The heterodimeric amino acid transporter 4F2hc/LAT1 is associated in Xenopus oocytes with a non-selective cation channel that is regulated by the serine/threonine kinase sgk-1

Increased sodium fluorescein transport by corticosteroids is inhibited by a LAT-1 specific inhibitor in retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro

To investigate whether aldosterone (ALD) and hydrocortisone (HC) change the gene expression of SLC7A5, which encodes the large neutral amino acid transporter small subunit 1 (LAT1), and the transport activity of LAT1 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro. ARPE-19 cells were grown to confluence. After withdrawing the serum, ALD or HC was added with several doses and incubated, and SLC7A5 gene expression was measured. The influx and efflux transport of sodium fluorescein (Na-F) were evaluated using the Transwell culture system. SLC7A5 gene expression was upregulated by ALD and downregulated by HC in a dose-dependent manner. Both ALD and HC significantly increased the influx and efflux Na-F transport of RPE cells at a dose that did not change the expression of SLC7A5. JPH203, a specific inhibitor of LAT1, significantly reduced accelerated Na-F transport. Both ALD and HC increased the gene expression of zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1) although they did not change the immunoreactivity of ZO-1 in RPE cells. LAT1 may play an important role in increasing Na-F transport associated with ALD and HC administration. A specific LAT1 inhibitor may effectively regulate the increased material transport of RPE induced by ALD and HC.

Contribution of LAT1-4F2hc in Urological Cancers via Toll-like Receptor and Other Vital Pathways

Simple Summary

LAT1-4F2hc complex is an important amino acid transporter. It mainly transports specific amino acids through the cell membrane, provides nutrition for cells, and participates in a variety of metabolic pathways. LAT1 plays a role in transporting essential amino acids including leucine, which regulates the mTOR signaling pathway. However, the importance of SLCs is still not well known in the field of urological cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to report the role of the LAT1-4F2hc complex in urological cancers, as well as their clinical significance and application. Moreover, the inhibitor of LAT1-4F2hc complex is a promising direction as a targeted therapy to improve the treatment and prognosis of urological cancers.

Abstract

Tumor cells are known for their ability to proliferate. Nutrients are essential for rapidly growing tumor cells. In particular, essential amino acids are essential for tumor cell growth. Tumor cell growth nutrition requires the regulation of membrane transport proteins. Nutritional processes require amino acid uptake across the cell membrane. Leucine, one of the essential amino acids, has recently been found to be closely associated with cancer, which activate mTOR signaling pathway. The transport of leucine into cells requires an L-type amino acid transporter protein 1, LAT1 (SLC7A5), which requires the 4F2 cell surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc, SLC3A2) to form a heterodimeric amino acid transporter protein complex. Recent evidence identified 4F2hc as a specific downstream target of the androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7). We stressed the importance of the LAT1-4F2hc complex as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in urological cancers in this review, which covered the recent achievements in research on the involvement of the LAT1-4F2hc complex in urinary system tumors. In addition, JPH203, which is a selective LAT1 inhibitor, has shown excellent inhibitory effects on the proliferation in a variety of tumor cells. The current phase I clinical trials of JPH203 in patients with biliary tract cancer have also achieved good results, which is the future research direction for LAT1 targeted therapy drugs.

Thyroid hormone transport across L-type amino acid transporters: What can molecular modelling tell us?

Thyroid hormones (THs) and their derivatives require transmembrane transporters (TTs) to mediate their translocation across the cell membrane. Among these TTs, the L-type amino acid transporters (LAT) not only transport amino acids (AAs) but also certain THs and their derivatives. This review summarizes available knowledge concerning structure function patterns of the TH transport by LAT1 and LAT2. For example, LAT2 imports 3,3'-T₂ and T₃, but not rT₃ and T₄. In contrast to amino acids, THs are not at all exported by LAT2. Homology modelling of LAT1 and LAT2 is based on available crystal structures from the same superfamily the amino acid/polyamine/organocation transporter (APC). Molecular model guided mutagenesis has been used to predict substrate interaction sites. A common recognition feature for amino acid- and TH-derivatives has been suggested in an interior cavity of LAT1 and LAT2. Therein additional distinct molecular determinants that are responsible for the bidirectional AA transport but allowing only unidirectional import of particular THs have been confirmed for LAT2 by mutagenesis. Characterized substrate features that are needed for TH translocation and distinct LAT2 properties will be highlighted to understand the molecular import and export mechanisms of this transporter in more detail.

Identification of novel inhibitors of the amino acid transporter B0 AT1 (SLC6A19), a potential target to induce protein restriction and to treat type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The neutral amino acid transporter B⁰ AT1 (SLC6A19) has recently been identified as a possible target to treat type 2 diabetes and related disorders. B⁰ AT1 mediates the Na⁺ -dependent uptake of all neutral amino acids. For surface expression and catalytic activity, B⁰ AT1 requires coexpression of collectrin (TMEM27). In this study, we established tools to identify and evaluate novel inhibitors of B⁰ AT1.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A CHO-based cell line was generated, stably expressing collectrin and B⁰ AT1. Using this cell line, a high-throughput screening assay was developed, which uses a fluorescent dye to detect depolarisation of the cell membrane during amino acid uptake via B⁰ AT1. In parallel to these functional assays, we ran a computational compound screen using AutoDock4 and a homology model of B⁰ AT1 based on the high-resolution structure of the highly homologous Drosophila dopamine transporter.

KEY RESULTS

We characterized a series of novel inhibitors of the B⁰ AT1 transporter. Benztropine was identified as a competitive inhibitor of the transporter showing an IC₅₀ of 44 ± 9 μM. The compound was selective with regard to related transporters and blocked neutral amino acid uptake in inverted sections of mouse intestine.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The tools established in this study can be widely used to identify new transport inhibitors. Using these tools, we were able to identify compounds that can be used to study epithelial transport, to induce protein restriction, or be developed further through medicinal chemistry.

Blood-brain barrier transport machineries and targeted therapy of brain diseases

Introduction: Desired clinical outcome of pharmacotherapy of brain diseases largely depends upon the safe drug delivery into the brain parenchyma. However, due to the robust blockade function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), drug transport into the brain is selectively controlled by the BBB formed by brain capillary endothelial cells and supported by astrocytes and pericytes.

Methods: In the current study, we have reviewed the most recent literature on the subject to provide an insight upon the role and impacts of BBB on brain drug delivery and targeting.

