The regulation of Na/K/2Cl cotransport and bumetanide binding in avian erythrocytes by protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Effects of kinase inhibitors and okadaic acid

Regulation of erythrocyte Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport by an oxygen-switched kinase cascade

Many erythrocyte processes and pathways, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), KCl cotransport, ATP release, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, ankyrin-band 3 interactions, and nitric oxide (NO) release, are regulated by changes in O₂ pressure that occur as a red blood cell (RBC) transits between the lungs and tissues. The O₂ dependence of glycolysis, PPP, and ankyrin-band 3 interactions (affecting RBC rheology) are controlled by O₂-dependent competition between deoxyhemoglobin (deoxyHb), but not oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb), and other proteins for band 3. We undertook the present study to determine whether the O₂ dependence of Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^- cotransport (catalyzed by Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^- cotransporter 1 [NKCC1]) might similarly originate from competition between deoxyHb and a protein involved in NKCC1 regulation for a common binding site on band 3. Using three transgenic mouse strains having mutated deoxyhemoglobin-binding sites on band 3, we found that docking of deoxyhemoglobin at the N terminus of band 3 displaces the protein with no lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) from its overlapping binding site on band 3. This displacement enabled WNK1 to phosphorylate oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1), which, in turn, phosphorylated and activated NKCC1. Under normal solution conditions, the NKCC1 activation increased RBC volume and thereby induced changes in RBC rheology. Because the deoxyhemoglobin-mediated WNK1 displacement from band 3 in this O₂ regulation pathway may also occur in the regulation of other O₂-regulated ion transporters, we hypothesize that the NKCC1-mediated regulatory mechanism may represent a general pattern of O₂ modulation of ion transporters in erythrocytes.

Na+ -K+ -2Cl- Cotransporter (NKCC) Physiological Function in Nonpolarized Cells and Transporting Epithelia

Two genes encode the Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransporters, NKCC1 and NKCC2, that mediate the tightly coupled movement of 1Na+ , 1K+ , and 2Cl- across the plasma membrane of cells. Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransport is driven by the chemical gradient of the three ionic species across the membrane, two of them maintained by the action of the Na+ /K+ pump. In many cells, NKCC1 accumulates Cl- above its electrochemical potential equilibrium, thereby facilitating Cl- channel-mediated membrane depolarization. In smooth muscle cells, this depolarization facilitates the opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, leading to Ca2+ influx, and cell contraction. In immature neurons, the depolarization due to a GABA-mediated Cl- conductance produces an excitatory rather than inhibitory response. In many cell types that have lost water, NKCC is activated to help the cells recover their volume. This is specially the case if the cells have also lost Cl- . In combination with the Na+ /K+ pump, the NKCC's move ions across various specialized epithelia. NKCC1 is involved in Cl- -driven fluid secretion in many exocrine glands, such as sweat, lacrimal, salivary, stomach, pancreas, and intestine. NKCC1 is also involved in K+ -driven fluid secretion in inner ear, and possibly in Na+ -driven fluid secretion in choroid plexus. In the thick ascending limb of Henle, NKCC2 activity in combination with the Na+ /K+ pump participates in reabsorbing 30% of the glomerular-filtered Na+ . Overall, many critical physiological functions are maintained by the activity of the two Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransporters. In this overview article, we focus on the functional roles of the cotransporters in nonpolarized cells and in epithelia. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:871-901, 2018.

Ionic homeostasis in brain conditioning

Most of the current focus on developing neuroprotective therapies is aimed at preventing neuronal death. However, these approaches have not been successful despite many years of clinical trials mainly because the numerous side effects observed in humans and absent in animals used at preclinical level. Recently, the research in this field aims to overcome this problem by developing strategies which induce, mimic, or boost endogenous protective responses and thus do not interfere with physiological neurotransmission. Preconditioning is a protective strategy in which a subliminal stimulus is applied before a subsequent harmful stimulus, thus inducing a state of tolerance in which the injury inflicted by the challenge is mitigated. Tolerance may be observed in ischemia, seizure, and infection. Since it requires protein synthesis, it confers delayed and temporary neuroprotection, taking hours to develop, with a pick at 1–3 days. A new promising approach for neuroprotection derives from post-conditioning, in which neuroprotection is achieved by a modified reperfusion subsequent to a prolonged ischemic episode. Many pathways have been proposed as plausible mechanisms to explain the neuroprotection offered by preconditioning and post-conditioning. Although the mechanisms through which these two endogenous protective strategies exert their effects are not yet fully understood, recent evidence highlights that the maintenance of ionic homeostasis plays a key role in propagating these neuroprotective phenomena. The present article will review the role of protein transporters and ionic channels involved in the control of ionic homeostasis in the neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning and post-conditioning in adult brain, with particular regards to the Na⁺/Ca2⁺ exchangers (NCX), the plasma membrane Ca2⁺-ATPase (PMCA), the Na⁺/H⁺ exchange (NHE), the Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻ cotransport (NKCC) and the acid-sensing cation channels (ASIC). Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability. Up until now, all clinical trials testing potential stroke neuroprotectants failed. For this reason attention of researchers has been focusing on the identification of brain endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms activated after cerebral ischemia. In this context, ischemic preconditioning and ischemic post-conditioning represent two neuroprotecive strategies to investigate in order to identify new molecular target to reduce the ischemic damage.

The activity of the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter is regulated by protein phosphatase PP4

Cation transport in the distal mammalian nephron relies on the SLC12 family of membrane cotransporters that include the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl⁻ cotransporter (NCC). NCC is regulated through a scaffold of interacting proteins, including the WNK kinases, WNK 1 and WNK 4, which are mutated in the hypertensive Gordon's syndrome. Dynamic regulation of NCC function by kinases must involve dephosphorylation by phosphatases, as illustrated by the role of PP1 and PP2B in the regulation of KCC members of the SLC12 family. There are 2 phosphorylation-controlled regulatory pathways for NCC: type 1, mediated by WNK4 and affecting trafficking to the surface membrane, and type 2, affecting intrinsic transporter kinetics by phosphorylation of conserved N-terminal S/T amino acids. Using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we show that PP4 inhibits NCC activity - but not trafficking to the surface membrane - by a mechanism that requires phosphatase activity and a conserved N-terminal amino acid of NCC, threonine 58. This action is distinct from WNK4 regulation of membrane trafficking. In the mouse kidney, PP4 is selectively expressed in the distal nephron, including cells of the distal convoluted tubule cells, suggesting that PP4 may have a physiological role in regulating NCC and hence NaCl reabsorption in vivo.

Co-ordination of osmotic stress responses through osmosensing and signal transduction events in fishes

This review centres upon the molecular regulation of osmotic stress responses in fishes, focusing on how osmosensing and signal transduction events co-ordinate changes in the activity and abundance of effector proteins during osmotic stress and how these events integrate into osmotic stress responses of varying magnitude. The concluding sections discuss the relevance of osmosensory signal transduction to the evolution of euryhalinity and present experimental approaches that may best stimulate future research. Iterating the importance of osmosensing and signal transduction during fish osmoregulation may be pertinent amidst the increased use of genomic technologies that typically focus solely on changes in the abundances of gene products, and may limit insight into critical upstream events that occur mainly through post-translational mechanisms.

The Na-K-Cl Co-transporter in astrocyte swelling

Ion channels, exchangers and transporters are known to be involved in cell volume regulation. A disturbance in one or more of these systems may result in loss of ion homeostasis and cell swelling. In particular, activation of the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters has been shown to regulate cell volume in many conditions. The Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransporters (NKCC) are a class of membrane proteins that transport Na, K, and Cl ions into and out of a wide variety of epithelial and nonepithelial cells. Studies have established the role of NKCC1 in astrocyte swelling/brain edema in ischemia and trauma. Our recent studies suggest that NKCC1 activation is also involved in astrocyte swelling induced by ammonia and in the brain edema in the thioacetamide model of acute liver failure. This review will focus on mechanisms of NKCC1 activation and its contribution to astrocyte swelling/brain edema in neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on ammonia neurotoxicity and acute liver failure.

