Mia2 localized to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites, suggesting a role in guiding proteins from the ER to the Golgi. Similarly to the Mia3 protein, Mia2's cytosolic C terminus interacted directly with COPII proteins Sec23 and Sec24, whereas its lumenal SH3 domain may facilitate interactions with secretory cargo. Fractionation of plasma revealed that Mia2(cpto/cpto) mice had lower circulating VLDL, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Mia2 is thus a novel, hepatic, ER-to-Golgi trafficking protein that regulates cholesterol metabolism.

A selective EP4 PGE2 receptor agonist alleviates disease in a new mouse model of X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (XNDI) is a severe kidney disease caused by inactivating mutations in the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) gene that result in the loss of renal urine-concentrating ability. At present,no specific pharmacological therapy has been developed for XNDI, primarily due to the lack of suitable animal models. To develop what we believe to be the first viable animal model of XNDI, we generated mice in which the V2R gene could be conditionally deleted during adulthood by administration of 4-OH-tamoxifen.Radioligand-binding studies confirmed the lack of V2R-binding sites in kidneys following 4-OH-tamoxifen treatment, and further analysis indicated that upon V2R deletion, adult mice displayed all characteristic symptoms of XNDI, including polyuria, polydipsia, and resistance to the antidiuretic actions of vasopressin. Gene expression analysis suggested that activation of renal EP4 PGE2 receptors might compensate for the lack of renal V2R activity in XNDI mice. Strikingly, both acute and chronic treatment of the mutant mice with a selective EP4 receptor agonist greatly reduced all major manifestations of XNDI, including changes in renal morphology.These physiological improvements were most likely due to a direct action on EP4 receptors expressed on collecting duct cells. These findings illustrate the usefulness of the newly generated V2R mutant mice for elucidating and testing new strategies for the potential treatment of humans with XNDI.

Inactivation of Notch signaling in the renal collecting duct causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in mice

The heterogeneous cellular composition of the mammalian renal collecting duct enables regulation of fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base homeostasis, but the molecular mechanism of its development has yet to be elucidated. The Notch signaling pathway is involved in cell fate determination and has been implicated in proximal-distal patterning in the mammalian kidney. To investigate the role of Notch signaling in renal collecting duct development, we generated mice in which Mind bomb-1 (Mib1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase required for the initiation of Notch signaling, was specifically inactivated in the ureteric bud of the developing kidney. Mice lacking Mib1 in the renal collecting duct displayed increased urinary production, decreased urinary osmolality, progressive hydronephrosis, sodium wasting, and a severe urinary concentrating defect manifested as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Histological analysis revealed a diminished number of principal cells and corresponding increase in the number of intercalated cells. Transgenic overexpression of Notch intracellular domain reversed the altered cellular composition of mutant renal collecting duct, with principal cells occupying the entire region. Our data demonstrate that Notch signaling is required for the development of the mammalian renal collecting duct and principal cell differentiation and indicate that pathway dysregulation may contribute to distal renal tubular disorders.

Genetic and developmental basis for urinary tract obstruction

Urinary tract obstruction results in obstructive nephropathy and uropathy. It is the most frequent cause of renal failure in infants and children. In the past two decades studies of transgenic models and humans have greatly enhanced our understanding of the genetic factors and developmental processes important in urinary tract obstruction. The emerging picture is that development of the urinary tract requires precise integration of a variety of progenitor cell populations of different embryonic origins. Such integration is controlled by an intricate signaling network that undergoes dynamic changes as the embryo develops. Most congenital forms of urinary tract obstruction result from the disruption of diverse factors and genetic pathways involved in these processes, especially in the morphogenesis of the urinary conduit or the functional aspects of the pyeloureteral peristaltic machinery.

