1
|
Xiang J, Keep RF. Proton-Coupled Oligopeptide Transport (Slc15) in the Brain: Past and Future Research. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2533-2540. [PMID: 37308743 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This mini-review describes the role of the solute carrier (SLC)15 family of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) and particularly Pept2 (Slc15A2) and PhT1 (Slc15A4) in the brain. That family transports endogenous di- and tripeptides and peptidomimetics but also a number of drugs. The review focuses on the pioneering work of David E. Smith in the field in identifying the impact of PepT2 at the choroid plexus (the blood-CSF barrier) as well as PepT2 and PhT1 in brain parenchymal cells. It also discusses recent findings and future directions in relation to brain POTs including cellular and subcellular localization, regulatory pathways, transporter structure, species differences and disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang C, Chu C, Ji X, Luo G, Xu C, He H, Yao J, Wu J, Hu J, Jin Y. Biology of Peptide Transporter 2 in Mammals: New Insights into Its Function, Structure and Regulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182874. [PMID: 36139448 PMCID: PMC9497230 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide transporter 2 (PepT2) in mammals plays essential roles in the reabsorption and conservation of peptide-bound amino acids in the kidney and in maintaining neuropeptide homeostasis in the brain. It is also of significant medical and pharmacological significance in the absorption and disposing of peptide-like drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-lactam antibiotics and antiviral prodrugs. Understanding the structure, function and regulation of PepT2 is of emerging interest in nutrition, medical and pharmacological research. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, substrate preferences and localization of PepT2 in mammals. As PepT2 is expressed in various organs, its function in the liver, kidney, brain, heart, lung and mammary gland has also been addressed. Finally, the regulatory factors that affect the expression and function of PepT2, such as transcriptional activation and posttranslational modification, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Wang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chu Chu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Guoliang Luo
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chunling Xu
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Houhong He
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Jianbiao Yao
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Jiangning Hu
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine and Natural Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (Y.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khavinson V, Linkova N, Kozhevnikova E, Dyatlova A, Petukhov M. Transport of Biologically Active Ultrashort Peptides Using POT and LAT Carriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147733. [PMID: 35887081 PMCID: PMC9323678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrashort peptides (USPs), consisting of 2–7 amino-acid residues, are a group of signaling molecules that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis under normal conditions in various diseases and ageing. USPs serve as a basis for the development of drugs with a targeted mechanism of action. The purpose of this review is to systematize the available data on USP transport involving POT and LAT transporters in various organs and tissues under normal, pathological and ageing conditions. The carriers of the POT family (PEPT1, PEPT2, PHT1, PHT2) transport predominantly di- and tripeptides into the cell. Methods of molecular modeling and physicochemistry have demonstrated the ability of LAT1 to transfer not only amino acids but also some di- and tripeptides into the cell and out of it. LAT1 and 2 are involved in the regulation of the antioxidant, endocrine, immune and nervous systems’ functions. Analysis of the above data allows us to conclude that, depending on their structure, di- and tripeptides can be transported into the cells of various tissues by POT and LAT transporters. This mechanism is likely to underlie the tissue specificity of peptides, their geroprotective action and effectiveness in the case of neuroimmunoendocrine system disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Khavinson
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (N.L.); (E.K.); (A.D.)
- Group of Peptide Regulation of Aging, Pavlov Institute of Physiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-(921)-9110800
| | - Natalia Linkova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (N.L.); (E.K.); (A.D.)
- The Laboratory “Problems of Aging”, Belgorod National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Kozhevnikova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (N.L.); (E.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Anastasiia Dyatlova
- Department of Biogerontology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (N.L.); (E.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Mikhael Petukhov
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute Named after B.P. Konstantinov, NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, 188300 Gatchina, Russia;
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Group of Biophysics, Higher Engineering and Technical School, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lopachev AV, Abaimov DA, Filimonov IS, Kulichenkova KN, Fedorova TN. An assessment of the transport mechanism and intraneuronal stability of L-carnosine. Amino Acids 2021; 54:1115-1122. [PMID: 34694500 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a well-known antioxidant and neuroprotector in various models on animals and cell cultures. However, while there is a plethora of data demonstrating its efficiency as a neuroprotector, there is a distinct lack of data regarding the mechanism of its take up by neurons. According to literature, cultures of rat astrocytes, SKPT cells and rat choroid plexus epithelial cells take up carnosine via the H+-coupled PEPT2 membrane transporter. We've assessed the effectiveness and mechanism of carnosine transport, and its stability in primary rat cortical culture neurons. We demonstrated that neurons take up carnosine via active transport with Km = 119 μM and a maximum velocity of 0.289 nmol/mg (prot)/min. Passive transport speed constituted 0.21∙10-4 nmol/mg (prot)/min (with 119 μM concentration in the medium)-significantly less than active transport speed. However, carnosine concentrations over 12.5 mM led to passive transport speed becoming greater than active transport speed. Using PEPT2 inhibitor zofenopril, we demonstrated that PEPT2-dependent transport is one of the main modes of carnosine take up by neurons. Our experiments demonstrated that incubation with carnosine does not affect PEPT2 amount present in culture. At the same time, after removing carnosine from the medium, its elimination speed by culture cells reached 0.035 nmol/mg (prot)/min, which led to a decrease in carnosine quantity to control levels in culture within 1 h. Thus, carnosine is taken up by neurons with an effectiveness comparable to that of other PEPT2 substrates, but its elimination rate suggests that for effective use as a neuroprotector it's necessary to either maintain a high concentration in brain tissue, or increase the effectiveness of glial cell synthesis of endogenous carnosine and its shuttling into neurons, or use more stable chemical modifications of carnosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis A Abaimov
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ivan S Filimonov
- All-Russian Research Institute for Optical and Physical Measurements, 119361, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Robison SW, Li J, Viera L, Blackburn JP, Patel RP, Blalock JE, Gaggar A, Xu X. A mechanism for matrikine regulation in acute inflammatory lung injury. JCI Insight 2021; 6:140750. [PMID: 33830084 PMCID: PMC8119180 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proline-glycine-proline (PGP) and its acetylated form (Ac-PGP) are neutrophil chemoattractants generated by collagen degradation, and they have been shown to play a role in chronic inflammatory disease. However, the mechanism for matrikine regulation in acute inflammation has not been well established. Here, we show that these peptides are actively transported from the lung by the oligopeptide transporter, PEPT2. Following intratracheal instillation of Ac-PGP in a mouse model, there was a rapid decline in concentration of the labeled peptide in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) over time and redistribution to extrapulmonary sites. In vitro knockdown of the PEPT2 transporter in airway epithelia or use of a competitive inhibitor of PEPT2, cefadroxil, significantly reduced uptake of Ac-PGP. Animals that received intratracheal Ac-PGP plus cefadroxil had higher levels of Ac-PGP in BAL and lung tissue. Utilizing an acute LPS-induced lung injury model, we demonstrate that PEPT2 blockade enhanced pulmonary Ac-PGP levels and lung inflammation. We further validated this effect using clinical samples from patients with acute lung injury in coculture with airway epithelia. This is the first study to our knowledge to determine the in vitro and in vivo significance of active matrikine transport as a mechanism of modulating acute inflammation and to demonstrate that it may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Robison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - JinDong Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Liliana Viera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jonathan P Blackburn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rakesh P Patel
- Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, and.,Center for Free Radical Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - J Edwin Blalock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Amit Gaggar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and.,Program in Protease and Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Solár P, Zamani A, Kubíčková L, Dubový P, Joukal M. Choroid plexus and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:35. [PMID: 32375819 PMCID: PMC7201396 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00196-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) forming the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (B-CSF) barrier is among the least studied structures of the central nervous system (CNS) despite its clinical importance. The CP is an epithelio-endothelial convolute comprising a highly vascularized stroma with fenestrated capillaries and a continuous lining of epithelial cells joined by apical tight junctions (TJs) that are crucial in forming the B-CSF barrier. Integrity of the CP is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis and B-CSF barrier permeability. Recent experimental and clinical research has uncovered the significance of the CP in the pathophysiology of various diseases affecting the CNS. The CP is involved in penetration of various pathogens into the CNS, as well as the development of neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer´s disease) and autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis). Moreover, the CP was shown to be important for restoring brain homeostasis following stroke and trauma. In addition, new diagnostic methods and treatment of CP papilloma and carcinoma have recently been developed. This review describes and summarizes the current state of knowledge with regard to the roles of the CP and B-CSF barrier in the pathophysiology of various types of CNS diseases and sets up the foundation for further avenues of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Solár
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne´s University Hospital Brno, Pekařská 53, CZ-656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alemeh Zamani
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kubíčková
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dubový
