Medullary Collecting Duct Cells Research Articles

Modulation of Aquaporin 2 by Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System Peptides in Medullary and Cortical Collecting Duct Cells

The kidney is responsible for the body water balance and homeostasis. The collecting duct system is important for this role due its responsibility, as water reabsorption and urine production. In the collecting ducts cells, it’s known that the reabsorption of water is made by the water channels named aquaporins, specially aquaporin 2 and aquaporin 3. In those channels the reabsorption is controlled by the peptide hormone vasopressin which induces the water transport due the water channels. Into the homeostatic mechanism, there is the renin‐angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) which regulates the water and sodium absorption as well. Previous studies of our group described that Ang 1‐7 and Ang II are inductors to the migration of AQP2 to the membrane in LLC‐PK1 cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate if the RAAS peptides, Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Angiotensin 1‐7 (Ang 1‐7), are capable to induce water reabsorption due aquaporin 2 in Inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) and cortical collecting duct cells (M1).MethodsIn this present study we evaluate the expression of aquaporin 2 after the treatment with Ang II and Ang 1‐7in different times (5,15 and 30 minutes) in both cells of the collecting duct system (medullary and cortical). The analysis of the expression was made by western blotting assay.ResultsThe western blot technique showed that in both cellular types, there is a difference between the expressions in the cells. M1 cells have showed that after different treatments times, the RAAS peptides decrease the expression of aquaporin 2 differently of the IMCD cells, that showed expression of aquaporin 2 increased when treated with Ang II. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that Ang II and Ang 1‐7can modulate the water channel aquaporin 2 expression.Support or Funding InformationCAPES, FAPESP and CNPq

RanBP3L is a NFAT5 target gene and its deficiency in principal cells promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition through MAPK signaling

Inner medullary kidney cells are exposed to an increasing hyperosmolality altering several intracellular processes. As a key regulator involved in adaption to hyperosmotic environment the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells‐5 (NFAT5) was identified. Its nuclear translocation results in activation of different genes to restore homeostasis. By using primarily cultured rat renal inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) and microarray analysis we identified hundreds of genes that showed differences in expression level in a time‐ and osmolality‐dependent manner. The kidney specific Ran binding protein 3 like (RanBP3L) showed the highest changes in expression level and is located in IMCDs. Within the collecting duct its expression is specific to the principal cells. Since studies describing the renal function are missing, we further characterized the cellular and physiological role of RanBP3L in a renal mouse cell line.We used the murine kidney collecting duct cell line mpKCCD creating a RanBP3L deficient cell clone by using CRISPR/Cas9. To investigate its physiological role the gene expression profiles were analyzed by Next Generation Sequencing. We further analyzed the migration and colony forming capability of the cells and used immunofluorescence to study differences in cell morphology and specific signaling pathways. These experiments were performed under isoosmolar (300 mosmol/kg) and hyperosmolar (600 mosmol/kg) conditions. Since RanBP3L expression is induced by hyperosmolality, the NFAT5 dependent expression of RanBP3L was examined through CRISPR/Cas9 mediated NFAT5 knock out.Loss of RanBP3L under 300 mosmol/kg showed no significant changes in the morphology while under 600 mosmol/kg massive changes were induced resulting in a loss of epithelial structures. This correlates with our functional analysis showing a higher migration and invasiveness capacity. Furthermore RanBP3L deficiency is associated with a massive change in gene expression, indicating a dysregulation of stress associated pathways. Immunofluorescence showed that TGF‐β stimulation in wild type induced a similar phenotype to RanBP3L knock out cells. Downstream analysis of MAPK pathway showed that the key proteins JNK, c‐JUN and Smad2 are deregulated in RanBP3L deficient cells resulting in an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) like phenotype, which is a hallmark in cancer development. This matches with the data from the cancer genome atlas from patients with renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) where low RanBP3L expression level is associated with shorter overall survival. It seems as if the expression level of RanBP3L in kidney cells is crucial for cell protection. Here we could show that RanBP3L expression is reduced in NFAT5 deficient cells, indicating that RanBP3L is a NFAT5 target gene.Taken together we have shown that RanBP3L is expressed NFAT5 dependent and prevents a MAPK associated EMT in renal cells and should be used as a prognostic marker for patients with RCC. Further experiments, like in‐vivo studies of a conditional RanBP3L knock out mouse will give us more insights to resolve the underlying pathway.Support or Funding Informationgerman research foundation

Soluble (pro)renin receptor regulation of ENaC involved in aldosterone signaling in cultured collecting duct cells.

