Somatic SLC30A1 mutations altering zinc transporter ZnT1 cause aldosterone-producing adenomas and primary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of endocrine hypertension and is characterized by inappropriately elevated aldosterone production via a renin-independent mechanism. Driver somatic mutations for aldosterone excess have been found in approximately 90% of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). Other causes of lateralized adrenal PA include aldosterone-producing nodules (APNs). Using next-generation sequencing, we identified recurrent in-frame deletions in SLC30A1 in four APAs and one APN (p.L51_A57del, n = 3; p.L49_L55del, n = 2). SLC30A1 encodes the ubiquitous zinc efflux transporter ZnT1 (zinc transporter 1). The identified SLC30A1 variants are situated close to the zinc-binding site (His43 and Asp47) in transmembrane domain II and probably cause abnormal ion transport. Cases of PA with SLC30A1 mutations showed male dominance and demonstrated increased aldosterone and 18-oxocortisol concentrations. Functional studies of the SLC30A151_57del variant in a doxycycline-inducible adrenal cell system revealed pathological Na+ influx. An aberrant Na+ current led to depolarization of the resting membrane potential and, thus, to the opening of voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels. This resulted in an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity, which stimulated CYP11B2 mRNA expression and aldosterone production. Collectively, these data implicate zinc transporter alterations as a dominant driver of aldosterone excess in PA.

Cellular Pathophysiology of Mutant Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channel CACNA1H in Primary Aldosteronism.

The physiological stimulation of aldosterone production in adrenocortical glomerulosa cells by angiotensin II and high plasma K+ depends on the depolarization of the cell membrane potential and the subsequent Ca2+ influx via voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Germline mutations of the low-voltage activated T-type Ca2+ channel CACNA1H (Cav3.2) have been found in patients with primary aldosteronism. Here, we investigated the electrophysiology and Ca2+ signaling of adrenal NCI-H295R cells overexpressing CACNA1H wildtype and mutant M1549V in order to understand how mutant CACNA1H alters adrenal cell function. Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements revealed a strong activation of mutant CACNA1H at the resting membrane potential of adrenal cells. Both the expression of wildtype and mutant CACNA1H led to a depolarized membrane potential. In addition, cells expressing mutant CACNA1H developed pronounced action potential-like membrane voltage oscillations. Ca2+ measurements showed an increased basal Ca2+ activity, an altered K+ sensitivity, and abnormal oscillating Ca2+ changes in cells with mutant CACNA1H. In addition, removal of extracellular Na+ reduced CACNA1H current, voltage oscillations, and Ca2+ levels in mutant cells, suggesting a role of the partial Na+ conductance of CACNA1H in cellular pathology. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of stimulus-independent aldosterone production in patients with CACNA1H mutations involves several factors: i) a loss of normal control of the membrane potential, ii) an increased Ca2+ influx at basal conditions, and iii) alterations in sensitivity to extracellular K+ and Na+. Finally, our findings underline the importance of CACNA1H in the control of aldosterone production and support the concept of the glomerulosa cell as an electrical oscillator.

Germline De Novo Mutations in ATP1A1 Cause Renal Hypomagnesemia, Refractory Seizures, and Intellectual Disability.

Over the last decades, a growing spectrum of monogenic disorders of human magnesium homeostasis has been clinically characterized, and genetic studies in affected individuals have identified important molecular components of cellular and epithelial magnesium transport. Here, we describe three infants who are from non-consanguineous families and who presented with a disease phenotype consisting of generalized seizures in infancy, severe hypomagnesemia, and renal magnesium wasting. Seizures persisted despite magnesium supplementation and were associated with significant intellectual disability. Whole-exome sequencing and conventional Sanger sequencing identified heterozygous de novo mutations in the catalytic Na+, K+-ATPase α1 subunit (ATP1A1). Functional characterization of mutant Na+, K+-ATPase α1 subunits in heterologous expression systems revealed not only a loss of Na+, K+-ATPase function but also abnormal cation permeabilities, which led to membrane depolarization and possibly aggravated the effect of the loss of physiological pump activity. These findings underline the indispensable role of the α1 isoform of the Na+, K+-ATPase for renal-tubular magnesium handling and cellular ion homeostasis, as well as maintenance of physiologic neuronal activity.

