Wild-type Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Research Articles

Stimulation of wild-type, F508del- and G551D-CFTR chloride channels by non-toxic modified pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine derivatives

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a major inherited disorder involving abnormalities of fluid and electrolyte transport in a number of different organs due to abnormal function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. We recently identified a family of CFTR activators, which contains the hit: RP107 [7-n-butyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)[5H]-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine]. Here, we further evaluated the effect of the chemical modifications of the RP107-OH radical on CFTR activation. The replacement of the OH radical by a fluorine atom at position 2 (RP193) or 4 (RP185) significantly decreased the toxicity of the compounds without altering the ability to activate CFTR, especially for RP193. The non-toxic compound RP193 has no effect on cAMP production but stimulates the channel activity of wild-type CFTR in stably transfected CHO cells, in human bronchial epithelial NuLi-1 cells, and in primary culture of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). Whole-cell and single patch-clamp recordings showed that RP193 induced a linear, time- and voltage-independent current, which was fully inhibited by two different and selective CFTR inhibitors (CFTRinh-172 and GPinh5a). Moreover, RP193 stimulates CFTR in temperature-rescued CuFi-1 (F508del/F508del) HBEC and in CHO cells stably expressing G551D-CFTR. This study shows that it is feasible to reduce cytotoxicity of chemical compounds without affecting their potency to activate CFTR and to rescue the class 2 F508del-CFTR and class 3 G551D-CFTR CF mutant activities.

Stimulation of Airway and Intestinal Mucosal Secretion by Natural Coumarin CFTR Activators

Mutations of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause lethal hereditary disease CF that involves extensive destruction and dysfunction of serous epithelium. Possible pharmacological therapy includes correction of defective intracellular processing and abnormal channel gating. In a previous study, we identified five natural coumarin potentiators of ΔF508-CFTR including osthole, imperatorin, isopsoralen, praeruptorin A, and scoparone. The present study was designed to determine the activity of these coumarine compounds on CFTR activity in animal tissues as a primary evaluation of their therapeutic potential. In the present study, we analyzed the affinity of these coumarin potentiators in activating wild-type CFTR and found that they are all potent activators. Osthole showed the highest affinity with Kd values <50 nmol/L as determined by Ussing chamber short-circuit current assay. Stimulation of rat colonic mucosal secretion by osthole was tested by the Ussing chamber short-circuit current assay. Osthole reached maximal activation of colonic Cl− secretion at 5 μmol/L. Stimulation of mouse tracheal mucosal secretion was analyzed by optical measurement of single gland secretion. Fluid secretion rate of tracheal single submucosal gland stimulated by osthole at 10 μmol/L was three-fold more rapid than that in negative control. In both cases the stimulated secretions were fully abolished by CFTRinh-172. In conclusion, the effective stimulation of Cl– and fluid secretion in colonic and tracheal mucosa by osthole suggested the therapeutic potential of natural coumarin compounds for the treatment of CF and other CFTR-related diseases.

Polystyrene nanoparticles activate ion transport in human airway epithelial cells

BackgroundOver the last decade, nanotechnology has provided researchers with new nanometer materials, such as nanoparticles, which have the potential to provide new therapies for many lung diseases. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on epithelial ion channel function.MethodsHuman submucosal Calu-3 cells that express cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and baby hamster kidney cells engineered to express the wild-type CFTR gene were used to investigate the actions of negatively charged 20 nm polystyrene nanoparticles on short-circuit current in Calu-3 cells by Ussing chamber and single CFTR Clchannels alone and in the presence of known CFTR channel activators by using baby hamster kidney cell patches.ResultsPolystyrene nanoparticles caused sustained, repeatable, and concentration-dependent increases in short-circuit current. In turn, these short-circuit current responses were found to be biphasic in nature, ie, an initial peak followed by a plateau. EC50 values for peak and plateau short-circuit current responses were 1457 and 315.5 ng/mL, respectively. Short-circuit current was inhibited by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, a CFTR Cl− channel blocker. Polystyrene nanoparticles activated basolateral K+ channels and affected Cl− and HCO3 − secretion. The mechanism of short-circuit current activation by polystyrene nanoparticles was found to be largely dependent on calcium-dependent and cyclic nucleotide-dependent phosphorylation of CFTR Cl− channels. Recordings from isolated inside-out patches using baby hamster kidney cells confirmed the direct activation of CFTR Cl− channels by the nanoparticles.ConclusionThis is the first study to identify the activation of ion channels in airway cells after exposure to polystyrene-based nanomaterials. Thus, polystyrene nanoparticles cannot be considered as a simple neutral vehicle for drug delivery for the treatment of lung diseases, due to the fact that they may have the ability to affect epithelial cell function and physiological processes on their own.

