Transport characteristics of a murine renal Na/Pi-cotransporter

Topology, tissue distribution, and transcriptional level of SLC34s in response to Pi and pH in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

In the present study, two new SLC34 family members, named slc34a1b and slc34a2a, were isolated and characterized from grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Topology, tissue distribution, and transcriptional response to phosphorus (Pi) and pH were compared among three members of SLC34 family (slc34a1b, slc34a2a, and slc34a2b) in grass carp. The length of validated cDNAs of grass carp slc34a1b and slc34a2a was 1494 bp and 1902 bp, and these two cDNAs encoded 497 and 633 amino acid residues, respectively. The domain analysis showed that three SLC34 members of grass carp contain architecture similar to that in mammals. Moreover, the mRNA of three slc34s was widely expressed in nine tissues (heart, brain, intestine, kidney, liver, muscle, gill, spleen, and skin), but at various levels. Our results revealed that 6 mM and 9 mM Pi incubation significantly reduced the mRNA expression of three slc34s in both CIK and L8824 cell lines from grass carp. The expression of slc34a1b was decreased in the CIK cells, but not in the L8824 cells after 3 mM Pi incubation. In CIK cells, 3 mM Pi incubation downregulated the expression of slc34a1b and slc34a2a, but not slc34a2b. In addition, the expression of three slc34s was significantly reduced at acidic pH in the CIK cells. Taken together, we characterized three SLC34 family members, revealed their specific distribution among different tissues, and elucidated their transcriptional responses to Pi and pH in two cell lines from grass carp. Our findings provide an insight into the physiological function of three SLC34s in fish.

Thifluzamide induces the toxic effects on zebrafish (Danio rerio) via inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)

Thifluzamide is widely used in treatment of rice diseases and has potential toxicity on aquatic organism. Although previous studies have focused on the toxic effect of thifluzamide in zebrafish, no consistent conclusions have been reached. To help to elucidate the toxic mechanism, qualities of liver and mitochondria were evaluated. The global changes in the transcriptome of zebrafish after exposure to thifluzamide were measured. Based on this, the expression and activities of chitinase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were further assayed. And the targeted site of thifluzamide in zebrafish was confirmed by dock study and co-exposure study. Here we report that developmental inhibition was observed along with presence of liver and mitochondrial damage. The expression of SDHa-d and genes related to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replicate and mitochondrial complexes were significantly altered. And, as the top differentially expressed genes, the expression of chia.1-6 did show apparent changes, but differences of chitinase activity between exposure groups and the controls did not reach significance. In line with that, dock study showed that the binding potentials of thifluzamide toward zebrafish chitinase and SDH exhibited in the following order: SDH> chitinase. And sdhb-sdhc-sdhd (Qp site) showed the highest binding activity toward thifluzamide. The joint exposure (thifluzamide + Q10) significantly improved the survival of zebrafish compared with single thifluzamide exposure. These results indicate that SDH, especially Qp-site, may be the target of thifluzamide in zebrafish and inhibition of SDH activity may be at least in partial responsible for the toxicity of thifluzamide in zebrafish. In addition, the antagonistic effect of Q10 on thifluzamide toxicity in zebrafish suggests that Q10 may be a useful adjunct to detoxification.

Mechanisms of phosphate transport

Over the past 25 years, successive cloning of SLC34A1, SLC34A2 and SLC34A3, which encode the sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (P_i) cotransport proteins 2a-2c, has facilitated the identification of molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulation of renal and intestinal P_i transport. P_i and various hormones, including parathyroid hormone and phosphatonins, such as fibroblast growth factor 23, regulate the activity of these P_i transporters through transcriptional, translational and post-translational mechanisms involving interactions with PDZ domain-containing proteins, lipid microdomains and acute trafficking of the transporters via endocytosis and exocytosis. In humans and rodents, mutations in any of the three transporters lead to dysregulation of epithelial P_i transport with effects on serum P_i levels and can cause cardiovascular and musculoskeletal damage, illustrating the importance of these transporters in the maintenance of local and systemic P_i homeostasis. Functional and structural studies have provided insights into the mechanism by which these proteins transport P_i, whereas in vivo and ex vivo cell culture studies have identified several small molecules that can modify their transport function. These small molecules represent potential new drugs to help maintain P_i homeostasis in patients with chronic kidney disease - a condition that is associated with hyperphosphataemia and severe cardiovascular and skeletal consequences.

Distinct functional properties of two electrogenic isoforms of the SLC34 Na-Pi cotransporter

Inorganic phosphate (Pi ) is crucial for proper cellular function in all organisms. In mammals, type II Na-Pi cotransporters encoded by members of the Slc34 gene family play major roles in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating Na-Pi cotransporter activity within the plasma membrane are largely unknown. In the present study, we used two approaches to examine the effect of changing plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2 ) levels on the activities of two electrogenic Na-Pi cotransporters, NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIb. To deplete plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2 in Xenopus oocytes, we utilized Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP), which dephosphorylates PI(4,5)P2 to phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P). Upon activation of Ci-VSP, NaPi-IIb currents were significantly decreased, whereas NaPi-IIa currents were unaffected. We also used the rapamycin-inducible Pseudojanin (PJ) system to deplete both PI(4,5)P2 and PI(4)P from the plasma membrane of cultured Neuro 2a cells. Depletion of PI(4,5)P2 and PI(4)P using PJ significantly reduced NaPi-IIb activity, but NaPi-IIa activity was unaffected, which excluded the possibility that NaPi-IIa is equally sensitive to PI(4,5)P2 and PI(4)P. These results indicate that NaPi-IIb activity is regulated by PI(4,5)P2 , whereas NaPi-IIa is not sensitive to either PI(4,5)P2 or PI(4)P. In addition, patch clamp recording of NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIb currents in cultured mammalian cells enabled kinetic analysis with higher temporal resolution, revealing their distinct kinetic properties.

Identification and expression analysis of type II and type III Pi transporters in the opossum kidney cell line

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? The opossum kidney (OK) cell line is the main in vitro model of proximal tubular P_i transport, but it is incomplete because only the NaPiIIa P_i transporter has been identified. What is the main finding and its importance? We have cloned and characterized the P_i transporters NaPiIIc, PiT1 and PiT2 from OK cells and have analysed the relevance of the four transporters to P_i transport. All four transporters are involved in the upregulated P_i transport of cells incubated using a low-P_i medium, and only PiT1 is not involved in basal transport.

ABSTRACT

The apical membrane of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells is the main controller of phosphate homeostasis, because it determines the rate of urinary P_i excretion. The opossum kidney (OK) cell line is a good model for studying this function, but only NaPiIIa (NaPi4) has been identified to date as a P_i transporter in this cell line. In this work, we have identified three additional P_i transporters that are present in OK cells: NaPiIIc, PiT1 and PiT2. All three sequences are similar to the corresponding orthologues, but PiT1 is missing the first transmembrane domain. Confluent cells exhibit characteristics of type II P_i transport, which increases with alkalinity and is inhibited by phosphonoformic acid (PFA), and they mainly express NaPiIIa and NaPiIIc, with a low abundance of PiT1 and PiT2. Proliferating cells show a higher expression of PiT1 and PiT2 and a low expression of NaPiIIa and NaPiIIc. Adaptation to a low P_i concentration for 24 h induces the expression of RNA from NaPiIIa and NaPiIIc, which is not prevented by actinomycin D. Small interfering RNA transfections revealed that PiT1 is not necessary for P_i transport, but it is necessary for adaptation to a low P_i , similar to NaPiIIa and PiT2. Our study reveals the complexity of the coordination between the four P_i transporters, the variability of RNA expression according to confluence and the heterogeneous correlation between P_i transport and RNA levels.

The molecular mechanism of SLC34 proteins: insights from two decades of transport assays and structure-function studies

The expression cloning some 25 years ago of the first member of SLC34 solute carrier family, the renal sodium-coupled inorganic phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) from rat and human tissue, heralded a new era of research into renal phosphate handling by focussing on the carrier proteins that mediate phosphate transport. The cloning of NaPi-IIa was followed by that of the intestinal NaPi-IIb and renal NaPi-IIc isoforms. These three proteins constitute the main secondary-active Na⁺-driven pathways for apical entry of inorganic phosphate (P_i) across renal and intestinal epithelial, as well as other epithelial-like organs. The key role these proteins play in mammalian P_i homeostasis was revealed in the intervening decades by numerous in vitro and animal studies, including the development of knockout animals for each gene and the detection of naturally occurring mutations that can lead to P_i-handling dysfunction in humans. In addition to characterising their physiological regulation, research has also focused on understanding the underlying transport mechanism and identifying structure-function relationships. Over the past two decades, this research effort has used real-time electrophysiological and fluorometric assays together with novel computational biology strategies to develop a detailed, but still incomplete, understanding of the transport mechanism of SLC34 proteins at the molecular level. This review will focus on how our present understanding of their molecular mechanism has evolved in this period by highlighting the key experimental findings.

