1
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Okada Y. Physiology of the volume-sensitive/regulatory anion channel VSOR/VRAC. Part 1: from its discovery and phenotype characterization to the molecular entity identification. J Physiol Sci 2024; 74:3. [PMID: 38238667 PMCID: PMC10795261 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-023-00897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying or volume-regulated anion channel, VSOR/VRAC, which was discovered in 1988, is expressed in most vertebrate cell types and is essentially involved in cell volume regulation after swelling and in the induction of cell death. This series of review articles describes what is already known and what remains to be uncovered about the functional and molecular properties as well as the physiological and pathophysiological roles of VSOR/VRAC. This Part 1 review article describes, from the physiological standpoint, first its discovery and significance in cell volume regulation, second its phenotypical properties, and third its molecular identification. Although the pore-forming core molecules and the volume-sensing subcomponent of VSOR/VRAC were identified as LRRC8 members and TRPM7 in 2014 and 2021, respectively, it is stressed that the identification of the molecular entity of VSOR/VRAC is still not complete enough to explain the full set of phenotypical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Okada
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.
- Department of Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
- Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan.
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2
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Kostritskaia Y, Klüssendorf M, Pan YE, Hassani Nia F, Kostova S, Stauber T. Physiological Functions of the Volume-Regulated Anion Channel VRAC/LRRC8 and the Proton-Activated Chloride Channel ASOR/TMEM206. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 283:181-218. [PMID: 37468723 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_673] [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] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) and the acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (ASOR) mediate flux of chloride and small organic anions. Although known for a long time, they were only recently identified at the molecular level. VRACs are heteromers consisting of LRRC8 proteins A to E. Combining the essential LRRC8A with different LRRC8 paralogues changes key properties of VRAC such as conductance or substrate selectivity, which is how VRACs are involved in multiple physiological functions including regulatory volume decrease, cell proliferation and migration, cell death, purinergic signalling, fat and glucose metabolism, insulin signalling, and spermiogenesis. VRACs are also involved in pathological conditions, such as the neurotoxic release of glutamate and aspartate. Certain VRACs are also permeable to larger, organic anions, including antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs, making them an interesting therapeutic target. ASOR, also named proton-activated chloride channel (PAC), is formed by TMEM206 homotrimers on the plasma membrane and on endosomal compartments where it mediates chloride flux in response to extracytosolic acidification and plays a role in the shrinking and maturation of macropinosomes. ASOR has been shown to underlie neuronal swelling which causes cell death after stroke as well as promoting the metastasis of certain cancers, making them intriguing therapeutic targets as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kostritskaia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Klüssendorf
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yingzhou Edward Pan
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simona Kostova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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3
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Liu H, Polovitskaya MM, Yang L, Li M, Li H, Han Z, Wu J, Zhang Q, Jentsch TJ, Liao J. Structural insights into anion selectivity and activation mechanism of LRRC8 volume-regulated anion channels. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112926. [PMID: 37543949 PMCID: PMC10480491 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112926] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are hexamers of LRRC8 proteins that are crucial for cell volume regulation. N termini (NTs) of the obligatory LRRC8A subunit modulate VRACs activation and ion selectivity, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report a 2.8-Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of human LRRC8A that displays well-resolved NTs. Amino-terminal halves of NTs fold back into the pore and constrict the permeation path, thereby determining ion selectivity together with an extracellular selectivity filter with which it works in series. They also interact with pore-surrounding helices and support their compact arrangement. The C-terminal halves of NTs interact with intracellular loops that are crucial for channel activation. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that low ionic strength increases NT mobility and expands the radial distance between pore-surrounding helices. Our work suggests an unusual pore architecture with two selectivity filters in series and a mechanism for VRAC activation by cell swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maya M Polovitskaya
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China.
| | - Meiling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China
| | - Hongyue Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jun Liao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Stevanović KS, Čepkenović B, Križak S, Pajić T, Todorović NV, Živić MŽ. ATP modulation of osmotically activated anionic current in the membrane of Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophore. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11897. [PMID: 37488205 PMCID: PMC10366193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are vital components of filamentous fungi signaling in communication with their environment. We exploited the ability of the apical region of growing sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus to form membrane-enveloped cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), to examine ion currents in the filamentous fungi native plasma membrane. In hypoosmotic conditions, the dominant current in the CDs is ORIC, an osmotically activated, anionic, outwardly rectified, fast inactivating instantaneous current that we have previously characterized. Here, we examined the effect of ATP on ORIC. We show that CDs contain active mitochondria, and that respiration inhibition by azide accelerates ORIC inactivation. ATP, added intracellularly, reduced ORIC run-down and shifted the voltage dependence of inactivation toward depolarized potentials, in a manner that did not require hydrolysis. Notably, ATP led to slowing down of ORIC inactivation, as evidenced by an increased time constant of inactivation, τin, and slower decline of τin during prolonged recordings. Flavonoids (genistein and quercetin) had the effect on ORIC opposite to ATP, acting as current inhibitors, possibly by disrupting the stabilizing effect of ATP on ORIC. The integration of osmotic sensing with ATP dependence of the anionic current, typical of vertebrate cells, is described here for the first time in filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina S Stevanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
| | - Bogdana Čepkenović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
| | - Strahinja Križak
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, Belgrade, 11030, Serbia
| | - Tanja Pajić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
| | - Nataša V Todorović
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Miroslav Ž Živić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
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5
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Liu T, Li Y, Wang D, Stauber T, Zhao J. Trends in volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) research: visualization and bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2022. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1234885. [PMID: 37538172 PMCID: PMC10394876 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1234885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we utilized bibliometric methods to assess the worldwide scientific output and identify hotspots related to the research on the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) from 2014 to 2022. Methods: From Web of Science, we obtained studies related to VRAC published from 2014 to 2022. To analyzed the data, we utilized VOSviewer, a tool for visualizing network, to create networks based on the collaboration between countries, institutions, and authors. Additionally, we performed an analysis of journal co-citation, document citation, and co-occurrence of keywords. Furthermore, we employed CiteSpace (6.1. R6 Advanced) to analyzed keywords and co-cited references with the strongest burst. Results: The final analysis included a total of 278 related articles and reviews, covering the period from 2014 to 2022. The United States emerged as the leading country contributing to this field, while the University of Copenhagen stood out as the most prominent institution. The author with most publications and most citations was Thomas J. Jentsch. Among the cited references, the article by Voss et al. published in Science (2014) gained significant attention for its identification of LRRC8 heteromers as a crucial component of the volume-regulated anion channel VRAC. Pflügers Archiv European Journal of Physiology and Journal of Physiology-London were the leading journals in terms of the quantity of associated articles and citations. Through the analysis of keyword co-occurrence, it was discovered that VRAC is involved in various physiological processes including cell growth, migration, apoptosis, swelling, and myogenesis, as well as anion and organic osmolyte transport including chloride, taurine, glutamate and ATP. VRAC is also associated with related ion channels such as TMEM16A, TMEM16F, pannexin, and CFTR, and associated with various diseases including epilepsy, leukodystrophy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cerebral edema, stroke, and different types of cancer including gastric cancer, glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, VRAC is involved in anti-tumor drug resistance by regulating the uptake of platinum-based drugs and temozolomide. Additionally, VRAC has been studied in the context of pharmacology involving DCPIB and flavonoids. Conclusion: The aim of this bibliometric analysis is to provide an overall perspective for research on VRAC. VRAC has become a topic of increasing interest, and our analysis shows that it continues to be a prominent area. This study offers insights into the investigation of VRAC channel and may guide researchers in identifying new directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jiajun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, Shandong, China
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6
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Kern DM, Bleier J, Mukherjee S, Hill JM, Kossiakoff AA, Isacoff EY, Brohawn SG. Structural basis for assembly and lipid-mediated gating of LRRC8A:C volume-regulated anion channels. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023:10.1038/s41594-023-00944-6. [PMID: 36928458 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00944-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8 (LRRC8) family members form volume-regulated anion channels activated by hypoosmotic cell swelling. LRRC8 channels are ubiquitously expressed in vertebrate cells as heteromeric assemblies of LRRC8A (SWELL1) and LRRC8B-E subunits. Channels of different subunit composition have distinct properties that explain the functional diversity of LRRC8 currents across cell types. However, the basis for heteromeric LRRC8 channel assembly and function is unknown. Here we leverage a fiducial-tagging strategy to determine single-particle cryo-EM structures of heterohexameric LRRC8A:C channels in multiple conformations. Compared to homomers, LRRC8A:C channels show pronounced differences in architecture due to heterotypic LRR interactions that displace subunits away from the conduction axis and poise the channel for activation. Structures and functional studies further reveal that lipids embedded in the channel pore block ion conduction in the closed state. These results provide insight into determinants for heteromeric LRRC8 channel assembly, activity and gating by lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Kern
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,California Institute for Quantitative Biology (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Julia Bleier
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Somnath Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer M Hill
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anthony A Kossiakoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,California Institute for Quantitative Biology (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephen G Brohawn
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,California Institute for Quantitative Biology (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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7
