Calcium activation of BK(Ca) potassium channels lacking the calcium bowl and RCK domains

In many physiological systems such as neurotransmitter release, smooth muscle relaxation and frequency tuning of auditory hair cells, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels create a connection between calcium signalling pathways and membrane excitability. BK(Ca) channels are activated by voltage and by micromolar concentrations of intracellular calcium. Although it is possible to open BK(Ca) channels in the absence of calcium, calcium binding is essential for their activation under physiological conditions. In the presence of intracellular calcium, BK(Ca) channels open at more negative membrane potentials. Many experiments investigating the molecular mechanism of calcium activation of the BK(Ca) channel have focused on the large intracellular carboxy terminus, and much evidence supports the hypothesis that calcium-binding sites are located in this region of the channel. Here we show that BK(Ca) channels that lack the whole intracellular C terminus retain wild-type calcium sensitivity. These results show that the intracellular C terminus, including the 'calcium bowl' and the RCK domain, is not necessary for the calcium-activated opening of these channels.

The Ca2+-activated K+ channel of intermediate conductance:a possible target for immune suppression

The intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IK) channel is distinguished from the functionally related Ca2+-activated K+ channels of smaller and larger unitary conductance by its molecular structure, pharmacology, tissue distribution and physiology. Like many K+ channels, IK is an assembly of four identical subunits each spanning the membrane six times and each contributing equally to the K+ selectivity pore positioned centrally in the complex. The IK channel gains its high sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ from tightly bound calmodulin, and its activity is independent of the membrane potential. Several toxins including charybdotoxin and the more selective mutant, Glu32-charybdotoxin, maurotoxin and stichodactyla toxin potently block IK channels. Among blockers of the IK channel are also several small organic molecules including the antimycotic clotrimazole and the close analogues TRAM-34 and ICA-17043, as well as the antihypertensive, nitrendipine. The IK channel is distributed in peripheral tissues, including secretory epithelia and blood cells, but it appears absent from neuronal and muscle tissue. An important physiological role of the IK channel is to help maintain large electrical gradients for the sustained transport of ions such as Ca2+ influx that controls T lymphocyte (T cell) proliferation. In this review, special attention is given to an analysis of the use of IK blockers as potential immunosuppressants for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.

Slo1 tail domains, but not the Ca2+ bowl, are required for the beta 1 subunit to increase the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of BK channels

Functional large-conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK) channels can be assembled from four alpha subunits (Slo1) alone, or together with four auxiliary beta1 subunits to greatly increase the apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity of the channel. We examined the structural features involved in this modulation with two types of experiments. In the first, the tail domain of the alpha subunit, which includes the RCK2 (regulator of K(+) conductance) domain and Ca(2+) bowl, was replaced with the tail domain of Slo3, a BK-related channel that lacks both a Ca(2+) bowl and high affinity Ca(2+) sensitivity. In the second, the Ca(2+) bowl was disrupted by mutations that greatly reduce the apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity. We found that the beta1 subunit increased the apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity of Slo1 channels, independently of whether the alpha subunits were expressed as separate cores (S0-S8) and tails (S9-S10) or full length, and this increase was still observed after the Ca(2+) bowl was mutated. In contrast, beta1 subunits no longer increased Ca(2+) sensitivity when Slo1 tails were replaced by Slo3 tails. The beta1 subunits were still functionally coupled to channels with Slo3 tails, as DHS-I and 17 beta-estradiol activated these channels in the presence of beta1 subunits, but not in their absence. These findings indicate that the increase in apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity induced by the beta1 subunit does not require either the Ca(2+) bowl or the linker between the RCK1 and RCK2 domains, and that Slo3 tails cannot substitute for Slo1 tails. The beta1 subunit also induced a decrease in voltage sensitivity that occurred with either Slo1 or Slo3 tails. In contrast, the beta1 subunit-induced increase in apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity required Slo1 tails. This suggests that the allosteric activation pathways for these two types of actions of the beta1 subunit may be different.

