Na+/H+ antiporters,molecular devices that couple the Na+ and H+ circulation in cells

Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters are universal devices involved in the Na⁺ and H⁺ circulation of both eukaroyotes and prokaryotes, thus playing an essential role in the pH and Na⁺ homeostasis of cells. This review focuses on the major impact of the application of molecular biology tools in the study of the antiporters. These tools permit the verification of the role of the antiporters and provide insights into their unique biology. A novel signal transduction to Na⁺ involvingnhaR, a positive regulator, controls the expression ofnhaA inE. coli. A pH sensor regulates the activity of Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters, both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. A most intricate signal transduction to pH involving phosphorylation steps controls the activity ofnhel in higher mammals. The identification of Histidine 226 in the pH sensor of NhaA is a step forward towards the understanding of the pH regulation of these proteins.     

Role of NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase Encoded by drgA Gene in Reduction of Exogenous Quinones in Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Cells

Insertion mutant Ins2 of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, lacking NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR) encoded by drgA gene, was characterized by higher sensitivity to quinone-type inhibitors (menadione and plumbagin) than wild type (WT) cells. In photoautotrophically grown cyanobacterial cells more than 60% of NADPH:quinone-reductase activity, as well as all NADPH:dinoseb-reductase activity, was associated with the function of NQR. NQR activity was observed only in soluble fraction of cyanobacterial cells, but not in membrane fraction. The effects of menadione and menadiol on the reduction of Photosystem I reaction center (P700(+)) after its photooxidation in the presence of DCMU were studied using the EPR spectroscopy. The addition of menadione increased the rate of P700(+) reduction in WT cells, whereas in Ins2 mutant the reduction of P700(+) was strongly inhibited. In the presence of menadiol the reduction of P700(+) was accelerated both in WT and Ins2 mutant cells. These data suggest that NQR protects the cyanobacterial cells from the toxic effect of exogenous quinones by their reduction to hydroquinones. These data may also indicate the probable functional homology of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 NQR with mammalian and plant NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductases (DT-diaphorases).     

Genomic Structure of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Strain GT-S

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is the most popular cyanobacterial strain, serving as a standard in the research fields of photosynthesis, stress response, metabolism and so on. A glucose-tolerant (GT) derivative of this strain was used for genome sequencing at Kazusa DNA Research Institute in 1996, which established a hallmark in the study of cyanobacteria. However, apparent differences in sequences deviating from the database have been noticed among different strain stocks. For this reason, we analysed the genomic sequence of another GT strain (GT-S) by 454 and partial Sanger sequencing. We found 22 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in comparison to the published sequence of the Kazusa strain. However, Sanger sequencing of 36 direct PCR products of the Kazusa strains stored in small aliquots resulted in their identity with the GT-S sequence at 21 of the 22 sites, excluding the possibility of their being SNPs. In addition, we were able to combine five split open reading frames present in the database sequence, and to remove the C-terminus of an ORF. Aside from these, two of the Insertion Sequence elements were not present in the GT-S strain. We have thus become able to provide an accurate genomic sequence of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for future studies on this important cyanobacterial strain.     

Identification of genes expressed in response to acid stress in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using DNA microarrays

Plant cells are always exposed to various environmental stresses such as high light, low temperature and acid rain, and thus have to respond in order to survive these stresses. Although some mechanisms of responses to high light and low temperature etc., have been clarified, there is little information about the acclimation process to acid stress. In this study, the gene expression changes of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in response to acid stress were examined using DNA microarrays (CyanoCHIP). We compared gene expression profiles of the cells treated at pH 8 (control) and pH 3 for 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 h. As a result, we found that 32 genes were upregulated by more than 3-fold, and 29 genes were downregulated by at least 3-fold after the acid treatment. Among these upregulated genes, expressions of slr0967 and sll0939 kept-increasing until 4 h under the acid stress and increased by 7 to 16-fold after the 4 h treatment. This suggests that the products of these two genes play important roles in the acid acclimation process.     