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Joukal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pivotal role of carnosine in the modulation of brain cells activity: Multimodal mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 175:35-53. [PMID: 30593839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), a dipeptide, is an endogenous antioxidant widely distributed in excitable tissues like muscles and the brain. Although discovered more than a hundred years ago and having been extensively studied in the periphery, the role of carnosine in the brain remains mysterious. Carnosinemia, a rare metabolic disorder with increased levels of carnosine in urine and low levels or absence of carnosinase in the blood, is associated with severe neurological symptoms in humans. This review deals with the role of carnosine in the brain in both physiological and pathological conditions, with a focus on preclinical evidence suggesting a high therapeutic potential of carnosine in neurodegenerative disorders. We review carnosine and carnosinemia's discoveries and the extensive research on the role and benefits of carnosine in the periphery. We then turn to carnosine's biochemistry and distribution in the brain. Using an array of recent observations as a foundation, we draw a parallel with the role of carnosine in muscles and speculate on the role of carnosine in promoting the metabolic support of neurons by glial cells. Finally, carnosine has been shown to exert a multimodal activity including inhibition of protein cross-linking and aggregation of amyloid-β and related proteins, free radical generation, nitric oxide detoxification, and an anti-inflammatory activity. It could thus play an important role in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. We discuss the potential of carnosine in this context and speculate on new preclinical research directions.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Q, Zuo Z. Impact of transporters and enzymes from blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and brain parenchyma on CNS drug uptake. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:961-972. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1513493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Viennois E, Pujada A, Zen J, Merlin D. Function, Regulation, and Pathophysiological Relevance of the POT Superfamily, Specifically PepT1 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:731-760. [PMID: 29687900 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian members of the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter family are integral membrane proteins that mediate the cellular uptake of di/tripeptides and peptide-like drugs and couple substrate translocation to the movement of H+ , with the transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient providing the driving force. Peptide transporters are responsible for the (re)absorption of dietary and/or bacterial di- and tripeptides in the intestine and kidney and maintaining homeostasis of neuropeptides in the brain. These proteins additionally contribute to absorption of a number of pharmacologically important compounds. In this overview article, we have provided updated information on the structure, function, expression, localization, and activities of PepT1 (SLC15A1), PepT2 (SLC15A2), PhT1 (SLC15A4), and PhT2 (SLC15A3). Peptide transporters, in particular, PepT1 are discussed as drug-delivery systems in addition to their implications in health and disease. Particular emphasis has been placed on the involvement of PepT1 in the physiopathology of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically, its role in inflammatory bowel diseases. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:731-760, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Viennois
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adani Pujada
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jane Zen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Didier Merlin
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu Y, Xie Y, Keep RF, Smith DE. Divergent developmental expression and function of the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters PepT2 and PhT1 in regional brain slices of mouse and rat. J Neurochem 2014; 129:955-65. [PMID: 24548120 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the developmental gene and protein expression of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs: peptide transporter, PepT1 and PepT2; peptide-histidine transporter, PhT1 and PhT2) in different regions of rodent brain, and the age-dependent uptake of a POT substrate, glycylsarcosine (GlySar), in brain slices. Slices were obtained from cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of wildtype and PepT2 null mice, and from rats at different ages. Gene and protein expression were determined by real-time PCR and immunoblot analyses. Brain slice uptakes of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine were determined in the absence and presence of excess unlabeled glycylsarcosine or l-histidine, the latter being an inhibitor of PhT1/2 but not PepT1/2. As PepT2 and PhT1 transcripts were abundantly expressed in all three regions of mouse brain, little to no expression was observed for PepT1 and PhT2. PhT1 protein was present in brain regions of adult but not neonatal mice and expression levels increased with age in rats. Glycylsarcosine uptake, inhibition and transporter dominance did not show regional brain or species differences. However, there were clear age-related differences in functional activity, with PepT2 dominating in neonatal mice and rats, and PhT1 dominating in adult rodents. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of both endogenous and exogenous (drug) peptides/mimetics. Developmental gene and protein expression of peptide transporters was evaluated in various regions of rodent brain, along with age-dependent uptake of dipeptide. We found marked changes in protein expression and functional activity of PhT1 and PepT2, the former predominating in adult and the latter in neonate. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of endogenous and exogenous peptides/mimetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) was discovered in 1900 as an abundant non-protein nitrogen-containing compound of meat. The dipeptide is not only found in skeletal muscle, but also in other excitable tissues. Most animals, except humans, also possess a methylated variant of carnosine, either anserine or ophidine/balenine, collectively called the histidine-containing dipeptides. This review aims to decipher the physiological roles of carnosine, based on its biochemical properties. The latter include pH-buffering, metal-ion chelation, and antioxidant capacity as well as the capacity to protect against formation of advanced glycation and lipoxidation end-products. For these reasons, the therapeutic potential of carnosine supplementation has been tested in numerous diseases in which ischemic or oxidative stress are involved. For several pathologies, such as diabetes and its complications, ocular disease, aging, and neurological disorders, promising preclinical and clinical results have been obtained. Also the pathophysiological relevance of serum carnosinase, the enzyme actively degrading carnosine into l-histidine and β-alanine, is discussed. The carnosine system has evolved as a pluripotent solution to a number of homeostatic challenges. l-Histidine, and more specifically its imidazole moiety, appears to be the prime bioactive component, whereas β-alanine is mainly regulating the synthesis of the dipeptide. This paper summarizes a century of scientific exploration on the (patho)physiological role of carnosine and related compounds. However, far more experiments in the fields of physiology and related disciplines (biology, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, etc.) are required to gain a full understanding of the function and applications of this intriguing molecule.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zwarycz B, Wong EA. Expression of the peptide transporters PepT1, PepT2, and PHT1 in the embryonic and posthatch chick. Poult Sci 2013; 92:1314-21. [PMID: 23571341 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide transporters 1 and 2 (PepT1 and PepT2) and peptide/histidine transporter 1 (PHT1) are all members of the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter family, which are important for the transport of amino acids in peptide form. The PepT1 acts as a low-affinity/high-capacity transporter and PepT2 as a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter for di- and tri-peptides. The PHT1 transports di- and tri-peptides as well as histidine. The objective of this study was to profile PepT1, PepT2, and PHT1 mRNA expression in the proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, large intestine, brain, heart, bursa of Fabricius, lung, kidney, and liver in layer chicks on embryonic d 18 and 20 and d 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 posthatch. Absolute quantification real-time PCR was used to measure gene expression. Expression of PepT1 was greatest in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Expression of PepT1 increased in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum from late embryonic stages to posthatch and in the large intestine from late embryonic stages to d 10 posthatch. In the ceca, PepT1 expression increased from embryonic d 20 to d 1 posthatch and then decreased. Expression of PepT2 was greatest in the brain and kidney. Expression of PepT2 increased from d 10 to 14 in the bursa of Fabricius and decreased in the proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, and liver from late embryonic stages to posthatch. In the small intestine and liver, PepT2 may function to transport di- and tri-peptides during embryogenesis. The PHT1 was expressed in all tissues analyzed. Expression of PHT1 increased in the jejunum, large intestine, brain, and liver posthatch and decreased in the proventriculus from embryonic stages to posthatch. A tissue × age interaction was observed for all genes. The uptake of peptides in the developing chick is regulated by peptide transporters that are expressed in a tissue- and development-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Zwarycz
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chengappa KNR, Turkin SR, DeSanti S, Bowie CR, Brar JS, Schlicht PJ, Murphy SL, Hetrick ML, Bilder R, Fleet D. A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnosine to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2012; 142:145-52. [PMID: 23099060 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting glutamatergic dysfunction provides an exciting opportunity to improve cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. One treatment approach has targeted inadequate antioxidant defenses at glutamatergic synapses. Animal and human data suggest NMDA antagonists worsen executive cognitive controls--e.g. increase perseverative responses and impair set-shifting. We conducted a preliminary study to test the hypothesis that L-carnosine, an antioxidant and anti-glycation agent which is co-localized and released with glutamate would improve executive dysfunction, a cognitive domain associated with glutamate. METHODS Seventy-five symptomatically stable adults with chronic schizophrenia were randomly assigned to L-carnosine as adjunctive treatment (2 g/day) or a matched placebo in a double-blind manner for 3 months. Cognitive domains (executive dysfunction, memory, attention and motor speed) were assessed using a computerized battery at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks, along with psychopathology ratings and safety parameters. RESULTS The L-carnosine group performed significantly faster on non-reversal condition trials of the set-shifting test compared with placebo but reversal reaction times and errors were not significantly different between treatments. On the strategic target detection test, the L-carnosine group displayed significantly improved strategic efficiency and made fewer perseverative errors compared with placebo. Other cognitive tests showed no significant differences between treatments. Psychopathology scores remained stable. The carnosine group reported more adverse events (30%) compared with the placebo group (14%). Laboratory indices remained within acceptable ranges. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that L-carnosine merits further consideration as adjunctive treatment to improve executive dysfunction in persons with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K N Roy Chengappa
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213-2593, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Effects of D-kyotorphin on nociception and NADPH-d neurons in rat's periaqueductal gray after immobilization stress. Amino Acids 2010; 41:937-44. [PMID: 21046177 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0793-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
D-kyotorphin (D-Kyo) is a synthetic analogue of the neuropeptide kyotorphin and produces naloxone reversible analgesia. Stress-induced analgesia (SIA) is an in-built mammalian pain-suppression response that occurs during or following exposure to a stressful stimulus. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is implicated as a critical site for processing strategies for coping with different types of stress and pain and NO affects its activity. The objectives of the present study were twofold: (1) to examine the effects of D-Kyo (5 mg/kg) on acute immobilization SIA; (2) to investigate the effect of peptide on NO activity in rat PAG after the stress procedure mentioned above. All drugs were injected intraperitoneally in male Wistar rats. The nociception was measured by the paw pressure and hot plate tests. A histochemical procedure for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-reactive neurons was used as indirect marker of NO activity. Our results revealed that D-Kyo has modulating effects on acute immobilization stress-induced analgesia in rats may be by opioid and non-opioid systems. Although D-Kyo is incapable of crossing the blood-brain barrier it showed an increased number of NADPH-d reactive neurons in dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) in control but not in stressed groups. We may speculate that the effect of D-Kyo in the brain is due to structural and functional interaction between opioidergic and NO-ergic systems or D-Kyo appears itself as a stressor. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms of its action.
