Short-term consequences of F508del-CFTR thermal instability on CFTR-dependent transepithelial currents in human airway epithelial cells

Sci Rep. 2019 Sep 24;9(1):13729. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-50066-7.

Abstract

Loss-of-function mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel in human airway epithelial cells are responsible for Cystic Fibrosis. A deleterious impact of physiological temperature on CFTR plasma membrane expression, residence and channel activity is characteristic of the most common and severe CF mutation, F508del. Using primary human F508del-airway epithelial cells and CF bronchial epithelial CFBE41o- cell lines expressing F508del- or WT-CFTR, we examined the effects of temperature (29 °C-39 °C) on the amplitude and stability of short-circuit CFTR-dependent currents over time and the efficiency of pharmacological strategies to stably restore F508del-CFTR function. We show that F508del-CFTR functional instability at 37 °C is not prevented by low temperature or VX-809 correction, genistein and VX-770 potentiators, nor by the combination VX-809/VX-770. Moreover, F508del-CFTR-dependent currents 30 minutes after CFTR activation at 37 °C did not significantly differ whether a potentiator was used or not. We demonstrate that F508del-CFTR function loss is aggravated at temperatures above 37 °C while limited by a small decrease of temperature and show that the more F508del-CFTR is stimulated, the faster the current loss happens. Our study highlights the existence of a temperature-dependent process inhibiting the function of F508del-CFTR, possibly explaining the low efficacy of pharmacological drugs in clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bronchi / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cystic Fibrosis / genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis / metabolism
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Thermal Conductivity

Substances

  • CFTR protein, human
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator