Targeted disruption of the mouse NHERF-1 gene promotes internalization of proximal tubule sodium-phosphate cotransporter type IIa and renal phosphate wasting.

Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)-1 and NHERF-2, two structurally related protein adapters containing tandem PSD-95/Discs large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains, were identified as essential factors for protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger, NHE3. NHERF-1 and NHERF-2 also bound other cellular targets including the sodium-phosphate cotransporter type IIa encoded by the NPT2 gene. Targeted disruption of the mouse NHERF-1 gene eliminated NHERF-1 expression in kidney and other tissues of the mutant mice without altering NHERF-2 levels in these tissues. NHERF-1 (+/-) and (-/-) male mice maintained normal blood electrolytes but showed increased urinary excretion of phosphate when compared with wild-type (+/+) animals. Although the overall levels of renal NHERF-1 targets, NHE3 and Npt2, were unchanged in the mutant mice, immunocytochemistry showed that the Npt2 protein was aberrantly localized at internal sites in the renal proximal tubule cells. The mislocalization of Npt2 paralleled a reduction in the transporter protein in renal brush-border membranes isolated from the mutant mice. In contrast, NHE3 was appropriately localized at the apical surface of proximal tubules in both wild-type and mutant mice. These data suggested that NHERF-1 played a unique role in the apical targeting and/or trafficking of Npt2 in the mammalian kidney, a function not shared by NHERF-2 or other renal PDZ proteins. Phosphate wasting seen in the NHERF-1(-/-) null mice provided a new experimental system for defining the role of PDZ adapters in the hormonal control of ion transport and renal disease.

Expanding the role of NHERF, a PDZ-domain containing protein adapter, to growth regulation.

NHERF (Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor or NHERF-1) and E3KARP (NHE3 kinase A regulatory protein or NHERF-2) are structurally related protein adapters that are highly expressed in epithelial tissues. NHERF proteins contain two tandem PDZ domains and a C-terminal sequence that binds several members of the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) family of membrane-cytoskeletal adapters. Although identified as a regulator of NHE3, recent evidence points to a broadening role for NHERF in the function, localization and/or turnover of G-protein coupled receptors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor and ion transporters such as CFTR, Na/Pi cotransporter, Na/HCO3 cotransporter and Trp (calcium) channels. NHERF also recruits non-membrane proteins such as the c-Yes/YAP-65 complex, members of the phospholipase Cbeta family and the GRK6A protein kinase to apical surface of polarized epithelial cells where they regulate or respond to membrane signals. While two distinct models have been proposed for NHERF's role in signal transduction, the common theme is NHERF's ability to bring together membrane and non-membrane proteins to regulate cell metabolism and growth. NHERF overexpression in human breast cancers and mutations in NHERF targets, such as CFTR and merlin, the product of Neurofibromatosis NF2 tumor suppressor gene, that impair NHERF binding suggest that aberrant NHERF function contributes to human disease.

Essential role for NHERF in cAMP-mediated inhibition of the Na+-HCO3- co-transporter in BSC-1 cells.

Prior studies have indicated a requirement for the PDZ domain-containing protein, Na(+)/H(+) Exchanger Regulatory Factor (NHERF), for protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated inhibition of the renal basolateral Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) co-transporter (NBC). The present studies explore the potential mechanisms by which NHERF transduces cAMP signals to inhibit NBC. In BSC-1 cells, cells that express NBC but lack NHERF, 8-bromo-cAMP (100 microm for 15 min) failed to inhibit transport until wild-type mNHERF-(1-355) was expressed. mNHERF-(116-355) containing PDZ II and C-terminal ezrin-binding sequences or a mutant unphosphorylated form of rabbit NHERF effectively transduced the cAMP signals that inhibited NBC. By contrast, mNHERF-(1-126) encompassing N-terminal PDZ I and mNHERF-(1-325), which lacks ezrin-binding, failed to support cAMP inhibition of NBC activity. NBC and NHERF did not associate with each other in yeast two-hybrid or co-immunoprecipitation assays, and confocal microscopy indicated distinct subcellular localization of the two proteins. NBC was phosphorylated in BSC-1 cells, but its phosphorylation was not increased by cAMP nor was immunoprecipitated NBC phosphorylated by PKA in vitro. Acute exposure of mNHERF-(1-355)-expressing BSC-1 cells to cAMP did not change cell surface expression of NBC. Although these results established an essential role for NHERF in cAMP-mediated inhibition of NBC in BSC-1 cells, they also suggest a novel mechanism for NHERF-mediated signal transduction distinct from that previously characterized from studies of other NHERF targets.

Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein GADD34 assembles a novel signaling complex containing protein phosphatase 1 and inhibitor 1.

The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein, GADD34, was identified by its interaction with human inhibitor 1 (I-1), a protein kinase A (PKA)-activated inhibitor of type 1 protein serine/threonine phosphatase (PP1), in a yeast two-hybrid screen of a human brain cDNA library. Recombinant GADD34 (amino acids 233 to 674) bound both PKA-phosphorylated and unphosphorylated I-1(1-171). Serial truncations mapped the C terminus of I-1 (amino acids 142 to 171) as essential for GADD34 binding. In contrast, PKA phosphorylation was required for PP1 binding and inhibition by the N-terminal I-1(1-80) fragment. Pulldowns of GADD34 proteins expressed in HEK293T cells showed that I-1 bound the central domain of GADD34 (amino acids 180 to 483). By comparison, affinity isolation of cellular GADD34/PP1 complexes showed that PP1 bound near the C terminus of GADD34 (amino acids 483 to 619), a region that shows sequence homology with the virulence factors ICP34.5 of herpes simplex virus and NL-S of avian sarcoma virus. While GADD34 inhibited PP1-catalyzed dephosphorylation of phosphorylase a, the GADD34-bound PP1 was an active eIF-2alpha phosphatase. In brain extracts from active ground squirrels, GADD34 bound both I-1 and PP1 and eIF-2alpha was largely dephosphorylated. In contrast, the I-1/GADD34 and PP1/GADD34 interactions were disrupted in brain from hibernating animals, in which eIF-2alpha was highly phosphorylated at serine-51 and protein synthesis was inhibited. These studies suggested that modification of the I-1/GADD34/PP1 signaling complex regulates the initiation of protein translation in mammalian tissues.

Ezrin binding domain-deficient NHERF attenuates cAMP-mediated inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange in OK cells.

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF), an essential protein cofactor in cAMP-mediated inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange transporter 3 (NHE3), facilitates the formation of a signal complex of proteins that includes NHE3, NHERF, and ezrin. This model for NHE3 regulation was developed in fibroblasts and its applicability to epithelial cells remains to be established. Opossum kidney (OK) cells were transfected with either empty vector (control), full-length mouse (m) NHERF(1-355), or a truncated mNHERF(1-325) that lacked ezrin binding and had been demonstrated in fibroblasts to bind NHE3 but not mediate its cAMP-associated inhibition. 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP) at 10(-4) M inhibited Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity in control and OK cells expressing wild-type mNHERF(1-355) by >60% but by <10% in cells expressing mNHERF(1-325). NHE3 coimmunoprecipitated with mNHERF(1-325), but cAMP phosphorylation of NHE3 was impaired in cells expressing mNHERF(1-325). The inhibitory effect of hyperosmolality on NHE3 activity and the uptake of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose was the same in all three cell lines. Cell surface expression of NHE3 was not changed by cAMP in any of the cells lines. These data indicate that disruption of the NHERF-ezrin signal complex attenuates the inhibitory effect of cAMP on NHE3 activity in OK cells and provides evidence supporting the proposed model of protein kinase A regulation of NHE3 in epithelial cells.

Acute regulation of NHE3 by protein kinase A requires a multiprotein signal complex.

Biochemical and cellular experiments in fibroblasts have established the requirement for a member of the PDZ motif Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor family of proteins (NHERF and NHERF2) in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of NHE3 activity. NHERF interacts with the actin cytoskeleton through the scaffolding protein ezrin to target a multiprotein signal complex to the plasma membrane. Recent experiments have focused on elements of this model. First, using specific antibodies, NHERF was identified in the renal proximal tubule, where it colocalized with ezrin and NHE3. NHERF2 was seen in glomeruli, the renal vasculature, and collecting duct cells, where it colocalized with ROMK. This distinct nephron localization suggests different physiologic roles for NHERF and NHERF2. Second, the signal-complex model of protein kinase A regulation of NHE3 developed in fibroblasts has been extended to epithelial cells by the development of a dominant-negative opossum kidney cell line expressing an ezrin binding domain-deficient truncation of NHERF. Preliminary studies indicate that these cells have normal basal Na+/H+ exchanger activity but a blunted inhibitory response to cAMP. Third, biochemical, biophysical, and cell experiments have indicated that NHERF binds to itself in a head-to-head configuration, raising the possibility that dimerization may alter the availability of active NHERF. The potential role of the NHERF proteins in the kidney has been expanded by recent studies indicating their involvement in the membrane targeting, trafficking, sorting, and regulation of a range of other transporters, receptors, and signaling proteins. NHERF and related PDZ-containing proteins may serve as adapters for regulation of renal transporters.

