Spns2, a transporter of phosphorylated sphingoid bases, regulates their blood and lymph levels, and the lymphatic network

FASEB J. 2013 Mar;27(3):1001-11. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-219618. Epub 2012 Nov 24.

Abstract

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a ligand for 5 specific receptors, is a potent lipid mediator that plays important roles in lymphocyte trafficking and immune responses. S1P is produced inside cells and therefore must be secreted to exert its effects through these receptors. Spinster 2 (Spns2) is one of the cell surface transporters thought to secrete S1P. We have shown that Spns2 can export endogenous S1P from cells and also dihydro-S1P, which is active at all cell surface S1P receptors. Moreover, Spns2 mice have decreased levels of both of these phosphorylated sphingoid bases in blood, accompanied by increases in very long chain ceramide species, and have defective lymphocyte trafficking. Surprisingly, levels of S1P and dihydro-S1P were increased in lymph from Spns2 mice as well as in specific tissues, including lymph nodes, and interstitial fluid. Moreover, lymph nodes from Spns2 mice have aberrant lymphatic sinus that appeared collapsed, with reduced numbers of lymphocytes. Our data suggest that Spns2 is an S1P transporter in vivo that plays a role in regulation not only of blood S1P but also lymph node and lymph S1P levels and consequently influences lymphocyte trafficking and lymphatic vessel network organization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anion Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Anion Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism*
  • Lymphatic Vessels / cytology
  • Lymphatic Vessels / metabolism*
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Lysophospholipids / genetics
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sphingosine / genetics
  • Sphingosine / metabolism

Substances

  • Anion Transport Proteins
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Spns2 protein, mouse
  • sphingosine 1-phosphate
  • Sphingosine