Expression of PGT in MDCK cell monolayers: polarized apical localization and induction of active PG transport

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene: Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene (CEAS) is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss. This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS, focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage, inflammation, and disruption of the intestinal barrier. The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality, as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS. Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel, targeted therapies.

Visual quantification of prostaglandin E2 discharge from a single cell

Calcium transients drive cells to discharge prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). We visualized PGE2-induced protein kinase A (PKA) activation and quantitated PGE2 secreted from a single cell by combining fluorescence microscopy and a simulation model. For this purpose, we first prepared PGE2-producer cells that express either an optogenetic or a chemogenetic calcium channel stimulator: OptoSTIM1 or Gq-DREADD, respectively. Second, we prepared reporter cells expressing the Gs-coupled PGE2 reporter EP2 and the PKA biosensor Booster-PKA, which is based on the principle of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon the stimulation-induced triggering of calcium transients, a single producer cell discharges PGE2 to stimulate PKA in the surrounding reporter cells. Due to the flow of the medium, the PKA-activated area exhibited a comet-like smear when HeLa cells were used. In contrast, radial PKA activation was observed when confluent MDCK cells were used, indicating that PGE2 diffusion was restricted to the basolateral space. By fitting the radius of the PKA-activated area to a simulation model based on simple diffusion, we estimated that a single HeLa cell secretes 0.25 fmol PGE2 upon a single calcium transient to activate PKA in more than 1000 neighboring cells. This model also predicts that the PGE2 discharge rate is comparable to the diffusion rate. Thus, our method quantitatively envisions that a single calcium transient affects more than 1000 neighboring cells via PGE2.Key words: prostaglandin E2, imaging, intercellular communication, biosensor, quantification.

Homozygous Missense Variant in the Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 2A1 (SLCO2A1) Gene Underlies Isolated Nail Clubbing

BACKGROUND

Inherited isolated nail clubbing is a very rare Mendelian condition in humans, characterized by enlargement of the terminal segments of fingers and toes with thickened nails. Mutations in two genes have been reported to cause isolated nail clubbing in humans, which are the SLCO2A1 gene and the HPGD gene.

OBJECTIVES

An extended Pakistani family having two affected siblings born of unaffected consanguineous union was included in the study. Predominant isolated congenital nail clubbing (ICNC) without any other systemic abnormalities was observed, which we aimed to characterize at clinico-genetic level.

METHODS

Whole exome coupled with Sanger sequencing were employed to uncover the sequence variant as a cause of the disease. Furthermore, protein modeling was carried out to reveal the predicted possible effect of the mutation at the protein level.

RESULTS

Whole exome sequencing data analysis revealed a novel biallelic sequence variant (c.155T>A; p.Phe52Tyr) in the SLCO2A1 gene. Further, Sanger sequencing analysis validated and confirmed the segregation of the novel variant in the entire family. Subsequently, protein modeling of the wild-type and mutated SLCO2A1 revealed broad-scale change, which might compromise the proteins' secondary structure and function.

CONCLUSION

The present study adds another mutation to the SLCO2A1-related pathophysiology. The involvement of SLCO2A1 in the pathogenesis of ICNC may open exciting perceptions of this gene in nail development/morphogenesis.

Recent advances in studies of SLCO2A1 as a key regulator of the delivery of prostaglandins to their sites of action

Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1, also known as PGT, OATP2A1, PHOAR2, or SLC21A2) is a plasma membrane transporter consisting of 12 transmembrane domains. It is ubiquitously expressed in tissues, and mediates the membrane transport of prostaglandins (PGs, mainly PGE₂, PGF_2α, PGD₂) and thromboxanes (e.g., TxB₂). SLCO2A1-mediated transport is electrogenic and is facilitated by an outwardly directed gradient of lactate. PGs imported by SLCO2A1 are rapidly oxidized by cytoplasmic 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH, encoded by HPGD). Accumulated evidence suggests that SLCO2A1 plays critical roles in many physiological processes in mammals, and it is considered a potential pharmacological target for diabetic foot ulcer treatment, antipyresis, and non-hormonal contraception. Furthermore, whole-exome analyses suggest that recessive inheritance of SLCO2A1 mutations is associated with two refractory diseases, primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) and chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 (CEAS). Intriguingly, SLCO2A1 is also a key component of the Maxi-Cl channel, which regulates fluxes of inorganic and organic anions, including ATP. Further study of the bimodal function of SLCO2A1 as a transporter and ion channel is expected to throw new light on the complex pathology of human diseases. Here, we review and summarize recent information on the molecular functions of SLCO2A1, and we discuss its pathophysiological significance.

