Antibody-independent localization of the electroneutral Na+-HCO3- cotransporter NBCn1 (slc4a7) in mice

The expression pattern of the electroneutral Na(+)-HCO(3)(-)cotransporter NBCn1 (slc4a7) was investigated by beta-galactosidase staining of mice with a LacZ insertion into the NBCn1 gene. This method is of particular value because it is independent of immunoreactivity. We find that the NBCn1 promoter is active in a number of tissues where NBCn1 has previously been functionally or immunohistochemically identified, including a broad range of blood vessels (vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells), kidney thick ascending limb and medullary collecting duct epithelial cells, the epithelial lining of the kidney pelvis, duodenal enterocytes, choroid plexus epithelial cells, hippocampus, and retina. Kidney corpuscles, colonic mucosa, and nonvascular smooth muscle cells (from the urinary bladder, trachea, gastrointestinal wall, and uterus) were novel areas of promoter activity. Atrial but not ventricular cardiomyocytes were stained. In the brain, distinct layers of the cerebral cortex and cerebellar Purkinje cells were stained as was the dentate nucleus. No staining of skeletal muscle or cortical collecting ducts was observed. RT-PCR analyses confirmed the expression of NBCn1 and beta-galactosidase in selected tissues. Disruption of the NBCn1 gene resulted in reduced NBCn1 expression, and in bladder smooth muscle cells, reduced amiloride-insensitive Na(+)-dependent HCO(3)(-) influx was observed. Furthermore, disruption of the NBCn1 gene resulted in a lower intracellular steady-state pH of bladder smooth muscle cells in the presence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) but not in its nominal absence. We conclude that NBCn1 has a broad expression profile, supporting previous findings based on immunoreactivity, and suggest several new tissues where NBCn1 may be important.     

Entry to "formula tunnel" revealed by SLC4A4 human mutation and structural model

Glaucoma, cataracts, and proximal renal tubular acidosis are diseases caused by point mutations in the human electrogenic Na(+) bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1/SLC4A4) (1, 2). One such mutation, R298S, is located in the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of NBCe1 and has only moderate (75%) function. As SLC transporters have high similarity in their membrane and N-terminal primary sequences, we homology-modeled NBCe1 onto the crystal structure coordinates of Band 3(AE1) (3). Arg-298 is predicted to be located in a solvent-inaccessible subsurface pocket and to associate with Glu-91 or Glu-295 via H-bonding and charge-charge interactions. We perturbed these putative interactions between Glu-91 and Arg-298 by site-directed mutagenesis and used expression in Xenopus oocyte to test our structural model. Mutagenesis of either residue resulted in reduced transport function. Function was "repaired" by charge reversal (E91R/R298E), implying that these two residues are interchangeable and interdependent. These results contrast the current understanding of the AE1 N terminus as protein-binding sites and propose that hkNBCe1 (and other SLC4) cytoplasmic N termini play roles in controlling HCO(3)(-) permeation.     

Electrogenic NBCe1 (SLC4A4), but not electroneutral NBCn1 (SLC4A7), cotransporter undergoes cholinergic-stimulated endocytosis in salivary ParC5 cells

Cholinergic agonists are major stimuli for fluid secretion in parotid acinar cells. Saliva bicarbonate is essential for maintaining oral health. Electrogenic and electroneutral Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporters (NBCe1 and NBCn1) are abundant in parotid glands. We previously reported that angiotensin regulates NBCe1 by endocytosis in Xenopus oocytes. Here, we studied cholinergic regulation of NBCe1 and NBCn1 membrane trafficking by confocal fluorescent microscopy and surface biotinylation in parotid epithelial cells. NBCe1 and NBCn1 colocalized with E-cadherin monoclonal antibody at the basolateral membrane (BLM) in polarized ParC5 cells. Inhibition of constitutive recycling with the carboxylic ionophore monensin or the calmodulin antagonist W-13 caused NBCe1 to accumulate in early endosomes with a parallel loss from the BLM, suggesting that NBCe1 is constitutively endocytosed. Carbachol and PMA likewise caused redistribution of NBCe1 from BLM to early endosomes. The PKC inhibitor, GF-109203X, blocked this redistribution, indicating a role for PKC. In contrast, BLM NBCn1 was not downregulated in parotid acinar cells treated with constitutive recycling inhibitors, cholinergic stimulators, or PMA. We likewise demonstrate striking differences in regulation of membrane trafficking of NBCe1 vs. NBCn1 in resting and stimulated cells. We speculate that endocytosis of NBCe1, which coincides with the transition to a steady-state phase of stimulated fluid secretion, could be a part of acinar cell adjustment to a continuous secretory response. Stable association of NBCn1 at the membrane may facilitate constitutive uptake of HCO(3)(-) across the BLM, thus supporting HCO(3)(-) luminal secretion and/or maintaining acid-base homeostasis in stimulated cells.     

