Wild-type Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Research Articles

Contribution of Casein Kinase 2 and Spleen Tyrosine Kinase to CFTR Trafficking and Protein Kinase A-Induced Activity

Previously, the pleiotropic "master kinase" casein kinase 2 (CK2) was shown to interact with CFTR, the protein responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF). Moreover, CK2 inhibition abolished CFTR conductance in cell-attached membrane patches, native epithelial ducts, and Xenopus oocytes. CFTR possesses two CK2 phosphorylation sites (S422 and T1471), with unclear impact on its processing and trafficking. Here, we investigated the effects of mutating these CK2 sites on CFTR abundance, maturation, and degradation coupled to effects on ion channel activity and surface expression. We report that CK2 inhibition significantly decreased processing of wild-type (wt) CFTR, with no effect on F508del CFTR. Eliminating phosphorylation at S422 and T1471 revealed antagonistic roles in CFTR trafficking: S422 activation versus T1471 inhibition, as evidenced by a severe trafficking defect for the T1471D mutant. Notably, mutation of Y512, a consensus sequence for the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) possibly acting in a CK2 context adjacent to the common CF-causing defect F508del, had a strong effect on both maturation and CFTR currents, allowing the identification of this kinase as a novel regulator of CFTR. These results reinforce the importance of CK2 and the S422 and T1471 residues for regulation of CFTR and uncover a novel regulation of CFTR by SYK, a recognized controller of inflammation.

Disruption of cytokeratin-8 interaction with F508del-CFTR corrects its functional defect

We have previously reported an increased expression of cytokeratins 8/18 (K8/K18) in cells expressing the F508del mutation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This is associated with increased colocalization of CFTR and K18 in the vicinity of the endoplasmic reticulum, although this is reversed by treating cells with curcumin, resulting in the rescue of F508del-CFTR. In the present work, we hypothesized that (i) the K8/K18 network may interact physically with CFTR, and that (ii) this interaction may modify CFTR function. CFTR was immunoprecipitated from HeLa cells transfected with either wild-type (WT) CFTR or F508del-CFTR. Precipitates were subjected to 2D-gel electrophoresis and differential spots identified by mass spectrometry. K8 and K18 were found significantly increased in F508del-CFTR precipitates. Using surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrate that K8, but not K18, binds directly and preferentially to the F508del over the WT human NBD1 (nucleotide-binding domain-1). In vivo K8 interaction with F508del-CFTR was confirmed by proximity ligation assay in HeLa cells and in primary cultures of human respiratory epithelial cells. Ablation of K8 expression by siRNA in F508del-expressing HeLa cells led to the recovery of CFTR-dependent iodide efflux. Moreover, F508del-expressing mice topically treated with K8-siRNA showed restored nasal potential difference, equivalent to that of WT mice. These results show that disruption of F508del-CFTR and K8 interaction leads to the correction of the F508del-CFTR processing defect, suggesting a novel potential therapeutic target in CF.

Transgenic hCFTR expression fails to correct β-ENaC mouse lung disease.

The relationships between airway epithelial Cl(-) secretion-Na(+) absorption balance, airway surface liquid (ASL) homeostasis, and lung disease were investigated in selected transgenic mice. 1) To determine if transgenic overexpression of wild-type (WT) human CFTR (hCFTR) accelerated Cl(-) secretion and regulated Na(+) absorption in murine airways, we utilized a Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP)-specific promoter to generate mice expressing airway-specific hCFTR. Ussing chamber studies revealed significantly (∼2.5-fold) elevated basal Cl(-) secretory currents in CCSP-hCFTR transgenic mouse airways. Endogenous murine airway Na(+) absorption was not regulated by hCFTR, and these mice exhibited no lung disease. 2) We tested whether hCFTR, transgenically expressed on a transgenic mouse background overexpressing the β-subunit of the epithelial Na(+) channel (β-ENaC), restored ion transport balance and ASL volume homeostasis and ameliorated lung disease. Both transgenes were active in CCSP-hCFTR/β-ENaC transgenic mouse airways, which exhibited an elevated basal Cl(-) secretion and Na(+) hyperabsorption. However, the airway disease characteristic of β-ENaC mice persisted. Confocal studies of ASL volume homeostasis in cultured tracheal cells revealed ASL autoregulation to a height of ∼6 μm in WT and CCSP-hCFTR cultures, whereas ASL was reduced to <4 μm in β-ENaC and CCSP-hCFTR/β-ENaC cultures. We conclude that 1) hCFTR overexpression increases basal Cl(-) secretion but does not regulate Na(+) transport in WT mice and 2) transgenic hCFTR produces increased Cl(-) secretion, but not regulation of Na(+) channels, in β-ENaC mouse airways and does not ameliorate β-ENaC mouse lung disease.

