scholarly journals Article Commentary: The Alternatively Spliced Form “b” of the Epithelial Sodium Channel α subunit (α ENaC): Any Prior Evidence of its Existence?

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. CMC.S5270
Author(s):  
Marlene F. Shehata
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Protein Band ◽  
Sodium Balance ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Additional Protein

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is critical in maintaining sodium balance across aldosterone-responsive epithelia. ENaC is a combined channel formed of three subunits (αβγ) with α ENaC subunit being the most critical for channel functionality. In a previous report, we have demonstrated the existence and mRNA expression levels of four alternatively spliced forms of the α ENaC subunit denoted by -a, -b, -c and -d in kidney cortex of Dahl S and R rats. Of the four alternatively spliced forms presently identified, α ENaC-b is considered the most interesting for the following reasons: Aside from being a salt-sensitive transcript, α ENaC-b mRNA expression is ~32 fold higher than α ENaC wildtype in kidney cortex of Dahl rats. Additionally, the splice site used to generate α ENaC-b is conserved across species. Finally, α ENaC-b mRNA expression is significantly higher in salt-resistant Dahl R rats versus salt-sensitive Dahl S rats. As such, this commentary aims to highlight some of the previously published research articles that described the existence of an additional protein band on α ENaC western blots that could account for α ENaC-b in other rat species.

scholarly journals Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonists repress epithelial sodium channel expression in the kidney

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (5) ◽  
pp. F540-F551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Borsting ◽  
Vicki Pei-Chun Cheng ◽  
Chris K. Glass ◽  
Volker Vallon ◽  
Robyn Cunard
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Duct Cell ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Cortical Collecting Duct ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, are used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, ∼5% of patients experience the treatment-limiting side effect of edema. Studies have implicated activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) as a cause of TZD-induced fluid retention, although there have been conflicting reports. The goal of this study was to resolve the role of PPARγ in control of ENaC isoforms in the kidney. Herein, we demonstrate in mice that rosiglitazone (RGZ), a PPARγ ligand, increases body weight and abdominal fat pad fluid content and reduces hematocrit. Seven days of RGZ decreases ENaCα and ENaCβ mRNA and ENaCγ protein expression in the kidney cortex, and acute treatment for 5 h with pioglitazone, another potent TZD, does not increase renal ENaC isoform mRNA or protein expression. Pioglitazone also decreases ENaCα and ENaCγ mRNA expression in a cortical collecting duct cell line. As no direct transcriptional studies had been conducted, we examined the PPARγ-dependent regulation of ENaC. Pioglitazone represses ENaCγ promoter activity, and this repression is partially relieved by inhibition of protein synthesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that repression is associated with a decrease in histone H4K5 acetylation at the proximal ENaCγ promoter. In summary, TZDs do not increase ENaC mRNA expression in the kidney, and in fact repress the ENaCγ promoter via an indirect transcriptional mechanism.

scholarly journals A Novel Mechanism in Regulating the Alpha-Subunit of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (α ENaC) by the Alternatively Spliced Form α ENaC-b

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. BCI.S880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene F. Shehata
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Dominant Negative Effect ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Dose Dependent

Introduction In Dahl rats’ kidney cortex, the alternatively spliced form of the epithelial sodium channel α subunit (α ENaC-b) is the most abundant mRNA transcript (32+/-3 fold > α ENaC-wt) as was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. α ENaC-b mRNA levels were significantly higher in Dahl R versus S rats, and were further augmented by high salt diet. Objectives In the present study, we described the molecular cloning and searched for a possible role of α ENaC-b by testing its potential expression in COS7 cells as well as its impact on α ENaC-wt expression levels when co-expressed in COS7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Methods Using RT-PCR strategy, the full-length wildtype α ENaC transcript and the alternatively spliced form α ENaC-b were amplified, sequenced, cloned, subcloned into PCMV-sport6 expression vector, expressed and co-expressed into COS7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. A combination of denaturing and native western blotting techniques was employed to examine the expression of α ENaC-b in vitro, and to determine if an interaction between α ENaC-b and α ENaC-wt occurs in vitro, and finally to demonstrate if degradation of α ENaC-wt protein does occur. Results α ENaC-b is translated in COS7 cells. Co-expression of α ENaC-b together with α ENaC-wt reduced α ENaC-wt levels in a dose-dependent manner. α ENaC-wt and α ENaC-b appear to form a complex that enhances the degradation of α ENaC-wt. Conclusions Western blots suggest a novel mechanism in α ENaC regulation whereby α ENaC-b exerts a dominant negative effect on α ENaC-wt expression. This is potentially by sequestering α ENaC-wt, enhancing its proteolytic degradation, and possibly explaining the mechanism of salt-resistance in Dahl R rats.