Local Control of Aldosterone Production and Primary Aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is caused by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and is determined by a benign aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) in a significant proportion of cases. Local mechanisms, as opposed to circulatory ones, that control aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex are particularly relevant in the physiopathological setting and in the pathogenesis of PA. A breakthrough in our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms in APA has been the identification of somatic mutations in genes controlling membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations. However, recent data show that the processes of nodule formation and aldosterone hypersecretion can be dissociated in pathological adrenals and suggest a model envisaging different molecular events for the pathogenesis of APA.

The in vivo respiratory phenotype of the adenosine A1 receptor knockout mouse.

The nucleoside adenosine has been implicated in the regulation of respiration, especially during hypoxia in the newborn. In this study the role of adenosine A1 receptors for the control of respiration was investigated in vivo. To this end, respiration of unrestrained adult and neonatal adenosine A1 receptor knockout mice (A1R(-/-)) was measured in a plethysmographic device. Under control conditions (21% O2) and mild hypoxia (12-15% O2) no difference of respiratory parameters was observed between adult wildtype (A1R(+/+)) and A1R(-/-) mice. Under more severe hypoxia (6-10% O2) A1R(+/+) mice showed, after a transient increase of respiration, a decrease of respiration frequency (fR) and tidal volume (VT) leading to a decrease of minute volume (MV). This depression of respiration during severe hypoxia was absent in A1R(-/-) mice which displayed a stimulated respiration as indicated by the enhancement of MV by some 50-60%. During hypercapnia-hyperoxia (3-10% CO2/97-90 % O2), no obvious differences in respiration of A1R(-/-) and A1R(+/+) was observed. In neonatal mice, the respiratory response to hypoxia was surprisingly similar in both genotypes. However, neonatal A1R(-/-) mice appeared to have more frequently periods of apnea during hypoxia and in the post-hypoxic control period. In conclusion, these data indicate that the adenosine A1 receptor is an important molecular component mediating hypoxic depression in adult mice and it appears to stabilize respiration of neonatal mice.

Renal Fanconi syndrome: taking a proximal look at the nephron.

Renal Fanconi syndrome (RFS) refers to the generalized dysfunction of the proximal tubule (PT) (Kleta R. Fanconi or not Fanconi? Lowe syndrome revisited. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 3: 1244-1245). In its isolated form, RFS only affects the PT, but not the other nephron segments. The study of isolated RFS can thus provide specific insights into the function of the PT. In a recent paper, Klootwijk et al. investigated one such form of isolated RFS and revealed the underlying molecular basis (Klootwijk ED, Reichold M, Helip-Wooley A et al. Mistargeting of peroxisomal EHHADH and inherited renal Fanconi's syndrome. N Engl J Med 2014; 370: 129-138). The affected family had been described previously, demonstrating the typical features of RFS, such as low-molecular weight proteinuria, aminoaciduria, glycosuria and phosphaturia with consequent rickets; yet, importantly, patients had no evidence of impaired glomerular filtration (Tolaymat A, Sakarcan A, Neiberger R. Idiopathic Fanconi syndrome in a family. Part I. Clinical aspects. J Am Soc Nephrol 1992; 2: 1310-1317). Inheritance was consistent with an autosomal dominant mode. Klootwijk et al. discovered a surprising explanation: a heterozygous missense mutation causing partial mistargeting of the peroxisomal enzyme EHHADH to the mitochondria. Notably, disease causing was not the absence of the enzyme in the peroxisome, but its interference with mitochondrial function. The discovery of this novel disease mechanism not only confirmed the importance of mitochondrial function for PT transport, but also demonstrated the critical dependence of PT on fatty acid metabolism for energy generation.

A novel KCNJ5-insT149 somatic mutation close to, but outside, the selectivity filter causes resistant hypertension by loss of selectivity for potassium.

