Differential N termini in epithelial Na+ channel δ-subunit isoforms modulate channel trafficking to the membrane.

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is a heteromultimeric ion channel that plays a key role in Na(+) reabsorption across tight epithelia. The canonical ENaC is formed by three analogous subunits, α, ß, and γ. A fourth ENaC subunit, named δ, is expressed in the nervous system of primates, where its role is unknown. The human δ-ENaC gene generates at least two splice isoforms, δ(1) and δ(2) , differing in the N-terminal sequence. Neurons in diverse areas of the human and monkey brain differentially express either δ(1) or δ(2) , with few cells coexpressing both isoforms, which suggests that they may play specific physiological roles. Here we show that heterologous expression of δ(1) in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells produces higher current levels than δ(2) . Patch-clamp experiments showed no differences in single channel current magnitude and open probability between isoforms. Steady-state plasma membrane abundance accounts for the dissimilarity in macroscopic current levels. Differential trafficking between isoforms is independent of ß- and γ-subunits, PY-motif-mediated endocytosis, or the presence of additional lysine residues in δ(2)-N terminus. Analysis of δ(2)-N terminus identified two sequences that independently reduce channel abundance in the plasma membrane. The δ(1) higher abundance is consistent with an increased insertion rate into the membrane, since endocytosis rates of both isoforms are indistinguishable. Finally, we conclude that δ-ENaC undergoes dynamin-independent endocytosis as opposed to αßγ-channels.

The neuronal-specific SGK1.1 kinase regulates {delta}-epithelial Na+ channel independently of PY motifs and couples it to phospholipase C signaling.

The δ-subunit of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is expressed in neurons of the human and monkey central nervous system and forms voltage-independent, amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels when expressed in heterologous systems. It has been proposed that δ-ENaC could affect neuronal excitability and participate in the transduction of ischemic signals during hypoxia or inflammation. The regulation of δ-ENaC activity is poorly understood. ENaC channels in kidney epithelial cells are regulated by the serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1). Recently, a new isoform of this kinase (SGK1.1) has been described in the central nervous system. Here we show that δ-ENaC isoforms and SGK1.1 are coexpressed in pyramidal neurons of the human and monkey (Macaca fascicularis) cerebral cortex. Coexpression of δßγ-ENaC and SGK1.1 in Xenopus oocytes increases amiloride-sensitive current and channel plasma membrane abundance. The kinase also exerts its effect when δ-subunits are expressed alone, indicating that the process is not dependent on accessory subunits or the presence of PY motifs in the channel. Furthermore, SGK1.1 action depends on its enzymatic activity and binding to phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate. Physiological or pharmacological activation of phospholipase C abrogates SGK1.1 interaction with the plasma membrane and modulation of δ-ENaC. Our data support a physiological role for SGK1.1 in the regulation of δ-ENaC through a pathway that differs from the classical one and suggest that the kinase could serve as an integrator of different signaling pathways converging on the channel.