Peter S Aronson

Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA

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Publications (36)233.56 Total impact

  • Article: Ezrin Is Required for the Functional Regulation of the Epithelial Sodium Proton Exchanger, NHE3.
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    ABSTRACT: The sodium hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) mediates absorption of sodium, bicarbonate and water from renal and intestinal lumina. This activity is fundamental to the maintenance of a physiological plasma pH and blood pressure. To perform this function NHE3 must be present in the apical membrane of renal tubular and intestinal epithelia. The molecular determinants of this localization have not been conclusively determined, although linkage to the apical actin cytoskeleton through ezrin has been proposed. We set out to evaluate this hypothesis. Functional studies of NHE3 activity were performed on ezrin knockdown mice (Vil2(kd/kd)) and NHE3 activity similar to wild-type animals detected. Interpretation of this finding was difficult as other ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins were present. We therefore generated an epithelial cell culture model where ezrin was the only detectable ERM. After knockdown of ezrin expression with siRNA, radixin and moesin expression remained undetectable. Consistent with the animal ultrastructural data, cells lacking ezrin retained an epithelial phenotype but had shortened and thicker microvilli. NHE3 localization was identical to cells transfected with non-targeting siRNA. The attachment of NHE3 to the apical cytoskeleton was unaltered as assessed by fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and the solubility of NHE3 in Triton X-100. Baseline NHE3 activity was unaltered, however, cAMP-dependent inhibition of NHE3 was largely lost even though NHE3 was phosphorylated at serines 552 and 605. Thus, ezrin is not necessary for the apical localization, attachment to the cytoskeleton, baseline activity or cAMP induced phosphrylation of NHE3, but instead is required for cAMP mediated inhibition.
    PLoS ONE 01/2013; 8(2):e55623. · 4.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Sat1 is dispensable for active oxalate secretion in mouse duodenum.
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    ABSTRACT: Mice deficient for the apical membrane oxalate transporter SLC26A6 develop hyperoxalemia, hyperoxaluria, and calcium oxalate stones due to a defect in intestinal oxalate secretion. However, the nature of the basolateral membrane oxalate transport process that operates in series with SLC26A6 to mediate active oxalate secretion in the intestine remains unknown. Sulfate anion transporter-1 (Sat1 or SLC26A1) is a basolateral membrane anion exchanger that mediates intestinal oxalate transport. Moreover, Sat1-deficient mice also have a phenotype of hyperoxalemia, hyperoxaluria, and calcium oxalate stones. We, therefore, tested the role of Sat1 in mouse duodenum, a tissue with Sat1 expression and SLC26A6-dependent oxalate secretion. Although the active secretory flux of oxalate across mouse duodenum was strongly inhibited (>90%) by addition of the disulfonic stilbene DIDS to the basolateral solution, secretion was unaffected by changes in medium concentrations of sulfate and bicarbonate, key substrates for Sat1-mediated anion exchange. Inhibition of intracellular bicarbonate production by acetazolamide and complete removal of bicarbonate from the buffer also produced no change in oxalate secretion. Finally, active oxalate secretion was not reduced in Sat1-null mice. We conclude that a DIDS-sensitive basolateral transporter is involved in mediating oxalate secretion across mouse duodenum, but Sat1 itself is dispensable for this process.
    AJP Cell Physiology 04/2012; 303(1):C52-7. · 3.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: Net intestinal transport of oxalate reflects passive absorption and SLC26A6-mediated secretion.
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    ABSTRACT: Mice lacking the oxalate transporter SLC26A6 develop hyperoxalemia, hyperoxaluria, and calcium-oxalate stones as a result of a defect in intestinal oxalate secretion, but what accounts for the absorptive oxalate flux remains unknown. We measured transepithelial absorption of [(14)C]oxalate simultaneously with the flux of [(3)H]mannitol, a marker of the paracellular pathway, across intestine from wild-type and Slc26a6-null mice. We used the anion transport inhibitor DIDS to investigate other members of the SLC26 family that may mediate transcellular oxalate absorption. Absorptive flux of oxalate in duodenum was similar to mannitol, insensitive to DIDS, and nonsaturable, indicating that it is predominantly passive and paracellular. In contrast, in wild-type mice, secretory flux of oxalate in duodenum exceeded that of mannitol, was sensitive to DIDS, and saturable, indicating transcellular secretion of oxalate. In Slc26a6-null mice, secretory flux of oxalate was similar to mannitol, and no net flux of oxalate occurred. Absorptive fluxes of both oxalate and mannitol varied in parallel in different segments of small and large intestine. In epithelial cell lines, modulation of the charge selectivity of the claudin-based pore pathway did not affect oxalate permeability, but knockdown of the tight-junction protein ZO-1 enhanced permeability to oxalate and mannitol in parallel. Moreover, formation of soluble complexes with cations did not affect oxalate absorption. In conclusion, absorptive oxalate flux occurs through the paracellular "leak" pathway, and net absorption of dietary oxalate depends on the relative balance between absorption and SLC26A6-dependent transcellular secretion.
    Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 12/2011; 22(12):2247-55. · 9.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of pH on potassium: new explanations for old observations.
    Peter S Aronson, Gerhard Giebisch
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    ABSTRACT: Maintenance of extracellular K(+) concentration within a narrow range is vital for numerous cell functions, particularly electrical excitability of heart and muscle. Potassium homeostasis during intermittent ingestion of K(+) involves rapid redistribution of K(+) into the intracellular space to minimize increases in extracellular K(+) concentration, and ultimate elimination of the K(+) load by renal excretion. Recent years have seen great progress in identifying the transporters and channels involved in renal and extrarenal K(+) homeostasis. Here we apply these advances in molecular physiology to understand how acid-base disturbances affect serum potassium.
    Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 11/2011; 22(11):1981-9. · 9.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cholinergic signaling inhibits oxalate transport by human intestinal T84 cells.
    Hatim A Hassan, Ming Cheng, Peter S Aronson
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    ABSTRACT: Urolithiasis remains a very common disease in Western countries. Seventy to eighty percent of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate, and minor changes in urinary oxalate affect stone risk. Intestinal oxalate secretion mediated by anion exchanger SLC26A6 plays a major constitutive role in limiting net absorption of ingested oxalate, thereby preventing hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Using the relatively selective PKC-δ inhibitor rottlerin, we had previously found that PKC-δ activation inhibits Slc26a6 activity in mouse duodenal tissue. To identify a model system to study physiologic agonists upstream of PKC-δ, we characterized the human intestinal cell line T84. Knockdown studies demonstrated that endogenous SLC26A6 mediates most of the oxalate transport by T84 cells. Cholinergic stimulation with carbachol modulates intestinal ion transport through signaling pathways including PKC activation. We therefore examined whether carbachol affects oxalate transport in T84 cells. We found that carbachol significantly inhibited oxalate transport by T84 cells, an effect blocked by rottlerin. Carbachol also led to significant translocation of PKC-δ from the cytosol to the membrane of T84 cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we observed that carbachol inhibits oxalate transport through the M(3) muscarinic receptor and phospholipase C. Utilizing the Src inhibitor PP2 and phosphorylation studies, we found that the observed regulation downstream of PKC-δ is partially mediated by c-Src. Biotinylation studies revealed that carbachol inhibits oxalate transport by reducing SLC26A6 surface expression. We conclude that carbachol negatively regulates oxalate transport by reducing SLC26A6 surface expression in T84 cells through signaling pathways including the M(3) muscarinic receptor, phospholipase C, PKC-δ, and c-Src.
    AJP Cell Physiology 09/2011; 302(1):C46-58. · 3.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: ESRD as a window into America's cost crisis in health care.
    Felix Knauf, Peter S Aronson
    Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 10/2009; 20(10):2093-7. · 9.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Prestin's anion transport and voltage-sensing capabilities are independent.
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    ABSTRACT: The integral membrane protein prestin, a member of the SLC26 anion transporter family, is responsible for the voltage-driven electromotility of mammalian outer hair cells. It was argued that the evolution of prestin's motor function required a loss of the protein's transport capabilities. Instead, it was proposed that prestin manages only an abortive hemicycle that results in the trapped anion acting as a voltage sensor, to generate the motor's signature gating charge movement or nonlinear capacitance. We demonstrate, using classical radioactive anion ([(14)C]formate and [(14)C]oxalate) uptake studies, that in contrast to previous observations, prestin is able to transport anions. The prestin-dependent uptake of both these anions was twofold that of cells transfected with vector alone, and comparable to SLC26a6, prestin's closest phylogenetic relative. Furthermore, we identify a potential chloride-binding site in which the mutations of two residues (P328A and L326A) preserve nonlinear capacitance, yet negate anion transport. Finally, we distinguish 12 charged residues out of 22, residing within prestin's transmembrane regions, that contribute to unitary charge movement, i.e., voltage sensing. These data redefine our mechanistic concept of prestin.
