cAMP-induced chloride transport in NCL-SG3 sweat gland cells

cAMP-induced ion transport in a human sweat gland cell line, NCL-SG3, was investigated by X-ray microanalysis and patch-clamp technique. Stimulation with cAMP caused a decrease in the cellular Cl and K. cAMP had no significant effect on the intracellular Na and Ca. Chloride channel blockers (9-AC, DPC and NPPB) inhibited the cAMP-induced chloride efflux. In patch-clamp experiments the inward current increased over a period of 5–15 min on addition of membrane-permeable cAMP in 66% of the attempts when the cell was held at 0 mV and pulsed to negative membrane potentials. The inward current was completely blocked by chloride channel blockers. Washout reversed the effect of cAMP. The inward current was not diminished by substitution of impermeable cations for Na in the bath and was insensitive to TEA (tetraethylammoniumchloride). It is concluded that the inward current is mainly a chloride current. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) could not be demonstrated in the NCL-SG3 cells. It is therefore possible that the chloride efflux is mediated by other types of chloride channels.     

Imaging CFTR in its native environment

Application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) on isolated plasma membranes is a valuable method to study membrane proteins down to single-molecule level in their native environment. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a protein of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter superfamily, is known to play a crucial role in maintaining the salt and water balance on the epithelium and to influence processes such as cell volume regulation. A mutation in the gene encoding for CFTR results in cystic fibrosis (CF), a very common lethal genetic disease. Identification of CFTR within the cell membrane at the single-molecule level makes it feasible to visualize the distribution and organization of CFTR proteins within the cell membrane of healthy individuals and CF patients. We were able to show that human red blood cells have a CFTR distribution comparable to that of epithelial cells and that the number of CFTR in cells derived from CF patients is strongly reduced. Studies on CFTR-expressing oocytes disclose CFTR dynamics upon CFTR activation. We observed that cyclic adenosine monophosphate induces an insertion of CFTR in the plasma membrane and the formation of heteromeric CFTR-containing structures with yet unknown stoichiometry. The structure of CFTR was identified by high-resolution scans of immunogold-labeled CFTR, revealing that CFTR forms a tail-to-tail dimer with a central pore. In conclusion, these studies show that AFM experiments on isolated plasma membranes allow not only quantification and localization of membrane proteins but also provide insight in their dynamics at a single-molecule level.     

De novo formation of several features of a centromere following introduction of a Y alphoid YAC into mammalian cells

The DNA sequence requirements for mammalian centromere functionhave been Investigated by re-Introducing human YAC clones containingeither centromeric or non-centromeric sequences Into hamsterand human cells. All YACs integrated into the host chromosomes.In most cell lines produced by spheroplast fusion into hamstercells, intact copies of the YAC and a large amount of yeastDNA were found. Cell lines produced by lipofection Into humancells usually contained simple structures without yeast DNA.YACs containing Y alphoid DNA reformed several of the propertiesof a centromere, Including a cytogenetlcally visible constriction,CREST antiserum binding and disruption of anaphase chromosomemovement. In contrast, YACs containing non-centromeric sequencesproduced none of these results. This work suggests that a fewhundred kb of alphoid DNA is sufficient to reconstitute severalImportant features of a centromere.     

A cre-lox recombination system for the targeted integration of circular yeast artificial chromosomes into embryonic stem cells

The ability to produce embryonic stem (ES) cell lines containing different yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) integrated into the same location in the genome provides a system for comparing the bio-logical effects of YAC transgenes without the confounding influences of integration site and copy number. A targeting system was developed for the directed integration of circular YACs into mouse ES cells. The system combines Cre-lox recombination technology, specifically a positive-selection integration system, with circular YAC lipofection technology to achieve single copy targeted integration of a transgene. Three independent germline competent ES cell lines [lox-containing ES lines (designated LES)] were created that contain a '-neo-lox' cassette integrated at different sites within the ES genome. A plasmid containing YAC vector sequences and a complementary '-neo-lox' cassette was used to circularize two linear YACs containing genomic DNA from human chromosome 21. The circularized YACs were then targeted to the lox sites of the LES cell lines. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern analysis demonstrated that 21% (5 of 24) of lox-recombinants contain a full-length intact YAC. This system will make the study of YAC transgenic mice more reliable and reproducible, allowing the potential for direct comparison of different transgenes expressed from the same site within the genome.     

