Association and interactions of GTP-binding proteins with rat medullary H+-ATPase

N. J. Brunskill, J. J. Morrissey, S. Klahr

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6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G proteins) are expressed in a heterogeneous manner in the mammalian kidney. In particular, cells of the medullary collecting tubule demonstrate a complex pattern of G protein expression both between cell types and between the polarized surfaces of individual cells. Intercalated cells expressing the H+-ATPase are also prevalent in this nephron segment. To examine interactions between G proteins and the H+-ATPase, we performed immunocytochemical studies on perfusion- fixed sections of rat kidney using polyclonal anti-G protein antibodies and E11, a mouse monoclonal antibody to the 31-kDa subunit of the vacuolar H+- ATPase. Gα8 subunits were consistently not associated with cells containing the H+-ATPase in this nephron segment, whereas Gα(i-2), Gα(i-3), and Gα(q/11) were. Some intercalated cells that stained prominently for the proton pump in the apical membrane did not, however, stain for any G protein α-subunit. We prepared medullary membrane vesicles highly enriched for the H+-ATPase to examine possible functional interactions of G proteins with the H+-ATPase by the acridine orange method. These vesicles were also highly enriched for G protein subunits. Proton transport was significantly increased in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), and this held true in the absence of chloride. This excludes an effect on chloride conductance indirectly stimulating the H+-ATPase. Guanine nucleotides did not affect the proton leak of the vesicles. Thus some G proteins are associated with the H+-ATPase and can regulate its function; however, the particular G proteins involved remain to be identified.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)F944-F951
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Renal Fluid and Electrolyte Physiology
Volume267
Issue number6 36-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

Keywords

  • G proteins
  • acidification
  • cell polarity

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