Acquisition of the Phosphate Transporter NptA Enhances Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenesis by Improving Phosphate Uptake in Divergent Environments

During infection, pathogens must obtain all inorganic nutrients, such as phosphate, from the host. Despite the essentiality of phosphate for all forms of life, how Staphylococcus aureus obtains this nutrient during infection is unknown. Differing from Escherichia coli, the paradigm for bacterial phosphate acquisition, which has two inorganic phosphate (P_i) importers, genomic analysis suggested that S. aureus possesses three distinct P_i transporters: PstSCAB, PitA, and NptA. While pitA and nptA are expressed in phosphate-replete media, expression of all three transporters is induced by phosphate limitation. The loss of a single transporter did not affect S. aureus However, disruption of any two systems significantly reduced P_i accumulation and growth in divergent environments. These findings indicate that PstSCAB, PitA, and NptA have overlapping but nonredundant functions, thus expanding the environments in which S. aureus can successfully obtain P_i Consistent with this idea, in a systemic mouse model of disease, loss of any one transporter did not decrease staphylococcal virulence. However, loss of NptA in conjunction with either PstSCAB or PitA significantly reduced the ability of S. aureus to cause infection. These observations suggest that P_i acquisition via NptA is particularly important for the pathogenesis of S. aureus While our analysis suggests that NptA homologs are widely distributed among bacteria, closely related less pathogenic staphylococcal species do not possess this importer. Altogether, these observations indicate that P_i uptake by S. aureus differs from established models and that acquisition of a third transporter enhances the ability of the bacterium to cause infection.

Phosphate transport kinetics and structure-function relationships of SLC34 and SLC20 proteins

Transport of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) is mediated by proteins belonging to two solute carrier families (SLC20 and SLC34). Members of both families transport P(i) using the electrochemical gradient for Na(+). The role of the SLC34 members as essential players in mammalian P(i) homeostasis is well established, whereas that of SLC20 proteins is less well defined. The SLC34 family comprises the following three isoforms that preferentially cotransport divalent P(i) and are expressed in epithelial tissue: the renal NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc are responsible for reabsorbing P(i) in the proximal tubule, whereas NaPi-IIb is more ubiquitously expressed, including the small intestine, where it mediates dietary P(i) absorption. The SLC20 family comprises two members (PiT-1, PiT-2) that preferentially cotransport monovalent P(i) and are expressed in epithelial as well as nonepithelial tissue. The transport kinetics of members of both families have been characterized in detail using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. For the electrogenic NaPi-IIa/b, and PiT-1,-2, conventional electrophysiological techniques together with radiotracer methods have been applied, as well as time-resolved fluorometric measurements that allow new insights into local conformational changes of the protein during the cotransport cycle. For the electroneutral NaPi-IIc, conventional tracer uptake and fluorometry have been used to elucidate its transport properties. The 3-D structures of these proteins remain unresolved and structure-function studies have so far concentrated on defining the topology and identifying sites of functional importance.

Roles of vertebrate aquaglyceroporins in arsenic transport and detoxification

Aquaporins are important channel proteins that are responsible for the balance of cellular osmolarity and nutrient transport in vertebrates. Recently, new functions of these ancient channels have been found in the conduction of metalloid arsenic (As). Chronic As exposure through contaminated water and food sources is associated with multiple human diseases and endangers millions of people's health worldwide. Therefore, identification of the As transport pathways is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of As carcinogenesis. Arsenic detoxification systems have been studied in multiple vertebrates such as mammalian mouse, rat, humans and nonmammalian vertebrates. Multiple transporters and enzymes have been shown to be involved in As translocation and cellular transformation. In these vertebrates, members ofaquaglyceroporins, which include AQP7 in kidney and AQP9 in liver, catalyze uptake of inorganic trivalent arsenite [As(III)]. AQP9, the major liver aquaglyceroporin, conducts both inorganic As(III) and organic monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)], an intermediate that is generated during the cellular methylation. As a channel that facilitates a downhill movement of substances dependent on the concentration gradient, AQP9 may play an important role in the simultaneous influx of inorganic As(III) from blood to liver and efflux of As metabolite MMA(III) from liver to blood. In this chapter, we will discuss the function ofaquaglyceroporins ofvertebrates in uptake and detoxification of the metalloid As.

Pentavalent methylated arsenicals are substrates of human AQP9

Liver aquaglyceroporin AQP9 facilitates movement of trivalent inorganic arsenite (As(III)) and organic monomethylarsonous acid (MAs(III)). However, the transport pathway for the two major pentavalent arsenic cellular metabolites, MAs(V) and DMAs(V), remains unknown in mammals. These products of arsenic metabolism, in particular DMAs(V), are the major arsenicals excreted in the urine of mammals. In this study, we examined the uptake of the two pentavalent organic arsenicals by human AQP9 in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Xenopus laevis oocytes microinjected with AQP9 cRNA exhibited uptake of both MAs(V) and DMAs(V) in a pH-dependent manner. The rate of transport was much higher at acidic pH (pH5.5) than at neutral pH. Hg(II), an aquaporin inhibitor, inhibited transport of As(III), MAs(III), MAs(V) and DMAs(V) via AQP9. However, phloretin, which inhibits water and glycerol permeation via AQP9, can only inhibit transport of pentavalent MAs(V) and DMAs(V) but not trivalent As(III) and MAs(III), indicating the translocation mechanisms of these arsenic species are not exactly the same. Reagents such as FCCP, valinomycin and nigericin that dissipate transmembrane proton potential or change the transmemebrane pH gradient did not significantly inhibit all arsenic transport via AQP9, suggesting the transport of pentavalent arsenic is not proton coupled. The results suggest that in addition to the initial uptake of trivalent inorganic As(III) inside cells, AQP9 plays a dual role in the detoxification of arsenic metabolites by facilitating efflux from cells.

Role of rat sodium/phosphate cotransporters in the cell membrane transport of arsenate

Inorganic arsenate (As(V)) is a common contaminant of underground water. Following oral exposure, it is assumed that As(V) is distributed and crosses cell membranes through inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters. We have tested this hypothesis by studying the inhibition of rat Na/Pi cotransporters by As(V) in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in several rat tissues. The ubiquitously expressed type III Pi transporters (PiT-1 and PiT-2) showed a low affinity for As(V) (K(i) approximately 3.8 mM), similar to the Pi transport system in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (K(i) 1.5 mM). The type II renal isoforms, NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc, were also poorly inhibited by As(V) (K(i) approximately 1 mM), similar to the Pi transport from kidney cortex brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicles. Conversely, the high-affinity intestinal transporter, NaPi-IIb, was very efficiently inhibited with a K(i) of 51 microM, similar to the Pi transport from intestinal BBM vesicles. Taking into account the 1.1 mM Pi in blood and renal ultrafiltrate, and the nanomolar range of As(V) exposures, we have determined that the contribution by Na/Pi cotransporters to As(V) membrane transport is negligible, given that 10-15 mM As(V) would be necessary in these fluids to be significantly transported. Intestinal transport is an exception, because Pi competition is weak, thereby considering that its concentration in lumen mainly depends on low Pi levels from ingested fresh water, and because As(V) very efficiently inhibits Pi intestinal transport. Our data agree with current toxicokinetic knowledge, and they explain the asymmetric excretion of trivalent and pentavalent arsenic species into bile and urine.

Processing of naturally occurring sense/antisense transcripts of the vertebrate Slc34a gene into short RNAs

Overlapping sense/antisense RNAs transcribed in opposite directions from the same genomic locus are common in vertebrates. The impact of antisense transcription on gene regulation and cell biology is largely unknown. We show that sense/antisense RNAs of an evolutionarily conserved phosphate transporter gene (Slc34a2a) are coexpressed in a short time window during embryonic development of zebrafish at 48 hours postfertilization (hpf). To address the mechanism by which coexpressed sense/antisense transcripts are processed, we injected sense/antisense RNAs in various combinations into Xenopus oocytes. In the cytoplasm RNAs were stable in whatever combination expressed. In the nucleus coinjected sense/antisense transcripts were degraded into short RNAs of approximately 23 bases within 4 h. A homologous transcript from toad or another isoform (Slc34a2b) from zebrafish failed to trigger processing. In oocytes that were primed with nuclear sense/antisense RNA coinjections, a reporter RNA was rapidly degraded. We produced evidence that the observed processing of complementary transcripts was not restricted to Xenopus oocytes, because Slc34a-related short RNAs were detected in zebrafish embryos by Northern blotting. Signals were observed at stages that showed coexpression of sense/antisense transcripts. Remarkably, strand-specific probes revealed that the orientation of short RNAs was developmentally regulated. In addition, RNA from zebrafish embryos 48 hpf was able to induce degradation of reporter constructs in Xenopus oocytes. Our findings may give important clues to understanding the physiological role of the widespread antisense transcription.

