Strong activation of bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) by ursodeoxycholic acid

A novel model to study mechanisms of cholestasis in human cholangiocytes reveals a role for the SIPR2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Ductular reactivity is central to the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. Mechanisms underlying the reactive phenotype activation by exogenous inflammatory mediators and bile acids are poorly understood.

METHODS

Using human extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ECOs) we developed an injury model emulating the cholestatic microenvironment with exposure to inflammatory mediators and various pathogenic bile acids. Moreover, we explored roles for the bile acid activated Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) and potential beneficial effects of therapeutic bile acids UDCA and norUDCA.

RESULTS

Synergistic exposure to bile acids (taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid) and TNF-α for 24 hours induced a reactive state as measured by ECO diameter, proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase activity and reactive phenotype markers. While NorUDCA and UDCA treatments given 8 hours after injury induction both suppressed reactive phenotype activation and most injury parameters, proliferation was improved by NorUDCA only. Extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoid stimulation with S1PR2 agonist sphingosine-1-phosphate reproduced the cholangiocyte reactive state and upregulated S1PR2 downstream mediators; these effects were suppressed by S1PR2 antagonist JET-013 (JET), downstream mediator extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 inhibitor, and by norUDCA or UDCA treatments. JET also partially suppressed reactive phenotype after bile acid injury.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a novel model to study the reactive cholangiocyte state in response to pathological stimuli in cholestasis and demonstrated a contributory role of S1PR2 signaling in both injury and NorUDCA/UDCA treatments. This model is a valuable tool to further explore the pathophysiology of human cholangiopathies.

Stratification of enterochromaffin cells by single-cell expression analysis

Dynamic interactions between gut mucosal cells and the external environment are essential to maintain gut homeostasis. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells transduce both chemical and mechanical signals and produce 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to mediate disparate physiological responses. However, the molecular and cellular basis for functional diversity of ECs remains to be adequately defined. Here, we integrated single-cell transcriptomics with spatial image analysis to identify fourteen EC clusters that are topographically organized along the gut. Subtypes predicted to be sensitive to the chemical environment and mechanical forces were identified that express distinct transcription factors and hormones. A Piezo2+ population in the distal colon was endowed with a distinctive neuronal signature. Using a combination of genetic, chemogenetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated Piezo2+ ECs are required for normal colon motility. Our study constructs a molecular map for ECs and offers a framework for deconvoluting EC cells with pleiotropic functions.

Secondary bile acids and the biliary epithelia: The good and the bad

The biliary tract has been considered for several decades a passive system just leading the hepatic bile to the intestine. Nowadays several researches demonstrated an important role of biliary epithelia (i.e. cholangiocytes) in bile formation. The study of biliary processes therefore maintains a continuous interest since the possible important implications regarding chronic cholestatic human diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Bile acids (BAs), produced by the liver, are the most represented organic molecules in bile. The physiologic importance of BAs was initially attributed to their behavior as natural detergents but several studies now demonstrate they are also important signaling molecules. In this minireview the effect of BAs on the biliary epithelia are reported focusing in particular on secondary (deriving by bacterial manipulation of primary molecules) ones. This class of BAs is demonstrated to have relevant biological effects, ranging from toxic to therapeutic ones. In this family ursodeoxycholic and lithocholic acid present the most interesting features. The molecular mechanisms linking ursodeoxycholic acid to its beneficial effects on the biliary tract are discussed in details as well as data on the processes leading to lithocholic damage. These findings suggest that expansion of research in the field of BAs/cholangiocytes interaction may increase our understanding of cholestatic diseases and should be helpful in designing more effective therapies for biliary disorders.

