Gene transfer of CFTR to airway epithelia: low levels of expression are sufficient to correct Cl- transport and overexpression can generate basolateral CFTR

Gene transfer of CFTR cDNA to airway epithelia is a promising approach to treat cystic fibrosis (CF). Most gene transfer vectors use strong viral promoters even though the endogenous CFTR promoter is very weak. To learn whether expressing CFTR at a low level in a fraction of cells would correct Cl(-) transport, we mixed freshly isolated wild-type and CF airway epithelial cells in varying proportions and generated differentiated epithelia. Epithelia with approximately 20% wild-type cells generated approximately 70% the transepithelial Cl(-) current of epithelia containing 100% wild-type cells. These data were nearly identical to those previously obtained with CFTR expressed under control of a strong promoter in a CF epithelial cell line. We also tested high level CFTR expression using the very strong cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter as well as the cytokeratin-18 (K18) promoter. In differentiated airway epithelia, the CMV promoter generated 50-fold more transgene expression than the K18 promoter, but the K18 promoter generated more transepithelial Cl(-) current at high vector doses. Using functional studies, we found that with marked overexpression, some CFTR channels were present in the basolateral membrane where they shunted Cl(-) flow, thereby reducing net transepithelial Cl(-) transport. These results suggest that very little CFTR is required in a fraction of CF epithelial cells to complement Cl(-) transport because transepithelial Cl(-) flow is limited at the basolateral membrane. Thus they suggest a broad leeway in promoter strength for correcting the CF gene transfer, although at very high expression levels CFTR may be mislocalized to the basolateral membrane.     

Apical Localization of the Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor by Glycosyl-Phosphatidylinositol Modification Is Sufficient for Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer through the Apical Surface of Human Airway Epithelia

In well-differentiated human airway epithelia, the coxsackie B and adenovirus type 2 and 5 receptor (CAR) resides primarily on the basolateral membrane. This location may explain the observation that gene transfer is inefficient when adenovirus vectors are applied to the apical surface. To further test this hypothesis and to investigate requirements and barriers to apical gene transfer to differentiated human airway epithelia, we expressed CAR in which the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail were replaced by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor (GPI-CAR). As controls, we expressed wild-type CAR and CAR lacking the cytoplasmic domain (Tailless-CAR). All three constructs enhanced gene transfer with similar efficiencies in fibroblasts. In airway epithelia, GPI-CAR localized specifically to the apical membrane, where it bound adenovirus and enhanced gene transfer to levels obtained when vector was applied to the basolateral membrane. Moreover, GPI-CAR facilitated gene transfer of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator to cystic fibrosis airway epithelia, correcting the Cl(-) transport defect. In contrast, when we expressed wild-type CAR it localized to the basolateral membrane and failed to increase apical gene transfer. Only a small amount of Tailless-CAR resided in the apical membrane, and the effects on apical virus binding and gene transfer were minimal. These data indicate that binding of adenovirus to an apical membrane receptor is sufficient to mediate effective gene transfer to human airway epithelia and that the cytoplasmic domain of CAR is not required for this process. The results suggest that targeting apical receptors in differentiated airway epithelia may be sufficient for gene transfer in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis.     

