Shear stress regulation of miR-93 and miR-484 maturation through nucleolin.

Pulsatile shear (PS) and oscillatory shear (OS) elicit distinct mechanotransduction signals that maintain endothelial homeostasis or induce endothelial dysfunction, respectively. A subset of microRNAs (miRs) in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are differentially regulated by PS and OS, but the regulation of the miR processing and its implications in EC biology by shear stress are poorly understood. From a systematic in silico analysis for RNA binding proteins that regulate miR processing, we found that nucleolin (NCL) is a major regulator of miR processing in response to OS and essential for the maturation of miR-93 and miR-484 that target mRNAs encoding Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Additionally, anti-miR-93 and anti-miR-484 restore KLF2 and eNOS expression and NO bioavailability in ECs under OS. Analysis of posttranslational modifications of NCL identified that serine 328 (S328) phosphorylation by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was a major PS-activated event. AMPK phosphorylation of NCL sequesters it in the nucleus, thereby inhibiting miR-93 and miR-484 processing and their subsequent targeting of KLF2 and eNOS mRNA. Elevated levels of miR-93 and miR-484 were found in sera collected from individuals afflicted with coronary artery disease in two cohorts. These findings provide translational relevance of the AMPK-NCL-miR-93/miR-484 axis in miRNA processing in EC health and coronary artery disease.

Absorptive transport of amino acids by the rat colon.

The capacity of the colon to absorb microbially produced amino acids (AAs) and the underlying mechanisms of AA transport are incompletely defined. We measured the profile of 16 fecal AAs along the rat ceco-colonic axis and compared unidirectional absorptive AA fluxes across mucosal tissues isolated from the rat jejunum, cecum, and proximal colon using an Ussing chamber approach, in conjunction with 1H-NMR and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry chemical analyses. Passage of stool from cecum to midcolon was associated with segment-specific changes in fecal AA composition and a decrease in total AA content. Simultaneous measurement of up to 16 AA fluxes under native luminal conditions, with correction for endogenous AA release, demonstrated absorptive transfer of AAs across the cecum and proximal colon at rates comparable (30-80%) to those across the jejunum, with significant Na+-dependent and H+-stimulated components. Expression profiling of 30 major AA transporter genes by quantitative PCR revealed comparatively high levels of transcripts for 20 AA transporters in the cecum and/or colon, with the levels of 12 exceeding those in the small intestine. Our results suggest a more detailed model of major apical and basolateral AA transporters in rat colonocytes and provide evidence for a previously unappreciated transfer of AAs across the colonic epithelium that could link the prodigious metabolic capacities of the luminal microbiota, the colonocytes, and the body tissues.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence for a previously unappreciated transfer of microbially generated amino acids across the colonic epithelium under physiological conditions that could link the prodigious metabolic capacities of the luminal microbiota, the colonocytes, and the body tissues. The segment-specific expression of at least 20 amino acid transporter genes along the colon provides a detailed mechanistic basis for uniport, heteroexchange, Na+-cotransport, and H+-cotransport components of colonic amino acid absorption.

AMPK mediates inhibition of electrolyte transport and NKCC1 activity by reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 are believed to play a prominent role in the injury and loss of transport function that affect the intestinal epithelium in inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Defects in intestinal epithelial ion transport regulation contribute to dysbiosis and inflammatory phenotypes. We previously showed that H2O2 inhibits Ca2+-dependent Cl- secretion across intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent mechanism that occurs, at least in part, through inhibition of the basolateral Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter NKCC1. NKCC1 governs Cl- entry into crypt IECs and thus plays a critical role in maintaining the driving force for Cl- secretion. Electrolyte transport consumes large amounts of cellular energy, and direct pharmacological activation of the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to inhibit a number of ion transport proteins. Here, we show that H2O2 activates AMPK in human IEC lines and ex vivo human colon. Moreover, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of H2O2 on Ca2+-dependent Cl- secretion and NKCC1 activity is AMPK-dependent. This inhibitory effect is associated with a physical interaction between AMPK and NKCC1, as well as increased phosphorylation (Thr212,217) of NKCC1, without causing NKCC1 internalization. These data identify a key role for AMPK-NKCC1 interaction as a point of convergence for suppression of colonic epithelial ion transport by inflammatory reactive oxygen species.NEW & NOTEWORTHY H2O2 inhibition of intestinal epithelial Ca2+-dependent Cl- secretion involves recruitment of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) downstream of ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways, physical interaction of AMPK with the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter NKCC1, and AMPK-dependent suppression of NKCC1-mediated electrolyte influx without causing NKCC1 internalization. It is intriguing that, in human intestinal epithelial cell lines and human colon, H2O2 activation of AMPK increased phosphorylation of NKCC1 residues required for promoting, not inhibiting, NKCC1 activity. These data identify an elevated complexity of AMPK regulation of NKCC1 in the setting of an inflammatory stimulus.

