The Role of Janus Kinase 3 in the Regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase under Energy Depletion

Abstract

Background/Aims: Janus kinase-3 (JAK3) is activated during energy depletion. Energy-consuming pumps include the Na+/K+-ATPase. The present study explored whether JAK3 regulates Na+/K+-ATPase in dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: Ouabain (100 µM)-sensitive (Iouabain) and K+-induced (Ipump) outward currents were determined by utilizing whole cell patch-clamp, Na+/K+-ATPase α1-subunit mRNA levels by RT-PCR, Na+/K+-ATPase protein abundance by flow cytometry or immunofluorescence, and cellular ATP by luciferase-assay in DCs from bone marrow of JAK3-knockout (jak3-/-) or wild-type mice (jak3+/+). Ipump was further determined by voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes expressing JAK3, active A568VJAK3 or inactive K851AJAK3. Results: Na+/K+-ATPase α1-subunit mRNA and protein levels, as well as Ipump and Iouabain were significantly higher in jak3-/-DCs than in jak3+/+DCs. Energy depletion by 4h pre-treatment with 2,4-dinitro-phenol significantly decreased Ipump in jak3+/+ DCs but not in jak3-/-DCs. Cellular ATP was significantly lower in jak3-/-DCs than in jak3+/+DCs and decreased in both genotypes by 2,4-dinitro-phenol, an effect significantly more pronounced in jak3-/-DCs than in jak3+/+DCs and strongly blunted by ouabain in both jak3+/+ and jak3-/-DCs. Ipump and Iouabain in oocytes were decreased by expression of JAK3 and of A568VJAK3 but not of K851AJAK3. JAK3 inhibitor WHI-P154 (4-[(3'-bromo-4'-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline, 22 μM) enhanced Ipump and Iouabain in JAK3 expressing oocytes. The difference between A568VJAK3 and K851AJAK3 expressing oocytes was virtually abrogated by actinomycin D (50 nM). Conclusions: JAK3 down-regulates Na+/K+-ATPase activity, an effect involving gene expression and profoundly curtailing ATP consumption.

Keywords

• K+-current
• Ouabain
• DNP
• ATP