Organic anion transporter (Slc22a) family members as mediators of toxicity

Exposure of the body to toxic organic anions is unavoidable and occurs from both intentional and unintentional sources. Many hormones, neurotransmitters, and waste products of cellular metabolism, or their metabolites, are organic anions. The same is true for a wide variety of medications, herbicides, pesticides, plant and animal toxins, and industrial chemicals and solvents. Rapid and efficient elimination of these substances is often the body's best defense for limiting both systemic exposure and the duration of their pharmacological or toxicological effects. For organic anions, active transepithelial transport across the renal proximal tubule followed by elimination via the urine is a major pathway in this detoxification process. Accordingly, a large number of organic anion transport proteins belonging to several different gene families have been identified and found to be expressed in the proximal nephron. The function of these transporters, in combination with the high volume of renal blood flow, predisposes the kidney to increased toxic susceptibility. Understanding how the kidney mediates the transport of organic anions is integral to achieving desired therapeutic outcomes in response to drug interactions and chemical exposures, to understanding the progression of some disease states, and to predicting the influence of genetic variation upon these processes. This review will focus on the organic anion transporter (OAT) family and discuss the known members, their mechanisms of action, subcellular localization, and current evidence implicating their function as a determinant of the toxicity of certain endogenous and xenobiotic agents.     

Mouse organic anion transporter 2 and 3 (mOAT2/3[Slc22a7/8]) mediates the renal transport of bumetanide

Multispecific organic anion transporters play an important role in the excretion and the elimination of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous substrates. To date, five murine OAT homologs such as mouse organic anion transporters 1-3, 5, and 6 (mOAT1-3, 5 and 6) have been isolated and well characterized. With the exception of mOAT6, other mOAT isoforms are predominantly expressed in the kidney. The aim of this study was to examine whether mOAT2/3, as well as hOAT2/3, transports the diuretic bumetanide using a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, mOAT2/3 mediated the high affinity transport of bumetanide. The apparent K(m) values for the uptake of bumetanide via mOAT2 and mOAT3 were 9.12 +/- 2.42 microM and 1.01 +/- 0.27 microM, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that mOAT2 is expressed on the luminal membrane site of the proximal tubule. Our results indicate that mOAT2 and 3, as well as human homologs, are molecules for the transport of bumetanide on the luminal membranes of kidney proximal tubules.     

Functional involvement of rat organic anion transporter 2 (Slc22a7) in the hepatic uptake of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen.

Rat organic anion transporter 2 (rOat2, Slc22a7) is a sinusoidal multispecific organic anion transporter in the liver. The role of rOat2 in the hepatic uptake of drugs has not been thoroughly investigated yet. rOat2 substrates include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketoprofen, indomethacin, and salicylate. In the present study, the uptake of ketoprofen, indomethacin, and salicylate by freshly isolated rat hepatocytes was characterized. The uptake of ketoprofen, indomethacin, and salicylate by hepatocytes was sodium-independent, and the rank order of their uptake activities was indomethacin > ketoprofen > salicylate. Kinetic analysis based on Akaike's Information Criterion suggested that the uptake of ketoprofen and indomethacin by hepatocytes consists of two saturable components and one nonsaturable one. The K(m) and V(max) values for the high- and low-affinity components for ketoprofen uptake were 0.84 and 97 microM and 35 and 1800 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively, whereas those for indomethacin were 1.1 and 140 microM and 130 and 16,000 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The K(m) values of the high-affinity component were similar to those for rOat2 (3.3 and 0.37 microM for ketoprofen and indomethacin, respectively). The uptake of ketoprofen by hepatocytes was significantly inhibited by probenecid and rOat2 inhibitors (indocyanine green, indomethacin, glibenclamide, and salicylate). Other inhibitors of rOatps (taurocholate and pravastatin) and rOat3 (pravastatin and p-aminohippurate) had a slight effect, but digoxin had no effect. These results suggest that rOat2 accounts partly for the hepatic uptake of ketoprofen and, presumably, indomethacin as a high-affinity site and that other transporters, such as rOatps, but not rOatp2, and rOat3, are also involved.     

