Expression, immunolocalization, and functional activity of Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms in mouse endometrial epithelium

The luminal fluid microenvironment of the uterus is important for sperm capacitation and embryo development. In an attempt to understand the possible role of Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) in uterine function, the mRNAs of different NHE isoforms as well as their subcellular localization (apical versus basolateral) and functional activity were investigated in mouse endometrial epithelial cells using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and intracellular pH (pH(i)) measurement techniques. The presence of NHE1, NHE2, and NHE4, but not NHE3 mRNAs were revealed by RT-PCR. Immunostaining showed that NHE1, NHE2, and NHE4 were present in both apical and basolateral membranes. The pH(i) recovery from intracellular acidification was Na(+)-dependent; however, the rate of pH(i) recovery depending on basolateral Na(+) was 12.4 times faster than that depending on apical Na(+). The Na(+)-dependent rate of pH(i) recovery was also inhibited by amiloride, indicating H(+) extrusion through NHEs; however, the amiloride sensitivity of the apical membrane was less than that of the basolateral membrane, suggesting the involvement of different types of NHEs in the two membranes. The results indicate that the basolaterally located NHE1, NHE2, and NHE4, in addition to participating in the homeostatic control of intracellular pH, may play a role in H(+) extrusion in order to achieve transepithelial HCO(3)(-) secretion. The apically located NHEs may be involved in mediating Na(+) absorption as alternatives of or complementary to epithelial Na(+) channels.

Half-lives of plasma membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE1-3: plasma membrane NHE2 has a rapid rate of degradation

The Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE2 and NHE3 are involved in epithelial Na(+) and HCO absorption. To increase insights into the functions of NHE2 vs. NHE3, we compared their cellular processing with each other and with the housekeeping isoform NHE1. Using biotinylated exchanger, we determined that the half-life of plasma membrane NHE2 was short (3 h) compared with that of NHE1 (24 h) and NHE3 (14 h) in both PS120 fibroblasts and Caco-2 cells. NHE2 transport and plasma membrane levels were reduced by 3 h of Brefeldin A treatment, whereas NHE1 was unaffected. NHE2 was degraded by the lysosomes but not proteosomes, as demonstrated by increasing levels of endocytosed NHE2 protein after inhibition of the lysosomes, but not with proteosome inhibition. Unlike that of NHE3, basal NHE2 transport activity was not affected by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition and did not appear to be localized in the juxtanuclear recycling endosome. Therefore, for NHE2, protein degradation and/or protein synthesis probably play important roles in its basal and regulated states. These results suggest fundamental differences in the cellular processing and trafficking of NHE2 and NHE3. These differences may underlie the specialized roles that these exchangers play in epithelial cells.

Human duodenal mucosal brush border Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE2 and NHE3 alter net bicarbonate movement

The proximal duodenal mucosa secretes HCO that serves to protect the epithelium from injury. In isolated human duodenal enterocytes in vitro, multiple luminal membrane proteins are involved in acid/base transport. We postulated that one or more isoforms of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) family is located on the apical surface of human duodenal mucosal epithelial cells and thereby contributes to duodenal mucosal HCO transport. Duodenal biopsies were obtained from human volunteers, and the presence of NHE2 and NHE3 was determined by using previously characterized polyclonal antibodies (Ab 597 for NHE2 and Ab 1381 for NHE3). In addition, proximal duodenal mucosal HCO(3)(-) transport was measured in humans in vivo in response to luminal perfusion of graded doses of amiloride; 10(-5)--10(-4) M amiloride was used to inhibit NHE2 and 10(-3) M amiloride to inhibit NHE3. Both NHE2 and NHE3 were localized principally to the brush border of duodenal villus cells. Sequential doses of amiloride resulted in significant, step-wise increases in net duodenal HCO(3)(-) output. Inhibition of NHE2 with 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M amiloride significantly increased net HCO(3)(-) output. Moreover, there was an additional, equivalent increase (P < 0.05) in duodenal HCO(3)(-) output with 10(-3) M amiloride, which inhibited NHE3. We conclude that 1) NHE2 and NHE3 are localized principally to the brush border of human duodenal villus epithelial cells; 2) sequential inhibition of NHE2 and NHE3 isoforms resulted in step-wise increases in net HCO(3)(-) output; 3) NHE2 and NHE3 participate in human duodenal villus cell HCO(3)(-) transport; and 4) the contribution of NHE-related transport events should be considered when studying duodenal HCO(3)(-) transport processes.

Characterization of nucleoside transport systems in cultured rat epididymal epithelium

The nucleoside transport systems in cultured epididymal epithelium were characterized and found to be similar between the proximal (caput and corpus) and distal (cauda) regions of the epididymis. Functional studies revealed that 70% of the total nucleoside uptake was Na(+) dependent, while 30% was Na(+) independent. The Na(+)-independent nucleoside transport was mediated by both the equilibrative nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR)-sensitive system (40%) and the NBMPR-insensitive system (60%), which was supported by a biphasic dose response to NBMPR inhibition. The Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]uridine uptake was selectively inhibited 80% by purine nucleosides, indicating that the purine nucleoside-selective N1 system is predominant. Since Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]guanosine uptake was inhibited by thymidine by 20% and Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]thymidine uptake was broadly inhibited by purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, this suggested the presence of the broadly selective N3 system accounting for 20% of Na(+)-dependent nucleoside uptake. Results of RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1, ENT2, and concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) 2 and the absence of CNT1. It is suggested that the nucleoside transporters in epididymis may be important for sperm maturation by regulating the extracellular concentration of adenosine in epididymal plasma.

Na+ reabsorption in cultured rat epididymal epithelium via the Na+/nucleoside cotransporter

The effect of nucleoside on Na+ reabsorption via Na+/nucleoside cotransporter in cultured rat epididymal epithelia was studied by short-circuit current (Isc) technique. Guanosine added apically stimulated Isc in a dose-dependent manner, with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 7 +/- 2 microM (mean +/- SEM). Removal of Na+ from the apical bathing solution or pretreatment with a nonspecific Na+/nucleoside cotransporter inhibitor, phloridzin, completely blocked the Isc response to guanosine. Moreover, the guanosine response was abolished by pretreatment of the tissue with ouabain, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of Na+/nucleoside cotransporter on the apical side and Na+/K+-ATPase on the basolateral side in Na+ reabsorption. In contrast, the Isc response to guanosine was not affected after desensitization of purinoceptors by ATP. Addition of the Na+/K+/2Cl- symport inhibitor bumetanide to the basolateral side or the nonspecific Cl- channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylate to the apical side showed no effect on the Isc response to guanosine, excluding stimulation of Cl- secretion by guanosine as the cause of the guanosine-induced Isc. The Isc response to purine nucleoside (guanosine and inosine) was much higher than that to pyrimidine nucleoside (thymidine and cytidine). Consistent with substrate specificity, results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed mRNA for concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT2), which is a purine nucleoside-selective Na+/nucleoside cotransporter in the epididymis, but not for CNT1. It is suggested that the Na+/nucleoside cotransporter (i.e., CNT2) may be one of the elements involved in Na+ and fluid reabsorption in the epididymis, thereby providing an optimal microenvironment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa.

Short-term regulation of NHE3 by EGF and protein kinase C but not protein kinase A involves vesicle trafficking in epithelial cells and fibroblasts

NHE3 is an intestinal epithelial isoform Na+/H+ exchanger that is present in the brush border of small intestinal, colonic, and gallbladder Na(+)-absorbing epithelial cells. NHE3 is acutely up- and downregulated in response to some G protein-linked receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, and protein kinases when studied in intact ileum, when stably expressed in PS120 fibroblasts, and in the few studies reported in the human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. In most cases this is due to changes in Vmax of NHE3, although in response to cAMP and squalamine there are also changes in the K'(H+)i of the exchanger. The mechanism of the Vmax regulation as shown by cell surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy in Caco-2 cells and biotinylation in PS120 cells involves changes in the amount of NHE3 on the plasma membrane. In addition, in some cases there are also changes in turnover number of the exchanger. In some cases, the change in amount of NHE3 in the plasma membrane is associated with a change in the amount of plasma membrane. A combination of biochemical studies and transport/inhibitor studies in intact ileum and Caco-2 cells demonstrated that the increase in brush border Na+/H+ exchange caused by acute exposure to EGF was mediated by PI 3-kinase. PI 3-kinase was also involved in FGF stimulation of NHE3 expressed in fibroblasts. Thus, NHE3 is another example of a transport protein that is acutely regulated in part by changing the amount of the transporter on the plasma membrane by a process that appears to involve vesicle trafficking and also to involve changes in turnover number.

