Sorting Nexin 27 Regulates the Lysosomal Degradation of Aquaporin-2 Protein in the Kidney Collecting Duct

SCFFBXW5-mediated degradation of AQP3 suppresses autophagic cell death through the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AQP3 (aquaporin 3 (Gill blood group)), a member of the AQP family, is an aquaglyceroporin which transports water, glycerol and small solutes across the plasma membrane. Beyond its role in fluid transport, AQP3 plays a significant role in regulating various aspects of tumor cell behavior, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Nevertheless, the underlying regulatory mechanism of AQP3 in tumors remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that AQP3 is a direct target for ubiquitination by the SCFFBXW5 complex. In addition, we revealed that downregulation of FBXW5 significantly induced AQP3 expression to prompt macroautophagic/autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Mechanistically, AQP3 accumulation induced by FBXW5 knockdown led to the degradation of PDPK1/PDK1 in a lysosomal-dependent manner, thus inactivating the AKT-MTOR pathway and inducing autophagic death in HCC. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously undiscovered regulatory mechanism through which FBXW5 degraded AQP3 to suppress autophagic cell death via the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in HCC cells.Abbreviation: BafA1: bafilomycin A1; CQ: chloroquine; CRL: CUL-Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases; FBXW5: F-box and WD repeat domain containing 5; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HSPA8/HSC70: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 8; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; PDPK1/PDK1: 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; RBX1/ROC1: ring-box 1; SKP1: S-phase kinase associated protein 1; SCF: SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein.

TAZ is involved in breast cancer cell migration via regulating actin dynamics

Background

Cancer metastasis is dependent on cell migration. Several mechanisms, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and actin fiber formation, could be involved in cancer cell migration. As a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is recognized as a key mediator of the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells. We aimed to examine whether TAZ affects the migration of breast cancer cells through the regulation of EMT or actin cytoskeleton.

Methods

MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with siRNA to attenuate TAZ abundance. Transwell migration assay and scratch wound healing assay were performed to study the effects of TAZ knockdown on cancer cell migration. Fluorescence microscopy was conducted to examine the vinculin and phalloidin. Semiquantitative immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to study the expression of small GTPases and kinases. Changes in the expression of genes associated with cell migration were examined through next-generation sequencing.

Results

TAZ-siRNA treatment reduced TAZ abundance in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which was associated with a significant decrease in cell migration. TAZ knockdown increased the expression of fibronectin, but it did not exhibit the typical pattern of EMT progression. TGF-β treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a reduction in TAZ and an increase in fibronectin levels. However, it paradoxically promoted cell migration, suggesting that EMT is unlikely to be involved in the decreased migration of breast cancer cells in response to TAZ suppression. RhoA, a small Rho GTPase protein, was significantly reduced in response to TAZ knockdown. This caused a decrease in the expression of the Rho-dependent downstream pathway, i.e., LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), phosphorylated LIMK1/2, and phosphorylated cofilin, leading to actin depolymerization. Furthermore, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and phosphorylated MLC2 were significantly decreased in MDA-MB-231 cells with TAZ knockdown, inhibiting the assembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions.

Conclusion

TAZ knockdown inhibits the migration of breast cancer cells by regulating the intracellular actin cytoskeletal organization. This is achieved, in part, by reducing the abundance of RhoA and Rho-dependent downstream kinase proteins, which results in actin depolymerization and the disassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 affects vasopressin-mediated AQP2 expression in collecting duct cells of the kidney

