Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Cl Research Articles

In vitro modulator responsiveness of 655 CFTR variants found in people with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundIn 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration initiated expansion of drug labels for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) to include CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants based on in vitro functional studies. This study aims to identify CFTR variants that result in increased chloride (Cl−) transport function by the CFTR protein after treatment with the CFTR modulator combination elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA). These data may benefit people with CF (pwCF) who are not currently eligible for modulator therapies. MethodsPlasmid DNA encoding 655 CFTR variants and wild-type (WT) CFTR were transfected into Fisher Rat Thyroid cells that do not natively express CFTR. After 24 h of incubation with control or TEZ and ELX, and acute addition of IVA, CFTR function was assessed using the transepithelial current clamp conductance assay. Each variant's forskolin/cAMP-induced baseline Cl− transport activity, responsiveness to IVA alone, and responsiveness to the TEZ/ELX/IVA combination were measured in three different laboratories. Western blots were conducted to evaluate CFTR protein maturation and complement the functional data. Results and conclusions253 variants not currently approved for CFTR modulator therapy showed low baseline activity (<10 % of normal CFTR Cl− transport activity). For 152 of these variants, treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA improved the Cl− transport activity by ≥10 % of normal CFTR function, which is suggestive of clinical benefit. ELX/TEZ/IVA increased CFTR function by ≥10 percentage points for an additional 140 unapproved variants with ≥10 % but <50 % of normal CFTR function at baseline. These findings significantly expand the number of rare CFTR variants for which ELX/TEZ/IVA treatment should result in clinical benefit.

A small molecule CFTR potentiator restores ATP-dependent channel gating to the cystic fibrosis mutant G551D-CFTR.

Background and PurposeCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators are small molecules developed to treat the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). They interact directly with CFTR Cl− channels at the plasma membrane to enhance channel gating. Here, we investigate the action of a new CFTR potentiator, CP‐628006 with a distinct chemical structure.Experimental ApproachUsing electrophysiological assays with CFTR‐expressing heterologous cells and CF patient‐derived human bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells, we compared the effects of CP‐628006 with the marketed CFTR potentiator ivacaftor.Key ResultsCP‐628006 efficaciously potentiated CFTR function in epithelia from cultured hBE cells. Its effects on the predominant CFTR variant F508del‐CFTR were larger than those with the gating variant G551D‐CFTR. In excised inside‐out membrane patches, CP‐628006 potentiated wild‐type, F508del‐CFTR, and G551D‐CFTR by increasing the frequency and duration of channel openings. CP‐628006 increased the affinity and efficacy of F508del‐CFTR gating by ATP. In these respects, CP‐628006 behaved like ivacaftor. CP‐628006 also demonstrated notable differences with ivacaftor. Its potency and efficacy were lower than those of ivacaftor. CP‐628006 conferred ATP‐dependent gating on G551D‐CFTR, whereas the action of ivacaftor was ATP‐independent. For G551D‐CFTR, but not F508del‐CFTR, the action of CP‐628006 plus ivacaftor was greater than ivacaftor alone. CP‐628006 delayed, but did not prevent, the deactivation of F508del‐CFTR at the plasma membrane, whereas ivacaftor accentuated F508del‐CFTR deactivation.Conclusions and ImplicationsCP‐628006 has distinct effects compared to ivacaftor, suggesting a different mechanism of CFTR potentiation. The emergence of CFTR potentiators with diverse modes of action makes therapy with combinations of potentiators a possibility.

