K-Cl Cotransporter Research Articles

Oral Antiviral Defense: Saliva- and Beverage-like Hypotonicity Dynamically Regulate Formation of Membraneless Biomolecular Condensates of Antiviral Human MxA in Oral Epithelial Cells.

The oral mucosa represents a defensive barrier between the external environment and the rest of the body. Oral mucosal cells are constantly bathed in hypotonic saliva (normally one-third tonicity compared to plasma) and are repeatedly exposed to environmental stresses of tonicity, temperature, and pH by the drinks we imbibe (e.g., hypotonic: water, tea, and coffee; hypertonic: assorted fruit juices, and red wines). In the mouth, the broad-spectrum antiviral mediator MxA (a dynamin-family large GTPase) is constitutively expressed in healthy periodontal tissues and induced by Type III interferons (e.g., IFN-λ1/IL-29). Endogenously induced human MxA and exogenously expressed human GFP-MxA formed membraneless biomolecular condensates in the cytoplasm of oral carcinoma cells (OECM1 cell line). These condensates likely represent storage granules in equilibrium with antivirally active dispersed MxA. Remarkably, cytoplasmic MxA condensates were exquisitely sensitive sensors of hypotonicity-the condensates in oral epithelium disassembled within 1-2 min of exposure of cells to saliva-like one-third hypotonicity, and spontaneously reassembled in the next 4-7 min. Water, tea, and coffee enhanced this disassembly. Fluorescence changes in OECM1 cells preloaded with calcein-AM (a reporter of cytosolic "macromolecular crowding") confirmed that this process involved macromolecular uncrowding and subsequent recrowding secondary to changes in cell volume. However, hypertonicity had little effect on MxA condensates. The spontaneous reassembly of GFP-MxA condensates in oral epithelial cells, even under continuous saliva-like hypotonicity, was slowed by the protein-phosphatase-inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) and by the K-channel-blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA); this is suggestive of the involvement of the volume-sensitive WNK kinase-protein phosphatase (PTP)-K-Cl cotransporter (KCC) pathway in the regulated volume decrease (RVD) during condensate reassembly in oral cells. The present study identifies a novel subcellular consequence of hypotonic stress in oral epithelial cells, in terms of the rapid and dynamic changes in the structure of one class of phase-separated biomolecular condensates in the cytoplasm-the antiviral MxA condensates. More generally, the data raise the possibility that hypotonicity-driven stresses likely affect other intracellular functions involving liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in cells of the oral mucosa.

Dietary anions control potassium excretion: it is more than a poorly absorbable anion effect.

The urinary potassium (K+) excretion machinery is upregulated with increasing dietary K+, but the role of accompanying dietary anions remains inadequately characterized. Poorly absorbable anions, including [Formula: see text], are thought to increase K+ secretion through a transepithelial voltage effect. Here, we tested if they also influence the K+ secretion machinery. Wild-type mice, aldosterone synthase (AS) knockout (KO) mice, or pendrin KO mice were randomized to control, high-KCl, or high-KHCO3 diets. The K+ secretory capacity was assessed in balance experiments. Protein abundance, modification, and localization of K+-secretory transporters were evaluated by Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy. Feeding the high-KHCO3 diet increased urinary K+ excretion and the transtubular K+ gradient significantly more than the high-KCl diet, coincident with more pronounced upregulation of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) and renal outer medullary K+ (ROMK) channels and apical localization in the distal nephron. Experiments in AS KO mice revealed that the enhanced effects of [Formula: see text] were aldosterone independent. The high-KHCO3 diet also uniquely increased the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel β4-subunit, stabilizing BKα on the apical membrane, the Cl-/[Formula: see text] exchanger, pendrin, and the apical KCl cotransporter (KCC3a), all of which are expressed specifically in pendrin-positive intercalated cells. Experiments in pendrin KO mice revealed that pendrin was required to increase K+ excretion with the high-KHCO3 diet. In summary, [Formula: see text] stimulates K+ excretion beyond a poorly absorbable anion effect, upregulating ENaC and ROMK in principal cells and BK, pendrin, and KCC3a in pendrin-positive intercalated cells. The adaptive mechanism prevents hyperkalemia and alkalosis with the consumption of alkaline ash-rich diets but may drive K+ wasting and hypokalemia in alkalosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Dietary anions profoundly impact K+ homeostasis. Here, we found that a K+-rich diet, containing [Formula: see text] as the counteranion, enhances the electrogenic K+ excretory machinery, epithelial Na+ channels, and renal outer medullary K+ channels, much more than a high-KCl diet. It also uniquely induces KCC3a and pendrin, in B-intercalated cells, providing an electroneutral KHCO3 secretion pathway. These findings reveal new K+ balance mechanisms that drive adaption to alkaline and K+-rich foods, which should guide new treatment strategies for K+ disorders.

