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The present work was initiated to investigate regulation of the taurine transporter TauT by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts during acute and long-term (4 h) exposure to low-sodium/hypo-osmotic stress. Taurine influx is reduced following reduction in osmolarity, keeping the extracellular Na(+) concentration constant. TonEBP activity is unaltered, whereas TauT transcription as well as TauT activity are significantly reduced under hypo-osmotic conditions. In contrast, TonEBP activity and TauT transcription are significantly increased following hyperosmotic exposure. Swelling-induced ROS production in NIH3T3 fibroblasts is generated by NOX4 and by increasing total ROS, by either exogenous application of H(2)O(2) or overexpressing NOX4, we demonstrate that TonEBP activity and taurine influx are regulated negatively by ROS under hypo-osmotic, low-sodium conditions, whereas the TauT mRNA level is unaffected. Acute exposure to ROS reduces taurine uptake as a result of modulated TauT transport kinetics. Thus, swelling-induced ROS production could account for the reduced taurine uptake under low-sodium/hypo-osmotic conditions by direct modulation of TauT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed yield of guarana ( Paullinia cupana H.B.K. var. sorbilis) is affected by weeds. Management is difficult for Amazon farmers and ranchers, owing to the hot and humid climate prevailing in the region, which makes mechanical control inefficient and leads farmers to the decision to use herbicides. Herbicide damage to this species is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate glyphosate damage to the development and quality of guarana seedlings. The treatments consisted of glyphosate doses at concentrations of 0, 126, 252, 540, 1080, 2160 and 3240 g a.e. ha -1 and were evaluated for 60 days, in two applications. Analyses were performed for biometrics, seedling development, anthracnose and Injury characteristics. Glyphosate caused symptoms of Injury in all doses applied, but lower doses did not interfere with seedling growth and development. There was a correlation between anthracnose severity and increased glyphosate dose. When applied correctly, glyphosate can be an integrated weed management tool for use in guarana crops.

Objectives: Novel treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are severely needed. The aim of this work was to explore the roles of H-lactate monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4) in PDAC cell migration and invasiveness., Methods: Monocarboxylate transporter expression, localization, activity, and function were explored in human PDAC cells (MIAPaCa-2, Panc-1, BxPC-3, AsPC-1) and normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, lactate flux, migration, and invasion assays., Results: MCT1 and MCT4 (messenger RNA, protein) were robustly expressed in all PDAC lines, localizing to the plasma membrane. Lactate influx capacity was highest in AsPC-1 cells and lowest in HPDE cells and was inhibited by the MCT inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN), MCT1/MCT2 inhibitor AR-C155858, or knockdown of MCT1 or MCT4. PDAC cell migration was largely unaffected by MCT1/MCT2 inhibition or MCT1 knockdown but was reduced by 4-CIN and by MCT4 knockdown (BxPC-3). Invasion measured in Boyden chamber (BxPC-3, Panc-1) and spheroid outgrowth (BxPC-3) assays was attenuated by 4-CIN and AR-C155858 and by MCT1 or MCT4 knockdown., Conclusions: Human PDAC cells exhibit robust MCT1 and MCT4 expression and partially MCT1- and MCT4-dependent lactate flux. PDAC cell migration is partially dependent on MCT4; and invasion, on MCT1 and MCT4. Inhibition of MCT1 and MCT4 may have clinical relevance in PDAC.

The leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A) protein is an essential component of the volume-sensitive organic anion channel (VSOAC), and using pharmacological anion channel inhibitors (NS3728, DIDS) and LRRC8A siRNA we have investigated its role in development of Cisplatin resistance in human ovarian (A2780) and alveolar (A549) carcinoma cells. In Cisplatin-sensitive cells Cisplatin treatment increases p53-protein level as well as downstream signaling, e.g., expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1), Bax, Noxa, MDM2, and activation of Caspase-9/-3. In contrast, Cisplatin-resistant cells do not enter apoptosis, i.e., their p53 and downstream signaling are reduced and caspase activity unaltered following Cisplatin exposure. Reduced LRRC8A expression and VSOAC activity are previously shown to correlate with Cisplatin resistance, and here we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition and transient knockdown of LRRC8A reduce the protein level of p53, MDM2, and p21(Waf1/Cip1) as well as Caspase-9/-3 activation in Cisplatin-sensitive cells. Cisplatin resistance is accompanied by reduction in total LRRC8A expression (A2780) or LRRC8A expression in the plasma membrane (A549). Activation of Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis by TNFα-exposure or hyperosmotic cell shrinkage is almost unaffected by pharmacological anion channel inhibition. Our data indicate 1) that expression/activity of LRRC8A is essential for Cisplatin-induced increase in p53 protein level and its downstream signaling, i.e., Caspase-9/-3 activation, expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and MDM2; and 2) that downregulation of LRRC8A-dependent osmolyte transporters contributes to acquirement of Cisplatin resistance in ovarian and lung carcinoma cells. Activation of LRRC8A-containing channels is upstream to apoptotic volume decrease as hypertonic cell shrinkage induces apoptosis independent of the presence of LRRC8A., (Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.)

Background/aims: The potential role of the two-pore domain potassium channel KCNK5 (also known as TASK-2 and K(2P)5.1) in activated T cell physiology has only recently been described. So far KCNK5 has been described to be up-regulated in T cells in multiple sclerosis patients and to be implicated in the volume regulatory mechanism regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in T cells., Methods: We investigated the time-dependent expression pattern of KCNK5 in CD3/CD28 activated human T cells using qPCR and Western blotting and its role in RVD using a Coulter Counter., Results: KCNK5 is highly up-regulated in CD3/CD28 activated T cells both at mRNA (after 24 h) and protein level (72 and 144 h), but despite this up-regulation the RVD response is inhibited. Furthermore, the swelling-activated Cl- permeability in activated T cells is strongly decreased, and the RVD inhibition is predominantly due to the decreased Cl- permeability., Conclusion: The up-regulated KCNK5 in activated human T cells does not play a volume regulatory role, due to decreased Cl- permeability. We speculate that the KCNK5 up-regulation might play a role in hyperpolarization of the cell membrane leading to increased Ca2+ influx and proliferation of T cells., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. ANO1 (TMEM16A) is a recently identified Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel (CaCC) that is upregulated in several tumors. Although ANO1 was subject to extensive studies in the recent years, its pathophysiological function has only been poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to establish the significance of ANO1 in PDAC behavior and demarcate its roles in PDAC from those of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). We performed qPCR and Western blot measurements on different PDAC cell lines (Panc-1, Mia PaCa 2, Capan-1, AsPC-1, BxPC-3) and compared the results to those obtained in a human pancreatic ductal epithelium (HPDE) cell line. All cancer cell lines showed an upregulation of ANO1 on mRNA and protein levels. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings identified large Ca(2+) and voltage-dependent Cl(-) currents in PDAC cells. Using siRNA knockdown of ANO1 and three ANO1 inhibitors (T16Ainh-A01, CaCCinh-A01, and NS3728), we found that ANO1 is the main constituent of CaCC current in PDAC cells. We further characterized these three inhibitors and found that they had unspecific effects on the free intracellular calcium concentration. Functional studies on PDAC behavior showed that surprisingly inhibition of ANO1 did not influence cellular proliferation. On the other hand, we found ANO1 channel to be pivotal in PDAC cell migration as assessed in wound healing experiments.

