Phosphorylation events and the modulation of aquaporin 2 cell surface expression

Distinct Initial SNARE Configurations Underlying the Diversity of Exocytosis

The dynamics of exocytosis are diverse and have been optimized for the functions of synapses and a wide variety of cell types. For example, the kinetics of exocytosis varies by more than five orders of magnitude between ultrafast exocytosis in synaptic vesicles and slow exocytosis in large dense-core vesicles. However, in all cases, exocytosis is mediated by the same fundamental mechanism, i.e., the assembly of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. It is often assumed that vesicles need to be docked at the plasma membrane and SNARE proteins must be preassembled before exocytosis is triggered. However, this model cannot account for the dynamics of exocytosis recently reported in synapses and other cells. For example, vesicles undergo exocytosis without prestimulus docking during tonic exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in the active zone. In addition, epithelial and hematopoietic cells utilize cAMP and kinases to trigger slow exocytosis of nondocked vesicles. In this review, we summarize the manner in which the diversity of exocytosis reflects the initial configurations of SNARE assembly, including trans-SNARE, binary-SNARE, unitary-SNARE, and cis-SNARE configurations. The initial SNARE configurations depend on the particular SNARE subtype (syntaxin, SNAP25, or VAMP), priming proteins (Munc18, Munc13, CAPS, complexin, or snapin), triggering proteins (synaptotagmins, Doc2, and various protein kinases), and the submembraneous cytomatrix, and they are the key to determining the kinetics of subsequent exocytosis. These distinct initial configurations will help us clarify the common SNARE assembly processes underlying exocytosis and membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells.

New insights into the dynamic regulation of water and acid-base balance by renal epithelial cells

Maintaining tight control over body fluid and acid-base homeostasis is essential for human health and is a major function of the kidney. The collecting duct is a mosaic of two cell populations that are highly specialized to perform these two distinct processes. The antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (VP) and its receptor, the V2R, play a central role in regulating the urinary concentrating mechanism by stimulating accumulation of the aquaporin 2 (AQP2) water channel in the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cells. This increases epithelial water permeability and allows osmotic water reabsorption to occur. An understanding of the basic cell biology/physiology of AQP2 regulation and trafficking has informed the development of new potential treatments for diseases such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, in which the VP/V2R/AQP2 signaling axis is defective. Tubule acidification due to the activation of intercalated cells is also critical to organ function, and defects lead to several pathological conditions in humans. Therefore, it is important to understand how these "professional" proton-secreting cells respond to environmental and cellular cues. Using epididymal proton-secreting cells as a model system, we identified the soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC) as a sensor that detects luminal bicarbonate and activates the vacuolar proton-pumping ATPase (V-ATPase) via cAMP to regulate tubular pH. Renal intercalated cells also express sAC and respond to cAMP by increasing proton secretion, supporting the hypothesis that sAC could function as a luminal sensor in renal tubules to regulate acid-base balance. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of these fundamental processes.

Molecular biology of water and salt regulation in the kidney

The kidney plays a central role in the regulation of the salt and water balance, which depends upon an array of solute and water transporters in the renal tubules and upon vascular elements in the various regions of the kidney. Many recent studies have improved our understanding of this process. In this review, we summarize the current data on the molecules involved in sodium and water transport in the renal tubules, focusing in particular on aquaporins and renal sodium transporters and channels.