CFTR plays an important role in the regulation of vascular resistance and high-fructose/salt-diet induced hypertension in mice

BackgroundThe pathophysiological roles of cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channels in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) remain controversial. Here we studied the function of CFTR Cl− channels in regulation of BP and in the high-fructose-salt-diet (HFSD) induced hypertension in mice. MethodsThe systolic, diastolic and mean BP (SBP, DBP and MBP, respectively) were continuously monitored from unrestricted conscious wild-type (cftr+/+) FVB and CFTR-knockout (cftr−/−) mice (8-week old, male). HFSD (64.7% fructose, 2% NaCl water) or control normal starch diet (CNSD, 58.9% corn starch, 0 NaCl water) was given for 8 weeks and vascular Doppler were performed. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to examine mRNA and protein expression, respectively. ResultsThe aortic stiffness, daytime and nighttime SBP, DBP, and MBP of the cftr−/− mice were significantly higher than those in the age- and gender-matched cftr+/+ mice, which is consistent with the findings of increased vascular resistance in cystic fibrosis patients. The aortic stiffness, daytime and nighttime SBP, DBP, and MBP of cftr+/+ mice fed with HFSD were all significantly higher than those fed with CNSD. Importantly, HFSD caused a significant decrease in mRNA and protein expression of WINK1, WINK4 and CFTR in aorta and mesenteric arteries, but not in the kidney, corroborating that HSFD-induced downregulation of WINKs and loss of CFTR function specifically in the arteries may mediate the increased BP. ConclusionsCFTR regulates peripheral arterial resistance and BP in vivo. HFSD-induced CFTR downregulation specifically in the arteries may be a novel mechanism for hypertension.

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules inhibit the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel.

The gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) regulates fluid and electrolyte movements across epithelial tissues. However, its action on anion channels is incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the direct action of CO on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by applying CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) to the intracellular side of excised inside-out membrane patches from cells heterologously expressing wild-type human CFTR. Addition of increasing concentrations of tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (CORM-2) (1-300 μM) inhibited CFTR channel activity, whereas the control RuCl3 (100 μM) was without effect. CORM-2 predominantly inhibited CFTR by decreasing the frequency of channel openings and, hence, open probability (Po). But, it also reduced current flow through open channels with very fast kinetics, particularly at elevated concentrations. By contrast, the chemically distinct CO-releasing molecule CORM-3 inhibited CFTR by decreasing Po without altering current flow through open channels. Neither depolarizing the membrane voltage nor raising the ATP concentration on the intracellular side of the membrane affected CFTR inhibition by CORM-2. Interestingly, CFTR inhibition by CORM-2, but not by CFTRinh-172, was prevented by prior enhancement of channel activity by the clinically approved CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. Similarly, when added after CORM-2, ivacaftor completely relieved CFTR inhibition. In conclusion, CORM-2 has complex effects on wild-type human CFTR consistent with allosteric inhibition and open-channel blockade. Inhibition of CFTR by CO-releasing molecules suggests that CO regulates CFTR activity and that the gasotransmitter has tissue-specific effects on epithelial ion transport. The action of ivacaftor on CFTR Cl- channels inhibited by CO potentially expands the drug's clinical utility.

ENaC inhibition in cystic fibrosis: potential role in the new era of CFTR modulator therapies.

ENaC inhibition with BI 1265162 is a promising strategy to optimise outcomes in patients with CF either eligible, or ineligible, for CFTR modulator therapy. Phase II clinical trials of BI 1265162 must now show this translates into clinical benefit. https://bit.ly/2OQ1IUI

Parathyroid hormone increases CFTR expression and function in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) enhances cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated anion secretion by the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. With the patch-clamp and Ussing chamber techniques, we investigated how PTH stimulates CFTR activity in Caco-2 cells. Cell-attached recordings revealed that PTH stimulated the opening of CFTR-like channels, while impedance analysis demonstrated that PTH increased apical membrane capacitance, a measure of membrane surface area. Using ion substitution experiments, the PTH-stimulated increase in short-circuit current (Isc), a measure of transepithelial ion transport, was demonstrated to be Cl−- and HCO3−-dependent. However, the PTH-stimulated increase in Isc was unaffected by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide, but partially blocked by the intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (IKCa) inhibitor clotrimazole. TRAM-34, a related IKCa inhibitor, failed to directly inhibit CFTR Cl− channels in cell-free membrane patches, excluding its action on CFTR. In conclusion, PTH enhances CFTR-mediated anion secretion by Caco-2 monolayers by increasing the expression and function of CFTR in the apical membrane and IKCa activity in the basolateral membrane.

