Binding of the protein ICln to α-integrin contributes to the activation of IClswell current

Sci Rep. 2019 Aug 21;9(1):12195. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-48496-4.

Abstract

IClswell is the chloride current induced by cell swelling, and plays a fundamental role in several biological processes, including the regulatory volume decrease (RVD). ICln is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional protein involved in the activation of IClswell. In platelets, ICln binds to the intracellular domain of the integrin αIIb chain, however, whether the ICln/integrin interaction plays a role in RVD is not known. Here we show that a direct molecular interaction between ICln and the integrin α-chain is not restricted to platelets and involves highly conserved amino acid motifs. Integrin α recruits ICln to the plasma membrane, thereby facilitating the activation of IClswell during hypotonicity. Perturbation of the ICln/integrin interaction prevents the transposition of ICln towards the cell surface and, in parallel, impedes the activation of IClswell. We suggest that the ICln/integrin interaction interface may represent a new molecular target enabling specific IClswell suppression in pathological conditions when this current is deregulated or plays a detrimental role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Chloride Channels / genetics
  • Chloride Channels / metabolism*
  • Dogs
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha Chains / genetics
  • Integrin alpha Chains / metabolism*
  • Ion Transport
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells

Substances

  • Chloride Channels
  • Integrin alpha Chains