    Biophysical Journal 05/2009; 96(8):3179-86. · 3.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Phenotypic and functional analysis of human SLC26A6 variants in patients with familial hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
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    ABSTRACT: Urinary oxalate is a major risk factor for calcium oxalate stones. Marked hyperoxaluria arises from mutations in 2 separate loci, AGXT and GRHPR, the causes of primary hyperoxaluria (PH) types 1 (PH1) and 2 (PH2), respectively. Studies of null Slc26a6(-/-) mice have shown a phenotype of hyperoxaluria, hyperoxalemia, and calcium oxalate urolithiasis, leading to the hypothesis that SLC26A6 mutations may cause or modify hyperoxaluria in humans. Cross-sectional case-control. Cases were recruited from the International Primary Hyperoxaluria Registry. Control DNA samples were from a pool of adult subjects who identified themselves as being in good health. PH1, PH2, and non-PH1/PH2 genotypes in cases. Homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for SLC26A6 variants. Functional expression of oxalate transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes. 80 PH1, 6 PH2, 8 non-PH1/PH2, and 96 control samples were available for SLC26A6 screening. A rare variant, c.487C-->T (p.Pro163Ser), was detected solely in 1 non-PH1/PH2 pedigree, but this variant failed to segregate with hyperoxaluria, and functional studies of oxalate transport in Xenopus oocytes showed no transport defect. No other rare variant was identified specifically in non-PH1/PH2. Six additional missense variants were detected in controls and cases. Of these, c.616G-->A (p.Val206Met) was most common (11%) and showed a 30% reduction in oxalate transport. To test p.Val206Met as a potential modifier of hyperoxaluria, we extended screening to PH1 and PH2. Heterozygosity for this variant did not affect plasma or urine oxalate levels in this population. We did not have a sufficient number of cases to determine whether homozygosity for p.Val206Met might significantly affect urine oxalate. SLC26A6 was effectively ruled out as the disease gene in this non-PH1/PH2 cohort. Taken together, our studies are the first to identify and characterize SLC26A6 variants in patients with hyperoxaluria. Phenotypic and functional analysis excluded a significant effect of identified variants on oxalate excretion.
    American Journal of Kidney Diseases 10/2008; 52(6):1096-103. · 5.43 Impact Factor
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    Article: Characterization of Na+/H+ exchanger NHE8 in cultured renal epithelial cells.
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    ABSTRACT: NHE8 is expressed in the apical membrane of the proximal tubule and is predicted to be a Na+/H+ exchanger on the basis of its primary amino acid sequence. Functional characterization of native NHE8 in mammalian cells has not been possible to date. We screened a number of polarized renal cell lines for the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE1, 2, 3, 4, and 8) and found only NHE1 and NHE8 transcripts in NRK cells by RT-PCR. NHE8 protein is expressed in the apical membrane of NRK cells as demonstrated by immunoblots, confocal fluorescent immunocytochemistry, and immunoelectron microscopy. NHE1, on the other hand, is expressed primarily in the basolateral membrane. Bilateral perfusion of NRK cells grown on permeable supports shows Na+/H+ exchange activity on both the apical and basolateral membranes. NHE8-specific small interfering RNA knocks down NHE8 protein expression but does not affect NHE1 protein levels. Knockdown of NHE8 protein is accompanied by a commensurate reduction in apical NHE activity, without altered basolateral NHE activity. Conversely, transfection of NHE1-specific small interfering RNA knocks down NHE1 protein expression without affecting NHE8 protein levels and reduces basolateral NHE activity without affecting apical NHE activity. NHE8 is the only apical membrane Na+/H+ exchanger in NRK cells. NHE8 activity is Na+ dependent, displaying a cooperative sigmoidal relationship, and is highly sensitive to 5-(N-ethyl-n-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA). NRK cells provide a useful system where NHE8 can be studied in its native environment.
    American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 10/2007; 293(3):F761-6. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: NHE3 phosphorylation at serines 552 and 605 does not directly affect NHE3 activity.