Expression of multiple Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms in cultured epithelial cells from rat efferent duct and cauda epididymidis

Although earlier work has pointed to the presence of Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) in the rat epididymis, little is known about the regional distribution of various NHE isoforms and their functions. In the present work, expression of different isoforms of NHE in cultured epithelia of the efferent duct and cauda epdidymidis were studied. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3, but not NHE4, message in both cultured epithelia. Western blot analysis detected the presence of NHE1 and NHE2 proteins in both cultured epithelia, but NHE3 protein was only detected in the cultured epithelial cells from the efferent duct. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that NHE2 was localized in the cytoplasm of the ciliated cells, whereas NHE3 was localized at the apical membrane of the principal cells of the efferent duct. The NHE activities in both cultured epithelia were inhibited by 10 microM HOE-694 (3-methylsulphonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl guanidine methanesulphonate), a NHE1 inhibitor, by approximately 76%. The HOE-694-resistant NHE activities in the cultured epithelia of efferent duct and cauda epididymidis were completely inhibited by 20 microM S3226 (3-[2-(3-guanidino-2-methyl-3-oxo-propenyl)-5-methyl-phenyl]-N:-isopropylidene-2-methyl-acrylamide dihydrochloride), a NHE3 inhibitor, and 300 microM HOE-694 (a dose that can completely block NHE2), respectively. These results indicated that NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 were expressed in the cultured epithelial cells of the efferent duct, whereas only NHE1 and NHE2 were expressed in the cultured epithelial cells of the cauda epididymidis. It is suggested that NHE1 may provide "housekeeping" functions in both epithelia, whereas NHE2 in the cauda epididymidis and NHE3 in the efferent duct may be involved in Na+ reabsorption and regulation of pH of the luminal fluid.

Transepithelial resistance can be regulated by the intestinal brush-border Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3

Initiation of intestinal Na(+)-glucose cotransport results in transient cell swelling and sustained increases in tight junction permeability. Since Na(+)/H(+) exchange has been implicated in volume regulation after physiological cell swelling, we hypothesized that Na(+)/H(+) exchange might also be required for Na(+)-glucose cotransport-dependent tight junction regulation. In Caco-2 monolayers with active Na(+)-glucose cotransport, inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange with 200 microM 5-(N,N-dimethyl)- amiloride induced 36 +/- 2% increases in transepithelial resistance (TER). Evaluation using multiple Na(+)/H(+) exchange inhibitors showed that inhibition of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) isoform was most closely related to TER increases. TER increases due to NHE3 inhibition were related to cytoplasmic acidification because cytoplasmic alkalinization with 5 mM NH(4)Cl prevented both cytoplasmic acidification and TER increases. However, NHE3 inhibition did not affect TER when Na(+)-glucose cotransport was inhibited. Myosin II regulatory light chain (MLC) phosphorylation decreased up to 43 +/- 5% after inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange, similar to previous studies that associate decreased MLC phosphorylation with increased TER after inhibition of Na(+)-glucose cotransport. However, NHE3 inhibitors did not diminish Na(+)-glucose cotransport. These data demonstrate that inhibition of NHE3 results in decreased MLC phosphorylation and increased TER and suggest that NHE3 may participate in the signaling pathway of Na(+)-glucose cotransport-dependent tight junction regulation.

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 has 11 membrane spanning domains and a cleaved signal peptide: topology analysis using in vitro transcription/translation

The transmembrane topology of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 has been studied using in vitro transcription/translation of two types of fusion vectors designed to test membrane insertion properties of cDNA sequences encoding putative NHE3 membrane spanning domains (msds). These vectors encode N-terminal 101 (HKM0) or 139 (HKM1) amino acids of the H,K-ATPase alpha-subunit, a linker region and a reporter sequence containing five N-linked glycosylation consensus sites in the C-terminal 177 amino acids of the H,K-ATPase beta-subunit. The glycosylation status of the reporter sequence was used as a marker for the analysis of signal anchor and stop transfer properties of each putative msd in both the HKM0 and the HKM1 vectors. The linker region of the vectors was replaced by sequences that contain putative msds of NHE3 individually or in pairs. In vitro transcription/translation was performed using [(35)S]methionine in a reticulocyte lysate system +/- microsomes, and the translation products were identified by autoradiography following separation using SDS-PAGE. We propose a revised NHE3 topology model, which contains a cleaved signal peptide followed by 11 msds, including extracellular orientation of the N-terminus and intracellular orientation of the C-terminus. The presence of a cleavable signal peptide in NHE3 was demonstrated by its cleavage from NHE3 during translational processing of full-length and truncated NHE3 in the presence of microsomes. Of 11 putative msds, six (msds 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 11) acted as both signal anchor and stop transfer sequences, while five (msds 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9) had signal anchor activities when tested alone. Of the latter, 3, 5, 6, and 9 were shown to act as stop transfer sequences after C-terminal extension. The actual membrane orientation of each sequential transmembrane segment of NHE3 was deduced from the membrane location of the N- and C-termini of NHE3. The regions between putative msds 8 and 9 and between msds 10 and 11, which correspond to the fourth and fifth extracellular loops, did not act as msds when tested alone. However, the extension of the fifth extracellular loop with adjacent putative msds showed some membrane-associated properties suggesting that the fifth extracellular loop might be acting as a "P-loop"-like structure.

Kinetic and pharmacological properties of cloned human equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENT1 and ENT2, stably expressed in nucleoside transporter-deficient PK15 cells. Ent2 exhibits a low affinity for guanosine and cytidine but a high affinity for inosine

We stably transfected the cloned human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 (hENT1 and hENT2) into nucleoside transporter-deficient PK15NTD cells. Although hENT1 and hENT2 are predicted to be 50-kDa proteins, hENT1 runs as 40 kDa and hENT2 migrates as 50 and 47 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Peptide N-glycosidase F and endoglycosidase H deglycosylate hENT1 to 37 kDa and hENT2 to 45 kDa. With hENT1 being more sensitive, there is a 7000-fold and 71-fold difference in sensitivity to nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR) (IC(50), 0.4 +/- 0.1 nM versus 2.8 +/- 0.3 microM) and dipyridamole (IC(50), 5.0 +/- 0.9 nM versus 356 +/- 13 nM), respectively. [(3)H]NBMPR binds to ENT1 cells with a high affinity K(d) of 0.377 +/- 0.098 nM, and each ENT1 cell has 34,000 transporters with a turnover number of 46 molecules/s for uridine. Although both transporters are broadly selective, hENT2 is a generally low affinity nucleoside transporter with 2.6-, 2.8-, 7. 7-, and 19.3-fold lower affinity than hENT1 for thymidine, adenosine, cytidine, and guanosine, respectively. In contrast, the affinity of hENT2 for inosine is 4-fold higher than hENT1. The nucleobase hypoxanthine inhibits [(3)H]uridine uptake by hENT2 but has minimal effect on hENT1. Taken together, these results suggest that hENT2 might be important in transporting adenosine and its metabolites (inosine and hypoxanthine) in tissues such as skeletal muscle where ENT2 is predominantly expressed.

Polarized distribution of NHE1 and NHE2 in the rat epididymis

Previous studies from our laboratory have provided evidence that the rat epididymis utilizes the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger to transport acid and base. The present study was undertaken to use immunohistochemistry for investigating the localization (apical versus basolateral) and distribution of NHE1 and NHE2 proteins along intact rat epididymis. Both proteins were found to be exclusively localized within the epithelium. Immunoreactivity for NHE1 was detected on the basolateral surface, whereas NHE2 immunoreactivity was detected on the apical side of the epithelium. Interestingly, NHE1 was found along the entire length of the epididymal tubule whereas NHE2 was absent in the initial segment but present in the caput, corpus, and cauda regions. These results, when interpreted along with those of previous functional studies, may suggest that the apical NHE2 is involved in Na(+) reabsorption and the basolateral NHE1 in HCO(3)(-) secretion in the rat epididymis.