Revealing a subclinical salt-losing phenotype in heterozygous carriers of the novel S562P mutation in the α subunit of the epithelial sodium channel

2009 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix G. Riepe ◽  
Miguel X. P. Van Bemmelen ◽  
Francois Cachat ◽  
Hansjörg Plendl ◽  
Ivan Gautschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Heterozygous Carriers

scholarly journals Expression of Alternatively Spliced Sodium Channel α-Subunit Genes

2004 ◽  
Vol 279 (44) ◽  
pp. 46234-46241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher K. Raymond ◽  
John Castle ◽  
Philip Garrett-Engele ◽  
Christopher D. Armour ◽  
Zhengyan Kan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglia ◽  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Molecular Medicine ◽  
Primate Model ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Splicing Patterns

Molecular medicine requires the precise definition of drug targets, and tools are now in place to provide genome-wide information on the expression and alternative splicing patterns of any known gene. DNA microarrays were used to monitor transcript levels of the nine well-characterized α-subunit sodium channel genes across a broad range of tissues from cynomolgus monkey, a non-human primate model. Alternative splicing of human transcripts for a subset of the genes that are expressed in dorsal root ganglia, SCN8A (Nav1.6), SCN9A (Nav1.7), and SCN11A (Nav1.9) was characterized in detail. Genomic sequence analysis among gene family paralogs and between cross-species orthologs suggested specific alternative splicing events within transcripts of these genes, all of which were experimentally confirmed in human tissues. Quantitative PCR revealed that certain alternative splice events are uniquely expressed in dorsal root ganglia. In addition to characterization of human transcripts, alternatively spliced sodium channel transcripts were monitored in a rat model for neuropathic pain. Consistent down-regulation of all transcripts was observed, as well as significant changes in the splicing patterns of SCN8A and SCN9A.

Differential Regulation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) in Rat Kidney, Lung and Distal Colon in Response to Aldosterone.

Hypertension ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 724-724
Author(s):  
Shyama M E Masilamani ◽  
Gheun-Ho Kim ◽  
Mark A Knepper
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Distal Colon ◽  
Β Subunit ◽  
Dietary Salt ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Salt Restriction ◽  
Γ Subunit ◽  
Dietary Salt Restriction ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel Enac

P170 The mineralocorticoid hormone, aldosterone increases renal tubule Na absorption via increases in the protein abundances of the α-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the 70 kDa form of the γ- subunit of ENaC (JCI 104:R19-R23). This study assesses the affect of dietary salt restriction on the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the lung and distal colon, in addition to kidney, using semiquantitative immunoblotting. Rats were placed initially on either a control Na intake (0.02 meq/day), or a low Na intake (0.2 meq/day) for 10 days. The low salt treated rats demonstrated an increase in plasma aldosterone levels at day 10 (control = 0.78 + 0.32 nM; Na restricted = 3.50 + 1.30 nM). In kidney homogenates, there were marked increases in the band density of the α-subunit of ENaC (286 % of control) and the 70 kDa form of γ-subunit of ENaC (262 % of control), but no increase in the abundance of the β-subunit of ENaC. In lung homogenates, there was no significant change in the band densities of the α, β, or γ subunits of ENaC. In distal colon, there was an increase in the band density of the β-subunit of ENaC (311 % of control) and an increase in both the 85 kDa (2355% of control) and 70 kDa (843 % of control) form of the γ subunit of ENaC in response to dietary Na restriction. However, there was no significant difference in the band density of the α-subunit of ENaC. These findings demonstrate tissue specific regulation of the three subunits of ENaC in response to dietary salt restriction.