CONTEXT: Understanding the function of the KCNJ5 potassium channel through characterization of naturally occurring novel mutations is key for dissecting the mechanism(s) of autonomous aldosterone secretion in primary aldosteronism. OBJECTIVE: We sought for such novel KCNJ5 channel mutations in a large database of patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). METHODS: We discovered a novel somatic c.446insAAC insertion, resulting in the mutant protein KCNJ5-insT149, in a patient with severe drug-resistant hypertension among 195 consecutive patients with a conclusive diagnosis of APA, 24.6% of whom showed somatic KCNJ5 mutations. By site-directed mutagenesis, we created the mutated cDNA that was transfected, along with KCNJ3 cDNA, in mammalian cells. We also localized CYP11B2 in the excised adrenal gland with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence using an antibody specific to human CYP11B2. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings, CYP11B2 mRNA, aldosterone measurement, and molecular modeling were performed to characterize the novel KCNJ5-insT149 mutation. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type and mock-transfected adrenocortical cells, HAC15 cells expressing the mutant KCNJ5 showed increased CYP11B2 expression and aldosterone secretion. Mammalian cells expressing the mutated KCNJ5-insT149 channel exhibited a strong Na(+) inward current and, in parallel, a substantial rise in intracellular Ca(2+), caused by activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels and reduced Ca(2+) elimination by Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers, as well as an increased production of aldosterone. CONCLUSIONS: This novel mutation shows pathological Na(+) permeability, membrane depolarization, raised cytosolic Ca(2+), and increased aldosterone synthesis. Hence, a novel KCNJ5 channelopathy located after the pore α-helix preceding the selectivity filter causes constitutive secretion of aldosterone with ensuing resistant hypertension in a patient with a small APA.

Diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter (SLC26A2) is expressed in the adrenal cortex and regulates aldosterone secretion.

Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms leading to autonomous aldosterone secretion is a prerequisite to define potential targets and biomarkers in the context of primary aldosteronism. After a genome-wide association study with subjects from the population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F4 survey, we observed a highly significant association (P=6.78×10(-11)) between the aldosterone to renin ratio and a locus at 5q32. Hypothesizing that this locus may contain genes of relevance for the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism, we investigated solute carrier family 26 member 2 (SLC26A2), a protein with known transport activity for sulfate and other cations. Within murine tissues, adrenal glands showed the highest expression levels for SLC26A2, which was significantly downregulated on in vivo stimulation with angiotensin II and potassium. SLC26A2 expression was found to be significantly lower in aldosterone-producing adenomas in comparison with normal adrenal glands. In adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells, specific knockdown of SLC26A2 resulted in a highly significant increase in aldosterone secretion. Concomitantly, expression of steroidogenic enzymes, as well as upstream effectors including transcription factors such as NR4A1, CAMK1, and intracellular Ca(2+) content, was upregulated in knockdown cells. To substantiate further these findings in an SLC26A2 mutant mouse model, aldosterone output proved to be increased in a sex-specific manner. In summary, these findings point toward a possible effect of SLC26A2 in the regulation of aldosterone secretion potentially involved in the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism.

Mistargeting of peroxisomal EHHADH and inherited renal Fanconi's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: In renal Fanconi's syndrome, dysfunction in proximal tubular cells leads to renal losses of water, electrolytes, and low-molecular-weight nutrients. For most types of isolated Fanconi's syndrome, the genetic cause and underlying defect remain unknown. METHODS: We clinically and genetically characterized members of a five-generation black family with isolated autosomal dominant Fanconi's syndrome. We performed genomewide linkage analysis, gene sequencing, biochemical and cell-biologic investigations of renal proximal tubular cells, studies in knockout mice, and functional evaluations of mitochondria. Urine was studied with the use of proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: We linked the phenotype of this family's Fanconi's syndrome to a single locus on chromosome 3q27, where a heterozygous missense mutation in EHHADH segregated with the disease. The p.E3K mutation created a new mitochondrial targeting motif in the N-terminal portion of EHHADH, an enzyme that is involved in peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids and is expressed in the proximal tubule. Immunocytofluorescence studies showed mistargeting of the mutant EHHADH to mitochondria. Studies of proximal tubular cells revealed impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and defects in the transport of fluids and a glucose analogue across the epithelium. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy showed elevated levels of mitochondrial metabolites in urine from affected family members. Ehhadh knockout mice showed no abnormalities in renal tubular cells, a finding that indicates a dominant negative nature of the mutation rather than haploinsufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Mistargeting of peroxisomal EHHADH disrupts mitochondrial metabolism and leads to renal Fanconi's syndrome; this indicates a central role of mitochondria in proximal tubular function. The dominant negative effect of the mistargeted protein adds to the spectrum of monogenic mechanisms of Fanconi's syndrome. (Funded by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme and others.).

