Roles of organic anion transporters (OATs) in renal proximal tubules and their localization

Organic anions (OAs) are secreted in renal proximal tubules in two steps. In the first step, OAs are transported from the blood through basolateral membranes into proximal tubular cells. The prototypical substrate for renal organic anion transport systems, para-aminohippurate (PAH), is transported across basolateral membranes of proximal tubular cells via OAT1 (SLC22A6) and OAT3 (SLC22A8) against an electrochemical gradient in exchange for intracellular dicarboxylates. In the second step, OAs exit into urine through apical membranes of proximal tubules. This step is thought to be performed by multidrug efflux transporters and a voltage-driven organic anion transporter. However, the molecular nature and precise functional properties of these efflux systems are largely unknown. Recently, we characterized an orphan transporter known as human type I sodium-phosphate transporter 4, hNPT4 (SLC17A3), using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. hNPT4 acts as a voltage-driven efflux transporter (“human OATv1”) for several OAs such as PAH, estrone sulfate, diuretic drugs, and urate. Here, we describe a model for an OA secretory pathway in renal tubular cells in which OAs exit cells and enter the tubular lumen via hOATv1 (hNPT4). Additionally, hOATv1 functions as a common renal secretory pathway for both urate and drugs, indicating that hOATv1 may be a leak pathway for excess urate that is reabsorbed via apical URAT1 to control the intracellular urate levels. Therefore, we propose a molecular mechanism for the induction of hyperuricemia by diuretics: the diuretics enter proximal tubular cells via basolateral OAT1 and/or OAT3 and may then interfere with the NPT4-mediated apical urate efflux in the renal proximal tubule.     

Kidney amino acid transport

Near complete reabsorption of filtered amino acids is a main specialized transport function of the kidney proximal tubule. This evolutionary conserved task is carried out by a subset of luminal and basolateral transporters that together form the transcellular amino acid transport machinery similar to that of small intestine. A number of other amino acid transporters expressed in the basolateral membrane of proximal kidney tubule cells subserve either specialized metabolic functions, such as the production of ammonium, or are part of the cellular housekeeping equipment. A new finding is that the luminal Na⁺-dependent neutral amino acid transporters of the SLC6 family require an associated protein for their surface expression as shown for the Hartnup transporter B⁰AT1 (SLC6A19) and suggested for the l-proline transporter SIT1 (IMINO^B, SLC6A20) and for B⁰AT3 (XT2, SLC6A18). This accessory subunit called collectrin (TMEM27) is homologous to the transmembrane anchor region of the renin–angiotensin system enzyme ACE2 that we have shown to function in small intestine as associated subunit of the luminal SLC6 transporters B⁰AT1 and SIT1. Some mutations of B⁰AT1 differentially interact with these accessory subunits, providing an explanation for differential intestinal phenotypes among Hartnup patients. The basolateral efflux of numerous amino acids from kidney tubular cells is mediated by heteromeric amino acid transporters that function as obligatory exchangers. Thus, other transporters within the same membrane need to mediate the net efflux of exchange substrates, controlling thereby the net basolateral amino transport and thus the intracellular amino acid concentration.     

Immunocytochemical characterization of the incubated rat renal cortical slices

The use of renal cortical slices in vitro and the data obtained in these studies have been subjects of controversy, largely due to uncertain viability, e.g., structural and functional integrity of the proximal and other tubules. However, detailed studies of tubule integrity have not been reported. To correlate functional and structural viability of the hand-cut rat renal cortical slices, incubated in optimally conditioned media for up to 25 h, we studied the time course of p-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake, the immunocytochemical distribution of several proteins that reside in the proximal tubule basolateral [Na/K-ATPase, organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3], or brush border [megalin, sodium-proton exchanger (NHE)3] membrane, as well as the general integrity of the tubule epithelium and its cytoskeleton (actin filaments, microtubules). PAH uptake in slices was proportional to time within 1 h of incubation and gradually declined thereafter. The immunostaining experiments indicated a fast, time-dependent loss of basolateral transporters, at a rate of OAT1 > Na/K-ATPase > OAT3. In the brush border membrane, the loss of megalin was faster than that of NHE3, and a partial redistribution of NHE3 into the basolateral domain indicated the loss of cell polarity. The loss of intracellular actin and tubulin cytoskeleton in the proximal tubule was already visible after 15 min of incubation and gradually increased with time, whereas a partial redistribution of actin to the basolateral domain indicated a compromised polarity of the cells. The data also revealed very early (after 15 min) necrotic events in the proximal tubule epithelium, with sloughing of brush border and cell debris into the tubule lumen, detachment of cells from the basal membrane, and opening and widening of the tubule lumen. We conclude that the loss of cellular structure, cytoskeleton, and cell membrane transporters in the nephron epithelium is a very early event in the incubated rat renal cortical slices.     