The aim of this project was to analyze the regulation of p53 expression in NIH3T3 fibroblasts under the influence of increasing hyperosmotic stress. Expression of p53 showed a biphasic response pattern in NIH3T3 cells under increasing osmotic stress (337 mOsm to 737 mOsm) with a maximum at 587 mOsm. Under isotonic conditions p53 expression increased after addition of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 indicating that cellular p53 levels in unperturbed cells is kept low by proteasomal degradation. However, under hypertonic conditions p53 synthesis as well as p53 degradation were significantly reduced and it is demonstrated that the increase in p53 expression observed when tonicity is increased from 337 to 587 mOsm reflects that degradation is more inhibited than synthesis, whereas the decrease in p53 expression at higher tonicities reflects that synthesis is more inhibited than degradation. The activity of the p53 regulating proteins p38 MAP kinase and the ubiquitin ligase MDM2 were studied as a function of increasing osmolarity. MDM2 protein expression was unchanged at all osmolarities, whereas MDM2 phosphorylation (Ser(166)) increased at osmolarities up to 537 mOsm and remained constant at higher osmolarities. Phosphorylation of p38 increased at osmolarities up to 687 mOsm which correlated with an increased phosphorylation of p53 (Ser(15)) and the decreased p53 degradation. Caspase-3 activity increased gradually with hypertonicity and at 737 mOsm both Caspase-3 activity and annexin V binding are high even though p53 expression and activity are low, indicating that initiation of apoptosis under severe hypertonic conditions is not strictly controlled by p53., (© 2015 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.)

The mechanisms linking cell volume sensing to volume regulation in mammalian cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that activation of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and Janus kinase-2 (Jak2) occurs after osmotic shrinkage of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and contributes to volume regulation by activation of NKCC1. FAK phosphorylation at Tyr397, Tyr576/577, and Tyr861 was increased rapidly after exposure to hypertonic (575 mOsm) saline, peaking after 10 (Tyr397, Tyr576/577) and 10-30 min (Tyr861). Shrinkage-induced Src family kinase autophosphorylation (pTyr416-Src) was induced after 2-10 min, and immunoprecipitation indicated that this reflected phosphorylation of Src itself, rather than Fyn and Yes. Phosphorylated Src and FAK partly colocalized with vinculin, a focal adhesion marker, after hypertonic shrinkage. The Src inhibitor pyrazolopyrimidine-2 (PP2, 10 μM) essentially abolished shrinkage-induced FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577 and Tyr861, yet not at Tyr397, and inhibited shrinkage-induced NKCC1 activity by ∼50%. The FAK inhibitor PF-573,228 augmented shrinkage-induced Src phosphorylation, and inhibited shrinkage-induced NKCC1 activity by ∼15%. The apparent role of Src in NKCC1 activation did not reflect phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase (MLC), which was unaffected by shrinkage and by PP2, but may involve Jak2, a known target of Src, which was rapidly activated by osmotic shrinkage and inhibited by PP2. Collectively, our findings suggest a major role for Src and possibly the Jak2 axis in shrinkage-activation of NKCC1 in NIH3T3 cells, whereas no evidence was found for major roles for FAK and MLC in this process., (Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.)

Background/aims: Altered expression of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors has been associated with initiation, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors as well as in the development of chemoresistance. Here, we investigated the role of integrins, in particular integrin β1, in cell volume regulation and drug-induced apoptosis in adherent and non-adherent Ehrlich ascites cell lines., Methods: Adhesion phenotypes were verified by colorimetric cell-adhesion-assay. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to compare expression levels of integrin subunits. Small interfering RNA was used to silence integrin β1 expression. Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) after cell swelling was studied with calcein-fluorescence-self-quenching and Coulter counter analysis. Taurine efflux was estimated with tracer technique. Caspase assay was used to determine apoptosis., Results: We show that adherent cells have stronger fibronectin binding and a significantly increased expression of integrin α5, αv, and β1 at mRNA and protein level, compared to non-adherent cells. Knockdown of integrin β1 reduced RVD of the adherent but not of the non-adherent cells. Efflux of taurine was unaffected. In contrast to non-adherent, adherent cells exhibited chemoresistance to chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin and gemcitabine). However, knockdown of integrin β1 promoted cisplatin-induced caspase activity in adherent cells., Conclusion: Our data identifies integrin β1 as a part of the osmosensing machinery and regulator of cisplatin resistance in adherent Ehrlich cells.

Volume-regulated channels for anions (VRAC) / organic osmolytes (VSOAC) play essential roles in cell volume regulation and other cellular functions, e.g. proliferation, cell migration and apoptosis. LRRC8A, which belongs to the leucine rich-repeat containing protein family, was recently shown to be an essential component of both VRAC and VSOAC. Reduced VRAC and VSOAC activities are seen in drug resistant cancer cells. ANO1 is a calcium-activated chloride channel expressed on the plasma membrane of e.g., secretory epithelia. ANO1 is amplified and highly expressed in a large number of carcinomas. The gene, encoding for ANO1, maps to a region on chromosome 11 (11q13) that is frequently amplified in cancer cells. Knockdown of ANO1 impairs cell proliferation and cell migration in several cancer cells. Below we summarize the basic biophysical properties of VRAC, VSOAC and ANO1 and their most important cellular functions as well as their role in cancer and drug resistance.

Anoctamin 6 (ANO6), also known as TMEM16F, has been shown to be a calcium-activated anion channel with delayed calcium activation. The cellular function of ANO6 is under debate, and different groups have come to different conclusions about ANO6's physiological role. Although it is now quite well established that ANO6 is distinct from the volume-regulated anion channel, it is still unclear whether ANO6 or other anoctamins can be activated by cell swelling. In this study, we suggest that ANO1, ANO6, and ANO10 do not contribute to the volume-activated current in ANO-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Furthermore, knock-down of ANO6 in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) and Ehrlich-Lettre ascites (ELA) did not decrease but instead significantly increased swelling-activated membrane currents. Knock-down of ANO6 in EATC did not reduce regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in the absence of extracellular calcium, whereas it significantly reduced RVD in the presence of calcium. Interestingly, we found that knock-down of ANO6 in ELA cells resulted in a decrease in cisplatin-induced caspase-3 activity, confirming earlier findings that ANO6 is involved in apoptosis. Finally, knock-down of ANO1 and ANO6 did not affect the volume-sensitive release of taurine in ELA cells. Thus, our data provide evidence that ANO6 cannot be activated directly by cell swelling unless Ca(2+) is present. We also conclude that ANO6 carries a current during RVD, provided extracellular calcium is present. Thus, swelling activation of ANO6 requires the presence of free calcium.