Phosphate transporters: a tale of two solute carrier families

Phosphate is an essential component of life and must be actively transported into cells against its electrochemical gradient. In vertebrates, two unrelated families of Na+ -dependent P(i) transporters carry out this task. Remarkably, the two families transport different P(i) species: whereas type II Na+/P(i) cotransporters (SCL34) prefer divalent HPO(4)(2-), type III Na(+)/P(i) cotransporters (SLC20) transport monovalent H2PO(4)(-). The SCL34 family comprises both electrogenic and electroneutral members that are expressed in various epithelia and other polarized cells. Through regulated activity in apical membranes of the gut and kidney, they maintain body P(i) homeostasis, and in salivary and mammary glands, liver, and testes they play a role in modulating the P(i) content of luminal fluids. The two SLC20 family members PiT-1 and PiT-2 are electrogenic and ubiquitously expressed and may serve a housekeeping role for cell P(i) homeostasis; however, also more specific roles are emerging for these transporters in, for example, bone mineralization. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the characterization of the transport kinetics, structure-function relationships, and physiological implications of having two distinct Na+/P(i) cotransporter families.

Deciphering PiT transport kinetics and substrate specificity using electrophysiology and flux measurements

Members of the SLC20 family or type III Na(+) -coupled P(i) cotransporters (PiT-1, PiT-2) are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissue and are thought to perform a housekeeping function for intracellular P(i) homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that PiT-1 and PiT-2 mediate electrogenic P(i) cotransport when expressed in Xenopus oocytes, but only limited kinetic characterizations were made. To address this shortcoming, we performed a detailed analysis of SLC20 transport function. Three SLC20 clones (Xenopus PiT-1, human PiT-1, and human PiT-2) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Each clone gave robust Na(+)-dependent (32)P(i) uptake, but only Xenopus PiT-1 showed sufficient activity for complete kinetic characterization by using two-electrode voltage clamp and radionuclide uptake. Transport activity was also documented with Li(+) substituted for Na(+). The dependence of the P(i)-induced current on P(i) concentration was Michaelian, and the dependence on Na(+) concentration indicated weak cooperativity. The dependence on external pH was unique: the apparent P(i) affinity constant showed a minimum in the pH range 6.2-6.8 of approximately 0.05 mM and increased to approximately 0.2 mM at pH 5.0 and pH 8.0. Xenopus PiT-1 stoichiometry was determined by dual (22)Na-(32)P(i) uptake and suggested a 2:1 Na(+):P(i) stoichiometry. A correlation of (32)P(i) uptake and net charge movement indicated one charge translocation per P(i). Changes in oocyte surface pH were consistent with transport of monovalent P(i). On the basis of the kinetics of substrate interdependence, we propose an ordered binding scheme of Na(+):H(2)PO(4)(-):Na(+). Significantly, in contrast to type II Na(+)-P(i) cotransporters, the transport inhibitor phosphonoformic acid did not inhibit PiT-1 or PiT-2 activity.

Electrogenic kinetics of a mammalian intestinal type IIb Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter

The kinetics of a type IIb Na(+)-coupled inorganic phosphate (Pi) cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) cloned from mouse small intestine were studied using the two-electrode voltage clamp applied to Xenopus oocytes. In the steady state, mouse NaPi-IIb showed a curvilinear I-V relationship, with rate-limiting behavior only for depolarizing potentials. The Pi dose dependence was Michaelian, with an apparent affinity constant for Pi (Km(pi)) of 10 +/- 1 microM: at -60 mV. Unlike for rat NaPi-IIa, (Km(pi)) increased with membrane hyperpolarization, as reported for human NaPi-IIa, flounder NaPi-IIb and zebrafish NaPi-IIb2. The apparent affinity constant for Na(+) (Km(na)) was 23 +/- 1 mM: at -60 mV, and the Na(+) activation was cooperative with a Hill coefficient of approximately 2. Pre-steady-state currents were documented in the absence of Pi and showed a strong dependence on external Na(+). The hyperpolarizing shift of the charge distribution midpoint potential was 65 mV/log[Na]. Approximately half the moveable charge was attributable to the empty carrier. A comparison of the voltage dependence of steady-state Pi-induced current and pre-steady-state charge movement indicated that for -120 mV <or= V <or= 0 mV the voltage dependence of the empty carrier was the main determinant of the curvilinear steady-state cotransport characteristic. External protons partially inhibited NaPi-IIb steady-state activity, independent of the titration of mono- and divalent Pi, and immobilized pre-steady-state charge movements associated with the first Na(+) binding step.

Proximal tubular handling of phosphate: A molecular perspective

Members of the SLC34 gene family of solute carriers encode for three Na+-dependent phosphate (P i) cotransporter proteins, two of which (NaPi-IIa/SLC34A1 and NaPi-IIc/SLC34A3) control renal reabsorption of P i in the proximal tubule of mammals, whereas NaPi-IIb/SCLC34A2 mediates P i transport in organs other than the kidney. The P i transport mechanism has been extensively studied in heterologous expression systems and structure-function studies have begun to reveal the intricacies of the transport cycle at the molecular level using techniques such as cysteine scanning mutagenesis, and voltage clamp fluorometry. Moreover, sequence differences between the three types of cotransporters have been exploited to obtain information about the molecular determinants of hormonal sensitivity and electrogenicity. Renal handling of P i is regulated by hormonal and non-hormonal factors. Changes in urinary excretion of P i are almost invariably mirrored by changes in the apical expression of NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc in proximal tubules. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that control the apical expression of NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc as well as their functional properties is critical to understanding how an organism achieves P i homeostasis.

Renouncing electroneutrality is not free of charge: switching on electrogenicity in a Na+-coupled phosphate cotransporter

Renal type IIa Na+-coupled inorganic phosphate (Pi) cotransporters (NaPi-IIa) mediate divalent Pi transport in an electrogenic manner, whereas the renal type IIc isoform (NaPi-IIc) is electroneutral, yet it shows high sequence identity with NaPi-IIa. Dual uptake (32Pi/22Na) assays confirmed that NaPi-IIc displayed Na+-coupled Pi cotransport with a 2:1 (Na+:Pi) stoichiometry compared with 3:1 established for NaPi-IIa. This finding suggested that the electrogenicity of NaPi-IIa arises from the interaction of an additional Na+ ion compared with NaPi-IIc. To identify the molecular elements responsible for the functional difference between isoforms, we used chimera and amino acid replacement approaches. Transport activity of chimeras constructed with NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc indicated that residues within the first six transmembrane domains were essential for the electrogenicity of NaPi-IIa. Sequence comparison between electrogenic and electroneutral isoforms revealed differences in the charge and polarity of residues clustered in three areas, one of which included part of the predicted third transmembrane domain. Here, substitution of three residues with their NaPi-IIa equivalents in NaPi-IIc (S189A, S191A, and G195D) resulted in a transporter that displayed a 1:1 charge/Pi coupling, a 3:1 Na+:Pi stoichiometry, and transient currents that resembled pre-steady-state relaxations. The mutant's weaker voltage dependency and 10-fold lower apparent Pi affinity compared with NaPi-IIa indicated that other residues important for the NaPi-IIa kinetic fingerprint exist. Our findings demonstrate that, through a minimal number of side chain substitutions, we can effect a switch from electroneutral to electrogenic cotransporter function, concomitant with the appearance of a cosubstrate interaction site.