The role of volume-sensitive ion transport systems in regulation of epithelial transport

This review focuses on using the knowledge on volume-sensitive transport systems in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and NIH-3T3 cells to elucidate osmotic regulation of salt transport in epithelia. Using the intestine of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) (an absorptive epithelium of the type described in the renal cortex thick ascending limb (cTAL)) we have focused on the role of swelling-activated K+- and anion-conductive pathways in response to hypotonicity, and on the role of the apical (luminal) Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) in the response to hypertonicity. The shrinkage-induced activation of NKCC2 involves an interaction between the cytoskeleton and protein phosphorylation events via PKC and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) opercular epithelium is a Cl(-)-secreting epithelium of the type described in exocrine glands, having a CFTR channel on the apical side and the Na+/K+ ATPase, NKCC1 and a K+ channel on the basolateral side. Osmotic control of Cl- secretion across the operculum epithelium includes: (i) hyperosmotic shrinkage activation of NKCC1 via PKC, MLCK, p38, OSR1 and SPAK; (ii) deactivation of NKCC by hypotonic cell swelling and a protein phosphatase, and (iii) a protein tyrosine kinase acting on the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to set levels of NKCC activity.

Shrinkage insensitivity of NKCC1 in myosin II-depleted cytoplasts from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and cytoskeletal reorganization regulate the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) during osmotic shrinkage; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. We show that in cytoplasts, plasma membrane vesicles detached from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) by cytochalasin treatment, NKCC1 activity evaluated as bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb influx was increased compared with the basal level in intact cells yet could not be further increased by osmotic shrinkage. Accordingly, cytoplasts exhibited no regulatory volume increase after shrinkage. In cytoplasts, cortical F-actin organization was disrupted, and myosin II, which in shrunken EATC translocates to the cortical region, was absent. Moreover, NKCC1 activity was essentially insensitive to the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-7, a potent blocker of shrinkage-induced NKCC1 activity in intact EATC. Cytoplast NKCC1 activity was potentiated by the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A, partially inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89, and blocked by the broad protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Cytoplasts exhibited increased protein levels of NKCC1, Ste20-related proline- and alanine-rich kinase (SPAK), and oxidative stress response kinase 1, yet they lacked the shrinkage-induced plasma membrane translocation of SPAK observed in intact cells. The basal phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was increased in cytoplasts compared with intact cells, yet in contrast to the substantial activation in shrunken intact cells, p38 MAPK could not be further activated by shrinkage of the cytoplasts. Together these findings indicate that shrinkage activation of NKCC1 in EATC is dependent on the cortical F-actin network, myosin II, and MLCK.

Activation of sodium transport in rat erythrocytes by inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A

Four structurally different protein phosphatases (PPs) inhibitors - fluoride, calyculin A, okadaic acid and cantharidin--were tested for their ability to modulate unidirectional Na(+) influx in rat red blood cells. Erythrocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C in isotonic and hypertonic media containing 1 mM ouabain and (22)Na in the absence or presence of PP inhibitors. Exposure of the cells to 20 mM fluoride or 50 nM calyculin A for 1 h under isosmotic conditions caused a significant stimulation of Na(+) influx, whereas addition of 200 microM cantharidin or 100 nM okadaic acid had no effect. After 2 h of treatment, however, all these PPs blockers significantly enhanced Na(+) transport in rat erythrocytes. Selective inhibitors of PP-1 and PP-2A types, calyculin A, cantharidin and okadaic acid, produced similar ( approximately 1.2-1.4-fold) stimulatory effects on Na(+) influx in the cells. Activation of Na(+) influx was unchanged with increasing calyculin A concentration from 50 to 200 nM. No additive stimulation of Na(+) influx was observed when the cells were treated with combination of 20 mM fluoride and 50 nM calyculin A. Na(+) influx induced by PPs blockers was inhibited by 1 mM amiloride and 200 muM bumetanide approximately in the equal extent, indicating the involvement of Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na-K-2Cl cotransport in sodium transport through rat erythrocytes membrane. Activation of Na(+) transport in the cells induced by calyculin A and fluoride was associated with increase of intracellular Na(+) content. Shrinkage of the rat erythrocytes resulted in 2-fold activation of Na(+) influx. All tested PPs inhibitors additionally activated the Na(+) influx by 70-100% above basal shrinkage-induced level. Amiloride and bumetanide have diminished both the shrinkage-induced and PPs-inhibitors-induced Na(+) influxes. Thus, our observations clearly indicate that activities of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in rat erythrocytes are regulated by protein phosphatases and stimulated when protein dephosphorylation is inhibited.

SPAK and OSR1, key kinases involved in the regulation of chloride transport

Reversible phosphorylation by protein kinases is probably one of the most important examples of post-translational modification of ion transport proteins. Ste20-related proline alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress response kinase (OSR1) are two serine/threonine kinases belonging to the germinal centre-like kinase subfamily VI. Genetic analysis suggests that OSR1 evolved first, with SPAK arising following a gene duplication in vertebrate evolution. SPAK and OSR1 are two recently discovered kinases which have been linked to several key cellular processes, including cell differentiation, cell transformation and proliferation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and most recently, regulation of ion transporters. Na-K-2Cl cotransporter activity is regulated by phosphorylation. Pharmacological evidence has identified several kinases and phosphatases which alter cotransporter function, however, no direct linkage between these enzymes and the cotransporter has been demonstrated. This article will review some of the physical and physiological properties of SPAK and OSR1, and present new evidence of a direct interaction between the Na-K-Cl cotransporter and the stress kinases.

Role for protein phosphatase 2A in the regulation of Calu-3 epithelial Na+-K+-2Cl-, type 1 co-transport function

Activity of Na+-K+-2Cl- co-transport (NKCC1) in epithelia is thought to be highly regulated through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the transporter. Previous functional studies from this laboratory suggested a role for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a serine/threonine protein phosphatase involved in the regulation of mammalian tracheal epithelial NKCC1. We expand on these studies to characterize serine/threonine protein phosphatase(s) necessary for regulation of NKCC1 function and the interaction of the phosphatase(s) with proteins associated with NKCC1. NKCC1 activity was measured as bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb uptake or basolateral to apical 86Rb flux in primary cultures of human tracheal epithelial cells or in Calu-3 airway epithelial cells grown on Transwell filter inserts. Preincubation with 0.1 nm okadaic acid, a PP2A >> phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitor, increased NKCC1 activity 3.5-fold in human tracheal epithelial cells and 4.1-fold in Calu-3 cells. Calyculin, a PP1 >> PP2A inhibitor, did not alter NKCC1 activity or percent bumetanide-sensitive flux. The effect of OA was dose-dependent with an IC50 of 0.4 nm. The alpha1-adrenergic agonist methoxamine increased NKCC1 activity and transiently increased PP2A activity 3.8-fold but did not alter PP1 activity. OA augmented methoxamine-dependent stimulation of NKCC1 activity. PP1, PP2A, and PP2C but not PP2B were detected in lysates from Calu-3 cells by immunoblot analysis. PP1 was not detected in immunoprecipitates of NKCC1 and vice versa. PP2A co-immunoprecipitated with NKCC1 and protein kinase C-delta (PKC-delta) and was pulled down by a recombinant N terminus of NKCC1 consisting of amino acids 1-286. One novel finding is co-precipitation of STE20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase, a regulatory kinase for NKCC1, with PP2A and PKC-delta. The results suggest a model of actin serving as a scaffold for binding and association of PKC-delta, PP2A, and STE20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase. The role of the complex of serine/threonine protein kinases and a protein phosphatase is probably the maintenance of optimal phosphorylation of NKCC1 coincident with its physiological function in epithelial absorption and secretion.