We have previously shown that activation of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) induces epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity in cultured collecting duct cells. Here, we examined the role of soluble PRR (sPRR), the cleavage product of PRR in ENaC regulation, and further tested its relevance to aldosterone signaling. In cultured mpkCCD cells, administration of recombinant histidine-tagged sPRR (sPRR-His) at 10 nM within minutes induced a significant and transient increase in the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current as assessed using the Ussing chamber technique. The acute ENaC activation was blocked by the NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitor GKT137892 and siRNA against Nox4 but not the β-catenin inhibitor ICG-001. In primary rat inner medullary collecting duct cells, administration of sPRR-His at 10 nM for 24 h induced protein expression of the α-subunit but not β- or γ-subunits of ENaC, in parallel with upregulation of mRNA expression as well as promoter activity of the α-subunit. The transcriptional activation of α-ENaC was dependent on β-catenin signaling. Consistent results obtained by epithelial volt ohmmeter measurement of equivalent current and Ussing chamber determination of short-circuit current showed that aldosterone-induced transepithelial Na+ transport was inhibited by the PRR decoy inhibitor PRO20 and PF-429242, an inhibitor of sPRR-generating enzyme site-1 protease, and the response was restored by the addition of sPRR-His. Medium sPRR was elevated by aldosterone and inhibited by PF-429242. Taken together, these results demonstrate that sPRR induces two phases of ENaC activation via distinct mechanisms and functions as a mediator of the natriferic action of aldosterone.

Inhibition of IL-1β by Aliskiren Improved Renal AQP2 Expression and Urinary Concentration Defect in Ureteral Obstruction and Release.

We previously demonstrated that ureteral obstruction is associated with a urinary concentrating defect and reduced expression of renal aquaporins (AQPs), in which the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) may play an important role. The aims of the present study were to examine whether the renin inhibitor aliskiren could prevent the reduction in AQP expression and improve the urinary concentrating capacity in mice with bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) and BUO release. BUO was performed for 24 h, and BUO release was performed for 1 (B-R1D) or 3 days (B-R3D) with or without aliskiren treatment. Aliskiren prevented polyuria and decreased urine osmolality induced by B-R3D. In mice with BUO and BUO release, aliskiren attenuated the reduction in AQP2 protein and mRNA expression in the obstructed kidneys. B-R3D increased the protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components ASC, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β in the obstructed kidneys, which was markedly prevented by aliskiren. Moreover, the NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation and attenuated the decrease in AQP2 protein expression in primary cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct cells treated with angiotensin II. These results indicate that the renin inhibitor aliskiren increases water channel AQP2 expression at least partially by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the obstructed kidneys of mice with BUO and BUO release.

Claudin 19 Is Regulated by Extracellular Osmolality in Rat Kidney Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells.

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is subject to severe changes in ambient osmolality and must either allow water transport or be able to seal the lumen against a very high osmotic pressure. We postulate that the tight junction protein claudin-19 is expressed in IMCD and that it takes part in epithelial adaptation to changing osmolality at different functional states. Presence of claudin-19 in rat IMCD was investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Primary cell culture of rat IMCD cells on permeable filter supports was performed under different osmotic culture conditions and after stimulation by antidiuretic hormone (AVP). Electrogenic transepithelial transport properties were measured in Ussing chambers. IMCD cells cultivated at 300 mosm/kg showed high transepithelial resistance, a cation selective paracellular pathway and claudin-19 was mainly located in the tight junction. Treatment by AVP increased cation selectivity but did not alter transepithelial resistance or claudin-19 subcellular localization. In contrast, IMCD cells cultivated at 900 mosm/kg had low transepithelial resistance, anion selectivity, and claudin-19 was relocated from the tight junctions to intracellular vesicles. The data shows osmolality-dependent transformation of IMCD epithelium from tight and sodium-transporting to leaky, with claudin-19 expression in the tight junction associated to tightness and cation selectivity under low osmolality.

