Expression patterns of aquaporins 1, 3, 5 in canine mammary gland carcinomas

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins, and the expression of AQPs in carcinoma cells has received much attention over the last 15 years. In the veterinary field, however, little is known about the expression of AQPs. In the present study using immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of AQP1, AQP3, and AQP5 in canine mammary gland carcinomas. The 27 samples comprised 10 grade I, 12 grade II, and 5 grade III samples (See Materials and Methods section for grade classification method). AQP1 was expressed in only 2 of the grade III carcinomas, and the expression was limited to spindle-shaped cells in the solid structure and on the outside of the solid mass. AQP3-positive cells were observed in 20 of 22 grade I and II samples. On the other hand, among grade III carcinomas, AQP3 was expressed only in spindle-shaped cells in 1 sample. AQP5 was expressed in all grade I and II carcinomas but not in the grade III tumors. In addition, enhanced expression of basolateral AQP3 and apical AQP5 was observed in lobular hyperplastic cells. These results suggest that the expression patterns of AQP3 and AQP5 can be of help for judging the grading of canine mammary tumors and that AQP1 is likely to be involved in metastasis. Moreover, AQP3 and AQP5 might be relevant to lactation in female dogs.

Goji Berry Juice Prevents Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced Xerostomia in Human Salivary Gland Cells

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by oral dryness that is primarily attributed to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-mediated reduction in saliva production. In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are recognized for their hydrating effect and are considered suitable to address oral dryness associated with Yin deficiency. In the present study, we used goji berry juice (GBJ) to investigate the potential preventive effect of goji berries on oral dryness caused by SS. Pretreatment of human salivary gland cells with GBJ effectively prevented the decrease in aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) mRNA and protein levels induced by TNF-α. GBJ also inhibited histone H4 deacetylation and suppressed the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, GBJ pretreatment reserved mitochondrial membrane potential and suppressed the upregulation of Bax and caspase-3, indicating that GBJ exerted an antiapoptotic effect. These findings suggest that GBJ provides protection against TNF-α in human salivary gland cells and prevents the reduction of AQP-5 expression on the cell membrane. Altogether, these results highlight the potential role of GBJ in preventing oral dryness caused by SS.

Forensic Diagnosis of Freshwater or Saltwater Drowning Using the Marker Aquaporin 5: An Immunohistochemical Study

Background and Objectives: Aquaporins are a family of water channel proteins. In this study, the renal and intrapulmonary expression of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) was examined in forensic autopsy cases to evaluate it as a drowning marker and to differentiate between freshwater drowning and saltwater drowning. Materials and Methods: Cases were classified into three groups: freshwater drowning (FWD), saltwater drowning (SWD), and controls (CTR). Samples were obtained from forensic autopsies at less than 72 h postmortem (15 FWD cases, 15 SWD cases, and 17 other cases) and were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical investigations. Results: In FWD group, intrapulmonary AQP5 expression was significantly suppressed compared with SWD and CTR; there was no significant difference in AQP5 expression among the other two groups. The same differences in expression were also observed in the kidney. Conclusions: These observations suggest that AQP5 expression in alveolar cells was suppressed by hypotonic water to prevent hemodilution. Moreover, it is possible to hypothesize that in the kidney, with the appearance of hypo-osmotic plasma, AQP5 is hypo-expressed, as a vital reaction, to regulate the renal reabsorption of water. In conclusion, the analysis of renal and intrapulmonary AQP5 expression would be forensically useful for differentiation between FWD and SWD, or between FWD and death due to other causes.

Aquaporin-5 in breast cancer

The water channel aquaporin‐5 (AQP5) is essential in transepithelial water transport in secretory glands. AQP5 is ectopically overexpressed in breast cancer, where expression is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Besides the role in water transport, AQP5 has been found to play a role in cancer metastasis, migration, and proliferation. AQP5 has also been shown to be involved in the dysregulation of epithelial cell–cell adhesion; frequently observed in cancers. Insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of how AQP5 contributes to cancer development and progression is essential for potentially implementing AQP5 as a prognostic biomarker and to develop targeted intervention strategies for the treatment of breast cancer patients.

Ezrin Regulates Ca2+ Ionophore-Induced Plasma Membrane Translocation of Aquaporin-5

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is selectively expressed in the apical membrane of exocrine glands, such as salivary, sweat, and submucosal airway glands, and plays important roles in maintaining their secretory functions. Because AQP5 is not regulated by gating, localization on the plasma membrane is important for its water-permeable function. Ezrin is an ezrin-radixin-moesin family protein that serves as a crosslinker between the plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton network. It plays important roles in translocation of various membrane proteins to mediate vesicle trafficking to the plasma membrane. In this study, we examined the effects of ezrin inhibition on membrane trafficking of AQP5. Ezrin inhibition selectively suppressed an ionomycin-induced increase in AQP5 translocation to the plasma membrane of mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) without affecting the steady-state level of plasma membrane AQP5. Taken together, our data suggest that AQP5 translocates to the plasma membrane through at least two pathways and that ezrin is selectively involved in a stimulation-dependent pathway.