CFTR对TF1细胞活力和凋亡的影响及相关机制

目的:探讨囊性纤维化跨膜传导调节因子(CFTR)在急性髓系白血病中的表达情况并探讨其对人红白血病细胞株TF1生物学功能的影响及潜在作用机制。方法:Real-time PCR技术检测急性髓系白血病患儿骨髓单个核细胞中CFTR的表达水平。常规培养的TF1细胞中加入CFTR特异性抑制剂CFTRinh-172,然后分别采用CCK-8法和流式细胞术检测细胞活力、细胞周期及细胞凋亡情况;Western blot检测Wnt信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。结果:CFTR在急性髓系白血病患者及白血病细胞中均呈高表达。TF1细胞中加入CFTR特异性抑制剂后,细胞的活力下降,G_0/G_1期细胞比例显著升高而S期细胞比例降低,细胞凋亡率显著增加,细胞中β-catenin、c-Myc及cyclin D1的蛋白表达水平显著降低(P0.05)。结论:CFTR在急性髓系白血病中表达显著升高;抑制CFTR可通过经典的Wnt信号通路抑制白血病细胞株TF1的生长,并促进其凋亡。     

Transfer of the human HPRT and GART genes from yeast to mammalian cells by microinjection of YAC DNA

DNA of two yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) containing selectable human genes was transferred by microinjection to rodent cells in tissue culture. The human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene, spanning 45 kb, is contained on the 660-kb YAC yHPRT as described elsewhere. The human phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART) gene, spanning approximately 40 kb, is contained on the 590-kb YAC yGART2 as described previously. YAC DNA was isolated from pulsed-field gels and microinjected into mammalian cells in which the human HPRT and GART genes can be selected. The cell lines that were selected contain the entire human genes. Some of the cell lines contain multiple copies of the genes integrated at the same chromosomal position. The YAC yGART2 could not be purified away from natural yeast chromosomes of similar size, and the cell lines into which the human GART gene was introduced contain variable amounts of yeast DNA in addition to the human DNA.     

Restoration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-stimulated chloride channel activity in human cystic fibrosis tracheobronchial submucosal gland cells by adenovirus-mediated and cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer.

In human airways, the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is predominantly expressed in serous cells of the tracheobronchial glands. Despite considerable evidence that submucosal glands are important contributors to the pathophysiology of CF lung disease, most attempts at CFTR gene transfer have primarily targeted airway surface epithelial cells. In this study, we systematically evaluated CFTR gene transfer into cultures of immortalized CF human tracheobronchial submucosal gland (6CFSMEO) cells using adenovirus and cationic lipid vectors. We found that the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer was comparable in 6CFSMEO and CFT1 cells (a surface airway epithelial cell line isolated from a subject with CF). So was the ranking order of adenovirus vectors containing different enhancers/promoters (CMV > E1a approximately phosphoglycerokinase), as determined by both X-Gal staining and quantitative measurement of beta-galactosidase activity. Further, we provide the first demonstration that cationic lipids mediate efficient gene transfer into 6CFSMEO cells in vitro. The transfection efficiency at optimal conditions was higher in 6CFSMEO than in CFT1 cells. Finally, either infection with adenoviral vectors or transfection with cationic lipid:plasmid DNA complexes encoding CFTR significantly increased chloride (Cl-) permeability, as assessed using the 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-quinolinium (SPQ) fluorescence assay, indicating restoration of functional CFTR Cl- channel activity. These data show that although the mechanisms of transfection may be different between the two cell types, 6CFSMEO cells are as susceptible as CFT1 cells to transfection by adenoviral and cationic-lipid gene transfer vectors.     