Peripheral and central nervous system alterations in a rat model of inflammatory arthritis.

It is consistently reported that in inflammatory arthritis (IA), pain may continue despite well-controlled inflammation, most likely due to interactions between joint pathology and pain pathway alterations. Nervous system alterations have been described, but much remains to be understood about neuronal and central non-neuronal changes in IA. Using a rat model of IA induced by intra-articular complete Freund's adjuvant injection, this study includes a thorough characterization of joint pathology and objectives to identify peripheral innervation changes and alterations in the spinal dorsal horn (DH) that could alter DH excitatory balancing. Male and female rats displayed long-lasting pain-related behavior, but, in agreement with our previous studies, other pathological alterations emerged only at later times. Cartilage vascularization, thinning, and decreased proteoglycan content were not detectable in the ipsilateral cartilage until 4 weeks after complete Freund's adjuvant. Sympathetic and peptidergic nociceptive fibers invaded the ipsilateral cartilage alongside blood vessels, complex innervation changes were observed in the surrounding skin, and ipsilateral nerve growth factor protein expression was increased. In the DH, we examined innervation by peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptors, inhibitory terminal density, the KCl cotransporter KCC2, microgliosis, and astrocytosis. Here, we detected the presence of microgliosis and, interestingly, an apparent loss of inhibitory terminals and decreased expression of KCC2. In conclusion, we found evidence of anatomical, inflammatory, and neuronal alterations in the peripheral and central nervous systems in a model of IA. Together, these suggest that there may be a shift in the balance between incoming and outgoing excitation, and modulatory inhibitory tone in the DH.

The effect of the antisickling compound GBT1118 on the permeability of red blood cells from patients with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the commonest severe inherited disorders. Nevertheless, effective treatments remain inadequate and novel ones are avidly sought. A promising advance has been the design of novel compounds which react with hemoglobin S (HbS) to increase oxygen (O2) affinity and reduce sickling. One of these, voxelotor (GBT440), is currently in advanced clinical trials. A structural analogue, GBT1118, was investigated in the current work. As RBC dehydration is important in pathogenesis of SCA, the effect of GBT1118 on RBC cation permeability was also studied. Activities of Psickle, the Gardos channel and the KCl cotransporter (KCC) were all reduced. Gardos channel and KCC activities were also inhibited in RBCs treated with Ca2+ ionophore or the thiol reagent N‐ethylmaleimide, indicative of direct effects on these two transport systems. Consistent with its action on RBC membrane transporters, GBT1118 significantly increased RBC hydration. RBC hemolysis was reduced in a nonelectrolyte lysis assay. Further to its direct effects on O2 affinity, GBT1118 was therefore found to reduce RBC shrinkage and fragility. Findings reveal important effects of GBT1118 on protecting sickle cells and suggest that this is approach may represent a useful therapy for amelioration of the clinical complications of SCA.

The effect of xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine on the permeability of red cells from patients with sickle cell anemia.

Red cells from patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are under greater oxidative challenge than those from normal individuals. We postulated that oxidants generated by xanthine oxidase (XO) and hypoxanthine (HO) contribute to the pathogenesis of SCA through altering solute permeability. Sickling, activities of the main red cell dehydration pathways (Psickle, Gardos channel, and KCl cotransporter [KCC]), and cell volume were measured at 100, 30, and 0 mmHg O2, together with deoxygenation‐induced nonelectrolyte hemolysis. Unexpectedly, XO/HO mixtures had mainly inhibitory effects on sickling, Psickle, and Gardos channel activities, while KCC activity and nonelectrolyte hemolysis were increased. Gardos channel activity was significantly elevated in red cells pharmacologically loaded with Ca2+ using the ionophore A23187, consistent with an effect on the transport system per se as well as via Ca2+ entry likely via the Psickle pathway. KCC activity is controlled by several pairs of conjugate protein kinases and phosphatases. Its activity, however, was also stimulated by XO/HO mixtures in red cells pretreated with N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM), which is thought to prevent regulation via changes in protein phosphorylation, suggesting that the oxidants formed could also have direct effects on this transporter. In the presence of XO/HO, red cell volume was better maintained in deoxygenated red cells. Overall, the most notable effect of XO/HO mixtures was an increase in red cell fragility. These findings increase our understanding of the effects of oxidative challenge in SCA patients and are relevant to the behavior of red cells in vivo.