C-Terminal Domain of Aquaporin-5 Is Required to Pass Its Protein Quality Control and Ensure Its Trafficking to Plasma Membrane

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is selectively expressed in the apical membrane of exocrine glands, such as salivary, lacrimal, and submucosal glands. It is important for the secretory function of exocrine glands because mice with the knockout of AQP5 exhibit a significant reduction in secretion from these glands. Previous reports indicated that the AQP5 C-terminal domain is crucial for the localization of AQP5 at the plasma membrane, but it remains unclear which motif or amino acid residues in the C-terminal domain are essential for this. In this study, we examined the effects of various AQP5 C-terminal deletions or mutations on the expression of AQP5 on the cell surface. AQP5 C-terminal domain mutants did not localize on the plasma membrane, and Leu²⁶² was shown to be crucial for AQP5′s plasma membrane localization. The mutants localized in the autophagosome or lysosome and showed decreased protein stability via lysosomal degradation. Taking these findings together, our study suggests that the C-terminal domain is required for AQP5 to pass protein quality control and be trafficked to the plasma membrane.

Effect of PACAP on sweat secretion by immortalized human sweat gland cells

The process of sweating plays an important role in the human body, including thermoregulation and maintenance of the environment and health of the skin. It is known that the conditions of hyperhidrosis and anhidrosis are caused by abnormalities in sweat secretion and can result in severe skin conditions such as pruritus and erythema, which significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. However, there are many aspects of the signaling mechanisms in the process of sweating that have not been clarified, and no effective therapies or therapeutic agents have yet been discovered. Previously, it was reported that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) promotes sweating, but details of the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. We used immortalized human eccrine gland cells (NCL-SG3 cell) to investigate how sweat secretion is induced by PACAP. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were increased in these cells following their exposure to physiological concentrations of PACAP. Intracellular Ca²⁺ was not elevated when cells were concomitantly treated with PA-8, a specific PAC1-R antagonist, suggesting that PAC1-R is involved in the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in response to PACAP treatment. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry experiments showed that aquaporin-5 was translocated from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane by PACAP. These results suggest that PACAP acts on eccrine sweat glands to promote sweat secretion by translocation of aquaporin-5 to the cell membrane in response to increased levels of intracellular Ca²⁺. These findings also provide a solid basis for future research initiatives to develop new therapies to treat sweating disorders.

Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction affect airway inflammatory response and airway smooth muscle cell proliferation in mice with allergic asthma via miR-486-5p/AQP5 axis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction on allergic asthma, and elucidate the potential mechanism of Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction for ameliorating allergic asthma.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish animal model of allergic asthma. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in order to establish the cell model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to quantify the expression levels of miR-486-5p and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) in cells and tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-486-5p and AQP5. MTT assay and flow cytometry were carried out to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to detect the recruitment of eosinophils and collagen deposition.

RESULTS

In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction significantly reduced the number of eosinophils, the levels of inflammatory factors in the BALF of asthmatic mice, and the deposition of collagen in lung tissues, and they also significantly inhibited the proliferation of ASMCs and accelerated their apoptosis (all P<0.05). Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction significantly upregulated the expression of AQP5 while inhibited the expression of miR-486-5p; additionally, miR-486-5p negatively regulated the expression of AQP5 (all P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-486-5p or silencing AQP5 can partially reverse the therapeutic effect of Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction on allergic asthma in mice and the inhibitory effect on the abnormal proliferation of ASMCs (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Wuling San and Xiao Chaihu Decoction can influence the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs and the expression of inflammatory factors in mice with allergic asthma through inhibiting the expression of miR-486-5p and upregulating the expression of AQP5.

Ezrin Is a Novel Protein Partner of Aquaporin-5 in Human Salivary Glands and Shows Altered Expression and Cellular Localization in Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an exocrinopathy characterized by the hypofunction of salivary glands (SGs). Aquaporin-5 (AQP5); a water channel involved in saliva formation; is aberrantly distributed in SS SG acini and contributes to glandular dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the role of ezrin in AQP5 mislocalization in SS SGs. The AQP5–ezrin interaction was assessed by immunoprecipitation and proteome analysis and by proximity ligation assay in immortalized human SG cells. We demonstrated, for the first time, an interaction between ezrin and AQP5. A model of the complex was derived by computer modeling and in silico docking; suggesting that AQP5 interacts with the ezrin FERM-domain via its C-terminus. The interaction was also investigated in human minor salivary gland (hMSG) acini from SS patients (SICCA-SS); showing that AQP5–ezrin complexes were absent or mislocalized to the basolateral side of SG acini rather than the apical region compared to controls (SICCA-NS). Furthermore, in SICCA-SS hMSG acinar cells, ezrin immunoreactivity was decreased at the acinar apical region and higher at basal or lateral regions, accounting for altered AQP5–ezrin co-localization. Our data reveal that AQP5–ezrin interactions in human SGs could be involved in the regulation of AQP5 trafficking and may contribute to AQP5-altered localization in SS patients

