Hippocampal Gene Expression Is Highly Responsive to Estradiol Replacement in Middle-Aged Female Rats

In the hippocampus, estrogens are powerful modulators of neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. In women, menopause is associated with increased risk of memory disturbances, which can be attenuated by timely estrogen therapy. In animal models of menopause, 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement improves hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. Here, we explored the effect of E2 replacement on hippocampal gene expression in a rat menopause model. Middle-aged ovariectomized female rats were treated continuously for 29 days with E2, and then, the hippocampal transcriptome was investigated with Affymetrix expression arrays. Microarray data were analyzed by Bioconductor packages and web-based softwares, and verified with quantitative PCR. At standard fold change selection criterion, 156 genes responded to E2. All alterations but 4 were transcriptional activation. Robust activation (fold change > 10) occurred in the case of transthyretin, klotho, claudin 2, prolactin receptor, ectodin, coagulation factor V, Igf2, Igfbp2, and sodium/sulfate symporter. Classification of the 156 genes revealed major groups, including signaling (35 genes), metabolism (31 genes), extracellular matrix (17 genes), and transcription (16 genes). We selected 33 genes for further studies, and all changes were confirmed by real-time PCR. The results suggest that E2 promotes retinoid, growth factor, homeoprotein, neurohormone, and neurotransmitter signaling, changes metabolism, extracellular matrix composition, and transcription, and induces protective mechanisms via genomic effects. We propose that these mechanisms contribute to effects of E2 on neurogenesis, neural plasticity, and memory functions. Our findings provide further support for the rationale to develop safe estrogen receptor ligands for the maintenance of cognitive performance in postmenopausal women.

Partial deletion of the sulfate transporter SLC13A1 is associated with an osteochondrodysplasia in the Miniature Poodle breed

A crippling dwarfism was first described in the Miniature Poodle in Great Britain in 1956. Here, we resolve the genetic basis of this recessively inherited disorder. A case-control analysis (8:8) of genotype data from 173 k SNPs revealed a single associated locus on CFA14 (P(raw) <10(-8)). All affected dogs were homozygous for an ancestral haplotype consistent with a founder effect and an identical-by-descent mutation. Systematic failure of nine, nearly contiguous SNPs, was observed solely in affected dogs, suggesting a deletion was the causal mutation. A 130-kb deletion was confirmed both by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and by cloning the physical breakpoints. The mutation was perfectly associated in all cases and obligate heterozygotes. The deletion ablated all but the first exon of SLC13A1, a sodium/sulfate symporter responsible for regulating serum levels of inorganic sulfate. Our results corroborate earlier findings from an Slc13a1 mouse knockout, which resulted in hyposulfatemia and syndromic defects. Interestingly, the metabolic disorder in Miniature Poodles appears to share more clinical signs with a spectrum of human disorders caused by SLC26A2 than with the mouse Slc13a1 model. SLC26A2 is the primary sodium-independent sulfate transporter in cartilage and bone and is important for the sulfation of proteoglycans such as aggregan. We propose that disruption of SLC13A1 in the dog similarly causes undersulfation of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which impacts the conversion of cartilage to bone. A co-dominant DNA test of the deletion was developed to enable breeders to avoid producing affected dogs and to selectively eliminate the mutation from the gene pool.

Kidney transcriptome reveals altered steroid homeostasis in NaS1 sulfate transporter null mice

Sulfate is essential for human growth and development, and circulating sulfate levels are maintained by the NaS1 sulfate transporter which is expressed in the kidney. Previously, we generated a NaS1-null (Nas1(-/-)) mouse which exhibits hyposulfatemia. In this study, we investigated the kidney transcriptome of Nas1(-/-) mice. We found increased (n=25) and decreased (n=60) mRNA levels of genes with functional roles that include sulfate transport and steroid metabolism. Corticosteroid-binding globulin was the most up-regulated gene (110% increase) in Nas1(-/-) mouse kidney, whereas the sulfate anion transporter-1 (Sat1) was among the most down-regulated genes (>or=50% decrease). These findings led us to investigate the circulating and urinary steroid levels of Nas1(-/-) and Nas1(+/+) mice, which revealed reduced blood levels of corticosterone ( approximately 50% decrease), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, approximately 30% decrease) and DHEA-sulfate ( approximately 40% decrease), and increased urinary corticosterone ( approximately 16-fold increase) and DHEA ( approximately 40% increase) levels in Nas1(-/-) mice. Our data suggest that NaS1 is essential for maintaining a normal metabolic state in the kidney and that loss of NaS1 function leads to reduced circulating steroid levels and increased urinary steroid excretion.

Regulation of the sodium/sulfate co-transporter by farnesoid X receptor alpha

Fxralpha is known to regulate a variety of metabolic processes, including bile acid, cholesterol, and carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, we show direct evidence that Fxralpha is a key player in maintaining sulfate homeostasis. We identified and characterized the sodium/sulfate co-transporter (NaS-1; Slc13a1) as an Fxralpha target gene expressed in the kidney and intestine. Electromobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and promoter reporter studies identified a single functional Fxralpha response element in the second intron of the mouse Slc13a1 gene. Treatment of wild-type mice with GW4064, a synthetic Fxralpha agonist, induced Slc13a1 mRNA in the intestine and kidney. Slc13a1 mRNA was also induced in the kidney and intestine of wild-type, but not Fxralpha-/- mice, after treatment with the hepatotoxin alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate, which is known to result in elevated blood bile acid levels. Finally, we observed a decrease in Slc13a1 mRNA in the kidney and intestine of Fxralpha-/- mice and a corresponding increase in urinary excretion of free sulfates as compared with wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that mouse Slc13a1 is a novel Fxralpha target gene expressed in the kidney and intestine and that in the absence of Fxralpha, mice waste sulfate into the urine. Thus, Fxralpha is necessary for normal sulfate homeostasis in vivo.

Specificity and Regulation of Renal Sulfate Transporters

Sulfate is essential for normal cellular function. The kidney plays a major role in sulfate homeostasis. Sulfate is freely filtered and then undergoes net reabsorption in the proximal tubule. The apical membrane Na(+)/sulfate cotransporter NaS1 (SLC13A1) has a major role in mediating proximal tubule sulfate reabsorption, as demonstrated by the findings of hyposulfatemia and hypersulfaturia in Nas1-null mice. The anion exchanger SAT1 (SLC26A1), the founding member of the SLC26 sulfate transporter family, mediates sulfate exit across the basolateral membrane to complete the process of transtubular sulfate reabsorption. Another member of this family, CFEX (SLC26A6), is present at the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells. It also can transport sulfate by anion exchange, which probably mediates backflux of sulfate into the lumen. Knockout mouse studies have demonstrated a major role of CFEX as an apical membrane Cl(-)/oxalate exchanger that contributes to NaCl reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Several additional SLC26 family members mediate sulfate transport and show some level of renal expression (e.g., SLC26A2, SLC26A7, SLC26A11). Their roles in mediating renal tubular sulfate transport are presently unknown. This paper reviews current data available on the function and regulation of three sulfate transporters (NaS1, SAT1, and CFEX) and their physiological roles in the kidney.

Quaternary structure and apical membrane sorting of the mammalian NaSi-1 sulfate transporter in renal cell lines

NaSi-1 encodes a Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter expressed on the apical membrane of renal proximal tubular cells, which is responsible for body sulfate homeostasis. Limited information is available on NaSi-1 protein structure and the mechanisms controlling its apical membrane sorting. The aims of this study were to biochemically determine the quaternary structure of the rat NaSi-1 protein and to characterize its expression in renal epithelial cell lines. Hexahistidyl-tagged NaSi-1 (NaSi-1-His) proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes, appeared as two bands of about 60 and 75 kDa. PNGase F treatment shifted both bands to 57 kDa while endoglycosidase H treatment led to a downward shift of the lower molecular mass band only. Mutagenesis of a putative N-glycosylation site (N591S) produced a single band that was not shifted by endoglycosidase H or PNGase F, confirming a single glycosylation site at residue 591. Blue native-PAGE and cross-linking experiments revealed dimeric complexes, suggesting the native form of NaSi-1 to be a dimer. Transient transfection of EGFP/NaSi-1 in renal epithelial cells (OK, LLC-PK1 and MDCK) demonstrated apical membrane sorting, which was insensitive to tunicamycin. Transfection of the EGFP/NaSi-1 N591S glycosylation mutant also showed apical expression, suggesting N591 is not essential for apical sorting. Treatment with cholesterol depleting compounds did not disrupt apical sorting, but brefeldin A led to misrouting to the basolateral membrane, suggesting that NaSi-1 sorting is through the ER to Golgi pathway. Our data demonstrates that NaSi-1 forms a dimeric protein which is glycosylated at N591, whose sorting to the apical membrane in renal epithelial cells is brefeldin A-sensitive and independent of lipid rafts or glycosylation.

