1
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Sure F, Einsiedel J, Gmeiner P, Duchstein P, Zahn D, Korbmacher C, Ilyaskin AV. The small molecule activator S3969 stimulates the epithelial sodium channel by interacting with a specific binding pocket in the channel's β-subunit. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105785. [PMID: 38401845 PMCID: PMC11065748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105785] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is essential for mediating sodium absorption in several epithelia. Its impaired function leads to severe disorders, including pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 and respiratory distress. Therefore, pharmacological ENaC activators have potential therapeutic implications. Previously, a small molecule ENaC activator (S3969) was developed. So far, little is known about molecular mechanisms involved in S3969-mediated ENaC stimulation. Here, we identified an S3969-binding site in human ENaC by combining structure-based simulations with molecular biological methods and electrophysiological measurements of ENaC heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We confirmed a previous observation that the extracellular loop of β-ENaC is essential for ENaC stimulation by S3969. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted critical residues in the thumb domain of β-ENaC (Arg388, Phe391, and Tyr406) that coordinate S3969 within a binding site localized at the β-γ-subunit interface. Importantly, mutating each of these residues reduced (R388H; R388A) or nearly abolished (F391G; Y406A) the S3969-mediated ENaC activation. Molecular dynamics simulations also suggested that S3969-mediated ENaC stimulation involved a movement of the α5 helix of the thumb domain of β-ENaC away from the palm domain of γ-ENaC. Consistent with this, the introduction of two cysteine residues (βR437C - γS298C) to form a disulfide bridge connecting these two domains prevented ENaC stimulation by S3969 unless the disulfide bond was reduced by DTT. Finally, we demonstrated that S3969 stimulated ENaC endogenously expressed in cultured human airway epithelial cells (H441). These new findings may lead to novel (patho-)physiological and therapeutic concepts for disorders associated with altered ENaC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Sure
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Einsiedel
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Duchstein
- Theoretical Chemistry/Computer Chemistry Center (CCC), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk Zahn
- Theoretical Chemistry/Computer Chemistry Center (CCC), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Korbmacher
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Ilyaskin
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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2
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Lawong RY, May F, Etang EC, Vorrat P, George J, Weder J, Kockler D, Preller M, Althaus M. Recording Sodium Self-Inhibition of Epithelial Sodium Channels Using Automated Electrophysiology in Xenopus Oocytes. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13050529. [PMID: 37233590 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key regulator of sodium homeostasis that contributes to blood pressure control. ENaC open probability is adjusted by extracellular sodium ions, a mechanism referred to as sodium self-inhibition (SSI). With a growing number of identified ENaC gene variants associated with hypertension, there is an increasing demand for medium- to high-throughput assays allowing the detection of alterations in ENaC activity and SSI. We evaluated a commercially available automated two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) system that records transmembrane currents of ENaC-expressing Xenopus oocytes in 96-well microtiter plates. We employed guinea pig, human and Xenopus laevis ENaC orthologs that display specific magnitudes of SSI. While demonstrating some limitations over traditional TEVC systems with customized perfusion chambers, the automated TEVC system was able to detect the established SSI characteristics of the employed ENaC orthologs. We were able to confirm a reduced SSI in a gene variant, leading to C479R substitution in the human α-ENaC subunit that has been reported in Liddle syndrome. In conclusion, automated TEVC in Xenopus oocytes can detect SSI of ENaC orthologs and variants associated with hypertension. For precise mechanistic and kinetic analyses of SSI, optimization for faster solution exchange rates is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Y Lawong
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Fabian May
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Etang C Etang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Philipp Vorrat
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Jonas George
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Julia Weder
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kockler
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Matthias Preller
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
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3
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Johnston JG, Welch AK, Cain BD, Sayeski PP, Gumz ML, Wingo CS. Aldosterone: Renal Action and Physiological Effects. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4409-4491. [PMID: 36994769 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Aldosterone exerts profound effects on renal and cardiovascular physiology. In the kidney, aldosterone acts to preserve electrolyte and acid-base balance in response to changes in dietary sodium (Na+ ) or potassium (K+ ) intake. These physiological actions, principally through activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), have important effects particularly in patients with renal and cardiovascular disease as demonstrated by multiple clinical trials. Multiple factors, be they genetic, humoral, dietary, or otherwise, can play a role in influencing the rate of aldosterone synthesis and secretion from the adrenal cortex. Normally, aldosterone secretion and action respond to dietary Na+ intake. In the kidney, the distal nephron and collecting duct are the main targets of aldosterone and MR action, which stimulates Na+ absorption in part via the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), the principal channel responsible for the fine-tuning of Na+ balance. Our understanding of the regulatory factors that allow aldosterone, via multiple signaling pathways, to function properly clearly implicates this hormone as central to many pathophysiological effects that become dysfunctional in disease states. Numerous pathologies that affect blood pressure (BP), electrolyte balance, and overall cardiovascular health are due to abnormal secretion of aldosterone, mutations in MR, ENaC, or effectors and modulators of their action. Study of the mechanisms of these pathologies has allowed researchers and clinicians to create novel dietary and pharmacological targets to improve human health. This article covers the regulation of aldosterone synthesis and secretion, receptors, effector molecules, and signaling pathways that modulate its action in the kidney. We also consider the role of aldosterone in disease and the benefit of mineralocorticoid antagonists. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4409-4491, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jermaine G Johnston