Unraveling Human AQP5-PIP Molecular Interaction and Effect on AQP5 Salivary Glands Localization in SS Patients

Saliva secretion requires effective translocation of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) water channel to the salivary glands (SGs) acinar apical membrane. Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) display abnormal AQP5 localization within acinar cells from SGs that correlate with sicca manifestation and glands hypofunction. Several proteins such as Prolactin-inducible protein (PIP) may regulate AQP5 trafficking as observed in lacrimal glands from mice. However, the role of the AQP5-PIP complex remains poorly understood. In the present study, we show that PIP interacts with AQP5 in vitro and in mice as well as in human SGs and that PIP misexpression correlates with an altered AQP5 distribution at the acinar apical membrane in PIP knockout mice and SS hMSG. Furthermore, our data show that the protein-protein interaction involves the AQP5 C-terminus and the N-terminal of PIP (one molecule of PIP per AQP5 tetramer). In conclusion, our findings highlight for the first time the role of PIP as a protein controlling AQP5 localization in human salivary glands but extend beyond due to the PIP-AQP5 interaction described in lung and breast cancers.

Muscarinic Receptors and BK Channels Are Affected by Lipid Raft Disruption of Salivary Gland Cells

Activity-dependent fluid secretion is the most important physiological function of salivary glands and is regulated via muscarinic receptor signaling. Lipid rafts are important for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and ion channels in plasma membranes. However, it is not well understood whether lipid raft disruption affects all membrane events or only specific functions in muscarinic receptor-mediated water secretion in salivary gland cells. We investigated the effects of lipid raft disruption on the major membrane events of muscarinic transcellular water movement in human salivary gland (HSG) cells. We found that incubation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), which depletes lipid rafts, inhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in HSG cells and isolated mouse submandibular acinar cells. However, MβCD did not inhibit a Ca²⁺ increase induced by thapsigargin, which activates store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Interestingly, MβCD increased the activity of the large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (BK channel). Finally, we found that MβCD did not directly affect the translocation of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) into the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that lipid rafts maintain muscarinic Ca²⁺ signaling at the receptor level without directly affecting the activation of SOCE induced by intracellular Ca²⁺ pool depletion or the translocation of AQP5 into the plasma membrane.

Deciphering the structure, function, expression and regulation of aquaporin-5 in cancer evolution

In recent years, the morbidity rate resulting from numerous types of malignant tumor has increased annually, and the treatment of tumors has been attracting an increasing amount of attention. A number of recent studies have revealed that the water channel protein aquaporin-5 (AQP5) has become a major player in multiple types of cancer. AQP5 is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumor tissues or cells and has multiple effects on certain biological functions of tumors, such as regulating the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of tumor cells. It has been suggested that AQP5 may play an important role in the process of tumor development, opening up a new field of tumor research. The present review highlighted the structure of AQP5 and its role in tumor progression. Furthermore, the expression of AQP5 in different malignant neoplasms was summarized. In addition, the influence of not only drugs, but also different compounds on AQP5 were summarized. In conclusion, according to the findings in the present review, AQP5 has potential as a novel therapeutic target in human cancer, and other AQPs should be similarly investigated.

Insulin on changes in expressions of aquaporin-1, aquaporin-5, and aquaporin-8 in submandibular salivary glands of rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between diabetic xerostomia and changes in aquaporin-1 (AQP1), aquaporin-5 (AQP5), and aquaporin-8 (AQP8) expression in the submandibular glands (SMGs), to further study the pathogenesis of diabetic xerostomia and to observe the therapeutic effect of insulin (INS).

METHODS

Thirty SD rats were randomized equally into 3 groups: control group, diabetic model (DM) group and insulin (INS) group (n=10, respectively). The control group received no treatment. DM group and INS group were induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection. After establishment of a diabetic rat model, the rats in INS group were treated with insulin. Then all rats were fed continuously with ordinary diet for 2 months. H&E staining was used to describe morphologic changes in the SMGs of rats. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expressions and localization of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 in the SMGs. Computer image analysis was used to detect the mean optical density (MOD) values of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 expression, and changes in the diameters of acini and ducts.

RESULTS

The acini were mildly atrophied and the acinar cells were rearranged in an irregular way. The morphology of insulin-administered diabetic SMGs was similar to that of the control group. The acinar average circumference and GCT average diameter in DM group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The acinar average circumference and GCT average diameter of INS group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The expressions of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 were significantly reduced in DM group (P<0.05). The expressions of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 in INS group were significantly increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The decreased expressions of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 led to decreased salivary secretion of SMGs in diabetic rats, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic xerostomia. Insulin could up-regulate the expressions of AQP1, AQP5 and AQP8, and play a protective role in the secretory function of diabetic SMGs.