The review describes molecular and functional properties of the volume regulated anion channel and Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels belonging to the anoctamin family with emphasis on physiological importance of these channels in regulation of cell volume, cell migration, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death. Finally, we discuss the role of Cl(-) channels in various diseases., (© 2014 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy is the major challenge in the treatment of cancer. MDR can develop by numerous mechanisms including decreased drug uptake, increased drug efflux and the failure to undergo drug-induced apoptosis. Evasion of drug-induced apoptosis through modulation of ion transporters is the main focus of this paper and we demonstrate how pro-apoptotic ion channels are downregulated, while anti-apoptotic ion transporters are upregulated in MDR. We also discuss whether upregulation of ion transport proteins that are important for proliferation contribute to MDR. Finally, we discuss the possibility that the development of MDR involves sequential and localized upregulation of ion channels involved in proliferation and migration and a concomitant global and persistent downregulation of ion channels involved in apoptosis.

The importance of the TRPV4 channel for human physiology has been highlighted in recent years with the identification of an increasing number of hereditary diseases associated with mutations of this channel. However, the functional understanding of TRPV4 associated pathologies remains a puzzle due to incomplete understanding of the polymodal regulation of TRPV4 channels and lack of insight into the structure-function relationship of the channel. In this work, we identified a series of highly conserved aromatic residues in transmembrane (TM) helices 5-6 with profound importance for TRPV4 activity. Substituting F617, Y621 or F624 in TM5 with leucine reduced channel sensitivity to the agonist 4α-PDD and heat, yet two of these mutants - F617L and Y621L - showed increased activation in response to cell swelling. In TM6, a Y702L mutation significantly reduced sensitivity to all of the above stimuli. In conclusion, we have identified residues in TM5-6 which differentially affect heat and agonist activation, and we have demonstrated distinct activation pathways for 4α-PDD and osmolarity., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Members of the TMEM16 family have recently been described as Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels. They have been implicated in cancer and appear to be associated with poor patient prognosis. Here, we investigate the role of TMEM16 channels in cell migration, which is largely unknown. We focused on TMEM16A and TMEM16F channels that have the highest expression of TMEM16 channels in Ehrlich Lettre ascites (ELA) cells. Due to the lack of specific pharmacological modulators, we employed a miRNA approach and stably knocked down the expression of TMEM16A and TMEM16F channels, respectively. Migration analysis shows that TMEM16A KD clones are affected in their directional migration, whereas TMEM16F KD clones show a 40 % reduced rate of cell migration. Moreover, TMEM16A KD clones have a smaller projected cell area, and they are rounder than TMEM16F KD clones. The morphological changes are linearly correlated with the directionality of cells. TMEM16A and TMEM16F, thus, have an important function in cell migration-TMEM16A in directional migration, TMEM16F in determination of the speed of migration. We conclude that TMEM16A and TMEM16F channels have a distinct impact on the steering and motor mechanisms of migrating ELA cells.

The physiological function of epithelia is transport of ions, nutrients, and fluid either in secretory or absorptive direction. All of these processes are closely related to cell volume changes, which are thus an integrated part of epithelial function. Transepithelial transport and cell volume regulation both rely on the spatially and temporally coordinated function of ion channels and transporters. In healthy epithelia, specific ion channels/transporters localize to the luminal and basolateral membranes, contributing to functional epithelial polarity. In pathophysiological processes such as cancer, transepithelial and cell volume regulatory ion transport are dys-regulated. Furthermore, epithelial architecture and coordinated ion transport function are lost, cell survival/death balance is altered, and new interactions with the stroma arise, all contributing to drug resistance. Since altered expression of ion transporters and channels is now recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer, it is timely to consider this especially for epithelia. Epithelial cells are highly proliferative and epithelial cancers, carcinomas, account for about 90% of all cancers. In this review we will focus on ion transporters and channels with key physiological functions in epithelia and known roles in the development of cancer in these tissues. Their roles in cell survival, cell cycle progression, and development of drug resistance in epithelial cancers will be discussed.

Members of the TMEM16 (Anoctamin) family of membrane proteins have been shown to be essential constituents of the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel (CaCC) in many cell types. In this study, we have investigated the electrophysiological properties of mouse TMEM16F. Heterologous expression of TMEM16F in HEK293 cells resulted in plasma membrane localization and an outwardly rectifying ICl,Ca that was activated with a delay of several minutes. Furthermore, a significant Na(+) current was activated, and the two permeabilities were correlated according to PNa = 0.3 PCl. The current showed an EC50 of 100 µM intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration and an Eisenman type 1 anion selectivity sequence of PSCN > PI > PBr > PCl > PAsp. The mTMEM16F-associated ICl,Ca was abolished in one mutant of the putative pore region (R592E) but retained in two other mutants (K616E and R636E). The mutant K616E had a lower relative permeability to iodide, and the mutant R636E had an altered anion selectivity sequence (PSCN = PI = PBr = PCl > PAsp). Our data provide evidence that TMEM16F constitutes a Ca(2+)-activated anion channel or a pore-forming subunit of an anion channel with properties distinct from TMEM16A.

Background/aims: Signalling via CysLT1 is involved in activation of volume sensitive K(+) channels and homologous desensitization of the LTD4 receptor impairs regulatory volume decrease (RVD). The aim is to illustrate the effect of mutation of putative PKC consensus phosphorylation sites in the CysLT1R on desensitization and RVD., Methods: mCysLT1 contains 4 putative PKC consensus phosphorylation sites, and four mutants were created: Thr151Gly, Thr323Gly, Thr151Gly plus Thr323Gly, and Thr236Gly plus Ser243Gly. Functional mCysLT1 receptor activity after injection of in vitro transcribed cRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes was visualized as a LTD4-evoked, Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) currents recorded by two-electrode voltage clamp., Results: Repetitive LTD4 administration (100 nM) desensitized the LTD4-evoked currents in oocytes expressing wild type CysLT1. Single mutations as well as the double mutation Thr236Gly plus Ser243Gly had no or a slight effect on the LTD4 induced desensitization. However, double mutation Thr323Gly plus Thr151Gly prevented the desensitization. As a functional consequence we find that inhibition of PKC accelerates RVD and prevents the inhibitory effect of LTD4-pretreatment on RVD in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells., Conclusion: These data indicate that simultaneous PKC-mediated phosphorylation at the 2(nd) inner loop (Thr(151)) and at the C-terminal domain (Thr(323)) leads to mCysLT1 receptor desensitization and abrogates the RVD response following osmotic cell swelling., (Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background/aims: Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in response to acute cell swelling is well described and KCNK5 (also known as TASK-2 or K2P5.1) has been shown to be the volume sensitive K(+) channel in Ehrlich cells. Very little is, on the other hand, known about the effects of long-term hypotonicity on expression and function of KCNK5, thus we have investigated the effect of long-term hypotonicity (24h - 48h) on KCNK5 in Ehrlich cells on the mRNA, protein and physiological levels., Methods: Physiological effects of long-term hypotonicity were measured using patch-clamp and Coulter counter techniques. Expression patterns of KCNK5 on mRNA and protein levels were established using real-time qPCR and western blotting respectively., Results: The maximum swelling-activated current through KCNK5 was significantly decreased upon 48h of hypotonicity and likewise the RVD response was significantly impaired after both 24 and 48h of hypotonic stimulation. No significant differences in the KCNK5 mRNA expression patterns between control and stimulated cells were observed, but a significant decrease in the KCNK5 protein level 48h after stimulation was found., Conclusion: The data suggest that the strong physiological impairment of KCNK5 in Ehrlich cells after long-term hypotonic stimulation is predominantly due to down-regulation of the KCNK5 protein synthesis., (© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Ca(+) signaling plays a crucial role in control of cell cycle progression, but the understanding of the dynamics of Ca(2+) influx and release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores during the cell cycle is far from complete. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the free extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) in cell proliferation, the pattern of changes in the free intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) during cell cycle progression, and the role of the transient receptor potential (TRP)C1 in these changes as well as in cell cycle progression and cell volume regulation. In Ehrlich Lettré Ascites (ELA) cells, [Ca(2+)](i) decreased significantly, and the thapsigargin-releasable Ca(2+) pool in the intracellular stores increased in G(1) as compared with G(0). Store-depletion-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and TRPC1 protein expression level were both higher in G(1) than in G(0) and S phase, in parallel with a more effective volume regulation after swelling [regulatory volume decrease (RVD)] in G(1) as compared with S phase. Furthermore, reduction of [Ca(2+)](o), as well as two unspecific SOCE inhibitors, 2-APB (2-aminoethyldiphenyl borinate) and SKF96365 (1-(β-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)propoxyl-4-methoxyphenethyl)1H-imidazole-hydrochloride), inhibited ELA cell proliferation. Finally, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in which TRPC1 was stably silenced [TRPC1 knockdown (TRPC1-KD) MDCK] exhibited reduced SOCE, slower RVD, and reduced cell proliferation compared with mock controls. In conclusion, in ELA cells, SOCE and TRPC1 both seem to be upregulated in G(1) as compared with S phase, concomitant with an increased rate of RVD. Furthermore, TRPC1-KD MDCK cells exhibit decreased SOCE, decreased RVD, and decreased proliferation, suggesting that, at least in certain cell types, TRPC1 is regulated during cell cycle progression and is involved in SOCE, RVD, and cell proliferation.