Activation of CFTR trafficking and gating by vasoactive intestinal peptide in human bronchial epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an apical membrane chloride channel critical to the regulation of fluid, chloride, and bicarbonate transport in epithelia and other cell types. The most common cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) is the abnormal trafficking of CFTR mutants. Therefore, understanding the cellular machineries that transit CFTR from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface is important. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) plays an important role in CFTR-dependent chloride transport. The present study was designed to observe the affection of VIP on the trafficking of CFTR, and channel gating in human bronchial epithelium cells (HBEC). Confocal microscopy revealed CFTR immunofluorescence extending from the apical membrane deeply into the cell cytoplasm. After VIP treatment, apical extension of CFTR immunofluorescence into the cell was reduced and the peak intensity of CFTR fluorescence shifted towards the apical membrane. Western blot showed VIP increased cell surface and total CFTR. Compared with the augmented level of total CFTR, the surface CFTR increased more markedly. Immunoprecipitation founded that the mature form of CFTR had a marked increase in HBEC treated with VIP. VIP led to a threefold increase in Cl(-) efflux in HBEC. Glibenclamide-sensitive and DIDS-insensitive CFTR Cl(-) currents were consistently observed after stimulation with VIP (10(-8) mol/L). The augmentation of CFTR Cl(-) currents enhanced by VIP (10(-8) mol/L) was reversed, at least in part, by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H-89 and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, H-7, suggesting PKA and PKC participate in the VIP-promoted CFTR Cl(-) currents.     

The cytosolic termini of the beta- and gamma-ENaC subunits are involved in the functional interactions between cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and epithelial sodium channel

Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are co-localized in the apical membrane of many epithelia. These channels are essential for electrolyte and water secretion and/or reabsorption. In cystic fibrosis airway epithelia, a hyperactivated epithelial Na(+) conductance operates in parallel with defective Cl(-) secretion. Several groups have shown that CFTR down-regulates ENaC activity, but the mechanisms and the regulation of CFTR by ENaC are unknown. To test the hypothesis that ENaC and CFTR regulate each other, and to identify the region(s) of ENaC involved in the interaction between CFTR and ENaC, rENaC and its mutants were co-expressed with CFTR in Xenopus oocytes. Whole cell macroscopic sodium currents revealed that wild type (wt) alphabetagamma-rENaC-induced Na(+) current was inhibited by co-expression of CFTR, and further inhibited when CFTR was activated with a cAMP-raising mixture (CKT). Conversely, alphabetagamma-rENaC stimulated CFTR-mediated Cl(-) currents up to approximately 6-fold. Deletion mutations in the intracellular tails of the three rENaC subunits suggested that the carboxyl terminus of the beta subunit was required both for the down-regulation of ENaC by activated CFTR and the up-regulation of CFTR by ENaC. However, both the carboxyl terminus of the beta subunit and the amino terminus of the gamma subunit were essential for the down-regulation of rENaC by unstimulated CFTR. Interestingly, down-regulation of rENaC by activated CFTR was Cl(-)-dependent, while stimulation of CFTR by rENaC was not dependent on either cytoplasmic Na(+) or a depolarized membrane potential. In summary, there appear to be at least two different sites in ENaC involved in the intermolecular interaction between CFTR and ENaC.     

Regulation of murine airway surface liquid volume by CFTR and Ca2+-activated Cl- conductances

Two Cl(-) conductances have been described in the apical membrane of both human and murine proximal airway epithelia that are thought to play predominant roles in airway hydration: (1) CFTR, which is cAMP regulated and (2) the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance (CaCC) whose molecular identity is uncertain. In addition to second messenger regulation, cross talk between these two channels may also exist and, whereas CFTR is absent or defective in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, CaCC is preserved, and may even be up-regulated. Increased CaCC activity in CF airways is controversial. Hence, we have investigated the effects of CFTR on CaCC activity and have also assessed the relative contributions of these two conductances to airway surface liquid (ASL) height (volume) in murine tracheal epithelia. We find that CaCC is up-regulated in intact murine CF tracheal epithelia, which leads to an increase in UTP-mediated Cl(-)/volume secretion. This up-regulation is dependent on cell polarity and is lost in nonpolarized epithelia. We find no role for an increased electrical driving force in CaCC up-regulation but do find an increased Ca(2+) signal in response to mucosal nucleotides that may contribute to the increased Cl(-)/volume secretion seen in intact epithelia. CFTR plays a critical role in maintaining ASL height under basal conditions and accordingly, ASL height is reduced in CF epithelia. In contrast, CaCC does not appear to significantly affect basal ASL height, but does appear to be important in regulating ASL height in response to released agonists (e.g., mucosal nucleotides). We conclude that both CaCC and the Ca(2+) signal are increased in CF airway epithelia, and that they contribute to acute but not basal regulation of ASL height.     