Expression of Aquaporin-1 and Aquaporin-5 in a Rat Model of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema and the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Exposure

Objective:

To investigate the therapeutic roles of hyperbaric oxygen exposure on high-altitude pulmonary edema and to determine whether aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-5 were involved in the pathogenesis of HAPE in rats.

Methods:

Rats were divided into 5 groups: The control group, the HAPE group (HAPE model), the HBO group (hyperbaric oxygen exposure), the NBO group (normobaric oxygen exposure), and the NA group (normal air exposure). Western blot and real-time PCR were used to analyze the pulmonary expressions of AQP1 and AQP5. The wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio and the morphology of the lung were also examined.

Results:

The lung W/D weight ratio in the HAPE group was increased compared with the control group. The injury score in the HBO group was noticeably lower than that in the control group. The mRNA and proteins expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 were significantly downregulated in the HAPE group.

Conclusions:

Oxygen exposure alleviated high-altitude hypobaric hypoxia-induced lung injury in rats. Additionally, HBO therapy had significant advantage on interstitial HAPE.

A decrease in the tear secretion volume in a mouse model with ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

Dry eye syndrome is known to develop from several systemic inflammatory diseases. Although dry eye may develop due to extraintestinal complications of ulcerative colitis (UC), the pathogenesis is not well-known. This study aimed to investigate whether there was decrease in the tear secretion volume in a mice model with UC; the difference between the control and dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-treated group was also determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included a mice model with UC induced by the oral administration of 5.0% DSS for 7 days. Following the DSS treatment, the tear volume was measured using the Schirmer's test. The colon and ocular tissues, including the lacrimal gland, were evaluated using histological and protein analyses. Additionally, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in the plasma were determined. Differences between groups (DSS-treated versus control mice) were determined using Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The tear volume in DSS-treated mice was decreased compared to that in the control mice. Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in DSS-treated mice was higher than that of control. Morphological change was observed with the invasion of the inflammatory cell in the lacrimal gland of DSS-treated mice. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells were increased in the lacrimal glands of DSS-treated mice compared with control group. The distribution of aquaporin-5 expressed in the lacrimal gland of DSS-treated mice was decreased compared to that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a decrease in the tear volume in UC was associated with a functional decline in the inflamed lacrimal gland. This result therefore provides useful information that could contribute to the development of treatment approaches for dry eye associated with UC.

Exosomes co-expressing AQP5-targeting miRNAs and IL-4 receptor-binding peptide inhibit the migration of human breast cancer cells

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) plays a role in breast cancer cell migration. This study aimed to identify AQP5-targeting miRNAs and examine their effects on breast cancer cell migration through exosome-mediated delivery. Bioinformatic analyses identified miR-1226-3p, miR-19a-3p, and miR-19b-3p as putative regulators of AQP5 mRNA. Immunoblotting revealed a decrease of AQP5 protein abundance when each of these miRNAs was transfected into human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated the reduction of AQP5 mRNA expression by the transfection of miR-1226-3p and a luciferase reporter assay revealed the reduction of AQP5 translation after the transfection of miR-19b-3p in MDA-MB-231 cells. Consistently, the transfection of each miRNA impeded cell migration. Pathway enrichment analyses showed that these three miRNAs regulate target genes, which were predominantly enriched in the gap junction pathway. For the efficient delivery of AQP5-targeting miRNAs to breast cancer cells, exosomes expressing both miRNAs and a peptide targeting interleukin-4 receptor, which is highly expressed in breast cancer cells, were bioengineered and their inhibitory effects on AQP5 protein expression and cell migration were demonstrated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, AQP5-regulating miRNAs are identified, which could be exploited for the inhibition of breast cancer cell migration via the exosome-mediated delivery.

Lipoxin A4 ameliorates alveolar fluid clearance disturbance in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury via aquaporin 5 and MAPK signaling pathway

Background

A characteristic of acute lung injury (ALI) is the inflammatory damage of alveolar fluid transport. Lipoxins are endogenous lipids involving in the resolution of inflammation. It is found that lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has the distinct properties to improve the anti-edema and pro-resolution function in inflammation. Since aquaporins (AQPs) have essential roles in the integrity of barrier function during fluid transport, especially AQP5 in the maintaining of the epithelium permeability, the current study is aimed to evaluate the potential role of LXA4 in regulating alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) during fluid transport and the corresponding change of AQP5 in the lung.

Methods

ALI was induced by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection, and LXA4 treatment was given 8 hours after LPS administration. We investigated changes in the capacity of AFC, pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the severity of ALI. Then AQP5 expression in lung tissue and potential regulatory pathways in LPS-induced ALI was explored.

Results

LXA4 treatment was found to inhibit AFC capacity, inflammatory cytokine release, partially, alleviate ALI severity, and restored AQP5 expression partially. Additionally, we found that LXA4 played a protective role by the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK.