An intergenic risk locus containing an enhancer deletion in 2q35 modulates breast cancer risk by deregulating IGFBP5 expression.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in females. Previous association studies have identified variants on 2q35 associated with the risk of breast cancer. To identify functional susceptibility loci for breast cancer, we interrogated the 2q35 gene desert for chromatin architecture and functional variation correlated with gene expression. We report a novel intergenic breast cancer risk locus containing an enhancer copy number variation (enCNV; deletion) located approximately 400Kb upstream to IGFBP5, which overlaps an intergenic ERα-bound enhancer that loops to the IGFBP5 promoter. The enCNV is correlated with modified ERα binding and monoallelic-repression of IGFBP5 following oestrogen treatment. We investigated the association of enCNV genotype with breast cancer in 1,182 cases and 1,362 controls, and replicate our findings in an independent set of 62,533 cases and 60,966 controls from 41 case control studies and 11 GWAS. We report a dose-dependent inverse association of 2q35 enCNV genotype (percopy OR = 0.68 95%CI 0.55-0.83, P = 0.0002; replication OR = 0.77 95% CI 0.73-0.82, P = 2.1 × 10-19) and identify 13 additional linked variants (r2 > 0.8) in the 20Kb linkage block containing the enCNV (P = 3.2 × 10-15 - 5.6 × 10-17). These associations were independent of previously reported 2q35 variants, rs13387042/rs4442975 and rs16857609, and were stronger for ER-positive than ER-negative disease. Together, these results suggest that 2q35 breast cancer risk loci may be mediating their effect through IGFBP5.

1H NMR-Based Identification of Intestinally Absorbed Metabolites by Ussing Chamber Analysis of the Rat Cecum.

The large intestine (cecum and colon) is a complex biochemical factory of vital importance to human health. It plays a major role in digestion and absorption by salvaging nutrients from polysaccharides via fermentation initiated by the bacteria that comprise the gut microbiome. We hypothesize that the intestinal epithelium absorbs a limited number of luminal metabolites with bioactive potential while actively excluding those with toxic effects. To explore this concept, we combined 1H NMR detection with Ussing chamber measurements of absorptive transport by rat cecum. Numerous metabolites transported across the epithelium can be measured simultaneously by 1H NMR, a universal detector of organic compounds, alleviating the need for fluorescent or radiolabeled compounds. Our results demonstrate the utility of this approach to delineate the repertoire of fecal solutes that are selectively absorbed by the cecum and to determine their transport rates.

Site of Fluid Secretion in Small Airways.

The secretion and management of readily transportable airway surface liquid (ASL) along the respiratory tract is crucial for the clearance of debris and pathogens from the lungs. In proximal large airways, submucosal glands (SMGs) can produce ASL. However, in distal small airways, SMGs are absent, although the lumens of these airways are, uniquely, highly plicated. Little is known about the production and maintenance of ASL in small airways, but using electrophysiology, we recently found that native porcine small airways simultaneously secrete and absorb. How these airways can concurrently transport ASL in opposite directions is puzzling. Using high expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransport (NKCC) 1 protein (SLC12a2) as a phenotypic marker for fluid secretory cells, immunofluorescence microscopy of porcine small airways revealed two morphologically separated sets of luminal epithelial cells. NKCC1 was abundantly expressed by most cells in the contraluminal regions of the pleats but highly expressed very infrequently by cells in the luminal folds of the epithelial plications. In larger proximal airways, the acini of SMGs expressed NKCC1 prominently, but cells expressing NKCC1 in the surface epithelium were sparse. Our findings indicate that, in the small airway, cells in the pleats of the epithelium secrete ASL, whereas, in the larger proximal airways, SMGs mainly secrete ASL. We propose a mechanism in which the locations of secretory cells in the base of pleats and of absorptive cells in luminal folds physically help maintain a constant volume of ASL in small airways.