Reciprocal modulation between the alpha and beta 4 subunits of hSlo calcium-dependent potassium channels

Large conductance Ca(2+)-dependent potassium (K(Ca) or maxi K) channels are composed of a pore-forming alpha subunit and an auxiliary beta subunit. We have shown that the brain-specific beta4 subunit modulates the voltage dependence, activation kinetics, and toxin sensitivity of the hSlo channel (Weiger, T. M., Holmqvist, M. H., Levitan, I. B., Clark, F. T., Sprague, S., Huang, W. J., Ge, P., Wang, C., Lawson, D., Jurman, M. E., Glucksmann, M. A., Silos-Santiago, I., DiStefano, P. S., and Curtis, R. (2000) J. Neurosci. 20, 3563-3570). We investigated here the N-linked glycosylation of the beta4 subunit and its effect on the modulation of the hSlo alpha subunit. When expressed alone in HEK293 cells, the beta4 subunit runs as a single molecular weight band on an SDS gel. However, when coexpressed with the hSlo alpha subunit, the beta4 subunit appears as two different molecular weight bands. Enzymatic deglycosylation or mutation of the N-linked glycosylation residues in beta4 converts it to a single lower molecular weight band, even in the presence of the hSlo alpha subunit, suggesting that the beta4 subunit can be present as an immature, core glycosylated form and a mature, highly glycosylated form. Blockage of protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi compartment with brefeldin A abolishes the mature, highly glycosylated beta4 band. Glycosylation of the beta4 subunit is not required for its binding to the hSlo channel alpha subunit. It also is not necessary for cell membrane targeting of the beta4 subunit, as demonstrated by surface biotinylation experiments. However, the double glycosylation site mutant beta4 (beta4 N53A/N90A) protects the channel less against toxin blockade, as compared with the hSlo channel coexpressed with wild type beta4 subunit. Taken together, these data show that the pore-forming alpha subunit of the hSlo channel promotes N-linked glycosylation of its auxiliary beta4 subunit, and this in turn influences the modulation of the channel by the beta4 subunit.

Modulation of BK(Ca) channel activity by fatty acids: structural requirements and mechanism of action

To determine the mechanism of fatty acid modulation of rabbit pulmonary artery large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (BK(Ca)) channel activity, we studied effects of fatty acids and other lipids on channel activity in excised patches with patch-clamp techniques. The structural features of the fatty acid required to increase BK(Ca) channel activity (or average number of open channels, NP(o)) were identified to be the negatively charged head group and a sufficiently long (C > 8) carbon chain. Positively charged lipids like sphingosine, which have a sufficiently long alkyl chain (C >or= 8), produced a decrease in NP(o). Neutral and short-chain lipids did not alter NP(o). Screening of membrane surface charge with high-ionic-strength bathing solutions (330 mM K+ or 130 mM K+, 300 mM Na+) did not alter the modulation of the BK(Ca) channel NP(o) by fatty acids and other charged lipids, indicating that channel modulation is unlikely to be due to an alteration of the membrane electric field or the attraction of local counterions to the channel. Fatty acids and other negatively charged lipids were able to modulate BK(Ca) channel activity in bathing solutions containing 0 mM Ca2+, 20 mM EGTA, suggesting that calcium is not required for this modulation. Together, these results indicate that modulation of BK(Ca) channels by fatty acids and other charged lipids most likely occurs by their direct interaction with the channel protein itself or with some other channel-associated component.

Localization of divalent cation-binding site in the pore of a small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel and its role in determining current-voltage relationship

In our previous study, we proposed that the inwardly rectifying current-voltage (I-V) relationship of small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK(Ca) channels) is the result of voltage-dependent blockade of K(+) currents by intracellular divalent cations. We expressed a cloned SK(Ca) channel, rSK2, in Xenopus oocytes and further characterized the nature of the divalent cation-binding site by electrophysiological means. Using site-directed substitution of hydrophilic residues in K(+)-conducting pathway and subsequent functional analysis of mutations, we identified an amino acid residue, Ser-359, in the pore-forming region of rSK2 critical for the strong rectification of the I-V relationship. This residue interacts directly with intracellular divalent cations and determines the ionic selectivity. Therefore, we confirmed our proposition by localizing the divalent cation-binding site within the conduction pathway of the SK(Ca) channel. Because the Ser residue unique for the subfamily of SK(Ca) channels is likely to locate closely to the selectivity filter of the channels, it may also contribute to other permeation characteristics of SK(Ca) channels.