Collapse
|
15
|
Xiang J, Jiang H, Hu Y, Smith DE, Keep RF. Kyotorphin transport and metabolism in rat and mouse neonatal astrocytes. Brain Res 2010; 1347:11-8. [PMID: 20537989 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide inactivation is generally thought to occur via peptidase-mediated degradation. However, a recent study found increased analgesia after L-kyotorphin (L-Tyr-L-Arg; L-KTP) administration in mice lacking an oligopeptide transporter, PEPT2. The current study examines the role of PEPT2 in L-KTP uptake by astrocytes and compares it to astrocytic L-KTP degradation. L-[(3)H]KTP uptake was measured in primary cultures of neonatal astrocytes from rats and from Pept2(+/+) and Pept2(-/-) mice. Uptake was further characterized using potential inhibitors. L-[(3)H]KTP degradation was examined in primary astrocyte cultures from Pept2(-/-) mice by following the formation of L-[(3)H]tyrosine. The uptake of L-[(3)H]KTP in both rat and Pept2(+/+) mouse neonatal astrocytes was inhibited by known PEPT2 inhibitors. L-[(3)H]KTP uptake was also reduced in Pept2(-/-) astrocytes as compared to those from Pept2(+/+) mice. Kinetic analysis indicated the presence of a high affinity (K(m) approximately 50 microM) transporter for L-[(3)H]KTP, identified as Pept2, and a low affinity transporter (K(m) approximately 3-4 mM), inhibited by amastatin, bestatin and tyrosine. Astrocytes also degraded L-KTP through a low affinity peptidase (K(m) approximately 2 mM). Astrocytic clearance of L-KTP occurs via both peptidase activity and transport. These processes occur at similar rates and may be linked. This supports the contention that oligopeptide transport may have an impact on the extracellular clearance (and potentially activity) of certain neuropeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zimmermann M, Stan AC. PepT2 transporter protein expression in human neoplastic glial cells and mediation of fluorescently tagged dipeptide derivative β-Ala-Lys-Nε-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin-3-acetic acid accumulation. J Neurosurg 2010; 112:1005-14. [DOI: 10.3171/2009.6.jns08346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
The present study was aimed at analyzing the accumulation of the fluorescently tagged dipeptide derivative, β-Ala-Lys-Nε-7-amino-4-methyl coumarin-3-acetic acid (AMCA), in primary cultures of human neoplastic glial cells. This molecule is a highly specific reporter used to investigate the dipeptide transport system hPepT2.
Methods
In this study the authors used immunocytochemical methods to determine the cell-specific accumulation of a small and fluorescently tagged reporter molecule named β-Ala-Lys-Nε-AMCA to detect dipeptide transport capacity of neoplastic glial cells. Furthermore, specific mRNA levels were quantified using Northern blot analysis and the tissue distribution of hPepT2 mRNA transcripts was demonstrated with in-situ hybridization histochemical analysis.
Results
Recent fluorescent immunocytochemical analyses have revealed that β-Ala-Lys-Nε-AMCA specifically accumulates within anaplastic cells of astrocytic lineage but not in anaplastic oligodendrocytes or neurons. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that human hPepT2 mRNA is specifically detected in primary cell cultures of human glioblastoma but not in oligodendroglioma. Moreover, in situ hybridization analyses revealed an astrocytic localization of hPepT2 transcripts in human glioblastoma and astrocytoma cells. The hPepT2 transcription levels were clearly dependent on the grade of glial cell differentiation: within low-grade gliomas (WHO Grade II), more hPepT2 mRNA was detected compared with tumors of a higher grade of dedifferentiation (WHO Grade IV). Analysis of expression levels of hPepT2 mRNA in human neoplastic glial cells xenografted into the brains of athymic rats (han rnu+/+) showed a markedly increased expression of hPepT2 after 2 weeks of growth in vivo compared with the primary counterparts grown in vitro.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that expression of the hPepT2 transporter protein is a characteristic of glial cells of astrocytic lineage, and is dependent on the grade of astroglial cell differentiation and the extracellular matrix (here brain neuropil). The authors found that β-Ala-Lys-Nε-AMCA is as an excellent reporter molecule for assessing neoplastic glial cell function and physiological characteristics.
Collapse
|
17
|
Brandsch M, Knütter I, Bosse-Doenecke E. Pharmaceutical and pharmacological importance of peptide transporters. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010; 60:543-85. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.60.5.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPeptide transport is currently a prominent topic in membrane research. The transport proteins involved are under intense investigation because of their physiological importance in protein absorption and also because peptide transporters are possible vehicles for drug delivery. Moreover, in many tissues peptide carriers transduce peptidic signals across membranes that are relevant in information processing. The focus of this review is on the pharmaceutical relevance of the human peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. In addition to their physiological substrates, both carriers transport many β-lactam antibiotics, valaciclovir and other drugs and prodrugs because of their sterical resemblance to di- and tripeptides. The primary structure, tissue distribution and substrate specificity of PEPT1 and PEPT2 have been well characterized. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the substrate binding sites and the three-dimensional structure of these proteins. Until this pivotal information becomes available by X-ray crystallography, the development of new drug substrates relies on classical transport studies combined with molecular modelling. In more than thirty years of research, data on the interaction of well over 700 di- and tripeptides, amino acid and peptide derivatives, drugs and prodrugs with peptide transporters have been gathered. The aim of this review is to put the reports on peptide transporter-mediated drug uptake into perspective. We also review the current knowledge on pharmacogenomics and clinical relevance of human peptide transporters. Finally, the reader's attention is drawn to other known or proposed human peptide-transporting proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Brandsch
- Membrane Transport Group, Biozentrum of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Ilka Knütter
- Membrane Transport Group, Biozentrum of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Bosse-Doenecke
- Institute of Biochemistry/Biotechnology, Faculty of Science I, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jiang H, Hu Y, Keep RF, Smith DE. Enhanced antinociceptive response to intracerebroventricular kyotorphin in Pept2 null mice. J Neurochem 2009; 109:1536-43. [PMID: 19383084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06090.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
L-Kyotorphin (L-KTP), an endogenous analgesic neuropeptide, is a substrate for aminopeptidases and a proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter, PEPT2. This study examined the CSF efflux, antinociceptive response, and hydrolysis kinetics in brain of L-KTP and its synthetic diastereomer D-kyotorphin (D-KTP) in wild-type and Pept2 null mice. CSF clearance of L-KTP was slower in Pept2 null mice than in wild-type animals, and this difference was reflected in greater L-KTP-induced analgesia in Pept2 null mice. Moreover, dose-response analyses showed that the ED50 of L-KTP in Pept2-deficient animals was one-fifth of the value observed in Pept2-competent animals (4 vs. 21 nmol for null vs. wild-type mice, respectively). In contrast, the ED50 of D-KTP was very similar between the two genotypes (9-10 nmol). Likewise, there was little difference between genotypes in slope factor or baseline effects of L-KTP and D-KTP. The enhanced antinociceptive response to L-KTP in Pept2 null mice could not be explained by differences in neuropeptide degradation as Vmax and Km values did not differ between genotypes. Our results demonstrate that PEPT2 can significantly impact the analgesic response to an endogenous neuropeptide by altering CSF (and presumably brain interstitial fluid) concentrations and that it may influence the disposition and response to exogenous peptide/mimetic substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huidi Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Thakkar SV, Miyauchi S, Prasad PD, Ganapathy V. Stimulation of Na+/Cl--coupled opioid peptide transport system in SK-N-SH cells by L-kyotorphin, an endogenous substrate for H+-coupled peptide transporter PEPT2. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2008; 23:254-62. [PMID: 18762712 DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.23.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We have recently identified a Na+/Cl--coupled transport system in mammalian cells for endogenous and synthetic opioid peptides. This transport system does not transport dipeptides/tripeptides, but is stimulated by these small peptides. Here we investigated the influence of L-kyotorphin (L-Tyr-L-Arg), an endogenous dipeptide with opioid activity, on this transport system. The activity of the transport system, measured in SK-N-SH cells (a human neuronal cell line) with deltorphin II as a model substrate, was stimulated approximately 2.5-fold by L-kyotorphin, with half-maximal stimulation occurring at approximately 100 microM. The stimulation was associated primarily with an increase in the affinity for deltorphin II. The stimulation caused by L-kyotorphin was stereospecific; L-Tyr-D-Arg (D-kyotorphin) had minimal effect. The influence of L-kyotorphin was observed also in a different cell line which expressed the opioid peptide transport system. While L-kyotorphin is a stimulator of opioid peptide transport, it is a transportable substrate for the H+-coupled peptide transporter PEPT2, which is expressed widely in the brain. Since the activity of the opioid peptide transport system is modulated by extracellular L-kyotorphin and since PEPT2 is an important determinant of extracellular L-kyotorphin in the brain, the expression/activity of PEPT2 may be a critical factor in the modulation of opioidergic neurotransmission in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santoshanand V Thakkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kamal MA, Keep RF, Smith DE. Role and relevance of PEPT2 in drug disposition, dynamics, and toxicity. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2008; 23:236-42. [PMID: 18762710 DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.23.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pept2 knockout mice are an important tool to evaluate the evolving role and relevance of this proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter beyond drug disposition, where the transporter also modulates the pharmacodynamic and toxicodynamic effects of drug substrates. Our in vivo studies with glycylsarcosine in Pept2 knockout mice have established "proof of concept" that PEPT2 can have a significant effect on dipeptide disposition. Subsequent studies with the aminocephalosporin antibiotic cefadroxil have shown relevance to pharmacology and infectious disease. Finally, studies with the endogenous peptidomimetic 5-aminolevulinic acid have demonstrated relevance to toxicology in the framework of porphyria- and lead-induced neurotoxicity. These studies have consistently demonstrated the dual action of PEPT2 with respect to its apical localization in choroid plexus epithelium and kidney in: 1) effluxing substrates from CSF into choroid plexus, thereby affecting regional pharmacokinetics in brain; and 2) reabsorbing substrates from renal tubular fluid into proximal tubules, thereby affecting systemic pharmacokinetics and exposure. Moreover, these studies have shown that the regional effect of PEPT2 in limiting substrate concentrations in the CSF is more dramatic than its effect in increasing systemic exposure. In the case of 5-aminolevulinic acid, such regional modulation of drug disposition translates directly into significant changes in neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5633, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dhuria SV, Hanson LR, Frey WH. Novel Vasoconstrictor Formulation to Enhance Intranasal Targeting of Neuropeptide Therapeutics to the Central Nervous System. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 328:312-20. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.145565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
22
|
Jappar D, Hu Y, Keep RF, Smith DE. Transport mechanisms of carnosine in SKPT cells: contribution of apical and basolateral membrane transporters. Pharm Res 2008; 26:172-81. [PMID: 18820998 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-008-9726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the transport properties of carnosine in kidney using SKPT cell cultures as a model of proximal tubular transport, and to isolate the functional activities of renal apical and basolateral transporters in this process. METHODS The membrane transport kinetics of 10 microM [3H]carnosine was studied in SKPT cells as a function of time, pH, potential inhibitors and substrate concentration. A cellular compartment model was constructed in which the influx, efflux and transepithelial clearances of carnosine were determined. Peptide transporter expression was probed by RT-PCR. RESULTS Carnosine uptake was 15-fold greater from the apical than basolateral surface of SKPT cells. However, the apical-to-basolateral transepithelial transport of carnosine was severely rate-limited by its cellular efflux across the basolateral membrane. The high-affinity, proton-dependence, concentration-dependence and inhibitor specificity of carnosine supports the contention that PEPT2 is responsible for its apical uptake. In contrast, the basolateral transporter is saturable, inhibited by PEPT2 substrates but non-concentrative, thereby, suggesting a facilitative carrier. CONCLUSIONS Carnosine is expected to have a substantial cellular accumulation in kidney but minimal tubular reabsorption in blood because of its high influx clearance across apical membranes by PEPT2 and very low efflux clearance across basolateral membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Jappar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sozio P, Iannitelli A, Cerasa LS, Cacciatore I, Cornacchia C, Giorgioni G, Ricciutelli M, Nasuti C, Cantalamessa F, Di Stefano A. New L‐Dopa Codrugs as Potential Antiparkinson Agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2008; 341:412-7. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.200700228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
24
|