Phycobilisomes of wild type and pigment mutants of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803

Mutants affected in their pigment content and in the structure of their phycobilosomes (PBS) were isolated in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 by enriching a population with the inhibitor p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. Three of these mutants, PMB 2, PMB 10 and PMB 11, with original phenotypes, are described. Applying several criteria of analysis (77K absorption and fluorescence, protein electrophoretic patterns, electron microscopy), it was possible to assign the component polypeptides to each substructure of the phycobilisome. The model structure obtained fits with those described in other species PMB 10 and PMB 11, completely lacking PC, are the first source of pure PBS cores available, in which no contamination by residual PC can be feared, and are thus particularly interesting for further biochemical studies. The capacity of genetic transformation of Synechocystis PCC 6803 by chromosomal DNA makes this system very convenient for the analysis of the regulation of synthesis of the PBS constituents.Abbreviations PSI, PSII photosystems I, II - PBS phycobilisomes - PC phycocyanin - APC allophycocyanin - APC-B alophycocyanin B - PE phycoerythrin - PEC phycoerythrocyanin - WT wind type - Chl chlorophyll Present address: Service de Physiologie Microbienne Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France     

Nigericin-induced Na+/H+ and K+/H+ exchange in synaptosomes: Effect on [3H]GABA release

The effect of the putative K⁺/H⁺ ionophore, nigericin on the internal Na⁺ concentration ([Na _i ]), the internal pH (pH _i ), the internal Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca _i ]) and the baseline release of the neurotransmitter, GABA was investigated in Na⁺-binding benzofuran isophtalate acetoxymethyl ester (SBFIAM), 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6) carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM), fura-2 and [³H]GABA loaded synaptosomes, respectively. In the presence of Na⁺ at a physiological concentration (147 mM), nigericin (0.5 μM) elevates [Na _i ] from 20 to 50 mM, increases thepH _i , 0.16 pH units, elevates four fold the [Ca _i ] at expense of external Ca²⁺ and markedly increases (more than five fold) the release of [³H]GABA. In the absence of a Na⁺ concentration gradient (i.e. when the external Na⁺ concentration equals the [Na _i ]), the same concentration (0.5 μM) of nigericin causes the opposite effect on thepH _i (acidifies the synaptosomal interior), does not modify the [Na _i ] and is practically unable to elevate the [Ca _i ] or to increase [³H]GABA release. Only with higher concentrations of nigericin than 0.5 μM the ionophore is able to elevate the [Ca _i ] and to increase the release of [³H]GABA under the conditions in which the net Na⁺ movements are eliminated. These results clearly show that under physiological conditions (147 mM external Na⁺) nigericin behaves as a Na⁺/H⁺ ionophore, and all its effects are triggered by the entrance of Na⁺ in exchange for H⁺ through the ionophore itself. Nigericin behaves as a K⁺/H⁺ ionophore in synaptosomes just when the net Na⁺ movements are eliminated (i.e. under conditions in which the external and the internal Na⁺ concentrations are equal). In summary care must be taken when using the putative K⁺/H⁺ ionophore nigericin as an experimental tool in synaptosomes, as under standard conditions (i.e. in the presence of high external Na⁺) nigericin behaves as a Na⁺/H⁺ ionophore.     

Na+/Na+ exchange and Na+/H+ antiport in rabbit erythrocytes: Two distinct transport systems

Summary Rabbit erythrocytes are well known for possessing highly active Na⁺/Na⁺ and Na⁺/H⁺ countertransport systems. Since these two transport systems share many similar properties, the possibility exists that they represent different transport modes of a single transport molecule. Therefore, we evaluated this hypothesis by measuring Na⁺ transport through these exchangers in acid-loaded cells. In addition, selective inhibitors of these transport systems such as ethylisopropyl-amiloride (EIPA) and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) were used. Na⁺/Na⁺ exchange activity, determined as the Na _o ⁺ -dependent²²Na efflux or Na _i ⁺ -induced²²Na entry was completely abolished by NEM. This inhibitor, however, did not affect the H _i ⁺ -induced Na⁺ entry sensitive to amiloride (Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activity). Similarly, EIPA, a strong inhibitor of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger, did not inhibit Na⁺/Na^– countertransport, suggesting the independent nature of both transport systems. The possibility that the NEM-sensitive Na⁺/Na⁺ exchanger could be involved in Na⁺/H⁺ countertransport was suggested by studies in which the net Na⁺ transport sensitive to NEM was determined. As expected, net Na⁺ transport through this transport system was zero at different [Na⁺] _i /[Na⁺] _o ratios when intracellular pH was 7.2. However, at pH _i =6.1, net Na⁺ influx occurred when [Na⁺] _i was lower than 39mm. Valinomycin, which at low [K⁺] _o was lower than 39mm. Valinomycin, which at low [K⁺] _o clamps the membrane potential close to the K⁺ equilibrium potential, did not affect the net NEM-sensitive Na⁺ entry but markedly stimulated, the EIPA-and NEM-resistant Na⁺ uptake. This suggest that the net Na⁺ entry through the NEM-sensitive pathway at low pH _i , is mediated by an electroneutral process possibly involving Na⁺/H⁺ exchange. In contrast, the EIPA-sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger is not involved in Na⁺/Na⁺ countertransport, because Na⁺ transport through this mechanism is not affected by an increase in cell Na^– from 0.4 to 39mm. Altogether, these findings indicate that both transport systems: the Na⁺/Na⁺ and Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers, are mediated by distinct transport proteins.     