Structure-function relations of the first and fourth extracellular linkers of the type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter: II. Substrate interaction and voltage dependency of two functionally important sites

Functionally important sites in the predicted first and fourth extracellular linkers of the type IIa Na⁺/P_i cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) were identified by cysteine scanning mutagenesis (Ehnes et al., 2004). Cysteine substitution or modification with impermeant and permeant methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents at certain sites resulted in changes to the steady-state voltage dependency of the cotransport mode (1 mM P_i, 100 mM Na⁺ at pH 7.4) of the mutants. At Gly-134 (ECL-1) and Met-533 (ECL-4), complementary behavior of the voltage dependency was documented with respect to the effect of cys-substitution and modification. G134C had a weak voltage dependency that became even stronger than that of the wild type (WT) after MTS incubation. M533C showed a WT-like voltage dependency that became markedly weaker after MTS incubation. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the steady-state and presteady-state kinetics of these mutants were studied in detail. The apparent affinity constants for P_i and Na⁺ did not show large changes after MTS exposure. However, the dependency on external protons was changed in a complementary manner for each mutant. This suggested that cys substitution at Gly-134 or modification of Cys-533 had induced similar conformational changes to alter the proton modulation of transport kinetics. The changes in steady-state voltage dependency correlated with changes in the kinetics of presteady-state charge movements determined in the absence of P_i, which suggested that voltage-dependent transitions in the transport cycle were altered. The steady-state and presteady-state behavior was simulated using an eight-state kinetic model in which the transition rate constants of the empty carrier and translocation of the fully loaded carrier were found to be critical determinants of the transport kinetics. The simulations predict that cys substitution at Gly-134 or cys modification of Cys-533 alters the preferred orientation of the empty carrier from an inward to outward-facing conformation for hyperpolarizing voltages.

Substrate interactions in the human type IIa sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa)

We have characterized the kinetics of substrate transport in the renal type IIa human sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa). The transporter was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and steady-state and pre-steady-state currents and substrate uptakes were characterized by voltage-clamp and isotope flux. First, by measuring simultaneous uptake of a substrate (32Pi, 22Na) and charge in voltage-clamped oocytes, we established that the human NaPi-IIa isoform operates with a Na:Pi:charge stoichiometry of 3:1:1 and that the preferred transported Pi species is HPO4(2-). We then probed the complex interrelationship of substrates, pH, and voltage in the NaPi-IIa transport cycle by analyzing both steady-state and pre-steady-state currents. Steady-state current measurements show that the apparent HPO4(2-) affinity is voltage dependent and that this voltage dependency is abrogated by lowering the pH or the Na+ concentration. In contrast, the voltage dependency of the apparent Na+ affinity increased when pH was lowered. Pre-steady-state current analysis shows that Na+ ions bind first and influence the preferred orientation of the transporter in the absence of Pi. Pre-steady-state charge movement was partially suppressed by complete removal of Na+ from the bath, by reducing extracellular pH (both in the presence and absence of Na+), or by adding Pi (in the presence of 100 mM Na). None of these conditions suppressed charge movement completely. The results allowed us to modify previous models for the transport cycle of NaPi-II transporters by including voltage dependency of HPO4(2-) binding and proton modulation of the first Na+ binding step.

Cloning, gene structure and dietary regulation of the type-IIc Na/Pi cotransporter in the mouse kidney

We have demonstrated previously that the type-IIc Na/Pi cotransporter is a growth-related renal Na/Pi cotransporter that is highly expressed in kidney of the weaning rat. In the present study, we investigated type-IIc Na/Pi cotransporter function further by cloning the mouse gene and characterizing the corresponding protein. The mouse type-IIc transporter amino acid sequence shows a high degree of similarity to the human (86%) and rat (95%) type-IIc Na/Pi-cotransporters. The mouse gene contained 14 exons and mapped to chromosome 2. The DNA sequence upstream from exon 1 is GC rich. The upstream region does not contain an apparent TATA box, but does contain two dietary Pi-responsive elements, which are potential binding sites for the transcription factor micro E3 (TFE3). Microinjection of mouse type-IIc cRNA into Xenopus oocytes demonstrated sodium-dependent Pi cotransport activity. The affinity for Pi was about 200 microM in 100 mM Na. Feeding adult mice fed a low-Pi diet increased the expression of type-IIc protein in the apical membrane of renal proximal tubular cells. Hybrid depletion studies suggested that the type-IIc transporter contributes to about 30% of Na/Pi cotransport in the kidney of adult mice fed a low-Pi diet. The present study suggests that the type-IIc Na/Pi cotransporter is a functional of renal Pi transporter in adult mice fed a low-Pi diet.

Characterization of a type IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter from zebrafish (Danio rerio) kidney

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) express two isoforms of the type IIb Na-dependent P(i) cotransporter (NaPi). Type NaPi-IIb1 has previously been cloned and characterized. Here, we report the cloning of the NaPi-IIb2 transcript from zebrafish kidney, its localization, and its functional characterization. RT-PCR with renal RNA and degenerate NaPi-IIb-specific primers resulted in a specific fragment. 3'-Rapid amplification of cDNA ends yielded a product that contained typical NaPi-IIb characteristics such as a cysteine-rich COOH terminus and a PDZ (PSD95- Dlg-zona occludens-1) binding motif. Several approaches were unsuccessful at cloning the 5' end of the transcript; products lacked an in-frame start codon. The missing information was obtained from an EST (GenBank accession number ). The combined clone displayed a high degree of homology with published type IIb cotransporter sequences. Specific antibodies were raised against a COOH-terminal epitope of both NaPi-IIb1 and NaPi-IIb2 isoforms. Immunohistochemical mapping revealed apical expression of both isoforms in zebrafish renal and intestinal epithelia, as well as in bile ducts. The novel clone was expressed in oocytes, and function was assayed by the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. The function of the new NaPi-IIb2 clone was found to be significantly different from NaPi-IIb1 despite strong structural similarities. NaPi-IIb2 was found to be strongly voltage sensitive, with higher affinities for both sodium and phosphate than NaPi-IIb1. Also, NaPi-IIb2 was significantly less sensitive to external pH than NaPi-IIb1. The strong structural similarity but divergent function makes these zebrafish transporters ideal models for the molecular mapping of functionally important regions in the type II NaPi-cotransporter family.

Forging the link between structure and function of electrogenic cotransporters: the renal type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter as a case study

Electrogenic cotransporters are membrane proteins that use the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane of a cosubstrate ion, for example Na(+) or H(+), to mediate uphill cotransport of a substrate specific to the transport protein. The cotransport process involves recognition of both cosubstrate and substrate and translocation of each species according to a defined stoichiometry. Electrogenicity implies net movement of charges across the membrane in response to the transmembrane voltage and therefore, in addition to isotope flux assays, the cotransport kinetics can be studied in real-time using electrophysiological methods. As well as the cotransport mode, many cotransporters also display a uniport or slippage mode, whereby the cosubstrate ions translocate in the absence of substrate. The current challenge is to define structure-function relationships by identifying functionally important elements in the protein that confer the transport properties and thus contribute to the ultimate goal of having a 3-D model of the protein that conveys both structural and functional information. In this review we focus on a functional approach to meet this challenge, based on a combination of real-time electrophysiological assays, together with molecular biological and biochemical methods. This is illustrated, by way of example, using data obtained by heterologous expression of the renal Na(+)-coupled inorganic phosphate cotransporter (NaP(i)-IIa) for which structure-function relationships are beginning to emerge.

The nptA gene of Vibrio cholerae encodes a functional sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter homologous to the type II cotransporters of eukaryotes

The nptA gene of Vibrio cholerae has significant protein sequence homology with type II sodium-dependent phosphate (P(i)) cotransporters found in animals but not previously identified in prokaryotes. The phylogeny of known type II cotransporter sequences indicates that nptA may be either an ancestral gene or a gene acquired from a higher eukaryotic source. The gene was cloned into an expression vector under the control of an inducible promoter and expressed in Escherichia coli. The results demonstrate that nptA encodes a functional protein with activity similar to that of the animal enzyme, catalyzing high-affinity, sodium-dependent P(i) uptake with comparable affinities for both sodium and phosphate ions. Furthermore, the activity of NptA is influenced by pH, again in a manner similar to that of the NaPi-2a subtype of the animal enzyme, although it lacks the corresponding REK motif thought to be responsible for this phenomenon. P(i) uptake activity, a component of which appeared to be sodium dependent, was increased in V. cholerae by phosphate starvation. However, it appears from the use of a reporter gene expressed from the nptA promoter that none of this activity is attributable to the induction of expression from nptA. It is thus proposed that the physiological function of NptA protein may be the rapid uptake of P(i) in preparation for rapid growth in nutrient-rich environments and that it may therefore play a role in establishing infection.