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation), as a posttranslational modification mediated by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) catalyzing the transfer of ADP-ribose from NAD+ molecules to acceptor proteins, involves a number of cellular processes. As mice lacking the PARP-1 gene (Parp1) produce more urine, we investigated the role of PARP-1, the most prevalent member of the PARP family, in the vasopressin-responsive expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). In biotin-conjugated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (biotin-NAD+) pulldown and immunoprecipitation assays of poly(ADP)-ribose in mpkCCDc14 cells, immunoblots demonstrated that 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) induced the PARylation of total proteins, associated with an increase in the cleavage of PARP-1 and cleaved caspase-3 expression. By inhibiting PARP-1 with siRNA, the abundance of dDAVP-induced AQP2 mRNA and protein was significantly diminished. In contrast, despite a substantial decrease in PARylation, the PARP-1 inhibitor (PJ34) had no effect on the dDAVP-induced regulation of AQP2 expression. The findings suggest that PARP-1 protein expression itself, and not PARP-1-mediated PARylation, is necessary for dDAVP-regulated AQP2 expression. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that 408 proteins interact with PARP-1 in the collecting duct (CD) cells of the kidney. Among them, the signaling pathway of the vasopressin V2 receptor was identified for 49 proteins. In particular, β-catenin, which is phosphorylated at Ser552 by dDAVP, was identified as the PARP-1-interacting protein. A significant decrease of β-catenin phosphorylation (Ser552) in response to dDAVP was associated with siRNA-mediated PARP-1 knockdown. Taken together, PARP-1 is likely to play a role in vasopressin-induced AQP2 expression by interacting with β-catenin in renal CD cells.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family catalyzes poly(ADP-ribosylation) (PARylation), which is one of the posttranslational modifications of largely undetermined physiological significance. This study investigated the role of PARP-1, the most prevalent member of the PARP family, in the vasopressin-responsive expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). The results demonstrated that PARP-1 protein expression itself, and not PARP-1-mediated PARylation, is necessary for dDAVP-regulated AQP2 expression. β-Catenin, which is phosphorylated at Ser552 by dDAVP, was identified as the PARP-1-interacting protein.

LRBA signalosomes activate vasopressin-induced AQP2 trafficking at recycling endosomes

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels are proteins that are recycled between intracellular vesicles and the apical plasma membrane in renal collecting ducts. Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) is a protein kinase A (PKA) anchoring protein that creates compartmentalized PKA signalling responsible for AQP2 phosphorylation. In response to increased plasma osmolality, vasopressin/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA signalling phosphorylates AQP2, promoting AQP2 trafficking into the apical plasma membrane and increasing water reabsorption from urine. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LRBA mediates vasopressin-induced AQP2 phosphorylation remain unknown. To investigate AQP2 intracellular localization and phosphorylation status in vivo, a density gradient ultracentrifugation technique was combined with an in situ proximity ligation assay, super-resolution structured illumination microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. Most of the AQP2 was localized on the recycling endosome in the presence of tolvaptan, a vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) antagonist. Desmopressin, a V2R agonist, phosphorylated AQP2, translocating it from the recycling endosome to the apical plasma membrane. In contrast, LRBA was constitutively localized at the recycling endosome. Therefore, LRBA and AQP2 were well colocalized in the absence of vasopressin stimulation. The loss of LRBA/PKA signalling by Lrba knockout impaired vasopressin-induced AQP2 phosphorylation, resulting in AQP2 retention at the recycling endosome. Defective AQP2 trafficking caused low urinary concentrating ability in Lrba-/- mice. The LRBA-PKA complex created compartmentalized PKA signalling at the recycling endosome, which facilitated AQP2 phosphorylation in response to vasopressin. KEY POINTS: Membrane proteins are continuously internalized into the endosomal system via endocytosis, after which they are either recycled back to the plasma membrane or degraded at the lysosome. In T cells, lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) binds directly to the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a checkpoint immune molecule, to prevent CTLA-4 lysosomal degradation and promote its vesicle recycling. LRBA has different physiological functions in renal collecting ducts. LRBA and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels were colocalized on the recycling endosome in vivo in the absence of the anti-diuretic hormone vasopressin. LRBA promoted vasopressin-induced AQP2 trafficking, increasing water reabsorption from urine via AQP2. LRBA determined renal responsiveness to vasopressin at recycling endosomes. LRBA is a ubiquitously expressed anchor protein. LRBA signalosomes might regulate membrane trafficking of several constitutively recycled proteins at recycling endosomes.

