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RecA homologs Dmc1 and Rad51 interact to form multiple nuclear complexes prior to meiotic chromosome synapsis.

Dmc1 and Rad51, yeast homologs of the E. coli RecA protein, are shown by immunostaining to localize to as many as 64 sites within spread meiotic nuclei. Genetic requirements for this punctate pattern suggest it represents recombination intermediates. Dmc1 and Rad51 colocalize and are therefore likely to act together during recombination. Despite their similarities, the two proteins have specialized functions: Dmc1 complexes do not form in rad51 mutants, while Rad51 complexes are retained indefinitely in dmc1 mutants. Dmc1 and, by inference, Rad51 form complexes before synapsis as monitored by immunostaining for Zip1 protein. Analysis of zip1 mutants shows that Zip1 promotes dissociation of Dmc1 complexes. Colocalization of Dmc1 and Zip1 raises the possibility that Dmc1 and Rad51 are components of recombination nodules.

Cell Compartmentation↗

Dieldrin induces ubiquitin-proteasome dysfunction in alpha-synuclein overexpressing dopaminergic neuronal cells and enhances susceptibility to apoptotic cell death.

Exposure to pesticides is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The organochlorine pesticide dieldrin is one of the environmental chemicals potentially linked to PD. Because recent evidence indicates that abnormal accumulation and aggregation of alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin-proteasome system dysfunction can contribute to the degenerative processes of PD, in the present study we examined whether the environmental pesticide dieldrin impairs proteasomal function and subsequently promotes apoptotic cell death in rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cells overexpressing human alpha-synuclein. Overexpression of wild-type alpha-synuclein significantly reduced the proteasomal activity. Dieldrin exposure dose-dependently (0-70 microM) decreased proteasomal activity, and 30 microM dieldrin inhibited activity by more than 60% in alpha-synuclein cells. Confocal microscopic analysis of dieldrin-treated alpha-synuclein cells revealed that alpha-synuclein-positive protein aggregates colocalized with ubiquitin protein. Further characterization of the aggregates with the autophagosomal marker mondansyl cadaverine and the lysosomal marker and dot-blot analysis revealed that these protein oligomeric aggregates were distinct from autophagosomes and lysosomes. The dieldrin-induced proteasomal dysfunction in alpha-synuclein cells was also confirmed by significant accumulation of ubiquitin protein conjugates in the detergent-insoluble fraction. We found that proteasomal inhibition preceded cell death after dieldrin treatment and that alpha-synuclein cells were more sensitive than vector cells to the toxicity. Furthermore, measurement of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation confirmed the enhanced sensitivity of alpha-synuclein cells to dieldrin-induced apoptosis. Together, our results suggest that increased expression of alpha-synuclein predisposes dopaminergic cells to proteasomal dysfunction, which can be further exacerbated by environmental exposure to certain neurotoxic compounds, such as dieldrin.

Animals↗

Colocalization of neurotransmitters analyzed by in situ hybridization.

In situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis has been used to analyse in some detail the localization and regulation of the messenger molecules adrenaline, noradrenaline and neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) within cells of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla. In the rat adrenal gland, a novel NPY containing population of ganglion cells was found. Synthetic oligonucleotide probes complementary to mRNA coding for the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and NPY were used to analyse the regulation of these genes following administration of the catecholamine depleting drug reserpine. Twenty-four hours after a single dose of reserpine, a differential regulation of PNMT, TH and NPY was found. Thus, a dramatic decrease in PNMT mRNA was observed in the adrenal medulla. In contrast, mRNA for both TH and NPY exhibited an increase. Different regulatory mechanisms may thus operate for these three compounds coexisting in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. The regulation of enzymes and peptides was also studied in human sympathetic ganglia. After brief electrical preganglionic stimulation of thoracic ganglia in humans, in situ hybridization was performed with synthetic oligonucleotide probes complementary to TH, dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and NPY mRNA respectively. A several fold increase in all three mRNAs was found in the principal ganglion cells. The results point to a very rapid regulation of genes involved in signal transmission in the sympathetic nervous system of humans. The results also suggest a novel way to define neuronal projections by visualizing increases in mRNA levels following electrical stimulation.

