SLC4A2 Anion Exchanger Promotes Tumor Cell Malignancy via Enhancing H+Leak across Golgi Membranes

Proper functioning of each secretory and endocytic compartment relies on its unique pH micro-environment that is known to be dictated by the rates of V-ATPase-mediated H + pumping and its leakage back to the cytoplasm via an elusive “H + leak” pathway. Here, we show that this proton leak across Golgi membranes involves AE2a (SLC4A2a)-mediated bicarbonate-chloride exchange, as it is strictly dependent on both bicarbonate import (in exchange of chloride export) and the AE2a expression level in the cells. Imported bicarbonate anions and luminal protons then facilitate a common buffering reaction that yields carbon dioxide and water before their egress back to the cytoplasm via diffusion or water channels. The high surface-volume ratio of flattened Golgi cisternae helps this process, as their shape is optimal for water and gas exchange. Interestingly, this pathway is often upregulated in cancers and established cancer cell lines, and responsible for their markedly elevated Golgi resting pH and attenuated glycosylation potential. Accordingly, AE2 knockdown in SW-48 colorectal cancer cells was able to restore these two phenomena, and at the same time, to reverse cells’ invasive and anchorage-independent growth phenotype. These findings suggest that a malignant cell can be returned to a benign state by normalizing its Golgi resting pH.