Beta1-integrin is required for kidney collecting duct morphogenesis and maintenance of renal function

Deletion of integrin-beta1 (Itgb1) in the kidney collecting system led to progressive renal dysfunction and polyuria. The defect in the concentrating ability of the kidney was concomitant with decreased medullary collecting duct expression of aquaporin-2 and arginine vasopressin receptor 2, while histological examination revealed hypoplastic renal medullary collecting ducts characterized by increased apoptosis, ectasia and cyst formation. In addition, a range of defects from small kidneys with cysts and dilated tubules to bilateral renal agenesis was observed. This was likely due to altered growth and branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud (the progenitor tissue of the renal collecting system), despite the apparent ability of the ureteric bud-derived cells to induce differentiation of the metanephric mesenchyme. These data not only support a role for Itgb1 in the development of the renal collecting system but also raise the possibility that Itgb1 links morphogenesis to terminal differentiation and ultimately collecting duct function and/or maintenance.

Dissecting the roles of aquaporins in renal pathophysiology using transgenic mice

Transgenic mice lacking renal aquaporins (AQPs), or containing mutated AQPs, have been useful in confirming anticipated AQP functions in renal physiology and in discovering new functions. Mice lacking AQPs 1-4 manifest defects in urinary concentrating ability to different extents. Mechanistic studies have confirmed the involvement of AQP1 in near-isosmolar fluid absorption in the proximal tubule, and in countercurrent multiplication and exchange mechanisms that produce medullary hypertonicity in the antidiuretic kidney. Deletion of AQPs 2-4 impairs urinary concentrating ability by reduction of transcellular water permeability in the collecting duct. Recently created transgenic mouse models of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus produced by AQP2 gene mutation offer exciting possibilities to test new drug therapies. Several unanticipated AQP functions in kidney have been discovered recently that are unrelated to their role in transcellular water transport. There is evidence for involvement of AQP1 in kidney cell migration after renal injury, of AQP7 in renal glycerol clearance, of AQP11 in prevention of renal cystic disease, and possibly of AQP3 in regulation of collecting duct cell proliferation. Future work in renal AQPs will focus on mechanisms responsible for these non-fluid-transporting functions, and on the development of small-molecule AQP inhibitors for use as aquaretic-type diuretics.

Aquaporin 2 mutations in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Water reabsorption in the renal collecting duct is regulated by the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (AVP). When the vasopressin V2 receptor, present on the basolateral site of the renal principal cell, becomes activated by AVP, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels will be inserted in the apical membrane, and in this fashion, water can be reabsorbed from the pro-urine into the interstitium. The essential role of the vasopressin V2 receptor and AQP2 in the maintenance of body water homeostasis became clear when it was shown that mutations in their genes cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a disorder in which the kidney is unable to concentrate urine in response to AVP. This review describes the current knowledge on AQP2 mutations in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Novel treatment for lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus rat model using the Sendai-virus vector carrying aquaporin 2 gene

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a chronic disorder involving polyuria and polydipsia that results from unresponsiveness of the renal collecting ducts to the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. Either of the genetic defects in vasopressin V2 receptor or the water channel aquaporin 2 (AQP2) cause the disease, which interfere the water reabsorption at the epithelium of the collecting duct. An unconscious state including a perioperative situation can be life threatening because of the difficulty to regulate their water balance. The Sendai virus (SeV) vector system deleting fusion protein (F) gene (SeV/DeltaF) is considered most suitable because of the short replication cycle and nontransmissible character. An animal model for NDI with reduced AQP2 by lithium chloride was used to develop the therapy. When the SeV/DeltaF vector carrying a human AQP2 gene (AQP2-SeV/DeltaF) was administered retrogradely via ureter to renal pelvis, AQP2 was expressed in the renal collecting duct to reduce urine output and water intake by up to 40%. In combination with the retorograde administration to pelvis, this system could be the cornerstone for the applicable therapies on not only NDI patients but also other diseases associate with the medullary collecting duct.

