Sodium cotransport proteins

Chansporter complexes in cell signaling

Ion channels facilitate diffusion of ions across cell membranes for such diverse purposes as neuronal signaling, muscular contraction, and fluid homeostasis. Solute transporters often utilize ionic gradients to move aqueous solutes up their concentration gradient, also fulfilling a wide variety of tasks. Recently, an increasing number of ion channel-transporter ('chansporter') complexes have been discovered. Chansporter complex formation may overcome what could otherwise be considerable spatial barriers to rapid signal integration and feedback between channels and transporters, the ions and other substrates they transport, and environmental factors to which they must respond. Here, current knowledge in this field is summarized, covering both heterologous expression structure/function findings and potential mechanisms by which chansporter complexes fulfill contrasting roles in cell signaling in vivo.

Dietary Gangliosides EnhanceIn VitroGlucose Uptake in Weanling Rats

BACKGROUND

The intestine adapts to environmental stimuli, such as modifications in dietary lipids. Dietary lipids modify brush border membrane (BBM) permeability and nutrient transporter activities. Gangliosides (GANG) are glycolipids present in human milk, but they are present only in low amounts in infant formula. Exogenous GANG are incorporated into cell membranes and increase their permeability. This study was undertaken to determine if feeding a 0.2% GANG-enriched diet for 2 weeks alters in vitro intestinal sugar absorption in weanling rats compared with an isocaloric control diet or diet enriched with polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids.

METHODS

In vitro uptake of 34-96 mm glucose and fructose and morphological measurements were assessed on intestinal tissue of weanling rats. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, Northern blotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the mRNA and protein abundance of the sugar transporters SGLT-1, GLUT2 and GLUT5.

RESULTS

Feeding GANG did not alter the rates of animal weight gain or intestinal morphology. GANG did not affect fructose uptake. Depending on the concentration of glucose, GANG increased jejunal uptake of higher concentrations of glucose by approximately 20%-60%. There were no changes in GLUT5 or GLUT2 protein or mRNA abundance. Similarly, there were no changes in SGLT-1 mRNA and protein abundance, as determined by Northern and Western blotting. However, using immunohistochemistry, SGLT-1 was lower in GANG than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the enhanced uptake of glucose that results from feeding 0.2% GANG for 2 weeks to weanling rats may be regulated posttranslationally. Clearly any adjustment of the content of GANG in infant formula must be studied carefully.

Comparison of fluorescence probes for intracellular sodium imaging in prostate cancer cell lines

Sodium (Na⁺) ions are known to regulate many signaling pathways involved in both physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, alterations in intracellular concentrations of Na⁺ and corresponding changes in membrane potential are known to be major actors of cancer progression to metastatic phenotype. Though the functionality of Na⁺ channels and the corresponding Na⁺ currents can be investigated using the patch-clamp technique, the latter is rather invasive and a technically difficult method to study intracellular Na⁺ transients compared to Na⁺ fluorescence imaging. Despite the fact that Na⁺ signaling is considered an important controller of cancer progression, only few data using Na⁺ imaging approaches are available so far, suggesting the persisting challenge within the scientific community. In this study, we describe in detail the approach for application of Na⁺ imaging technique to measure intracellular Na⁺ variations in human prostate cancer cells. Accordingly, we used three Na⁺-specific fluorescent dyes-Na⁺-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), CoroNa™ Green (Corona) and Asante NaTRIUM Green-2 (ANG-2). These dyes have been assessed for optimal loading conditions, dissociation constant and working range after different calibration methods, and intracellular Na⁺ sensitivity, in order to determine which probe can be considered as the most reliable to visualize Na⁺ fluctuations in vitro.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition: cardioprotection by treating diabetes-a translational viewpoint explaining its potential salutary effects

Diabetes is a growing epidemic worldwide characterized by an elevated concentration of blood glucose, associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although in general reduction of hyperglycaemia is considered a therapeutic goal, hypoglycaemic therapies do not necessarily reduce cardiovascular mortality and may even aggravate cardiovascular risk factors, such as body weight. A new class of antidiabetic drugs acts by inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), which (partially) prevents reabsorption of glucose from the renal filtrate. The induction of glucose excretion via the urine (glycosuria) was turned into an effective strategy to reduce blood glucose. Ancillary advantages are the caloric and volumetric loss and thereby the reduction of body weight and blood pressure. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibition has been suggested to exert direct cardioprotective effects by the reduction of cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This article summarizes the functional consequences of SGLT2 inhibition on the diabetic and hyperglycaemic organism. We especially focused on the effects on the kidney and the cardiovascular system as described in experimental studies. The interesting observations in experimental studies may extend to clinical medicine, as a recent trial reported a decrease in heart failure outcomes in patients at high cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibition represents a novel treatment, which might be a promising target not only to (further) reduce blood glucose but also to target other cardiovascular risk factors. More research and long-term follow-ups will reveal the specific influence of SGLT2 inhibition on the circulatory system and cardiovascular outcomes.