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda K Welch
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brian D Cain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter P Sayeski
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michelle L Gumz
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles S Wingo
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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4
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Sure F, Bertog M, Afonso S, Diakov A, Rinke R, Madej MG, Wittmann S, Gramberg T, Korbmacher C, Ilyaskin AV. Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) proteolytically activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by cleaving the channel's γ-subunit. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102004. [PMID: 35504352 PMCID: PMC9163703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a heterotrimer consisting of α-, β-, and γ-subunits. Channel activation requires proteolytic release of inhibitory tracts from the extracellular domains of α-ENaC and γ-ENaC; however, the proteases involved in the removal of the γ-inhibitory tract remain unclear. In several epithelial tissues, ENaC is coexpressed with the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Here, we explored the effect of human TMPRSS2 on human αβγ-ENaC heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We found that coexpression of TMPRSS2 stimulated ENaC-mediated whole-cell currents by approximately threefold, likely because of an increase in average channel open probability. Furthermore, TMPRSS2-dependent ENaC stimulation was not observed using a catalytically inactive TMPRSS2 mutant and was associated with fully cleaved γ-ENaC in the intracellular and cell surface protein fractions. This stimulatory effect of TMPRSS2 on ENaC was partially preserved when inhibiting its proteolytic activity at the cell surface using aprotinin but was abolished when the γ-inhibitory tract remained attached to its binding site following introduction of two cysteine residues (S155C–Q426C) to form a disulfide bridge. In addition, computer simulations and site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicated that TMPRSS2 can cleave γ-ENaC at sites both proximal and distal to the γ-inhibitory tract. This suggests a dual role of TMPRSS2 in the proteolytic release of the γ-inhibitory tract. Finally, we demonstrated that TMPRSS2 knockdown in cultured human airway epithelial cells (H441) reduced baseline proteolytic activation of endogenously expressed ENaC. Thus, we conclude that TMPRSS2 is likely to contribute to proteolytic ENaC activation in epithelial tissues in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Sure
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marko Bertog
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sara Afonso
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexei Diakov
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralf Rinke
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Gregor Madej
- Department of Biophysics II/Structural Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Wittmann
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Gramberg
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Korbmacher
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Alexandr V Ilyaskin
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany
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5
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Wang XP, Balchak DM, Gentilcore C, Clark NL, Kashlan OB. Activation by cleavage of the epithelial Na + channel α and γ subunits independently coevolved with the vertebrate terrestrial migration. eLife 2022; 11:75796. [PMID: 34984981 PMCID: PMC8791634 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75796] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates evolved mechanisms for sodium conservation and gas exchange in conjunction with migration from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) function is critical to systems responsible for extracellular fluid homeostasis and gas exchange. ENaC is activated by cleavage at multiple specific extracellular polybasic sites, releasing inhibitory tracts from the channel’s α and γ subunits. We found that proximal and distal polybasic tracts in ENaC subunits coevolved, consistent with the dual cleavage requirement for activation observed in mammals. Polybasic tract pairs evolved with the terrestrial migration and the appearance of lungs, coincident with the ENaC activator aldosterone, and appeared independently in the α and γ subunits. In summary, sites within ENaC for protease activation developed in vertebrates when renal Na+ conservation and alveolar gas exchange were required for terrestrial survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Deidra M Balchak
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Clayton Gentilcore
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Nathan L Clark
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Ossama B Kashlan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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6
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Gettings SM, Maxeiner S, Tzika M, Cobain MRD, Ruf I, Benseler F, Brose N, Krasteva-Christ G, Vande Velde G, Schönberger M, Althaus M. Two functional epithelial sodium channel isoforms are present in rodents despite pronounced evolutionary pseudogenisation and exon fusion. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5704-5725. [PMID: 34491346 PMCID: PMC8662647 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a key role in salt and water homeostasis in
tetrapod vertebrates. There are four ENaC subunits (α, β, γ, δ), forming heterotrimeric
αβγ- or δβγ-ENaCs. Although the physiology of αβγ-ENaC is well understood, for decades the
field has stalled with respect to δβγ-ENaC due to the lack of mammalian model organisms.
