Targeted locus amplification reveals heterogeneity between and within CFTR genotypes and association with CFTR function in patient-derived intestinal organoids

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease severity can be highly variable, even between people with CF (pwCF) with similar genotypes. Here we use patient-derived intestinal organoids to study the influence of genetic variation within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene on CFTR function.

METHODS

Organoids of F508del/class I, F508del/S1251N and pwCF with only one detected CF-causing mutation were cultured. Allele-specific CFTR variation was investigated using targeted locus amplification (TLA), CFTR function was measured using the forskolin-induced swelling assay and mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

We were able to distinguish CFTR genotypes based on TLA data. Additionally, we observed heterogeneity within genotypes, which we were able to link to CFTR function for S1251N alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the paired analysis of CFTR intragenic variation and CFTR function can gain insights in the underlying CFTR defect for individuals where the disease phenotype does not match the CFTR mutations detected during diagnosis.

The role of rectal chloride secretion in childhood constipation

BACKGROUND

Disturbance in fluid secretion, driven by chloride secretion, might play a role in constipation. However, disturbed chloride secretion in those patients has yet to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare chloride secretion in rectal biopsies of children with functional constipation (FC) to those without constipation.

METHODS

To measure changes in short circuit current (I(sc) in μA cm(-2)) reflecting chloride secretion, intestinal biopsies from children with constipation, to either exclude or diagnose Hirschsprung's disease, and from children without constipation (controls) undergoing colonoscopy for screening of familial adenomatous polyposis, juvenile polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), were compared and studied in Ussing chambers. Following electrogenic sodium absorption blockade by amiloride, chloride secretory responses to calcium-linked (histamine, carbachol) and cAMP-linked (IBMX/forskolin) secretagogues were assessed.

KEY RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (46 FC) participated; nine FC patients (n = 1 congenital syndrome and n = 8 technical problems) and 13 controls (n = 6 IBD; n = 7 technical problems) were excluded. No significant difference was found in mean (±SE) basal chloride currents between children with FC and controls (9.6 ± 1.1 vs 9.2 ± 0.8; P = 0.75, respectively). Responses to calcium-linked chloride secretagogues (histamine and carbachol) were significantly higher in controls (33.0 ± 3.0 vs 24.5 ± 2.3; P = 0.03 and 33.6 ± 3.4 vs 26.4 ± 2.7; P = 0.05 following histamine and carbachol, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Calcium-linked chloride secretion is disturbed in children with FC. Whether this defect occurs at the level of histamine receptors, components of receptor-linked signal transduction pathways or basolateral Ca(2+) -sensitive K(+) channels enhancing the electrical driving force for apical chloride secretion, remains to be explored.

Alterations in the proteome of the NHERF2 knockout mouse jejunal brush border membrane vesicles

To identify additional potential functions for the multi-PDZ domain containing protein Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 2 (NHERF2), which is present in the apical domain of intestinal epithelial cells, proteomic studies of mouse jejunal villus epithelial cell brush border membrane vesicles compared wild-type to homozygous NHERF2 knockout FVB mice by a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-iTRAQ approach. Jejunal architecture appeared normal in NHERF2 null in terms of villus length and crypt depth, Paneth cell number, and microvillus structure by electron microscopy. There was also no change in proliferative activity based on BrdU labeling. Four brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) preparations from wild-type mouse jejunum were compared with four preparations from NHERF2 knockout mice. LC-MS/MS identified 450 proteins in both matched wild-type and NHERF2 null BBMV; 13 proteins were changed in two or more separate BBMV preparations (9 increased and 4 decreased in NHERF2 null mice), while an additional 92 proteins were changed in a single BBMV preparation (68 increased and 24 decreased in NHERF2 null mice). These proteins were categorized as 1) transport proteins (one increased and two decreased in NHERF2 null); 2) signaling molecules (2 increased in NHERF2 null); 3) cytoskeleton/junctional proteins (4 upregulated and 1 downregulated in NHERF2 null); and 4) metabolic proteins/intrinsic BB proteins) (2 upregulated and 1 downregulated in NHERF2 null). Immunoblotting of BBMV was used to validate or extend the findings, demonstrating increase in BBMV of NHERF2 null of MCT1, coronin 3, and ezrin. The proteome of the NHERF2 null mouse small intestinal BB demonstrates up- and downregulation of multiple transport proteins, signaling molecules, cytoskeletal proteins, tight junctional and adherens junction proteins, and proteins involved in metabolism, suggesting involvement of NHERF2 in multiple apical regulatory processes and interactions with luminal contents.

Alterations in the proteome of the NHERF1 knockout mouse jejunal brush border membrane vesicles

Na/H exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a scaffold protein made up of two PDZ domains and an ERM binding domain. It is in the brush border of multiple epithelial cells where it modulates 1) Na absorption by regulating NHE3 complexes and cytoskeletal association, 2) Cl secretion through trafficking of CFTR, and 3) Na-coupled phosphate absorption through membrane retention of NaPi2a. To further understand the role of NHERF1 in regulation of small intestinal Na absorptive cell function, with emphasis on apical membrane transport regulation, quantitative proteomic analysis was performed on brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from wild-type (WT) and homozygous NHERF1 knockout mouse jejunal villus Na absorptive cells. Jejunal architecture appeared normal in NHERF1 null; however, there was increased proliferative activity, as indicated by increased crypt BrdU staining. LC-MS/MS analysis using iTRAQ to compare WT and NHERF1 null BBMV identified 463 proteins present in both WT and NHERF1 null BBMV of simultaneously prepared and studied samples. Seventeen proteins had an altered amount of expression between WT and NHERF1 null in two or more separate preparations, and 149 total proteins were altered in at least one BBMV preparation. The classes of the majority of proteins altered included transport proteins, signaling and trafficking proteins, and proteins involved in proliferation and cell division. Affected proteins also included tight junction and adherens junction proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, as well as metabolic and BB digestive enzymes. Changes in abundance of several proteins were confirmed by immunoblotting [increased CEACAM1, decreased ezrin (p-ezrin), NHERF3, PLCβ3, E-cadherin, p120, β-catenin]. The changes in the jejunal BBMV proteome of NHERF1 null mice are consistent with a more complex role of NHERF1 than just forming signaling complexes and anchoring proteins to the apical membrane and include at least alterations in proteins involved in transport, signaling, and proliferation.

Defective jejunal and colonic salt absorption and alteredNa(+)/H (+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) activity in NHE regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) adaptor protein-deficient mice

We investigated the role of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) on intestinal salt and water absorption, brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, and on the NHE3 mRNA expression, protein abundance, and transport activity in the murine intestine. NHERF1-deficient mice displayed reduced jejunal fluid absorption in vivo, as well as an attenuated in vitro Na(+) absorption in isolated jejunal and colonic, but not of ileal, mucosa. However, cAMP-mediated inhibition of both parameters remained intact. Acid-activated NHE3 transport rate was reduced in surface colonocytes, while its inhibition by cAMP and cGMP was normal. Immunodetection of NHE3 revealed normal NHE3 localization in the BBM of NHERF1 null mice, but NHE3 abundance, as measured by Western blot, was significantly reduced in isolated BBM from the small and large intestines. Furthermore, the microvilli in the proximal colon, but not in the small intestine, were significantly shorter in NHERF1 null mice. Additional knockout of PDZK1 (NHERF3), another member of the NHERF family of adaptor proteins, which binds to both NHE3 and NHERF1, further reduced basal NHE3 activity and caused complete loss of cAMP-mediated NHE3 inhibition. An activator of the exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) had no effect on jejunal fluid absorption in vivo, but slightly inhibited NHE3 activity in surface colonocytes in vitro. In conclusion, NHERF1 has segment-specific effects on intestinal salt absorption, NHE3 transport rates, and NHE3 membrane abundance without affecting mRNA levels. However, unlike PDZK1, NHERF1 is not required for NHE3 regulation by cyclic nucleotides.