Contributions of bile acids to gastrointestinal physiology as receptor agonists and modifiers of ion channels

Bile acids (BAs) are known to be important regulators of intestinal motility and epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport. Over the past two decades, significant advances in identifying and characterizing the receptors, transporters, and ion channels targeted by BAs have led to exciting new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Our appreciation of BAs, their receptors, and BA-modulated ion channels as potential targets for the development of new approaches to treat intestinal motility and transport disorders is increasing. In the current review, we aim to summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the different BA receptors and BA-modulated ion channels present in the gastrointestinal system. We discuss how they regulate motility and epithelial transport, their roles in pathogenesis, and their therapeutic potential in a range of gastrointestinal diseases.

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) mediates bile acid-dependent currents in bile duct epithelial cells

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is a member of the Deg/ENaC family of ion channels that is activated by bile acids. Despite the identification of cholangiocytes in the liver and unipolar brush cells in the cerebellum as sites of expression, the physiological function of BASIC in these cell types is not yet understood. Here we used a cholangiocyte cell line, normal rat cholangiocytes (NRCs), which expresses BASIC to study the role of the channel in epithelial transport using Ussing chamber experiments. Apical application of bile acids induced robust and transient increases in transepithelial currents that were carried by Na⁺ and partly blocked by the BASIC inhibitor diminazene. Genetic ablation of the BASIC gene in NRC using a CRISPR-cas9 approach resulted in a decrease of the bile acid-mediated response that matched the diminazene-sensitive current in NRC WT cells, suggesting that cholangiocytes respond to bile acids with a BASIC-mediated Na⁺ influx. Taken together, we have identified BASIC as a component of the cholangiocyte transport machinery, which might mediate a bile acid-dependent modification of the bile and thus control bile flux and composition.

Hepatobiliary acid-base homeostasis: Insights from analogous secretory epithelia

Many epithelia secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid to generate flow, alter viscosity, control pH and potentially protect luminal and intracellular structures from chemical stress. Bicarbonate is a key component of human bile and impaired biliary bicarbonate secretion is associated with liver damage. Major efforts have been undertaken to gain insight into acid-base homeostasis in cholangiocytes and more can be learned from analogous secretory epithelia. Extrahepatic examples include salivary and pancreatic duct cells, duodenocytes, airway and renal epithelial cells. The cellular machinery involved in acid-base homeostasis includes carbonic anhydrase enzymes, transporters of the solute carrier family, and intra- and extracellular pH sensors. This pH-regulatory system is orchestrated by protein-protein interactions, the establishment of an electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane and bicarbonate sensing of the intra- and extracellular compartment. In this review, we discuss conserved principles identified in analogous secretory epithelia in the light of current knowledge on cholangiocyte physiology. We present a framework for cholangiocellular acid-base homeostasis supported by expression analysis of publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from human cholangiocytes, which provide insights into the molecular basis of pH homeostasis and dysregulation in the biliary system.

Recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus: A review

Cholestasis, a condition characterized by an abnormal decrease in bile flow, is accompanied by various symptoms such as pruritus. Although cholestatic pruritus is a prominent condition, its precise mechanisms have largely been elusive. Recently, advancements have been made for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of cholestatic pruritus. The current review therefore focuses on summarizing the overall progress made in the elucidation of its molecular mechanisms. We have reviewed the available animal models on cholestasis to compare the differences between them, characterized potential pruritogens involved in cholestatic pruritus, and have summarized the receptor and ion channels implicated in the condition. Finally, we have discussed the available treatment options for alleviation of cholestatic pruritus. As our understanding of the mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus deepens, novel strategies to cure this condition are awaited.