Early Markers of Sickle Nephropathy in Children With Sickle Cell Anemia Are Associated With Red Cell Cation Transport Activity.

The early stages of sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) manifest in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) as hyperfiltration and proteinuria. The physiological conditions of the renovascular system are among the most conducive to hemoglobin S polymerization in the body and will magnify small changes in red cell volume thus crucially modulating intracellular concentrations of hemoglobin S. This large cross-sectional study of children with sickle cell anemia measured glomerular filtration rates and microalbuminuria to report prevalence, clinical correlates and uniquely, association with key red cell cation transport mechanisms. One hundred and twelve patients (mean age 10.7 ± 4.1) were recruited. The prevalence of hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria was 98% and 15.1%, respectively. Glomerular filtration rates did not vary with age, but proteinuria became more prevalent with increasing age. Both features associated with markers of hemolysis, while elevated hemoglobin F was protective, but no association was seen with systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, both Gardos channel (β = 0.476, P < 0.001) and KCl co-transporter (KCC; β = −0.216, P = 0.009) activity, alongside age (β = 0.237, P = 0.004), remained independently predictive for microalbuminuria. Increased activity of Gardos channel and Psickle positively associated with microalbuminuria, while increased KCC activity associated with a reduction in microalbuminuria. This study demonstrates a direct link between the abnormally active red cell cation transport systems in sickle cell disease and sickle organopathy. Small variations in the activity of these transport mechanisms predict for SCN and measurement of them may help identify those at risk, while pharmaceutical manipulation of these excessively active systems may ameliorate their risk.

The super sickling haemoglobin HbS‐Oman: a study of red cell sickling, K+ permeability and associations with disease severity in patients heterozygous for HbA and HbS‐Oman (HbA/S‐Oman genotype)

Studying different sickle cell genotypes may throw light on the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, the clinical profile, red cell sickling and K+ permeability in 29 SCD patients (15 patients with severe disease and 14 with a milder form) of HbA/S-Oman genotype were analysed. The super sickling nature of this Hb variant was confirmed. The red cell membrane permeability to K+ was markedly abnormal with elevated activities of Psickle , Gardos channel and KCl cotransporter (KCC). Results were consistent with Ca2+ entry and Mg2+ loss via Psickle stimulating Gardos channel and KCC activities. The abnormal red cell behaviour was similar to that in the commonest genotype of SCD, HbSS, in which the level of mutated Hb is considerably higher. Although activities of all three K+ transporters also correlated with the level of HbS-Oman, there was no association between transport phenotype and disease severity. The super sickling behaviour of HbS-Oman may obviate the need for solute loss and red cell dehydration to encourage Hb polymerisation, required in other SCD genotypes. Disease severity was reduced by concurrent α thalassaemia, as observed in other SCD genotypes, and represents an obvious genetic marker for prognostic tests of severity in young SCD patients of the HbA/S-Oman genotype.

A kainate receptor subunit promotes the recycling of the neuron-specific K+-Cl− co-transporter KCC2 in hippocampal neurons