Functional domains in the renal type IIa Na/P(i)-cotransporter

The proximal tubular brush border membrane type IIa Na/P(i)-cotransporter is an important element in overall phosphate (Pi) homeostasis. Its regulation is tightly associated with membrane retrieval/reinsertion mechanisms. Specific molecular domains are involved in its internalization (predicted third intracellular loop) and in its apical expression (carboxy-terminus). Regulation and apical expression require a correct ('proximal tubular') cellular context and interaction with specific cellular proteins (scaffolding). Basic cotransport function is via a 3 Na+ to 1 P(i)-coupling ratio, also including the possibility of a Na+-leak, and is strongly affected by changes in pH. This function can be assigned to monomeric transporter molecules. The predicted first intracellular and third extracellular loops contribute important functional characteristics. It is suggested that they may form "re-entrant loops" and thereby a "permeation pore." Sequences in this region determine also pH-sensitivity and affinities in P(i)- and in Na+-interaction, respectively.

Cysteine mutagenesis reveals novel structure-function features within the predicted third extracellular loop of the type IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter

The transport function of the rat type IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter is inhibited after binding the cysteine modifying reagent 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA) to a cysteine residue substituted for a serine at position 460 (S460C) in the predicted third extracellular loop. This suggests that Ser-460 lies in a functionally important region of the protein. To establish a "structure-function" profile for the regions that flank Ser-460, the substituted cysteine accessibility method was employed. 18 mutants were constructed in which selected amino acids from Arg-437 through Leu-465 were substituted one by one for a cysteine. Mutants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and transport function (cotransport and slippage) and kinetics were assayed by electrophysiology with or without prior treatment with cysteine modifying (methanethiosulfonate, MTS) reagents. Except for mutant I447C, mutants with cysteines at sites from Arg-437 through Thr-449, as well as Pro-461, were inactive. Cotransport function of mutants with Cys substitutions at sites Arg-462 through Leu-465 showed low sensitivity to MTS reagents. The preceding mutants (Cys substitution at Thr-451 to Ser-460) showed a periodic accessibility pattern that would be expected for an alpha-helix motif. Apart from loss of transport function, exposure of mutants A453C and A455C to MTSEA or 2-(triethylammonium)ethyl MTS bromide (MTSET) increased the uncoupled slippage current, which implicated the mutated sites in the leak pathway. Mutants from Ala-453 through Ala-459 showed less pH dependency, but generally stronger voltage dependency compared with the wild type, whereas those flanking this group were more sensitive to pH and showed weaker voltage dependence of cotransport mode kinetics. Our data indicate that parts of the third extracellular loop are involved in the translocation of the fully loaded carrier and show a membrane-associated alpha-helical structure.

Amino acids involved in sodium interaction of murine type II Na(+)-P(i) cotransporters expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Type IIa and IIb Na+-Pi cotransporters are highly conserved proteins expressed in brush border membranes of proximal tubules and small intestine, respectively. The kinetics of IIa and IIb differ significantly: type IIb is saturated at lower concentrations of Na+ and Pi. To define the domain responsible for the difference in Na+ affinity we constructed several mouse IIa-IIb chimeras as well as site-directed mutagenized cotransporters. Pi uptake activity was determined after injection of cRNAs into Xenopus laevis oocytes. From the chimera experiments we concluded that the domain containing part of the second intracellular loop, the fifth transmembrane domain (TD) and part of the third extracellular loop determines the specific Na+ activation properties for both types of cotransporter. Within this domain only a few residues located in the fifth TD are not conserved between type IIa and IIb. Site-directed mutagenesis on non-conserved residues was performed. Substitution of F402 of IIa by the corresponding L418 from IIb yielded a cotransporter that behaved like the IIb. On the other hand, substitution of the specific L418 of IIb by the corresponding F402 of IIa produced a cotransporter with a Na+ activation similar to IIa. (Single letter amino acid nomenclature is used throughout the paper.) These data suggest that the specific Na+ activation properties exhibited by type IIa and type IIb Na+-Pi cotransporters are at least in part due to the presence of a specific amino acid (F402 in IIa, and L418 in IIb) within the fifth TD of the protein.

Evolution of the Na-P(i) cotransport systems

Membrane transport systems for P(i) transport are key elements in maintaining homeostasis of P(i) in organisms as diverse as bacteria and human. Two Na-P(i) cotransporter families with well-described functional properties in vertebrates, namely NaPi-II and NaPi-III, show conserved structural features with prokaryotic origin. A clear vertical relationship can be established among the mammalian protein family NaPi-III, a homologous system in C. elegans, the yeast system Pho89, and the bacterial P(i) transporter Pit. An alternative lineage connects the mammalian NaPi-II-related transporters with homologous proteins from Caenorhabditis elegans and Vibrio cholerae. The present review focuses on the molecular evolution of the NaPi-II protein family. Preliminary results indicate that the NaPi-II homologue cloned from V. cholerae is indeed a functional P(i) transporter when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The closely related NaPi-II isoforms NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIb are responsible for regulated epithelial Na-dependent P(i) transport in all vertebrates. Most species express two different NaPi-II proteins with the exception of the flounder and Xenopus laevis, which rely on only a single isoform. Using an RT-PCR-based approach with degenerate primers, we were able to identify NaPi-II-related mRNAs in a variety of vertebrates from different families. We hypothesize that the original NaPi-IIb-related gene was duplicated early in vertebrate development. The appearance of NaPi-IIa correlates with the development of the mammalian nephron.

Proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption: molecular mechanisms

Renal proximal tubular reabsorption of P(i) is a key element in overall P(i) homeostasis, and it involves a secondary active P(i) transport mechanism. Among the molecularly identified sodium-phosphate (Na/P(i)) cotransport systems a brush-border membrane type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter is the key player in proximal tubular P(i) reabsorption. Physiological and pathophysiological alterations in renal P(i) reabsorption are related to altered brush-border membrane expression/content of the type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter. Complex membrane retrieval/insertion mechanisms are involved in modulating transporter content in the brush-border membrane. In a tissue culture model (OK cells) expressing intrinsically the type IIa Na-P(i) cotransporter, the cellular cascades involved in "physiological/pathophysiological" control of P(i) reabsorption have been explored. As this cell model offers a "proximal tubular" environment, it is useful for characterization (in heterologous expression studies) of the cellular/molecular requirements for transport regulation. Finally, the oocyte expression system has permitted a thorough characterization of the transport characteristics and of structure/function relationships. Thus the cloning of the type IIa Na-P(i )cotransporter (in 1993) provided the tools to study renal brush-border membrane Na-P(i) cotransport function/regulation at the cellular/molecular level as well as at the organ level and led to an understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in control of proximal tubular P(i) handling and, thus, of overall P(i) homeostasis.

Phosphate regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell calcification

Vascular calcification is a common finding in atherosclerosis and a serious problem in diabetic and uremic patients. Because of the correlation of hyperphosphatemia and vascular calcification, the ability of extracellular inorganic phosphate levels to regulate human aortic smooth muscle cell (HSMC) culture mineralization in vitro was examined. HSMCs cultured in media containing normal physiological levels of inorganic phosphate (1.4 mmol/L) did not mineralize. In contrast, HSMCs cultured in media containing phosphate levels comparable to those seen in hyperphosphatemic individuals (>1.4 mmol/L) showed dose-dependent increases in mineral deposition. Mechanistic studies revealed that elevated phosphate treatment of HSMCs also enhanced the expression of the osteoblastic differentiation markers osteocalcin and Cbfa-1. The effects of elevated phosphate on HSMCs were mediated by a sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NPC), as indicated by the ability of the specific NPC inhibitor phosphonoformic acid, to dose dependently inhibit phosphate-induced calcium deposition as well as osteocalcin and Cbfa-1 gene expression. With the use of polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analyses, the NPC in HSMCs was identified as Pit-1 (Glvr-1), a member of the novel type III NPCs. These data suggest that elevated phosphate may directly stimulate HSMCs to undergo phenotypic changes that predispose to calcification and offer a novel explanation of the phenomenon of vascular calcification under hyperphosphatemic conditions. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha.org.

The functional unit of the renal type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter is a monomer

The composition of the functional unit of the rat renal type IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) was investigated by using two approaches based on the differential sensitivities of the wild type (WT) and mutant S460C proteins to 2-aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA), a charged cysteine modifier. Transport activity of S460C is completely blocked after incubation in MTSEA, whereas that of the WT remains unaffected. First, Xenopus laevis oocytes were coinjected with cRNAs coding for the WT and S460C in different proportions, and the transport inhibition after MTSEA incubation was assayed by electrophysiology. The relationship between MTSEA inhibition and proportion of cRNA was consistent with that for a functional monomer. Second, concatameric proteins were constructed that either comprised two WT proteins (WT-WT), two S460C mutants (S460C-S460C), or one of each (WT-S460C). Western blots of oocytes injected with fusion protein cRNA showed bands at approximately 200 kDa, whereas a main band at approximately 90 kDa was obtained for the WT cRNA alone. The kinetic properties of concatamers were the same as for the single proteins. Transport activity of the WT-WT concatamer was unaffected by MTSEA incubation, fully inhibited for S460C-S460C, but 50% inhibited for WT-S460C. This behavior was also consistent with NaPi-IIa being a functional monomer.