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Rutz S, Deneka D, Dittmann A, Sawicka M, Dutzler R. Structure of a volume-regulated heteromeric LRRC8A/C channel. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:52-61. [PMID: 36522427 PMCID: PMC9851909 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00899-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) participate in the cellular response to osmotic swelling. These membrane proteins consist of heteromeric assemblies of LRRC8 subunits, whose compositions determine permeation properties. Although structures of the obligatory LRRC8A, also referred to as SWELL1, have previously defined the architecture of VRACs, the organization of heteromeric channels has remained elusive. Here we have addressed this question by the structural characterization of murine LRRC8A/C channels. Like LRRC8A, these proteins assemble as hexamers. Despite 12 possible arrangements, we find a predominant organization with an A:C ratio of two. In this assembly, four LRRC8A subunits cluster in their preferred conformation observed in homomers, as pairs of closely interacting proteins that stabilize a closed state of the channel. In contrast, the two interacting LRRC8C subunits show a larger flexibility, underlining their role in the destabilization of the tightly packed A subunits, thereby enhancing the activation properties of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Rutz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dawid Deneka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marta Sawicka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Raimund Dutzler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Ghouli MR, Fiacco TA, Binder DK. Structure-function relationships of the LRRC8 subunits and subdomains of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:962714. [PMID: 36035259 PMCID: PMC9399500 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.962714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume Regulated Anion Channels (VRAC) are critical contributors to cell volume homeostasis and are expressed ubiquitously in all vertebrate cells. VRAC sense increases in cell volume, and act to return cells to baseline volume in a process known as regulatory volume decrease (RVD) through the efflux of anions and organic osmolytes. This review will highlight seminal studies that elucidated the role of VRAC in RVD, their characteristics as a function of subunit specificity, and their clinical relevance in physiology and pathology. VRAC are also known as volume-sensitive outward rectifiers (VSOR) and volume-sensitive organic osmolyte/anion channels (VSOAC). In this review, the term VRAC will be used to refer to this family of channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manolia R. Ghouli
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California–Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Todd A. Fiacco
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California–Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California–Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Devin K. Binder
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9
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Sawicka M, Dutzler R. Regulators of cell volume: The structural and functional properties of anion channels of the LRRC8 family. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102382. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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10
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Kasuya G, Nureki O. Recent Advances in the Structural Biology of the Volume-Regulated Anion Channel LRRC8. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:896532. [PMID: 35645818 PMCID: PMC9130832 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) protein family, composed of five LRRC8A-E isoforms, are pore-forming components of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), which is activated by cell swelling and releases chloride ions (Cl−) or other osmolytes to counteract cell swelling. Although the LRRC8 protein family was identified as the molecular entity of VRAC only in 2014, due to recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), various LRRC8 structures, including homo-hexameric LRRC8A and LRRC8D structures, as well as inhibitor-bound and synthetic single-domain antibody-bound homo-hexameric LRRC8A structures, have been reported, thus extending our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this protein family. In this review, we describe the important features of LRRC8 provided by these structures, particularly the overall architectures, and the suggested mechanisms underlying pore inhibition and allosteric modulation by targeting the intracellular leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Kasuya
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- *Correspondence: Go Kasuya, ; Osamu Nureki,
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Go Kasuya, ; Osamu Nureki,
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11
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Ion Channel Involvement in Tumor Drug Resistance. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020210. [PMID: 35207698 PMCID: PMC8878471 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 90% of deaths in cancer patients are attributed to tumor drug resistance. Resistance to therapeutic agents can be due to an innate property of cancer cells or can be acquired during chemotherapy. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that regulation of membrane ion channels is an important mechanism in the development of chemoresistance. Here, we review the contribution of ion channels in drug resistance of various types of cancers, evaluating their potential in clinical management. Several molecular mechanisms have been proposed, including evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, decreased drug accumulation in cancer cells, and activation of alternative escape pathways such as autophagy. Each of these mechanisms leads to a reduction of the therapeutic efficacy of administered drugs, causing more difficulty in cancer treatment. Thus, targeting ion channels might represent a good option for adjuvant therapies in order to counteract chemoresistance development.
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12
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Okada Y, Sabirov RZ, Merzlyak PG, Numata T, Sato-Numata K. Properties, Structures, and Physiological Roles of Three Types of Anion Channels Molecularly Identified in the 2010's. Front Physiol 2022; 12:805148. [PMID: 35002778 PMCID: PMC8733619 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.805148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular identification was, at last, successfully accomplished for three types of anion channels that are all implicated in cell volume regulation/dysregulation. LRRC8A plus LRRC8C/D/E, SLCO2A1, and TMEM206 were shown to be the core or pore-forming molecules of the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR) also called the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), the large-conductance maxi-anion channel (Maxi-Cl), and the acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (ASOR) also called the proton-activated anion channel (PAC) in 2014, 2017, and 2019, respectively. More recently in 2020 and 2021, we have identified the S100A10-annexin A2 complex and TRPM7 as the regulatory proteins for Maxi-Cl and VSOR/VRAC, respectively. In this review article, we summarize their biophysical and structural properties as well as their physiological roles by comparing with each other on the basis of their molecular insights. We also point out unsolved important issues to be elucidated soon in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Okada
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ravshan Z Sabirov
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Biophysics and Biochemistry, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Petr G Merzlyak
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Biophysics and Biochemistry, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Tomohiro Numata
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Kaori Sato-Numata
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Kolobkova Y, Pervaiz S, Stauber T. The expanding toolbox to study the LRRC8-formed volume-regulated anion channel VRAC. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 88:119-163. [PMID: 34862024 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is activated upon cell swelling and facilitates the passive movement of anions across the plasma membrane in cells. VRAC function underlies many critical homeostatic processes in vertebrate cells. Among them are the regulation of cell volume and membrane potential, glutamate release and apoptosis. VRAC is also permeable for organic osmolytes and metabolites including some anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of VRAC's structure-function relationships, its physiological roles, its utility for therapy of diseases, and the development of compounds modulating its activity are important research frontiers. Here, we describe approaches that have been applied to study VRAC since it was first described more than 30 years ago, providing an overview of the recent methodological progress. The diverse applications reflecting a compromise between the physiological situation, biochemical definition, and biophysical resolution range from the study of VRAC activity using a classic electrophysiology approach, to the measurement of osmolytes transport by various means and the investigation of its activation using a novel biophysical approach based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kolobkova
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sumaira Pervaiz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
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Deneka D, Rutz S, Hutter CAJ, Seeger MA, Sawicka M, Dutzler R. Allosteric modulation of LRRC8 channels by targeting their cytoplasmic domains. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5435. [PMID: 34521847 PMCID: PMC8440666 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the LRRC8 family form heteromeric assemblies, which function as volume-regulated anion channels. These modular proteins consist of a transmembrane pore and cytoplasmic leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. Despite their known molecular architecture, the mechanism of activation and the role of the LRR domains in this process has remained elusive. Here we address this question by generating synthetic nanobodies, termed sybodies, which target the LRR domain of the obligatory subunit LRRC8A. We use these binders to investigate their interaction with homomeric LRRC8A channels by cryo-electron microscopy and the consequent effect on channel activation by electrophysiology. The five identified sybodies either inhibit or enhance activity by binding to distinct epitopes of the LRR domain, thereby altering channel conformations. In combination, our work provides a set of specific modulators of LRRC8 proteins and reveals the role of their cytoplasmic domains as regulators of channel activity by allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Deneka
- Department of Biochemistry University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Rutz
- Department of Biochemistry University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cedric A J Hutter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, CH-8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus A Seeger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, CH-8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marta Sawicka
- Department of Biochemistry University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Raimund Dutzler
- Department of Biochemistry University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Wilson CS, Dohare P, Orbeta S, Nalwalk JW, Huang Y, Ferland RJ, Sah R, Scimemi A, Mongin AA. Late adolescence mortality in mice with brain-specific deletion of the volume-regulated anion channel subunit LRRC8A. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21869. [PMID: 34469026 PMCID: PMC8639177 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002745r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The leucine-rich repeat-containing family 8 member A (LRRC8A) is an essential subunit of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). VRAC is critical for cell volume control, but its broader physiological functions remain under investigation. Recent studies in the field indicate that Lrrc8a disruption in the brain astrocytes reduces neuronal excitability, impairs synaptic plasticity and memory, and protects against cerebral ischemia. In the present work, we generated brain-wide conditional LRRC8A knockout mice (LRRC8A bKO) using NestinCre -driven Lrrc8aflox/flox excision in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia. LRRC8A bKO animals were born close to the expected Mendelian ratio and developed without overt histological abnormalities, but, surprisingly, all died between 5 and 9 weeks of age with a seizure phenotype, which was confirmed by video and EEG recordings. Brain slice electrophysiology detected changes in the excitability of pyramidal cells and modified GABAergic inputs in the hippocampal CA1 region of LRRC8A bKO. LRRC8A-null hippocampi showed increased immunoreactivity of the astrocytic marker GFAP, indicating reactive astrogliosis. We also found decreased whole-brain protein levels of the GABA transporter GAT-1, the glutamate transporter GLT-1, and the astrocytic enzyme glutamine synthetase. Complementary HPLC assays identified reduction in the tissue levels of the glutamate and GABA precursor glutamine. Together, these findings suggest that VRAC provides vital control of brain excitability in mouse adolescence. VRAC deletion leads to a lethal phenotype involving progressive astrogliosis and dysregulation of astrocytic uptake and supply of amino acid neurotransmitters and their precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne S Wilson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Preeti Dohare