Transcriptional profile reveals altered hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism in hyposulfatemic NaS1 null mice

Sulfate plays an essential role in human growth and development, and its circulating levels are maintained by the renal Na+-SO42- cotransporter, NaS1. We previously generated a NaS1 knockout (Nas1-/-) mouse, an animal model for hyposulfatemia, that exhibits reduced growth and liver abnormalities including hepatomegaly. In this study, we investigated the hepatic gene expression profile of Nas1-/- mice using oligonucleotide microarrays. The mRNA expression levels of 92 genes with known functional roles in metabolism, cell signaling, cell defense, immune response, cell structure, transcription, or protein synthesis were increased (n = 51) or decreased (n = 41) in Nas1-/- mice when compared with Nas1+/+ mice. The most upregulated transcript levels in Nas1-/- mice were found for the sulfotransferase genes, Sult3a1 (approximately 500% increase) and Sult2a2 (100% increase), whereas the metallothionein-1 gene, Mt1, was among the most downregulated genes (70% decrease). Several genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism, including Scd1, Acly, Gpam, Elov16, Acsl5, Mvd, Insig1, and Apoa4, were found to be upregulated (> or = 30% increase) in Nas1-/- mice. In addition, Nas1-/- mice exhibited increased levels of hepatic lipid (approximately 16% increase), serum cholesterol (approximately 20% increase), and low-density lipoprotein (approximately 100% increase) and reduced hepatic glycogen (approximately 50% decrease) levels. In conclusion, these data suggest an altered lipid and cholesterol metabolism in the hyposulfatemic Nas1-/- mouse and provide new insights into the metabolic state of the liver in Nas1-/- mice.

Impaired memory and olfactory performance in NaSi-1 sulphate transporter deficient mice

In the present study, NaSi-1 sulphate transporter knock-out (Nas1-/-) mice, an animal model of hyposulphataemia, were examined for spatial memory and learning in a Morris water maze, and for olfactory function in a cookie test. The Nas1-/- mice displayed significantly (P<0.05) increased latencies to find an escape platform in the reversal learning trials at 2 days but not 1 day after the last acquisition trial in a Morris water maze test, suggesting that Nas1-/- mice may have proactive memory interference. While the wild-type (Nas1+/+) mice showed a significant (P<0.02) decrease in time to locate a hidden food reward over four trials after overnight fasting, Nas1-/- mice did not change their performance, resulting in significantly (P<0.05) higher latencies when compared to their Nas1+/+ littermates. There were no significant differences between Nas1-/- and Nas1+/+ mice in the cookie test after moderate food deprivation. In addition, both Nas1-/- and Nas1+/+ mice displayed similar escape latencies in the acquisition phase of the Morris water maze test, suggesting that learning, motivation, vision and motor skills required for the task may not be affected in Nas1-/- mice. This is the first study to demonstrate an impairment in memory and olfactory performance in the hyposulphataemic Nas1-/- mouse.

NaSi-1 and Sat-1: structure, function and transcriptional regulation of two genes encoding renal proximal tubular sulfate transporters

Sulfate (SO(4)2-) is an important anion regulating many metabolic and cellular processes. Maintenance of SO4(2-) homeostasis occurs in the renal proximal tubule via membrane transport proteins. Two SO(4)2- transporters that have been characterized and implicated in regulating serum SO4(2-) levels are: NaSi-1, a Na+-SO(4)2- cotransporter located at the brush border membrane and Sat-1, a SO4(2-)-anion exchanger located on the basolateral membranes of proximal tubular cells. Unlike Sat-1, for which very few studies have looked at regulation of its expression, NaSi-1 has been shown to be regulated by various hormones and dietary conditions in vivo. To study this further, NaSi-1 (SLC13A1) and Sat-1 (SLC26A1) gene structures were determined and recent studies have characterized their respective gene promoters. This review presents the current understanding of the transcriptional regulation of NaSi-1 and Sat-1, and describes possible pathogenetic implications which arise as a consequence of altered SO(4)2- homeostasis.

Roles of Slc13a1 and Slc26a1 sulfate transporters of eel kidney in sulfate homeostasis and osmoregulation in freshwater

Sulfate is required for proper cell growth and development of all organisms. We have shown that the renal sulfate transport system has dual roles in euryhaline eel, namely, maintenance of sulfate homeostasis and osmoregulation of body fluids. To clarify the physiological roles of sulfate transporters in teleost fish, we cloned orthologs of the mammalian renal sulfate transporters Slc13a1 (NaSi-1) and Slc26a1 (Sat-1) from eel (Anguilla japonica) and assessed their functional characteristics, tissue localization, and regulated expression. Full-length cDNAs coding for ajSlc13a1 and ajSlc26a1 were isolated from a freshwater eel kidney cDNA library. Functional expression in Xenopus oocytes revealed the expected sulfate transport characteristics; furthermore, both transporters were inhibited by mercuric chloride. Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated robust apical and basolateral expression of ajSlc13a1 and ajSlc26a1, respectively, within the proximal tubule of freshwater eel kidney. Expression was dramatically reduced after the transfer of eels from freshwater to seawater; the circulating sulfate concentration in eels was in turn markedly elevated in freshwater compared with seawater conditions (19 mM vs. 1 mM). The reabsorption of sulfate via the apical ajSlc13a1 and basolateral ajSlc26a1 transporters may thus contribute to freshwater osmoregulation in euryhaline eels, via the regulation of circulating sulfate concentration.

Behavioural abnormalities of the hyposulphataemic Nas1 knock-out mouse

We recently generated a sodium sulphate cotransporter knock-out mouse (Nas1-/-) which has increased urinary sulphate excretion and hyposulphataemia. To examine the consequences of disturbed sulphate homeostasis in the modulation of mouse behavioural characteristics, Nas1-/- mice were compared with Nas1+/- and Nas1+/+ littermates in a series of behavioural tests. The Nas1-/- mice displayed significantly (P < 0.001) decreased marble burying behaviour (4.33 +/- 0.82 buried) when compared to Nas1+/+ (7.86 +/- 0.44) and Nas1+/- (8.40 +/- 0.37) animals, suggesting that Nas1-/- mice may have decreased object-induced anxiety. The Nas1-/- mice also displayed decreased locomotor activity by moving less distance (1.53 +/- 0.27 m, P < 0.05) in an open-field test when compared to Nas1+/+ (2.31 +/- 0.24 m) and Nas1+/- (2.15 +/- 0.19 m) mice. The three genotypes displayed similar spatiotemporal and ethological behaviours in the elevated-plus maze and open-field test, with the exception of a decreased defecation frequency by the Nas1-/- mice (40% reduction, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between Nas1-/- and Nas1+/+ mice in a rotarod performance test of motor coordination and in the forced swim test assessing (anti-)depressant-like behaviours. This is the first study to demonstrate behavioural abnormalities in the hyposulphataemic Nas1-/- mice.