Synaptic inhibition depends on a transmembrane gradient of chloride, which is set by the neuron-specific K+-Cl- co-transporter KCC2. Reduced KCC2 levels in the neuronal membrane contribute to the generation of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorders; thus, it is important to characterize the mechanisms regulating KCC2 expression. In the present study, we determined the role of KCC2-protein interactions in regulating total and surface membrane KCC2 expression. Using quantitative immunofluorescence in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, we discovered that the kainate receptor subunit GluK2 and the auxiliary subunit Neto2 significantly increase the total KCC2 abundance in neurons but that GluK2 exclusively increases the abundance of KCC2 in the surface membrane. Using a live cell imaging assay, we further determined that KCC2 recycling primarily occurs within 1-2 h and that GluK2 produces an ∼40% increase in the amount of KCC2 recycled to the membrane during this time period. This GluK2-mediated increase in surface recycling translated to a significant increase in KCC2 expression in the surface membrane. Moreover, we found that KCC2 recycling is enhanced by protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of the GluK2 C-terminal residues Ser-846 and Ser-868. Lastly, using gramicidin-perforated patch clamp recordings, we found that the GluK2-mediated increase in KCC2 recycling to the surface membrane translates to a hyperpolarization of the reversal potential for GABA (EGABA). In conclusion, our results have revealed a mechanism by which kainate receptors regulate KCC2 expression in the hippocampus.

Solute carrier family 12 member 5 promotes tumor invasion/metastasis of bladder urothelial carcinoma by enhancing NF-\u03baB/MMP-7 signaling pathway

Solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5), an integral membrane KCl cotransporter, which maintains chloride homeostasis in neurons, is aberrantly expressed and involved in the tumorigenesis of certain cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological role of SLC12A5 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) remains unclear. In this study, the expression of SLC12A5 was examined in clinical specimens of primary BUC and in BUC cell lines using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The prognostic value of SLC12A5 expression and its correlation with the clinicopathological features of patients with BUC were analyzed statistically. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to elucidate the effect of SLC12A5 in BUC and its underlying mechanisms. The present results showed that SLC12A5 expression was significantly increased in BUC tissues. SLC12A5 expression significantly correlated with the tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that high SLC12A5 expression was associated with poor survival in patients with BUC. Multivariate analysis indicated that SLC12A5 expression was an independent prognostic marker for the survival of patients. Downregulation of SLC12A5 inhibited the migratory and invasive abilities of BUC cells in vitro, and knocking down SLC12A5 diminished BUC metastasis in vivo. Moreover, we identified that SLC12A5 promoted the migration and invasion of BUC by enhancing MMP-7 expression via NF-κB-dependent transcription. Taken together, our findings indicated that SLC12A5 might function as a tumor metastasis promoting factor in the development and progression of BUC by regulating the NF-κB/MMP-7 signaling pathway. Thus, SLC12A5 might be a prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for BUC.

Cation Homeostasis in Red Cells From Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Heterologous for HbS and HbC (HbSC Genotype)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients of HbSC genotype is considered similar, albeit milder, to that in homozygous HbSS individuals — but with little justification. In SCD, elevated red cell cation permeability is critical as increased solute loss causes dehydration and encourages sickling. Recently, we showed that the KCl cotransporter (KCC) activity in red cells from HbSC patients correlated significantly with disease severity, but that in HbSS patients did not. Two transporters involved in red cell dehydration, the conductive channels Psickle and the Gardos channel, behaved similarly in red cells from the two genotypes, but were significantly less active in HbSC patients. By contrast, KCC activity was quantitatively greater in HbSC red cells. Results suggest that KCC is likely to have greater involvement in red cell dehydration in HbSC patients, which could explain its association with disease severity in this genotype. This work supports the hypothesis that SCD in HbSC patients is a distinct disease entity to that in HbSS patients. Results suggest the possibility of designing specific treatments of particular benefit to HbSC patients and a rationale for the development of prognostic markers, to inform early treatment of children likely to develop more severe complications of the disease.

Expanding Spectrum of Sodium Potassium Chloride Co-transporters in the Pathophysiology of Diseases.

Sodium potassium chloride co-transporter (NKCC) belongs to cation-dependent chloride co-transporter family, whose activation allows the entry of Na+, K+ and 2Cl- inside the cell. It acts in concert with K+ Cl- co-transporter (KCC), which extrudes K+ and Cl- ions from cell. NKCC1 is widely distributed throughout the body, while NKCC2 is exclusively present in kidney. Protein kinase A, protein kinase C, Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase, oxidative stress responsive kinases, With No K=lysine kinase and protein phosphatase type 1 control the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key threonine residues of in regulatory domain of NKCC1. The selective inhibitors of NKCC1 including bumetanide and furosemide are conventionally employed as diuretics. However, recent studies have indicated that NKCC1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety, cerebral ischemia, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fragile X syndrome, autism and schizophrenia. The inhibitors of NKCC1 are shown to produce anxiolytic effects; attenuate cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal injury; produce antiepileptic effects and attenuate neuropathic pain. In the early developing brain, GABAA activation primarily produces excitatory actions due to high NKCC1/KCC2 ratio. However, as the development progresses, the ratio of NKCC1/KCC2 ratio reverses and there is switch in the polarity of GABAA actions and latter acquires the inhibitory actions. The recapitulation of developmental-like state during pathological state may be associated with increase in the expression and functioning of NKCC1, which decreases the strength of inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. The present review describes the expanding role and mechanism of NKCC1 in the pathophysiology of different diseases.