The SCNN1D gene coding for δ-ENaC was previously believed to be absent in
rodents, hindering studies using standard laboratory animals. We analyzed all currently
available rodent genomes and discovered that SCNN1D is present in rodents
but was independently lost in five rodent lineages, including the Muridae (mice and rats).
The independent loss of SCNN1D in rodent lineages may be constrained by
phylogeny and taxon-specific adaptation to dry habitats, however habitat aridity does not
provide a selection pressure for maintenance of SCNN1D across Rodentia. A
fusion of two exons coding for a structurally flexible region in the extracellular domain
of δ-ENaC appeared in the Hystricognathi (a group that includes guinea pigs). This
conserved pattern evolved at least 41 Ma and represents a new autapomorphic feature for
this clade. Exon fusion does not impair functionality of guinea pig (Cavia
porcellus) δβγ-ENaC expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
Electrophysiological characterization at the whole-cell and single-channel level revealed
conserved biophysical features and mechanisms controlling guinea pig αβγ- and δβγ-ENaC
function as compared with human orthologs. Guinea pigs therefore represent commercially
available mammalian model animals that will help shed light on the physiological function
of δ-ENaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gettings
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Maxeiner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Maria Tzika
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew R D Cobain
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Ruf
- Division of Messel Research and Mammalogy, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fritz Benseler
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Schönberger
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mike Althaus
- Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
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7
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Abstract
The Epithelial Na+ Channel, ENaC, comprised of 3 subunits (αβγ, or sometimes δβγENaC), plays a critical role in regulating salt and fluid homeostasis in the body. It regulates fluid reabsorption into the blood stream from the kidney to control blood volume and pressure, fluid absorption in the lung to control alveolar fluid clearance at birth and maintenance of normal airway surface liquid throughout life, and fluid absorption in the distal colon and other epithelial tissues. Moreover, recent studies have also revealed a role for sodium movement via ENaC in nonepithelial cells/tissues, such as endothelial cells in blood vessels and neurons. Over the past 25 years, major advances have been made in our understanding of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease. These include the recently solved three-dimensional structure of ENaC, ENaC function in various tissues, and mutations in ENaC that cause a hereditary form of hypertension (Liddle syndrome), salt-wasting hypotension (PHA1), or polymorphism in ENaC that contributes to other diseases (such as cystic fibrosis). Moreover, great strides have been made in deciphering the regulation of ENaC by hormones (e.g., the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, glucocorticoids, vasopressin), ions (e.g., Na+ ), proteins (e.g., the ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4-2, the kinases SGK1, AKT, AMPK, WNKs & mTORC2, and proteases), and posttranslational modifications [e.g., (de)ubiquitylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, palmitoylation]. Characterization of ENaC structure, function, regulation, and role in human disease, including using animal models, are described in this article, with a special emphasis on recent advances in the field. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-29, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rotin
- The Hospital for Sick Children, and The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olivier Staub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Puri S, Lee Y. Salt Sensation and Regulation. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11030175. [PMID: 33802977 PMCID: PMC8002656 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste sensation and regulation are highly conserved in insects and mammals. Research conducted over recent decades has yielded major advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the taste sensors for a variety of taste sensations and the processes underlying regulation of ingestion depending on our internal state. Salt (NaCl) is an essential ingested nutrient. The regulation of internal sodium concentrations for physiological processes, including neuronal activity, fluid volume, acid–base balance, and muscle contraction, are extremely important issues in animal health. Both mammals and flies detect low and high NaCl concentrations as attractive and aversive tastants, respectively. These attractive or aversive behaviors can be modulated by the internal nutrient state. However, the differential encoding of the tastes underlying low and high salt concentrations in the brain remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the current view of taste sensation and modulation in the brain with an emphasis on recent advances in this field. This work presents new questions that include but are not limited to, “How do the fly’s neuronal circuits process this complex salt code?” and “Why do high concentrations of salt induce a negative valence only when the need for salt is low?” A better understanding of regulation of salt homeostasis could improve our understanding of why our brains enjoy salty food so much.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Puri
