Membrane Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells Research Articles

Characterization of the human peptide transporter PEPT1 promoter: Sp1 functions as a basal transcriptional regulator of human PEPT1

H+-coupled peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1, SLC15A1) localized at the brush-border membranes of intestinal epithelial cells plays an important role in the intestinal absorption of small peptides and a variety of peptidemimetic drugs. PEPT1 is regulated by various factors, including hormones, dietary conditions, some pharmaceutics, and diurnal rhythm. But there is little information about the transcriptional regulation of PEPT1. In the present study, therefore, we cloned the human (h)PEPT1 promoter region and examined its promoter activity using a human intestinal cell line, Caco-2. Deletion analysis of the hPEPT1 promoter suggested that the region spanning -172 to -35 bp was essential for basal transcriptional activity. This region lacked a TATA-box but contained some GC-rich sites that supposedly bind with the transcription factor Sp1. Mutational analysis revealed that three of these putative Sp1 sites contributed to the transcriptional activity. EMSA showed that Sp1 bound to two GC-rich sites. Furthermore, inhibition of Sp1 binding by mithramycin A treatment significantly reduced the transcriptional activity. Finally, overexpression of Sp1 increased the transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner. This study reports the first characterization of the hPEPT1 promoter and shows the significant role of Sp1 in the basal transcriptional regulation of hPEPT1.

Intracellular Trafficking of CD23: Differential Regulation in Humans and Mice by Both Extracellular and Intracellular Exons

In mouse models of food allergy, we recently characterized a new CD23b-derived splice form lacking extracellular exon 5, bDelta5, which undergoes constitutive internalization and mediates the transepithelial transport of free IgE, whereas classical CD23b is more efficient in transporting IgE/allergen complexes. These data suggested that regulation of endocytosis plays a central role in CD23 functions and drove us to systematically compare the intracellular trafficking properties of human and murine CD23 splice forms. We found that CD23 species show similar endocytic behaviors in both species; CD23a undergoes constitutive clathrin-dependent internalization, whereas CD23b is stable at the plasma membrane. However, the mechanisms controlling these similar behaviors appeared to be different. In mice, a positive internalization signal was localized in the cytoplasmic region shared by all CD23 splice forms. This positive signal was negatively regulated by the intracellular CD23b-specific exon. In addition, the fact that alternative splice forms lacking exons of the extracellular region (5, 6, 7, and/or 8) were all constitutively internalized suggested that endocytosis of murine CD23 is regulated by a process similar to the outside-in signaling of integrins. In humans, the internalization signal was mapped in the CD23a-specific intracellular exon. Interestingly, this signal also behaved as a basolateral targeting signal in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The latter result and the fact that human intestinal cell lines were found to coexpress both CD23a and CD23b provide a molecular explanation for the initial observations that CD23 was found at the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells from allergic patients.

Modulation of drug transport by selected flavonoids: Involvement of P-gp and OCT?

Flavonoids, as a common component of daily nutrition, are a possible source of interference with absorption processes, due to modulation of transporting proteins. In this study, the influence of selected flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitrin, spiraeoside, rutin, kaempferol, naringenin, naringin, and kaempferol) on the transport of the P-gp substrate [ 3H]talinolol across Caco-2 cell monolayers was investigated. To elucidate the mechanism behind the interaction observed in this system the potency of the flavonoids to replace [ 3H]talinolol from its P-gp binding site as well as their activity to inhibit OCT2-mediated [ 14C]TEA uptake into LLC-PK 1 cells were measured, as P-gp and OCT have been shown to be present in Caco-2 cells. Six of the investigated flavonoids reduced the secretory flux of talinolol across Caco-2 cells (IC 50-values: hesperetin < quercetin < kaempferol ≪ spiraeoside < isoquercitrin < naringin). But none of the selected flavonoids was able to replace [ 3H]talinolol from its binding to P-gp. However, the investigated flavonoids did show potency to inhibit OCT-mediated transport (IC 50-values: quercetin < kaempferol ≪ naringenin < isoquercitrin < spiraeoside ≪ rutin < hesperetin < naringin). The present in vitro results demonstrate that flavonoids bear the ability to interfere with secretory intestinal transport processes. This might be due to an interaction with P-gp, but apparently not via competition at the talinolol binding site of P-gp. Another mode of interaction may be the inhibition of members of the OCT-family, which is located at the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells.