Conclusions

In summary, our results suggest that LXA4 plays a protective role in lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI by restoring AFC capacity and upregulating AQP5 expression and inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. These findings suggest potential new mechanism of LXA4 as anti-inflammation therapy for the impairment of alveolar fluid transport in ALI.

Distribution of aquaporin-5, transforming growth factor-β1 and laminin during regeneration of atrophic rat submandibular glands after duct ligation

The aim of this study was to determine the localization of aquaporin-5 (AQP5), transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) and laminin during regeneration of the rat submandibular gland. After duct ligation for 7 days, the regenerating glands were collected on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 after ligation release to study the process of regeneration. Immunohistochemical staining revealed apical expression of AQP5 in many acinar cells, strong expression in intercalated ducts (ICDs) of the normal submandibular gland at Day 14, and strong expression in duct-like structures (DLSs) during regeneration from Day 0 to 7. However, a few AQP5-negative acinar cells were detected during regeneration. At Day 0, immunopositivity for TGF-β₁ was detected in connective tissue. At Days 3 and 7 during regeneration, TGF-β₁ immunostaining was observed in DLSs, which were surrounded by α-smooth muscle actin-positive thickened myoepithelial cells. Laminin staining was strong in the thickened basement membrane of DLSs at Day 3 during regeneration, but weak around acinar cells at Day 14. These findings suggest that TGF-β₁ is involved in the environment around DLSs, myoepithelial cells and laminin, that DLSs have the same functional properties as ICDs, and that AQP5-negative acinar cells may be mucous cells.

Forced diffusion of water molecules through aquaporin-5 biomembrane; a molecular dynamics study

Aquaporins (AQPs) are protein channels located across the cell membrane which conduct the water permeation through the cell membrane. Different types of AQPs exist in human organs and play vital roles, as the malfunction of such protein membranes can lead to life-threatening conditions. A specific type of AQP, identified as AQP5, is particularly essential to the generation of saliva, tears and pulmonary secretions. We have adopted Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation to analyze the water permeation and diffusion in AQP5 structure in a 0.5 microsecond simulation time window. The MD numerical simulation shows the water permeability of the human AQP5 is in the nominal range for other members of human aquaporins family. In addition, we have considered the effect of the osmotic water diffusion and the diffusion occurred by pressure gradient on the protein membrane. The water permeability grows monotonically as the applied pressure on the solvent increases. Furthermore, the forced diffusion increases the minimum radius of Selectivity Filter (SF) region of region AQP5 up to 20% and consequently the permeability coefficients enhance enormously compared to osmotic self-diffusion in AQP5 tetramer. Finally, it is revealed that the MD simulation of human AQP5 provides useful insights into the mechanisms of water regulation through alveolar cells under the different physical conditions; osmotic self-diffusion and forced diffusion condition.

Knockdown of aquaporin-5 sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil via inhibition of the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5), a water channel protein, has been reported to possess oncogenic potential in multiple types of malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its effect on the chemosensitivity of CRC cells remains elusive. Hence, this study investigated the effect of AQP5 silencing in CRC cells on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity and attempted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A short hairpin RNA construct targeting AQP5 was transfected into HCT116 or HT29 cells to generate stable AQP5-silenced cell lines. The effects of AQP5 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, tumor growth, and 5-FU chemoresistance were evaluated. Relative protein levels of Wnt-β-catenin pathway effectors were also measured. The results showed that silencing of AQP5 increased the chemosensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU, facilitated 5-FU-mediated apoptosis, suppressed tumor growth, and reduced 5-FU chemoresistance in vivo. Furthermore, the effect of AQP5 on 5-FU chemosensitivity was mediated by the Wnt-β-catenin pathway. Silencing of AQP5 inhibited Wnt-β-catenin signaling, whereas overexpression of the degradation-resistant mutant of β-catenin (S33Y) reversed apoptosis induced by AQP5 silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that AQP5 silencing enhances the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU, and the underlying mechanism is related to inhibition of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway. AQP5 could be a useful therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Impact of AQP-5 on the growth of colorectal cancer cells and the underlying mechanism

Aquaporin 5 (AQP-5) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissue and associated with colorectal cancer development and prognosis. Here, we explored the effects of AQP-5 on colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis and the underlying mechanism by inhibiting endogenous AQP-5 expression in the human colorectal cancer cell lines COLO 205 and SW480. These cells were transfected with an AQP-5-siRNA, and transfection efficiency and its effects on AQP-5 expression were assessed by immunofluorescence and PCR, respectively. Then, cell proliferation was assessed via the MTT assay, apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI and TUNEL assays, and expression changes in Bax and Bcl-2 were assessed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Transfection with AQP-5-siRNA reduced AQP-5 expression by up to 62%. The MTT assay showed that cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by AQP-5-siRNA transfection compared to that in NS-siRNA-transfected cells (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentage of apoptotic AQP-5-siRNA-transfected cells was significantly higher than that of NS-siRNA-transfected cells (P < 0.05). Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting showed that AQP-5-siRNA significantly increased the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA and protein ratios compared with those following NS-siRNA transfection. Thus, AQP5-siRNA promotes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, which may be associated with Bax/Bcl expression.

