Elizabeth A. Cowley

Characterization of basolateral K+ channels underlying anion secretion in the human airway cell line Calu-3

Transepithelial anion secretion in many tissues depends upon the activity of basolateral channels. Using monolayers of the Calu‐3 cell line, a human submucosal serous cell model mounted in an Ussing chamber apparatus, we investigated the nature of the K+ channels involved in basal, cAMP‐ and Ca2+‐stimulated anion secretion, as reflected by the transepithelial short circuit current (Isc). The non‐specific K+ channel inhibitor Ba2+ inhibited the basal Isc by either 77 or 16 % when applied directly to the basolateral or apical membranes, respectively, indicating that a basolateral K+ conductance is required for maintenance of basal anion secretion. Using the K+ channel blockers clofilium and clotrimazole, we found basal Isc to be sensitive to clofilium, with a small clotrimazole‐sensitive component. By stimulating the cAMP and Ca2+ pathways, we determined that cAMP‐stimulated anion secretion was almost entirely abolished by clofilium, but insensitive to clotrimazole. In contrast, the Ca2+‐stimulated response was sensitive to both clofilium and clotrimazole. Thus, pharmacologically distinct basolateral K+ channels are differentially involved in the control of anion secretion under different conditions. Isolation of the basolateral K+ conductance in permeabilized monolayers revealed a small basal and forskolin‐stimulated Isc. Finally, using the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, we found that Calu‐3 cells express the K+ channel genes KCNN4 and KCNQ1 and the subunits KCNE2 and KCNE3. We conclude that while KCNN4 contributes to Ca2+‐activated anion secretion by Calu‐3 cells, basal and cAMP‐activated secretion are more critically dependent on other K+ channel types, possibly involving one or more class of KCNQ1‐containing channel complexes.

Molecular determinants of Au(CN)(2)(-) binding and permeability within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel pore.

Lyotropic anions with low free energy of hydration show both high permeability and tight binding in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel pore. However, the molecular bases of anion selectivity and anion binding within the CFTR pore are not well defined and the relationship between binding and selectivity is unclear. We have studied the effects of point mutations throughout the sixth transmembrane (TM6) region of CFTR on channel block by, and permeability of, the highly lyotropic Au(CN)2− anion, using patch clamp recording from transiently transfected baby hamster kidney cells. Channel block by 100 μm Au(CN)2−, a measure of intrapore anion binding affinity, was significantly weakened in the CFTR mutants K335A, F337S, T338A and I344A, significantly strengthened in S341A and R352Q and unaltered in K329A. Relative Au(CN)2− permeability was significantly increased in T338A and S341A, significantly decreased in F337S and unaffected in all other mutants studied. These results are used to define a model of the pore containing multiple anion binding sites but a more localised anion selectivity region. The central part of TM6 (F337‐S341) appears to be the main determinant of both anion binding and anion selectivity. However, comparison of the effects of individual mutations on binding and selectivity suggest that these two aspects of the permeation mechanism are not strongly interdependent.

Oxidant stress stimulates anion secretion from the human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3: implications for cystic fibrosis lung disease

Exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with tissue damage in the lung and may be a common element in the pathogenesis of all inflammatory lung diseases. Exposure to the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) evoked a rapid increase in transepithelial anion secretion across monolayers of the human submucosal gland serous cell line Calu‐3. This increase was almost entirely abolished by the addition of diphenylamine‐2‐carboxylate (DPC), implicating the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel in the response. The response was also reduced by inhibitors of basolateral K+ channels. Studies of electrically isolated apical and basolateral membranes revealed that H2O2 stimulated both apical Cl− and basolateral K+ conductances (GCl and GK). Apical GCl was sensitive to DPC, but unaffected by 4,4′‐diisothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid (DIDS), suggesting that CFTR is the major anion conduction pathway mediating the response to H2O2. Additionally, H2O2 had no effect on GCl in the presence of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 or following maximal stimulation of GCl with forskolin, implicating the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase pathway in the apical response to H2O2. Basolateral GK was reduced by the K+ channel inhibitors clotrimazole and clofilium, indicating roles for KCNN4 and KCNQ1 in the H2O2‐stimulated response. We propose that ROS‐stimulated anion secretion from serous cells plays an important role in keeping the airways clear from damaging radicals that could potentially initiate tissue destruction. Our finding that this response is CFTR dependent suggests that an important host defence mechanism would be dysfunctional in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung. Loss of this compensatory protective mechanism could expose the CF lung to ROS for extended periods, which could be important in the pathogenesis of CF lung disease.