C-terminal domains of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 3 are involved in the basal and serum-stimulated membrane trafficking of the exchanger

When expressed either in polarized epithelial cells or in fibroblasts, two Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoforms, NHE1 and NHE3, have different subcellular distributions. Using a quantitative cell surface biotinylation technique, we found PS120 cells target approximately 90% of mature NHE1 but only 14% of NHE3 to the cell surface, and this pattern occurs irrespective of NHE protein expression levels. In this study, we examined surface fractions of NHE3 C-terminal truncation mutants to identify domains involved in the targeting of NHE3. Removing the C-terminal 76 amino acids doubled surface fractions to 30% of total and doubled the V(max) from 1300 to 2432 microM H(+)/s. Removal of another 66 amino acids increased surface levels to 55% of total with an increase in the V(max) to 5794 microM H(+)/s. Surface fractions did not change with a further 105 amino acid truncation. We postulated that inhibition of the basal recycling of NHE3 could result in the surface accumulation of the NHE3 truncations. Accordingly, we found that, unlike wild-type NHE3, the truncations were shown to internalize poorly and were not affected by PI3 kinase inhibition. However, while the truncations demonstrated reduced basal recycling, they retained the same serum response as full-length NHE3, with a mobilization of approximately 10% of total NHE to the surface. We conclude that basal recycling of NHE3 is controlled by endocytic determinants contained within its C-terminal 142 amino acids and that serum-mediated exocytosis is independently regulated through a different part of the protein.

Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHE1-3) have similar turnover numbers but different percentages on the cell surface

NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 are well-characterized cloned members of the mammalian Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) gene family. Given the specialized function and regulation of NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3, we compared basal turnover numbers of NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 measured in the same cell system: PS120 fibroblasts lacking endogenous NHEs. NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 were epitope tagged with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG). The following characteristics were determined on the same passage of cells transfected with NHE1V, NHE2V, or NHE3V: 1) maximal reaction velocity (V(max)) by (22)Na(+) uptake and fluorometery, 2) total amount of NHE protein by quantitative Western analysis with internal standards of VSVG-tagged maltose-binding protein, and 3) cell surface expression by cell surface biotinylation. Cell surface expression (percentage of total NHE) was 88.8 +/- 3.5, 64.6 +/- 3.3, 20.0 +/- 2.6, and 14.0 +/- 1.3 for NHE1V, 85- and 75-kDa NHE2V, and NHE3V, respectively. Despite these divergent cell surface expression levels, turnover numbers for NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 were similar (80.3 +/- 9.6, 92.1 +/- 8.6, and 99.2 +/- 9.1 s(-1), when V(max) was determined using (22)Na uptake at 22 degrees C and 742 +/- 47, 459 +/- 16, and 609 +/- 39 s(-1) when V(max) was determined using fluorometry at 37 degrees C). These data indicate that, in the same cell system, intrinsic properties that determine turnover number are conserved among NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3.

Development of an endogenous epithelial Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE3) in three clones of caco-2 cells

Expression of endogenous Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) NHE3 and NHE1 at the apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) membrane domains was investigated in three clones (ATCC, PF-11, and TC-7) derived from the human adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. In all three clones, NHE1 was the only isoform detected at the BL domain during 3 to 22 postconfluent days (PCD). In clone PF-11, the BL NHE1 activity increased up to 7 PCD and remained stable thereafter. Both NHE1 and NHE3 were found at the AP domain at 3 PCD and contributed 67 and 33% to the total AP Na(+)/H(+) exchange, respectively. The AP NHE3 activity increased significantly from 3 to 22 PCD, from 93 to 450 microM H(+)/s, whereas AP NHE1 activity decreased from 192 to 18 microM H(+)/s during that time. Similar results were obtained with the ATCC clone, whereas very little AP NHE3 activity was observed in clone TC-7. Surface biotinylation and indirect immunofluorescence confirmed these results and also suggested an increase in the number of cells expressing NHE3 being the major mechanism of the observed overall increase in NHE3 activity in PF-11 and ATCC clones. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) acutely inhibited NHE3 activity by 28% of control, whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF, 200 ng/ml) stimulated the activity by 18%. The effect of PMA was abolished by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, suggesting involvement of PKC in the PMA-induced inhibition of NHE3. Similar magnitude of inhibition by PMA and stimulation by EGF was observed at 7 and 17 PCD, suggesting the development of regulatory mechanisms in the early postconfluent period. Taken together, these data suggest a close similarity of membrane targeting and regulation of endogenous NHE3 between Caco-2 cells and native small intestinal epithelial cells and support the usefulness of some Caco-2 cell clones as an in vitro model for studies on physiology of NHE3 in the intestinal epithelium.

Nucleoside transport in human colonic epithelial cell lines: evidence for two Na+-independent transport systems in T84 and Caco-2 cells

RT-PCR of RNA isolated from monolayers of the human colonic epithelial cell lines T84 and Caco-2 demonstrated the presence of mRNA for the two cloned Na+-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENT1 and ENT2, but not for the cloned Na+-dependent concentrative nucleoside transporters, CNT1 and CNT2. Uptake of [3H]uridine by cell monolayers in balanced Na+-containing and Na+-free media confirmed the presence of only Na+-independent nucleoside transport mechanisms. This uptake was decreased by 70-75% in the presence of 1 microM nitrobenzylthioinosine, a concentration that completely inhibits ENT1, and was completely blocked by the addition of 10 microM dipyridamole, a concentration that inhibits both ENT1 and ENT2. These findings indicate the presence in T84 and Caco-2 cells of two functional Na+-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENT1 and ENT2.

NHE2 contains subdomains in the COOH terminus for growth factor and protein kinase regulation

The cloned epithelial cell-specific Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) isoform NHE2 is stimulated by fibroblast growth factor (FGF), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), okadaic acid (OA), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) through a change in maximal velocity of the transporter. In the present study, we used COOH-terminal truncation mutants to delineate specific domains in the COOH terminus of NHE2 that are responsible for growth factor and/or protein kinase regulation. Five truncation mutants (designated by the amino acid number at the truncation site) were stably expressed in NHE-deficient PS120 fibroblasts. The effects of PMA, FGF, OA, FBS, and W-13 [a Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor] were studied. Truncation mutant E2/660, but not E2/573, was stimulated by PMA. OA stimulated E2/573 but not E2/540. FGF stimulated E2/540 but not E2/499. The most truncated mutant, E2/499, was stimulated by FBS. W-13 stimulated the basal activity of the wild-type NHE2. However, W-13 had no effect on E2/755. By monitoring the emission spectra of dansylated CaM fluorescence, we showed that dansylated CaM bound directly to a purified fusion protein of glutathione S-transferase and the last 87 amino acids of NHE2 in a Ca2+-dependent manner, with a stoichiometry of 1:1 and a dissociation constant of 300 nM. Our results showed that the COOH terminus of NHE2 is organized into separate stimulatory and inhibitory growth factor/protein kinase regulatory subdomains. This organization of growth factor/protein kinase regulatory subdomains is very similar to that of NHE3, suggesting that the tertiary structures of the putative COOH termini of NHE2 and NHE3 are very similar despite the minimal amino acid identity in this part of the two proteins.

Squalamine, a novel cationic steroid, specifically inhibits the brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE3

Squalamine, an endogenous molecule found in the liver and other tissues of Squalus acanthias, has antibiotic properties and causes changes in endothelial cell shape. The latter suggested that its potential targets might include transport proteins that control cell volume or cell shape. The effect of purified squalamine was examined on cloned Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 stably transfected in PS120 fibroblasts. Squalamine (1-h pretreatment) decreased the maximal velocity of rabbit NHE3 in a concentration-dependent manner (13, 47, and 57% inhibition with 3, 5, and 7 micrograms/ml, respectively) and also increased K'[H+]i. Squalamine did not affect rabbit NHE1 or NHE2 function. The inhibitory effect of squalamine was 1) time dependent, with no effect of immediate addition and maximum effect with 1 h of exposure, and 2) fully reversible. Squalamine pretreatment of the ileum for 60 min inhibited brush-border membrane vesicle Na+/H+ activity by 51%. Further investigation into the mechanism of squalamine's effects showed that squalamine required the COOH-terminal 76 amino acids of NHE3. Squalamine had no cytotoxic effect at the concentrations studied, as indicated by monitoring lactate dehydrogenase release. These results indicate that squalamine 1) is a specific inhibitor of the brush-border NHE isoform NHE3 and not NHE1 or NHE2, 2) acts in a nontoxic and fully reversible manner, and 3) has a delayed effect, indicating that it may influence brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger function indirectly, through an intracellular signaling pathway or by acting as an intracellular modulator.

Redistribution of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE3 in proximal tubules induced by acute and chronic hypertension

Redistribution of apical Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) in the proximal tubules as a plausible mechanism of pressure natriuresis was investigated with confocal immunofluorescence microscopy in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats (GH). NHE isoform NHE3 was localized in the brush border of proximal tubules in SD. Twenty minutes of induced acute hypertension (20-40 mmHg) resulted in a pronounced redistribution of isoform NHE3 from the brush border into the base of microvilli, where clathrin-coated pits were localized. Prehypertensive young SHR (5 wk old, mean blood pressure 105 +/- 3 mmHg, n = 11) produced similar findings. However, NHE3 was found to concentrate in the base of microvilli in adult SHR (12 wk old, mean blood pressure 134 +/- 6 mmHg, n = 12) and nonclipped kidneys of GH (mean blood pressure 131 +/- 6 mmHg, n = 6). In clipped kidneys of GH, which were not exposed to the hypertension because of the arterial clips, NHE3 was localized on the brush border as in normal SD. No further redistribution of NHE3 was detected in adult SHR or GH when acute hypertension was induced. Since both acute and chronic increase of arterial pressure can provoke the redistribution of apical NHE in proximal tubules, the pressure-induced NHE redistribution could be a physiological response and an integral part of pressure natriuresis.

In birds, NHE2 is major brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger in colon and is increased by a low-NaCl diet

We previously reported that mammalian small intestinal and colonic brush borders (BBs) contained both epithelial Na+/H+ exchangers NHE2 and NHE3. We now show that, in the avian (chicken) colon, NHE2 is the major functional isoform under basal conditions and when stimulated by a low-NaCl diet. Hubbard chickens were maintained for 2 wk on a high- or low-NaCl diet. After the chickens were killed, the ileum and colon were removed, and BBs were prepared by Mg2+ precipitation and 22Na and D-[14C]glucose uptake determined in the BB vesicles. NHE2 and NHE3 were separated by differential sensitivity to HOE-694 (NHE2 defined as Na+/H+ exchange inhibited by 50 microM HOE-694). Chickens on a low-Na+ diet have increased plasma aldosterone (10 vs. 207 pg/ml). On the high-NaCl diet, both NHE2 and NHE3 contributed to ileal and colonic apical Na+/H+ exchange, contributing equally in ileum, but NHE2 being the major component in colon (86%). Low-NaCl diet significantly increased ileal and colonic BB Na+/H+ exchange; the increase in BB Na+/H+ exchange in both ileum and colon was entirely due to an increase in NHE2 with no change in NHE3 activity. In contrast, low-NaCl diet decreased ileal and colonic Na+-dependent D-glucose uptake. Western analysis showed that low-Na+ diet increased the amount of NHE2 in the ileal and colonic BB and decreased the amount of ileal Na+-dependent glucose transporter SGLT1. Both NHE2 and NHE3 were present in the apical but not basolateral membranes (BLM) of ileal and colonic epithelial cells. In summary, 1) NHE2 and NHE3 are both present in the BB and not BLM of chicken ileum and colon; 2) NHE2 is the major physiological colonic BB Na+/H+ exchanger under basal conditions; 3) low-NaCl diet, which increases plasma aldosterone, increases ileal and colonic BB Na+/H+ exchange and decreases Na+-dependent D-glucose uptake; 4) the stimulation of colonic BB Na+/H+ exchange is due to increased activity and amount of NHE2; and 5) the inhibition of ileal D-glucose uptake is associated with a decrease in SGLT1 amount. NHE2 is the major chicken colonic BB Na+/H+ exchanger.

G protein-coupled receptors in gastrointestinal physiology. III. Asymmetry in plasma membrane signal transduction: lessons from brush-border Na+/H+ exchangers

Signal transduction in epithelial cells adds another level of complexity to the signaling that occurs in symmetrical cells, in the form of the need to coordinate and keep separate signals at the apical and basolateral membranes. Regulation by protein kinases of ileal NaCl absorption and its component brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger are used as an example of how signaling in epithelial cells must deal with spatial localization of signals, protein-protein interactions, signaling molecules, and the involvement of the transport protein being regulated in collecting and focusing the signals generated at the receptor and beyond.

Quantitative contribution of NHE2 and NHE3 to rabbit ileal brush-border Na+/H+ exchange

Intestinal neutral NaCl absorption, which is made up of brush-border (BB) Na+/H+ exchange linked to BB Cl-/HCO3- exchange, is up- and downregulated as part of digestion and diarrheal diseases. Glucocorticoids stimulate ileal NaCl absorption and BB Na+/H+ exchange. Intestinal BB contains two Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms, NHE2 and NHE3, but their relative roles in rabbit ileal BB Na+/H+ exchange has not been determined. A technique to separate the contribution of NHE2 and NHE3 to ileal BB Na+/H+ exchange activity was standardized by using an amiloride-related compound, HOE-694. Under basal conditions, both NHE2 and NHE3 contribute approximately 50% to ileal Na+/H+ exchange. Glucocorticoids (methylprednisolone) increase BB Na+/H+ exchange (2.5 times) but increase only ileal NHE3 activity (4.1 times), without an effect on NHE2 activity. Thus ileal BB Na+/H+ exchange in animals treated with glucocorticoids is 69% via NHE3. A quantitative Western analysis for NHE3 was developed, using as an internal standard a fusion protein of the COOH-terminal 85 amino acids of NHE3 and maltose binding protein. Glucocorticoid treatment increased the amount of BB NHE3. The quantitative Western analysis showed that NHE3 makes up 0.018% of ileal BB protein in control rabbits and 0.042% (2.3 times as much) in methylprednisolone-treated rabbits. Methylprednisolone treatment did not alter the amount of ileal BB NHE2 protein. NHE3 turnover number was estimated to be 458 cycles/s under basal conditions and 708 cycles/s in glucocorticoid-treated ileum. Thus methylprednisolone stimulates ileal BB Na+/H+ exchange activity only by an effect on NHE3 and not on NHE2; it does so primarily by increasing the amount of BB NHE3, although it also increases the NHE3 turnover number.

Subcellular redistribution is involved in acute regulation of the brush border Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. Protein kinase C-mediated inhibition of the exchanger

Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), an epithelial brush border isoform of the Na+/H+ exchanger gene family, plays an important role in reabsorption of Na+ in the small intestine, the colon, and the kidney. In several cell types, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) acutely inhibits NHE3 activity by changes in Vmax, but the mechanism of this inhibition is unknown. We investigated the role of subcellular redistribution of NHE3 in the PMA-induced inhibition of endogenous brush border NHE3 in a model human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, Caco-2. Subcellular localization of NHE3 was examined by confocal morphometric analysis complemented with cell surface biotinylation and compared with NHE3 activity evaluated by fluorometric measurement of intracellular pH. PMA inhibited NHE3 activity by 28% (p < 0.01), which was associated with a decrease of the ratio of the brush border/subapical cytoplasmic compartment of NHE3 from approximately 4.3 to approximately 2.4. This translocation resulted in 10-15% of the total cell NHE3 being shifted from the brush border pool to the cytoplasmic pool. These effects were mediated by protein kinase C, since they were blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor H7. We conclude that inhibition of NHE3 by protein kinase C in Caco-2 cells involves redistribution of the exchanger from brush border into a subapical cytoplasmic compartment, and that this mechanism contributes approximately 50% to the overall protein kinase C-induced inhibition of the exchanger.

A polarized salivary cell monolayer useful for studying transepithelial fluid movement in vitro

There are no reported, convenient in vitro models for studying polarized functions in salivary epithelial cells. Accordingly, we examined three often-used salivary cell lines for their ability to form a polarized monolayer on permeable, collagen-coated polycarbonate filters. Only the SMIE line, derived from rat submandibular gland, had this ability. The SMIE cell monolayer exhibited junctional complexes, with a tight-junction-associated protein, ZO-1, localized to cell-cell contact areas. The Na+/K+-ATPase alpha1-subunit was detected predominantly in the basolateral membranes, while the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 2 appeared primarily in the apical membranes. Using adenovirus-mediated cDNA transfer, SMIE cells were shown to be capable of routing marker proteins (beta-galactosidase +/- a nuclear targeting signal, alpha1-antitrypsin, aquaporin-1) to appropriate locations. Furthermore, this salivary cell monolayer provided a convenient tool for studying aquaporin-1-mediated, osmotically directed, transepithelial fluid movement in vitro. Thus, SMIE cells appear to be a useful experimental model with which to study some polarized functions in a salivary epithelial cell line.

Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 2 (NHE2) is expressed in the apical membrane of the medullary thick ascending limb

Apical Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) in the proximal tubule and medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) display similar functions and regulation, suggesting that similar NHE isoforms are present. In the rat proximal tubule, NHE2 and NHE3 are present in the apical membrane, however, in the MTAL, NHE3, but not NHE2, mRNA has been found. In this study, the expression and subcellular localization of NHE2 in both rat and mouse MTAL were studied. To detect NHE2 mRNA, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed in microdissected MTAL tubules using primers specific for NHE2. Analysis of PCR products with and without digestion by restriction enzymes chosen from the published NHE2 sequence gave predicted sizes. Subcloning and sequencing of the PCR product from mouse MTAL revealed 91% and 75% identity to the published NHE2 nucleotide sequence of comparable regions in rat and rabbit, respectively. Thus, NHE2 mRNA is expressed in the MTAL of mouse and rat. The subcellular localization of NHE2 was determined by immunochemistry using a specific NHE2 antibody. Immunofluorescence staining was observed in the apical, but not basolateral, membrane of MTAL of both species. In addition, anti-NHE2 antibody recognized an 85 kD protein in plasma membranes prepared from mouse and rat renal outer medulla and a MTAL cell line by Western analysis, which further support that NHE2 protein is expressed in the MTAL of both species. We conclude that NHE2 is expressed in the apical membrane of MTAL in both mouse and rat.

Regulation of the epithelial brush border Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 stably expressed in fibroblasts by fibroblast growth factor and phorbol esters is not through changes in phosphorylation of the exchanger

The epithelial brush border Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) is regulated by growth factors and protein kinases. When stably expressed in PS120 fibroblasts, NHE3 is stimulated by serum and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and inhibited by phorbol esters. To examine the role of phosphorylation of NHE3 in growth factor/protein kinase regulation, NHE3 was C-terminally tagged with an 11-amino acid epitope of the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) and stably expressed in Na+/H+ exchanger null PS120 fibroblasts (PS120/NHE3V). NHE3V was regulated by serum, FGF, and phorbol ester in a manner identical to wild type non-VSVG-tagged NHE3. Phosphorylation of NHE3V was evaluated via immunoprecipitation with anti-VSVG antibody after in vivo labeling of PS120/NHE3V cells with [32P]orthophosphate. NHE3V was phosphorylated under basal conditions. However, FGF and PMA, under conditions in which these agonists regulate NHE3V, altered neither the amount of phosphorylation of NHE3V as analyzed by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography nor two-dimensional phosphopeptide maps of tryptic digests of NHE3V. In contrast, while changes in NHE3V phosphorylation were not observed with serum exposure by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two-dimensional studies showed increases in two phosphopeptides. Under all these conditions, phosphoamino acid analysis showed that NHE3V was phosphorylated only on serine residues. By cell surface protein biotinylation studies under basal conditions, at least 27% of the NHE3V was expressed on the cell surface. To further analyze the phosphorylation status of the surface and intracellular forms of NHE3V under basal conditions and determine whether the amount of phosphorylation of the surface form changes upon serum, FGF, and PMA regulation, the surface form of NHE3V was separated from intracellular form by biotinylation/avidin-agarose precipitation. Under basal conditions, both intracellular and surface forms of NHE3V were phosphorylated. However, the amount of phosphorylation of the surface form of NHE3V did not change upon stimulation by serum and FGF and inhibition by PMA based on one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Thus, we conclude that when expressed in PS120 cells, while NHE3 is a phosphoprotein under basal conditions, its regulation by FGF and PMA is not by changes in the phosphorylation of NHE3, while regulation by serum may involve changes in its phosphorylation. Regulation of NHE3 probably involves intermediate associated regulatory proteins. The function of basal phosphorylation of NHE3 is not known.

Regulation of the transfected Na+/H+-exchanger NHE3 in MDCK cells by vasotocin

NHE3 is most likely the isoform involved in renal reabsorption of HCO3- and Na+. The functional properties of the "cloned" NHE3 isoform, including its transport regulation by extra- and intracellular stimuli, have so far been studied using non-epithelial expression systems. In the present report we stably transfected NHE3 cDNA (rabbit isoform) into Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) cells and compared the sensitivity to inhibitors and the regulation of the Na+/H+-exchanger by vasotocin in NHE3 transfectants to that of the intrinsic basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger in untransfected and control transfected MDCK cells. By Southern blot analysis we documented that the NHE3 transcript is expressed in NHE3 transfectants. Na+/H+-exchange activity, measured as sodium-dependent recovery of intracellular pH from an acid load using 2', 7'-bis(carboxymethyl)-5(6)-carboxy-fluorescein (BCECF), was equally present at the basolateral cell surface of all cell lines; however, NHE3 transfectants demonstrated transport activity in the apical membrane that was significantly higher than that in untransfected or control transfected MDCK cells. Studies with ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) have shown that there is a similar sensitivity to inhibitors of the apical and/or basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger in transfected and untransfected MDCK cell lines. In contrast, the apical Na+/H+-exchanger (as compared to the basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger) of NHE3 transfectants was found to be relatively insensitive to the inhibitor HOE 694. Vasotocin decreased the activity of the apical Na+/H+-exchanger in NHE3 transfectants and stimulated the activity of the basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger in transfected (with NHE3 or pMAMneo) and untransfected MDCK cells. Phorbol ester, as expected, increased the activity of the Na+/H+-exchanger in the basolateral membrane of all cell lines; also, it stimulated transport activity at the apical cell surface of NHE3 transfectants. No change of Na+/H+-exchange activities was seen in studies with 8-bromo-cAMP. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C completely suppressed regulation of the apical and/or basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger by vasotocin, it partially blocked activation of the apical Na+/H+-exchanger in NHE3 transfectants by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and completely blocked stimulation of basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger by PMA. Consistent with a V1 receptor action, the effects of vasotocin in NHE3 transfectants and in MDCK cells were blocked by the V1 receptor antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-AVP, but were not reproduced by the V2 receptor agonist desmopressin. It is concluded that NHE3 in the apical membrane of NHE3-transfected MDCK cells contributes to the differential regulation of the apical and basolateral Na+/H+-exchanger by vasotocin; NHE3 is inhibited and endogenous Na+/H+-exchange activity is stimulated by vasotocin via V1 receptor activation of the protein kinase C pathway.

cAMP-mediated inhibition of the epithelial brush border Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE3, requires an associated regulatory protein

NHE3 is the Na+/H+ exchanger located on the intestinal and renal brush border membrane, where it functions in transepithelial Na+ absorption. The brush border Na+ absorptive process is acutely inhibited by activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, but the molecular mechanism of this inhibitory effect is poorly understood. We have identified two regulatory proteins, E3KARP and NHERF, that interact with NHE3 to enable cAMP to inhibit NHE3. The two regulatory proteins are structurally related, sharing approximately 50% identity in amino acid sequences. It has been previously shown that when NHE3 is transfected into PS120 fibroblasts or Caco-2 cells, cAMP failed to inhibit NHE3 activity. Northern blot analysis showed that both PS120 and Caco-2 cells lacked the expression of both E3KARP and NHERF. In contrast, other cell lines in which cAMP inhibits NHE3, including OK, CHO, and LLC-PK1 cells, expressed NHERF-related regulatory proteins. To determine their functions in cAMP-dependent inhibition of NHE3, E3KARP and NHERF were transfected into PS120/NHE3 fibroblasts. Transfection in PS120/NHE3 fibroblasts with either NHERF or E3KARP reconstituted cAMP-induced inhibition of NHE3, resulting in 25-30% inhibition in these cells.

Polarized distribution of key membrane transport proteins in the rat submandibular gland

Immunofluorescence labelling and confocal microscopy were employed to examine the polarized distribution of several membrane transport proteins believed to be essential for salivary secretion in the rat submandibular gland. The Na+/K+-ATPase, Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), and the secretory Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter isoform were all found in the basolateral membranes of acinar and intralobular duct cells. Anion exchanger isoform 2 (AE2) was found only in the basolateral membranes of acinar cells, while AE1 was absent from glandular epithelial cells. Aquaporin 5 was detected in the apical membranes of acinar cells, while the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator was found only in apical membranes of intralobular duct cells. NHEs 2 and 3 were found in the apical membranes of both acinar and intralobular duct cells. Our results are generally consistent with the expected distribution of most transporters based on previous physiological and pharmacological experiments. However, the apical localization of NHEs 2 and 3, and the presence of the secretory isoform of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in intralobular duct cells were not predicted.