Chloride Transport Inhibition Causes Calcium-Dependent Arrhythmic Activity in Isoproterenol-Treated Rabbit Cardiomyocytes

During s-adrenergic stimulation, chloride outward current mediated by CFTR has been proposed to aid repolarization and shorten action potential duration. With sustained stimulation and absent a Cl- extrusion mechanism, CFTR-mediated outward current may result in intracellular Cl- accumulation and collapse of the Cl- electrochemical gradient, leading to arrhythmias. Recently, we identified robust expression of an electroneutral K-Cl cotransporter (KCC) in vertebrate cardiomyocytes and have proposed that it plays a crucial role in Cl- homeostasis by countering channel-mediated Cl- accumulation during s-adrenergic stimulation. We tested the hypothesis that both CFTR and KCC activity are critical during s-adrenergic stimulation in paced (1Hz) acutely isolated adult rabbit cardiomyocytes. Application of novel inhibitors of either CFTR (10µM CFTR Inh-172) or KCC (2µM 11k) did not appreciably alter the regular Ca transients during steady state pacing in rabbit cardiomyocytes. Addition of 300nM isoproterenol increased Ca transient amplitude and accelerated [Ca]i decline (as expected). However, in this state, the application of either CFTR or KCC inhibitor induced prominent aftercontractions, indicative of cellular Ca overload and arrhythmogenic activity. We hypothesized that these two inhibitors elicit arrhythmic activity via distinct mechanisms: CFTR inhibition may acutely prolong action potentials directly contributing to Ca loading (independent of altered [Cl-]i), whereas KCC inhibition might allow CFTR current to dissipate the [Cl-]o/[Cl-]i gradient and thus indirectly reduce CFTR-mediated outward current (by reduced driving force). We are currently testing this working hypothesis using a novel ratiometric fluorescent protein-based Cl- sensor.

A Trafficking-Deficient Mutant of KCC3 Reveals Dominant-Negative Effects on K–Cl Cotransport Function

The K–Cl cotransporter (KCC) functions in maintaining chloride and volume homeostasis in a variety of cells. In the process of cloning the mouse KCC3 cDNA, we came across a cloning mutation (E289G) that rendered the cotransporter inactive in functional assays in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Through biochemical studies, we demonstrate that the mutant E289G cotransporter is glycosylation-deficient, does not move beyond the endoplasmic reticulum or the early Golgi, and thus fails to reach the plasma membrane. We establish through co-immunoprecipitation experiments that both wild-type and mutant KCC3 with KCC2 results in the formation of hetero-dimers. We further demonstrate that formation of these hetero-dimers prevents the proper trafficking of the cotransporter to the plasma membrane, resulting in a significant decrease in cotransporter function. This effect is due to interaction between the K–Cl cotransporter isoforms, as this was not observed when KCC3-E289G was co-expressed with NKCC1. Our studies also reveal that the glutamic acid residue is essential to K–Cl cotransporter function, as the corresponding mutation in KCC2 also leads to an absence of function. Interestingly, mutation of this conserved glutamic acid residue in the Na+-dependent cation-chloride cotransporters had no effect on NKCC1 function in isosmotic conditions, but diminished cotransporter activity under hypertonicity. Together, our data show that the glutamic acid residue (E289) is essential for proper trafficking and function of KCCs and that expression of a non-functional but full-length K–Cl cotransporter might results in dominant-negative effects on other K–Cl cotransporters.

Strain-specific variations in cation content and transport in mouse erythrocytes.