Cell shrinkage is a hallmark and contributes to signaling of apoptosis. Apoptotic cell shrinkage requires ion transport across the cell membrane involving K(+) channels, Cl(-) or anion channels, Na(+)/H(+) exchange, Na(+),K(+),Cl(-) cotransport, and Na(+)/K(+)ATPase. Activation of K(+) channels fosters K(+) exit with decrease of cytosolic K(+) concentration, activation of anion channels triggers exit of Cl(-), organic osmolytes, and HCO3(-). Cellular loss of K(+) and organic osmolytes as well as cytosolic acidification favor apoptosis. Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels may result in apoptosis by affecting mitochondrial integrity, stimulating proteinases, inducing cell shrinkage due to activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels, and triggering cell-membrane scrambling. Signaling involved in the modification of cell-volume regulatory ion transport during apoptosis include mitogen-activated kinases p38, JNK, ERK1/2, MEKK1, MKK4, the small G proteins Cdc42, and/or Rac and the transcription factor p53. Osmosensing involves integrin receptors, focal adhesion kinases, and tyrosine kinase receptors. Hyperosmotic shock leads to vesicular acidification followed by activation of acid sphingomyelinase, ceramide formation, release of reactive oxygen species, activation of the tyrosine kinase Yes with subsequent stimulation of CD95 trafficking to the cell membrane. Apoptosis is counteracted by mechanisms involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI), by organic osmolytes, by focal adhesion kinase, and by heat-shock proteins. Clearly, our knowledge on the interplay between cell-volume regulatory mechanisms and suicidal cell death is still far from complete and substantial additional experimental effort is needed to elucidate the role of cell-volume regulatory mechanisms in suicidal cell death., (2012 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 2:2037-2061, 2012.)

Perturbations of cellular and systemic osmolarity severely challenge the function of all organisms and are consequently regulated very tightly. Here we outline current evidence on how cells sense volume perturbations, with particular focus on mechanisms relevant to the kidneys and to extracellular osmolarity and whole body volume homeostasis. There are a variety of molecular signals that respond to perturbations in cell volume and osmosensors or volume sensors responding to these signals. The early signals of volume perturbation include integrins, the cytoskeleton, receptor tyrosine kinases, and transient receptor potential channels. We also present current evidence on the localization and function of central and peripheral systemic osmosensors and conclude with a brief look at the still limited evidence on pathophysiological conditions associated with deranged sensing of cell volume.

Cell volume homeostasis and its fine-tuning to the specific physiological context at any given moment are processes fundamental to normal cell function. The understanding of cell volume regulation owes much to August Krogh, yet has advanced greatly over the last decades. In this review, we outline the historical context of studies of cell volume regulation, focusing on the lineage started by Krogh, Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen, Hans-Henrik Ussing, and their students. The early work was focused on understanding the functional behaviour, kinetics and thermodynamics of the volume-regulatory ion transport mechanisms. Later work addressed the mechanisms through which cellular signalling pathways regulate the volume regulatory effectors or flux pathways. These studies were facilitated by the molecular identification of most of the relevant channels and transporters, and more recently also by the increased understanding of their structures. Finally, much current research in the field focuses on the most up- and downstream components of these paths: how cells sense changes in cell volume, and how cell volume changes in turn regulate cell function under physiological and pathophysiological conditions., (© 2010 The Authors. Acta Physiologica © 2010 Scandinavian Physiological Society.)

Caveolae have been implicated in sensing of cell volume perturbations, yet evidence is still limited and findings contradictory. Here, we investigated the possible role of caveolae in cell volume regulation and volume sensitive signaling in an adipocyte system with high (3T3-L1 adipocytes); intermediate (3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes); and low (cholesterol-depleted 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes) caveolae levels. Using large-angle light scattering, we show that compared to pre-adipocytes, differentiated adipocytes exhibit several-fold increased rates of volume restoration following osmotic cell swelling (RVD) and osmotic cell shrinkage (RVI), accompanied by increased swelling-activated taurine efflux. However, caveolin-1 distribution was not detectably altered after osmotic swelling or shrinkage, and caveolae integrity, as studied by cholesterol depletion or expression of dominant negative Cav-1, was not required for either RVD or RVI in pre-adipocytes. The insulin receptor (InsR) localizes to caveolae and its expression dramatically increases upon adipocyte differentiation. In pre-adipocytes, InsR and its effectors focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) localized to focal adhesions and were activated by a 5 min exposure to insulin (100 nM). Osmotic shrinkage transiently inhibited InsR Y(146)-phosphorylation, followed by an increase at t=15 min; a similar pattern was seen for ERK1/2 and FAK, in a manner unaffected by cholesterol depletion. In contrast, cell swelling had no detectable effect on InsR, yet increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes exhibit greatly accelerated RVD and RVI responses and increased swelling-activated taurine efflux compared to pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, in pre-adipocytes, Cav-1/caveolae integrity is not required for volume regulation. Given the relationship between hyperosmotic stress and insulin signaling, the finding that cell volume regulation is dramatically altered upon adipocyte differentiation may be relevant for the understanding of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Hsp70 has the ability to enhance the recovery of stressed cells by its ability to catalyze the reassembly of damaged proteins. Such a chaperoning function is essential for the Hsp70-mediated protection against anoxic stress that causes protein denaturation. We have studied induction of both transcription and translation of Hsp70 during recovery from chemical anoxia and the role of the extracellular signal regulated kinase ERK2 in this induction of Hsp70. 10 mM azide for 30 minutes (chemical anoxia) significantly inhibited the activity of ERK2 (measured as phospho-ERK) but the ERK-2 activity is rapidly increased in a MEK-independen manner, when azide is washed out of the cells. Chemical anoxia and overnight recovery induced Hsp70 expression (analyzed by Western blotting) and this was inhibited by actinomycin D as well as by cycloheximide showing that induction of both translation and transcription was involved. Inhibition of the MAP kinase p38, which was transiently activated during chemical anoxia, had no effect on the increase in Hsp70 expression whereas an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of the phosphatase PP1 and PP2a inhibited the increase in Hsp70 expression. Inhibition of ERK2 by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 resulted in strong inhibition of Hsp70 protein expression and simultaneous stimulation of hsp70 transcription., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

