Carmel M. McNicholas

Cigarette smoke induces systemic defects in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function.

RATIONALE Several extrapulmonary disorders have been linked to cigarette smoking. Smoking is reported to cause cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction in the airway, and is also associated with pancreatitis, male infertility, and cachexia, features characteristic of cystic fibrosis and suggestive of an etiological role for CFTR. OBJECTIVES To study the effect of cigarette smoke on extrapulmonary CFTR function. METHODS Demographics, spirometry, exercise tolerance, symptom questionnaires, CFTR genetics, and sweat chloride analysis were obtained in smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CFTR activity was measured by nasal potential difference in mice and by Ussing chamber electrophysiology in vitro. Serum acrolein levels were estimated with mass spectroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Healthy smokers (29.45 ± 13.90 mEq), smokers with COPD (31.89 ± 13.9 mEq), and former smokers with COPD (25.07 ± 10.92 mEq) had elevated sweat chloride levels compared with normal control subjects (14.5 ± 7.77 mEq), indicating reduced CFTR activity in a nonrespiratory organ. Intestinal current measurements also demonstrated a 65% decrease in CFTR function in smokers compared with never smokers. CFTR activity was decreased by 68% in normal human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to plasma from smokers, suggesting that one or more circulating agents could confer CFTR dysfunction. Cigarette smoke-exposed mice had decreased CFTR activity in intestinal epithelium (84.3 and 45%, after 5 and 17 wk, respectively). Acrolein, a component of cigarette smoke, was higher in smokers, blocked CFTR by inhibiting channel gating, and was attenuated by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, a known scavenger of acrolein. CONCLUSIONS Smoking causes systemic CFTR dysfunction. Acrolein present in cigarette smoke mediates CFTR defects in extrapulmonary tissues in smokers.

Glioma-specific Cation Conductance Regulates Migration and Cell Cycle Progression

Background: Cation transport contributes to migration and proliferation of tumor cells. Results: Sodium current block decreased ERK phosphorylation and increased expression of cell cycle inhibitors. Conclusion: Activity of an ENaC/ASIC cation channel is required to maintain the glioma cell phenotype. Significance: Activity of a membrane cation channel influences signaling pathways to effect changes in migration and proliferation of glioma cells. In this study, we have investigated the role of a glioma-specific cation channel assembled from subunits of the Deg/epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) superfamily, in the regulation of migration and cell cycle progression in glioma cells. Channel inhibition by psalmotoxin-1 (PcTX-1) significantly inhibited migration and proliferation of D54-MG glioma cells. Both PcTX-1 and benzamil, an amiloride analog, caused cell cycle arrest of D54-MG cells in G0/G1 phases (by 30 and 40%, respectively) and reduced cell accumulation in S and G2/M phases after 24 h of incubation. Both PcTX-1 and benzamil up-regulated expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Similar results were obtained in U87MG and primary glioblastoma multiforme cells maintained in primary culture and following knockdown of one of the component subunits, ASIC1. In contrast, knocking down δENaC, which is not a component of the glioma cation channel complex, had no effect on cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor expression. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was also inhibited by PcTX-1, benzamil, and knockdown of ASIC1 but not δENaC in D54MG cells. Our data suggest that a specific cation conductance composed of acid-sensing ion channels and ENaC subunits regulates migration and cell cycle progression in gliomas.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) stimulates the electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1-A expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Bicarbonate transporters are regulated by signaling molecules/ions such as protein kinases, ATP, and Ca2+. While phospholipids such as PIP2 can stimulate Na-H exchanger activity, little is known about phospholipid regulation of bicarbonate transporters. We used the patch-clamp technique to study the function and regulation of heterologously expressed rat NBCe1-A in excised macropatches from Xenopus laevis oocytes. Exposing the cytosolic side of inside-out macropatches to a 5% CO2/33 mM HCO3− solution elicited a mean inward current of 14 pA in 74% of macropatches attached to pipettes (−Vp = −60 mV) containing a low-Na+, nominally HCO3−-free solution. The current was 80–90% smaller in the absence of Na+, approximately 75% smaller in the presence of 200 μM DIDS, and absent in macropatches from H2O-injected oocytes. NBCe1-A currents exhibited time-dependent rundown that was inhibited by removing Mg2+ in the presence or absence of vanadate and F− to reduce general phosphatase activity. Applying 5 or 10 μM PIP2 (diC8) in the presence of HCO3− induced an inward current in 54% of macropatches from NBC-expressing, but not H2O-injected oocytes. PIP2-induced currents were HCO3−-dependent and somewhat larger following more NBCe1-A rundown, 62% smaller in the absence of Na+, and 90% smaller in the presence of 200 μM DIDS. The polycation neomycin (250–500 μM) reduced the PIP2-induced inward current by 69%; spermine (100 μM) reduced the current by 97%. Spermine, poly-D-lysine, and neomycin all reduced the baseline HCO3−-induced inward currents by as much as 85%. In summary, PIP2 stimulates NBCe1-A activity, and phosphoinositides are regulators of bicarbonate transporters.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Activation by Roflumilast Contributes to Therapeutic Benefit in Chronic Bronchitis

