RESUMO
Paracellular ion transport in epithelia is mediated by pores formed by members of the claudin family. The degree of selectivity and the molecular mechanism of ion permeation through claudin pores are poorly understood. By expressing a high-conductance claudin isoform, claudin-2, in high-resistance Madin-Darby canine kidney cells under the control of an inducible promoter, we were able to quantitate claudin pore permeability. Claudin-2 pores were found to be narrow, fluid filled, and cation selective. Charge selectivity was mediated by the electrostatic interaction of partially dehydrated permeating cations with a negatively charged site within the pore that is formed by the side chain carboxyl group of aspartate-65. Thus, paracellular pores use intrapore electrostatic binding sites to achieve a high conductance with a high degree of charge selectivity.
Assuntos
Cátions/metabolismo , Canais Iônicos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Sítios de Ligação , Permeabilidade da Membrana Celular , Células Cultivadas , Claudinas , Simulação por Computador , Cães , Canais Iônicos/química , Canais Iônicos/genética , Cinética , Proteínas de Membrana/química , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Camundongos , Modelos Biológicos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mutação , Isoformas de Proteínas/genética , Isoformas de Proteínas/metabolismo , Alinhamento de Sequência , Eletricidade EstáticaRESUMO
Claudins form a family of transmembrane tight junction proteins that play a key role in control and selectivity of paracellular transport. Mutations in claudin-19, which is expressed in kidney, retina, and myelinated peripheral neurons, were identified in familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis, a hereditary disease causing renal Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) wasting. Here, we studied the distribution and possible functional role of claudin-19 in the renal tubule. By immunofluorescence staining of mouse kidney, claudin-19 was found to be expressed at the tight junction of the thick ascending limb of Henle, the major site of paracellular Mg(2+) reabsorption, where it colocalized with claudin-16, as well as in the thin ascending limb. The role of claudin-19 in paracellular transport was tested by stable transfection into Madin Darby canine kidney II TetOff cells to generate inducible cell lines. Claudin-19 increased the transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased permeability to monovalent and divalent cations, while anion and urea permeability were not affected. Our data suggest that claudin-19 acts as a selective cation barrier at the tight junction. This would be consistent with its physiological role to electrically seal myelinated peripheral neurons. The normal role of claudin-19 in renal tubule function remains to be determined.
