Expression and regulation of ClC-5 chloride channels: effects of antisense and oxidants.

Genetic mutations of the Cl(-) channel ClC-5 cause Dent's disease in humans. We recently cloned an amphibian ortholog of Xenopus ClC-5 (xClC-5) from the A6 cell line. We now compare the properties and regulation of ClC-5 currents expressed in mammalian (COS-7) cells and Xenopus oocytes. Whole cell currents in COS-7 cells transfected with xClC-5 cDNA had strong outward rectification, Cl(-) > I(-) anion sensitivity, and were inhibited at low pH, similar to previous results in oocytes. In oocytes, antisense xClC-5 cRNA injection had no effect on endogenous membrane currents or the heterologous expression of human ClC-5. Activators of cAMP and protein kinase C inhibitors had no significant effects on ClC-5 currents expressed in either COS-7 cells or oocytes, whereas H-89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor, and hydrogen peroxide decreased the currents. We conclude that the basic properties of ClC-5 currents were independent of the host cell type used for expression. In addition, ClC-5 channels may be modulated by PKA and reactive oxygen species.