The effect of rapamycin on single ENaC channel activity and phosphorylation in A6 cells

Chronic Rapamycin Prevents Electrophysiological and Morphological Alterations Produced by Conditional Pten Deletion in Mouse Cortex

Abnormalities in the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have been implicated in numerous developmental brain disorders. While the molecular and histological abnormalities have been described, less is known about alterations in membrane and synaptic excitability with chronic changes in the mTOR pathway. In the present study, we used a conditional mouse model with a deletion of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (Pten-/-, a negative regulator of mTOR) from cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs). Whole-cell patch clamp recordings in ex vivo slices examined the intrinsic and synaptic membrane properties of layer II/III CPNs in normal mice treated with rapamycin for four weeks, and Pten-/- mice with and without chronic treatment with rapamycin. Compared with control mice, CPNs from Pten-/- mice demonstrated increased membrane capacitance and time constant in association with increased neuronal somatic size, reduced neuronal firing, and decreased frequency of spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents, consistent with decreased pre-synaptic GABA release. Rapamycin treatment for four weeks prevented these changes in Pten-/- mice. CPNs from normal mice chronically treated with rapamycin, compared with CPNs from naïve mice, showed reduced capacitance and time constant, increased input resistance, and changes in inhibitory synaptic inputs, consistent with increased pre-synaptic GABA release. These results support the concept that Pten deletion results in significant changes in inhibitory inputs onto CPNs, and these alterations can be prevented with chronic rapamycin treatment. In addition, normal mice treated with rapamycin also display altered membrane and synaptic properties. These findings have potential implications for the treatment of neurological disorders associated with mTOR pathway dysfunction, such as epilepsy and autism.

Physiology and pathophysiology of human airway mucus

The mucus clearance system is the dominant mechanical host defense system of the human lung. Mucus is cleared from the lung by cilia and airflow, including both two-phase gas-liquid pumping and cough-dependent mechanisms, and mucus transport rates are heavily dependent on mucus concentration. Importantly, mucus transport rates are accurately predicted by the gel-on-brush model of the mucociliary apparatus from the relative osmotic moduli of the mucus and periciliary-glycocalyceal (PCL-G) layers. The fluid available to hydrate mucus is generated by transepithelial fluid transport. Feedback interactions between mucus concentrations and cilia beating, via purinergic signaling, coordinate Na+ absorptive vs Cl- secretory rates to maintain mucus hydration in health. In disease, mucus becomes hyperconcentrated (dehydrated). Multiple mechanisms derange the ion transport pathways that normally hydrate mucus in muco-obstructive lung diseases, e.g., cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). A key step in muco-obstructive disease pathogenesis is the osmotic compression of the mucus layer onto the airway surface with the formation of adherent mucus plaques and plugs, particularly in distal airways. Mucus plaques create locally hypoxic conditions and produce airflow obstruction, inflammation, infection, and, ultimately, airway wall damage. Therapies to clear adherent mucus with hydrating and mucolytic agents are rational, and strategies to develop these agents are reviewed.

Acute Increase of Renal Perfusion Pressure Causes Rapid Activation of mTORC1 (Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1) and Leukocyte Infiltration

BACKGROUND

The present study in Sprague-Dawley rats determined the effects of a rapid rise of renal perfusion pressure (RPP) upon the activation of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), and the effects upon the infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages/monocytes and CD3-positive T lymphocytes into the kidneys.

METHODS

RPP was elevated by 40 mm Hg for 30 minutes in male Sprague-Dawley rats while measuring renal blood flow and urine flow rate. Sham rats were studied in the same way, but RPP was not changed. Since initial studies found that the acute increase of RPP resulted in activation of mTORC1 (phosphorylation of S6S235/236), the effects of inhibition of mTORC1 with rapamycin pretreatment were then determined.

RESULTS

It was found that a 30-minute increase of RPP (≈40 mm Hg) resulted in an 8-fold increase of renal sodium excretion which was blunted by rapamycin treatment. Renal blood flow was not affected by the elevation of RPP. Activation of mTORC1 was observed. Significant increases in CD68-positive macrophages were found in both the cortex (intraglomerular and periglomerular regions) and in the outer medullary interstitial regions of the kidney and prevented by rapamycin treatment. Increases in CD3-positive T lymphocytes were observed exclusively in the periglomerular regions and prevented by rapamycin treatment. Upregulation of several proinflammatory markers was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that elevation of RPP rapidly activates mTORC1 resulting in infiltration of immune cells into the kidney.