Protein phosphatase 1 regulation by inhibitors and targeting subunits.

Regulation of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) by protein inhibitors and targeting subunits has been previously studied through the use of recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli. This preparation is limited by several key differences in its properties compared with native PP1. In the present study, we have analyzed recombinant PP1 expressed in Sf9 insect cells using baculovirus. Sf9 PP1 exhibited properties identical to those of native PP1, with respect to regulation by metals, inhibitor proteins, and targeting subunits, and failure to dephosphorylate a phosphotyrosine-containing substrate or phospho-DARPP-32 (Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, M(r) 32,000). Mutations at Y272 in the beta12/beta13 loop resulted in a loss of activity and reduced the sensitivity to thiophospho-DARPP-32 and inhibitor-2. Mutations of Y272 also increased the relative activity toward a phosphotyrosine-containing substrate or phospho-DARPP-32. Mutation of acidic groove residues caused no change in sensitivity to thiophospho-DARPP-32 or inhibitor-2, but one mutant (E252A:D253A:E256R) exhibited an increased K(m) for phosphorylase a. Several PP1/PP2A chimeras were prepared in which C-terminal sequences of PP2A were substituted into PP1. Replacement of residues 274-330 of PP1 with the corresponding region of PP2A resulted in a large loss of sensitivity to thiophospho-DARPP-32 and inhibitor-2, and also resulted in a loss of interaction with the targeting subunits, spinophilin and PP1 nuclear targeting subunit (PNUTS). More limited alterations in residues in beta12, beta13, and beta14 strands highlighted a key role for M290 and C291 in the interaction of PP1 with thiophospho-DARPP-32, but not inhibitor-2.

N-terminal PDZ domain is required for NHERF dimerization.

NHERF, a 55 kDa PDZ-containing protein, binds receptors and ion transporters to mediate signal transduction at the plasma membrane. Recombinant NHERF demonstrated an apparent size of 150 kDa on gel filtration, which could be reduced to approximately 55 kDa by protein denaturing agents, consistent with the formation of NHERF dimers. Biosensor studies established the time- and concentration-dependent dimerization of NHERF. Overlays of recombinant NHERF fragments suggested that NHERF dimerization was principally mediated by the N-terminal PDZ-I domain. In PS120 cells, reversible protein phosphorylation modulated NHERF dimerization and suggested a role for NHERF dimers in hormonal signaling.

NHERF: targeting and trafficking membrane proteins.

Vectorial ion transport initiated by Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) mediates the reabsorption of NaCl and NaHCO(3) in renal proximal tubule cells. NHE3 activity is modulated by numerous physiological stimuli. Biochemical and cellular experiments identified Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) as a protein cofactor essential for cAMP-mediated inhibition of NHE3 activity. Identification of numerous NHERF targets, including several transmembrane receptors and ion transporters, has broadened the role of this PSD-95/Dlg-1, Drososphila disk large/ZO-1 domain-containing adapter protein in membrane physiology. NHERF also associates with members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin family of actin-binding proteins and thus links NHE3 to the actin cytoskeleton. Formation of this multiprotein complex facilitates NHE3 phosphorylation and hormonal control of Na+/H+ exchange. NHERF also plays a critical role in targeting transport proteins to apical membranes. Moreover, the NHERF signaling complex functions as a regulatory unit to control endocytosis and internal trafficking of membrane proteins. This article reviews the new evidence that implicates NHERF in wider aspects of epithelial membrane biology.

Protein phosphatase 2A activates the proapoptotic function of BAD in interleukin- 3-dependent lymphoid cells by a mechanism requiring 14-3-3 dissociation.

BAD is a proapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family of proteins, which play a major role in regulating apoptosis in cytokine-dependent hematopoietic cells. The function of BAD is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. Deprivation of survival factors induces BAD dephosphorylation, resulting in apoptosis. Serine-threonine phosphatase activity dephosphorylated BAD in interleukin-3-dependent FL5.12 lymphoid cells. Inhibition of PP2A activity by treatment of cells with PP2A-selective inhibitors, okadaic acid and fostriecin, prevented BAD dephosphorylation in these cells. Conversely, BAD dephosphorylation was not inhibited by the PP1-selective inhibitor tautomycin. In cell-free extracts, BAD phosphatase activity was also inhibited by the PP2A-selective inhibitors okadaic acid and fostriecin, but not by the PP1-specific protein inhibitor I-2. Dissociation of 14-3-3 from BAD was a prerequisite for BAD dephosphorylation in vitro, suggesting a mechanism by which 14-3-3 can regulate the activation of the proapoptotic function of BAD in vivo. Significantly, the inhibition of BAD phosphatase activity rescued cell death induced by survival factor withdrawal in FL5.12 cells expressing wild-type BAD but not phosphorylation-defective mutant BAD. These data indicate that PP2A, or a PP2A-like enzyme, dephosphorylates BAD and, in conjunction with 14-3-3, modulates cytokine-mediated survival.