Cathelicidin Mediates Innate Intestinal Defense against Colonization with Epithelial Adherent Bacterial Pathogens

Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP), the sole murine cathelicidin, is encoded by the gene Cnlp. We show that mCRAMP expression in the intestinal tract is largely restricted to surface epithelial cells in the colon. Synthetic mCRAMP had antimicrobial activity against the murine enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium, which like the related clinically important human pathogens enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, adheres to the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells. Colon epithelial cell extracts from Cnlp+/+ mice had significantly greater antimicrobial activity against C. rodentium than those of mutant Cnlp-/- mice that lack mCRAMP. Cnlp-/- mice developed significantly greater colon surface and crypt epithelial cell colonization, surface epithelial cell damage, and systemic dissemination of infection than Cnlp+/+ mice after oral infection with C. rodentium. Moreover, Cnlp+/+ mice were protected from oral infections with C. rodentium inocula that infected the majority of Cnlp-/- mice. These results establish cathelicidin as an important component of innate antimicrobial defense in the colon.

Fexofenadine pharmacokinetics are associated with a polymorphism of the SLCO1B1 gene (encoding OATP1B1)

Fexofenadine pharmacokinetics are associated with a polymorphism of the <i>SLCO1B1</i> gene (encoding OATP1B1)

Recognition of the Tryptophan-based Endocytosis Signal in the Neonatal Fc Receptor by the μ Subunit of Adaptor Protein-2

Endocytosis of membrane proteins is typically mediated by signals present in their cytoplasmic domains. These signals usually contain an essential tyrosine or pair of leucine residues. Both tyrosine- and dileucine-based endocytosis signals are recognized by the adaptor complex AP-2. The best understood of these interactions occurs between the tyrosine-based motif, YXXPhi, and the mu2 subunit of AP-2. We recently reported a tryptophan-based endocytosis signal, WLSL, contained within the cytoplasmic domain of the neonatal Fc receptor. This signal resembles YXXPhi. We have investigated the mechanism by which the tryptophan-based signal is recognized. Both interaction assays in vitro and endocytosis assays in vivo show that mu2 binds the tryptophan-based signal. Furthermore, the WLSL sequence binds the same site as YXXPhi. Unlike the WXXF motif, contained in stonin 2 and other endocytic proteins, WLSL does not bind the alpha subunit of AP-2. These observations reveal a functional similarity between the tryptophan-based endocytosis signal and the YXXPhi motif, and an unexpected versatility of mu2 function.

Synthesis and Assembly of a Cholera Toxin B Subunit-Rotavirus VP7 Fusion Protein in Transgenic Potato

A gene encoding VP7, the outer capsid protein of simian rotavirus SA11, was fused to the carboxyl terminus of the cholera toxin B subunit gene. A plant expression vector containing the fusion gene under control of the mannopine synthase P2 promoter was introduced into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The CTB::VP7 fusion gene was detected in the genomic DNA of transformed potato leaf cells by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification methods. Immunoblot analysis of transformed potato tuber tissue extracts showed that synthesis and assembly of the CTB::VP7 fusion protein into oligomers of pentameric size occurred in the transformed plant cells. The binding of CTB::VP7 fusion protein pentamers to sialo-sugar containing GM1 ganglioside receptors on the intestinal epithelial cell membrane was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA results showed that the CTB::VP7 fusion protein made up approx 0.01% of the total soluble tuber protein. Synthesis and assembly of CTB::VP7 monomers into biologically active pentamers in transformed potato tubers demonstrates the feasibility of using edible plants as a mucosal vaccine for the production and delivery system for rotavirus capsid protein antigens.