P. aeruginosa drives CXCL8 synthesis via redundant toll-like receptors and NADPH oxidase in CFTR∆F508 airway epithelial cells

Background Understanding the mechanisms underlying bacterial-driven inflammation and neutrophil recruitment is important to design better therapies for CF. CXCL8 is an important chemokine found elevated in the airways of CF patients that recruits neutrophil to sites of the inflammation. Methods Airway epithelial cells (AECs) expressing wild-type CFTR or CFTR∆F508 were challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa diffusible material (PsaDM) and the synthesis of CXCL8 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA in absence or presence of MAPK inhibitors, TLR antagonists, glutathione and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Results CFTR∆F508 AECs secrete more CXCL8 in response to PsaDM than their wild type counterpart, which can be reversed by addition of extracellular glutathione or incubating AECs at 27 °C to favour folding and expression of CFTR at the cell membrane. Moreover, in CFTR∆F508 AECs, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 act redundantly to drive CXCL8 synthesis via the activation of NADPH oxidase. Discussions These results demonstrate that NADPH oxidase is necessary for CXCL8 synthesis in response to TLRs activation by P. aeruginosa.

Effect of VX-770 in Persons with Cystic Fibrosis and the G551D-CFTRMutation

A new approach in the treatment of cystic fibrosis involves improving the function of mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). VX-770, a CFTR potentiator, has been shown to increase the activity of wild-type and defective cell-surface CFTR in vitro. We randomly assigned 39 adults with cystic fibrosis and at least one G551D-CFTR allele to receive oral VX-770 every 12 hours at a dose of 25, 75, or 150 mg or placebo for 14 days (in part 1 of the study) or VX-770 every 12 hours at a dose of 150 or 250 mg or placebo for 28 days (in part 2 of the study). At day 28, in the group of subjects who received 150 mg of VX-770, the median change in the nasal potential difference (in response to the administration of a chloride-free isoproterenol solution) from baseline was -3.5 mV (range, -8.3 to 0.5; P=0.02 for the within-subject comparison, P=0.13 vs. placebo), and the median change in the level of sweat chloride was -59.5 mmol per liter (range, -66.0 to -19.0; P=0.008 within-subject, P=0.02 vs. placebo). The median change from baseline in the percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 8.7% (range, 2.3 to 31.3; P=0.008 for the within-subject comparison, P=0.56 vs. placebo). None of the subjects withdrew from the study. Six severe adverse events occurred in two subjects (diffuse macular rash in one subject and five incidents of elevated blood and urine glucose levels in one subject with diabetes). All severe adverse events resolved without the discontinuation of VX-770. This study to evaluate the safety and adverse-event profile of VX-770 showed that VX-770 was associated with within-subject improvements in CFTR and lung function. These findings provide support for further studies of pharmacologic potentiation of CFTR as a means to treat cystic fibrosis. (Funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00457821.).