Endometrial response to conceptus-derived estrogen and interleukin-1β at the time of implantation in pigs

The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes at the time of implantation and introduces various factors, including estrogens and cytokines, interleukin-1β2 (IL1B2), interferon-γ (IFNG), and IFN-δ (IFND), into the uterine lumen. In response to ovarian steroid hormones and conceptus-derived factors, the uterine endometrium becomes receptive to the implanting conceptus by changing its expression of cell adhesion molecules, secretory activity, and immune response. Conceptus-derived estrogens act as a signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy by changing the direction of prostaglandin (PG) F_2α from the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen. Estrogens also induce the expression of many endometrial genes, including genes related to growth factors, the synthesis and transport of PGs, and immunity. IL1B2, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by the elongating conceptus. The direct effect of IL1B2 on endometrial function is not fully understood. IL1B activates the expression of endometrial genes, including the genes involved in IL1B signaling and PG synthesis and transport. In addition, estrogen or IL1B stimulates endometrial expression of IFN signaling molecules, suggesting that estrogen and IL1B act cooperatively in priming the endometrial function of conceptus-produced IFNG and IFND that, in turn, modulate endometrial immune response during early pregnancy. This review addresses information about maternal-conceptus interactions with respect to endometrial gene expression in response to conceptus-derived factors, focusing on the roles of estrogen and IL1B during early pregnancy in pigs.

Prostaglandin transporter in the rat brain: its localization and induction by lipopolysaccharide

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is produced in the brain during infectious/inflammatory diseases, and it mediates acute-phase responses including fever. In the recovery phase of such diseases, PGE₂ disappears from the brain through yet unidentified mechanisms. Rat prostaglandin transporter (PGT), which facilitates transmembrane transport of PGE₂, might be involved in the clearance of PGE₂ from the brain. Here, we examined the cellular localization of PGT mRNA and its protein in the brains of untreated rats and those injected intraperitoneally with a pyrogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline. PGT mRNA was weakly expressed in the arachnoid membrane of untreated rats and saline-injected ones, but was induced in blood vessels of the subarachnoidal space and choroid plexus and in arachnoid membrane at 5 h and 12 h after LPS injection. In the same type of cells, PGT-like immunoreactivity was found in the cytosol and cell membrane even under nonstimulated conditions, and its level was also elevated after LPS injection. PGT-positive cells in blood vessels were identified as endothelial cells. In most cases, PGT was not colocalized with cyclooxygenase-2, a marker of prostaglandin-producing cells. The PGE₂ level in the cerebrospinal fluid reached its peak at 3 h after LPS, and then dropped over 50% by 5 h, which time point coincides with the maximum PGT mRNA expression and enhanced level of PGT protein. These results suggest that PGT is involved in the clearance of PGE₂ from the brain during the recovery phase of LPS-induced acute-phase responses.

Regulation of prostaglandin EP1 and EP4 receptor signaling by carrier-mediated ligand reuptake

