The proposed studies address the mechanisms responsible for regulated transport by cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the lumen of intrahepatic bile ducts and contribute importantly to the volume and composition of bile. Liver diseases associated with impaired bile flow (cholestasis) account for significant morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. While diverse in etiology, all cholestatic disorders converg on a final common pathway characterized by a decrease in bile flow. Bile flow produces shear forces at the apical surface, and based on evidence that cholangiocytes translate this mechanical stimulus into regulated membrane transport, the studies described in this proposal evaluate the role of newly identified mechanosensitive pathways in bile formation. The studies are based on observations by the applicant that increased fluid-flow, or shear, at the apical membrane of cholangiocytes is a potent stimulus for i) ATP release, ii) increases in [Ca ]i, and iii) regulated Cl and Na transport. Collectively these observations support the following working hypothesis: Mechanosensitive signaling serves as a powerful mechanism for autocrine/ paracrine regulation of cholangiocyte transport and bile formation.
The Specific Aims are: 1) To evaluate the role of TRPV4 in the initiation of flow-induced mechanosensitive Ca2+ signaling;and to define the specific roles of shear force, kinase signaling, and the actin cytoskeleton on channel regulation;2) To determine the cellular mechanisms responsible for mechanosensitive ATP release and to define the functional relationships between SNARE proteins, TRPV4, and Ca2+-signaling on ATP vesicle fusion and release;and 3) To evaluate the cellular signals responsible for the coordination and integration of flow-induced mechanosensitive Cl- and Na + transport at the apical membrane with emphasis on the purinergic receptor- and kinase-linked signaling pathways. An integrated approach combining electrophysiology, molecular biology, and fluorescence imaging will be applied to the study of single ion channels, intact cholangiocytes, and novel models of biliary epithelium that retain secretory polarity. The long-term goal of these studies is to define the cellular mechanisms involved in cholangiocyte secretion, and to identify the physiologic factors that contribute to bile formation. Despite substantial effort, today there are no effective and available therapies to modulate the volume and composition of bile. Accordingly, efforts to define the molecular targets involved are a high priority given the prevalence and impact (both economic and personal) of related disorders of bile flow. Thus, these studies are directly relevant to the agency's mission to improve the overall public health and decrease the burden of liver and biliary diseases in the United States.

Public Health Relevance

Chronic liver disease is currently the 12th leading cause of death, accounting for 27,000 deaths and approximately 1.6 billion in economic costs per year in the U.S., cholestatic liver diseases associated with poor bile flow comprise a significant proportion of these disorders. In fact, they comprise the majority of liver diseases in children an are the leading indication for childhood liver transplantation. Consequently, defining the cellular mechanisms responsible for biliary fluid and electrolyte transport will serve as a basis for the development of therapeutic interventions to modulate bile formation for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK078587-07
Application #
8737882
Study Section
Hepatobiliary Pathophysiology Study Section (HBPP)
Program Officer
Sherker, Averell H
Project Start
2007-07-01
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Sw Medical Center Dallas
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Dallas
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
75390
Li, Qin; Dutta, Amal; Kresge, Charles et al. (2018) Bile acids stimulate cholangiocyte fluid secretion by activation of transmembrane member 16A Cl- channels. Hepatology 68:187-199
Li, Qin; Kresge, Charles; Bugde, Abhijit et al. (2016) Regulation of mechanosensitive biliary epithelial transport by the epithelial Na(+) channel. Hepatology 63:538-49
Dutta, Amal K; Khimji, Al-Karim; Liu, Songling et al. (2016) PKC? regulates TMEM16A-mediated Cl? secretion in human biliary cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 310:G34-42
Dutta, Amal K; Woo, Kangmee; Khimji, Al-karim et al. (2013) Mechanosensitive Cl- secretion in biliary epithelium mediated through TMEM16A. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 304:G87-98
Sathe, Meghana N; Woo, Kangmee; Kresge, Charles et al. (2011) Regulation of purinergic signaling in biliary epithelial cells by exocytosis of SLC17A9-dependent ATP-enriched vesicles. J Biol Chem 286:25363-76
Dutta, Amal K; Khimji, Al-karim; Kresge, Charles et al. (2011) Identification and functional characterization of TMEM16A, a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel activated by extracellular nucleotides, in biliary epithelium. J Biol Chem 286:766-76
Feranchak, Andrew P; Lewis, Matthew A; Kresge, Charles et al. (2010) Initiation of purinergic signaling by exocytosis of ATP-containing vesicles in liver epithelium. J Biol Chem 285:8138-47
Woo, Kangmee; Sathe, Meghana; Kresge, Charles et al. (2010) Adenosine triphosphate release and purinergic (P2) receptor-mediated secretion in small and large mouse cholangiocytes. Hepatology 52:1819-28
Dutta, Amal K; Khimji, Al-karim; Sathe, Meghana et al. (2009) Identification and functional characterization of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (IK-1) in biliary epithelium. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 297:G1009-18
Simpson, Levi S; Burdine, Lyle; Dutta, Amal K et al. (2009) Selective toxin sequestrants for the treatment of bacterial infections. J Am Chem Soc 131:5760-2

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