Somatic ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and KCNJ5 mutations in aldosterone-producing adenomas.

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) cause a sporadic form of primary aldosteronism and somatic mutations in the KCNJ5 gene, which encodes the G-protein-activated inward rectifier K(+) channel 4, GIRK4, account for ≈40% of APAs. Additional somatic APA mutations were identified recently in 2 other genes, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3, encoding Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase 1 and Ca(2+)-ATPase 3, respectively, at a combined prevalence of 6.8%. We have screened 112 APAs for mutations in known hotspots for genetic alterations associated with primary aldosteronism. Somatic mutations in ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and KCNJ5 were present in 6.3%, 0.9%, and 39.3% of APAs, respectively, and included 2 novel mutations (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase p.Gly99Arg and GIRK4 p.Trp126Arg). CYP11B2 gene expression was higher in APAs harboring ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 mutations compared with those without these or KCNJ5 mutations. Overexpression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase p.Gly99Arg and GIRK4 p.Trp126Arg in HAC15 adrenal cells resulted in upregulation of CYP11B2 gene expression and its transcriptional regulator NR4A2. Structural modeling of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase showed that the Gly99Arg substitution most likely interferes with the gateway to the ion binding pocket. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that Gly99Arg displays severely impaired ATPase activity, a reduced apparent affinity for Na(+) activation of phosphorylation and K(+) inhibition of phosphorylation that indicate decreased Na(+) and K(+) binding, respectively. Moreover, whole cell patch-clamp studies established that overexpression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase Gly99Arg causes membrane voltage depolarization. In conclusion, somatic mutations are common in APAs that result in an increase in CYP11B2 gene expression and may account for the dysregulated aldosterone production in a subset of patients with sporadic primary aldosteronism.

a Novel Y152C KCNJ5 mutation responsible for familial hyperaldosteronism type III.

CONTEXT: Primary aldosteronism is a heterogeneous group of disorders comprising both sporadic and familial forms. Mutations in the KCNJ5 gene, which encodes the inward rectifier K(+) channel 4 (G protein-activated inward rectifier K(+) channel 4, Kir3.4), cause familial hyperaldosteronism type III (FH-III) and are involved in the pathogenesis of sporadic aldosterone-producing adenomas. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to characterize the effects of a newly described KCNJ5 mutation in vitro. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The index case is a 62-year-old woman affected by primary aldosteronism, who underwent left adrenalectomy after workup for adrenal adenoma. Exon 1 of KCNJ5 was PCR amplified from adrenal tissue and peripheral blood and sequenced. Electrophysiological and gene expression studies were performed to establish the functional effects of the new mutation on the membrane potential and adrenal cell CYP11B2 expression. RESULTS: KCNJ5 sequencing in the index case revealed a new p.Y152C germline mutation; interestingly, the phenotype of the patient was milder than most of the previously described FH-III families. The tyrosine-to-cysteine substitution resulted in pathological Na(+) permeability, cell membrane depolarization, and disturbed intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, effects similar, albeit smaller, to the ones demonstrated for other KCNJ5 mutations. Gene expression studies revealed an increased expression of CYP11B2 and its transcriptional regulator NR4A2 in HAC15 adrenal cells overexpressing KCNJ5(Y152C) compared to the wild-type channel. The effect was clearly Ca(2+)-dependent, because it was abolished by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we describe a new germline mutation in KCNJ5 responsible for FH-III.

Severe hyperaldosteronism in neonatal Task3 potassium channel knockout mice is associated with activation of the intraadrenal renin-angiotensin system.