Regulation of intracellular pH by electrogenic Na+/HCO3– co-transporters in embryonic neural stem cell-derived radial glia-like cells

A stroke causes a hypoxic brain microenvironment that alters neural cell metabolism resulting in cell membrane hyperpolarization and intracellular acidosis. We studied how intracellular pH (pH_i) is regulated in differentiated mouse neural progenitor cells during hyperpolarizing conditions, induced by prompt reduction of the extracellular K⁺ concentration. We found that the radial glia-like population in differentiating embryonic neural progenitor cells, but not neuronal cells, was rapidly acidified under these conditions. However, when extracellular calcium was removed, an instant depolarization and recovery of the pH_i, back to normal levels, took place. The rapid recovery phase seen in the absence of calcium, was dependent on extracellular bicarbonate and could be inhibited by S0859, a potent Na/HCO3 cotransporter inhibitor. Immunostaining and PCR data, showed that NBCe1 (SLC4A4) and NBCn1 (SLC4A7) were expressed in the cell population and that the pH_i recovery in the radial glial-like cells after calcium removal was mediated mainly by the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate transporter NBCe1 (SLC4A4). Our results indicate that extracellular calcium might hamper pH_i regulation and Na/HCO3 cotransporter activity in a brain injury microenvironment. Our findings show that the NBC-type transporters are the main pH_i regulating systems prevailing in glia-like progenitor cells and that these calcium sensitive transporters are important for neuronal progenitor cell proliferation, survival and neural stem cell differentiation.     

Enhanced activity of ventricular Na+-HCO3- cotransport in pressure overload hypertrophy

The Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC) plays a key role in intracellular pH (pH(i)) regulation in normal ventricular muscle. However, the state of NBC in nonischemic hypertrophied hearts is unresolved. In this study, we examined functional and molecular properties of NBC in adult rat ventricular myocytes. The cells were enzymatically isolated from both normal and hypertrophied hearts. Ventricular hypertrophy was induced by pressure overload created by suprarenal abdominal aortic constriction of 50% for 7 wk. pH(i) was measured in single cells using the fluorescent pH indicator 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)5-(6)carboxyfluorescein. Real-time PCR analysis was used to quantitatively assess expression of NBC-encoding mRNA, including SLC4A4 (encoding electrogenic NBC, NBCe1) and SLC4A7 (electroneutral NBC, NBCn1). Our results demonstrate that: 1) mRNA levels of both the electrogenic NBCe1 (SLC4A4) and electroneutral NBCn1 (SLC4A7) forms of NBC were increased by aortic constriction, 2) the onset of NBC upregulation occurred within 3 days after constriction, 3) normal and hypertrophied ventricles displayed regional differences in NBC expression, 4) acid extrusion via NBC (J(NBC)) was increased significantly in hypertrophied myocytes, 5) although acid extrusion via Na(+)/H(+) exchange was also increased in hypertrophied myocytes, the relative enhancement of J(NBC) was larger, 6) membrane depolarization markedly increased J(NBC) in hypertrophied myocytes, and 7) losartan, an ANG II AT(1) receptor antagonist, significantly attenuated the upregulation of both NBCs induced by 3 wk of aortic constriction. Enhanced NBC activity during hypertrophic development provides a mechanism for intracellular Na(+) overload, which may render the ventricles more vulnerable to Ca(2+) overload during ischemia-reperfusion.     

SLC26 anion exchangers of guinea pig pancreatic duct: molecular cloning and functional characterization