Hypertonicity-induced p38MAPK activation elicits recovery of corneal epithelial cell volume and layer integrity

In hypertonicity-stressed (i.e., 600 mOsm) SV40-immortalized rabbit and human corneal epithelial cell layers (RCEC and HCEC, respectively), we characterized the relationship between time-dependent changes in translayer resistance, relative cell volume and modulation of MAPK superfamily activities. Sulforhodamine B permeability initially increased by 1.4- and 2-fold in RCEC and HCEC, respectively. Subsequently, recovery to its isotonic level only occurred in RCEC. Light scattering revealed that in RCEC 1) regulatory volume increase (RVI) extent was 20% greater; 2) RVI half-time was 2.5-fold shorter. However, inhibition of Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and Na/K-ATPase activity suppressed the RVI response more in HCEC. MAPK activity changes were as follows: 1) p38 was wave-like and faster as well as larger in RCEC than in HCEC (90- and 18-fold, respectively); 2) increases in SAPK/JNK activity were negligible in comparison to those of p38; 3) Erk1/2 activity declined to 30-40% of their basal values. SB203580, a specific p38 inhibitor, dose dependently suppressed the RVI responses in both cell lines. However, neither U0126, which inhibits MEK, the kinase upstream of Erk, nor SP600125, inhibitor of SAPK/JNK, had any effect on this response. Taken together, sufficient activation of the p38 limb of the MAPK superfamily during a hypertonic challenge is essential for maintaining epithelial cell volume and translayer resistance. On the other hand, Erk1/2 activity restoration seems to be dependent on cell volume recovery.

Calcium-dependent phosphorylation processes control brain aromatase in quail

Increased gene transcription activated by the binding of sex steroids to their cognate receptors is one important way in which oestrogen synthase (aromatase) activity is regulated in the brain. This control mechanism is relatively slow (hours to days) but recent data indicate that aromatase activity in quail preoptic-hypothalamic homogenates is also rapidly (within minutes) affected by exposure to conditions that enhance Ca2+-dependent protein phosphorylation. We demonstrate here that Ca2+-dependent phosphorylations controlled by the activity of multiple protein kinases including PKC, and possibly also PKA and CAMK, can rapidly down-regulate aromatase activity in brain homogenates. These phosphorylations directly affect the aromatase molecule itself. Western blotting experiments on aromatase purified by immunoprecipitation reveal the presence on the enzyme of phosphorylated serine, threonine and tyrosine residues in concentrations that are increased by phosphorylating conditions. Cloning and sequencing of the quail aromatase identified a 1541-bp open reading frame that encodes a predicted 490-amino-acid protein containing all the functional domains that have been previously described in the mammalian and avian aromatase. Fifteen predicted consensus phosphorylation sites were identified in this sequence, but only two of these (threonine 455 and 486) match the consensus sequences corresponding to the protein kinases that were shown to affect aromatase activity during the pharmacological experiments (i.e. PKC and PKA). This suggests that the phosphorylation of one or both of these residues represents the mechanism underlying, at least in part, the rapid changes in aromatase activity.

Regulation of Na-K-2Cl cotransport by phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter plays important roles in cell ion homeostasis and volume control and is particularly important in mediating the movement of ions and thus water across epithelia. In addition to being affected by the concentration of the transported ions, cotransport is affected by cell volume, hormones, growth factors, oxygen tension, and intracellular ionized Mg(2+) concentration. These probably influence transport through three main routes acting in parallel: cotransporter phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions and cell Cl(-) concentration. Many effects are mediated, at least in part, by changes in protein phosphorylation, and are disrupted by kinase and phosphatase inhibitors, and manoeuvres that reduce cell ATP content. In some cases, phosphorylation of the cotransporter itself on serine and threonine (but not tyrosine) is associated with changes in transport rate, in others, phosphorylation of associated proteins has more influence. Analysis of the stimulation of cotransport by calyculin A, arsenite and deoxygenation suggests that the cotransporter is phosphorylated by several kinases and dephosphorylated by several phosphatases. These kinases and phosphatases may themselves be regulated by phosphorylation of residues including tyrosine, with Src kinases possibly playing an important role. Protein-protein interactions also influence cotransport activity. Cotransporter molecules bind to each other to form high molecular weight complexes, they also bind to other members of the cation-chloride cotransport family, to a variety of cytoskeletal proteins, and to enzymes that are part of regulatory cascades. Many of these interactions affect transport and may override the effects of cotransporter phosphorylation. Cell Cl(-) may also directly affect the way the cotransporter functions independently of its role as substrate.

Coordinate modulation of Na-K-2Cl cotransport and K-Cl cotransport by cell volume and chloride

Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC) and K-Cl cotransporter (KCC) play key roles in cell volume regulation and epithelial Cl(-) transport. Reductions in either cell volume or cytosolic Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)](i)) stimulate a corrective uptake of KCl and water via NKCC, whereas cell swelling triggers KCl loss via KCC. The dependence of these transporters on volume and [Cl(-)](i) was evaluated in model duck red blood cells. Replacement of [Cl(-)](i) with methanesulfonate elevated the volume set point at which NKCC activates and KCC inactivates. The set point was insensitive to cytosolic ionic strength. Reducing [Cl(-)](i) at a constant driving force for inward NKCC and outward KCC caused the cells to adopt the new set point volume. Phosphopeptide maps of NKCC indicated that activation by cell shrinkage or low [Cl(-)](i) is associated with phosphorylation of a similar constellation of Ser/Thr sites. Like shrinkage, reduction of [Cl(-)](i) accelerated NKCC phosphorylation after abrupt inhibition of the deactivating phosphatase with calyculin A in vivo, whereas [Cl(-)] had no specific effect on dephosphorylation in vitro. Our results indicate that NKCC and KCC are reciprocally regulated by a negative feedback system dually modulated by cell volume and [Cl(-)]. The major effect of Cl(-) on NKCC is exerted through the volume-sensitive kinase that phosphorylates the transport protein.

General models for water transport across leaky epithelia

The group of leaky epithelia, such as proximal tubule and small intestine, have several common properties in regard to salt and water transport. The fluid transport is isotonic, the transport rate increases in dilute solutions, and water can be transported uphill. Yet, it is difficult to find common features that could form the basis for a general transport model. The direction of transepithelial water transport does not correlate with the direction of the primary active Na+ transport, or with the ultrastucture as defined by the location of apical and basolateral membranes, of the junctional complex and the lateral intercellular spaces. The presence of specific water channels, aquaporins, increases the water permeability of the epithelial cell membranes, i.e., the kidney proximal tubule. Yet other leaky epithelia, for example, the retinal pigment epithelium, have no known aquaporins. There is, however, a general correlation between the direction of transepithelial transport and the direction of transport via cotransporters of the symport type. A simple epithelial model based on water permeabilities, a hyperosmolar compartment and restricted salt diffusion, is unable to explain epithelial transport phenomena, in particular the ability for uphill water transport. The inclusion of cotransporters as molecular water pumps in these models alleviates this problem.

Hyperosmotic urea activates basolateral NHE in proximal tubule from P-gp null and wild-type mice

Using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye BCECF, we compared the effects of hyperosmotic urea on basolateral Na(+)/H(+) exchange (NHE) with those of hyperosmotic mannitol in isolated nonperfused proximal tubule S2 segments from mice lacking both the mdr1a and mdr1b genes (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. All the experiments were performed in CO(2)/HCO-free HEPES solutions. Osmolality of the peritubular solution was raised from 300 to 500 mosmol/kgH(2)O by adding mannitol or urea. NHE activity was assessed by the Na(+)-dependent acid extrusion rate (J(H)) after an acid load with NH(4)Cl prepulse. In WT mice, hyperosmotic mannitol had no effect on J(H) at over the entire range of intracellular pH (pH(i)) studied (6.20-6.90), whereas in KO mice it increased J(H) at a pH(i) range of 6.20-6.45. In contrast, in both WT and KO mice, hyperosmotic urea increased J(H) at a pH(i) range of 6.20-6.90. In KO mice, J(H) in a hyperosmotic urea solution were similar to those in a hyperosmotic mannitol solution at a pH(i) range of 6.20-6.40 but were greater than in a hyperosmotic mannitol solution at a pH(i) range of 6.45-6.90. In WT mice, hyperosmotic urea caused an increase in V(max) without changing K(m) for peritubular Na(+). Staurosporine (the PKC inhibitor) inhibited hyperosmotic mannitol-induced NHE activation in KO mice, whereas it had no effect on hyperosmotic urea-induced NHE activation in WT or KO mice. Genistein (the tyrosine kinase inhibitor) inhibited hyperosmotic urea-induced NHE activation in WT and KO mice, whereas it caused no effect on hyperosmotic mannitol-induced NHE activation in KO mice. We conclude that hyperosmotic urea activates basolateral NHE via tyrosine kinase in tubules from both WT and KO mice, whereas hyperosmotic mannitol activates it via PKC only in tubules from KO mice.