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Shaina Orbeta
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Julia W Nalwalk
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Yunfei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Russell J Ferland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine, USA
| | - Rajan Sah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Annalisa Scimemi
- Department of Biology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Alexander A Mongin
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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16
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Yurinskaya V, Aksenov N, Moshkov A, Goryachaya T, Shemery A, Vereninov A. Flow fluorometry quantification of anion channel VRAC subunit LRRC8A at the membrane of living U937 cells. Channels (Austin) 2021; 14:45-52. [PMID: 32075501 PMCID: PMC7039630 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1730535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the expression of channels on the cell membrane is a necessary step in studying the functioning of ion channels in living cells. We explore, first, if endogenous VRAC can be assayed using flow cytometry and a commercially available antibody against an extracellular loop of the LRRC8A, also known as SWELL1, subunit of the VRAC channel. The second goal is to determine if an increase in the number of VRAC channels at the cell membrane is responsible for an increase in chloride permeability of the membrane in two well-known cases: during staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis and after water balance disturbance caused by hypotonic medium. Human suspension lymphoid cells U937 were used as they are suitable for flow fluorometry and because we have recently studied their membrane chloride permeability during apoptosis. We found that surface expression of endogenous LRRC8A subunits can be quantified in living U937 cells using flow fluorometry with the Alomone Lab antibody. Further, we revealed that treatment of cells for 1 hour using STS or a hypotonic solution did not change the number of LRRC8A subunits to the extent that would correspond to changes in the membrane chloride permeability determined by ion content analysis. This indicates that prolonged increase in chloride permeability of the cell membrane during apoptotic cell shrinkage or cell volume regulation under hypotonicity in U937 cells occurs without altering cell surface expression of VRAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolay Aksenov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Moshkov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana Goryachaya
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ashley Shemery
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Alexey Vereninov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia
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17
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Yamada T, Figueroa EE, Denton JS, Strange K. LRRC8A homohexameric channels poorly recapitulate VRAC regulation and pharmacology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 320:C293-C303. [PMID: 33356947 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00454.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Swelling-activated volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are heteromeric channels comprising LRRC8A and at least one other LRRC8 paralog. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of nonnative LRRC8A and LRRC8D homohexamers have been described. We demonstrate here that LRRC8A homohexamers poorly recapitulate VRAC functional properties. Unlike VRACs, LRRC8A channels heterologously expressed in Lrr8c-/- HCT116 cells are poorly activated by low intracellular ionic strength (µ) and insensitive to cell swelling with normal µ. Combining low µ with swelling modestly activates LRRC8A, allowing characterization of pore properties. VRACs are strongly inhibited by 10 µM 4-[(2-butyl-6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-1-oxo-1H-inden-5-yl)oxy]butanoic acid (DCPIB) in a voltage-independent manner. In contrast, DCPIB block of LRRC8A is weak and voltage sensitive. Cryo-EM structures indicate that DCPIB block is dependent on arginine 103. Consistent with this, LRRC8A R103F mutants are insensitive to DCPIB. However, an LRRC8 chimeric channel in which R103 is replaced by a leucine at the homologous position is inhibited ∼90% by 10 µM DCPIB in a voltage-independent manner. Coexpression of LRRC8A and LRRC8C gives rise to channels with DCPIB sensitivity that is strongly µ dependent. At normal intracellular µ, LRRC8A + LRRC8C heteromers exhibit strong, voltage-independent DCPIB block that is insensitive to R103F. DCPIB inhibition is greatly reduced and exhibits voltage dependence with low intracellular µ. The R103F mutation has no effect on maximal DCPIB inhibition but eliminates voltage dependence under low µ conditions. Our findings demonstrate that the LRRC8A cryo-EM structure and the use of heterologously expressed LRRC8 heteromeric channels pose significant limitations for VRAC mutagenesis-based structure-function analysis. Native VRAC function is most closely mimicked by chimeric LRRC8 homomeric channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Yamada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric E Figueroa
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kevin Strange
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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18
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Shimizu T, Fujii T, Sakai H. The Relationship Between Actin Cytoskeleton and Membrane Transporters in Cisplatin Resistance of Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:597835. [PMID: 33195280 PMCID: PMC7655133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.597835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II)] is a platinum-based anticancer drug widely used for the treatment of various cancers. It forms interstrand and intrastrand cross-linking with DNA and block DNA replication, resulting in apoptosis. On the other hand, intrinsic and acquired cisplatin resistance restricts its therapeutic effects. Although some studies suggest that dramatic epigenetic alternations are involved in the resistance triggered by cisplatin, the mechanism is complicated and remains poorly understood. Recent studies reported that cytoskeletal structures regulate cisplatin sensitivity and that activities of membrane transporters contribute to the development of resistance to cisplatin. Therefore, we focus on the roles of actin filaments and membrane transporters in cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the relationship between actin cytoskeleton and membrane transporters in the cisplatin resistance of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shimizu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takuto Fujii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hideki Sakai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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19
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Nakamura R, Numata T, Kasuya G, Yokoyama T, Nishizawa T, Kusakizako T, Kato T, Hagino T, Dohmae N, Inoue M, Watanabe K, Ichijo H, Kikkawa M, Shirouzu M, Jentsch TJ, Ishitani R, Okada Y, Nureki O. Cryo-EM structure of the volume-regulated anion channel LRRC8D isoform identifies features important for substrate permeation. Commun Biol 2020; 3:240. [PMID: 32415200 PMCID: PMC7229184 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0951-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) protein family, composed of the five LRRC8A-E isoforms, are pore-forming components of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). LRRC8A and at least one of the other LRRC8 isoforms assemble into heteromers to generate VRAC transport activities. Despite the availability of the LRRC8A structures, the structural basis of how LRRC8 isoforms other than LRRC8A contribute to the functional diversity of VRAC has remained elusive. Here, we present the structure of the human LRRC8D isoform, which enables the permeation of organic substrates through VRAC. The LRRC8D homo-hexamer structure displays a two-fold symmetric arrangement, and together with a structure-based electrophysiological analysis, revealed two key features. The pore constriction on the extracellular side is wider than that in the LRRC8A structures, which may explain the increased permeability of organic substrates. Furthermore, an N-terminal helix protrudes into the pore from the intracellular side and may be critical for gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Nakamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Numata
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Johnan-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Go Kasuya
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hagino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masato Inoue
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Watanabe
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ichijo
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Kikkawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Physiology and Pathology of Ion Transport, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, D-13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ryuichiro Ishitani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunobu Okada
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Cell Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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20
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Chloride transporters and channels in β-cell physiology: revisiting a 40-year-old model. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1843-1855. [PMID: 31697318 PMCID: PMC6925527 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is accepted that insulin-secreting β-cells release insulin in response to glucose even in the absence of functional ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP)-channels, which play a central role in a 'consensus model' of secretion broadly accepted and widely reproduced in textbooks. A major shortcoming of this consensus model is that it ignores any and all anionic mechanisms, known for more than 40 years, to modulate β-cell electrical activity and therefore insulin secretion. It is now clear that, in addition to metabolically regulated KATP-channels, β-cells are equipped with volume-regulated anion (Cl-) channels (VRAC) responsive to glucose concentrations in the range known to promote electrical activity and insulin secretion. In this context, the electrogenic efflux of Cl- through VRAC and other Cl- channels known to be expressed in β-cells results in depolarization because of an outwardly directed Cl- gradient established, maintained and regulated by the balance between Cl- transporters and channels. This review will provide a succinct historical perspective on the development of a complex hypothesis: Cl- transporters and channels modulate insulin secretion in response to nutrients.
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21
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Absolute Protein Amounts and Relative Abundance of Volume-regulated Anion Channel (VRAC) LRRC8 Subunits in Cells and Tissues Revealed by Quantitative Immunoblotting. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235879. [PMID: 31771171 PMCID: PMC6928916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) plays an important role in osmotic cell volume regulation. In addition, it is involved in various physiological processes such as insulin secretion, glia-neuron communication and purinergic signaling. VRAC is formed by hetero-hexamers of members of the LRRC8 protein family, which consists of five members, LRRC8A-E. LRRC8A is an essential subunit for physiological functionality of VRAC. Its obligate heteromerization with at least one of its paralogues, LRRC8B-E, determines the biophysical properties of VRAC. Moreover, the subunit composition is of physiological relevance as it largely influences the activation mechanism and especially the substrate selectivity. However, the endogenous tissue-specific subunit composition of VRAC is unknown. We have now developed and applied a quantitative immunoblot study of the five VRAC LRRC8 subunits in various mouse cell lines and tissues, using recombinant protein for signal calibration. We found tissue-specific expression patterns of the subunits, and generally relative low expression of the essential LRRC8A subunit. Immunoprecipitation of LRRC8A also co-precipitates an excess of the other subunits, suggesting that non-LRRC8A subunits present the majority in hetero-hexamers. With this, we can estimate that in the tested cell lines, the number of VRAC channels per cell is in the order of 10,000, which is in agreement with earlier calculations from the comparison of single-channel and whole-cell currents.