Glucose-induced regulation of NHEs activity and SGLTs expression involves the PKA signaling pathway

The effect of glucose on the intracellular pH (pH(i)) recovery rate (dpH(i)/dt) and Na(+)-glucose transporter (SGLT) localization was investigated in HEK-293 cells, a cell line that expresses endogenous NHE1, NHE3, SGLT1, and SGLT2 proteins. The activity of the Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) was evaluated by using fluorescence microscopy. The total and membrane protein expression levels were analyzed by immunoblotting. In cells cultivated in 5 mM glucose, the pH(i) recovery rate was 0.169 ± 0.020 (n = 6). This value did not change in response to the acute presence of glucose at 2 or 10 mM, but decreased with 25 mM glucose, an effect that was not observed with 25 mM mannitol. Conversely, the chronic effect of high glucose (25 mM) increased the pH(i) recovery rate (~40%, P < 0.05), without changes in the total levels of NHE1, NHE3, or SGLT1 expression, but increasing the total cellular (~50%, P < 0.05) and the plasma membrane (~100%, P < 0.01) content of SGLT2. Treatment with H-89 (10(-6) M) prevented the stimulatory effect of chronic glucose treatment on the pH(i) recovery rate and SGLT2 expression in the plasma membrane. Our results indicate that the effect of chronic treatment with a high glucose concentration is associated with increased NHEs activity and plasma membrane expression of SGLT2 in a protein kinase A-dependent way. The present results reveal mechanisms of glucotoxicity and may contribute to understanding the diabetes-induced damage of this renal epithelial cell.

Functional characterization of a Na(+)-coupled dicarboxylate carrier protein from Staphylococcus aureus

We have cloned and functionally characterized a Na(+)-coupled dicarboxylate transporter, SdcS, from Staphylococcus aureus. This carrier protein is a member of the divalent anion/Na(+) symporter (DASS) family and shares significant sequence homology with the mammalian Na(+)/dicarboxylate cotransporters NaDC-1 and NaDC-3. Analysis of SdcS function indicates transport properties consistent with those of its eukaryotic counterparts. Thus, SdcS facilitates the transport of the dicarboxylates fumarate, malate, and succinate across the cytoplasmic membrane in a Na(+)-dependent manner. Furthermore, kinetic work predicts an ordered reaction sequence with Na(+) (K(0.5) of 2.7 mM) binding before dicarboxylate (K(m) of 4.5 microM). Because this transporter and its mammalian homologs are functionally similar, we suggest that SdcS may serve as a useful model for DASS family structural analysis.

The Endogenous CXXC Motif Governs the Cadmium Sensitivity of the Renal Na+/Glucose Co-Transporter

Cadmium (Cd2+) poisoning causes severe renal disorders manifested by defects in reabsorptive transport of various compounds. It is reported here that the renal brush-border membrane Na+/glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) is a molecular target for Cd2+ toxicity. In micromolar concentrations, Cd2+ acted as a noncompetitive, partial inhibitor of methyl-D-glucopyranoside uptake in vesicles from COS-7 cells transiently expressing SGLT1. In contrast, only a modest effect in the closely related Na+/myo-inositol co-transporter-1 (SMIT1) was observed. The factor responsible for this difference was the CXXC motif (X can be any residue) at the cytoplasmic end of the eighth transmembrane segment (TM8) of SGLT1. Thus, a mutational transfer of this motif conveyed Cd2+ sensitivity to SMIT1. Moreover, mimicking the inhibitory effect of Cd2+, the biarsenical molecule FlAsH-EDT2 strongly inhibited the SGLT1 that had an engineered tetracysteine motif at the cytoplasmic end of TM8. The experiments also showed that covalent binding of the sulfhydryl reactive biotin-PEO-maleimide to the SGLT1 wild type but not to the mutant lacking the CXXC motif was suppressed by Cd2+. Taken together, these results suggest that in SGLT1, Cd2+ binding to the CXXC motif induces conformational changes that cause a partial inhibition of d-glucose transport.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics reduce glucose reabsorption in kidney through down-regulation of SGLT1

Nephrotoxicity is known to be a major clinical side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Aminoglycosides cause damage to proximal tubular cells in kidney, however the mechanism of toxicity is still unclear. In order to elucidate the mechanism of nephrotoxicity, we studied the effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on glucose transport systems in vitro and in vivo. As a result, we found that the aminoglycosides significantly reduced Na(+)/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1)-dependent glucose transport and also down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of the SGLT1 in pig proximal tubular LLC-PK(1) cells. To obtain evidence about SGLT1 down-regulation in vivo, we studied the mRNA expression of SGLT1 using gentamicin C-treated murine kidney and found that gentamicin C down-regulated SGLT1 in vivo as well as in vitro. Furthermore, the gentamicin C-treated mice showed significant rise in urinary glucose excretion. These results indicate that one of the mechanisms of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity is the down-regulation of SGLT1, which causes reduction in glucose reabsorption in kidney.

Bile salt transporters: molecular characterization, function, and regulation

Molecular medicine has led to rapid advances in the characterization of hepatobiliary transport systems that determine the uptake and excretion of bile salts and other biliary constituents in the liver and extrahepatic tissues. The bile salt pool undergoes an enterohepatic circulation that is regulated by distinct bile salt transport proteins, including the canalicular bile salt export pump BSEP (ABCB11), the ileal Na(+)-dependent bile salt transporter ISBT (SLC10A2), and the hepatic sinusoidal Na(+)- taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide NTCP (SLC10A1). Other bile salt transporters include the organic anion transporting polypeptides OATPs (SLC21A) and the multidrug resistance-associated proteins 2 and 3 MRP2,3 (ABCC2,3). Bile salt transporters are also present in cholangiocytes, the renal proximal tubule, and the placenta. Expression of these transport proteins is regulated by both transcriptional and posttranscriptional events, with the former involving nuclear hormone receptors where bile salts function as specific ligands. During bile secretory failure (cholestasis), bile salt transport proteins undergo adaptive responses that serve to protect the liver from bile salt retention and which facilitate extrahepatic routes of bile salt excretion. This review is a comprehensive summary of current knowledge of the molecular characterization, function, and regulation of bile salt transporters in normal physiology and in cholestatic liver disease and liver regeneration.