Autophagy and regulation of aquaporins in the kidneys

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water molecules across cell membranes. To date, seven AQPs have been found to be expressed in mammal kidneys. The cellular localization and regulation of the transport properties of AQPs in the kidney have been widely investigated. Autophagy is known as a highly conserved lysosomal pathway, which degrades cytoplasmic components. Through basal autophagy, kidney cells maintain their functions and structure. As a part of the adaptive responses of the kidney, autophagy may be altered in response to stress conditions. Recent studies revealed that autophagic degradation of AQP2 in the kidney collecting ducts leads to impaired urine concentration in animal models with polyuria. Therefore, the modulation of autophagy could be a therapeutic approach to treat water balance disorders. However, as autophagy is either protective or deleterious, it is crucial to establish an optimal condition and therapeutic window where autophagy induction or inhibition could yield beneficial effects. Further studies are needed to understand both the regulation of autophagy and the interaction between AQPs and autophagy in the kidneys in renal diseases, including nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Differential regulation of autophagy on urine-concentrating capability through modulating the renal AQP2 expression and renin-angiotensin system in mice

Autophagy, a cellular process of "self-eating," plays an essential role in renal pathophysiology. However, the effect of autophagy on urine-concentrating ability in physiological conditions is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the relevance and mechanisms of autophagy for maintaining urine-concentrating capability during antidiuresis. The extent of the autophagic response to water deprivation (WD) was different between the renal cortex and medulla in mice. Autophagy activity levels in the renal cortex were initially suppressed and then stimulated by WD in a time-dependent manner. During 48 h WD, the urine-concentrating capability of mice was impaired by rapamycin (Rapa) but not by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), accompanied by suppressed renal aquaporin 2 (AQP2), V2 receptor (V2R), renin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression, and levels of prorenin/renin, angiotensin II (ANG II), and aldosterone in the plasma and urine. In contrast, 3-MA and chloroquine (CQ) suppressed the urine-concentrating capability in WD72 mice, accompanied by downregulation of AQP2 and V2R expression in the renal cortex. 3-MA and CQ further increased AQP2 and V2R expression in the renal medulla of WD72 mice. Compared with 3-MA and CQ, Rapa administration yielded completely opposite results on the above parameters in WD72 mice. In addition, 3-MA and CQ abolished the upregulation of prorenin/renin, ANG II, and aldosterone levels in the plasma and urine in WD72 mice. Taken together, our study demonstrated that autophagy regulated urine-concentrating capability through differential regulation of renal AQP2/V2R and ACE/ANG II signaling during WD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Autophagy exhibits a double-edged effect on cell survival and plays an essential role in renal pathophysiology. We for the first time reported a novel function of autophagy that controls the urine-concentrating capability in physiological conditions. We found that water deprivation (WD) differentially regulated autophagy in the kidneys of mice in a time-dependent manner and autophagy regulates the urine-concentrating capability mainly by regulating AQP2/V2R and ACE/ANG II signaling in the renal cortex in WD mice.

Sorting nexins: role in the regulation of blood pressure

Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a family of proteins that regulate cellular cargo sorting and trafficking, maintain intracellular protein homeostasis, and participate in intracellular signaling. SNXs are also important in the regulation of blood pressure via several mechanisms. Aberrant expression and dysfunction of SNXs participate in the dysregulation of blood pressure. Genetic studies show a correlation between SNX gene variants and the response to antihypertensive drugs. In this review, we summarize the progress in SNX-mediated regulation of blood pressure, discuss the potential role of SNXs in the pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension, and propose novel strategies for the medical therapy of hypertension.

