The Missense Mutant ClC-5 (E211A), associated with Proton/Chloride Uncoupling Exacerbates Renal Pathology Compared to...

Dent disease type 1 is an X-linked proximal tubulopathy caused by mutations in CLCN5, which encodes the chloride/proton exchanger ClC-5. While loss-of-function mutations impair endocytosis and lead to progressive renal disease, the pathological consequences of uncoupling mutations that selectively disrupt Cl-/H+ exchange remain incompletely understood.

In this study, we examined the renal phenotype associated with the ClC-5 E211A uncoupling mutation, which abolishes proton transport while preserving chloride conductance, and compared it with that of ClC-5 null mice.

Contrary to the expectation that partial transport activity would mitigate disease severity, E211A mutant mice developed more severe and progressive kidney pathology than null mutants. Both models exhibited early low-molecular-weight proteinuria, including marked urinary excretion of β2-microglobulin and vitamin D-binding protein. However, E211A mutants displayed progressive polyuria, reduced body weight, and pronounced interstitial fibrosis at 5 and 18 months of age, changes not observed in ClC-5 null mice. Renal injury in E211A mutants was characterized by glomerular abnormalities, including enlarged Bowman's spaces, cyst formation, reduced podocyte markers Wilms tumor protein and nephrin, and age-dependent tubular degeneration. ClC-5 E211A protein showed altered localization and reduced expression in vivo, suggesting disrupted trafficking or stability. Phenotypic severity was strongly influenced by genetic background, underscoring its modulatory role in disease expression.

Together, these findings demonstrate that the ClC-5 E211A uncoupling mutation induces additional adverse effects that exceed those caused by complete loss of ClC-5. Our results reveal that uncoupling mutations can drive progressive kidney damage through mechanisms distinct from gene knockout and highlight the need for mutation-specific therapeutic strategies for Dent disease type 1.