Nutrient absorption and intestinal adaptation with ageing

Malabsorption of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins has been described in the elderly. The ability of the intestine to adapt may be impaired in the elderly and this may lead to further malnutrition. Dietary manipulation may prove to be useful to enhance the needed intestinal absorption with ageing. There is an age-associated increase in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia as well as diabetes. These conditions may benefit from nutritional intervention targeted at reducing the absorption of some nutrients. With the continued characterization of the proteins involved in sterol and fatty acid absorption, therapeutic interventions to modify absorption may become available in the future.

Dietary and developmental regulation of intestinal sugar transport

The Na(+)-dependent glucose transporter SGLT1 and the facilitated fructose transporter GLUT5 absorb sugars from the intestinal lumen across the brush-border membrane into the cells. The activity of these transport systems is known to be regulated primarily by diet and development. The cloning of these transporters has led to a surge of studies on cellular mechanisms regulating intestinal sugar transport. However, the small intestine can be a difficult organ to study, because its cells are continuously differentiating along the villus, and because the function of absorptive cells depends on both their state of maturity and their location along the villus axis. In this review, I describe the typical patterns of regulation of transport activity by dietary carbohydrate, Na(+) and fibre, how these patterns are influenced by circadian rhythms, and how they vary in different species and during development. I then describe the molecular mechanisms underlying these regulatory patterns. The expression of these transporters is tightly linked to the villus architecture; hence, I also review the regulatory processes occurring along the crypt-villus axis. Regulation of glucose transport by diet may involve increased transcription of SGLT1 mainly in crypt cells. As cells migrate to the villus, the mRNA is degraded, and transporter proteins are then inserted into the membrane, leading to increases in glucose transport about a day after an increase in carbohydrate levels. In the SGLT1 model, transport activity in villus cells cannot be modulated by diet. In contrast, GLUT5 regulation by the diet seems to involve de novo synthesis of GLUT5 mRNA synthesis and protein in cells lining the villus, leading to increases in fructose transport a few hours after consumption of diets containing fructose. In the GLUT5 model, transport activity can be reprogrammed in mature enterocytes lining the villus column. Innovative experimental approaches are needed to increase our understanding of sugar transport regulation in the small intestine. I close by suggesting specific areas of research that may yield important information about this interesting, but difficult, topic.

Glucose transport in cultured animal cells: an exercise for the undergraduate cell biology laboratory

Membrane transport is a fundamental concept that undergraduate students of cell biology understand better with laboratory experience. Formal teaching exercises commonly used to illustrate this concept are unbiological, qualitative, or intricate and time consuming to prepare. We have developed an exercise that uses uptake of radiolabeled nutrient analogues by attachment-dependent animal cells cultured on multiwell trays. This system can readily be manipulated within a typical 3-h laboratory period to yield reproducible, biologically relevant, quantitative data regarding key aspects of membrane transport. Each 24-well tray of cultures allows a group of two to four students to compare eight conditions in triplicate. If different groups of students test different conditions or different types of cells, data can be shared for an even broader experience. The exercise is also readily adaptable for open-ended student projects. Here we illustrate the exercise measuring uptake of the nonmetabolizable glucose analogue [(3)H]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Students successfully tested the effects of competing sugars, putative inhibitors of the GLUT1 transporter, and changes in cell physiology that might be expected to affect glucose transport in epithelial cells and fibroblasts. In this exercise students find the nutritional and medical implications of glucose transport and its regulation intriguing. They also learn to handle radioisotopes and cultured cells.

Dietary and developmental regulation of intestinal sugar transport

The Na(+)-dependent glucose transporter SGLT1 and the facilitated fructose transporter GLUT5 absorb sugars from the intestinal lumen across the brush-border membrane into the cells. The activity of these transport systems is known to be regulated primarily by diet and development. The cloning of these transporters has led to a surge of studies on cellular mechanisms regulating intestinal sugar transport. However, the small intestine can be a difficult organ to study, because its cells are continuously differentiating along the villus, and because the function of absorptive cells depends on both their state of maturity and their location along the villus axis. In this review, I describe the typical patterns of regulation of transport activity by dietary carbohydrate, Na(+) and fibre, how these patterns are influenced by circadian rhythms, and how they vary in different species and during development. I then describe the molecular mechanisms underlying these regulatory patterns. The expression of these transporters is tightly linked to the villus architecture; hence, I also review the regulatory processes occurring along the crypt-villus axis. Regulation of glucose transport by diet may involve increased transcription of SGLT1 mainly in crypt cells. As cells migrate to the villus, the mRNA is degraded, and transporter proteins are then inserted into the membrane, leading to increases in glucose transport about a day after an increase in carbohydrate levels. In the SGLT1 model, transport activity in villus cells cannot be modulated by diet. In contrast, GLUT5 regulation by the diet seems to involve de novo synthesis of GLUT5 mRNA synthesis and protein in cells lining the villus, leading to increases in fructose transport a few hours after consumption of diets containing fructose. In the GLUT5 model, transport activity can be reprogrammed in mature enterocytes lining the villus column. Innovative experimental approaches are needed to increase our understanding of sugar transport regulation in the small intestine. I close by suggesting specific areas of research that may yield important information about this interesting, but difficult, topic.