Proteomic analysis of plasma membrane vesicles isolated from the rat renal cortex

Polarized epithelial cells are responsible for the vectorial transport of solutes and have a key role in maintaining body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Such cells contain structurally and functionally distinct plasma membrane domains. Brush border and basolateral membranes of renal and intestinal epithelial cells can be separated using a number of different separation techniques, which allow their different transport functions and receptor expressions to be studied. In this communication, we report a proteomic analysis of these two membrane segments, apical and basolateral, obtained from the rat renal cortex isolated by two different methods: differential centrifugation and free-flow electrophoresis. The study was aimed at assessing the nature of the major proteins isolated by these two separation techniques. Two analytical strategies were used: separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) at the protein level or by cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after proteolysis (i.e., at the peptide level). Proteolytic peptides derived from the proteins present in gel pieces or from HPLC fractions after proteolysis were sequenced by on-line liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Several hundred proteins were identified in each membrane section. In addition to proteins known to be located at the apical and basolateral membranes, several novel proteins were also identified. In particular, a number of proteins with putative roles in signal transduction were identified in both membranes. To our knowledge, this is the first reported study to try and characterize the membrane proteome of polarized epithelial cells and to provide a data set of the most abundant proteins present in renal proximal tubule cell membranes.

A new method to measure intestinal activity of P-glycoprotein in avian and mammalian species

Permeability-glycoprotein (Pgp) actively exports numerous potentially toxic compounds once they diffuse into the cell membrane of intestinal epithelial cells. We adapted the everted sleeve technique to make the first measures of intestinal Pgp function in an avian species (chicken) and in wild mammalian species, and compared them to laboratory rats. Tissues maintained both structural and functional integrity, and our method offers advantages over other in vitro techniques by using smaller intestinal sections (1 cm), and shorter incubation times (8-12 min). To determine Pgp function, we compared accumulation of [(3)H]-digoxin in sleeves incubated in Ringer solution with and without a transport-saturating concentration of a competitive inhibitor, cyclosporin A. We demonstrated significant variation in Pgp activity within individuals along the intestine, between populations fed different diets, and between species (laboratory rats had one-third to one-fifth the Pgp activity of wild rodents). In chicken, we also tested the effect of natural metabolites on digoxin accumulation. We found that among flavonoids, genistein (200 microM), found in soy and other legumes, but not quercetin (10, 30, 100, 330 microM) or the 3-beta-glycoside isoquercetrin (100 microM), significantly increased digoxin accumulation. Among fungal metabolites, sterigmatocystin (5 microM), but not aflatoxin B1 (5 microM), significantly increased digoxin accumulation.

HIV-1 gp120 V3 cholera toxin B subunit fusion gene expression in transgenic potato

A cDNA fragment encoding the V3 loop of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 was fused to the cholera toxin B subunit gene (CTB–gp120) and transferred into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The CTB–gp120 fusion gene was detected in genomic DNA from transformed potato leaves by PCR DNA amplification. Synthesis and assembly of the CTB–gp120 fusion protein into oligomeric structures of pentamer size was detected in transformed tuber extracts by immunoblot analysis. The binding of CTB–gp120 fusion protein pentamers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane glycolipid receptors was quantified by G M1-ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (G M1-ELISA). The ELISA results indicated that CTB–gp120 fusion protein made up 0.002–0.004% of the total soluble tuber protein. Synthesis of CTB–gp120 monomers and their assembly into biologically active oligomers in transformed potato tuber tissues demonstrates for the first time the expression of HIV-1 gp120 in plants and emphasizes the feasibility of using edible plant-based vaccination for protection against HIV-1 infection.

DES2 protein is responsible for phytoceramide biosynthesis in the mouse small intestine.