On the mechanism of CFTR inhibition by a thiazolidinone derivative

The effects of a thiazolidinone derivative, 3-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methylene]-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone (or CFTRinh-172), on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gating were studied in excised inside-out membrane patches from Chinese hamster ovary cells transiently expressing wild-type and mutant CFTR. We found that the application of CFTRinh-172 results in an increase of the mean closed time and a decrease of the mean open time of the channel. A hyperbolic relationship between the closing rate and [CFTRinh-172] suggests that CFTRinh-172 does not act as a simple pore blocker. Interestingly, the potency of inhibition increases as the open time of the channel is increased with an IC50 in the low nanomolar range for CFTR channels locked in an open state for tens of seconds. Our studies also provide evidence that CFTRinh-172 can bind to both the open state and the closed state. However, at least one additional step, presumably reflecting inhibitor-induced conformational changes, is required to shut down the conductance after the binding of the inhibitor to the channel. Using the hydrolysis-deficient mutant E1371S as a tool as the closing rate of this mutant is dramatically decreased, we found that CFTRinh-172–dependent inhibition of CFTR channel gating, in two aspects, mimics the inactivation of voltage-dependent cation channels. First, similar to the recovery from inactivation in voltage-gated channels, once CFTR is inhibited by CFTRinh-172, reopening of the channel can be seen upon removal of the inhibitor in the absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Second, ATP induced a biphasic current response on inhibitor-bound closed channels as if the ATP-opened channels “inactivate” despite a continuous presence of ATP. A simplified six-state kinetic scheme can well describe our data, at least qualitatively. Several possible structural mechanisms for the effects of CFTRinh-172 will be discussed.

Regulation of endogenous ENaC functional expression by CFTR and ΔF508-CFTR in airway epithelial cells

The functional expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) appears elevated in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia, but the mechanism by which this occurs is not clear. We tested the hypothesis that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) alters the trafficking of endogenously expressed human ENaC in the CFBE41o⁻ model of CF bronchial epithelia. Functional expression of ENaC, as defined by amiloride-inhibited short-circuit current (I(sc)) in Ussing chambers, was absent under control conditions but present in CFBE41o⁻ parental and ΔF508-CFTR-overexpressing cells after treatment with 1 μM dexamethasone (Dex) for 24 h. The effect of Dex was mimicked by incubation with the glucocorticoid hydrocortisone but not with the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. Application of trypsin to the apical surface to activate uncleaved, "near-silent" ENaC caused an additional increase in amiloride-sensitive I(sc) in the Dex-treated cells and was without effect in the control cells, suggesting that Dex increased ENaC cell surface expression. In contrast, Dex treatment did not stimulate amiloride-sensitive I(sc) in CFBE41o⁻ cells that stably express wild-type (wt) CFTR. CFBE41o⁻ wt cells also had reduced expression of α- and γ-ENaC compared with parental and ΔF508-CFTR-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, application of trypsin to the apical surface of Dex-treated CFBE41o⁻ wt cells did not stimulate amiloride-sensitive I(sc), suggesting that ENaC remained absent from the surface of these cells even after Dex treatment. We also tested the effect of trafficking-corrected ΔF508-CFTR on ENaC functional expression. Incubation with 1 mM 4-phenylbutyrate synergistically increased Dex-induced ENaC functional expression in ΔF508-CFTR-overexpressing cells. These data support the hypothesis that wt CFTR can regulate the whole cell, functional, and surface expression of endogenous ENaC in airway epithelial cells and that absence of this regulation may foster ENaC hyperactivity in CF airway epithelia.

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Impedes Proteolytic Stimulation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that prevent its proper folding and trafficking to the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Absence of cAMP-mediated Cl(-) secretion in CF airways causes poorly hydrated airway surfaces in CF patients, and this condition is exacerbated by excessive Na(+) absorption. The mechanistic link between missing CFTR and increased Na(+) absorption in airway epithelia has remained elusive, although substantial evidence implicates hyperactivity of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). ENaC is known to be activated by selective endoproteolysis of the extracellular domains of its α- and γ-subunits, and it was recently reported that ENaC and CFTR physically associate in mammalian cells. We confirmed this interaction in oocytes by co-immunoprecipitation and found that ENaC associated with wild-type CFTR was protected from proteolytic cleavage and stimulation of open probability. In contrast, ΔF508 CFTR, the most common mutant protein in CF patients, failed to protect ENaC from proteolytic cleavage and stimulation. In normal airway epithelial cells, ENaC was contained in the anti-CFTR immunoprecipitate. In CF airway epithelial cultures, the proportion of full-length to total α-ENaC protein signal was consistently reduced compared with normal cultures. Our results identify limiting proteolytic cleavage of ENaC as a mechanism by which CFTR down-regulates Na(+) absorption.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LITERATURE