P-gp-induced modulation of regulatory volume increase occurs via PKC in mouse proximal tubule

The present study examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-induced modulation of regulatory volume increase (RVI) in the isolated nonperfused proximal tubule S2 segments from mice lacking both mdr1a and mdr1b genes (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. The hyperosmotic solution (500 mosmol/kgH(2)O) involving 200 mM mannitol activated PKC and elicited RVI in the tubules from KO mice but not from WT mice. The addition of the hyperosmotic solution including the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to the tubules of the WT mice activated PKC and elicited RVI. The hyperosmotic solution in the presence of the P-gp inhibitors (verapamil or cyclosporin A) elicited RVI in the tubules from the WT mice but not from the KO mice. The PMA- and the P-gp inhibitors-induced RVI was abolished by cotreatment with the PKC inhibitors (staurosporine or calphostin C). In the tubules of the KO mice, the PKC inhibitors abolished RVI, but PMA did not. In the tubules of the WT mice, the microtubule disruptor (colchicine), the microfilament disruptor (cytochalasin B), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) blocker (wortmannin), but not another PI 3-kinase blocker (LY-294002), inhibited the PMA-induced RVI. In the tubules of the KO mice, colchicine, cytochalsin B, and wortmannin abolished RVI, but LY-294002 did not. We conclude that 1) in the mouse proximal tubule, P-gp-induced modulation of RVI occurs via PKC; and 2) the microtubule, microfilament, and wortmannin-sensitive, LY-294002-insensitive PI 3-kinase contribute to the PKC-induced RVI.

Growth factors stimulate the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 through a novel Cl(-)-dependent mechanism

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 is an important volume-regulatory transporter that is regulated by cell volume and intracellular Cl(-). This regulation appears to be mediated by phosphorylation of NKCC1, although there is evidence for additional, cytoskeletal regulation via myosin light chain (MLC) kinase. NKCC1 is also activated by growth factors and may contribute to cell hypertrophy, but the mechanism is unknown. In aortic endothelial cells, NKCC1 (measured as bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb(+) influx) was rapidly stimulated by serum, lysophosphatidic acid, and fibroblast growth factor, with the greatest stimulation by serum. Serum increased bumetanide-sensitive influx significantly more than bumetanide-sensitive efflux (131% vs. 44%), indicating asymmetric stimulation of NKCC1, and produced a 17% increase in cell volume and a 25% increase in Cl(-) content over 15 min. Stimulation by serum and hypertonic shrinkage were additive, and serum did not increase phosphorylation of NKCC1 or MLC, and did not decrease cellular Cl(-) content. When cellular Cl(-) was replaced with methanesulfonate, influx via NKCC1 increased and was no longer stimulated by serum, whereas stimulation by hypertonic shrinkage still occurred. Based on these results, we propose a novel mechanism whereby serum activates NKCC1 by reducing its sensitivity to inhibition by intracellular Cl(-). This resetting of the Cl(-) set point of the transporter enables the cotransporter to produce a hypertrophic volume increase.

Quantitation of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport splice variants in human tissues using kinetic polymerase chain reaction

A kinetic reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay is described that can discriminate and quantitate differentially spliced mRNAs. This assay should be generally applicable for high-throughput quantitation of differentially spliced transcripts. The utility of this method was assessed for spliced transcripts encoded by the human Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter gene hNKCC1. Evidence is presented that the NKCC1 isoform of the human Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter is differentially spliced analogous to that recently described for the mouse Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter gene BSC2. The nucleotide sequences of the two human splice variants predict Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter proteins differing only in length. Stable transfectants expressing these human splice variants, designated NKCC1a or NKCC1b, were constructed. Both splice variants produce functional Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporters in vivo. The abundance of NKCC1 mRNA and patterns of differential splicing in 10 different tissue types and three cell lines were quantitated using the kRT-PCR assay. The results showed that the total amount of NKCC1 mRNA varied by more than 30-fold in the human tissues and cell lines examined. The ratio of NKCC1a/NKCC1b varied nearly 70-fold among these same tissues and cell lines suggesting that differential splicing of the NKCC1 transcript may play a regulatory role in human tissues.

Modulation of ion transport by direct targeting of protein phosphatase type 1 to the Na-K-Cl cotransporter

The specificity of major protein phosphatases is conferred via targeting subunits, each of which binds specifically to the phosphatase and targets it to the vicinity of substrate proteins. In the case of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), an RVXFXD motif on a targeting subunit binds to a cleft in PP1c, the catalytic subunit. Here we report that a substrate of PP1, the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC1), bears this motif in its N terminus near sites of regulatory phosphorylation and that direct binding of PP1 to NKCC1 is functionally important in determining the set point for intracellular chloride regulation. NKCC1 mutants in which the motif is destroyed or improved exhibit dramatically shifted activation curves because of a change in the rate of cotransporter dephosphorylation. Furthermore, direct interaction of NKCC1 and PP1c observed by coprecipitation of the two proteins is not seen in a mutant lacking the site. This establishes a new paradigm of phosphatase specificity, one in which a substrate protein containing an RVXFXD motif binds directly to PP1c; we propose that this may be a quite general mechanism.

Macromolecular crowding and its role as intracellular signalling of cell volume regulation

Macromolecular crowding has been proposed as a mechanism by means of which a cell can sense relatively small changes in volume or, more accurately, the concentration of intracellular solutes. According to the macromolecular theory, the kinetics and equilibria of enzymes can be greatly influenced by small changes in the concentration of ambient, inert macromolecules. A 10% change in the concentration of intracellular proteins can lead to changes of up to a factor of ten in the thermodynamic activity of putative molecular regulatory species, and consequently, the extent to which such regulator(s) may bind to and activate membrane-associated ion transporters. The aim of this review is to examine the concept of macromolecular crowding and how it profoundly affects macromolecular association in an intact cell with particular emphasis on its implication as a sensor and a mechanism through which cell volume is regulated.

Functional and molecular characterization of the K-Cl cotransporter of Xenopus laevis oocytes

The K-Cl cotransporters (KCCs) have a broad range of physiological roles, in a number of cells and species. We report here that Xenopus laevis oocytes express a K-Cl cotransporter with significant functional and molecular similarity to mammalian KCCs. Under isotonic conditions, defolliculated oocytes exhibit a Cl(-)-dependent (86)Rb(+) uptake mechanism after activation by the cysteine-reactive compounds N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)). The activation of this K-Cl cotransporter by cell swelling is prevented by inhibition of protein phosphatase-1 with calyculin A; NEM activation of the transporter was not blocked by phosphatase inhibition. Kinetic characterization reveals apparent values for the Michaelis-Menten constant of 27.7 +/- 3.0 and 15.4 +/- 4.7 mM for Rb(+) and Cl(-), respectively, with an anion selectivity for K(+) transport of Cl(-) = PO(4)(3-) = Br(-) > I(-) > SCN(-) > gluconate. The oocyte K-Cl cotransporter was sensitive to several inhibitors, including loop diuretics, with apparent half-maximal inhibition values of 200 and 500 microM for furosemide and bumetanide, respectively. A partial cDNA encoding the Xenopus K-Cl cotransporter was cloned from oocyte RNA; the corresponding transcript is widely expressed in Xenopus tissues. The predicted COOH-terminal protein fragment exhibited particular homology to the KCC1/KCC3 subgroup of the mammalian KCCs, and the functional characteristics are the most similar to those of KCC1 (Mercado A, Song L, Vazquez N, Mount DB, and Gamba G. J Biol Chem 275: 30326--30334, 2000).