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Trothe J, Ritzmann D, Lang V, Scholz P, Pul Ü, Kaufmann R, Buerger C, Ertongur-Fauth T. Hypotonic stress response of human keratinocytes involves LRRC8A as component of volume-regulated anion channels. Exp Dermatol 2019; 27:1352-1360. [PMID: 30252954 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The barrier function of the human epidermis is constantly challenged by environmental osmotic fluctuations. Hypotonic stress triggers cell swelling, which is counteracted by a compensatory mechanism called regulatory volume decrease (RVD) involving volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). Recently, it was discovered that VRACs are composed of LRRC8 heteromers and that LRRC8A functions as the essential VRAC subunit in various mammalian cell types; however, the molecular identity of VRACs in the human epidermis remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the expression of LRRC8A and its role in hypotonic stress response of human keratinocytes. Immunohistological staining showed that LRRC8A is preferentially localized in basal and suprabasal epidermal layers. RNA sequencing revealed that LRRC8A is the most abundant subunit within the LRRC8 gene family in HaCaT cells as well as in primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). To determine the contribution of LRRC8A to hypotonic stress response, we generated HaCaT- and NHEK-LRRC8A knockout cells by using CRISPR-Cas9. I- influx assays using halide-sensitive YFP showed that LRRC8A is crucially important for mediating VRAC activity in HaCaTs and NHEKs. Moreover, cell volume measurements using calcein-AM dye further revealed that LRRC8A also substantially contributes to RVD. In summary, our study provides new insights into hypotonic stress response and suggests an important role of LRRC8A as VRAC component in human keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victoria Lang
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinic of the Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Roland Kaufmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinic of the Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Buerger
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinic of the Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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23
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Figueroa EE, Kramer M, Strange K, Denton JS. CysLT1 receptor antagonists pranlukast and zafirlukast inhibit LRRC8-mediated volume regulated anion channels independently of the receptor. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C857-C866. [PMID: 31390227 PMCID: PMC6850990 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00281.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) encoded by the leucine-rich repeat containing 8 (LRRC8) gene family play critical roles in myriad cellular processes and might represent druggable targets. The dearth of pharmacological compounds available for studying VRAC physiology led us to perform a high-throughput screen of 1,184 of US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for novel VRAC modulators. We discovered the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonist, pranlukast, as a novel inhibitor of endogenous VRAC expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Pranlukast inhibits VRAC voltage-independently, reversibly, and dose-dependently with a maximal efficacy of only ~50%. The CysLT1R pathway has been implicated in activation of VRAC in other cell types, prompting us to test whether pranlukast requires the CysLT1R for inhibition of VRAC. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that CYSLTR1 mRNA is virtually undetectable in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, the CysLT1R agonist leukotriene D4 had no effect on VRAC activity and failed to stimulate Gq-coupled receptor signaling. Heterologous expression of the CysLT1R reconstituted LTD4-CysLT1R- Gq-calcium signaling in HEK293 cells but had no effect on VRAC inhibition by pranlukast. Finally, we show the CysLT1R antagonist zafirlukast inhibits VRAC with an IC50 of ~17 µM and does so with full efficacy. Our data suggest that both pranlukast and zafirlukast are likely direct channel inhibitors that work independently of the CysLT1R. This study provides clarifying insights into the putative role of leukotriene signaling in modulation of VRAC and identifies two new chemical scaffolds that can be used for development of more potent and specific VRAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E. Figueroa
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Meghan Kramer
- 2Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kevin Strange
- 2Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville, Tennessee,3Novo Biosciences, Inc., Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Jerod S. Denton
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee,2Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville, Tennessee
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24
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Chen L, König B, Liu T, Pervaiz S, Razzaque YS, Stauber T. More than just a pressure relief valve: physiological roles of volume-regulated LRRC8 anion channels. Biol Chem 2019; 400:1481-1496. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is a key player in the volume regulation of vertebrate cells. This ubiquitously expressed channel opens upon osmotic cell swelling and potentially other cues and releases chloride and organic osmolytes, which contributes to regulatory volume decrease (RVD). A plethora of studies have proposed a wide range of physiological roles for VRAC beyond volume regulation including cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, apoptosis, intercellular communication by direct release of signaling molecules and by supporting the exocytosis of insulin. VRAC was additionally implicated in pathological states such as cancer therapy resistance and excitotoxicity under ischemic conditions. Following extensive investigations, 5 years ago leucine-rich repeat-containing family 8 (LRRC8) heteromers containing LRRC8A were identified as the pore-forming components of VRAC. Since then, molecular biological approaches have allowed further insight into the biophysical properties and structure of VRAC. Heterologous expression, siRNA-mediated downregulation and genome editing in cells, as well as the use of animal models have enabled the assessment of the proposed physiological roles, together with the identification of new functions including spermatogenesis and the uptake of antibiotics and platinum-based cancer drugs. This review discusses the recent molecular biological insights into the physiology of VRAC in relation to its previously proposed roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingye Chen
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Benjamin König
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Tianbao Liu
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Sumaira Pervaiz
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Yasmin S. Razzaque
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie , Freie Universität Berlin , Thielallee 63 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
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25
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Liu Y, Zhang H, Men H, Du Y, Xiao Z, Zhang F, Huang D, Du X, Gamper N, Zhang H. Volume-regulated Cl - current: contributions of distinct Cl - channels and localized Ca 2+ signals. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C466-C480. [PMID: 31242393 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00507.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The swelling-activated chloride current (ICl,swell) is induced when a cell swells and plays a central role in maintaining cell volume in response to osmotic stress. The major contributor of ICl,swell is the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). Leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A; SWELL1) was recently identified as an essential component of VRAC, but the mechanisms of VRAC activation are still largely unknown; moreover, other Cl- channels, such as anoctamin 1 (ANO1), were also suggested to contribute to ICl,swell. In this present study, we investigated the roles of LRRC8A and ANO1 in activation of ICl,swell; we also explored the role of intracellular Ca2+ in ICl,swell activation. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, electrophysiology, live fluorescent imaging, selective pharmacology, and other approaches to show that both LRRC8A and ANO1 can be activated by cell swelling in HEK293 cells. Yet, both channels contribute biophysically and pharmacologically distinct components to ICl,swell, with LRRC8A being the major component. Cell swelling induced oscillatory Ca2+ transients, and these Ca2+ signals were required to activate both the LRRC8A- and ANO1-dependent components of ICl,swell. Both ICl,swell components required localized rather than global Ca2+ for activation. Interestingly, while intracellular Ca2+ was necessary and sufficient to activate ANO1, it was necessary but not sufficient to activate LRRC8A-mediated currents. Finally, Ca2+ transients linked to the ICl,swell activation were mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor-independent PLC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huiran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongchao Men
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuwei Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ziqian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dongyang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaona Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nikita Gamper
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.,The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shijiazhuang, China
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26
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König B, Hao Y, Schwartz S, Plested AJ, Stauber T. A FRET sensor of C-terminal movement reveals VRAC activation by plasma membrane DAG signaling rather than ionic strength. eLife 2019; 8:45421. [PMID: 31210638 PMCID: PMC6597245 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are central to cell volume regulation. Recently identified as hetero-hexamers formed by LRRC8 proteins, their activation mechanism remains elusive. Here, we measured Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins fused to the C-termini of LRRC8 subunits. Inter-subunit FRET from LRRC8 complexes tracked VRAC activation. With patch-clamp fluorometry, we confirmed that the cytoplasmic domains rearrange during VRAC opening. With these FRET reporters, we determined VRAC activation, non-invasively, in live cells and their subcompartments. Reduced intracellular ionic strength did not directly activate VRACs, and VRACs were not activated on endomembranes. Instead, pharmacological manipulation of diacylglycerol (DAG), and protein kinase D (PKD) activity, activated or inhibited plasma membrane-localized VRACs. Finally, we resolved previous contradictory reports concerning VRAC activation, using FRET to detect robust activation by PMA that was absent during whole-cell patch clamp. Overall, non-invasive VRAC measurement by FRET is an essential tool for unraveling its activation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin König
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuchen Hao
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia Schwartz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew Jr Plested
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Elorza-Vidal X, Gaitán-Peñas H, Estévez R. Chloride Channels in Astrocytes: Structure, Roles in Brain Homeostasis and Implications in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051034. [PMID: 30818802 PMCID: PMC6429410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the CNS (central nervous system). They exert multiple functions during development and in the adult CNS that are essential for brain homeostasis. Both cation and anion channel activities have been identified in astrocytes and it is believed that they play key roles in astrocyte function. Whereas the proteins and the physiological roles assigned to cation channels are becoming very clear, the study of astrocytic chloride channels is in its early stages. In recent years, we have moved from the identification of chloride channel activities present in astrocyte primary culture to the identification of the proteins involved in these activities, the determination of their 3D structure and attempts to gain insights about their physiological role. Here, we review the recent findings related to the main chloride channels identified in astrocytes: the voltage-dependent ClC-2, the calcium-activated bestrophin, the volume-activated VRAC (volume-regulated anion channel) and the stress-activated Maxi-Cl−. We discuss key aspects of channel biophysics and structure with a focus on their role in glial physiology and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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28
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König B, Stauber T. Biophysics and Structure-Function Relationships of LRRC8-Formed Volume-Regulated Anion Channels. Biophys J 2019; 116:1185-1193. [PMID: 30871717 PMCID: PMC6451053 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are key players in regulatory volume decrease of vertebrate cells by mediating the extrusion of chloride and organic osmolytes. They play additional roles in various physiological processes beyond their role in osmotic volume regulation. VRACs are formed by heteromers of LRRC8 proteins; LRRC8A (also called SWELL1) is an essential subunit that combines with any of its paralogs, LRRC8B–E, to form hexameric VRAC complexes. The subunit composition of VRACs determines electrophysiological characteristics of their anion transport such as single-channel conductance, outward rectification, and depolarization-dependent inactivation kinetics. In addition, differently composed VRACs conduct diverse substrates, such as LRRC8D enhancing VRAC permeability to organic substances like taurine or cisplatin. Here, after a recapitulation of the biophysical properties of VRAC-mediated ion and osmolyte transport, we summarize the insights gathered since the molecular identification of VRACs. We describe the recently solved structures of LRRC8 complexes and discuss them in terms of their structure-function relationships. These studies open up many potential avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin König
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany.