Mechanisms by which cyclic nucleotides and other intracellular mediators regulate secretion

The regulation of Na+ and Cl- transport across surface membranes and tight junctions of intestinal epithelium is mediated through at least three intracellular messengers: (i) 3',5'-cyclic AMP, activating two types of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, (ii) 3',5'-cyclic GMP, binding to a unique isoenzyme of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, enriched in the intestinal brush border, and (iii) Ca2+ ions, partially acting through calmodulin and a Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (C kinase). Recent data on the subcellular distribution and molecular properties of the high affinity cyclic nucleotide and Ca2+ receptors, their influence on the phosphorylation state of specific membrane proteins, and the possible role of these target proteins in ion transport regulation, are reviewed. The following aspects are accentuated: (1) the asymmetrical compartmentation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase isoenzymes in the enterocyte and its functional implications; (2) the structure and function of microvillous cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase; (3) the integration of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP signals through co-phosphorylation of a 25 000 Mr protein in the intestinal-microvilli; (4) the identification of C kinase in villous and crypt cells; (5) various levels of interaction between cyclic nucleotide and Ca2+ signals; and (6) priority areas for future studies on stimulus-secretion coupling.

Regulation of the cell swelling-activated chloride conductance by cholesterol-rich membrane domains

AIM

The role of high cholesterol-containing microdomains in the signal transduction cascade leading to the activation of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) was studied.

METHODS

Osmotic cell swelling-induced efflux of 125I- was determined in human epithelial Intestine 407 cells and in skin fibroblasts obtained from healthy controls or Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) patients. Cellular cholesterol content was modulated by pre-incubation with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in the presence of acceptor lipid vesicles.

RESULTS

Osmotic cell swelling of human Intestine 407 cells leads to the rapid activation of a compensatory anion conductance. Treatment of the cells with cyclodextrin enhanced the response to submaximal hypotonic stimulation by approx. twofold, but did not further increase the efflux elicited by a saturating stimulus. In contrast, the volume-sensitive anion efflux was markedly inhibited when cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin was used. Potentiation of the response by cholesterol depletion was maintained in caveolin-1 deficient Caco-2 colonocytes as well as in sphingomyelinase-treated Intestine 407 cells, indicating that cholesterol-rich microdomains are not crucially involved. However, treatment of the cells with progesterone, an inhibitor of NPC1-dependent endosomal cholesterol trafficking, not only markedly reduced the hypotonicity-provoked anion efflux, but also prevented its potentiation by cyclodextrin. In addition, the volume-sensitive anion efflux from human NPC skin fibroblasts was significantly smaller when compared with control fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support a model of regulatory volume decrease involving recruitment of volume-sensitive anion channels from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane.

[Expression of the cystic fibrosis gene in the lungs]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common hereditary diseases with a potentially lethal outcome. CF is caused by mutations in a gene on chromosome 7 that encodes for a polypeptide called 'cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator' (CFTR). Pulmonary complications in CF are a direct consequence of a fault in the production or function of CFTR. The consequences of these faults are a change in the viscosity and volume of the air-surface liquid in the airways and possible malfunctioning of the immunological defence system. The result is stasis of mucus and obstruction of the smaller airways. Secondary to this process, a (chronic) infection with an uncontrolled inflammatory response, leads to destruction of lung tissue and a reduction in lung function. Mutations in CFTR can be classified in five types, which reflect the level of production or the function of CFTR. This classification permits discrimination between mild and severe mutations. The clinical image and the course of CF are often related to the combination of mutations present. This may explain, in part, why some CF patients are diagnosed at a later age with a normal sweat test and a clinical image that is predominantly limited to respiratory symptoms.

Chloride conductance and genetic background modulate the cystic fibrosis phenotype of Delta F508 homozygous twins and siblings

To investigate the impact of chloride (Cl(-)) permeability, mediated by residual activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or by other Cl(-) channels, on the manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF), we determined Cl(-) transport properties of the respiratory and intestinal tracts in Delta F508 homozygous twins and siblings. In the majority of patients, cAMP and/or Ca(2+)-regulated Cl(-) conductance was detected in the airways and intestine. Our finding of cAMP-mediated Cl(-) conductance suggests that, in vivo, at least some Delta F508 CFTR can reach the plasma membrane and affect Cl(-) permeability. In respiratory tissue, the expression of basal CFTR-mediated Cl(-) conductance, demonstrated by 30% of Delta F508 homozygotes, was identified as a positive predictor of milder CF disease. In intestinal tissue, 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid-insensitive (DIDS-insensitive) Cl(-) secretion, which is indicative of functional CFTR channels, correlated with a milder phenotype, whereas DIDS-sensitive Cl(-) secretion was observed mainly in more severely affected patients. The more concordant Cl(-) secretory patterns within monozygous twins compared with dizygous pairs imply that genes other than CFTR significantly influence the manifestation of the basic defect.

Protein N-myristoylation: critical role in apoptosis and salt tolerance

N-myristoylation is a covalent protein modification that can promote the association of proteins with membranes. De Jonge, Hogema, and Tilly discuss how N-myristoylation may be involved in triggering Fas ligand-induced apoptosis in mammals, and in adapting to conditions of high salt in plants. The pro-apoptotic protein BID is unique in that its proteolytic cleavage product, tBID, is posttranslationally myristoylated. In contrast, the plant accessory protein SOS3 undergoes "classical" cotranslational N-myristoylation. N-myristoylation is essential for the proper functioning of these proteins in regulating the signaling pathways (apoptosis and adaptation to salt stress, respectively) in which they are involved.

Pitfalls in the immunohistochemical localization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in paraffin embedded sweat glands

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the hereditary disease cystic fibrosis. The most frequent mutant deltaF508 has been shown in vitro to be retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Ex vivo studies using immunohistochemical labelling in cryofixed skin biopsies have confirmed the mislocalization of deltaF508 CFTR in sweat glands. The purpose of this study was to test CFTR antibodies in paraffin-embedded skin biopsies to take advantage of the superior tissue preservation as compared to cryofixation. A panel of 7 CFTR antibodies was applied to skin sections of healthy controls and of cystic fibrosis patients homozygous for the deltaF508 mutation. Sweat gland labelling consistent with CFTR localization and different between control and cystic fibrosis tissue was obtained with 2 antibodies. Conventional staining controls confirmed the labelling specificity. The antibodies were subsequently tested in a series of 237 sections of 16 biopsy specimens. However, the sweat gland labelling pattern proved not to be dependent on CFTR genotype. This finding was the sole indicator of non-specificity of the staining which was revealed only by the size of our random sample. Our results emphasize that CFTR immunolabelling following formalin fixation has to be interpreted with the utmost caution.

Regulated trafficking of the CFTR chloride channel

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the ABC transporter encoded by the cystic fibrosis gene, is localized in the apical membrane of epithelial cells where it functions as a cyclic AMP-regulated chloride channel and as a regulator of other ion channels and transporters. Whereas a key role of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in CFTR-channel gating has been firmly established, more recent studies have provided clear evidence for the existence of a second level of cAMP regulation, i.e. the exocytotic recruitment of CFFR to the plasma membrane and its endocytotic retrieval. Regulated trafficking of the CFTR Cl- channel has sofar been demonstrated only in a subset of CFTR-expressing cell types. However, with the introduction of more sensitive methods to measure CFTR cycling and submembrane localization, it might turn out to be a more general phenomenon that could contribute importantly to both the regulation of CFTR-mediated chloride transport itself and to the regulation of other transporters and CFTR-modulated cellular functions. This review aims to summarize the present state of knowledge regarding polarized and regulated CFTR trafficking and endosomal recycling in epithelial cells, to discuss present gaps in our understanding of these processes at the cellular and molecular level, and to consider its possible implications for cystic fibrosis.

Atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated Ca2+ reabsorption in rabbit kidney requires membrane-targeted, cGMP-dependent protein kinase type II

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and nitric oxide (NO) are key regulators of ion and water transport in the kidney. Here, we report that these cGMP-elevating hormones stimulate Ca2+ reabsorption via a novel mechanism specifically involving type II cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK II). ANP and the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), markedly increased Ca2+ uptake in freshly immunodissected rabbit connecting tubules (CNT) and cortical collecting ducts (CCD). Although readily increasing cGMP, ANP and SNP did not affect Ca2+ and Na+ reabsorption in primary cultures of these segments. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that cGK II, and not cGK I, was present in freshly isolated CNT and CCD but underwent a complete down-regulation during the primary cell culture. However, upon adenoviral reexpression of cGK II in primary cultures, ANP, SNP, and 8-Br-cGMP readily increased Ca2+ reabsorption. In contrast, no cGMP-dependent effect on electrogenic Na+ transport was observed. The membrane localization of cGK II proved to be crucial for its action, because a nonmyristoylated cGK II mutant that was shown to be localized in the cytosol failed to mediate ANP-stimulated Ca2+ transport. The Ca2+-regulatory function of cGK II appeared isotype-specific because no cGMP-mediated increase in Ca2+ transport was observed after expression of the cytosolic cGK Ibeta or a membrane-bound cGK II/Ibeta chimer. These results demonstrate that ANP- and NO-stimulated Ca2+ reabsorption requires membrane-targeted cGK II.

LLC-PK1 cells as a model system to study proximal tubule transport of water and other compounds relevant for renal stone disease

LLC-PK1 cells were cultured on a permeable support in a two-compartment culture system. Confluent monolayers received an ultrafiltrate-like solution at the apical side and a plasma-like solution at the basolateral side. The distribution of various solutes, including phosphate, calcium, and oxalate over both compartments was measured in time. The transport of water was monitored by alterations in fluid concentrations of radiolabeled inulin. Bicarbonate, glucose, and phosphate were transported rapidly from the apical to basolateral side of the monolayer. Sodium and chloride were reabsorbed without major consequences for the osmolality in the apical and basal fluid. Calcium and potassium were also reabsorbed, but to a smaller extent than sodium. The luminal concentration of oxalate gradually increased to values that were at least three times higher (12.0+/-0.4 micromol/l) than those in the contraluminal fluid (3.8+/-0.1 micromol/l). However, since the luminal rise of oxalate completely matched the rise of inulin in the apical fluid this appeared to be the passive consequence of active water reabsorption rather than of net directed oxalate transport. The LLC-PK1 model could prove useful to study the regulation of proximal tubule water transport and its effect on luminal stone salt concentrations under different physiological conditions.

Osmotic swelling-induced activation of the extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinases Erk-1 and Erk-2 in intestine 407 cells involves the Ras/Raf-signalling pathway

Human Intestine 407 cells respond to hypo-osmotic stress with a rapid stimulation of compensatory ionic conductances accompanied by a transient increase in the activity of the extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinases Erk-1 and Erk-2. In this study, we examined the upstream regulators of hypotonicity-induced Erk-1/Erk-2 activation and their possible role in cell-volume regulation. The hypotonicity-provoked Erk-1/Erk-2 activation was greatly reduced in cells pretreated with the specific mitogen-activated/Erk-activating kinase inhibitor PD098059 and was preceded by a transient stimulation of Raf-1. Pretreatment of the cells with PMA, GF109203X, wortmannin or Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme did not appreciably affect the hypotonicity-provoked Erk-1/Erk-2 stimulation, suggesting the osmosensitive signalling pathway to be largely independent of protein kinase C and p21(rho). In contrast, expression of dominant negative RasN17 completely abolished the hypotonicity-induced Erk-1/Erk-2 activation. Stimulation of the swelling-induced ion efflux was independent of activation of these mitogen-activated protein kinases, as revealed by hypotonicity-provoked isotope efflux from 125I-- and 86Rb+-loaded cells after pretreatment with PD098059 and after expression of RasN17. In addition, the epidermal-growth-factor-induced potentiation of the hypotonicity-provoked anionic response did not depend on the increase in Erk-1/Erk-2 activity but, instead, was found to depend on Ca2+ influx. Taken together, these results indicate that hypotonic stress induces Erk-1/Erk-2 activation through the Ras/Raf-signalling pathway, and argue against a direct role for this pathway in cell-volume control.

Membrane targeting of cGMP-dependent protein kinase is required for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel activation

A recently cloned isoform of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK), designated type II, was implicated as the mediator of cGMP-provoked intestinal Cl- secretion based on its localization in the apical membrane of enterocytes and on its capacity to activate cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels. In contrast, the soluble type I cGK was unable to activate CFTR in intact cells, although both cGK I and cGK II could phosphorylate CFTR in vitro. To investigate the molecular basis for the cGK II isotype specificity of CFTR channel gating, we expressed cGK II or cGK I mutants possessing different membrane binding properties by using adenoviral vectors in a CFTR-transfected intestinal cell line, and we examined the ability of cGMP to phosphorylate and activate the Cl- channel. Mutation of the cGK II N-terminal myristoylation site (Gly2 --> Ala) reduced cGK II membrane binding and severely impaired cGK II activation of CFTR. Conversely, a chimeric protein, in which the N-terminal membrane-anchoring domain of cGK II was fused to the N terminus of cGK Ibeta, acquired the ability to associate with the membrane and activate the CFTR Cl- channel. The potency order of cGK constructs for activation of CFTR (cGK II > membrane-bound cGK I chimer >> nonmyristoylated cGK II > cGK Ibeta) correlated with the extent of 32P incorporation into CFTR observed in parallel measurements. These results strongly support the concept that membrane targeting of cGK is a major determinant of CFTR Cl- channel activation in intact cells.

Genistein activates CFTR Cl- channels via a tyrosine kinase- and protein phosphatase-independent mechanism

Previous studies have revealed an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-independent activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. To further explore its mechanism of action, we have reconstituted genistein activation of CFTR in excised inside-out membrane patches. In the presence or absence of ATP, genistein appeared unable to open silent CFTR Cl- channels. However, on CFTR prephosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAK), genistein enhanced CFTR activity by twofold, resulting from a prolonged burst duration. Genistein could also hyperactivate partially phosphorylated CFTR in the absence of cAK and therefore is different from 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate, which required fully phosphorylated CFTR. Phosphatase-resistant thiophosphorylation likewise primed the CFTR Cl- channel for hyperactivation by genistein in the absence of cAK. Replacement of ATP by GTP as a hydrolyzable nucleotide triphosphate for CFTR did not impair the ability of genistein to activate thiophosphorylated CFTR, despite the fact that GTP is a poor substrate for tyrosine kinases. These findings argue against a role of protein phosphatases or tyrosine kinases but suggest a more direct interaction of genistein with CFTR, possibly at the level of the second nucleotide-binding domain.

Endogenous type II cGMP-dependent protein kinase exists as a dimer in membranes and can Be functionally distinguished from the type I isoforms

In mammalian tissues two types of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) have been identified. In contrast to the dimeric cGK I, cGK II purified from pig intestine was shown previously to behave as a monomer. However, recombinant rat cGK II was found to have hydrodynamic parameters indicative of a homodimer. Chemical cross-linking studies showed that pig cGK II in intestinal membranes has a dimeric structure as well. However, after purification, cGK II was found to be partly proteolyzed into C-terminal monomeric fragments. Phosphorylation studies in rat intestinal brush borders revealed that the potency of cGMP analogs to stimulate or inhibit native cGK II in vitro (i.e. 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP > cGMP > beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromo-cGMP > beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-cGMP and Rp-8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMPs > Rp-beta-phenyl-1, N2-etheno-8-bromo-cGMPs, respectively) correlated well with their potency to stimulate or inhibit cGK II-mediated Cl- secretion across intestinal epithelium but differed strikingly from their potency to affect cGK I activity. These data show that the N terminus of cGK II is involved in dimerization and that endogenous cGK II displays a distinct activation/inhibition profile with respect to cGMP analogs, which permits a pharmacological dissection between cGK II- and cGK I-mediated physiological processes.

cGMP stimulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channels co-expressed with cGMP-dependent protein kinase type II but not type Ibeta

In order to investigate the involvement of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) type II in cGMP-provoked intestinal Cl- secretion, cGMP-dependent activation and phosphorylation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels was analyzed after expression of cGK II or cGK Ibeta in intact cells. An intestinal cell line which stably expresses CFTR (IEC-CF7) but contains no detectable endogenous cGK II was infected with a recombinant adenoviral vector containing the cGK II coding region (Ad-cGK II) resulting in co-expression of active cGK II. In these cells, CFTR was activated by membrane-permeant analogs of cGMP or by the cGMP-elevating hormone atrial natriuretic peptide as measured by 125I- efflux assays and whole-cell patch clamp analysis. In contrast, infection with recombinant adenoviruses expressing cGK Ibeta or luciferase did not convey cGMP sensitivity to CFTR in IEC-CF7 cells. Concordant with the activation of CFTR by only cGK II, infection with Ad-cGK II but not Ad-cGK Ibeta enabled cGMP analogs to increase CFTR phosphorylation in intact cells. These and other data provide evidence that endogenous cGK II is a key mediator of cGMP-provoked activation of CFTR in cells where both proteins are co-localized, e. g. intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, they demonstrate that neither the soluble cGK Ibeta nor cAMP-dependent protein kinase are able to substitute for cGK II in this cGMP-regulated function.

Characterization of swelling-induced ion transport in HT-29Cl.19A cells. Role of inorganic and organic osmolytes during regulatory volume decrease

Combined intracellular and transepithelial potential and resistance measurements were performed to localize the ion conductances activated by hypo-osmotic shock of cultured human colonic carcinoma cells (HT-29Cl.19A). Furthermore, the effect of cell swelling induced by a hypo-osmotic solution on the intracellular Ca2+ activity [Ca2+]i and release of amino acids into the extracellular solution was examined. Application of a 40% hypo-osmotic solution on both sides of confluent monolayers induced a hyperpolarization of the intracellular potential caused by increased K+ conductance of the basolateral membrane, followed by a sustained depolarization due to increased Cl- conductance in the apical and basolateral membranes. Usually no transepithelial current occurred, presumably because of random distribution of Cl- channels. However, in some monolayers cell swelling induced a transepithelial Cl- current because of a more pronounced expression of volume-sensitive Cl- channels in the apical membrane. Exposure to hypo-osmotic solution increased [Ca2+]i transiently. The increase of [Ca2+]i was also observed to occur in the presence of the muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol or the inhibitor of the microsomal Ca2+-ATPase thapsigargin (TG), which prevented carbachol-induced Ca2+ release, suggesting that cell swelling recruits Ca2+ from a different source compared to carbachol or TG. Following incubations with hypo-osmotic solutions, about 60% of the intracellular free amino acids including aspartate, glutamate, glycine and taurine was released. It is concluded that the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in HT-29Cl.19A colonocytes is achieved by activation of K+ and Cl- conductances, resulting in net loss of salt, as well by extrusion of amino acids.

Hypo-osmotic cell swelling activates the p38 MAP kinase signalling cascade

Hypo-osmotic swelling of human Intestine 407 cells leads to a significant increase of intracellular MAPKAP-kinase 2 activity and Hsp27 phosphorylation. Pre-treatment of the cells with the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB-203580 blocks this activation, indicating that the hypotonicity-induced activation of MAPKAP kinase 2 is, similarly to that described for hyperosmotic treatment, the result of an activated p38 MAP kinase cascade. The activation of MAPKAP kinase 2 proceeds with kinetics similar to that of one of the first physiological responses of hypo-osmotic treatment, the opening of compensatory Cl- channels. However, inhibition of the p38 MAP kinase cascade does not block the osmo-sensitive anion efflux and, vice versa, activation of p38 MAP kinase by cytokines and anisomycin does not increase the efflux. These results indicate that the p38 MAP kinase cascade is not directly involved in Cl- channel activation but instead may play a role in subsequent cellular repair processes.

A delta F508 mutation in mouse cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator results in a temperature-sensitive processing defect in vivo

The most prevalent mutation (delta F508) in cystic fibrosis patients inhibits maturation and transfer to the plasma membrane of the mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We have analyzed the properties of a delta F508 CFTR mouse model, which we described recently. We show that the mRNA levels of mutant CFTR are normal in all tissues examined. Therefore the reduced mRNA levels reported in two similar models may be related to their intronic transcription units. Maturation of mutant CFTR was greatly reduced in freshly excised oviduct, compared with normal. Accumulation of mutant CFTR antigen in the apical region of jejunum crypt enterocytes was not observed, in contrast to normal mice. In cultured gallbladder epithelial cells from delta F508 mice, CFTR chloride channel activity could be detected at only two percent of the normal frequency. However, in mutant cells that were grown at reduced temperature the channel frequency increased to over sixteen percent of the normal level at that temperature. The biophysical characteristics of the mutant channel were not significantly different from normal. In homozygous delta F508 mice we did not observe a significant effect of genetic background on the level of residual chloride channel activity, as determined by the size of the forskolin response in Ussing chamber experiments. Our data show that like its human homologue, mouse delta F508-CFTR is a temperature sensitive processing mutant. The delta F508 mouse is therefore a valid in vivo model of human delta F508-CFTR. It may help us to elucidate the processing pathways of complex membrane proteins. Moreover, it may facilitate the discovery of new approaches towards therapy of cystic fibrosis.

Activation of the osmo-sensitive chloride conductance involves P21rho and is accompanied by a transient reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton

Hypo-osmotic stimulation of human Intestine 407 cells rapidly activated compensatory CL- and K+ conductances that limited excessive cell swelling and, finally, restored the original cell volume. Osmotic cell swelling was accompanied by a rapid and transient reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton, affecting both stress fibers as well as apical ruffles. In addition, an increase in total cellular F-actin was observed. Pretreatment of the cells with recombinant Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme, but not with mutant enzyme (C3-E173Q) devoid of ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, greatly reduced the activation of the osmo-sensitive anion efflux, suggesting a role for the ras-related GTPase p21rho. In contrast, introducing dominant negative N17-p21rac into the cells did not affect the volume-sensitive efflux. Cell swelling-induced reorganization of F-actin coincided with a transient, C3 exoenzyme-sensitive tyrosine phosphorylation of p125 focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) as well as with an increase in phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PtdIns-3-kinase) activity. Pretreatment of the cells with wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of PtdIns-3-kinase, largely inhibited the volume-sensitive ion efflux. Taken together, our results indicate the involvement of a p21rho signaling cascade and actin filaments in the activation of volume-sensitive chloride channels.

Expression and regulation of chloride channels in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Using an 125I- efflux assay, we have studied the expression of various types of chloride channels in isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Three different classes of anion conductances were distinguished: (1) a Ca(2+)-sensitive Cl- conductance, triggered upon stimulation of the cells with endothelin-1 or Ca(2+)-ionophore; (2) a cAMP/protein kinase A-operated Cl- conductance, activated by addition of forskolin. This anion channel could be identified as the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR-CI- channel) by Western blotting as well as by its enhanced activity in cultures pretreated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein; (3) a distinct class of cell volume-regulated Cl- channels, potentiated in the presence of endothelin-1 or the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate. The potential role of each class of Cl- channels in the generation and/or modulation of action potentials as well as in maintaining cell volume is discussed.

Signalling by cGMP-dependent protein kinases

The second messenger cGMP is a major intracellular mediator of the vaso-active agents nitric oxide and natriuretic peptides. The principal targets of cGMP are (i) phosphodiesterases, resulting in interference with the cAMP-signalling pathway, (ii) cGMP-gated cation channels, and (iii) cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGKs). Only two mammalian isotypes of cGK have been described so far: type I cGK, consisting of an alpha and a beta isoform, presumably splice variants of a single gene, and identified as the most prominent cGK isotype in the cardio-vascular system; and type II cGK, expressed mainly in the intestine, the kidney and the brain. High levels of cGK I are found in vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and platelets. In these cells, cGK I is thought to counteract the increase in contraction provoked by Ca-mobilizing agonists, to reduce endothelial permeability and to inhibit platelet aggregation, respectively. Relatively low levels of cGK I are found in cardiomyocytes. In this cell type, cGK is implicated in the negative inotropic effect of cGMP, presumably through modulation of Ca channels and by diminishing the Ca-sensitivity of contractile proteins.

N-terminal myristoylation is required for membrane localization of cGMP-dependent protein kinase type II

The apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells harbors a unique isozyme of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK type II) which acts as a key regulator of ion transport systems, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-chloride channel. To explore the mechanism of cGK II membrane-anchoring, recombinant cGK II was expressed stably in HEK 293 cells or transiently in COS-1 cells. In both cell lines, cGK II was found predominantly in the particulate fraction. Immunoprecipitation of solubilized cGK II did not reveal any other tightly associated proteins, suggesting a membrane binding motif within cGK II itself. The primary structure of cGK II is devoid of hydrophobic transmembrane domains; cGK II does, however, contain a penultimate glycine, a potential acceptor for a myristoyl moiety. Metabolic labeling showed that cGK II was indeed able to incorporate [3H]myristate. Moreover, incubation of cGK II-expressing 293 cells with the myristoylation inhibitor 2-hydroxymyristic acid (1 mM) significantly increased the proportion of cGK II in the cytosol from 10 +/- 5 to 35 +/- 4%. Furthermore, a nonmyristoylated cGK II Gly2 --> Ala mutant was localized predominantly in the cytosol after transient expression in COS-1 cells. The absence of the myristoyl group did not affect the specific enzyme activity or the Ka for cGMP and only slightly enhanced the thermal stability of cGK II. These results indicate that N-terminal myristoylation fulfills a crucial role in directing cGK II to the membrane.

Chloride and potassium conductances of mouse pancreatic zymogen granules are inversely regulated by a approximately 80-kDa mdr1a gene product

Cl- and cation conductances were characterized in zymogen granules (ZG) isolated from the pancreas of wild-type mice (+/+) or mice with a homozygous disruption of the multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein gene mdr1a (-/-). Cl- conductance of ZG was assayed in isotonic KCl buffer by measuring osmotic lysis, which was induced by maximal permeabilization of ZG membranes (ZGM) for K+ with valinomycin due to influx of K+ through the artificial pathway and of Cl- through endogenous channels. To measure cation conductances, ZG (pHi 6.0-6.5) were suspended in buffered isotonic monovalent cation acetate solutions (pH 7.0). The pH gradient was converted into an outside-directed H+ diffusion potential by maximally increasing H+ conductance of ZGM with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Osmotic lysis of ZG was induced by H+ diffusion potential-driven influx of monovalent cations through endogenous channels and nonionic diffusion of the counterion acetate. ZGM Cl- conductances were not different in (-/-) and (+/+) mice (2.6 +/- 0.3 h-1 versus 3.1 +/- 0.2 h-1 (relative rate constant)). The nonhydrolyzable ATP analog adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)triphosphate (AMP-PCP) (0.5 mM) activated the Cl- conductance both in (+/+) and (-/-) mice. However, activation of Cl- conductance by AMP-PCP was reduced in (-/-) mice as compared with (+/+) mice (5.0 +/- 0.4 h-1 versus 7.6 +/- 0.7 h-1; p < 0. 005). In contrast, ZGM K+ conductance was increased in (-/-) mice as compared with (+/+) mice (14.2 +/- 2.0 h-1 versus 8.5 +/- 1.2 h-1; p < 0.03). In the presence of 0.5 mm AMP-PCP, which completely blocks K+ conductance but leaves a nonselective cation conductance unaffected, there was no difference between (-/-) and (+/+) mice (5.3 +/- 0.7 h-1 versus 3.2 +/- 0.5 h-1). In Western blots of ZGM from wild-type mice, a polyclonal MDR1 specific antibody labeled a protein band of approximately 80 kDa. In mdr1a-deficient mice, the intensity of this band was reduced to 39 +/- 7% of the wild-type signal. This indicates that a mdr1a gene product of approximately 80 kDa enhances the AMP-PCP-activated fraction of mouse ZGM Cl- conductance and reduces AMP-PCP-sensitive K+ conductance.

Serum-induced membrane depolarization in quiescent fibroblasts: activation of a chloride conductance through the G protein-coupled LPA receptor

Serum stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts leads to a dramatic depolarization of the plasma membrane; however, the identity of the active serum factor(s) and the underlying mechanism are unknown. We find that this serum activity is attributable to albumin-bound lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acting on its own G protein-coupled receptor, and that membrane depolarization is due to activation of an anion conductance mediating Cl- efflux. This depolarizing Cl- current can also be activated by thrombin and neuropeptide receptors; it is distinct from volume-regulated Cl- currents. Activation of the Cl- current consistently follows stimulation of phospholipase C and coincides with remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton, which is regulated by the Ras-related GTPase Rho. However, the response is not due to Ca2+/protein kinase C signalling and requires neither Rho nor Ras activation. The results indicate that in quiescent fibroblasts, LPA and other G protein-coupled receptor agonists evoke membrane depolarization by activating a new type of Cl- channel through a signalling pathway that is closely associated with phosphoinositide hydrolysis, yet independent of known second messengers.

Isotype-specific activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-chloride channels by cGMP-dependent protein kinase II

Type II cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGKII) isolated from pig intestinal brush borders and type I alpha cGK (cGKI) purified from bovine lung were compared for their ability to activate the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-Cl- channel in excised, inside-out membrane patches from NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and from a rat intestinal cell line (IEC-CF7) stably expressing recombinant CFTR. In both cell models, in the presence of cGMP and ATP, cGKII was found to mimic the effect of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAK) on opening CFTR-Cl-channels, albeit with different kinetics (2-3-min lag time, reduced rate of activation). By contrast, cGKI or a monomeric cGKI catalytic fragment was incapable of opening CFTR-Cl- channels and also failed to potentiate cGKII activation of the channels. The cAK activation but not the cGKII activation was blocked by a cAK inhibitor peptide. The slow activation by cGKII could not be ascribed to counteracting protein phosphatases, since neither calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of phosphatase 1 and 2A, nor ATP gamma S (adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)), producing stable thiophosphorylation, was able to enhance the activation kinetics. Channels preactivated by cGKII closed instantaneously upon removal of ATP and kinase but reopened in the presence of ATP alone. Paradoxically, immunoprecipitated CFTR or CF-2, a cloned R domain fragment of CFTR (amino acids 645-835) could be phosphorylated to a similar extent with only minor kinetic differences by both isotypes of cGK. Phosphopeptide maps of CF-2 and CFTR, however, revealed very subtle differences in site-specificity between the cGK isoforms. These results indicate that cGKII, in contrast to cGKI alpha, is a potential activator of chloride transport in CFTR-expressing cell types.

Expression of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I and phosphorylation of its substrate, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, in human endothelial cells of different origin

Previous studies demonstrated that the thrombin-induced permeability of endothelial cell monolayers is reduced by the elevation of cGMP. In the present study, the presence of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PK) immunoreactivity and activity in various types of human endothelial cells (ECs) and the role of cGMP-PK in the reduction of thrombin-induced endothelial permeability was investigated. cGMP-PK type I was demonstrated in freshly isolated ECs from human aorta and iliac artery as well as in cultured ECs from human aorta, iliac vein, and foreskin microvessels. Addition of the selective cGMP-PK activator 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (8-pCPT-cGMP) to these ECs caused phosphorylation of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), an established cGMP-PK substrate, which is localized at cell-cell contact sites of confluent ECs. cGMP-PK type I expression decreased during serial passage of ECs, which correlated with a diminished ability of 8-pCPT-cGMP to induce VASP phosphorylation. Preincubation of aorta and microvascular EC monolayers with 8-pCPT-cGMP caused a 50% reduction of the thrombin-stimulated permeability, as determined by measuring the peroxidase passage through EC monolayers on porous filters. Furthermore, the thrombin-induced rise in cytoplasmic [Ca2+]i was strongly attenuated by the cGMP-PK activator in fura 2-loaded aorta ECs. In contrast, cGMP-PK could not be demonstrated in freshly isolated and cultured human umbilical vein ECs. Incubation of umbilical vein ECs with 8-pCPT-cGMP did not cause VASP phosphorylation and had no effect on the thrombin-induced increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and endothelial permeability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones potentiate hypotonicity-induced activation of ionic conductances in Intestine 407 cells

Human Intestine 407 cells respond to hyposmotic stimulation by activating the conductive efflux of both Cl- and K+ (regulatory volume decrease) through pathways involving protein tyrosine phosphorylation (Tilly, B. C., N. van den Berghe, L. G. J. Tertoolen, M. J. Edixhoven, and H. R. de Jonge. J. Biol. Chem. 268: 19919-19922, 1993). Stimulation of the cells with hormones linked to the phospholipase C signaling cascade (e.g., bradykinin, histamine, or thrombin) or with the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor vanadate, potentiated the osmosensitive anion efflux by two- to threefold but did not affect anion efflux under isotonic conditions. No substantial increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was observed on mild hypotonicity-induced cell swelling. In addition, loading the cells with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-amino-phenoxy)ethane- N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) caused a partial reduction of the osmoshock-induced 125I- efflux but did not affect its potentiation by vanadate. In contrast, bradykinin transiently elevated [Ca2+]i, and its potentiation of the osmosensitive anion efflux was completely inhibited after BAPTA-AM loading. Both the Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones as well as osmotic cell swelling rapidly triggered the phosphorylation of several proteins on tyrosine residues. However, the effects of the hormones, but not the effect of hypotonicity, on protein tyrosine phosphorylation was largely abolished in BAPTA-loaded cells. Taken together the results indicate a novel role for Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones, although elevation of [Ca2+]i, in potentiating volume-sensitive ionic efflux even in cell types lacking the expression of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels in their plasma membrane.