Paraoxonase 3 functions as a chaperone to decrease functional expression of the epithelial sodium channel

The paraoxonase (PON) family comprises three highly conserved members: PON1, PON2, and PON3. They are orthologs of Caenorhabditis elegans MEC-6, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone that has a critical role in proper assembly and surface expression of the touch-sensing degenerin channel in nematodes. We have shown recently that MEC-6 and PON2 negatively regulate functional expression of the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC), suggesting that the chaperone function is conserved within this family. We hypothesized that other PON family members also modulate ion channel expression. Pon3 is specifically expressed in the aldosterone-sensitive distal tubules in the mouse kidney. We found here that knocking down endogenous Pon3 in mouse cortical collecting duct cells enhanced Na⁺ transport, which was associated with increased γENaC abundance. We further examined Pon3 regulation of ENaC in two heterologous expression systems, Fisher rat thyroid cells and Xenopus oocytes. Pon3 coimmunoprecipitated with each of the three ENaC subunits in Fisher rat thyroid cells. As a result of this interaction, the whole-cell and surface abundance of ENaC α and γ subunits was reduced by Pon3. When expressed in oocytes, Pon3 inhibited ENaC-mediated amiloride-sensitive Na⁺ currents, in part by reducing the surface expression of ENaC. In contrast, Pon3 did not alter the response of ENaC to chymotrypsin-mediated proteolytic activation or [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethiosulfonate-induced activation of αβ_S518Cγ, suggesting that Pon3 does not affect channel open probability. Together, our results suggest that PON3 regulates ENaC expression by inhibiting its biogenesis and/or trafficking.

Cerebellar Ataxia Caused by Type II Unipolar Brush Cell Dysfunction in the Asic5 Knockout Mouse

Unipolar brush cells (UBCs) are excitatory granular layer interneurons in the vestibulocerebellum. Here we assessed motor coordination and balance to investigate if deletion of acid-sensing ion channel 5 (Asic5), which is richly expressed in type II UBCs, is sufficient to cause ataxia. The possible cellular mechanism underpinning ataxia in this global Asic5 knockout model was elaborated using brain slice electrophysiology. Asic5 deletion impaired motor performance and decreased intrinsic UBC excitability, reducing spontaneous action potential firing by slowing maximum depolarization rate. Reduced intrinsic excitability in UBCs was partially compensated by suppression of the magnitude and duration of delayed hyperpolarizing K⁺ currents triggered by glutamate. Glutamate typically stimulates burst firing subsequent to this hyperpolarization in normal type II UBCs. Burst firing frequency was elevated in knockout type II UBCs because it was initiated from a more depolarized potential compared to normal cells. Findings indicate that Asic5 is important for type II UBC activity and that loss of Asic5 contributes to impaired movement, likely, at least in part, due to altered temporal processing of vestibular input.

Bile acids are potent inhibitors of rat P2X2 receptors

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regulates a broad variety of physiological functions in a number of tissues partly via ionotropic P2X receptors. Therefore, P2X receptors are promising targets for the development of therapeutically active molecules. Bile acids are cholesterol-derived amphiphilic molecules; their primary function is the facilitation of efficient nutrient fat digestion. However, bile acids have also been shown to serve as signaling molecules and as modulators of different membrane proteins and receptors including ion channels. In addition, some P2X receptors are sensitive to structurally related steroid hormones. In this study, we systematically analyzed whether rat P2X receptors are affected by micromolar concentrations of different bile acids. The taurine-conjugated bile acids TLCA, THDCA, and TCDCA potently inhibited P2X2, whereas other P2X receptors were only mildly affected. Furthermore, stoichiometry and species origin of the P2X receptors affected the modulation by bile acids: in comparison to rat P2X2, the heteromeric P2X2/3 receptor was less potently modulated and the human P2X2 receptor was potentiated by TLCA. In summary, bile acids are a new class of P2X receptor modulators, which might be of physiological relevance.

UDCA, NorUDCA, and TUDCA in Liver Diseases: A Review of Their Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications

Bile acids (BAs) are key molecules in generating bile flow, which is an essential function of the liver. In the last decades, there have been great advances in the understanding of BA physiology, and new insights have emerged regarding the role of BAs in determining cell damage and death in several liver diseases. This new knowledge has helped to better delineate the pathophysiology of cholestasis and the adaptive responses of hepatocytes to cholestatic liver injury as well as of the mechanisms of injury of biliary epithelia. In this context, therapeutic approaches for liver diseases using hydrophilic BA (i.e., ursodeoxycholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic, and, more recently, norursodeoxycholic acid), have been revamped. In the present review, we summarize current experimental and clinical data regarding these BAs and its role in the treatment of certain liver diseases.