Insights into the mechanisms underlying CFTR channel activity, the molecular basis for cystic fibrosis and strategies for therapy

Mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) cause CF (cystic fibrosis), a fatal genetic disease commonly leading to airway obstruction with recurrent airway inflammation and infection. Pulmonary obstruction in CF has been linked to the loss of CFTR function as a regulated Cl- channel on the lumen-facing membrane of the epithelium lining the airways. We have learned much about the molecular basis for nucleotide- and phosphorylation-dependent regulation of channel activity of the normal (wild-type) version of the CFTR protein through electrophysiological studies. The major CF-causing mutation, F508del-CFTR, causes the protein to misfold and be retained in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). Importantly, recent studies in cell culture have shown that retention in the ER can be 'corrected' through the application of certain small-molecule modulators and, once at the surface, the altered channel function of the major mutant can be 'potentiated', pharmacologically. Importantly, two such small molecules, a 'corrector' (VX-809) and a 'potentiator' (VX-770) compound are undergoing clinical trial for the treatment of CF. In this chapter, we describe recent discoveries regarding the wild-type CFTR and F508del-CFTR protein, in the context of molecular models based on X-ray structures of prokaryotic ABC (ATP-binding cassette) proteins. Finally, we discuss the promise of small-molecule modulators to probe the relationship between structure and function in the wild-type protein, the molecular defects caused by the most common mutation and the structural changes required to correct these defects.

The K+ Channel Opener 1-EBIO Potentiates Residual Function of Mutant CFTR in Rectal Biopsies from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

BackgroundThe identification of strategies to improve mutant CFTR function remains a key priority in the development of new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous studies demonstrated that the K+ channel opener 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolone (1-EBIO) potentiates CFTR-mediated Cl− secretion in cultured cells and mouse colon. However, the effects of 1-EBIO on wild-type and mutant CFTR function in native human colonic tissues remain unknown.MethodsWe studied the effects of 1-EBIO on CFTR-mediated Cl− secretion in rectal biopsies from 47 CF patients carrying a wide spectrum of CFTR mutations and 57 age-matched controls. Rectal tissues were mounted in perfused micro-Ussing chambers and the effects of 1-EBIO were compared in control tissues, CF tissues expressing residual CFTR function and CF tissues with no detectable Cl− secretion.ResultsStudies in control tissues demonstrate that 1-EBIO activated CFTR-mediated Cl− secretion in the absence of cAMP-mediated stimulation and potentiated cAMP-induced Cl− secretion by 39.2±6.7% (P<0.001) via activation of basolateral Ca2+-activated and clotrimazole-sensitive KCNN4 K+ channels. In CF specimens, 1-EBIO potentiated cAMP-induced Cl− secretion in tissues with residual CFTR function by 44.4±11.5% (P<0.001), but had no effect on tissues lacking CFTR-mediated Cl−conductance.ConclusionsWe conclude that 1-EBIO potentiates Cl−secretion in native CF tissues expressing CFTR mutants with residual Cl− channel function by activation of basolateral KCNN4 K+ channels that increase the driving force for luminal Cl− exit. This mechanism may augment effects of CFTR correctors and potentiators that increase the number and/or activity of mutant CFTR channels at the cell surface and suggests KCNN4 as a therapeutic target for CF.