Sodium-coupled dicarboxylate and citrate transporters from the SLC13 family

The SLC13 family in humans and other mammals consists of sodium-coupled transporters for anionic substrates: three transporters for dicarboxylates/citrate and two transporters for sulfate. This review will focus on the di- and tricarboxylate transporters: NaDC1 (SLC13A2), NaDC3 (SLC13A3), and NaCT (SLC13A5). The substrates of these transporters are metabolic intermediates of the citric acid cycle, including citrate, succinate, and α-ketoglutarate, which can exert signaling effects through specific receptors or can affect metabolic enzymes directly. The SLC13 transporters are important for regulating plasma, urinary and tissue levels of these metabolites. NaDC1, primarily found on the apical membranes of renal proximal tubule and small intestinal cells, is involved in regulating urinary levels of citrate and plays a role in kidney stone development. NaDC3 has a wider tissue distribution and high substrate affinity compared with NaDC1. NaDC3 participates in drug and xenobiotic excretion through interactions with organic anion transporters. NaCT is primarily a citrate transporter located in the liver and brain, and its activity may regulate metabolic processes. The recent crystal structure of the Vibrio cholerae homolog, VcINDY, provides a new framework for understanding the mechanism of transport in this family. This review summarizes current knowledge of the structure, function, and regulation of the di- and tricarboxylate transporters of the SLC13 family.     

Recycling of aromatic amino acids via TAT1 allows efflux of neutral amino acids via LAT2-4F2hc exchanger

The rate of amino acid efflux from individual cells needs to be adapted to cellular demands and plays a central role for the control of extracellular amino acid homeostasis. A particular example of such an outward amino acid transport is the basolateral efflux from transporting epithelial cells located in the small intestine and kidney proximal tubule. Because LAT2-4F2hc (Slc7a8–Slc3a2), the best known basolateral neutral amino acid transporter of these epithelial cells, functions as an obligatory exchanger, we tested whether TAT1 (Slc16a10), the aromatic amino-acid facilitated diffusion transporter, might allow amino acid efflux via this exchanger by recycling its influx substrates. In this study, we show by immunofluorescence that TAT1 and LAT2 indeed colocalize in the early kidney proximal tubule. Using the Xenopus laevis oocytes expression system, we show that l-glutamine is released from oocytes into an amino-acid-free medium only when both transporters are coexpressed. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis reveals that several other neutral amino acids are released as well. The transport function of both TAT1 and LAT2-4F2hc is necessary for this efflux, as coexpression of functionally inactive but surface-expressed mutants is ineffective. Based on negative results of coimmunoprecipitation and crosslinking experiments, the physical interaction of these transporters does not appear to be required. Furthermore, replacement of TAT1 or LAT2-4F2hc by the facilitated diffusion transporter LAT4 or the obligatory exchanger LAT1, respectively, supports similar functional cooperation. Taken together, the results suggest that the aromatic amino acid diffusion pathway TAT1 can control neutral amino acid efflux via neighboring exchanger LAT2-4F2hc, by recycling its aromatic influx substrates.     