Comparative electrophysiological analysis of the bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) from different species suggests similar physiological functions

Despite the identification of cholangiocytes in the liver and unipolar brush cells in the cerebellum as sites of expression, the physiological function of the bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) remains unknown. Rat BASIC (rBASIC) and mouse BASIC (mBASIC) share 97% of their amino acid sequence but show strikingly different biophysical properties. rBASIC is inactive at rest while mBASIC is constitutively active, when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. This conundrum rendered the identification of the physiological function even more difficult. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of BASIC from rat, mouse, and human in Hek293 cells using the patch clamp technique. Surprisingly, in Hek293 cells, rBASIC and mBASIC showed almost completely identical properties. Both are blocked by extracellular Ca²⁺ and thus are inactive at rest; both are selective for Na⁺, show similar affinities for extracellular Ca²⁺, were inhibited by diminazene, and activated by various bile acids. This is in contrast to previous results derived from Xenopus oocytes as expression system and suggests that the cell type is important for shaping the biophysical properties of BASIC. Furthermore, we compared hBASIC with rBASIC and mBASIC and observed similar properties between these channels with one exception: the bile acid sensitivity profile of hBASIC is different from rBASIC and mBASIC; hBASIC is more sensitive to bile acids which are abundant in human bile but not in rodent bile. Taken together, these results suggest similar physiological roles for BASIC in different species.

The degenerin region of the human bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is involved in channel inhibition by calcium and activation by bile acids

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is a member of the ENaC/degenerin family of ion channels. It is activated by bile acids and inhibited by extracellular Ca²⁺. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects. The modulation of BASIC function by extracellular Ca²⁺ and tauro-deoxycholic acid (t-DCA) was studied in Xenopus laevis oocytes heterologously expressing human BASIC using the two-electrode voltage-clamp and outside-out patch-clamp techniques. Substitution of aspartate D444 to alanine or cysteine in the degenerin region of BASIC, a region known to be critically involved in channel gating, resulted in a substantial reduction of BASIC Ca²⁺ sensitivity. Moreover, mutating D444 or the neighboring alanine (A443) to cysteine significantly reduced the t-DCA-mediated BASIC stimulation. A combined molecular docking/simulation approach demonstrated that t-DCA may temporarily form hydrogen bonds with several amino acid residues including D444 in the outer vestibule of the BASIC pore or in the inter-subunit space. By these interactions, t-DCA may stabilize the open state of the channel. Indeed, single-channel recordings provided evidence that t-DCA activates BASIC by stabilizing the open state of the channel, whereas extracellular Ca²⁺ inhibits BASIC by stabilizing its closed state. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential role of the degenerin region as a critical regulatory site involved in the functional interaction of Ca²⁺ and t-DCA with BASIC.

Regulation of Ca2+-Sensitive K+ Channels by Cholesterol and Bile Acids via Distinct Channel Subunits and Sites

Cholesterol (CLR) conversion into bile acids (BAs) in the liver constitutes the major pathway for CLR elimination from the body. Moreover, these steroids regulate each other's metabolism. While the roles of CLR and BAs in regulating metabolism and tissue function are well known, research of the last two decades revealed the existence of specific protein receptors for CLR or BAs in tissues with minor contribution to lipid metabolism, raising the possibility that these lipids serve as signaling molecules throughout the body. Among other lipids, CLR and BAs regulate ionic current mediated by the activity of voltage- and Ca²⁺-gated, K⁺ channels of large conductance (BK channels) and, thus, modulate cell physiology and participate in tissue pathophysiology. Initial work attributed modification of BK channel function by CLR or BAs to the capability of these steroids to directly interact with bilayer lipids and thus alter the physicochemical properties of the bilayer with eventual modification of BK channel function. Based on our own work and that of others, we now review evidence that supports direct interactions between CLR or BA and specific BK protein subunits, and the consequence of such interactions on channel activity and organ function, with a particular emphasis on arterial smooth muscle. For each steroid type, we will also briefly discuss several mechanisms that may underlie modification of channel steady-state activity. Finally, we will present novel computational data that provide a chemical basis for differential recognition of CLR vs lithocholic acid by distinct BK channel subunits and recognition sites.