The C-4 hydroxylation of sphinganine and dihydroceramide is a rate-limiting reaction in the biosynthesis of phytosphingolipids. Mouse DES1 (MDES1) cDNA homologous to the Drosophila melanogaster degenerative spermatocyte gene-1 (des-1) cDNA leads to sphingosine Delta4-desaturase activity, and another mouse homologue, MDES2, has bifunctional activity, producing C-4 hydroxysphinganine and Delta4-sphingenine in yeast [Ternes, Franke, Zahringer, Sperling and Heinz (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 25512-25518]. Here, we report the characterization of mouse DES2 (MDES2) using an in vitro assay with a homogenate of COS-7 cells transfected with MDES2 cDNA and N -octanoyl-sphinganine and sphinganine as substrates. MDES2 protein prefers dihydroceramide as a substrate to sphinganine, and exhibits dihydroceramide Delta4-desaturase and C-4 hydroxylase activities. MDES2 mRNA content was high in the small intestine and abundant in the kidney. In situ hybridization detected signals of MDES2 mRNA in the crypt cells. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-MDES2 peptide antibody stained the crypt cells and the adjacent epithelial cells. These results suggest that MDES2 is the dihydroceramide C-4 hydroxylase responsible for the biosynthesis of enriched phytosphingoglycolipids in the microvillous membranes of intestinal epithelial cells.

Synthesis and assembly of a cholera toxin B subunit SHIV 89.6p Tat fusion protein in transgenic potato

A cDNA encoding the simian–human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV 89.6p) Tat regulatory element protein was fused to the c-terminus of the cholera toxin B subunit gene ( ctxB- tat) and introduced into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation methods. The fusion gene was detected in the genomic DNA of transformed potato leaf cells by PCR DNA amplification. Synthesis and assembly of the CTB-Tat fusion protein into oligomeric structures of pentamer size was detected in transformed tuber extracts by immunoblot analysis. The binding of CTB-Tat fusion protein pentamers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane glycolipid receptors was quantified by G M1-ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (G M1-ELISA). Based on the ELISA results, CTB-Tat fusion protein made up about 0.005–0.007% of total soluble tuber protein or approximately 4.6 mg per 100 g potato tuber tissue. The synthesis and assembly of CTB-Tat monomers into biologically active oligomers in transformed potato tuber tissues demonstrates the feasibility of using viral pathogen antigens synthesized in edible plants for mucosal immunization against HIV-1 infection.

The maintenance and generation of membrane polarity in hepatocytes.

Hepatocytes, the major epithelial cells in the liver, are highly polarized. Their plasma membranes are separated by tight junctions into sinusoidal– basolateral and canalicular–apical domains, which contain distinct sets of proteins and lipids. A normal membrane polarity is vital for hepatocytes to perform many diverse functions, such as canalicular bile secretion and simultaneous sinusoidal secretion of large quantities of serum proteins into blood. Hepatocyte polarity is lost in many diseases like cholestasis. A complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in hepatocyte polarity therefore is of considerable significance to both liver cell biology and the pathogenesis of liver diseases. To maintain the distinct distribution of proteins and lipids in the canalicular and sinusoidal membranes, hepatocytes have developed complex polarized trafficking and retention mechanisms. The establishment of membrane polarity in hepatocytes begins during liver embryogenesis. During hepatocyte differentiation, specific routes and mechanisms are defined for the delivery of plasma membrane proteins. How this polarity is maintained in adult hepatocytes and is generated during development are two major unanswered questions in this field. In this review, we first give an overview of the current knowledge about how membrane polarity is maintained in hepatocytes with the focus on recent developments in polarized protein trafficking.We then present a hypothetical model about how membrane polarity may be generated during liver development, and finally, we present an example of how membrane polarity is altered in cholestasis. Readers are directed to recent reviews for discussion of lipid trafficking in hepatocytes.1,2

Structural features of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin that activates membrane-associated guanylyl cyclase.

Heat-stable enterotoxin (ST), a small peptide of 18 or 19 amino acid residues produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, is the cause of acute diarrhea in infants and travelers in developing countries. ST triggers a biological response by binding to a membrane-associated guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C) which is located on intestinal epithelial cell membranes. This binding causes an increase in the concentration of cGMP as a second messenger in cells and activates protein kinase A and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Here we describe the crystal structure of an ST at 0.89 A resolution. The molecule has a ring-shaped molecular architecture consisting of six peptide molecules with external and internal diameters of approximately 35 and 7 A, respectively and a thickness of approximately 11 A. The conserved residues at the central portion of ST are distributed on the outer surface of the ring-shaped peptide hexamer, suggesting that the hexamer may be implicated in the association with GC-C through these invariant residues.