After synthesis and release from cells, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) undergoes reuptake by the prostaglandin transporter (PGT), followed by cytoplasmic oxidation. Although genetic inactivation of PGT in mice and humans results in distinctive phenotypes, and although experiments in localized environments show that manipulating PGT alters downstream cellular events, a direct mechanistic link between PGT activity and PGE₂ (EP) receptor activation has not been made. Toward this end, we created two reconstituted systems to examine the effect of PGT expression on PGE₂ signaling via two of its receptors (EP₁ and EP₄). In human embryonic kidney cells engineered to express the EP₁ receptor, exogenous PGE₂ induced a dose-dependent increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺. When PGT was expressed at the plasma membrane, the PGE₂ dose–response curve was right-shifted, consistent with reduction in cell surface PGE₂ availability; a potent PGT inhibitor acutely reversed this shift. When bradykinin was used to induce endogenous PGE₂ release, PGT expression similarly induced a reduction in Ca²⁺ responses. In separate experiments using Madin–Darby Canine Kidney cells engineered to express the PGE₂ receptor EP₄, bradykinin again induced autocrine PGE₂ signaling, as judged by an abrupt increase in intracellular cAMP. As in the EP₁ experiments, expression of PGT at the plasma membrane caused a reduction in bradykinin-induced cAMP accumulation. Pharmacological concentrations of exogenous PGE₂ induced EP₄ receptor desensitization, an effect that was mitigated by PGT. Thus, at an autocrine/paracrine level, plasma membrane PGT regulates PGE₂ signaling by decreasing ligand availability at cell surface receptors.

Prostaglandin E2 induces chloride secretion through crosstalk between cAMP and calcium signaling in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells

Under conditions of high dietary salt intake, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production is increased in the collecting duct and promotes urinary sodium chloride (NaCl) excretion; however, the molecular mechanisms by which PGE2 increases NaCl excretion in this context have not been clearly defined. We used the mouse inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD)-K2 cell line to characterize mechanisms underlying PGE2-regulated NaCl transport. When epithelial Na(+) channels were inhibited, PGE2 exclusively stimulated basolateral EP4 receptors to increase short-circuit current (Isc(PGE2)). We found that Isc(PGE2) was sensitive to inhibition by H-89 and CFTR-172, indicating that EP4 receptors signal through protein kinase A to induce Cl(-) secretion via cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Unexpectedly, we also found that Isc(PGE2) was sensitive to inhibition by BAPTA-AM (Ca(2+) chelator), 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) (inositol triphosphate receptor blocker), and flufenamic acid (FFA) [Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel (CACC) inhibitor], suggesting that EP4 receptors also signal through Ca(2+) to induce Cl(-) secretion via CACC. Additionally, we observed that PGE2 stimulated an increase in Isc through crosstalk between cAMP and Ca(2+) signaling; BAPTA-AM or 2-APB inhibited a component of Isc(PGE2) that was sensitive to CFTR-172 inhibition; H-89 inhibited a component of Isc(PGE2) that was sensitive to FFA inhibition. Together, our findings indicate that PGE2 activates basolateral EP4 receptors and signals through both cAMP and Ca(2+) to stimulate Cl(-) secretion in IMCD-K2 cells. We propose that these signaling pathways, and the crosstalk between them, may provide a concerted mechanism for enhancing urinary NaCl excretion under conditions of high dietary NaCl intake.

Eicosanoid biosynthesis during mucociliary and mucous metaplastic differentiation of bronchial epithelial cells

The purpose of this study was to examine the profile of eicosanoids secreted by human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) during their in vitro differentiation toward mucociliary or mucous metaplastic phenotype. Eicosanoids were measured in supernatants by mass spectrometry, and corresponding gene expression by real-time PCR. Primary HBEC produced mainly prostaglandins (PGE2, PGD2) and epoxides (e.g. 14,15-EET), but during further mucociliary differentiation we observed a gradual increase in secretion of lipoxygenase derived HETEs. Treatment with IL-13 and IL-4 induced mucous metaplasia and resulted in downregulation of PG pathway, and potent induction of 15-lipoxygenase (marked release of 15-HETE). The deficiency in PG production sustained during long term culture of mucous metaplastic epithelia. In conclusions, Th2-type cytokines induce changes in eicosanoid metabolism of airway epithelial cells, resulting in an immense induction of 15-lipoxygenase pathway, and inhibition of PG pathways. Deficient production of immunomodulatory PGs may promote chronic inflammation and airway remodeling.