A Cytosolic Amphiphilic α-Helix Controls the Activity of the Bile Acid-sensitive Ion Channel (BASIC)

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is a member of the degenerin/epithelial Na⁺ channel (Deg/ENaC) family of ion channels. It is mainly found in bile duct epithelial cells, the intestinal tract, and the cerebellum and is activated by alterations of its membrane environment. Bile acids, one class of putative physiological activators, exert their effect by changing membrane properties, leading to an opening of the channel. The physiological function of BASIC, however, is unknown. Deg/ENaC channels are characterized by a trimeric subunit composition. Each subunit is composed of two transmembrane segments, which are linked by a large extracellular domain. The termini of the channels protrude into the cytosol. Many Deg/ENaC channels contain regulatory domains and sequence motifs within their cytosolic domains. In this study, we show that BASIC contains an amphiphilic α-helical structure within its N-terminal domain. This α-helix binds to the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane and stabilizes a closed state. Truncation of this domain renders the channel hyperactive. Collectively, we identify a cytoplasmic domain, unique to BASIC, that controls channel activity via membrane interaction.

Exploration of the Peptide Recognition of an Amiloride-sensitive FMRFamide Peptide-gated Sodium Channel

FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2)-activated sodium channel (FaNaC) is an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel activated by endogenous tetrapeptide in invertebrates, and belongs to the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin (ENaC/DEG) superfamily. The ENaC/DEG superfamily differs markedly in its means of activation, such as spontaneously opening or gating by mechanical stimuli or tissue acidosis. Recently, it has been observed that a number of ENaC/DEG channels can be activated by small molecules or peptides, indicating that the ligand-gating may be an important feature of this superfamily. The peptide ligand control of the channel gating might be an ancient ligand-gating feature in this superfamily. Therefore, studying the peptide recognition of FaNaC channels would advance our understanding of the ligand-gating properties of this superfamily of ion channels. Here we demonstrate that Tyr-131, Asn-134, Asp-154, and Ile-160, located in the putative upper finger domain ofHelix aspersaFaNaC (HaFaNaC) channels, are key residues for peptide recognition of this ion channel. Two HaFaNaC specific-insertion motifs among the ENaC/DEG superfamily, residing at the putative α4-α5 linker of the upper thumb domain and the α6-α7 linker of the upper knuckle domain, are also essential for the peptide recognition of HaFaNaC channels. Chemical modifications and double mutant cycle analysis further indicated that those two specific inserts and key residues in the upper finger domain together participate in peptide recognition of HaFaNaC channels. This ligand recognition site is distinct from that of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) by a longer distance between the recognition site and the channel gate, carrying useful information about the ligand gating and the evolution of the trimeric ENaC/DEG superfamily of ion channels.