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LITERATURE

Incomplete reprogramming after fusion of human multipotent stromal cells and bronchial epithelial cells

Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells can fuse with cells of several different tissues, including lung, especially following injury. Despite many reports of cell fusion, few studies have examined the function of the resulting hybrid cells. We cocultured human multipotent stromal cells (hMSCs) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBEs) and observed the formation of hMSC/NHBE heterokaryons. The heterokaryons expressed several proteins characteristic of epithelial cells, such as keratin and occludin. Hybrid cells also expressed the mRNAs and proteins for 2 important ion channels that maintain bronchial and alveolar fluid balance: the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). By immunocytochemistry, CFTR was expressed in many hybrid cells but was absent or low in others. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated a glibenclamide-sensitive current in the presence of barium chloride, consistent with functional CFTR channels, in control NHBEs and hMSC/NHBE heterokaryons. Total cell capacitance measurements showed that the membrane surface area of heterokaryons was similar to that of NHBEs. Heterokaryons expressed the α- and γ-ENaC subunits but did not express the β-ENaC subunit, indicating the inability to form a complete ENaC channel. In addition, hybrid cells formed by the fusion of hMSCs with immortalized bronchial cells that expressed CFTR ΔF508 did not lead to reprogramming of the hMSC nucleus and expression of wild-type CFTR mRNA. Our data show that reprogramming can be incomplete following fusion of adult progenitor cells and somatic cells and may lead to altered cell function.

Linoleic acid supplement in cystic fibrosis: friend or foe?

Linoleic acid supplement in cystic fibrosis: friend or foe?

Expression of Wild-Type CFTR Suppresses NF-κB-Driven Inflammatory Signalling

BackgroundMutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) causes cystic fibrosis (CF) but not all CF aspects can easily be explained by deficient ion transport. CF-inflammation provides one example but its pathogenesis remains controversial. Here, we tested the simple but fundamental hypothesis that wild-type CFTR is needed to suppress NF-κB activity.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn lung epithelial (H441) and engineered (H57) cell lines; we report that inflammatory markers are significantly suppressed by wild-type CFTR. Transient-transfection of wild-type CFTR into CFTR-naïve H441 cells, dose-dependently down-regulates both basal and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α evoked NF-κB activity when compared to transfection with empty vector alone (p<0.01, n>5). This effect was also observed in CFTR-naïve H57-HeLa cells which stably express a reporter of NF-κB activity, confirming that the CFTR-mediated repression of inflammation was not due to variable reporter gene transfection efficiency. In contrast, H57 cells transfected with a control cyano-fluorescent protein show a significantly elevated basal level of NF-κB activity above control. Initial cell seeding density may be a critical factor in mediating the suppressive effects of CFTR on inflammation as only at a certain density (1×105 cells/well) did we observe the reduction in NF-κB activity. CFTR channel activity may be necessary for this suppression because the CFTR specific inhibitor CFTRinh172 significantly stimulates NF-κB activity by ∼30% in CFTR expressing 16HBE14o− cells whereas pharmacological elevation of cyclic-AMP depresses activity by ∼25% below baseline.Conclusions/SignificanceThese data indicate that CFTR has inherent anti-inflammatory properties. We propose that the hyper-inflammation found in CF may arise as a consequence of disrupted repression of NF-κB signalling which is normally mediated by CFTR. Our data therefore concur with in vivo and in vitro data from Vij and colleagues which highlights CFTR as a suppressor of basal inflammation acting through NF-κB, a central hub in inflammatory signalling.