Flavonoid conjugates interact with organic anion transporters (OATs) and attenuate cytotoxicity of adefovir mediated by organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1/SLC22A6)

Flavonoids are conjugated by phase II enzymes in humans to form glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites that are excreted in urine via the kidney. In this study, we examined the interaction between metabolites of quercetin and isoflavonoids found in vivo with human organic anion transporters 1 (OAT1) and 3 (OAT3) and their potential in attenuating OAT-induced cytotoxicity of adefovir. Accumulation of flavonoid conjugates was studied in human embryonic kidney 293H cells overexpressing OAT1 or OAT3. OAT1-overexpressing cells exhibited an increased uptake of the sulfated conjugates, genistein-4′-O-sulfate and quercetin-3′-O-sulfate. OAT3-overexpressing cells demonstrated enhanced uptake of glucuronide conjugates, such as daidzein-7-O-glucuronide, genistein-7-O-glucuronide, glycitein-7-O-glucuronide and quercetin-3′-O-glucuronide. Position of conjugation was important since quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and quercetin-7-O-glucuronide were poorly transported. Kinetic analysis revealed high affinity uptake of quercetin-3′-O-sulfate by OAT1 (K_m = 1.73 μM; V_max = 105 pmol/min/mg). OAT3 transported isoflavone glucuronides with lower affinity (K_m = 7.9–19.1 μM) but with higher V_max (171–420 pmol/min/mg). Quercetin-3′-O-sulfate strongly inhibited OAT1-mediated p-aminohippuric acid uptake with an IC₅₀ of 1.22 μM. Transport of 5-carboxyfluorescein by OAT3 was potently inhibited by quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3′-O-glucuronide and quercetin-3′-O-sulfate (IC₅₀ = 0.43–1.31 μM). In addition, quercetin-3′-O-sulfate was shown to effectively reduce OAT1-mediated cytotoxicity of adefovir, an antiviral drug, in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that OAT1 and OAT3 are responsible for basolateral uptake of flavonoid conjugates in kidney, and flavonoid conjugates inhibit OAT1 and OAT3 activity at physiologically relevant concentrations. Interaction with OATs limits systemic availability of flavonoids and may be a mechanism of food–drug interaction via inhibition of renal uptake.     

Differential Contributions of rOat1 (Slc22a6) and rOat3 (Slc22a8) to the <Emphasis Type="Italic">in Vivo</Emphasis> Renal Uptake of Uremic Toxins in Rats

No HeadingPurpose. Evidence suggests that uremic toxins such as hippurate (HA), indoleacetate (IA), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropionate (CMPF) promote the progression of renal failure by damaging tubular cells via rat organic anion transporter 1 (rOat1) and rOat3 on the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubules. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the in vivo transport mechanism responsible for their renal uptake.Methods. We investigated the uremic toxins transport mechanism using the abdominal aorta injection technique [i.e., kidney uptake index (KUI) method], assuming minimal mixing of the bolus with serum protein from circulating serum.Results. Maximum mixing was estimated to be 5.8% of rat serum by measuring estrone sulfate extraction after addition of 0–90% rat serum to the arterial injection solution. Saturable renal uptake of p-aminohippurate (PAH, K_m = 408 M) and benzylpenicillin (PCG, K_m = 346 M) was observed, respectively. The uptake of PAH and PCG was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by unlabeled PCG (IC₅₀ = 47.3 mM) and PAH (IC₅₀ = 512 M), respectively, suggesting that different transporters are responsible for their uptake. A number of uremic toxins inhibited the renal uptake of PAH and PCG. Excess PAH, which could inhibit rOat1 and rOat3, completely inhibited the saturable uptake of IA, IS, and CMPF by the kidney, and by 85% for HA uptake. PCG inhibited the total saturable uptake of HA, IA, IS, and CMPF by 10%, 10%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, at the concentration selective for rOat3.Conclusions. rOat1 could be the primary mediator of the renal uptake of HA and IA, accounting for approximately 75% and 90% of their transport, respectively. rOat1 and rOat3 contributed equally to the renal uptake of IS. rOat3 could account for about 65% of the uptake of CMPF under in vivo physiologic conditions. These results suggest that rOat1 and rOat3 play an important role in the renal uptake of uremic toxins and the induction of their nephrotoxicity.     

