Tight regulation of K+ balance is fundamental for normal physiology. Disturbed K+ homeostasis is associated with a wide spectrum of cardiovascular- and kidney-related pathologies. The distal nephron (DN), including the connecting tubule (CNT) and the collecting duct (CD), is the major site of controlled potassium transport in the kidney, which is essential to match urinary K+ excretion to varying dietary K+ intake. In this proposal, we posit that the mechanosensitive Ca2+-permeable TRPV4 channel abundantly expressed in the DN is a critical determinant of renal potassium handling capable of stimulating flow-dependent K+ secretion via maxi-K (BK) channel and inhibiting H+-K+ ATPase-dependent K+ reabsorption. We generated abundant supportive evidence that the TRPV4 activity in the DN is regulated by dietary potassium intake with its dysfunction causing significant distortions of systemic K+ balance. TRPV4 -/- mice have a markedly reduced BK channel activity in the DN and develop hyperkalemia when dietary potassium intake is high. On the contrary, TRPV4 deletion augments H+-K+ ATPase activity and protects against hypokalemia when dietary potassium intake is low. Overall, we hypothesize that TRPV4 serves as a physiologically relevant kaliuretic factor during adaptations to dietary potassium regimen by stimulating BK-mediated K+ secretion and inhibiting H+-K+ ATPase-dependent K+ reabsorption. To address this central hypothesis, we developed three specific aims: SA1: Examine molecular and signaling determinants of TRPV4 regulation in the DN by dietary K+ intake. SA2: Establish the importance of TRPV4 function for BK-mediated K+ secretion in the DN and define pathophysiological ramifications of its disruption on systemic K+ balance. SA3: Explore the mechanism and relevance of regulation of K+ reabsorption in the DN by TRPV4. To bring this project to fruition, we recruit strong collaborative expertise and implement a comprehensive experimental arsenal which involves monitoring TRPV4 and BK channels activity with patch clamp electrophysiology, intracellular Ca2+ and H+-K+ ATPase-mediated pH measurements, confocal immunofluorescent microscopy in native DN cells of rodents and humans, balance studies upon manipulation of dietary K+ intake in conventional and genetically manipulated animals. Overall, we expect to directly demonstrate the physiological relevance of mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel in the DN at the systemic level and will define pathophysiological ramifications of TRPV4 dysfunction on systemic K+ homeostasis. Furthermore, this will urge development of novel strategies based on targeting TRPV4 to manage life-threatening states of hyper- and hypokalemia in clinical setting.
Kidneys are central in regulation of whole body potassium homeostasis. Abnormal renal potassium excretion is detrimental for cardiovascular health leading to numerous potentially life-threating pathologies associated with hyper- or hypokalemia. In this proposal, we identify a critical factor, TRPV4 that augments excretion of potassium in urine upon variable dietary K+ intake and demonstrate how its disruption at the genetic level compromises systemic potassium balance.