Genome-Engineered mpkCCDc14 Cells as a New Resource for Studying AQP2

mpkCCDc14 cells, a polarized epithelial cell line derived from mouse kidney cortical collecting ducts, are known to express the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) that are responsive to vasopressin. However, a low abundance of the endogenous AQP2 protein in the absence of vasopressin and heterogeneity of AQP2 protein abundance among the cultured cells may limit the further application of the cell line in AQP2 studies. To overcome the limitation, we aimed to establish mpkCCDc14 cells constitutively expressing V2R and AQP2 via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering technology (i.e., V2R-AQP2 cells). 3'- and 5'-Junction PCR revealed that the V2R-AQP2 expression cassette with a long insert size (~2.2 kb) was correctly integrated. Immunoblotting revealed the expression of products of integrated Aqp2 genes. Cell proliferation rate and dDAVP-induced cAMP production were not affected by the knock-in of Avpr2 and Aqp2 genes. The AQP2 protein abundance was significantly higher in V2R-AQP2 cells compared with control mpkCCDc14 cells in the absence of dDAVP and the integrated AQP2 was detected. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that V2R-AQP2 cells exhibited more homogenous and prominent AQP2 labeling intensity in the absence of dDAVP stimulation. Moreover, prominent AQP2 immunolabeling (both AQP2 and pS256-AQP2) in the apical domain of the genome-edited cells was observed in response to dDAVP stimulation, similar to that in the unedited control mpkCCDc14 cells. Taken together, mpkCCDc14 cells constitutively expressing V2R and AQP2 via genome engineering could be exploited for AQP2 studies.

Expression Regulation and Trafficking of Aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) mediate the bidirectional water flow driven by an osmotic gradient. Either gating or trafficking allows for rapid and specific AQP regulation in a tissue-dependent manner. The regulatory mechanisms of AQP2 are discussed mainly in this chapter, as the mechanisms controlling the regulation and trafficking of AQP2 have been very well studied. The targeting of AQP2 to the apical plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells is mainly regulated by the action of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the type 2 AVP receptor (V2R), which cause increased intracellular cAMP or elevated intracellular calcium levels. Activation of these intracellular signaling pathways results in vesicles bearing AQP2 transport, docking and fusion with the apical membrane, which increase density of AQP2 on the membrane. The removal of AQP2 from the membrane requires dynamic cytoskeletal remodeling. AQP2 is degraded through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway and lysosomal proteolysis pathway. Finally, we review updated findings in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of AQP2.

Endosomal Sorting Protein SNX27 and Its Emerging Roles in Human Cancers

SNX27 belongs to the sorting nexin (SNX) family of proteins that play a critical role in protein sorting and trafficking in the endocytosis pathway. This protein family is characterized by the presence of a Phox (PX) domain; however, SNX27 is unique in containing an additional PDZ domain. Recently, SNX27 has gained popularity as an important sorting protein that is associated with the retromer complex and mediates the recycling of internalized proteins from endosomes to the plasma membrane in a PDZ domain-dependent manner. Over 100 cell surface proteins have been identified as binding partners of the SNX27-retromer complex. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms governed by SNX27 in tumorigenesis remains to be poorly understood. Many of its known binding partners include several G-protein coupled receptors, such as β2-andrenergic receptor and parathyroid hormone receptor, are associated with multiple pathways implicated in oncogenic signaling and tumorigenesis. Additionally, SNX27 mediates the recycling of GLUT1 and the activation of mTORC1, both of which can regulate intracellular energy balance and promote cell survival and proliferation under conditions of nutrient deprivation. In this review, we summarize the structure and fundamental roles of SNX proteins, with a focus on SNX27, and provide the current evidence indicating towards the role of SNX27 in human cancers. We also discuss the gap in the field and future direction of SNX27 research. Insights into the emerging roles and mechanism of SNX27 in cancers will provide better development strategies to prevent and treat tumorigenesis.

Sorting nexins as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular disorders: An updated overview

Sorting nexins (SNXs) are involved in sorting the protein cargo within the endolysosomal system. Recently, several studies have shown the role of SNXs in cardiovascular pathology. SNXs exert both physiologic and pathologic functions in the cardiovascular system by regulating protein sorting and trafficking, maintaining protein homeostasis, and participating in multiple signaling pathways. SNX deficiency results in blood pressure response to dopamine 5 receptor [D5R] stimulation. SNX knockout protected against atherosclerosis lesions by suppressing foam cell formation. Moreover, SNXs can act as endogenous anti-arrhythmic agents via maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Overexpression SNXs also can reduce cardiac fibrosis in atrial fibrillation. The SNX-STAT3 interaction in cardiac cells promoted heart failure. SNXs may have the potential to act as a pharmacological target against specific cardiovascular diseases.

Insight into the Mammalian Aquaporin Interactome

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane water channels expressed in all living organisms. AQPs facilitate osmotically driven water flux across biological membranes and, in some cases, the movement of small molecules (such as glycerol, urea, CO₂, NH₃, H₂O₂). Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in protein regulation and function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the AQP interactomes and addresses the molecular basis and functional significance of these protein-protein interactions in health and diseases. Targeting AQP interactomes may offer new therapeutic avenues as targeting individual AQPs remains challenging despite intense efforts.

Aquaporin 2 regulation: implications for water balance and polycystic kidney diseases

Targeting the collecting duct water channel aquaporin 2 (AQP2) to the plasma membrane is essential for the maintenance of mammalian water homeostasis. The vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R), which is a G_S protein-coupled receptor that increases intracellular cAMP levels, has a major role in this targeting process. Although a rise in cAMP levels and activation of protein kinase A are involved in facilitating the actions of V2R, studies in knockout mice and cell models have suggested that cAMP signalling pathways are not an absolute requirement for V2R-mediated AQP2 trafficking to the plasma membrane. In addition, although AQP2 phosphorylation is a known prerequisite for V2R-mediated plasma membrane targeting, none of the known AQP2 phosphorylation events appears to be rate-limiting in this process, which suggests the involvement of other factors; cytoskeletal remodelling has also been implicated. Notably, several regulatory processes and signalling pathways involved in AQP2 trafficking also have a role in the pathophysiology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, although the role of AQP2 in cyst progression is unknown. Here, we highlight advances in the field of AQP2 regulation that might be exploited for the treatment of water balance disorders and provide a rationale for targeting these pathways in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Early type 1 diabetes aggravates renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between early diabetes and renal IR-induced AKI and to clarify the mechanisms involved. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following groups: (1) sham-operated; (2) renal IR; (3) streptozotocin (STZ-55 mg/kg/day) and sham operation; and (4) STZ and renal IR. On the 12th day after treatments, the animals were subjected to bilateral IR for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 48 h, at which time the animals were euthanized. Renal function was assessed by plasma creatinine and urea levels, as well urinary protein contents. Kidney morphology and gene and protein expression were also evaluated. Compared to the sham group, renal IR increased plasma creatinine, urea and albuminuria levels and decreased Nphs1 mRNA expression and nephrin and WT1 protein staining. Tubular injury was observed with increased Havcr1 and Mki67 mRNA expression accompanied by reduced megalin staining. Renal IR also resulted in increased SQSTM1 protein expression and increased proinflammatory and profibrotic factors mRNA expression. Although STZ treatment resulted in hyperglycemia, it did not induce significant changes in renal function. On the other hand, STZ treatment aggravated renal IR-induced AKI by exacerbating renal dysfunction, glomerular and tubular injury, inflammation, and profibrotic responses. Thus, early diabetes constitutes a relevant risk factor for renal IR-induced AKI.