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea;
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea;
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-910-5734
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9
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Paudel P, McDonald FJ, Fronius M. The δ subunit of epithelial sodium channel in humans-a potential player in vascular physiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 320:H487-H493. [PMID: 33275523 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00800.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) made up of canonical α, β, and γ subunits have attracted more attention recently owing to their physiological role in vascular health and disease. A fourth subunit, δ-ENaC, is expressed in various mammalian species, except mice and rats, which are common animal models for cardiovascular research. Accordingly, δ-ENaC is the least understood subunit. However, the recent discovery of δ subunit in human vascular cells indicates that this subunit may play a significant role in normal/pathological vascular physiology in humans. Channels containing the δ subunit have different biophysical and pharmacological properties compared with channels containing the α subunit, with the potential to alter the vascular function of ENaC in health and disease. Hence, it is important to investigate the expression and function of δ-ENaC in the vasculature to identify whether δ-ENaC is a potential new drug target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will focus on the existing knowledge of δ-ENaC and implications for vascular physiology and pathophysiology in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Paudel
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Fiona J McDonald
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The main goal of this article is to discuss the role of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in extracellular fluid and blood pressure regulation. RECENT FINDINGS Besides its role in sodium handling in the kidney, recent studies have found that ENaC expressed in other cells including immune cells can influence blood pressure via extra-renal mechanisms. Dendritic cells (DCs) are activated and contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension in an ENaC-dependent manner. We discuss recent studies on how ENaC is regulated in both the kidney and other sites including the vascular smooth muscles, endothelial cells, and immune cells. We also discuss how this extra-renal ENaC can play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension and its promise as a novel therapeutic target. The role of ENaC in blood pressure regulation in the kidney has been well studied. Recent human gene sequencing efforts have identified thousands of variants among the genes encoding ENaC, and research efforts to determine if these variants and their expression in extra-renal tissue play a role in hypertension will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of ENaC-mediated cardiovascular disease and lead to novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Pitzer
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215 Garland Avenue, P415C Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Justin P Van Beusecum
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215 Garland Avenue, P415C Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Thomas R Kleyman
- Departments of Medicine, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215 Garland Avenue, P415C Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. .,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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11
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Wichmann L, Althaus M. Evolution of epithelial sodium channels: current concepts and hypotheses. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R387-R400. [PMID: 32783689 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00144.