Functional analysis of amino acids of the Na+/H+ exchanger that are important for proton translocation

The Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger is an integral membrane protein found in the plasma membrane of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In eukaryotes it functions to exchange one proton for a sodium ion. In mammals it removes intracellular protons while in plants and fungal cells the plasma membrane form removes intracellular sodium in exchange for extracellular protons. In this study we used the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sod2) as a model system to study amino acids critical for activity of the protein. Twelve mutant forms of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger were examined for their ability to translocate protons as assessed by a cytosensor microphysiometer. Mutation of the amino acid Histidine 367 resulted in defective proton translocation. The acidic residues Asp145, Asp178, Asp266 and Asp267 were important in the proton translocation activity of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger. Mutation of amino acids His98, His233 and Asp241 did not significantly impair proton translocation by the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger. These results confirm that polar amino acids are important in proton flux activity of Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers.     

Isolation and characterization of a Na+/H+ antiporter gene from the halophyte Atriplex gmelini

With a homologous gene region we successfully isolated a Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter gene from a halophytic plant, Atriplex gmelini, and named it AgNHX1. The isolated cDNA is 2607 bp in length and contains one open reading frame, which comprises 555 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 61.9 kDa. The amino acid sequence of the AgNHX1 gene showed more than 75% identity with those of the previously isolated NHX1 genes from glycophytes, Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. The migration pattern of AgNHX1 was shown to correlate with H⁺-pyrophosphatase and not with P-type H⁺-ATPase, suggesting the localization of AgNHX1 in a vacuolar membrane. Induction of the AgNHX1 gene was observed by salt stress at both mRNA and protein levels. The expression of the AgNHX1 gene in the yeast mutant, which lacks the vacuolar-type Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter gene (NHX1) and has poor viability under the high-salt conditions, showed partial complementation of the NHX1 functions. These results suggest the important role of the AgNHX1 products for salt tolerance.     

Identification of trimethylation at C-terminal lysine of pilin in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803

Various post-translational modifications (PTMs) of pilin in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 have been proposed. In this study, we investigated previously unidentified PTMs of pilin by mass spectrometry (MS). MALDI-TOF MS and TOF/TOF MS showed that the molecular mass of the C-terminal lysine of pilin was increased by 42 Da, which could represent acetylation (ΔM = 42.0470) or trimethylation (ΔM = 42.0106). To discriminate between these isobaric modifications, the molecular mass of the C-terminal tryptic peptide was measured using 15T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) MS. The high magnetic field FT-ICR provided sub-ppm mass accuracy, revealing that the C-terminal lysine was modified by trimethylation. We could also detect the existence of mono- and di-methylation of the C-terminal lysine. Cells expressing a pilin point mutant with glutamine replacing the C-terminal lysine showed dramatically reduced motility and short pili. These findings suggest that trimethylation of pilin at the C-terminal lysine may be essential for the biogenesis of functional pili.     

Reduction of Photosystem I Reaction Center in DrgA Mutant of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Lacking Soluble NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase

Photoautotrophically grown cells of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 wild type and the Ins2 mutant carrying an insertion in the drgA gene encoding soluble NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR) did not differ in the rate of light-induced oxygen evolution and Photosystem I reaction center (P700+) reduction after its oxidation with a white light pulse. In the presence of DCMU, the rate of P700+ reduction was lower in mutant cells than in wild type cells. Depletion of respiratory substrates after 24 h dark-starvation caused more potent decrease in the rate of P700+ reduction in DrgA mutant cells than in wild type cells. The reduction of P700+ by electrons derived from exogenous glucose was slower in photoautotrophically grown DrgA mutant than in wild type cells. The mutation in the drgA gene did not impair the ability of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cells to oxidize glucose under heterotrophic conditions and did not impair the NDH-1-dependent, rotenone-inhibited electron transfer from NADPH to P700+ in thylakoid membranes of the cyanobacterium. Under photoautotrophic growth conditions, NADPH-dehydrogenase activity in DrgA mutant cells was less than 30% from the level observed in wild type cells. The results suggest that NQR, encoded by the drgA gene, might participate in the regulation of cytoplasmic NADPH oxidation, supplying NADP+ for glucose oxidation in the pentose phosphate cycle of cyanobacteria.     

