ClC-2 contributes to native chloride secretion by a human intestinal cell line, Caco-2

J Biol Chem. 2001 Mar 16;276(11):8306-13. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M006764200. Epub 2000 Nov 28.

Abstract

It has been previously determined that ClC-2, a member of the ClC chloride channel superfamily, is expressed in certain epithelial tissues. These findings fueled speculation that ClC-2 can compensate for impaired chloride transport in epithelial tissues affected by cystic fibrosis and lacking the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. However, direct evidence linking ClC-2 channel expression to epithelial chloride secretion was lacking. In the present studies, we show that ClC-2 transcripts and protein are present endogenously in the Caco-2 cell line, a cell line that models the human small intestine. Using an antisense strategy we show that ClC-2 contributes to native chloride currents in Caco-2 cells measured by patch clamp electrophysiology. Antisense ClC-2-transfected monolayers of Caco-2 cells exhibited less chloride secretion (monitored as iodide efflux) than did mock transfected monolayers, providing the first direct molecular evidence that ClC-2 can contribute to chloride secretion by the human intestinal epithelium. Further, examination of ClC-2 localization by confocal microscopy revealed that ClC-2 contributes to secretion from a unique location in this epithelium, from the apical aspect of the tight junction complex. Hence, these studies provide the necessary rationale for considering ClC-2 as a possible therapeutic target for diseases affecting intestinal chloride secretion such as cystic fibrosis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Polarity
  • Chloride Channels / analysis
  • Chloride Channels / genetics
  • Chloride Channels / physiology*
  • Chlorides / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Tight Junctions / physiology

Substances

  • Chloride Channels
  • Chlorides