CFTR Modulation by the Tobacco Smoke Toxin Acrolein

Objective: Tobacco-smoke exposure inhibits transepithelial Cl-secretion—a major determinant of airway surface liquid hydration and mucociliary clearance (MCC). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of acrolein exposure (a tobacco smoke toxin) on Cl-transport through the major apical anion channel CFTR in sinonasal epithelium. Method: Primary murine nasal septal (MNSE, wild type, and transgenic CFTR-/-) and human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE) cultures were exposed to acrolein in Ussing chambers, and effects on Cl-secretion were investigated using pharmacologic manipulation. Cellular cAMP signaling and cytotoxicity were also investigated. Results: Acrolein-stimulated Cl-secretion (ΔISC - change in short-circuit current in µA/cm2) at low concentrations (100 µM, 15.8 ± 2.2 vs 2.4 ± 0.8 (control); p-transport at 300 µM (13.3 ± 1.2 vs 19.9 ± 1.0; p-secretion was solely reliant upon the presence of CFTR (confirmed in transgenic CFTR -/- MNSE), but independent of cAMP signaling. Inhibition at higher concentrations was not secondary to cellular cytotoxicity, indicating direct effects on the CFTR. Conclusion: Decreased MCC is a major contributing feature to chronic rhinosinusitis. The present study demonstrated that acrolein has complex but direct interactions with CFTR. Robust inhibition of Cl-transport at higher concentrations indicates the potential contribution of this toxin to decreased MCC in individuals with chronic tobacco smoke exposure.

Functional Differences in Pore Properties Between Wild-Type and Cysteine-Less Forms of the CFTR Chloride Channel

Studies of the structure and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel have been advanced by the development of functional channel variants in which all 18 endogenous cysteine residues have been mutated ("cys-less" CFTR). However, cys-less CFTR has a slightly higher single-channel conductance than wild-type CFTR, raising questions as to the suitability of cys-less as a model of the wild-type CFTR pore. We used site-directed mutagenesis and patch-clamp recording to investigate the origin of this conductance difference and to determine the extent of functional differences between wild-type and cys-less CFTR channel permeation properties. Our results suggest that the conductance difference is the result of a single substitution, of C343: the point mutant C343S has a conductance similar to cys-less, whereas the reverse mutation, S343C in a cys-less background, restores wild-type conductance levels. Other cysteine substitutions (C128S, C225S, C376S, C866S) were without effect. Substitution of other residues for C343 suggested that conductance is dependent on amino acid side chain volume at this position. A range of other functional pore properties, including interactions with channel blockers (Au[CN] (2) (-) , 5-nitro-2-[3-phenylpropylamino]benzoic acid, suramin) and anion permeability, were not significantly different between wild-type and cys-less CFTR. Our results suggest that functional differences between these two CFTR constructs are of limited scale and scope and result from a small change in side chain volume at position 343. These results therefore support the use of cys-less as a model of the CFTR pore region.

Suppression of CFTR premature termination codons and rescue of CFTR protein and function by the synthetic aminoglycoside NB54

Certain aminoglycosides are capable of inducing "translational readthrough" of premature termination codons (PTCs). However, toxicity and relative lack of efficacy deter treatment with clinically available aminoglycosides for genetic diseases caused by PTCs, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Using a structure-based approach, the novel aminoglycoside NB54 was developed that exhibits reduced toxicity and enhanced suppression of PTCs in cell-based reporter assays relative to gentamicin. We examined whether NB54 administration rescued CFTR protein and function in clinically relevant CF models. In a fluorescence-based halide efflux assay, NB54 partially restored halide efflux in a CF bronchial epithelial cell line (CFTR genotype W1282X/F508del), but not in a CF epithelial cell line lacking a PTC (F508del/F508del). In polarized airway epithelial cells expressing either a CFTR-W1282X or -G542X cDNA, treatment with NB54 increased stimulated short-circuit current (I (SC)) with greater efficiency than gentamicin. NB54 and gentamicin induced comparable increases in forskolin-stimulated I (SC) in primary airway epithelial cells derived from a G542X/F508del CF donor. Systemic administration of NB54 to Cftr-/- mice expressing a human CFTR-G542X transgene restored 15-17% of the average stimulated transepithelial chloride currents observed in wild-type (Cftr+/+) mice, comparable to gentamicin. NB54 exhibited reduced cellular toxicity in vitro and was tolerated at higher concentrations than gentamicin in vivo. These results provide evidence that synthetic aminoglycosides are capable of PTC suppression in relevant human CF cells and a CF animal model and support further development of these compounds as a treatment modality for genetic diseases caused by PTCs.