Conditional (intestinal-specific) knockout of the riboflavin transporter-3 (RFVT-3) impairs riboflavin absorption.

Riboflavin (RF) is indispensable for normal cell metabolism, proliferation, and growth. The RFVT-3 protein (product of the Slc52a3 gene) is expressed in the gut with the expression being restricted to the apical membrane domain of the polarized intestinal epithelial cells. The relative contribution of RFVT-3 to total carrier-mediated RF uptake in the native intestine, however, is not clear. We addressed this issue in the current investigation using a conditional (intestinal-specific) RFVT-3 knockout (cKO) mouse model developed by the Cre/Lox approach. All RFVT-3 cKO mice were found to be RF deficient and showed a significant growth and development retardation; also, nearly two-thirds of them died prematurely between the age of 6 and 12 wk. In vivo (intestinal and colonic loops) and in vitro (native isolated intestinal epithelial cells) uptake studies showed a severe inhibition in carrier-mediated RF uptake in the cKO mice compared with control littermates. We also observed a significant increase in the level of expression of oxidative stress-responsive genes in the intestine of the cKO mice compared with control littermates. Supplementation of the RFVT-3 cKO mice with pharmacological doses of RF led to a complete correction of the growth retardation and to normalization in the level of expression of the oxidative stress-responsive genes in the gut. These results show, for the first time, that the RFVT-3 system is the main transporter involved in carrier-mediated RF uptake in the native mouse small and large intestine, and that its dysfunction impairs normal RF body homeostasis.

Zinc Orthophosphate Can Reduce Nitrate-Induced Corrosion of Lead Solder.

Nitrate-induced spallation of lead-bearing solder particles into drinking water is not sufficiently controlled by phosphate-based inhibitors, although adding zinc can improve their performance. Studies using copper coupons coated with new lead-tin solder in water with up to 12 mg/L nitrate demonstrated that zinc orthophosphate reduced lead release by more than 90% and outperformed orthophosphate alone. Lead release and spallation from harvested pipes with decades-old lead-tin solder in a high nitrate water were improved but not eliminated with zinc orthophosphate over a period of months. When applied at a water utility with high source water nitrate, monthly in-home field sampling showed that 90th percentile lead levels dropped below the action level after dosing zinc orthophosphate at full scale for 6 months. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of pipe scales revealed that zinc and orthophosphate codeposit at the copper-solder interface and may act as a mixed inhibitor, with zinc inhibiting the cathodic reaction on the copper pipe, phosphate limiting the anodic reaction, and an added benefit of zinc orthophosphate preferentially precipitating at the galvanic interface between the anode and the cathode. Updates to corrosion control guidance for waters with higher nitrate due to seasonal runoff or source water changes are needed.

Differentiation-dependent regulation of intestinal vitamin B(2) uptake: studies utilizing human-derived intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and native rat intestine.