Adrenal Glands↗

Lith genes control mucin accumulation, cholesterol crystallization, and gallstone formation in A/J and AKR/J inbred mice.

We recently identified 2 Lith genes that determine cholesterol gallstone formation in C57L/J inbred mice, which show a gallstone prevalence of approximately 80% on feeding 1.0% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. The aim of this study was to explore if the same Lith loci contribute to the variation in gallstone susceptibility in a new experimental cross. After 12 weeks of feeding the lithogenic diet to inbred mice of strains A/J and AKR/J as well as their F(1) progeny, we used microscopy of bile to assess mucin accumulation, crystallization pathways, and stone formation. Backcross progeny (n = 225) were phenotyped and genotyped selectively for microsatellite markers spanning the genome. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting gallstone phenotypes were identified by linkage analysis. Both inbred strains showed accumulation of mucin gel and cholesterol supersaturation. However, only strain AKR developed gallstones (prevalence of 20%), whereas strain A showed a stable liquid crystalline state and no stones. QTL analysis identified a gallstone locus on chromosome 17 (Lith3). A second gene locus on chromosome 15 that controls mucin accumulation harbors the mucin gene Glycam1, which was shown to be expressed in gallbladder epithelia by immunohistochemistry. Gallstone and mucin loci colocalized with potential QTLs affecting the formation of cholesterol crystals. In conclusion, QTL analysis identified specific gene loci determining mucin accumulation, cholesterol crystallization, and gallstone formation. Characterization of the pathophysiologic roles of Lith3 and the new biliary mucin gene Glycam1 might provide insights into primary defects of human cholelithiasis and lead to new therapeutic strategies for prestone intervention.

Animals↗

Pathological and therapeutic significance of cellular invasion by Proteus mirabilis in an enterocystoplasty infection stone model.

Proteus mirabilis infection often leads to stone formation. We evaluated how bacterium-mucin adhesion, invasion, and intracellular crystal formation are related to antibiotic sensitivity and may cause frequent stone formation in enterocystoplasties. Five intestinal (Caco-2, HT29, HT29-18N2, HT29-FU, and HT29-MTX) and one ureter cell line (SV-HUC-1) were incubated in artificial urine with five Proteus mirabilis strains. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), laser scanning microscopy, and electron microscopy evaluated cellular adhesion and/or invasion, pathologic changes to mitochondria, and P. mirabilis-mucin colocalization (MUC2 and MUC5AC). An MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay and FACS analysis of caspase-3 evaluated the cellular response. Infected cells were incubated with antibiotics at dosages representing the expected urinary concentrations in a 10-year-old, 30-kg child to evaluate bacterial invasion and survival. All cell lines showed colocalization of P. mirabilis with human colonic mucin (i.e., MUC2) and human gastric mucin (i.e., MUC5AC). The correlation between membrane mucin expression and invasion was significant and opposite for SV-HUC-1 and HT29-MTX. Microscopically, invasion by P. mirabilis with intracellular crystal formation and mitochondrial damage was found. Double membranes surrounded bacteria in intestinal cells. Relative resistance to cotrimoxazole and augmentin was found in the presence of epithelial cells. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin remained effective. Membrane mucin expression was correlated with relative antibiotic resistance. Cell invasion by P. mirabilis and mucin- and cell type-related distribution and response differences indicate bacterial tropism that affects crystal formation and mucosal presence. Bacterial invasion seems to have cell type-dependent mechanisms and prolong bacterial survival in antibiotic therapy, giving a new target for therapeutic optimalization of antibiotic treatment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The UL112/113 gene products of human cytomegalovirus which colocalize with viral DNA in infected cell nuclei are related to efficient viral DNA replication.

The UL112/113 gene products of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were shown by transient complementation ori Lyt-dependent DNA replication assay to be early viral proteins required for efficient viral DNA synthesis. By immunofluorescence analysis followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, we showed that UL112/113 gene products of HCMV are colocalized with viral DNA prior to and during viral DNA replication in infected cell nuclei. We have used an anti-sense RNA approach for functional analysis of the UL112/113 gene in HCMV. The astrocytoma cell line U373-MG was used for permanent expression of the anti-sense UL112/113 gene. Expression of the anti-sense RNA in this cell line significantly blocked expression of UL112/113 gene products and viral DNA replication, indicating that the UL112/113 gene products are related to efficient viral DNA replication.