Mutations in the SLCO2A1 gene and primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy: a clinical and biochemical characterization

CONTEXT

We previously demonstrated that deficiency of the prostaglandin transporter (SLCO2A1) is a cause of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). However, its clinical and metabolic characteristics have not been well defined.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to expand this mutational spectrum to better delineate the SLCO2A1 deficiency phenotype and investigate the clinical and metabolic characteristics of a cohort of subjects with PHO.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Eleven affected individuals and their available healthy family members from 9 unrelated Chinese families with PHO (7 of which were previously undescribed) were clinically studied. The SLCO2A1 gene was screened and analyzed. Urinary levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and prostaglandin E metabolite (PGE-M) were measured using competitive ELISAs. The serum levels of total T, estradiol, sex hormone-binding protein, LH, FSH, and fasting gastrin were detected.

RESULTS

Nine different SLCO2A1 mutations were identified in affected individuals in the 7 previously undescribed families, 7 of which (Glu165X, Ala286GlnfsX35, Gln356AlafsX77, Gly369Asp, Gly379Glu, Glu465Lys, and c.861+2T>C) were novel. The urinary levels of PGE₂ and PGE-M were much higher in the SLCO2A1-deficient individuals and decreased with age. There was no relationship between sex hormones and PGE₂ or PGE-M. There was no significant difference in the levels of fasting serum gastrin between PHO patients with watery diarrhea and their relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings broaden the allelic spectrum of SLCO2A1 mutations. The urinary levels of PGE₂ and PGE-M in the SLCO2A1-deficient individuals decreased with age. The measurement of the excreted PGE₂ and PGE-M may have implications in the differential diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of PHO.

Augmented epithelial multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 expression in peritoneal endometriosis: regulation by lipoxin A(4)

OBJECTIVE

To compare the expression of the prostaglandin (PG) E(2) transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue from endometriosis patients with that of control subjects and to examine whether MRP4 is regulated by the antiinflammatory lipid lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) in endometriotic epithelial cells.

DESIGN

Molecular analysis in human samples and a cell line.

SETTING

Two university hospitals and a private clinic.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 59 endometriosis patients and 32 age- and body mass index-matched control subjects undergoing laparoscopy or hysterectomy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Normal, eutopic, and ectopic endometrial biopsies as well as peritoneal fluid were obtained during surgery performed during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. 12Z endometriotic epithelial cells were used for in vitro mechanistic studies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Tissue MRP4 mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and localization was analyzed with the use of immunohistochemistry. Cellular MRP4 mRNA and protein were quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. PGE(2) was measured in peritoneal fluid and cell supernatants using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

RESULT(S)

MRP4 was expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrium, where it was overexpressed in peritoneal lesions and localized in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells. LXA(4) attenuated MRP4 mRNA and protein levels in endometriotic epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, while not affecting the expression of enzymes involved in PGE(2) metabolism. Investigations employing receptor antagonists and small interfering RNA revealed that this occurred through estrogen receptor α. Accordingly, LXA(4) treatment inhibited extracellular PGE(2) release.

CONCLUSION(S)

We report for the first time that MRP4 is expressed in human endometrium, elevated in peritoneal endometriosis, and modulated by LXA(4) in endometriotic epithelial cells.

A clearance system for prostaglandin D2, a sleep-promoting factor, in cerebrospinal fluid: role of the blood-cerebrospinal barrier transporters

Although the level of prostaglandin (PG) D(2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) affects the action of D-type prostanoid receptors that promote physiological sleep, the regulatory system of PGD(2) clearance from the CSF is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate PGD(2) elimination from the CSF via the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB). The in vivo PGD(2) elimination clearance from the CSF was 16-fold greater than that of inulin, which is considered to reflect CSF bulk flow. This process was inhibited by the simultaneous injection of unlabeled PGD(2). The characteristics of PGD(2) uptake by isolated choroid plexus were, at least partially, consistent with those of PG transporter (PGT) and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3). Studies using an oocyte expression system showed that PGT and OAT3 were able to mediate PGD(2) transport with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 1.07 and 7.32 μM, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGT was localized on the brush-border membrane of the choroid plexus epithelial cells. These findings indicate that the system regulating the PGD(2) level in the CSF involves PGT- and OAT3-mediated PGD(2) uptake by the choroid plexus epithelial cells, acting as a pathway for PGD(2) clearance from the CSF via the BCSFB.