Intestinal epithelial cells undergo differentiation as they move from the crypt to the villi, a process that is associated with up- and downregulation in expression of a variety of genes, including those involved in nutrient absorption. Whether the intestinal uptake process of vitamin B(2) [riboflavin (RF)] also undergoes differentiation-dependent regulation and the mechanism through which this occurs are not known. We used human-derived intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and native rat intestine as models to address these issues. Caco-2 cells showed a significantly higher carrier-mediated RF uptake in post- than preconfluent cells. This upregulation was associated with a significantly higher level of protein and mRNA expression of the RF transporters hRFVT-1 and hRFVT-3 in the post- than preconfluent cells; it was also accompanied with a significantly higher rate of transcription of the respective genes (SLC52A1 and SLC52A3), as indicated by the higher level of expression of heterogeneous nuclear RNA and higher promoter activity in post- than preconfluent cells. Studies with native rat intestine also showed a significantly higher RF uptake by epithelial cells of the villus tip than epithelial cells of the crypt; this again was accompanied by a significantly higher level of expression of the rat RFVT-1 and RFVT-3 at the protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA levels. These findings show, for the first time, that the intestinal RF uptake process undergoes differentiation-dependent upregulation and suggest that this is mediated (at least in part) via transcriptional mechanisms.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Nitrate Levels Can Trigger Lead Solder Corrosion Problems in Drinking Water.

After a utility switched its source water from ground to surface water in 2017, first draw water lead levels spiked due to increased lead solder corrosion that could not be explained by existing knowledge. When lead release was not adequately reduced with a 90:10 orthophosphate/polyphosphate corrosion inhibitor blend or even high levels of 100% orthophosphate, an in-depth investigation of possible causes revealed a strong correlation between 90th percentile lead and seasonal fluctuations in surface water nitrate levels. Complementary bench-scale studies that tested new copper coupons with lead solder and harvested pipes from a worst case home verified a strong relationship between nitrate and elevated lead. Lead release in the presence of nitrate became increasingly erratic with time, resulting in the spalling of large lead solder particulates up to 7 mm in length into the water. Lead levels were occasionally >1000 ppb in homes and >100000 ppb in the bench experiments with harvested pipe. Orthophosphate was unable to sufficiently reduce lead levels below the action level during periods with high nitrate levels in the bench studies. Water utilities and regulators should proactively consider possible unintended consequences of higher nitrate levels on lead release when changing source waters or during seasonal runoff events.

K+-Cl- cotransporter-2 KCC2 in chicken cardiomyocytes.

Using antibodies prepared against a unique region (exon 22-24) of rat K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter-2 (KCC2), we confirmed that the ~140-kDa KCC2 protein is exclusively expressed in rat brain, but in chicken, we observed strong reactivity not only with the ~140-kDa KCC2 protein in brain but also a slightly larger ~145-kDa protein in heart. In silico analysis showed that while exon 22 of KCC2 is unique to this isoform in therian mammals, it is retained in KCC2's closest paralog, KCC4, of lower vertebrates, including chicken. To eliminate potential cross-reactivity with chicken KCC4, the antibodies were preadsorbed with blocking peptides prepared over the only two regions showing significant sequence identity to chicken KCC4. This completely eliminated antibody recognition of exogenously expressed chicken KCC4 but not of the ~145-kDa protein in chicken heart, indicating that chicken heart expresses KCC2. Real-time PCR confirmed robust KCC2 transcript expression in both chicken brain and heart. Chicken heart expressed predominantly the longer KCC2a splice variant consistent with the larger ~145-kDa protein in chicken heart. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed prominent plasma membrane KCC2 labeling in chicken ventricular cardiomyocytes. We hypothesize that KCC2 is an important Cl(-) extrusion pathway in avian cardiomyocytes that counters channel-mediated Cl(-) loading during high heart rates with ß-adrenergic stimulation. While KCC2 is absent from mammalian cardiomyocytes, understanding the role that the other KCC isoforms play in Cl(-) homeostasis of these cells represents a nascent area of research.

Glucagon regulates ACC activity in adipocytes through the CAMKKß/AMPK pathway.

