Intercalated cells (ICs) secrete H+/HCO3- into the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN). Emerging evidence has identified nontraditional roles for ICs including absorption of filtered Na+ and Cl-, flow-induced K+ secretion (FIKS) and participation in innate immunity. Apical BK channels in ICs are activated by a flow- stimulated increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The rapid initial mechanoinduced increase in [Ca2+]i reflects basolateral Ca2+ entry and release of internal Ca2+ stores. Piezo1, a member of a family of mechanosensitive non-selective cation channels, is expressed along the basolateral membrane of ICs and principal cells (PCs) in the ASDN. In preliminary studies, we found that a Piezo1 inhibitor dampens the flow- induced [Ca2+]i response in cortical collecting ducts (CCDs), whereas an activator increases [Ca2+]i in CCDs perfused at slow flow rates. These observations suggest that Piezo1 mediates flow-induced early basolateral Ca2+ entry. Mucin 1 (or Muc1) is an apical surface glycoprotein expressed in distal aspects of the nephron, and is most robust in type A (H+-secreting) ICs and in type B (HCO3--secreting) ICs. The physiologic role of Muc1 in ICs is uncertain. In preliminary studies, we found that the cytoplasmic (V1) and transmembrane (V0) domains of V-ATPase dissociate in ICs of Muc1 knockout (KO) mice. Muc1 KO animals have impaired urinary acidification following an acid load. These data suggest that Muc1 regulates V-ATPase V1/V0 domain assembly in ICs. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that (i) Piezo channels function as mechanosensors in the ASDN and enable FIKS by facilitating basolateral Ca2+ entry in ICs, and (ii) Muc1 modulates specific signaling pathways that regulate the assembly of V1/V0 domains and functional V-ATPase in specific H+-secreting epithelia, including ICs. Experiments proposed in Aim 1 will define the role of mechano-activated Piezo1 channels in the cellular response to an increase in tubular flow and to dietary K+ adaptation. The functional impact of pharmacologic (activators and inhibitors) and genetic (KO) manipulations of Piezo1 will be assessed at the level of single tubules ([Ca2+]i, JK and JNa) and animals (clearance studies) subjected to variable dietary K+.
In Aim 2, we will define the role of Muc1 in the regulated assembly and functional expression of the V-ATPase in H+- secreting epithelia. We will determine whether Muc1 is required for the assembly of V1/V0 domains of the V- ATPase in H+-secreting ICs and determine the functional consequences of a lack of assembly of V-ATPase V1/V0 domains in H+-secreting ICs. Muc1-dependent signaling pathways that regulate V1/V0 domain assembly and V-ATPase functional activity in H+-secreting ICs will be defined. We expect that the results of our proposed studies will uncover novel and unexpected pathways involved in urinary K+ and H+ excretion and identify potential targets for novel therapies to treat K+ and acid-base imbalances.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed studies will examine molecular mechanisms regulating potassium and proton secretion in the distal nephron. The studies will define the role of a mechanically regulated ion channel, Piezo1, in increasing intracellular calcium and facilitating potassium secretion into the urine when urinary flow rates increase and in response to a high potassium diet, and the role of the surface glycoprotein Mucin 1 in regulating the assembly and activity of a proton secreting ATPase that has a key role in excreting acid. This work has the potential to uncover mechanisms involved in the development and/or maintenance of potassium and acid/base disorders, and identify potential targets for novel therapies to treat imbalances in potassium and acid/base balance.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DK038470-31A1
Application #
10119977
Study Section
Kidney Molecular Biology and Genitourinary Organ Development (KMBD)
Program Officer
Mullins, Christopher V
Project Start
1986-08-01
Project End
2023-06-30
Budget Start
2020-09-17
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
31
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15260
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Carrisoza-Gaytan, Rolando; Carattino, Marcelo D; Kleyman, Thomas R et al. (2016) An unexpected journey: conceptual evolution of mechanoregulated potassium transport in the distal nephron. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 310:C243-59
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