A basolateral CHIP28/MIP26-related protein (BLIP) in kidney principal cells and gastric parietal cells

The water channel CHIP28 accounts for the high water permeability of proximal tubules and thin descending limbs of Henle; a homologous water channel, WCH-CD, in the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cells, may be the vasopressin-sensitive water channel. We show here that one antiserum, raised against CHIP28, immunostains the basolateral membrane of collecting duct principal cells, in addition to staining CHIP28 in other cells. This serum was named anti-basolateral integral protein (anti-BLIP) to distinguish it from other anti-CHIP28 antisera. By Western blotting, BLIP serum recognized both CHIP28 and MIP26, and it stained lens fibers, which contain MIP26 but not CHIP28. BLIP antiserum immunoprecipitated a 28-kDa band, a broad 35- to 50-kDa band, and an approximately 16-kDa band from kidney papilla. It also stained the basolateral membrane of gastric parietal cells, which were not stained with anti-CHIP28 or anti-MIP26 antibodies. BLIP antiserum immunoprecipitated a 28-kDa protein band from stomach; this protein was not precipitated by anti-CHIP28 antibodies. These results suggest that basolateral membranes of principal cells and parietal cells contain a protein(s) that shares common epitopes with CHIP28 and MIP26. Finally, BLIP but not CHIP28 antiserum stained mesothelial (but not epithelial) cells of toad urinary bladder, a further indication that the BLIP antiserum recognizes a protein distinct from CHIP28.