Contractile regulation of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter in vascular smooth muscle

Vasoconstrictors activate the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter NKCC1 in rat aortic smooth muscle, but the mechanism is unknown. Efflux of (86)Rb(+) from rat aorta in response to phenylephrine (PE) was measured in the absence and presence of bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of NKCC1. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) completely abolished the activation of NKCC1 by PE. This was not due to inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels since blocking these channels with Ba(2+) in Ca(2+)-replete solution did not prevent activation of NKCC1 by PE. Stimulation of NKCC1 by PE was inhibited 70% by 75 microM ML-9, 97% by 2 microM wortmannin, and 70% by 2 mM 2,3-butanedione monoxime, each of which inhibited isometric force generation in aortic rings. Bumetanide-insensitive Rb(+) efflux, an indication of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel activity, was reduced by ML-9 but not by the other inhibitors. Stretching of aortic rings on tubing to increase lumen diameter to 120% of normal almost completely blocked the stimulation of NKCC1 by PE without inhibiting the stimulation by hypertonic shrinkage. We conclude that activation of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter by PE is the direct result of smooth muscle contraction through Ca(2+)-dependent activation of myosin light chain kinase. This indicates that the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter is regulated by the contractile state of vascular smooth muscle.

Oxygen-sensitive membrane transporters in vertebrate red cells

Oxygen is essential for all higher forms of animal life. It is required for oxidative phosphorylation, which forms the bulk of the energy supply of most animals. In many vertebrates, transport of O(2) from respiratory to other tissues, and of CO(2) in the opposite direction, involves red cells. These are highly specialised, adapted for their respiratory function. Intracellular haemoglobin, carbonic anhydrase and the membrane anion exchanger (AE1) increase the effective O(2)- and CO(2)-carrying capacity of red cells by approximately 100-fold. O(2) also has a pathological role. It is a very reactive species chemically, and oxidation, free radical generation and peroxide formation can be major hazards. Cells that come into contact with potentially damaging levels of O(2) have a variety of systems to protect them against oxidative damage. Those in red cells include catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. In this review, we focus on a third role of O(2), as a regulator of membrane transport systems, a role with important consequences for the homeostasis of the red cell and also the organism as a whole. We show that regulation of red cell transporters by O(2) is widespread throughout the vertebrate kingdom. The effect of O(2) is selective but involves a wide range of transporters, including inorganic and organic systems, and both electroneutral and conductive pathways. Finally, we discuss what is known about the mechanism of the O(2) effect and comment on its physiological and pathological roles.

Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransport

Obligatory, coupled cotransport of Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) by cell membranes has been reported in nearly every animal cell type. This review examines the current status of our knowledge about this ion transport mechanism. Two isoforms of the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC) protein (approximately 120-130 kDa, unglycosylated) are currently known. One isoform (NKCC2) has at least three alternatively spliced variants and is found exclusively in the kidney. The other (NKCC1) is found in nearly all cell types. The NKCC maintains intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)](i)) at levels above the predicted electrochemical equilibrium. The high [Cl(-)](i) is used by epithelial tissues to promote net salt transport and by neural cells to set synaptic potentials; its function in other cells is unknown. There is substantial evidence in some cells that the NKCC functions to offset osmotically induced cell shrinkage by mediating the net influx of osmotically active ions. Whether it serves to maintain cell volume under euvolemic conditons is less clear. The NKCC may play an important role in the cell cycle. Evidence that each cotransport cycle of the NKCC is electrically silent is discussed along with evidence for the electrically neutral stoichiometries of 1 Na(+):1 K(+):2 Cl- (for most cells) and 2 Na(+):1 K(+):3 Cl(-) (in squid axon). Evidence that the absolute dependence on ATP of the NKCC is the result of regulatory phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms is decribed. Interestingly, the presumed protein kinase(s) responsible has not been identified. An unusual form of NKCC regulation is by [Cl(-)](i). [Cl(-)](i) in the physiological range and above strongly inhibits the NKCC. This effect may be mediated by a decrease of protein phosphorylation. Although the NKCC has been studied for approximately 20 years, we are only beginning to frame the broad outlines of the structure, function, and regulation of this ubiquitous ion transport mechanism.

Protein kinase C activation downregulates the expression and function of the basolateral Na+/K+/2Cl(-) cotransporter

The basolateral Na+/K+/2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) has been shown to be an independent regulatory site for electrogenic Cl(-) secretion. The proinflammatory phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which activates protein kinase C (PKC), inhibits basal and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated NKCC1 activity in T84 intestinal epithelial cells and decreases the steady state levels of NKCC1 mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The levels of NKCC1 protein also fall in accordance with the NKCC1 mRNA transcript and these levels are unaffected by 4alpha-phorbol, which does not activate PKC. Inhibition of maximal (cAMP-stimulated) NKCC1 functional activity by PMA was first detected by 1 h, whereas decreases in the steady state levels of NKCC1 mRNA were not detectable until 4 h. NKCC1 mRNA expression recovers toward control levels with extended treatment of cells with PMA suggesting that the PMA effects on NKCC1 expression are mediated through activation of PKC. Although NKCC1 mRNA and protein levels return to control values after extended PMA exposure, NKCC1 functional activity does not recover. Immunofluorescence imaging suggest that the absence of functional recovery is due to failure of newly synthesized NKKC1 protein to reach the cell surface. We conclude that NKCC1 has the capacity to be regulated at the level of de novo expression by PKC, although decreased NKCC1 expression alone cannot account for either early or late loss of NKCC1 function.

Stimulation of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport by arsenite in ferret erythrocytes

1. Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport activity was measured in ferret erythrocytes as the bumetanide-sensitive uptake of 86Rb. 2. The Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport rate was stimulated by treating erythrocytes with sodium arsenite but not by sodium arsenate (up to 1 mM). Stimulation took an hour to develop fully. Arsenite had no effect on bumetanide-resistant 86Rb uptake. 3. In cells stored for 3 days or less, cotransport stimulation by arsenite could be described by assuming arsenite either acts at a single site (EC50, 60+/-14 microM, mean +/- S.E.M., n = 3) or that it acts at both high- (EC50, 35+/-9 microM, mean +/- S.E.M., n = 3) and low- (EC50 >2 mM) affinity sites. 4. Stimulation by 1 mM arsenite was greatest on the day of cell collection (rate about 3 times that of the control), even exceeding that produced by 20 nM calyculin A, and declined during cell storage. Addition of calyculin A to arsenite-stimulated cells resulted in further stimulation of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport, suggesting that arsenite and calyculin act synergistically. This was most apparent in stored cells. 5. Stimulation by 1 mM arsenite was not affected by treating cells with the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors SB203580 (20 microM) and PD98059 (50 microM), but was both prevented and reversed by the kinase inhibitors staurosporine (2 microM), 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1, 50 microM) and genistein (0.3 mM), and with a combination of 10 microM A23187 and 2 mM EDTA (to reduce intracellular Mg2+ concentration). Only treatment with EDTA and A23187 prevented stimulation by the combination of 1 mM arsenite and 20 nM calyculin, whereas no treatment was able to fully reverse this stimulation once elicited. 6. Our data are consistent with arsenite stimulating (perhaps indirectly) a kinase that phosphorylates and activates the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter.

Regulation of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport by protein phosphorylation in ferret erythrocytes

1. Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport in ferret erythrocytes was measured as the bumetanide-sensitive uptake of 86Rb. 2. The resting cotransport rate was high but could be increased threefold by treating erythrocytes with calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of serine/threonine phosphatases. Twenty nanomolar was sufficient to maximally and rapidly (within 4 min) stimulate transport. 3. The effects of several kinase inhibitors were tested. High concentrations of K-252a, K-252b, calphostin C and hypericin caused less than 20 % inhibition. Staurosporine (IC50, 0.06 microM) and 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1; IC50, 2.5 microM) were more potent but still only partially (40-50 %) inhibited transport, an effect mimicked by reducing ionized intracellular Mg2+ concentration to submicromolar levels. Genistein may inhibit all transport at a sufficiently high dose (IC50, 0.36 mM) perhaps by directly inhibiting the transporter. 4. Staurosporine, PP1 and the removal of Mg2+ all prevented subsequent stimulation by calyculin A, and all inhibited calyculin-stimulated transport by 20-30 %. The effects of staurosporine, PP1 and Mg2+ removal were not additive. 5. The phosphatase that dephosphorylates the cotransporter is probably Mg2+ (or possibly Ca2+ or Mn2+) sensitive and not the target for calyculin A. The data suggest that this phosphatase is inhibited by phosphorylation, and that it is the regulation of this process which is affected by calyculin A and the kinase inhibitors tested here. Phosphorylation of the phosphatase is probably regulated by members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases.