Cigarette smoking causes acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction and is associated with delayed mucociliary clearance and chronic bronchitis. Roflumilast is a clinically approved phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor that improves lung function in patients with chronic bronchitis. We hypothesized that its therapeutic benefit was related in part to activation of CFTR. Primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, Calu-3, and T84 monolayers were exposed to whole cigarette smoke (WCS) or air with or without roflumilast treatment. CFTR-dependent ion transport was measured in modified Ussing chambers. Airway surface liquid (ASL) was determined by confocal microscopy. Intestinal fluid secretion of ligated murine intestine was monitored ex vivo. Roflumilast activated CFTR-dependent anion transport in normal HBE cells with a half maximal effective concentration of 2.9 nM. Roflumilast partially restored CFTR activity in WCS-exposed HBE cells (5.3 ± 1.1 μA/cm(2) vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 μA/cm(2) [control]; P < 0.05) and was additive with ivacaftor, a specific CFTR potentiator approved for the treatment of CF. Roflumilast improved the depleted ASL depth of HBE monolayers exposed to WCS (9.0 ± 3.1 μm vs. 5.6 ± 2.0 μm [control]; P < 0.05), achieving 79% of that observed in air controls. CFTR activation by roflumilast also induced CFTR-dependent fluid secretion in murine intestine, increasing the wet:dry ratio and the diameter of ligated murine segments. Roflumilast activates CFTR-mediated anion transport in airway and intestinal epithelia via a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent pathway and partially reverses the deleterious effects of WCS, resulting in augmented ASL depth. Roflumilast may benefit patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with chronic bronchitis by activating CFTR, which may also underlie noninfectious diarrhea caused by roflumilast.

Interaction of ASIC1 and ENaC subunits in human glioma cells and rat astrocytes

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive of the primary brain tumors. These tumors express multiple members of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)/degenerin (Deg) family and are associated with a basally active amiloride-sensitive cation current. We hypothesize that this glioma current is mediated by a hybrid channel composed of a mixture of ENaC and acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) subunits. To test the hypothesis that ASIC1 interacts with αENaC and γENaC at the cellular level, we have used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) in live rat astrocytes transiently cotransfected with cDNAs for ASIC1-DsRed plus αENaC-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) or ASIC1-DsRed plus γENaC-YFP. TIRFM images show colocalization of ASIC1 with both αENaC and γENaC. Furthermore, using TIRFM in stably transfected D54-MG cells, we also found that ASIC1 and αENaC both localize to a submembrane region following exposure to pH 6.0, similar to the acidic conditions found in the core of a glioblastoma lesion. Using high-resolution clear native gel electrophoresis, we found that ASIC1 forms a complex with ENaC subunits which migrates at ≈480 kDa in D54-MG glioma cells. These data suggest that different ENaC/Deg subunits interact and could combine to form a hybrid channel that likely underlies the amiloride-sensitive current seen in human glioma cells.