Abstract P198: High Glucose Degrades (PRO) Renin Receptor by Autophagy and Ubiquitin Proteasome System in Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

Previously we reported high glucose (HG) regulation of PRR expression in the kidney. However, in contrast to the observed increase in PRR expression in mesangial cells and podocytes, its expression decreased in distal tubules in response to HG. We hypothesize that HG degrades PRR through autophagy and ubiquitin proteasome system in inner medullary collecting duct cells. Mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCDs) were cultured for 3 days in normal glucose (NG, 5 mmol/L) or HG (25 mmol/L). The mRNA and protein expressions of PRR were evaluated in response to HG alone and in presence of the proteasome inhibitor, MG-132 (10 mM) during the HG exposure. In addition, we monitored protein expressions of PRR and the autophagy activity markers, LC3-II and p62, in response to the autophagy inhibitor, bafilomycin A1 (160 nM). HG significantly increased PRR mRNA level after HG treatment (28% vs NG, P<0.05). In contrast, PRR protein expression was significantly decreased (31% vs NG, P<0.05). Pretreatment of MG-132 for 4 hours increased PRR expression after 3 days HG exposure (66% vs HG, P<0.05). Similarly, HG decreased LC3-II and p62 at 3 days of HG exposure (66% and 50% respectively, P<0.05). Bafilomycin A1 pretreatment for 2 hours attenuated the HG induced reduction in PRR protein and increased the expression of LC3-II and p62 (250% and 71% respectively, P<0.05). We conclude that HG degrades mIMCDs PRR protein via increased autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome activity.

Abstract 081: Ghrelin is Produced by the Kidney and Mediates Distal Tubular Sodium Reabsorption in Rats

Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone that exerts powerful appetite-stimulating effects. Ghrelin receptor expression has been reported in the collecting duct, but the role of ghrelin in the kidney is unknown. The present studies confirmed ghrelin mRNA expression in inner medullary collecting duct cells (N=6) using RT PCR and sequencing of the 320-bp PCR product. Ghrelin peptide expression was also confirmed in these cells using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. To test intrarenal ghrelin action, 12-week-old uninephrectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats (N=26) received 3 bolus injections of ghrelin siRNA (N=7) or scrambled siRNA (N=7) into the renal interstitial (RI) space of the remaining kidney, each injection 48h apart. Following the last injection, rats received three, 1h RI infusions of 5% dextrose in water. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine sodium (Na + ) excretion (U Na V), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of Na + (FE Na ), and fractional excretion of lithium (FE Li ) were calculated. In a separate set of rats, renal blood flow (RBF) was measured for 1h (N=6 for both ghrelin siRNA and scrambled siRNA). RI ghrelin siRNA-infused rats demonstrated significantly higher U Na V compared to scrambled siRNA-infused rats for all 3 periods (0.29±0.06 vs. 0.09±0.01, 0.35±0.09 vs. 0.11±0.03, and 0.27±0.07 vs. 0.09±0.02 μmol/min; P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.05 respectively) and significantly increased FE Na compared to scrambled siRNA infused rats (0.26±0.05 vs. 0.11±0.02, 0.35±0.06 vs. 0.11±0.03, and 0.24±0.04 vs. 0.10±0.03%; P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.05 respectively). There were no differences in in GFR, FE Li , MAP, or RBF. Since the increase in U Na V was not accompanied by similar increases in GFR, the effect of renal ghrelin inhibition suggested a tubular rather than hemodynamic, mechanism of action. To localize the specific tubular site, events distal to the renal proximal tubule were identified by changes in FE Na that occurred independently of changes in FE Li . RI ghrelin siRNA significantly increased FE Na without altering FE Li , suggesting distal nephron-dependent Na + reabsorption. Together, these data introduce ghrelin as a novel intrarenal peptide responsible for tonic Na + reabsorption at the level of the distal nephron.

Phosphoproteomic identification of vasopressin V2 receptor-dependent signaling in the renal collecting duct.