Cell Line↗

Cellular and subcellular immunolocalization of ClC-5 channel in mouse kidney: colocalization with H+-ATPase.

To determine the immunolocalization of ClC-5 in the mouse kidney, we developed a ClC-5-specific rat monoclonal antibody. Immunoblotting demonstrated an 85-kDa band of ClC-5 in the kidney and ClC-5 transfected cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed significant labeling of ClC-5 in brush-border membrane and subapical intracellular vesicles of the proximal tubule. In addition, apical and cytoplasmic staining was observed in the type A intercalated cells in the cortical collecting duct. In contrast, the staining was minimal in the outer and inner medullary collecting ducts and the thick ascending limb. Western blotting of vesicles immunoisolated by the ClC-5 antibody showed the presence of H+-ATPase, strongly indicating that these two proteins were present in the same membranes. Double labeling with antibodies against ClC-5 and H+-ATPase and analysis by confocal images showed that ClC-5 and H+-ATPase colocalized in these ClC-5-positive cells. These findings suggest that ClC-5 might be involved in the endocytosis and/or the H+ secretion in the proximal tubule cells and the cortical collecting duct type A intercalated cells in mouse kidney.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Developmentally regulated expression of Netrin-1 and -3 in the embryonic mouse molar tooth germ.

The Netrins form a small, conserved family of laminin-related signaling proteins regulating axon guidance in the developing nervous system. Here, we analyzed the roles of Netrin-1 and -3 in trigeminal axon guidance to the first lower molar of the embryonic mouse. Netrin-1 showed a restricted epithelial expression domain buccal to the tooth germ, toward which the pioneer tooth axons initially appear to navigate. Later, before birth, transcripts were colocalized with nerve fibers around the bell stage tooth germ. Analysis of Netrin-1-deficient mice, however, did not reveal any obvious disturbances in the axon growth or pattern of tooth innervation. In contrast, Netrin-3 showed a prominent, distinct expression in the axon pathway and target field mesenchyme around the tooth. Hence, it is possible that Netrin-3 may regulate pioneer axon growth toward and within the embryonic tooth target field.

Animals↗

Imaging TOF-SIMS of rat kidney prepared by high-pressure freezing.

Phosphocholine, potassium ions, and sodium ions were localized in rat kidney with imaging TOF-SIMS. Tissue preparation was performed with high-pressure freezing, freeze-fracturing and freeze-drying. The distribution of sodium ions was visualized by imaging the signal at m/z 23 of positively charged secondary ions, and the distribution of potassium ions was visualized by imaging the signal at m/z 39. Potassium was found localized within cells of the proximal tubulus epithelium and within cells of the glomeruli. High signals of sodium ions were seen in the interstitial tissue and also in epithelial cells of the collecting ducts and in glomeruli. The overlay image showed that the distribution of sodium ions and potassium ions were largely complementary with color mixing in glomeruli and in the interstitium surrounding proximal tubules. The ion distribution was further analyzed by correlation analysis. Phosphocholine-containing phospholipids were visualized by imaging the phosphocholine head group at m/z 184 of positively charged ions. The m/z 184 signal shows a ubiquitous distribution with a high intensity of phosphocholine in epithelial cells. Overlay image of m/z 184, m/z 39, and m/z 23 and multivariate analysis showed that the localization of high levels of phosphocholine colocalizes with high levels of potassium ions, as expected for an ion with intracellular localization.

Animals↗

Regeneration of granule neurons after lesioning of hippocampal dentate gyrus: evaluation using adult mice treated with trimethyltin chloride as a model.

