Molecular basis for cation selectivity in claudin-2–based paracellular pores: identification of an electrostatic interaction site

ASL Yu, MH Cheng, S Angelow, D Günzel… - The Journal of general …, 2009 - rupress.org
ASL Yu, MH Cheng, S Angelow, D Günzel, SA Kanzawa, EE Schneeberger, M Fromm
The Journal of general physiology, 2009rupress.org
Paracellular ion transport in epithelia is mediated by pores formed by members of the
claudin family. The degree of selectivity and the molecular mechanism of ion permeation
through claudin pores are poorly understood. By expressing a high-conductance claudin
isoform, claudin-2, in high-resistance Madin-Darby canine kidney cells under the control of
an inducible promoter, we were able to quantitate claudin pore permeability. Claudin-2
pores were found to be narrow, fluid filled, and cation selective. Charge selectivity was …
Paracellular ion transport in epithelia is mediated by pores formed by members of the claudin family. The degree of selectivity and the molecular mechanism of ion permeation through claudin pores are poorly understood. By expressing a high-conductance claudin isoform, claudin-2, in high-resistance Madin-Darby canine kidney cells under the control of an inducible promoter, we were able to quantitate claudin pore permeability. Claudin-2 pores were found to be narrow, fluid filled, and cation selective. Charge selectivity was mediated by the electrostatic interaction of partially dehydrated permeating cations with a negatively charged site within the pore that is formed by the side chain carboxyl group of aspartate-65. Thus, paracellular pores use intrapore electrostatic binding sites to achieve a high conductance with a high degree of charge selectivity.
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