PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Heini Murer

Publications and source records attributed to Heini Murer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Structure-function relations of the first and fourth predicted extracellular linkers of the type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter: I. Cysteine scanning mutagenesis.

The putative first intracellular and third extracellular linkers are known to play important roles in defining the transport properties of the type IIa Na+-coupled phosphate cotransporter (Kohler, K., I.C. Forster, G. Stange, J. Biber, and H. Murer. 2002b. J. Gen. Physiol. 120:693-705). To investigate whether other stretches that link predicted transmembrane domains are also involved, the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) was applied to sites in the predicted first and fourth extracellular linkers (ECL-1 and ECL-4). Mutants based on the wild-type (WT) backbone, with substituted novel cysteines, were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and their function was assayed by isotope uptake and electrophysiology. Functionally important sites were identified in both linkers by exposing cells to membrane permeant and impermeant methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents. The cysteine modification reaction rates for sites in ECL-1 were faster than those in ECL-4, which suggested that the latter were less accessible from the extracellular medium. Generally, a finite cotransport activity remained at the end of the modification reaction. The change in activity was due to altered voltage-dependent kinetics of the Pi-dependent current. For example, cys substitution at Gly-134 in ECL-1 resulted in rate-limiting, voltage-independent cotransport activity for V < or = -80 mV, whereas the WT exhibited a linear voltage dependency. After cys modification, this mutant displayed a supralinear voltage dependency in the same voltage range. The opposite behavior was documented for cys substitution at Met-533 in ECL-4. Modification of cysteines at two other sites in ECL-1 (Ile-136 and Phe-137) also resulted in supralinear voltage dependencies for hyperpolarizing potentials. Taken together, these findings suggest that ECL-1 and ECL-4 may not directly form part of the transport pathway, but specific sites in these linkers can interact directly or indirectly with parts of NaPi-IIa that undergo voltage-dependent conformational changes and thereby influence the voltage dependency of cotransport.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure-function relations of the first and fourth extracellular linkers of the type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter: II. Substrate interaction and voltage dependency of two functionally important sites.

Functionally important sites in the predicted first and fourth extracellular linkers of the type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) were identified by cysteine scanning mutagenesis (Ehnes et al., 2004). Cysteine substitution or modification with impermeant and permeant methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents at certain sites resulted in changes to the steady-state voltage dependency of the cotransport mode (1 mM Pi, 100 mM Na+ at pH 7.4) of the mutants. At Gly-134 (ECL-1) and Met-533 (ECL-4), complementary behavior of the voltage dependency was documented with respect to the effect of cys-substitution and modification. G134C had a weak voltage dependency that became even stronger than that of the wild type (WT) after MTS incubation. M533C showed a WT-like voltage dependency that became markedly weaker after MTS incubation. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the steady-state and presteady-state kinetics of these mutants were studied in detail. The apparent affinity constants for Pi and Na+ did not show large changes after MTS exposure. However, the dependency on external protons was changed in a complementary manner for each mutant. This suggested that cys substitution at Gly-134 or modification of Cys-533 had induced similar conformational changes to alter the proton modulation of transport kinetics. The changes in steady-state voltage dependency correlated with changes in the kinetics of presteady-state charge movements determined in the absence of Pi, which suggested that voltage-dependent transitions in the transport cycle were altered. The steady-state and presteady-state behavior was simulated using an eight-state kinetic model in which the transition rate constants of the empty carrier and translocation of the fully loaded carrier were found to be critical determinants of the transport kinetics. The simulations predict that cys substitution at Gly-134 or cys modification of Cys-533 alters the preferred orientation of the empty carrier from an inward to outward-facing conformation for hyperpolarizing voltages.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PDZ proteins and proximal ion transport.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: PDZ proteins are major structural components of protein assembly. This review covers the implications of these proteins in the regulation of transport systems expressed in renal proximal tubules. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last few years, many reports have highlighted the implication of PDZ proteins in two aspects of proximal tubule physiology, namely the generation and maintenance of epithelial polarity and the formation of regulatory complexes that provide spatial and molecular specificity to the intracellular signalling. SUMMARY: PDZ-mediated interactions are involved in a wide range of cellular functions, from cell division to cell polarity to intracellular signalling. Consistent with this functional spectrum, ablation of PDZ protein genes generates a wide panel of pathological phenotypes, some of which link directly to human syndromes. In proximal tubules, PDZ proteins are thought to play a major role in epithelial polarity and transport regulation.