The hippocampal dentate gyrus in adult animals is known to contain neural progenitors that proliferate and differentiate into neurons in response to brain injury. Little has been observed, however, on regeneration of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus that has been directly injured. Using trimethyltin (TMT)-treated mice as an in vivo model, we evaluated the ability of this layer to regenerate after injury. The administration of TMT induced neuronal death in the dentate gyrus selectively 2 days later, with recovery of granule neurons on day 14 and thereafter. At an early stage (days 2-5) after the damage by TMT treatment, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into at least two different types of cells was facilitated in the dentate gyrus: BrdU-positive/neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN)-negative cells were found predominantly in the subgranular zone and granule cell layer, whereas BrdU-positive/NeuN-positive cells were numerous in the dentate molecular layer and hilus. In addition, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, nestin, NeuroD3, and doublecortin, which are markers for proliferating cells and neural progenitors/neuronal precursors, was extremely enhanced in the dentate gyrus at the early stage after treatment. Double staining revealed that BrdU was colocalized with nestin and doublecortin in the subgranular zone. Behavioral analysis revealed that TMT-induced cognition impairment was ameliorated by day 14 after the treatment. Taken together, our data indicate that the hippocampal dentate gyrus itself is capable of regenerating the neuronal cell layer through rapid enhancement of neurogenesis after injury.

Animals↗

Evidence that lactose binding to CBP35 disrupts its interaction with CBP70 in isolated HL60 cell nuclei.

We have previously reported that two carbohydrate-binding proteins (CBP35 and CBP70) can, under appropriate conditions of affinity chromatography, be isolated from HL60 cell nuclear extracts as a complex. Moreover, we have demonstrated that, during affinity chromatography, the CBP70-CBP35 association can be modified by the binding of lactose to CBP35. To determine whether the CBP70-CBP35 association could be disrupted in the nucleus upon lactose binding to CBP35, the behaviors of CBP70 and CBP35 were analyzed in membrane-depleted nuclei of HL60 cells, incubated with or without lactose. This study was performed by using an antiserum that cross-reacts with CBP35 and CBP70, an antiserum that was specifically raised against CBP70, and a monoclonal antibody (Mac 2) reactive against CBP35. Taken together, the results of indirect immunofluorescent staining, immunoblotting experiments, and quantitative flow-cytofluorometric analysis show that (i) CBP70 and CBP35 are present and colocalized in the nuclei incubated without lactose, (ii) all the CBP70 molecules left the nuclei incubated in the presence of lactose, while CBP35 molecules, probably bound to RNA, remained inside the nuclei, and (iii) glucose failed to have the same effect as lactose. These results strongly suggest that, in membrane-depleted nuclei, CBP35 and CBP70 interactions can be altered by a conformational change of CBP35 induced by the binding of lactose to its carbohydrate-recognition domain.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Subcellular localization of procollagen I and prolyl 4-hydroxylase in corneal endothelial cells.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of intracellular degradation of type I collagen in normal corneal endothelial cells (CEC), we studied the role of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4-H) and protein disulfide-isomerase (PDI; the beta subunit of P4-H) during procollagen I biosynthesis. When the subcellular localization of P4-H and PDI was determined, P4-H demonstrated a characteristic diffuse endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pattern, whereas PDI showed a slightly more restricted distribution within the ER. When colocalization of procollagen I with the enzymes was examined, procollagen I and PDI showed a large degree of colocalization. P4-H and procollagen I were predominantly colocalized at the perinuclear site. When colocalization of type IV collagen with PDI and P4-H was examined, type IV collagen was largely colocalized with PDI, which showed a wider distribution than type IV collagen. Type IV collagen is similarly colocalized with P4-H, except in some perinuclear sites. The colocalization profiles of procollagen I with both PDI and P4-H were not altered in cells treated with alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl compared to those of the untreated cells. The underhydroxylated type IV collagen demonstrated a colocalization profile with PDI similar to that observed with procollagen I, while the underhydroxylated type IV collagen was predominantly colocalized with P4-H at the perinuclear sites. Immunoblot analysis showed no real differences in the amounts of the beta subunit/PDI and the catalytic alpha subunit of P4-H in CEC compared to those of corneal stromal fibroblasts (CSF). When protein-protein association was determined, procollagen I was associated with PDI much more in CEC than it was in CSF, whereas type IV collagen showed no differential association specificity to PDI in both cells. Limited proteolysis of the newly synthesized intracellular procollagen I with pepsin showed that procollagen I in CEC was degraded by pepsin, whereas CSF contained type I collagen composed of alpha1(I) and alpha2(I). These findings suggest that procollagen I synthesized in CEC is not in triple helical conformation and that the improperly folded procollagen I may be preferentially associated with PDI before targeting to the intracellular degradation.