The secretin-stimulated human pancreatic duct secretes HCO(3)(-)-rich fluid essential for normal digestion. Optimal stimulation of pancreatic HCO(3)(-) secretion likely requires coupled activities of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) anion channel and apical SLC26 Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchangers. However, whereas stimulated human and guinea pig pancreatic ducts secrete ～140 mM HCO(3)(-) or more, mouse and rat ducts secrete ～40-70 mM HCO(3)(-). Moreover, the axial distribution and physiological roles of SLC26 anion exchangers in pancreatic duct secretory processes remain controversial and may vary among mammalian species. Thus the property of high HCO(3)(-) secretion shared by human and guinea pig pancreatic ducts prompted us to clone from guinea pig pancreatic duct cDNAs encoding Slc26a3, Slc26a6, and Slc26a11 polypeptides. We then functionally characterized these anion transporters in Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In Xenopus oocytes, gpSlc26a3 mediated only Cl(-)/Cl(-) exchange and electroneutral Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange. gpSlc26a6 in Xenopus oocytes mediated Cl(-)/Cl(-) exchange and bidirectional exchange of Cl(-) for oxalate and sulfate, but Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange was detected only in HEK 293 cells. gpSlc26a11 in Xenopus oocytes exhibited pH-dependent Cl(-), oxalate, and sulfate transport but no detectable Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange. The three gpSlc26 anion transporters exhibited distinct pharmacological profiles of (36)Cl(-) influx, including partial sensitivity to CFTR inhibitors Inh-172 and GlyH101, but only Slc26a11 was inhibited by PPQ-102. This first molecular and functional assessment of recombinant SLC26 anion transporters from guinea pig pancreatic duct enhances our understanding of pancreatic HCO(3)(-) secretion in species that share a high HCO(3)(-) secretory output.     

An anti-NH2-terminal antibody localizes NBCn1 to heart endothelia and skeletal and vascular smooth muscle cells

The electroneutral sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCn1 or NBC3 was originally cloned from rat aorta and from human skeletal muscle. NBCn1 (or NBC3) has been localized to the basolateral membrane of various epithelia, but thus far it has been impossible to detect the protein in these tissues by using anti-COOH-terminal antibodies. Hence an antibody was developed against the NH2-terminus of NBCn1 and was validated by peptide recognition and immunoblotting on positive control tissues and by binding of an approximately 180-kDa protein in the rat kidney, cerebrum, cerebellum, and duodenum. In addition, an approximately 180-kDa immunoreactive band appeared using samples from the aorta, heart ventricles and atria, mesenteric arteries, lung, spleen, liver, pancreas, and epididymis. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the previously described labeling in the kidney, duodenum, and the choroid plexus. The anti-NH2-terminal antibody localized NBCn1 to the plasma membrane domains of endothelia and smooth muscle cells in small mesenteric and renal arteries, as well as the capillaries of the heart ventricles, spleen, and salivary glands. NBCn1 was also detected in neuromuscular junctions and vasculature in skeletal muscle. Analysis of variable NBCn1 splicing by RT-PCR revealed that an NH2-terminal sequence, the cassette III, seems absent from cardiovascular NBCn1 and that both cassettes I and III are variable in most epithelia, whereas cassette II is absent from epithelial NBCn1. Thus the development of the NH2-terminal antibody allowed the localization of NBCn1 protein to major cardiovascular tissues where NBCn1 mRNA was previously detected. The NBCn1 is a likely candidate for mediating the reported electroneutral Na+-HCO3(-) cotransport in vascular smooth muscle.     

Distribution of sodium transporters and aquaporin-1 in the human choroid plexus

The choroid plexus epithelium secretes electrolytes and fluid in the brain ventricular lumen at high rates. Several channels and ion carriers have been identified as likely mediators of this transport in rodent choroid plexus. This study aimed to map several of these proteins to the human choroid plexus. Immunoperoxidase-histochemistry was employed to determine the cellular and subcellular localization of the proteins. The water channel, aquaporin (AQP) 1, was predominantly situated in the apical plasma membrane domain, although distinct basolateral and endothelial immunoreactivity was also observed. The Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase ₁-subunit was exclusively localized apically in the human choroid plexus epithelial cells. Immunoreactivity for the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^– cotransporter, NKCC1, was likewise confined to the apical plasma membrane domain of the epithelium. The Cl^–/HCO₃^– exchanger, AE2, was localized basolaterally, as was the Na⁺-dependent Cl^–/HCO₃^– exchanger, NCBE, and the electroneutral Na⁺-HCO₃^– cotransporter, NBCn1. No immunoreactivity was found toward the Na⁺-dependent acid/base transporters NHE1 or NBCe2. Hence, the human choroid plexus epithelium displays an almost identical distribution pattern of water channels and Na⁺ transporters as the rat and mouse choroid plexus. This general cross species pattern suggests central roles for these transporters in choroid plexus functions such as cerebrospinal fluid production. immunohistochemistry; metabolism; cerebrospinal fluid secretion     

Cloning and characterization of an electrogenic Na/HCO3- cotransporter from the squid giant fiber lobe

