Abstract
TMEM16A is a newly identified Ca2+-activated Cl− channel in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) that is important in biliary secretion. While extracellular ATP stimulates TMEM16A via binding P2 receptors and increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), the regulatory pathways have not been elucidated. Protein kinase C (PKC) contributes to ATP-mediated secretion in BECs, although its potential role in TMEM16A regulation is unknown. To determine whether PKCα regulates the TMEM16A-dependent membrane Cl−transport in BECs, studies were performed in human biliary Mz-cha-1 cells. Addition of extracellular ATP induced a rapid translocation of PKCα from the cytosol to the plasma membrane and activation of whole cell Ca2+-activated Cl− currents. Currents demonstrated outward rectification and reversal at 0 mV (properties consistent with TMEM16A) and were inhibited by either molecular (siRNA) or pharmacologic (PMA or Gö6976) inhibition of PKCα. Intracellular dialysis with recombinant PKCα activated Cl− currents with biophysical properties identical to TMEM16A in control cells but not in cells after transfection with TMEM16A siRNA. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that PKCα is coupled to ATP-stimulated TMEM16A activation in BECs. Targeting this ATP-Ca2+-PKCα signaling pathway may represent a therapeutic strategy to increase biliary secretion and promote bile formation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | G34-G42 |
Journal | American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology |
Volume | 310 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
Keywords
- ATP
- Cl channel
- PKCα
- TMEM16A
- cholangiocytes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology (medical)