Development of a high-affinity inhibitor of the prostaglandin transporter

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) triggers a vast array of biological signals and physiological events. The prostaglandin transporter (PGT) controls PGE(2) influx and is rate-limiting for PGE(2) metabolism and signaling termination. PGT global knockout mice die on postnatal day 1 from patent ductus arteriosus. A high-affinity PGT inhibitor would thus be a powerful tool for studying PGT function in adult animals. Moreover, such an inhibitor could be potentially developed into a therapeutic drug targeting PGT. Based on structure-activity relationship studies that built on recently identified inhibitors of PGT, we obtained N-(2-(2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-4-((4-((2-(2-(2-benzamidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)amino)-6-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamide (T26A), a competitive inhibitor of PGT, with a K(i) of 378 nM. T26A seems to be highly selective for PGT, because it neither interacts with a PGT homolog in the organic anion transporter family nor affects PGE(2) synthesis. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably transfected with PGT, T26A blocked PGE(2) metabolism, resulting in retention of PGE(2) in the extracellular compartment and the negligible appearance of PGE(2) metabolites in the intracellular compartment. Compared with vehicle, T26A injected intravenously into rats effectively doubled the amount of endogenous PGE(2) in the circulation and reduced the level of circulating endogenous PGE(2) metabolites to 50%. Intravenous T26A was also able to slow the metabolism of exogenously injected PGE(2). These results confirm that PGT directly regulates PGE(2) metabolism and demonstrate that a high-affinity inhibitor of PGT can effectively prevent PGE(2) metabolism and prolong the half-life of circulating PGE(2).

Role of EP4 receptor and prostaglandin transporter in prostaglandin E2-induced alteration in colonic epithelial barrier integrity

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is a proinflammatory lipid mediator produced in excess in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PGE(2) couples to and signals via four different E-prostanoid (EP) receptors, namely EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. In this study, we determined a role for PGE(2) and EP4 receptors in altering colonic epithelial barrier integrity. In healthy colonic mucosa, EP4 receptors were localized on apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells at the tip of mucosal folds, whereas, in patients with IBD and in rats with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, they were diffusely overexpressed throughout the mucosa. Similarly, expression of EP4 receptor was polarized in T84 colonic epithelial monolayer and mimics the normal epithelium. Apical exposure of T84 monolayer with high levels of PGE(2) decreased barrier integrity, which was abrogated by an EP4 receptor antagonist. To reveal the mechanism of vectorial transport of basally produced PGE(2) toward apical EP4 receptors, we identified prostaglandin transporters (PGT) in human colonic epithelia. PGT were least expressed on epithelial cells at the colonic mucosal folds of control subjects but overexpressed in epithelial cells of patients with IBD or animals with DSS-induced colitis. T84 monolayer also expressed PGT, which increased twofold following stimulation with TNF-α. Importantly, in T84 monolayer stimulated with TNF-α, there was a corresponding increase in the uptake and vectorial transport of (3)H-PGE(2) to the apical surface. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PGT significantly decreased vectorial transport of (3)H-PGE(2). These studies unravel a mechanism whereby EP4 receptor and PGT play a role in PGE(2)-induced alteration of epithelial barrier integrity in colitis.

Dietary salt induces transcription of the prostaglandin transporter gene in renal collecting ducts

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) plays an important role in maintaining body fluid homeostasis by activating its receptors on the renal collecting duct (CD) to stimulate renal Na(+) and water excretion. The PG carrier prostaglandin transporter (PGT) is expressed on the CD apical membrane, where it mediates PG reuptake as part of the termination of autocrine PG signaling. Here we tested the hypothesis that dietary salt loading regulates PGT gene transcription in renal CDs. We placed green fluorescence protein (GFP) under control of 3.3 kb of the mouse PGT promoter and injected this construct into the pronuclei of fertilized FVB mouse eggs. Four of thirty-eight offspring were GFP positive by genotyping. We extensively characterized one (no. 29) PGT-GFP transgenic mouse line. On microscopic examination, GFP was expressed in CDs as determined by their expression of aquaporin-2. We fed mice a low (0.03% NaCl)-, normal (0.3% NaCl)-, or high-salt (3% NaCl) diet for 2 wk and quantified CD GFP expression. The average number of GFP-positive CD cells per microscopic section varied directly with dietary salt intake. Compared with mice on the control (0.3% sodium) diet, mice on a low-sodium (0.03%) diet had reduced numbers of GFP-positive cells (71% of control, P < 0.001), whereas mice on a high-sodium (3%) diet had increased numbers of GFP-positive cells (139% of control, P < 0.001). This increase in apparent CD PGT transcription resulted in a 51-55% increase (P < 0.001) in whole kidney PGT mRNA levels as determined by real-time PCR. The regulation of PG signal termination via reuptake represents a new pathway for controlling renal Na(+) balance.