Multiple interactions within the AKAP220 signaling complex contribute to protein phosphatase 1 regulation.

The phosphorylation status of cellular proteins is controlled by the opposing actions of protein kinases and phosphatases. Compartmentalization of these enzymes is critical for spatial and temporal control of these phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events. We previously reported that a 220-kDa A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP220) coordinates the location of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and the type 1 protein phosphatase catalytic subunit (PP1c) (Schillace, R. V., and Scott, J. D. (1999) Curr. Biol. 9, 321-324). We now demonstrate that an AKAP220 fragment is a competitive inhibitor of PP1c activity (K(i) = 2.9 +/- 0.7 micrometer). Mapping studies and activity measurements indicate that several protein-protein interactions act synergistically to inhibit PP1. A consensus targeting motif, between residues 1195 and 1198 (Lys-Val-Gln-Phe), binds but does not affect enzyme activity, whereas determinants between residues 1711 and 1901 inhibit the phosphatase. Analysis of truncated PP1c and chimeric PP1/2A catalytic subunits suggests that AKAP220 inhibits the phosphatase in a manner distinct from all known PP1 inhibitors and toxins. Intermolecular interactions within the AKAP220 signaling complex further contribute to PP1 inhibition as addition of the PKA regulatory subunit (RII) enhances phosphatase inhibition. These experiments indicate that regulation of PP1 activity by AKAP220 involves a complex network of intra- and intermolecular interactions.

Overview of protein phosphorylation.

This overview provides a history of protein phosphorylation research and provides the reader with an understanding of how and why labeling studies are performed. The various sites of protein phosphorylation are described along with the roles of the many kinases and phosphatases that regulate phosphorylation. Methods for detecting unlabeled phosphoamino acids, including high-voltage electrophoresis on thin-layer cellulose acetate plates, gel-shift assays, and the use of anti-phosphopeptide antibodies.

Detection of phosphorylation by enzymatic techniques.

This unit presents protocols for examining the functional effects elicited by nonspecific acid or alkaline phosphatases that dephosphorylate many phosphoproteins in vitro. Additional protocols describe digestion of phosphoproteins with a protein serine/threonine phosphatase and protein tyrosine phosphatase. A support protocol has been included to identify the radiolabel as (32)P(I) based on its ability to form a complex with ammonium molybdate.

Regulation of synaptic strength by protein phosphatase 1.

We investigated the role of postsynaptic protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) in regulating synaptic strength by loading CA1 pyramidal cells either with peptides that disrupt PP1 binding to synaptic targeting proteins or with active PP1. The peptides blocked synaptically evoked LTD but had no effect on basal synaptic currents mediated by either AMPA or NMDA receptors. They did, however, cause an increase in synaptic strength following the induction of LTD. Similarly, PP1 had no effect on basal synaptic strength but enhanced LTD. In cultured neurons, synaptic activation of NMDA receptors increased the proportion of PP1 localized to synapses. These results suggest that PP1 does not significantly regulate basal synaptic strength. Appropriate NMDA receptor activation, however, allows PP1 to gain access to synaptic substrates and be recruited to synapses where its activity is necessary for sustaining LTD.

Overview of protein phosphorylation.

This overview discusses the significance and roles of protein phosphorylation in regulation of protein function. Sites of phosphorylation are described as well as methods for detecting both radiolabeled and unlabeled phosphoamino acids. Importantly, protein kinases and phosphatases, the regulators of phosphorylation are discussed.

Detection of phosphorylation by enzymatic techniques.

Reversible protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for regulating physiological processes in both plant and animal cells. There are a number of techniques to demonstrate the presence of covalently bound phosphate in proteins. The general strategy of the protocols in this unit is to first examine the functional effects elicited by nonspecific acid or alkaline phosphatases that dephosphorylate many phosphoproteins in vitro. Protein phosphatases that selectively hydrolyze phosphoserine and phosphothreonine or phosphotyrosine residues can then be used to identify a functionally important covalent modification. Additional protocols describe digestion of phosphoproteins with a protein serine/threonine phosphatase and protein tyrosine phosphatase. A support protocol has been included to identify the radiolabel as (32)Pi based on its ability to form a complex with ammonium molybdate.