Type IVB pili are required for invasion but not for adhesion of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi into BHK epithelial cells in a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-independent manner

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been proposed as an epithelial cell receptor for the entry of Salmonella Typhi but not Salmonella Typhimurium. The bacterial ligand recognized by CFTR is thought to reside either in the S. Typhi lipopolysaccharide core region or in the type IV pili. Here, we assessed the ability of virulent strains of S. Typhi and S. Typhimurium to adhere to and invade BHK epithelial cells expressing either the wild-type CFTR protein or the ∆F508 CFTR mutant. Both S. Typhi and S. Typhimurium invaded the epithelial cells in a CFTR-independent fashion. Furthermore and also in a CFTR-independent manner, a S. Typhi pilS mutant adhered normally to BHK cells but displayed a 50% reduction in invasion as compared to wild-type bacteria. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that bacteria and CFTR do not colocalize at the epithelial cell surface. Together, our results strongly argue against the established dogma that CFTR is a receptor for entry of Salmonella to epithelial cells.

Cyanoquinolines with Independent Corrector and Potentiator Activities Restore ΔPhe508-Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Chloride Channel Function in Cystic Fibrosis

The ΔPhe508 mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein impairs its folding, stability, and chloride channel gating. Although small molecules that separately correct defective ΔPhe508-CFTR folding/cellular processing ("correctors") or chloride channel gating ("potentiators") have been discovered and are in clinical trials, single compounds with bona fide dual corrector and potentiator activities have not been identified. Here, screening of ∼110,000 small molecules not tested previously revealed a cyanoquinoline class of compounds with independent corrector and potentiator activities (termed CoPo). Analysis of 180 CoPo analogs revealed 6 compounds with dual corrector and potentiator activities and 13 compounds with only potentiator activity. N-(2-((3-Cyano-5,7-dimethylquinolin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)-3-methoxybenzamide (CoPo-22), which was synthesized in six steps in 52% overall yield, had low micromolar EC(50) for ΔPhe508-CFTR corrector and potentiator activities by short-circuit current assay. Maximal corrector and potentiator activities were comparable with those conferred by the bithiazole Corr-4a and the flavone genistein, respectively. CoPo-22 also activated wild-type and G551D CFTR chloride conductance within minutes in a forskolin-dependent manner. Compounds with dual corrector and potentiator activities may be useful for single-drug treatment of cystic fibrosis caused by ΔPhe508 mutation.

Loss of CFTR Affects Biliary Epithelium Innate Immunity and Causes TLR4–NF-κB—Mediated Inflammatory Response in Mice

Loss of function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the biliary epithelium reduces bile flow and alkalinization in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Liver damage is believed to result from ductal cholestasis, but only 30% of patients with CF develop liver defects, indicating that another factor is involved. We studied the effects of CFTR deficiency on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated responses of the biliary epithelium to endotoxins. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to induce colitis in C57BL/6J-Cftrtm1Unc (Cftr-KO) mice and their wild-type littermates. Ductular reaction and portal inflammation were quantified by keratin-19 and CD45 immunolabeling. Cholangiocytes isolated from wild-type and Cftr-KO mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); cytokine secretion was quantified. Activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), phosphorylation of TLR4, and activity of Src were determined. HEK-293 that expressed the secreted alkaline phosphatase reporter and human TLR4 were transfected with CFTR complementary DNAs. DSS-induced colitis caused biliary damage and portal inflammation only in Cftr-KO mice. Biliary damage and inflammation were not attenuated by restoring biliary secretion with 24-nor-ursodeoxycholic acid but were significantly reduced by oral neomycin and polymyxin B, indicating a pathogenetic role of gut-derived bacterial products. Cftr-KO cholangiocytes incubated with LPS secreted significantly higher levels of cytokines regulated by TLR4 and NF-κB. LPS-mediated activation of NF-κB was blocked by the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242. TLR4 phosphorylation by Src was significantly increased in Cftr-KO cholangiocytes. Expression of wild-type CFTR in the HEK293 cells stimulated with LPS reduced activation of NF-κB. CFTR deficiency alters the innate immunity of the biliary epithelium and reduces its tolerance to endotoxin, resulting in an Src-dependent inflammatory response mediated by TLR4 and NF-κB. These findings might be used to develop therapies for CF-associated cholangiopathy.

ERp29 Regulates ΔF508 and Wild-type Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Trafficking to the Plasma Membrane in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Non-CF Epithelial Cells

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) improves the intracellular trafficking of ΔF508-CFTR in cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelial cells. The underlying mechanism is uncertain, but 4PBA modulates the expression of some cytosolic molecular chaperones. To identify other 4PBA-regulated proteins that might regulate ΔF508-CFTR trafficking, we performed a differential display RT-PCR screen on IB3-1 CF bronchiolar epithelial cells exposed to 4PBA. One transcript up-regulated by 4PBA encoded ERp29, a luminal resident of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) thought to be a novel molecular chaperone. We tested the hypothesis that ERp29 is a 4PBA-regulated ER chaperone that influences ΔF508-CFTR trafficking. ERp29 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased (∼1.5-fold) in 4PBA-treated IB3-1 cells. In Xenopus oocytes, ERp29 overexpression increased the functional expression of both wild-type and ΔF508-CFTR over 3-fold and increased wild-type cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plasma membrane expression. In CFBE41o- WT-CFTR cells, expression of and short circuit currents mediated by CFTR decreased upon depletion of ERp29 as did maturation of newly synthesized CFTR. In IB3-1 cells, ΔF508-CFTR co-immunoprecipitated with endogenous ERp29, and overexpression of ERp29 led to increased ΔF508-CFTR expression at the plasma membrane. These data suggest that ERp29 is a 4PBA-regulated ER chaperone that regulates WT-CFTR biogenesis and can promote ΔF508-CFTR trafficking in CF epithelial cells.

Understanding protein kinase CK2 mis-regulation upon F508del CFTR expression

We review areas of overlap between nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK; nm23) and two proteins manifesting an equivalent diversity of action, each with many thousands of publications. The first is a constitutively active protein kinase, CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2), that includes NDPK amongst its hundreds of targets. The second is an enigmatic member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family of membrane pumps that normally hydrolyse ATP to transport substrates. Yet our unusual family member (ABCC7) is not a pump but, uniquely, acts as a regulated anion channel. ABCC7 is the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and we discuss the highly prevalent CFTR mutation (F508del CFTR) in terms of the uncertainties surrounding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis that cloud approaches to corrective therapy. Using lysates from cells stably expressing either wild-type or F508del CFTR, incubated with the CK2 substrate GTP, we show that the phosphoproteome of F508del CFTR-expressing cells both differs from wild-type CFTR-expressing cells and is significantly enhanced in intensity by ∼1.5-fold (p < 0.05, paired t test with Bonferroni correction, n = 4). Phosphorylation is about 50% attenuated with a specific CK2 inhibitor. We propose that a new function may exist for the CFTR region that is commonly mutated, noting that its sequence (PGTIKENIIF508GVSYDEYRYR) is not only highly conserved within the C sub-family of ABC proteins but also a related sequence is found in NDPK. We conclude that a latent path may exist between mutation of this conserved sequence, CK2 hyperactivity and disease pathogenesis that might also explain the heterozygote advantage for the common F508del CFTR mutant .

