Stimulation of the intestinal phosphate transporter SLC34A2 by the protein kinase mTOR

Adequate phosphate homeostasis is of critical importance for a wide variety of functions including bone mineralization and energy metabolism. Phosphate balance is a function of intestinal absorption and renal elimination, which are both under tight hormonal control. Intestinal phosphate absorption is accomplished by the Na(+), phosphate cotransporter NaPi IIb (SLC34A2). Signaling mechanisms mediating hormonal regulation of SLC34A2 are incompletely understood. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase regulating a variety of nutrient transporters. The present experiments explored whether mTOR regulates the activity of SLC34A2. In Xenopus oocytes expressing SLC34A2 but not in water injected oocytes phosphate (1 mM) induced a current (Ip) which was significantly enhanced by coexpression of mTOR. Preincubation of the oocytes for 24 h with rapamycin (50 nM) did not significantly affect Ip in the absence of mTOR but virtually abolished the increase of Ip following coexpression of mTOR. The wild type serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1 and the constitutively active (S422D)SGK1 similarly stimulated Ip, an effect again reversed by rapamycin. Coexpression of the inactive mutant of the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase (K119N)SGK1 significantly decreased Ip and abrogated the stimulating effect of mTOR on Ip. In conclusion, mTOR and SGK1 cooperate in the stimulation of the intestinal phosphate transporter SLC34A2.