Differential association of the Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor (NHERF) family of adaptor proteins with the raft- and the non-raft brush border membrane fractions of NHE3.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Trafficking, brush border membrane (BBM) retention, and signal-specific regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 is regulated by the Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor (NHERF) family of PDZ-adaptor proteins, which enable the formation of multiprotein complexes. It is unclear, however, what determines signal specificity of these NHERFs. Thus, we studied the association of NHE3, NHERF1 (EBP50), NHERF2 (E3KARP), and NHERF3 (PDZK1) with lipid rafts in murine small intestinal BBM. METHODS: Detergent resistant membranes ("lipid rafts") were isolated by floatation of Triton X-incubated small intestinal BBM from a variety of knockout mouse strains in an Optiprep step gradient. Acid-activated NHE3 activity was measured fluorometrically in BCECF-loaded microdissected villi, or by assessment of CO2/HCO3(-) mediated increase in fluid absorption in perfused jejunal loops of anethetized mice. RESULTS: NHE3 was found to partially associate with lipid rafts in the native BBM, and NHE3 raft association had an impact on NHE3 transport activity and regulation in vivo. NHERF1, 2 and 3 were differentially distributed to rafts and non-rafts, with NHERF2 being most raft-associated and NHERF3 entirely non-raft associated. NHERF2 expression enhanced the localization of NHE3 to membrane rafts. The use of acid sphingomyelinase-deficient mice, which have altered membrane lipid as well as lipid raft composition, allowed us to test the validity of the lipid raft concept in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The differential association of the NHERFs with the raft-associated and the non-raft fraction of NHE3 in the brush border membrane is one component of the differential and signal-specific NHE3 regulation by the different NHERFs.

Stimulation of salivary secretion in vivo by CFTR potentiators in Cftr+/+ and Cftr-/- mice.

BACKGROUND: Physiologically, salivary secretion is controlled by cholinergic and adrenergic pathways but the role of ionic channels in this process is not yet clearly understood. In cystic fibrosis (CF), most exocrine glands failed to response to beta-adrenergic agonists. METHODS: To determine the implication of CFTR in this process, we measured in vivo the salivary secretion of Cftr(+/+) and Cftr(-/-) mice in the presence of 2 water-soluble benzo[c]quinolizinium derivatives; MPB-07 a potentiator of CFTR Cl(-) channel and MPB-05 an inactive analogue. We also used genistein and its vehicle ethanol to confirm the implication of CFTR in salivary secretion. RESULTS: We showed that subcutaneous injection of MPB-07 in the mice cheek enhanced in a dose dependent manner the isoprenaline-induced salivary secretion in Cftr(+/+) but not in Cftr(-/-) mice. By contrast, MPB-05 did not activate the salivary secretion in Cftr(+/+) mice. The CFTR activator genistein (50 microM) significantly potentiated the secretory response of Cftr(+/+) mice whereas its vehicle, ethanol, had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results show for the first time in vivo pharmacological stimulation of salivary secretion by a water-soluble CFTR potentiator, MPB-07 and by the isoflavone, ethanol-soluble genistein and suggest that this chloride channel plays an important role in salivary gland physiology.

Proteome of murine jejunal brush border membrane vesicles.

The first detailed description of the proteome of the mouse jejunal brush border membrane vesicle is presented here. This was obtained by a combination of purification via divalent (Mg2+) cation precipitation starting with isolated cells plus strong cation exchange chromatography LC-MS/MS. Five-hundred seventy proteins were identified including 45 transport proteins. Among the latter, 18 had either not been identified in the intestine in the past or there was a single unconfirmed report of their presence. Validation was accomplished by a combination of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence using mouse jejunum and previously described antibodies. The validated BB proteins were aquaporin 7, Glut 9b, Na+I- symporter (NIS), and non-gastric H+/K+-ATPase. This study helps to further define the brush border membrane vesicle, a preparation which has been widely used to identify transport function of the small intestine.

Rescue of functional delF508-CFTR channels in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells by the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor miglustat.

In the disease cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common mutation delF508 results in endoplasmic reticulum retention of misfolded CF gene proteins (CFTR). We show that the alpha-1,2-glucosidase inhibitor miglustat (N-butyldeoxynojirimycin, NB-DNJ) prevents delF508-CFTR/calnexin interaction and restores cAMP-activated chloride current in epithelial CF cells. Moreover, miglustat rescues a mature and functional delF508-CFTR in the intestinal crypts of ileal mucosa from delF508 mice. Since miglustat is an orally active orphan drug (Zavesca) prescribed for the treatment of Gaucher disease, our findings provide the basis for future clinical evaluation of miglustat in CF patients.

Biochemical methods to assess CFTR expression and membrane localization.

Detection of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is usually a difficult task to accomplish due to the low levels of expression and high turnover that this membrane protein is submitted to in the cell. Common biochemical methods can be used for the detection of CFTR but several critical points must be taken into account. The scope of this article is to outline biochemical methods commonly used to assess CFTR expression, processing and membrane localization.