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29
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Okada Y, Okada T, Sato-Numata K, Islam MR, Ando-Akatsuka Y, Numata T, Kubo M, Shimizu T, Kurbannazarova RS, Marunaka Y, Sabirov RZ. Cell Volume-Activated and Volume-Correlated Anion Channels in Mammalian Cells: Their Biophysical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Properties. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:49-88. [PMID: 30573636 DOI: 10.1124/pr.118.015917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a number of mammalian anion channel types associated with cell volume changes. These channel types are classified into two groups: volume-activated anion channels (VAACs) and volume-correlated anion channels (VCACs). VAACs can be directly activated by cell swelling and include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is also called the volume-regulated anion channel; the maxi-anion channel (MAC or Maxi-Cl); and the voltage-gated anion channel, chloride channel (ClC)-2. VCACs can be facultatively implicated in, although not directly activated by, cell volume changes and include the cAMP-activated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, the Ca2+-activated Cl- channel (CaCC), and the acid-sensitive (or acid-stimulated) outwardly rectifying anion channel. This article describes the phenotypical properties and activation mechanisms of both groups of anion channels, including accumulating pieces of information on the basis of recent molecular understanding. To that end, this review also highlights the molecular identities of both anion channel groups; in addition to the molecular identities of ClC-2 and CFTR, those of CaCC, VSOR, and Maxi-Cl were recently identified by applying genome-wide approaches. In the last section of this review, the most up-to-date information on the pharmacological properties of both anion channel groups, especially their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) and voltage-dependent blocking, is summarized particularly from the standpoint of pharmacological distinctions among them. Future physiologic and pharmacological studies are definitely warranted for therapeutic targeting of dysfunction of VAACs and VCACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Okada
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Toshiaki Okada
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Kaori Sato-Numata
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Md Rafiqul Islam
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Yuhko Ando-Akatsuka
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Tomohiro Numata
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Machiko Kubo
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Takahiro Shimizu
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Ranohon S Kurbannazarova
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Yoshinori Marunaka
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Ravshan Z Sabirov
- Departments of Physiology and Systems Bioscience (Y.O.) and Molecular Cell Physiology (Y.M.), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan (Y.O., T.O., M.R.I., M.K., R.Z.S.); Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan (K.S.-N., T.N.); Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan (Y.A.-A.); Department of Pharmaceutical Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (T.S.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (R.S.K., R.Z.S.); and Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto, Japan (Y.M.)
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30
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Strange K, Yamada T, Denton JS. A 30-year journey from volume-regulated anion currents to molecular structure of the LRRC8 channel. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:100-117. [PMID: 30651298 PMCID: PMC6363415 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Strange et al. review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and structural basis of volume-regulated anion channel function within the framework of classical biophysical and physiological studies. The swelling-activated anion channel VRAC has fascinated and frustrated physiologists since it was first described in 1988. Multiple laboratories have defined VRAC’s biophysical properties and have shown that it plays a central role in cell volume regulation and possibly other fundamental physiological processes. However, confusion and intense controversy surrounding the channel’s molecular identity greatly hindered progress in the field for >15 yr. A major breakthrough came in 2014 with the demonstration that VRAC is a heteromeric channel encoded by five members of the Lrrc8 gene family, Lrrc8A–E. A mere 4 yr later, four laboratories described cryo-EM structures of LRRC8A homomeric channels. As the melee of structure/function and physiology studies begins, it is critical that this work be framed by a clear understanding of VRAC biophysics, regulation, and cellular physiology as well as by the field’s past confusion and controversies. That understanding is essential for the design and interpretation of structure/function studies, studies of VRAC physiology, and studies aimed at addressing the vexing problem of how the channel detects cell volume changes. In this review we discuss key aspects of VRAC biophysics, regulation, and function and integrate these into our emerging understanding of LRRC8 protein structure/function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Strange
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.,Novo Biosciences, Inc., Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Toshiki Yamada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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31
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Kasuya G, Nakane T, Yokoyama T, Jia Y, Inoue M, Watanabe K, Nakamura R, Nishizawa T, Kusakizako T, Tsutsumi A, Yanagisawa H, Dohmae N, Hattori M, Ichijo H, Yan Z, Kikkawa M, Shirouzu M, Ishitani R, Nureki O. Cryo-EM structures of the human volume-regulated anion channel LRRC8. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:797-804. [DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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32
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Molecular Identities and ATP Release Activities of Two Types of Volume-Regulatory Anion Channels, VSOR and Maxi-Cl. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2018; 81:125-176. [PMID: 30243431 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
An elaborate volume regulation system based on interplay of ion channels and transporters was evolved to cope with constant osmotic challenges caused by intensive metabolism, transport and other physiological/pathophysiological events. In animal cells, two types of anion channels are directly activated by cell swelling and involved in the regulatory volume decrease (RVD): volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), also called volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), and Maxi-Cl which is the most major type of maxi-anion channel (MAC). These two channels have very different biophysical profiles and exhibit opposite dependence on intracellular ATP. After several decades of verifying many false-positive candidates for VSOR and Maxi-Cl, LRRC8 family proteins emerged as major VSOR components, and SLCO2A1 protein as a core of Maxi-Cl. Still, neither of these proteins alone can fully reproduce the native channel phenotypes suggesting existence of missing components. Although both VSOR and Maxi-Cl have pores wide enough to accommodate bulky ATP4- and MgATP2- anions, evidence accumulated hitherto, based on pharmacological and gene silencing experiments, suggests that Maxi-Cl, but not VSOR, serves as one of the major pathways for the release of ATP from swollen and ischemic/hypoxic cells. Relations of VSOR and Maxi-Cl with diseases and their selective pharmacology are the topics promoted by recent advance in molecular identification of the two volume-activated, volume-regulatory anion channels.