Anthrax edema toxin impairs clearance in mice

The anthrax edema toxin (ET) of Bacillus anthracis is composed of the receptor-binding component protective antigen (PA) and of the adenylyl cyclase catalytic moiety, edema factor (EF). Uptake of ET into cells raises intracellular concentrations of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP, thereby impairing or activating host cell functions. We report here on a new consequence of ET action in vivo. We show that in mouse models of toxemia and infection, serum PA concentrations were significantly higher in the presence of enzymatically active EF. These higher concentrations were not caused by ET-induced inhibition of PA endocytosis; on the contrary, ET induced increased PA binding and uptake of the PA oligomer in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of the PA receptors TEM8 and CMG2 in both myeloid and nonmyeloid cells. ET effects on protein clearance from circulation appeared to be global and were not limited to PA. ET also impaired the clearance of ovalbumin, green fluorescent protein, and EF itself, as well as the small molecule biotin when these molecules were coinjected with the toxin. Effects on injected protein levels were not a result of general increase in protein concentrations due to fluid loss. Functional markers for liver and kidney were altered in response to ET. Concomitantly, ET caused phosphorylation and activation of the aquaporin-2 water channel present in the principal cells of the collecting ducts of the kidneys that are responsible for fluid homeostasis. Our data suggest that in vivo, ET alters circulatory protein and small molecule pharmacokinetics by an as-yet-undefined mechanism, thereby potentially allowing a prolonged circulation of anthrax virulence factors such as EF during infection.

AQP2 is necessary for vasopressin- and forskolin-mediated filamentous actin depolymerization in renal epithelial cells

Remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is required for vasopressin (VP)-induced aquaporin 2 (AQP2) trafficking. Here, we asked whether VP and forskolin (FK)-mediated F-actin depolymerization depends on AQP2 expression. Using various MDCK and LLC-PK1 cell lines with different AQP2 expression levels, we performed F-actin quantification and immunofluorescence staining after VP/FK treatment. In MDCK cells, in which AQP2 is delivered apically, VP/FK mediated F-actin depolymerization was significantly correlated with AQP2 expression levels. A decrease of apical membrane associated F-actin was observed upon VP/FK treatment in AQP2 transfected, but not in untransfected cells. There was no change in basolateral actin staining under these conditions. In LLC-PK₁ cells, which deliver AQP2 basolaterally, a significant VP/FK mediated decrease in F-actin was also detected only in AQP2 transfected cells. This depolymerization response to VP/FK was significantly reduced by siRNA knockdown of AQP2. By immunofluorescence, an inverse relationship between plasma membrane AQP2 and membrane-associated F-actin was observed after VP/FK treatment again only in AQP2 transfected cells. This is the first report showing that VP/FK mediated F-actin depolymerization is dependent on AQP2 protein expression in renal epithelial cells, and that this is not dependent on the polarity of AQP2 membrane insertion.

Familial forms of diabetes insipidus: clinical and molecular characteristics

Over the past two decades, the genetic and molecular basis of familial forms of diabetes insipidus has been elucidated. Diabetes insipidus is a clinical syndrome characterized by the excretion of abnormally large volumes of diluted urine (polyuria) and increased fluid intake (polydipsia). The most common type of diabetes insipidus is caused by lack of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (vasopressin), which is produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the neurohypophysis. This type of diabetes insipidus is referred to here as neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus. The syndrome can also result from resistance to the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin on the kidney, either at the level of the vasopressin 2 receptor or the aquaporin 2 water channel (which mediates the re-absorption of water from urine), and is referred to as renal or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Differentiation between these two types of diabetes insipidus and primary polydipsia can be difficult owing to the existence of partial as well as complete forms of vasopressin deficiency or resistance. Seven different familial forms of diabetes insipidus are known to exist. The clinical presentation, genetic basis and cellular mechanisms responsible for them vary considerably. This information has led to improved methods of differential diagnosis and could provide the basis of new forms of therapy.

Hyponatremia: mechanisms and newer treatments

OBJECTIVE

To review the neural and renal mechanisms of osmotic homeostasis, provide a rationale for the sensitivity of the central nervous system to hyponatremia, and outline modern approaches to therapy of acute and chronic hyponatremia.

METHODS

Review of relevant literature with focus on physiologic mechanisms.