Coupling between voltage sensor activation, Ca2+ binding and channel opening in large conductance (BK) potassium channels

To determine how intracellular Ca(2+) and membrane voltage regulate the gating of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels, we examined the steady-state and kinetic properties of mSlo1 ionic and gating currents in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) over a wide range of voltage. The activation of unliganded mSlo1 channels can be accounted for by allosteric coupling between voltage sensor activation and the closed (C) to open (O) conformational change (Horrigan, F.T., and R.W. Aldrich. 1999. J. Gen. Physiol. 114:305-336; Horrigan, F.T., J. Cui, and R.W. Aldrich. 1999. J. Gen. Physiol. 114:277-304). In 0 Ca(2+), the steady-state gating charge-voltage (Q(SS)-V) relationship is shallower and shifted to more negative voltages than the conductance-voltage (G(K)-V) relationship. Calcium alters the relationship between Q-V and G-V, shifting both to more negative voltages such that they almost superimpose in 70 microM Ca(2+). This change reflects a differential effect of Ca(2+) on voltage sensor activation and channel opening. Ca(2+) has only a small effect on the fast component of ON gating current, indicating that Ca(2+) binding has little effect on voltage sensor activation when channels are closed. In contrast, open probability measured at very negative voltages (less than -80 mV) increases more than 1,000-fold in 70 microM Ca(2+), demonstrating that Ca(2+) increases the C-O equilibrium constant under conditions where voltage sensors are not activated. Thus, Ca(2+) binding and voltage sensor activation act almost independently, to enhance channel opening. This dual-allosteric mechanism can reproduce the steady-state behavior of mSlo1 over a wide range of conditions, with the assumption that activation of individual Ca(2+) sensors or voltage sensors additively affect the energy of the C-O transition and that a weak interaction between Ca(2+) sensors and voltage sensors occurs independent of channel opening. By contrast, macroscopic I(K) kinetics indicate that Ca(2+) and voltage dependencies of C-O transition rates are complex, leading us to propose that the C-O conformational change may be described by a complex energy landscape.

Multiple regulatory sites in large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

Large conductance, Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) channels (BK) respond to two distinct physiological signals -- membrane voltage and cytosolic Ca(2+) (refs 1, 2). Channel opening is regulated by changes in Ca(2+) concentration spanning 0.5 micro M to 50 mM (refs 2-5), a range of Ca(2+) sensitivity unusual among Ca(2+)-regulated proteins. Although voltage regulation arises from mechanisms shared with other voltage-gated channels, the mechanisms of Ca(2+) regulation remain largely unknown. One potential Ca(2+)-regulatory site, termed the 'Ca(2+) bowl', has been located to the large cytosolic carboxy terminus. Here we show that a second region of the C terminus, the RCK domain (regulator of conductance for K(+) (ref. 12)), contains residues that define two additional regulatory effects of divalent cations. One site, together with the Ca(2+) bowl, accounts for all physiological regulation of BK channels by Ca(2+); the other site contributes to effects of millimolar divalent cations that may mediate physiological regulation by cytosolic Mg(2+) (refs 5, 13). Independent regulation by multiple sites explains the large concentration range over which BK channels are regulated by Ca(2+). This allows BK channels to serve a variety of physiological roles contingent on the Ca(2+) concentration to which the channels are exposed.