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate-like protein-1 regulates epithelial sodium channel activity in renal distal convoluted tubule cells

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) regulates blood pressure by fine-tuning distal nephron sodium reabsorption. Our previous work has shown that ENaC gating is regulated by anionic phospholipid phosphates, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂). The PIP₂-dependent regulation of ENaC is mediated by the myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate-like protein-1 (MLP-1). MLP-1 binds to and is a reversible source of PIP₂ at the plasma membrane. We examined MLP-1 regulation of ENaC in distal convoluted tubule clonal cell line DCT-15 cells. Wild-type MLP-1 runs at an apparent molecular mass of 52 kDa despite having a predicted molecular mass of 21 kDa. Native MLP-1 consists of several distinct structural elements: an effector domain that is highly positively charged, sequesters PIP₂, contains serines that are the target of PKC, and controls MLP-1 association with the membrane; a myristoylation domain that promotes association with the membrane; and a multiple homology 2 domain of previously unknown function. To further examine MLP-1 in DCT-15 cells, we constructed several MLP-1 mutants: WT, a full-length wild-type protein; S3A, three substitutions in the effector domain to prevent phosphorylation; S3D mimicked constitutive phosphorylation by replacing three serines with aspartates; and GA replaced the myristoylation site glycine with alanine, so GA could not be myristoylated. Each mutant was tagged with either NH₂-terminal 3XFLAG or COOH-terminal mCherry or V5. Transfection with MLP mutants modified ENaC activity in DCT-15 cells: activity was highest in S3A and lowest in S3D, and the activity after transfection with either construct was significantly different from WT. In Western blots, when transfected with 3XFLAG-tagged MLP-1 mutants, the expression of the full length of MLP-1 at 52 kDa increased in mutant S3A-MLP-1-transfected DCT-15 cells and decreased in S3D-MLP-1-transfected DCT-15 cells. Several lower molecular mass bands were also detected that correspond to potential presumptive calpain cleavage products. Confocal imaging shows that the different mutants localize in different subcellular compartments consistent with their preferred location in the membrane or in the cytosol. Activation of protein kinase C increases phosphorylation of endogenous MLP-1 and reduces ENaC activity. Our results suggest a complicated role for proteolytic processing in MLP-1 regulation of ENaC.

An outlined review for the role of Nedd4-1 and Nedd4-2 in lung disorders

Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 4, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (Nedd4-1 and Nedd4-2) is a member of the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase family. It has been shown to mediate numerous pathophysiological processes, including the regulation of synaptic plasticity and Wnt-associated signaling, via promoting the ubiquitination of its substrates, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-response element binding protein regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazo-lepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR), and Dishevelled2 (Dvl2). In the respiratory system, both Nedd4-1 and Nedd4-2 are expressed in epithelial cells and functionally associated with lung cancer development and alveolar fluid regulation. Nedd4-1 mediates lung cancer migration, metastasis, or drug resistance mainly through inducing phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten (PTEN) degradation or promoting cathepsin B secretion. Unlike Nedd4-1, Nedd4-2 displays more complex effects in lung cancers. On one hand it suppresses lung cancer cell migration and metastasis, and on the other hand it has been shown to promote lung cancer survival via inducing general control nonrepressed 2 (GCN2) degradation. Another important function of Nedd4-2 is to regulate the activity of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), a membrane channel which mediates the clearance of fluid from the alveolar space at birth or during pulmonary edema. Here, we make an outlined review for the expression and function of Nedd4-1 and Nedd4-2 in the respiratory system in hope of getting an in-depth insight into their roles in lung disorders.

Mal protein stabilizes luminal membrane PLC-β3 and negatively regulates ENaC in mouse cortical collecting duct cells

Abnormally high epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron and collecting duct leads to hypertension. Myelin and lymphocyte (Mal) is a lipid raft-associated protein that has been previously shown to regulate Na+-K-2Cl- cotransporter and aquaporin-2 in the kidney, but it is not known whether it regulates renal ENaC. ENaC activity is positively regulated by the anionic phospholipid phosphate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Members of the myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) family increase PIP2 concentrations at the plasma membrane, whereas hydrolysis of PIP2 by phospholipase C (PLC) reduces PIP2 abundance. Our hypothesis was that Mal protein negatively regulates renal ENaC activity by stabilizing PLC protein expression at the luminal plasma membrane. We investigated the association between Mal, MARCKS-like protein, and ENaC. We showed Mal colocalizes with PLC-β3 in lipid rafts and positively regulates its protein expression, thereby reducing PIP2 availability at the plasma membrane. Kidneys of 129Sv mice injected with MAL shRNA lentivirus resulted in increased ENaC open probability in split-open renal tubules. Overexpression of Mal protein in mouse cortical collecting duct (mpkCCD) cells resulted in an increase in PLC-β3 protein expression at the plasma membrane. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MAL in mpkCCD cells resulted in a decrease in PLC-β3 protein expression and an increase in PIP2 abundance. Moreover, kidneys from salt-loaded mice showed less Mal membrane protein expression compared with non-salt-loaded mice. Taken together, Mal protein may play an essential role in the negative feedback of ENaC gating in principal cells of the collecting duct.