Vasopressin controls water balance largely through PKA-dependent effects to regulate the collecting duct water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Although considerable information has accrued regarding the regulation of water and solute transport in collecting duct cells, information is sparse regarding the signaling connections between PKA and transport responses. Here, we exploited recent advancements in protein mass spectrometry to perform a comprehensive, multiple-replicate analysis of changes in the phosphoproteome of native rat inner medullary collecting duct cells in response to the vasopressin V2 receptor-selective agonist 1-desamino-8D-arginine vasopressin. Of the 10,738 phosphopeptides quantified, only 156 phosphopeptides were significantly increased in abundance, and only 63 phosphopeptides were decreased, indicative of a highly selective response to vasopressin. The list of upregulated phosphosites showed several general characteristics: 1) a preponderance of sites with basic (positively charged) amino acids arginine (R) and lysine (K) in position -2 and -3 relative to the phosphorylated amino acid, consistent with phosphorylation by PKA and/or other basophilic kinases; 2) a greater-than-random likelihood of sites previously demonstrated to be phosphorylated by PKA; 3) a preponderance of sites in membrane proteins, consistent with regulation by membrane association; and 4) a greater-than-random likelihood of sites in proteins with class I COOH-terminal PDZ ligand motifs. The list of downregulated phosphosites showed a preponderance of those with proline in position +1 relative to the phosphorylated amino acid, consistent with either downregulation of proline-directed kinases (e.g., MAPKs or cyclin-dependent kinases) or upregulation of one or more protein phosphatases that selectively dephosphorylate such sites (e.g., protein phosphatase 2A). The phosphoproteomic data were used to create a web resource for the investigation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling and regulation of AQP2-mediated water transport.

Modulation of reninangiotensin system components by high glucose levels in the culture of collecting duct cells.

Diabetes mellitus and its complications have become a major health concern in Western countries. Increased activity of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to diabetic nephropathy (DN). We previously reported that in mesangial cells, the high glucose concentration (HG) leads to upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) messenger RNA, suggesting that ACE was modulated by angiotensin II (Ang II) release. However, this relation in the collecting duct has not yet been studied. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate RAS modulation in inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) exposed to HG. The IMCD were divided into normal glucose (5 mM D-glucose, NG), high glucose (30 mM, HG), and mannitol (30 mM, M) groups. The cells were cultured 48 hr in their respective media. The intracellular and extracellular ACE activity was measured using hippuryl-His-Leu as substrate via a fluorimetric assay and expression was analyzed using western blot analysis. ACE activity, intracellular (27%) and extracellular (22%), was significantly lower in the HG group than in NG and M. ACE2 activity and Ang 1-7 levels were higher in the intracellular compartment. Our data suggest that the HG cannot modify ACE synthesis in IMCD cells but can modulate its activity. The decrease in ACE activity may result in decreased levels of Ang II to protect the IMCD against proliferative and inflammatory deleterious effects of this peptide. Conversely, the increase of ACE2 generating high levels of Ang 1-7, a vasodilator peptide, suggesting that this peptide can induce glucose uptake and protect cells against oxidative stress, which can elicit insulin resistance.

Expression of SLC4A11 protein in mouse and rat medulla: a candidate transporter involved in outer medullary ammonia recycling.

SLC4A11 is a multifunctional membrane transporter involved with H+ transport, NH 3 and alkaline pH stimulated H+ transport, and water transport. The role of SLC4A11 in the kidney is not well understood. A prior study has shown that in murine kidney, SLC4A11/LacZ staining is primarily in the long‐looped descending thin limb (DTL) as determined by colocalization with aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a protein that is expressed in some, but not all, descending thin limb segments. Using a previously characterized polyclonal antibody, we demonstrate the selective expression of SLC4A11 in the upper DTLs (which are AQP1‐positive) in the outer medulla and inner medulla with little or no expression in the lower DTLs (which are AQP‐1‐null). SLC4A11 also colocalized with AQP1 and the urea transporter UT‐B in the mouse descending vasa recta, but was absent in mouse and rat ascending vasa recta. Mouse, but not rat, outer medullary collecting duct cells also labeled for SLC4A11. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that in the inner stripe of the outer medulla, SLC4A11 plays a role in the countercurrent transport of ammonia absorbed from the outer medullary thick ascending limb and secreted into the long‐looped DTLs. SLC4A11 can potentially modulate the rate of ammonia transport in the mouse outer medullary collecting duct. Our data suggest functionally unique SLC4A11 pathways in mouse and rat and complement previous studies of DTL Na+, urea and water permeability indicating that the upper and lower DTLs of long‐looped nephrons are functionally distinct.

Metabolic perturbations caused by depletion of nephronophthisis factor Anks6 in mIMCD3 cells.

Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an inherited form of cystic kidney disease with various extrarenal manifestations accounting for the largest amount of endstage renal disease in childhood. Patient mutations of Anks6 have also been found to cause NPH like phenotypes in animal models. However, little is known about functionality of Anks6. We investigated the impact of Anks6 depletion on cellular metabolism of inner medullary collecting duct cells by GC-MS profiling and targeted LC-MS/MS analysis using two different shRNA cell lines for tetracycline-inducible Anks6 downregulation, namely mIMCD3 krab shANKS6 i52 and mIMCD3 krab shANKS6 i12. In combination, we could successfully identify 158 metabolites of which 20 compounds showed similar alterations in both knockdown systems. Especially, large neutral amino acids, such as phenylalanine, where found to be significantly downregulated indicating disturbances in amino acid metabolism. Arginine, lysine and spermidine, which play an important role in cell survival and proliferation, were found to be downregulated. Accordingly, cell growth was diminished in tet treated mIMCD3 krab shANKS6 i52 knockdown cells. Deoxynucleosides were significantly downregulated in both knockdown systems. Hence, PARP1 levels were increased in tet treated mIMCD3 krab shANKS6 i52 cells, but not in tet treated mIMCD3 krab shANKS6 i12 cells. However, yH2AX was found to be increased in the latter. In combination, we hypothesise that Anks6 affects DNA damage responses and proliferation and plays a crucial role in physiological amino acid and purine/pyrimidine metabolism.

Vasopressin V1a Receptor of Renal Collecting Duct Intercalated Cells Promotes Urinary Proton Secretion

Antagonists of the V1a vasopressin receptor (V1aR) are emerging as a therapeutic strategy for retardation of chronic kidney disorders. Physiologically, V1aR signaling has been linked with acid‐base homeostasis, although the underlying mechanisms remain debatable. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that V1aR activation in type A intercalated cells (A‐ICs) induces urinary H+ secretion.We generated an anti‐V1aR antibody and verified its specificity using V1aR‐knockout tissues. Localization studies in mice, rat and human tissue, were preformed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy or 3D‐structured illumination microscopy (3D‐SIM). For functional studies in vivo, V1aR‐specific agonist, AO‐4‐67, was administered in AVP‐deficient Brattleboro rats and C57/BI6J mice (0.2, 2, or 10μg/kg b.w.; 1 to 4h). Urine was collected in metabolic cages or via ureteral catheter and plasma samples were taken. Isolated, microperfused mouse collecting ducts were analyzed for V1aR‐dependent luminal pH changes and cultured inner medullary collecting duct cells for proton‐secreting vH+‐ATPase regulation.Localization of V1aR in mouse, rat and human kidneys produced basolateral signal in A‐ICs and perinuclear to subapical signal in type B intercalated cells of connecting tubules and collecting ducts throughout these species. In addition, basolateral V1aR signal was detected in macula densa cells of mouse but not rat or human kidneys. Administration of the V1aR agonist, A0‐4‐67, significantly decreased urinary pH in vasopressin‐deficient Brattleboro rats (10 μg/kg body weight for 4 hours i.p.; pH 7.38 to 6.71 after 1 hour, P<0.01) and C57/BI6J mice (2 μg/kg body weight for 1 hour i.p.; pH 7.18 to 6.78 after 20 minutes, P<0.05). Basolateral treatment of isolated perfused medullary collecting ducts with the V1aR agonist or vasopressin increased intracellular Ca2+ levels in intercalated cells and decreased luminal pH (pH −5% after 3 minutes, P<0.05) suggesting V1aR‐dependent Ca2+ release and stimulation of proton secreting proteins. Basolateral treatment of inner medullary collecting duct cells with the V1aR agonist induced luminal translocation of vacuolar H+‐ATPase in A‐ICs (apical signal intensity +93%, P<0.001).In summary, our results show that activation of V1aR contributes to urinary acidification via H+ secretion by A‐ICs, which may have clinical implications for pharmacological targeting of V1aR.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Non‐Polarized mpkCCD Cell Model for Aquaporin‐2 Phosphorylation and Membrane Trafficking Study

Aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) is a water channel protein expressed in the kidney collecting duct principal cells responsible for water reabsorption. AQP2's ability to regulate water reabsorption depends on its phosphorylation states and trafficking to and from the apical plasma membrane regulated by the peptide hormone vasopressin. The mpkCCD cells have been an instrumental collecting duct cell model for studying AQP2 phosphorylation and trafficking. However, the cells require a time‐consuming polarization process before they can respond to vasopressin. We sought to circumvent this issue by examining AQP2 phosphorylation and trafficking in non‐polarized AQP2‐overexpressing mpkCCD cells treated with forskolin, which elevates intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), a second messenger of vasopressin. We found that forskolin induced AQP2 phosphorylation at serine 269 (S269) by 1.6 folds as observed in polarized mpkCCD and isolated rat inner medullary collecting duct cells treated with vasopressin. Before forskolin stimulation, most AQP2 was intracellular and was not phosphorylated at S269 by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. In response to forskolin, AQP2 was found in the plasma membrane and was phosphorylated at S269, similar to those observed in the polarized mpkCCD cells and native collecting duct cells stimulated with vasopressin. As a proof of principle, we found that small hairpin RNA‐mediated protein kinase A knockdown reduced AQP2 phosphorylation at S269 and membrane localization in the non‐polarized mpkCCD cells treated with forskolin. Thus, non‐polarized AQP2‐overexpressing mpkCCD cells can be used in lieu of polarized mpkCCD cells when time is a limiting factor including transient small hairpin RNA‐mediated gene knockdown experiments.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, TAIWAN (MOST 107‐2320‐B‐002‐057‐MY3).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Oxalate induces type II epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) in vitro and stimulate the expression of osteogenic and fibrotic markers in kidney medulla in vivo.

EMT occurs in response to a number of stresses conditions as mechanical stretch, cancer, hypoxia, oxidative stress (ROS), among others. EMT describes a phenotypical change induced in epithelial cells. It is characterized by increases in motility, extracellular matrix synthesis, proliferation, and invasiveness. The present study analyzed if oxalate ions (Ox) could induce EMT in IMCD cells. Ox (0.5 mM) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1 20 ng/mL) exposition during 48 hours increased migration and invasiveness, increased mesenchymal marker expression (Vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin: α-SMA, TGF-β1) and decreased epithelial marker expression (E-cadherin). IMCD stimulated with Ox and TGF-β1 and then exposed to the osteogenic medium during 15 days significantly increased early osteogenic markers (RUNX-2 and Alkaline Phosphatase) expression. Hyperoxaluric mice fed with trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HPL) presented calcium oxalate crystal excretion, increased in TGF-β1 expression and collagen fibers deposition and increased early osteogenic markers (RUNX-2 and Alkaline Phosphatase) at 60 days. Our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that oxalate induces EMT in inner medulla collecting duct cells and it may be involved in fibrotic tissue development, osteogenic differentiation and calcium crystal production both implicated in nephrolithiasis.

A microfluidic device for in situ fixation and super-resolved mechanosensation studies of primary cilia.

The primary cilium plays an important role in mechanosensation in mammalian cells. To understand mechanosensation in the primary cilium, we combined a microfluidic device with super-resolution microscopy to study the primary cilium phenotypes. The microfluidic system enabled the precise control of the flow shear within a well-confined cell-culture environment. In addition, in situ cilia fixation was possible by switching from the culture medium to the fixation buffer instantaneously, which preserved the real-time cilium phenotype under the flow shear. After fixation, multiple cilium-specific proteins were immunostained to quantify the cilia bending behavior. We found that >50% of the primary cilia of mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells were highly aligned with the direction of flow under 11 Pa shear stress. Finally, we used super-resolution microscopy to observe the redistribution of two major cilium-specific proteins under flow shear, acetylated alpha-tubulin, and intraflagellar transport protein 88. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first platform to combine a microfluidic device with super-resolution microscopy to enable flow stimulation and in situ fixation for the observation of ciliary protein. This system can potentially be applied to the future development of a stimulation-enabled organ-on-a-chip to observe the intercellular signaling of primary cilia or for the analysis of disease mechanisms associated with ciliary mutations at the organ level.

Calcium-sensing receptor mediates interleukin-1β-induced collagen expression in mouse collecting duct cells.

The mechanisms that underlie the profibrotic effect of interleukin (IL)-1β are complicated and not fully understood. Recent evidence has suggested the involvement of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in tubular injury. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate whether CaSR mediates IL-1β-induced collagen expression in cultured mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCD3) and to determine the possible downstream signaling effector. The results showed that IL-1β significantly upregulated the expression of type I and III collagens in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, CaSR was expressed in mIMCD3 cells, and its expression was increased by increasing the concentrations and times of IL-1β treatment. Selective inhibitors (Calhex231 or NPS2143) or the siRNA of CaSR attenuated the enhanced expression of type I and III collagens. Furthermore, IL-1β increased nuclear β-catenin protein levels and decreased cytoplasmic β-catenin expression in cells. In contrast, blockage of CaSR by the pharmacological antagonists or siRNA could partially attenuate such changes in the IL-1β-induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin. DKK1, an inhibitor of β-catenin nuclear translocation, further inhibited the expression of type I and III collagens in cells treated with IL-1β plus CaSR antagonist. In summary, these data demonstrated that IL-1β-induced collagen I and III expressions in collecting duct cells might be partially mediated by CaSR and the downstream nuclear translocation of β-catenin.

Abstract 044: Purinoceptor-Dependent Regulation of Sodium Excretion is Sexually Dimorphic

Premenopausal women have a lower risk of hypertension compared to age-matched men. Recently, prominent roles have been assigned to P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 purinoceptor subtypes in promoting Na + excretion, implicating dysfunction of these receptors as potential contributors to hypertension. We recently reported that activation of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors in the renal medulla by UTP promotes Na + excretion in male rats. In intact females, UTP did not stimulate Na + excretion while ovariectomy unmasked UTP-induced natriuresis. These observations led us to hypothesize that intact females have higher basal renal medullary activity of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors in regulating Na + excretion compared to male and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. To test that, we determined (i) P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA and protein expression in the inner medulla from male, intact female and OVX Sprague Dawley rats and (ii) the effect of inhibiting medullary purinoceptors (P2 receptors) on Na + excretion in those rats. We found that P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA expression was higher in the inner medulla from females compared to males (1.00±0.09 vs. 0.70±0.05 and 1.00±0.22 vs. 0.29±0.05, respectively, P<0.5, n=5-10). These sex differences in P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA expression were eliminated by ovariectomy (0.60±0.06 and 0.29±0.04, respectively, p<0.5,n=5,8). Consistently, Western blots on inner medullary lysates showed that intact females have higher expression of P2Y 2 receptor, compared to males. In anesthetized rats, medullary P2 receptor inhibition by suramin (P2 receptor antagonist, 750 μg/kg/min) significantly attenuated Na + excretion in intact females (0.4±0.1 vs. 0.9±0.2 μmol/min, P<0.5, n=7), but not in male or OVX rats.To test whether estradiol (E 2 ) increases the expression of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors, we subjected cultured mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCD3) to different concentrations of E 2 (0, 10, 100 and 1000 nM). We found that E 2 dose-dependently increased the expression of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA in mIMCD3. These data suggest that females have enhanced P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 -dependent regulation of Na + excretion in the renal medulla, compared to male and OVX rats, at least partially via an E 2 -dependent mechanism. This pathway may contribute to facilitated renal Na + handling in premenopausal females.