Critical role of vitamin D in sulfate homeostasis: regulation of the sodium-sulfate cotransporter by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

As the fourth most abundant anion in the body, sulfate plays an essential role in numerous physiological processes. One key protein involved in transcellular transport of sulfate is the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaSi-1, and previous studies suggest that vitamin D modulates sulfate homeostasis by regulating NaSi-1 expression. In the present study, we found that, in mice lacking the vitamin D receptor (VDR), NaSi-1 expression in the kidney was reduced by 72% but intestinal NaSi-1 levels remained unchanged. In connection with these findings, urinary sulfate excretion was increased by 42% whereas serum sulfate concentration was reduced by 50% in VDR knockout mice. Moreover, levels of hepatic glutathione and skeletal sulfated proteoglycans were also reduced by 18 and 45%, respectively, in the mutant mice. Similar results were observed in VDR knockout mice after their blood ionized calcium levels and rachitic bone phenotype were normalized by dietary means, indicating that vitamin D regulation of NaSi-1 expression and sulfate metabolism is independent of its role in calcium metabolism. Treatment of wild-type mice with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or vitamin D analog markedly stimulated renal NaSi-1 mRNA expression. These data provide strong in vivo evidence that vitamin D plays a critical role in sulfate homeostasis. However, the observation that serum sulfate and skeletal proteoglycan levels in normocalcemic VDR knockout mice remained low in the absence of rickets and osteomalacia suggests that the contribution of sulfate deficiency to development of rickets and osteomalacia is minimal.

Characterization of the human renal Na(+)-sulphate cotransporter gene ( NAS1) promoter

Sulphate (SO(4)(2-)) plays an essential role during growth, development, and cellular metabolism. Recently, we have isolated the human renal Na(+)-SO(4)(2-) cotransporter (hNaSi-1) that is implicated in the regulation of serum SO(4)(2-) levels. To gain an insight into hNaSi-1 regulation, our aims were to clone and characterize functionally the hNaSi-1 gene ( NAS1) promoter. We PCR-amplified 3742 bp of the NAS1 5'-flanking region, which is 64% AT-rich and contains numerous putative cis-acting elements. The NAS1 transcription start site was mapped to 25 bp upstream from the translation start site. NAS1 promoter truncations fused to luciferase gene constructs transfected into renal LLC-PK1, MDCK and OK cells allowed us to establish that the first 169 bp of the NAS1 promoter are sufficient for basal transcription. Furthermore, the NAS1 promoter conferred responsiveness to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), but not to thyroid hormone (T(3)) or vitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)]. Site-directed mutagenesis of the NAS1 promoter identified a functional xenobiotic response element at -2,052, which conferred 3-MC responsiveness. The human NAS1 gene promoter is not responsive to Vitamin D or T(3), unlike the mouse Nas1 promoter with which it shares approximately 40% sequence similarity, but is transactivated by 3-MC, suggesting that the control of renal SO(4)(2-) reabsorption via the regulation of NAS1 transcription may be important for maintaining the sulphation potential for kidney polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism.

The SLC13 gene family of sodium sulphate/carboxylate cotransporters

The SLC13 gene family consist of five sequence-related members that have been identified in a variety of animals, plants, yeast and bacteria. Proteins encoded by these genes are divided into two functionally unrelated groups: the Na(+)-sulphate (NaS) cotransporters and the Na(+)-carboxylate (NaC) cotransporters. Members of this family include the renal Na(+)-dependent inorganic sulphate transporter-1 (NaSi-1, SLC13A1), the Na(+)-dependent dicarboxylate transporters NaDC-1/SDCT1 (SLC13A2), NaDC-3/SDCT2 (SLC13A3), the sulphate transporter-1 (SUT-1, SLC13A4) and the Na(+)-coupled citrate transporter (NaCT, SLC13A5). The general characteristics of the SLC13 proteins are that they encode multi-spanning proteins with 8-13 transmembrane domains, have a wide tissue distribution with most being expressed in the epithelial cells of the kidney and the gastrointestinal tract. They are Na(+)-coupled symporters, DIDS-insensitive, with strong cation preference for Na(+), with a Na(+):anion coupling ratio of around 3:1 and have a substrate preference for divalent anions, which include tetraoxyanions (for the NaS cotransporters) or Krebs cycle intermediates, including mono-, di-, and tri-carboxylates (for the NaC cotransporters). The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the most recent advances and to summarize the biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the vertebrate SLC13 gene family.

Mutagenesis of the N-glycosylation site of hNaSi-1 reduces transport activity

The human Na+-sulfate cotransporter (hNaSi-1) belongs to the SLC13 gene family, which also includes the high-affinity Na+-sulfate cotransporter (hSUT-1) and the Na+-dicarboxylate cotransporters (NaDC). In this study, the location and functional role of the N-glycosylation site of hNaSi-1 were studied using antifusion protein antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies against a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing a 65-amino acid peptide of hNaSi-1 (GST-Si65) were raised in rabbits, purified, and then used in Western blotting and immunofluorescence experiments. The antibodies recognized native NaSi-1 proteins in pig and rat brush-border membrane vesicles as well as the recombinant proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Wild-type hNaSi-1 and two N-glycosylation site mutant proteins, N591Y and N591A, were functionally expressed and studied in Xenopus oocytes. The apparent mass of N591Y was not affected by treatment with peptide-N-glycosylase F, in contrast to the mass of wild-type hNaSi-1, which was reduced by up to 15 kDa, indicating that Asn591 is the N-glycosylation site. Although the cell surface abundance of the two glycosylation site mutants, N591Y and N591A, was greater than that of wild-type hNaSi-1, both mutants had greatly reduced Vmax, with no change in Km. These results suggest that Asn591 and/or N-glycosylation is critical for transport activity in NaSi-1.

Hyposulfatemia, growth retardation, reduced fertility, and seizures in mice lacking a functional NaSi-1 gene

Inorganic sulfate is required for numerous functions in mammalian physiology, and its circulating levels are proposed to be maintained by the Na+-SO42- cotransporter, (NaSi-1). To determine the role of NaSi-1 in sulfate homeostasis and the physiological consequences in its absence, we have generated a mouse lacking a functional NaSi-1 gene, Nas1. Serum sulfate concentration was reduced by >75% in Nas1-/- mice when compared with Nas1+/+ mice. Nas1-/- mice exhibit increased urinary sulfate excretion, reduced renal and intestinal Na+-SO42- cotransport, and a general growth retardation. Nas1-/- mouse body weight was reduced by >20% when compared with Nas1+/+ and Nas1+/- littermates at 2 weeks of age and remained so throughout adulthood. Nas1-/- females had a lowered fertility, with a 60% reduction in litter size. Spontaneous clonic seizures were observed in Nas1-/- mice from 8 months of age. These data demonstrate NaSi-1 is essential for maintaining sulfate homeostasis, and its expression is necessary for a wide range of physiological functions.

Serines 260 and 288 are involved in sulfate transport by hNaSi-1

The low affinity Na+/sulfate cotransporter, NaSi-1, belongs to the SLC13 family that also includes the Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporters, NaDC. Two serine residues in hNaSi-1, at positions 260 and 288, are conserved in all of the sulfate transporters in the family whereas the NaDC contain alanine or threonine at those positions. Therefore, the functional roles of serines 260 and 288 in substrate and cation binding by hNaSi-1 were investigated. These two serine residues were first mutated to alanine and the mutants were characterized in Xenopus oocytes. Alanine substitution of Ser-260 resulted in increased Km values for both substrate and Na+ whereas alanine replacement at Ser-288 resulted in a broadened cation selectivity, indicating that these two serines might play important roles in cation and/or substrate binding of hNaSi-1. The two serines and 12 surrounding residues were further mutated to cysteine and studied using a thiol-reactive compound, [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methane-thiosulfonate (MTSET). Four mutants surrounding Ser-260 (T257C, T259C, T261C, and L263C) were sensitive to MTSET inhibition. The sensitivity to MTSET was dependent on the presence of substrate, suggesting that the accessibility of these substituted cysteines depends on the conformational state of the transporter. Because the four residues are located in transmembrane domain 5, this transmembrane domain is likely to participate in the conformational movements during the transport cycle of hNaSi-1.

[Cystinuria update: clinical, biochemical and genetic aspects]

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder with an estimated incidence of 1 case in 7000 live births, that results in elevated urinary excretion of cystine and dibasic aminoacids: ornithine, lysine and arginine. Discussed by Sir Archibald Edward Garrod, in 1908, as one of the four first known inborn errors of metabolism, it is characterized by a defect in transport of cystine and dibasic aminoacids, that affects their reabsortion in both renal tubule and gastrointestinal tract. To date, according to the recent molecular findings, two genes have been identified as responsible for this disease: SLC3A1 and SLC7A9. A more accurate pheno/genotyping identification of cystinuric patients will allow to improve prophilaxis and therapy for this illness. Cystinuria only causes recurrent urolithiasis (about 1-2 / of renal calculi in adults) and its associated complications as clinical feature because of poor cystine solubility at low pH. An accurate control over prohylaxis (based on high water intake and potassium citrate treatment, on first line, and tiol-derivatives treatment, on second line) must be taken in patients -like homozygous type I- with high lithiasis risk. However, approximately one half of patients under prophylaxis control will develop recurrent lithiasis; in this case, only urology or surgical approaches would be possible. 474 Updated knowledge about biochemical, genetic, clinical, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and prognosis aspects of this, relatively unusual, disease has been reviewed in this article.