Partial correction of defective Cl(-) secretion in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells by an analog of squalamine

Defective cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated Cl(-) transport across the apical membrane of airway epithelial cells is implicated in the pathophysiology of CF lungs. A strategy to compensate for this loss is to augment Cl(-) transport through alternative pathways. We report here that partial correction of this defect could be attained through the incorporation of artificial anion channels into the CF cells. Introduction of GL-172, a synthetic analog of squalamine, into CFT1 cells increased cell membrane halide permeability. Furthermore, when a Cl(-) gradient was generated across polarized monolayers of primary human airway or Fischer rat thyroid cells in an Ussing chamber, addition of GL-172 caused an increase in the equivalent short-circuit current. The magnitude of this change in short-circuit current was ~30% of that attained when CFTR was maximally stimulated with cAMP agonists. Patch-clamp studies showed that addition of GL-172 to CFT1 cells also increased whole cell Cl(-) currents. These currents displayed a linear current-voltage relationship and no time dependence. Additionally, administration of GL-172 to the nasal epithelium of transgenic CF mice induced a hyperpolarization response to perfusion with a low-Cl(-) solution, indicating restoration of Cl(-) secretion. Together, these results demonstrate that in CF airway epithelial cells, administration of GL-172 is capable of partially correcting the defective Cl(-) secretion.     

Model of ion transport regulation in chloride-secreting airway epithelial cells. Integrated description of electrical, chemical, and fluorescence measurements.

An electrokinetic model was developed to calculate the time course of electrical parameters, ion fluxes, and intracellular ion activities for experiments performed in airway epithelial cells. Model variables included cell [Na], [K], [Cl], volume, and membrane potentials. The model contained apical membrane Cl, Na, and K conductances, basolateral membrane K conductance, Na/K/2 Cl and Na/Cl symport, and 3 Na/2 K ATPase, and a paracellular conductance. Transporter permeabilities and ion saturabilities were determined from reported ion flux data and membrane potentials in intact canine trachea. Without additional assumptions, the model predicted accurately the measured short-circuit current (Isc), cellular conductances, voltage-divider ratios, open-circuit potentials, and the time course of cell ion composition in ion substitution experiments. The model was used to examine quantitatively: (a) the effect of transport inhibitors on Isc and membrane potentials, (b) the dual role of apical Cl and basolateral K conductance in cell secretion, (c) whether the basolateral symporter requires K, and (d) the regulation of apical Cl conductance by cAMP and Ca-dependent signaling pathways. Model predictions gave improved understanding of the interrelations among transporting systems and in many cases gave surprising predictions that were not obvious without a detailed model. The model developed here has direct application to secretory or absorptive epithelial cells in the kidney thick ascending limb, cornea, sweat duct, and intestine in normal and pathophysiological states such as cystic fibrosis and cholera.     

Apical adenosine regulates basolateral Ca2+-activated potassium channels in human airway Calu-3 epithelial cells

In airway epithelial cells, apical adenosine regulates transepithelial anion secretion by activation of apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) via adenosine receptors and cAMP/PKA signaling. However, the potent stimulation of anion secretion by adenosine is not correlated with its modest intracellular cAMP elevation, and these uncorrelated efficacies have led to the speculation that additional signaling pathways may be involved. Here, we showed that mucosal adenosine-induced anion secretion, measured by short-circuit current (Isc), was inhibited by the PLC-specific inhibitor U-73122 in the human airway submucosal cell line Calu-3. In addition, the Isc was suppressed by BAPTA-AM (a Ca2+ chelator) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB; an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor blocker), but not by PKC inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of PKC-independent PLC/Ca2+ signaling. Ussing chamber and patch-clamp studies indicated that the adenosine-induced PLC/Ca2+ signaling stimulated basolateral Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa) channels predominantly via A2B adenosine receptors and contributed substantially to the anion secretion. Thus, our data suggest that apical adenosine activates contralateral K+ channels via PLC/Ca2+ and thereby increases the driving force for transepithelial anion secretion, synergizing with its modulation of ipsilateral CFTR via cAMP/PKA. Furthermore, the dual activation of CFTR and KCa channels by apical adenosine resulted in a mixed secretion of chloride and bicarbonate, which may alter the anion composition in the secretion induced by secretagogues that elicit extracellular ATP/adenosine release. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of anion section by adenosine, a key player in the airway surface liquid homeostasis and mucociliary clearance.     