Effect of anisotonic conditions on the transport of hydrophilic model compounds across monolayers of human colonic cell lines

The effect of anisotonic solutions on the enhancement of the transport of hydrophilic model compounds across monolayers of Caco-2 and HT-29.cl19A intestinal epithelial cells was studied. In filter-grown monolayers of the highly differentiated villus-like Caco-2 cell line, a profound and dose-dependent drop in the transepithelial electrical resistance was found after apical treatment with a 30 or a 50% hypotonic solution (200 and 150 mOsmol, respectively). This drop was not observed after basolateral and two-sided application of a 50% hypotonic solution. During apical hypotonic treatment a 12- and 8-fold increase also was observed in transepithelial transport of two hydrophilic model compounds, i.e., fluorescein-Na and fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled dextran, MW 4000, respectively. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was revealed that this enhanced transport was predominantly via the paracellular route. Moreover, morphological changes in the cell layers indicating cell swelling were observed after apical hypotonic, but not after basolateral or bilateral treatment, probably resulting from an incomplete regulatory volume decrease response. This swelling, and slight lateral retraction of the cells, allowed the hydrophilic compounds to pass between the cells. The effects of hypotonic challenge also were studied in monolayers of the more crypt cell-like HT-29.cl19A cell line. After apical hypotonic shock, these cells showed no effect on transepithelial electrical resistance, whereas an increase was observed after basolateral and bilateral treatment. Hypotonic shock failed to increase the transport of the hydrophilic model compounds in this cell line.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Heat-stable enterotoxin receptor/guanylyl cyclase C is an oligomer consisting of functionally distinct subunits, which are non-covalently linked in the intestine

Guanylyl cyclase (GC) C is a heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) receptor with a monomeric M(r) of approximately 140,000. We calculated from its hydrodynamic parameters that an active GC-C complex has a M(r) of 393,000, suggesting that GC-C is a trimer under native conditions. Both trimeric and dimeric GC-C complexes were detected by 125I-STa binding and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions. The GC activity and STa binding from intestinal brush border membranes comigrated in gel filtration and velocity sedimentation with recombinant GC-C. However, 125I-STa cross-linking demonstrated that STa receptors with molecular masses of 52 and 74 kDa are non-covalently attached to GC in the intestine. Radiation inactivation revealed different functional sizes for basal GC activity, STa-stimulated GC activity, and STa binding (59, 210-240, and 32-52 kDa, respectively). At low radiation doses, basal GC activity was stimulated, suggesting that GC-C is inhibited by a relatively large, probably internal structure. These results suggest that STa may activate GC-C by promoting monomer-monomer interaction (internal "dimerization") within a homotrimeric GC-C complex, and that GC-C is proteolytically modified in the brush border membrane but retains its function.

Determinants of mild clinical symptoms in cystic fibrosis patients. Residual chloride secretion measured in rectal biopsies in relation to the genotype

Previous Ussing chamber measurements of secretagogue-provoked changes in short circuit current in rectal suction biopsies of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients showed that in a minority of patients chloride secretion in response to cholinergic agonists is reduced but not completely absent. To assess a possible relationship between this phenomenon and both the genotype and the phenotype, we performed Ussing chamber experiments on rectal suction biopsies of 51 CF patients. The CF mutation was identified in 89 out of 102 CF alleles. No apparent chloride secretion was found in 30 CF patients (group I). Low residual chloride secretion was found in 11 CF patients (group II), while a relatively high residual secretion appeared in 10 CF patients (group III). Pancreatic function was preserved more frequently in CF patients displaying residual secretion: 0% in group I, 27% in group II, and 60% in group III (P < 0.001). The age at diagnosis (mean +/- SEM) in group III (18.4 +/- 6.6) was significantly different from group I (1.2 +/- 0.4, P < 0.01) and group II (3.5 +/- 1.4, P = 0.05). Residual chloride secretion was found in some of the 28 dF508 homozygous patients (three in group II, and one in group III), disclosing that other factors than the CF gene defect itself affect the transepithelial chloride transport. The age at diagnosis correlates significantly with the magnitude of the secretory response, even within the dF508 homozygous patients (r = 0.4, P < 0.05). We conclude that residual chloride secretion in CF is the pathophysiological basis of preserved pancreatic function and delayed presentation of the disease, which is not exclusively determined by the CF genotype.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in osmoregulation of ionic conductances

Using the human Intestine 407 cell line as a model, we investigated a possible role for tyrosine kinase(s) in regulating the ion efflux pathways induced by hyposmotic stimulation (regulatory volume decrease, RVD). Pretreatment of 125I(-)-and 86Rb(+)-loaded cells with the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate (200 microM) potentiated isotope efflux triggered by mild hypotonicity (10-20%) but did not further increase the efflux in response to more vigorous osmotic stimulation (30% hypotonicity). The tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and genistein largely reduced the osmoshock-induced efflux in both control and vanadate-pretreated cells, while not affecting calcium-activated 86Rb+ efflux. Potentiation of the RVD response by vanadate was confirmed by direct measurements of hypotonicity-induced changes in cell volume. Hypotonic shock alone triggered a rapid and transient increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins as well as phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, the potentiating effects of vanadate on hypotonicity-induced ion efflux and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation were mimicked by epidermal growth factor. Neither vanadate nor epidermal growth factor provoked a RVD-like ionic response under isotonic conditions. These results indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation is an essential step in the RVD response and suggest a novel role of growth factors in the cellular defense against osmotic stress.

Heat-stable enterotoxin activation of immunopurified guanylyl cyclase C. Modulation by adenine nucleotides

We studied the activation and inactivation of recombinant guanylyl cyclase (GC) C stably expressed in human kidney 293 cells. Activation of GC-C by heat-stable enterotoxin (STa), Cd2+, hemin, or the detergent Triton X-100 was followed by a rapid inactivation of the enzyme. Adenine nucleotides were found to prevent the inactivation process in native membranes, as well as following enzyme solubilization and immunopurification. Inactivation of GC-C was not associated with dephosphorylation. However, the phosphorylation of GC-C was promoted by phorbol esters, known activators of protein kinase C. The activation of purified GC-C by STa required the presence of a nonspecific factor as exemplified by bovine serum albumin. When immunopurified GC-C, stabilized by ATP and bovine serum albumin, was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions, proteins with almost twice the molecular mass (220 and 245 kDa) of the monomer were observed. The mobility of these high M(r) GC-C forms was reduced by STa, suggesting that STa induces a conformation change in a preexisting GC-C dimer. These results indicate that ATP interacts directly with GC-C, stabilizing its active conformation and that the activation of GC-C may occur in the absence of other specific regulatory factors.