Regulation of cation transport pathways and glycolytic enzyme activity by alterations in red cell volume

In the presence of NH4Cl and hypotonic solutions, Rana balcanica red cells respond by increasing their volume. The stimulation of cellular volume by hypotonicity is more rapid than that of NH4Cl, while the maximum value is less than that observed in the presence of NH4Cl. Depending on the cause of swelling, (nct uptake of NH4Cl or decrease in external osmolality) cells show specific responses. The NH4Cl treatment causes a significant increase in intracellular Na+, from 5.14 +/- 0.78 to 29.84 +/- 0.47 mmoles l-1 cell, while hypotonicity leads to a significant decrease of this cation, to 3.85 +/- 0.25 mmoles l-1 cell in relation to the control, after 30 min of incubation of Rana balcanica erythrocytes. In addition, amiloiride significantly reverses the NH4Cl effect with respect to intracellular Na+. Both treatments cause a significant K+ loss in comparison with controls. Two glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and pyruvate kinase (PK) of Rana balcanica haemolysate were found to respond to the NH4Cl effect by significantly decreasing their activity.

Regulation of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport in turkey red cells: the role of oxygen tension and protein phosphorylation

1. Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport (NKCC) was studied in turkey red cells using Na+ dependence or bumetanide sensitivity of 86Rb+ influx to monitor activity of the transporter. 2. Deoxygenation was the major physiological stimulus for NKCC activity: oxygen tensions (PO2) over the physiological range modulated the transporter, with a PO2 for half-maximal activation of about 41 mmHg (n = 3). In air, activity of NKCC was also stimulated by shrinkage and isoproteronol (isoprenaline, 5 microgr;M). By contrast, in deoxygenated cells, although the transporter activity was markedly elevated, it was no longer sensitive to volume or beta-adrenergic stimulation. 3. Calyculin A, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, stimulated cotransport with a lag of about 5 min. N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) inhibited cotransport and also blocked the stimulatory effect of calyculin A if administered before calyculin A. Stimulation by calyculin A and deoxygenation were not additive. Staurosporine (2 microM) inhibited deoxygenated-stimulated K+ influxes, but not those stimulated by calyculin A. NEM added during calyculin A stimulation, i.e. during the 5 min lag, caused transport activity to be clamped at levels intermediate between maximal (calyculin A alone) and control. Cells treated with calyculin A alone or with calyculin A followed by NEM were no longer sensitive to volume, isoproteronol or PO2. 4. The results have characterized the interaction between deoxygenation and other stimuli of NKCC activity. They have also shown that it is possible to manipulate the transporter in a reciprocal way to that shown previously for K+-Cl- cotransport.

Physiological significance of volume-regulatory transporters

Research over the past 25 years has identified specific ion transporters and channels that are activated by acute changes in cell volume and that serve to restore steady-state volume. The mechanism by which cells sense changes in cell volume and activate the appropriate transporters remains a mystery, but recent studies are providing important clues. A curious aspect of volume regulation in mammalian cells is that it is often absent or incomplete in anisosmotic media, whereas complete volume regulation is observed with isosmotic shrinkage and swelling. The basis for this may lie in an important role of intracellular Cl- in controlling volume-regulatory transporters. This is physiologically relevant, since the principal threat to cell volume in vivo is not changes in extracellular osmolarity but rather changes in the cellular content of osmotically active molecules. Volume-regulatory transporters are also closely linked to cell growth and metabolism, producing requisite changes in cell volume that may also signal subsequent growth and metabolic events. Thus, despite the relatively constant osmolarity in mammals, volume-regulatory transporters have important roles in mammalian physiology.

Cardiac cell volume: crystal clear or murky waters? A comparison with other cell types

The osmolarity of bodily fluids is strictly controlled so that most cells do not experience changes in osmotic pressure under normal conditions, but osmotic changes can occur in pathological states such as ischemia, septic shock, and diabetic coma. The primary effect of a change in osmolarity is to acutely alter cell volume. If the osmolarity around a cell is decreased, the cell swells, and if increased, it shrinks. In order to tolerate changes in osmolarity, cells have evolved volume regulatory mechanisms activated by osmotic challenge to normalise cell volume and maintain normal function. In the heart, osmotic stress is encountered during a period of myocardial ischemia when metabolites such as lactate accumulate intracellularly and to a certain degree extracellularly, and cause cell swelling. This swelling may be exacerbated further on reperfusion when the hyperosmotic extracellular milieu is replaced by normosmotic blood. In this review, we describe the theory and mechanisms of volume regulation, and draw on findings in extracardiac tissues, such as kidney, whose responses to osmotic change are well characterised. We then describe cell volume regulation in the heart, with particular emphasis on the effect of myocardial ischemia. Finally, we describe the consequences of osmotic cell swelling for the cell and for the heart, and discuss the implications for antiarrhythmic drug efficacy. Using computer modelling, we have summated the changes induced by cell swelling, and predict that swelling will shorten the action potential. This finding indicates that cell swelling is an important component of the response to ischemia, a component modulating the excitability of the heart.

Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport in Ehrlich cells: regulation by protein phosphatases and kinases

To identify protein kinases (PK) and phosphatases (PP) involved in regulation of the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in Ehrlich cells, the effect of various PK and PP inhibitors was examined. The PP-1, PP-2A, and PP-3 inhibitor calyculin A (Cal-A) was a potent activator of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport (EC50 = 35 nM). Activation by Cal-A was rapid (<1 min) but transient. Inactivation is probably due to a 10% cell swelling and/or the concurrent increase in intracellular Cl- concentration. Cell shrinkage also activates the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport system. Combining cell shrinkage with Cal-A treatment prolonged the cotransport activation compared with stimulation with Cal-A alone, suggesting PK stimulation by cell shrinkage. Shrinkage-induced cotransport activation was pH and Ca2+/calmodulin dependent. Inhibition of myosin light chain kinase by ML-7 and ML-9 or of PKA by H-89 and KT-5720 inhibited cotransport activity induced by Cal-A and by cell shrinkage, with IC50 values similar to reported inhibition constants of the respective kinases in vitro. Cell shrinkage increased the ML-7-sensitive cotransport activity, whereas the H-89-sensitive activity was unchanged, suggesting that myosin light chain kinase is a modulator of the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport activity during regulatory volume increase.

Kell and Kx, two disulfide-linked proteins of the human erythrocyte membrane are phosphorylated in vivo

Kell and Kx are two quantitatively minor proteins from the human erythrocyte membrane which carry blood groups antigens and are thought to be a metalloprotease and a membrane transporter, respectively. In the red cell membrane, these proteins form a complex stabilized by disulfide bond(s). Phosphorylation status of these proteins was studied, in the presence or absence of effectors of several kinases, either on intact cells incubated with [32P]-orthophosphate or on ghosts incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP. Purification of Kell-Kx complex, by immunochromatography on an immobilized human monoclonal antibody of Kell blood group specificity allowed to establish that (i) neither protein is phosphorylated on tyrosine; (ii) the Kell protein is a putative substrate for Casein Kinase II (CKII) and Casein Kinase I (CKI) but not for protein kinase C (PKC), whereas Kx protein is phosphorylated by CKII and PKC but not by CKI; (iii) Protein Kinase A neither phosphorylates the Kell nor the Kx proteins.