RESULTS

With careful monitoring, acute hyponatremia can be managed, while minimizing risks both of continued hyponatremia and the osmotic demyelination that can occur with overly rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. Chronic hyponatremia due to disorders of volume regulation (congestive heart failure or cirrhosis) or to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release can be managed effectively with vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists, but there is no evidence that controlling the hyponatremia enhances survival associated with the underlying diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy in the acute setting balances the risk of the osmotic disturbance with the risk of overly rapid correction. The V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan has enhanced our ability to improve chronic hyponatremia in conditions such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone hypersecretion.

Regulation of the water channel aquaporin-2 by posttranslational modification

The cellular functions of many eukaryotic membrane proteins, including the vasopressin-regulated water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2), are regulated by posttranslational modifications. In this article, we discuss the experimental discoveries that have advanced our understanding of how posttranslational modifications affect AQP2 function, especially as they relate to the role of AQP2 in the kidney. We review the most recent data demonstrating that glycosylation and, in particular, phosphorylation and ubiquitination are mechanisms that regulate AQP2 activity, subcellular sorting and distribution, degradation, and protein interactions. From a clinical perspective, posttranslational modification resulting in protein misrouting or degradation may explain certain forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In addition to providing major insight into the function and dynamics of renal AQP2 regulation, the analysis of AQP2 posttranslational modification may provide general clues as to the role of posttranslational modification for regulation of other membrane proteins.

Simvastatin enhances aquaporin-2 surface expression and urinary concentration in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats through modulation of Rho GTPase

Statins are 3-hydroxyl-3-methyglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors that are commonly used to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. Emerging data have suggested that they also have "pleotropic effects," including modulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Here, we report an effect of simvastatin on the trafficking of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Specifically, simvastatin induced the membrane accumulation of AQP2 in cell cultures and kidneys in situ. The effect of simvastatin was independent of protein kinase A activation and phosphorylation at AQP2-Ser(256), a critical event involved in vasopressin (VP)-regulated AQP2 trafficking. Further investigation showed that simvastatin inhibited endocytosis in parallel with downregulation of RhoA activity. Overexpression of active RhoA attenuated simvastatin's effect, suggesting the involvement of this small GTPase in simvastatin-mediated AQP2 trafficking. Finally, the effect of simvastatin on urinary concentration was investigated in VP-deficient Brattleboro rats. Simvastatin acutely (3-6 h) increased urinary concentration and decreased urine output in these animals. In summary, simvastatin regulates AQP2 trafficking in vitro and urinary concentration in vivo via events involving downregulation of Rho GTPase activity and inhibition of endocytosis. Our study provides an alternative mechanism to regulate AQP2 trafficking, bypassing the VP-vasopressin receptor signaling pathway.

Calcitonin has a vasopressin-like effect on aquaporin-2 trafficking and urinary concentration

The most common cause of hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a nonfunctional vasopressin (VP) receptor type 2 (V2R). Calcitonin, another ligand of G-protein-coupled receptors, has a VP-like effect on electrolytes and water reabsorption, suggesting that it may affect AQP2 trafficking. Here, calcitonin increased intracellular cAMP and stimulated the membrane accumulation of AQP2 in LLC-PK1 cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) and deficiency of a critical PKA phosphorylation site on AQP2 both prevented calcitonin-induced membrane accumulation of AQP2. Fluorescence assays showed that calcitonin led to a 70% increase in exocytosis and a 20% decrease in endocytosis of AQP2. Immunostaining of rat kidney slices demonstrated that calcitonin induced a significant redistribution of AQP2 to the apical membrane of principal cells in cortical collecting ducts and connecting segments but not in the inner stripe or inner medulla. Calcitonin-treated VP-deficient Brattleboro rats had a reduced urine flow and two-fold higher urine osmolality during the first 12 hours of treatment compared with control groups. Although this VP-like effect of calcitonin diminished over the following 72 hours, the tachyphylaxis was reversible. Taken together, these data show that calcitonin induces cAMP-dependent AQP2 trafficking in cortical collecting and connecting tubules in parallel with an increase in urine concentration. This suggests that calcitonin has a potential therapeutic use in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Interaction of cytosolic glutamine synthetase of soybean root nodules with the C-terminal domain of the symbiosome membrane nodulin 26 aquaglyceroporin