Proton-sensitive transitions of renal type II Na(+)-coupled phosphate cotransporter kinetics

In the kidney proximal tubule, acidification of the glomerular filtrate leads to an inhibition of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) reabsorption by type II Na(+)-coupled cotransporters (NaPi-II). As external pH also alters the divalent/monovalent P(i) ratio, it has been difficult to separate putative proton interactions with the cotransporter from direct titration of divalent P(i), the preferred species transported. To distinguish between these possibilities and identify pH-sensitive transitions in the cotransport cycle, the pH-dependent kinetics of two NaPi-II isoforms, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, were investigated electrophysiologically. At -50 mV, both isoforms showed >70% suppression of electrogenic response for an external pH change from 8.0 to 6.2, not attributable to titration of divalent P(i). This was accompanied by a progressive removal of steady-state voltage dependence. The NaPi-II-related uncoupled slippage current was unaffected by a pH change from 7.4 to 6.2, with no shift in the reversal potential, which suggested that protons do not function as substrate. The voltage-dependence of pre-steady-state relaxations was shifted to depolarizing potentials in 100 mM and 0 mM Na(ext)(+) and two kinetic components were resolved, the slower of which was pH-dependent. The changes in kinetics are predicted by a model in which protons interact with the empty carrier and final Na(+) binding step.

Npt2 gene disruption confers resistance to the inhibitory action of parathyroid hormone on renal sodium-phosphate cotransport

PTH inhibition of renal sodium-phosphate (Na-Pi) cotransport is associated with the endocytic retrieval of the type II Na-Pi cotransporter, Npt2, from the renal brush border membrane into the late endosomal/lysosomal compartment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether mice homozygous for the disrupted Npt2 gene (Npt2-/-) exhibit decreased renal Pi reabsorption in response to PTH. We demonstrate that PTH has no effect on the serum Pi concentration, fractional excretion of Pi, or Na-dependent Pi transport in renal brush border membrane vesicles in Npt2-/- mice. In contrast, PTH elicits a fall in the serum Pi concentration, an increase in urinary Pi excretion, a decrease in brush border membrane Na-Pi cotransport, and a corresponding reduction in the relative abundance of Npt2 protein in wild-type mice (Npt2+/+). Both Npt2-/- and Npt2+/+ mice exhibit a significant rise in the urinary cAMP/creatinine ratio in response to PTH, indicating that generalized resistance to PTH cannot account for the absence of the PTH response in Npt2-/- mice. In addition, we demonstrate that Pi-depleted normal mice respond to PTH with a decrease in renal brush border membrane Na-Pi cotransport and Npt2 protein, indicating that Pi deficiency per se does not account for PTH resistance in Npt2-/- mice. Taken together, our data provide compelling evidence that Npt2 gene expression is crucial for PTH effects on renal Pi handling.

Molecular cloning of a novel brain-type Na(+)-dependent inorganic phosphate cotransporter

We have isolated a human cDNA encoding a protein, designated DNPI, that shows 82% amino acid identity and 92% similarity to the human brain-specific Na(+)-dependent inorganic phosphate (Na(+)/P(i)) cotransporter (BNPI), which is localized exclusively to neuron-rich regions. Expression of DNPI mRNA in Xenopus oocytes resulted in a significant increase in Na(+)-dependent P(i) transport, indicating that DNPI is a novel Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter. Northern blot analysis shows that DNPI mRNA is expressed predominantly in brain, where the highest levels are observed in medulla, substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and thalamus, all of which express BNPI mRNA at low levels. In contrast, DNPI mRNA is expressed at low levels in cerebellum and hippocampus, where BNPI mRNA is expressed at high levels. No hybridizing signal for DNPI mRNA is observed in the glia-rich region of corpus callosum. In other regions examined, both mRNAs are moderately or highly expressed. These results indicate that BNPI and DNPI, which coordinate Na(+)-dependent P(i) transport in the neuron-rich regions of the brain, may form a new class within the Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter family.

Molecular determinants of pH sensitivity of the type IIa Na/P(i) cotransporter

Type II Na/P(i) cotransporters play key roles in epithelial P(i) transport and thereby contribute to overall P(i) homeostasis. Renal proximal tubular brush border membrane expresses the IIa isoform, whereas the IIb isoform is preferentially expressed in small intestinal brush border membrane of mammals. IIa and IIb proteins are predicted to contain eight transmembrane domains with the N- and C-terminal tails facing the cytoplasm. They differ in their pH dependences: the activity of IIa increases at higher pH, whereas the IIb shows no or a slightly opposite pH dependence. To determine the structural domains responsible for the difference in pH sensitivity, mouse IIa and IIb chimeras were constructed, and their pH dependence was characterized. A region between the fourth and fifth transmembrane domains was required for conferring pH sensitivity to the IIa-mediated Na/P(i) cotransport. Sequence comparison (IIa versus IIb) of the third extracellular loops revealed a stretch of three charged amino acids in IIa (REK) replaced by uncharged residues in IIb (GNT). Introduction of the uncharged GNT sequence (by REK) in IIa abolished its pH dependence, whereas introduction of the charged REK stretch in IIb (by GNT) led to a pH dependence similar to IIa. These findings suggest that charged residues within the third extracellular loop are involved in the pH sensitivity of IIa Na/P(i) cotransporter.

Serial microanalysis of renal transcriptomes

Large-scale gene expression studies can now be routinely performed on macroamounts of cells, but it is unclear to which extent current methods are valuable for analyzing complex tissues. In the present study, we used the method of serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) for quantitative mRNA profiling in the mouse kidney. We first performed SAGE at the whole-kidney level by sequencing 12,000 mRNA tags. Most abundant tags corresponded to transcripts widely distributed or enriched in the predominant kidney epithelial cells (proximal tubular cells), whereas transcripts specific for minor cell types were barely evidenced. To better explore such cells, we set up a SAGE adaptation for downsized extracts, enabling a 1, 000-fold reduction of the amount of starting material. The potential of this approach was evaluated by studying gene expression in microdissected kidney tubules (50,000 cells). Specific gene expression profiles were obtained, and known markers (e.g., uromodulin in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and aquaporin-2 in the collecting duct) were found appropriately enriched. In addition, several enriched tags had no databank match, suggesting that they correspond to unknown or poorly characterized transcripts with specific tissue distribution. It is concluded that SAGE adaptation for downsized extracts makes possible large-scale quantitative gene expression measurements in small biological samples and will help to study the tissue expression and function of genes not evidenced with other high-throughput methods.

Chloride dependency of renal brush-border membrane phosphate transport

In our present study, we examined the effect of Cl(-) on rabbit renal brush-border membrane (BBM) phosphate (P(i)) uptake. It was found that the Na(+)-dependent BBM (32)P uptake was significantly inhibited by Cl(-) replacement in the uptake solution with other anions, or by Cl(-) transport inhibitors, including DIDS, SITS, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), niflumic acid (NF), and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB). Intravesicular formate or Cl(-) increased BBM (36)Cl(-) uptake but did not affect BBM (32)P uptake. BBM (22)Na(+) uptake was lowered by Cl(-) replacement in the uptake solution but not by Cl(-) transport inhibitors. Changes in transmembrane electrical potential altered BBM (36)Cl(-) and (32)P uptake in directions consistent with a net inward movement of negative and positive charges, respectively. However, the Cl(-)-dependent BBM P(i) uptake was not affected by changes in transmembrane electrical potential. Finally, a similar Cl(-) dependency of P(i) uptake was also found with BBM derived from rat and mouse kidneys. In summary, our study showed that a component of Na(+)-dependent P(i) uptake was also Cl(-) dependent in rabbit, rat, and mouse renal BBM. The mechanism underlying this Cl(-) dependency remains to be identified.