This mini review outlines studies of cell volume regulation in two closely related mammalian cell lines: nonadherent Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EATC) and adherent Ehrlich Lettre ascites (ELA) cells. Focus is on the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) that occurs after cell swelling, the volume regulatory ion channels involved, and the mechanisms (cellular signalling pathways) that regulate these channels. Finally, I shall also briefly review current investigations in these two cell lines that focuses on how changes in cell volume can regulate cell functions such as cell migration, proliferation, and programmed cell death., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The swelling-activated K(+) currents (I(K,vol)) in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) has been reported to be through the two-pore domain (K(2p)), TWIK-related acid-sensitive K(+) channel 2 (TASK-2). The regulatory volume decrease (RVD), following hypotonic exposure in EATC, is rate limited by I(K,vol) indicating that inhibition of RVD reflects inhibition of TASK-2. We find that in EATC the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein inhibits RVD by 90%, and that the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor monoperoxo(picolinato)-oxo-vanadate(V) [mpV(pic)] shifted the volume set point for inactivation of the channel to a lower cell volume. Swelling-activated K(+) efflux was impaired by genistein and the Src kinase family inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) and enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor mpV(pic). With the use of the TASK-2 inhibitor clofilium, it is demonstrated that mpV(pic) increased the volume-sensitive part of the K(+) efflux 1.3 times. To exclude K(+) efflux via a KCl cotransporter, cellular Cl(-) was substituted with NO(3)(-). Also under these conditions K(+) efflux was completely blocked by genistein. Thus tyrosine kinases seem to be involved in the activation of the volume-sensitive K(+) channel, whereas tyrosine phosphatases appears to be involved in inactivation of the channel. Overexpressing TASK-2 in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells increased the RVD rate and reduced the volume set point. TASK-2 has tyrosine sites, and precipitation of TASK-2 together with Western blotting and antibodies against phosphotyrosines revealed a cell swelling-induced, time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the channel. Even though we found an inhibiting effect of PP2 on RVD, neither Src nor the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) seem to be involved. Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases had no effect on RVD, whereas the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor cucurbitacin inhibited the RVD by 40%. It is suggested that the cytokine receptor-coupled JAK/STAT pathway is upstream of the swelling-induced phosphorylation and activation of TASK-2 in EATC.

Channels and transporters of monovalent ions are increasingly suggested as putative anticarcinogenic targets. However, the mechanisms involved in modulation of proliferation by monovalent ions are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of K+, Na+, and Cl(-) ions for the proliferation of Ehrlich Lettre ascites (ELA) cells. We measured the intracellular concentration of each ion in G(0), G(1), and S phases of the cell cycle following synchronization by serum starvation and release. We show that intracellular concentrations and content of Na+ and Cl(-) were reduced in the G(0)-G(1) phase transition, followed by an increased content of both ions in S phase concomitant with water uptake. The effect of substituting extracellular monovalent ions was investigated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and showed marked reduction after Na+ and Cl(-) substitution. In spectrofluorometric measurements with the pH-sensitive dye BCECF, substitution of Na+ was observed to upregulate the activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 as well as of Na+-independent acid extrusion mechanisms, facilitating intracellular pH (pH(i)) recovery after acid loading and increasing pH(i). Results using the potential sensitive dye DiBaC4(3) showed a reduced Cl(-) conductance in S compared with G(1) followed by transmembrane potential (E(m)) hyperpolarization in S. Cl(-) substitution by impermeable anions strongly inhibited proliferation and increased free, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), whereas a more permeable anion had little effect. Western blots showed reduced chloride intracellular channel CLIC1 and chloride channel ClC-2 expression in the plasma membrane in S compared with G(1). Our results suggest that Na+ regulates ELA cell proliferation by regulating intracellular pH while Cl(-) may regulate proliferation by fine-tuning of E(m) in S phase and altered Ca2+ signaling.

Platinum compounds are used in the treatment of cancer. We demonstrate that cisplatin-induced (10 μM) apoptosis (caspase-3 activity) is pronounced within 18 hours in non-adherent Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EATC), whereas there is no increase in caspase-3 activity in the adherent Ehrlich Lettré ascites tumour cells (ELA). Loss of KCl and cell shrinkage are hallmarks in apoptosis and has been shown in EATC. However, we find no reduction in cell volume and only a minor loss of K(+) which is accompanied by net uptake of Na(+) following 18 hours cisplatin exposure in ELA. Glutathione and taurine have previously been demonstrated to protect cells from apoptosis. We find, however, that increase or decrease in the cellular content of glutathione and taurine has no effect on cisplatin-induced cell death in EATC and ELA. Nevertheless, knock-down of the taurine transporter TauT leads to a significant increase in apoptosis in ELA following cisplatin exposure. We find that cytosolic accumulation of cisplatin is similar in EATC and ELA. However, the nuclear accumulation and DNA-binding of cisplatin is significant lower in ELA compared to EATC. We suggest three putative reasons for the observed cisplatin insensitivity in the adherent tumor cells (ELA) compared to the non-adherent tumor cells (EATC): less nuclear cisplatin accumulation, increased TauT activity, and decreased anion and water loss., (Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Cell motility and migration play pivotal roles in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes including development and tissue repair. Cell migration is regulated through external stimuli such as platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), a key regulator in directional cell migration during embryonic development and a chemoattractant during postnatal migratory responses including wound healing. We previously showed that PDGFRalpha signaling is coordinated by the primary cilium in quiescent cells. However, little is known about the function of the primary cilium in cell migration. Here we used micropipette analysis to show that a normal chemosensory response to PDGF-AA in fibroblasts requires the primary cilium. In vitro and in vivo wound healing assays revealed that in ORPK mouse (IFT88(Tg737Rpw)) fibroblasts, where ciliary assembly is defective, chemotaxis towards PDGF-AA is absent, leading to unregulated high speed and uncontrolled directional cell displacement during wound closure, with subsequent defects in wound healing. These data suggest that in coordination with cytoskeletal reorganization, the fibroblast primary cilium functions via ciliary PDGFRalpha signaling to monitor directional movement during wound healing., (Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Changes in cell volume and ion gradients across the plasma membrane play a pivotal role in the initiation of apoptosis. Here we explore the kinetics of apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) and ion content dynamics in wild-type (WT) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC). In WT EATC, induction of apoptosis with cisplatin (5 muM) leads to three distinctive AVD stages: an early AVD(1) (4-12 h), associated with a 30% cell water loss; a transition stage AVD(T) ( approximately 12 to 32 h), where cell volume is partly recovered; and a secondary AVD(2) (past 32 h), where cell volume was further reduced. AVD(1) and AVD(2) were coupled to net loss of Cl(-), K(+), Na(+), and amino acids (ninhydrin-positive substances), whereas during AVD(T), Na(+) and Cl(-) were accumulated. MDR EATC was resistant to cisplatin, showing increased viability and less caspase 3 activation. Compared with WT EATC, MDR EATC underwent a less pronounced AVD(1,) an augmented AVD(T), and a delay in induction of AVD(2). Changes in AVD were associated with inhibition of Cl(-) loss during AVD(1), augmented NaCl uptake during AVD(T), and a delay of Cl(-) loss during AVD(2). Application of the anion channel inhibitor NS3728 inhibited AVD and completely abolished the differences in AVD, ionic movements, and caspase 3 activation between WT and MDR EATC. Finally, the maximal capacity of volume-regulated anion channel was found to be strongly repressed in MDR EATC. Together, these data suggest that impairment of AVD, primarily via modulation of NaCl movements, contribute to protection against apoptosis in MDR EATC.