Mechanism of magnesium activation of calcium-activated potassium channels

Large-conductance (BK type) Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels are essential for modulating muscle contraction and neuronal activities such as synaptic transmission and hearing. BK channels are activated by membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) (refs 6-10). The energy provided by voltage, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) binding are additive in activating the channel, suggesting that these signals open the activation gate through independent pathways. Here we report a molecular investigation of a Mg(2+)-dependent activation mechanism. Using a combined site-directed mutagenesis and structural analysis, we demonstrate that a structurally new Mg(2+)-binding site in the RCK/Rossman fold domain -- an intracellular structural motif that immediately follows the activation gate S6 helix -- is responsible for Mg(2+)-dependent activation. Mutations that impair or abolish Mg(2+) sensitivity do not affect Ca(2+) sensitivity, and vice versa. These results indicate distinct structural pathways for Mg(2+)- and Ca(2+)-dependent activation and suggest a possible mechanism for the coupling between Mg(2+) binding and channel opening.

New disguises for an old channel: MaxiK channel beta-subunits

Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels of large conductance (MaxiK or BK channels) control a large variety of physiological processes, including smooth muscle tone, neurosecretion, and hearing. Despite being coded by a single gene (Slowpoke), the diversity of MaxiK channels is great. Regulatory b-subunits, splicing, and metabolic regulation create this diversity fundamental to the adequate function of many tissues.

Interacting effects of N-terminal variation and strex exon splicing on slo potassium channel regulation by calcium, phosphorylation, and oxidation

We have investigated the structural basis for the phenotype of a native rat Slo (rSlo) potassium channel (BK(Ca); KCNMA1) in a rat pituitary cell line, GH(4)C(1). Opposing regulation of these calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels by cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases requires an alternatively spliced exon (strex) of 59 amino acids in the cytoplasmic C terminus of the pore-forming alpha subunit encoded by rslo. However, inclusion of this cysteine-rich exon produces a 10-fold increase in the sensitivity of the channels to inhibition by oxidation. Inclusion of the strex exon also increases channel sensitivity to stimulation by calcium, but responses in the physiological ranges of calcium and voltage require coassembly with beta(1) subunits. With strex present, however, beta(1) subunits only stimulated channels assembled from rSlo alpha subunits with a truncated N terminus beginning MDALI-. Thus N-terminal variation and strex exon splicing in rSlo interact to produce BK(Ca) channels with a physiologically relevant phenotype.

Crystal structure and mechanism of a calcium-gated potassium channel

Ion channels exhibit two essential biophysical properties; that is, selective ion conduction, and the ability to gate-open in response to an appropriate stimulus. Two general categories of ion channel gating are defined by the initiating stimulus: ligand binding (neurotransmitter- or second-messenger-gated channels) or membrane voltage (voltage-gated channels). Here we present the structural basis of ligand gating in a K(+) channel that opens in response to intracellular Ca(2+). We have cloned, expressed, analysed electrical properties, and determined the crystal structure of a K(+) channel (MthK) from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum in the Ca(2+)-bound, opened state. Eight RCK domains (regulators of K(+) conductance) form a gating ring at the intracellular membrane surface. The gating ring uses the free energy of Ca(2+) binding in a simple manner to perform mechanical work to open the pore.

The open pore conformation of potassium channels

Living cells regulate the activity of their ion channels through a process known as gating. To open the pore, protein conformational changes must occur within a channel's membrane-spanning ion pathway. KcsA and MthK, closed and opened K(+) channels, respectively, reveal how such gating transitions occur. Pore-lining 'inner' helices contain a 'gating hinge' that bends by approximately 30 degrees. In a straight conformation four inner helices form a bundle, closing the pore near its intracellular surface. In a bent configuration the inner helices splay open creating a wide (12 A) entryway. Amino-acid sequence conservation suggests a common structural basis for gating in a wide range of K(+) channels, both ligand- and voltage-gated. The open conformation favours high conduction by compressing the membrane field to the selectivity filter, and also permits large organic cations and inactivation peptides to enter the pore from the intracellular solution.