Epithelial disruptions, but not immune cell invasion, induced secretory dysfunction following innate immune activation in a novel model of acute salivary gland injury

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland (SG) injurious agents are all translated into loss of salivation (xerostomia). An association has been established between activation of innate immunity and SG injury and dysfunction. However, it remains unclear how the secretory epithelia respond by halting saliva production.

METHODS

C57BL/6 submandibular glands (SMGs) were acutely challenged using a single dose of the innate immune stimulant: polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)). Secretory capacity of the infected SMGs was substantiated by assessing the flow rate in response to pilocarpine stimulation. Depletion of the acute inflammatory cells was achieved by pre-treating mice with RB6-8C5 depletion antibody. Flow cytometry, histology and immunohistochemistry were conducted to verify the immune cell depletion. Epithelial expression of saliva-driving molecules: muscarinic 3 receptor (M3R), aquaporin 5 water channel (AQP5), Na-K-CL-Cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A), was characterized using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Tight junction (TJ) protein; zonula occludens (ZO-1) and basement membrane (BM) protein; and laminin were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Innate immune challenge prompted dysfunction in the exocrine SGs. Dysregulated gene and protein expression of molecules that drive saliva secretion was substantiated. Aberrant expression of TJ and BM proteins followed innate immune activation. Hyposalivation in the current model was independent of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive, acute inflammatory cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we developed a novel injury model of the SGs, featuring acute secretory dysfunction and immediate structural disruptions. Our results ruled out the injurious role of aggressively infiltrating inflammatory cells.

[Role of aquaporin-5 in regulating colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of aquaporin 5(AQP5) in regulating the cell proliferation and apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

A small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting AQP5 was used to suppress endogenous AQP5 expression in the human colorectal cancer cell lines COLO 205 and SW480, and the transfection efficiency of AQP5 siRNA was determined using immunofluorescence assay and PCR. The changes in the proliferation of the transfected cells was evaluated with MTT assay, and the cell apoptosis was analyzed using Annexin V-FITC/PI and TUNEL assays; the changes of Bax and Bcl2 expressions in the cells were determined using RTPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Transfection with AQP-5-siRNA resulted in a significant reduction (up to 90%) of AQP-5 expression in COLO 205 and SW480 cells. MTT assay showed that AQP-5-siRNA transfection significantly inhibited the cell proliferation compared NS siRNA transfection (P<0.05). Flow cytometric analysis revealed significantly increased apoptotic rate of cells following AQP-5-siRNA transfection compared with NS?siRNA transfection(P<0.05). Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting demonstrated that AQP-5-siRNA transfection significantly increased Bax and Bcl-2 expressions at both mRNA and protein levels in the cells.

CONCLUSION

AQP5-siRNA can promote apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells in vitro possibly in relation to its effects on Bax and Bcl expressions.

Ixeris dentata extract regulates salivary secretion through the activation of aquaporin-5 and prevents diabetes-induced xerostomia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ixeris dentata (IXD) extract to improve the salivation rate in dry mouth induced by diabetes. Both control and diabetic rats were treated with a sublingual spray of either water or IXD extract to determine the effects of IXD on salivation. During the study, we observed that IXD extract treatment increased the salivary flow rate in diabetic rats. The expression of α-amylase was increased significantly in both saliva and glandular tissue lysates of IXD-treated diabetic rats. Aquaporin-5 protein expression was abnormally low in the salivary glands of diabetic rats, which increased hyposalivation and led to salivary dysfunction. However, a single oral spray of IXD extract drastically increased the expression of aquaporin-5 in salivary gland acinar and ductal cells in diabetic rats. Moreover, IXD extract induced expression of Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers in the salivary gland, which suggests that Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers modulate salivary secretions and aid in the fluid-secretion mechanism. Furthermore, transient treatment with IXD extract increased the intracellular calcium in human salivary gland cells. Taken together, these results suggest the potential value of an IXD extract for the treatment of diabetes-induced hyposalivation and xerostomia.

Indoxyl Sulfate as a Mediator Involved in Dysregulation of Pulmonary Aquaporin-5 in Acute Lung Injury Caused by Acute Kidney Injury

High mortality of acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with acute lung injury (ALI), which is a typical complication of AKI. Although it is suggested that dysregulation of lung salt and water channels following AKI plays a pivotal role in ALI, the mechanism of its dysregulation has not been elucidated. Here, we examined the involvement of a typical oxidative stress-inducing uremic toxin, indoxyl sulfate (IS), in the dysregulation of the pulmonary predominant water channel, aquaporin 5 (AQP-5), in bilateral nephrectomy (BNx)-induced AKI model rats. BNx evoked AKI with the increases in serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum IS levels and exhibited thickening of interstitial tissue in the lung. Administration of AST-120, clinically-used oral spherical adsorptive carbon beads, resulted in a significant decrease in serum IS level and thickening of interstitial tissue, which was accompanied with the decreases in IS accumulation in various tissues, especially lung. Interestingly, a significant decrease in AQP-5 expression of lung was observed in BNx rats. Moreover, the BNx-induced decrease in pulmonary AQP-5 protein expression was markedly restored by oral administration of AST-120. These results suggest that BNx-induced AKI causes dysregulation of pulmonary AQP-5 expression, in which IS could play a toxico-physiological role as a mediator involved in renopulmonary crosstalk.

