Differential localization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in normal and cystic fibrosis airway epithelium.

Deletion of the amino acid residue Phe 508 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein represents the most common mutation identified in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. A monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody directed against different regions of CFTR were used to localize the CFTR protein in normal and CF airway epithelium derived from polyps of non-CF and CF subjects homozygous for the delta Phe 508 CFTR mutation. To identify the cellular and subcellular localization of CFTR, immunofluorescent light microscopy, confocal scanning microscopy, and immunogold transmission electron microscopy were performed on cryofixed tissue. A markedly different subcellular distribution was identified between normal and CF airway epithelial cells. In normal epithelium, labeling was restricted to the surface apical compartment of the ciliated cells. In contrast, in the epithelium from homozygous delta Phe 508 CF patients, CFTR markedly accumulated in the cytosol of all the epithelial cells. These findings are consistent with the concept that the CFTR delta Phe 508 mutation modifies the intracellular maturation and trafficking of the protein, leading to an altered subcellular distribution of the delta Phe 508 mutant CFTR.     

Mucin glycosylation and sulphation in airway epithelial cells is not influenced by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator expression

Abnormalities in mucus properties and clearance make a major contribution to the pathology of cystic fibrosis (CF). Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the defects in CF mucus are a direct result of mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. We evaluated a single mucin molecule MUC1F/5ACTR that carries tandem repeat sequence from MUC5AC, a major secreted airway mucin, in a MUC1 mucin vector. To establish whether the presence of mutant or normal CFTR directly influences the O-glycosylation and sulphation of mucins in airway epithelial cells, we used the CFT1-LC3 (DeltaF508 CFTR mutant) and CFT1-LCFSN (wild-type CFTR corrected) human airway epithelial cell lines. MUC1F/5ACTR mucin was immunoprecipitated, centricon purified, and O-glycosylation was evaluated by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to determine the composition of different carbohydrate structures. Mass spectrometry data showed the same O-glycans in both CFTR mutant and wild-type CFTR corrected cells. Metabolic labeling assays were performed to evaluate gross glycosylation and sulphation of the mucins and showed no significant difference in mucin synthesized in six independent clones of these cell lines. Our results show that the absence of functional CFTR protein causes neither an abnormality in mucin O-glycosylation nor an increase in mucin sulphation.     

Control of epithelial Na+ conductance by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an epithelial Cl- channel expressed in luminal membranes of secretory and reabsorptive epithelia. CFTR plays a predominant role in both cAMP- and Ca2+-activated secretion of electrolytes. Although Ca2+-dependent Cl- channels exist independent of CFTR in the airway epithelium, their physiological significance remains to be determined. However, CFTR seems to be the only relevant Cl- conductance in the colonic epithelium. Apart from its secretory function, CFTR also has a task in regulating the reabsorption of electrolytes by controlling the activity of the epithelial Na+ channel, ENaC. Accordingly, defects in CFTR causing the disease cystic fibrosis (CF) lead to disturbances of both the secretion and absorption of electrolytes. Therefore, it is unclear what is pathophysiologically more important for the development of CF lung disease, the impaired secretion of Cl- or the enhanced reabsorption of Na+ and consecutive hyperabsorption of electrolytes. The mechanisms of how CFTR and ENaC interact are unknown. Previous work has given rise to several interesting working hypothesis, such as direct protein interaction or interaction via cytoskeletal proteins. Recent studies demonstrate the importance of the first nucleotide binding fold of CFTR, not only for the inhibition of ENaC but also for the interaction with other ion channels. Further studies are required to demonstrate whether regulation of other ion channels and membrane transport by CFTR occur by a common mechanism.     

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator does not affect neutrophil migration across cystic fibrosis airway epithelial monolayers