The V510D Suppressor Mutation Stabilizes ΔF508-CFTR at the Cell Surface

Deletion of Phe508 (ΔF508) in the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) of CFTR causes cystic fibrosis. The mutation severely reduces the stability and folding of the protein by disrupting interactions between NBD1 and the second transmembrane domain (TMD2). We found that replacement of Val510 with acidic residues (but not neutral or positive residues) promoted maturation of ΔF508-CFTR with V510D more efficiently than V510E. Promotion of ΔF508-CFTR maturation did not require NBD2 as introduction of V510D into a ΔNBD2/ΔF508-CFTR mutant restored maturation to levels similar to that of full-length protein. The V510D mutation increased the half-life of mature ΔF508-CFTR at the cell surface by about 5-fold to resemble the half-life of wild-type CFTR. It was also observed that introduction of the V510R/R1070D mutations into ΔF508-CFTR also promoted maturation whereas the V510D/R1070A mutations did not. We propose that the V510D mutation in NBD1 promotes maturation and stabilizes ΔF508-CFTR at the cell surface through formation of a salt bridge with Arg1070 in TMD2.

Loss of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Function Enhances Activation of p38 and ERK MAPKs, Increasing Interleukin-6 Synthesis in Airway Epithelial Cells Exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the absence of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) translates into chronic bacterial infection, excessive inflammation, tissue damage, impaired lung function and eventual death. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this vicious circle of inflammation is important to design better therapies for CF. We found in CF lung biopsies increased immunoreactivity for p38 MAPK activity markers. Moreover, when compared with their non-CF counterpart, airway epithelial cells expressing the most common mutation in CF (CFTRDeltaF508) were more potent at inducing neutrophil chemotaxis through increased interleukin (IL)-6 synthesis when challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa diffusible material. We then discovered that in CFTRDeltaF508 cells, the p38 and ERK MAPKs are hyperactivated in response to P. aeruginosa diffusible material, leading to increased IL-6 mRNA expression and stability. Moreover, although TLR5 contributes to p38 MAPK activation upon P. aeruginosa challenge, it only played a weak role in IL-6 synthesis. Instead, we found that the production of reactive oxygen species is essential for IL-6 synthesis in response to P. aeruginosa diffusible material. Finally, we uncovered that in CFTRDeltaF508 cells, the extracellular glutathione levels are decreased, leading to a greater sensitivity to reactive oxygen species, providing an explanation for the hyperactivation of the p38 and ERK MAPKs and increased IL-6 synthesis. Taken together, our study has characterized a mechanism whereby the CFTRDeltaF508 mutation in airway epithelial cells contributes to increase inflammation of the airways.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator trafficking modulates the barrier function of airway epithelial cell monolayers

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an integral membrane glycoprotein which functions as an anion channel and influences diverse cellular processes. We studied its role in the development of epithelial tightness by expressing wild-type (WT-CFTR) or mutant (Delta F508-CFTR) CFTR in human airway epithelial cell monolayers cultured at the air-liquid interface. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged WT or Delta F508 constructs were expressed in the CF bronchial cell line CFBE41o(-) using adenoviruses, and the results were compared with those obtained using CFBE41o(-) lines stably complemented with wild-type or mutant CFTR. As predicted, GFP-Delta WT-CFTR reached the apical membrane whereas GFP-F508-CFTR was only detected intracellularly. Although CFTR expression would be expected to reduce transepithelial resistance (TER), expressing GFP-CFTR significantly increased the TER of CFBE41o(-) monolayers whilst GFP-Delta F508-CFTR had no effect. Similar results were obtained with cell lines stably overexpressing Delta F508-CFTR or WT-CFTR. Preincubating Delta F508-CFTR monolayers at 29 degrees C reduced mannitol permeability and restored TER, and the effect on TER was reversible during temperature oscillations. Expression of GFP-Delta F508-CFTR or GFP-WT-CFTR in a cell line already containing endogenous WT-CFTR (Calu-3) did not alter TER. The CFTR- and temperature-dependence of TER were not affected by the CFTR inhibitor CFTR(inh)172 or low-chloride medium; therefore the effect of CFTR on barrier function was unrelated to its ion channel activity. Modulation of TER was blunted but not eliminated by genistein, implying the involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation and other mechanisms. Modulation of CFTR trafficking was correlated with an increase in tight junction depth. The results suggest that CFTR trafficking is required for the normal organisation and function of tight junctions. A reduction in barrier function caused by endoplasmic reticulum retention of Delta F508-CFTR may contribute to fluid hyperabsorption in CF airways.

Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase-L1 Protects Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator from Early Stages of Proteasomal Degradation

DeltaF508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) degradation involves ubiquitin modification and efficient proteasomal targeting of the nascent misfolded protein. We show that a deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), is highly expressed in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that the elevation in UCH-L1 in CF cells represents a cellular adaptation to counterbalance excessive proteasomal degradation. The bronchial epithelial cell lines IB3-1 (CF, high UCH-L1 expression) and S9 (non-CF, low UCH-L1 expression) were transiently transfected with wild type (WT) or DeltaF508 CFTR, WT UCH-L1 or small interfering RNA-UCH-L1, and a variety of ubiquitin mutants. We observed a positive correlation between UCH-L1 expression and steady state levels of WT- or DeltaF508-CFTR, and this stabilizing effect was confined to the early stages of CFTR synthesis. Immunolocalization of UCH-L1 by confocal microscopy revealed a partial co-localization with a ribosomal subunit and the endoplasmic reticulum. The UCH-L1-associated increase in CFTR levels was correlated with an increase in ubiquitinated CFTR (CFTR-Ub). Co-transfection with mutant ubiquitins and treatment with proteasome inhibitors suggested that UCH-L1 was reducing the proteasomal targeting of CFTR during synthesis by shortening conjugated polyubiquitin chains. Although not sufficient by itself to rescue mutant CFTR therapeutically, the elevation of UCH-L1 and its effect on CFTR processing provides insight into its potential roles in CF and other diseases.

Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate acutely modulates the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) transporter in an AMPK‐dependent manner

IntroductionSphingosine‐1‐Phosphate (S1P) is a primary modulator of resistance artery tone. Its bioavailability is controlled by a rheostat between sphingosine kinase 1 and intracellular S1P phosphohydrolase 1. We have found that the transport by CFTR is the rate‐limiting step for the intracellular hydrolysis of S1P. We hypothesized that S1P limits its own degradation by an AMPK‐dependent modulation of CFTR conductance.MethodsCFTR conductance was assessed using the iodide efflux technique (conventional and real‐time) in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, which stably express human wild type CFTR. AMPK phosphorylation was determined using Western blotsResultsBHK cells were found to endogenously express Sk1, SPP1 and the S1P1 and S1P2 receptors (n=8). S1P (1μM, n=6) significantly reduced iodide conductance by 43% (conventional) and 75% (real‐time). The negative effect of S1P on CFTR iodide conductance was enhanced following S1P2 overexpression but reduced following pretreatment with the S1P2 blocker JTE013 (5μM, n=6). The inhibitory effect of S1P was associated with AMPK phosphorylation and blocked by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (80μM, n=5). Accordingly, AMPK activation by AICAR mimicked the effect of S1P on iodide conductance.ConclusionsThe S1P2‐ and AMPK‐dependent modulation of CFTR conductance describes a novel pathway through which S1P could potentially regulate its own degradation.

Correction of the ΔPhe508 Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Trafficking Defect by the Bioavailable Compound Glafenine

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a cAMP-activated anion channel expressed in epithelial cells. The most common mutation Delta Phe508 leads to protein misfolding, retention by the endoplasmic reticulum, and degradation. One promising therapeutic approach is to identify drugs that have been developed for other indications but that also correct the CFTR trafficking defect, thereby exploiting their known safety and bioavailability in humans and reducing the time required for clinical development. We have screened approved, marketed, and off-patent drugs with known safety and bioavailability using a Delta Phe508-CFTR trafficking assay. Among the confirmed hits was glafenine, an anthranilic acid derivative with analgesic properties. Its ability to correct the misprocessing of CFTR was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies using a concentration that is achieved clinically in plasma (10 microM). Glafenine increased the surface expression of Delta Phe508-CFTR in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells to approximately 40% of that observed for wild-type CFTR, comparable with the known CFTR corrector 4-cyclohexyloxy-2-{1-[4-(4-methoxybenzensulfonyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethyl}-quinazoline (VRT-325). Partial correction was confirmed by the appearance of mature CFTR in Western blots and by two assays of halide permeability in unpolarized BHK and human embryonic kidney cells. Incubating polarized CFBE41o(-) monolayers and intestines isolated from Delta Phe508-CFTR mice (treated ex vivo) with glafenine increased the short-circuit current (I(sc)) response to forskolin + genistein, and this effect was abolished by 10 microM CFTR(inh)172. In vivo treatment with glafenine also partially restored total salivary secretion. We conclude that the discovery of glafenine as a CFTR corrector validates the approach of investigating existing drugs for the treatment of CF, although localized delivery or further medicinal chemistry may be needed to reduce side effects.