Addition of H(2)O(2) (0.5 mM) to Ehrlich ascites tumor cells under isotonic conditions results in a substantial (22 +/- 1%) reduction in cell volume within 25 min. The cell shrinkage is paralleled by net loss of K(+), which was significant within 8 min, whereas no concomitant increase in the K(+) or Cl(-) conductances could be observed. The H(2)O(2)-induced cell shrinkage was unaffected by the presence of clofilium and clotrimazole, which blocks volume-sensitive and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, respectively, and is unaffected by a raise in extracellular K(+) concentration to a value that eliminates the electrochemical driving force for K(+). On the other hand, the H(2)O(2)-induced cell shrinkage was impaired in the presence of the KCl cotransport inhibitor (dihydro-indenyl)oxyalkanoic acid (DIOA), following substitution of NO(3)(-) for Cl(-), and when the driving force for KCl cotransport was omitted. It is suggested that H(2)O(2) activates electroneutral KCl cotransport in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and not K(+) and Cl(-) channels. Addition of H(2)O(2) to hypotonically exposed cells accelerates the regulatory volume decrease and the concomitant net loss of K(+), whereas no additional increase in the K(+) and Cl(-) conductance was observed. The effect of H(2)O(2) on cell volume was blocked by the serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A, indicating an important role of serine-threonine phosphorylation in the H(2)O(2)-mediated activation of KCl cotransport in Ehrlich cells. In contrast, addition of H(2)O(2) to adherent cells, e.g., Ehrlich Lettré ascites cells, a subtype of the Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts increased the K(+) and Cl(-) conductances after hypotonic cell swelling. Hence, H(2)O(2) induces KCl cotransport or K(+) and Cl(-) channels in nonadherent and adherent cells, respectively.

The mechanism of activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel by 4alpha-phorbol esters was investigated by combining information from chemical modification of 4alpha-phorbol-didecanoate (4alpha-PDD, 2a), site-directed mutagenesis, Ca(2+) imaging, and electrophysiology. Binding of 4alpha-phorbol esters occurs in a loop in the TM3-TM4 domain of TRPV4 that is analogous to the capsaicin binding site of TRPV1, and the ester decoration of ring C and the A,B ring junction are critical for activity. The lipophilic ester groups on ring C serve mainly as a steering element, affecting the orientation of the diterpenoid core into the ligand binding pocket, while the nature of the A,B ring junction plays an essential role in the Ca(2+)-dependence of the TRPV4 response. Taken together, our results show that 4alpha-phorbol is a useful template to investigate the molecular details of TRPV4 activation by small molecules and obtain information for the rational design of structurally simpler ligands for this ion channel.

The ability to control cell volume is pivotal for cell function. Cell volume perturbation elicits a wide array of signaling events, leading to protective (e.g., cytoskeletal rearrangement) and adaptive (e.g., altered expression of osmolyte transporters and heat shock proteins) measures and, in most cases, activation of volume regulatory osmolyte transport. After acute swelling, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which involves the activation of KCl cotransport and of channels mediating K(+), Cl(-), and taurine efflux. Conversely, after acute shrinkage, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume increase (RVI), which is mediated primarily by Na(+)/H(+) exchange, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, and Na(+) channels. Here, we review in detail the current knowledge regarding the molecular identity of these transport pathways and their regulation by, e.g., membrane deformation, ionic strength, Ca(2+), protein kinases and phosphatases, cytoskeletal elements, GTP binding proteins, lipid mediators, and reactive oxygen species, upon changes in cell volume. We also discuss the nature of the upstream elements in volume sensing in vertebrate organisms. Importantly, cell volume impacts on a wide array of physiological processes, including transepithelial transport; cell migration, proliferation, and death; and changes in cell volume function as specific signals regulating these processes. A discussion of this issue concludes the review.

The transcription factor, tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP), is involved in the adaptive response against hypertonicity. TonEBP regulates the expression of genes that catalyze the accumulation of osmolytes, and its transcriptional activity is increased by hypertonicity. The goal of the present investigation was to investigate whether cell shrinkage or high intracellular ionic concentration induced the activation of TonEBP. We designed a model system for isotonically shrinking cells over a prolonged period of time. Cells swelled in hypotonic medium and performed a regulatory volume decrease. Upon return to the original isotonic medium, cells shrank initially, followed by a regulatory volume increase. To maintain cell shrinkage, the RVI process was inhibited as follows: ethyl-isopropyl-amiloride inhibited the Na(+)/H(+) antiport, bumetanide inhibited the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter, and gadolinium inhibited shrinkage-activated Na(+) channels. Cells remained shrunken for at least 4 h (isotonically shrunken cells). The activity of TonEBP was investigated with a Luciferase assay after isotonic shrinkage and after shrinkage in a high-NaCl hypertonic medium. We found that TonEBP was strongly activated after 4 and 16 h in cells in high-NaCl hypertonic medium, but not after 4 or 16 h in isotonically shrunken cells. Cells treated with high-NaCl hypertonic medium for 4 h had significantly higher intracellular concentrations of both K(+) and Na(+) than isotonically shrunken cells. This strongly suggested that an increase in intracellular ionic concentration and not cell shrinkage is involved in TonEBP activation.

Cell volume perturbation initiates a wide array of intracellular signalling cascades, leading to protective and adaptive events and, in most cases, activation of volume-regulatory osmolyte transport, water loss, and hence restoration of cell volume and cellular function. Cell volume is challenged not only under physiological conditions, e.g. following accumulation of nutrients, during epithelial absorption/secretion processes, following hormonal/autocrine stimulation, and during induction of apoptosis, but also under pathophysiological conditions, e.g. hypoxia, ischaemia and hyponatremia/hypernatremia. On the other hand, it has recently become clear that an increase or reduction in cell volume can also serve as a specific signal in the regulation of physiological processes such as transepithelial transport, cell migration, proliferation and death. Although the mechanisms by which cell volume perturbations are sensed are still far from clear, significant progress has been made with respect to the nature of the sensors, transducers and effectors that convert a change in cell volume into a physiological response. In the present review, we summarize recent major developments in the field, and emphasize the relationship between cell volume regulation and organism physiology/pathophysiology.