Peptide transporters: structure, function, regulation and application for drug delivery.

Proton-coupled peptide transporters, localized at brush-border membranes of intestinal and renal epithelial cells, play important roles in protein absorption and the conservation of peptide-bound amino nitrogen. These transporters also have significant pharmacological and pharmacokinetic relevance to the transport of various peptide-like drugs such as beta-lactam antibiotics. The identification and molecular characterization of H(+)/peptide cotransporters (PEPT1 and PEPT2) have facilitated the clarification of many aspects of these transporters such as the structure/function relationship and regulation. Recent findings that intestinal PEPT1 can transport l-valine ester prodrugs such as valacyclovir provided a major step forward toward the development of novel drug delivery systems. It has been demonstrated that peptide transporters, which have a similar substrate specificity to PEPT1 and PEPT2, but possess other distinct functional properties, are localized at basolateral membranes of intestinal and renal epithelial cells. This review highlights the recent advances in our knowledge of the cellular and molecular nature of PEPT1, PEPT2 and the basolateral peptide transporters.

Synthesis and assembly of SIVmac Gag p27 capsid protein cholera toxin B subunit fusion protein in transgenic potato.

A deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragment encoding the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was linked 5' to the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac) Gag p27 capsid gene (CTB-Gag). The fusion gene was transferred into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation methods and transformed plants regenerated. The CTB-Gag gene fusion was detected in transformed potato leaf genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction-mediated DNA amplification. The results of immunoblot analysis with anti-CTB and anti-Gag antibodies verified the synthesis of biologically active CTB-Gag fusion protein in transformed leaf and tuber tissues. Synthesis and assembly of the CTB-Gag fusion protein into oligomeric structures of pentamer size was confirmed by GM1-ganglioside-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GM1-ELISA) of transformed potato tuber tissue extracts. The binding of CTB-Gag fusion protein oligomers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane receptors quantified by GM1-ELISA showed that CTB-Gag fusion protein made up approx 0.016-0.022% of the total soluble tuber protein. The synthesis of CTB-Gag monomers and their assembly into biologically active CTB-Gag fusion protein oligomers in potato tuber tissues provides the opportunity for employment of the carrier and adjuvant properties of CTB for the development of edible plant-based subunit mucosal vaccines for enhanced mucosal immunity against SIV in macaques.

Synthesis and Assembly of Anthrax Lethal Factor-Cholera Toxin B-Subunit Fusion Protein in Transgenic Potato

A DNA encoding the 27-kDa domain I of anthrax lethal factor protein (LF), was linked to the carboxyl terminus of the cholera toxin B-subunit (CTB-LF). The CTB-LF fusion gene was transferred into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated in vivo transformation methods and antibiotic-resistant plants were regenerated. The CTB-LF fusion gene was detected in transformed potato leaf genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated DNA amplification. Immunoblot analysis with anti-CTB and anti-LF primary antibodies verified the synthesis and assembly of biologically active CTB-LF fusion protein oligomers in transformed plant tuber tissues. Furthermore, the binding of CTB-LF fusion protein pentamers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane receptors measured by GM1-ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GM1-ELISA) indicated that the CTB-LF fusion protein made up approx 0.002% of the total soluble tuber protein. Synthesis of CTB-LF monomers and their assembly into biologically active CTB-LF fusion protein pentamers in potato tuber tissues demonstrates the feasibility of using edible plants for production and delivery of adjuvanted LF protein for CTB-mediated immunostimulation of mucosal immune responses against anthrax toxin.

Functional characterization of pH-sensitive organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP-B in human.