Abstract 076: Urinary Exosomal Epithelial Sodium Channel And Sodium-chloride Cotransporter Measurement In Humans

Hypertension ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
TAOPHEEQ A MUSTAPHA ◽  
VICTOR NWAZUE ◽  
KEVIN SCHEY ◽  
RAJ SATISH ◽  
JAMES M LUTHER
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Sodium Balance ◽  
Sodium Reabsorption ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Creatinine Concentration ◽  
Spot Urine ◽  
Sodium Chloride Cotransporter

Sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron is tightly regulated in part by epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC), although non-invasive measure of these proteins in humans has not previously been feasible. We recently analyzed the urinary exosomal proteome and identified candidate targets for quantification of ENaC and NCC using targeted mass spectrometry. To test the hypothesis that urinary exosomal ENaC and NCC are altered during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, we activated the endogenous RAAS using a low sodium diet (LS) in two separate studies. We provided 8 subjects LS diet (10mmol/day for 7days) to assess urinary protein excretion at 7 days (study 1) and longitudinally over the course of 1 week (study 2). Daily 24-hour urine was collected to monitor sodium balance, and spot urine samples were obtained each morning on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 of LS diet. Urinary exosomal ENaC-α, ENaC-γ, and NCC peptides were analyzed using targeted multiple-reaction-monitoring analysis quantified with stable-isotope peptide standards, and results were normalized to urine creatinine concentration. In study 1, urinary ENaCγ increased after 8 days of LS diet (Figure A). In study 2, urinary exosomal ENaCγ (Figure B) and NCC peptides (Figure C) increased in a time-dependent manner during LS diet. These measures of urinary sodium channel expression may provide further insight into distal sodium reabsorption in human hypertension.

scholarly journals TMPRSS4-dependent activation of the epithelial sodium channel requires cleavage of the γ-subunit distal to the furin cleavage site

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Passero ◽  
Gunhild M. Mueller ◽  
Michael M. Myerburg ◽  
Marcelo D. Carattino ◽  
Rebecca P. Hughey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Sites ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Channel Activation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Γ Subunit ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Unique Mechanism

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is activated by a unique mechanism, whereby inhibitory tracts are released by proteolytic cleavage within the extracellular loops of two of its three homologous subunits. While cleavage by furin within the biosynthetic pathway releases one inhibitory tract from the α-subunit and moderately activates the channel, full activation through release of a second inhibitory tract from the γ-subunit requires cleavage once by furin and then at a distal site by a second protease, such as prostasin, plasmin, or elastase. We now report that coexpression of mouse transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) with mouse ENaC in Xenopus oocytes was associated with a two- to threefold increase in channel activity and production of a unique ∼70-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of the γ-subunit, similar to the ∼70-kDa γ-subunit fragment that we previously observed with prostasin-dependent channel activation. TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation and production of the ∼70-kDa fragment were partially blocked by mutation of the prostasin-dependent cleavage site (γRKRK186QQQQ). Complete inhibition of TMPRSS4-dependent activation of ENaC and γ-subunit cleavage was observed when three basic residues between the furin and prostasin cleavage sites were mutated (γK173Q, γK175Q, and γR177Q), in addition to γRKRK186QQQQ. Mutation of the four basic residues associated with the furin cleavage site (γRKRR143QQQQ) also prevented TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation. We conclude that TMPRSS4 primarily activates ENaC by cleaving basic residues within the tract γK173-K186 distal to the furin cleavage site, thereby releasing a previously defined key inhibitory tract encompassing γR158-F168 from the γ-subunit.

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