Differential renal distribution of NHERF isoforms and their colocalization with NHE3, ezrin, and ROMK.

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) and NHERF2 are PDZ motif proteins that mediate the inhibitory effect of cAMP on Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) by facilitating the formation of a multiprotein signaling complex. With the use of antibodies specific for NHERF and NHERF2, immunocytochemical analysis of rat kidney was undertaken to determine the nephron distribution of both proteins and their colocalization with other transporters and with ezrin. NHERF was most abundant in apical membrane of proximal tubule cells, where it colocalized with ezrin and NHE3. NHERF2 was detected in the glomerulus and in other renal vascular structures. In addition, NHERF2 was strongly expressed in collecting duct principal cells, where it colocalized with ROMK. These results indicate a striking difference in the nephron distribution of NHERF and NHERF2 and suggests NHERF is most likely to be the relevant biological regulator of NHE3 in the proximal tubule, while NHERF2 may interact with ROMK or other targets in the collecting duct. The finding that NHERF isoforms occur in different cell types suggests that NHERF and NHERF2 may subserve different functions in the kidney.

Long-term potentiation induced by theta frequency stimulation is regulated by a protein phosphatase-1-operated gate.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) can be induced in the Schaffer collateral-->CA1 synapse of hippocampus by stimulation in the theta frequency range (5-12 Hz), an effect that depends on activation of the cAMP pathway. We investigated the mechanisms of the cAMP contribution to this form of LTP in the rat hippocampal slice preparation. theta pulse stimulation (TPS; 150 stimuli at 10 Hz) by itself did not induce LTP, but the addition of either the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol or the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) enabled TPS-induced LTP. The isoproterenol effect was blocked by postsynaptic inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Several lines of evidence indicated that cAMP enabled LTP by blocking postsynaptic protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). Activators of the cAMP pathway reduced PP1 activity in the CA1 region and increased the active form of inhibitor-1, an endogenous inhibitor of PP1. Postsynaptic injection of activated inhibitor-1 mimicked the LTP-enabling effect of cAMP pathway stimulation. TPS evoked complex spiking when isoproterenol was present. However, complex spiking was not sufficient to enable TPS-induced LTP, which additionally required the inhibition of postsynaptic PP1. PP1 inhibition seems to promote the activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII), because (1) a CaMKII inhibitor blocked the induction of LTP by TPS paired with either isoproterenol or activated inhibitor-1 and (2) CaMKII in area CA1 was activated by the combination of TPS and 8-Br-cAMP but not by either stimulus alone. These results indicate that the cAMP pathway enables TPS-induced LTP by inhibiting PP1, thereby enhancing Ca(2+)-independent CaMKII activity.

Signal complex regulation of renal transport proteins: NHERF and regulation of NHE3 by PKA.

The activity of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) isoform of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger in the brush-border membrane of the renal proximal tubule is tightly regulated. Recent biochemical and cellular experiments have established the essential requirement for a new class of regulatory factors, sodium/hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) and NHERF-like proteins, in cAMP-mediated inhibition of NHE3 activity. NHERF is the first PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) motif-containing protein localized to apical membranes and appears to facilitate cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of NHE3 by interacting with the cytoskeleton to target a multiprotein complex to the brush-border membrane. Other recent experiments have indicated that NHERF also regulates the activity of other renal transport proteins, suggesting that the signal complex model of signal transduction in the kidney may be more common than presently appreciated. This article reviews studies on the regulation of NHE3 by NHERF, PKA, and ezrin and introduces the concept of regulation of renal transporters by signal complexes. Although not the primary focus of this review, recent studies have indicated a role for NHERF in membrane targeting, trafficking, and sorting of transporters, receptors, and signaling proteins. Thus NHERF and related PDZ-containing proteins appear to be essential adapters for regulation of renal transporters in the mammalian kidney that maintain salt and water balance.

Molecular memory by reversible translocation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.

Synaptic plasticity is thought to be a key process for learning, memory and other cognitive functions of the nervous system. The initial events of plasticity require the conversion of brief electrical signals into alterations of the biochemical properties of synapses that last for much longer than the initial stimuli. Here we show that a regulator of synaptic plasticity, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha (CaMKII), sequentially translocates to postsynaptic sites, undergoes autophosphorylation and gets trapped for several minutes until its dissociation is induced by secondary autophosphorylation and phosphatase 1 action. Once dissociated, CaMKII shows facilitated translocation for several minutes. This suggests that trapping of CaMKII by its targets and priming of CaMKII translocation may function as biochemical memory mechanisms that change the signaling capacity of synapses.