Transcriptional regulation of the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaS(i)-1 gene

Inorganic sulfate is one of the most abundant anions in mammalian plasma and is essential for proper cell growth and development, as well as detoxification and activation of many biological compounds. To date, little is understood how physiological levels of sulfate are maintained in the body. Our studies, and of others, have identified the NAS(i)-1 protein to be a functional sulfate transporter in the kidney and intestine, and due to this localization, constitutes a strong candidate gene for maintaining body sulfate homeostasis. Several factors, including hormones and metabolic conditions, have been shown to alter NAS(i)-1 mRNA and protein levels in vivo. In this study, we describe the transcriptional regulation of NaS(i)-1, with a focus on the mouse NaS(i)-1 gene (Nas1) that was recently cloned in our laboratory. Vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D3) and thyroid hormone (T3) led to an increase in Nas1 promoter activity in OK cells. Mutational analysis of the Nas1 promoter resulted in identification of a direct repeat 6-type vitamin-D-responsive element (DR6 VDRE) at -525 to -508 and an imperfect inverted repeat 0-type T3 responsive element (IRO T3RE) at -426 to -425 which conferred 1,25-(OH)2D3 and T3 responsiveness respectively. These findings suggest for vitamin D and thyroid hormone regulation of NaS(i)-1, may provide important clues to the physiological control of sulfate homeostasis.

Regulation of the mouse Nas1 promoter by vitamin D and thyroid hormone

The renal sodium-sulfate cotransporter, NaS(i)-1, a protein implicated to control serum sulfate levels, has been shown to be regulated in vivo by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) and tri-iodothyronine (T(3)). Recently, we cloned the mouse NaS(i)-1 gene ( Nas1) and in the present study identified a 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)- and T(3)-responsive element located within the Nas1 promoter. Mutational analysis of the Nas1 promoter resulted in identification of a direct repeat 6-type vitamin-D-responsive element (DR6 VDRE) at -525 to -508 and an imperfect inverted repeat 0-type T(3)-responsive element (IR0 T(3)RE) at -436 to -425 which conferred 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and T(3) responsiveness, respectively. In summary, we have identified responsive elements that mediate the enhanced transcription of Nas1 by 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and T(3), and these mechanisms may provide important clues to the physiological control of sulfate homeostasis.

Molecular aspects of renal tubular handling and regulation of inorganic sulfate

The renal proximal tubular reabsorption of sulfate plays an important role in the maintenance of sulfate homeostasis. Two different renal sulfate transport systems have been identified and characterized at the molecular level in the past few years: NaSi-1 and Sat-1. NaSi-1 belongs to a Na(+)-coupled transporter family comprising the Na(+)-dicarboxylate transporters and the recently characterized SUT1 sulfate transporter. NaSi-1 is a Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter located exclusively in the brush border membrane of renal proximal tubular and ileal cells. Recently, NaSi-1 was shown to be regulated at the protein and mRNA level by a number of factors, such as vitamin D, dietary sulfate, glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones, which are known to modulate sulfate reabsorption in vivo. The second member of renal sulfate transporters, denoted Sat-1, belongs to a family of Na+-independent sulfate transporter family comprising the DTDST, DRA and PDS genes. Sat-1 is a sulfate/bicarbonate-oxalate exchanger located at the basolateral membrane of proximal tubular epithelial cells and canalicular surface of hepatic cells. Contrary to NaSi-1, no physiological factor has been found to date to regulate Sat-1 gene expression. Both NaSi-1 and Sat-1 transporter activities are implicated in pathophysiological states such as heavy metal intoxication and chronic renal failure. This review focuses on recent developments in the molecular characterization of NaSi-1 and Sat-1 and the mechanisms involved in their regulation.

Sulfate homeostasis, NaSi-1 cotransporter, and SAT-1 exchanger expression in chronic renal failure in rats

BACKGROUND

It is known that hypersulfatemia, like hyperphosphatemia, occurs in chronic renal failure (CRF). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CRF on sulfate homeostasis and on sodium sulfate cotransport (NaSi-1) and sulfate/oxalate-bicarbonate exchanger (Sat-1) expression in the kidney. In addition, sulfate homeostasis was compared with phosphate homeostasis.

METHODS

Experimental studies were performed in adult male rats at three and six weeks after 80% subtotal nephrectomy (Nx) or sham-operation (S) (N = 9 per group). Transporter protein and mRNA expressions were measured by Western blot and RNase protection assay (RPA), respectively. Results were quantitated by densitometric scanning (Western) and electronic autoradiography (RPA), and were expressed in densitometric units (DUs; Western) and cpm (RPA).

RESULTS

Creatinine clearance was lower in Nx-3 compared with S-3 rats (0.23 vs. 0.51 mL/min/100 g body weight, P < 0.001) and was further impaired in Nx-6 rats (0.15 vs. 0.48, P < 0.001). Sulfatemia was significantly higher in Nx-3 rats (1.08 vs. 0.84 mmol/L, P < 0.05) and further increased in Nx-6 rats (1.42 vs. 0.90 mmol/L, P < 0.01). Fractional sulfate excretion (FESO4) was increased by twofold in Nx-3 and Nx-6 rats compared with corresponding S rats. Phosphatemia did not differ between Nx-3 rats and controls, but was increased in Nx-6 rats (P < 0.01). Total amounts of both NaSi-1 and Sat-1 proteins were significantly decreased in both Nx-3 and Nx-6 rats when compared with controls. However, NaSi-1 protein and mRNA densities did not significantly change in Nx-3 rats, but were significantly increased in Nx-6 rats when compared with controls (4.8 vs. 3.7 DU/microg protein, P < 0.05, and 7.1 vs. 2.8 cpm/microg RNA, P < 0.01, respectively, for protein and mRNA). In contrast to NaSi-1, Sat-1 protein density was significantly decreased both in Nx-3 (2.9 vs. 3.6 DU/microg protein, P < 0.05) and Nx-6 rats (2.4 vs. 3.4 DU/microg protein, P < 0.05), and Sat-1 mRNA density significantly decreased in Nx-6 rats (10.7 vs. 14.7 cpm/microg RNA, P < 0.05). Na-PO4 cotransporter (NaPi-2) protein total abundance and density were decreased at three and six weeks in Nx rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that both NaSi-1 and Sat-1 total protein abundances are decreased in CRF, which may contribute to the increase in fractional sulfate excretion. Strikingly, NaSi-1 density was not decreased in CRF three weeks after Nx, and furthermore, increased six weeks after Nx, in contrast to NaPi-2 density, which was decreased at both times. The significance of this difference remains to be determined, but may explain why hypersulfatemia occurs earlier than hyperphosphatemia in CRF.

The human renal sodium sulfate cotransporter (SLC13A1; hNaSi-1) cDNA and gene: organization, chromosomal localization, and functional characterization

Sulfate plays an essential role during growth, development, bone/cartilage formation, and cellular metabolism. In this study, we have determined the structure of the human Na+-sulfate cotransporter (hNaSi-1) cDNA (Human Genome Nomenclature Committee-approved symbol SLC13A1) and gene (NAS1). hNaSi-1 encodes a protein of 595 amino acids with 13 putative transmembrane domains. hNaSi-1 mRNA expression was exclusive to the human kidney. Expression of hNaSi-1 protein in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated a high-affinity Na+-sulfate cotransporter that was inhibited by selenate, thiosulfate, molybdate, tungstate, citrate, and succinate. Antisense inhibition experiments suggest hNaSi-1 to represent the major Na+-sulfate cotransporter in the human kidney. NAS1 was localized on human chromosome 7, mapped to 7q31-q32, near the sulfate transporter genes, DRA and SUT-1. The NAS1 gene contains 15 exons, spanning over 83 kb in length. Knowledge of the structure, function, and chromosomal localization of hNaSi-1 will permit the screening of NAS1 mutations in humans with disorders in renal sulfate reabsorption and homeostasis.