Animals↗

Kidney-specific inactivation of the megalin gene impairs trafficking of renal inorganic sodium phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa).

Renal reabsorption of inorganic phosphate is mediated by the type IIa sodium phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) of the proximal tubule. Changes in renal phosphate handling are mainly attributable to altered NaPi-IIa brush border membrane (BBM) expression. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) induces inactivation of NaPi-IIa by endocytic membrane retrieval and degradation. The key elements triggering this process are not clear to date. Megalin serves as a receptor for the endocytosis of multiple ligands and is coexpressed with NaPi-IIa in the proximal tubule. Investigated was the role of megalin in the regulation of NaPi-IIa in steady state and during inactivation. Kidneys and tubular BBM fractions from mice with a renal-specific megalin gene defect and from controls were analyzed by light and electron microscopic histochemical techniques and Western blot test. Steady-state levels of NaPi-IIa in BBM were significantly enhanced, mRNA levels preserved, and phosphaturia reduced in the absence of megalin. Fluid-phase endocytosis was prevented and the apical endocytic apparatus markedly reduced. Systemic administration of PTH resulted in a defective retrieval and impaired degradation of NaPi-IIa. In vitro, the application of various stimuli of the PTH-induced signaling cascade had no effect either. Adequate steady-state expression of NaPi-IIa and the capacity of the proximal tubule cell to react on PTH-driven inactivation of NaPi-IIa by endocytosis and intracellular translocation require the presence of megalin.

Animals↗

Novel aspects in regulated expression of the renal type IIa Na/Pi-cotransporter.

Proximal tubular phosphate (P(i)) reabsorption is a key element in overall phosphate homeostasis; physiologic/pathophysiologic alterations are related to the control of brush border membrane expression (regulated endocytosis) of the type IIa sodium (Na)/phosphate(P(i))-cotransporter (NaPi-IIa). The carboxy terminus of NaPi-IIa contains sequences important for its apical delivery/expression; the last three amino acids are involved in PSD95/DglA/ZO-1 (PDZ) interactions involving NaPi-IIa, Na/H exchanger-regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1/2), and PDZK1/2 (apical scaffold). Regulated endocytosis of NaPi-IIa [e.g., parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced] is reduced in megalin-deficient mice; internalization occurs via clathrin-coated structures, early endosomes, and finally leads to lysosomal degradation. NaPi-IIa contains, in the third intracellular loop, a sequence motif required for internalization. Different hormonal [e.g., PTH, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), also nitric oxide (NO)] and nonhormonal factors activate a variety of intracellular signaling cascades [protein kinase A (PK-A), protein kinase C (PK-C), protein kinase G (PK-G), extracellular receptor kinase (ERK)-1/2] leading (by unknown mechanisms) to NaPi-IIa internalization. Different phosphatonins [e.g., fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, frizzled related protein (FRP)-4, matrix extracellularphosphoglycoprotein (MEPE)], associated with different pathophysiologic states of renal P(i)-handling, seem also to control apical expression of NaPi-IIa. Internalization of NaPi-IIa first requires its removal from the apical scaffold. This scaffold can also be considered as a regulatory scaffold containing also protein kinase A (PK-A)-anchoring proteins (AKAPs, ezrin) and the apical PTH receptor. The role of the different components of the regulatory scaffold in regulated endocytosis of NaPi-IIa is at present unknown.

Animals↗

PDZ interactions and proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption.

In adults, the extent of renal reabsorption of P(i) and consequently the extent of urinary excretion of phosphate are to a large extent determined by the abundance of the Na-P(i) cotransporter NaPi-IIa (SLC34A1). Localization of this cotransporter is restricted to the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells, and its abundance is controlled by a number of factors and pathophysiological conditions. To guarantee a proper apical localization and specific regulated endocytosis of NaPi-IIa, an orchestrated pattern of protein interactions has to be envisaged. Attempts to screen for such interacting proteins resulted in the identification of a PDZ domain containing proteins. The purpose of this review is to discuss the roles of these PDZ proteins in proximal tubular Na-P(i) cotransport.

Animals↗

Acute regulation of Na/H exchanger NHE3 by adenosine A(1) receptors is mediated by calcineurin homologous protein.