Nodulin 26 (nod26) is a major intrinsic protein that constitutes the major protein component on the symbiosome membrane (SM) of N(2)-fixing soybean nodules. Functionally, nod26 forms a low energy transport pathway for water, osmolytes, and NH(3) across the SM. Besides their transport functions, emerging evidence suggests that high concentrations of major intrinsic proteins on membranes provide interaction and docking targets for various cytosolic proteins. Here it is shown that the C-terminal domain peptide of nod26 interacts with a 40-kDa protein from soybean nodule extracts, which was identified as soybean cytosolic glutamine synthetase GS(1)beta1 by mass spectrometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy assays show that recombinant soybean GS(1)beta1 binds the nod26 C-terminal domain with a 1:1 stoichiometry (K(d) = 266 nm). GS(1)beta1 also binds to isolated SMs, and this binding can be blocked by preincubation with the C-terminal peptide of nod26. In vivo experiments using either a split ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid system or bimolecular fluorescence complementation show that the four cytosolic GS isoforms expressed in soybean nodules interact with full-length nod26. The binding of GS, the principal ammonia assimilatory enzyme, to the conserved C-terminal domain of nod26, a transporter of NH(3), is proposed to promote efficient assimilation of fixed nitrogen, as well as prevent potential ammonia toxicity, by localizing the enzyme to the cytosolic side of the symbiosome membrane.

Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals vasopressin V2-receptor-dependent signaling pathways in renal collecting duct cells

Vasopressin's action in renal cells to regulate water transport depends on protein phosphorylation. Here we used mass spectrometry-based quantitative phosphoproteomics to identify signaling pathways involved in the short-term V2-receptor-mediated response in cultured collecting duct cells (mpkCCD) from mouse. Using Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino acids in Cell culture (SILAC) with two treatment groups (0.1 nM dDAVP or vehicle for 30 min), we carried out quantification of 2884 phosphopeptides. The majority (82%) of quantified phosphopeptides did not change in abundance in response to dDAVP. Analysis of the 273 phosphopeptides increased by dDAVP showed a predominance of so-called "basophilic" motifs consistent with activation of kinases of the AGC family. Increases in phosphorylation of several known protein kinase A targets were found. In addition, increased phosphorylation of targets of the calmodulin-dependent kinase family was seen, including autophosphorylation of calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 at T286. Analysis of the 254 phosphopeptides decreased in abundance by dDAVP showed a predominance of so-called "proline-directed" motifs, consistent with down-regulation of mitogen-activated or cyclin-dependent kinases. dDAVP decreased phosphorylation of both JNK1/2 (T183/Y185) and ERK1/2 (T183/Y185; T203/Y205), consistent with a decrease in activation of these proline-directed kinases in response to dDAVP. Both ERK and JNK were able to phosphorylate residue S261of aquaporin-2 in vitro, a site showing a decrease in phosphorylation in response to dDAVP in vivo. The data support roles for multiple vasopressin V2-receptor-dependent signaling pathways in the vasopressin signaling network of collecting duct cells, involving several kinases not generally accepted to regulate collecting duct function.