Hormonal regulation of sodium/sulfate co-transport in renal epithelial cells

Serum sulfate concentrations are elevated in infants, young children, and pregnant women due, at least in part, to increased renal sulfate reabsorption. Little is known about the effects of hormones, particularly those involved in growth, development, and pregnancy, on renal sulfate reabsorption. The objective of this investigation was to examine the effects of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), progesterone (PG), and 17beta-estradiol (EST) on renal sodium/sulfate co-transport. 35S-sulfate uptake was determined in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)/NaSi-1 cells (MDCK cells that have been stably transfected with rat sodium/sulfate co-transporter (NaSi-1) cDNA) and in opossum kidney (OK) cells. NaSi-1 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR and protein levels by ELISA. GH (0.1 nM) significantly increased the sodium/sulfate co-transport in MDCK/NaSi-1 cells up to 35%. IGF-1 induced a concentration-related stimulation of the sodium/sulfate co-transport with a maximal response observed at 1000 nM (59% increase). Sodium-dependent sulfate uptake was significantly increased when cells were preincubated with 10 nM PG, 10 nM EST, or 10 nM PG/10 nM EST up to 41%, 46%, or 39%, respectively. OK cells exhibited endogenous sodium-dependent sulfate transport; significantly increased sodium/sulfate co-transport was also observed in OK cells that were preincubated with GH, IGF-1, and PG/EST, although not with EST alone. The NaSi-1 mRNA and NaSi-1 protein levels were significantly increased in MDCK/NaSi-1 cells treated with 0.1 nM GH, 100 nM IGF-1, 10 nM PG, and/or 10 nM EST compared with control. These results suggest that the increased renal sulfate reabsorption that occurs in neonates, young and pregnant humans, and animals could be mediated by the increased steady-state levels of NaSi-1 mRNA produced by the higher plasma concentrations of GH, IGF-1, or PG/EST.

Glucocorticoid-induced alterations of renal sulfate transport

Glucocorticoid administration decreases renal sodium/phosphate cotransport in the proximal tubule due to a down-regulation of the sodium/phosphate cotransporter but has no effect on the sodium-dependent transport of glucose or proline. The objectives of the present investigation were to determine the effects of the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (MPL) on 1) inorganic sulfate renal clearance in rats in vivo, 2) sodium/sulfate cotransport in kidney cortex membrane vesicles, and 3) the cellular mechanism of the MPL-induced alterations in sulfate renal transport. Male adrenalectomized Wistar rats received an i.v. dose of 50 mg/kg MPL or the vehicle. Urine samples were collected for 12 h after the administration of MPL, and blood samples were collected at the midpoint of the urine collection. Other animals were sacrificed at 4, 6, and 12 h after MPL administration, and the kidney cortex was removed for RNA or membrane preparations. Kidney cortex sodium/sulfate cotransporter (NaSi-1) mRNA levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and NaSi-1 protein levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The urinary excretion rate and renal clearance of sulfate were significantly increased in MPL-treated animals (144.0 +/- 27.0 versus 65.3 +/- 21.3 micromol/12 h/kg and 0.208 +/- 0.038 versus 0. 078 +/- 0.025 ml/min/kg, mean +/- S.E., n = 9-12 in treated versus control). The V(max) value for sodium-dependent sulfate transport in brush border membrane vesicles (representing reabsorption in the proximal tubules) was significantly decreased in MPL-treated animals compared with controls (0.68 +/- 0.07 versus 0.88 +/- 0.05 nmol/mg of protein/10 s, mean +/- S.E.). There was no change in the K(m) value for sodium/sulfate cotransport in brush-border membrane and no change in sulfate/anion exchange in basolateral membrane vesicles. Membrane fluidity in brush border membrane and basolateral membrane vesicles, determined by the fluorescence polarization of 1, 6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene was unaltered by MPL treatment. NaSi-1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased at 4 and 6 h, but not 12 h, after MPL administration, whereas NaSi-1 protein expression was significantly decreased at 4, 6, and 12 h. Therefore, MPL treatment increases the renal clearance of inorganic sulfate, at least in part, due to down-regulation of NaSi-1 mRNA and protein expression in the kidney.

The mouse Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter gene Nas1. Cloning, tissue distribution, gene structure, chromosomal assignment, and transcriptional regulation by vitamin D

NaSi-1 is a Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter expressed on the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubule and plays an important role in sulfate reabsorption. To understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the regulation of NaSi-1, we have isolated and characterized the mouse NaSi-1 cDNA (mNaSi-1), gene (Nas1), and promoter region and determined Nas1 chromosomal localization. The mNaSi-1 cDNA encodes a protein of 594 amino acids with 13 putative transmembrane segments, inducing high affinity Na(+)-dependent transport of sulfate in Xenopus oocytes. Three different mNaSi-1 transcripts derived from alternative polyadenylation and splicing were identified in kidney and intestine. The Nas1 gene is a single copy gene comprising 15 exons spread over 75 kilobase pairs that maps to mouse chromosome 6. Transcription initiation occurs from a single site, 29 base pairs downstream to a TATA box-like sequence. The promoter is AT-rich (61%), contains a number of well characterized cis-acting elements, and can drive basal transcriptional activity in opossum kidney cells but not in COS-1 or NIH3T3 cells. We demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) stimulated the transcriptional activity of the Nas1 promoter in transiently transfected opossum kidney cells. This study represents the first characterization of the genomic organization of a Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter gene. It also provides the basis for a detailed analysis of Nas1 gene regulation and the tools required for assessing Nas1 role in sulfate homeostasis using targeted gene manipulation in mice.

Age- and growth hormone-induced alterations in renal sulfate transport

The effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment on renal sodium sulfate cotransport (NaSi-1) were studied in adult (9-10 months) and old (22-23 months) male Fischer 344 rats. All animals received twice-daily s.c. injections of recombinant human GH (hGH; 4 mg/kg) for up to 6 days. Animals were sacrificed by exsanguination on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Kidneys were removed, and kidney cortex was trimmed immediately and used for RNA and membrane preparations. Plasma hGH concentrations were significantly lower in old rats during the hGH treatment (P <.05). Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels were significantly increased and remained stable after day 2 of hGH treatment in both age groups (P <.05). There was no significant difference in plasma IGF-I levels between age groups. Plasma IGF-I binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations were significantly higher in 9- to 10-month-old rats compared with that in 22- to 23-month-old animals (P <.001). There were no significant differences in plasma IGFBP-3 concentrations between days of hGH treatment. The NaSi-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in 22- to 23-month-old rats compared with that in 9- to 10-month-old animals (P <.001). The NaSi-1 mRNA levels were significantly increased on days 2 and 3 of hGH treatment (P <.05) and then gradually decreased to the control value. The NaSi-1 protein levels in old animals (22-23 months) were also significantly lower than that of 9- to 10-month-old animals and were significantly increased from day 2 of hGH treatment, reaching a maximum level on day 3 or 4 and then returning to the baseline level in both age groups. From these results, it was concluded that 1) NaSi-1 mRNA and protein levels are lower in old animals and increase in both adult and aged rats after hGH treatment, 2) plasma IGF-I levels are similar in adult and aged rats and increase after hGH treatment, and 3) plasma IGFBP-3 levels are lower in old rats and remain unchanged after hGH treatment.

Metabolic acidosis regulates rat renal Na-Si cotransport activity

Recently, we cloned a cDNA (NaSi-1) localized to rat renal proximal tubules and encoding the brush-border membrane (BBM) Na gradient-dependent inorganic sulfate (Si) transport protein (Na-Si cotransporter). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of metabolic acidosis (MA) on Na-Si cotransport activity and NaSi-1 protein and mRNA expression. In rats with MA for 24 h (but not 6 or 12 h), there was a significant increase in the fractional excretion of Si, which was associated with a 2.4-fold decrease in BBM Na-Si cotransport activity. The decrease in Na-Si cotransport correlated with a 2.8-fold decrease in BBM NaSi-1 protein abundance and a 2.2-fold decrease in cortical NaSi-1 mRNA abundance. The inhibitory effect of MA on BBM Na-Si cotransport was also sustained in rats with chronic (10 days) MA. In addition, in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with mRNA from kidney cortex, there was a significant reduction in the induced Na-Si cotransport in rats with MA compared with control rats, suggesting that MA causes a decrease in the abundance of functional mRNA encoding the NaSi-1 cotransporter. These findings indicate that MA reduces Si reabsorption by causing decreases in BBM Na-Si cotransport activity and that decreases in the expression of NaSi-1 protein and mRNA abundance, at least in part, play an important role in the inhibition of Na-Si cotransport activity during MA.

Effect of experimentally induced hypothyroidism on sulfate renal transport in rats

Decreased serum sulfate concentrations are observed in hypothyroid patients. However, the mechanism involved in thyroid hormone-induced alterations of renal sulfate homeostasis is unknown. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the effect of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in rats on 1) the in vivo serum concentrations, renal clearance, and renal reabsorption of sulfate, 2) the in vitro renal transport in brush-border membrane (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) vesicles, and 3) the cellular mechanism of the hypothyroid-induced alteration in sulfate renal transport. Serum sulfate concentrations, renal fractional reabsorption of sulfate, and creatinine clearance were decreased significantly in the hypothyroid group. The Vmax values for sodium-sulfate cotransport in BBM were significantly decreased in the kidney cortex from the hypothyroid animals (0.90 +/- 0.31 vs. 0.49 +/- 0.08 nmol. mg-1. 10 s-1, n = 5-6, P < 0.05) without changes in Km. There were no significant differences in Vmax and Km for sulfate/anion exchange transport in BLM. Sodium-dependent sulfate transporter (NaSi-1) mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in the kidney cortex from hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism did not alter the membrane motional order (fluidity) in BBM and BLM, which indicates that the changes in the membrane fluidity do not represent the mechanism for the altered renal transport. These results demonstrate that PTU-induced hypothyroidism decreases sodium-sulfate cotransport by downregulation of the NaSi-1 gene.

Chronic K depletion inhibits renal brush border membrane Na/sulfate cotransport

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if dietary potassium (K) deficiency regulates renal proximal tubular sodium gradient-dependent sulfate transport (Na/Si cotransport) in the rat and, furthermore, determine if the regulation takes place at the level of the recently cloned Na/Si cotransport system (NaSi-1). Methods and Results. Rats treated chronically (seven days) with a K-deficient diet had a significant decrease in serum Si levels and an increase in fractional excretion of ultrafilterable Si, which paralleled a significant decrease in brush border membrane (BBM) Na/Si cotransport activity. The decrease in BBM Na/Si cotransport activity was associated with decreases in BBM NaSi-1 protein and renal cortical NaSi-1 mRNA abundance. In addition, in Xenopus oocytes injected with mRNA from kidney cortex slices of K-deficient rats, there was a significant reduction in the induced Na/Si cotransport, whereas there was no alteration in l-leucine uptake, suggesting that in K-deficient rats, there is a specific decrease in functional mRNA encoding the NaSi-1 mRNA.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that chronic K deficiency leads to a reduction in serum Si levels and an increase fractional excretion of Si, and reduces Si reabsorption by down-regulating the expression of the proximal tubular Na/Si-1 cotransporter protein and mRNA.

Detection and quantitation of a sodium-dependent sulfate cotransporter (NaSi-1) by sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The sodium-dependent sulfate transporter (NaSi-1) DNA has been recently identified from rat kidney cortex. The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative assay for the NaSi-1 transporter protein. The NaSi-1 antigen was prepared by fusion protein techniques following analysis of the primary sequence for antigenicity. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against the NaSi-1 antigen were raised in rabbits and mice, respectively. The specificity of the raised antibodies was examined by Western analysis using brush-border membrane (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) purified from rat kidney cortex. Both NaSi-1 polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies detected a 69-kDa protein in the BBM. Using the purified monoclonal antibody as the capture antibody and the polyclonal antibody as the detecting antibody, a simple and sensitive sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to quantitate NaSi-1 transporter protein levels in tissue. The specificity of the assay was examined using BBM, BLM and NaSi-1-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The assay was capable of detecting NaSi-1 at levels as low as 6.58 fmol. The concentration of NaSi-1 transporter protein in crude membrane isolated from rat kidney cortex was 0.094+/-0.014 fmol/ microg protein (mean+/-SD of three preparations).

Cellular mechanisms of renal adaptation of sodium dependent sulfate cotransport to altered dietary sulfate in rats

The renal transport and fractional reabsorption of inorganic sulfate is altered under conditions of sulfate deficiency or excess. The objective of this study was to examine the cellular mechanisms of adaptation of renal sodium/sulfate cotransport after varying dietary intakes of a sulfur containing amino acid, methionine. Female Lewis rats were divided into four groups and fed diets containing various concentrations of methionine (0, 0.3, 0.82 and 2.46%) for 8 days. Urinary excretion rates and renal clearance of sulfate were significantly decreased in the animals fed a 0% methionine diet or a 0.3% methionine diet, and significantly increased in the animals fed a 2.46% methionine diet when evaluated on days 4 and 7. Serum sulfate concentrations were unchanged by diet treatment in all animals. The fractional reabsorption of sulfate was significantly increased in the animals fed the 0% methionine diet and the 0.3% methionine diets, and decreased in the animals fed the 2.46% methionine diet. Increased mRNA and protein levels for the sodium/sulfate transporter (NaSi-1) were found in the kidney cortex following treatment with the 0 and 0.3% methionine diet groups. Sulfate homeostasis by renal reabsorption is maintained by an up-regulation of steady state levels of NaSi-1 mRNA and protein when the diet is low in methionine.

Ibuprofen-induced changes in sulfate renal transport

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase sulfate renal clearance and decrease the fractional reabsorption of sulfate by the kidneys. The mechanism of this alteration of inorganic sulfate homeostasis is unknown. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate if sulfate renal transport is altered in isolated membrane vesicles after pretreatment of animals in vivo with ibuprofen (IBU), and 2) to determine the cellular mechanism of changes in sulfate renal transport. Female Lewis rats received IBU at a i.v. dose of 27 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 33 microg/min for 4 hr. Sulfate transport was studied using brush border (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) vesicles isolated from rat kidney cortex. The Vmax for the sodium-dependent sulfate cotransport (NaSi-1) in BBM was significantly lower in the IBU group compared with the control group (0.79 +/- 0.23 vs. 1.25 +/- 0.17 nmol/mg protein/10 sec, respectively; P <.05) with no change in Km. There were no significant differences between the study groups in sulfate anion exchange kinetics in BLM vesicles. NaSi-1 transporter mRNA level in kidney cortex and protein level in BBM were significantly lower in animals pretreated with IBU compared with that in control animals. There was no change in membrane fluidity of BBM and BLM isolated from IBU-treated animals as measured by the fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. These results indicate that IBU treatment alters sodium-dependent sulfate cotransport by a downregulation of mRNA and protein of NaSi-1 transporter in BBM.

Dietary sulfate regulates the expression of the renal brush border Na/Si cotransporter NaSi-1

Dietary inorganic sulfate (Si) intake is an important factor in the regulation of renal proximal tubular sodium-dependent Si transport (Na/Si cotransport). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether modulation of Na/Si cotransport activity by dietary Si is mediated through regulation of the renal expression of the recently cloned NaSi-1 protein located in the apical brush border membrane (BBM) of the proximal tubule. It was found that rats fed a high Si diet had a marked increase in the renal excretion of Si and a concomitant decrease in BBM Na/Si cotransport activity when compared with rats on a control Si diet. The 43% decrease in BBM Na/Si cotransport activity was associated with a 33% decrease in BBM NaSi-1 protein abundance, as determined by Western blotting, and a 2.7-fold decrease in cortical NaSi-1 mRNA abundance, as determined by Northern blotting. Furthermore, cortical mRNA from rats fed a high Si diet when injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes led to a 2.2-fold decrease in Na/Si cotransport activity compared with mRNA isolated from control Si diet rats. This study indicates that adaptation to a high Si diet is accompanied by a decrease in renal cortical NaSi-1 mRNA abundance, which results in reduced expression of the NaSi-1 protein at the level of the proximal tubular BBM.