In the literature, a variety of ways have been used to obtain anoxia, and most often results are compared between studies without taking into consideration how anoxia has been obtained. Here, we provide a comprehensive study of two types of anoxia, using a proteomics approach to compare changes in protein expression. The two investigated situations were 30 min of chemical anoxia (10 mM NaN(3)) followed by reoxygenation overnight (CR) and 2 h of N(2)-induced anoxia (achieved by flushing with N(2)) followed by reoxygenation overnight (NR), after which samples were resolved by 2-DE. Forty-five protein spots changed their abundance in response to CR and 35 protein spots changed their abundance in response to NR, but only six proteins changed their abundance in response to both stimuli. By the means of MS/MS, 40 protein spots were identified including proteins involved in processes like cell protection and protein synthesis. It was also revealed that the level of a number of keratins was down-regulated. This study therefore provides a valuable comparison of two different anoxia models and shows that great care should be taken when comparing the effects of anoxia in studies that have used different types and durations of anoxia.

Signaling in cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis is highly affected by osmotic stress and changes in cell volume, although the mechanisms underlying the significance of cell volume as a signal in cell growth and death are poorly understood. In this study, we used NIH-3T3 fibroblasts in a serum- and nutrient-free inorganic medium (300 mosM) to analyze the effects of osmotic stress on MAPK activity and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-beta-mediated signal transduction. We found that hypoosmolarity (cell swelling at 211 mosM) induced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ERK1/2, most likely via a pathway independent of PDGFR-beta and MEK1/2. Conversely, hyperosmolarity (cell shrinkage at 582 mosM) moved nuclear and phosphorylated ERK1/2 to the cytoplasm and induced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p38 and phosphorylation of JNK1/2. In a series of parallel experiments, hypoosmolarity did not affect PDGF-BB-induced activation of PDGFR-beta, whereas hyperosmolarity strongly inhibited ligand-dependent PDGFR-beta activation as well as downstream mitogenic signal components of the receptor, including Akt and the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway. Based on these results, we conclude that ligand-dependent activation of PDGFR-beta and its downstream effectors Akt, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 is strongly modulated (inhibited) by hyperosmotic cell shrinkage, whereas cell swelling does not seem to affect the activation of the receptor but rather to activate ERK1/2 via a different mechanism. It is thus likely that cell swelling via activation of ERK1/2 and cell shrinkage via activation of the p38 and JNK pathway and inhibition of the PDGFR signaling pathway may act as key players in the regulation of tissue homeostasis.

Twenty-four hours of N(2) induced anoxia induced global perturbations on protein expression in rainbow trout hypodermal fibroblasts cell line. Anoxia was obtained by depleting the medium of O(2) by flushing with N(2), and protein changes were studied by 2-DE coupled with MS providing quantitative measurements of a large number of proteins in one single study. The anoxic insult changed the level of 33 protein spots: 22 of these were up-regulated compared to the control situation and 11 were down-regulated. Using MS/MS sequencing 19 of the 33 protein spots that changed were identified, corresponding to a success rate of more than 50%. The identified proteins included two proteins involved in energy metabolism namely phosphoglycerate mutase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. In addition we observed the up-regulation of a cluster of proteins that contribute to cytoskeleton function. These are calpain, EB1, and Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI). The up-regulation of Rho GDI was shown to develop in a time dependent manner with no significant increase for up to 8 h of anoxia. In conclusion, this study provides a thorough investigation of the effect of anoxia in a cell line from rainbow trout.

The expression of the H-ras oncogene increases the migratory activity of many cell types and thereby contributes to the metastatic behavior of tumor cells. Other studies point to an involvement of volume-activated anion channels (VRAC) in (tumor) cell migration. In this paper, we tested whether VRACs are required for the stimulation of cell migration upon expression of the H-ras oncogene. We compared VRAC activation and migration of wild-type and H-ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts by means of patch-clamp techniques and time-lapse video microscopy. Both cell types achieve the same degree of VRAC activation upon maximal stimulation, induced by reducing extracellular osmolarity from 300 to 190 mOsm/l. However, upon physiologically relevant reductions in extracellular osmolarity (275 mOsm/l), the level of VRAC activation is almost three times higher in H-ras-transformed compared to wild-type fibroblasts. This increase in VRAC sensitivity is accompanied by increased migratory activity of H-ras fibroblasts. Moreover, the high-affinity VRAC blocker NS3728 inhibits migration of H-ras fibroblasts dose-dependently by up to about 60%, whereas migration of wild-type fibroblasts is reduced by only about 35%. Consistent with higher VRAC activity in H-ras than in wild-type fibroblasts, more VRAC blocker is needed to achieve a comparable degree of inhibition of migration. We suggest that H-ras modulates the volume set point of VRAC and thus facilitates transient changes of cell volume required for faster cell migration.

Several types of K(+) channels have been identified in epithelial cells. Among them high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK channels) are of relevant importance for their involvement in regulatory volume decrease (RVD) response following hypotonic stress. The aim of the present work was to investigate the functional and molecular expression of BK in the eel intestine, which is a useful experimental model for cell volume regulation research. In the present paper using rat BK channel-specific primer, a RT-PCR signal of 696 pb cDNA was detected in eel intestine, whole nucleotide sequence showed high similarity (83%) to the alpha subunit of BK channel family. BK channel protein expression was verified by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy, while the functional role of BK channels in epithelial ion transport mechanisms and cell volume regulation was examined by electrophysiological and morphometric analysis on the intact tissue. BK(Ca) channels appeared to be localized along all the plasma membrane of the enterocytes; the apical part of the villi showed the most intense immunostaining. These channels were silent in basal condition, but were activated on both membranes (apical and basolateral) by increasing intracellular Ca(2+) concentration with the Ca(2+) ionophore ionomycin (1 microM). BK(Ca) channels were also activated on both membranes by hypotonic swelling of the epithelium and their inhibition by 100 nM iberiotoxin (specific BK(Ca) inhibitor) abolished the Regulatory Volume Decrease (RVD) of the intestinal cells after hypotonic swelling. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the molecular and functional expression of high conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels in eel intestine; the physiological role of these channels is mainly related to the RVD response of the epithelial cells following hypotonic swelling., ((c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Hyperosmotic shrinkage induces multiple cellular responses, including activation of volume-regulatory ion transport, cytoskeletal reorganization, and cell death. Here we investigated the possible roles of ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) proteins in these events. Osmotic shrinkage of Ehrlich Lettre ascites cells elicited the formation of long microvillus-like protrusions, rapid translocation of endogenous ERM proteins and green fluorescent protein-tagged ezrin to the cortical region including these protrusions, and Thr(567/564/558) (ezrin/radixin/moesin) phosphorylation of cortical ERM proteins. Reduced cell volume appeared to be the critical parameter in hypertonicity-induced ERM protein activation, whereas alterations in extracellular ionic strength or intracellular pH were not involved. A shrinkage-induced increase in the level of membrane-associated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P(2)] appeared to play an important role in ERM protein activation, which was prevented after PtdIns(4,5)P(2) depletion by expression of the synaptojanin-2 phosphatase domain. While expression of constitutively active RhoA increased basal ERM phosphorylation, the Rho-Rho kinase pathway did not appear to be involved in shrinkage-induced ERM protein phosphorylation, which was also unaffected by the inhibition or absence of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform (NHE1). Ezrin knockdown by small interfering RNA increased shrinkage-induced NHE1 activity, reduced basal and shrinkage-induced Rho activity, and attenuated the shrinkage-induced formation of microvillus-like protrusions. Hyperosmolarity-induced cell death was unaltered by ezrin knockdown or after phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition. In conclusion, ERM proteins are activated by osmotic shrinkage in a PtdIns(4,5)P(2)-dependent, NHE1-independent manner. This in turn mitigates the shrinkage-induced activation of NHE1, augments Rho activity, and may also contribute to F-actin rearrangement. In contrast, no evidence was found for the involvement of an NHE1-ezrin-PI3K-PKB pathway in counteracting shrinkage-induced cell death.