Sinupret Activates CFTR and TMEM16A-Dependent Transepithelial Chloride Transport and Improves Indicators of Mucociliary Clearance

Introduction We have previously demonstrated that Sinupret, an established treatment prescribed widely in Europe for respiratory ailments including rhinosinusitis, promotes transepithelial chloride (Cl−) secretion in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to evaluate other indicators of mucociliary clearance (MCC) including ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and airway surface liquid (ASL) depth, but also investigate the mechanisms that underlie activity of this bioflavonoid. Methods Primary murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) [wild type (WT) and transgenic CFTR−/−], human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE), WT CFTR-expressing CFBE and TMEM16A-expressing HEK cultures were utilized for the present experiments. CBF and ASL depth measurements were performed. Mechanisms underlying transepithelial Cl− transport were determined using pharmacologic manipulation in Ussing chambers, Fura-2 intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i imaging, cAMP signaling, regulatory domain (R-D) phosphorylation of CFTR, and excised inside out and whole cell patch clamp analysis. Results Sinupret-mediated Cl− secretion [ΔISC(µA/cm2)] was pronounced in WT MNSE (20.7+/−0.9 vs. 5.6+/−0.9(control), p<0.05), CFTR−/− MNSE (10.1+/−1.0 vs. 0.9+/−0.3(control), p<0.05) and HSNE (20.7+/−0.3 vs. 6.4+/−0.9(control), p<0.05). The formulation activated Ca2+ signaling and TMEM16A channels, but also increased CFTR channel open probability (Po) without stimulating PKA-dependent pathways responsible for phosphorylation of the CFTR R-domain and resultant Cl− secretion. Sinupret also enhanced CBF and ASL depth. Conclusion Sinupret stimulates CBF, promotes transepithelial Cl− secretion, and increases ASL depth in a manner likely to enhance MCC. Our findings suggest that direct stimulation of CFTR, together with activation of Ca2+-dependent TMEM16A secretion account for the majority of anion transport attributable to Sinupret. These studies provide further rationale for using robust Cl− secretagogue based therapies as an emerging treatment modality for common respiratory diseases of MCC including acute and chronic bronchitis and CRS.

Resveratrol Enhances Airway Surface Liquid Depth in Sinonasal Epithelium by Increasing Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Open Probability

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis engenders enormous morbidity in the general population, and is often refractory to medical intervention. Compounds that augment mucociliary clearance in airway epithelia represent a novel treatment strategy for diseases of mucus stasis. A dominant fluid and electrolyte secretory pathway in the nasal airways is governed by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The objectives of the present study were to test resveratrol, a strong potentiator of CFTR channel open probability, in preparation for a clinical trial of mucociliary activators in human sinus disease. Methods Primary sinonasal epithelial cells, immortalized bronchoepithelial cells (wild type and F508del CFTR), and HEK293 cells expressing exogenous human CFTR were investigated by Ussing chamber as well as patch clamp technique under non-phosphorylating conditions. Effects on airway surface liquid depth were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Impact on CFTR gene expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Resveratrol is a robust CFTR channel potentiator in numerous mammalian species. The compound also activated temperature corrected F508del CFTR and enhanced CFTR-dependent chloride secretion in human sinus epithelium ex vivo to an extent comparable to the recently approved CFTR potentiator, ivacaftor. Using inside out patches from apical membranes of murine cells, resveratrol stimulated an ~8 picosiemens chloride channel consistent with CFTR. This observation was confirmed in HEK293 cells expressing exogenous CFTR. Treatment of sinonasal epithelium resulted in a significant increase in airway surface liquid depth (in µm: 8.08+/-1.68 vs. 6.11+/-0.47,control,p<0.05). There was no increase CFTR mRNA. Conclusion Resveratrol is a potent chloride secretagogue from the mucosal surface of sinonasal epithelium, and hydrates airway surface liquid by increasing CFTR channel open probability. The foundation for a clinical trial utilizing resveratrol as a therapeutic intervention to increase mucociliary transport and airway surface liquid hydration in sinus disease is strongly supported by these findings.

An Aberrant Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase–Proline-Glycine-Proline Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