The substrate recognition domain in the Na+/dicarboxylate and Na+/sulfate cotransporters is located in the carboxy-terminal portion of the protein

The Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter, NaDC-1, and the Na+/sulfate cotransporter, NaSi-1, share 43% sequence identity, but they exhibit no overlap in substrate specificity. A functional chimera, SiDC-4, was prepared from NaDC-1 and NaSi-1 by homologous recombination and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. SiDC-4 contains putative transmembrane domains 1-4 of NaSi-1 (amino acids 1-139) and putative transmembrane domains 5-11 of NaDC-1 (amino acids 141-593). SiDC-4 retains the substrate specificity of NaDC-1, which suggests that the substrate recognition domain is found in the carboxy-terminal portion of the protein, past amino acid 141. However, residues that affect substrate affinity and inhibition by furosemide and flufenamate are found in the amino terminal third of the protein. The cation binding properties of SiDC-4, including a stimulation of transport by lithium, differed from both parental transporters, suggesting that cation binding is determined by interactions between the amino- and carboxy-terminal portions of the protein. We conclude that the substrate recognition site of NaDC-1 and NaSi-1 is found in the carboxy-terminal portion of the protein, past amino acid 141, but residues in the amino terminus can affect substrate affinity, inhibitor sensitivity, and cation selectivity.

Renal Na-Si cotransporter NaSi-1 is inhibited by heavy metals

Heavy metal intoxication leads to a number of reabsorptive and secretory defects in renal transport systems. We have studied the effects of several heavy metals on the expression of the renal Na-Si cotransporter NaSi-1. NaSi-1 cRNA was injected into Xenopus oocytes, and Na-Si cotransport activity was measured in the presence of mercury, lead, cadmium, or chromium. Mercury strongly inhibited NaSi-1 transport irreversibly by reducing both maximal velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) for inorganic sulfate (Si). Lead inhibited NaSi-1 transport reversibly by decreasing Vmax but not Km for Si. Cadmium showed weak reversible inhibition of NaSi-1 transport by decreasing only NaSi-1 Vmax. Chromium strongly inhibited NaSi-1 cotransport reversibly by reducing Km for Si by sevenfold, most probably by binding to the Si site, due to the strong structural similarity between the CrO4(2-) and SO4(2-) substrates. In conclusion, this study presents an initial report demonstrating heavy metals inhibit renal brush border Na-Si cotransport via the NaSi-1 protein through various mechanisms and that this blockade may be responsible for sulfaturia following heavy metal intoxication.

Functional expression and purification of histidine-tagged rat renal Na/Phosphate (NaPi-2) and Na/Sulfate (NaSi-1) cotransporters

Two mammalian sodium-dependent anion-cotransporters (NaPi-2 for phosphate and NaSi-1 for sulfate) have been expressed in Sf9 insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. A histidine tag was introduced at the C-termini in order to facilitate purification by metal-affinity chromatography. Sf9 cells infected with the histidine-tagged Ni/Pi-cotransporter exhibited more than 60-fold higher sodium-dependent transport of phosphate compared to noninfected cells. Expressed Na/Pi-cotransport exhibited a Km of Pi of 0.21 mm and an apparent Km of sodium of 92 mm. Infected cells expressed a 65 kDa polypeptide as detected by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Sf9 cells infected with the histidine-tagged NaSi-1 or untagged NaSi-1 protein expressed sodium-dependent sulfate cotransport up to 60-fold higher compared to noninfected cells. Transport of sulfate was highly dependent on sodium exhibiting a Km of SO2-4 of about 0.3-0.4 mm and a Km of sodium of 55 mm. By Western blotting and immunoprecipitation expressed NaSi-1 proteins were detected at 55-60 kDa. These studies demonstrate that histidine tagged proximal tubular Na-dependent cotransporters for phosphate and sulfate can be expressed functionally in Sf9 cells and that the kinetic characteristics were not altered by the introduction of a histidine tag at the C-termini. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that after solubilization under denaturing conditions histidine-tagged cotransporter proteins can be purified by metal-chelate affinity chromatography.

Abnormal sulfate metabolism in vitamin D-deficient rats

To explore the possibility that vitamin D status regulates sulfate homeostasis, plasma sulfate levels, renal sulfate excretion, and the expression of the renal Na-SO4 cotransporter were evaluated in vitamin D-deficient (D-D-) rats and in D-D- rats rendered normocalcemic by either vitamin D or calcium/lactose supplementation. D-D- rats had significantly lower plasma sulfate levels than control animals (0.93+/-0.01 and 1.15+/-0.05 mM, respectively, P < 0.05), and fractional sulfate renal excretion was approximately threefold higher comparing D-D- and control rats. A decrease in renal cortical brush border membrane Na-SO4 cotransport activity, associated with a parallel decrease in both renal Na-SO4 cotransport protein and mRNA content (78+/-3 and 73+/-3% decreases, respectively, compared with control values), was also observed in D-D- rats. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a return to normal of plasma sulfate, fractional sulfate excretion, and both renal Na-SO4 cotransport mRNA and protein. In contrast, renal sulfate excretion and renal Na-SO4 cotransport activity, protein abundance, and mRNA remained decreased in vitamin D-depleted rats fed a diet supplemented with lactose and calcium, despite that these rats were normocalcemic, and had significantly lower levels of parathyroid hormone and 25(OH)- and 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D levels than the vitamin D-supplemented groups. These results demonstrate that vitamin D modulates renal Na-SO4 sulfate cotransport and sulfate homeostasis. The ability of vitamin D status to regulate Na-SO4 cotransport appears to be a direct effect, and is not mediated by the effects of vitamin D on plasma calcium or parathyroid hormone levels. Because sulfate is required for synthesis of essential matrix components, abnormal sulfate metabolism in vitamin D-deficient animals may contribute to producing some of the abnormalities observed in rickets and osteomalacia.

The renal brush border membrane sodium/sulfate cotransporter functions in situ as a homotetramer

The functional molecular size of the renal Na+/SO4(2-) cotransporter was analysed with the radiation inactivation and fragmentation method. Purified brush border membrane vesicles preserved in a cryoprotective medium were exposed to gamma-radiations. Initial rates of SO4(2-) influx into these vesicles were estimated with membranes irradiated with 0, 4 and 8 Mrad. In each case, SO4(2-) uptake by irradiated membranes was significantly reduced but remained linear during the first 5 sec of incubation. To avoid artifacts arising from a decrease in the driving force caused by modifications in membrane permeability, this incubation period was chosen to measure the effect of irradiation on the SO4(2-) transport activity. Increasing irradiation doses resulted in a monoexponential decrease in transport activity allowing the molecular size to be estimated at 238 +/- 6 kDa (SD, n = 3). Recently, a cDNA for the Na+/SO4(2-) cotransporter was cloned and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes (Markovich D. et al. (1993) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 8073-8077). The deduced amino acid sequence of this cotransporter predicts a molecular weight of 66 kDa. We suggest that the in situ activity of the renal brush border membrane Na+/SO4(2-) cotransporter requires the presence of four intact and identical subunits arranged as a homotetramer.

Immunolocalization of Na/SO4-cotransport (NaSi-1) in rat kidney

The proximal tubule is the major site for renal reabsorption of sulphate. A sodium-dependent transport system for sulphate (NaSi-1) has recently been identified from a rat kidney cortex cDNA library. Recent work demonstrated that NaSi-1 mRNA is expressed predominantly in proximal tubules. In the present work expression along the nephron of the Na/SO4-cotransporter NaSi-1 was studied by immunofluorescence. A polyclonal antibody was raised in rabbits against a fusion protein containing a 53-amino-acid polypeptide specific for the NaSi-1 sequence. The anti-NaSi-1 polyclonal antibody specifically detected a 68-kDa protein on Western blots and, by immunofluorescence specific staining, was observed in MDCK cells transfected with the NaSi-1 cotransporter. Using rat kidney cortex slices specific NaSi-1-related immunoreactivity was detected in proximal tubules and was restricted to the apical membrane. No immunoreactivity was observed in the other nephron segments. This was confirmed by Western blot analysis using proximal tubular apical and basolateral membranes isolated by free-flow electrophoresis. The results indicate that the Na/SO4-cotransporter NaSi-1 is expressed in the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells and is therefore likely to be involved in proximal reabsorption of sulphate.