Role of epithelial sodium channels in the regulation of lung fluid homeostasis

In utero, fetal lung epithelial cells actively secrete Cl(-) ions into the lung air spaces while Na(+) ions follow passively to maintain electroneutrality. This process, driven by an electrochemical gradient generated by the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, is responsible for the secretion of fetal fluid that is essential for normal lung development. Shortly before birth, a significant upregulation of amiloride-sensitive epithelial channels (ENaCs) on the apical side of the lung epithelial cells results in upregulation of active Na(+) transport. This process is critical for the reabsorption of fetal lung fluid and the establishment of optimum gas exchange. In the adult lung, active Na(+) reabsorption across distal lung epithelial cells limits the degree of alveolar edema in patients with acute lung injury and cardiogenic edema. Cl(-) ions are transported either paracellularly or transcellularly to preserve electroneutrality. An increase in Cl(-) secretion across the distal lung epithelium has been reported following an acute increase in left atrial pressure and may result in pulmonary edema. In contrast, airway epithelial cells secrete Cl(-) through apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels and absorb Na(+). Thus the coordinated action of Cl(-) secretion and Na(+) absorption is essential for maintenance of the volume of epithelial lining fluid that, in turn, maximizes mucociliary clearance and facilitates clearance of bacteria and debris from the lungs. Any factor that interferes with Na(+) or Cl(-) transport or dramatically upregulates ENaC activity in airway epithelial cells has been associated with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive lung disease. In this review we focus on the role of the ENaC, the mechanisms involved in ENaC regulation, and how ENaC dysregulation can lead to lung pathology.

Basolateral P2X₄channels stimulate ENaC activity in Xenopus cortical collecting duct A6 cells

The polarized nature of epithelial cells allows for different responses to luminal or serosal stimuli. In kidney tubules, ATP is produced luminally in response to changes in luminal flow. Luminal increases in ATP have been previously shown to inhibit the renal epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC). On the other hand, ATP is increased basolaterally in renal epithelia in response to aldosterone. We tested the hypothesis that basolateral ATP can stimulate ENaC function through activation of the P2X₄receptor/channel. Using single channel cell-attached patch-clamp techniques, we demonstrated the existence of a basolaterally expressed channel stimulated by the P2X₄agonist 2-methylthio-ATP (meSATP) in Xenopus A6 cells, a renal collecting duct principal cell line. This channel had a similar reversal potential and conductance to that of P2X₄channels. Cell surface biotinylation of the basolateral side of these cells confirmed the basolateral presence of the P2X4 receptor. Basolateral addition of meSATP enhanced the activity of ENaC in single channel patch-clamp experiments, an effect that was absent in cells transfected with a dominant negative P2X₄receptor construct, indicating that activation of P2X₄channels stimulates ENaC activity in these cells. The effect of meSATP on ENaC activity was reduced after chelation of basolateral Ca²⁺ with EGTA or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with LY-294002. Overall, our results show that ENaC is stimulated by P2X₄receptor activation and that the stimulation is dependent on increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation.

ENaC activity and expression is decreased in the lungs of protein kinase C-α knockout mice

We used a PKC-α knockout model to investigate the regulation of alveolar epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) by PKC. Primary alveolar type II (ATII) cells were subjected to cell-attached patch clamp. In the absence of PKC-α, the open probability (Po) of ENaC was decreased by half compared with wild-type mice. The channel density (N) was also reduced in the knockout mice. Using in vivo biotinylation, membrane localization of all three ENaC subunits (α, β, and γ) was decreased in the PKC-α knockout lung, compared with the wild-type. Confocal microscopy of lung slices showed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lungs of the PKC-α knockout mice vs. the wild-type. High levels of ROS in the knockout lung can be explained by a decrease in both cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity. Elevated levels of ROS in the knockout lung activates PKC-δ and leads to reduced dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 by MAP kinase phosphatase, which in turn causes increased internalization of ENaC via ubiquitination by the ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4-2. In addition, in the knockout lung, PKC-δ activates ERK, causing a decrease in ENaC density at the apical alveolar membrane. PKC-δ also phosphorylates MARCKS, leading to a decrease in ENaC Po. The effects of ROS and PKC-δ were confirmed with patch-clamp experiments on isolated ATII cells in which the ROS scavenger, Tempol, or a PKC-δ-specific inhibitor added to patches reversed the observed decrease in ENaC apical channel density and Po. These results explain the decrease in ENaC activity in PKC-α knockout lung.