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Osei-Owusu J, Yang J, Vitery MDC, Qiu Z. Molecular Biology and Physiology of Volume-Regulated Anion Channel (VRAC). CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2018; 81:177-203. [PMID: 30243432 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Volume-Regulated Anion Channel (VRAC) is activated by cell swelling and plays a key role in cell volume regulation. VRAC is ubiquitously expressed in vertebrate cells and also implicated in many other physiological and cellular processes including fluid secretion, glutamate release, membrane potential regulation, cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Although its biophysical properties have been well characterized, the molecular identity of VRAC remained a mystery for almost three decades. The field was transformed by recent discoveries showing that the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8A (LRRC8A, also named SWELL1) and its four other homologs form heteromeric VRAC channels. The composition of LRRC8 subunits determines channel properties and substrate selectivity of a large variety of different VRACs. Incorporating purified SWELL1-containing protein complexes into lipid bilayers is sufficient to reconstitute channel activities, a finding that supports the decrease in intracellular ionic strength as the mechanism of VRAC activation during cell swelling. Characterization of Swell1 knockout mice uncovers the important role of VRAC in T cell development, pancreatic β-cell glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and adipocyte metabolic function. The ability to permeate organic osmolytes and metabolites is a major feature of VRAC. The list of VRAC substrates is expected to grow, now also including some cancer drugs and antibiotics even under non-cell swelling conditions. Therefore, a critical role of VRAC in drug resistance and cell-cell communication is emerging. This review summarizes the exciting recent progress on the structure-function relationship and physiology of VRAC and discusses key future questions to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Osei-Owusu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria Del Carmen Vitery
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zhaozhu Qiu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Kefauver JM, Saotome K, Dubin AE, Pallesen J, Cottrell CA, Cahalan SM, Qiu Z, Hong G, Crowley CS, Whitwam T, Lee WH, Ward AB, Patapoutian A. Structure of the human volume regulated anion channel. eLife 2018; 7:38461. [PMID: 30095067 PMCID: PMC6086657 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SWELL1 (LRRC8A) is the only essential subunit of the Volume Regulated Anion Channel (VRAC), which regulates cellular volume homeostasis and is activated by hypotonic solutions. SWELL1, together with four other LRRC8 family members, potentially forms a vastly heterogeneous cohort of VRAC channels with different properties; however, SWELL1 alone is also functional. Here, we report a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of full-length human homo-hexameric SWELL1. The structure reveals a trimer of dimers assembly with symmetry mismatch between the pore-forming domain and the cytosolic leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. Importantly, mutational analysis demonstrates that a charged residue at the narrowest constriction of the homomeric channel is an important pore determinant of heteromeric VRAC. Additionally, a mutation in the flexible N-terminal portion of SWELL1 affects pore properties, suggesting a putative link between intracellular structures and channel regulation. This structure provides a scaffold for further dissecting the heterogeneity and mechanism of activation of VRAC. Every cell needs to regulate its internal volume or it will burst. Most of a cell’s volume is a watery mixture of salts, proteins and other molecules. A cell can take in more water from its surroundings, diluting this mixture and causing the cell to expand. If a cell starts to take up too much water, it will open channel proteins in its outer membrane called volume regulated anion channels (or VRACs for short). An open VRAC allows negatively charged ions to leave the cell, and in the process causes water to leave the cell too. This relieves the pressure inside the cell, and the cell starts to shrink. The structure of a VRAC is thought to contain six subunits, and most include at least two different kinds of subunit. Some of the subunits must be a protein called SWELL1 (which is also known as LRRC8A). The other subunits can be any of four similar proteins from the same protein family. Since a VRAC can contain additional subunits drawing from this pool of five proteins, many structures are possible. But it remains unclear exactly how the structure of a VRAC allows it to sense and regulate the volume of a cell. This is partly because scientists do not have enough information about the architecture of this protein to understand how it might work. Using electron microscopes, Kefauver et al. have now captured detailed images of a VRAC composed entirely of human SWELL1 proteins. The overall structure of VRAC resembles a six-legged jellyfish, with a pore on the cell’s exterior passing through a constricted dome followed by three pairs of arms that extend into the cell’s interior. Given the observed structure, Kefauver et al. speculate that the arms of the SWELL1 proteins sense salt concentrations within the cell (to tell if its become diluted by an influx of water) and then interact with the rest of the channel. In response to these interactions, the domed part of the VRAC constricts or dilates to help regulate the cell’s volume. Molecular biologists can now use these structural details to further study the fundamentals behind how cells regulate their volume. This model will also improve scientific understanding of how diverse VRAC structures differ in their responses to changes in pressure within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Kefauver
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States.,Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Kei Saotome
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States.,Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Adrienne E Dubin
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Jesper Pallesen
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Christopher A Cottrell
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Stuart M Cahalan
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Zhaozhu Qiu
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, United States
| | - Gunhee Hong
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Christopher S Crowley
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States.,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Tess Whitwam
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Wen-Hsin Lee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
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Zhou P, Polovitskaya MM, Jentsch TJ. LRRC8 N termini influence pore properties and gating of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13440-13451. [PMID: 29925591 PMCID: PMC6120214 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are crucial for cell volume regulation and have various roles in physiology and pathology. VRACs were recently discovered to be formed by heteromers of leucine-rich repeat–containing 8 (LRRC8) proteins. However, the structural determinants of VRAC permeation and gating remain largely unknown. We show here that the short stretch preceding the first LRRC8 transmembrane domain determines VRAC conductance, ion permeability, and inactivation gating. Substituted-cysteine accessibility studies revealed that several of the first 15 LRRC8 residues are functionally important and exposed to a hydrophilic environment. Substituting glutamate 6 with cysteine decreased the amplitudes of swelling-activated ICl,vol currents, strongly increased iodide-over-chloride permeability, and markedly shifted the voltage dependence of channel inactivation. Importantly, these effects were reversed by 2-sulfonatoethyl methanethiosulfonate, which restores the negative charge at this amino acid position. Cd2+-mediated blocking of ICl,vol in cysteine variants suggested that the LRRC8 N termini come close together in the multimeric channel complex and might form part of the pore. We propose a model in which the N termini of the LRRC8 subunits line the cytoplasmic portion of the VRAC pore, possibly by folding back into the ion permeation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingzheng Zhou
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maya M Polovitskaya
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Graduate Program, Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany, .,Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany, and
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Lück JC, Puchkov D, Ullrich F, Jentsch TJ. LRRC8/VRAC anion channels are required for late stages of spermatid development in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:11796-11808. [PMID: 29880644 PMCID: PMC6066314 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex developmental process that occurs primarily in seminiferous tubules of the testes and requires additional maturation steps in the epididymis and beyond. Mutations in many different genes can lead to defective spermatozoa and hence to male infertility. Some of these genes encode for ion channels and transporters that play roles in various processes such as cellular ion homeostasis, signal transduction, sperm motility, and the acrosome reaction. Here we show that germ cell–specific, but not Sertoli cell–specific, disruption of Lrrc8a leads to abnormal sperm and male infertility in mice. LRRC8A (leucine-rich repeat containing 8A) is the only obligatory subunit of heteromeric volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). Its ablation severely compromises cell volume regulation by completely abolishing the transport of anions and osmolytes through VRACs. Consistent with impaired volume regulation, the cytoplasm of late spermatids appeared swollen. These cells failed to properly reduce their cytoplasm during further development into spermatozoa and later displayed severely disorganized mitochondrial sheaths in the midpiece region, as well as angulated or coiled flagella. These changes, which progressed in severity on the way to the epididymis, resulted in dramatically reduced sperm motility. Our work shows that VRAC, probably through its role in cell volume regulation, is required in a cell-autonomous manner for proper sperm development and explains the male infertility of Lrrc8a−/− mice and the spontaneous mouse mutant ébouriffé.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Lück
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,the Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,the Graduate Program of the Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, and
| | - Dmytro Puchkov
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Ullrich
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,the Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- From the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany, .,the Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,the Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Yamada T, Strange K. Intracellular and extracellular loops of LRRC8 are essential for volume-regulated anion channel function. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:1003-1015. [PMID: 29853476 PMCID: PMC6028502 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is expressed ubiquitously in vertebrate cells and mediates swelling-induced release of Cl- and organic solutes. Recent studies by several laboratories have demonstrated conclusively that VRAC is encoded by members of the leucine-rich repeat containing 8 (Lrrc8) gene family, which comprises five members, termed Lrrc8a-e. Numerous observations indicate that VRAC is a heteromeric channel comprising the essential subunit LRRC8A and one or more of the other LRRC8 paralogs. Here we demonstrate that the intracellular loop (IL) connecting transmembrane domains 2 and 3 of LRRC8A and the first extracellular loop (EL1) connecting transmembrane domains 1 and 2 of LRRC8C, LRRC8D, or LRRC8E are both essential for VRAC activity. We generate homomeric VRACs by replacing EL1 of LRRC8A with that of LRRC8C and demonstrate normal regulation by cell swelling and shrinkage. We also observe normal volume-dependent regulation in VRAC homomers in which the IL of LRRC8C, LRRC8D, or LRRC8E is replaced with the LRRC8A IL. A 25-amino acid sequence unique to the LRRC8A IL is sufficient to generate homomeric VRAC activity when inserted into the corresponding region of LRRC8C and LRRC8E. LRRC8 chimeras containing these partial LRRC8A IL sequences exhibit altered anion permeability, rectification, and voltage sensitivity, suggesting that the LRRC8A IL plays a role in VRAC pore structure and function. Our studies provide important new insights into the structure/function roles of the LRRC8 EL1 and IL. Homomeric LRRC8 channels will simplify future studies aimed at understanding channel structure and the longstanding and vexing problem of how VRAC is regulated by cell volume changes.
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Stuhlmann T, Planells-Cases R, Jentsch TJ. LRRC8/VRAC anion channels enhance β-cell glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Nat Commun 2018. [PMID: 29773801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467‐018‐04353‐y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose homeostasis depends critically on insulin that is secreted by pancreatic β-cells. Serum glucose, which is directly sensed by β-cells, stimulates depolarization- and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of insulin granules. Here we show that pancreatic islets prominently express LRRC8A and LRRC8D, subunits of volume-regulated VRAC anion channels. Hypotonicity- or glucose-induced β-cell swelling elicits canonical LRRC8A-dependent VRAC currents that depolarize β-cells to an extent that causes electrical excitation. Glucose-induced excitation and Ca2+ responses are delayed in onset, but not abolished, in β-cells lacking the essential VRAC subunit LRRC8A. Whereas Lrrc8a disruption does not affect tolbutamide- or high-K+-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic islets, it reduces first-phase glucose-induced insulin secretion. Mice lacking VRAC in β-cells have normal resting serum glucose levels but impaired glucose tolerance. We propose that opening of LRRC8/VRAC channels increases glucose sensitivity and insulin secretion of β-cells synergistically with KATP closure. Neurotransmitter-permeable LRRC8D-containing VRACs might have additional roles in autocrine/paracrine signaling within islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Stuhlmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Graduate Program of the Faculty for Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa Planells-Cases
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany. .,Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Stuhlmann T, Planells-Cases R, Jentsch TJ. LRRC8/VRAC anion channels enhance β-cell glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1974. [PMID: 29773801 PMCID: PMC5958052 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose homeostasis depends critically on insulin that is secreted by pancreatic β-cells. Serum glucose, which is directly sensed by β-cells, stimulates depolarization- and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of insulin granules. Here we show that pancreatic islets prominently express LRRC8A and LRRC8D, subunits of volume-regulated VRAC anion channels. Hypotonicity- or glucose-induced β-cell swelling elicits canonical LRRC8A-dependent VRAC currents that depolarize β-cells to an extent that causes electrical excitation. Glucose-induced excitation and Ca2+ responses are delayed in onset, but not abolished, in β-cells lacking the essential VRAC subunit LRRC8A. Whereas Lrrc8a disruption does not affect tolbutamide- or high-K+-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic islets, it reduces first-phase glucose-induced insulin secretion. Mice lacking VRAC in β-cells have normal resting serum glucose levels but impaired glucose tolerance. We propose that opening of LRRC8/VRAC channels increases glucose sensitivity and insulin secretion of β-cells synergistically with KATP closure. Neurotransmitter-permeable LRRC8D-containing VRACs might have additional roles in autocrine/paracrine signaling within islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Stuhlmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Graduate Program of the Faculty for Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa Planells-Cases
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany. .,Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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40
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Structure of a volume-regulated anion channel of the LRRC8 family. Nature 2018; 558:254-259. [PMID: 29769723 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels are activated in response to hypotonic stress. These channels are composed of closely related paralogues of the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8 (LRRC8) family that co-assemble to form hexameric complexes. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, we determine the structure of a homomeric channel of the obligatory subunit LRRC8A. This protein conducts ions and has properties in common with endogenous heteromeric channels. Its modular structure consists of a transmembrane pore domain followed by a cytoplasmic leucine-rich repeat domain. The transmembrane domain, which is structurally related to connexin proteins, is wide towards the cytoplasm but constricted on the outside by a structural unit that acts as a selectivity filter. An excess of basic residues in the filter and throughout the pore attracts anions by electrostatic interaction. Our work reveals the previously unknown architecture of volume-regulated anion channels and their mechanism of selective anion conduction.