Influence of gender and interleukin-10 deficiency on the inflammatory response during lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice

Cystic fibrosis females have a worse prognosis compared to male patients. Furthermore, cystic fibrosis patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been shown to have dysregulated cytokine profiles, as higher levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐8, and lower levels of IL‐10 are found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to healthy controls. The present study was aimed at investigating the importance of gender and IL‐10 in the susceptibility of C57BL/6 mice to pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that wildtype females were more susceptible than males to infection, as we observed greater weight loss, higher bacterial load, and inflammatory mediators in their lungs. IL‐10 knockout mice, both females and males, had higher levels of TNF‐α in the lungs compared to wildtype mice and maintained higher levels of polymorphonuclear cells and lower levels of macrophages for a longer period of time. Our results demonstrate that the number of bacteria recovered from the lungs of IL‐10 knockout male mice was significantly higher than that observed in their wildtype male counterparts and we show that neutralization of IL‐10 in infected female mice for a prolonged period of time leads to increased susceptibility to infection. Results reported in this study clearly demonstrate that females, both wildtype and IL‐10 knockout mice are more susceptible to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection than males, and that they mount a stronger inflammatory response in the lungs.

Multiple KCNQ Potassium Channel Subtypes Mediate Basal Anion Secretion from the Human Airway Epithelial Cell Line Calu-3

Potassium channels play an important role in providing a driving force for anion secretion from secretory epithelia. To investigate the role of KCNQ K+ channels in mediating rates of basal anion secretion across the human airway submucosal gland serous cell model, the Calu-3 cell, we examined the expression, localization and function of these channels. In addition to our previous knowledge that Calu-3 cells express KCNQ1, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction we determined expression of KCNQ3, KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 mRNA transcripts. Immunoblotting detected KCNQ1, KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 proteins, while KCNQ4 protein was not found. Immunolocalization using polarized Calu-3 cell monolayers revealed that KCNQ1 and KCNQ3 were located in or toward the apical membrane of the cells, while KCNQ5 was detected in the apical and lateral membranes. Transepithelial transport studies revealed a small chromanol 293B-sensitive current at the apical membrane, likely KCNQ1. Application of XE991, an inhibitor of all members of the KCNQ channel family, inhibited the basal short-circuit current when applied to both sides of the cells to a greater extent than 293B, with the largest inhibition seen upon apical application. This result was confirmed using linopiridine, a less potent analogue of XE991, and suggests that functional KCNQ3 and KCNQ5, in addition to KCNQ1, are present at the apical aspect of these cells. These results demonstrate the role of a number of KCNQ channel members in controlling basal anion secretion across Calu-3 cells, while also demonstrating the importance of apically located K+ channels in mediating anion secretion in the airway epithelium.

Airway surface fluid composition in the rat determined by capillary electrophoresis

The apical surface of respiratory epithelial cells is covered by a thin layer of low-viscosity fluid termed airway surface fluid (ASF), about which relatively little is known. We collected samples of ASF from anesthetized rats, which were then analyzed using capillary electrophoresis, a method that enables extremely small quantities of fluid to be analyzed. We found values for Na+ (40.57 ± 3.08 mM), K+ (1.74 ± 0.36 mM), and Cl- (45.16 ± 1.81 mM), indicating that this fluid is hypotonic compared with rat plasma. In contrast, the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate within ASF were higher than reported plasma values. Additionally, intravenous administration of the cholinergic agonist methacholine (MCh) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the concentration of Na+ and Cl- within the ASF. This increase is ∼50% in these ions after a dose of 100 ng MCh/g body wt. This animal model, together with this microanalytical technique, may be useful for investigating the in vivo regulation of ASF composition.The apical surface of respiratory epithelial cells is covered by a thin layer of low-viscosity fluid termed airway surface fluid (ASF), about which relatively little is known. We collected samples of ASF from anesthetized rats, which were then analyzed using capillary electrophoresis, a method that enables extremely small quantities of fluid to be analyzed. We found values for Na+ (40.57 +/- 3.08 mM), K+ (1.74 +/- 0.36 mM), and Cl- (45.16 +/- 1.81 mM), indicating that this fluid is hypotonic compared with rat plasma. In contrast, the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate within ASF were higher than reported plasma values. Additionally, intravenous administration of the cholinergic agonist methacholine (MCh) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the concentration of Na+ and Cl- within the ASF. This increase is approximately 50% in these ions after a dose of 100 ng MCh/g body wt. This animal model, together with this microanalytical technique, may be useful for investigating the in vivo regulation of ASF composition.

Mucociliary clearance in cystic fibrosis knockout mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In this study, we examined whether mucociliary clearance differed between cystic fibrosis (CF) knockout mice and wildtype controls. Additionally, we investigated whether infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen in the CF lung, affected this important host defence mechanism. Ciliary beat frequency (fcb) and particle transport (PT) were recorded using an in vitro lung explant preparation. Measurements were made from uninfected cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout (-/-) mice and littermate controls (+/+) and compared to measurements from infected animals. While there were no differences detectable in fcb between CFTR -/- mice and their +/+ controls either in the presence or absence of P. aeruginosa, PT rates were different between these groups; interestingly, PT rates appeared dependent on both CFTR and infection status, with uninfected CFTR +/+ animals demonstrating higher rates of PT than their -/- littermates, while CFTR +/+ P. aeruginosa-infected mice demonstrated lower PT than knockout mice. These data demonstrate differences in mucociliary clearance between cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator knockout mice and controls, and further that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection affects mucociliary clearance in the peripheral airways of mice. Additionally, the observed differences in particle transport suggest that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator knockout mice demonstrate different mucociliary responses to infection.

Proton-Coupled Oligopeptide Transporter (POT) Family Expression in Human Nasal Epithelium and Their Drug Transport Potential

The molecular and functional expression of peptide transporters (PEPT1 and PEPT2, PHT1, PHT2) in human nasal epithelium was investigated. Quantitative/reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qPCR/RT-PCR), Western blotting and indirect immuno-histochemistry were used to investigate the functional gene and protein expression for the transporters. Uptake and transport studies were performed using metabolically stable peptides [β-alanyl-L-lysyl-Nε-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin-3-acetic acid (β-Ala-Lys-AMCA) and β-alanyl-L-histidine (carnosine)]. The effects of concentration, temperature, polarity, competing peptides, and inhibitors on peptide uptake and transport were investigated. PCR products corresponding to PEPT1 (150 bp), PEPT2 (127 bp), PHT1 (110 bp) and PHT2 (198 bp) were detected. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting confirmed the functional expression of PEPT1 and PEPT2 genes. The uptake of β-Ala-Lys-AMCA was concentration-dependent and saturable (Vmax =4.1 ( 0.07 μmol/min/mg protein, Km = 0.6 ( 0.07 μM). The optimal pH for intracellular accumulation of β-Ala-Lys-AMCA was 6.5. Whereas dipeptides and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) significantly inhibited peptide uptake and transport, L-Phe had no effect on peptide transport. The permeation of β-alanyl-L-histidine was concentration-, direction-, and temperature-dependent. The uptake, permeation, qPCR/RT-PCR and protein expression data showed that the human nasal epithelium functionally expresses proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters.

Differential expression of organic cation transporters in normal and polyps human nasal epithelium: Implications for in vitro drug delivery studies

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in normal and polyps nasal epithelium. Primary cell cultures of human nasal epithelium (polyps and normal tissues) were compared by investigating the uptake of a fluorescent organic cation, [4-dimethylaminostyryl-N-methylpyridinium (4-Di-1-ASP)]. The effect of concentration, temperature, pH and competing inhibitors were investigated. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to compare the OCTs gene expression levels in the cells. The K(m) (μM) and V(max) (μM/mg protein/15 min) for 4-Di-1-ASP uptake were higher in normal (K(m)=3031 ± 559.6, V(max)=70.8 ± 8.8) cells compared to polyps (K(m)=952.4 ± 207.8, V(max)=30.9 ± 2.1). qPCR results showed that OCT1-3 and organic cation/carnitine transporter 1-2 gene transcripts (OCTN1-2) were expressed in both normal and polyps cells at comparable levels, with OCT-3 having the highest expression level in both cultures. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed that pH and specific inhibitors had similar effects on both normal and polyps cells (p>0.5). Similarly, OCTs and OCTNs gene expression levels were similar. This study showed that polyps biopsies can be used for isolating cells to study organic cation transporters in human nasal epithelium as no major functional or molecular differences relative to normal cells could be found.

The intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor TRAM-34 stimulates proliferation of breast cancer cells via activation of oestrogen receptors

Background and purpose:  K+ channels play a role in the proliferation of cancer cells. We have investigated the effects of specific K+ channel inhibitors on basal and oestrogen‐stimulated proliferation of breast cancer cells.