Association between tubular toxicity of cisplatin and expression of organic cation transporter rOCT2 (Slc22a2) in the rat

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer drug, but has its severe adverse effects, especially nephrotoxicity. The molecular mechanism of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is still not clear. In the present study, we examined the role of rat (r)OCT2, an organic cation transporter predominantly expressed in the kidney, in the tubular toxicity of cisplatin. Using HEK293 cells stably expressing rOCT2 (HEK-rOCT2), we evaluated the cisplatin-induced release of lactate dehydrogenase and the uptake of cisplatin. The release of lactate dehydrogenase and the accumulation of platinum were greater in HEK-rOCT2 cells treated with cisplatin than in mock-transfected cells. Moreover, cimetidine and corticosterone, OCT2 inhibitors, inhibited the cytotoxicity and the transport of cisplatin in HEK-rOCT2 cells. Pharmacokinetics of cisplatin was investigated in male and female rats because the renal expression level of rOCT2 was higher in male than female rats. The renal uptake clearance of cisplatin was greater in male than female rats, while the hepatic uptake clearance was similar between the sexes. In addition, glomerular filtration rate and liver function were unchanged, but N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity in the bladder urine and the urine volume were markedly increased 2 days after the administration of 2 mg/kg of cisplatin in male rats. Moreover, cisplatin did not induce the elevation of urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity in the castrated male rats whose renal rOCT2 level was lower than that of the sham-operated rats. In conclusion, the present results indicated that renal rOCT2 expression was the major determinant of cisplatin-induced tubular toxicity.     

Human organic anion transporters 1 (hOAT1/SLC22A6) and 3 (hOAT3/SLC22A8) transport edaravone (MCI-186; 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) and its sulfate conjugate.

3-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (MCI-186; edaravone), a novel free radical scavenger, is used for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. After marketing, a few cases of acute renal failure were reported in patients following treatment with this drug. Because edaravone is mainly excreted into the urine following conjugation to glucuronide or sulfate, the renal excretion mechanisms of edaravone should help provide important information when considering the clinical cases. We examined the transport of edaravone and its sulfate and glucuronide conjugates via human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) and 3 (hOAT3), expressed on the basolateral membranes of proximal tubules. The hOAT1- and hOAT3-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells exhibited a markedly higher uptake of edaravone sulfate and a slightly higher uptake of edaravone than vector-transfected cells. The K(m) values of edaravone sulfate uptake by hOAT1 and hOAT3 were 11 and 15 microM, respectively. Estimation of the relative contribution of hOAT1 and hOAT3 using reference compounds suggested that hOAT1 and hOAT3 might contribute to the renal uptake of edaravone sulfate to the same extent. However, edaravone and its sulfate showed no cytotoxicity toward both hOAT1-HEK and control cells, suggesting that higher uptake in hOAT1-HEK did not associate with cytotoxicity of these compounds. In conclusion, our results suggest that both hOAT1 and hOAT3 are responsible for the basolateral uptake of edaravone sulfate in the kidney.     

Role of mouse organic anion transporter 3 (mOat3) as a basolateral prostaglandin E2 transport pathway

Renal organic anion transporters play an important role in the handling of a number of endogenous and exogenous anionic substances in the kidney. In this study, we investigated prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) transport properties and intrarenal localization of mouse organic anion transporter 3 (mOat3). When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, mOat3 mediated the time- and concentration-dependent transport of PGE(2) (K(m): 1.48 microM). PGE(2) transport mediated by mOat3 was trans-stimulated by intracellular glutarate injected into the oocytes. PGE(2) efflux via mOat3 was also trans-stimulated by extracellular glutarate. Thus, mOat3 was shown to mediate the bidirectional transport of PGE(2), partly coupled to the dicarboxylate exchange mechanism. Immunohistochemical study revealed that mOat3 protein was localized at the basolateral membrane of renal proximal and distal tubules. Furthermore, diffuse expression of mOat3, including expression in the basolateral membrane in macula densa (MD) cells, was observed. These results indicate that mOat3 plays an important role as a basolateral transport pathway of PGE(2) in the distal nephron including MD cells that may constitute one of the indispensable steps for renin release and regulation of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism.     