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Gaitán-Peñas H, Pusch M, Estévez R. Expression of LRRC8/VRAC Currents in Xenopus Oocytes: Advantages and Caveats. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030719. [PMID: 29498698 PMCID: PMC5877580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) play a role in controlling cell volume by opening upon cell swelling. Apart from controlling cell volume, their function is important in many other physiological processes, such as transport of metabolites or drugs, and extracellular signal transduction. VRACs are formed by heteromers of the pannexin homologous protein LRRC8A (also named Swell1) with other LRRC8 members (B, C, D, and E). LRRC8 proteins are difficult to study, since they are expressed in all cells of our body, and the channel stoichiometry can be changed by overexpression, resulting in non-functional heteromers. Two different strategies have been developed to overcome this issue: complementation by transient transfection of LRRC8 genome-edited cell lines, and reconstitution in lipid bilayers. Alternatively, we have used Xenopus oocytes as a simple system to study LRRC8 proteins. Here, we have reviewed all previous experiments that have been performed with VRAC and LRRC8 proteins in Xenopus oocytes. We also discuss future strategies that may be used to perform structure-function analysis of the VRAC in oocytes and other systems, in order to understand its role in controlling multiple physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Michael Pusch
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), I-16149 Genova, Italy.
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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Wilson CS, Mongin AA. The signaling role for chloride in the bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes. Neurosci Lett 2018; 689:33-44. [PMID: 29329909 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that the electrical signaling in neuronal networks is modulated by chloride (Cl-) fluxes via the inhibitory GABAA and glycine receptors. Here, we discuss the putative contribution of Cl- fluxes and intracellular Cl- to other forms of information transfer in the CNS, namely the bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes. The manuscript (i) summarizes the generic functions of Cl- in cellular physiology, (ii) recaps molecular identities and properties of Cl- transporters and channels in neurons and astrocytes, and (iii) analyzes emerging studies implicating Cl- in the modulation of neuroglial communication. The existing literature suggests that neurons can alter astrocytic Cl- levels in a number of ways; via (a) the release of neurotransmitters and activation of glial transporters that have intrinsic Cl- conductance, (b) the metabotropic receptor-driven changes in activity of the electroneutral cation-Cl- cotransporter NKCC1, and (c) the transient, activity-dependent changes in glial cell volume which open the volume-regulated Cl-/anion channel VRAC. Reciprocally, astrocytes are thought to alter neuronal [Cl-]i through either (a) VRAC-mediated release of the inhibitory gliotransmitters, GABA and taurine, which open neuronal GABAA and glycine receptor/Cl- channels, or (b) the gliotransmitter-driven stimulation of NKCC1. The most important recent developments in this area are the identification of the molecular composition and functional heterogeneity of brain VRAC channels, and the discovery of a new cytosolic [Cl-] sensor - the Wnk family protein kinases. With new work in the field, our understanding of the role of Cl- in information processing within the CNS is expected to be significantly updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne S Wilson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Alexander A Mongin
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States; Department of Biophysics and Functional Diagnostics, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation.
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Ghosh A, Khandelwal N, Kumar A, Bera AK. Leucine-rich repeat-containing 8B protein is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ leak in HEK293 cells. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3818-3828. [PMID: 28972132 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.203646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) proteins have been proposed to evolutionarily originate from the combination of the channel protein pannexin, and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. Five paralogs of LRRC8, namely LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8C, LRRC8D and LRRC8E have been reported. LRRC8A has been shown to be instrumental in cell swelling. Here, we identify LRRC8B as a key player in the cellular Ca2+ signaling network. Overexpression of human LRRC8B in HEK293 cells reduced the Ca2+ level in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). LRRC8B-overexpressing cells exhibited a lesser release of Ca2+ from the ER in response to ATP, carbachol and intracellular administration of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3). LRRC8B-knockdown cells showed a slower depletion of the ER Ca2+ stores when sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase was blocked with thapsigargin (TG), while overexpression of LRRC8B had the opposite effect. LRRC8B-overexpressing cells exhibited a higher level of store-operated Ca2+ entry following store-depletion by TG. Collectively, LRRC8B participates in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis by acting as a leak channel in the ER. This study gives a fundamental understanding of the role of a novel protein in the elemental cellular process of ER Ca2+ leak and expands the known roles for LRRC8 proteins.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijita Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- CSIR Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- CSIR Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Amal Kanti Bera
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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44
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Gradogna A, Gavazzo P, Boccaccio A, Pusch M. Subunit-dependent oxidative stress sensitivity of LRRC8 volume-regulated anion channels. J Physiol 2017; 595:6719-6733. [PMID: 28841766 DOI: 10.1113/jp274795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Swelling-activated anion currents are modulated by oxidative conditions, but it is unknown if oxidation acts directly on the LRRC8 channel-forming proteins or on regulatory factors. We found that LRRC8A-LRRC8E heteromeric channels are dramatically activated by oxidation of intracellular cysteines, whereas LRRC8A-LRRC8C and LRRC8A-LRRC8D heteromers are inhibited by oxidation. Volume-regulated anion currents in Jurkat T lymphocytes were inhibited by oxidation, in agreement with a low expression of the LRRC8E subunit in these cells. Our results show that LRRC8 channel proteins are directly modulated by oxidation in a subunit-specific manner. ABSTRACT The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is formed by heteromers of LRRC8 proteins containing the essential LRRC8A subunit and at least one among the LRRC8B-E subunits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play physiological and pathophysiological roles and VRAC channels are highly ROS sensitive. However, it is unclear if ROS act directly on the channels or on molecules involved in the activation pathway. We used fluorescently tagged LRRC8 proteins that yield large constitutive currents to test direct effects of oxidation. We found that 8A/8E heteromers are dramatically potentiated (more than 10-fold) by oxidation of intracellular cysteine residues by chloramine-T or tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Oxidation was, however, not necessary for hypotonicity-induced activation. In contrast, 8A/8C and 8A/8D heteromers were strongly inhibited by oxidation. Endogenous VRAC currents in Jurkat T lymphocytes were similarly inhibited by oxidation, in agreement with the finding that LRRC8C and LRRC8D subunits were more abundantly expressed than LRRC8E in Jurkat cells. Our results show that LRRC8 channels are directly modulated by oxidation in a subunit-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Gradogna
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Gavazzo
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Boccaccio
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Michael Pusch
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
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45
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Gaitán-Peñas H, Gradogna A, Laparra-Cuervo L, Solsona C, Fernández-Dueñas V, Barrallo-Gimeno A, Ciruela F, Lakadamyali M, Pusch M, Estévez R. Investigation of LRRC8-Mediated Volume-Regulated Anion Currents in Xenopus Oocytes. Biophys J 2017; 111:1429-1443. [PMID: 27705766 PMCID: PMC5052465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) play an important role in controlling cell volume by opening upon cell swelling. Recent work has shown that heteromers of LRRC8A with other LRRC8 members (B, C, D, and E) form the VRAC. Here, we used Xenopus oocytes as a simple system to study LRRC8 proteins. We discovered that adding fluorescent proteins to the C-terminus resulted in constitutive anion channel activity. Using these constructs, we reproduced previous findings indicating that LRRC8 heteromers mediate anion and osmolyte flux with subunit-dependent kinetics and selectivity. Additionally, we found that LRRC8 heteromers mediate glutamate and ATP flux and that the inhibitor carbenoxolone acts from the extracellular side, binding to probably more than one site. Our results also suggest that the stoichiometry of LRRC8 heteromers is variable, with a number of subunits ≥6, and that the heteromer composition depends on the relative expression of different subunits. The system described here enables easy structure-function analysis of LRRC8 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; U-750, CIBERER, ISCIII, Spain
| | | | - Lara Laparra-Cuervo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Carles Solsona
- Unitat de Neurobiologia, Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
| | - Victor Fernández-Dueñas
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
| | - Alejandro Barrallo-Gimeno
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; U-750, CIBERER, ISCIII, Spain
| | - Francisco Ciruela
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
| | - Melike Lakadamyali
- ICFO-Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; U-750, CIBERER, ISCIII, Spain.