Recent studies have shown that airway inflammation dominated by neutrophils, ie, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) was observed in infants and children with cystic fibrosis (CF) even in the absence of detectable infection. To assess whether there is a CF-related anomaly of PMN migration across airway epithelial cells, we developed an in vitro model of chemotactic migration across tight and polarized CF(15) cells, a CF human nasal epithelial cell line, seeded on porous filters. To compare PMN migration across a pair of CF and control monolayers in the physiological direction, inverted CF(15) cells were infected with increasing concentrations of recombinant adenoviruses containing either the normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA, the DeltaF508 CFTR cDNA, or the beta-galactosidase gene. The number of PMN migrating in response to N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe across inverted CF(15) monolayers expressing beta-galactosidase was similar to that seen across CF(15) monolayers rescued with CFTR, whatever the proportion of cells expressing the transgene. Moreover, PMN migration across monolayers expressing various amounts of mutated CFTR was not different from that observed across matched counterparts expressing normal CFTR. Finally, PMN migration in response to adherent or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was equivalent across CF and corrected monolayers. The possibility that mutated CFTR may exert indirect effects on PMN recruitment, via an abnormal production of the chemotactic cytokine interleukin-8, was also explored. Apical and basolateral production of interleukin-8 by polarized CF cells expressing mutated CFTR was not different from that observed with rescued cells, either in baseline or stimulated conditions. CF(15) cells displayed a CF phenotype that could be corrected by CFTR-containing adenoviruses, because two known CF defects, Cl(-) secretion and increased P. aeruginosa adherence, were normalized after infection with those viruses. Thus, we conclude that the presence of a mutated CFTR does not per se lead to an exaggerated inflammatory response of CF surface epithelial cells in the absence or presence of a bacterial infection.     

Expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator during early human embryo development

Formation of the blastocyst is one of the first morphological changes in early embryonic development. Ion transport has been shown to be crucial for blastocoele cavity formation and expansion, although the mechanisms that underlie this process are presently unknown. As a transmembrane Cl(-) channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) may participate in ion transport and early blastocoele formation. CFTR mRNA was detected throughout preimplantation embryo development and in the unfertilized oocyte. Immunocytochemistry disclosed the presence of CFTR protein from the 8-cell stage, reaching maximum immunoreactivity at early blastocyst stage embryos. Patch clamp electrophysiology of morulae and blastocysts demonstrated typical CFTR Cl(-) channel activities in the apical membrane of trophectoderm cells. Thus CFTR is expressed both at mRNA and protein levels in human morulae and blastocysts, and functions as a cAMP-regulated apical membrane Cl(-) channel. These data suggest that CFTR may contribute to blastocoele formation in the early human embryo.     

Expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in human endometrium

BACKGROUND: As a cAMP-regulated Cl- channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays a critical role in the active secretion of electrolytes and fluid in epithelial cells. Women with CFTR gene mutations are less fertile, generally assumed to be due to cervical factors. However, there is little known about CFTR protein expression in human endometrium and its possible roles in reproduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: CFTR protein and mRNA levels in human endometrium were analysed using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods, respectively. Significant expression of CFTR protein was only seen in the glandular cells from late proliferative to all secretory phases, consistent with western blot analysis. High levels of CFTR mRNA were present only around the ovulatory period. In cultured glandular cells, the production of CFTR protein and mRNA was stimulated by estradiol and inhibited by progesterone. A forskolin-activated Cl- current in endometrial epithelial cells with a linear I-V relationship was detected by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. CONCLUSIONS: (i) CFTR mRNA and protein were localized in human endometrial epithelial cells and the amounts varied in a cyclic manner; (ii) CFTR expression in cultured glandular cells was up- and downregulated by estradiol and progesterone, respectively; and (iii) CFTR in human endometrium functions as a cAMP-activated Cl- channel.     

Regulation of epithelial ion channels by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

In most epithelia ion transport is tightly regulated. One major primary target of such regulation is the modulation of ion channels. The present brief review focuses on one specific example of ion channel regulation by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR functions as a cAMP-regulated Cl^- channel. Its defect leads to the variable clinical pictures of cystic fibrosis (CF), which today is understood as a primary defect of epithelial Cl^- channels in a variety of tissues such as the respiratory tract, intestine, pancreas, skin, epididymis, fallopian tube, and others. Most recent findings suggest that CFTR also acts as a channel regulator. Three examples are discussed by which CFTR regulates other Cl^- channels, K⁺ channels, and epithelial Na⁺ channels. From this perspective it is evident that CFTR may play a major role in the integration of cellular function.Abbreviations CF Cystic fibrosis - CFTR Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator - IBMX Isobutylmethylxanthine - ICOR Intermediate conductance outwardly rectifying - MDR Multidrug resistance protein Supported by DFG: Gr 480/11     

Increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression in the human hydrosalpinx

BACKGROUND: Hydrosalpinx (HSP), characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in the Fallopian tube, is one of the main causes of infertility in women; however, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) remains elusive. The present study investigated the possible involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-dependent chloride channel, in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx. METHODS: Masson's trichrome staining was used to characterize epithelial transformation in human HSP; RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used for CFTR expression and localization. RESULTS: Masson's trichrome staining showed areas of epithelial transformation, focally attenuated and pseudostratified. Immunostaining showed enhanced CFTR immunoreactivity in the focally attenuated and pseudostratified areas of HSP epithelium. RT-PCR revealed that CFTR expression in HSP was significantly greater than that in normal Fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HSP epithelium undergoes epithelial transformation with elevated CFTR expression, which may lead to increased transepithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion resulting in HF formation. The present findings may lead to the development of new treatment strategies for infertile patients with HSP.     