Astaxanthin affects oxidative stress and hyposalivation in aging mice

Oral dryness, a serious problem for the aging Japanese society, is induced by aging-related hyposalivation and causes dysphagia, dysgeusia, inadaptation of dentures, and growth of oral Candida albicans. Oxidative stress clearly plays a role in decreasing saliva secretion and treatment with antioxidants such astaxanthin supplements may be beneficial. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of astaxanthin on the oral saliva secretory function of aging mice. The saliva flow increased in astaxanthin-treated mice 72 weeks after administration while that of the control decreased by half. The plasma d-ROMs values of the control but not astaxanthin-treated group measured before and 72 weeks after treatment increased. The diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) value of astaxanthin-treated mice 72 weeks after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group was. The plasma biological antioxidative potential (BAP) values of the control but not astaxanthin-treated mice before and 72 weeks after treatment decreased. Moreover, the BAP value of the astaxanthin-treated group 72 weeks after treatment was significantly higher than that of the control was. Furthermore, the submandibular glands of astaxanthin-treated mice had fewer inflammatory cells than the control did. Specifically, immunofluorescence revealed a significantly large aquaporin-5 positive cells in astaxanthin-treated mice. Our results suggest that astaxanthin treatment may prevent age-related decreased saliva secretion.

Mechanisms Underlying Activation of α₁-Adrenergic Receptor-Induced Trafficking of AQP5 in Rat Parotid Acinar Cells under Isotonic or Hypotonic Conditions

Defective cellular trafficking of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) to the apical plasma membrane (APM) in salivary glands is associated with the loss of salivary fluid secretion. To examine mechanisms of α₁-adrenoceptor (AR)-induced trafficking of AQP5, immunoconfocal microscopy and Western blot analysis were used to analyze AQP5 localization in parotid tissues stimulated with phenylephrine under different osmolality. Phenylephrine-induced trafficking of AQP5 to the APM and lateral plasma membrane (LPM) was mediated via the α_1A-AR subtype, but not the α_1B- and α_1D-AR subtypes. Phenylephrine-induced trafficking of AQP5 was inhibited by ODQ and KT5823, inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO)-stimulated guanylcyclase (GC) and protein kinase (PK) G, respectively, indicating the involvement of the NO/ soluble (c) GC/PKG signaling pathway. Under isotonic conditions, phenylephrine-induced trafficking was inhibited by La³⁺, implying the participation of store-operated Ca²⁺ channel. Under hypotonic conditions, phenylephrine-induced trafficking of AQP5 to the APM was higher than that under isotonic conditions. Under non-stimulated conditions, hypotonicity-induced trafficking of AQP5 to the APM was inhibited by ruthenium red and La³⁺, suggesting the involvement of extracellular Ca²⁺ entry. Thus, α_1A-AR activation induced the trafficking of AQP5 to the APM and LPM via the Ca²⁺/ cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/PKG signaling pathway, which is associated with store-operated Ca²⁺ entry.

Combinations of differentiation markers distinguish subpopulations of alveolar epithelial cells in adult lung