Expression of the human CFTR gene from episomal oriP-EBNA1-YACs in mouse cells

Plasmids carrying the origin of plasmid replication ( oriP ) and expressing the EBNA-1 protein from the Epstein-Barr virus replicate and segregate in human cells and are thus potentially useful vectors for gene therapy. As very large circular molecules, up to 660 kb in size, can be maintained episomally using this system, it is possible to include intact human genes with all their long-range controlling elements which might give high levels of tissue-specific and controlled gene expression. We have shown previously that a 320 kb yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) carrying the intact human CFTR gene can complement the Cambridge null cystic fibrosis mice as a transgene. We have now modified this YAC to a circular molecule carrying both oriP and the EBNA-1 gene. We show that this oriP-EBNA1-YAC can be stably maintained as unrearranged episomes in mouse LA-9 cells, which do not express endogenous cftr, and in mouse CMT-93 cells, which do express endogenous cftr. The human CFTR gene is expressed in some of the cell lines, but the level of expression is very variable between cell lines and is not related to the copy number of the elements.     

CFTR induces extracellular acid sensing in Xenopus oocytes which activates endogenous Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ conductance

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) produces a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent Cl^- conductance of distinct properties that is essential for electrolyte secretion in human epithelial tissues. However, the functional consequences of CFTR expression are multifaceted, encompassing much more than simply supplying a cellular cAMP-regulated Cl^- conductance. When we expressed CFTR in Xenopus oocytes, we found that extracellular acidic pH activates a Ca²⁺-dependent outwardly rectifying Cl^- conductance that does not reflect CFTR activity. The proton-activated Cl^- conductance showed biophysical and pharmacological features of a Ca²⁺-dependent Cl^- conductance, most likely mediated by Xenopus TMEM16A. In contrast to the effects of extracellular acidification, intracellular acidification did not activate an endogenous Cl^- conductance. Proton/CFTR-mediated activation of human TMEM16A was also detected in HEK293 cells. The gating mutant G551D-CFTR conferred proton sensitivity, while deltaF508-CFTR enabled proton activation of TMEM16A only in Xenopus oocytes, which, unlike HEK293 cells, allow deltaF508-CFTR to be trafficked to the cell membrane. Activation of TMEM16A by lysophosphatidic acid was enhanced in the presence of CFTR but was additive with activation by extracellular protons. Because expression of CFTR-E1474X did not confer proton sensitivity, we propose that CFTR translocates a proton receptor to the plasma membrane via its PDZ-binding domain.     

Regulation of gap junctional communication by a pro-inflammatory cytokine in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-expressing but not cystic fibrosis airway cells

Airway inflammation is orchestrated by cell-cell interactions involving soluble mediators and cell adhesion molecules. Alterations in the coordination of the multicellular process of inflammation may play a major role in the chronic lung disease state of cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to determine whether direct cell-cell interactions via gap junctional communication is affected during the inflammatory response of the airway epithelium. We have examined the strength of intercellular communication and the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in normal (non-CF) and CF human airway cell lines stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha induced maximal translocation of NF-kappaB into the nucleus of non-CF as well as CF airway cells within 20 minutes. In non-CF cells, TNF-alpha progressively decreased the extent of intercellular communication. In contrast, gap junctional communication between CF cells exposed to TNF-alpha remained unaltered. CF results from mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Interestingly, transfer of wild-type CFTR into CF cells by adenovirus-mediated infection was associated with the recovery of TNF-alpha-induced uncoupling. These results suggest that expression of functional CFTR is necessary for regulation of gap junctional communication by TNF-alpha. Gap junction channels close during the inflammatory response, therefore limiting the intercellular diffusion of signaling molecules, and thereby the recruitment of neighboring cells. Defects in this mechanism may contribute to the excessive inflammatory response of CF airway epithelium.     