Functional characterization of a Na+-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-II) from zebrafish and identification of related transcripts

1. We report the molecular identification of a Na+-Pi (inorganic phosphate) cotransport system of the NaPi-II protein family from zebrafish intestine. Following a PCR-related strategy, a DNA fragment from intestine-derived RNA was isolated. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3'- and 5'-RACE) resulted in the complete sequence (2607 bp) containing an open reading frame of 1893 bp. 2. The NaPi-II-related protein was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and the resulting transport activity was analysed by electrophysiological means. The apparent Km for Pi was 250 microM (96 mM Na+, -60 mV), and voltage-dependent binding of Na+ exhibited a Km of 67.1 mM (1 mM Pi, -60 mV). 3. Interestingly, the overall transport activity was almost insensitive to changes in the holding potential. The apparent affinity for Na+ decreased under hyperpolarizing conditions, whereas Pi binding showed no voltage dependence. Transport activity was inhibited at low pH, which is characteristic for renal NaPi-II isoforms. 4. The expression of the NaPi-II-related isoform was addressed by reverse-transcription PCR. The mRNA could be detected in intestine, liver, eye and kidney. Unexpectedly, a second NaPi-II-related isoform was identified and found to be expressed in kidney, intestine, liver, brain, eye and prominently in testis. In addition, a shorter amplicon was demonstrated to be an antisense transcript related to the NaPi-II intestinal isoform.

Effects of Npt2 gene ablation and low-phosphate diet on renal Na(+)/phosphate cotransport and cotransporter gene expression

The renal Na(+)/phosphate (Pi) cotransporter Npt2 is expressed in the brush border membrane (BBM) of proximal tubular cells. We examined the effect of Npt2 gene knockout on age-dependent BBM Na(+)/Pi cotransport, expression of Na(+)/Pi cotransporter genes Npt1, Glvr-1, and Ram-1, and the adaptive response to chronic Pi deprivation. Na(+)/Pi cotransport declines with age in wild-type mice (Npt2(+/+)), but not in mice homozygous for the disrupted Npt2 allele (Npt2(-/-)). At all ages, Na(+)/Pi cotransport in Npt2(-/-) mice is approximately 15% of that in Npt2(+/+) littermates. Only Npt1 mRNA abundance increases with age in Npt2(+/+) mice, whereas Npt1, Glvr-1, and Ram-1 mRNAs show an age-dependent increase in Npt2(-/-) mice. Pi deprivation significantly increases Na(+)/Pi cotransport, Npt2 protein, and mRNA in Npt2(+/+) mice. In contrast, Pi-deprived Npt2(-/-) mice fail to show the adaptive increase in transport despite exhibiting a fall in serum Pi. We conclude that (a) Npt2 is a major determinant of BBM Na(+)/Pi cotransport; (b) the age-dependent increase in Npt1, Glvr-1, and Ram-1 mRNAs in Npt2(-/-) mice is insufficient to compensate for loss of Npt2; and (c) Npt2 is essential for the adaptive BBM Na(+)/Pi cotransport response to Pi deprivation.

Recent advances in epithelial sodium-coupled phosphate transport

This review focuses on recent developments in the molecular characterization of renal sodium-phosphate cotransporters and the mechanisms involved in their regulation. Of the three classes of sodium-phosphate cotransporters expressed in the mammalian kidney, the type II transporter, NPT2/Npt2 reflects the characteristics of apical sodium-dependent phosphate transport, and is a target for regulation. Studies in mice in which the Npt2 gene was disrupted by targeted mutagenesis underscore the importance of Npt2 in the maintenance of phosphate homeostasis. Recent advances in our understanding of phosphate transport mechanisms in intestine and bone are also discussed.

Cloning and functional characterization of a sodium-dependent phosphate transporter expressed in human lung and small intestine

A cDNA clone with 53% amino acid identity to the human type II sodium-dependent phosphate transporter (NaPi-3) was isolated from human small intestine and lung. Functional characterization in Xenopus laevis oocytes showed this cDNA to encode a sodium-dependent phosphate transporter. The electrogenic response is similar to that found in other type II transporters but an inverse pH dependence was observed. By Northern blot, a 4.2-kb transcript was found to be abundantly expressed in lung and, to a lesser degree, in several other tissues of epithelial origin including small intestine, pancreas, prostate, and kidney. This transcript encompasses a 2.073-kb open reading frame which is most closely related (78% amino acid identity) to the mouse sodium-dependent phosphate transporter IIb isoform. This novel transporter, designated human NaPi-3b (Genbank AF111856), appears to be an isoform of the mammalian renal type II co-transporter family.

Stoichiometry and Na+ binding cooperativity of rat and flounder renal type II Na+-Pi cotransporters

The stoichiometry of the rat and flounder isoforms of the renal type II sodium-phosphate (Na+-Pi) cotransporter was determined directly by simultaneous measurements of phosphate (Pi)-induced inward current and uptake of radiolabeled Pi and Na+ in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the cotransporters. There was a direct correlation between the Pi-induced inward charge and Pi uptake into the oocytes; the slope indicated that one net inward charge was transported per Pi. There was also a direct correlation between the Pi-induced inward charge and Na+ influx; the slope indicated that the influx of three Na+ ions resulted in one net inward charge. This behavior was similar for both isoforms. We conclude that for both Na+-Pi cotransporter isoforms the Na+:Pi stoichiometry is 3:1 and that divalent Pi is the transported substrate. Steady-state activation of the currents showed that the Hill coefficients for Pi were unity for both isoforms, whereas for Na+, they were 1.8 (flounder) and 2.5 (rat). Therefore, despite significant differences in the apparent Na+ binding cooperativity, the estimated Na+:Pi stoichiometry was the same for both isoforms.

Characterization of a murine type II sodium-phosphate cotransporter expressed in mammalian small intestine

An isoform of the mammalian renal type II Na/Pi-cotransporter is described. Homology of this isoform to described mammalian and nonmammalian type II cotransporters is between 57 and 75%. Based on major diversities at the C terminus, the new isoform is designed as type IIb Na/Pi-cotransporter. Na/Pi-cotransport mediated by the type IIb cotransporter was studied in oocytes of Xenopus laevis. The results indicate that type IIb Na/Pi-cotransport is electrogenic and in contrast to the renal type II isoform of opposite pH dependence. Expression of type IIb mRNA was detected in various tissues, including small intestine. The type IIb protein was detected as a 108-kDa protein by Western blots using isolated small intestinal brush border membranes and by immunohistochemistry was localized at the luminal membrane of mouse enterocytes. Expression of the type IIb protein in the brush borders of enterocytes and transport characteristics suggest that the described type IIb Na/Pi-cotransporter represents a candidate for small intestinal apical Na/Pi-cotransport.

Identification of three isoforms for the Na+-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-2) in rat kidney

We have isolated three unique NaPi-2-related protein cDNAs (NaPi-2alpha, NaPi-2beta, and NaPi-2gamma) from a rat kidney library. NaPi-2alpha cDNA encodes 337 amino acids which have high homology to the N-terminal half of NaPi-2 containing 3 transmembrane domains. NaPi-2beta encodes 327 amino acids which are identical to the N-terminal region of NaPi-2 containing 4 transmembrane domains, whereas the 146 amino acids in the C-terminal region are completely different. In contrast, NaPi-2gamma encodes 268 amino acids which are identical to the C-terminal half of NaPi-2. An analysis of phage and cosmid clones indicated that the three related proteins were produced by alternative splicing in the NaPi-2 gene. In a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, NaPi-2 alpha, beta, and gamma were found to be 36, 36, and 29 kDa amino acid polypeptides, respectively. NaPi-2alpha and NaPi-2gamma were glycosylated and revealed to be 45- and 35-kDa proteins, respectively. In isolated brush-border membrane vesicles, an N-terminal antibody was reacted with 45- and 40-kDa, and a C-terminal antibody was reacted with 37-kDa protein. The sizes of these proteins corresponded to those in glycosylated forms. A functional analysis demonstrated that NaPi-2gamma and -2alpha markedly inhibited NaPi-2 activity in Xenopus oocytes. The results suggest that these short isoforms may function as a dominant negative inhibitor of the full-length transporter.