The pH-sensitive activity of human organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP-B, which is expressed at the apical membrane of human small intestinal epithelial cells, was functionally characterized. When initial uptake of estrone-3-sulfate, a typical substrate of OATP, was studied kinetically, we observed an increase in V(max) with decrease of pH from 7.4 to 5.0, whereas the change in K(m) was negligible. OATP-B-mediated uptake of estrone-3-sulfate was independent of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, or glutathione, whereas the proton ionophore carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone exhibited a pH-dependent inhibitory effect, suggesting that a proton gradient is a driving force for OATP-B. When OATP-B was expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, uptake activities for anionic compounds showed various kinds of pH sensitivity. Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, estrone-3-sulfate, and fexofenadine were transported by OATP-B at both neutral and acidic pH, whereas estradiol-17beta-glucuronide, acetic acid, and lactic acid were not transported at all. Transport of taurocholic acid and pravastatin by OATP-B was observed only at acidic pH, demonstrating a pH-sensitive substrate specificity of OATP-B. Because the physiological pH close to the surface of intestinal epithelial cells is acidic, the roles of OATP-B in the small intestine might be different from those in other tissues, such as liver basolateral membrane. Although the driving force for OATP-B has not been fully established, the clarification of factors, such as pH, that affect the OATP-B-activity is essential for an understanding of the physiological and pharmacological relevance of the transporter in the small intestine.

A Reduction in Intestinal Cell pH i Due to Loss of the Caenorhabditis elegans Na+/H+ Exchanger NHX-2 Increases Life Span

Na+/H+ exchangers are involved in cell volume regulation, fluid secretion and absorption, and pH homeostasis. NHX-2 is a Caenorhabditis elegans Na+/H+ exchanger expressed exclusively at the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells. The inactivation of various intestinal nutrient transport proteins has been shown previously to influence aging via metabolic potential and a mechanism resembling caloric restriction. We report here a functional coupling of NHX-2 activity with nutrient uptake that results in long lived worms. Gene inactivation of nhx-2 by RNAi led to a loss of fat stores in the intestine and a 40% increase in longevity. The NHX-2 protein was coincidentally expressed with OPT-2, an oligopeptide transporter that is driven by a transmembrane proton gradient and that is also known to be involved in fat accumulation. Gene inactivation of opt-2 led to a phenotype resembling that of nhx-2, although not as severe. In order to explore this potential functional interaction, we combined RNA interference with a genetically encoded, fluorescence-based reagent to measure intestinal intracellular pH (pHi) in live worms under physiological conditions. Our results suggest first that OPT-2 is the main dipeptide uptake pathway in the nematode intestine, and second that dipeptide uptake results in intestinal cell acidification, and finally that recovery following dipeptide-induced acidification is normally a function of NHX-2. The loss of NHX-2 protein results in decreased steady-state intestinal cell pHi, and we hypothesize that this change perturbs proton-coupled nutrient uptake processes such as performed by OPT-2. Our data demonstrate a functional role for a Na+/H+ exchanger in nutrient absorption in vivo and lays the groundwork for examining integrated acid-base physiology in a non-mammalian model organism.

Backdoor phosphorylation of basolateral plasma membranes of small intestinal epithelial cells: characterization of a furosemide-induced phosphoprotein related to the second sodium pump

Enterocyte has two different Na +-stimulated ATPases, the ouabain-sensitive Na +/K + ATPase and a furosemide-inhibitable Na + ATPase. To identify the polypeptide associated with the Na +-ATPase, 32Pi phosphorylation into basolateral membranes of enterocyte was investigated. Both, ouabain and furosemide induced Mg 2+-dependent, vanadate-sensitive 32Pi incorporation into a 100 kDa polypeptide. K m for Pi was 17.7 ± 1.82 μM and 16.8 ± 0.69 μM for ouabain-induced and furosemide-induced phosphorylation, respectively. K m for furosemide was 1.3 ± 0.21 mM. Furosemide-induced 32Pi incorporation was sensitive to alkaline pH and hydroxylamine suggesting an acyl-phosphate bond. Na + and K + inhibited 32Pi incorporation induced by ouabain. In contrast, Na + stimulated furosemide-induced phosphorylation with a K m of 16.5 ± 5.59 mM while K + had no effect. Purified Na +/K + ATPase only presented ouabain-induced phosphoprotein, indicating that furosemide-induced phosphorylation is not related to this enzyme and appears to correspond to a new member of P-type ATPases associated with the second Na + pump.