Pathogenesis of idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis: update 1997

Idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis (ICN) is a frequent disease in Western countries. The physicochemical theory of lithogenesis, which explains stone formation by the precipitation, growth, and crystalline aggregation of lithogenic salts in the urine, has contributed greatly to the understanding of the pathogenesis of calcium urolithiasis. However, several aspects are still unexplained; the co-existence of familial occurrence, primary tubular dysfunctions with ICN, and anomalies in the systemic handling of oxalate and calcium led to the development of a cellular hypothesis of ICN. A number of cellular defects in the handling of ions has been reported that involves both anion and cation transport. These anomalies are probably the expression of a still unknown cellular defect in idiopathic calcium stone formers. We suggested that an anomaly in the cell membrane composition might be responsible for the complex array of cell ion flux abnormalities observed in ICN. Recently, a disorder in the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid series has been described; it is characterized by a lower linoleic acid content and a higher arachidonic acid concentration in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids of renal calcium stone patients. This anomaly could cause an increased activity of ion carriers; furthermore, it may lead to increased prostaglandin synthesis and to secondary phenomena at the kidney, skeletal, and intestinal level. As a consequence, critical conditions for lithogenesis in the kidney may ensue. The data suggest a common pathogenesis for hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria. The systemic defect in the phospholipid arachidonic acid level may be both of dietary or genetic origin; experimental data suggest that the increase in delta-6 desaturase activity, the limiting enzyme in the metabolic pathway of polyunsaturated fatty acids, might be relevant to the pathogenesis of lipid abnormalities observed in nephrolithiasis and to the pathogenesis of ICN and its related problems (at the kidney, intestinal, and bone level).

A volume-sensitive protein kinase regulates the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in duck red blood cells

When Na-K-2Cl cotransport is activated in duck red blood cells by either osmotic cell shrinkage, norepinephrine, fluoride, or calyculin A, phosphorylation of the transporter occurs at a common set of serine/threonine sites. To examine the kinetics and regulation of the activating kinase, phosphatase activity was inhibited abruptly with calyculin A and the subsequent changes in transporter phosphorylation and activity were determined. Increases in fractional incorporation of 32P into the transporter and uptake of 86Rb by the cells were closely correlated, suggesting that the phosphorylation event is rate determining in the activation process. Observed in this manner, the activating kinase was 1) stimulated by cell shrinkage, 2) inhibited by cell swelling, staurosporine, or N-ethylmaleimide, and 3) unaffected by norepinephrine or fluoride. The inhibitory effect of swelling on kinase activity was progressively relieved by calyculin A, suggesting that the kinase itself is switched on by phosphorylation. The kinetics of activation by calyculin A conformed to an autocatalytic model in which the volume-sensitive kinase is stimulated by a product of its own reaction (e.g., via autophosphorylation).

Functional significance of cell volume regulatory mechanisms

To survive, cells have to avoid excessive alterations of cell volume that jeopardize structural integrity and constancy of intracellular milieu. The function of cellular proteins seems specifically sensitive to dilution and concentration, determining the extent of macromolecular crowding. Even at constant extracellular osmolarity, volume constancy of any mammalian cell is permanently challenged by transport of osmotically active substances across the cell membrane and formation or disappearance of cellular osmolarity by metabolism. Thus cell volume constancy requires the continued operation of cell volume regulatory mechanisms, including ion transport across the cell membrane as well as accumulation or disposal of organic osmolytes and metabolites. The various cell volume regulatory mechanisms are triggered by a multitude of intracellular signaling events including alterations of cell membrane potential and of intracellular ion composition, various second messenger cascades, phosphorylation of diverse target proteins, and altered gene expression. Hormones and mediators have been shown to exploit the volume regulatory machinery to exert their effects. Thus cell volume may be considered a second message in the transmission of hormonal signals. Accordingly, alterations of cell volume and volume regulatory mechanisms participate in a wide variety of cellular functions including epithelial transport, metabolism, excitation, hormone release, migration, cell proliferation, and cell death.

Hypertonicity enhances expression of functional Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporters in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells

Ehrlich cells exposed to a hypertonic medium for five hours respond by an increased expression of Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport proteins as estimated from immunoprecipitations using polyclonal anti-cotransporter antibodies. The 3.4-fold increase in cotransport expression is followed by a concomitant 2.6-fold increase in the maximal bumetanide-sensitive K+ influx during regulatory volume increase, indicating a 2.6-fold increase in the number of functional cotransporters in the plasma membrane.

Mechanism of beta-adrenergic agonist-induced transmural transport of glucose in rat small intestine. Regulation of phosphorylation of SGLT1 controls the function

The perfusion of rat small intestine with 10 microM epinephrine (Epi) or 10 microM norepinephrine resulted in significant increases in the amount of 3-O-[methyl-3H]-D-glucose transported from the mucosal to serosal side. The Epi-induced increases in glucose transport were coupled with selective increases in beta-adrenoceptor density in the mucosal membranes. Treatment with 0.1 microM okadaic acid increased glucose transport even in the absence of Epi, but that with 1 microM staurosporine or 60 microM N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide dihydrochloride completely inhibited the increases in glucose transport induced by 10 microM Epi or 10 microM dibutyryl cAMP. The maximal binding sites (Bmax) of [3H]phlorizin in brush border membrane (BBM) from tissues perfused with Epi was increased, showing increases in the binding ability of the Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) to glucose. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of BBM with protein kinase A (PKA) and alkaline phosphatase resulted in increases and decreases in Bmax of [3H]phlorizin, respectively. The phosphorylation state of SGLT1 immunoprecipitated from BBM incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP-Mg2+ and PKA, and the analysis of phosphoamino acids composed of SGLT1 in rats given [32P]orthophosphate indicate the presence of potential sites for PKA-mediated phosphorylation of SGLT1 at serine. These findings indicate that the regulation of phosphorylation of SGLT1 leads to an alteration of its function and results in the control of glucose transport in the rat small intestine.

Molecular characterization of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter of bovine aortic endothelial cells

The Na-K-Cl cotransporter is an important regulator of endothelial cell volume and may also contribute to flux of Na and Cl across the endothelium of the blood-brain barrier. To date, two Na-K-Cl cotransport isoforms have been identified, the cotransporter in secretory epithelia, NKCC1, and that in absorptive renal epithelia, NKCC2. Our previous studies showed that a monoclonal antibody to the cotransporter of human colonic T84 epithelial cells, an NKCC1 isoform, recognizes a 170-kDa glycoprotein from endothelial cells. The molecular identity of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter present in endothelial cells, however, has been unknown. In addition, although evidence has been provided that phosphorylation of the endothelial cotransporter plays a role in regulating its activity, little is known about potential sites for protein kinase interaction with the cotransporter. The present study was conducted to determine the molecular structure of the endothelial Na-K-Cl cotransporter. Using a 1.0-kilobase (kb) cDNA fragment from a conserved region of the T84 cell cotransporter, we screened a bovine aortic endothelial cell cDNA library and subsequently identified and sequenced two overlapping clones that together spanned the entire coding region. The endothelial cotransporter is a 1,201-amino acid protein with 12 putative transmembrane segments and large amino and carboxy termini, each containing several consensus sites for phosphorylation by protein kinases. Comparison of the endothelial cotransporter amino acid sequence with known NKCC1 and NKCC2 sequences revealed a 96% identity with NKCC1. Northern blot analysis using a cDNA probe from the endothelial cotransporter revealed high expression of approximately 7.5-kb transcripts in a number of bovine tissues. Finally, a prominent expression of Na-K-Cl cotransporter was found by Western blot analysis in both cultured and freshly isolated endothelial cells of bovine aorta and cerebral microvessels.