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    ABSTRACT: Direct phosphorylation of sodium hydrogen exchanger type 3 (NHE3) is a well-established physiological phenomenon; however, the exact role of NHE3 phosphorylation in its regulation remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether NHE3 phosphorylation at serines 552 and 605 is physiologically regulated in vivo and, if so, whether changes in phosphorylation at these sites are tightly coupled to changes in transport activity. To this end, we directly compared PKA-induced NHE3 inhibition with site-specific changes in NHE3 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, PKA was activated using an intravenous infusion of parathyroid hormone in Sprague-Dawley rats. In vitro, PKA was activated directly in opossum kidney (OKP) cells using forskolin and IBMX. NHE3 activity was assayed in microvillar membrane vesicles in the rat model and by (22)Na uptake in the OKP cell model. In both cases, NHE3 phosphorylation at serines 552 and 605 was determined using previously characterized monoclonal phosphospecific antibodies directed to these sites. In vivo, we found dramatic changes in NHE3 phosphorylation at serines 552 and 605 with PKA activation but no corresponding alteration in NHE3 activity. This dissociation between NHE3 phosphorylation and activity was further verified in OKP cells in which phosphorylation clearly preceded transport inhibition. We conclude that although phosphorylation of NHE3 at serines 552 and 605 is regulated by PKA both in vivo and in vitro, phosphorylation of these sites does not directly alter Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity.
    American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 08/2007; 293(1):F212-8. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Ontogeny of NHE8 in the rat proximal tubule.
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    ABSTRACT: Proximal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption is primarily mediated via the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, identified as NHE3 in adults. Previous studies have demonstrated a maturational increase in rat proximal tubule NHE3 expression, with a paucity of NHE3 expression in neonates, despite significant Na(+)-dependent proton secretion. Recently, a novel Na(+)/H(+) antiporter (NHE8) was identified and found to be expressed on the apical membrane of the proximal tubule. To determine whether NHE8 may be the antiporter responsible for proton secretion in neonates, the present study characterized the developmental expression of NHE8 in rat proximal tubules. RNA blots and real-time RT-PCR demonstrated no developmental difference in the mRNA of renal NHE8. Immunoblots, however, demonstrated peak protein abundance of NHE8 in brush border membrane vesicles of 7- and 14-day-old compared with adult rats. In contrast, the level of NHE8 expression in total cortical membrane protein was higher in adults than in neonates. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of NHE8 on the apical membrane of the proximal tubules of neonatal and adult rats. These data demonstrate that NHE8 does undergo maturational changes on the apical membrane of the rat proximal tubule and may account for the Na(+)-dependent proton flux in neonatal proximal tubules.
    American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 08/2007; 293(1):F255-61. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Regulation of anion exchanger Slc26a6 by protein kinase C.
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    ABSTRACT: SLC26A6 (CFEX, PAT1) is an anion exchanger expressed in several tissues including renal proximal tubule, pancreatic duct, small intestine, liver, stomach, and heart. It has recently been reported that PKC activation inhibits A6-mediated Cl/HCO(3) exchange by disrupting binding of carbonic anhydrase to A6. However, A6 can operate in HCO(3)-independent exchange modes of physiological importance, as A6-mediated Cl/oxalate exchange plays important roles in proximal tubule NaCl reabsorption and intestinal oxalate secretion. We therefore examined whether PKC activation affects HCO(3)-independent exchange modes of Slc26a6 functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We found that PKC activation inhibited Cl/formate exchange mediated by Slc26a6 but failed to inhibit the related anion exchanger pendrin (SLC26A4) under identical conditions. PKC activation inhibited Slc26a6-mediated Cl/formate exchange, Cl/oxalate exchange, and Cl/Cl exchange to a similar extent. The inhibitor sensitivity profile and the finding that PMA-induced inhibition was calcium independent suggested a potential role for PKC-delta. Indeed, the PKC-delta-selective inhibitor rottlerin significantly blocked PMA-induced inhibition of Slc26a6 activity. Localization of Slc26a6 by immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that exposure to PKC activation led to redistribution of Slc26a6 from the oocyte plasma membrane to the intracellular compartment immediately below it. We also observed that PMA decreased the pool of Slc26a6 available to surface biotinylation but had no effect on total Slc26a6 expression. The physiological significance of these findings was supported by the observation that PKC activation inhibited mouse duodenal oxalate secretion, an effect blocked by rottlerin. We conclude that multiple modes of anion exchange mediated by Slc26a6 are negatively regulated by PKC-delta activation.