Brush border phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mediates epidermal growth factor stimulation of intestinal NaCl absorption and Na+/H+ exchange

In terminally differentiated ileal villus Na+-absorptive cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates NaCl absorption and its component brush border Na+/H+ exchanger, acting via basolateral membrane receptors, and as we confirm here, a brush border tyrosine kinase. In the present study we show that brush border phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is involved in EGF stimulation of NaCl absorption and brush border Na+/H+ exchange. In rabbit ileum studied with the Ussing chamber-voltage clamp technique, EGF stimulation of active NaCl absorption is inhibited by the selective PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. PI 3-kinase, a largely cytosolic enzyme, translocates specifically to the brush border of ileal absorptive cells following EGF treatment. This translocation occurs as early as 1 min after EGF treatment and remains increased at the brush border for at least 15 min. EGF also causes a rapid (1 min) and large (4-5-fold) increase in brush border PI 3-kinase activity. Involvement of PI 3-kinase activity in intestinal Na+ absorption is established further by studies done in the human colon cancer cell line, Caco-2, stably transfected with the intestinal brush border isoform of the Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE3 (Caco-2/NHE3 cells). Brush border Na+/H+ exchange activity was measured using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2'7'-bis(carboxyethyl)5-(6)-carboxyfluorescein. EGF added to the basolateral surface but not apical surface of Caco-2/NHE3 cells increased brush border Na+/H+ exchange activity. The EGF-induced increase in brush border Na+/H+ exchange activity was completely abolished in cells pretreated with wortmannin. EGF treatment caused increased tyrosine phosphorylation of PI 3-kinase in both ileal brush border membranes and Caco-2/NHE3 cells, suggesting that a tyrosine kinase upstream of the PI 3-kinase is involved in the EGF effects on Na+ absorption. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence in two separate intestinal models, the ileum and a human colon cancer cell line, that PI 3-kinase is an intermediate in EGF stimulation of intestinal Na+ absorption.

Hyperosmolarity inhibits the Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms NHE2 and NHE3: an effect opposite to that on NHE1

The effect of hyperosmolarity on cloned Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) isoforms NHE2 and NHE3 was studied in stably transfected PS120 fibroblasts. Na+/H+ exchanger activity was determined spectrofluorometrically in acidified cells that were exposed to isosmolar (300 mosmol/kg) or hyperosmolar (450 mosmol/kg) media, in which the only difference is the presence or absence of 150 mM mannitol. Hyperosmolar solution reversibly inhibited NHE2 and NHE3 with a delay of approximately 15 s. Hyperosmolarity significantly reduced their maximal reaction velocity compared with isosmolar medium but did not alter their Michaelis-Menten constant for intracellular H+. The Michaelis-Menten constant of the exchangers for extracellular Na+ in hyperosmolar medium was not different from that in isosmolar medium. Pretreatment of PS120/NHE3 cells with the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, and the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid did not affect the hyperosmolar inhibition of NHE3. Hyperosmolar inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger activity was also observed in PS120 cells transfected with truncated NHE3 cDNAs (E3/585, E3/543, E3509, and E3/475) and NHE2 cDNA (E2/499). We conclude that 1) hyperosmolarity inhibits NHE2 and NHE3, in contrast to the stimulatory effect on the housekeeping isoform NHE1, 2) this inhibition is reversible, and 3) the COOH termini of NHE2 and NHE3 are not necessary for hyperosmolar inhibition of NHE2 and NHE3.

NHE2 and NHE3 are human and rabbit intestinal brush-border proteins

Rabbit NHE2 and NHE3 are two epithelial isoform Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE), the messages for which are found predominantly and entirely, respectively, in renal, intestinal, and gastric mucosa. The current studies used Western analysis and immunohistochemistry to identify and characterize the apical vs. basolateral membrane distribution of NHE2 and NHE3 in intestinal epithelial cells. Based on Western analysis, NHE2 and NHE3 both are present in brush-border but not basolateral membranes of small intestine. Both NHE2 and NHE3 are 85-kDa proteins. Consistent with Western analysis, NHE2 and NHE3 are immunolocalired to the brush-border but not basolateral membranes of villus epithelial cells, but not goblet cells, in human jejunum and ileum and in surface epithelial cells in the ascending and descending colon and rectum. In addition, NHE2 and NHE3 are present in small amounts in the crypt cell brush border of human jejunum, ileum, ascending and descending colon, and rectum. In rabbit jejunum, ileum, and ascending colon, NHE2 and NHE3 are present in the brush border of epithelial and not goblet cells, again much more in the villus (small intestine)/ surface cells (colon) than the crypt. NHE2 but not NHE3 is present in the brush border of rabbit descending colon surface cells and in small amounts in crypt cells. NHE2 and NHE3 are both human and rabbit small intestinal and colonic epithelial cell brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms that colocalize in all intestinal segments except rabbit descending colon, which lacks NHE3.

Chimeric Na+/H+ exchangers: an epithelial membrane-bound N-terminal domain requires an epithelial cytoplasmic C-terminal domain for regulation by protein kinases

All cloned members of the mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger gene family encode proteins that consist of two functionally distinct domains: a membrane-bound N terminus and a cytoplasmic C terminus, which are required for ion transport and regulation of transport, respectively. Despite their similarity in structure, three members of this family, designated NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3, exhibit different kinetic mechanisms in response to growth factors and protein kinases. For instance, growth factors stimulate NHE1 by a change in the affinity constant for intracellular H+, K'(Hi+), and regulate NHE2 and NHE3 by a change in Vmax. We have constructed chimeric Na+/H+ exchangers by exchanging the N and C termini among three cloned rabbit Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE1 to NHE3) to determine which domain is responsible for the above Vmax-vs.-K'(H(i)+) effect of the Na+/H+ isoforms. All of the chimeras had functional exchange activity and basal kinetic properties similar to those of wild-type exchangers. Studies with serum showed that the N terminus is responsible for the Vmax-vs.-K'(H(i)+) stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms. Moreover, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and fibroblast growth factor altered Na+/H+ exchange only in chimeras that had an epithelial N-terminal domain matched with an epithelial C-terminal domain. Therefore, the protein kinase-induced regulation of Na+/H+ exchangers is mediated through a specific interaction between the N- and C-termini, whcih is restricted so that epithelial N- and epithelial N-and C-terminal portions of the exchangers are required for regulation.

Cloning, tissue distribution, and functional analysis of the human Na+/N+ exchanger isoform, NHE3

We previously isolated a 1.4-kb partial cDNA from a human kidney cortex library. Using both library screening and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of human kidney RNA, we obtained the entire coding region of the human NHE3 cDNA. The human NHE3 cDNA encoded a protein of 834 amino acids with a calculated relative molecular weight of 92,906. It exhibited 89 and 88% amino acid identity with rat and rabbit NHE3, respectively. The stable transfection of a composite human NHE3 cDNA into Na+/H+ exchanger-deficient PS120 cells established Na+/H+ exchange. Functionally, human NHE3 was similar to the rabbit and rat NHE3 homologues, being relatively resistant to inhibition by amiloride, half-maximal inhibition (IC50) = 49.0 microM, and ethylisopropylamiloride, IC50 = 6.6 microM, and being stimulated by fibroblast growth factor but inhibited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. However, unlike the rabbit or rat NHE3, human NHE3 message was not restricted to kidney, intestine, stomach, and brain. Northern analysis of multiple human tissues detected NHE3 message, in descending order, as follows: kidney >> small intestine >> testes > ovary > colon = prostate > thymus > peripheral leukocyte = brain > spleen > placenta. Message in the kidney, small intestine, and colon was primarily of 6.7 kb, whereas both 6.7- and 8.9-kb bands were expressed nearly equivalently in the other tissues. No NHE3 message was detected in the human heart, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, or pancreas.

Mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger gene family: structure and function studies

Na+/H+ exchangers are integral plasma membrane proteins that exchange extracellular Na+ for intracellular H+ with a stoichiometry of one for one. They are inhibitable by the diuretic amiloride and have multiple cellular functions, including intracellular pH homeostasis, cell volume control, and electroneutral NaCl absorption in epithelia. The presence of multiple forms of the exchangers was demonstrated by the recent cloning of four mammalian Na+/H+ exchangers, NHE1, NHE2, NHE3, and NHE4. All of these cloned Na+/H+ exchangers have 10-12 putative transmembrane helixes and a long cytoplasmic carboxyl domain. Despite the structural similarity, these Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms differ in their tissue distribution, kinetic characteristics, and response to external stimuli. The present review deals with the recent developments in the molecular identification of the Na+/H+ exchanger gene family, the functional characteristics, and the short-term regulation of Na+/H+ exchange at molecular and cellular levels.