Conformational changes in NhaA Na+/H+ antiporter

Abstract

Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters play a primary role in Na⁺/H⁺ homeostasis in cells and many organelles and have long been drug targets. The X-ray structure of NhaA, the main antiporter of Escherichia coli, provided structural insights into the antiport mechanism and its pH regulation and revealed a novel fold; six of the 12 TMs (Trans membrane segments) are organized in two topologically inverted repeats, each with one TM interrupted by an extended chain creating a unique electrostatic environment in the middle of the membrane at the cation binding site. Remarkably, inverted repeats containing interrupted helices with similar functional implications have since been observed in structures of other bacterial secondary transporters with almost no sequence homology. Finally, the structure reveals that NhaA is organized into two functional regions: a ‘pH sensor' – a cluster of amino acyl side chains that are involved in pH regulation; and a catalytic region that is 9 Å removed from the pH sensor. Alternative accessibility of the binding site to either side of the membrane, i.e., functional-dynamics, is the essence of secondary transport mechanism. Because NhaA is tightly pH regulated, structures of the pH-activated and ligand-activated NhaA conformations are needed to identify its functional-dynamics. However, as these are static snapshots of a dynamic protein, the dynamics of the protein both in vitro and in situ in the membrane are also required as reviewed here in detail. The results reveal two different conformational changes characterizing NhaA: One is pH-induced for NhaA activation; the other is ligand-induced for antiport activity.     

Functional analysis of the PsbP-like protein (sll1418) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

A recent proteomic analysis of the thylakoid lumen of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed the presence of several PsbP-like proteins, and a homologue to this gene family was detected in the genome of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Schubert M, Petersson UA, Haas BJ, Funk C, Schröder WP, Kieselbach T (2002) J Biol Chem 277, 8354–8365). Using a peptide-directed antibody against this cyanobacterial PsbP-like protein (sll1418) we could show that it was localized in the thylakoid membrane and associated with Photosystem II. While salt washes did not remove the PsbP-like protein from the thylakoid membrane, it was partially lost during the detergent-based isolation of PSII membrane fractions. In total cell extracts this protein is present in the same amount as the extrinsic PsbO protein. We did not see any significant functional difference between the wild-type and a PsbP-like insertion mutant.     

ATP Dependence of Na+/H+ Exchange : Nucleotide Specificity and Assessment of the Role of Phospholipids

We studied the ATP dependence of NHE-1, the ubiquitous isoform of the Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique to apply nucleotides intracellularly while measuring cytosolic pH (pH_i) by microfluorimetry. Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activity was measured as the Na⁺-driven pH_i recovery from an acid load, which was imposed via the patch pipette. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fibroblasts stably transfected with NHE-1, omission of ATP from the pipette solution inhibited Na⁺/H⁺ exchange. Conversely, ATP perfusion restored exchange activity in cells that had been metabolically depleted by 2-deoxy-d-glucose and oligomycin. In cells dialyzed in the presence of ATP, no “run-down” was observed even after extended periods, suggesting that the nucleotide is the only diffusible factor required for optimal NHE-1 activity. Half-maximal activation of the antiporter was obtained at ∼5 mM Mg-ATP. Submillimolar concentrations failed to sustain Na⁺/H⁺ exchange even when an ATP regenerating system was included in the pipette solution. High ATP concentrations are also known to be required for the optimal function of other cation exchangers. In the case of the Na/Ca²⁺ exchanger, this requirement has been attributed to an aminophospholipid translocase, or “flippase.” The involvement of this enzyme in Na⁺/H⁺ exchange was examined using fluorescent phosphatidylserine, which is actively translocated by the flippase. ATP depletion decreased the transmembrane uptake of NBD-labeled phosphatidylserine (NBD-PS), indicating that the flippase was inhibited. Diamide, an agent reported to block the flippase, was as potent as ATP depletion in reducing NBD-PS uptake. However, diamide had no effect on Na⁺/H⁺ exchange, implying that the effect of ATP is not mediated by changes in lipid distribution across the plasma membrane. K-ATP and ATPγS were as efficient as Mg-ATP in sustaining NHE-1 activity, while AMP-PNP and AMP-PCP only partially substituted for ATP. In contrast, GTPγS was ineffective. We conclude that ATP is the only soluble factor necessary for optimal activity of the NHE-1 isoform of the antiporter. Mg²⁺ does not appear to be essential for the stimulatory effect of ATP. We propose that two mechanisms mediate the activation of the antiporter by ATP: one requires hydrolysis and is likely an energy-dependent event. The second process does not involve hydrolysis of the γ-phosphate, excluding mediation by protein or lipid kinases. We suggest that this effect is due to binding of ATP to an as yet unidentified, nondiffusible effector that activates the antiporter.     