A nonbiodegradable scaffold-free cell sheet of genome-engineered mesenchymal stem cells inhibits development of acute kidney injury

Cell therapy using genome-engineered stem cells has emerged as a novel strategy for the treatment of kidney diseases. By exploiting genome editing technology, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) secreting an angiogenic factors or an anti-inflammatory factor were generated for therapeutic application in acute kidney injury. Junction polymerase chain reaction analysis verified zinc finger nucleases-assisted integration of the desired gene into the hUC-MSCs. Flow cytometry and differentiation assays indicated that genome editing did not affect the differentiation potential of these mesenchymal stem cells. Protein measurement in conditioned media with the use of ELISA and immunoblotting revealed the production and secretion of each integrated gene product. For cell therapy in the bilateral ischemia-reperfusion mouse model of acute kidney injury, our innovative scaffold-free cell sheets were established using a non-biodegradable temperature-responsive polymer. One of each type of scaffold-free cell sheets of either the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial grown factor or angiopoietin-1, or the anti-inflammatory factor erythropoietin, or α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-secreting hUC-MSCs was applied to the decapsulated kidney surface. This resulted in significant amelioration of kidney dysfunction in the mice with acute kidney injury, effects that were superior to intravenous administration of the same genome-engineered hUC-MSCs. Thus, our scaffold-free cell sheets of genome-engineered mesenchymal stem cells provides therapeutic effects by inhibiting acute kidney injury via angiogenesis or anti-inflammation.

Explosion in the complexity of membrane protein recycling

For decades, recycling of membrane proteins has been represented in figures by arrows between the "endosome" and the plasma membrane, but recently there has been an explosion in the understanding of the mechanisms and protein complexes required to facilitate protein recycling. Here, some key discoveries will be introduced, including assigning function to a number of recently recognized protein complexes and linking their function to protein recycling. Furthermore, the importance of lipid interactions and links to diseases and epithelial polarity will be summarized.

Intracellular location of aquaporin-2 serine 269 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in kidney collecting duct cells

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a vasopressin-regulated water channel protein responsible for water reabsorption by the kidney collecting ducts. Under control conditions, most AQP2 resides in the recycling endosomes of principal cells, where it answers to vasopressin with trafficking to the apical plasma membrane to increase water reabsorption. Upon vasopressin withdrawal, apical AQP2 retreats to the early endosomes before joining the recycling endosomes for the next vasopressin stimulation. Prior studies have demonstrated a role of AQP2 S269 phosphorylation in reducing AQP2 endocytosis, thereby prolonging apical AQP2 retention. Here, we studied where in the cells S269 was phosphorylated and dephosphorylated in response to vasopressin versus withdrawal. In mpkCCD collecting cells, vacuolar protein sorting 35 knockdown slowed vasopressin-induced apical AQP2 trafficking, resulting in AQP2 accumulation in the recycling endosomes where S269 was phosphorylated. Rab7 knockdown, which impaired AQP2 trafficking from the early to recycling endosomes, reduced vasopressin-induced S269 phosphorylation. Rab5 knockdown, which impaired AQP2 endocytosis, did not affect vasopressin-induced S269 phosphorylation. Upon vasopressin withdrawal, S269 was not dephosphorylated in Rab5 knockdown cells. In contrast, S269 dephosphorylation upon vasopressin withdrawal was completed in Rab7 or vacuolar protein sorting 35 knockdown cells. We conclude that S269 is dephosphorylated during Rab5-mediated AQP2 endocytosis before AQP2 joins the recycling endosomes upon vasopressin withdrawal. While in the recycling endosomes, AQP2 can be phosphorylated at S269 in response to vasopressin before apical trafficking.

AQP2: Mutations Associated with Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and Regulation by Post-Translational Modifications and Protein-Protein Interactions

, the molecular defects in the AVPR2 and AQP2 mutants, post-translational modifications (i.e., phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation) and various protein-protein interactions that regulate phosphorylation, ubiquitination, tetramerization, trafficking, stability, and degradation of AQP2.