ENaC activity is increased in isolated, split-open cortical collecting ducts from protein kinase Cα knockout mice

The epithelial Na channel (ENaC) is negatively regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) as shown using PKC activators in a cell culture model. To determine whether PKCα influences ENaC activity in vivo, we examined the regulation of ENaC in renal tubules from PKCα⁻/⁻ mice. Cortical collecting ducts were dissected and split open, and the exposed principal cells were subjected to cell-attached patch clamp. In the absence of PKCα, the open probability (P₀) of ENaC was increased three-fold vs. wild-type SV129 mice (0.52 ± 0.04 vs. 0.17 ± 0.02). The number of channels per patch was also increased. Using confocal microscopy, we observed an increase in membrane localization of α-, β-, and γ-subunits of ENaC in principal cells in the cortical collecting ducts of PKCα⁻/⁻ mice compared with wild-type mice. To confirm this increase, one kidney from each animal was perfused with biotin, and membrane protein was pulled down with streptavidin. The nonbiotinylated kidney was used to assess total protein. While total ENaC protein did not change in PKCα⁻/⁻ mice, membrane localization of all the ENaC subunits was increased. The increase in membrane ENaC could be explained by the observation that ERK1/2 phosphorylation was decreased in the knockout mice. These results imply a reduction in ENaC membrane accumulation and P₀ by PKCα in vivo. The PKC-mediated increase in ENaC activity was associated with an increase in blood pressure in knockout mice fed a high-salt diet.

The inhibitory effect of Gβγ and Gβ isoform specificity on ENaC activity

Epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) activity, which determines the rate of renal Na(+) reabsorption, can be regulated by G protein-coupled receptors. Regulation of ENaC by Gα-mediated downstream effectors has been studied extensively, but the effect of Gβγ dimers on ENaC is unclear. A6 cells endogenously contain high levels of Gβ1 but low levels of Gβ3, Gβ4, and Gβ5 were detected by Q-PCR. We tested Gγ2 combined individually with Gβ1 through Gβ5 expressed in A6 cells, after which we recorded single-channel ENaC activity. Among the five β and γ2 combinations, β1γ2 strongly inhibits ENaC activity by reducing both ENaC channel number (N) and open probability (Po) compared with control cells. In contrast, the other four β-isoforms combined with γ2 have no significant effect on ENaC activity. By using various inhibitors to probe Gβ1γ2 effects on ENaC regulation, we found that Gβ1γ2-mediated ENaC inhibition involved activation of phospholipase C-β and its enzymatic products that induce protein kinase C and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Cyclosporine stimulates the renal epithelial sodium channel by elevating cholesterol

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an efficient immunosuppressant used for reducing allograft rejection but with a severe side effect of causing hypertension. We hypothesize that the renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) may participate in CsA-induced hypertension. In the present study, we used the patch-clamp cell-attached configuration to examine whether and how CsA stimulates ENaC in A6 distal nephron cells. The data showed that CsA significantly increased ENaC open probability. Since CsA is an inhibitor of the ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) transporter, we employed 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), another ABCA1 inhibitor, and found that DIDS mimicked the effects of CsA on ENaC basal and cholesterol-induced activity but without any additive effect if combined with CsA. CsA and DIDS also had an identical effect on reduced ENaC activity caused by cholesterol extraction. ABCA1 protein was detected in A6 cells by Western blot analysis. Confocal microscopy data showed that both CsA and DIDS facilitated A6 cells to uptake cholesterol. Since enhanced ENaC activity is known to cause hypertension, these data together suggest that CsA may cause hypertension by stimulating ENaC through a pathway associated with inhibition of ABCA1 and consequent elevation of cholesterol in the cells.

Ceramide mediates inhibition of the renal epithelial sodium channel by tumor necrosis factor-alpha through protein kinase C

To determine whether ceramide mediates regulation of the renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), confocal microscopy and patch-clamp experiments were performed in A6 distal nephron cells. We found that TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml) had no effect on ENaC activity and ceramide level when the cells were grown in the presence of aldosterone, but significantly inhibited ENaC and induced ceramide production after the cells were pretreated with LY 294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, for 24 h. The inhibition of ENaC induced by TNF-alpha was mimicked by exogenous sphingomyelinase (0.1 U/ml) and C(2)-ceramide (50 microM), but neither C(2)-dihydroceramide, a membrane-impermeable analog of C(2)-ceramide, nor choline, and abolished by pretreatment with GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. C(2)-ceramide failed to affect ENaC in the cells pretreated with GF109203X, but not in the cells pretreated with PD-98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor. C(2)-ceramide induced the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) in control A6 cells, but not in the cells pretreated with GF109203X. Together with our previous finding that cytosolic PS maintains ENaC activity in A6 cells, these data suggest that ceramide mediates TNF-alpha inhibition of the renal ENaC via a pathway associated with PKC-dependent externalization of PS.