Agonist-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange in rat parotid acinar cells

Summary The present studies were designed to test our previous suggestion that Na⁺/H⁺ exchange was activated by muscarinic stimulation of rat parotid acinar cells. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate here that intact rat parotid acini stimulated with the muscarinic agonist carbachol in HCO ₃ ^– -free medium show an enhanced recovery from an acute acid load as compared to similarly challenged untreated preparations. Amiloride-sensitive²²Na uptake, due to Na⁺/H⁺ exchange, was also studied in plasma membrane vesicles prepared from rat parotid acini pretreated with carbachol. This uptake was stimulated twofold relative to that observed in vesicles from control (untreated) acini. This stimulation was time dependent, requiring 15 min of acinar incubation with carbachol to reach completion, and ws blocked by the presence of the muscarinic antagonist atropine (2×10^–5 m) in the pretreatment medium. The effect of carbachol was dose dependent withK _0.53×10^–6 m. Stimulation of the exchanger was also seen in vesicles prepared from acini pretreated with the -adrenergic agonist epinephrine, but not with the -adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, or with substance P. Kinetic analysis indicated that the stimulation induced by carbachol was due to an alkaline shift in the pH responsiveness of the exchanger in addition to an increasedapparent transport capacity. Taken together with previous results from this and other laboratories, these results strongly suggest that the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger and its regulation are intimately involved in the fluidsecretory response of the rat parotid.     

集胞藻6803藻胆体别藻蓝蛋白多克隆抗体的制备

藻胆体是蓝藻细胞主要的捕光天线色素超分子复合体,主要由核心体和外围的杆两部分组成,核心体主要由别藻蓝蛋白组装而成,参与光能向光合作用反应中心的传递.该研究通过PCR扩增出集胞藻6803别藻蓝蛋白α亚基(ApcA)编码基因apcA,构建表达质粒pET-32a(+)-apcA,并将其转入大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)pLysS菌株中;通过IPTG诱导表达重组蛋白,并利用组氨酸标签将可溶性目的蛋白进行亲和纯化后,免疫日本大耳白兔,从而获得多克隆抗体.间接ELISA法揭示ApcA抗体效价可高达1∶1 025 000;蛋白免疫印迹确定该抗体具有高度特异性.表明该研究成功制备了集胞藻6803藻胆体别藻蓝蛋白多克隆抗体,为进一步研究藻胆体的核心体在光能传递过程中所承担的重要生理角色奠定了生化基础.     

The Na+ cycle of extreme alkalophiles: A secondary Na+/H+ antiporter and Na+/solute symporters

Extremely alkalophilic bacteria that grow optimally at pH 10.5 and above are generally aerobic bacilli that grow at mesophilic temperatures and moderate salt levels. The adaptations to alkalophily in these organisms may be distinguished from responses to combined challenges of high pH together with other stresses such as salinity or anaerobiosis. These alkalophiles all possess a simple and physiologically crucial Na⁺ cycle that accomplishes the key task of pH homeostasis. An electrogenic, secondary Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter is energized by the electrochemical proton gradient formed by the proton-pumping respiratory chain. The antiporter facilitates maintenance of a pH_in that is two or more pH units lower than pH_out at optimal pH values for growth. It also largely converts the initial electrochemical proton gradient formed by respiration into an electrochemical sodium gradient that energizes motility as well as a plethora of Na⁺/solute symporters. These symporters catalyze solute accumulation and, importantly, reentry of Na⁺. The extreme nonmarine alkalophiles exhibit no primary sodium pumping dependent upon either respiration or ATP. ATP synthesis is not part of their Na⁺ cycle. Rather, the specific details of oxidative phosphorylation in these organisms are an interesting analogue of the same process in mitochondria, and may utilize some common features to optimize energy transduction.