Adenosine is an autacoid that regulates renal Na(+) transport. Activation of adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)R) by N(6)-cyclopentidyladenosine (CPA) inhibits the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) via phospholipase C/Ca(2+)/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway. Mutation of PKC phosphorylation sites on NHE3 does not affected regulation of NHE3 by CPA, but amino acid residues 462 and 552 are essential for A(1)R-dependent control of NHE3 activity. One binding partner of the NHE family is calcineurin homologous protein (CHP). We tested the role of NHE3-CHP interaction in mediating CPA-induced inhibition of NHE3 in opossum kidney (OK) and Xenopus laevis uroepithelial (A6) cells. Both native and transfected NHE3 and CHP are present in the same immuno-complex by co-immunoprecipitation. CPA (10(-6) M) increases CHP-NHE3 interaction by 30 - 60% (native and transfected proteins). Direct CHP-NHE3 interaction is evident by yeast two-hybrid assay (bait, NHE3(C terminus); prey, CHP); the minimal interacting region is localized to the juxtamembrane region of NHE3(C terminus) (amino acids 462-552 of opossum NHE3). The yeast data were confirmed in OK cells where truncated NHE3 (NHE3(delta552)) still shows CPA-stimulated CHP interaction. Overexpression of the polypeptide from the CHP binding region (NHE3(462-552)) interferes with the ability of CPA to inhibit NHE3 activity and to increase CHPNHE3(Full-length) interaction. Reduction of native CHP expression by small interference RNA abolishes the ability of CPA to inhibit NHE3 activity. We conclude that CHPNHE3 interaction is regulated by A(1)R activation and this interaction is a necessary and integral part of the signaling pathway between adenosine and NHE3.

Adenosine↗

The SLC13 gene family of sodium sulphate/carboxylate cotransporters.

The SLC13 gene family consist of five sequence-related members that have been identified in a variety of animals, plants, yeast and bacteria. Proteins encoded by these genes are divided into two functionally unrelated groups: the Na(+)-sulphate (NaS) cotransporters and the Na(+)-carboxylate (NaC) cotransporters. Members of this family include the renal Na(+)-dependent inorganic sulphate transporter-1 (NaSi-1, SLC13A1), the Na(+)-dependent dicarboxylate transporters NaDC-1/SDCT1 (SLC13A2), NaDC-3/SDCT2 (SLC13A3), the sulphate transporter-1 (SUT-1, SLC13A4) and the Na(+)-coupled citrate transporter (NaCT, SLC13A5). The general characteristics of the SLC13 proteins are that they encode multi-spanning proteins with 8-13 transmembrane domains, have a wide tissue distribution with most being expressed in the epithelial cells of the kidney and the gastrointestinal tract. They are Na(+)-coupled symporters, DIDS-insensitive, with strong cation preference for Na(+), with a Na(+):anion coupling ratio of around 3:1 and have a substrate preference for divalent anions, which include tetraoxyanions (for the NaS cotransporters) or Krebs cycle intermediates, including mono-, di-, and tri-carboxylates (for the NaC cotransporters). The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the most recent advances and to summarize the biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the vertebrate SLC13 gene family.

Animals↗

Interactions of MAP17 with the NaPi-IIa/PDZK1 protein complex in renal proximal tubular cells.

An essential role in phosphate homeostasis is played by Na/Pi cotransporter IIa that is localized in the brush borders of renal proximal tubular cells. Recent studies identified several PDZ proteins interacting with the COOH-terminal tail of NaPi-IIa, such as PDZK1 and NHERF-1. Here, by using yeast two-hybrid screen of mouse kidney cDNA library, we attempted to find proteins interacting with the NH2-terminal part of NaPi-IIa. We identified MAP17, a 17-kDa membrane protein that has been described to be associated with various human carcinomas, but it is also expressed in normal kidneys. Results obtained by various in vitro analyses suggested that MAP17 interacts with the fourth domain of PDZK1 but not with other PDZ proteins localized in proximal tubular brush borders. As revealed by immunofluorescence, MAP17 was abundant in S1 but almost absent in S3 segments. No alterations of the apical abundance of MAP17 were observed after maneuvers undertaken to change the content of NaPi-IIa (parathyroid hormone treatment, different phosphate diets). In agreement, no change in the amount of MAP17 mRNA was observed. Results obtained from transfection studies using opossum kidney cells indicated that the apical localization of MAP17 is independent of PDZK1 but that MAP17 is required for apical localization of PDZK1. In summary, we conclude that MAP17 1) interacts with PDZK1 only, 2) associates with the NH2 terminus of NaPi-IIa within the PDZK1/NaPi-IIa/MAP17 complex, and 3) acts as an apical anchoring site for PDZK1.