Adenosine regulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator through prostenoids in airway epithelia

Cystic fibrosis is caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, leading to altered ion transport, chronic infection, and excessive inflammation. Here we investigated regulation of CFTR in airway cell monolayers by adenosine, adenosine receptors, and arachidonic acid. Our studies demonstrate that the A2B adenosine receptor is expressed at high levels relative to the other adenosine receptor subtypes, with a characteristic low-affinity profile for adenosine-stimulated CFTR Cl- currents in both Calu-3 cells and CFBE41o- airway cell monolayers stably transduced with wild-type CFTR. The levels of adenosine found in sputum from patients with cystic fibrosis with moderate to severe lung disease stimulated apical prostaglandin release in Calu-3 and CFBE41o- cells, implicating adenosine regulation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. A2B adenosine receptor and arachidonic acid stimulation produced CFTR-dependent currents in airway monolayers and increased cAMP levels that were sensitive to cyclooxygenase inhibition. Arachidonic acid demonstrated dual regulation of CFTR, stimulating CFTR and Cl- currents in intact airway monolayers, and potently inhibiting PKA-activated Cl- currents in excised membrane patches. Cl- currents produced by arachidonic acid were sensitive to inhibition of PKA, cyclooxygenase, and 5-lipoxygenase. Together, the results provide a converging mechanism to link regulation of CFTR and airway cell inflammation through adenosine and adenosine receptors.     

Expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the human distal lung

The determination of the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the lung is essential for a full understanding of the normal lung physiology and the pathogenesis of the lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, studies on the expression of CFTR in the distal adult human lung have yielded conflicting results despite functional evidence of expression of CFTR in bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. We used 2 high-affinity monoclonal anti-CFTR antibodies, MAb24-1 and MAb13-1, to determine the expression of CFTR in samples of bronchiolar and alveolar tissues obtained from the same non-CF individuals. CFTR immunostaining was detected in the epithelium of bronchiolar and alveolar tissues. The staining pattern was similar with both antibodies. In bronchioles, CFTR labeling was present mostly in ciliated cells; in alveoli, CFTR labeling was detected in both type I and type II cells. We conclude that CFTR is expressed in human bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. The potential importance of CFTR expression in alveoli should be further investigated, particularly with respect to the CF lung disease and the physiology of the alveolar region.     

Role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance channel in human airway smooth muscle

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from asthma-like symptoms and gastrointestinal cramps, attributed to a mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene present in a variety of cells. Pulmonary manifestations of the disease include the production of thickened mucus and symptoms of asthma, such as cough and wheezing. A possible alteration in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell function of patients with CF has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the (CFTR) channel is present and affects function of human ASM cells. Cell cultures were obtained from the main or lobar bronchi of patients with and without CF, and the presence of the CFTR channel detected by immunofluorescence. Cytosolic Ca(2+) was measured using Fura-2 and dual-wavelength microfluorimetry. The results show that CFTR is expressed in airway bronchial tissue and in cultured ASM cells. Peak Ca(2+) release in response to histamine was significantly decreased in CF cells compared with non-CF ASM cells (357 +/- 53 nM versus 558 +/- 20 nM; P < 0.001). The CFTR pharmacological blockers, glibenclamide and N-phenyl anthranilic acid, significantly reduced histamine-induced Ca(2+) release in non-CF cells, and similar results were obtained when CFTR expression was varied using antisense oligonucleotides. In conclusion, these data show that the CFTR channel is present in ASM cells, and that it modulates the release of Ca(2+) in response to contractile agents. In patients with CF, a dysfunctional CFTR channel could contribute to the asthma diathesis and gastrointestinal problems experienced by these patients.     

Salmonella enterica serovar typhi modulates cell surface expression of its receptor,the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator,on the intestinal epithelium

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is an epithelial receptor mediating the translocation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi to the gastric submucosa. Since the level of cell surface CFTR is directly related to the efficiency of serovar Typhi translocation, the goal of this study was to measure CFTR expression by the intestinal epithelium during infection. CFTR protein initially present in the epithelial cell cytoplasm was rapidly trafficked to the plasma membrane following exposure to live serovar Typhi or bacterial extracts. CFTR-dependent bacterial uptake by epithelial cells increased (>100-fold) following CFTR redistribution. The bacterial factor which triggers CFTR redistribution is heat and protease sensitive. These data suggest that serovar Typhi induces intestinal epithelial cells to increase membrane CFTR levels, leading to enhanced bacterial ingestion and submucosal translocation. This could be a key, early step in the infectious process leading to typhoid fever.     