AAV Exploits Subcellular Stress Associated with Inflammation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Expansion, and Misfolded Proteins in Models of Cystic Fibrosis

Barriers to infection act at multiple levels to prevent viruses, bacteria, and parasites from commandeering host cells for their own purposes. An intriguing hypothesis is that if a cell experiences stress, such as that elicited by inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) expansion, or misfolded proteins, then subcellular barriers will be less effective at preventing viral infection. Here we have used models of cystic fibrosis (CF) to test whether subcellular stress increases susceptibility to adeno-associated virus (AAV) infection. In human airway epithelium cultured at an air/liquid interface, physiological conditions of subcellular stress and ER expansion were mimicked using supernatant from mucopurulent material derived from CF lungs. Using this inflammatory stimulus to recapitulate stress found in diseased airways, we demonstrated that AAV infection was significantly enhanced. Since over 90% of CF cases are associated with a misfolded variant of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (ΔF508-CFTR), we then explored whether the presence of misfolded proteins could independently increase susceptibility to AAV infection. In these models, AAV was an order of magnitude more efficient at transducing cells expressing ΔF508-CFTR than in cells expressing wild-type CFTR. Rescue of misfolded ΔF508-CFTR under low temperature conditions restored viral transduction efficiency to that demonstrated in controls, suggesting effects related to protein misfolding were responsible for increasing susceptibility to infection. By testing other CFTR mutants, G551D, D572N, and 1410X, we have shown this phenomenon is common to other misfolded proteins and not related to loss of CFTR activity. The presence of misfolded proteins did not affect cell surface attachment of virus or influence expression levels from promoter transgene cassettes in plasmid transfection studies, indicating exploitation occurs at the level of virion trafficking or processing. Thus, we surmised that factors enlisted to process misfolded proteins such as ΔF508-CFTR in the secretory pathway also act to restrict viral infection. In line with this hypothesis, we found that AAV trafficked to the microtubule organizing center and localized near Golgi/ER transport proteins. Moreover, AAV infection efficiency could be modulated with siRNA-mediated knockdown of proteins involved in processing ΔF508-CFTR or sorting retrograde cargo from the Golgi and ER (calnexin, KDEL-R, β-COP, and PSMB3). In summary, our data support a model where AAV exploits a compromised secretory system and, importantly, underscore the gravity with which a stressed subcellular environment, under internal or external insults, can impact infection efficiency.

Elevated miR-155 Promotes Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis by Driving Hyperexpression of Interleukin-8

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a massive proinflammatory phenotype in the lung arising from profound expression of inflammatory genes, including interleukin-8 (IL-8). We have previously reported that IL-8 mRNA is stabilized in CF lung epithelial cells, resulting in concomitant hyperexpression of IL-8 protein. However, the mechanistic link between mutations in CFTR and acquisition of the proinflammatory phenotype in the CF airway has remained elusive. We hypothesized that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) might mediate this linkage. To identify the potential link, we screened an miRNA library for differential expression in ΔF508-CFTR and wild type CFTR lung epithelial cell lines. Of 22 differentially and significantly expressed miRNAs, we found that expression of miR-155 was more than 5-fold elevated in CF IB3-1 lung epithelial cells in culture, compared with control IB3-1/S9 cells. Clinically, miR-155 was also highly expressed in CF lung epithelial cells and circulating CF neutrophils biopsied from CF patients. We report here that high levels of miR-155 specifically reduced levels of SHIP1, thereby promoting PI3K/Akt activation. However, overexpressing SHIP1 or inhibition of PI3K in CF cells suppressed IL-8 expression. Finally, we found that phospho-Akt levels were elevated in CF lung epithelial cells and were specifically lowered by either antagomir-155 or elevated expression of SHIP1. We therefore suggest that elevated miR-155 contributes to the proinflammatory expression of IL-8 in CF lung epithelial cells by lowering SHIP1 expression and thereby activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These data suggest that miR-155 may play an important role in the activation of IL-8-dependent inflammation in CF.

Critical role of CFTR-dependent lipid rafts in cigarette smoke-induced lung epithelial injury.

Apoptosis of lung epithelial and endothelial cells by exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) severely damages the lung tissue, leading to the pathogenesis of emphysema, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We have recently established a direct correlation between decreased lipid raft CFTR expression and emphysema progression through increased ceramide accumulation. In the present work, we investigated the role of membrane CFTR in regulating apoptosis and autophagy responses to CS exposure. We report a constitutive and CS-induced increase in the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in Cftr(-/-) murine lungs compared with Cftr(+/+) murine lungs that also correlated with a concurrent increase in the expression of ceramide, NF-κB, CD95/Fas, lipid raft proteins, and zonula occludens (ZO)-1/2 (P < 0.001). We also verified that stable wild-type CFTR expression in CFBE41o(-) cells controls constitutively elevated caspase-3/7 activity (-1.6-fold, P < 0.001). Our data suggest that membrane CFTR regulates ceramide-enriched lipid raft signaling platforms required for the induction of Fas-mediated apoptotic signaling. In addition, lack of membrane CFTR also modulates autophagy, as demonstrated by the significant increase in constitutive (P < 0.001) and CSE-induced (P < 0.005) perinuclear accumulation of green fluorescent protein-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain-3 (LC3) in the absence of membrane CFTR (CFBE41o(-) cells). The significant constitutive and CS-induced increase (P < 0.05) in p62 and LC3β expression in CFTR-deficient cells and mice corroborates these findings and suggest a defective autophagy response in the absence of membrane CFTR. Our data demonstrate the critical role of membrane-localized CFTR in regulating apoptotic and autophagic responses in CS-induced lung injury that may be involved in the pathogenesis of severe emphysema.

CFTR Modulates Orai1 Dynamics

Calcium signaling regulates many cellular processes and is upregulated in cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelial cells. Agonists stimulate Ca2+ release from ER stores and trigger the formation of a complex between the plasma membrane (PM) Ca2+ channel Orai1 and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a primarily endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein which senses Ca2+ store depletion. We studied Orai1-STIM1 complex formation in CFBE epithelial cells expressing either wild-type CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) or the most common disease-causing mutant ΔF508-CFTR, using temporal image cross-correlation spectroscopy (TICCS). Under control conditions, STIM1 exhibited diffusion (DSTIM1=5.8±0.6 µm2/s) and flow at the PM and ER, respectively, whereas Orai1 exhibited only diffusion at the PM (DOrai1=6.3±2.0 µm2/s). Cross-correlation revealed no interaction between them before depletion of the Ca2+ stores, and their transport was similar in cells expressing wt-CFTR or ΔF508-CFTR. Upon Ca2+ store depletion, STIM1 interacted with Orai1 significantly and both proteins displayed diffusion and flow. The diffusion coefficients of both proteins were significantly reduced (DSTIM1=2.0±0.2 µm2/s, DOrai1=4.1±0.3 µm2/s, DCC= 4.0±0.3 µm2/s), and molecular immobility was significantly increased. Orai1 molecular density was also increased dramatically upon stimulation, consistent with the insertion of Orai1 channels into the membrane. Importantly, this molecular density of Orai1 at the PM was significantly increased in ΔF508-CFTR expressing cells (N=30±4 µm−2) compared to those expressing wt-CFTR (N=21±4 µm−2). We propose a mechanism in which the insertion of Orai1 into the PM during depletion of Ca2+ stores is facilitated by its flow with STIM1 on the ER, and is modulated by wt-CFTR in the PM.

Emergent Properties of Proteostasis in CFTR Folding and Misfolding

The cell exploits both the dynamic and emergent properties of the protein homeostasis or proteostasis program to generate and maintain proteomic profiles in the cytosol, and to support protein trafficking through the exocytic and endocytic pathways in diverse cell, tissue and organismal environments. It is now apparent that folding diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) are a consequence of mutations that compromise the kinetics and/or stability of protein folding pathways mediated by the proteostasis network (PN). Mutations challenge the synthesis and maintenance of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that functions as a chloride channel at the cell surface. Mutations triggering CF compromise tissue (intestine-pancreas-lung) function during development and in response to aging. An important goal is to understand the composition, protein-protein interactions and signaling mechanisms utilized by the PN to promote wild-type CFTR function, how they are altered in CF and how they can be targeted by small molecule pharmacologic chaperones/proteostasis regulators to restore function. The inherent capacitance and evolvability of the proteostasis program to deal with folding stress highlights the potential of using the emergent properties of the PN to significantly impact the problem of protein misfolding in inherited disease.