Activation of the avian erythrocyte Na-K-Cl cotransport protein by cell shrinkage, cAMP, fluoride, and calyculin-A involves phosphorylation at common sites

Na-K-Cl cotransport activity in duck erythrocytes increases approximately 10-fold in response to osmotic cell shrinkage, norepinephrine, fluoride, or calyculin-A (an inhibitor of type-1 and -2a phosphatases). To assess whether all four stimuli promote phosphorylation of the cotransport protein and whether this phosphorylation is catalyzed by the same kinase, the cotransporter was isolated from erythrocytes by immunoprecipitation and its pattern of phosphorylation was evaluated. Each stimulus evoked proportionate increases in cotransporter activity and phosphorylation. No two stimuli in combination evoked greater activation and phosphorylation than did the more potent of the two stimuli acting alone. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the cotransport protein indicated that phosphorylation occurs at serine and threonine residues. Phosphopeptide mapping revealed a distinctive pattern of 8 major tryptic phosphopeptides, none of which were significantly phosphorylated in the unstimulated state. Maps of cotransporters activated by the four different stimuli were indistinguishable. Measurements of phosphorylation stoichiometry indicated that each cotransporter acquires approximately 5 phosphates on going from an inactive state in swollen cells to an active state in shrunken cells. Staurosporine, a kinase inhibitor with broad selectivity, inhibited each stimulus equipotently (IC50 approximately 0.7 microM). Staurosporine promptly reversed cotransporter activity and phosphorylation when added to shrinkage-stimulated but not to calyculin-stimulated cells, indicating that it enters the cell rapidly and blocks phosphorylation. These results suggest that cell shrinkage, cAMP, fluoride, and calyculin-A promote the phosphorylation of the Na-K-Cl cotransport protein at a similar constellation of serine and threonine residues. It is proposed that all modes of stimulation ultimately involve the same protein kinase.

A synthetic peptide derived from glycine-gated Cl- channel induces transepithelial Cl- and fluid secretion

M2GlyR is a synthetic 23-amino acid peptide that mimics the second membrane-spanning region of the alpha-subunit of the postsynaptic glycine receptor. This peptide has been shown to form an anion-selective channel in phospholipid bilayers. We have investigated the possibility that the peptide may incorporate into the apical membrane of secretory epithelia and induce the secretion of Cl- and water. We improved the solubility of this peptide by adding four lysine residues to the carboxy terminus, C-K4-M2GlyR, and assayed its channel-forming activity using a subculture of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The addition of 100 microM C-K4-M2GlyR to the apical surface of MDCK monolayers significantly increased short-circuit current (Ise), hyperpolarized transepithelial potential difference, and induced fluid secretion. The increase in Ise was inhibited by 100 microM bumetanide and by Cl- channel inhibitors. The effectiveness of the channel blockers followed the sequence niflumic acid > or = 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate > diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) > glibenclamide. The effect of the peptide was not inhibited by 4.4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2-2'-disulfonic acid. Removing Cl from the bathing solutions also inhibited the effect of the peptide. The Cl- efflux pathway induced by C-K4-M2GlyR differs from the native pathway activated by the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) agonist, forskolin. First, intracellular cAMP levels were unaffected. Second, the concentration of DPC required to inhibit the effect of the peptide was much lower than that needed to block the forskolin response (100 microM vs. 3 mM). These results support the hypothesis that the synthetic peptide C-K4-M2GlyR can from Cl -selective channels in the apical membrane of secretory epithelial cells and can induce sustained transepithelial secretion of Cl- and fluid.

Swelling-induced activation of Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransport in C6 glioma cells: kinetic properties and intracellular signalling mechanisms

Swelling of C6 glioma cells in hypotonic medium (180 mOsm) results in two- to three-fold activation of K+ (86Rb+) influx suppressed by 10 microM bumetanide. Bumetanide-sensitive transport of 86Rb+ is dependent on extracellular K+, Na+ and Cl- both in iso-osmotic conditions and under hypo-osmotic shock, supporting the notion that it is mediated by Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransport. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (10 microM polymyxin B and l microM staurosporine) had no significant effect on basal cotransport but reduced its hypotonic stimulation by 70-80%. Similar results were obtained with calmodulin antagonist R24571 (10 microM), indicating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependence of the process. Influence of polymyxin B and R24571 was not additive. Swelling-activated Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransport was also suppressed by protein kinase C activator PMA (l microM). By contrast, preincubation of cells with inhibitors of protein phosphatases (100 microM vanadate, 5 mM fluoride and 0.5 microM okadaic acid) activated greatly the bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake in isotonic conditions, while a subsequent hypotonic swelling led to smaller or no increment. These results indicate the involvement of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent staurosporine/polymyxin B-sensitive protein kinase other than protein kinase C in swelling-induced activation of Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransport in glial cells.

Occlusion of K+ in the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Proteins of n-octyl glucoside solubilized membrane vesicles derived from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells can occlude 86Rb+.K+ displaces 86Rb+ and it is assumed that 86Rb+ can be used as a tracer to measure K+ occlusion. The following observations indicate that the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter is responsible for this occlusion: (1) Na+ does not compete for the K+ binding site, but rather stimulates 86Rb+ occlusion. (2) K+ occlusion saturates with increasing [Na+] and [K+], the respective K0.5 values being 50 +/- 7 microM for Na+ and 371 +/- 63 microM for K+. (3) Preincubation with 1 mM ouabain does not inhibit 86Rb+ occlusion, arguing against the Na+/K+-ATPase as being responsible for the occlusion. This notion is supported by the K0.5 value for K+ being higher than reported for Na+/K+-ATPase and by the stimulatory effect of Na+. (4) The K+ occlusion is sensitive to [Cl-], and the occluded ion is protected by the presence of bumetanide during cation exchange chromatography. Our results suggest that occlusion measurements of substrate ions could be a profitable way to study the ion binding mechanism(s) of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter.

Astroglial-mediated phosphorylation of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter in brain microvessel endothelial cells

Our previous studies have shown that cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (CMEC) express a Na-K-Cl cotransporter and that exposure of CMEC to astroglial cells causes a nearly 2-fold increase in activity of the cotransporter but only 1.5-fold increase in expression of cotransport protein [D. Sun, C. Lytle, and M. E. O'Donnell. Am. J. Physiol. 269 (Cell Physiol. 38): C1506-C1512, 1995]. This finding suggests that the astroglial cell effects may be mediated by mechanisms involving cotransporter activation in addition to increased protein expression. In the present study, we evaluated the role of protein phosphorylation in elevation of CMEC cotransport activity by astroglial cells and extracellular hypertonicity. We also examined the effects of protein phosphatase and protein kinase inhibitors on both cotransporter activity and phosphorylation in CMEC. The phosphorylation level of Na-K-Cl cotransport protein was quantitatively evaluated by immunoprecipitation analysis with the use of a monoclonal antibody to the cotransporter after 32P labeling of cultured CMEC. Activity of the cotransporter was assessed as bumetanide-sensitive K influx. We found that the phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid significantly increased both cotransport activity and phosphorylation of cotransport protein. Activity and phosphorylation level of the cotransporter were also markedly increased by exposing the cells to astroglial cell-conditioned or hypertonic medium. Moreover, the astroglial-induced stimulation of the CMEC cotransporter was inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor K-252a. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of cotransport protein plays an important role in regulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport activity and that astroglial-induced elevation of cotransport activity involves both phosphorylation-associated stimulation of cotransport activity and increased expression of the cotransporter protein.

Permeability characteristics of erythrocyte membrane to okadaic acid and calyculin A

The rates of transport of the protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A through rabbit erythrocyte membranes have been estimated by measuring protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) activity in lysates. High concentrations of okadaic acid (100 nM) cause rapid (t 1/2 approximately 10 min) inhibition of PP2A. However, the t 1/2 for okadaic acid influx is much longer because the concentration is much higher than the concentration inhibiting 50% of the maximal response (IC50). The estimated t 1/2 is over 1 h at 37 degrees C and over 4 h at 25 degrees C. The effect of low extracellular pH indicates that the undissociated acid is the permeant species. It takes hours to reverse the effect of okadaic acid, because the efflux must proceed through several half times before the concentration is below the IC50 for PP2A. The permeation of calyculin A in contrast to okadaic acid is too fast to measure at 25 degrees C. Our results indicate that okadaic acid entry into erythrocytes is slower than is generally believed; it is crucial to consider concentration, temperature, pH, and time of exposure to okadaic acid to interpret the effects of this agent on intact cells.