MST3 is involved in ENaC-mediated hypertension

Liddle syndrome is an inherited form of human hypertension caused by increasing epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) expression. Increased Na+ retention through ENaC with subsequent volume expansion causes hypertension. In addition to ENaC, the Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter (NKCC) and Na+-Cl− symporter (NCC) are responsible for Na+ reabsorption in the kidneys. Several Na+ transporters are evolutionarily regulated by the Ste20 kinase family. Ste20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase and oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1 phosphorylate downstream NKCC2 and NCC to maintain Na+ and blood pressure (BP) homeostasis. Mammalian Ste20 kinase 3 (MST3) is another member of the Ste20 family. We previously reported that reduced MST3 levels were found in the kidneys in spontaneously hypertensive rats and that MST3 was involved in Na+ regulation. To determine whether MST3 is involved in BP stability through Na+ regulation, we generated a MST3 hypomorphic mutation and designated MST3+/− and MST3−/− mice to examine BP and serum Na+ and K+ concentrations. MST3−/− mice exhibited hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and hypertension. The increased ENaC in the kidney played roles in hypernatremia. The reabsorption of more Na+ promoted more K+ secretion in the kidney and caused hypokalemia. The hypernatremia and hypokalemia in MST3−/− mice were significantly reversed by the ENaC inhibitor amiloride, indicating that MST3−/− mice reabsorbed more Na+ through ENaC. Furthermore, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing kinase-dead MST3 displayed elevated ENaC currents. Both the in vivo and in vitro results indicated that MST3 maintained Na+ homeostasis through ENaC regulation. We are the first to report that MST3 maintains BP stability through ENaC regulation.