The value of in vivo electrophysiological measurements for monitoring functional adaptation after massive small bowel resection in the rat

The process of functional adaptation after extensive small bowel resection is complex and imprecisely understood. In vivo electrophysiological measurements for monitoring the functional adaptive process after massive small bowel resection in Brown-Norway rats were evaluated. Rats underwent either a sham operation (SH) or a 90% small bowel resection (SB). Standard rat chow was fed in unlimited quantities. At three or 10 weeks after operation, jejunal and ileal transepithelial potential differences (PD, mV) were determined. Electrogenic ion transport in the villus was measured after glucose (sodium coupled active glucose absorption; PD-glu) and in the crypt, after theophylline infusion (theophylline stimulated chloride secretion; PD-theo). Biopsies were taken simultaneously. Each experimental group consisted of three to five animals. At three weeks the PD-theo and PD-glu in SB rats were significantly lower than in SH rats in both jejunal and ileal segments. At 10 weeks PD-theo and PD-glu were significantly diminished in the jejunal segment of the SB rats compared with the SH rats. The values of PD-theo and PD-glu in the ileal segments were, however, no longer different between the two groups. Three and 10 weeks after operation the length of the villi in the SB group was increased significantly compared with the SH controls. These results indicate that in the early phase of adaptation in vivo electrophysiological variables do not correlate with histological changes in the SB rats. This might be due to cell immaturity resulting from an increased rate of cell turnover or lack of intercellular tight junctions. This hypothesis is supported by a recovery of PD responses in the ileum 10 weeks after resection.

Calcium ionophore plus excision induce a large conductance chloride channel in membrane patches of human colon carcinoma cells HT-29cl.19A

In excised inside-out membrane patches of the human colon carcinoma HT-29cl.19A cells a large conductance (373 +/- 10 pS) chloride channel was found. Channel activity could only be observed after excision of patches from cells incubated with calcium ionophore. The channel was never observed in cell-attached patches. The channel was strongly voltage dependent, being open only between +30 and -30 mV clamp potentials. The selectivity sequence among anions, deduced from reversal potentials, was I > Br > Cl > F > gluconate. The PNa/PCl was 0.09. Although a similar type of channel has been described earlier, this is the first report stating its appearance in patches of intestinal epithelial cells requiring the combined action of Ca2+ ionophore and excision, suggesting its control by an intracellular compound.

Regulation of chloride channels in the human colon carcinoma cell line HT29.cl19A

Chloride (Cl-) channels are important in the regulation of salt and water transport in secretory epithelial cells. A disturbed Cl- secretion is the most consistent characteristic in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. An outwardly rectifying Cl- channel (OR) with a conductance of 25-50 pS had been proposed to play a major role in Cl- secretion. Activation by Ca2+ and the protein kinases (PK) A and C (at less than 10 nM Ca2+) as well as inhibition by PKC (at 1 microM Ca2+) has been reported. In the present study, we have identified and characterized the OR in HT29.cl19A human colon carcinoma cells. The OR displayed a conductance of 31 +/- 4 pS (n = 25). Its open probability in 10 nM Ca2+ was voltage-dependent in 50% of the patches, starting from 0.2 at -70 mV to 0.8 at 70 mV. The spontaneous activation in excised inside-out patches at -60 mV was Ca(2+)-dependent and decreased from 29% in 1 mM Ca2+ to 2% in 10 nM Ca2+. Active OR were found in (a) 25% of patches exposed to 10 nM Ca2+, ATP and cAMP only, (b) 42% of the patches exposed to 10 nM Ca2+, ATP and the catalytic subunit of PKA (CAK) and (c) 67% of the patches exposed to 1 mM Ca2+, ATP plus CAK. Inhibition of voltage-activated channels by addition of PKC in 1 microM or 1 mM Ca2+ was not observed. Attempts to activate the OR in cell-attached patches by increasing cAMP levels under different experimental conditions were unsuccessful.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of apical Cl- conductance and basolateral K+ conductances by phorbol esters in HT-29cl.19A cells

The effect of phorbol esters [4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)] on potential differences and resistances was studied with the conventional microelectrode technique applied to confluent filter-grown monolayers of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29cl.19A. Phorbol esters (PDB or PMA from 10(-7) to 10(-6) M) evoked 1) a transient increase in the transepithelial potential difference (peak value 3.5 +/- 0.5 mV), 2) a depolarization of the cell potential by 23 +/- 2 mV at the peak of the transepithelial potential change and a continued decrease during the decline of the transepithelial potential, and 3) a decrease of the fractional resistance of the apical membrane consisting of two phases, a relative rapid one (time constant 1.2 +/- 0.2 min) and a much slower further decrease during the second phase (time constant 34 +/- 1 min). Ion replacements and electrical circuit analyses indicate that PDB activates an apical Cl- conductance and slowly inhibits the basal K+ conductance of the basolateral membrane. PDB reduced the transepithelial response to forskolin due to inhibition of the basal K+ conductance. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin accelerated that effect of PDB. Staurosporine inhibited the effects of PDB, suggesting that the PDB effects are mediated via activation of a protein kinase C.

Nucleotide-activated chloride channels in lysosomal membranes

Lysosomal membrane vesicles purified from rat liver contain a basal chloride conductance that was enhanced in the presence of ATP, non-hydrolysable ATP-analogs and, to a lesser extent, GTP. Other nucleotides, including AMP, ADP and cAMP, as well as CTP and UTP were not effective. Following fusion of the vesicles with an artificial phosphatidylethanolamine/phosphatidylserine bilayer, we found that ATP gamma S dramatically increased the incidence of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive chloride channels with a unitary slope conductance of approx. 40 pS in 300 mM/50 mM KCl buffers and 120 pS in symmetrical 300 mM KCl buffers. Since similar results were obtained with AMP-PNP, the results indicate that lysosomes contain a chloride permeable ion channel that is activated by ATP through allosteric interaction.

Dual role for protein kinase C alpha as a regulator of ion secretion in the HT29cl.19A human colonic cell line

The involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of intestinal ion secretion was studied in polarized monolayers of the HT29cl.19A human colon carcinoma cell line. Carbachol, phorbol esters [PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and PDB (phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate)] and 8-bromo cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) induced Cl secretion, as measured by a rise in the short-circuit current (ISC). The electrical response to carbachol coincided with a transient translocation of PKC alpha from the soluble to the particulate fraction. The carbachol-, PDB- and 8-Br-cAMP-induced ISC responses were inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with PMA (0.5 microM) for 2 h, a time period in which PKC alpha, beta 1 and gamma levels were not changed. As shown by 86Rb+ and 125I- efflux studies, the main targets for this inhibition were basolateral K+ transporters rather than apical Cl- channels. Prolonged exposure to PMA (24 h) led to a 60% recovery of the 8-Br-cAMP response, but not of the carbachol- or PDB-provoked secretion. As shown by immunoblotting with PKC-isoenzyme-specific antisera, the recovery of the 8-Br-cAMP response coincided with the down-regulation of PKC alpha, whereas the levels of PKC beta 1 and gamma were unmodified. These results suggest that PKC alpha, but not PKC beta 1 or gamma, is involved in both acute stimulation and chronic inhibition of ion secretion in the HT29cl.19A colonic cell line.

Regulation of chloride transport in cultured normal and cystic fibrosis keratinocytes

Cultured normal (N) cystic fibrosis (CF) keratinocytes were evaluated for their Cl(-)-transport properties by patch-clamp-, Ussing chamber- and isotopic efflux-measurements. Special attention was paid to a 32 pS outwardly rectifying Cl- channel which has been reported to be activated upon activation of cAMP-dependent pathways in N, but not in CF cells. This depolarization-induced Cl- channel was found with a similar incidence in N and CF apical keratinocyte membranes. However, activation of this channel in excised patches by protein kinase (PK)-A or PK-C was not successful in either N or CF keratinocytes. Forskolin was not able to activate Cl- channels in N and CF cell-attached patches. The Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 activated in cell-attached patches a linear 17 pS Cl- channel in both N and CF cells. This channel inactivated upon excision. No relationship between the cell-attached 17 pS and the excised 32 pS channel could be demonstrated. Returning to the measurement of Cl- transport at the macroscopic level, we found that a drastic rise in intracellular cAMP induced by forskolin did in N as well as CF cells not result in a change in the short-circuit current (Isc) or the fractional efflux rates of 36Cl- and 125I-. In contrast, addition of A23187 resulted in an increase of the Isc and in the isotopic anion efflux rates in N and CF cells. We conclude that Cl(-)-transport in cultured human keratinocytes can be activated by Ca2+, but not by cAMP-dependent pathways.