Peptide-gated ion channels and the simple nervous system of Hydra

Neurons either use electrical or chemical synapses to communicate with each other. Transmitters at chemical synapses are either small molecules or neuropeptides. After binding to their receptors, transmitters elicit postsynaptic potentials, which can either be fast and transient or slow and longer lasting, depending on the type of receptor. Fast transient potentials are mediated by ionotropic receptors and slow long-lasting potentials by metabotropic receptors. Transmitters and receptors are well studied for animals with a complex nervous system such as vertebrates and insects, but much less is known for animals with a simple nervous system like Cnidaria. As cnidarians arose early in animal evolution, nervous systems might have first evolved within this group and the study of neurotransmission in cnidarians might reveal an ancient mechanism of neuronal communication. The simple nervous system of the cnidarian Hydra extensively uses neuropeptides and, recently, we cloned and functionally characterized an ion channel that is directly activated by neuropeptides of the Hydra nervous system. These results demonstrate the existence of peptide-gated ion channels in Hydra, suggesting they mediate fast transmission in its nervous system. As related channels are also present in the genomes of the cnidarian Nematostella, of placozoans and of ctenophores, it should be considered that the early nervous systems of cnidarians and ctenophores have co-opted neuropeptides for fast transmission at chemical synapses.

Bile acid signaling and biliary functions

This review focuses on various components of bile acid signaling in relation to cholangiocytes. Their roles as targets for potential therapies for cholangiopathies are also explored. While many factors are involved in these complex signaling pathways, this review emphasizes the roles of transmembrane G protein coupled receptor (TGR5), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and the bicarbonate umbrella. Following a general background on cholangiocytes and bile acids, we will expand the review and include sections that are most recently known (within 5-7 years) regarding the field of bile acid signaling and cholangiocyte function. These findings all demonstrate that bile acids influence biliary functions which can, in turn, regulate the cholangiocyte response during pathological events.

Genetic exploration of the role of acid-sensing ion channels

Advanced gene targeting technology and related tools in mice have been incorporated into studies of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). A single ASIC subtype can be knocked out specifically and screened thoroughly for expression in the nervous system at the cellular level. Mapping studies have further shed light on the initiation and identification of related behavioral phenotypes. Here we review studies involving genetically engineered mouse models used to investigate the physiological function of individual ASIC subtypes: ASIC1 (and ASIC1a), ASIC2, ASIC3 and ASIC4. We discuss the detailed expression studies and significant phenotypes revealed with gene knockout for most known Asic subtypes. Each strategy designed to manipulate mouse genetics has advantages and disadvantages. We discuss the limitations of these Asic-knockout models and propose future directions to solve the genetic issues. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in the Nervous System'.

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is activated by alterations of its membrane environment

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is a member of the DEG/ENaC family of ion channels. Channels of this family are characterized by a common structure, their physiological functions and modes of activation, however, are diverse. Rat BASIC is expressed in brain, liver and intestinal tract and activated by bile acids. The physiological function of BASIC and its mechanism of bile acid activation remain a puzzle. Here we addressed the question whether amphiphilic bile acids activate BASIC by directly binding to the channel or indirectly by altering the properties of the surrounding membrane. We show that membrane-active substances other than bile acids also affect the activity of BASIC and that activation by bile acids and other membrane-active substances is non-additive, suggesting that BASIC is sensitive for changes in its membrane environment. Furthermore based on results from chimeras between BASIC and ASIC1a, we show that the extracellular and the transmembrane domains are important for membrane sensitivity.

Restrictive expression of acid-sensing ion channel 5 (asic5) in unipolar brush cells of the vestibulocerebellum

Acid-sensing ion channels (Asic) are ligand-gated ion channels in the Degenerin/Epithelial Na⁺ channel (Deg/ENaC) family. Asic proteins are richly expressed in mammalian neurons. Mammals express five Asic genes: Asic1-5. The gene product of Asic5 is an orphan member of the family about which little is known. To investigate Asic5 expression, we created an Asic5 reporter mouse. We find that Asic5 is chiefly expressed in the brain in the cerebellum, specifically in the ventral uvula and nodulus of the vestibulocerebellum. Here, Asic5 is restrictively expressed in a subset of interneurons in the granular layer. The locale, distinctive shape and immunohistochemical properties of these Asic5-expressing interneurons identify them as unipolar brush cells (UBC). Asic5 is richly expressed in a subset of UBCs that also express the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α (mGluR1α) but not those that express calretinin. Results from single cell RT-PCR and electrophysiological examination of these cells are consistent with this identity. Such observations are consistent with Asic5 playing a key role in the physiology of UBCs and in the function of the vestibulocerebellum.