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The conquest of freshwater and terrestrial habitats was a key event during vertebrate evolution. Occupation of low-salinity and dry environments required significant osmoregulatory adaptations enabling stable ion and water homeostasis. Sodium is one of the most important ions within the extracellular liquid of vertebrates, and molecular machinery for urinary reabsorption of this electrolyte is critical for the maintenance of body osmoregulation. Key ion channels involved in the fine-tuning of sodium homeostasis in tetrapod vertebrates are epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), which allow the selective influx of sodium ions across the apical membrane of epithelial cells lining the distal nephron or the colon. Furthermore, ENaC-mediated sodium absorption across tetrapod lung epithelia is crucial for the control of liquid volumes lining the pulmonary surfaces. ENaCs are vertebrate-specific members of the degenerin/ENaC family of cation channels; however, there is limited knowledge on the evolution of ENaC within this ion channel family. This review outlines current concepts and hypotheses on ENaC phylogeny and discusses the emergence of regulation-defining sequence motifs in the context of osmoregulatory adaptations during tetrapod terrestrialization. In light of the distinct regulation and expression of ENaC isoforms in tetrapod vertebrates, we discuss the potential significance of ENaC orthologs in osmoregulation of fishes as well as the putative fates of atypical channel isoforms in mammals. We hypothesize that ancestral proton-sensitive ENaC orthologs might have aided the osmoregulatory adaptation to freshwater environments whereas channel regulation by proteases evolved as a molecular adaptation to lung liquid homeostasis in terrestrial tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wichmann
- Institute for Animal Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
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Baldin JP, Barth D, Fronius M. Epithelial Na + Channel (ENaC) Formed by One or Two Subunits Forms Functional Channels That Respond to Shear Force. Front Physiol 2020; 11:141. [PMID: 32256376 PMCID: PMC7090232 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are heterotrimers formed by α, β, and γ ENaC subunits in vertebrates and belong to the Degenerin/ENaC family of proteins. Proteins from this family form mechanosensitive channels throughout the animal kingdom. Activity of canonical ENaC is regulated by shear force (SF) mediating Na+ absorption in the kidney and vascular tone of arteries. Expression analysis suggests that non-canonical ENaC, formed by single or only two subunits, exist in certain tissues, but it is unknown if these channels respond to SF. α, β, γ, and δ ENaC subunits were expressed either alone or in combinations of two subunits in Xenopus oocytes. Amiloride-sensitive currents and the responses to SF were assessed using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings. With the exception of γ ENaC, all homomeric channels provided amiloride-sensitive currents and responded to SF applied via a fluid stream directed onto the oocytes. Channels containing two subunits were also activated by SF. Here, the presence of the γ ENaC subunit when co-expressed with α or δ augmented the SF response in comparison to the αβγ/δβγ ENaC. Overall, we provide evidence that non-canonical ENaC can form channels that respond to SF. This supports a potential function of non-canonical ENaC as mechanosensors in epithelial, vascular, and sensory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Baldin
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Barth
- Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Zhao R, Ali G, Chang J, Komatsu S, Tsukasaki Y, Nie HG, Chang Y, Zhang M, Liu Y, Jain K, Jung BG, Samten B, Jiang D, Liang J, Ikebe M, Matthay MA, Ji HL. Proliferative regulation of alveolar epithelial type 2 progenitor cells by human Scnn1d gene. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:8155-8170. [PMID: 31754387 PMCID: PMC6857051 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) encoded by Scnn1 genes is essential for maintaining transepithelial salt and fluid homeostasis in the airway and the lung. Compared to α, β, and γ subunits, the role of respiratory δ-ENaC has not been studied in vivo due to the lack of animal models. Methods: We characterized full-length human δ802-ENaC expressed in both Xenopus oocytes and humanized transgenic mice. AT2 proliferation and differentiation in 3D organoids were analysed with FACS and a confocal microscope. Both two-electrode voltage clamp and Ussing chamber systems were applied to digitize δ802-ENaC channel activity. Immunoblotting was utilized to analyse δ802-ENaC protein. Transcripts of individual ENaC subunits in human lung tissues were quantitated with qPCR. Results: The results indicate that δ802-ENaC functions as an amiloride-inhibitable Na+ channel. Inhibitory peptide α-13 distinguishes δ802- from α-type ENaC channels. Modified proteolysis of γ-ENaC by plasmin and aprotinin did not alter the inhibition of amiloride and α-13 peptide. Expression of δ802-ENaC at the apical membrane of respiratory epithelium was detected with biophysical features similar to those of heterologously expressed channels in oocytes. δ802-ENaC regulated alveologenesis through facilitating the proliferation of alveolar type 2 epithelial cells. Conclusion: The humanized mouse line conditionally expressing human δ802-ENaC is a novel model for studying the expression and function of this protein in vivo .