Animals↗

The sodium phosphate cotransporter family SLC34.

This review summarizes the characteristics of the solute carrier family SLC34 that is represented by the type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters NaPi-lla (SLC34A1), NaPi-llb (SLC34A2) and NaPi-llc (SLC34A3). Other Na/P(i)-cotransporters are described within the SLC17 and SLC20 families. Type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters are expressed in several tissues and play a major role in the homeostasis of inorganic phosphate. In kidney and small intestine, type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters are located at the apical sites of epithelial cells and represent the rate limiting steps for transepithelial movement of phosphate. Physiological and pathophysiological regulation of renal and small intestinal epithelial transport of phosphate occurs through alterations in the abundance of type ll Na/P(i)-cotransporters.

Animals↗

Impaired PTH-induced endocytotic down-regulation of the renal type IIa Na+/Pi-cotransporter in RAP-deficient mice with reduced megalin expression.

Inorganic phosphate (P(i)) reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule occurs mostly via the Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter type IIa (NaP(i)-IIa) located in the brush-border membrane (BBM) and is regulated, among other factors, by dietary P(i) intake and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The PTH-induced inhibition of P(i) reabsorption is mediated by endocytosis of Na/P(i)-IIa from the BBM and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Megalin is involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis of proteins from the urine in the renal proximal tubule. The recently identified receptor-associated protein (RAP) is a novel type of chaperone responsible for the intracellular transport of endocytotic receptors such as megalin. Gene disruption of RAP leads to a decrease of megalin in the BBM and to a disturbed proximal tubular endocytotic machinery. Here we investigated whether the distribution of NaP(i)-IIa and/or its regulation by dietary P(i) intake and PTH is affected in the proximal tubules of RAP-deficient mice as a model for megalin loss. In RAP-deficient mice megalin expression was strongly reduced and restricted to a subapical localization. NaP(i)-IIa protein distribution and abundance in the kidney was not altered. The localization and abundance of the NaP(i)-IIa interacting proteins MAP17, PDZK-1, D-AKAP2, and NHE-RF1 were also normal. Other transport proteins expressed in the BBM such as the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE-3 and the Na(+)/sulphate cotransporter NaSi were normally expressed. In whole animals and in isolated fresh kidney slices the PTH-induced internalization of NaP(i)-IIa was strongly delayed in RAP-deficient mice. PTH receptor expression in the proximal tubule was not affected by the RAP knock-out. cAMP, cGMP or PKC activators induced internalization which was delayed in RAP-deficient mice. In contrast, both wildtype and RAP-deficient mice were able to adapt to high-, normal, and low-P(i) diets appropriately as indicated by urinary P(i) excretion and NaP(i)-IIa protein abundance.

Animals↗

Essential cysteine residues of the type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter.

The rat renal Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter (NaP(i)-IIa) contains 12 native cysteines. When individually replaced by a serine, none appears essential for proper expression and function. Nevertheless, the formation of one essential cysteine bridge (C5/C6), together with a postulated second bridge, is necessary. To determine the minimum cysteine residues required for functional NaP(i)-IIa, with the goal of generating a Cys-less backbone for structure-function studies, mutants were constructed in which multiple endogenous cysteines were replaced by serines in different combinations. In Xenopus oocytes, most mutants were functional, except those where cysteine pairs C4/C9, C4/C12 or C9/C12 were simultaneously deleted. This suggested that one of these pairs could form the second cysteine bridge essential for expression and/or protein function. Up to eight cysteines could therefore be removed to give a functional Cys-reduced NaP(i)-IIa with activity and kinetics comparable to the wild-type (WT). This construct, like all intermediate mutants and the WT, was insensitive to cysteine-modifying methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents. Moreover, by introducing a novel cysteine into the Cys-reduced NaP(i)-IIa at a site functionally important in the WT (Ser-460), the loss of transport function reported for mutant S460C, after exposure to MTS reagents, was recapitulated. This confirmed that the MTS reagent site of action was Cys-460 and that modification of native cysteines does not contribute to S460C behavior.