Interaction characteristics of flavonoids with human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) and 3 (hOAT3)

The present study aimed to investigate the interaction characteristics of flavonoids with human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) and 3 (hOAT3). Five flavonoids (morin, silybin, naringin, naringenin and quercetin) were selected and their interaction characteristics with hOAT1 and hOAT3 were examined in MDCK cells overexpressing hOAT1 or hOAT3. Among tested flavonoids, morin and silybin exhibited significant inhibition effects on the cellular uptake of [3H]-para-aminohippuric acid ([3H]-PAH) in MDCK-hOAT1 cells with Ki of 0.46 microM and 24 microM, respectively, while all the tested flavonoids appeared to be less interactive with hOAT3 compared to hOAT1. A kinetic study suggested that morin and silybin inhibited hOAT1-mediated cellular uptake of [3H]-PAH in a competitive manner. Furthermore, morin and silybin were translocated by hOAT1 across the cellular membrane. In conclusion, the present study identified some of flavonoids as a new class of hOAT1 inhibitors, suggesting a potential for flavonoid-drug interactions via the modulation of hOAT1 activity.     

Renal transport of organic compounds mediated by mouse organic anion transporter 3 (mOat3): further substrate specificity of mOat3.

Organic anion transporter 3 [Oat3(Slc22a8)] plays an important role in the renal handling of organic compounds. The substrate specificity of rat Oat3 and human Oat3 has been elucidated; information on mouse Oat3 (mOat3) is less defined. The aim of this study was to extend the substrate selectivity of mOat3. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, mOat3 mediated the uptake of p-aminohippuric acid and estron sulfate (ES). In addition to these substrates, we found that several organic compounds such as prostaglandin E(2), prostaglandin F(2alpha), allopurinol, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and l-carnitine are substrates of mOat3, compounds identified for the first time. The apparent K(m) values for the uptake of mOat3 that mediated the transport of 6-MP, 5-FU, and l-carnitine were 4.01 +/- 0.7 microM, 53.9 +/- 8.9 nM, and 61.9 +/- 1.1 nM, respectively. Northern blot analysis revealed that gene coding for mOat3 is predominant in the kidney and, to a lesser extent, in the brain and the eye. Our findings thus provide further insights into the role of Oat3 in renal drug transport.     

Synchronized Activity of Organic Cation Transporter 3 (Oct3/Slc22a3) and Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion 1 (Mate1/Slc47a1) Transporter in Transplacental Passage of MPP+ in Rat

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression, localization, and function of organic cation transporter 3 (Oct3, Slc22a3) and multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (Mate1, Slc47a1) in the rat placenta. Using qRT-PCR and Western blotting techniques, we demonstrated abundant Oct3 and Mate1 mRNA and protein expression achieving significantly higher levels than those in the maternal kidney (positive control). Immunohistochemical visualization revealed preferential localization of Oct3 on the basolateral, i.e., fetus facing side of the placenta, whereas Mate1 positivity was located in the labyrinth area predominantly on the apical, i.e., maternal side of the placenta. To investigate the role of these transporters in the transplacental pharmacokinetics, the in situ method of dually perfused rat term placenta was employed in open- and closed-circuit arrangements; 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) was used as a model substrate of both Oct3 and Mate1. We provide evidence that Oct3 and Mate1 cause considerable asymmetry between maternal-to-fetal and fetal-to-maternal transport of MPP(+) in favor of fetomaternal direction. Using closed-circuit experimental setup, we further describe the capacity of Oct3 and Mate1 to transport their substrate from fetus to mother even against a concentration gradient. We conclude that Oct3, in a concentration-dependent manner, takes up MPP(+) from the fetal circulation into the placenta, whereas Mate1, on the other side of the barrier, is responsible for MPP(+) efflux from placenta to the maternal circulation. These two transport proteins, thus, form an efficient transplacental eliminatory pathway and play an important role in fetal protection and detoxication.     

Potential for food-drug interactions by dietary phenolic acids on human organic anion transporters 1 (SLC22A6), 3 (SLC22A8), and 4 (SLC22A11)