Chromatin condensation and degradation of DNA into internucleosomal DNA fragments are key hallmarks of apoptosis. The phosphorylation of protein kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and histone H2A.X was recently shown to occur concurrently with apoptotic DNA fragmentation. We have used immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blot analysis and alkali comet assays to show that phosphorylation of ATM in NIH3T3 fibroblasts occurs prior to apoptotic DNA fragmentation, nuclease degradation and phosphorylation of histone H2A.X in cells treated with low levels of either staurosporine (STS) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha mixed with cycloheximide (TNF-alpha/CHX). In extension to previous findings, ATM phosphorylation was associated with chromatin decondensation, i.e., by loss of dense foci of constitutive heterochromatin. These results suggest that chromatin is decondensed and that ATM is activated independently of DNA damage signaling pathways during the very early stages of apoptosis.

This review focuses on using the knowledge on volume-sensitive transport systems in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and NIH-3T3 cells to elucidate osmotic regulation of salt transport in epithelia. Using the intestine of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) (an absorptive epithelium of the type described in the renal cortex thick ascending limb (cTAL)) we have focused on the role of swelling-activated K+- and anion-conductive pathways in response to hypotonicity, and on the role of the apical (luminal) Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) in the response to hypertonicity. The shrinkage-induced activation of NKCC2 involves an interaction between the cytoskeleton and protein phosphorylation events via PKC and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) opercular epithelium is a Cl(-)-secreting epithelium of the type described in exocrine glands, having a CFTR channel on the apical side and the Na+/K+ ATPase, NKCC1 and a K+ channel on the basolateral side. Osmotic control of Cl- secretion across the operculum epithelium includes: (i) hyperosmotic shrinkage activation of NKCC1 via PKC, MLCK, p38, OSR1 and SPAK; (ii) deactivation of NKCC by hypotonic cell swelling and a protein phosphatase, and (iii) a protein tyrosine kinase acting on the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to set levels of NKCC activity.

Activation of Na(+)/H(+) exchange (NHE) plays a major role in cell death following ischemia/hypoxia in many cell types, yet counteracts apoptotic cell death after other stimuli. To address the role of NHE activity in regulation of cell death/survival, we examined the causal relationship between NHE, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ERK1/2, p53, and Akt activity, and cell death, after chemical anoxia in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. The NHE1 inhibitor 5'-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) (5 muM), as well as removal of extracellular Na(+) [replaced by N-methyl-D: -glucamine (NMDG(+))], prevented recovery of intracellular pH (pH(i)) during chemical anoxia (10 mM NaN(3) +/- 10 mM glucose), indicating that activation of NHE was the dominating mechanism of pH(i) regulation under these conditions. NHE activation by chemical anoxia was unaffected by inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (PD98059). In contrast, chemical anoxia activated p38 MAPK in an NHE-dependent manner, while ERK1/2 activity was unaffected. Anoxia-induced cell death was caspase-3-independent, mildly attenuated by EIPA, potently exacerbated by SB203580, and unaffected by PD98059. Ser(15) phosphorylation of p53 was increased by anoxia in an NHE- and p38 MAPK-independent manner, while Akt activity was unaffected. It is suggested that after chemical anoxia in NIH3T3 fibroblasts, NHE activity is required for activation of p38 MAPK, which in turn protects the cells against anoxia-induced death. In spite of this, NHE inhibition slightly attenuates anoxia-induced cell death, likely due to the involvement of NHE in other anoxia-induced death pathways.

Protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and cytoskeletal reorganization regulate the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) during osmotic shrinkage; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. We show that in cytoplasts, plasma membrane vesicles detached from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) by cytochalasin treatment, NKCC1 activity evaluated as bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb influx was increased compared with the basal level in intact cells yet could not be further increased by osmotic shrinkage. Accordingly, cytoplasts exhibited no regulatory volume increase after shrinkage. In cytoplasts, cortical F-actin organization was disrupted, and myosin II, which in shrunken EATC translocates to the cortical region, was absent. Moreover, NKCC1 activity was essentially insensitive to the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-7, a potent blocker of shrinkage-induced NKCC1 activity in intact EATC. Cytoplast NKCC1 activity was potentiated by the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A, partially inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89, and blocked by the broad protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Cytoplasts exhibited increased protein levels of NKCC1, Ste20-related proline- and alanine-rich kinase (SPAK), and oxidative stress response kinase 1, yet they lacked the shrinkage-induced plasma membrane translocation of SPAK observed in intact cells. The basal phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was increased in cytoplasts compared with intact cells, yet in contrast to the substantial activation in shrunken intact cells, p38 MAPK could not be further activated by shrinkage of the cytoplasts. Together these findings indicate that shrinkage activation of NKCC1 in EATC is dependent on the cortical F-actin network, myosin II, and MLCK.

Recent evidence implicates the volume-regulated anion current (VRAC) and other anion currents in control or modulation of cell cycle progression; however, the precise involvement of anion channels in this process is unclear. Here, Cl- currents in Ehrlich Lettre Ascites (ELA) cells were monitored during cell cycle progression, under three conditions: (i) after osmotic swelling (i.e., VRAC), (ii) after an increase in the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration (i.e., the Ca2+-activated Cl- current, CaCC), and (iii) under steady-state isotonic conditions. The maximal swelling-activated VRAC current decreased in G1 and increased in early S phase, compared to that in G0. The isotonic steady-state current, which seems to be predominantly VRAC, also decreased in G1, and increased again in early S phase, to a level similar to that in G0. In contrast, the maximal CaCC current (500 nM free Ca2+ in the pipette), was unaltered from G0 to G1, but decreased in early S phase. A novel high-affinity anion channel inhibitor, the acidic di-aryl-urea NS3728, which inhibited both VRAC and CaCC, attenuated ELA cell growth, suggesting a possible mechanistic link between cell cycle progression and cell cycle-dependent changes in the capacity for conductive Cl- transport. It is suggested that in ELA cells, entrance into the S phase requires an increase in VRAC activity and/or an increased potential for regulatory volume decrease (RVD), and at the same time a decrease in CaCC magnitude., (Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)