Metabolic Phenotyping of Anks3 Depletion in mIMCD-3 cells - a Putative Nephronophthisis Candidate

Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive form of cystic kidney disease and the leading cause of hereditary kidney failure in children and young adults. Like other NPH proteins, the NPHP16/Anks6-interacting protein Anks3 has been identified to cause laterality defects in humans. However, the cellular functions of Anks3 remain enigmatic. We investigated the metabolic impact of Anks3 depletion in cultured murine inner medullary collecting duct cells via GC-MS profiling and LC-MS/MS analysis. Combined metabolomics successfully identified 155 metabolites; 48 metabolites were identified to be significantly altered by decreasing Anks3 levels. Especially, amino acid and purine/pyrimidine metabolism were affected by loss of Anks3. Branched-chain amino acids were identified to be significantly downregulated suggesting disrupted nutrient signalling. Tryptophan and 1-ribosyl-imidazolenicotinamide accumulated whereas NAD+ and NADP+ concentrations were diminished indicating disturbances within the tryptophan-niacin pathway. Most strikingly, nucleosides were reduced upon Anks3 depletion, while 5-methyluridine and 6-methyladenosine accumulated over time. Hence, elevated PARP1 and cleaved PARP1 levels could be detected. Furthermore, living cell number and viability was significantly declined. In combination, these results suggest that Anks3 may be involved in DNA damage responses by balancing the intracellular nucleoside pool.

Farnesoid X receptor is essential for the survival of renal medullary collecting duct cells under hypertonic stress

Hypertonicity in renal medulla is critical for the kidney to produce concentrated urine. Renal medullary cells have to survive high medullary osmolarity during antidiuresis. Previous study reported that farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor transcription factor activated by endogenous bile acids, increases urine concentrating ability by up-regulating aquaporin 2 expression in medullary collecting duct cells (MCDs). However, whether FXR is also involved in the maintenance of cell survival of MCDs under dehydration condition and hypertonic stress remains largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that 24-hours water restriction selectively up-regulated renal medullary expression of FXR with little MCD apoptosis in wild-type mice. In contrast, water deprivation caused a massive apoptosis of MCDs in both global FXR gene-deficient mice and collecting duct-specific FXR knockout mice. In vitro studies showed that hypertonicity significantly increased FXR and tonicity response enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) expression in mIMCD3 cell line and primary cultured MCDs. Activation and overexpression of FXR markedly increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis under hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, FXR can increase gene expression and nuclear translocation of TonEBP. We conclude that FXR protects MCDs from hypertonicity-induced cell injury very likely via increasing TonEBP expression and nuclear translocation. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism by which FXR enhances urine concentration via maintaining cell viability of MCDs under hyperosmotic condition.

Slc4a8 in the Kidney: Expression, Subcellular Localization and Role in Acid Base Homeostasis and Salt Reabsorption

BackgroundThe sodium‐dependent bicarbonate transporter Slc4a8 (a.k.a NDCBE) mediates the co‐transport of sodium and bicarbonate in exchange for chloride. It is abundantly detected in the brain, with low expression levels in the kidney. The cell distribution and subcellular localization of Slc4a8 in the kidney and its role in acid/base and electrolyte homeostasis has been the subject of conflicting reports. There are no conclusive localization or functional studies to pinpoint the location and demonstrate the function of Slc4a8 in the kidney.MethodsMolecular techniques, including in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR, were performed on kidney sections and tagged epitopes were used to examine the membrane targeting of Slc4a8 in polarized kidney cells. Crispr/Cas9 was used to generate and examine Slc4a8 KO mice.ResultIn situ hybridization and Zonal distribution studies showed no expression for Slc4a8 (NDCBE) in the cortex or in cortical collecting ducts (CCD). Slc4a8 was predominantly detected in the outer and inner medullary collecting ducts (OMCD and IMCD), and was targeted to the basolateral membrane of osmotically tolerant MDCK cells when confocal microscopy images were acquired. Slc4a8 KO mice did not show any abnormal salt or bicarbonate wasting under baseline conditions or in response to bicarbonate loading, salt restriction or furosemide‐induced diuresis.ConclusionsSlc4a8 (NDCBE) is absent in the CCD and is predominantly localized on the basolateral membrane of medullary collecting duct cells. Further, Slc4a8 deletion does not cause any acid base or electrolyte abnormality in pathophysiologic states such as furosemide‐induced salt wasting or salt restriction. We suggest that Slc4a8 is likely involved in intracellular pH and volume regulation in medullary collecting duct cells.Support or Funding InformationMerit Review 5 I01 BX001000‐06 award from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and funds from the Center on Genetics of Transport and Epithelial Biology at the University of Cincinnati.