The squid giant axon is a classic model system for understanding both excitable membranes and ion transport. To date, a Na(+)-driven Cl-HCO(3)(-) exchanger, sqNDCBE--related to the SLC4 superfamily and cloned from giant fiber lobe cDNA--is the only HCO(3)(-)-transporting protein cloned and characterized from a squid. The goal of our study was to clone and characterize another SLC4-like cDNA. We used degenerate PCR to obtain a partial cDNA clone (squid fiber clone 3, SF3), which we extended in both the 5' and 3' directions to obtain the full-length open-reading frame. The predicted amino-acid sequence of SF3 is similar to sqNDCBE, and a phylogenetic analysis of the membrane domains indicates that SF3 clusters with electroneutral Na(+)-coupled SLC4 transporters. However, when we measure pH(i) and membrane potential--or use two-electrode voltage clamping to measure currents--on Xenopus oocytes expressing SF3, the oocytes exhibit the characteristics of an electrogenic Na/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter, NBCe. That is, exposure to extracellular CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) not only causes a fall in pH(i), followed by a robust recovery, but also causes a rapid hyperpolarization. The current-voltage relationship is also characteristic of an electrogenic NBC. The pH(i) recovery and current require HCO(3)(-) and Na(+), and are blocked by DIDS. Furthermore, neither K(+) nor Li(+) can fully replace Na(+) in supporting the pH(i) recovery. Extracellular Cl(-) is not necessary for the transporter to operate. Therefore, SF3 is an NBCe, representing the first NBCe characterized from an invertebrate.     

Na+-dependent HCO3- uptake into the rat choroid plexus epithelium is partially DIDS sensitive

Several studies suggest the involvement of Na⁺ and HCO₃^– transport in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid. Two Na⁺-dependent HCO₃^– transporters were recently localized to the epithelial cells of the rat choroid plexus (NBCn1 and NCBE), and the mRNA for a third protein was also detected (NBCe2) (Praetorius J, Nejsum LN, and Nielsen S. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 286: C601–C610, 2004). Our goal was to immunolocalize the NBCe2 to the choroid plexus by immunohistochemistry and immunogold electronmicroscopy and to functionally characterize the bicarbonate transport in the isolated rat choroid plexus by measurements of intracellular pH (pH_i) using a dual-excitation wavelength pH-sensitive dye (BCECF). Both antisera derived from COOH-terminal and NH₂-terminal NBCe2 peptides localized NBCe2 to the brush-border membrane domain of choroid plexus epithelial cells. Steady-state pH_i in choroidal cells increased from 7.03 ± 0.02 to 7.38 ± 0.02 (n = 41) after addition of CO₂/HCO₃^– into the bath solution. This increase was Na⁺ dependent and inhibited by the Cl^– and HCO₃^– transport inhibitor DIDS (200 µM). This suggests the presence of Na⁺-dependent, partially DIDS-sensitive HCO₃^– uptake. The pH_i recovery after acid loading revealed an initial Na⁺ and HCO₃^–-dependent net base flux of 0.828 ± 0.116 mM/s (n = 8). The initial flux in the presence of CO₂/HCO₃^– was unaffected by DIDS. Our data support the existence of both DIDS-sensitive and -insensitive Na⁺- and HCO₃^–-dependent base loader uptake into the rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. This is consistent with the localization of the three base transporters NBCn1, Na⁺-driven Cl^– bicarbonate exchanger, and NBCe2 in this tissue. bicarbonate metabolism; BCECF; cerebrospinal fluid; acid/base transport; ammonium prepulse     

Immunolocalization of electroneutral Na(+)-HCO cotransporters in human and rat salivary glands

Patterns of salivary HCO secretion vary widely among species and among individual glands. In particular, virtually nothing is known about the molecular identity of the HCO transporters involved in human salivary secretion. We have therefore examined the distribution of several known members of the Na(+)-HCO cotransporter (NBC) family in the parotid and submandibular glands. By use of a combination of RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses, the electroneutral cotransporters NBC3 and NBCn1 mRNA and protein expression were detected in both human and rat tissues. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that NBC3 was present at the apical membranes of acinar and duct cells in both human and rat parotid and submandibular glands. NBCn1 was strongly expressed at the basolateral membrane of striated duct cells but not in the acinar cells in the human salivary glands, whereas little or no NBCn1 labeling was observed in the rat salivary glands. The presence of NBCn1 at the basolateral membrane of human striated duct cells suggests that it may contribute to ductal HCO secretion. In contrast, the expression of NBC3 at the apical membranes of acinar and duct cells in both human and rat salivary glands indicates a possible role of this isoform in HCO salvage under resting conditions.     