Distal lung epithelium is maintained by proliferation of alveolar type II (AT2) cells and, for some daughter AT2 cells, transdifferentiation into alveolar type I (AT1) cells. We investigated if subpopulations of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) exist that represent various stages in transdifferentiation from AT2 to AT1 cell phenotypes in normal adult lung and if they can be identified using combinations of cell-specific markers. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that, in distal rat and mouse lungs, ∼ 20-30% of NKX2.1(+) (or thyroid transcription factor 1(+)) cells did not colocalize with pro-surfactant protein C (pro-SP-C), a highly specific AT2 cell marker. In distal rat lung, NKX2.1(+) cells coexpressed either pro-SP-C or the AT1 cell marker homeodomain only protein x (HOPX). Not all HOPX(+) cells colocalize with the AT1 cell marker aquaporin 5 (AQP5), and some AQP5(+) cells were NKX2.1(+). HOPX was expressed earlier than AQP5 during transdifferentiation in rat AEC primary culture, with robust expression of both by day 7. We speculate that NKX2.1 and pro-SP-C colocalize in AT2 cells, NKX2.1 and HOPX or AQP5 colocalize in intermediate or transitional cells, and HOPX and AQP5 are expressed without NKX2.1 in AT1 cells. These findings suggest marked heterogeneity among cells previously identified as exclusively AT1 or AT2 cells, implying the presence of subpopulations of intermediate or transitional AEC in normal adult lung.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates pulmonary edema by upregulating AQP1 and AQP5 expression in rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which dexmedetomidine alleviates pulmonary edema in rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal saline control (NS) group, receiving intravenous 0.9% normal saline (5 mL/kg); LPS group, receiving intravenous LPS (10 mg/kg); small-dose dexmedetomidine (S) group, treated with a small dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)); medium-dose dexmedetomidine (M) group, treated with a medium dose of dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)); high-dose dexmedetomidine (H) group, treated with a high dose of dexmedetomidine (5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)). The rats were sacrificed 6 h after intravenous injection of LPS or NS, and the lungs were removed for evaluating histological characteristics and determining the lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the lung tissues were assessed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) were detected by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. The lung tissues from the LPS groups were significantly damaged, which were less pronounced in the H group but not in the small-dose dexmedetomidine group or medium-dose dexmedetomidine group. The W/D and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the pulmonary tissues were increased in the LPS group as compared with those in NS group, which were reduced in the H group but not in S group or M group (P<0.01). The expression of AQP1 and AQP5 was lower in the LPS group than in the NS group, and significantly increased in the H group but not in the S group or M group (P<0.01). Our findings suggest that dexmedetomidine may alleviate pulmonary edema by increasing the expression of AQP-1 and AQP-5.

Desipramine inhibits salivary Ca(2+) signaling and aquaporin translocation

OBJECTIVE

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with a negative side effect of dry mouth. The Na(+) /H(+) exchanger was suggested to be a target of desipramine in salivary gland cells. However, it is unclear whether desipramine has other targets in the salivary secretion pathway. Here, we studied the effect of desipramine on salivary Ca(2+) signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+) ]i ) was determined with the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator fura-2/AM. Aquaporin translocation was analyzed by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry of confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Desipramine inhibited the carbachol- and histamine-mediated increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+) ]i ) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, desipramine did not affect increases in [Ca(2+) ]i mediated by extracellular ATP, sphingosine-1-phosphate, or thapsigargin. The adrenergic receptor blockers prazosin and propranolol did not reverse the desipramine-mediated inhibition of carbachol- and histamine-induced increases in [Ca(2+) ]i . We also found that desipramine inhibits the increase in membrane aquaporin-5 level triggered by carbachol and histamine treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that desipramine blocks muscarinic and histamine receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signaling and the subsequent translocation of aquaporin-5 in human salivary gland cells, suggesting a novel mechanism for the xerogenic effects of desipramine.

Immunolocalization of AQP5 in resting and stimulated normal labial glands and in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

In our current work, in vivo examination of AQP5 distribution in labial salivary glands following stimulation of secretion has been carried out in normal individuals and in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

For this study, we selected five patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (mean age 62.4 ± 10.6 s.d. years) diagnosed in accordance with the European Cooperative Community classification criteria. There were five patients (mean age 27 ± 2.5 s.d. years) in the control group. The subcellular distribution of AQP5 in human labial gland biopsies was determined with light and immunoelectron microscopy before and 30 min after administration of oral pilocarpine.

RESULTS

In unstimulated control and Sjögren's labial glands, AQP5 is about 90% localized in the apical plasma membrane, with only rarely associated gold particles with intracellular membrane structures. We have found no evidence of pilocarpine-induced changes in localization of AQP5 in either healthy individuals or patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies indicate that neither Sjögren's syndrome itself, nor muscarinic cholinergic stimulation in vivo caused any significant changes in the distribution of AQP5 in the labial salivary gland cells.

Function of the membrane water channel aquaporin-5 in the salivary gland

The process of saliva production in the salivary glands requires transepithelial water transfer from the interstitium to the acinar lumen. There are two transepithelial pathways: the transcellular and paracellular. In the transcellular pathway, the aquaporin water channels induce passive water diffusion across the membrane lipid bilayer. It is well known that aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is expressed in the salivary glands, in which it is mainly localized at the apical membrane of the acinar cells. This suggests the physiological importance of AQP5 in transcellular water transfer. Reduced saliva secretion under pilocarpine stimulation in AQP5-null mice compared with normal mice further indicates the importance of AQP5 in this process, at least in stimulated saliva secretion. Questions remain therefore regarding the role and importance of AQP5 in basal saliva secretion. It has been speculated that there would be some short-term regulation of AQP5 such as a trafficking mechanism to regulate saliva secretion. However, no histochemical evidence of AQP5-trafficking has been found, although some of biochemical analyses suggested that it may occur. There are no reports of human disease caused by AQP5 mutations, but some studies have revealed an abnormal subcellular distribution of AQP5 in patients or animals with xerostomia caused by Sjögren’s syndrome and X-irradiation. These findings suggest the possible pathophysiological importance of AQP5 in the salivary glands.