Regulation of conductance by the number of fixed positive charges in the intracellular vestibule of the CFTR chloride channel pore

Rapid chloride permeation through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel is dependent on the presence of fixed positive charges in the permeation pathway. Here, we use site-directed mutagenesis and patch clamp recording to show that the functional role played by one such positive charge (K95) in the inner vestibule of the pore can be “transplanted” to a residue in a different transmembrane (TM) region (S1141). Thus, the mutant channel K95S/S1141K showed Cl− conductance and open-channel blocker interactions similar to those of wild-type CFTR, thereby “rescuing” the effects of the charge-neutralizing K95S mutation. Furthermore, the function of K95C/S1141C, but not K95C or S1141C, was inhibited by the oxidizing agent copper(II)-o-phenanthroline, and this inhibition was reversed by the reducing agent dithiothreitol, suggesting disulfide bond formation between these two introduced cysteine side chains. These results suggest that the amino acid side chains of K95 (in TM1) and S1141 (in TM12) are functionally interchangeable and located closely together in the inner vestibule of the pore. This allowed us to investigate the functional effects of increasing the number of fixed positive charges in this vestibule from one (in wild type) to two (in the S1141K mutant). The S1141K mutant had similar Cl− conductance as wild type, but increased susceptibility to channel block by cytoplasmic anions including adenosine triphosphate, pyrophosphate, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid, and Pt(NO2)42− in inside-out membrane patches. Furthermore, in cell-attached patch recordings, apparent voltage-dependent channel block by cytosolic anions was strengthened by the S1141K mutation. Thus, the Cl− channel function of CFTR is maximal with a single fixed positive charge in this part of the inner vestibule of the pore, and increasing the number of such charges to two causes a net decrease in overall Cl− transport through a combination of failure to increase Cl− conductance and increased susceptibility to channel block by cytosolic substances.

Syntaxin 6 and CAL Mediate the Degradation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator

The PDZ domain-containing protein CAL mediates lysosomal trafficking and degradation of CFTR. Here we demonstrate the involvement of a CAL-binding SNARE protein syntaxin 6 (STX6) in this process. Overexpression of STX6, which colocalizes and coimmunoprecipitates with CAL, dramatically reduces the steady-state level and stability of CFTR. Conversely, overexpression of a STX6 dominant-negative mutant increases CFTR. Silencing endogenous STX6 increases CFTR but has no effect on DeltaTRL-CFTR, which cannot bind to CAL. Silencing CAL eliminates the effect of STX6 on CFTR. Both results suggest a dependence of CAL on STX6 function. Consistent with its Golgi localization, STX6 does not bind to ER-localized DeltaF508-CFTR. Silencing STX6 has no effect on DeltaF508-CFTR expression. However, overexpression of STX6 coimmunoprecipitates with and reduces temperature-rescued DeltaF508-CFTR that escapes ER degradation. Conversely, silencing STX6 enhances the effect of low temperature in rescuing DeltaF508-CFTR. Finally, in human bronchial epithelial cells, silencing endogenous STX6 leads to increases in protein levels and Cl(-) currents of both wild-type and temperature-rescued CFTR. We have identified STX6 as a new component of the CAL complex that regulates the abundance and function of CFTR at the post-ER level. Our results suggest a therapeutic role of STX6 in enhancing rescued DeltaF508-CFTR.