Differential response of the human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 to Shiga toxin types 1 and 2

Shiga toxins (Stxs) are expressed by the enteric pathogens Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 and certain serotypes of Escherichia coli. Stx-producing bacteria cause bloody diarrhea with the potential to progress to acute renal failure. Stxs are potent protein synthesis inhibitors and are the primary virulence factors responsible for renal damage that may follow diarrheal disease. We explored the use of the immortalized human proximal tubule epithelial cell line HK-2 as an in vitro model of Stx-induced renal damage. We showed that these cells express abundant membrane Gb(3) and are differentially susceptible to the cytotoxic action of Stxs, being more sensitive to Shiga toxin type 1 (Stx1) than to Stx2. At early time points (24 h), HK-2 cells were significantly more sensitive to Stxs than Vero cells; however, by 72 h, Vero cell monolayers were completely destroyed while some HK-2 cells survived toxin challenge, suggesting that a subpopulation of HK-2 cells are relatively toxin resistant. Fluorescently labeled Stx1 B subunits localized to both lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartments in HK-2 cells, suggesting that differences in intracellular trafficking may play a role in susceptibility to Stx-mediated cytotoxicity. Although proinflammatory cytokines were not upregulated by toxin challenge, Stx2 selectively induced the expression of two chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β. Stx1 and Stx2 differentially activated components of the ER stress response in HK-2 cells. Finally, we demonstrated significant poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage after exposure to Stx1 or Stx2. However, procaspase 3 cleavage was undetectable, suggesting that HK-2 cells may undergo apoptosis in response to Stxs in a caspase 3-independent manner.     

脂多糖对人近端肾小管上皮细胞IL-18及其受体复合物表达的影响

观察脂多糖(LPS)对体外培养人近端肾小管上皮细胞IL-18及其受体表达的影响,以初步探讨IL-18在肾小管-间质炎症损伤过程中的作用。以不同浓度LPS(0.01、0.1、1、5、10μg/ml)处理人近端肾小管上皮细胞株(HK-2)24 h、36 h及48 h,然后应用RT-PCR及ELISA测定IL-18及其受体α链(IL-18Rα)和β链(IL-18Rβ)mRNA及蛋白的表达水平变化。静息培养的HK-2细胞表达IL-18 m RNA和蛋白、IL-18Rα和IL-18Rβm RNA,LPS促进HK-2细胞IL-18 mRNA和蛋白的表达及IL-18Rα和IL-18RβmRNA的表达,并呈剂量和时间依赖趋势。肾小管上皮细胞可能既是IL-18的产生者,又是IL-18的靶细胞之一,炎症状态下肾小管上皮细胞通过IL-18自分泌方式参与肾小管-间质的炎症损伤过程。     

Acute parathyroid hormone differentially regulates renal brush border membrane phosphate cotransporters

Renal phosphate reabsorption across the brush border membrane (BBM) in the proximal tubule is mediated by at least three transporters, NaPi-IIa (SLC34A1), NaPi-IIc (SLC34A3), and Pit-2 (SLC20A2). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a potent phosphaturic factor exerting an acute and chronic reduction in proximal tubule phosphate reabsorption. PTH acutely induces NaPi-IIa internalization from the BBM and lysosomal degradation, but its effects on NaPi-IIc and Pit-2 are unknown. In rats adapted to low phosphate diet, acute (30 and 60 min) application of PTH decreased BBM phosphate transport rates both in the absence and the presence of phosphonoformic acid, an inhibitor of SLC34 but not SLC20 transporters. Immunohistochemistry showed NaPi-IIa expression in the S1 to the S3 segment of superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons; NaPi-IIc was only detectable in S1 segments and Pit-2 in S1 and weakly in S2 segments of superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons. PTH reduced NaPi-IIa staining in the BBM with increased intracellular and lysosomal appearance. NaPi-IIa internalization was most prominent in S1 segments of superficial nephrons. We did not detect changes in NaPi-IIc and Pit-2 staining over this time period. Blockade of lysosomal protein degradation with leupeptin revealed NaPi-IIa accumulation in lysosomes, but no lysosomal staining for NaPi-IIc or Pit-2 could be detected. Immunoblotting of BBM confirmed the reduction in NaPi-IIa abundance and the absence of any effect on NaPi-IIc expression. Pit-2 protein abundance was also significantly reduced by PTH. Thus, function and expression of BBM phosphate cotransporters are differentially regulated allowing for fine-tuning of renal phosphate reabsorption.     

Organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT4 mediate the high affinity transport of glutarate derivatives accumulating in patients with glutaric acidurias

Glutaric acidurias are rare inherited neurodegenerative disorders accompanied by accumulation of the metabolites glutarate (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutarate (3OHGA), glutaconate, L: -, or D: -2-hydroxyglutarate (L: -2OHGA, D: -2OHGA) in all body fluids. Oocytes expressing the human (h) sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter (NaDC3) showed sodium-dependent inward currents mediated by GA, 3OHGA, L: -, and D: -2OHGA. The organic anion transporters (OATs) were examined as additional transporters for GA derivatives. The uptake of [(3)H]p-aminohippurate in hOAT1-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells was inhibited by GA, 3OHGA, D: -, or L: -2OHGA in a concentration-dependent manner. None of these compounds affected the hOAT3-mediated uptake of [(3)H]estrone sulfate (ES). In hOAT4-expressing cells and oocytes, ES uptake was strongly increased by intracellular GA derivatives. The data provide a model for the concerted action of OAT1 and NaDC3 mediating the basolateral uptake, and OAT4 mediating apical secretion of GA derivatives from proximal tubule cells and therefore contribute to the renal clearance of these compounds.     

The role of NHERF-1 in the regulation of renal proximal tubule sodium–hydrogen exchanger 3 and sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter 2a

Adaptor proteins containing PDZ interactive domains have been recently identified to regulate the trafficking and activity of ion transporters and channels in epithelial tissue. In the renal proximal tubule, three PDZ adaptor proteins, namely NHERF-1, NHERF-2 and PDZK1, are expressed in the apical membrane, heterodimerize with one another, and, at least in vitro , are capable of binding to NHE3 and Npt2a, two major regulated renal proximal tubule apical membrane transporters. Studies using NHERF-1 null mice have begun to provide insights into the organization of these adaptor proteins and their specific interactions with NHE3 and Npt2a. Experiments using brush border membranes and cultured renal proximal tubule cells indicate a specific requirement for NHERF-1 for cAMP-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of NHE3. NHERF-1 null mice demonstrate increased urinary excretion of phosphate associated with mistargeting of Npt2a to the apical membrane of renal proximal tubule cells. NHERF-1 null animals challenged with a low phosphate diet and proximal tubule cells from these animals cultured in a low phosphate media fail to adapt as well as wild-type mice. These studies indicate a unique requirement for NHERF-1 in cAMP regulation of NHE3 and in the trafficking of Npt2a.     

P13K/Akt信号通路在白蛋白诱导肾小管上皮细胞转化生长因子β1表达中的作用

目的 研究白蛋白对人肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2)分泌转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)的影响,以及P13K/Akt信号通路在这一过程中的作用.方法 体外培养HK-2细胞,分为对照组、白蛋白(BSA)组和白蛋白加抑制剂(BSA+Ly294002)组.分别于培养12、24、48 h后,用MTT法检测HK-2细胞的增殖;RT-PCR检测HK-2细胞TGF-β1 mRNA的表达;Western印迹测定HK-2细胞TGF-β1和磷酸化的PI3K(p-PI3K)、Akt(p-Akt)蛋白分泌.结果 白蛋白可明显诱导HK-2细胞增殖(P<0.05),诱导后12 hBSA组与对照组比较,TGF-β1 mRNA表达明显上调(0.472±0.025比0.233±0.021,P<0.05);TGF-β1蛋白明显上调(296±20.1比100±13.2,P<0.05);p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白表达显著增加(P<0.05).加Ly294002 12 h时HK-2增殖受抑制;48 h时TGF-β1 mRNA、蛋白和p-PI3K、P-Akt蛋白的表达也受到抑制(均为P<0.05).结论 白蛋白通过活化PI3-K/Akt信号转导通路诱导肾小管上皮细胞产生TGF-β1.     