Separate C-terminal domains of the epithelial specific brush border Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE3 are involved in stimulation and inhibition by protein kinases/growth factors

NHE3, a cloned intestinal and renal brush border Na+/H+ exchanger, has previously been shown to be both stimulated and inhibited by different protein kinases/growth factors. For instance, NHE3 is stimulated by serum and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and inhibited by protein kinase C. In the present study, we used a series of NHE3 C terminus truncation mutants to identify separate regions of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail responsible for stimulation and inhibition by protein kinases/growth factors. Five NHE3 C terminus truncation mutant stable cell lines were generated by stably transfecting NHE3 deletion cDNAs into PS120 fibroblasts, which lack any endogenous Na+/H+ exchanger. Using fluorometric techniques, the effects of the calcium/calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor W13, calcium/CaM kinase inhibitor KN-62, phorbol myristate acetate, okadaic acid, FGF, and fetal bovine serum on Na+/H+ exchange were studied in these transfected cells. Inhibition of basal activity of full-length NHE3 is mediated by CaM at a site C-terminal to amino acid 756; this CaM effect occurs through both kinase dependent and independent mechanisms. There is another independent inhibitory domain for protein kinase C between amino acids 585 and 689. In addition, there are at least three stimulatory regions in the C-terminal domain of NHE3, corresponding to amino acids 509-543 for okadaic acid, 475-509 for FGF, and a region N-terminal to amino acid 475 for fetal bovine serum. We conclude that separate regions of the C terminus of NHE3 are involved with stimulation or inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange activity, with both stimulatory and inhibitory domains having several discrete subdomains. A conservative model to explain the way these multiple domains in the C terminus of NHE3 regulate Na+/H+ exchange is via an effect on associated regulatory proteins.

Structure/function studies of mammalian Na-H exchangers--an update

Four mammalian Na+/H+ exchangers have recently been cloned. Despite the structural similarity, these Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms differ in kinetic characteristics and their response to external stimuli. The present review deals with the recent developments in their functional characterization and their short-term regulation.

Na+/H+ exchanger-2 is an O-linked but not an N-linked sialoglycoprotein

A polyclonal antibody (Ab597) was produced in rabbit against a fusion protein of glutathione-S-transferase and the last 87 amino acids of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform, NHE2. By Western blotting, Ab597 recognized proteins of 75 and 85 kDa in PS120/NHE2 membranes (PS120 cells stably transfected with NHE2), and this antibody did not cross-react with NHE1 and NHE3. When Ab597 was used to immunocytochemically stain PS120/NHE2 cells, permeabilization of the cells was required for staining, confirming the putative membrane topology of NHE2 that the C-terminus is cytoplasmic. NHE1 is N-glycosylated. NHE2 was predicted to be N-glycosylated as it contains one potential N-linked glycosylation site (N350VS), which is conserved among NHE1, NHE3, and NHE4. However, NHE2 was resistant to peptide:N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) and endoglycosidase H (Endo H) digestion, suggesting that NHE2 is not N-glycosylated. In contrast, neuraminidase shifted the mobility of the 85 kDa NHE2 protein in PS120/NHE2 membranes into an 81 kDa band, and O-glycanase further shifted the mobility of the neuraminidase-treated 81 kDa protein to 75 kDa. Incubation of PS120/NHE2 cells with benzyl N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosaminide (Bz alpha GalNAc), an O-glycosylation inhibitor, decreased the size of the 85 kDa protein to 81 kDa. This treatment had no effect on the initial rate of Na+/H+ exchange of PS120/NHE2 cells. The 75 kDa protein was not affected by the glycosidase treatment of PS120/NHE2 membranes or the Bz alpha GalNAc treatment of PS120/NHE2 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

FUNCTIONAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRIMITIVE VERTEBRATE GLUCOSE TRANSPORTER: STUDIES OF GLUCOSE TRANSPORT BY ERYTHROCYTES FROM THE PACIFIC HAGFISH (EPTATRETUS STOUTI)

The characteristics of glucose transport were investigated in erythrocytes of a primitive vertebrate, the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stouti) Lockington. Transport of glucose by intact hagfish erythrocytes and by phospholipid vesicles reconstituted with n-octylglucoside extract of hagfish erythrocyte membranes was rapid and mediated by a saturable stereospecific mechanism sensitive to inhibition by cytochalasin B. Covalent photoaffinity labelling experiments with [3H]cytochalasin B identified the hagfish glucose transporter on SDS/polyacrylamide gels as a protein with an apparent average Mr of 55 000. Amino acid sequence homology between the hagfish and human erythrocyte glucose transporters (GLUT 1) was investigated in immunoblotting experiments using a panel of 12 different antipeptide antisera and affinity-purified antibodies raised against cytoplasmic extramembranous regions of the human transporter, and with an antibody to the intact purified human protein. The latter antibody labelled a component in the membrane with the same apparent Mr as cytochalasin B. Two affinity-purified antipeptide antibodies, corresponding to residues 240–255 and 450–467 of the human erythrocyte transporter, also labelled a component in the membrane with this relative molecular mass, demonstrating localised sequence similarity between the polypeptides of the two species within the central cytoplasmic loop and within the cytoplasmic C-terminal region. Glucose transport by hagfish erythrocytes was not coupled to the movement of protons.

Kinetics and regulation of three cloned mammalian Na+/H+ exchangers stably expressed in a fibroblast cell line

The kinetics and second messenger regulation of three cloned mammalian intestinal Na+/H+ exchangers were studied using fluorometric techniques. These exchangers, NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3, were stably expressed in PS120 fibroblasts, which lack an endogenous Na+/H+ exchanger. H+ kinetic data indicated cooperativity by internal protons, with Hill coefficients of approximately 2 for all three isoforms. In contrast, Na+ kinetic data fit Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with Km (Na+) 15-18 mM and a Hill coefficient of approximately 1. The exchangers were all activated by growth factors and thrombin; in NHE1 these agonists increased the apparent affinity for intracellular H+, but did not change Vmax, while for NHE2 and NHE3 the effect was on Vmax alone. Phorbol ester stimulated NHE1 and NHE2, but inhibited NHE3 with a decrease in Vmax. ATP-depletion decreased Vmax and the apparent affinity for H+ for all three isoforms, and reduced the Hill coefficient to approximately 1, suggesting that a basal level of phosphorylation was required for the cooperativity. The differences in kinetics and second messenger regulation suggest that the NHE isoforms may serve different cellular functions. The up- and down-regulation of NHE3 by kinases indicates that this isoform may be involved in a specialized function such as Na+ absorption.

Functional characteristics of a cloned epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3): resistance to amiloride and inhibition by protein kinase C

We previously cloned an isoform Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3), which was expressed only in intestine, kidney, and stomach. We show here the functional characteristics of NHE3 as a Na+/H+ exchanger by stably transfecting NHE3 cDNA into PS120 cells, a fibroblast cell line that lacks endogenous Na+/H+ exchangers. NHE3 was 39- and 160-fold more resistant to inhibition by amiloride and ethylisopropyl amiloride, respectively, than NHE1, the housekeeping Na+/H+ exchanger isoform. Although both exchangers were stimulated by serum, NHE3 was inhibited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which stimulated NHE1. Mechanistically, serum and PMA stimulated NHE1 by an increase in the apparent affinity of the exchanger for intracellular H+. In contrast, serum stimulated and PMA inhibited NHE3 by a Vmax change. When NHE3 was stably expressed in Caco-2 cells, an intestinal epithelial cell line, NHE3 was functionally expressed in the apical membrane. Thus, NHE3 is a good candidate to be an epithelial brush border Na+/H+ exchanger. Furthermore, Na+/H+ exchangers can be rapidly regulated by mechanisms that change either the Vmax or the affinity for intracellular H+, depending on the Na+/H+ exchanger subtype.