Model of the cAMP activation of chloride transport by CFTR channel and the mechanism of potentiators

Mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause cystic fibrosis, a hereditary lethal disease. CFTR is a chloride channel expressed in the apical membrane of epithelia. It is activated by cAMP dependent phosphorylation and gated by the binding of ATP. The impaired chloride transport of some types of cystic fibrosis mutations could be pharmacologically solved by the use of chemical compounds called potentiators. Here it is undertaken the construction of a model of the CFTR activation pathways, and the possible modification produced by a potentiator application. The model yields a novel mechanism for the potentiator action, describing the activatory and inhibitory activities on two different positions in the CFTR activation pathway.     

Synergic action of insulin and genistein on Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in renal epithelium

Transepithelial Cl(-) secretion in polarized renal A6 cells is composed of two steps: (1) Cl(-) entry step across the basolateral membrane mediated by Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC) and (2) Cl(-) releasing step across the apical membrane via cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel. We estimated CFTR Cl(-) channel activity and transcellular Cl(-) secretion by measuring 5-nitro 2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB, a blocker of CFTR Cl(-) channel)-sensitive transepithelial conductance (Gt) and short-circuit current (Isc), respectively. Pretreatment with 1 microM insulin for 24 h had no effects on NPPB-sensitive Gt or Isc. On the other hand, in A6 cells treated with carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-leucyl-L-leucinal (MG132; 100 microM for 2 h) that inhibits endocytosis of proteins at the plasma membrane into the cytosolic space, insulin pretreatment increased the NPPB-sensitive Isc with no effects on NPPB-sensitive Gt. Genistein (100 microM) induced sustained increases in NPPB-sensitive Gt and Isc, which were diminished by brefeldin A (a blocker of protein translocation to Golgi apparatus from endoplasmic reticulum). Co-application of insulin and genistein synergically stimulated the NPPB-sensitive Isc without any effects on NPPB-sensitive Gt. These observations suggest that: (1) insertion and endocytosis of NKCC are stimulated by insulin, (2) the insulin-induced stimulation of NKCC insertion into the basolateral membrane is offset by the stimulatory action on NKCC endocytosis from the basolateral membrane, (3) genistein stimulates insertion of both CFTR Cl(-) channel into the apical membrane and NKCC into the basolateral membrane, and (4) insulin and genistein synergically stimulated NKCC insertion into the basolateral membrane.     

The short apical membrane half-life of rescued {Delta}F508-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) results from accelerated endocytosis of {Delta}F508-CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells

The most common mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in individuals with cystic fibrosis, DeltaF508, causes retention of DeltaF508-CFTR in the endoplasmic reticulum and leads to the absence of CFTR Cl(-) channels in the apical plasma membrane. Rescue of DeltaF508-CFTR by reduced temperature or chemical means reveals that the DeltaF508 mutation reduces the half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in the apical plasma membrane. Because DeltaF508-CFTR retains some Cl(-) channel activity, increased expression of DeltaF508-CFTR in the apical membrane could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for cystic fibrosis. However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the short apical membrane half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine the cellular defects in the trafficking of rescued DeltaF508-CFTR that lead to the decreased apical membrane half-life of DeltaF508-CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells. We report that in polarized human airway epithelial cells (CFBE41o-) the DeltaF508 mutation increased endocytosis of CFTR from the apical membrane without causing a global endocytic defect or affecting the endocytic recycling of CFTR in the Rab11a-specific apical recycling compartment.     