Hsp90 inhibitor partially corrects nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a conditional knock-in mouse model of aquaporin-2 mutation

Mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) that interfere with its cellular processing can produce autosomal recessive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Prior gene knock-in of the human NDI-causing AQP2 mutation T126M produced mutant mice that died by age 7 days. Here, we used a novel "conditional gene knock-in" strategy to generate adult, AQP2-T126M mutant mice. Mice separately heterozygous for floxed wild-type AQP2 and AQP2-T126M were bred to produce hemizygous mice, which following excision of the wild-type AQP2 gene by tamoxifen-induced Cre-recombinase gave AQP2(T126M/-) mice. AQP2(T126M/-) mice were polyuric (9-14 ml urine/day) compared to AQP2(+/+) mice (1.6 ml/day) and had reduced urine osmolality (400 vs. 1800 mosmol). Kidneys of AQP2(T126M/-) mice expressed core-glycosylated AQP2-T126M protein in an endoplasmic reticulum pattern. Screening of candidate protein folding "correctors" in AQP2-T126M-transfected kidney cells showed increased AQP2-T126M plasma membrane expression with the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). 17-AAG increased urine osmolality in AQP2(T126M/-) mice by >300 mosmol but had no effect in AQP2(-/-) mice. Kidneys of 17-AAG-treated AQP2(T126M/-) mice showed partial rescue of defective AQP2-T126M cellular processing. Our results establish an adult mouse model of NDI and demonstrate partial restoration of urinary concentration function by a compound currently in clinical trials for other indications.

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: what can we learn from mouse models?

Aquaporins (AQPs) are central players in mammalian physiology, allowing efficient water transport through cellular membranes. To date, 13 different aquaporins have been identified in mammals (AQP0-AQP12). Knocking out genes in mice and identification of mutations in the human genes provided important information on the role of AQPs in normal physiology. While the physiological role of many AQPs only becomes clear when the putative function is challenged, the lack of AQP2 directly results in a disease phenotype. Aquaporin 2 is highly expressed in the principal cells of the renal collecting duct, where it shuttles between intracellular storage vesicles and the apical membrane. Upon hypernatraemia or hypovolaemia, the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (AVP) is released from the pituitary into blood and binds to its type 2 receptor on renal principal cells. This initiates a cAMP signalling cascade resulting in the translocation of AQP2-bearing vesicles to the apical membrane. Subsequently, pro-urinary water reabsorption and urine concentration occurs. This process is reversed by a reduction in circulating AVP levels, which is obtained with the establishment of isotonicity. In humans, mutations in the AQP2 gene cause congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate urine in response to vasopressin. Until the recent development of several congenital NDI mouse models, our knowledge on AQP2 regulation was primarily based on in vitro studies. This review focuses on the similarities between the in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses new insights into congenital NDI obtained from the mouse models.

Physiology and pathophysiology of the vasopressin-regulated renal water reabsorption

To prevent dehydration, terrestrial animals and humans have developed a sensitive and versatile system to maintain their water homeostasis. In states of hypernatremia or hypovolemia, the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (AVP) is released from the pituitary and binds its type-2 receptor in renal principal cells. This triggers an intracellular cAMP signaling cascade, which phosphorylates aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and targets the channel to the apical plasma membrane. Driven by an osmotic gradient, pro-urinary water then passes the membrane through AQP2 and leaves the cell on the basolateral side via AQP3 and AQP4 water channels. When water homeostasis is restored, AVP levels decline, and AQP2 is internalized from the plasma membrane, leaving the plasma membrane watertight again. The action of AVP is counterbalanced by several hormones like prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, dopamine, endothelin-1, acetylcholine, epidermal growth factor, and purines. Moreover, AQP2 is strongly involved in the pathophysiology of disorders characterized by renal concentrating defects, as well as conditions associated with severe water retention. This review focuses on our recent increase in understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AVP-regulated renal water transport in both health and disease.