Expression and localization of prostaglandin transporter in Alzheimer disease brains and age-matched controls

Neuroinflammation, a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, involves the contribution of activated microglia, reactive astrocytes, and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Stress and various acute or chronic brain injuries stimulate the generation of free radicals and glutamate, triggering inflammatory pathways that lead to increases in chemokines, cytokines, and prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid mediators of inflammation that are produced from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase enzymes. They are generally believed to be in all tissues and organs. Their transport through the lipid bilayers of the cell membranes/organelles is facilitated by the prostaglandin transporter (PGT). In this study, middle frontal gyrus brain tissue from patients diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) and that of age-matched control brains were examined to determine the protein expression pattern of PGT and its possible role in modulating neuroinflammation associated with AD. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies showed that PGT protein was expressed in all the brain tissues examined and was localized in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. Interestingly, Western blot analysis revealed that the PGT level was significantly less in AD than in age-matched control brain homogenates. Further work is warranted to address the possibility and implications that prostaglandins might not be cleared at a proper rate in AD brains.

Gene expression of transporters and phase I/II metabolic enzymes in murine small intestine during fasting

Background

Fasting has dramatic effects on small intestinal transport function. However, little is known on expression of intestinal transport and phase I/II metabolism genes during fasting and the role the fatty acid-activated transcription factor PPARα may play herein. We therefore investigated the effects of fasting on expression of these genes using Affymetrix GeneChip MOE430A arrays and quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

After 24 hours of fasting, expression levels of 33 of the 253 analyzed transporter and phase I/II metabolism genes were changed. Upregulated genes were involved in transport of energy-yielding molecules in processes such as glycogenolysis (G6pt1) and mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids (Cact, Mrs3/4, Fatp2, Cyp4a10, Cyp4b1). Other induced genes were responsible for the inactivation of the neurotransmitter serotonin (Sert, Sult1d1, Dtd, Papst2), formation of eicosanoids (Cyp2j6, Cyp4a10, Cyp4b1), or for secretion of cholesterol (Abca1 and Abcg8). Cyp3a11, typically known because of its drug metabolizing capacity, was also increased. Fasting had no pronounced effect on expression of phase II metabolic enzymes, except for glutathione S-transferases which were down-regulated. Time course studies revealed that some genes were acutely regulated, whereas expression of other genes was only affected after prolonged fasting. Finally, we identified 8 genes that were PPARα-dependently upregulated upon fasting.

Conclusion

We have characterized the response to fasting on expression of transporters and phase I/II metabolic enzymes in murine small intestine. Differentially expressed genes are involved in a variety of processes, which functionally can be summarized as a) increased oxidation of fat and xenobiotics, b) increased cholesterol secretion, c) increased susceptibility to electrophilic stressors, and d) reduced intestinal motility. This knowledge increases our understanding of gut physiology, and may be of relevance for e.g. pre-surgery regimen of patients.