Phenolic acids exert beneficial health effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities and show systemic exposure after consumption of common fruits, vegetables, and beverages. However, knowledge regarding which components convey therapeutic benefits and the mechanism(s) by which they cross cell membranes is extremely limited. Therefore, we determined the inhibitory effects of nine food-derived phenolic acids, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, sinapinic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid, on human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1), hOAT3, and hOAT4. In the present study, inhibition of OAT-mediated transport of prototypical substrates (1 μM) by phenolic acids (100 μM) was examined in stably expressing cell lines. All compounds significantly inhibited hOAT3 transport, while just ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, sinapinic, and vanillic acid significantly blocked hOAT1 activity. Only sinapinic acid inhibited hOAT4 (～35%). For compounds exhibiting inhibition > ～60%, known clinical plasma concentration levels and plasma protein binding in humans were examined to select compounds to evaluate further with dose–response curves (IC₅₀ values) and drug–drug interaction (DDI) index determinations. IC₅₀ values ranged from 1.24 to 18.08 μM for hOAT1 and from 7.35 to 87.36 μM for hOAT3. Maximum DDI indices for gallic and gentisic acid (?0.1) indicated a very strong potential for DDIs on hOAT1 and/or hOAT3. This study indicates that gallic acid from foods or supplements, or gentisic acid from salicylate-based drug metabolism, may significantly alter the pharmacokinetics (efficacy and toxicity) of concomitant therapeutics that are hOAT1 and/or hOAT3 substrates.     

Comparative Inhibitory Effects of Different Compounds on Rat Oatp1 (Slc21a1)- and Oatp2 (Slc21a5)-Mediated Transport

Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to examine the selectivity of various inhibitors towards the rat organic anion transporting polypeptides 1 (Oatp1: gene symbol Slc21a1) and 2 (Oatp2: Slc21a5). Methods. The inhibitory effects of 20 compounds on the Oatp1-mediated transport of estradiol 17-D-glucuronide and on the Oatp2-mediated transport of digoxin were examined in cDNA-transfected LLC-PK₁ cells. Results. Among the compounds examined in this study, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, deoxycorticosterone, and quinidine preferentially inhibited Oatp1, whereas digoxin, quinine, and rifampicin preferentially inhibited Oatp2 at low concentrations. On the other hand, propionic acid, -ketoglutarate and p-aminohippurate showed no inhibitory effects on either transporter up to a concentration of 1000 M. The K_i values of ibuprofen and quinidine were estimated to be 19 and 13 times lower for Oatp1 compared with Oatp2, whereas the values for rifampicin, quinine, and digoxin were 13, 20, and 100< times lower for Oatp2 compared with Oatp1. Conclusions. At low concentrations, some of the tested inhibitors exert selective inhibition of either Oatp1- or Oatp2-mediated substrate transport. These selective inhibitors may be used at appropriate concentrations to estimate the maximum contribution of Oatp1 or Oatp2 to the total substrate uptake into rat hepatocytes.     

Andrographolide is neither a human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) substrate nor inhibitor

Andrographolide, a major bioactive compound isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees, was evaluated for its effects on the hOAT1 membrane transporter. Substrate determination and inhibition of hOAT1-mediated uptake transport assay was carried out using recombinant CHO-hOAT1 cells. The results showed that the uptake ratio of andrographolide was less than 2.0 at all concentrations tested, indicating that andrographolide is not a hOAT1 substrate. Andrographolide has no significant effects on the p-aminohippuric acid uptake and on the mRNA and protein expression of hOAT1. In conclusion, andrographolide may not pose a drug–herb interaction risk related to hOAT1.

     

Organic anion transporter 3 (oat3/slc22a8) interacts with carboxyfluoroquinolones, and deletion increases systemic exposure to ciprofloxacin

Carboxyfluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, are used for the treatment of numerous infectious diseases. Renal secretion is a major determinant of their systemic and urinary concentration, but the specific transporters involved are virtually unknown. In vivo studies implicate the organic anion transporter (OAT) family as a pivotal component of carboxyfluoroquinolone renal secretion. Therefore, this study identified the specific renal basolateral OAT(s) involved, thereby highlighting potential sources of carboxyfluoroquinolone-drug interactions and variable efficacy. Two heterologous expression systems, Xenopus laevis oocytes and cell monolayers, were used to determine the roles of murine and human renal basolateral mOat1/hOAT1 and mOat3/hOAT3. Ciprofloxacin was transported by mOat3 in both systems (K(m) value, 70 +/- 6 microM) and demonstrated no interaction with mOat1 or hOAT1. Furthermore, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and gatifloxacin exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of transport on mOat3 in cells with inhibition constants of 198 +/- 39, 558 +/- 75, 745 +/- 165, and 941 +/- 232 microM, respectively. Ciprofloxacin and gatifloxacin also inhibited hOAT3. Thereafter, in vivo elimination of ciprofloxacin was assessed in wild-type and Oat3 null mice [Oat3-/-]. Oat3-/- mice exhibited significantly elevated plasma levels of ciprofloxacin at clinically relevant concentrations (P < 0.05, male mice; P < 0.01, female mice). Oat3-/- mice also demonstrated a reduced volume of distribution (27%, P < 0.01, male mice; 14%, P < 0.01, female mice) and increased area under the concentration-time curve (25%, P < 0.05, male mice; 33%, P < 0.01, female mice). Female Oat3-/- mice had a 35% (P < 0.01) reduction in total clearance of ciprofloxacin relative to wild type. In addition, putative ciprofloxacin metabolites were significantly elevated in Oat3-/- mice. The present findings indicate that polymorphisms of and drug interactions on hOAT3 may influence carboxyfluoroquinolone efficacy, especially in urinary tract infections.     