Task3 K(+) channels are highly expressed in the adrenal cortex and contribute to the angiotensin II and K(+) sensitivity of aldosterone-producing glomerulosa cells. Adult Task3(-/-) mice display a partially autonomous aldosterone secretion, subclinical hyperaldosteronism, and salt-sensitive hypertension. Here, we investigated the age dependence of the adrenal phenotype of Task3(-/-) mice. Compared with adults, newborn Task3(-/-) mice displayed a severe adrenal phenotype with strongly increased plasma levels of aldosterone, corticosterone, and progesterone. This adrenocortical dysfunction was accompanied by a modified gene expression profile. The most strongly up-regulated gene was the protease renin. Real-time PCR corroborated the strong increase in adrenal renin expression, and immunofluorescence revealed renin-expressing cells in the zona fasciculata. Together with additional factors, activation of the local adrenal renin system is probably causative for the severely disturbed steroid hormone secretion of neonatal Task3(-/-) mice. The changes in gene expression patterns of neonatal Task3(-/-) mice could also be relevant for other forms of hyperaldosteronism.

Somatic mutations in ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 lead to aldosterone-producing adenomas and secondary hypertension.

Primary aldosteronism is the most prevalent form of secondary hypertension. To explore molecular mechanisms of autonomous aldosterone secretion, we performed exome sequencing of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). We identified somatic hotspot mutations in the ATP1A1 (encoding an Na(+)/K(+) ATPase α subunit) and ATP2B3 (encoding a Ca(2+) ATPase) genes in three and two of the nine APAs, respectively. These ATPases are expressed in adrenal cells and control sodium, potassium and calcium ion homeostasis. Functional in vitro studies of ATP1A1 mutants showed loss of pump activity and strongly reduced affinity for potassium. Electrophysiological ex vivo studies on primary adrenal adenoma cells provided further evidence for inappropriate depolarization of cells with ATPase alterations. In a collection of 308 APAs, we found 16 (5.2%) somatic mutations in ATP1A1 and 5 (1.6%) in ATP2B3. Mutation-positive cases showed male dominance, increased plasma aldosterone concentrations and lower potassium concentrations compared with mutation-negative cases. In summary, dominant somatic alterations in two members of the ATPase gene family result in autonomous aldosterone secretion.

Visinin-like 1 is upregulated in aldosterone-producing adenomas with KCNJ5 mutations and protects from calcium-induced apoptosis.

Visinin-like 1 (VSNL1) is upregulated in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) compared with normal adrenals. We demonstrate that VSNL1 overexpression in adrenocortical carcinoma cells (NCI H295R) upregulates basal and angiotensin II-stimulated CYP11B2 gene expression 3.2- and 1.5-fold, respectively. Conversely, silencing VSNL1 by RNA interference decreases angiotensin II-stimulated CYP11B2 expression and aldosterone secretion by 41.0% and 34.5%, respectively. Mutations in the potassium channel KCNJ5 have been identified in APAs that result in sodium influx and membrane depolarization and are postulated to result in calcium influx in adrenal glomerulosa cells. VSNL1 and CYP11B2 are 8.1- and 6.0-fold more highly expressed, respectively, in APAs harboring KCNJ5 mutations compared with those without, and the upregulation of VSNL1 in these APAs accounts for the overexpression of VSNL1 in the total APA sample set compared with normal adrenals. Silencing VSNL1 in H295R cells renders them sensitive to ionomycin-induced apoptosis, indicating that VSNL1 protects these cells against calcium-induced cell death. Concomitant expression of mutated KCNJ5 (G151R) and silencing VSNL1 results in apoptosis of H295R cells, an effect that is blocked by nifedipine and is absent using a control small-interfering RNA or when wild-type KCNJ5 is expressed and VSNL1 is silenced. These data demonstrate that VSNL1 plays a dual function in vitro in the regulation of CYP11B2 gene expression and in the inhibition of calcium-induced apoptosis. In addition, VSNL1 may play a role in the pathophysiology of APAs harboring mutations in the potassium channel KCNJ5 via its antiapoptotic function in response to calcium cytotoxicity and its effect on aldosterone production.