Studies of ion transport pathophysiology in hematological disorders and tests of possible new therapeutic agents for these disorders have been carried out in various mouse models because of close functional similarities between mouse and human red cells. We have explored strain-specific differences in erythrocyte membrane physiology in 10 inbred mouse strains by determining erythrocyte contents of Na(+), K(+), and Mg(2+), and erythrocyte transport of ions via the ouabain-sensitive Na-K pump, the amiloride-sensitive Na-H exchanger (NHE1), the volume and chloride-dependent K-Cl cotransporter (KCC), and the charybdotoxin-sensitive Gardos channel (KCNN4). Our data reveal substantial strain-specific and sex-specific differences in both ion content and trans-membrane ion transport in mouse erythrocytes. These differences demonstrate the feasibility of identifying specific quantitative trait loci for erythroid ion transport and content in genetically standardized inbred mouse strains.

An evaluation of the toxicity and bioaccumulation of thallium in the coastal marine environment using the macroalga, Ulva lactuca

Thallium(I) has been added to cultures of the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca, for a period of 48h and the accumulation of the metal and its effects on the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PS II) measured. Thallium elicited a measurable toxic response above concentrations of 10μgL−1 in both coastal seawater (salinity 33) and estuarine water (salinity 20). The accumulation of Tl was defined by a linear relationship with aqueous Tl and accumulation factors of about 900mLg−1 in both media. Thallium accumulated by U. lactuca that was resistant to an EDTA extraction and, by operational definition, internalised, exceeded 90% in both cases. Accumulation and toxicity of Tl in the presence of a ∼105-fold excess of its biogeochemical analogue, potassium, suggests that Tl has a high intrinsic phytotoxicity and that its mode of action involves permeation of the cell membrane as Tl+ through NaCl–KCl co-transporter sites rather than (or in addition to) transport through K+ ion channels.

Chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, abolishes K flux through Na/K pump and Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter‐1, and stimulates SK channels in human lens epithelial cells

Chelerythrine (CET) is a widely used selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor and proapoptotic agent. Lens cataract formation has been associated with apoptosis and cellular K loss/Na gain. The effect of short‐term CET exposure on both K loss and K uptake, using Rb as congener, was studied in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) to characterize the role of PKCs in pro‐apoptotic membrane cation transport changes. Ouabain (O), bumetanide (B) and Cl replacement by NO3 were applied to study the Na/K pump, Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter‐1 (NKCC1), and K‐Cl cotransporter (KCC), respectively, and cations were measured by atomic absorption/emission spectrophotometry. Exposure to 50 μM CET (20 min) inhibited the total, O‐, and OB‐sensitive Rb influxes via Na/K pump and NKCC1 by &gt;90%, with IC50 values of ~ 30 and ~20 μM CET, respectively, without significant KCC activity change. K loss (20–30%) at 20–30 μM CET was 4‐aminopyridine‐insensitive but inhibited by apamin. Since ATP levels did not change, the Na/K pump inhibition may be due to loss of a PKC‐mediated phosphorylation, or direct drug/transporter interaction. Loss of NKCC1 function confirms reported role of PKCδ, present in HLECs, whereas intermediate CET concentrations opens PKC‐regulated SK channels. Apparently, CET affected independently all three transport functions.

VEGF Mediated Regulation of KCl Cotransporters Gene Expression in Erythroid Cells,