Regulation of the epithelial sodium channel by phosphatidylinositides: experiments, implications, and speculations

Recent studies suggest that the activity of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) is increased by phosphatidylinositides, especially phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P(3)). Stimulation of phospholipase C by either adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-activation of purinergic P2Y receptors or epidermal growth factor (EGF)-activation of EGF receptors reduces membrane PI(4,5)P(2), and consequently decreases ENaC activity. Since ATP and EGF may be trapped in cysts formed by the distal tubule, it is possible that ENaC inhibition induced by ATP and EGF facilitates cyst formation in polycystic kidney diseases (PKD). However, some results suggest that ENaC activity is increased in PKD. In contrast to P2Y and EGF receptors, stimulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor by aldosterone or insulin produces PI(3,4,5)P(3), and consequently increases ENaC activity. The acute effect of aldosterone on ENaC activity through PI(3,4,5)P(3) possibly accounts for the initial feedback for blood volume recovery after hypovolemic hypotension. PI(4,5)P(2) and PI(3,4,5)P(3), respectively, interacts with the N terminus of beta-ENaC and the C terminus of gamma-ENaC. However, whether ENaC selectively binds to PI(4,5)P(2) and PI(3,4,5)P(3) over other anionic phospholipids remains unclear.

Modulation of Na+ transport and epithelial sodium channel expression by protein kinase C in rat alveolar epithelial cells

Although the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays an important role in the modulation of alveolar liquid clearance, the precise mechanism of its regulation in alveolar epithelial cells is still under investigation. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to alter ENaC expression and activity in renal epithelial cells, but much less is known about its role in alveolar epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to determine whether PKC activation modulates ENaC expression and transepithelial Na+ transport in cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells. Alveolar type II cells were isolated and cultured for 3 to 4 d before they were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA 100 nmol/L) for 4 to 24 h. PMA treatment significantly decreased alpha, beta, and gammaENaC expression in a time-dependent manner, whereas an inactive form of phorbol ester had no apparent effect. This inhibitory action was seen with only 5-min exposure to PMA, which suggested that PKC activation was very important for the reduction of alphaENaC expression. The PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide at 2 micromol/L and Gö6976 at 2 micromol/L diminished the PMA-induced suppression of alphaENaC expression, while rottlerin at 1 micromol/L had no effect. PMA elicited a decrease in total and amiloride-sensitive current across alveolar epithelial cell monolayers. This decline in amiloride-sensitive current was not blocked by PKC inhibitors except for a partial inhibition with bisindolylmaleimide. PMA induced a decrease in rubidium uptake, indicating potential Na+-K+-ATPase inhibition. However, since ouabain-sensitive current in apically permeabilized epithelial cells was similar in PMA-treated and control cells, the inhibition was most probably related to reduced Na+ entry at the apical surface of the cells. We conclude that PKC activation modulates ENaC expression and probably ENaC activity in alveolar epithelial cells. Ca2+-dependent PKC is potentially involved in this response.

Dopamine regulation of amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in lung cells

Dopamine increases lung fluid clearance. This is partly due to activation of basolateral Na-K-ATPase. However, activation of Na-K-ATPase by itself is unlikely to produce large changes in transepithelial transport. Therefore, we examined apical and basolateral dopamine's effect on apical, highly selective sodium channels [epithelial sodium channels (ENaC)] in monolayers of an alveolar type 2 cell line (L2). Dopamine increased channel open probability (P(o)) without changing the unitary current. The D(1) receptor blocker SCH-23390 blocked the dopamine effect, but the D(2) receptor blocker sulpiride did not. The dopamine-mediated increase in ENaC activity was not a secondary effect of dopamine stimulation of Na-K-ATPase, since ouabain applied to the basolateral surface to block the activity of Na-K-ATPase did not alter dopamine-mediated ENaC activity. Protein kinase A (PKA) was not responsible for dopamine's effect since a PKA inhibitor, H89, did not reduce dopamine's effect. However, cpt-2-O-Me-cAMP, which selectively binds and activates EPAC (exchange protein activated by cAMP) but not PKA, increased ENaC P(o). An Src inhibitor, PP2, and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor, LY-294002, blocked dopamine's effect on ENaC. In addition, an MEK blocker, U0126, an inhibitor of phospholipase A(2), and a protein phosphatase inhibitor also blocked the effect of dopamine on ENaC P(o). Finally, since the cAMP-EPAC-Rap1 pathway also activates DARPP32 (32-kDa dopamine response protein phosphatase), we confirmed that dopamine phosphorylates DARPP32, and okadaic acid, which blocks phosphatases (DARPP32), also blocks dopamine's effect. In summary, dopamine increases ENaC activity by a cAMP-mediated alternative signaling pathway involving EPAC and Rap1, signaling molecules usually associated with growth-factor-activated receptors.