Effects of LPS stimulation on the expression of prostaglandin carriers in the cells of the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers

Prostaglandins produced in cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) are the final signal transduction mediators from the periphery to the brain during fever response. However, prostaglandins are organic anions at physiological pH, and they enter cells poorly using simple diffusion. Several transporters have been described that specifically transport prostaglandins across cell membranes. We examined the expression of the two principal prostaglandin carriers, prostaglandin transporter (PGT), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) in cells of the blood-brain barrier and in choroid epithelial cells in vitro as well as in vivo in rat brain in control conditions and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We detected PGT in primary cultures of rat CECs, astrocytes, pericytes, and choroid epithelial cells. LPS stimulation had no effect on the expression level of PGT in these cells; however, after LPS stimulation the polarized, dominantly luminal, expression pattern of PGT significantly changed. MRP4 is also expressed in CECs, and its level was not influenced by LPS treatment. In rat brain, PGT was highly expressed in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, in the ependymal cell layer of the third ventricle, and in the choroid plexus. LPS treatment increased the expression of PGT in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Our results suggest that PGT and MRP4 likely play a role in transporting prostaglandins through the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers and may be involved in the maintenance of prostaglandin homeostasis in the brain and in the initiation of fever response.

Nuclear prostaglandin receptors: role in pregnancy and parturition?

The key regulatory role of prostanoids [prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes (TXs)] in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of parturition has been established. However, our understanding of how these events are fine-tuned by the recruitment of specific signaling pathways remains unclear. Whereas, initial thoughts were that PGs were lipophilic and would easily cross cell membranes without specific receptors or transport processes, it has since been realized that PG signaling occurs via specific cell surface G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) coupled to classical adenylate cyclase or inositol phosphate signaling pathways. Furthermore, specific PG transporters have been identified and cloned adding a further level of complexity to the regulation of paracrine action of these potent bioactive molecules. It is now apparent that PGs also activate nuclear receptors, opening the possibility of novel intracrine signaling mechanisms. The existence of intracrine signaling pathways is further supported by accumulating evidence linking the perinuclear localization of PG synthesizing enzymes with intracellular PG synthesis. This review will focus on the evidence for a role of nuclear actions of PGs in the regulation of pregnancy and parturition.

P2Y2 receptor-stimulated release of prostaglandin E2 by rat inner medullary collecting duct preparations

Extracellular nucleotides, acting through the P2Y2 receptor and the associated phosphoinositide-Ca2+ signaling pathway, inhibit AVP-stimulated osmotic water permeability in rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Because a rise in intracellular Ca2+ is frequently associated with enhanced arachidonic acid metabolism, we examined the effect of activation of the P2Y2 receptor on release of PGE2 in freshly prepared rat IMCD suspensions. Unstimulated IMCD released moderate, but significant, amounts of PGE2, which were more sensitive to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 than COX-1 inhibition. Agonist activation of P2Y2 receptor by adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) enhanced release of PGE2 from IMCD in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Purinergic-stimulated release of PGE2 was completely blocked by nonspecific COX inhibitors (flurbiprofen and 2-acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide). Differential COX inhibition studies revealed that purinergic-stimulated release of PGE2 was more sensitive to a COX-1-specific inhibitor (valeroyl salicylate) than a COX-2-specific inhibitor (NS-398). Thus purinergic stimulation resulted in significantly more release of PGE2 in the presence of COX-2 inhibitor than COX-1 inhibitor. If it is assumed that increased release of PGE2 is related to its increased production, our results suggest that purinergic stimulation of IMCD results in enhanced production and release of PGE2 in a COX-1-dependent fashion. Because PGE2 is known to affect transport of water, salt, and urea in IMCD, interaction of the purinergic system with the prostanoid system in IMCD can modulate handling of water, salt, and urea by IMCD and, thus, may constitute an AVP-independent regulatory mechanism.

The human multidrug resistance protein MRP4 functions as a prostaglandin efflux transporter and is inhibited by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Prostaglandins are involved in a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, but the mechanism of prostaglandin release from cells is not completely understood. Although poorly membrane permeable, prostaglandins are believed to exit cells by passive diffusion. We have investigated the interaction between prostaglandins and members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCC [multidrug resistance protein (MRP)] family of membrane export pumps. In inside-out membrane vesicles derived from insect cells or HEK293 cells, MRP4 catalyzed the time- and ATP-dependent uptake of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and PGE2. In contrast, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, and MRP5 did not transport PGE1 or PGE2. The MRP4-mediated transport of PGE1 and PGE2 displayed saturation kinetics, with Km values of 2.1 and 3.4 microM, respectively. Further studies showed that PGF1alpha, PGF2alpha, PGA1, and thromboxane B2 were high-affinity inhibitors (and therefore presumably substrates) of MRP4. Furthermore, several nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were potent inhibitors of MRP4 at concentrations that did not inhibit MRP1. In cells expressing the prostaglandin transporter PGT, the steady-state accumulation of PGE1 and PGE2 was reduced proportional to MRP4 expression. Inhibition of MRP4 by an MRP4-specific RNA interference construct or by indomethacin reversed this accumulation deficit. Together, these data suggest that MRP4 can release prostaglandins from cells, and that, in addition to inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs might also act by inhibiting this release.