    AJP Cell Physiology 05/2007; 292(4):C1485-92. · 3.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: Membrane curvature alters the activation kinetics of the epithelial Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE3.
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    ABSTRACT: The epithelial Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, NHE3, was found to activate slowly following an acute cytosolic acidification. The sigmoidal course of activation could not be explained by the conventional two-state model, which postulates that activation results from protonation of an allosteric modifier site. Instead, mathematical modeling predicted the existence of three distinct states of the exchanger: two different inactive states plus an active form. The interconversion of the inactive states is rapid and dependent on pH, whereas the conversion between the second inactive state and the active conformation is slow and pH-independent but subject to regulation by other stimuli. Accordingly, exposure of epithelial cells to hypoosmolar solutions activated NHE3 by accelerating this latter transition. The number of surface-exposed exchangers and their association with the cytoskeleton were not affected by hypoosmolarity. Instead, NHE3 is activated by the membrane deformation, a result of cell swelling. This was suggested by the stimulatory effects of amphiphiles that induce a comparable positive (convex) deformation of the membrane. We conclude that NHE3 exists in multiple states and that different physiological parameters control the transitions between them.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 04/2007; 282(10):7376-84. · 4.77 Impact Factor
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    Article: The life-extending gene Indy encodes an exchanger for Krebs-cycle intermediates.
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    ABSTRACT: A longevity gene called Indy (for 'I'm not dead yet'), with similarity to mammalian genes encoding sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporters, was identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Functional studies in Xenopus oocytes showed that INDY mediates the flux of dicarboxylates and citrate across the plasma membrane, but the specific transport mechanism mediated by INDY was not identified. To test whether INDY functions as an anion exchanger, we examined whether substrate efflux is stimulated by transportable substrates added to the external medium. Efflux of [14C]citrate from INDY-expressing oocytes was greatly accelerated by the addition of succinate to the external medium, indicating citrate-succinate exchange. The succinate-stimulated [14C]citrate efflux was sensitive to inhibition by DIDS (4,4'-di-isothiocyano-2,2'-disulphonic stilbene), as demonstrated previously for INDY-mediated succinate uptake. INDY-mediated efflux of [14C]citrate was also stimulated by external citrate and oxaloacetate, indicating citrate-citrate and citrate-oxaloacetate exchange. Similarly, efflux of [14C]succinate from INDY-expressing oocytes was stimulated by external citrate, alpha-oxoglutarate and fumarate, indicating succinate-citrate, succinate-alpha-oxoglutarate and succinate-fumarate exchange respectively. Conversely, when INDY-expressing Xenopus oocytes were loaded with succinate and citrate, [14C]succinate uptake was markedly stimulated, confirming succinate-succinate and succinate-citrate exchange. Exchange of internal anion for external citrate was markedly pH(o)-dependent, consistent with the concept that citrate is co-transported with a proton. Anion exchange was sodium-independent. We conclude that INDY functions as an exchanger of dicarboxylate and tricarboxylate Krebs-cycle intermediates. The effect of decreasing INDY activity, as in the long-lived Indy mutants, may be to alter energy metabolism in a manner that favours lifespan extension.
    Biochemical Journal 08/2006; 397(1):25-9. · 4.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: Calcium oxalate urolithiasis in mice lacking anion transporter Slc26a6.
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    ABSTRACT: Urolithiasis is one of the most common urologic diseases in industrialized societies. Calcium oxalate is the predominant component in 70-80% of kidney stones, and small changes in urinary oxalate concentration affect the risk of stone formation. SLC26A6 is an anion exchanger expressed on the apical membrane in many epithelial tissues, including kidney and intestine. Among its transport activities, SLC26A6 mediates Cl(-)-oxalate exchange. Here we show that mutant mice lacking Slc26a6 develop a high incidence of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Slc26a6-null mice have significant hyperoxaluria and elevation in plasma oxalate concentration that is greatly attenuated by dietary oxalate restriction. In vitro flux studies indicated that mice lacking Slc26a6 have a defect in intestinal oxalate secretion resulting in enhanced net absorption of oxalate. We conclude that the anion exchanger SLC26A6 has a major constitutive role in limiting net intestinal absorption of oxalate, thereby preventing hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
    Nature Genetics 05/2006; 38(4):474-8. · 35.53 Impact Factor
  • Article: Immunolocalization of anion transporter Slc26a7 in mouse kidney.