Acute regulation of epithelial sodium channel by anionic phospholipids

Anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) are normally located in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, where these anionic phospholipids can regulate transmembrane proteins, including ion channels and transporters. Recent work has demonstrated that (1) ATP inhibits the renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via a phospholipase C-dependent pathway that reduces PIP(2), (2) aldosterone stimulates ENaC via phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and (3) PIP(2) and PIP(3) regulate ENaC. Several lines of evidence show that ATP stimulation of purinergic P2Y receptors hydrolyzes PIP(2) and that aldosterone stimulation of steroid receptors induces PIP(3) formation. These studies together suggest that one primary mechanism for regulating ENaC is by alteration of anionic phospholipids and that the receptor-mediated and hormonal regulation of ENaC works through a variety of signaling pathways, but many of these pathways finally alter ENaC activity by regulating the formation or degradation of anionic phospholipids. Therefore, changes in the concentration of PIP(2) and PIP(3) are hypothesized to participate in the regulation of ENaC by purinergic and corticoid receptors. The underlying mechanism may be associated with a physical interaction of the positively charged cytoplasmic domains of the beta- and gamma-ENaC with the negatively charged membrane phospholipids. The exact nature of this interaction will require further investigation.

Epithelial Sodium Channel Inhibition by AMP-activated Protein Kinase in Oocytes and Polarized Renal Epithelial Cells

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) regulates epithelial salt and water reabsorption, processes that require significant expenditure of cellular energy. To test whether the ubiquitous metabolic sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) regulates ENaC, we examined the effects of AMPK activation on amiloride-sensitive currents in Xenopus oocytes and polarized mouse collecting duct mpkCCD(c14) cells. Microinjection of oocytes expressing mouse ENaC (mENaC) with either active AMPK protein or an AMPK activator inhibited mENaC currents relative to controls as measured by two-electrode voltage-clamp studies. Similarly, pharmacological AMPK activation or overexpression of an activating AMPK mutant in mpkCCD(c14) cells inhibited amiloride-sensitive short circuit currents. Expression of a degenerin mutant beta-mENaC subunit (S518K) along with wild type alpha and gamma increased the channel open probability (P(o)) to approximately 1. However, AMPK activation inhibited currents similarly with expression of either degenerin mutant or wild type mENaC. Single channel recordings under these conditions demonstrated that neither P(o) nor channel conductance was affected by AMPK activation. Moreover, expression of a Liddle's syndrome-type beta-mENaC mutant (Y618A) greatly enhanced ENaC whole cell currents relative to wild type ENaC controls and prevented AMPK-dependent inhibition. These findings indicate that AMPK-dependent ENaC inhibition is mediated through a decrease in the number of active channels at the plasma membrane (N), presumably through enhanced Nedd4-2-dependent ENaC endocytosis. The AMPK-ENaC interaction appears to be indirect; AMPK did not bind ENaC in cells, as assessed by in vivo pull-down assays, nor did it phosphorylate ENaC in vitro. In summary, these results suggest a novel mechanism for coupling ENaC activity and renal Na(+) handling to cellular metabolic status through AMPK, which may help prevent cellular Na(+) loading under hypoxic or ischemic conditions.

Alveolarization in retinoic acid receptor-beta-deficient mice

Retinoids bind to nuclear receptors [retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors]. RARbeta, one of three isoforms of RARs (alpha, beta, and gamma), is expressed in the fetal and adult lung. We hypothesized that RARbeta plays a role in alveolarization. Using morphometric analysis, we determined that there was a significant increase in the volume density of airspace in the alveolar region of the lung at 28, 42, and 56 d postnatal age in RARbeta null mice when compared with wild-type controls. The mean cord length of the respiratory airspaces was increased in RARbeta null animals at 42 d postnatal age. Respiratory gas-exchange surface area per unit lung volume was significantly decreased in RARbeta null animals at 28, 42, and 56 d postnatal age. In addition, alveolar ducts tended to comprise a greater proportion of the lung airspaces in the RARbeta null mice. The RARbeta null mice also had impaired respiratory function when compared with wild-type control mice. There was no effect of RARbeta gene deletion on lung platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor alpha mRNA levels in postnatal lung tissue at several postnatal ages. However PDGF-A protein levels were significantly lower in the RARbeta null mice than in wild-type controls. Thus, deletion of the RARbeta gene impairs the formation of the distal airspaces during the postnatal phase of lung maturation in mice via a pathway that may involve PDGF-A.

A Novel Pathway of Epithelial Sodium Channel Activation Involves a Serum- and Glucocorticoid-inducible Kinase Consensus Motif in the C Terminus of the Channel's α-Subunit

Aldosterone-induced serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoform 1 (SGK1) contributes to the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), the activity of which is critical for long term blood pressure control. Aldosterone-induced SGK1 is thought to enhance ENaC surface expression by phosphorylating Nedd4-2 and thereby preventing ENaC retrieval and degradation. In outside-out membrane patches of Xenopus laevis oocytes heterologously expressing ENaC, amiloride-sensitive ENaC currents were enhanced by phosphatase inhibitors and were dependent on cytosolic Mg(2+). This indicates that a kinase is involved in channel regulation. Indeed, recombinant constitutively active SGK1, included in the pipette solution, caused a sustained 2- to 3-fold increase of ENaC currents. Deletion of the C terminus of alphaENaC largely reduced the stimulatory effect of SGK1, whereas stimulation by SGK1 did not require the presence of the C termini of the beta- or gamma-subunits. Replacing the serine residue Ser(621) of the SGK1 consensus motif in the C terminus of the alpha-subunit by an alanine specifically abolished the stimulatory effect of SGK. Our findings indicate that SGK1 can stimulate ENaC activity independently of an inhibition of Nedd4-2-mediated channel retrieval. This defines a novel regulatory pathway likely to be relevant for aldosterone-induced stimulation of ENaC in vivo.

Influenza virus inhibits ENaC and lung fluid clearance

Fluid-free alveolar space is critical for normal gas exchange. Influenza virus alters fluid transport across respiratory epithelia producing rhinorrhea, middle ear effusions, and alveolar flooding. However, the mechanism of fluid retention remains unclear. We investigated influenza virus strain A/PR/8/34, which can attach and enter mammalian cells but is incapable of viral replication and productive infection in mammalian epithelia, on epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in rat alveolar type II (ATII) cells. In parallel, we determined the effects of virus on amiloride-sensitive (i.e., ENaC-mediated) fluid clearance in rat lungs in vivo. Although influenza virus did not change the inulin permeability of ATII monolayers, it rapidly reduced the net volume transport across monolayers. Virus reduced the open probability of single ENaC channels in apical cell-attached patches. U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, and PP2, a Src inhibitor, blocked the effect of virus on ENaC. GF-109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, also blocked the effect, suggesting a PKC-mediated mechanism. In parallel, intratracheal administration of influenza virus produced a rapid inhibition of amiloride-sensitive (i.e., ENaC-dependent) lung fluid transport. Together, these results show that influenza virus rapidly inhibits ENaC in ATII cells via a PLC- and Src-mediated activation of PKC but does not increase epithelial permeability in this same rapid time course. We speculate that this rapid inhibition of ENaC and formation of edema when the virus first attaches to the alveolar epithelium might facilitate subsequent influenza infection and may exacerbate influenza-mediated alveolar flooding that can lead to acute respiratory failure and death.

A 5'-distal element mediates vitamin D-inducibility of PDGF-A gene transcription

Expression of the platelet-derived growth factor-A subunit (PDGF-A) is regulated to a significant degree by DNA elements located in the 5'-distal region of the gene. A potent basal enhancer (ACE66) located approximately 7 kb upstream of the transcription start site contains a number of half-sites for nuclear receptor binding, two of which are arranged in the form of direct repeat-3 motif that corresponds to a consensus vitamin D response element (VDRE). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that the ACE66 sequence was recognized as a high affinity target for binding of heterodimers of recombinant vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its partner, retinoid-X receptor-alpha (RXRalpha). VDRE activity was localized by transient transfection analysis to a direct repeat-3 motif within the 5'-portion of the ACE66 element. Moreover, 1,25-(OH)2D3 was validated as a regulator of the endogenous PDGF-A gene by the vitamin D-stimulated upregulation of PDGF-A mRNA levels in a VDR-expressing clone of JEG-3 cells. Thus, PDGF-A represents a novel mitogenic target of 1,25-(OH)2D3 whose expression is induced via binding of hormone-activated VDR to a response element located far upstream of the transcription start site.

Phosphatase inhibitors increase the open probability of ENaC in A6 cells

We studied the cellular phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid (OKA), calyculin A, and microcystin on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in A6 renal cells. OKA increased the amiloride-sensitive current after approximately 30 min with maximal stimulation at 1-2 h. Fluctuation analysis of cell-attached patches containing a large number of ENaC yielded power spectra with corner frequencies in untreated cells almost two times as large as in cells pretreated for 30 min with OKA, implying an increase in single channel open probability (P(o)) that doubled after OKA. Single channel analysis showed that, in cells pretreated with OKA, P(o) and mean open time approximately doubled. Two other phosphatase inhibitors, calyculin A and microcystin, had similar effects on P(o) and mean open time. An analog of OKA, okadaone, that does not inhibit phosphatases had no effect. Pretreatment with 10 nM OKA, which blocks protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) but not PP1 in mammalian cells, had no effect even though both phosphatases are present in A6 cells. Several proteins were differentially phosphorylated after OKA, but ENaC subunit phosphorylation did not increase. We conclude that, in A6 cells, there is an OKA-sensitive phosphatase that suppresses ENaC activity by altering the phosphorylation of a regulatory molecule associated with the channel.

Role of PKCalpha in feedback regulation of Na(+) transport in an electrically tight epithelium

It has long been known that Na(+) channels in electrically tight epithelia are regulated by homeostatic mechanisms that maintain a steady state and allow new levels of transport to be sustained in hormonally challenged cells. Little is known about the potential pathways involved in these processes. In addition to short-term effect, recent evidence also indicates the involvement of PKC in the long-term regulation of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) at the protein level (40). To determine whether stimulation of ENaC involves feedback regulation of PKC levels, we utilized Western blot analysis to determine the distribution of PKC isoforms in polarized A6 epithelia. We found the presence of PKC isoforms in the conventional (alpha and gamma), novel (delta, eta, and epsilon), and atypical (iota, lambda, and zeta) groups. Steady-state stimulation of Na(+) transport with aldosterone was accompanied by a specific decrease of PKCalpha protein levels in both the cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. Similarly, overnight treatment with an uncharged amiloride analog (CDPC), a procedure that through feedback regulation causes a stimulation of Na(+) transport, also decreased PKCalpha levels. These effects were additive, indicating separate mechanisms that converge at the level of PKCalpha. These effects were not accompanied by changes of PKCalpha mRNA levels as determined by Northern blot analysis. We propose that this may represent a novel regulatory feedback mechanism necessary for sustaining an increase of Na(+) transport.

SRC family kinases mediate epithelial Na+ channel inhibition by endothelin

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is implicated in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension. Recent evidence from animal models suggests that the vasoactive peptide, endothelin (ET-1), may be an important negative regulator of ENaC in vivo. We investigated the signaling pathway involved in endothelin-mediated ENaC inhibition. Experiments were performed in NIH 3T3 cells stably expressing genes for the three (alpha, beta, and gamma) ENaC subunits. In whole cell patch clamp experiments, we found that ET-1 treatment induced a dose-dependent decrease in amiloride-sensitive currents. Using receptor-specific antagonists, we determined that the effects of ET-1 were attributed to activation of the ET(B) receptor. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of ET-1 on ENaC could be completely blocked when cells were pretreated with the selective Src family kinase inhibitor, PP2. Further studies revealed that basal Src family kinase activity strongly regulates ENaC whole cell currents and single channel gating. These results suggest that Src family kinases lie in a signaling pathway activated by ET-1 and are components of a novel negative regulatory cascade resulting in ENaC inhibition.

S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase is necessary for aldosterone-induced activity of epithelial Na(+) channels

The A6 cell line was used to study the role of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHHase) in the aldosterone-induced activation of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). Because aldosterone increases methylation of several different molecules, and because this methylation is associated with increased Na(+) reabsorption, we tested the hypothesis that aldosterone increases the expression and activity of SAHHase protein. The rationale for this work is that general methylation may be promoted by activation of SAHHase, the only enzyme known to metabolize SAH, a potent end-product inhibitor of methylation. Although aldosterone increased SAHHase activity, steroid did not affect SAHHase expression. Antisense SAHHase oligonucleotide decreased SAHHase expression and activity. Moreover, this oligonucleotide, as well as a pharmacological inhibitor of SAHHase, decreased aldosterone-induced activity of ENaC via a decrease in ENaC open probability. The kinetics of ENaC in cells treated with antisense plus aldosterone were similar to those reported previously for the channel in the absence of steroid. This is the first report showing that active SAHHase, in part, increases ENaC open probability by reducing the transition rate from open states in response to aldosterone. Thus aldosterone-induced SAHHase activity plays a critical role in shifting ENaC from a gating mode with short open and closed times to one with longer open and closed times.