Proline transport in MDCK cells expressing a mutant regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAK) regulates the activity of several membrane-bound ion channels and carriers. The role of cAK in regulating the transport of osmoprotective amino acids in the distal tubule is unknown. We examined the regulation of Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent proline transport in MDCK cells expressing a mutant murine regulatory subunit (RIalpha(AB)) of cAK. For this purpose, MDCK cells were transfected with an expression vector encoding RIalpha(AB) driven by the metallothionein 1 promoter together with neomycin-resistance (NEO) gene. Stable G418-resistant colonies were isolated that expressed RIalpha(AB) as demonstrated by Northern hybridization analysis using a cDNA probe for RIalpha and cAK assay that showed decreased enzyme activity. A clone constitutively expressing high levels of RIalpha(AB) (M(AB)) in a Zn-independent manner and a control clone transfected with the NEO gene alone (M(neo)) were selected for transport studies. We examined the effect of the cAMP-stimulating agents forskolin (F) and IBMX on NaCl-dependent uptake of [(3)H]proline by confluent monolayers of transfected MDCK cells. While F/IBMX-induced mean inhibition of proline transport in M(neo) cells was 48 and 45% at 5 and 15 min, respectively, inhibition of proline uptake in M(AB) cells was 9% (5 min) and 0% (15 min). These data demonstrate that the inhibition of NaCl-linked proline transport in response to elevated cAMP is reversed in MDCK clones that express mutant cAK and provide evidence that cAK mediates the modulatory action of cAMP on proline transport. cAK may play an important role in controlling transport of proline and other osmoprotective amino acids in the renal tubule.

Differential regulation of three glucose transporter genes in a renal epithelial cell line

Three hexose transporter genes, the Na(+)/glucose cotransporters SGLT1 and SGLT3 (formerly SAAT1/pSGLT2) and the facilitative transporter GLUT1, are expressed in a renal epithelial cell line with proximal tubule characteristics. A number of studies have demonstrated that SGLT1 expression is coupled to the cellular differentiation state and is also negatively regulated by its substrate glucose. In the present study, we demonstrate that SGLT3 mRNA expression is relatively unaffected by conditions promoting dedifferentiation (reseeding to a subconfluent density, activation of protein kinase C) or differentiation (confluent cell density, activation of protein kinase A) nor was expression sensitive to hyperglycemic glucose levels in the medium. We further demonstrate that protein kinase A and protein kinase C exert opposing effects on GLUT1 and SGLT1 mRNA levels in polarized cell monolayers, indicating that GLUT1 mRNA is also highly regulated in polarized epithelial cells by agents affecting cell differentiation. The relatively constitutive expression of SGLT3 mRNA suggests a novel role for this low-affinity Na(+)/glucose cotransporter, to provide concentrative glucose uptake under hyperglycemic conditions where expression of high-affinity glucose cotransporter SGLT1 mRNA is significantly downregulated.

Cyclic nucleotide regulation of Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) mRNA stability. Interaction of a nucleocytoplasmic protein with a regulatory domain in the 3'-untranslated region critical for stabilization

Expression of the Na(+)-coupled glucose cotransporter SGLT1 is regulated post-transcriptionally at the level of mRNA stability. We have previously demonstrated that cAMP-dependent stabilization of the SGLT1 message was correlated with the protein phosphorylation-dependent binding of cytoplasmic proteins to a uridine-rich sequence (URE) in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). In the present study, the regulatory role of the URE was demonstrated by inserting it into the 3'-UTR of a beta-globin reporter minigene under the control of the tetracycline-regulated promoter. The resultant chimeric globin/SGLT1 mRNA expressed after transfection into LLC-PK1 cells exhibited a decreased half-life compared with the beta-globin control, indicating that the URE serves a destabilizing function. Activation of protein kinase A stabilized the chimeric message but not the beta-globin control, indicating the presence of a regulatory stabilizing sequence within the URE. A 38-kDa nucleocytoplasmic protein was identified that recognized a 12-nucleotide binding site within the URE. A mutation in this binding site that prevented protein binding assayed in vitro by UV cross-linking also prevented protein kinase A-dependent stabilization of the chimeric message assayed in vivo. These findings identify the interaction between a 38-kDa nucleocytoplasmic protein and a regulatory uridine-rich sequence in the 3'-UTR as critical for cAMP-mediated SGLT1 message stabilization.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a GABA transporter from the CNS of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

A cDNA encoding a GABA transporter in the caterpillar Trichoplusia ni has been cloned and expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. The cDNA contains an ORF encoding a 608-residue protein, designated TrnGAT. Hydropathy analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence suggests 12 transmembrane domains, a structure similar to that of all other cloned Na+/Cl(-)-dependent GABA transporters. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high identity with a GABA transporter (MasGAT) expressed in the embryo of Manduca sexta. Expression of TrnGAT mRNA was detected only in the brain. Sf21 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus exhibited a 20- to 30-fold increase in [3H]GABA uptake compared to control-infected cells. Several blockers of GABA uptake were used to determine the pharmacological profile of TrnGAT. Although most similar to mammalian neuronal GABA transporter GAT-1 in its kinetic properties, stoichiometry of ionic dependence and pharmacological properties, TrnGAT may be distinguished from mammalian GAT-1 by the inability of cyclic GABA analogues, such as nipecotic acid and its derivatives, to inhibit GABA uptake by the insect protein. The unique pharmacology of TrnGAT suggests that the GABA transport system in the lepidopteran CNS could be a useful target in the future development of rapidly-acting neuroactive agents used to control agriculturally-important insects.

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.

Five transmembrane helices form the sugar pathway through the Na+/glucose cotransporter

To test the hypothesis that the C-terminal half of the Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) contains the sugar permeation pathway, a cDNA construct (C5) coding for rabbit SGLT1 amino acids 407-662, helices 10-14, was expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Expression and function of C5 was followed by Western blotting, electron microscopy, radioactive tracer, and electrophysiological methods. The C5 protein was synthesized in 20-fold higher levels than SGLT1. The particle density in the protoplasmic face of the oocyte plasma membrane increased 2-fold after C5-cRNA injection compared with noninjected oocytes. The diameters of the C5 particles were heterogeneous (4.8 +/- 0.3, 7.1 +/- 1.2, and 10.3 +/- 0.8 nm) in contrast to the endogenous particles (7.6 +/- 1.2 nm). C5 increased the alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (alphaMDG) uptake up to 20-fold above that of noninjected oocytes and showed an apparent K0.5alphaMDG of 50 mM and a turnover of approximately 660 s-1. Influx was independent of Na+ with transport characteristics similar to those of SGLT1 in the absence of Na+: 1) selective (alphaMDG > D-glucose > D-galactose >> L-glucose approximately D-mannose), 2) inhibited by phloretin, KiPT = approximately 500 microM, and 3) insensitive to phlorizin. These results indicate that C5 behaves as a specific low affinity glucose uniporter. Preliminary studies with three additional constructs, hC5 (the human equivalent of C5), hC4 (human SGLT1 amino acids 407-648, helices 10-13), and hN13 (amino acids 1-648, helices 1-13), further suggest that helices 10-13 form the sugar permeation pathway for SGLT1.

Sodium cotransporters

Recent studies of cloned mammalian sodium cotransporters in heterologous systems have revealed that these integral membrane proteins serve multiple functions as cotransporters, uniporters, channels and water transporters. Some progress has been gained in understanding their secondary structure, but information on helical bundling and tertiary structure is lacking. Site-directed mutagenesis and the construction of chimeras have resulted in the identification of residues and domains involved in ligand binding, and natural mutations have also been found that are responsible for human genetic diseases. Major factors in the short-term regulations of cotransporter function by protein kinases are exocytosis and endocytosis.

Regulation of Na+/glucose cotransporter expression by protein kinases in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Cotransporters are proteins responsible for the accumulation of nutrients, neurotransmitters, and drugs in cells. As forskolin has been shown to stimulate intestinal Na+/glucose cotransport, we have used electrophysiological techniques to examine the role of protein kinases in regulating Na+/glucose cotransporters, SGLT1, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We monitored SGLT1 kinetics, the number of SGLT1 cotransporters in the plasma membrane, and plasma membrane area before and after activation of protein kinases. 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) and sn-1, 2-dioctanoylglycerol (DOG) were used as membrane permeable activators of protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC), respectively. In oocytes expressing rabbit SGLT1 8-Br-cAMP increased by 28 +/- 4% (n = 10), and DOG decreased by 51 +/- 5% (n = 13) the maximum rate of Na+/glucose cotransport. These reversible changes in the maximum transport rate occurred within minutes, and were accompanied by proportional changes in the number of cotransporters in the membrane and area of the plasma membrane. This suggests that protein kinases regulate rabbit SGLT1 activity by controlling the distribution of transporters between intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane, and that this occurs by exo- and endocytosis. Similar increases in maximum transport were obtained with activation of PKA in oocytes expressing rabbit, human, and rat SGLT1 isoforms, but with activation of PKC the response was isoform-dependent. PKC activation decreased the maximum rate of transport by rabbit and rat SGLT1, but increased transport by human SGLT1. We conclude that: (i) the regulation of SGLT1 expression in oocytes by protein kinases occurs mainly by regulated endo- and exocytosis; (ii) it is independent of consensus phosphorylation sites in the transporter; and (iii) the effect of a given kinase depends upon the actual sequence of the cotransporter expressed. These considerations may also apply to the regulation of other cotransporters by protein kinases in oocytes, cells, and tissues.

Membrane topology of the human Na+/glucose cotransporter SGLT1

The membrane topology of the human Na+/glucose cotransporter SGLT1 has been probed using N-glycosylation scanning mutants and nested truncations. Functional analysis proved essential for establishment of signal-anchor topology. The resultant model diverges significantly from previously held suppositions of structure based primarily on hydropathy analysis. SGLT1 incorporates 14 membrane spans. The N terminus resides extracellularly, and two hydrophobic regions form newly recognized membrane spans 4 and 12; the large charged domain near the C terminus is cytoplasmic. This model was evaluated further using two advanced empirically-based algorithms predictive of transmembrane helices. Helix ends were predicted using thermo-dynamically-based algorithms known to predict x-ray crystallographically determined transmembrane helix ends. Several considerations suggest the hydrophobic C terminus forms a 14th transmembrane helix, differentiating the eukaryotic members of the SGLT1 family from bacterial homologues. Our data inferentially indicate that these bacterial homologues incorporate 13 spans, with an extracellular N terminus. The model of SGLT1 secondary structure and the predicted helix ends signify information prerequisite for the rational design of further experiments on structure/function relationships.

Biology of membrane transport proteins

Membrane transporter proteins are encoded by numerous genes that can be classified into several superfamilies, on the basis of sequence identity and biological function. Prominent examples include facilitative transporters, the secondary active symporters and antiporters driven by ion gradients, and active ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters involved in multiple-drug resistance and targeting of antigenic peptides to MHC Class I molecules. Transported substrates range from nutrients and ions to a broad variety of drugs, peptides and proteins. Deleterious mutations of transporter genes may lead to genetic diseases or loss of cell viability. Transporter structure, function and regulation, genetic factors, and pharmaceutical implications are summarized in this review.

Kinetics of steady-state currents and charge movements associated with the rat Na+/glucose cotransporter

The rat Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and steady-state and transient currents were measured using a two-electrode voltage clamp. The maximal glucose induced Na(+)-dependent inward current was approximately 300-500 nA. The apparent affinity constants for sugar (alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside; alpha MDG) (K alpha MDG 0.5) and sodium (KNa0.5) at a membrane potential of -150 mV were 0.2 mM and 4 mM. The KNa0.5 increased continuously with depolarizing potentials reaching 40 mM at -30 mV, K alpha MDG 0.5 was steeply voltage dependent, 0.46 mM at -30 mV and 1 mM at -10 mV. From all tested monovalent cations only Li+ could substitute for Na+, but with lower affinity. The relative substrate specificity was D-glucose > alpha MDG approximately D-galactose > 3-O-Me-Glc >> beta-naphthyl-D-glucoside >> uridine. Phlorizin (Pz), the specific blocker of sugar transport, showed an extremely high affinity for the rat cotransporter with an inhibitor constant (KPzi) of 12 nM. SGLT1 charge movements in the absence of sugar were fitted by the Boltzmann equation with an apparent valence of the movable charge of approximately 1, a potential for 50% maximal charge transfer (V0.5) of -43 mV, and a maximal charge (Qmax) of 9 nanocoulombs. The apparent turnover number for the rat SGLT1 was 30 s-1. Model simulations showed that the kinetics of the rat SGLT1 are described by a six-state ordered nonrapid equilibrium model, and comparison of the kinetics of the rat, rabbit and human cotransporters indicate that they differ mainly in their presteady-state kinetic parameters.

Molecular and functional characterization of an organic anion transporting polypeptide cloned from human liver

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Based on a recently cloned rat liver organic anion transporter, we attempted to clone the corresponding human liver organic anion transporting polypeptide.

METHODS

A human liver complementary DNA library was screened with a specific rat liver complementary DNA probe. The human liver transporter was cloned by homology with the rat protein and functionally characterized in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

RESULTS

The cloned human liver organic anion transporting polypeptide consists of 670 amino acids and shows a 67% amino acid identity with the corresponding rat liver protein. Injection of in vitro transcribed complementary RNA into frog oocytes resulted in the expression of sodium-independent uptake of [35S]bromosulfophthalein (Michaelis constant [Km], approximately 20 mumol/L), [3H]cholate (Km, approximately 93 mumol/L), [3H]taurocholate (Km, approximately 60 mumol/L), [14C]glycocholate, [3H]taurochenodeoxycholate, and [3H]tauroursodeoxycholate (Km, approximately 19 mumol/L). Northern blot analysis showed cross-reactivity with messenger RNA species from human liver, brain, lung, kidney, and testes. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of genomic DNA from a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids mapped the cloned human organic anion transporter to chromosome 12.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that the cloned human liver organic anion transporter is closely related to, but probably not identical to, the previously cloned rat liver transporter. Furthermore, its additional localization in a variety of extrahepatic tissues suggests that it plays a fundamental role in overall transepithelial organic anion transport of the human body.

Cell volume regulated transporters of compatible osmolytes

Virtually all cells respond to hypertonicity by accumulating certain small organic solutes (compatible osmolytes) that, in contrast to intracellular ions, do not perturb macromolecular function. Several important compatible osmolytes are accumulated by coupled transport. Transcription of genes encoding these cotransporters is increased by hypertonicity and a tonicity-responsive enhancer element has been identified. When cells return to an iso-osmotic environment, osmolytes are rapidly lost through a pathway that current evidence indicates may be a volume-sensitive chloride channel.

Chloride-dependent amino acid transport in the small intestine: occurrence and significance

The unidirectional influx of amino acids, D-glucose and ions across the brush-border membrane of the small intestine of different species has been measured in vitro with emphasis on characterization of topographic and species differences and on chloride dependence. The regional differences in transport along the small intestine are outlined and shown to be caused by variation in transport capacity, while the apparent affinity constants are unchanged. Rabbit small intestine is unique by exhibiting maximal rates of transport in the distal ileum and a very steep decline in the oral direction from where tissues are normally harvested for preparation of brush-border membrane vesicles. Transport in the guinea pig and rat is much more constant throughout the small intestine. Since the capacity of nutrient carriers is regulated by their substrates it is possible that bacterial breakdown of peptides and proteins in rabbit distal ileum increases the concentration of amino acids leading to an upregulation of the carriers. Chloride dependence is a characteristics of the carrier rather than the transported amino acid, and is used to improve the classification of amino acid carriers in rabbit small intestine. In this species the imino acid carrier, the beta-amino acid carrier, and the beta-alanine carrier, which should be renamed the B0,+ carrier, are chloride-dependent. The steady-state mucosal uptake of classical substrates for these carriers in biopsies from the human duodenum is also chloride-dependent. The carrier of beta-amino acids emerges as ubiquitous and chloride-dependent, and evidence of cotransport with both sodium and chloride is reviewed. A sodium:chloride:2-methyl-aminoisobutyric acid coupling stoichiometry of approx. 2:1:1 is suggested by ion activation studies. Direct measurements of coupled ion fluxes in rabbit distal ileum confirm that sodium, chloride and 2-methyl-aminoisobutyric acid are cotransported on the imino acid carrier with an identical influx stoichiometry. Control experiments and reference to the literature on the electrophysiology of the small intestine exclude alterations of the membrane potential as a feasible explanation of the chloride dependence. Thus, it is concluded that chloride is cotransported with both sodium and 2-methyl-aminoisobutyric acid across the brush-border membrane of rabbit distal ileum.