Results: All drugs, either small molecules or macromolecules, designated to treat brain diseases must adequately cross the BBB to provide their therapeutic properties on biological targets within the central nervous system (CNS). However, most of these pharmaceuticals do not sufficiently penetrate into CNS, failing to meet the intended therapeutic outcomes. Most lipophilic drugs capable of penetrating BBB are prone to the efflux functionality of BBB. In contrast, all hydrophilic drugs are facing severe infiltration blockage imposed by the tight cellular junctions of the BBB. Hence, a number of strategies have been devised to improve the efficiency of brain drug delivery and targeted therapy of CNS disorders using multimodal nanosystems (NSs).

Conclusions: In order to improve the therapeutic outcomes of CNS drug transfer and targeted delivery, the discriminatory permeability of BBB needs to be taken under control. The carrier-mediated transport machineries of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) can be exploited for the discovery, development and delivery of small molecules into the brain. Further, the receptor-mediated transport systems can be recruited for the delivery of macromolecular biologics and multimodal NSs into the brain.

Regulation of ion channels by the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1

The ubiquitously expressed serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) is genomically regulated by cell stress (including cell shrinkage) and several hormones (including gluco- and mineralocorticoids). SGK1 is activated by insulin and growth factors through PI3K and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK1. SGK1 activates a wide variety of ion channels (e.g., ENaC, SCN5A, TRPV4-6, ROMK, Kv1.3, Kv1.5, Kv4.3, KCNE1/KCNQ1, KCNQ4, ASIC1, GluR6, ClCKa/barttin, ClC2, CFTR, and Orai/STIM), which participate in the regulation of transport, hormone release, neuroexcitability, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. SGK1-sensitive ion channels participate in the regulation of renal Na(+) retention and K(+) elimination, blood pressure, gastric acid secretion, cardiac action potential, hemostasis, and neuroexcitability. A common (∼3-5% prevalence in Caucasians and ∼10% in Africans) SGK1 gene variant is associated with increased blood pressure and body weight as well as increased prevalence of type II diabetes and stroke. SGK1 further contributes to the pathophysiology of allergy, peptic ulcer, fibrosing disease, ischemia, tumor growth, and neurodegeneration. The effect of SGK1 on channel activity is modest, and the channels do not require SGK1 for basic function. SGK1-dependent ion channel regulation may thus become pathophysiologically relevant primarily after excessive (pathological) expression. Therefore, SGK1 may be considered an attractive therapeutic target despite its broad range of functions.

The lipid raft-associated protein CD98 is required for vaccinia virus endocytosis

Mature vaccinia virus (vaccinia MV) infects a broad range of animals in vivo and cell cultures in vitro; however, the cellular receptors that determine vaccinia MV tropism and entry pathways are poorly characterized. Here, we performed quantitative proteomic analyses of lipid raft-associated proteins upon vaccinia MV entry into HeLa cells. We found that a type II membrane glycoprotein, CD98, is enriched in lipid rafts upon vaccinia MV infection compared to mock-infected HeLa cells. The knockdown of CD98 expression in HeLa cells significantly reduced vaccinia MV entry. Furthermore, CD98 knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) also exhibited reduced vaccinia MV infectivity without affecting MV attachment to cells, suggesting a role for CD98 in the postbinding step of virus entry. Further characterization with inhibitors and dominant negative proteins that block different endocytic pathways revealed that vaccinia MV entry into MEFs occurs through a clathrin-independent, caveolin-independent, dynamin-dependent, fluid-phase endocytic pathway, implying that CD98 plays a specific role in the vaccinia MV endocytic pathway. Infections of wild-type and CD98 KO MEF cells with different strains of vaccinia MV provided further evidence that CD98 plays a specific role in MV endocytosis but not in plasma membrane fusion. Finally, different CD98-C69 chimeric proteins were expressed in CD98 KO MEFs, but none were able to reconstitute MV infectivity, suggesting that the overall structure of the CD98 protein is required for vaccinia MV endocytosis.

Labile disulfide bonds are common at the leucocyte cell surface

Redox conditions change in events such as immune and platelet activation, and during viral infection, but the biochemical consequences are not well characterized. There is evidence that some disulfide bonds in membrane proteins are labile while others that are probably structurally important are not exposed at the protein surface. We have developed a proteomic/mass spectrometry method to screen for and identify non-structural, redox-labile disulfide bonds in leucocyte cell-surface proteins. These labile disulfide bonds are common, with several classes of proteins being identified and around 30 membrane proteins regularly identified under different reducing conditions including using enzymes such as thioredoxin. The proteins identified include integrins, receptors, transporters and cell-cell recognition proteins. In many cases, at least one cysteine residue was identified by mass spectrometry as being modified by the reduction process. In some cases, functional changes are predicted (e.g. in integrins and cytokine receptors) but the scale of molecular changes in membrane proteins observed suggests that widespread effects are likely on many different types of proteins including enzymes, adhesion proteins and transporters. The results imply that membrane protein activity is being modulated by a 'redox regulator' mechanism.

Loss-of-function and gain-of-function phenotypes of stomatocytosis mutant RhAG F65S

Four patients with overhydrated cation leak stomatocytosis (OHSt) exhibited the heterozygous RhAG missense mutation F65S. OHSt erythrocytes were osmotically fragile, with elevated Na and decreased K contents and increased cation channel-like activity. Xenopus oocytes expressing wild-type RhAG and RhAG F65S exhibited increased ouabain and bumetanide-resistant uptake of Li(+) and (86)Rb(+), with secondarily increased (86)Rb(+) influx sensitive to ouabain and to bumetanide. Increased RhAG-associated (14)C-methylammonium (MA) influx was severely reduced in RhAG F65S-expressing oocytes. RhAG-associated influxes of Li(+), (86)Rb(+), and (14)C-MA were pharmacologically distinct, and Li(+) uptakes associated with RhAG and RhAG F65S were differentially inhibited by NH(4)(+) and Gd(3+). RhAG-expressing oocytes were acidified and depolarized by 5 mM bath NH(3)/NH(4)(+), but alkalinized and depolarized by subsequent bath exposure to 5 mM methylammonium chloride (MA/MA(+)). RhAG F65S-expressing oocytes exhibited near-wild-type responses to NH(4)Cl, but MA/MA(+) elicited attenuated alkalinization and strong hyperpolarization. Expression of RhAG or RhAG F65S increased steady-state cation currents unaltered by bath Li(+) substitution or bath addition of 5 mM NH(4)Cl or MA/MA(+). These oocyte studies suggest that 1) RhAG expression increases oocyte transport of NH(3)/NH(4)(+) and MA/MA(+); 2) RhAG F65S exhibits gain-of-function phenotypes of increased cation conductance/permeability, and loss-of-function phenotypes of decreased and modified MA/MA(+) transport, and decreased NH(3)/NH(4)(+)-associated depolarization; and 3) RhAG transports NH(3)/NH(4)(+) and MA/MA(+) by distinct mechanisms, and/or the substrates elicit distinct cellular responses. Thus, RhAG F65S is a loss-of-function mutation for amine transport. The altered oocyte intracellular pH, membrane potential, and currents associated with RhAG or RhAG F65S expression may reflect distinct transport mechanisms.