Glucagon is important for regulating lipid metabolism in part through its inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in adipocytes. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid synthesis. Glucagon has been proposed to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates ACC1 to attenuate the lipogenic activity of ACC1. Because AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) also inhibits fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of ACC1, we examined the involvement of AMPK and its upstream kinase in the glucagon-elicited signaling in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. LC-MS-MS analysis suggested that ACC1 was phosphorylated only at Ser(79), an AMPK-specific site, in glucagon-treated adipocytes. Pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown of AMPK or PKA in adipocytes demonstrate that glucagon regulates ACC1 and ACC2 activity through AMPK but not PKA. By using Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-ß knockout (CaMKKß(-/-)) mice and cultured adipocytes, we further show that glucagon activates the CaMKKß/AMPK/ACC cascade. Additionally, fasting increases the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in CaMKKß(+/+) but not CaMKKß(-/-) mice. These results indicate that CaMKKß/AMPK signaling is an important molecular component in regulating lipid metabolism in adipocytes responding to glucagon and could be a therapeutic target for the dysregulation of energy storage.

Apical and basolateral pools of proteinase-activated receptor-2 direct distinct signaling events in the intestinal epithelium.

Studies suggest that there are two distinct pools of proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) present in intestinal epithelial cells: an apical pool accessible from the lumen, and a basolateral pool accessible from the interstitial space and blood. Although introduction of PAR2 agonists such as 2-furoyl-LIGRL-O-NH2 (2fAP) to the intestinal lumen can activate PAR2, the presence of accessible apical PAR2 has not been definitively shown. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that basolateral PAR2 responses in the intestinal epithelium are mediated indirectly by neuropeptides released from enteric nerve fibers, rather than by intestinal PAR2 itself. Here we identified accessible pools of both apical and basolateral PAR2 in cultured Caco2-BBe monolayers and in mouse ileum. Activation of basolateral PAR2 transiently increased short-circuit current by activating electrogenic Cl⁻ secretion, promoted dephosphorylation of the actin filament-severing protein, cofilin, and activated the transcription factor, AP-1, whereas apical PAR2 did not. In contrast, both pools of PAR2 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) via temporally and mechanistically distinct pathways. Apical PAR2 promoted a rapid, biphasic PLCß/Ca²(+)/PKC-dependent ERK1/2 activation, resulting in nuclear localization, whereas basolateral PAR2 promoted delayed ERK1/2 activation which was predominantly restricted to the cytosol, involving both PLCß/Ca²(+) and ß-arrestin-dependent pathways. These results suggest that the outcome of PAR2 activation is dependent on the specific receptor pool that is activated, allowing for fine-tuning of the physiological responses to different agonists.

Intranasal M cell uptake of nanoparticles is independently influenced by targeting ligands and buffer ionic strength.

In mucosal tissues, epithelial M cells capture and transport microbes across the barrier to underlying immune cells. Previous studies suggested that high affinity ligands targeting M cells may be used to deliver mucosal vaccines; here, we show that particle composition and dispersion buffer ionic strength can independently influence their uptake in vivo. First, addition of a poloxamer 188 to nanoparticle formulations increased uptake of intranasally administered nanoparticles in vivo, but the effect was dependent on the presence of the M cell-targeting ligand. Second, solvent ionic strength is known to effect electrostatic interactions; accordingly, reduced ionic strength increased the electrostatic potential between the epithelium and the particles. Interestingly, below a critical ionic strength, intranasal particle uptake in vivo significantly was increased even when controlled for osmolarity. Similar results were obtained for uptake of bacterial particles. Surprisingly, at low ionic strength, the specific enhancement effect by the targeting peptide was negligible. Modeling of the electrostatic forces predicted that the enhancing effects of the M cell-targeting ligand only are enabled at high ionic strength, as particle electrostatic forces are reduced through Debye screening. Thus, electrostatic forces can have a dramatic effect on the in vivo M cell particle uptake independent of the action of targeting ligands. Examination of these forces will be helpful to optimizing mucosal vaccine and drug delivery.

Doppler-free spectroscopy of mercury at 253.7 nm using a high-power, frequency-quadrupled, optically pumped external-cavity semiconductor laser.

We have developed a stable, high-power, single-frequency optically pumped external-cavity semiconductor laser system and generate up to 125 mW of power at 253.7 nm using successive frequency doubling stages. We demonstrate precision scanning and control of the laser frequency in the UV to be used for cooling and trapping of mercury atoms. With active frequency stabilization, a linewidth of <60 kHz is measured in the IR. Doppler-free spectroscopy and stabilization to the 6(1)S(0)-6(3)P(1) mercury transition at 253.7 nm is demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Doppler-free spectroscopy in the deep UV based on a frequency-quadrupled, high-power (>1 W) optically pumped semiconductor laser system. The results demonstrate the utility of these devices for precision spectroscopy at deep-UV wavelengths.

Segregation of Na/H exchanger-3 and Cl/HCO3 exchanger SLC26A3 (DRA) in rodent cecum and colon.

The colon is believed to absorb NaCl via the coupled operation of apical Na/H exchanger-3 (NHE3) and Cl/HCO(3) exchanger SLC26A3 (DRA). Efficient coupling requires that NHE3 and DRA operate in close proximity within common luminal and cytosolic microenvironments. Thus we examined whether these proteins coexist along the apical margin of surface enterocytes by quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy in consecutive colon segments from nonfasted mice and rats. The cecocolonic profiles of NHE3 and DRA expression were roughly inverse; NHE3 was highest in proximal colon (PC) and negligible in distal colon, whereas DRA was absent in early PC and highest in the late midcolon, and DRA was prominent in the cecum whereas NHE3 was not. NHE3 and DRA coexisted only in the middle third of the colon. The consequences of unpaired NHE3/DRA expression on mucosal surface (subscript MS) pH and Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)]) were assessed in nonfasted rats in situ using miniature electrodes. In the cecum, where only DRA is expressed, pH(MS) was approximately 7.5, markedly higher than underlaying stool (6.3), consistent with net HCO(3)(-) secretion. In the early PC, where NHE3 is not expressed with DRA, pH(MS) was acidic (6.2), consistent with unopposed H(+) secretion. [Na(+)](MS) was approximately 60 mM in the cecum, decreased along the PC to approximately 20 mM, and declined further to approximately 10 mM distally. Cl(-) was secreted into the PC, then reabsorbed distally. Our results suggest a model in which 1) unpaired DRA activity in the cecum maintains an alkaline mucosal surface that could neutralize fermentative H(+); 2) unpaired NHE3 activity in the early PC preserves an acidic mucosal surface that could energize short-chain fatty acid absorption; and 3) coupled NHE3/DRA activities in the midcolon allow for vigorous NaCl absorption at a neutral pH(MS).

Activation of PPARgamma by rosiglitazone attenuates intestinal Cl- secretion.

The thiazolidinedione (TZD) drugs rosiglitazone (Ro) and pioglitazone (Po) are PPARgamma agonists in widespread clinical use as insulin-sensitizing agents in Type 2 diabetes. On the basis of recent evidence implicating PPARgamma as a positive modulator of intestinal epithelial differentiation, we hypothesized that TZD drugs might attenuate intestinal secretory function. To evaluate this possibility, we examined the effects of Ro and Po on electrogenic Cl- secretion [short-circuit current (I(sc))] in mouse intestinal segments and in cultured human intestinal epithelial cells (HT29-Cl.19A). As hypothesized, oral administration of Ro (20 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) to mice for 8 days markedly reduced intestinal I(sc) responses to cAMP (forskolin)- and Ca2+ (carbachol)-dependent stimuli. In these Ro-treated mice, cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation was reduced 65%. With continued Ro treatment, the I(sc) response to carbachol recovered significantly, whereas that to forskolin remained attenuated. Treatment of HT29 cells for 5 days with 10 muM Ro or Po in vitro brought about a similar hyposecretory state. In HT29 cells, the loss of cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion was attributable to a reduced expression of CFTR Cl- channel, KCNQ1 K+ channel, and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter-1 proteins. The transient loss of Ca2+-dependent Cl- secretion involved an impairment of basolateral Ca2+-stimulated K+ channel activity without a detectable loss of K(Ca)3.1 channel protein. Our results establish TZD drugs as important modulators of intestinal Cl- secretory function.

Hydrogen peroxide inhibits Ca2+-dependent chloride secretion across colonic epithelial cells via distinct kinase signaling pathways and ion transport proteins.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key mediators in a number of inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ROS, including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), modulate intestinal epithelial ion transport and are believed to contribute to IBD-associated diarrhea. Intestinal crypt fluid secretion, driven by electrogenic Cl(-) secretion, hydrates and sterilizes the crypt, thus reducing bacterial adherence. Here, we show that pathophysiological concentrations of H(2)O(2) inhibit Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion across T(84) colonic epithelial cells by elevating cytosolic Ca(2+), which contributes to activation of two distinct signaling pathways. One involves recruitment of the Ca(2+)-responsive kinases, Src and Pyk-2, as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). A separate pathway recruits p38 MAP kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling. The ion transport response to Ca(2+)-dependent stimuli is mediated in part by K(+) efflux through basolateral K(+) channels and Cl(-) uptake by the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter, NKCC1. We demonstrate that H(2)O(2) inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent basolateral K(+) efflux and also inhibits NKCC1 activity independently of inhibitory effects on apical Cl(-) conductance. Thus, we have demonstrated that H(2)O(2) inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion through multiple negative regulatory signaling pathways and inhibition of specific ion transporters. These findings increase our understanding of mechanisms by which inflammation disturbs intestinal epithelial function and contributes to intestinal pathophysiology.

Cloning and characterization of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor gene in Spodoptera littoralis larvae.

In noctuid moths cuticular pigmentation is regulated by the pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PK/PBAN) family, which also mediates a variety of other functions in moths and other insects. Numerous studies have shown that these neuropeptides exert their functions through activation of the PBAN receptor (PBAN-R), with subsequent Ca(2+) influx, followed by either activation of cAMP or direct activation of downstream kinases. Recently, several PBAN-Rs have been identified, all of which are from the pheromone gland of adult female moths, but evidence shows that functional PK/PBAN-Rs can also be expressed in insect larvae, where they mediate melanization and possibly other functions (e.g., diapause). Here, we identified a gene encoding a G-protein-coupled receptor from the 5th instar larval tissue of the moth Spodoptera littoralis. The cDNA of this gene contains an open reading frame with a length of 1050 nucleotides, which translates to a 350-amino acid, 42-kDa protein that shares 92% amino acid identity with Helicoverpa zea and Helicoverpa armigera PBAN-R, 81% with Bombyx mori PBAN-R and 72% with Plutella xylostella PBAN-R. The S. littoralis PBAN-R gene was stably expressed in NIH3T3 cells and transiently in HEK293 cells. We show that it mediates the dose-dependent PBAN-induced intracellular Ca(2+) response and activation of the MAP kinase via a PKC-dependent but Galphai-independent signaling mechanism. Other PK/PBAN family peptides (pheromonotropin and a C-terminally PBAN-derived peptide PBAN(28-33)NH(2)) also triggered MAP kinase activation. This receptor, together with the previously cloned PBAN-R, may facilitate our understanding of the cell-specific responses and functional diversities of this diverse neuropeptide family.

Opposing roles of nuclear receptor HNF4α isoforms in colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer.

HNF4α has been implicated in colitis and colon cancer in humans but the role of the different HNF4α isoforms expressed from the two different promoters (P1 and P2) active in the colon is not clear. Here, we show that P1-HNF4α is expressed primarily in the differentiated compartment of the mouse colonic crypt and P2-HNF4α in the proliferative compartment. Exon swap mice that express only P1- or only P2-HNF4α have different colonic gene expression profiles, interacting proteins, cellular migration, ion transport and epithelial barrier function. The mice also exhibit altered susceptibilities to experimental colitis (DSS) and colitis-associated colon cancer (AOM+DSS). When P2-HNF4α-only mice (which have elevated levels of the cytokine resistin-like ß, RELMß, and are extremely sensitive to DSS) are crossed with Retnlb(-/-) mice, they are rescued from mortality. Furthermore, P2-HNF4α binds and preferentially activates the RELMß promoter. In summary, HNF4α isoforms perform non-redundant functions in the colon under conditions of stress, underscoring the importance of tracking them both in colitis and colon cancer.