Animals↗

Na+-dependent phosphate transporters in the murine osteoclast: cellular distribution and protein interactions.

We previously demonstrated that inhibition of Na-dependent phosphate (P(i)) transport in osteoclasts led to reduced ATP levels and diminished bone resorption. These findings suggested that Na/P(i) cotransporters in the osteoclast plasma membrane provide P(i) for ATP synthesis and that the osteoclast may utilize part of the P(i) released from bone resorption for this purpose. The present study was undertaken to define the cellular localization of Na/P(i) cotransporters in the mouse osteoclast and to identify the proteins with which they interact. Using glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion constructs, we demonstrate that the type IIa Na/P(i) cotransporter (Npt2a) in osteoclast lysates interacts with the Na/H exchanger regulatory factor, NHERF-1, a PDZ protein that is essential for the regulation of various membrane transporters. In addition, NHERF-1 in osteoclast lysates interacts with Npt2a in spite of deletion of a putative PDZ-binding domain within the carboxy terminus of Npt2a. In contrast, deletion of the carboxy-terminal TRL amino acid motif of Npt2a significantly reduced its interaction with NHERF-1 in kidney lysates. Studies in osteoclasts transfected with green fluorescent protein-Npt2a constructs indicated that Npt2a colocalizes with NHERF-1 and actin at or near the plasma membrane of the osteoclast and associates with ezrin, a linker protein associated with the actin cytoskeleton, likely via NHERF-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate by RT/PCR of osteoclast RNA and in situ hybridization that the type III Na/P(i) cotransporter, PiT-1, is also expressed in mouse osteoclasts. To examine the cellular distribution of PiT-1, we infected mouse osteoclasts with a retroviral vector encoding PiT-1 fused to an epitope tag. PiT-1 colocalizes with actin and is present on the basolateral membrane of the polarized osteoclast, similar to that previously reported for Npt2a. Taken together, our data suggest that association of Npt2a with NHERF-1, ezrin, and actin, and of PiT-1 with actin, may be responsible for membrane sorting and regulation of these Na/P(i) cotransporters in the osteoclast.

Actins↗

Involvement of the MAPK-kinase pathway in the PTH-mediated regulation of the proximal tubule type IIa Na+/Pi cotransporter in mouse kidney.

Reabsorption of phosphate in the proximal tubule is mainly mediated by the type IIa Na(+)/P(i) cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) and tightly regulated by a variety of factors including dietary phosphate intake and parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH signals through both apical and basolateral PTH receptors and induces the rapid internalization and subsequent degradation of NaPi-IIa. At least two signalling cascades can be activated by PTH: the PLC/PKC and the cAMP/PKA pathways. Recent evidence from OK cell culture suggested the involvement of MAPK kinases in the PTH action. Here we used freshly isolated coronal mouse kidney slices and incubated them in a physiological buffer in the absence and presence of PTH with inhibitors and activators of the various signalling cascades to further study the events leading to internalization of NaPi-IIa. No alterations in the pattern of immunostaining for alpha-tubulin, actin and several brush border membrane proteins demonstrated intactness of the slices over the experimental period. Application of PTH (100 nM) induced a strong decrease of NaPi-IIa brush border staining and internalization after 45 min of incubation. The localization of the Na(+)/sulphate cotransporter (NaSi), however, was not affected. The internalization of NaPi-IIa could be completely prevented by the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (1 micro M) or the MAPK-kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD098059 (20 micro M). Without PTH both inhibitors alone had no effect. PTH induced phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 MAPK-kinases which was prevented by PD 098059. Separate activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway by 8-Br-cAMP was completely prevented by PD098059 whereas activation of the PLC/PKC pathway by the PKC activator 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG) and the PKG pathway by 8-Br-cGMP induced internalization of NaPi-IIa which could be only partly blocked by PD 098059. Inhibition by SB203580 or activation by anisomycin of the p38 kinase pathway had no influence on NaPi-IIa localization under control conditions or after PTH stimulation. Furthermore, the PTH-induced decrease in NaPi-IIa protein could be reduced by PD 098059. These results suggest that the ERK1/2 MAPK kinase pathway plays a central role in the signalling of PTH leading to specific internalization and subsequent degradation of the type II NaPi-IIa cotransporter in the proximal tubule.

Actins↗

PDZK1: I. a major scaffolder in brush borders of proximal tubular cells.