Renal type II Na/Pi-cotransporter is strongly impaired whereas the Na/sulphate-cotransporter and aquaporin 1 are unchanged in cadmium-treated rats

The cellular mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) nephrotoxicity are poorly understood. In this study we investigated the cellular causes of the Cd-induced phosphaturia in the rat. Compared to controls, Cd-treated rats (2 mg Cd/kg body weight, s.c. for 14 days) showed a marked polyuria, proteinuria and phosphaturia. As studied by the rapid filtration technique in isolated cortical brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV), Na+-gradient-driven uptake of phosphate ([32Pi]) and of [3H] glucose were markedly decreased in Cd-treated rats, whereas uptake of sulphate ([35S]) remained unchanged. By Western blotting of BBMV proteins and by indirect immunocytochemistry in 4-micron thick frozen fixed kidney sections, using an antibody against the type II Na/Pi-cotransporter (NaPi-2), we found a diminished expression of this protein in the brush-border membrane from Cd-treated rats. How ever, the expression of the water channel aquaporin 1, estimated from the specific antibody staining in brush-border membranes, remained unchanged by Cd. Northern blot analysis showed a strong reduction of 2.7 kb NaPi-2-related mRNA in Cd-affected kidneys. Our data indicate that: (1) Cd may reduce reabsorption of Pi in proximal tubules by affecting the expression of the functional Na/Pi-cotransporters in the luminal membrane, and (2) Cd effects on brush-border transporters are selective.

Renal and small intestinal sodium-dependent symporters of phosphate and sulphate

Homeostasis of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) and sulphate (Si) is largely achieved by absorption in the mammalian small intestine and by reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the kidney. Under normal physiological conditions, the kidney appears to play the major role in maintaining the extracellular concentration of these anions. In both epithelia, reabsorption of P(i) and to some extent also of Si underlie a variety of regulatory acute and chronic control mechanisms. Acute regulatory mechanisms are predominantly found in renal P(i) reabsorption, whereas chronic regulation of transepithelial P(i) transport is observed in both tissues. Also, in both epithelia, apically located sodium-dependent transport systems (Na+/P(i) and Na+/Si symport) represent major targets for known regulatory factors. By expression cloning using oocytes of Xenopus laevis, renal and small intestinal Na(+)-dependent phosphate and sulphate transport systems have been identified. Evidence has been obtained that cloned Na+/P(i) and Na+/Si symporters are localized in the apical membrane of proximal tubular or small intestinal epithelial cells respectively. Furthermore, recent results indicate that one of the cloned Na+/P(i) symporters is involved in the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of proximal tubular P(i) reabsorption.

cDNA cloning of a rat small-intestinal Na+/SO4(2-) cotransporter

We have isolated a cDNA (ileal NaSi-1) from rat small intestine by homology screening with a cDNA (renal NaSi-1) encoding rat kidney cortex Na(+)-SO4(2-) cotransport. Ileal NaSi-1 cRNA specifically stimulates Na(+)-dependent SO4(2-) uptake in a time- and dose-dependent manner in Xenopus laevis oocytes, with kinetic parameters almost identical to those of the renal NaSi-1. Ileal NaSi-1 cDNA contains 2722 base pairs (bp), almost 500 bp more than the renal NaSi-1 cDNA; however, it encodes a protein of 595 amino acids identical to the renal NaSi-1 protein. Northern blot analysis shows strong signals in rat lower small intestine and kidney cortex (2.9 x 10(3) and 2.3 x 10(3) bases), with the ileal NaSi-1 corresponding to the longer transcript. We conclude that we have identified a rat ileal cDNA that encodes a membrane protein most likely involved in brush-border Na(+)-SO4(2-) cotransport. It differs to the renal NaSi-1 only in the length of the 3' untranslated region, suggesting that the major difference lies in the differential use of polyadenylation signals.

Expression of rat ileal Na(+)-sulphate cotransport in Xenopus laevis oocytes: functional characterization

Small-intestinal sulphate absorption is a Na(+)-dependent process having its highest rate in the ileum; it involves brush-border membrane Na(+)-sulphate cotransport. Injection of rat ileal mRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes induced Na(+)-dependent sulphate uptake in a dose-dependent manner, with no apparent effect on Na(+)-independent sulphate uptake. For mRNA-induced transport, the apparent Km value for sulphate interaction was 0.6 +/- 0.2 mM and that for sodium interaction was 25 +/- 2 mM (Hill coefficient: 2.3 +/- 0.3). mRNA-induced transport, was inhibited by thiosulphate, but not by phosphate or 4,4,'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS). Using a rat renal Na(+)-sulphate cotransporter cDNA as a probe [NaSi-1; Markovich et al. (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:8073-8077], the highest hybridization signals (2.3 kb and 2.9 kb) were obtained in size fractions showing the highest expression of Na(+)-dependent sulphate transport in oocytes. Hybrid depletion experiments using antisense oligonucleotides (from the NaSi-1 cDNA sequence), provided further evidence that rat small-intestinal (ileal) Na(+)-sulphate cotransport is closely related to rat proximal-tubular brush-border membrane Na(+)-sulphate cotransport.

Electrogenic cotransport of Na+ and sulfate in Xenopus oocytes expressing the cloned Na+SO4(2-) transport protein NaSi-1

The Na+/sulfate cotransporter cloned from rat kidney cortex (NaSi-1) has been expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis and subjected to electrophysiological analysis by current and voltage clamp methods. In current-clamped oocytes, superfusion with 1 mM sulfate resulted in a 12-mV depolarization of the cell membrane. Accordingly, in voltage-clamped oocytes sulfate induced an inward current IS, which was dependent on both the concentration of Na+ and sulfate in the superfusate. Half-maximal IS was observed at about 0.1 mM sulfate and 70 mM Na+. The Hill coefficients were 1 and 2.8 for sulfate and Na+, respectively. Thiosulfate and selenate created similar currents as sulfate with a similar Km. At saturating concentrations of thiosulfate and selenate, addition of sulfate could not induce an additive current. Phosphate (1 mM) did not inhibit sulfate-induced currents. Finally, IS was dependent on the holding potential being larger at more negative potentials. The results of this study strongly suggest an electrogenic cotransport of sulfate and Na+ with a stoichiometry of 1:3.

Expression cloning of rat renal Na+/SO4(2-) cotransport

Injection of rat kidney cortex mRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes leads to a stimulation of Na(+)-dependent SO4(2-) uptake. Based on this information, we have isolated from a corresponding library a cDNA (NaSi-1) that is most likely related to a Na+/SO4(2-) cotransport system. NaSi-1 cRNA leads in a time- and dose-dependent manner to specific stimulation of Na(+)-dependent SO4(2-) uptake in oocytes. The apparent affinity constants of the NaSi-1 cRNA-expressed transport resemble those of Na+/SO4(2-) cotransport in brush-border membrane. The NaSi-1 cDNA contains 2239 bp [including a poly(A) tail] and encodes a protein of 595 amino acids (66.05 kDa); the hydropathy profile suggests at least eight membrane-spanning regions. In vitro translation of NaSi-1 cRNA results in a protein of the expected size and suggests glycosylation. Northern blot analysis shows signals of 2.3 and 2.9 kb in kidney (more abundant in cortex than in papilla/medulla) and in mucosa of small intestine of rats. The above data indicate that we have structurally identified a membrane protein involved in renal and small-intestinal brush-border membrane Na+/SO4(2-) cotransport.

Inhibition of sodium-dependent transport systems in rat renal brush-border membranes with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

Treatment of rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) causes irreversible inhibition of the Na+-coupled transport systems for D-glucose, L-phenylalanine, L-glutamate, and sulfate. The DCCD-reactive side groups of these transport systems differ in their sensitivity towards DCCD and protection by substrates. The D-glucose and L-glutamate transporters cannot be protected by their substrates. In contrast, Na+ protects the transport systems for L-phenylalanine and sulfate from inactivation by DCCD. The data suggest covalent modification by DCCD of D-glucose and L-glutamate transporters apart from their substrate binding sites and of L-phenylalanine and sulfate transporters within their Na+-binding regions.