Biphasic increase of apical Cl- conductance by muscarinic stimulation of HT-29cl.19A human colon carcinoma cell line: evidence for activation of different Cl- conductances by carbachol and forskolin

The modulation of ion transport pathways in filter-grown monolayers of the Cl(-)-secreting subclone (19A) of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 by muscarinic stimulation was studied by combined Ussing chamber and microimpalement experiments. Basolateral addition of 10(-4) M carbachol induced a complex poly-phasic change of the cell potential consisting of (i) a fast and short (30-sec) depolarization of 15 +/- 1 mV from a resting value of -52 +/- 1 mV and an increase of the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (first phase), (ii) a repolarization of 22 +/- 1 mV leading to a hyperpolarization of the cell (second phase), (iii) a depolarization of 11 +/- 1 mV and a decrease of the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (the third phase), (iv) and sometimes, a hyperpolarization of 6 +/- 1 mV and an increase of the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (fourth phase). The transepithelial potential increased with a peak value of 2.4 +/- 0.3 mV (basolateral side positive). The transepithelial PD started to increase (serosa positive), coinciding with the start of the second phase of the intracellular potential change, and continued to increase during the third phase. Ion replacements and electrical circuit analyses indicate that the first phase is caused by increase of the Cl- conductance in the apical and basolateral membrane, the second phase by increased K+ conductance of the basolateral membrane, and the third phase and the fourth phase by increase and decrease, respectively, of an apical Cl- conductance. The first and second phase of the carbachol effect could be elicited also by ionomycin. They were strongly reduced by EGTA. Phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) induced a sustained depolarization of the cell and a decrease of the apical fractional resistance. The results suggest that two different types of Cl- channels are involved in the carbachol response: one Ca2+ dependent and a second which may be PKC sensitive. In the presence of a supramaximal concentration of forskolin, carbachol evoked a further increase of the apical Cl- conductance. It is concluded that the short-lasting carbachol/Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- conductance is different from the forskolin-activated conductance. The increase of the Cl- conductance in the presence of forskolin by carbachol may be due to activation of different Cl- channels or to modulation of the PKA-activated Cl- channels by activated PKC.

Phorbol esters stimulate and inhibit Cl- secretion by different mechanisms in a colonic cell line

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was found to increase both the short-circuit current (Isc) and the efflux of 125I- or 36Cl- in the colonic epithelial cell line HT-29.cl19A. Neither the PMA-provoked rise in Isc nor the stimulation of 125I- efflux was affected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. The PMA-induced increase in Cl- efflux was not accompanied by a rise in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels. A prolonged incubation with PMA (3 h), however, inhibited the PMA- and the cAMP-stimulated Isc by greater than 90%, whereas the cAMP-provoked 125I- and 36Cl- efflux was not inhibited. The long-term PMA treatment was found to inhibit the basal and cAMP-provoked 86Rb+ efflux by 65 +/- 9 and 86 +/- 7%, respectively. A 3-h incubation with PMA also strongly inhibited the Ca2+ ionophore A23187-induced increase in 86Rb+ efflux, whereas the A23187-stimulated 125I- efflux was only marginally inhibited. These data suggest that phorbol esters, presumably by activation of protein kinase C, can provoke Cl- secretion in HT-29.cl19A colonocytes independently of a prostaglandin- or cAMP-mediated pathway. Prolonged exposure to PMA, however, causes an inhibition of net electrogenic Cl- secretion by downregulation of the activity of K+ transporters.

Value of in vivo electrophysiological measurements to evaluate canine small bowel autotransplants

This study aimed to develop a non-invasive method for in vivo measurement of the transepithelial potential difference in the canine small bowel and to evaluate this parameter in small bowel autotransplants. In group 0 (control group, n = 4), two intestinal loops were created without disturbing their vascular, neural, and lymphatic supplies. In group I (successful autotransplants, n = 11), two heterotopic small bowel loops were constructed. Long term functional sequelae of vascular, neural, and lymphatic division were studied. Group II (n = 6) consisted of dogs with unsuccessful autotransplants suffering thrombosis of the vascular anastomosis, which resulted in ischaemic small bowel autografts. In group I, values of spontaneous transepithelial potential difference, an index of base line active electrolyte transport, were significantly lower compared with group 0 (p less than 0.05), probably as a result of denervation of the autotransplants. Both theophylline and glucose stimulated potential difference responses, measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediated chloride secretion and sodium coupled glucose absorption respectively, showed negative luminal values in group I at all time points after transplantation. These transepithelial potential difference responses diminished progressively with time. From day 21 onwards both theophylline and glucose stimulated potential difference responses were significantly less than the corresponding responses at day seven (p less than 0.05). Morphometric analysis showed that the reduction of transepithelial potential difference responses preceded degenerative mucosal changes in the heterotopic small bowel autografts. In group II, potential difference responses to theophylline and glucose showed positive luminal values (p<0.01 v group I), probably as a result of passive potassium effusion from necrotic enterocytes.

Asymmetrical distribution of G-proteins among the apical and basolateral membranes of rat enterocytes

The distribution of the alpha and beta subunits of guanosine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) among the apical and basolateral membranes of polarized rat enterocytes was investigated by ADP-ribosylation assays in vitro and immunoblotting with G-protein-subunit-specific antisera. The enterocytes were found to express alpha i2, alpha ji3, alpha s and beta subunits, whereas alpha i1 and alpha o subunits could not be detected. The alpha i2 and alpha i3 subunits were located predominantly in the basolateral membrane, in contrast with the alpha s and beta subunits, which were distributed uniformly among both membranes. Furthermore, 39 kDa and 78 kDa proteins, recognized by anti-alpha i1/2 but not anti-alpha i1 or anti-alpha i3 specific antisera, and resistant to ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin, were localized exclusively at the apical border. These Gi-related proteins might represent novel members of the G-protein family. Activation of apical G-proteins by GTP or its analogues failed to release the alpha s, alpha i and beta subunits or the 39 kDa and 78 kDa alpha i-like proteins from the membrane, suggesting a functional role for these proteins in the apical membrane itself. Our recent finding of a guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate-sensitive Cl- conductance in the apical membrane of rat enterocytes suggests that one or more of these G-proteins may act as local regulators of specific apical transport functions.

Ion transport abnormalities in rectal suction biopsies from children with cystic fibrosis

Abnormalities in transepithelial electrolyte transport in cystic fibrosis rectum were analyzed by short-circuit current measurements on 11 control subjects and 11 subjects with cystic fibrosis in a modified Ussing chamber. As judged by the amiloride-sensitive component of the short-circuit current, electrogenic sodium absorption appeared unmodified in cystic fibrosis. In contrast, the short-circuit current response to specific stimuli of both cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and calcium-mediated chloride secretion was drastically altered in all of the cystic fibrosis biopsy specimens examined. Stimulation of the cAMP pathway by 8-bromo cAMP or forskolin resulted in a sustained increase in short-circuit current in control tissues (+ 2.51 +/- 0.63 microA/cm2) but in a slight change in the opposite direction in cystic fibrosis (-0.56 +/- 0.49 microA/cm2; P less than 0.05). Carbachol, a calcium-linked secretagogue, provoked a transient increase in short-circuit current in all of the control tissues (peak response, + 26.69 +/- 3.63 microA/cm2) but a transient change in the opposite direction in 6 of 11 cystic fibrosis tissues (-12.46 +/- 4.64 microA/cm2; P less than 0.05). In 2 of 11 patients with cystic fibrosis, however, a significant but subnormal and transient increase in short-circuit current was observed (+ 2.62 +/- 0.04 microA/cm2; P less than 0.05), whereas in 3 of 11 patients with cystic fibrosis a transient change in the opposite direction (-9.83 +/- 2.20 microA/cm2; P less than 0.05) was followed by a small and transient increase (+ 2.89 +/- 0.83 microA/cm2; P less than 0.05). Using the calcium-mediated secretory response therefore, patients with cystic fibrosis could be divided into two categories: a major population showing defective anion secretion but active cation secretion and a subclass (including three siblings) showing residual but subnormal anion secretion. The easy accessibility of rectal samples and the inversed direction of the cAMP- or calcium-provoked short-circuit current is of considerable advantage in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.