Identification of PTH-responsive Na/H-exchanger isoforms in a rabbit proximal tubule cell line (RKPC-2)

Renal epithelial cells may express apical and basolateral Na/H exchangers which are different in their physiological regulation and different in their sensitivities to the inhibitor amiloride. In the present study RKPC-2 cells [a Simian virus 40 (SV-40) transformed cell line of rabbit S2 proximal tubular origin] were examined for localization (apical vs basolateral) and regulation of Na/H-exchange activity(ies) by parathyroid hormone (PTH). In addition, using specific cDNA probes we determined the expression of multiple isoforms of Na/H exchangers in RKPC-2 cells. By the use of BCECF [2',7',bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein intracellular pH (pHi) indicator] and single cell fluorescence microscopy, Na/H-exchange activities (defined as initial rate of Na-dependent pHi recovery) were found on the apical and basolateral membrane of RKPC-2 cells; apical and basolateral transport activities differed in sensitivity to dimethylamiloride, the basolateral being more sensitive. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of a 5.2-kb transcript, related to Na/H-exchanger activity NHE-1, and a 3.2-kb transcript, related to Na/H-exchanger activity NHE-2. PTH (10(-8) M) inhibited apically and basolaterally located Na/H-exchanger activities. The inhibitory effect of PTH was mimicked by 8-bromo-adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP); it was blunted in the presence of H-89 (inhibitor of protein kinase A) and was unaffected by calphostin C (inhibitor of protein kinase C). In contrast to 8-bromo-cAMP (and PTH), exposure of RKPC-2 cells to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) caused a significant stimulation of both Na/H-exchange activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Leu143 in the putative fourth membrane spanning domain is critical for amiloride inhibition of an epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger isoform (NHE-2)

A family of Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms (called NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3) which exhibits a wide range of amiloride sensitivity has recently been cloned and characterized. A part of the domain, which determines amiloride sensitivity in the epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger isoform, NHE2, was identified by site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies using cDNAs stably expressed in a fibroblast cell line. It has previously been reported that AR300, an amiloride resistant mutant of the ubiquitous Na+/H+ exchanger isoform, NHE1, is 30-fold more resistant to methylpropyl amiloride (MPA) compared to NHE1 and contains a single amino acid substitution of L167F in the fourth putative transmembrane helix, which corresponds to L143 in NHE2. Therefore, in the present study point mutational substitutions were introduced into the equivalent of this fourth transmembrane helix of rabbit NHE2 (including Y144F; L143F; L143F and Y144F) to mimic the corresponding amino acids in NHE1, NHE3 (another epithelial isoform) and AR300, respectively. NHE2/L143F (mimicking NHE3) increased the IC50 for amiloride by 5-fold and for ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) by 20-fold. Similarly, NHE2/L143F and Y144F (mimicking AR300) increased the resistance to both amiloride and EIPA by 10-fold. On the other hand, NHE2/Y144F (mimicking NHE1) did not affect the sensitivity to amiloride or EIPA, and this mutant, like wild type NHE2, is partially resistant to EIPA. Thus, amino acid 143 of NHE2 is critical for, but is not the only amino acid responsible for, amiloride and EIPA inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange. That none of the mutations studied altered the Na+ affinity of these Na+/H+ exchangers further suggests that amiloride binding and Na+ transport sites are not identical.

Cloning and expression of a rabbit cDNA encoding a serum-activated ethylisopropylamiloride-resistant epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger isoform (NHE-2)

A unique Na+/H+ exchanger isoform, NHE-2, was cloned and characterized. NHE-2 is a protein of 809 amino acids with a calculated size of 90,787. It exhibits overall amino acid identity of 50, 44, and 60% with other cloned mammalian Na+/H+ exchangers NHE-1, NHE-3, and NHE-4, respectively. Northern blot analysis of poly(A+) RNA isolated from rabbit ileum, kidney cortex, and kidney medulla using NHE-2 cDNA as a probe revealed messages of 5.2, 4.2, and 3.2 kilobases with relative abundance (in descending order) kidney medulla > kidney cortex > ileum. More detailed tissue distribution of message was performed by ribonuclease protection assay. NHE-2 was predominantly expressed in kidney, intestine, and adrenal gland with a small amount in skeletal muscle and trachea. Stable expression of NHE-2 in PS120 fibroblasts confirmed that NHE-2 is a functional Na+/H+ exchanger which is defined by amiloride-sensitive Na+-dependent alkalinization of acid-loaded cells. NHE-2 has the same Ki for amiloride inhibition as NHE-1 (1 microM) but is 25-fold more resistant to ethylisopropylamiloride inhibition than is NHE-1 (500 versus 20 nM). Like NHE-1, NHE-2 can be activated by serum. Expression of NHE-2 in a polarized human intestinal epithelial cell line, Caco-2 cells, results in functional expression of NHE-2 in the apical membrane. Thus, we conclude that NHE-2 is a candidate to be an apical membrane Na+/H+ exchanger in intestinal and renal epithelial cells.

Physical and genetic mapping of a human apical epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3) isoform to chromosome 5p15.3

A gene family of Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms has been identified. Characterization of rabbit NHE3 suggests that it is the apical epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger isoform responsible for transepithelial, electroneutral Na+ absorption in intestinal and renal epithelial cells. We have previously isolated from a human kidney cortex library a partial human NHE3 cDNA, clone HKC-3. Using HKC-3 to probe human/rodent somatic cell hybrid mapping panels, the human NHE3 gene was physically mapped to the distal portion of chromosome 5p15.3. Southern analysis of EcoRI-digested human genomic DNAs of CEPH pedigrees probed with HKC-3 detected three polymorphic sites containing a total of nine alleles that segregate in a Mendelian fashion. The observed heterozygosity for the NHE3 locus in unrelated individuals was 71%. Linkage analysis between NHE3 and other markers known to map at 5p15 confirmed the localization of NHE3 to chromosome 5p15.3, making NHE3 the most telomeric gene identified on the short arm of chromosome 5.

Glucocorticoid stimulation of ileal Na+ absorptive cell brush border Na+/H+ exchange and association with an increase in message for NHE-3, an epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger isoform

Methylprednisolone stimulates rabbit ileal neutral NaCl absorption; and aminoglutethimide, which decreases glucocorticoid levels, decreases NaCl absorption. Studies were carried out to determine the mechanism of these effects and to determine which members of the gene family of mammalian Na+/H+ exchangers were involved. Rabbits were treated subcutaneously with methylprednisolone (40 mg daily for 24 or 72 h), aminoglutethimide (100 mg twice daily for 72 h), or saline as a control. Ileal brush border membranes were prepared by magnesium precipitation, and brush border Na+/H+ exchange was determined by 22Na+ uptake over 3-8 s. The 22Na+ uptake experiments were performed in the presence of a voltage clamp using either valinomycin/potassium or tetramethylammonium/nitrate to eliminate potential contributions by other electrogenic transport processes. Methylprednisolone treatment approximately doubled ileal brush border Na+/H+ exchange, whereas aminoglutethimide led to a 50% decrease in Na+/H+ exchange. These effects were specifically on Na+ uptake with an acid inside pH gradient, whereas diffusive Na+ uptake (no pH gradient), glucose-dependent Na+ uptake, and glucose and Na+ equilibrium volumes were not affected. To determine if the increase in Na+/H+ exchange was associated with an increase in message expression, mRNA levels were measured by ribonuclease protection assay. Methylprednisolone stimulated the NHE-3 mRNA level by 4-6-fold at 24 h, which remained increased at 72 h. In contrast, messages for NHE-1 and NHE-2 were not affected by methylprednisolone. In summary, 1) methylprednisolone stimulation of rabbit ileal Na+ absorption is due to stimulation of ileal villus cell brush border Na+/H+ exchange; 2) basal ileal brush border Na+/H+ exchange is dependent on glucocorticoid levels; and 3) an increase in NHE-3 message, but not in NHE-1 or NHE-2 message, correlates with the stimulation of ileal brush border Na+/H+ exchange. It is likely that NHE-3 is an Na+/H+ exchanger that is involved in ileal Na+ absorption.

Cloning and sequencing of a rabbit cDNA encoding an intestinal and kidney-specific Na+/H+ exchanger isoform (NHE-3)

We previously cloned, sequenced, and expressed two distinct mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms (NHE-1 and NHE-2). We report here the cloning of a composite cDNA which encodes a third mammalian isoform (NHE-3), which is expressed specifically in intestine and kidney. The protein deduced from the longest open reading frame of this composite sequence has 832 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 92,747. The hydrophobicity plot of NHE-3 is very similar to that of NHE-1 and NHE-2. NHE-3 is also predicted to have 10-12 membrane-spanning domains and a long cytoplasmic domain which contains putative protein kinase phosphorylation motifs. NHE-3 exhibits overall 41% amino acid identity with NHE-1. NHE-3 is likely a glycoprotein as it has one potential N-linked glycosylation site, which is conserved in all NHEs identified. Northern blot analysis of poly(A+) RNA isolated from rabbit ileum using NHE-3 cDNA as a probe hybridized to a single 5.4-kilobase transcript. More detailed tissue distribution of message was performed by ribonuclease protection assay. It was found that NHE-3 message is only expressed in intestine and kidney, with the kidney cortex having the most abundant message, followed by intestine and kidney medulla. In intestine, ileum and ascending colon have the same amount of message, with much lesser amounts in jejunum. The message is absent from duodenum and descending colon, which lack the neutral NaCl absorptive process. Thus, NHE-3 might be involved in Na+ absorption in intestinal and renal epithelial cells.