RATIONALE Chronic neutrophilic inflammation is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and persists after cigarette smoking has stopped. Mechanisms involved in this ongoing inflammatory response have not been delineated. OBJECTIVES We investigated changes to the leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H)-proline-glycine-proline (PGP) pathway and chronic inflammation in the development of COPD. METHODS A/J mice were exposed to air or cigarette smoke for 22 weeks followed by bronchoalveolar lavage and lung and cardiac tissue analysis. Two human cohorts were used to analyze changes to the LTA4H-PGP pathway in never smokers, control smokers, COPD smokers, and COPD former smokers. PGP/AcPGP and LTA4H aminopeptidase activity were detected by mass spectroscopy, LTA4H amounts were detected by ELISA, and acrolein was detected by Western blot. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Mice exposed to cigarette smoke developed emphysema with increased PGP, neutrophilic inflammation, and selective inhibition of LTA4H aminopeptidase, which ordinarily degrades PGP. We recapitulated these findings in smokers with and without COPD. PGP and AcPGP are closely associated with cigarette smoke use. Once chronic inflammation is established, changes to LTA4H aminopeptidase remain, even in the absence of ongoing cigarette use. Acrolein modifies LTA4H and inhibits aminopeptidase activity to the same extent as cigarette smoke. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a novel pathway of aberrant regulation of PGP/AcPGP, suggesting this inflammatory pathway may be intimately involved in disease progression in the absence of ongoing cigarette smoke exposure. We highlight a mechanism by which acrolein potentiates neutrophilic inflammation through selective inhibition of LTA4H aminopeptidase activity. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00292552).

IL-8 inhibits cAMP-stimulated alveolar epithelial fluid transport via a GRK2/PI3K-dependent mechanism

Patients with acute lung injury (ALI) who retain maximal alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) have better clinical outcomes. Experimental and small clinical studies have shown that β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists enhance AFC via a cAMP‐dependent mechanism. However, two multicenter phase 3 clinical trials failed to show that β2AR agonists provide a survival advantage in patients with ALI. We hypothesized that IL‐8, an important mediator of ALI, directly antagonizes the alveolar epithelial response to β2AR agonists. Short‐circuit current and whole‐cell patch‐clamping experiments revealed that IL‐8 or its rat analog CINC‐1 decreases by 50% β2AR agonist‐stimulated vectorial Cl– and net fluid transport across rat and human alveolar epithelial type II cells via a reduction in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity and biosynthesis. This reduction was mediated by heterologous β2AR desensitization and down‐regulation (50%) via the G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2)/PI3K signaling pathway. Inhibition of CINC‐1 restored β2AR agonist‐stimulated AFC in an experimental model of ALI in rats. Finally, consistent with the experimental results, high pulmonary edema fluid levels of IL‐8 (>4000 pg/ml) were associated with impaired AFC in patients with ALI. These results demonstrate a novel role for IL‐8 in inhibiting β2AR agonist‐stimulated alveolar epithelial fluid transport via GRK2/PI3K‐dependent mechanisms.—Roux, J., McNicholas, C. M., Carles, M., Goolaerts, A., Houseman, B. T., Dickinson, D. A., Iles, K. E., Ware, L. B., Matthay, M. A., Pittet, J.‐F. IL‐8 inhibits cAMP‐stimulated alveolar epithelial fluid transport via a GRK2/PI3K‐dependent mechanism. FASEB J. 27, 1095–1106 (2013). www.fasebj.org

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Potentiator Ivacaftor Augments Mucociliary Clearance Abrogating Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Inhibition by Cigarette Smoke

&NA; Acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target. We sought to determine the acute effects of cigarette smoke on ion transport and the mucociliary transport apparatus, their mechanistic basis, and whether deleterious effects could be reversed with the CFTR potentiator ivacaftor (VX‐770). Primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells and human bronchi were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and/or ivacaftor. CFTR function and expression were measured in Ussing chambers and by surface biotinylation. CSE‐derived acrolein modifications on CFTR were determined by mass spectroscopic analysis of purified protein, and the functional microanatomy of the airway epithelia was measured by 1‐&mgr;m resolution optical coherence tomography. CSE reduced CFTR‐dependent current in HBE cells (P < 0.05) and human bronchi (P < 0.05) within minutes of exposure. The mechanism involved CSE‐induced reduction of CFTR gating, decreasing CFTR open‐channel probability by approximately 75% immediately after exposure (P < 0.05), whereas surface CFTR expression was partially reduced with chronic exposure, but was stable acutely. CSE treatment of purified CFTR resulted in acrolein modifications on lysine and cysteine residues that likely disrupt CFTR gating. In primary HBE cells, CSE reduced airway surface liquid depth (P < 0.05) and ciliary beat frequency (P < 0.05) within 60 minutes that was restored by coadministration with ivacaftor (P < 0.005). Cigarette smoking transmits acute reductions in CFTR activity, adversely affecting the airway surface. These effects are reversible by a CFTR potentiator in vitro, representing a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with chronic bronchitis.