KCNJ5 mutations in European families with nonglucocorticoid remediable familial hyperaldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent cause of endocrine hypertension. Three forms of familial hyperaldosteronism (FH) have been described, named FH-I to -III. Recently, a mutation of KCNJ5 has been shown to be associated with FH-III, whereas the cause of FH-II is still unknown. In this study we searched for mutations in KCNJ5 in 46 patients from 21 families with FH, in which FH-I was excluded. We identified a new germline G151E mutation in 2 primary aldosteronism-affected subjects from an Italian family and 3 somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenomas, T158A described previously as a germline mutation associated with FH-III, and G151R and L168R both described as somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma. The phenotype of the family with the G151E mutation was remarkably milder compared with the previously described American family, in terms of both clinical and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, patients with somatic KCNJ5 mutations displayed a phenotype indistinguishable from that of sporadic primary aldosteronism. The functional characterization of the effects of the G151E mutation in vitro showed a profound alteration of the channel function, with loss of K(+) selectivity, Na(+) influx, and membrane depolarization. These alterations have been postulated to be responsible for voltage gate Ca(2+) channel activation, increase in cytosolic calcium, and stimulation of aldosterone production and adrenal cell proliferation. In conclusion, we describe herein a new mutation in the KCNJ5 potassium channel associated with FH-III, responsible for marked alterations of channel function but associated with a mild clinical and hormonal phenotype.

Role of NKCC in BK channel-mediated net K⁺ secretion in the CCD.

Apical SK/ROMK and BK channels mediate baseline and flow-induced K secretion (FIKS), respectively, in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). BK channels are detected in acid-base transporting intercalated (IC) and Na-absorbing principal (PC) cells. Although the density of BK channels is greater in IC than PC, Na-K-ATPase activity in IC is considered inadequate to sustain high rates of urinary K secretion. To test the hypothesis that basolateral NKCC in the CCD contributes to BK channel-mediated FIKS, we measured net K secretion (J(K)) and Na absorption (J(Na)) at slow (∼1) and fast (∼5 nl·min(-1)·mm(-1)) flow rates in rabbit CCDs microperfused in vitro in the absence and presence of bumetanide, an inhibitor of NKCC, added to the bath. Bumetanide inhibited FIKS but not basal J(K), J(Na), or the flow-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient necessary for BK channel activation. Addition of luminal iberiotoxin, a BK channel inhibitor, to bumetanide-treated CCDs did not further reduce J(K). Basolateral Cl removal reversibly inhibited FIKS but not basal J(K) or J(Na). Quantitative PCR performed on single CCD samples using NKCC1- and 18S-specific primers and probes and the TaqMan assay confirmed the presence of the transcript in this nephron segment. To identify the specific cell type to which basolateral NKCC is localized, we exploited the ability of NKCC to accept NH(4)(+) at its K-binding site to monitor the rate of bumetanide-sensitive cytosolic acidification after NH(4)(+) addition to the bath in CCDs loaded with the pH indicator dye BCECF. Both IC and PC were found to have a basolateral bumetanide-sensitive NH(4)(+) entry step and NKCC1-specific antibodies labeled the basolateral surfaces of both cell types in CCDs. These results suggest that BK channel-mediated FIKS is dependent on a basolateral bumetanide-sensitive, Cl-dependent transport pathway, proposed to be NKCC1, in both IC and PC in the CCD.

The TFIIH subunit p89 (XPB) localizes to the centrosome during mitosis.

BACKGROUND: The general transcription factor II H (TFIIH), comprised of a core complex and an associated CAK-complex, functions in transcription, DNA repair and cell cycle control. Mutations of the two largest subunits, p89 (XPB) and p80 (XPD), cause the hereditary cancer-prone syndrome xeroderma pigmentosum. METHODS: The TFIIH subunit p89 was monitored during interphase and cell division by immunofluorescence staining, GFP-fusion constructs including deletions, live cell imaging and immuno-precipitations. RESULTS: Here we demonstrate that during cell division, from prophase until telophase, the TFIIH core subunit p89, but not other subunits of TFIIH, associates with the centrosomes and the adjacent parts of the mitotic spindle. With overall constant levels throughout mitosis, p89 re-localizes to the newly formed nuclei by the end of mitosis. Furthermore, p89 interacts with the centrosomal protein gamma-tubulin. Truncations of p89 result in an abnormal subcellular distribution during interphase and abolished centrosomal association during mitosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest a so far unappreciated role for p89 in cell cycle regulation, and may be the structural basis for a long known, but hitherto unexplained interaction between p89 and tubulin.