Loss of anion transport without increased sodium absorption characterizes newborn porcine cystic fibrosis airway epithelia

Defective transepithelial electrolyte transport is thought to initiate cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Yet, how loss of CFTR affects electrolyte transport remains uncertain. CFTR?(/)? pigs spontaneously develop lung disease resembling human CF. At birth, their airways exhibit a bacterial host defense defect, but are not inflamed. Therefore, we studied ion transport in newborn nasal and tracheal/bronchial epithelia in tissues, cultures, and in vivo. CFTR?(/)? epithelia showed markedly reduced Cl? and HCO?? transport. However, in contrast to a widely held view, lack of CFTR did not increase transepithelial Na(+) or liquid absorption or reduce periciliary liquid depth. Like human CF, CFTR?(/)? pigs showed increased amiloride-sensitive voltage and current, but lack of apical Cl? conductance caused the change, not increased Na(+) transport. These results indicate that CFTR provides the predominant transcellular pathway for Cl? and HCO?? in porcine airway epithelia, and reduced anion permeability may initiate CF airway disease.     

A synthetic channel-forming peptide induces Cl(-) secretion: modulation by Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels

A synthetic Cl(-) channel-forming peptide, C-K4-M2GlyR, applied to the apical membrane of human epithelial cell monolayers induces transepithelial Cl(-) and fluid secretion. The sequence of the core peptide, M2GlyR, corresponds to the second membrane-spanning region of the glycine receptor, a domain thought to line the pore of the ligand-gated Cl(-) channel. Using a pharmacological approach, we show that the flux of Cl(-) through the artificial Cl(-) channel can be regulated by modulating basolateral K(+) efflux through Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels. Application of C-K4-M2GlyR to the apical surface of monolayers composed of human colonic cells of the T84 cell line generated a sustained increase in short-circuit current (I(SC)) and caused net fluid secretion. The current was inhibited by the application of clotrimazole, a non-specific inhibitor of K(+) channels, and charybdotoxin, a potent inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels. Direct activation of these channels with 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) greatly amplified the Cl(-) secretory current induced by C-K4-M2GlyR. The effect of the combination of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I(SC) was significantly greater than the sum of the individual effects of the two compounds and was independent of cAMP. Treatment with 1-EBIO also increased the magnitude of fluid secretion induced by the peptide. The cooperative action of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I(SC) was attenuated by Cl(-) transport inhibitors, by removing Cl(-) from the bathing solution and by basolateral treatment with K(+) channel blockers. These results indicate that apical membrane insertion of Cl(-) channel-forming peptides such as C-K4-M2GlyR and direct activation of basolateral K(+) channels with benzimidazolones may coordinate the apical Cl(-) conductance and the basolateral K(+) conductance, thereby providing a pharmacological approach to modulating Cl(-) and fluid secretion by human epithelia deficient in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channels.     

Activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in rat epididymal epithelium by genistein

The effect of genistein on anion secretion via cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cultured rat cauda epididymal epithelia was studied by short-circuit current (Isc) technique. Genistein added apically stimulated a concentration-dependent rise in Isc due to Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) secretion. The genistein-induced Isc was observed in basolaterally permeabilized monolayers, suggesting that the Isc response was mediated by the apical anion channel. The response could be blocked by the nonspecific Cl(-) channel blocker, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), but not by the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blocker, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). Genistein did not increase intracellular cAMP, but H-89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, completely abolished the Isc response to genistein. Moreover, pretreatment of the tissues with MDL-12330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, markedly attenuated the Isc response to genistein, but the response was restored upon the addition of exogenous cAMP. Ca(2+), protein kinase C, tyrosine kinase, and protein phosphatase signalling pathways were not involved in the action of genistein. It is speculated that genistein stimulates anion secretion by direct interaction with CFTR. This requires a low level of phosphorylation of CFTR by basal protein kinase A activity. It is suggested that genistein may provide therapeutic benefit to male infertility associated with cystic fibrosis.     