Miyauchi S, Gopal E, Thakkar SV, Ichikawa S, Prasad PD, Ganapathy V. Differential modulation of sodium- and chloride-dependent opioid peptide transport system by small nonopioid peptides and free amino acids. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 321:257-64. [PMID: 17259448 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.116806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified a novel opioid peptide transport system in the retinal pigment epithelium that transports opioid peptides by a Na+/Cl--dependent process. Here we describe a similar transport system expressed in SK-N-SH cells (a human neuronal cell line) and show for the first time that the activity of the transport system is modulated differentially by lysine and small nonopioid peptides. The transport process in SK-N-SH cells, monitored with deltorphin II as the substrate, is Na+/Cl--dependent and interacts with several opioid peptides, consisting of 5 to 13 amino acids. The activity of this transport system is markedly stimulated by specific dipeptides and tripeptides, with significant stimulation observable at low micromolar concentrations. The ion dependence, Na+/Cl--activation kinetics, and opioid peptide selectivity of the transport system, however, remain unchanged. The stimulation by the modulatory peptides is associated with an increase in maximal velocity with no change in substrate affinity of the system. Amino acids have no or little effect on the transport system, with the exception of lysine. This cationic amino acid inhibits the transport system, with significant inhibition occurring at physiologic concentrations of the amino acid. The inhibitory effect is primarily associated with a decrease in the maximal velocity of the transport system with little change in substrate affinity. Methyl and ethyl esters of lysine retain the inhibitory potency, but most other structural analogs have no effect. The differential modulation of the transport system by lysine and specific small peptides has important implications in the biology and pharmacology of opioid peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Miyauchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiang J, Hu Y, Smith DE, Keep RF. PEPT2-mediated transport of 5-aminolevulinic acid and carnosine in astrocytes. Brain Res 2006; 1122:18-23. [PMID: 17034769 PMCID: PMC1829310 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and carnosine have important physiological and pathophysiological roles in the CNS. Both are substrates for the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter PEPT2. The purpose of the current study was to determine the importance of PEPT2 in the uptake of ALA and carnosine in rat and mouse (PEPT2+/+ and PEPT2-/-) cultured neonatal astrocytes. Although neonatal astrocytes are known to express PEPT2, its quantitative importance in the transport of these compounds is not known. [14C]ALA uptake in neonatal rat astrocytes was inhibited by dipeptides, an alpha-amino containing cephalosporin (which is a PEPT2 substrate) but was not affected by a non-amino containing cephalosporin (which is not a PEPT2 substrate). Uptake was pH sensitive as expected from a proton-coupled transporter and was saturable (Vmax=715+/-29 pmol/mg/min, Km=606+/-14 microM). [3H]Carnosine uptake in neonatal rat astrocytes was inhibited by dipeptides but not by histidine (a substrate for the peptide/histidine transporters PHT1 and PHT2) and also showed saturable transport (Vmax=447+/-23 pmol/mg/min, Km=43+/-5.5 microM). Neonatal astrocytes from PEPT2-/- mice had a 62% reduction in [14C]ALA uptake and a 92% reduction in [3H]carnosine uptake compared to PEPT2+/+ mice. These results demonstrate that PEPT2 is the primary transporter responsible for the astrocytic uptake of ALA and carnosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 5014 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Biegel A, Knütter I, Hartrodt B, Gebauer S, Theis S, Luckner P, Kottra G, Rastetter M, Zebisch K, Thondorf I, Daniel H, Neubert K, Brandsch M. The renal type H+/peptide symporter PEPT2: structure-affinity relationships. Amino Acids 2006; 31:137-56. [PMID: 16868651 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-006-0331-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Accepted: 01/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The H(+)/peptide cotransporter PEPT2 is expressed in a variety of organs including kidney, lung, brain, mammary gland, and eye. PEPT2 substrates are di- and tripeptides as well as peptidomimetics, such as beta-lactam antibiotics. Due to the presence of PEPT2 at the bronchial epithelium, the aerosolic administration of peptide-like drugs might play a major role in future treatment of various pulmonary and systemic diseases. Moreover, PEPT2 has a significant influence on the in vivo disposition and half-life time of peptide-like drugs within the body, particularly in kidney and brain. PEPT2 is known to have similar but not identical structural requirements for substrate recognition and transport compared to PEPT1, its intestinal counterpart. In this review we compiled available affinity constants of 352 compounds, measured at different mammalian tissues and expression systems and compare the data whenever possible with those of PEPT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Biegel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry/Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lu H, Klaassen C. Tissue distribution and thyroid hormone regulation of Pept1 and Pept2 mRNA in rodents. Peptides 2006; 27:850-7. [PMID: 16202478 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Revised: 08/22/2005] [Accepted: 08/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Peptide transporters (Pept) have essential physiological functions and also transport various drugs. Information regarding tissue distribution and gene regulation of Pept in rodents is limited. The present study investigated the distribution of Pept1 and Pept2 mRNA in 19 tissues of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 mice, as well as thyroid hormone regulation of renal Pept expression in male rats, using the branched DNA signal amplification assay. Pept1 mRNA was not only highly expressed in small intestine, but also detectable in gonads of both species, kidney of rats, and large intestine of mice. Pept2 mRNA was the highest in kidney, followed by brain and lung. The present study offers the first evidence of considerable Pept2 mRNA expression in pituitary and reproductive organs (testis, prostate, ovary, and uterus). Interestingly, Pept2 mRNA expression in mouse prostate appeared to be much higher than that in rat prostate. Thyroidectomy increased Pept1 and Pept2 mRNA in male rat kidney; such increases were abolished by thyroid hormone replacement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-7417, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Romano A, Kottra G, Barca A, Tiso N, Maffia M, Argenton F, Daniel H, Storelli C, Verri T. High-affinity peptide transporter PEPT2 (SLC15A2) of the zebrafish Danio rerio: functional properties, genomic organization, and expression analysis. Physiol Genomics 2005; 24:207-17. [PMID: 16317081 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00227.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier 15 (SLC15) membrane proteins PEPT1 (SLC15A1) and PEPT2 (SLC15A2) have been described in great detail in mammals. In contrast, information in lower vertebrates is limited. We characterized the functional properties of a novel zebrafish peptide transporter orthologous to mammalian and avian PEPT2, described its gene (pept2) structure, and determined mRNA tissue distribution. An expressed sequence tag (EST) cDNA (Integrated Molecular Analysis of Gene Expression; IMAGE) corresponding to zebrafish pept2 was completed by inserting a stretch of 75 missing nucleotides in the coding sequence to obtain a 3,238-bp functional clone. The complete open reading frame (ORF) was 2,160 bp and encoded a 719-amino acid protein. Electrophysiological analysis after cRNA injection in Xenopus laevis oocytes suggested that zebrafish PEPT2 is a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter (K(0.5) for glycyl-L-glutamine approximately 18 microM at -120 mV and pH 7.5). Zebrafish pept2 gene was 19,435 kb, thus being the shortest vertebrate pept2 fully characterized so far. Also, zebrafish pept2 exhibited 23 exons and 22 introns, whereas human and rodent pept2 genes contain 22 exons and 21 introns only. Zebrafish pept2 mRNA was mainly detected in brain, kidney, gut, and, interestingly, otic vesicle, the embryonic structure that develops into the auditory/vestibular organ, homolog to the higher vertebrate inner ear, of the adult fish. Characterization of zebrafish pept2 will contribute to the investigation of peptide transporters using a well-established genetic model and will allow the elucidation of the evolutionary and functional relationships among vertebrate peptide transporters. Moreover, it can represent a useful marker to screen mutations that affect choroid plexus and inner ear development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Romano
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bauer K. Carnosine and Homocarnosine, the Forgotten, Enigmatic Peptides of the Brain. Neurochem Res 2005; 30:1339-45. [PMID: 16341596 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-005-8806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-histidine) and homocarnosine (gamma-aminobutyryl-histidine) are major constituents of excitable tissues, brain and skeletal muscles, but their physiological functions are yet unknown. Using primary cell culture systems, synthesis and uptake of carnosine exclusively by glial cells could be demonstrated. Uptake of carnosine was found to be mediated by a high affinity, energy-dependent dipeptide transport system, subsequently identified as the peptide transporter PepT2. With the synthesis of beta-Ala-Lys-Nepsilon-AMCA as a fluorescent reporter molecule, accumulation of this dipeptide derivative could be monitored under viable conditions not only in astroglia cells but also in folliculostellate cells of the anterior pituitary and in gonadal resident macrophages. This reporter dipeptide provided a most valuable tool to identify an intrapituitary communication system by tracing folliculostellate cells in acute slice preparation. Moreover, this substance could also be used to prepare pituitary cell cultures enriched with or depleted of folliculostellate cells that are needed for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Bauer
- Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shen H, Keep RF, Hu Y, Smith DE. PEPT2 (Slc15a2)-Mediated Unidirectional Transport of Cefadroxil from Cerebrospinal Fluid into Choroid Plexus. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005; 315:1101-8. [PMID: 16107517 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.090654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in the treatment of infection. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of cefadroxil and other aminocephalosporins are not adequate for the treatment of bacterial meningitis. To evaluate the relevance of PEPT2 in affecting the exposure of aminocephalosporins in brain, we investigated the transport properties of cefadroxil at the blood-CSF interface using primary-cultured epithelial cells and isolated whole tissues of choroid plexus. Our results indicated that cefadroxil was preferentially taken up from the apical as opposed to basal side of the monolayer (5-fold), and its apical uptake was stimulated by an inwardly directed proton gradient. The concentration-dependent apical uptake of cefadroxil was characterized by a high-affinity/low-capacity transport system (Km = 39.0 +/- 22.7 microM; Vmax = 22.9 +/- 6.6 pmol/mg/min) and a nonsaturable component (Kd = 0.15 +/- 0.01 microl/mg/min); in contrast, only a nonsaturable component was found for the basal uptake of cefadroxil (Kd = 0.14 +/- 0.01 microl/mg/min). The apical-to-basal transepithelial transport of 2 microM cefadroxil was greater than its basal-to-apical transport, but no differences were observed in directionality when 5 mM concentrations of cefadroxil were studied. Moreover, the cellular efflux of cefadroxil was not saturable in either direction (i.e., to apical or basal side). Finally, no differences were observed in the choroid plexus tissue efflux of 2 microM cefadroxil from wild-type and PEPT2 null mice. These findings demonstrate that PEPT2 has an important role in limiting the exposure of cefadroxil in CSF. Located at the apical membrane of choroid plexus epithelium, PEPT2 acts in a unidirectional (as opposed to bidirectional) manner in transporting cefadroxil from CSF into the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0504, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hu Y, Ocheltree SM, Xiang J, Keep RF, Smith DE. Glycyl-l-Glutamine Disposition in Rat Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells in Primary Culture: Role of PEPT2. Pharm Res 2005; 22:1281-6. [PMID: 16078137 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-005-5261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 03/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this research was to determine the polarity and directionality of the PEPT2-mediated uptake and transepithelial transport of the neuropeptide glycyl-L-glutamine (GlyGln) in choroid plexus. METHODS The transport kinetics of [3H]GlyGln was studied in neonatal rat choroid plexus epithelial cells in primary culture grown on laminin-coated Transwell filter inserts. Using a bicarbonate artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C, GlyGln studies were performed as a function of time, substrate concentration, and the presence of potential inhibitors (at 1 mM). RESULTS GlyGln (2 microM) accumulation was about three to four times greater when introduced from the apical (CSF-facing) as opposed to the basal (blood-facing) side of the cell monolayer, and transepithelial transport was about two times greater in the apical-to-basal direction. The apical uptake of radiolabeled GlyGln (2 microM) was inhibited significantly by dipeptides (i.e., unlabeled GlyGln and cysteinylglycine) and some neuropeptides (i.e., carnosine, N-acetylaspartylglutamate, kyotorphin), but was unaffected by amino acids (i.e., glycine, glutamine) as well as by [D-Arg2]-kyotorphin and glutathione. The concentration-dependent apical uptake of GlyGln (2-1000 microM) was characterized by a high-affinity process (i.e., Vmax of 72 pmol/mg/min; Km of 136 microM), consistent with the properties of PEPT2. The intracellular hydrolysis of GlyGln was extensive, however, with only 40% of the dipeptide remaining intact after 1 h. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that PEPT2 plays an important role in regulating the apical uptake of GlyGln at the blood-CSF interface. Once inside the cell, GlyGln is rapidly degraded to its constitutive amino acids for further processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ocheltree SM, Shen H, Hu Y, Keep RF, Smith DE. Role and relevance of peptide transporter 2 (PEPT2) in the kidney and choroid plexus: in vivo studies with glycylsarcosine in wild-type and PEPT2 knockout mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005; 315:240-7. [PMID: 15987832 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.089359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategic localization of peptide transporter 2 (PEPT2), a proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter, to the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the kidney and choroid plexus suggests that it plays an important role in the disposition of peptides/mimetics in the body. Therefore, the in vivo significance of PEPT2 was investigated in wild-type and PEPT2 null mice following an i.v. bolus dose (0.05 micromol/g body weight) of [14C]glycylsarcosine (GlySar). In PEPT2 null mice, the clearance (total and renal) of GlySar was markedly increased (2-fold), resulting in concomitantly lower systemic concentrations. In addition, renal reabsorption was almost abolished, and GlySar was eliminated by glomerular filtration. Of the 46% of GlySar reabsorbed in wild-type mice, PEPT2 accounted for 86% and PEPT1 accounted for 14% of reabsorbed substrate. Analysis of GlySar uptake in kidney sections revealed that PEPT2 was primarily localized in the outer medullary region. Wild-type mice also had greater choroid plexus concentrations of GlySar and a 5-fold greater choroid plexus/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ratio as compared with null mice at 60 min. Null mice exhibited a greater CSF/blood ratio at 60 min (0.9 versus 0.2) and area under the curve (AUC)(CSF)/AUC(blood) ratio over 60 min (0.45 versus 0.12), indicating that PEPT2 significantly reduces the exposure of GlySar in CSF. Our in vivo results demonstrate that PEPT2 is the predominant peptide transporter in kidney and that it acts as an efflux transporter in choroid plexus. Thus, PEPT2 may have profound effects on the sensitivity and/or toxicity of peptides and peptide-like drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Ocheltree
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wada M, Miyakawa S, Shimada A, Okada N, Yamamoto A, Fujita T. Functional linkage of H+/peptide transporter PEPT2 and Na+/H+ exchanger in primary cultures of astrocytes from mouse cerebral cortex. Brain Res 2005; 1044:33-41. [PMID: 15862787 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2004] [Revised: 02/16/2005] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In our previous studies, we demonstrated that the high-affinity type peptide transporter PEPT2 is expressed in rat cerebral cortex using synaptosomal membrane study and that the uptake of dipeptide [14C]glycylsarcosine into synaptosomes was stimulated by an inwardly directed H+ gradient (Fujita et al., Brain Res. 972, 52-61, 2004). However, there is no information available for the driving force of PEPT2 function in the nervous system. In the present study, we investigated functional characteristics of PEPT2 mediated transport of Gly-Sar in primary cultured astrocytes from mouse cerebral cortex and examined the effects of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) inhibitor on Gly-Sar uptake in mouse astrocytes. In mouse astrocytes, extracellular H+ influenced only the maximal velocity (Vmax) of Gly-Sar uptake without affecting the apparent affinity (Kt). Interestingly, removal of Na+ from uptake buffer significantly reduced Gly-Sar uptake and Gly-Sar uptake was modulated by NHE inhibitors. The treatment of EIPA, an NHE inhibitor, altered the Vmax value of Gly-Sar uptake but had no effect on its Kt value. RT-PCR revealed that NHE1 and NHE2 mRNA are expressed in mouse cerebrocortical astrocytes. These results demonstrated that NHE activity is required to allow optimal uptake of dipeptides mediated by PEPT2 into the astrocytes. This study represents the first description of the functional co-operation of PEPT2 and NHE1 and/or NHE2 in cerebrocortical astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Wada
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nielsen CU, Brodin B, Jørgensen FS, Frokjaer S, Steffansen B. Human peptide transporters: therapeutic applications. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.12.9.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
35
|
Bravo SA, Nielsen CU, Frokjaer S, Brodin B. Characterization of rPEPT2-Mediated Gly-Sar Transport Parameters in the Rat Kidney Proximal Tubule Cell Line SKPT-0193 cl.2 Cultured in Basic Growth Media. Mol Pharm 2005; 2:98-108. [PMID: 15804184 DOI: 10.1021/mp049892q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The rat proximal kidney tubule cell line SKPT-0193 cl.2 (SKPT) expresses the di-/tripeptide transporter PEPT2 (rPEPT2) and has been used to study PEPT2-mediated transport. Traditionally, SKPT cells have been cultured in growth media supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF), apotransferrin, dexamethasone, and insulin. It was recently demonstrated that omission of EGF from the culture media caused a drastic increase in the expression of rPEPT2. The hypothesis was therefore that the SKPT cell line might be able to differentiate and express rPEPT2 in the absence of the four agonists traditionally added. The aim of the study was thus to characterize Gly-Sar transport parameters in SKPT cells cultured in basic growth media (conventional media without added agonists). Morphology was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and immunohistochemistry. Monolayer integrity was evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements and [(3)H]-mannitol permeabilities. Di-/tripeptide transporter activity was studied using [(14)C]-glycylsarcosine ([(14)C]-Gly-Sar). SKPT cells grown in basic media for 4 days formed confluent monolayers with a TEER of 5.03 +/- 0.33 kOmega.cm(2) (n = 5). Apical Gly-Sar uptake peaked after 3-6 days in culture. Uptake at day 4 was 5.89 +/- 0.30 pmol.cm(-2).min(-1) (n = 3). Di-/tripeptide uptake displayed an optimum at approximately pH 6. Affinity values for cephalexin, kyotorphin, and delta-aminolevulinic acid were comparable to those obtained in other PEPT2-expressing model systems. It can be concluded that SKPT cells grown in the absence of the agonists traditionally added to the culture media retain all necessary properties for PEPT2-mediated peptide uptake studies. Furthermore, the absence of the agonists might facilitate studies of hormonal regulation of PEPT2 expression and transport activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvina A Bravo