Critical role of bicarbonate and bicarbonate transporters in cardiac function

Bicarbonate is one of the major anions in mammalian tissues and extracellular fluids. Along with accompanying H+, HCO3- is generated from CO2 and H2 O, either spontaneously or via the catalytic activity of carbonic anhydrase. It serves as a component of the major buffer system, thereby playing a critical role in pH homeostasis. Bicarbonate can also be utilized by a variety of ion transporters, often working in coupled systems, to transport other ions and organic substrates across cell membranes. The functions of HCO3- and HCO3--transporters in epithelial tissues have been studied extensively, but their functions in heart are less well understood. Here we review studies of the identities and physiological functions of Cl-/HCO3- exchangers and Na+/HCO3-cotransporters of the SLC4 A and SLC26 A families in heart. We also present RNA Seq analysis of their cardiac mRNA expression levels. These studies indicate that slc4a3(AE3) is the major Cl-/HCO3- exchanger and plays a protective role in heart failure, and that Slc4a4(NBCe1) is the major Na+/HCO3- cotransporter and affects action potential duration. In addition, previous studies show that HCO3- has a positive inotropic effect in the perfused heart that is largely independent of effects on intracellular Ca2+. The importance of HCO3- in the regulation of contractility is supported by experiments showing that isolated cardiomyocytes exhibit sharply enhanced contractility, with no change in Ca2+ transients, when switched from Hepes-buffered to HCO3-- buffered solutions. These studies demonstrate that HCO3- and HCO3--handling proteins play important roles in the regulation of cardiac function.     

Vectorial bicarbonate transport by Capan-1 cells: a model for human pancreatic ductal secretion.

Human pancreatic ducts secrete a bicarbonate-rich fluid but our knowledge of the secretory process is based mainly on studies of animal models. Our aim was to determine whether the HCO(3)(-) transport mechanisms in a human ductal cell line are similar to those previously identified in guinea-pig pancreatic ducts. Intracellular pH was measured by microfluorometry in Capan-1 cell monolayers grown on permeable filters and loaded with BCECF. Epithelial polarization was assessed by immunolocalization of occludin. Expression of mRNA for key electrolyte transporters and receptors was evaluated by RT-PCR. Capan-1 cells grown on permeable supports formed confluent, polarized monolayers with well developed tight junctions. The recovery of pH(i) from an acid load, induced by a short NH(4)(+) pulse, was mediated by Na(+)-dependent transporters located exclusively at the basolateral membrane. One was independent of HCO(3)(-) and blocked by EIPA (probably NHE1) while the other was HCO(3)(-)-dependent and blocked by H(2)DIDS (probably pNBC1). Changes in pH(i) following blockade of basolateral HCO(3)(-) accumulation confirmed that the cells achieve vectorial HCO(3)(-) secretion. Dose-dependent increases in HCO(3)(-) secretion were observed in response to stimulation of both secretin and VPAC receptors. ATP and UTP applied to the apical membrane stimulated HCO(3)(-) secretion but were inhibitory when applied to the basolateral membrane. HCO(3)(-) secretion in guinea-pig ducts and Capan-1 cell monolayers share many common features, suggesting that the latter is an excellent model for studies of human pancreatic HCO(3)(-) secretion.     

NBCe2 exhibits a 3 HCO3(-):1 Na+ stoichiometry in mouse choroid plexus epithelial cells

The transport stoichiometry of the electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter (SLC4A5 or NBCe2) in mouse choroid plexus was examined. Whole-cell recording methods measured the currents carried by the NBCe2, using experimental solutions determined to minimise the contributions of the other ion conductances present. Increases in outward current were observed when 21.2 mM was added to the bath solution in the presence of Na⁺, but not N-methyl-d-glucamine. This -induced current was completely abolished by 500 μM 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid. The reversal potential for the -induced current was −95.1 ± 7.1 mV (n = 11), a value which corresponds to a NBCe2 transport stoichiometry of 3 with 1 Na⁺. The NBCe2, with this stoichiometry, will mediate the efflux of and Na⁺ from the cell into the cerebrospinal fluid at the apical membrane of the choroid plexus.     

The physiology of bicarbonate transporters in mammalian reproduction

HCO(3)(-) plays critically important roles during virtually the entire process of reproduction in mammals, including spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and development of early stage embryos. Therefore, the acid-base balance in the male and female reproductive tracts must be finely modulated. The fluid milieu in the epididymis is acidic, containing very low concentration of HCO(3)(-). In this acidic low HCO(3)(-) environment, mature sperm are rendered quiescent in the epididymis. In contrast, the luminal fluid in the female uterus and oviduct is alkaline, with very high concentration of HCO(3)(-) that is essential for sperm to fulfill fertilization. HCO(3)(-) transporter of solute carrier 4 (SLC4) and SLC26 families represent the major carriers for HCO(3)(-) transport across the plasma membrane. These transporters play critical roles in intracellular pH regulation and transepithelial HCO(3)(-) transport. The physiological roles of these transporters in mammalian reproduction are of fundamental interest to investigators. Here we review recent progress in understanding the expression of HCO(3)(-) transporters in reproductive tract tissues as well as the physiological roles of these transporters in mammalian reproduction.     

A novel missense mutation in the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1/SLC4A4) causes proximal tubular acidosis and glaucoma through ion transport defects

In humans and terrestrial vertebrates, the kidney controls systemic pH in part by absorbing filtered bicarbonate in the proximal tubule via an electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBCe1/SLC4A4). Recently, human genetics revealed that NBCe1 is the major renal contributor to this process. Homozygous point mutations in NBCe1 cause proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA), glaucoma, and cataracts (Igarashi, T., Inatomi, J., Sekine, T., Cha, S. H., Kanai, Y., Kunimi, M., Tsukamoto, K., Satoh, H., Shimadzu, M., Tozawa, F., Mori, T., Shiobara, M., Seki, G., and Endou, H. (1999) Nat. Genet. 23, 264-266). We have identified and functionally characterized a novel, homozygous, missense mutation (S427L) in NBCe1, also resulting in pRTA and similar eye defects without mental retardation. To understand the pathophysiology of the syndrome, we expressed wild-type (WT) NBCe1 and S427L-NBCe1 in Xenopus oocytes. Function was evaluated by measuring intracellular pH (HCO3- transport) and membrane currents using microelectrodes. HCO3- -elicited currents for S427L were approximately 10% of WT NBCe1, and CO2-induced acidification was approximately 4-fold faster. Na+ -dependent HCO3- transport (currents and acidification) was also approximately 10% of WT. Current-voltage (I-V) analysis reveals that S427L has no reversal potential in HCO3-, indicating that under physiological ion gradient conditions, NaHCO3 could not move out of cells as is needed for renal HCO3- absorption and ocular pressure homeostasis. I-V analysis without Na+ further shows that the S427L-mediated NaHCO3 efflux mode is depressed or absent. These experiments reveal that voltage- and Na+ -dependent transport by S427L-hkNBCe1 is unfavorably altered, thereby causing both insufficient HCO3- absorption by the kidney (proximal RTA) and inappropriate anterior chamber fluid transport (glaucoma).     

Role of Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporters in Intracellular pH Regulation and Their Regulatory Mechanisms in Human Submandibular Glands

Sodium bicarbonate cotransporters (NBCs) are involved in the pH regulation of salivary glands. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms among different NBC isotypes have not been rigorously evaluated. We investigated the roles of two different types of NBCs, electroneutral (NBCn1) and electrogenic NBC (NBCe1), with respect to pH regulation and regulatory mechanisms using human submandibular glands (hSMGs) and HSG cells. Intracellular pH (pH_i) was measured and the pH_i recovery rate from cell acidification induced by an NH₄Cl pulse was recorded. Subcellular localization and protein phosphorylation were determined using immunohistochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. We determined that NBCn1 is expressed on the basolateral side of acinar cells and the apical side of duct cells, while NBCe1 is exclusively expressed on the apical membrane of duct cells. The pH_i recovery rate in hSMG acinar cells, which only express NBCn1, was not affected by pre-incubation with 5 μM PP2, an Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor. However, in HSG cells, which express both NBCe1 and NBCn1, the pH_i recovery rate was inhibited by PP2. The apparent difference in regulatory mechanisms for NBCn1 and NBCe1 was evaluated by artificial overexpression of NBCn1 or NBCe1 in HSG cells, which revealed that the pH_i recovery rate was only inhibited by PP2 in cells overexpressing NBCe1. Furthermore, only NBCe1 was significantly phosphorylated and translocated by NH₄Cl, which was inhibited by PP2. Our results suggest that both NBCn1 and NBCe1 play a role in pH_i regulation in hSMG acinar cells, and also that Src kinase does not regulate the activity of NBCn1.