Activation of Trpv4 Reduces the Hyperproliferative Phenotype of Cystic Cholangiocytes From an Animal Model of ARPKD

Sergio A. Gradilone, Tatyana V. Masyuk, Bing Q. Huang, Jesus M. Banales, Guillermo L. Lehmann, Brynn N. Radtke, Angela Stroope, Anatoliy I. Masyuk, Patrick L. Splinter, Nicholas F. LaRusso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background & Aims: In polycystic liver diseases, cyst formation involves cholangiocyte hyperproliferation. In polycystic kidney (PCK) rats, an animal model of autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), decreased intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i in cholangiocytes is associated with hyperproliferation. We recently showed transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (Trpv4), a calcium-entry channel, is expressed in normal cholangiocytes and its activation leads to [Ca2+]i increase. Thus, we hypothesized that pharmacologic activation of Trpv4 might reverse the hyperproliferative phenotype of PCK cholangiocytes. Methods: Trpv4 expression was examined in liver of normal and PCK rats, normal human beings, and patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease or ARPKD. Trpv4 activation effect on cell proliferation and cyst formation was assessed in cholangiocytes derived from normal and PCK rats. The in vivo effects of Trpv4 activation on kidney and liver cysts was analyzed in PCK rats. Results: Trpv4 was overexpressed both at messenger RNA (8-fold) and protein (3-fold) levels in PCK cholangiocytes. Confocal and immunogold electron microscopy supported Trpv4 overexpression in the livers of PCK rats and ARPKD or autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease patients. Trpv4 activation in PCK cholangiocytes increased [Ca2+]i by 30%, inhibiting cell proliferation by approximately 25%-50% and cyst growth in 3-dimensional culture (3-fold). Trpv4-small interfering RNA silencing blocked effects of Trpv4 activators by 70%. Trpv4 activation was associated with Akt phosphorylation and β-Raf and Erk1/2 inhibition. In vivo, Trpv4 activation induced a significant decrease in renal cystic area and a nonsignificant decrease in liver cysts. Conclusions: Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that increasing intracellular calcium by Trpv4 activation may represent a potential therapeutic approach in PKD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-314.e2
JournalGastroenterology
Volume139
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant R03HD059878 to S.A.G. and grant DK24031 to N.F.L.), by the American Liver Foundation (S.A.G.), the PKD Foundation (S.A.G. and T.V.M.), and by the Optical Microscopy Core of the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology (grant P30DK084567 ).

Keywords

  • Calcium
  • Cholangiocytes
  • PKD
  • Trpv4

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