Animals↗

Intermolecular ligation mediates efficient cotransformation in Phytophthora infestans.

The processing of DNA molecules during transformation was characterized in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans. Linear and circular forms of non-replicating transformation vectors supported similar rates of stable transformation. Remarkably, digestion of plasmids within the selectable marker genes neomycin phosphotransferase (npt) or hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) had little effect on the recovery of drug-resistant transformants, and the cleaved sites were shown to be reconstituted in the transformants. An assay for the transient expression of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) in protoplasts treated with partial or disrupted GUS genes demonstrated that active genes could be reconstituted through intramolecular and/or intermolecular ligation between compatible ends, while incompatible ends were inefficiently joined. Stable transformation studies also demonstrated that complementing portions of incomplete npt or hpt genes joined through homologous recombination. Based on the indication of efficient ligation between DNA molecules during transformation, an efficient procedure for cotransformation was developed. The frequency of cotransformation between vectors expressing selected genes (npt or hpt) and nonselected sequences (GUS, beta-galactosidase, or streptomycin phosphotransferase) approached unity when the plasmids were linearized with the same restriction enzyme before transformation. In contrast, cotransformation between circular plasmids or those cut with different enzymes occurred infrequently (10%). Hybridization analysis of DNA from cotransformants demonstrated that linearized plasmids became colocalized within genomic DNA, while circular plasmids typically inserted at unliked sites.

DNA, Fungal↗

Quantitative analysis of bikunin-laden mast cells in follicular eruptions and chronic skin lesions of atopic dermatitis.

Bikunin, an inhibitor of serine proteases, is widely distributed in human tissues, including the skin, and may inhibit tryptase and modulate allergic inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to compare follicular eruptions (FE), so-called atopic skin or perifollicular accentuation, with atopic dermatitis (AD) lesions (ADL) by immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to bikunin and tryptase. Immunohistochemically, bikunin was colocalized with tryptase in dermal mast cells, and a small quantity of bikunin was also deposited in the intercellular spaces in FE and ADL. The number of bikunin-laden mast cells per 0.78 mm(2) of skin was 78.1+/-7.1 (mean+/-SEM, n=14) in FE, 25.4+/-2.3 (n=10) in normal skin from children and infants, 91.3+/-11.8 (n=10) in ADL, 25.6+/-4.8 (n=5) in nonlesional skin of AD, and 27.8+/-2.0 (n=13) in normal adult skin. The difference between FE and normal control skin from children and infants, between FE and nonlesional skin of AD, and between lesional and nonlesional skin of AD were significant. Based on the above findings and the occasional presence of spongiosis and lymphocyte infiltration, in FE moderate inflammation is apparent histopathologically even though little inflammation is apparent clinically.

Adolescent↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of rat LC3A and LC3B--two novel markers of autophagosome.

Rat microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) is a homologue of yeast Atg8, an essential component of autophagy. Following synthesis, the C-terminus of rat LC3 is cleaved by a cysteine protease-Atg4, to produce LC3-I, which is located in cytosolic fraction. LC3-I can be converted to LC3-II through the processing by Atg7 (E1-like enzyme) and Atg3 (E2-like enzyme). LC3-II is modified by phosphatidylethanolamine on C-terminus and binds tightly to autophagosomal membrane. Here we reported the cloning of two novel variants of rat LC3, named LC3A and LC3B, respectively, and LC3B is an alternative splicing variant of LC3. LC3A, LC3B, and LC3 showed different expression patterns in rat tissues, suggesting a functional divergence among these proteins. When LC3A and LC3B were overexpressed, both exhibited two forms (18 and 16 kDa, representing types of I and II, separately), which might be due to post-translational modification including the characteristic C-terminal cleavage at these two proteins as similar to that found in rat LC3 and yeast Atg8. Subcellular localization demonstrated that both LC3A and LC3B are colocalized with LC3 and associated with the autophagic membranes. Mutation analysis further revealed that the conserved Gly120 residues of LC3A and LC3B are essential for their characteristic C-terminal cleavage and localization to autophagic membranes. Present data suggested that LC3A and LC3B could also be used as two novel autophagosomal markers.