Abstract 3163The KCl co-transporter (KCC) family of proteins catalyzes the electroneutral, coupled movement of K+ and Cl− ions across the plasma membrane, thereby mediating transepithelial ion transport and regulating cell volume. These proteins play an important role in disease states such as cancer, numerous neurological conditions as well as sickle cell disease (SCD). KCC activity is increased in sickle red blood cells and contributes to their dehydration, which potentiates sickling. The mechanisms of increased KCC activity and its abnormal regulation are not understood. Of the four mammalian KCC isoforms, KCC 1, 3 and 4 are expressed in erythroid cells (Crable et al. Exp Hematol. 2005; 33:624). Hiki et. al. showed that the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased KCC 3a expression in HUVEC cells (J.B.C. 274, 10661–10667, 1999). As levels of VEGF and related family member, placenta growth factor (PlGF) are elevated in sickle cell patients, we hypothesized that VEGF and PlGF may influence KCC expression in erythroid cells. RT-PCR revealed that erythroid K562 cells expressed the VEGF receptor-1 (VEGF-R1, or Flt-1) but not VEGF receptor-2, (VEGF-R2 or Flk-1). Additionally, flow cytometric analysis of WT C57Bl6 mouse bone marrow showed the presence of the Flt-1 receptor, but not Flk-1 or Flk-3 in erythroid progenitors and expression decreased with maturation. VEGF treatment (50 ng/ml) of K562 cells increased KCC 1, 3a, 3b and 4 mRNA levels; PlGF treatment increased KCC 1, 3a and 4 mRNA levels but not KCC 3b. The VEGF receptor inhibitor, SU5416, ablated the effect of VEGF. VEGF-stimulated KCC 4 expression was blocked by pharmacological inhibitors that implicated PI3 kinase, p38 MAP kinase, mTOR, JNK kinase and the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as with other VEGF effects. Analysis of the KCC 4 promoter showed that the −875 and −90 bp promoter luciferase constructs exhibited similar levels of activity as the −1200 bp promoter construct, when compared to the promoterless reporter plasmid. Deleted constructs corresponding to −65 bp from transcription start site showed ∼90% reduced promoter activity. In silico analysis of the −90 bp region of the KCC 4 promoter showed potential binding sites for transcription factor SP-1 and HIF-1α. Binding sites for transcription factor SP-1 at positions −35 to −44 bp and −56 to −64 bp were shown to be active by site directed mutagenesis. Mutation of the HIF-1α binding site at −73 to −76 bp significantly inhibited promoter activity, whereas mutation of the HIF-1α binding site at position −21 bp to −18 bp did not have any effect on activity. Similar analysis of the KCC 3a promoter indicate potential binding sites for SP-1 at positions −8 to −4 bp and a HIF-1α binding site at position −23 to −20 bp, and the KCC 3b promoter has binding sites for HIF-1α at –9 to −6 bp and −49 to −46 bp and an AP-1 binding site at position −13 to −10 bp. Luciferase assays with KCC 3b promoter constructs indicated that the −190 bp promoter region containing HIF-1α sites at –9 to −6 bp and −49 to −46 bp and an AP-1 binding site at −13 to −10 bp contained minimal promoter required for transcription activity. Mutations within both HIF-1α binding sites attenuated promoter activity indicating a role for HIF-1α in regulating KCC 3b activity, as well. EMSA and ChIP assays with the KCC 4 promoter demonstrated that VEGF treatment of K562 cells increased HIF-1α binding to the HIF-1α sites, which was abrogated by mutating these sites. Similar results were obtained for the KCC 3a and 3b promoters.These results suggest that activation of VEGF-R1 by VEGF, and presumably its other ligand, PlGF, leads to non-hypoxic activation of HIF-1α and SP-1-mediated up-regulation of KCC3a, 3b and 4 expressions in erythroid K562 cells via its canonical signaling pathways. Variation in KCC gene expression and its modulation by cytokines and growth factors may be a source of inter-individual variation in SS RBC volume regulation and thus of phenotypic variability of SCD. Identifying the factors that modulate transcriptional control of KCC expression is important to understanding volume regulation in reticulocytes and its dysregulation in SS RBC. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

ENU Mutagenesis in the Mouse for Identification of Genes Regulating Erythropoiesis: a Mouse Mutant with An Activating Mutation of the KCl Cotransporter, KCC1 Causing Dehydrated Red Cells

Abstract 684Genome-wide phenotype-driven studies have emerged as a powerful tool for the identification of novel genes in a biological process of interest, new functions for existing genes and the establishment of mouse models of human disease. Recent advances in exomic and whole genome sequencing has simplified mutation detection, making genetic screens in the mouse more facile. We have employed a large-scale mutagenesis screen in mice using the chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) to identify genes regulating erythropoiesis. In this dominant screen, G1 progeny were screened at 7 weeks of age by automated hematological analysis for isolated abnormalities of red cell indices (HCT, RCC and MCV) defined as greater than three standard deviations from the wild type population. Here, we describe the RBC10 mouse line, in which homozygotes had mild anemia with microcytosis, target cells, spherocytes, reticulocytosis and increased resistance to osmotic stress. A combination of SSLP and SNP mapping isolated the genetic mutation to a 3.65 Mb region on chromosome 8. Whole genome Next Generation Sequencing of the mapped interval identified an A to T nucleotide substitution within the coding region of the potassium chloride (KCl) co-transporter, Slc12a4 (KCC1), resulting in a non-conservative amino acid substitution from methionine to lysine at position 935 within the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. KCC1 and KCC3 function are the major erythroid KCl co-transporters that export KCl in response to hypotonic swelling. We hypothesized that the M935K was an activating mutation of KCC1, based upon the microcytosis and resistance to osmotic stress, which contrasts with the macrocytic phenotype of red cells lacking both KCC1 and KCC3. 86Rb efflux assay confirmed increased KCC1 activity of RBC mutant red cells. We propose that the M935K mutation increases activity of KCC1 by preventing phosphorylation of the nearby threonine reside, a critical regulatory target of the serine-threonine kinase, WNK1. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