Sequence and functional characterization of a renal sodium/dicarboxylate cotransporter

The cDNA coding for a rabbit renal Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter, designated NaDC-1, was isolated by functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. NaDC-1 cDNA is approximately 2.3 kilobases in length and codes for a protein of 593 amino acids. NaDC-1 protein contains eight putative transmembrane domains, and the sequence and secondary structure are related to the renal Na+/sulfate transporter, NaSi-1. Northern analysis shows that the NaDC-1 message is abundant in kidney and small intestine, and related transporters may be found in liver, lung, and adrenal. The transport of succinate by NaDC-1 was sodium-dependent, sensitive to inhibition by lithium, and inhibited by a range of di- and tricarboxylic acids. This transporter also carries citrate, but it does not transport lactate. In kinetic experiments, the Km for succinate was around 0.4 mM and the Vmax was 15 nmol/oocyte/h, while the Hill coefficient of Na+ activation of succinate transport was 1.9. The transport of succinate by NaDC-1 was insensitive to changes in pH, whereas the transport of citrate increased with decreasing pH, in parallel with the concentration of divalent citrate in the medium. The results of the functional characterization indicate that NaDC-1 likely corresponds to the renal brush-border Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter.

Molecular mechanisms for passive and active transport of water

Water crosses cell membranes by passive transport and by secondary active cotransport along with ions. While the first concept is well established, the second is new. The two modes of transport allow cellular H2O homeostasis to be viewed as a balance between H2O leaks and H2O pumps. Consequently, cells can be hyperosmolar relative to their surroundings during steady states. Under physiological conditions, cells from leaky epithelia may be hyperosmolar by roughly 5 mosm liter-1, under dilute conditions, hyperosmolarities up to 40 mosm liter-1 have been recorded. Most intracellular H2O is free to serve as solvent for small inorganic ions. The mechanism of transport across the membrane depends on how H2O interacts with the proteinaceous or lipoid pathways. Osmotic transport of H2O through specific H2O channels such as CHIP 28 is hydraulic if the pore is impermeable to the solute and diffusive if the pore is permeable. Cotransport of ions and H2O can be a result of conformational changes in proteins, which in addition to ion transport also translocate H2O bound to or occlude in the protein. A cellular model of a leaky epithelium based on H2O leaks and H2O pumps quantitatively predicts a number of so-far unexplained observations of H2O transport.

Asparagine-linked oligosaccharides are localized to single extracytosolic segments in multi-span membrane glycoproteins

A comprehensive survey of mammalian multi-span (polytopic) membrane proteins showed that asparagine(N)-linked oligosaccharides are localized to single extracytosolic segments. In most membrane proteins this is because potential consensus sites for N-glycosylation (Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr, X not equal to Pro) are not found in multiple extracytosolic segments. In functional proteins where consensus N-glycosylation sites are contained within more than one extracytosolic segment, only the first segment contains N-linked carbohydrate. An exception is the alpha-subunit of the Na+ channel, which consists of a duplicated structure containing two glycosylated segments. The average size of established N-glycosylated loops connecting two transmembrane segments is 62 residues, with the smallest glycosylated loop being 33 residues in size. N-glycosylated sites are more highly conserved than non-glycosylated (primarily cytosolic) sites and are more common toward the N-terminus of the membrane domain of multi-span membrane proteins. The optimal conditions for glycosylation of consensus sites within an extracytosolic domain of a multi-span membrane protein are (i) the acceptor site is well-spaced (greater than 10 residues) from the transmembrane domain, (ii) the loop is greater than 30 residues in size and (iii) the segment is the first in the protein to contain a suitable extracytosolic consensus site. The localization of N-linked oligosaccharide chains to a single protein segment suggests either glycosylation of multiple loops may compromise protein folding or function, or only a single polypeptide domain can be optimally glycosylated during biosynthesis in vivo.

Expression cloning of a mammalian proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter

In mammals, active transport of organic solutes across plasma membranes was thought to be primarily driven by the Na+ gradient. Here we report the cloning and functional characterization of a H(+)-coupled transporter of oligopeptides and peptide-derived antibiotics from rabbit small intestine. This new protein, named PepT1, displays an unusually broad substrate specificity. PepT1-mediated uptake is electrogenic, independent of extracellular Na+, K+ and Cl-, and of membrane potential. PepT1 messenger RNA was found in intestine, kidney and liver and in small amounts in brain. In the intestine, the PepT1 pathway constitutes a major mechanism for absorption of the products of protein digestion. To our knowledge, the PepT1 primary structure is the first reported for a proton-coupled organic solute transporter in vertebrates and represents an interesting evolutionary link between prokaryotic H(+)-coupled and vertebrate Na(+)-coupled transporters of organic solutes.

Regulation of renal cell organic osmolyte transport by tonicity

Madin-Darby canine kidney cells accumulate several nonperturbing organic osmolytes when cultured in a hypertonic medium. Myo-inositol, betaine, and taurine are accumulated secondary to an increase in uptake, the first coupled to sodium entry, the latter two coupled to sodium and chloride entry. The transport rates increase as the result of an increase in maximum velocity for each cotransporter, with peak activity 24 h after the increase in tonicity. The cDNA for each cotransporter has been cloned. Their sequences indicate that the myo-inositol cotransporter belongs to the gene family that includes the sodium-coupled glucose transporter (SGLT1); the betaine and taurine cotransporters belong to the gene family of sodium- and chloride-coupled transporters that are responsible for neuronal uptake of many neurotransmitters. Assays of mRNA abundance and nuclear run-on assays reveal that shifts in tonicity have a major effect on transcription of the genes for the sodium-myo-inositol (SMIT) and sodium-chloride-betaine (BGT1) cotransporters. The ensuing increase in mRNA abundance for the two cotransporters and presumed increase in synthesis of the cotransporter proteins can explain the increase in transport activity in response to changes in tonicity.

The role of protein phosphorylation in renal amino acid transport

Changes in tubular reabsorption of amino acids and other solutes are characteristic of the immature renal tubule and of various hereditary nephropathies. The cellular mechanisms governing these aberrations in renal amino acid transport have not been established. Calcium (Ca2+)-dependent protein kinases are known to phosphorylate membrane-bound carrier proteins, thereby modulating transport of various solutes by the proximal tubule. The role of these enzymes in regulating renal tubular amino acid transport, particularly during kidney development, is unknown. We investigated: (1) the effect of Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase [protein kinase C (PKC)] and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) on sodium chloride (NaCl)-linked proline transport by renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from adult rats using the "hypoosmotic shock" technique (lysis of vesicles); (2) the activity, expression and subcellular distribution (cytosol, particulate, BBM) of Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases in kidneys from 7-day-old and adult rats using MBP 4-14 and autocamtide II phosphorylation assays for PKC and CaMKII, respectively, endogenous protein phosphorylation (using gel electrophoresis and autoradiography) and Western immunoblot analysis to detect PKC and CaMKII. The studies showed: (1) endogenous (membrane-bound) CaMKII and PKC as well as exogenous, highly purified PKC inhibit proline uptake by phosphorylated, lyzed/resealed BBMV when compared with control vesicles; the voltage-clamped, nonelectrogenic component of proline transport was inhibited by PKC- but not CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation; (2) a Ca(2+)-dependent activity of both kinases was evident in all subcellular fractions tested in immature and adult kidneys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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

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

Expression cloning of human and rat renal cortex Na/Pi cotransport

We have isolated two cDNA clones, NaPi-2 and NaPi-3, by screening rat kidney cortex and human kidney cortex cDNA libraries, respectively, for expression of sodium-dependent phosphate transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Substrate specificity and a detailed kinetic analysis (Na, Pi, H+ concentrations) suggested that expressed uptake activities relate to proximal tubular brush border membrane Na/Pi cotransport. NaPi-2 cDNA contains 2464 bp encoding a protein of 637 aa; NaPi-3 cDNA contains 2573 bp encoding a protein of 639 aa. NaPi-2- and NaPi-3-deduced protein sequences show high homology to each other but are different from the protein sequence deduced from the previously cloned NaPi-1 cDNA (from rabbit proximal tubules). Hydropathy profile predictions suggest at least eight membrane-spanning regions in NaPi-2/3-related proteins. In vitro translation results in proteins of the expected size and suggests glycosylation. Northern blot analysis shows corresponding mRNA species (approximately 2.7 kb) in kidney cortex of various species but no hybridization with RNAs isolated from a variety of other tissues (including intestinal segments); a hybridization signal (approximately 4.8 kb) was observed only in the lung (human). We conclude that we have structurally identified two closely related proteins most likely involved in human and rat renal brush border Na/Pi cotransport.

Relaxation kinetics of the Na+/glucose cotransporter

An important class of integral membrane proteins, cotransporters, couple solute transport to electrochemical potential gradients; e.g., the Na+/glucose cotransporter uses the Na+ electrochemical potential gradient to accumulate sugar in cells. So far, kinetic analysis of cotransporters has mostly been limited to steady-state parameters. In this study, we have examined pre-steady-state kinetics of Na+/glucose cotransport. The cloned human transporter (hSGLT1) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and voltage-clamp techniques were used to monitor current transients after step changes in membrane potential. Transients exhibited a voltage-dependent time constant (tau) ranging between 2 and 10 ms. The charge movement Q was fitted to a Boltzmann relation with maximal charge Qmax of approximately 20 nC, apparent valence z of 1, and potential V0.5 of -39 mV for 50% Qmax. Lowering external Na+ from 100 to 10 mM reduced Qmax 40%, shifted V0.5 from -39 to -70 mV, had no effect on z, and reduced the voltage dependence of tau. Qmax was independent of, but tau was dependent on, temperature (a 10 degrees C increase increased tau by a factor of approximately 2.5 at -50 mV). Addition of sugar or phlorizin reduced Qmax. Analyses of hSGLT1 pre-steady-state kinetics indicate that transfer upon a step of membrane potential in the absence of sugar is due to two steps in the reaction cycle: Na+ binding/dissociation (30%) and reorientation of the protein in the membrane field (70%). The rate-limiting step appears to be Na+ binding/dissociation. Qmax provides a measure of transporter density (approximately 10(4)/microns 2). Charge transfer measurements give insight into the partial reactions of the Na+/glucose cotransporter, and, combined with genetic engineering of the protein, provide a powerful tool for studying transport mechanisms.