Quantitative analysis of aquaporin-2 phosphorylation

The action of vasopressin in rodent collecting ducts to regulate water permeability depends in part on increases in phosphorylation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) at three sites: Ser256, Ser264, and Ser269. Previous studies of AQP2 phosphorylation have depended largely on qualitative data using protein mass spectrometry and phospho-specific antibodies. Here, we use a new method employing phospho-specific antibodies to determine the percentage of total AQP2 phosphorylated at each site in the presence and absence of the V2-receptor-selective vasopressin analog dDAVP in rat renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and cultured mpkCCD cells. Phosphorylation of Ser269, a site previously implicated in plasma membrane retention, was found to increase from 3 to 26% of total AQP2 in rat IMCD cells following dDAVP. Quantification of immunogold labeling of the opposite kidneys from the same rats estimated that 11% of total AQP2 is present in the apical plasma membrane (APM) without injection of dDAVP and 25% is present in the APM after dDAVP. Surprisingly, the baseline level of Ser256 phosphorylation was constitutively high, and there was no increase with dDAVP (confirmed in 2 more sets of rats). In general, Ser264 phosphorylation remained below 5% of total. The pattern of response was similar in cultured mpkCCD cells (large increase in Ser269 phosphorylation following dDAVP, but constitutively high levels of Ser256 phosphorylation). We suggest from these studies that Ser269 phosphorylation may be a more consistent indicator of vasopressin action and AQP2 membrane abundance than is Ser256 phosphorylation.

Phosphoproteomic profiling reveals vasopressin-regulated phosphorylation sites in collecting duct

Protein phosphorylation is an important component of vasopressin signaling in the renal collecting duct, but the database of known phosphoproteins is incomplete. We used tandem mass spectrometry to identify vasopressin-regulated phosphorylation events in isolated rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) suspensions. Using multiple search algorithms to identify the phosphopeptides from spectral data, we expanded the size of the existing collecting duct phosphoproteome database from 367 to 1187 entries. Label-free quantification in vasopressin- and vehicle-treated samples detected a significant change in the phosphorylation of 29 of 530 quantified phosphopeptides. The targets include important structural, regulatory, and transporter proteins. The vasopressin-regulated sites included two known sites (Ser-486 and Ser-499) present in the urea channel UT-A1 and one previously unknown site (Ser-84) on vasopressin-sensitive urea channels UT-A1 and UT-A3. In vitro assays using synthetic peptides showed that purified protein kinase A (PKA) could phosphorylate all three sites, and immunoblotting confirmed the PKA dependence of Ser-84 and Ser-486 phosphorylation. These results expand the known list of collecting duct phosphoproteins and highlight the utility of targeted phosphoproteomic approaches.

Aquaporin-2 in the "-omics" era

Vasopressin controls renal water excretion largely through actions to regulate the water channel aquaporin-2 in collecting duct principal cells. Our knowledge of the mechanisms involved has increased markedly in recent years with the advent of methods for large-scale systems-level profiling such as protein mass spectrometry, yeast two-hybrid analysis, and oligonucleotide microarrays. Here we review this progress.

Sensing, signaling and sorting events in kidney epithelial cell physiology

The kidney regulates body fluid, ion and acid/base homeostasis through the interaction of a host of channels, transporters and pumps within specific tubule segments, specific cell types and specific plasma membrane domains. Furthermore, renal epithelial cells have adapted to function in an often unique and challenging environment that includes high medullary osmolality, acidic pHs, variable blood flow and constantly changing apical and basolateral 'bathing' solutions. In this review, we focus on selected protein trafficking events by which kidney epithelial cells regulate body fluid, ion and acid-base homeostasis in response to changes in physiological conditions. We discuss aquaporin 2 and G-protein-coupled receptors in fluid and ion balance, the vacuolar H(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) and intercalated cells in acid/base regulation and acidification events in the proximal tubule degradation pathway. Finally, in view of its direct role in vesicle trafficking that we outline in this study, we propose that the V-ATPase itself should, under some circumstances, be considered a fourth category of vesicle 'coat' protein (COP), alongside clathrin, caveolin and COPs.

Controlled aquaporin-2 expression in the hypertonic environment

The corticomedullary osmolality gradient is the driving force for water reabsorption occurring in the kidney. In the collecting duct, this gradient allows luminal water to move across aquaporin (AQP) water channels, thereby increasing urine concentration. However, this same gradient exposes renal cells to great osmotic challenges. These cells must constantly adapt to fluctuations of environmental osmolality that challenge cell volume and incite functional change. This implies profound alterations of cell phenotype regarding water permeability. AQP2 is an essential component of the urine concentration mechanism whose controlled expression dictates apical water permeability of collecting duct principal cells. This review focuses on changes of AQP2 abundance and trafficking in hypertonicity-challenged cells. Intracellular mechanisms governing these events are discussed and the biological relevance of altered AQP2 expression by hypertonicity is outlined.

Role of multiple phosphorylation sites in the COOH-terminal tail of aquaporin-2 for water transport: evidence against channel gating

Arginine vasopressin (AVP)-regulated phosphorylation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) at serine 256 (S256) is essential for its accumulation in the apical plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells. In this study, we examined the role of additional AVP-regulated phosphorylation sites in the COOH-terminal tail of AQP2 on protein function. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, prevention of AQP2 phosphorylation at S256A (S256A-AQP2) reduced osmotic water permeability threefold compared with wild-type (WT) AQP2-injected oocytes. In contrast, prevention of AQP2 single phosphorylation at S261 (S261A), S264 (S264A), and S269 (S269A), or all three sites in combination had no significant effect on water permeability. Similarly, oocytes expressing S264D-AQP2 and S269D-AQP2, mimicking AQP2 phosphorylated at these residues, had similar water permeabilities to WT-AQP2-expressing oocytes. The use of high-resolution confocal laser-scanning microscopy, as well as biochemical analysis demonstrated that all AQP2 mutants, with the exception of S256A-AQP2, had equal abundance in the oocyte plasma membrane. Correlation of osmotic water permeability relative to plasma membrane abundance demonstrated that lack of phosphorylation at S256, S261, S264, or S269 had no effect on AQP2 unit water transport. Similarly, no effect on AQP2 unit water transport was observed for the 264D and 269D forms, indicating that phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal tail of AQP2 is not involved in gating of the channel. The use of phosphospecific antibodies demonstrated that AQP2 S256 phosphorylation is not dependent on any of the other phosphorylation sites, whereas S264 and S269 phosphorylation depend on prior phosphorylation of S256. In contrast, AQP2 S261 phosphorylation is independent of the phosphorylation status of S256.

A fluorimetry-based ssYFP secretion assay to monitor vasopressin-induced exocytosis in LLC-PK1 cells expressing aquaporin-2

Vasopressin (VP)-induced exocytosis was dissected in native and aquaporin-2 (AQP2)-expressing renal LLC-PK(1) cells by a fluorimetric exocytosis assay based on soluble secreted yellow fluorescent protein (ssYFP). YFP was targeted to the secretory pathway by addition of an 18-amino acid signal peptide from hen egg white lysozyme. Immunofluorescence labeling, together with analysis of Alexa 555-dextran internalization, revealed that ssYFP is exclusively located in the secretory pathway. Immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy showed significant colocalization of ssYFP and AQP2. Fluorimetry and Western blot analysis demonstrated similar constitutive ssYFP secretion in native LLC-PK(1) and AQP2-expressing cells. In AQP2-expressing cells, a twofold increase in ssYFP secretion was observed within 15 min of VP stimulation. This transient burst of ssYFP secretion was abolished by the PKA inhibitor H-89 and was not observed in native cells. The endocytotic inhibitor methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, which also promotes membrane accumulation of AQP2, had no effect on ssYFP secretion. Although cells expressing phosphorylation-deficient AQP2-S256A showed significantly lower baseline levels of constitutive secretion, VP induced a significant increase in exocytosis. Our data indicate that 1) this assay can monitor exocytosis in cultured epithelial cells, 2) VP has an acute stimulatory effect on ssYFP secretion in AQP2-expressing, but not native, cells, and 3) phosphorylation of AQP2 at S256 may be involved in the regulation of constitutive AQP2 exocytosis and play only a minor role in the VP-induced burst. These results support the idea that, in addition to its role in reducing AQP2 endocytosis, VP increases AQP2 exocytosis.