K-Cl Cotransporter Gene Expression during Human and Murine Erythroid Differentiation

The K-Cl cotransporter (KCC) regulates red blood cell (RBC) volume, especially in reticulocytes. Western blot analysis of RBC membranes revealed KCC1, KCC3, and KCC4 proteins in mouse and human cells, with higher levels in reticulocytes. KCC content was higher in sickle versus normal RBC, but the correlation with reticulocyte count was poor, with inter-individual variability in KCC isoform ratios. Messenger RNA for each isoform was measured by real time RT-quantitative PCR. In human reticulocytes, KCC3a mRNA levels were consistently the highest, 1-7-fold higher than KCC4, the second most abundant species. Message levels for KCC1 and KCC3b were low. The ratios of KCC RNA levels varied among individuals but were similar in sickle and normal RBC. During in vivo maturation of human erythroblasts, KCC3a RNA was expressed consistently, whereas KCC1 and KCC3b levels declined, and KCC4 message first increased and then decreased. In mouse erythroblasts, a similar pattern for KCC3 and KCC1 expression during in vivo differentiation was observed, with low KCC4 RNA throughout despite the presence of KCC4 protein in mature RBC. During differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells, protein levels of KCCs paralleled increasing mRNA levels. Functional properties of KCCs expressed in HEK293 cells were similar to each other and to those in human RBC. However, the anion dependence of KCC in RBC resembled most closely that of KCC3. The results suggest that KCC3 is the dominant isoform in erythrocytes, with variable expression of KCC1 and KCC4 among individuals that could result in modulation of KCC activity.

Activation of the TASK-2 channel after cell swelling is dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation

The swelling-activated K(+) currents (I(K,vol)) in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) has been reported to be through the two-pore domain (K(2p)), TWIK-related acid-sensitive K(+) channel 2 (TASK-2). The regulatory volume decrease (RVD), following hypotonic exposure in EATC, is rate limited by I(K,vol) indicating that inhibition of RVD reflects inhibition of TASK-2. We find that in EATC the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein inhibits RVD by 90%, and that the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor monoperoxo(picolinato)-oxo-vanadate(V) [mpV(pic)] shifted the volume set point for inactivation of the channel to a lower cell volume. Swelling-activated K(+) efflux was impaired by genistein and the Src kinase family inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) and enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor mpV(pic). With the use of the TASK-2 inhibitor clofilium, it is demonstrated that mpV(pic) increased the volume-sensitive part of the K(+) efflux 1.3 times. To exclude K(+) efflux via a KCl cotransporter, cellular Cl(-) was substituted with NO(3)(-). Also under these conditions K(+) efflux was completely blocked by genistein. Thus tyrosine kinases seem to be involved in the activation of the volume-sensitive K(+) channel, whereas tyrosine phosphatases appears to be involved in inactivation of the channel. Overexpressing TASK-2 in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells increased the RVD rate and reduced the volume set point. TASK-2 has tyrosine sites, and precipitation of TASK-2 together with Western blotting and antibodies against phosphotyrosines revealed a cell swelling-induced, time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the channel. Even though we found an inhibiting effect of PP2 on RVD, neither Src nor the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) seem to be involved. Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases had no effect on RVD, whereas the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor cucurbitacin inhibited the RVD by 40%. It is suggested that the cytokine receptor-coupled JAK/STAT pathway is upstream of the swelling-induced phosphorylation and activation of TASK-2 in EATC.