Differential thermostability and response to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiators of human and mouse F508del-CFTR.

Cross-species comparative studies have highlighted differences between human and mouse cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the epithelial Cl− channel defective in cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we compare the impact of the most common CF mutation F508del on the function of human and mouse CFTR heterologously expressed in mammalian cells and their response to CFTR modulators using the iodide efflux and patch-clamp techniques. Once delivered to the plasma membrane, human F508del-CFTR exhibited a severe gating defect characterized by infrequent channel openings and was thermally unstable, deactivating within minutes at 37°C. By contrast, the F508del mutation was without effect on the gating pattern of mouse CFTR, and channel activity demonstrated thermostability at 37°C. Strikingly, at all concentrations tested, the clinically approved CFTR potentiator ivacaftor was without effect on the mouse F508del-CFTR Cl− channel. Moreover, eight CFTR potentiators, including ivacaftor, failed to generate CFTR-mediated iodide efflux from CHO cells expressing mouse F508del-CFTR. However, they all produced CFTR-mediated iodide efflux with human F508del-CFTR-expressing CHO cells, while fifteen CFTR correctors rescued the plasma membrane expression of both human and mouse F508del-CFTR. Interestingly, the CFTR potentiator genistein enhanced CFTR-mediated iodide efflux from CHO cells expressing either human or mouse F508del-CFTR, whereas it only potentiated human F508del-CFTR Cl− channels in cell-free membrane patches, suggesting that its action on mouse F508del-CFTR is indirect. Thus, the F508del mutation has distinct effects on human and mouse CFTR Cl− channels.

Two Small Molecules Restore Stability to a Subpopulation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator with the Predominant Disease-causing Mutation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations that disrupt the plasma membrane expression, stability, and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel. Two small molecules, the CFTR corrector lumacaftor and the potentiator ivacaftor, are now used clinically to treat CF, although some studies suggest that they have counteracting effects on CFTR stability. Here, we investigated the impact of these compounds on the instability of F508del-CFTR, the most common CF mutation. To study individual CFTR Cl− channels, we performed single-channel recording, whereas to assess entire CFTR populations, we used purified CFTR proteins and macroscopic CFTR Cl− currents. At 37 °C, low temperature-rescued F508del-CFTR more rapidly lost function in cell-free membrane patches and showed altered channel gating and current flow through open channels. Compared with purified wild-type CFTR, the full-length F508del-CFTR was about 10 °C less thermostable. Lumacaftor partially stabilized purified full-length F508del-CFTR and slightly delayed deactivation of individual F508del-CFTR Cl− channels. By contrast, ivacaftor further destabilized full-length F508del-CFTR and accelerated channel deactivation. Chronic (prolonged) co-incubation of F508del-CFTR-expressing cells with lumacaftor and ivacaftor deactivated macroscopic F508del-CFTR Cl− currents. However, at the single-channel level, chronic co-incubation greatly increased F508del-CFTR channel activity and temporal stability in most, but not all, cell-free membrane patches. We conclude that chronic lumacaftor and ivacaftor co-treatment restores stability in a small subpopulation of F508del-CFTR Cl− channels but that the majority remain destabilized. A fuller understanding of these effects and the characterization of the small F508del-CFTR subpopulation might be crucial for CF therapy development.