The GPA-dependent, spherostomatocytosis mutant AE1 E758K induces GPA-independent, endogenous cation transport in amphibian oocytes

The previously undescribed heterozygous missense mutation E758K was discovered in the human AE1/SLC4A1/band 3 gene in two unrelated patients with well-compensated hereditary spherostomatocytic anemia (HSt). Oocyte surface expression of AE1 E758K, in contrast to that of wild-type AE1, required coexpressed glycophorin A (GPA). The mutant polypeptide exhibited, in parallel, strong GPA dependence of DIDS-sensitive (36)Cl(-) influx, trans-anion-dependent (36)Cl(-) efflux, and Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange activities at near wild-type levels. AE1 E758K expression was also associated with GPA-dependent increases of DIDS-sensitive pH-independent SO(4)(2-) uptake and oxalate uptake with altered pH dependence. In marked contrast, the bumetanide- and ouabain-insensitive (86)Rb(+) influx associated with AE1 E758K expression was largely GPA-independent in Xenopus oocytes and completely GPA-independent in Ambystoma oocytes. AE1 E758K-associated currents in Xenopus oocytes also exhibited little or no GPA dependence. (86)Rb(+) influx was higher but inward cation current was lower in oocytes expressing AE1 E758K than previously reported in oocytes expressing the AE1 HSt mutants S731P and H734R. The pharmacological inhibition profile of AE1 E758K-associated (36)Cl(-) influx differed from that of AE1 E758K-associated (86)Rb(+) influx, as well as from that of wild-type AE1-mediated Cl(-) transport. Thus AE1 E758K-expressing oocytes displayed GPA-dependent surface polypeptide expression and anion transport, accompanied by substantially GPA-independent, pharmacologically distinct Rb(+) flux and by small, GPA-independent currents. The data strongly suggest that most of the increased cation transport associated with the novel HSt mutant AE1 E758K reflects activation of endogenous oocyte cation permeability pathways, rather than cation translocation through the mutant polypeptide.

NHE8 is an intracellular cation/H+ exchanger in renal tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti

The goal of this study was to identify and characterize the hypothesized apical cation/H(+) exchanger responsible for K(+) and/or Na(+) secretion in the renal (Malpighian) tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. From Aedes Malpighian tubules, we cloned "AeNHE8," a full-length cDNA encoding an ortholog of mammalian Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 8 (NHE8). The expression of AeNHE8 transcripts is ubiquitous among mosquito tissues and is not enriched in Malpighian tubules. Western blots of Malpighian tubules suggest that AeNHE8 is expressed primarily as an intracellular protein, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical localizations in Malpighian tubules. AeNHE8 immunoreactivity is expressed in principal cells of the secretory, distal segments, where it localizes to a subapical compartment (e.g., vesicles or endosomes), but not in the apical brush border. Furthermore, feeding mosquitoes a blood meal or treating isolated tubules with dibutyryl-cAMP, both of which stimulate a natriuresis by Malpighian tubules, do not influence the intracellular localization of AeNHE8 in principal cells. When expressed heterologously in Xenopus laevis oocytes, AeNHE8 mediates EIPA-sensitive Na/H exchange, in which Li(+) partially and K(+) poorly replace Na(+). The expression of AeNHE8 in Xenopus oocytes is associated with the development of a conductive pathway that closely resembles the known endogenous nonselective cation conductances of Xenopus oocytes. In conclusion, AeNHE8 does not mediate cation/H(+) exchange in the apical membrane of Aedes Malpighian tubules; it is more likely involved with an intracellular function.

Pharmacokinetic role of L-type amino acid transporters LAT1 and LAT2

LAT1 and LAT2 are heterodimeric large amino acid transporters that are expressed in various tissues, including the intestinal wall, blood-brain barrier, and kidney. These transporters consist of membrane spanning light chain and heavy chain, and they act as 1:1 exchangers in concert with other amino acid transporters. Only a few drugs (less than 10) are substrates of LAT1 and LAT2, including L-DOPA, alpha-methyldopa, melphalan, and gabapentin. The mechanisms and substrates have been mostly elucidated using mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes. The in vivo relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in pharmacokinetics is obscure, because contradictory findings have been reported. It is difficult to make quantitative pharmacokinetic conclusions about LAT1 and LAT2. This is due to the possible involvement of other transporters (including cross-linked heterodimers of light chain with different heavy chains, other overlapping transporters, for example TAT1), competing endogenous amino acids, and saturation phenomena. This review presents the current functional knowledge on LAT1 and LAT2 with emphasis on their potential involvement in pharmacokinetics.

Genomic regulation of intestinal amino acid transporters by aldosterone

Overexpression of renal LAT2, a Na+ -independent L-amino acid transporter, in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) is organ specific and precedes the onset of hypertension (Pinho et al., Hypertension, 42:613-618, 2003). However, the expression of LAT2 correlates negatively with plasma aldosterone levels after high sodium intake (Pinho et al., Am J Physiol Ren Physiol 292:F1452-F1463, 2007). The present study evaluated the expression of Na+ -independent LAT1, LAT2, and 4F2hc and Na+ -dependent ASCT2 amino acid transporters in the intestine of normotensive Wistar rats chronically treated with aldosterone. In conditions of high salt intake, to keep endogenous aldosterone to a minimum, rats were implanted with aldosterone or spironolactone tablets. In aldosterone-treated and aldosterone + spironolactone-treated rats, aldosterone plasma levels were increased by fourfold. At the protein level, aldosterone treatment significantly increased LAT1 (62%), LAT2 (49%), 4F2hc (48%), and ASCT2 (65%) expression. The effect of aldosterone upon LAT1, LAT2, 4F2hc, and ASCT2 protein abundance was completely reversed by spironolactone. Aldosterone significantly increased intestinal LAT2 and 4F2hc mRNA levels (27% and 35% increase, respectively), with no changes in LAT1 and ASCT2 transcript levels. In conclusion, increases in intestinal Na+ -independent LAT1 and LAT2 and Na+ -dependent ASCT2 transcript and protein abundance during chronic treatment with aldosterone occur through a spironolactone-sensitive genomic mechanism.

The stimulus-dependent co-localization of serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase (Sgk) and Erk/MAPK in mammary tumor cells involves the mutual interaction with the importin-alpha nuclear import protein

In Con8 rat mammary epithelial tumor cells, indirect immunofluorescence revealed that Sgk (serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase) and Erk/MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase) co-localized to the nucleus in serum-treated cells and to the cytoplasmic compartment in cells treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Moreover, the subcellular distribution of the importin-alpha nuclear transport protein was similarly regulated in a signal-dependent manner. In vitro GST-pull down assays revealed the direct interaction of importin-alpha with either Sgk or Erk/MAPK, while RNA interference knockdown of importin-alpha expression disrupted the localization of both Sgk and Erk into the nucleus of serum-treated cells. Wild type or kinase dead forms of Sgk co-immunoprecipitated with Erk/MAPK from either serum- or dexamethasone-treated mammary tumor cells, suggesting the existence of a protein complex containing both kinases. In serum-treated cells, nucleus residing Sgk and Erk/MAPK were both hyperphosphorylated, indicative of their active states, whereas, in dexamethasone-treated cells Erk/MAPK, but not Sgk, was in its inactive hypophosphorylated state. Treatment with a MEK inhibitor, which inactivates Erk/MAPK, caused the relocalization of both Sgk and ERK to the cytoplasm. We therefore propose that the signal-dependent co-localization of Sgk and Erk/MAPK mediated by importin-alpha represents a new pathway of signal integration between steroid and serum/growth factor-regulated pathways.

(NDRG2) Stimulates Amiloride-sensitive Na+ Currents in Xenopus laevis Oocytes and Fisher Rat Thyroid Cells

Regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is highly complex and may involve several aldosterone-induced regulatory proteins. The N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) has been identified as an early aldosterone-induced gene. Therefore, we hypothesized that NDRG2 may affect ENaC function. To test this hypothesis we measured the amiloride-sensitive (2 microm) whole cell current (DeltaI(ami)) in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing ENaC alone or co-expressing ENaC and NDRG2. Co-expression of NDRG2 significantly increased DeltaI(ami) in some, but not, all batches of oocytes tested. An inhibitory effect of NDRG2 was never observed. Using a chemiluminescence assay we demonstrated that the NDRG2-induced increase in ENaC currents was accompanied by a similar increase in channel surface expression. The stimulatory effect of NDRG2 was preserved in oocytes maintained in a low sodium bath solution to prevent sodium feedback inhibition. These findings suggest that the stimulatory effect of NDRG2 is independent of sodium feedback regulation. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of NDRG2 on ENaC was at least in part additive to that of Sgk1. A short isoform of NDRG2 also stimulated DeltaI(ami). Overexpression of NDRG2 and ENaC in Fisher rat thyroid cells confirmed the stimulatory effect of NDRG2 on ENaC-mediated short-circuit current (I(SC-ami)). In addition, small interference RNA against NDRG2 largely reduced I(SC-ami) in Fisher rat thyroid cells. Our results indicate that NDRG2 is a likely candidate to contribute to aldosterone-mediated ENaC regulation.

A conductive pathway generated from fragments of the human red cell anion exchanger AE1

Human red cell anion exchanger AE1 (band 3) is an electroneutral Cl-HCO3- exchanger with 12-14 transmembrane spans (TMs). Previous work using Xenopus oocytes has shown that two co-expressed fragments of AE1 lacking TMs 6 and 7 are capable of forming a stilbene disulphonate-sensitive (36)Cl-influx pathway, reminiscent of intact AE1. In the present study, we create a single construct, AE1Delta(6: 7), representing the intact protein lacking TMs 6 and 7. We expressed this construct in Xenopus oocytes and evaluated it employing a combination of two-electrode voltage clamp and pH-sensitive microelectrodes. We found that, whereas AE1Delta(6: 7) has some electroneutral Cl-base exchange activity, the protein also forms a novel anion-conductive pathway that is blocked by DIDS. The mutation Lys(539)Ala at the covalent DIDS-reaction site of AE1 reduced the DIDS sensitivity, demonstrating that (1) the conductive pathway is intrinsic to AE1Delta(6: 7) and (2) the conductive pathway has some commonality with the electroneutral anion-exchange pathway. The conductance has an anion-permeability sequence: NO3- approximately I- > NO2- > Br- > Cl- > SO4(2-) approximately HCO3- approximately gluconate- approximately aspartate- approximately cyclamate-. It may also have a limited permeability to Na+ and the zwitterion taurine. Although this conductive pathway is not a usual feature of intact mammalian AE1, it shares many properties with the anion-conductive pathways intrinsic to two other Cl-HCO3- exchangers, trout AE1 and mammalian SLC26A7.

L-Type Amino Acid Transporter-1 Expressed in Human Astrocytomas, U343MGa

LAT1 (L-type amino acid transporter 1), one of the L-type amino acid transporters, transports the branched and aromatic amino acids. LAT1 requires the heavy chain of 4F2 antigen (4F2hc) for the functional expression as an amino acid transporter. The expression of this transporter is up-regulated in tumor cells and rapidly-growing cells to support their proliferation. Here, we studied the expression of LAT1 and 4F2hc in human cultured cells by real-time PCR and Western blot, and found that human brain astrocytomas, U343MGa, highly expressed LAT1 and 4F2hc mRNAs and proteins. The uptake of [14C]leucine by U343MGa cells is Na+-independent and inhibited by BCH (2-amino-2-norbornane carboxylic acid), and branched and aromatic amino acids, indicating that the LAT1 is expressed at the cell surface. Pulse chase labeling and surface labeling experiments of this cell line indicate that the protein synthesis of LAT1 and 4F2hc is slow, however, the heterodimeric complex assembled in the cells is very stable, and that the disulfide bond between the LAT1 and 4F2hc is not directly involved in the stability of the heterodimer.

Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinases: variations on a theme

The phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K)-signaling pathway plays a critical role in a variety of cellular responses such as modulation of cell survival, glucose homeostasis, cell division, and cell growth. PI3K generates important lipid second messengers-phosphatidylinositides that are phosphorylated at the 3' position of their inositol ring head-group. These membrane restricted lipids act by binding with high affinity to specific protein domains such as the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Effectors of PI3K include molecules that harbor such domains such as phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1) and protein kinase B (PKB), also termed Akt. The mammalian genome encodes three different PKB genes (alpha, beta, and gamma; Akt1, 2, and 3, respectively) and each is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in diseases such as glioblastoma and breast cancer. A second family of three protein kinases, termed serum and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinases (SGKs), is structurally related to the PKB family including regulation by PI3K but lack a PH domain. However, in addition to PH domains, a second class of 3' phosphorylated inositol phospholipid-binding domains exists that is termed Phox homology (PX) domain: this domain is found in one of the SGKs (SGK3). Here, we summarize knowledge of the three SGK isoforms and compare and contrast them to PKB with respect to their possible importance in cellular regulation and potential as therapeutic targets.

(Patho)physiological significance of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoforms

The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) is ubiquitously expressed and under genomic control by cell stress (including cell shrinkage) and hormones (including gluco- and mineralocorticoids). Similar to its isoforms SGK2 and SGK3, SGK1 is activated by insulin and growth factors via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK1. SGKs activate ion channels (e.g., ENaC, TRPV5, ROMK, Kv1.3, KCNE1/KCNQ1, GluR1, GluR6), carriers (e.g., NHE3, GLUT1, SGLT1, EAAT1-5), and the Na+-K+-ATPase. They regulate the activity of enzymes (e.g., glycogen synthase kinase-3, ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2, phosphomannose mutase-2) and transcription factors (e.g., forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1, beta-catenin, nuclear factor kappaB). SGKs participate in the regulation of transport, hormone release, neuroexcitability, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. SGK1 contributes to Na+ retention and K+ elimination of the kidney, mineralocorticoid stimulation of salt appetite, glucocorticoid stimulation of intestinal Na+/H+ exchanger and nutrient transport, insulin-dependent salt sensitivity of blood pressure and salt sensitivity of peripheral glucose uptake, memory consolidation, and cardiac repolarization. A common ( approximately 5% prevalence) SGK1 gene variant is associated with increased blood pressure and body weight. SGK1 may thus contribute to metabolic syndrome. SGK1 may further participate in tumor growth, neurodegeneration, fibrosing disease, and the sequelae of ischemia. SGK3 is required for adequate hair growth and maintenance of intestinal nutrient transport and influences locomotive behavior. In conclusion, the SGKs cover a wide variety of physiological functions and may play an active role in a multitude of pathophysiological conditions. There is little doubt that further targets will be identified that are modulated by the SGK isoforms and that further SGK-dependent in vivo physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions will be defined.

Site-directed mutagenesis of cysteine residues of large neutral amino acid transporter LAT1

The large neutral amino acid transporter type 1, LAT1, is the principal neutral amino acid transporter expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to the high affinity (low Km) of the LAT1 isoform, BBB amino acid transport in vivo is very sensitive to transport competition effects induced by hyperaminoacidemias, such as phenylketonuria. The low Km of LAT1 is a function of specific amino acid residues, and the transporter is comprised of 12 phylogenetically conserved cysteine (Cys) residues. LAT1 is highly sensitive to inhibition by inorganic mercury, but the specific cysteine residue(s) of LAT1 that account for the mercury sensitivity is not known. LAT1 forms a heterodimer with the 4F2hc heavy chain, which are joined by a disulfide bond between Cys160 of LAT1 and Cys110 of 4F2hc. The present studies use site-directed mutagenesis to convert each of the 12 cysteines of LAT1 and each of the 2 cysteines of 4F2hc into serine residues. Mutation of the cysteine residues of the 4F2hc heavy chain of the hetero-dimeric transporter did not affect transporter activity. The wild type LAT1 was inhibited by HgCl2 with a Ki of 0.56+/-0.11 microM. The inhibitory effect of HgCl2 for all 12 LAT1 Cys mutants was examined. However, except for the C439S mutant, the inhibition by HgCl2 for 11 of the 12 Cys mutants was comparable to the wild type transporter. Mutation of only 2 of the 12 cysteine residues of the LAT1 light chain, Cys88 and Cys439, altered amino acid transport. The Vmax was decreased 50% for the C88S mutant. A kinetic analysis of the C439S mutant could not be performed because transporter activity was not significantly above background. Confocal microscopy showed the C439S LAT1 mutant was not effectively transferred to the oocyte plasma membrane. These studies show that the Cys439 residue of LAT1 plays a significant role in either folding or insertion of the transporter protein in the plasma membrane.

Defining the role of PfCRT in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of a parasite protein referred to as the chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) in the molecular basis of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to the quinoline antimalarials. PfCRT, an integral membrane protein with 10 predicted transmembrane domains, is a member of the drug/metabolite transporter superfamily and is located on the membrane of the intra-erythrocytic parasite's digestive vacuole. Specific polymorphisms in PfCRT are tightly correlated with chloroquine resistance. Transfection studies have now proven that pfcrt mutations confer verapamil-reversible chloroquine resistance in vitro and reveal their important role in resistance to quinine. Available evidence is consistent with the view that PfCRT functions as a transporter directly mediating the efflux of chloroquine from the digestive vacuole.

Regulation of CLC-Ka/barttin by the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 and the serum- and glucocorticoid-dependent kinases

BACKGROUND

ClC-Ka and ClC-Kb, chloride channels participating in renal tubular Cl- transport, require the coexpression of barttin to become functional. Mutations of the barttin gene lead to the Bartter's syndrome variant BSND, characterized by congenital deafness and severe renal salt wasting. Barttin bears a proline-tyrosine motif, a target structure for the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2, which mediates the clearance of channel proteins from the cell membrane. Nedd4-2 is, in turn, a target of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, which phosphorylates and, thus, inactivates the ubiquitin ligase. ClC-Ka also possesses a SGK1 consensus site in its sequence. We hypothesized that ClC-Ka/barttin is stimulated by SGK1, and down-regulated by Nedd4-2, an effect that may be reversed by SGK1 and its isoforms, SGK2 or SGK3.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, ClC-Ka/barttin was heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without the additional expression of Nedd4-2, SGK1, SGK2, SGK3, constitutively active S422DSGK1, or inactive K127NSGK1.

RESULTS

Expression of ClC-Ka/barttin induced a slightly inwardly rectifying current that was significantly decreased upon coexpression of Nedd4-2, but not the catalytically inactive mutant C938SNedd4-2. The coexpression of S422DSGK1, SGK1, or SGK3, but not SGK2 or K127NSGK1 significantly stimulated the current. Moreover, S422DSGK1, SGK1, and SGK3 also phosphorylated Nedd4-2 and thereby inhibited Nedd4-2 binding to its target. The down-regulation of ClC-Ka/barttin by Nedd4-2 was abolished by elimination of the PY motif in barttin.

CONCLUSION

ClC-Ka/barttin channels are regulated by SGK1 and SGK3, which may thus participate in the regulation of transport in kidney and inner ear.

L-type amino acid transporter-1 overexpression and melphalan sensitivity in Barrett's adenocarcinoma

The L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT-1) has been associated with tumor growth. Using cDNA microarrays, overexpression of LAT-1 was found in 87.5% (7/8) of esophageal adenocarcinomas relative to 12 Barrett's samples (33% metaplasia and 66% dysplasia) and was confirmed in 100% (28/28) of Barrett's adenocarcinomas by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry revealed LAT-1 staining in 37.5% (24/64) of esophageal adenocarcinomas on tissue microarray. LAT-1 also transports the amino acid-related chemotherapeutic agent, melphalan. Two esophageal adenocarcinoma and one esophageal squamous cell line, expressing LAT-1 on Western blot analysis, were sensitive to therapeutic doses of melphalan (P <.001). Simultaneous treatment with the competitive inhibitor, BCH [2-aminobicyclo-(2,1,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid], decreased sensitivity to melphalan (P <.05). In addition, confluent esophageal squamous cultures were less sensitive to melphalan (P <.001) and had a decrease in LAT-1 protein expression. Tumors from two esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines grown in nude mice retained LAT-1 mRNA expression. These results demonstrate that LAT-1 is highly expressed in a subset of esophageal adenocarcinomas and that Barrett's adenocarcinoma cell lines expressing LAT-1 are sensitive to melphalan. LAT-1 expression is also retained in cell lines grown in nude mice providing a model to evaluate melphalan as a chemotherapeutic agent against esophageal adenocarcinomas expressing LAT-1.

Plasma membrane transporters for arginine

The supply of arginine may become rate limiting for enzymatic reactions that use this semiessential amino acid as a substrate (e.g., nitric oxide, agmatine, creatine, and urea synthesis), particularly under conditions of high demand such as growth, sepsis, or wound healing. In addition, arginine acts as a signaling molecule that regulates essential cellular functions such as protein synthesis, apoptosis, and growth. In the past decade, a number of carrier proteins for amino acids have been identified on the molecular level. They belong to different gene families, exhibit overlapping but distinctive substrate specificities, and can further be distinguished by their requirement for the cotransport or countertransport of inorganic ions. A number of these transporters function as exchangers rather than uniporters. Uptake of amino acids by these transporters therefore depends largely on the intracellular substrate composition. Hence, there is a complex crosstalk between transporters for cationic and neutral amino acids as well as for peptides. This article briefly reviews current knowledge regarding mammalian plasma membrane transporters that accept arginine as a substrate.

Evidence for Activation of Endogenous Transporters in Xenopus laevis Oocytes Expressing the Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter, PfCRT

A large body of genetic, reverse genetic, and epidemiological data has linked chloroquine-resistant malaria to polymorphisms within a gene termed pfcrt in the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To investigate the biological function of the chloroquine resistance transporter, PfCRT, as well as its role in chloroquine resistance, we functionally expressed this protein in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our data show that PfCRT-expressing oocytes exhibit a depolarized resting membrane potential and a higher intracellular pH compared with control oocytes. Pharmacological and electrophysiological studies link the higher intracellular pH to an enhanced amiloride-sensitive H(+) extrusion and the low membrane potential to an activated nonselective cation conductance. The finding that both properties are independent of each other, together with the fact that they are endogenously present in X. laevis oocytes, supports a model in which PfCRT activates transport systems. Our data suggest that PfCRT plays a role as a direct or indirect activator or modulator of other transporters.

SGK1 increases Na,K-ATP cell-surface expression and function in Xenopus laevis oocytes

The Na(+)-retaining hormone aldosterone increases the cell-surface expression of the luminal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the basolateral Na(+) pump (Na,K-ATPase) in aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron cells in a coordinated fashion. To address the question of whether aldosterone-induced serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK1) might be involved in mediating this regulation of Na,K-ATPase subcellular localization, similar to that of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), we co-expressed the Na,K-ATPase (rat alpha 1- and Xenopus laevis beta 1-subunits) and Xenopus SGK1 in Xenopus oocytes. Measurements of the Na(+) pump current showed that wild-type SGK1 increases the function of exogenous Na,K-ATPase at the surface of Xenopus oocytes. This appeared to be secondary to an increase in Na,K-ATPase cell-surface expression as visualized by Western blotting of surface-biotinylated proteins. In contrast, the functional surface expression of two other exogenous transporters, the heterodimeric amino acid transporter LAT1-4F2hc and the Na(+)/phosphate cotransporter NaPi-IIa, was not increased by SGK1 co-expression. The total pool of exogenous Na,K-ATPase was increased by the co-expression of SGK1, and similarly also by ENaC co-expression. This latter effect depended on the [Na(+)] of the buffer and was not additive to that of SGK1. When the total Na,K-ATPase was increased by ENaC co-expression, SGK1 still increased Na,K-ATPase cell-surface expression. These observations in Xenopus oocytes suggest the possibility that SGK1 induction and/or activation could participate in the coordinated regulation of Na,K-ATPase and ENaC cell-surface expression in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron.

Intracellular accumulation of l-Arg, kinetics of transport, and potassium leak conductance in oocytes from Xenopus laevis expressing hCAT-1, hCAT-2A, and hCAT-2B

Cationic amino acid transporters play an important role in the intracellular supply of L-Arg and the generation of nitric oxide. Since the transport of L-Arg is voltage-dependent, we aimed at determining the intracellular L-Arg concentration and describing the transport of L-Arg in terms of Michaelis-Menten kinetics, taking into account membrane voltage. The human isoforms of the cationic amino acid transporters, hCAT-1, hCAT-2A, and hCAT-2B, were expressed in oocytes from Xenopus laevis and studied with the voltage clamp technique and in tracer experiments. We found that L-Arg was concentrated intracellularly by all hCAT isoforms and that influx and efflux, in the steady state of exchange, were nearly mirror images. Conductance measurements at symmetric concentrations of L-Arg (inside/outside) allowed us to determine KM and Vmax. The empty transporter of hCAT-2B featured an unexpected potassium conductance, which was inhibited by L-Arg.

Activation of SGK1 by HGF, Rac1 and integrin-mediated cell adhesion in MDCK cells: PI-3K-dependent and -independent pathways

The SGK1 protein belongs to the AGC gene family of kinases that are regulated by phosphorylation mediated by PDK1. SGK1 regulation is accomplished by several pathways including growth-factor and stress-mediated signaling. We have expanded the analysis of SGK1 regulation in epithelial cells. We used HA-tagged SGK1 to transiently transfect MDCK cells and study the regulation of SGK1 upon stimulation with HGF, cAMP or upon adhesion of the cells to immobilized fibronectin. In addition, we studied the regulation of SGK1 activity by small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family.

Treatment of MDCK cells with HGF leads to a time-dependent activation of SGK1 that is blocked by wortmanin. This activation requires the conserved phosphorylation site present in the activation loop of the kinase (T256 in SGK1) and the phosphorylation site present in a hydrophobic domain at its C-terminus (S422 in SGK1), which are targets for PDK1/PDK2-mediated regulation of SGK1. We tested whether SGK1 could be activated by cAMP as it contains a putative PKA site. We were unable to demonstrate a significant activation of HA-SGK1 by cAMP stimulation under conditions where we detect cAMP-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB.

Cotransfection of SGK1 with activated small GTP-binding proteins revealed that Rac1, but not Rho or Rap1, induces activation of SGK1. However, this activation was wortmanin insensitive and dominant-negative Rac1 did not inhibit the HGF-mediated activation of SGK1. Adhesion of MDCK cells to immobilized fibronectin also leads to activation of SGK1. However, it appears that the integrin-mediated activation of HA-SGK1 differs from AKT activation in the fact that AKT phosphorylation was blocked by wortmanin (or LY294002)whereas HA-SGK1 was not. The adhesion-dependent activation, however, requires the intact phosphorylation sites of SGK1. Co-transfection of HA-SGK1 with RacV12 results in increased activity in adherent cells compared with HA-SGK1 alone. Since RacN17 failed to inhibit adhesion dependent-activation of SGK1,it suggests that integrin activation is achieved by a parallel Rac-independent pathway.

The activation of SGK1 by HGF and integrin provides a link between HGF-mediated protection of MDCK from de-attachment induced apoptosis(anoikis). We demonstrate that dephosphorylation of the transcription factor FKRHL1 induced by cell de-attachment is prevented by activated SGK1,suggesting that SGK1 regulates cell survival pathways.

In summary, we demonstrate that SGK1 activation could be achieved through signaling pathways involved in the regulation of cell survival, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. SGK1 activation can be accomplished via HGF,PI-3K-dependent pathways and by integrin-mediated, PI-3K independent pathways. In addition, activation of SGK1 by the small GTP-binding protein Rac1 has been observed.

Oxidation induces a Cl(-)-dependent cation conductance in human red blood cells

Oxidative stress induces complex alterations of membrane proteins in red blood cells (RBCs) eventually leading to haemolysis. To study changes of membrane ion permeability induced by oxidative stress, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and haemolysis experiments were performed in control and oxidised human RBCs. Control RBCs exhibited a small cation-selective whole-cell conductance (236 +/- 38 pS; n = 8) which was highly sensitive to the external Cl(-) concentration: replacement of NaCl in the bath by sodium gluconate induced an increase of this cation conductance by about 85 %. Exposing RBCs to t-butylhydroxyperoxide (1 mM for 10 min) induced a twofold increase in this cation conductance which was further stimulated after replacement of extracellular Cl(-) by gluconate, Br(-), I(-) or SCN(-). In addition, lowering the ionic strength of the bath solution by isosmotic substitution of NaCl by sorbitol activated the cation conductance. The Cl(-)-sensitive and oxidation-induced cation conductance was Ca(2+) permeable, exhibited a permselectivity of Cs(+) > K(+) > Na(+) = Li(+) >> NMDG(+), and was partially inhibited by amiloride (1 mM) and almost completely inhibited by GdCl(3) (150 microM), but was insensitive to TEA, BaCl(2), NPPB, flufenamic acid or quinidine. DIDS (100 microM) reversibly inhibited the activation of the cation conductance by removal of external Cl(-). Oxidation induced haemolysis in NaCl-bathed human RBCs. This haemolysis was attenuated by amiloride (1 mM) and inhibited by replacement of bath Na(+) by the impermeant cation NMDG(+). The Na(+)- and Ca(2+)-permeable conductance might be involved in haemolytic diseases induced by elevated oxidative stress, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Plasmodium falciparum activates endogenous Cl(-) channels of human erythrocytes by membrane oxidation

Intraerythrocytic survival of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum requires that host cells supply nutrients and dispose of waste products. This solute transport is accomplished by infection-induced new permeability pathways (NPP) in the erythrocyte membrane. Here, whole-cell patch-clamp and hemolysis experiments were performed to define properties of the NPP. Parasitized but not control erythrocytes constitutively expressed two types of anion conductances, differing in voltage dependence and sensitivity to inhibitors. In addition, infected but not control cells hemolyzed in isosmotic sorbitol solution. Both conductances and hemolysis of infected cells were inhibited by reducing agents. Conversely, oxidation induced identical conductances and hemolysis in non-infected erythrocytes. In conclusion, P.falciparum activates endogenous erythrocyte channels by applying oxidative stress to the host cell membrane.

Heteromeric amino acid transporters: biochemistry, genetics, and physiology

The heteromeric amino acid transporters (HATs) are composed of two polypeptides: a heavy subunit (HSHAT) and a light subunit (LSHAT) linked by a disulfide bridge. HSHATs are N-glycosylated type II membrane glycoproteins, whereas LSHATs are nonglycosylated polytopic membrane proteins. The HSHATs have been known since 1992, and the LSHATs have been described in the last three years. HATs represent several of the classic mammalian amino acid transport systems (e.g., L isoforms, y(+)L isoforms, asc, x(c)(-), and b(0,+)). Members of the HAT family are the molecular bases of inherited primary aminoacidurias cystinuria and lysinuric protein intolerance. In addition to the role in amino acid transport, one HSHAT [the heavy subunit of the cell-surface antigen 4F2 (also named CD98)] is involved in other cell functions that might be related to integrin activation. This review covers the biochemistry, human genetics, and cell physiology of HATs, including the multifunctional character of CD98.

Regulation and physiological roles of serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase isoforms

Serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) was identified in 1993 as an immediate early gene whose mRNA levels increase dramatically within 30 minutes when cells are exposed to serum or glucocorticoids, or both. Subsequently, many other agonists, acting through a variety of signal transduction pathways, have been shown to induce SGK1 gene transcription in cells and tissues. SGK1 is a member of the "AGC" subfamily, which includes protein kinases A, G, and C, and its catalytic domain is most similar to protein kinase B (PKB). Like PKB, SGK1 is activated by phosphorylation in response to signals that stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and this is mediated by 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) and another protein kinase that has yet to be identified. Thus, SGK1 is remarkable in being activated at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels by a huge number of extracellular signals. In contrast, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the two closely related isoforms SGK2 and SGK3, although they can be activated by phosphorylation. The substrate specificity of SGK isoforms superficially resembles that of PKB in that serine and threonine residues lying in Arg-Xaa-Arg-Xaa-Xaa-Ser/Thr sequences (where Xaa is a variable amino acid) are phosphorylated. However, although they may have some substrates in common, evidence is emerging that SGK1 and PKB phosphorylate distinct proteins and have different functions in vivo. In particular, SGK1 plays an important role in activating certain potassium, sodium, and chloride channels, suggesting an involvement in the regulation of processes such as cell survival, neuronal excitability, and renal sodium excretion. Moreover, sustained high levels of SGK1 protein and activity may contribute to conditions such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. This raises the possibility that specific inhibitors of SGK1 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of several diseases.

Function and structure of heterodimeric amino acid transporters

Heterodimeric amino acid transporters are comprised of two subunits, a polytopic membrane protein (light chain) and an associated type II membrane protein (heavy chain). The heavy chain rbAT (related to b(0,+) amino acid transporter) associates with the light chain b(0,+)AT (b(0,+) amino acid transporter) to form the amino acid transport system b(0,+), whereas the homologous heavy chain 4F2hc interacts with several light chains to form system L (with LAT1 and LAT2), system y(+)L (with y(+)LAT1 and y(+)LAT2), system x (with xAT), or system asc (with asc1). The association of light chains with the two heavy chains is not unambiguous. rbAT may interact with LAT2 and y(+)LAT1 and vice versa; 4F2hc may interact with b(0,+)AT when overexpressed. 4F2hc is necessary for trafficking of the light chain to the plasma membrane, whereas the light chains are thought to determine the transport characteristics of the respective heterodimer. In contrast to 4F2hc, mutations in rbAT suggest that rbAT itself takes part in the transport besides serving for the trafficking of the light chain to the cell surface. Heavy and light subunits are linked together by a disulfide bridge. The disulfide bridge, however, is not necessary for the trafficking of rbAT or 4F2 heterodimers to the membrane or for the functioning of the transporter. However, there is experimental evidence that the disulfide bridge in the 4F2hc/LAT1 heterodimer plays a role in the regulation of a cation channel. These results highlight complex interactions between the different subunits of heterodimeric amino acid transporters and suggest that despite high grades of homology, the interactions between rbAT and 4F2hc and their respective partners may be different.

Tissue-specific expression of the transcriptionally regulated serum and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase (Sgk) during mouse embryogenesis

In situ hybridization of mouse embryo whole mounts and sagittal sections revealed a tissue- and stage-specific expression pattern of the transcriptionally regulated serum and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase (sgk) during embryogenesis. Sgk expression is first observed at embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) in the decidua and yolk sac, and then during developmental stages E9.5 through E12.5 this kinase is highly localized in the heart chamber, otic vesicle, blood vessels surrounding the somites, and lung buds. At the later stages of mouse embryogenesis, E13.5 through E16.5, sgk expression becomes highly concentrated in brain (choroid plexus), distal epithelium and the terminal bronchi/bronchioles, adrenal gland, liver, thymus and intestines, remains high in heart tissue, and is expressed at a low level in the other embryonic tissues.

Association of 4F2hc with light chains LAT1, LAT2 or y+LAT2 requires different domains

Heterodimeric amino acid transporters are comprised of a type-II membrane protein named the heavy chain (4F2hc or rBAT) that may associate with a number of different polytopic membrane proteins, called light chains. It is thought that the heavy chain is mainly involved in the trafficking of the complex to the plasma membrane, whereas the transport process itself is catalysed by the light chain. The 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc) associates with at least six different light chains to induce distinct amino acid-transport activites. To test if the light chains are specifically recognized and to identify domains involved in the recognition of light chains, C-terminally truncated mutants of 4F2hc were constructed and co-expressed with the light chains LAT1, LAT2 and y(+)LAT2. The truncated isoform T1, comprised of only 133 amino acids that form the cytosolic N-terminus and the transmembrane helix, displayed only a slight reduction in its ability to promote LAT1 expression at the membrane surface compared with the 529 amino acid wild-type 4F2hc protein. Co-expression of increasingly larger 4F2hc mutants caused a delayed translocation of LAT1. In contrast to the weak effects of 4F2hc truncations on LAT1 expression, surface expression of LAT2 and y(+)LAT2 was almost completely lost with all truncated heavy chains. Co-expression of LAT1 together with the other light chains did not result in displacement of LAT2 and y(+)LAT2. The results suggest that extracellular domains of the heavy chain are responsible mainly for recognition of light chains other than LAT1 and that the extracellular domain ensures proper translocation to the plasma membrane.

The heterodimeric amino acid transporter 4F2hc/y+LAT2 mediates arginine efflux in exchange with glutamine

The cationic amino acid arginine, due to its positive charge, is usually accumulated in the cytosol. Nevertheless, arginine has to be released by a number of cell types, e.g. kidney cells, which supply other organs with this amino acid, or the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier which release arginine into the brain. Arginine release in mammalian cells can be mediated by two different transporters, y(+)LAT1 and y(+)LAT2. For insertion into the plasma membrane, these transporters have to be associated with the type-II membrane glycoprotein 4F2hc [Torrents, Estevez, Pineda, Fernandez, Lloberas, Shi, Zorzano and Palacin (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 32437-32445]. The present study elucidates the function and distribution of y(+)LAT2. In contrast to y(+)LAT1, which is expressed mainly in kidney epithelial cells, lung and leucocytes, y(+)LAT2 has a wider tissue distribution, including brain, heart, testis, kidney, small intestine and parotis. When co-expressed with 4F2hc in Xenopus laevis oocytes, y(+)LAT2 mediated uptake of arginine, leucine and glutamine. Arginine uptake was inhibited strongly by lysine, glutamate, leucine, glutamine, methionine and histidine. Mutual inhibition was observed when leucine or glutamine was used as substrate. Inhibition of arginine uptake by neutral amino acids depended on the presence of Na(+), which is a hallmark of y(+)LAT-type transporters. Although arginine transport was inhibited strongly by glutamate, this anionic amino acid was only weakly transported by 4F2hc/y(+)LAT2. Amino acid transport via 4F2hc/y(+)LAT2 followed an antiport mechanism similar to the other members of this new family. Only preloaded arginine could be released in exchange for extracellular amino acids, whereas marginal release of glutamine or leucine was observed under identical conditions. These results indicated that arginine has the highest affinity for the intracellular binding site and that arginine release may be the main physiological function of this transporter.