肾透明细胞癌中氧化应激蛋白的表达

目的:探讨人肾透明细胞癌细胞株RLC-310与人正常肾近曲小管上皮细胞株HK-2,肾癌及其癌旁组织中氧化应激蛋白表达的差异。方法:体外培养RLC-310和HK-2,采用PF-2D蛋白分级分离系统分离细胞总蛋白,选取差异蛋白组分进行毛细管LC-ESI-MS/MS分析,结合蛋白质数据库检索对差异蛋白进行鉴定,并对代表性氧化应激差异蛋白采用免疫组织化学方法进行验证。结果:两个细胞株经串联质谱分析共鉴定出12个氧化应激差异表达蛋白,分别是peroxiredox-in-1(PRX-1)、peroxiredoxin-6(PRX-6)、superoxide dismutase[Cu-Zn]SOD1、glutathione peroxidase 1、catalase、glutathionesynthetase、glutathione S-transferase Pi(GSTPi)、thioredoxin、热休克蛋白10(heat shock protein,HSP10)、HSP 60、HSP 70和HSP 90。其中PRX-6、HSP 60、GSTPi三种代表性差异蛋白在人肾透明细胞癌细胞株RLC-310和人正常肾近曲小管上皮细胞株HK-2中均有表达,前者的表达水平较后者显著升高(P<0.05),这三种蛋白在肾癌组织中表达也较癌旁组织显著升高(P<0.05)。结论:人肾透明细胞癌中存在抗氧化应激蛋白的差异表达,这些氧化应激蛋白的异常表达在阻止肾癌细胞氧化损伤中起一定作用。     

The multispecific organic anion transporter (OAT) family

Organic anion transporters play important roles in the elimination of a variety of endogenous substances, xenobiotics and their metabolites from the body. During the last decade, molecular cloning has identified several families of multispecific organic anion transporters mediating the renal and hepatic elimination of organic anions and, most recently, the OAT (organic anion transporter) family, the founding member of which (OAT1) is the basolateral p-aminohippurate (PAH) transporter in the renal proximal tubule. So far, four isoforms have been identified. OATs are membrane proteins with 12 putative membrane-spanning domains and function as sodium-independent exchangers or facilitators. OATs show weak structural similarity to organic cation transporters (OCTs) and OCTN/carnitine transporters. OATs are multispecific organic anion transporters, the substrates of which include both endogenous (e.g. cyclic nucleotides, prostaglandins, urate, dicarboxylates) and exogenous anions (various anionic drugs and environmental substances). All members of the OAT family are expressed in the kidney, while some are also expressed in the liver, brain and placenta. The OAT family represents the renal secretory pathway for organic anions and is also involved in the distribution of organic anions in the body.     

Identification and expression of multidrug resistance-related ABC transporter genes in Candida krusei.

Infections with Candida krusei have increased in recent years as a consequence of its intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, an antifungal azole widely used in immunocompromised individuals to suppress infections due to azole-susceptible C. albicans. One established mechanism for azole resistance is drug efflux by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Since these transporters recognize structurally diverse drugs, their overexpression can lead to multidrug resistance (MDR). To identify C. krusei genes potentially involved in azole resistance, PCR was performed with primers corresponding to conserved sequences of MDR-related ABC transporters from other fungi. Two genes, ABC1 and ABC2, were identified; Southern blots suggested that both have one or two related gene copies in the C. krusei genome. ABC1 RNA was constitutively expressed at low levels in log phase cells while ABC2 RNA was undetectable. However, both genes were upregulated as cultures approached stationary phase, and this upregulation was correlated with decreased susceptibility to the lethal activity of the azole derivative miconazole. Furthermore, ABC1 was upregulated following brief treatment of C. krusei with miconazole and clotrimazole (but not other azoles), and the unrelated compounds albendazole and cycloheximide. The latter two compounds antagonized fluconazole activity versus C. krusei, supporting a role for the ABC1 transporter in azole efflux. Finally, miconazole-resistant mutants selected in vitro demonstrated increased constitutive expression of ABC1. Based on these expression data, genetic and functional characterization of the ABC1 transporter to directly test its role in C. krusei azole resistance would appear to be warranted.