Lubiprostone activates non-CFTR-dependent respiratory epithelial chloride secretion in cystic fibrosis mice

Periciliary fluid balance is maintained by the coordination of sodium and chloride channels in the apical membranes of the airways. In the absence of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), chloride secretion is diminished and sodium reabsorption exaggerated. ClC-2, a pH- and voltage-dependent chloride channel, is present on the apical membranes of airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that ClC-2 agonists would provide a parallel pathway for chloride secretion. Using nasal potential difference (NPD) measurements, we quantified lubiprostone-mediated Cl(-) transport in sedated cystic fibrosis null (gut-corrected), C57Bl/6, and A/J mice during nasal perfusion of lubiprostone (a putative ClC-2 agonist). Baseline, amiloride-inhibited, chloride-free gluconate-substituted Ringer with amiloride and low-chloride Ringer plus lubiprostone (at increasing concentrations of lubiprostone) were perfused, and the NPD was continuously recorded. A clear dose-response relationship was detected in all murine strains. The magnitude of the NPD response to 20 muM lubiprostone was -5.8 +/- 2.1 mV (CF, n = 12), -8.1 +/- 2.6 mV (C57Bl/6 wild-type, n = 12), and -5.3 +/- 1.2 mV (AJ wild-type, n = 8). A cohort of ClC-2 knockout mice did not respond to 20 muM lubiprostone (n = 6, P = 0.27). In C57Bl/6 mice, inhibition of CFTR with topical application of CFTR inhibitor-172 did not abolish the lubiprostone response, thus confirming the response seen is independent of CFTR regulation. RT-PCR confirmed expression of ClC-2 mRNA in murine lung homogenate. The direct application of lubiprostone in the CF murine nasal airway restores nearly normal levels of chloride secretion in nasal epithelia.     

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in teleost fish

The gills and intestinal epithelia of teleost fish express cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and utilize this low conductance anion channel in the apical membrane for ion secretion in seawater gill and in the basolateral membrane for ion absorption in freshwater gill. Similarly, in the intestine CFTR is present in the basolateral membrane for intestinal absorption and also in the apical membrane of secreting intestine. The expression of CFTR and the directed trafficking of the protein to the apical or basolateral membrane is salinity-dependent. The CFTR gene has been cloned and sequenced from several teleost species and although all the major elements in the human gene are present, including two nucleotide binding domains that are common to all ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, the sequences are divergent compared to shark or human. In euryhaline fish adapting to seawater, CFTR, localized immunocytochemically, redistributes slowly from a basolateral location to the apical membrane while ion secretory capacity increases. The facility with which teleosts regulate CFTR expression and activation during salinity adaptation make this system an appealing model for the expression and trafficking operation of this labile gene product.     

Curcumin stimulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel activity

Compounds that enhance either the function or biosynthetic processing of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel may be of value in developing new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous studies suggested that the herbal extract curcumin might affect the processing of a common CF mutant, CFTR-DeltaF508. Here, we tested the hypothesis that curcumin influences channel function. Curcumin increased CFTR channel activity in excised, inside-out membrane patches by reducing channel closed time and prolonging the time channels remained open. Stimulation was dose-dependent, reversible, and greater than that observed with genistein, another compound that stimulates CFTR. Curcumin-dependent stimulation required phosphorylated channels and the presence of ATP. We found that curcumin increased the activity of both wild-type and DeltaF508 channels. Adding curcumin also increased Cl(-) transport in differentiated non-CF airway epithelia but not in CF epithelia. These results suggest that curcumin may directly stimulate CFTR Cl(-) channels.