Requirement of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandins for human prostate cancer cell invasion

The PC-3 Low Invasive cells and the PC-3 High Invasive cells were used to investigate the correlation of the COX-2 expression and its arachidonic acid metabolites, prostaglandins, with their invasiveness through Matrigel using a Boyden chamber assay. The COX-2 expression in PC-3 High Invasive cells was approximately 3-fold higher than in PC-3 Low Invasive cells while the COX-1 expression was similar in both cell sublines. When incubated with arachidonic acid, PGE2 was the major prostaglandin produced by these cells. PC-3 High Invasive cells produced PGE2 approximately 2.5-fold higher than PC-3 Low Invasive cells. PGD2 was the second most abundant prostaglandin produced by these cells. Both indomethacin (a nonspecific COX inhibitor) and NS-398 (a specific COX-2 inhibitor) inhibited the production of prostaglandins and the cell invasion. PGE2 alone did not induce the cell invasion of PC-3 Low Invasive cells. However, PGE2 reversed the inhibition of cell invasion by NS-398 and enhanced the cell invasion of the PC-3 High Invasive cells. In contrast, PGD2 slightly inhibited the cell invasion. These results suggest that in the PC-3 Low Invasive cells, COX-2-derived PGE2 may not be sufficient to induce cell invasion while in the PC-3 High Invasive cells, PGE2 may be sufficient to act as an enhancer for the cell invasion. Further, PGD2 may represent a weak inhibitor and counteracts the effect of PGE2 in the cell invasion.

Prostaglandin transport

Newly synthesized prostaglandins (PGs) efflux from cells by simple diffusion, driven by pH and the membrane potential. Metabolic clearance requires energy-dependent uptake across the plasma membrane, followed by cytoplasmic oxidation. Several PG carriers have been cloned and characterized. PGT is broadly expressed in cyclooxygenase (COX)-positive cells, appears to be a lactate/PG exchanger, and is coordinately regulated with COX. By analogy with neurotransmitter release and re-uptake, PGT may regulate pericellular PG levels via re-uptake. PGT may also direct PGs towards and/or away from specific sets of PG receptors. Other members of the OATP transporter family also catalyze PG uptake; these are variably expressed and have variable affinities for PGs. The OATs are alpha-ketoglutarate/organic anion exchangers that accept PGs; these probably represent the uptake step in renal and hepatic PG degradation and excretion. Finally, certain glutathione-conjugated leukotrienes and PGs are actively extruded from cells by the MRPs; these may also play a role in metabolic clearance of PGs.

Prostaglandin transporter PGT is expressed in cell types that synthesize and release prostanoids

PGT is a broadly expressed transporter of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane that is energetically poised to take up prostanoids across the plasma membrane. To gain insight into the function of PGT, we generated mouse monoclonal antibody 20 against a portion of putative extracellular loop 5 of rat PGT. Immunoblots of endogenous PGT in rat kidney revealed a 65-kDa protein in a zonal pattern corresponding to PG synthesis rates (papilla congruent with medulla > cortex). Immunocytochemically, PGT in rat kidneys was expressed in glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells, arteriolar endothelial and muscularis cells, principal cells of the collecting duct, medullary interstitial cells, medullary vasa rectae endothelia, and papillary surface epithelium. Proximal tubules, which are known to take up and metabolize PGs, were negative. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry revealed that rat platelets also express abundant PGT. Coexpression of the PG synthesis apparatus (cyclooxygenase) and PGT by the same cell suggests that prostanoids may undergo release and reuptake.