TRPV4 channels in the human urogenital tract play a role in cell junction formation and epithelial barrier. (25th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Janssen, D. A. W.; Jansen, C. J. F.; Hafmans, T. G.; Verhaegh, G. W.; Hoenderop, J. G.; Heesakkers, J. P. F. A.; Schalken, J. A.
• Is Part Of: Acta physiologica. Volume 218:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2016-05-25
• Subjects: adherence junction -- barrier -- transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 -- urinary bladder -- urothelium; Physiology -- Periodicals; Physiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1111/apha.12701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-1708

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The molecular interactions between transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 channels (TRPV4) and cell junction formation were investigated in the human and mouse urogenital tract. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was performed to investigate TRPV4 channels, adherence junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) in kidney, ureter and bladder tissues from humans and wild‐type and transgenic TRPV4 knockout (−/−) mice with immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and reverse trasnscription‐PCR. Cell junction formation in the wild‐type and TRPV4 knockout (−/−) mouse was evaluated with immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. Results: TRPV4 channels are predominantly located in membranes of epithelial cells of the bladder, ureter and the collecting ducts of the kidney. There is a molecular interaction between the TRPV4 channel and the AJ. TEM evaluation showed that AJ formation is disrupted in the TRPV4 −/− mouse resulting in deficient intercellular connections and integrity of the epithelium. Conclusions: TRPV4 is believed to be a mechanoreceptor in the bladder. This study demonstrates that TRPV4 is also involved in intercellular connectivity and structural integrity of the epithelium.