Role of anion exchange transporter PAT1 (SLC26A6) in intestinal absorption of organic anions

Mouse PAT1 (putative anion transporter, CEFX, slc26a6), an orthologue of human SLC26A6, was recently identified at the intestinal brush-border membrane and shown to transport organic anions such as formate and oxalate, as well as inorganic ions. In this study, we conducted functional characterization of the uptake of formate by HEK293 cells transfected with PAT1. The uptake of formate by PAT1 was increased in the presence of an outwardly-directed Cl gradient, whereas Na had no effect, and the uptake was independent of pH. The Km of PAT1 for formate was 3.75 mM. Various organic acids exhibited a cis-inhibitory effect on the uptake of formate by PAT1. Furthermore, the uptake was increased by preloading with -lactate, nicotinate, valproate and short-and medium-chain fatty acids, showing a trans-stimulatory effect. Thus, it was suggested that PAT1 transports organic acids as well as inorganic anions, demonstrating that it is involved in the intestinal absorption of anionic organic weak acids in the small intestine.     

Organic anion transporter 2 (SLC22A7) is a facilitative transporter of cGMP

The second messenger, cGMP, mediates a host of cellular responses to various stimuli, resulting in the regulation of many critical physiologic functions. The existence of specific cGMP transporters on the plasma membrane that participate in the regulation of cGMP levels has been suggested in a large number of studies. In this study, we identified a novel plasma membrane transporter for cGMP. In particular, we showed that hOAT2 (SLC22A7), a member of the solute carrier (SLC) superfamily, was a facilitative transporter for cGMP and other guanine nucleotides. hOAT2, which is ubiquitously expressed at high levels in many cell types, was previously thought to primarily transport organic anions. Among purine and pyrimidine nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides, hOAT2 showed the greatest preference for cGMP, which transported cGMP with a K(m) value of 88 +/- 11 muM and exhibited between 50- and 100-fold enhanced uptake over control cells. Our data revealed that hOAT2 is a bidirectional facilitative transporter that can control both intracellular and extracellular levels of cGMP. In addition, we observed that a common alternatively spliced variant of hOAT2 demonstrated a complete loss of transport function as a result of a low expression level on the plasma membrane. We conclude that hOAT2 is a highly efficient, facilitative transporter of cGMP and may be involved in cGMP signaling in many tissues. Our study suggests that hOAT2 represents a potential new drug target for regulating cGMP levels.     

Functional characterization of human organic anion transporter 10 (OAT10/SLC22A13) as an orotate transporter

Orotate, a nutritional compound typically utilized as an intermediate in pyrimidine synthesis, has been suggested to undergo renal reabsorption. However, the detailed mechanisms involved in the process remain unclear, with only urate transporter 1 (URAT1/SLC22A12) being indicated as a transporter involved in its tubular uptake. As an attempt to identify transporters involved in that to help clarify the mechanisms, we examined a possibility that organic anion transporter 10 (OAT10/SLC22A13), which is present at the brush border membrane in renal tubular epithelial cells, could transport orotate. The operation of human OAT10 for orotate transport was demonstrated indeed and analyzed in detail in Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells introduced with this transporter by stable transfection. Orotate transport by OAT10 was found to be kinetically saturable with a biphasic characteristic and dependent on Cl⁻. These are unique characteristics previously unknown in its operation for the other substrates. Orotate transport by OAT10 was, on the other hand, inhibited by several anionic compounds known as OAT10 inhibitors. Finally, the rat ortholog of OAT10 was found not to be able to transport orotate, indicating animal species differences in that function. Thus, human OAT10 has been demonstrated to operate for orotate transport with unique characteristics.