Prostaglandin E2 induces interaction between hSlo potassium channel and Syk tyrosine kinase in osteosarcoma cells

Prostaglandins (PGs) are important mediators of bone response to growth factors, hormones, inflammation, or mechanical strains. In this study, we show that in MG63 osteosarcoma cells, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produces the opening of a large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channel (BK). This PGE2-mediated channel opening induces the recruitment of various tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins on the hSlo alpha-subunit of BK. Because the C-terminal domain of hSlo encompasses an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), we show that the Syk nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, reported yet to be expressed mainly in hematopoietic cells, is expressed also in osteoblastic cells, and recruited on this ITAM after a PGE2-induced docking/activation process. We show that Syk/hSlo association is dependent of an upstream Src-related tyrosine kinase activity, in accord with the classical two-step model described for immune receptors. Finally, we provide evidence that this Syk/hSlo interaction does not affect the electrical features of BK channels in osteosarcoma cells. With these data, we would like to suggest the new notion that besides its conductance function, hSlo channel can behave in bone cells, as a true transduction protein intervening in the bone remodeling induced by PGE2.

Channels underlying neuronal calcium-activated potassium currents

In many cell types rises in cytosolic calcium, either due to influx from the extracellular space, or by release from an intracellular store activates calcium dependent potassium currents on the plasmalemma. In neurons, these currents are largely activated following calcium influx via voltage gated calcium channels active during the action potentials. Three types of these currents are known: I(c), I(AHP) and I(sAHP). These currents can be distinguished by clear differences in their pharmacology and kinetics. Activation of these potassium currents modulates action potential time course and the repetitive firing properties of neurons. Single channel studies have identified two types of calcium-activated potassium channel which can also be separated on biophysical and pharmacological grounds and have been named BK and SK channels. It is now clear that BK channels underlie I(c) whereas SK channels underlie I(AHP). The identity of the channels underlying I(sAHP) are not known. In this review, we discuss the properties of the different types of calcium-activated potassium channels and the relationship between these channels and the macroscopic currents present in neurons.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 3-aryloxindoles: a new class of calcium-dependent, large conductance potassium (maxi-K) channel openers with neuroprotective properties

A series of 3-aryloxindole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as activators of the cloned maxi-K channel mSlo expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes using electrophysiological methods. The most promising maxi-K openers to emerge from this study were (+/-)-3-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indol-2-one ((+/-)-8c) and its 3-des-hydroxy analogue (+/-)-11b. The individual enantiomers of (+/-)-8c were synthesized, and the maxi-K channel-opening properties were shown to depend on the absolute configuration of the single stereogenic center with the efficacy of (-)-8c superior to that of both (+)-8c and the racemic mixture when evaluated at a concentration of 20 microM. Racemic 11b exhibited greater efficacy than either the racemic 8c or the more active enantiomer in the electrophysiological evaluation. In vitro metabolic stability studies conducted with (+/-)-8c and (+/-)-11b in rat liver S9 microsomal fractions revealed significant oxidative degradation with two hydroxylated metabolites observed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for each compound in addition to the production of 8c from 11b. The pharmacokinetic properties of (+/-)-8c and (+/-)-11b were determined in rats as a prelude to evaluation in a rat model of stroke that involved permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO model). In the MCAO model, conducted in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, the more polar 3-hydroxy derivative (+/-)-8c did not demonstrate a significant reduction in cortical infarct volume when administered intravenously at doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg as a single bolus 2 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion when compared to vehicle-treated controls. In contrast, intravenous administration of (+/-)-11b at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg was found to reduce the measured cortical infarct volume by approximately 18% when compared to vehicle-treated control animals. Intraperitoneal administration of (+/-)-11b at a dose of 10 mg/kg 2 h following artery occlusion was shown to reduce infarct volume by 26% when compared to vehicle-treated controls. To further probe the effects of compounds (+/-)-8c and (+/-)-11b on neurotransmitter release in vitro, both compounds were examined for their ability to reduce electrically stimulated [3H]-glutamate release from rat hippocampal slices that had been preloaded with [3H]-glutamate. Only (+/-)-11b was able to demonstrate a significant inhibition [3H]-glutamate release in this assay at a concentration of 20 microM, providing concordance with the profile of these compounds in the MCAO model. Although (+/-)-11b showed some promise as a potential developmental candidate for the treatment of the sequelae of stroke based on its efficacy in the rat MCAO model, the pharmacokinetic profile of this compound was considered to be less than optimal and was not pursued in favor of derivatives with enhanced metabolic stability.

