Liddle’s syndrome mutations disrupt cAMP-mediated translocation of the epithelial Na+ channel to the cell surface
Peter M. Snyder
Peter M. Snyder
Published January 1, 2000
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2000;105(1):45-53. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI7869.
View: Text | PDF
Article

Liddle’s syndrome mutations disrupt cAMP-mediated translocation of the epithelial Na+ channel to the cell surface

Abstract

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) plays a critical role in Na+ absorption, and mutations in this channel cause diseases of Na+ homeostasis, including a genetic form of hypertension (Liddle’s syndrome). To investigate cAMP-mediated stimulation of ENaC, α, β, and γENaC were coexpressed in Fischer rat thyroid epithelia to generate apical Na+ channels and transepithelial Na+ current. cAMP agonists stimulated Na+ current by 70%. Following covalent modification of cysteines introduced into ENaC, cAMP increased the rate of appearance of unmodified channels at the cell surface. In addition, cAMP increased the fluorescent labeling of ENaC at the apical cell surface. Inhibition of vesicle trafficking by incubating epithelia at 15°C prevented the cAMP-mediated stimulation of ENaC. These results suggest that cAMP stimulates Na+ absorption in part by increasing translocation of ENaC to the cell surface. Stimulation of ENaC by cAMP was dependent on a sequence (PPPXY) in the COOH terminus of each subunit. This sequence is the target for mutations that cause Liddle’s syndrome, suggesting that cAMP-mediated translocation of ENaC to the cell surface is defective in this genetic form of hypertension.

Authors

Peter M. Snyder

×

Figure 6

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
Apical surface labeling of ENaC is increased by cAMP. (a) Confocal image...
Apical surface labeling of ENaC is increased by cAMP. (a) Confocal images of FRT epithelia transfected with α, β, and γG536C ENaC with or without treatment with cAMP agonists (15 minutes), as indicated. ENaC at the cell surface is stained green, and F-actin is stained red. Scale bars: 20 μm. (b) Vertical sections through epithelia in a, with or without cAMP treatment, as indicated. The dashed line indicates the location of the permeable filter support. Scale bars: 5 μM. (c) Confocal images of untransfected FRT epithelia with or without treatment with cAMP agonists, as indicated. (d) Mean fluorescence (488 nm, green) for cells transfected (ENaC) or not transfected (Control) with α, β, and γG536C ENaC, and treated or not treated with cAMP agonists, as indicated (mean ± SEM, n = 9 fields). *P < 0.005, **P < 1.5 × 10–10 versus – cAMP.