Mouse models and the urinary concentrating mechanism in the new millennium

Our understanding of urinary concentrating and diluting mechanisms at the end of the 20th century was based largely on data from renal micropuncture studies, isolated perfused tubule studies, tissue analysis studies and anatomical studies, combined with mathematical modeling. Despite extensive data, several key questions remained to be answered. With the advent of the 21st century, a new approach, transgenic and knockout mouse technology, is providing critical new information about urinary concentrating processes. The central goal of this review is to summarize findings in transgenic and knockout mice pertinent to our understanding of the urinary concentrating mechanism, focusing chiefly on mice in which expression of specific renal transporters or receptors has been deleted. These include the major renal water channels (aquaporins), urea transporters, ion transporters and channels (NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, ENaC, ROMK, ClC-K1), G protein-coupled receptors (type 2 vasopressin receptor, prostaglandin receptors, endothelin receptors, angiotensin II receptors), and signaling molecules. These studies shed new light on several key questions concerning the urinary concentrating mechanism including: 1) elucidation of the role of water absorption from the descending limb of Henle in countercurrent multiplication, 2) an evaluation of the feasibility of the passive model of Kokko-Rector and Stephenson, 3) explication of the role of inner medullary collecting duct urea transport in water conservation, 4) an evaluation of the role of tubuloglomerular feedback in maintenance of appropriate distal delivery rates for effective regulation of urinary water excretion, and 5) elucidation of the importance of water reabsorption in the connecting tubule versus the collecting duct for maintenance of water balance.

Development and performances of a Japanese quail line homozygous for the diabetes insipidus (di) mutation

A strain of Japanese quail with the polyuria disorder (excessive urination) was developed from founders that regurgitated water spontaneously. A back-cross with a nonpolyuric quail line showed that the polyuric strain was fixed for an autosomal recessive mutation that also induced polydipsia (excessive drinking). Plasma levels and brain mRNA contents for avian Arg vasotocin were little affected by the mutation, but plasma avian Arg vasotocin was 13-fold higher and brain mRNA contents were significantly increased in both normal and mutant quail following a 24-h water deprivation. Affected and normal birds had similar performance traits (egg production and quality, feed intake, and gross carcass traits), but residual feed consumption was higher in polydipsic males. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that this strain was fixed for a mutation similar to the di gene described in the chicken and which induces nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This new strain of Japanese quail might constitute a convenient model for the analysis of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder in birds and for comparative study with mammals.

Spectrum of ENU-induced mutations in phenotype-driven and gene-driven screens in the mouse

N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis in mice has become a standard tool for (i) increasing the pool of mutants in many areas of biology, (ii) identifying novel genes involved in physiological processes and disease, and (iii) in assisting in assigning functions to genes. ENU is assumed to cause random mutations throughout the mouse genome, but this presumption has never been analyzed. This is a crucial point, especially for large-scale mutagenesis, as a bias would reflect a constraint on identifying possible genetic targets. There is a significant body of published data now available from both phenotype-driven and gene-driven ENU mutagenesis screens in the mouse that can be used to reveal the effectiveness and limitations of an ENU mutagenesis approach. Analysis of the published data is presented in this paper. As expected for a randomly acting mutagen, ENU-induced mutations identified in phenotype-driven screens were in genes that had higher coding sequence length and higher exon number than the average for the mouse genome. Unexpectedly, the data showed that ENU-induced mutations were more likely to be found in genes that had a higher G + C content and neighboring base analysis revealed that the identified ENU mutations were more often directly flanked by G or C nucleotides. ENU mutations from phenotype-driven and gene-driven screens were dominantly A:T to T:A transversions or A:T to G:C transitions. Knowledge of the spectrum of mutations that ENU elicits will assist in positional cloning of ENU-induced mutations by allowing prioritization of candidate genes based on some of their inherent features.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in mice caused by deleting COOH-terminal tail of aquaporin-2