Effects of rhinovirus infection on the expression and function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and epithelial sodium channel in human nasal mucosa

BackgroundChanges in expression and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) have been found to cause airway surface liquid (ASL) derangement and to impair mucociliary clearance, both of which have been linked to the pathogenesis of rhinovirus (RV) infection.ObjectivesThe effects of RV infection on the expression and function of CFTR and ENaC in nasal epithelial cells were investigated.MethodsNasal epithelial cells obtained from 14 turbinoplasty patients were infected with RV serotype 16 (RV-16) for 4 hours. Expression of CFTR, α-ENaC, β-ENaC, and γ-ENaC was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Functional changes in the CFTR and ENaC proteins were assessed by measuring transepithelial resistance (TER) using a voltmeter combined with ion channel modulators.ResultsRhinovirus infection increased expression of CFTR, α-ENaC, β-ENaC, and γ-ENaC messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein compared with controls (P < .05 each) and increased the expression of all 4 proteins on confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Treatment of cells with the ENaC blocker amiloride and the CFTR activator forskolin increased TER in RV-infected cells, whereas forskolin decreased TER in uninfected cells. The CFTR inhibitor NPPB, however, blocked CFTR more in RV-infected than in noninfected cells.ConclusionsRhinovirus increased the expression of CFTR and appeared to alter its function. In contrast, ENaC expression and function were increased by RV infection. Therefore, RV infection may impair mucociliary transport of nasal epithelium by these alterations.     

Human airway surface epithelial regeneration is delayed and abnormal in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) at an advanced stage of the disease is characterized by airway epithelial injury and remodelling. Whether CF remodelling is related to infection and inflammation or due to an abnormal regenerative process is still undecided. We have recently established the expression and secretion profiles of interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 during non-CF airway epithelial regeneration in a humanized nude mouse xenograft model. To enhance our understanding of CF remodelling, we compared the regeneration process of non-infected human CF and non-CF nasal epithelia. In both CF and non-CF situations, epithelial regeneration was characterized by successive steps of cell adhesion and migration, proliferation, pseudostratification, and terminal differentiation. However, histological examination of the grafts showed a delay in differentiation of the CF airway epithelium. Cell proliferation was higher in the regenerating CF epithelium, and the differentiated CF epithelium exhibited a pronounced height increase and basal cell hyperplasia in comparison with non-CF epithelium. In addition, while the number of goblet cells expressing MUC5AC was similar in CF and non-CF regenerated epithelia, the number of MUC5B-immunopositive goblet cells was lower in CF grafts. The expression of human IL-8, MMP-7, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 was enhanced in CF epithelium, especially early in the regenerative process. Together, our data strongly suggest that the regeneration of human CF airway surface epithelium is characterized by remodelling, delayed differentiation, and altered pro-inflammatory and MMP responses.     

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in reproductive health and disease

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, which is expressed in epithelial cells of a wide variety of tissues including the reproductive tracts. Mutations in the gene encoding CFTR cause cystic fibrosis, a common genetic disease in Caucasian populations with a multitude of clinical manifestations including infertility/subfertility in both sexes. However, the physiological role of CFTR in reproduction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of reproductive diseases remain largely unknown. This review discusses the role of CFTR in regulating fluid volume and bicarbonate secretion in the reproductive tracts and their importance in various reproductive events. We also discuss the contribution of CFTR dysfunction to a number of pathological conditions. The evidence presented is consistent with an important role of CFTR in reproductive health and disease, suggesting that CFTR might be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive diseases including infertility.     

Identification and developmental expression of the Xenopus laevis cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene.

An amphibian homologue of the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene has been isolated from Xenopus laevis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The 4455bp sequence encodes a predicted polypeptide of 1485 amino acids which has an overall homology at the amino acid level of 77% identity and 88% similarity with human CFTR. Comparison of these evolutionarily diverse CFTR sequences has structure-function implications. Investigation of the expression of the Xenopus gene during early stages of development (Stages 1-48), using RNAase protection assays and PCR analysis of total Xenopus RNA, shows CFTR mRNA to be present at the very earliest stages of development, including the oocyte and blastula stages, with increasing amounts during subsequent development. The identification of mRNA for a CFTR homologue in the Xenopus oocyte and early stages of development has implications for its biological role.