Differential expression, abundance, and regulation of Na+-phosphate cotransporter genes in murine kidney

Three classes of high-affinity Na+-Pi cotransporters are expressed in mammalian kidney. These include Npt1 (type I), Npt2 (type II), and the cellular receptors for gibbon ape leukemia virus (Glvr-1) and amphotropic murine retrovirus (Ram-1) (type III). We defined the tissue distribution as well as the relative renal abundance of Npt1, Npt2, Glvr-1, and Ram-1 mRNAs and examined the effects of low-Pi diet, the Hyp mutation, and growth hormone (GH) on their renal expression by ribonuclease protection assay. In normal mouse kidney, Npt1, Npt2, Glvr-1, and Ram-1 accounted for 15 +/- 1.0, 84 +/- 1.0, 0.5 +/- 0.2, and 0.5 +/- 0.3% of total Na+-Pi cotransporter mRNAs, respectively. Evidence was obtained for low-abundance Npt1 mRNA expression in liver and Npt2 mRNA expression in intestine, whereas Glvr-1 and Ram-1 mRNAs were also detected in bone, intestine, heart, and liver. Npt2 mRNA was localized to proximal tubules in the renal outer cortex, whereas Glvr-1 transcripts were detected throughout the kidney by in situ hybridization. The Hyp mutation elicited a significant reduction in renal Npt1 and Npt2 mRNAs (78 +/- 8 and 57 +/- 3% of normal, respectively), whereas neither low-Pi diet nor GH influenced the renal abundance of Npt1 and Npt2 transcripts. Renal Glvr-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in Hyp mice and GH-treated mice (145 +/- 6 and 165 +/- 5% of control, respectively), whereas the renal abundance of Ram-1 transcript was unaffected by either the Hyp mutation, low-Pi diet, or GH treatment. In summary, we demonstrate that Npt2 is the predominant Na+-Pi cotransporter in mouse kidney, that Npt2 and Glvr-1 have distinct patterns of renal expression, and that the Hyp mutation modulates the renal expression of Npt1, Npt2, and Glvr-1 mRNAs. Our results suggest that increased renal Glvr-1 mRNA may contribute to GH stimulation of renal Na+-Pi cotransport.

Regulation of expression of type II sodium-phosphate cotransporters by protein kinases A and C

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of protein kinase A and protein kinase C activation on the membrane expression of NaPi-4, the type II sodium-phosphate cotransporter in OK cells. NaPi-4 expression was measured using polyclonal antisera produced in rabbits against a peptide identical to the carboxy-terminal 12-amino acid sequence of NaPi-4. The antisera identified an apically localized protein by confocal imaging of intact OK cells and a broad band of 110-140 kDa by immunoblot analysis of OK cell membranes. Treatment of OK cells with parathyroid hormone (PTH) decreased the intensity of the 110- to 140-kDa band, which was detectable by 2 h, maximal by 4 h at 62%, and sustained for 24 h. 8-Bromo-cAMP (8-BrcAMP) inhibited NaPi-4 expression for up to 24 h by over 90%. However, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate inhibited NaPi-4 expression by less than 10%. PTH-(3-34), a fragment which stimulates only protein kinase C, inhibited phosphate transport but also had no effect on NaPi-4 expression. We conclude that protein kinase A but not protein kinase C inhibits sodium-phosphate uptake in OK cells by downregulation of NaPi-4 expression.

The voltage dependence of a cloned mammalian renal type II Na+/Pi cotransporter (NaPi-2)

The voltage dependence of the rat renal type II Na+/Pi cotransporter (NaPi-2) was investigated by expressing NaPi-2 in Xenopus laevis oocytes and applying the two-electrode voltage clamp. In the steady state, superfusion with inorganic phosphate (Pi) induced inward currents (Ip) in the presence of 96 mM Na+ over the potential range -140 </= V </= +40 mV. With Pi as the variable substrate, the apparent affinity constant (KmPi) was strongly dependent on Na+, increasing sixfold for a twofold reduction in external Na+. KmPi increased with depolarizing voltage and was more sensitive to voltage at reduced Na+. The Hill coefficient was close to unity and the predicted maximum Ip (Ipmax) was 40% smaller at 50 mM Na+. With Na+ as the variable substrate, KmNa was weakly dependent on both Pi and voltage, the Hill coefficient was close to 3 and Ipmax was independent of Pi at -50 mV. The competitive inhibitor phosphonoformic acid suppressed the steady state holding current in a Na+-dependent manner, indicating the existence of uncoupled Na+ slippage. Voltage steps induced pre-steady state relaxations typical for Na+-coupled cotransporters. NaPi-2-dependent relaxations were quantitated by a single, voltage-dependent exponential. At 96 mM Na+, a Boltzmann function was fit to the steady state charge distribution (Q-V) to give a midpoint voltage (V0.5) in the range -20 to -50 mV and an apparent valency of approximately 0.5 e-. V0.5 became more negative as Na+ was reduced. Pi suppressed relaxations in a dose-dependent manner, but had little effect on their voltage dependence. Reducing external pH shifted V0.5 to depolarizing potentials and suppressed relaxations in the absence of Na+, suggesting that protons interact with the unloaded carrier. These findings were incorporated into an ordered kinetic model whereby Na+ is the first and last substrate to bind, and the observed voltage dependence arises from the unloaded carrier and first Na+ binding step.

Translated anti-sense product of the Na/phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-II)

The homeostasis of Pi in marine teleosts is maintained by renal Pi secretion as well as by Pi reabsorption. A Na/Pi co-transport system belonging to the NaPi-II protein family is instrumental in tightly controlled renal Pi handling in mammals and fish. We have isolated an NaPi-II related cDNA from winter flounder. It was cloned from a female gonad cDNA library and is 624 bp long. The transcript is expressed in female and male flounder gonads as well as in kidney and intestine, although at very low levels. RNase H digestion experiments revealed an opposite orientation of the transcript with regard to NaPi-II-related mRNA. The anti-sense orientation was confirmed by genomic sequence analysis and Southern blotting. Alluding to the sense transcript, the anti-sense transcript was denoted IPAN. The open reading frame of IPAN encodes a basic protein of 68 amino acid residues. Immunohistochemistry confined the anti-sense related protein, Ipan, to a submembranous compartment of immature oocytes, suggesting a role in oocyte development. In kidney and intestine Ipan is partly co-localized with the Na/Pi co-transporter, implying a regulatory function for the anti-sense protein. However, direct protein-protein interaction could not be established. The existence of a putative open reading frame in other species extends the biological significance of the novel protein.

Targeted inactivation of Npt2 in mice leads to severe renal phosphate wasting, hypercalciuria, and skeletal abnormalities

Npt2 encodes a renal-specific, brush-border membrane Na+-phosphate (Pi) cotransporter that is expressed in the proximal tubule where the bulk of filtered Pi is reabsorbed. Mice deficient in the Npt2 gene were generated by targeted mutagenesis to define the role of Npt2 in the overall maintenance of Pi homeostasis, determine its impact on skeletal development, and clarify its relationship to autosomal disorders of renal Pi reabsorption in humans. Homozygous mutants (Npt2(-/-)) exhibit increased urinary Pi excretion, hypophosphatemia, an appropriate elevation in the serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with attendant hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and decreased serum parathyroid hormone levels, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. These biochemical features are typical of patients with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH), a Mendelian disorder of renal Pi reabsorption. However, unlike HHRH patients, Npt2(-/-) mice do not have rickets or osteomalacia. At weaning, Npt2(-/-) mice have poorly developed trabecular bone and retarded secondary ossification, but, with increasing age, there is a dramatic reversal and eventual overcompensation of the skeletal phenotype. Our findings demonstrate that Npt2 is a major regulator of Pi homeostasis and necessary for normal skeletal development.

Na+ -phosphate cotransport in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells: evidence for Glvr-1 and Ram-1 gene expression

While there is considerable evidence for phosphate (Pi) reabsorption in the distal tubule, Pi transport and its regulation have not been well characterized in this segment of the nephron. In the present study, we examined Na+-dependent Pi transport in immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (MDCT) cells. Pi uptake by MDCT cells is Na+-dependent and, under initial rate conditions, is inhibited by phosphonoformic acid (41 +/- 3% of control), a competitive inhibitor of Na+-Pi cotransport. The transport system has a high affinity for Pi (Km = 0.46 mM) and is stimulated by lowering the extracellular pH from 7.4 to 6.4 and inhibited by raising the pH from 7.4 to 8.4. Exposure to Pi-free medium for 21 h increased Na+-Pi cotransport from 2.1 to 5.5 nmol/mg of protein/5 minutes (p < 0.05) while parathyroid hormone, forskolin, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate failed to alter Pi uptake in MDCT cells. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of MDCT cell RNA provided evidence for the expression of the Npt1 but not the Npt2 Na+-Pi cotransporter gene. However, preincubation of MDCT cells with Npt1 antisense oligonucleotide led to only 20% inhibition of Na+-Pi cotransport, suggesting that other Na+-Pi cotransporters are operative in MDCT cells. Indeed, we showed, by ribonuclease protection assay, that MDCT cells express the ubiquitous cell surface receptors for gibbon ape leukemia virus (Glvr-1) and amphoteric murine retrovirus (Ram-1) that also function as Na+-Pi cotransporters. In summary, we demonstrate that the pH dependence and regulation of Na+-Pi cotransport in MDCT cells is distinct from that in the proximal tubule and suggest that different gene products mediate Na+-Pi cotransport in the proximal and distal segments of the nephron.