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Wichmann L, Dulai JS, Marles-Wright J, Maxeiner S, Szczesniak PP, Manzini I, Althaus M. An extracellular acidic cleft confers profound H +-sensitivity to epithelial sodium channels containing the δ-subunit in Xenopus laevis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12507-12520. [PMID: 31248986 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited sodium availability of freshwater and terrestrial environments was a major physiological challenge during vertebrate evolution. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is present in the apical membrane of sodium-absorbing vertebrate epithelia and evolved as part of a machinery for efficient sodium conservation. ENaC belongs to the degenerin/ENaC protein family and is the only member that opens without an external stimulus. We hypothesized that ENaC evolved from a proton-activated sodium channel present in ionocytes of freshwater vertebrates and therefore investigated whether such ancestral traits are present in ENaC isoforms of the aquatic pipid frog Xenopus laevis Using whole-cell and single-channel electrophysiology of Xenopus oocytes expressing ENaC isoforms assembled from αβγ- or δβγ-subunit combinations, we demonstrate that Xenopus δβγ-ENaC is profoundly activated by extracellular acidification within biologically relevant ranges (pH 8.0-6.0). This effect was not observed in Xenopus αβγ-ENaC or human ENaC orthologs. We show that protons interfere with allosteric ENaC inhibition by extracellular sodium ions, thereby increasing the probability of channel opening. Using homology modeling of ENaC structure and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a cleft region within the extracellular loop of the δ-subunit that contains several acidic amino acid residues that confer proton-sensitivity and enable allosteric inhibition by extracellular sodium ions. We propose that Xenopus δβγ-ENaC can serve as a model for investigating ENaC transformation from a proton-activated toward a constitutively-active ion channel. Such transformation might have occurred during the evolution of tetrapod vertebrates to enable bulk sodium absorption during the water-to-land transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wichmann
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jasdip Singh Dulai
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Marles-Wright
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan Maxeiner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Pawel Piotr Szczesniak
- Department of Medicine, Haematology/Oncology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University Frankfurt, 60323 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ivan Manzini
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
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Kandel C, Schmidt P, Perniss A, Keshavarz M, Scholz P, Osterloh S, Althaus M, Kummer W, Deckmann K. ENaC in Cholinergic Brush Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:89. [PMID: 30159312 PMCID: PMC6103785 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic polymodal chemosensory cells in the mammalian urethra (urethral brush cells = UBC) functionally express the canonical bitter and umami taste transduction signaling cascade. Here, we aimed to determine whether UBC are functionally equipped for the perception of salt through ENaC (epithelial sodium channel). Cholinergic UBC were isolated from ChAT-eGFP reporter mice (ChAT = choline acetyltransferase). RT-PCR showed mRNA expression of ENaC subunits Scnn1a, Scnn1b, and Scnn1g in urethral epithelium and isolated UBC. Scnn1a could also be detected by next generation sequencing in 4/6 (66%) single UBC, two of them also expressed the bitter receptor Tas2R108. Strong expression of Scnn1a was seen in some urothelial umbrella cells and in 65% of UBC (30/46 cells) in a Scnn1a reporter mouse strain. Intracellular [Ca2+] was recorded in isolated UBC stimulated with the bitter substance denatonium benzoate (25 mM), ATP (0.5 mM) and NaCl (50 mM, on top of 145 mM Na+ and 153 mM Cl− baseline in buffer); mannitol (150 mM) served as osmolarity control. NaCl, but not mannitol, evoked an increase in intracellular [Ca2+] in 70% of the tested UBC. The NaCl-induced effect was blocked by the ENaC inhibitor amiloride (IC50 = 0.47 μM). When responses to both NaCl and denatonium were tested, all three possible positive response patterns occurred in a balanced distribution: 42% NaCl only, 33% denatonium only, 25% to both stimuli. A similar reaction pattern was observed with ATP and NaCl as test stimuli. About 22% of the UBC reacted to all three stimuli. Thus, NaCl evokes calcium responses in several UBC, likely involving an amiloride-sensitive channel containing α-ENaC. This feature does not define a new subpopulation of UBC, but rather emphasizes their polymodal character. The actual function of α-ENaC in cholinergic UBC—salt perception, homeostatic ion transport, mechanoreception—remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrissy Kandel
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patricia Schmidt
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander Perniss
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Paul Scholz
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Osterloh
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mike Althaus
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Deckmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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