New vector for transfer of yeast artificial chromosomes to mammalian cells

A modification vector has been constructed to facilitate the transfer of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) to mammalian cells in culture by targeting a dominant selectable marker (G418 resistance) to the right arm of pYAC4 clones. The ADE2 gene is used for yeast selection with consequent disruption of the URA3 gene, allowing direct modification of YACs within the common host strain AB1380, and providing a simple test for correct targeting. This vector has been tested by modification of a 550-kb YAC containing part of the human MHC class II region and transfer to CHO cells by protoplast fusion. Analysis of 15 independent G418-resistant CHO lines obtained following fusion suggests the majority contain a complete YAC with moderate amplification in some lines.     

Molecular studies of CFTR interacting proteins

Transport via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is activated by its interactions with cytoplasmic cofactors, such as cAMP-activated protein kinases. CFTR activity is also known to couple to other ion channels and transporters. Although the genetic cause of human cystic fibrosis by CFTR mutations has been well established, little is known about the protein machinery that plays a role in linking the CFTR to other regulatory or ion-conducting proteins. Several regions of CFTR proteins are highly conserved among different species. The conserved motifs are thought to determine various aspects of channel and mediate interactions with other regulatory proteins. The C-termini, which are not required for functional expression of the CFTR chloride conductance, are also highly conserved. Several proteins that interact with the conserved C-terminus have now been identified. They contain several distinct protein interaction domains, which may be involved in the assembly of macromolecular CFTR channel complexes in vivo. Molecular understanding of these proteins may provide important insights into CFTR function in cystic fibrosis.     

Restricted replication of ectromelia virus in cell culture correlates with mutations in virus-encoded host range gene.

Ectromelia virus (strain Moscow) was shown to replicate poorly or not at all in cell lines derived from the rabbit or hamster. The failure of ectromelia virus to replicate in cell lines derived from the hamster suggested that the virus lacked a functional CHO host range (hr) gene required for multiplication in these cells. A DNA fragment which hybridized to the CHO hr gene was cloned from the ectromelia virus genome and shown by sequence analysis to be deleted of 506 bp within the ectromelia virus CHO hr homologue. Two additional ectromelia viruses (Hampstead and Mill Hill strains) were also shown to lack an intact CHO hr gene. Insertion of the CHO gene from cowpox virus into the ectromelia virus genome extended the host range of ectromelia virus in tissue culture. These results demonstrate that an intact CHO hr gene is not required for maintenance of ectromelia virus in nature and provide a partial explanation for ectromelia virus' narrow host range, as opposed to the broad host range of cowpox virus, which has a functional CHO hr gene.     

Characterization of 19 disease-associated missense mutations in the regulatory domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

In order to gain a better insight into the structure and function of the regulatory domain (RD) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, 19 RD missense mutations that had been identified in patients were functionally characterized. Nine of these (I601F, L610S, A613T, D614G, I618T, L619S, H620P, G628R and L633P) resulted in aberrant processing. No or a very small number of functional CFTR proteins will therefore appear at the cell membrane in cells expressing these mutants. These mutations were clustered in the N- terminal part of the RD, suggesting that this subdomain has a folding pattern that is very sensitive to amino acid changes. Mutations that caused no aberrant processing were further characterized at the electrophysiological level. First, they were studied at the whole cell level in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutants that induced a whole cell current that was significantly different from wild-type CFTR were subsequently analysed at the single channel level in COS1 cells transiently expressing the different mutant and wild-type proteins. Three mutant chloride channels, G622D, R792G and E822K CFTR, were characterized by significantly lower intrinsic chloride channel activities compared with wild-type CFTR. Two mutations, H620Q and A800G, resulted in increased intrinsic chloride transport activities. Finally, T665S and E826K CFTR had single channel properties not significantly different from wild-type CFTR.