- Molecular Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ocheltree SM, Keep RF, Shen H, Yang D, Hughes BA, Smith DE. Preliminary investigation into the expression of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters in neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE): lack of functional activity in RPE plasma membranes. Pharm Res 2004; 20:1364-72. [PMID: 14567629 DOI: 10.1023/a:1025741723724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the expression and functional activity of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POT) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS RT-PCR was used to probe the presence of POT mRNA in freshly isolated bovine RPE (BRPE) and human RPE (HRPE) cells, a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19), and human and bovine neural retina. [14C]GlySar uptake was used to characterize POT activity in cultured ARPE-19 cells and freshly isolated BRPE cell sheet suspensions. RESULTS PHT1 mRNA was expressed in BRPE, HRPE, ARPE-19, and bovine and human neural retina. In contrast, PEPT2 and PHT2 were expressed only in bovine and human retina, and PEPT1 could not be detected. GlySar exhibited a linear uptake over 6 h at pH values of 6.0 and 7.4, with greater uptake at pH 7.4 (p < 0.01). GlySar uptake did not exhibit saturability (5-2000 microM) and was unchanged when studied in the presence of 1 mM L-histidine. In contrast, GlySar uptake was significantly decreased when studied at 4 degrees C or in the presence of endocytic inhibitors at 37 degrees C (p < 0.01). Studies in BRPE cell sheet suspensions validated the results obtained in ARPE-19 cells and strongly suggested the absence of POT on the apical and basolateral membranes of RPE. CONCLUSIONS PHT1 mRNA is present in native bovine and human RPE and a human RPE cell line. However, the data argue against PHT1 being expressed on plasma membranes of RPE. Overall, GlySar appears to be taken up by RPE cells via a low-affinity, endocytic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Ocheltree
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1065, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shen H, Smith DE, Keep RF, Brosius FC. Immunolocalization of the Proton-Coupled Oligopeptide Transporter PEPT2 in Developing Rat Brain. Mol Pharm 2004; 1:248-56. [PMID: 15981584 DOI: 10.1021/mp049944b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the tissue distribution, cellular localization, and developmental expression of the PEPT2 protein in rat brain. Immunoblot and immunocytochemistry analyses were performed with specific rat PEPT1 and PEPT2 antisera developed in our laboratory. Rats were examined from fetus (gestation for 17 days) to adult (day 75). On immunoblot analysis, the PEPT2 protein was detected in cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and hindbrain sections of adult brain, with the strongest signals in cerebral cortex. No PEPT1 protein was found in brain. Expression levels of the PEPT2 protein in cerebral cortex were maximal in the fetus and declined rapidly with advancing age. Adult protein levels were approximately 14% of that observed in fetus. In immunofluorescence experiments, the strongest PEPT2 signals were observed in epithelial cells of the choroid plexus for both adult and neonate brains. The PEPT2 protein was exclusively expressed on the apical membrane (CSF-facing) of choroid plexus epithelia. In double labeling experiments, PEPT2 immunoreactivity in adult brain colocalized with NeuN, a neuronal marker, but not with GFAP, an astrocyte marker. In contrast, in neonatal brain, PEPT2 immunoreactivity colocalized with both GFAP and NeuN. These findings demonstrate that the PEPT2 protein is found throughout the brain. The apical expression of PEPT2 in choroid plexus suggests that it is involved in the export of neuropeptides, peptide fragments, and peptide-like drugs from cerebrospinal fluid. PEPT2 may also play a role in the regulation of neuropeptide concentrations in extracellular fluid, especially during early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0504, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Groneberg DA, Rubio-Aliaga I, Nickolaus M, Döring F, Fischer A, Daniel H. Direct visualization of peptide uptake activity in the central nervous system of the rat. Neurosci Lett 2004; 364:32-6. [PMID: 15193750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2004] [Revised: 04/06/2004] [Accepted: 04/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Carrier-mediated transport of small peptides and peptidomimetics offers the opportunity for a targeted drug delivery across cell membranes in the central nervous system (CNS). This process is mediated by the proton-coupled transporter PEPT2 which is expressed in glial and choroid plexus cells. In the present studies, an uptake assay was established to visualize directly peptide uptake in intact rat brain slices. Accumulation of a reporter molecule, the fluorophore-labeled dipeptide derivative D-Ala-L-Lys-AMCA, was found in plexus choroideus and glial cells and uptake was inhibited by prototypical PEPT2 substrates, such as glycyl-L-glutamine and cefadroxil. The presence of PEPT2 was confirmed by RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis. This first CNS peptide and drug transport-visualizing assay may be used to examine new compounds which are carried by the proton-driven CNS peptide transporter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Groneberg
- Biomedical Research Center, Otto-Heubner-Centre, Charité School of Medicine, Free University Berlin and Humboldt-University, Augustenburger Platz 1 OR1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Teuscher NS, Shen H, Shu C, Xiang J, Keep RF, Smith DE. Carnosine uptake in rat choroid plexus primary cell cultures and choroid plexus whole tissue from PEPT2 null mice. J Neurochem 2004; 89:375-82. [PMID: 15056281 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02333.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PEPT2 is functionally active and localized to the apical membrane of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. However, little is known about the transport mechanisms of endogenous neuropeptides in choroid plexus, and the role of PEPT2 in this process. In the present study, we examined the uptake kinetics of carnosine in rat choroid plexus primary cell cultures and choroid plexus whole tissue from wild-type (PEPT2(+/+)) and null (PEPT2(-/-)) mice. Our results indicate that carnosine is preferentially taken up from the apical as opposed to basolateral membrane of cell monolayers, and that basolateral efflux in limited. Transepithelial flux of carnosine was not distinguishable from that of paracellular diffusion. The apical uptake of carnosine was characterized by a high affinity (K(m) = 34 microM), low capacity (V(max) = 73 pmol/mg protein/min) process, consistent with that of PEPT2. The non-saturable component was small (K(d) = 0.063 microL/mg protein/min) and, under linear conditions, was only 3% of the total uptake. Studies in transgenic mice clearly demonstrated that PEPT2 was responsible for over 90% of carnosine's uptake in choroid plexus whole tissue. These findings elucidate the unique role of PEPT2 in regulating neuropeptide homeostasis at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan S Teuscher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and Upjohn Center for Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fujita T, Kishida T, Wada M, Okada N, Yamamoto A, Leibach FH, Ganapathy V. Functional characterization of brain peptide transporter in rat cerebral cortex: identification of the high-affinity type H+/peptide transporter PEPT2. Brain Res 2004; 997:52-61. [PMID: 14715149 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2003.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we studied the functional characteristics of a brain peptide transporter using synaptosomes prepared from rat cerebral cortex. Crude synaptosomes (P(2) fraction) were prepared from cerebral cortices in male Wistar rats. Uptake of [14C]glycylsarcosine (Gly-Sar), a substrate for H(+)/oligopeptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2, and [3H]histidine, a substrate for peptide/histidine transporters PHT1 and PHT2, was measured at 37 degrees C by a rapid filtration technique. The uptake of [14C]Gly-Sar into synaptosomes was stimulated by an inwardly directed H(+)-gradient. The uptake system exhibited a Michaelis-Menten constant (K(t)) of 110+/-20 microM for Gly-Sar. This value is comparable to the K(t) value for Gly-Sar uptake via the high-affinity H(+)/peptide transporter PEPT2. The H(+)-dependent uptake of [14C]Gly-Sar into synaptosomes was inhibited by di- and tripeptides and beta-lactam antibiotics, but was unaffected by amino acids glycine and histidine. In particular, kyotorphin (Tyr-Arg) completely inhibited Gly-Sar uptake with the K(i) value of 29+/-14 microM. These uptake properties of the brain peptide transporter (i.e., the K(t) value for Gly-Sar uptake and the K(i) value of kyotorphin for Gly-Sar uptake) are very similar to those of PEPT2. RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses revealed that PEPT2 is actually expressed in the cerebral cortex in rat. These results indicate that a H(+)-coupled high affinity peptide transport system is functionally expressed in the cerebral cortex and that this transport system is identical to PEPT2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Fujita