BACKGROUND: In proximal tubular cells, PDZK1 (NaPi-Cap1) has been implicated in apical expression of the Na+-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) via interaction with its C-terminus. PDZK1 represents a multidomain protein consisting of four PDZ domains and thus is believed to have a broader specificity besides NaPi-IIa. METHODS: We subjected single PDZ domains derived from PDZK1 either to yeast two-hybrid screens or yeast trap assays. Different pull-down assays and blot overlays were applied to corroborate the PDZK1-mediated interactions in vitro. Co-localization of interacting proteins with PDZK1 in proximal tubular cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the yeast screens, the most abundant candidate protein to interact with PDZK1 was the membrane-associated protein of 17 kD (MAP17). Besides MAP17, C-terminal parts of following transporters were also identified: NaPi-IIa, solute carrier SLC17A1 (NaPi-I), Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE-3), organic cation transporter (OCTN1), chloride-formate exchanger (CFEX), and urate-anion exchanger (URAT1). In addition, other regulatory factors were found among the clones, such as a protein kinase A (PKA)-anchoring protein (D-AKAP2) and N+/H+ exchanger regulator factor (NHERF-1). All interactions of itemized proteins with PDZK1 were affirmed by in vitro techniques. Apart from PDZK1, strong in vitro interactions of NHERF-1 were also observed with the solute transporters (excluding MAP17) and D-AKAP2. All identified proteins were immunolocalized in proximal tubular cells, wherein all membrane proteins co-localized with PDZK1 in brush borders. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that PDZK1 and NHERF-1 establish an extended network beneath the apical membrane to which membrane proteins and regulatory components are anchored.

Animals↗

PDZK1: II. an anchoring site for the PKA-binding protein D-AKAP2 in renal proximal tubular cells.

BACKGROUND: PDZK1, a multiple PDZ protein, was recently found to interact with the type IIa Na/Pi cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) in renal proximal tubular cells. In a preceding study, yeast two-hybrid screens using single PDZ domains of PDZK1 as baits were performed. Among the identified proteins, a C-terminal fragment of the dual-specific A-kinase anchoring protein 2 (D-AKAP2) was obtained by screening PDZ domain 4. METHODS: After its molecular cloning by means of RACE, the renal expression of D-AKAP2 was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Protein interactions were characterized by overlays, pull-downs, and immunoprecipitations from transfected opossum kidney (OK) cells. RESULTS: Based on 5'-RACE and PDZK1 overlays of mouse kidney cortex separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, it was suggested that the renal isoform of D-AKAP2 in mouse comprises 372 amino acids and exists as a protein of >40 kD. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR localized D-AKAP2 only to the subapical pole of proximal tubular cells in mouse kidney. In pull-down experiments, D-AKAP2 tightly bound PDZK1 as well as N+/H+ exchanger regulator factor (NHERF-1), but the latter with an apparent fourfold lower affinity. Similarly, His-tagged D-AKAP2 specifically retained PDZK1 from mouse kidney cortex homogenate. In addition, myc-tagged D-AKAP2 and HA-tagged PDZK1 co-immunoprecipitated from transfected OK cells. CONCLUSION: We conclude that D-AKAP2 anchors protein kinase A (PKA) to PDZK1 and to a lesser extent to NHERF-1. Since PDZK1 and NHERF-1 both sequester NaPi-IIa to the apical membrane, D-AKAP2 may play an important role in the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-mediated regulation of NaPi-IIa by compartmentalization of PKA.

A Kinase Anchor Proteins↗

Expression of visinin-like protein-3 in mouse kidney.

In renal proximal brush borders the Na/Pi cotransporter NaPi-IIa is part of a heteromultimeric complex including the PDZ proteins PDZK1 and NHERF1, which interact with the C terminus of NaPi-IIa. In this study, a yeast two-hybrid screen against the N terminus of the Na/Pi cotransporter NaPi-IIa was performed. Thereby we identified visinin-like protein-3 (VILIP-3), a member of neuronal calcium sensors. In this study, expression and protein localization of VILIP-3 in the mouse kidney was performed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR using laser-assisted microdissected nephron segments. VILIP-3 was found to be abundant in distal and collecting ducts where it partly colocalized with calbindin D28K. In addition VILIP-3 was observed in the brush borders of proximal tubular S1 and S3 segments of both superficial and deep nephrons.

Animals↗