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46
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Behe P, Foote JR, Levine AP, Platt CD, Chou J, Benavides F, Geha RS, Segal AW. The LRRC8A Mediated "Swell Activated" Chloride Conductance Is Dispensable for Vacuolar Homeostasis in Neutrophils. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:262. [PMID: 28553230 PMCID: PMC5427109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The dialysis of human and mouse neutrophils in patch clamp experiments in the conventional whole-cell mode induces the emergence of a chloride (Cl-) current that appeared to be primarily regulated by cytoplasmic ionic strength. The characteristics of this current resembled that of the classical, and ubiquitous volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying Cl- current: strong outward rectification, selectivity sequence of the Eisenman1 type, insensitivity to external pH and strong inhibition by tamoxifen, DCPIB and WW781. We show that this current is essentially supported by the leucine rich repeat containing 8 A (LRRC8A); the naturally occurring LRRC8A truncation mutant in ebo/ebo mice drastically reduced Cl- conductance in neutrophils. Remarkably, the residual component presents a distinct pharmacology, but appears equally potentiated by reduced ionic strength. We have investigated the role of the LRRC8A-supported current in the ionic homeostasis of the phagosomal compartment. The vacuolar pH, measured using SNARF-1 labeled Candida albicans, normally rises because of NADPH oxidase activity, and this elevation is blocked by certain Cl- channel inhibitors. However, the pH rise remains intact in neutrophils from the ebo/ebo mice which also demonstrate preserved phagocytic and respiratory burst capacities and normal-sized vacuoles. Thus, the LRRC8A-dependent conductance of neutrophils largely accounts for their “swell activated” Cl- current, but is not required for homeostasis of the phagosomal killing compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Behe
- Division of Medicine, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Juliet R Foote
- Division of Medicine, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Adam P Levine
- Division of Medicine, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Craig D Platt
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, BostonMA, USA
| | - Janet Chou
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, BostonMA, USA
| | - Fernando Benavides
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, HoustonTX, USA
| | - Raif S Geha
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, BostonMA, USA
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47
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Lutter D, Ullrich F, Lueck JC, Kempa S, Jentsch TJ. Selective transport of neurotransmitters and modulators by distinct volume-regulated LRRC8 anion channels. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:1122-1133. [PMID: 28193731 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.196253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to swelling, mammalian cells release chloride and organic osmolytes through volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). VRACs are heteromers of LRRC8A and other LRRC8 isoforms (LRRC8B to LRRC8E), which are co-expressed in HEK293 and most other cells. The spectrum of VRAC substrates and its dependence on particular LRRC8 isoforms remains largely unknown. We show that, besides the osmolytes taurine and myo-inositol, LRRC8 channels transport the neurotransmitters glutamate, aspartate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the co-activator D-serine. HEK293 cells engineered to express defined subsets of LRRC8 isoforms were used to elucidate the subunit-dependence of transport. Whereas LRRC8D was crucial for the translocation of overall neutral compounds like myo-inositol, taurine and GABA, and sustained the transport of positively charged lysine, flux of negatively charged aspartate was equally well supported by LRRC8E. Disruption of LRRC8B or LRRC8C failed to decrease the transport rates of all investigated substrates, but their inclusion into LRRC8 heteromers influenced the substrate preference of VRAC. This suggested that individual VRACs can contain three or more different LRRC8 subunits, a conclusion confirmed by sequential co-immunoprecipitations. Our work suggests a composition-dependent role of VRACs in extracellular signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Lutter
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Graduate Program of the Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Ullrich
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer C Lueck
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Graduate Program of the Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Kempa
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), D-13125 Berlin, Germany .,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125 Berlin, Germany.,Neurocure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
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48
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Gradogna A, Gaitán-Peñas H, Boccaccio A, Estévez R, Pusch M. Cisplatin activates volume sensitive LRRC8 channel mediated currents in Xenopus oocytes. Channels (Austin) 2017; 11:254-260. [PMID: 28121479 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2017.1284717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
LRRC8 proteins have been shown to underlie the ubiquitous volume regulated anion channel (VRAC). VRAC channels are composed of the LRRC8A subunit and at least one among the LRRC8B-E subunits. In addition to their role in volume regulation, LRRC8 proteins have been implicated in the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents. We had found that LRRC8 channels can be conveniently expressed in Xenopus oocytes, a system without endogenous VRAC activity. The fusion with fluorescent proteins yielded constitutive activity for A/C, A/D and A/E heteromers. Here we tested the effect of the anticancer drug cisplatin on LRRC8A-VFP/8E-mCherry and LRRC8A-VFP/8D-mCherry co-expressing oocytes. Incubation with cisplatin dramatically activated currents for both subunit combinations, confirming that VRAC channels provide an uptake pathway for cisplatin and that intracellular cisplatin accumulation strongly activates the channels. Thus, specific activators of LRRC8 proteins might be useful tools to counteract chemotherapeutic drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- b Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II , Unitat de Fisiologia, IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain.,c Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Anna Boccaccio
- a Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council , Genova , Italy
| | - Raúl Estévez
- b Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II , Unitat de Fisiologia, IDIBELL-Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain.,c Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Michael Pusch
- a Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council , Genova , Italy
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49
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Okada T, Islam MR, Tsiferova NA, Okada Y, Sabirov RZ. Specific and essential but not sufficient roles of LRRC8A in the activity of volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR). Channels (Austin) 2016; 11:109-120. [PMID: 27764579 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2016.1247133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The broadly expressed volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR, also called VRAC) plays essential roles in cell survival and death. Recent findings have suggested that LRRC8A is a core component of VSOR in human cells. In the present study, VSOR currents were found to be largely reduced by siRNA against LRRC8A in mouse C127 cells as well. In contrast, LRRC8A knockdown never affected activities of 4 other types of anion channel activated by acid, Ca2+, patch excision or cAMP. While cisplatin-resistant KCP-4 cells poorly expressed endogenous VSOR activity, molecular expression levels of LRRC8A, LRRC8D and LRRC8E were indistinguishable between VSOR-deficient KCP-4 cells and the parental VSOR-rich KB cells. Furthermore, overexpression of LRRC8A alone or together with LRRC8D or LRRC8E in KCP-4 cells failed to restore VSOR activity. These results show that deficiency of VSOR currents in KCP-4 cells is not due to insufficient expression of the LRRC8A/D/E gene, suggesting an essential involvement of some other factor(s), and indicate that further study is required to better understand the complexities of the molecular determinants of VSOR, including the precise role of LRRC8 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Okada
- a International Collaborative Research Project, National Institute for Physiological Sciences , Okazaki , Japan.,b Division of Cell Signaling , National Institute for Physiological Sciences , National Institutes of Natural Sciences , Okazaki , Japan
| | - Md Rafiqul Islam
- a International Collaborative Research Project, National Institute for Physiological Sciences , Okazaki , Japan
| | - Nargiza A Tsiferova
- a International Collaborative Research Project, National Institute for Physiological Sciences , Okazaki , Japan.,c Laboratory of Molecular Physiology , Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences , Tashkent , Uzbekistan
| | - Yasunobu Okada
- d SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies) , Shonan Village, Hayama , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Ravshan Z Sabirov
- a International Collaborative Research Project, National Institute for Physiological Sciences , Okazaki , Japan.,c Laboratory of Molecular Physiology , Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences , Tashkent , Uzbekistan
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50
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Sato-Numata K, Numata T, Inoue R, Sabirov RZ, Okada Y. Distinct contributions of LRRC8A and its paralogs to the VSOR anion channel from those of the ASOR anion channel. Channels (Austin) 2016; 11:167-172. [PMID: 27579940 PMCID: PMC5398604 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2016.1230574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume- and acid-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channels (VSOR and ASOR) activated by swelling and acidification exhibit voltage-dependent inactivation and activation time courses, respectively. Recently, LRRC8A and some paralogs were shown to be essentially involved in the activity and inactivation kinetics of VSOR currents in human colonic HCT116 cells. In human cervix HeLa cells, here, inactivation of VSOR currents was found to become accelerated by RNA silencing only of LRRC8A but never decelerated by that of any LRRC8 isoform. These data suggest that LRRC8A is associated with the deceleration mechanism of VSOR inactivation, while none of LRRC8 members is related to the acceleration mechanism. Activation kinetics of ASOR currents was unaffected by knockdown of any LRRC8 family member. Double, triple and quadruple gene-silencing studies indicated that combinatory expression of LRRC8A with LRRC8D and LRRC8C is essential for VSOR activity, whereas none of LRRC8 family members is involved in ASOR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Sato-Numata
- a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science , Chiyoda-ku , Japan.,b Department of Cell Physiology , National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences , Okazaki , Japan.,c Department of Physiology, School of Medicine , Fukuoka University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Tomohiro Numata
- c Department of Physiology, School of Medicine , Fukuoka University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Ryuji Inoue
- c Department of Physiology, School of Medicine , Fukuoka University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Ravshan Z Sabirov
- d International Collaborative Research Project, National Institute for Physiological Sciences , Okazaki , Japan
| | - Yasunobu Okada
- e SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies) , Hayama , Kanagawa , Japan
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