In mammals, the hormonal regulation of water homeostasis is mediated by the aquaporin-2 water channel (Aqp2) of the collecting duct (CD). Vasopressin induces redistribution of Aqp2 from intracellular vesicles to the apical membrane of CD principal cells, accompanied by increased water permeability. Mutations of AQP2 gene in humans cause both recessive and dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disease in which the kidney is unable to concentrate urine in response to vasopressin. In this study, we generated a line of mice with the distal COOH-terminal tail of the Aqp2 deleted (Aqp2(Delta230)), including the protein kinase A phosphorylation site (S256), but still retaining the putative apical localization signal (221-229) at the COOH-terminal. Mice heterozygous for the truncation appear normal. Homozygotes are viable to adulthood, with reduced urine concentrating capacity, increased urine output, decreased urine osmolality, and increased daily water consumption. Desmopressin increased urine osmolality in wild-type mice but had no effect on Aqp2(Delta230/Delta230) mice. Kidneys from affected mice showed CD and pelvis dilatation and papillary atrophy. By immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses using antibody against the NH(2)-terminal region of the protein Aqp2(Delta230/Delta230) mice had a markedly reduced protein abundance. Expression of the truncated protein in MDCK cells was consistent with a small amount of functional expression but no stimulation. Thus we have generated a mouse model of NDI that may be useful in studying the physiology and potential therapy of this disease.

Molecular basis and clinical features of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Maintenance of water and electrolyte homeostasis is central to mammalian survival and, therefore, under stringent hormonal control. Water homeostasis is achieved by balancing fluid intake with water excretion, governed by the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin. Arginine vasopressin stimulation of renal V₂ vasopressin receptors in the basolateral membrane of principal cells induces aquaporin-2-mediated water reabsorption in the kidney. The importance of this system is apparent when mutations inactivate V₂ vasopressin receptors and aquaporin-2 and cause the clinical phenotype of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. To date, over 190 mutations in the V₂ vasopressin receptors gene (AVPR2) and approximately 38 mutations in the aquaporin-2 gene have been identified in patients with inherited nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Extensive in vitro expression and mutagenesis studies of V₂ vasopressin receptors and aquaporin-2 have provided detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptor and water channel dysfunction per se. Targeted deletions of AVPR2 and AQP2 in mice have extended the knowledge of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus pathophysiology and have stimulated testing of old and new ideas to therapeutically restore normal kidney function in animal models and patients with this disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge relevant to understand the molecular basis of inherited nephrogenic diabetes insipidus forms and the rationales for the current pharmacological treatment of patients with this illness.

[Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus]

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus which can be inherited or acquired, is characterized by an inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated plasma concentrations of the antidiuretic hormone, arginine-vasopressine (AVP). Polyuria, with hyposthenuria and polydipsia are the cardinal clinical manifestations of the disease. Hypercalcemia, hypokaliemia, lithium administration and chronic renal failure are the principal causes of acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. About 90 percent of patients with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are males with X-linked recessive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus who have mutations in the arginine-vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2) gene that codes for the vasopressin V2 receptor. The gene is located in chromosome region Xq28. In about 10 percent of the families studied, congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus has an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. In these cases, mutations have been identified in the aquaporin-2 gene (AQP2), which is located in chromosome region 12q13 and codes for the vasopressin-sensitive water channel. Other inherited disorders with mild, moderate or severe inability to concentrate urine include Bartter's syndrome and Cystinosis. Identification of the molecular defect underlying congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is of immediate clinical significance because early diagnosis and treatment of affected infants can avert the physical and mental retardation associated with episodes of dehydration.

Pathogenesis and treatment of autosomal-dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus caused by an aquaporin 2 mutation

Frame-shift mutations within the C terminus of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) cause autosomal-dominant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (AD-NDI). To identify the molecular mechanism(s) of this disease in vivo and to test possible therapeutic strategies, we generated a mutant AQP2 (763-772 del) knockin mouse. Heterozygous knockin mice showed a severely impaired urine-concentrating ability. However, they were able to slightly increase urine osmolality after dehydration. This milder phenotype, when compared with autosomal-recessive NDI, is a feature of AD-NDI in humans, thus suggesting successful establishment of an AD-NDI mouse model. Immunofluorescence of collecting duct cells in the AD-NDI mouse revealed that the mutant AQP2 was missorted to the basolateral instead of apical plasma membrane. Furthermore, the mutant AQP2 formed a heterooligomer with wild-type AQP2 and showed a dominant-negative effect on the normal apical sorting of wild-type AQP2 even under dehydration. Using this knockin mouse, we tested several drugs for treatment of AD-NDI and found that rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, was able to increase urine osmolality. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors may thus be useful drugs for the treatment of AD-NDI. This animal model demonstrates that a mutant monomer gains a dominant-negative effect that reverses the normal polarized sorting of multimers.