Phosphorylation-dependent functional coupling of hSlo calcium-dependent potassium channel and its hbeta 4 subunit

The auxiliary beta4 subunit of the human slowpoke calciumdependent potassium (slo) channel is expressed predominantly in the brain. Co-expression of beta4 subunit with the slo channel alpha subunit in HEK293 and Chinese hamster ovary cells slows channel activation and deactivation and also shifts the voltage dependence of the channel to more depolarized potentials. We show here that the functional interaction between the hbeta4 subunit and the slo channel is influenced by the phosphorylation state of hbeta4. Treatment of cells with okadaic acid (OA) reduces the effect of hbeta4 on slo channel activation kinetics and voltage dependence but not on slo channel deactivation kinetics. The effect of OA can be blocked by mutating three putative serine/threonine phosphorylation sites in hbeta4 (Thr-11/Ser-17/Ser-210) to alanines, suggesting that OA potentiates phosphorylation of hbeta4 and thereby suppresses its functional coupling to the slo channel. Mutation of Ser-17 alone to a negatively charged residue (S17E) can mimic the effect of OA. Mutating all three phosphorylation sites in hbeta4 to negatively charged residues (T11D/S17E/S210E) not only suppresses the effect of hbeta4 on slo channel activation kinetics and voltage dependence, it also suppresses its effect on slo channel deactivation kinetics. Co-immunoprecipitation/Western blot experiments indicate that all of these hbeta4 mutants, as well as the wild-type hbeta4, bind to the slo channel. Taken together, these data suggest that phosphorylation of the beta4 subunit dynamically regulates the functional coupling between the beta4 subunit and the pore-forming alpha subunit of the slo channel. In addition, phosphorylation of different residues in hbeta4 differentially influences its effects on slo channel activation kinetics, deactivation kinetics, and voltage dependence.

Rapidly inactivating and non-inactivating calcium-activated potassium currents in frog saccular hair cells

1. Using a semi-intact epithelial preparation we examined the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) currents of frog (Rana pipiens) saccular hair cells. After blocking voltage-dependent K(+) (K(V)) currents with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) an outward current containing inactivating (I(transient)) and non-inactivating (I(steady)) components remained. 2. The contribution of each varied greatly from cell to cell, with I(transient) contributing from 14 to 90 % of the total outward current. Inactivation of I(transient) was rapid (tau approximately 2-3 ms) and occurred within the physiological range of membrane potentials (V(1/2) = -63 mV). Recovery from inactivation was also rapid (tau approximately 10 ms). 3. Suppression of both I(transient) and I(steady) by depolarizations that approached the Ca(2+) equilibrium potential and by treatments that blocked Ca(2+) influx (application Ca(2+)-free saline or Cd(2+)), suggest both are Ca(2+) dependent. Both were blocked by iberiotoxin, a specific blocker of large-conductance K(Ca) channels (BK), but not by apamin, a specific blocker of small-conductance K(Ca) channels. 4. Ensemble-variance analysis showed that I(transient) and I(steady) flow through two distinct populations of channels, both of which have a large single-channel conductance (~100 pS in non-symmetrical conditions). Together, these data indicate that both I(transient) and I(steady) are carried through BK channels, one of which undergoes rapid inactivation while the other does not. 5. Inactivation of I(transient) could be removed by extracellular papain and could later be restored by intracellular application of the 'ball' domain of the auxiliary subunit (beta2) thought to mediate BK channel inactivation in rat chromaffin cells. We hypothesize that I(transient) results from the association of a similar beta subunit with some of the BK channels and that papain removes inactivation by cleaving extracellular sites required for this association.