Altering intracellular pH reveals the kinetic basis of intraburst gating in the CFTR Cl- channel.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is defective in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF), forms a gated pathway for chloride movement regulated by intracellular ATP. To understand better CFTR function, we investigated the regulation of channel openings by intracellular pH. We found that short-lived channel closures during channel openings represent subtle changes in the structure of CFTR that are regulated by intracellular pH, in part, at ATP-binding site 1 formed by the nucleotide-binding domains. Our results provide a framework for future studies to understand better the regulation of channel openings, the dysfunction of CFTR in CF and the action of drugs that repair CFTR gating defects. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an ATP-gated Cl- channel defective in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). The gating behaviour of CFTR is characterized by bursts of channel openings interrupted by brief, flickery closures, separated by long closures between bursts. Entry to and exit from an open burst is controlled by the interaction of ATP with two ATP-binding sites, sites 1 and 2, in CFTR. To understand better the kinetic basis of CFTR intraburst gating, we investigated the single-channel activity of human CFTR at different intracellular pH (pHi ) values. When compared with the control (pHi 7.3), acidifying pHi to 6.3 or alkalinizing pHi to 8.3 and 8.8 caused small reductions in the open-time constant (τo ) of wild-type CFTR. By contrast, the fast closed-time constant (τcf ), which describes the short-lived closures that interrupt open bursts, was greatly increased at pHi 5.8 and 6.3. To analyse intraburst kinetics, we used linear three-state gating schemes. All data were satisfactorily modelled by the C1 ↔ O ↔ C2 kinetic scheme. Changing the intracellular ATP concentration was without effect on τo , τcf and their responses to pHi changes. However, mutations that disrupt the interaction of ATP with ATP-binding site 1, including K464A, D572N and the CF-associated mutation G1349D all abolished the prolongation of τcf at pHi 6.3. Taken together, our data suggest that the regulation of CFTR intraburst gating is distinct from the ATP-dependent mechanism that controls channel opening and closing. However, our data also suggest that ATP-binding site 1 modulates intraburst gating.

Role of Quercetin in Modulating Chloride Transport in the Intestine.

Epithelial chloride channels provide the pathways for fluid secretion in the intestine. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are the main chloride channels in the luminal membrane of enterocytes. These transmembrane proteins play important roles in many physiological processes. In this study, we have identified a flavonoid quercetin as a modulator of CaCC chloride channel activity. Fluorescence quenching assay showed that quercetin activated Cl− transport in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 ~37 μM. Short-circuit current analysis confirmed that quercetin activated CaCC-mediated Cl− currents in HT-29 cells that can be abolished by CaCCinh-A01. Ex vivo studies indicated that application of quercetin to mouse ileum and colon on serosal side resulted in activation of CFTR and CaCC-mediated Cl− currents. Notably, we found that quercetin exhibited inhibitory effect against ANO1 chloride channel activity in ANO1-expressing FRT cells and decreased mouse intestinal motility. Quercetin-stimulated short-circuit currents in mouse ileum was multi-component, which included elevation of Ca2+ concentration through L-type calcium channel and activation of basolateral NKCC, Na+/K+-ATPase, and K+ channels. In vivo studies further revealed that quercetin promoted fluid secretion in mouse ileum. The modulatory effect of quercetin on CaCC chloirde channels may therefore represent a potential therapeutic strategy for treating CaCC-related diseases like constipation, secretory diarrhea and hypertension. The inverse effects of quercetin on CaCCs provided evidence that ANO1 and intestinal epithelial CaCCs are different calcium-activated chloride channels.

The adenosine A2B receptor is involved in anion secretion in human pancreatic duct Capan-1 epithelial cells.

Adenosine modulates a wide variety of biological processes via adenosine receptors. In the exocrine pancreas, adenosine regulates transepithelial anion secretion in duct cells and is considered to play a role in acini-to-duct signaling. To identify the functional adenosine receptors and Cl− channels important for anion secretion, we herein performed experiments on Capan-1, a human pancreatic duct cell line, using open-circuit Ussing chamber and gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp techniques. The luminal addition of adenosine increased the negative transepithelial potential difference (Vte) in Capan-1 monolayers with a half-maximal effective concentration value of approximately 10 μM, which corresponded to the value obtained on whole-cell Cl− currents in Capan-1 single cells. The effects of adenosine on Vte, an equivalent short-circuit current (Isc), and whole-cell Cl− currents were inhibited by CFTRinh-172, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel inhibitor. The adenosine A2B receptor agonist, BAY 60-6583, increased Isc and whole-cell Cl− currents through CFTR Cl− channels, whereas the A2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680, had negligible effects. The A2B receptor antagonist, PSB 603, inhibited the response of Isc to adenosine. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the A2A and A2B receptors colocalized with Ezrin in the luminal membranes of Capan-1 monolayers and in rat pancreatic ducts. Adenosine elicited the whole-cell Cl− currents in guinea pig duct cells. These results demonstrate that luminal adenosine regulates anion secretion by activating CFTR Cl− channels via adenosine A2B receptors on the luminal membranes of Capan-1 cells. The present study endorses that purinergic signaling is important in the regulation of pancreatic secretion.

CFTR on an Automated Patch Clamp System

One of the significant challenges for Automated Patch Clamp (APC) instruments has been to measure leak ion channels such as Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR). CFTR functions as a chloride channel and controls the regulation of different transport pathways. Mutations in the CFTR gene have been found to cause cystic fibrosis and congenital bilateral aplasia of the vas deferens. Forskolin is normally used to activate the CFTR channel. Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, which cause ATP to make cAMP, which then works on the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). PKA phosphylates the CFTR channel and thereby opens the channel. Fluoride can stimulate CFTR Cl- channel activity, by stimulating the adenylate cyclase. The activation of the CFTR channel by Fluoride is important, since many APC platforms based on planar chip technology use Fluoride in the intracellular saline solution, as a way to obtain sufficiently tight seals. CFTR channels show little or no voltage dependence, and can be challenging to leak compensate. Several different leak methods can be utilized on a QPatch, but sweep subtraction would be preferred. With sweep subtraction a high dose of relative specific antagonist is added, and deduct the antagonist blocked current from the rest of the experiments. Data from human CFTR channels demonstrate that the Sophion QPatch is capable of performing accumulated dose response experiments on leak channels, and that sweep subtractions is a useful tool in APC systems.

Regulating effect of TongXie-YaoFang on colonic epithelial secretion via Cl- and HCO3- channel.

AIMTo investigate the pharmacological effect of TongXie-YaoFang (TXYF) formula, a Chinese herbal formula, on Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) rats.METHODSIn a neonatal maternal separation plus restraint stress (NMS + RS) model of D-IBS, male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (NMS + RS group and TXYF-formula group) with no handlings were used as controls (NH group). Starting from postnatal day 60, rats in TXYF-formula group were administered TXYF-formula (4.92 g/100 g bodyweight) orally twice a day for 14 consecutive days while NH group and NMS + RS group were given distilled water. Using short-circuit current technology, we observed 5-HT-induced changes of current across ion channels, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel, epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), Ca2+-dependent Cl- channel (CACC), Na+-K+-2Cl- co-transporter (NKCC), and Na+-HCO3- co-transporter (NBC), in the colonic epithelium of three groups after exposure to drugs and specific blockers with a Power Lab System (AD Instruments International).RESULTSUnder basal conditions, the changes of short-circuit current (∆Isc, µA/cm2) induced by 5-HT were similar in NH group and TXYF-formula group, and both higher than NMS + RS group (70.86 µA/cm2 ± 12.32 µA/cm2, 67.67 µA/cm2 ± 11.68 µA/cm2 vs 38.8 µA/cm2 ± 7.25 µA/cm2, P < 0.01, respectively). When CACC was blocked by 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, 5-HT-induced ∆Isc was smaller in NMS + RS group than in NH group and TXYF-formula group, respectively (48.41 µA/cm2 ± 13.15 µA/cm2 vs 74.62 µA/cm2 ± 10.73 µA/cm2, 69.22 µA/cm2 ± 11.7 µA/cm2, P < 0.05, respectively). The similar result could be obtained when ENaC was blocked by Amiloride (44.69 µA/cm2 ± 12.58 µA/cm2 vs 62.05 µA/cm2 ± 11.26 µA/cm2, 62.11 µA/cm2 ± 12.01 µA/cm2, P < 0.05, respectively). However, when CFTR Cl- channel was blocked by 1,1-dimethyl piperidinium chloride (DPC), 5-HT-induced ∆Isc did not significantly differ in three groups (42.28 µA/cm2 ± 10.61 µA/cm2 vs 51.48 µA/cm2 ± 6.56 µA/cm2 vs 47.75 µA/cm2 ± 7.99 µA/cm2, P > 0.05, respectively). The similar results could also be obtained in three groups when NBC and NKCC were respectively blocked by their blockers.CONCLUSIONTXYF-formula can regulate the Cl- and HCO3- secretion of colonic mucosa via CFTR Cl- channel, Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, NBC and NKCC co-transporters.

Chloride secretion by renal collecting ducts.

Renal collecting ducts maintain NaCl homeostasis by fine-tuning urinary excretion to balance dietary salt intake. This review focuses on recent studies on transcellular Cl secretion by collecting ducts, its regulation and its role in cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Lumens of nonperfused rat medullary collecting ducts collapse in control media but expand with fluid following treatment with cAMP, demonstrating the capacity for both salt absorption and secretion. Recently, inhibition of apical epithelial Na channels (ENaC) unmasked Cl secretion in perfused mouse cortical collecting ducts (CCDs), involving Cl uptake by basolateral NKCC1 and efflux through apical Cl channels. AVP, the key hormone for osmoregulation, promotes cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated Cl secretion. In addition, prostaglandin E2 stimulates Cl secretion through both CFTR and Ca-activated Cl channels. Renal Cl secretion has been commonly overlooked because of the overwhelming capacity for the nephron to reabsorb NaCl from the glomerular filtrate. In ADPKD, Cl secretion plays a central role in the accumulation of cyst fluid and the remarkable size of the cystic kidneys. Investigation of renal Cl secretion may provide a better understanding of NaCl homeostasis and identify new approaches to reduce cyst growth in PKD.

Luminal acetylcholine does not affect the activity of the CFTR in tracheal epithelia of pigs

Fluid homeostasis mediated by the airway epithelium is required for proper lung function, and the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) Cl− channel is crucial for these processes. Luminal acetylcholine (ACh) acts as an auto-/paracrine mediator to activate Cl− channels in airway epithelia and evidence exists showing that nicotinic ACh receptors activate CFTR in murine airway epithelia. The present study investigated whether or not luminal ACh regulates CFTR activity in airway epithelia of pigs, an emerging model for investigations of human airway disease and cystic fibrosis (CF) in particular. Transepithelial ion currents of freshly dissected pig tracheal preparations were measured with Ussing chambers. Application of luminal ACh (100μM) induced an increase of the short-circuit current (ISC). The ACh effect was mimicked by muscarine and pilocarpine (100μM each) and was sensitive to muscarinic receptor antagonists (atropine, 4-DAMP, pirenzepine). No changes of the ISC were observed by nicotine (100μM) and ACh responses were not affected by nicotine or mecamylamine (25μM). Luminal application of IBMX (I, 100μM) and forskolin (F, 10μM), increase the ISC and the I/F-induced current were decreased by the CFTR inhibitor GlyH-101 (GlyH, 50μM) indicating increased CFTR activity by I/F. In contrast, GlyH did not affect the ACh-induced current, indicating that the ACh response does not involve the activation of the CFTR. Results from this study suggest that luminal ACh does not regulate the activity of the CFTR in tracheal epithelia of pigs which opposes observation from studies using mice airway epithelium.

Pinacidil and levamisole prevent glutamate-induced death of hippocampal neuronal cells through reducing ROS production

Activators of both adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel have significant in vivo and in vitro neuroprotection against glutamate-induced death of some neuronal cells. Here, the effect of the KATP channel activator, pinacidil, and the CFTR Cl− channel opener, levamisole, against glutamate-induced oxidative stress were investigated in mouse hippocampal cells, HT22. The results from cell viability assay (WST-1) showed that pinacidil and levamisole weakly protected cells against glutamate-induced toxicity at 10 μM and their effect increased in a dose-dependent manner till reach maximum protection at 300 μM. Pretreatment with pinacidil or levamisole significantly suppressed the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by glutamate through stabilising mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently protected HT22 cells against glutamate-induced death. HT22 cells viability was maintained by pinacidil and levamisole in presence of glutathione inhibitor, BSO. Also, pinacidil and levamisole pretreatment did not induce recovery of glutathione levels decreased by glutamate Expectedly, this protection was abolished by the KATP and CFTR Cl− channels blocker, glibenclamide. Thus, both pinacidil and levamisole protect HT22 cells against glutamate-induced cell death through stabilising mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently decreasing ROS production.

Prevention of secretory diarrhea by ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Bistortae rhizoma&lt;/i&gt; through inhibition of chloride channel

&lt;p&gt;Inhibition of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-activated Cl&lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt; channel (CaCC) represents an attractive approach for the treatment of secretory diarrhea. The aim of the study is to investigate the molecular basis of the anti-diarrheal effect of traditional Chinese herbal anti-diarrheal medicine &lt;em&gt;Bistortae rhizoma&lt;/em&gt;. Fluorescence quenching assay indicated that the 40% methanol /water fraction (D5) dose-dependently inhibited both CFTR and CaCC function in transfected Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells. Ex vivo studies indicated that D5 inhibited both forskolin (FSK)-activated CFTR current and CCh-induced CaCC current in rat colonic mucosa. In the mouse closed-loop model, intraluminal application of D5 (200 µg/mL) significantly reduced cholera toxin-stimulated fluid secretion. In the intestinal motility model, D5 significantly delayed intestinal peristalsis in mice. Our research suggests that CFTR and CaCC-mediated intestinal epithelial Cl&lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt; secretion inhibiting and gastrointestinal motility delaying may account for the anti-diarrheal activity of &lt;em&gt;B. rhizoma&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Functional characteristics of L1156F-CFTR associated with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in Japanese.

Although cystic fibrosis is rare in Japanese, measurement of sweat Cl(-) has suggested mild dysfunction of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in some patients with chronic pancreatitis. In the present study, we have investigated the association of CFTR variants and chronic pancreatitis in Japanese and the functional characteristics of a Japanese- and pancreatitis-specific CFTR variant, L1156F. Seventy patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, 18 patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, and 180 normal subjects participated. All exons and their boundaries and promoter region of the CFTR gene were sequenced. Human embryonic kidney-293 cells were transfected with three CFTR variants (M470V, L1156F, and M470V+L1156F), and the protein expression was examined. Xenopus laevis oocytes were injected with the CFTR variants, and bicarbonate (HCO3 (-)) transport activity was examined. CFPAC-1 cells were transfected with the CFTR variants and Cl(-)/HCO3 (-) exchange activity was examined. Six variants (E217G, I556V, M470V, L1156F, Q1352H, and R1453W) were identified in the coding region of the CFTR gene. Cystic fibrosis-causing mutations were not found. The allele frequencies of L1156F and Q1352H in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (5.0 and 7.9%) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those in normal subjects (0.6 and 1.9%). L1156F was linked with a worldwide CFTR variant, M470V. Combination of M470V and L1156F significantly reduced CFTR expression to ∼60%, impaired CFTR-mediated HCO3 (-)/Cl(-) transport activity to 50-60%, and impaired CFTR-coupled Cl(-)/HCO3 (-) exchange activity to 20-30%. The data suggest that the Japanese-specific CFTR variant L1156F causes mild dysfunction of CFTR and increases the risk of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in Japanese.

Impact of the F508del mutation on ovine CFTR, a Cl- channel with enhanced conductance and ATP-dependent gating.

Malfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a gated pathway for chloride movement, causes the common life-shortening genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Towards the development of a sheep model of CF, we have investigated the function of sheep CFTR. We found that sheep CFTR was noticeably more active than human CFTR, while the most common CF mutation, F508del, had reduced impact on sheep CFTR function. Our results demonstrate that subtle changes in protein structure have marked effects on CFTR function and the consequences of the CF mutation F508del. Cross-species comparative studies are a powerful approach to understanding the epithelial Cl(-) channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is defective in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we investigate the single-channel behaviour of ovine CFTR and the impact of the most common CF mutation, F508del-CFTR, using excised inside-out membrane patches from transiently transfected CHO cells. Like human CFTR, ovine CFTR formed a weakly inwardly rectifying Cl(-) channel regulated by PKA-dependent phosphorylation, inhibited by the open-channel blocker glibenclamide. However, for three reasons, ovine CFTR was noticeably more active than human CFTR. First, single-channel conductance was increased. Second, open probability was augmented because the frequency and duration of channel openings were increased. Third, with enhanced affinity and efficacy, ATP more strongly stimulated ovine CFTR channel gating. Consistent with these data, the CFTR modulator phloxineB failed to potentiate ovine CFTR Cl(-) currents. Similar to its impact on human CFTR, the F508del mutation caused a temperature-sensitive folding defect, which disrupted ovine CFTR protein processing and reduced membrane stability. However, the F508del mutation had reduced impact on ovine CFTR channel gating in contrast to its marked effects on human CFTR. We conclude that ovine CFTR forms a regulated Cl(-) channel with enhanced conductance and ATP-dependent channel gating. This phylogenetic analysis of CFTR structure and function demonstrates that subtle changes in structure have pronounced effects on channel function and the consequences of the CF mutation F508del.

Chenodeoxycholate (CDCA) Activation of Ca2+‐Dependent Cl‐ Transport in Human Embryonic Kidney‐293 Cells (HEK‐293) is CFTR‐Independent

Bile acids (BAs) are increasingly recognized to have hormone‐like functions. For example, the dihydroxy BA CDCA stimulates Cl‐ transport in the human colonic cell line T84 via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). To explore CDCA signaling, we examined its action in CFTR‐transfected HEK (HEK‐CFTR) by iodide efflux (IE), a method used to measure Cl‐ channel activity. CDCA (500μM)‐induced IE was not inhibited by CFTRinh172 (20μM, n=4) in HEK‐CFTR, suggesting CDCA stimulates a non‐CFTR Cl‐ channel in HEK. Screening for mRNA transcripts in HEK revealed expression of Ca2+‐activated TMEM16A, voltage‐gated ClC2, but not CFTR Cl‐ channels (Physiol Rep. 2(9): 1‐16, '14). Also, CDCA—but not the cAMP activator forskolin—increases IE in HEK (max IE in fold increase of baseline: CDCA: 5.8±1; Forskolin [10µM]: 3.7±0.4). To assess if CDCA action in HEK is Ca2+ dependent (n=3), cells were pretreated with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA (40μM) or the IP3 receptor inhibitor 2‐APB (200μM). BAPTA and 2‐APB reduced CDCA‐induced IE by 21% and 52% respectively, indicating a role for [Ca2+]i. The muscarinic M3 receptor—coupled to Ca2+ release by Gαq—has been shown to be activated by BAs and stimulate cell proliferation,but has yet to be linked to BA‐induced Cl‐ transport. Of the muscarinic receptor isoforms (M1‐5), HEK express only M3 mRNA, but the receptor antagonist atropine (10μM) had no effect on CDCA action. Thus, CDCA‐induced IE in HEK is CFTR independent and is mediated by [Ca2+]i and IP3 receptors. Our data suggest a role for TMEM16A in CDCA‐induced Cl‐ secretion in HEK and demonstrate that HEK can serve as a model for studying BA‐action unrelated to CFTR.