Identification and functional characterization of TMEM16A, a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel activated by extracellular nucleotides, in biliary epithelium

J Biol Chem. 2011 Jan 7;286(1):766-76. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.164970. Epub 2010 Nov 1.

Abstract

Cl(-) channels in the apical membrane of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) provide the driving force for ductular bile formation. Although a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator has been identified in BECs and contributes to secretion via secretin binding basolateral receptors and increasing [cAMP](i), an alternate Cl(-) secretory pathway has been identified that is activated via nucleotides (ATP, UTP) binding apical P2 receptors and increasing [Ca(2+)](i). The molecular identity of this Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel is unknown. The present studies in human, mouse, and rat BECs provide evidence that TMEM16A is the operative channel and contributes to Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) secretion in response to extracellular nucleotides. Furthermore, Cl(-) currents measured from BECs isolated from distinct areas of intrahepatic bile ducts revealed important functional differences. Large BECs, but not small BECs, exhibit cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) currents. However, both large and small BECs express TMEM16A and exhibit Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) efflux in response to extracellular nucleotides. Incubation of polarized BEC monolayers with IL-4 increased TMEM16A protein expression, membrane localization, and transepithelial secretion (I(sc)). These studies represent the first molecular identification of an alternate, noncystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, Cl(-) channel in BECs and suggest that TMEM16A may be a potential target to modulate bile formation in the treatment of cholestatic liver disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Bile / metabolism
  • Biliary Tract / cytology*
  • Biliary Tract / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects
  • Chloride Channels
  • Chlorine / metabolism
  • Epithelium / drug effects
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Extracellular Space / drug effects
  • Extracellular Space / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nucleotides / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats

Substances

  • ANO1 protein, human
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Chloride Channels
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nucleotides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Interleukin-4
  • Chlorine