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ocheltree SM, Shen H, Hu Y, Xiang J, Keep RF, Smith DE. Mechanisms of Cefadroxil Uptake in the Choroid Plexus: Studies in Wild-Type and PEPT2 Knockout Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003; 308:462-7. [PMID: 14600253 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.060400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus uptake of [(3)H]cefadroxil was studied in peptide transporter 2 (PEPT2) wild-type and null mice as a function of temperature, transport inhibitors, pH, and saturability. At normal pH (7.4) and temperature (37 degrees C), the uptake of 1 microM cefadroxil was reduced by 83% in PEPT2(-/-) mice as compared with PEPT2(+/+) mice (p < 0.001). A further reduction was achieved in null animals by reducing the temperature to 4 degrees C, or by adding saturating concentrations of unlabeled cefadroxil or p-aminohippurate (p < 0.05). Glycylsarcosine coadministration could inhibit the uptake of cefadroxil in PEPT2(+/+) mice (p < 0.01) but not PEPT2(-/-) mice. Although a proton-stimulated uptake of cefadroxil was demonstrated in PEPT2(+/+) mice (pH 6.5 versus pH 7.4; p < 0.01), no pH dependence was observed in PEPT2(-/-) mice. Kinetic parameters for cefadroxil (without p-aminohippurate) in wild-type mice were: V(max) = 5.4 pmol/mg/min, K(m) = 34 microM, and K(d) = 0.0069 microl/mg/min; in the presence of p-aminohippurate, the parameters were: V(max) = 4.1 pmol/mg/min, K(m) = 27 microM, and K(d) = 0.0064 microl/mg/min. In null animals, the kinetic parameters of cefadroxil (without p-aminohippurate) were: V(max) = 2.7 pmol/mg/min, K(m) = 110 microM, and K(d) = 0.0084 microl/mg/min; in the presence of p-aminohippurate, only a K(d) = 0.010 microl/mg/min was observed. Based on kinetic and inhibitor analyses, it was determined that (under linear conditions), 80 to 85% of cefadroxil's uptake in choroid plexus is mediated by PEPT2, 10 to 15% by organic anion transporter(s), and 5% by nonspecific mechanisms. These findings demonstrate that PEPT2 is the primary transporter responsible for cefadroxil uptake in the choroid plexus. Moreover, the data suggest a role for PEPT2 in the clearance of peptidomimetics from cerebrospinal fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Ocheltree
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0504, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Choudhuri S, Cherrington NJ, Li N, Klaassen CD. CONSTITUTIVE EXPRESSION OF VARIOUS XENOBIOTIC AND ENDOBIOTIC TRANSPORTER mRNAs IN THE CHOROID PLEXUS OF RATS. Drug Metab Dispos 2003; 31:1337-45. [PMID: 14570765 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.31.11.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantitatively determine the constitutive expression levels of various transporter mRNAs in rat choroid plexus. To provide a reference for the relative expression levels, the expression of various transporter mRNAs in choroid plexus were compared with that in liver, kidney, and ileum. The mRNA levels of multidrug resistance protein (Mrp)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; multidrug resistance (Mdr)1a, 1b, and 2; organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, and Oat-K (1/2); organic anion transporter (Oat)1, 2, and 3; organic cation transporter (Oct)1, 2, 3, N1, and N2; bile acid transporters sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp), bile salt excretory protein (Bsep), and ileal bile acid transporter (Ibat); divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), Menke's and Wilson's metal transporters; equilibrative nucleotide transporters (Ent) 1 and 2, and constitutive nucleotide transporters (Cnt)1 and 2; peptide transporters (Pept)1 and 2; as well as ATP-binding cassette (Abc)G5 and 8 were measured in choroid plexus by the branched DNA signal amplification method. Mrp1, 4, and 5, Oatp3, Menke's transporter, DMT1, Ent1, and Pept2 mRNAs were expressed in choroid plexus at higher levels than in liver, kidney, or ileum. OctN1 and N2, Oatp2, Oat2 and 3, and Cnt1 and 2 mRNAs expressions were detectable in choroid plexus, but the levels were lower compared with that in liver, kidney, or ileum. The remaining transporters [Mrp2, Mrp3, Oct1, Oct2, Oatp1, Oatp4, Oatp5, Oatp12, Oat-K (1/2), Ntcp, Bsep, Ibat, Mdr1a, Mdr1b, Mdr2, Oat1, Ent2, Pept1, AbcG5, AbcG8] were expressed at very low levels in choroid plexus. The constitutive expression levels of different transporters in choroid plexus may provide an insight into the range of xenobiotics that can potentially be transported by the choroid plexus, thereby providing a means of xenobiotic detoxification in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supratim Choudhuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7417, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Toyobuku H, Sai Y, Kagami T, Tamai I, Tsuji A. Delivery of peptide drugs to the brain by adenovirus-mediated heterologous expression of human oligopeptide transporter at the blood-brain barrier. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003; 305:40-7. [PMID: 12649351 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.102.046243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The feasibility of using adenovirus-mediated human oligopeptide transporter (hPEPT1) gene transfer to achieve peptide drug delivery to the brain across the blood-brain barrier was tested by examining the accumulation of model peptides in a rat brain endothelial cell line (RBEC1) and rat brain after transduction with a recombinant adenovirus encoding hPEPT1-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein fusion gene (AdhPEPT1-EYFP). In vitro uptake of [(3)H]GlySar was determined in RBEC1 transduced with AdhPEPT1-EYFP. In vivo, the accumulation of cefadroxil in rat brain was evaluated after transduction of AdhPEPT1-EYFP. At pH 6.0, the uptake of [(3)H]GlySar by RBEC1 transduced with AdhPEPT1-EYFP was increased 4-fold compared with that of nontransduced cells. At pH 7.4, uptake of [(3)H]GlySar in AdhPEPT1-EYFP transduced RBEC1 was 1.5 times higher than that of nontransduced cells. Unlabeled glycylsarcosine (10 mM) reduced the uptake of [(3)H]GlySar to a level comparable with that of nontransduced cells. At 30 min after intravenous administration of cefadroxil to rats transduced with AdhPEPT1-EYFP at 3.2 x 10(9) plaque-forming units/rat by an in situ brain perfusion method, the brain-to-plasma concentration ratio (Kp) of cefadroxil was increased about 2 times compared with that of nontransduced or AdGFP (control vector)-transduced rats, although this was not statistically significant. In contrast, Kp of [(14)C]inulin, a marker for extracellular fluid space, remained unchanged after adenoviral transduction. In conclusion, our results suggest that adenovirus-mediated heterologous expression of hPEPT1 in vivo could be a useful approach to deliver oligopeptides to the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Toyobuku
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shen H, Smith DE, Keep RF, Xiang J, Brosius FC. Targeted disruption of the PEPT2 gene markedly reduces dipeptide uptake in choroid plexus. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:4786-91. [PMID: 12473671 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m207397200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of multiple oligopeptide transporters in brain has generated considerable interest as to their physiological role in neuropeptide homeostasis, pharmacologic importance, and potential as a target for drug delivery through the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers. To understand further the purpose of specific peptide transporters in brain, we have generated PEPT2-deficient mice by targeted gene disruption. Homozygous PepT2 null mice lacked expression of PEPT2 mRNA and protein in choroid plexus and kidney, tissues in which PepT2 is normally expressed, whereas heterozygous mice displayed PepT2 expression levels that were intermediate between those of wild-type and homozygous null animals. Mutant PepT2 null mice were found to be viable, grew to normal size and weight, and were without obvious kidney or brain abnormalities. Notwithstanding the lack of apparent biological effects, the proton-stimulated uptake of 1.9 microm glycylsarcosine (a model, hydrolysis-resistant dipeptide) in isolated choroid plexus was essentially ablated (i.e. residual activity of 10.9 and 3.9% at 5 and 30 min, respectively). These novel findings provide strong evidence that, under the experimental conditions of this study, PEPT2 is the primary member of the peptide transporter family responsible for dipeptide uptake in choroid plexus tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Shu C, Shen H, Teuscher NS, Lorenzi PJ, Keep RF, Smith DE. Role of PEPT2 in peptide/mimetic trafficking at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier: studies in rat choroid plexus epithelial cells in primary culture. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002; 301:820-9. [PMID: 12023509 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.301.3.820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have established the functional and molecular presence of a high-affinity peptide transporter, PEPT2, in whole tissue rat choroid plexus. However, the precise membrane location and directionality of PEPT2-mediated transport is uncertain at present. In this study, we examined the transport kinetics of a model dipeptide, glycylsarcosine (GlySar), along with the protein expression of PEPT2 using primary cell cultures of choroidal epithelium from neonatal rats. GlySar accumulation and transepithelial transport were 3 to 4 times higher when introduced from the apical as opposed to the basal side of the monolayers. GlySar apical uptake was also stimulated by an inwardly directed proton gradient. The uptake of GlySar was inhibited by di/tripeptides, carnosine, and alpha-amino cephalosporins but was unaffected by amino acids, cephalosporins lacking an alpha-amino group, and organic anions and cations. The Michaelis constant (K(m)) of GlySar was 59.6 microM for apical uptake and 1.4 mM for basal uptake; this is consistent with the high-affinity properties of PEPT2 at the apical membrane. Immunoblot analyses and immunofluorescent confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of PEPT2, but not PEPT1, in rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. Moreover, PEPT2 was present in the apical and subapical regions of the cell but was absent in the basolateral membrane. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that PEPT2 protein is present at the apical membrane of choroidal epithelial cells and that it is functionally active at this membrane surface. The results suggest that PEPT2 may have a role in the efflux of peptides and/or mimetics from cerebrospinal fluid to the blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathaleen Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Upjohn Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Michigan, 1310 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|