Alternative Splicing↗

Transduction of Schistosoma mansoni by vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-pseudotyped Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus.

Retroviral transduction of cultured schistosomes offers a potential means to establish transgenic lines of schistosomes and thereby to facilitate the elucidation of schistosome gene function and expression. The Moloney murine leukemia retroviral (MMLV) vector pLNHX was modified to incorporate EGFP or luciferase reporter genes under control of schistosome endogenous gene promoters from the spliced leader RNA and HSP70 genes. These constructs and a plasmid encoding vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) were utilized along with GP2-293 cells to produce replication incompetent retrovirus particles pseudotyped with the VSVG envelope. Exposure of several developmental stages, including sporocysts, of Schistosoma mansoni to these virions was facilitated by incubation with polybrene and/or by centrifugation. The early stages of binding and uptake of virus to the parasite tegument were demonstrated by the immunofluorescence colocalization of VSVG envelope and retroviral capsid proteins. Southern hybridization analysis indicated the integration of proviral forms of the MMLV constructs in genomic DNA isolated from the virus exposed schistosomes. Furthermore, analysis of RNA isolated from virus treated parasites demonstrated the presence of transcripts encoding reporter transgenes. Together these results indicated productive transduction by VSVG pseudotyped MMLV of cultured schistosomes, and suggest a tractable route forward towards heritable schistosome transgenesis.

Animals↗

Glutamate receptor activation triggers a calcium-dependent and SNARE protein-dependent release of the gliotransmitter D-serine.

The gliotransmitter D-serine is released upon (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate and metabotropic glutamate receptor stimulation, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. Here, by using a highly sensitive bioassay to continuously monitor extracellular D-serine levels, we have investigated the pathways used in its release. We reveal that D-serine release is inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium and augmented by increasing extracellular calcium or after treatment with the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187. Furthermore, release of the amino acid is considerably reduced after depletion of thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores or chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate-acetoxymethyl ester. Interestingly, D-serine release also was markedly reduced by concanamycin A, a vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase inhibitor, indicating a role for the vesicular proton gradient in the transmitter storage/release. In addition, agonist-evoked D-serine release was sensitive to tetanus neurotoxin. Finally, immunocytochemical and sucrose density gradient analysis revealed that a large fraction of D-serine colocalized with synaptobrevin/VAMP2, suggesting that it is stored in VAMP2-bearing vesicles. In summary, our study reveals the cellular mechanisms subserving D-serine release and highlights the importance of the glial cell exocytotic pathway in influencing CNS levels of extracellular D-serine.

Animals↗

Amiloride-sensitive sodium channel is linked to the cytoskeleton in renal epithelial cells.

Amiloride-sensitive sodium channels are localized to the microvillar domain of apical membranes in sodium-transporting renal epithelial cells. To elucidate the elements that maintain sodium channel distribution at the apical membrane, we searched for specific proteins associating with the channel. Triton X-100 extraction of A6 epithelial cells reveals that sodium channels are associated with detergent-insoluble and assembled cytoskeleton. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy show that sodium channels are segregated to the apical microvillar membrane and colocalize with ankyrin, fodrin, and actin. We document by immunoblot analysis that ankyrin and fodrin remain associated with sodium channels after isolation and purification from bovine renal papillae. 125I-labeled ankyrine can be precipitated by anti-sodium-channel antibodies only in the presence of purified bovine sodium-channel complex. Direct binding of 125I-labeled ankyrin shows ankyrin binds to the 150-kDa subunit of the channel. Fluorescence photobleach lateral-diffusion measurements indicate sodium channels are severely restricted in their lateral mobility. We conclude that ankyrin links the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel to the underlying cytoskeleton and this association may sequester sodium channels at apical microvilli and maintain their polarized distribution in renal epithelial cells.

Amiloride↗