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC), the ignored cousin of ASICs and ENaC

The DEG/ENaC gene family of ion channels is characterized by a high degree of structural similarity and an equally high degree of diversity concerning the physiological function. In humans and rodents, the DEG/ENaC family comprises 2 main subgroups: the subunits of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) and the subunits of the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs). The bile acid-sensitive channel (BASIC), previously known as BLINaC or INaC, represents a third subgroup within the DEG/ENaC family. Although BASIC was identified more than a decade ago, very little is known about its physiological function. Recent progress in the characterization of this neglected member of the DEG/ENaC family, which is summarized in this focused review, includes the discovery of surprising species differences, its pharmacological characterization, and the identification of bile acids as putative natural activators.

Bile acids increase the activity of the epithelial Na+ channel

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is a key regulator of Na(+) absorption in various epithelia including the distal nephron and the distal colon. ENaC is a constitutively active channel, but its activity is modulated by a number of mechanisms. These include proteolytic activation, ubiquitination and cell surface expression, phosphorylation, intracellular Na(+) concentration, and shear stress. ENaC is related to the bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC), a channel that is expressed in the epithelial cells of bile ducts. BASIC is activated by millimolar concentrations of extracellular bile acids. Bile acids are synthesized by the liver and secreted into the duodenum to aid lipolysis. A large fraction of the secreted bile acids is absorbed by the ileum and recirculated into the liver, but a small fraction passes the colon and is excreted. Bile acids can influence the ion transport processes in the intestinal tract including the colon. In this study, we show that various bile acids present in rat bile potently and reversibly increase the activity of rat ENaC expressed in Xenopus oocytes, suggesting that bile acids are natural modulators of ENaC activity.

Pharmacological and electrophysiological characterization of the human bile acid-sensitive ion channel (hBASIC)

The human bile acid-sensitive ion channel (hBASIC) is a cation channel of the degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel gene family that is expressed in the intestinal tract and can be activated by bile acids. Here, we show that in addition to its sensitivity for bile acids, hBASIC shares further key features with its rat ortholog: it is blocked by extracellular divalent cations, is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of the diarylamidine diminazene, and activated by millimolar concentrations of flufenamic acid. Furthermore, we demonstrate that two major bile acids present in human bile, chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid, activate hBASIC in a synergistic manner. In addition, we determined the single-channel properties of hBASIC in outside-out patch clamp recordings, revealing a single-channel conductance of about 11 pS and a high Na(+) selectivity. Deoxycholic acid activates hBASIC in patch clamp recordings mainly by reducing the single-channel closed time. In summary, we provide a thorough functional characterization of hBASIC.

Ursodeoxycholic acid-conjugated chitosan for photodynamic treatment of HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells

Chitosan was hydrophobically modified with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to fabricate nano-photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells. Synthesis of UDCA-conjugated chitosan (ChitoUDCA) was confirmed using (1)H NMR spectra. Chlorin E6 (Ce6) was used as a photosensitizer and incorporated into ChitoUDCA nanoparticles through formation of ion complexes. Morphology of Ce6-incorporated ChitoUDCA nanoparticles was observed using TEM and their shapes were spherical with sizes around 200-400 nm. The PDT potential of Ce6-incorporated ChitoUDCA nanoparticles were studied with HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells. The results showed that ChitoUDCA nanoparticles enhances of Ce6 uptake into tumor cells, phototoxicity, and ROS generation compared to Ce6 itself. Furthermore, Ce6-incorporated ChitoUDCA nanoparticles showed quenching in aqueous solution and sensing at tumor cells. We suggest that Ce6-incorporated ChitoUDCA nanoparticles are promising candidates for PDT of cholangiocarcinoma cells.