Linking the Catalytic Cycle of the Nucleotide Binding Domains to Channel Gating in CFTR

The chloride channel CFTR is an ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) protein, a member of a family of active transport proteins. Following a mechanism conserved among all ABC proteins, binding of ATP to CFTR's two cytosolic nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) induces formation of a stable intramolecular NBD1/NBD2 dimer with two ATPs occluded at the interface, and ATP hydrolysis disrupts this dimer. While in homologous active transporters dynamic formation/dissociation of the NBD dimer is coupled to flipping between inward- and outward-facing TMD conformations, in CFTR these events are coupled to opening/closure of the chloride permeation pathway, allowing real-time detection of these conformational events: using single-channel patch-clamp recordings we seek to understand the precise timing and direction of molecular motions associated with each gating step. A limitation for reconstructing timing is that conformational transitions that are not associated with pore opening/closure go undetected in our recordings. However, information on these steps is hidden in the distributions of open (burst) and closed (interburst) dwell times. Our studies on the distributions of burst durations identified two kinetically distinct open states (pre- and posthydrolytic), and provided estimates for their life times. The peaked shape of the distribution violates microscopic reversibility and suggests nonequilibrium gating for wild-type CFTR, with pore closure strictly coupled to ATP hydrolysis. This coupling is partially or fully disrupted in various catalytic site mutants. Burst distributions obtained in the presence of ATP analogs, or for NBD1 mutants, suggest a crosstalk between the two ATP binding sites. The direction of motions can be studied by detecting gating-associated changes in energetic coupling between select position pairs. Using thermodynamic mutant cycles we have identified a conserved pair of residues within NBD2 which appears to form a molecular switch that signals ATP binding.

Extent of Nucleotide-Binding Domain (NBD) Separation When a CFTR Channel Closes

Gating of CFTR channels is driven by ATP binding and hydrolysis within a head-to-tail NBD1-NBD2 heterodimer, an orientation verified by crosslinking. Two composite interfacial ATP sites are sandwiched between Walker motifs of one NBD and ABC signature sequence of the other. The catalytic “NBD2” composite site, between NBD2 Walker and NBD1 signature motifs, binds and hydrolyzes ATP in each gating cycle, whereas ATP bound at the “NBD1” composite site remains unhydrolyzed throughout many gating cycles. Mutant cycle analysis of CFTR “NBD2”-site positions expected to H-bond across the NBD interface shows that the NBD2 head and NBD1 tail interact tightly in open CFTR channels but separate when the channels close. However, the extent of that separation and whether, and how far, the NBD1 composite site separates, remains unknown. To assess this, we determined accessibility of MTS reagents to interfacial target cysteines introduced one at a time into the signature sequence of the catalytic site (NDB1 position S549) or of the nonhydrolytic site (NBD2 position S1347) in CFTR channels with one (C832) or eight (C832-C1458) native cysteines replaced by serines. In excised patches, after expression in Xenopus oocytes, the cysteines in both signature sequences, S549C and S1347C, in either CFTR background, were rapidly (in seconds) modified by micromolar MTSACE (neutral), MTSET (positive), or MTSES (negative) applied to channels opening and closing in 3 mM ATP. Moreover, both cysteines S549C and S1347C were modified by the larger MTS-biotin (∼15Å x 11Å x 8Å) and MTS-rhodamine (∼17Å x 16Å x 11Å) but not by MTS-biotin-avidin complex (∼80Å x 70Å x 50Å) which, however, could modify wild-type CFTR (likely at C832). These results suggest that, during each gating cycle, NBD1 and NBD2 separate >11Å but <50Å at both composite sites. [NIH-DK51767]