J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 262, Issue 20, 9621-9628, 07, 1987
The Na+/H+ exchanger is constitutively activated in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells, but not in a differentiated derivative. Responsiveness to growth factors and other stimuli
AJ Bierman, LG Tertoolen, SW de Laat and WH Moolenaar
We have examined the functional properties and growth factor responsiveness
of the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger in pluripotent P19 embryonal
carcinoma (EC) cells and in a differentiated mesodermal derivative (MES-1)
by analyzing the recovery of cytoplasmic pH (pHi) from an acute acid load
under bicarbonate-free conditions. In the absence of exogenous growth
factors, the mean steady-state pHi of undifferentiated P19 cells (7.49 +/-
0.03) is 0.55 unit higher than the value of differentiated MES-1 cells
(6.94 +/- 0.01). In both cell types, recovery of pHi from an NH+4-induced
acid load follows an exponential time course and is entirely mediated by
the amiloride- sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger in the plasma membrane. Kinetic
analysis indicates that the higher steady-state pHi in P19 EC cells is due
to an alkaline shift in the pHi sensitivity of the Na+/H+ exchange rate, as
compared to that in MES-1 cells. The Na+/H+ exchanger of MES-1 cells is
responsive to epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor,
serum, phorbol esters, and diacylglycerol, as shown by a rapid
amiloride-sensitive rise in pHi of 0.15-0.35 unit. This mitogen-induced
alkalinization is attributable to an alteration in the pHi sensitivity of
the exchanger. In contrast, the Na+/H+ exchanger of P19 EC cells fails to
respond to any of these stimuli. Similarly, hypertonic medium rapidly
activates the Na+/H+ exchanger in MES-1, but not in P19 EC cells. We
conclude that the Na+/H+ exchanger in undifferentiated P19 EC stem cells is
maintained in a fully activated state which is unaffected by extracellular
stimuli, as if signal pathways normally involved in growth factor action
are constitutively operative.