Involvement of aquaporin 9 in osteoclast differentiation

Aquaporins (water channels) selectively enhance water permeability of membranes. Since osteoclast differentiation includes a dramatic increase in cell volume, we hypothesize that aquaporin(s) is/are critical for the formation of the multinucleated osteoclast from its mononuclear precursor. Our studies employ two cell models, bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and the murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW264.7, as osteoclast precursors. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL) and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor or RANKL alone were used to induce osteoclast differentiation in BMMs or RAW264.7 cells, respectively. We first used qualitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to examine which of the aquaporins are expressed in osteoclasts and in their precursor cells. Out of the 10 aquaporins examined, only aquaporin 9 (AQP9) was expressed in osteoclast-lineage cells. AQP9 has unique aqueous pore properties mediating the passage of a wide variety of non-charged solutes in addition to water. Western analyses using specific antibodies revealed a higher AQP9 level in RANKL-treated than in untreated cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses also demonstrated higher AQP9 mRNA levels in RANKL-treated cells. Finally, we examined the effect of phloretin, an AQP9 inhibitor, on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Cells were incubated with RANKL for 5 days, and phloretin was added for the last 2 days, when most fusion occurs. A dramatic reduction in osteoclast size and in the number of nuclei per osteoclast was observed in cultures containing phloretin. The inhibitor did not have a significant effect on the number and size of mononuclear phagocytes in cultures not treated with RANKL. Our results suggest a role for AQP9 in osteoclast differentiation, specifically in the fusion process.

Roles of Aquaporins in Kidney Revealed by Transgenic Mice

Transgenic mouse models of aquaporin (AQP) deletion and mutation have been instructive in elucidating the role of AQPs in renal physiology. Mice lacking AQP1 are unable to concentrate their urine because of low water permeability in the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle, and outer medullary descending vasa recta, resulting in defective near-isosmolar fluid absorption in the proximal tubule and defective countercurrent multiplication. Mice lacking functional AQP2, AQP3, or AQP4 manifest various degrees of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus resulting from reduced collecting duct water permeability. Mice lacking AQP7 and AQP8 can concentrate their urine fully, although AQP7 null mice manifest an interesting defect in glycerol reabsorption. Two unexpected renal phenotypes of AQP null mice have been discovered recently, including defective proximal tubule cell migration in AQP1 deficiency, and cystic renal disease in AQP11 deficiency. AQPs thus are important in several aspects of the urinary concentrating mechanism and in functions unrelated to tubular fluid transport. The mouse phenotype data suggest the renal AQPs as targets for the development of aquaretics and potentially for therapy of cystic renal disease and acute renal injury.

Obesity, hyperphagia and increased metabolic efficiency in Pc1 mutant mice

Prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) mutations lead to obesity in humans. However, Pc1 knockout mice do not become obese; in fact, they are runted due to a defect in growth-hormone releasing hormone processing, leading to the speculation that PC1 subserves different functions between mouse and human. Here, we report a novel allele of mouse Pc1 (N222D) that leads to obesity, abnormal proinsulin processing and multiple endocrinological defects. Increased energy intake and a more efficient metabolism contribute to the obesity in Pc1(N222D/N222D) mice. Defective proinsulin processing leads to glucose intolerance, but neither insulin resistance nor diabetes develop despite obesity. The obesity is associated with impaired autocatalytic activation of mature PC1 and reduced hypothalamic alpha-MSH. This is the first characterization of Pc1 mutation in a model organism that mimics human PC1 deficiency.

Congenital progressive hydronephrosis (cph) is caused by an S256L mutation in aquaporin-2 that affects its phosphorylation and apical membrane accumulation

Congenital progressive hydronephrosis (cph) is a spontaneous recessive mutation that causes severe hydronephrosis and obstructive nephropathy in affected mice. The mutation has been mapped to the distal end of mouse chromosome 15, but the mutated gene has not been found. Here, we describe the identification of a single base pair change in aquaporin-2 (Aqp2) in cph mutants through genetic linkage mapping. The C-T change led to the substitution of a Ser (S256) by a Leu in the cytoplasmic tail of the Aqp2 protein, preventing its phosphorylation at S256 and the subsequent accumulation of Aqp2 on the apical membrane of the collecting duct principal cells. The interference with normal trafficking of Aqp2 by this mutation resulted in a severe urine concentration defect. cph homozygotes demonstrated polydipsia and produced a copious amount of hypotonic urine. The urine concentration defect could not be corrected by [deamino-Cys1,D-Arg8]-vasopressin (DDAVP, a vasopressin analog), characteristic of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. The nephrogenic diabetes insipidus symptoms and the absence of developmental defects in the pyeloureteral peristaltic machinery in the mutants before the onset of hydronephrosis suggest that the congenital obstructive nephropathy is most likely a result of the polyuria. This study has revealed the genetic basis for the classical cph mutation and has provided direct genetic evidence that S256 in Aqp2 is indispensable for the apical accumulation, but not the general glycosylation or membrane association, of Aqp2.

Data and animal management software for large-scale phenotype screening

The mouse N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis program at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) uses MouseTRACS to analyze phenotype screens and manage animal husbandry. MouseTRACS is a Web-based laboratory informatics system that electronically records and organizes mouse colony operations, prints cage cards, tracks inventory, manages requests, and reports Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol usage. For efficient phenotype screening, MouseTRACS identifies mutants, visualizes data, and maps mutations. It displays and integrates phenotype and genotype data using likelihood odds ratio (LOD) plots of genetic linkage between genotype and phenotype. More detailed mapping intervals show individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the context of phenotype. In addition, dynamically generated pedigree diagrams and inventory reports linked to screening results summarize the inheritance pattern and the degree of penetrance. MouseTRACS displays screening data in tables and uses standard charts such as box plots, histograms, scatter plots, and customized charts looking at clustered mice or cross pedigree comparisons. In summary, MouseTRACS enables the efficient screening, analysis, and management of thousands of animals to find mutant mice and identify novel gene functions. MouseTRACS is available under an open source license at http://www.mousetracs.sourceforge.net.

Mouse model of inducible nephrogenic diabetes insipidus produced by floxed aquaporin-2 gene deletion

Transgenic mouse models of defective urinary concentrating ability produced by deletion of various membrane transport or receptor proteins, including aquaporin-2 (AQP2), are associated with neonatal mortality from polyuria. Here, we report an inducible mouse model of AQP2 gene deletion with severe polyuria in adult mice. LoxP sequences were inserted into introns 1 and 2 in the mouse AQP2 gene by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Mating of germ-line AQP2-loxP mice with tamoxifen-inducible Cre-expressing mice produced offspring with inducible homozygous Cre-AQP2-loxP, which had a normal phenotype. Tamoxifen injections over 10 days resulted in AQP2 gene excision, with undetectable full-length AQP2 transcript in kidney and a >95% reduction in immunoreactive AQP2 protein. Urine osmolality decreased from approximately 2,000 to <500 mosmol/kgH(2)O after 4-5 days, with urine output increasing from 2 to 25 ml/day. Urine osmolality did not increase after water deprivation. Interestingly, AQP3 protein expression in the collecting duct was increased by about fivefold after AQP2 gene excision. Mild renal damage was seen after 6 wk of polyuria, with collecting duct dilatation, yet normal creatinine clearance and serum chemistries. These results establish the first adult model of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) caused by AQP2 deficiency, with daily urine output comparable to body weight, although remarkable preservation of renal function compared with non-inducible NDI models.