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    ABSTRACT: Previous studies have indicated that a major fraction of the filtered Cl(-) is reabsorbed via apical membrane Cl(-)/base exchange in the proximal tubule. Recent studies in Slc26a6 null mice have suggested that this transporter mediates only a portion of proximal tubule Cl(-)/base exchange, raising the possibility that one or more unidentified apical membrane transporters may additionally contribute. Recent studies have identified Slc26a7 as another Cl(-)/base exchanger expressed in the kidney. We therefore generated Slc26a7-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to examine cellular and subcellular sites of expression in mouse kidney. The specificity of each antibody was verified by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence of COS-7 cells transiently transfected with mouse Slc26a7. Immunofluorescence microscopy of mouse kidney detected the expression of Slc26a7 subapically in proximal tubule cells, and on the basolateral surface of thick ascending limb cells. Similar staining patterns were demonstrated with two antibodies shown to react with different epitopes on Slc26a7. Immunolocalization of Slc26a7 to proximal tubule and thick ascending limb was also observed in rat kidney. We conclude that Slc26a7 is expressed in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, and it may therefore contribute to anion transport in these nephron segments.
    American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 05/2006; 290(4):F937-45. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Role of SLC26-mediated Cl-/base exchange in proximal tubule NaCl transport.
    Peter S Aronson
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    ABSTRACT: The majority of the Na+ and Cl- filtered by the kidney is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule. In this nephron segment, a significant fraction of Cl- is transported via apical membrane Cl-/base exchange: Cl-/formate exchange in parallel with Na+/H+ exchange and H+/formate cotransport, and Cl-/oxalate exchange in parallel with oxalate/sulfate exchange and Na+/sulfate cotransport. Apical membrane Cl--OH- or Cl-/HCO3- exchange has also been observed. NHE3 mediates most if not all apical membrane Na+/H+ exchange in the proximal tubule. We evaluated SLC26 family members as candidates to mediate proximal tubule Cl-/base exchange. We could not detect pendrin (SLC26A4) expression in the proximal tubule, and found no change in transtubular NaCl absorption in pendrin null mice. We did find expression of SLC26A6 (CFEX, PAT1) on the apical membrane of proximal tubule cells, and demonstrated that SLC26A6 is capable of mediating the Cl-/base exchange activities described to take place across the brush border membrane. Microperfusion studies on SLC26A6 null mice demonstrated that SLC26A6 is essential for oxalate-dependent NaCl absorption but does not contribute to baseline transport, suggesting it primarily mediates Cl-/oxalate exchange rather than Cl--OH- or Cl-/HCO3- exchange in the proximal tubule. Expression of SLC26A7 was also detected on the brush border membrane of proximal tubule cells. Finally, we demonstrated an essential role for the scaffolding protein PDZK1 in apical membrane expression of SLC26A6.
    Novartis Foundation symposium 02/2006; 273:148-58; discussion 158-63, 261-4.
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    Article: Role of PDZK1 in membrane expression of renal brush border ion exchangers.
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    ABSTRACT: Na-H exchanger NHE3 and Cl-anion exchanger CFEX (SLC26A6, PAT1) play principal roles in the reabsorption of Na and Cl in the proximal tubule of the mammalian kidney. The mechanisms by which NHE3 and CFEX are localized to and maintained in the brush border of the proximal tubule are largely unknown. To investigate the possible interaction of NHE3 and CFEX with the PDZ-domain-containing scaffolding protein PDZK1, we performed a series of in vitro interaction assays with GST-fusion proteins and native brush border membrane proteins. These studies demonstrated that, not only were NHE3 and CFEX capable of directly interacting with PDZK1, but that this interaction was mediated through their C-terminal PDZ-interaction sites. To determine whether PDZK1 interaction is essential for brush border localization of NHE3 and CFEX in vivo, we examined the expression of NHE3 and CFEX in kidneys of wild-type and PDZK1-null mutant mice by both Western analysis and immunocytochemistry. These studies indicated that, although brush border expression of NHE3 was unaffected by the loss of PDZK1, the expression of CFEX was markedly reduced. Finally, we assayed CFEX functional activity as Cl-oxalate exchange in brush border membrane vesicles and oxalate-stimulated volume absorption in microperfused proximal tubules. Consistent with the observed decrease in CFEX protein expression, both measures of CFEX functional activity were dramatically reduced in PDZK1-null animals. In conclusion, the scaffolding protein PDZK1 is essential for the normal expression and function of Cl-anion exchanger CFEX in the proximal tubule of the mammalian kidney.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 10/2005; 102(37):13331-6. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Use of phospho-specific antibodies to determine the phosphorylation of endogenous Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 at PKA consensus sites.