Disruption of the K+ channel beta-subunit KCNE3 reveals an important role in intestinal and tracheal Cl- transport.

The KCNE3 beta-subunit constitutively opens outwardly rectifying KCNQ1 (Kv7.1) K(+) channels by abolishing their voltage-dependent gating. The resulting KCNQ1/KCNE3 heteromers display enhanced sensitivity to K(+) channel inhibitors like chromanol 293B. KCNE3 was also suggested to modify biophysical properties of several other K(+) channels, and a mutation in KCNE3 was proposed to underlie forms of human periodic paralysis. To investigate physiological roles of KCNE3, we now disrupted its gene in mice. kcne3(-/-) mice were viable and fertile and displayed neither periodic paralysis nor other obvious skeletal muscle abnormalities. KCNQ1/KCNE3 heteromers are present in basolateral membranes of intestinal and tracheal epithelial cells where they might facilitate transepithelial Cl(-) secretion through basolateral recycling of K(+) ions and by increasing the electrochemical driving force for apical Cl(-) exit. Indeed, cAMP-stimulated electrogenic Cl(-) secretion across tracheal and intestinal epithelia was drastically reduced in kcne3(-/-) mice. Because the abundance and subcellular localization of KCNQ1 was unchanged in kcne3(-/-) mice, the modification of biophysical properties of KCNQ1 by KCNE3 is essential for its role in intestinal and tracheal transport. Further, these results suggest KCNE3 as a potential modifier gene in cystic fibrosis.

Expression and function of epithelial anoctamins.

The calcium-activated chloride channel anoctamin1 (ANO1; TMEM16A) is fundamental for the function of epithelial organs. Mice lacking ANO1 expression exhibit transport defects and a pathology similar to cystic fibrosis. They also show a general defect of epithelial electrolyte transport. Here we analyzed expression of all ten members (ANO1-ANO10) in a broad range of murine tissues and detected predominant expression of ANO1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in epithelial tissues, while ANO2, 3, 4, 5 are common in neuronal and muscle tissues. When expressed in Fisher Rat Thyroid (FTR) cells, all ANO proteins localized to the plasma membrane but only ANO1, 2, 6, and 7 produced Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance, as analyzed by ATP-induced iodide quenching of YFP fluorescence. In contrast ANO9 and ANO10 suppressed baseline Cl(-) conductance and coexpression of ANO9 with ANO1 inhibited ANO1 activity. Patch clamping of ANO-expressing FRT cells indicated that apart from ANO1 also ANO6 and 10 produced chloride currents, albeit with very different Ca(2+) sensitivity and activation time. We conclude that each tissue expresses a set of anoctamins that form cell- and tissue-specific Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels.

Bestrophin and TMEM16-Ca(2+) activated Cl(-) channels with different functions.

In the past, a number of candidates have been proposed to form Ca(2+) activated Cl(-) currents, but it is only recently that two families of proteins, the bestrophins and the TMEM16-proteins, recapitulate reliably the properties of Ca(2+) activated Cl(-) currents. Bestrophin 1 is strongly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium, but also at lower levels in other cell types. Bestrophin 1 may form Ca(2+) activated chloride channels and, at the same time, affect intracellular Ca(2+) signaling. In epithelial cells, bestrophin 1 probably controls receptor mediated Ca(2+) signaling. It may do so by facilitating Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby indirectly activating membrane localized Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels. In contrast to bestrophin 1, the Ca(2+) activated Cl(-) channel TMEM16A (anoctamin 1, ANO1) shows most of the biophysical and pharmacological properties that have been attributed to Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels in various tissues. TMEM16A is broadly expressed in both mouse and human tissues and is of particular importance in epithelial cells. Thus exocrine gland secretion as well as electrolyte transport by both respiratory and intestinal epithelia requires TMEM16A. Because of its role for Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion in human airways, it is likely to become a prime target for the therapy of cystic fibrosis lung disease, caused by defective cAMP-dependent Cl(-) secretion. It will be very exciting to learn, how TMEM16A and other TMEM16-proteins are activated upon increase in intracellular Ca(2+), and whether the other nine members of the TMEM16 family also form Cl(-) channels with properties similar to TMEM16A.