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    ABSTRACT: Transfection studies using mutant constructs have implicated one or both protein kinase A (PKA) consensus phosphorylation sites [serines 552 and 605 in rat Na(+)/H(+) exchanger type 3 (NHE3)] as critical for mediating inhibition of NHE3 in response to several stimuli including dopamine. However, whether one or both of these sites is actually phosphorylated in endogenous NHE3 in proximal tubule cells is unknown. The purpose of this study was to generate phosphospecific antibodies so that the state of phosphorylation of these serine residues in endogenous NHE3 could be assessed in vitro and in vivo. To this end, polyclonal and monoclonal phosphospecific peptide antibodies were generated against each PKA consensus site. Phosphospecificity was established by ELISA and Western blot assays. We then used these antibodies in vitro to evaluate the effect of dopamine on phosphorylation of the corresponding PKA sites (serines 560 and 613) in NHE3 endogenously expressed in opossum kidney cells. Baseline phosphorylation of both sites was detected that was significantly increased by dopamine. Next, we determined the baseline phosphorylation state of each serine in rat kidney NHE3 in vivo. We found that serine 552 of NHE3 is phosphorylated to a much greater extent than serine 605 at baseline in vivo. Moreover, we detected a distinct subcellular localization for NHE3 phosphorylated at serine 552 compared with total NHE3. Specifically, NHE3 phosphorylated at serine 552 localized to the coated pit region of the brush-border membrane, where NHE3 is inactive, while total NHE3 was found throughout the brush-border membrane. These findings strongly suggest that phosphorylation of NHE3 plays a role in its subcellular trafficking in vivo. In conclusion, we successfully generated phosphospecific antibodies that should be useful to assess the phosphorylation of endogenous NHE3 at its two PKA consensus sites under a variety of physiological conditions in vitro and in vivo.
    American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 09/2005; 289(2):F249-58. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Renal and intestinal transport defects in Slc26a6-null mice.
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    ABSTRACT: SLC26A6 (PAT1, CFEX) is an anion exchanger that is expressed on the apical membrane of the kidney proximal tubule and the small intestine. Modes of transport mediated by SLC26A6 include Cl-/formate exchange, Cl-/HCO3- exchange, and Cl-/oxalate exchange. To study its role in kidney and intestinal physiology, gene targeting was used to prepare mice lacking Slc26a6. Homozygous mutant Slc26a6-/- mice appeared healthy and exhibited a normal blood pressure, kidney function, and plasma electrolyte profile. In proximal tubules microperfused with a low-HCO3-/high-Cl- solution, the baseline rate of fluid absorption (Jv), an index of NaCl transport under these conditions, was the same in wild-type and null mice. However, the stimulation of Jv by oxalate observed in wild-type mice was completely abolished in Slc26a6-null mice (P<0.05). Formate stimulation of Jv was partially reduced in null mice, but the difference from the response in wild-type mice did not reach statistical significance. Apical membrane Cl-/base exchange activity, assayed with the pH-sensitive dye BCPCF in microperfused proximal tubules, was decreased by 58% in Slc26a6-/- animals (P<0.001 vs. wild types). In the duodenum, the baseline rate of HCO3- secretion measured in mucosal tissue mounted in Ussing chambers was decreased by approximately 30% (P<0.03), whereas the forskolin-stimulated component of HCO3- secretion was the same in wild-type and Slc26a6-/- mice. We conclude that Slc26a6 mediates oxalate-stimulated NaCl absorption, contributes to apical membrane Cl-/base exchange in the kidney proximal tubule, and also plays an important role in HCO3- secretion in the duodenum.
    AJP Cell Physiology 05/2005; 288(4):C957-65. · 3.54 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2002–2012
    • Yale-New Haven Hospital
      New Haven, CT, USA
    • University of Iowa
      • Department of Internal Medicine
      Iowa City, IA, USA
  • 2011
    • University of Chicago
      • Department of Medicine
      Chicago, IL, USA
  • 2002–2011
    • Yale University
      • • Section of Nephrology
      • • Department of Internal Medicine
      • • School of Medicine
      New Haven, CT, USA
  • 2008
    • Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
      • Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
      Scottsdale, AZ, USA
  • 2006
    • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
      Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany