Modulation of endothelial inward-rectifier K+ current by optical isomers of cholesterol

Cholesterol inhibits M-type K+ channels via protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation in sympathetic neurons

M-type (KCNQ) potassium channels play an important role in regulating the action potential firing in neurons. Here, we investigated the effect of cholesterol on M current in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons, using the patch clamp technique. M current was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by cholesterol loading with a methyl-beta-cyclodextrin-cholesterol complex. This effect was prevented when membrane cholesterol level was restored by including empty methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in the pipette solution. Dialysis of cells with AMP-PNP instead of ATP prevented cholesterol action on M currents. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin C, abolished cholesterol-induced inhibition whereas the PKC activator, PDBu, mimicked the inhibition of M currents by cholesterol. The in vitro kinase assay showed that KCNQ2 subunits of M channel can be phosphorylated by PKC. A KCNQ2 mutant that is defective in phosphorylation by PKC failed to show current inhibition not only by PDBu but also by cholesterol. These results indicate that cholesterol-induced inhibition of M currents is mediated by PKC phosphorylation. The inhibition of M currents by PDBu and cholesterol was completely blocked by PIP(2) loading, indicating that the decrease in PIP(2)-channel interaction underlies M channel inhibition by PKC-mediated phosphorylation. We conclude that cholesterol specifically regulates M currents in SCG neurons via PKC activation.

Modification of Cellular Cholesterol Content Affects Traction Force, Adhesion and Cell Spreading

Cellular cholesterol is a critical component of the plasma membrane, and plays a key role in determining the physical properties of the lipid bilayer, such as elasticity, viscosity, and permeability. Surprisingly, it has been shown that cholesterol depletion increases cell stiffness, not due to plasma membrane stiffening, but rather, due to the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane. This indicates that traction stresses of the acto-myosin complex likely increase during cholesterol depletion. Here we use force traction microscopy to quantify the forces individual cells are exerting on the substrate, and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy as well as interference reflection microscopy to observe cell-substrate adhesion and spreading. We show that single cells depleted of cholesterol produce larger traction forces and have large focal adhesions compared to untreated or cholesterol-enriched cells. Cholesterol depletion also causes a decrease in adhesion area for both single cells and monolayers. Spreading experiments illustrate a decrease in spreading area for cholesterol-depleted cells, and no effect on cholesterol-enriched cells. These results demonstrate that cholesterol plays an important role in controlling and regulating the cell-substrate interactions through the actin-plasma membrane complex, cell-cell adhesion, and spreading.

Inwardly rectifying potassium channels: their structure, function, and physiological roles

Inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels allow K(+) to move more easily into rather than out of the cell. They have diverse physiological functions depending on their type and their location. There are seven Kir channel subfamilies that can be classified into four functional groups: classical Kir channels (Kir2.x) are constitutively active, G protein-gated Kir channels (Kir3.x) are regulated by G protein-coupled receptors, ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (Kir6.x) are tightly linked to cellular metabolism, and K(+) transport channels (Kir1.x, Kir4.x, Kir5.x, and Kir7.x). Inward rectification results from pore block by intracellular substances such as Mg(2+) and polyamines. Kir channel activity can be modulated by ions, phospholipids, and binding proteins. The basic building block of a Kir channel is made up of two transmembrane helices with cytoplasmic NH(2) and COOH termini and an extracellular loop which folds back to form the pore-lining ion selectivity filter. In vivo, functional Kir channels are composed of four such subunits which are either homo- or heterotetramers. Gene targeting and genetic analysis have linked Kir channel dysfunction to diverse pathologies. The crystal structure of different Kir channels is opening the way to understanding the structure-function relationships of this simple but diverse ion channel family.

Repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Does an increase in repolarization capacity constitute a new anti-arrhythmic principle?

The cardiac action potential can be divided into five distinct phases designated phases 0-4. The exact shape of the action potential comes about primarily as an orchestrated function of ion channels. The present review will give an overview of ion channels involved in generating the cardiac action potential with special emphasis on potassium channels involved in phase 3 repolarization. In humans, these channels are primarily K(v)11.1 (hERG1), K(v)7.1 (KCNQ1) and K(ir)2.1 (KCNJ2) being the responsible alpha-subunits for conducting I(Kr), I(Ks) and I(K1). An account will be given about molecular components, biophysical properties, regulation, interaction with other proteins and involvement in diseases. Both loss and gain of function of these currents are associated with different arrhythmogenic diseases. The second part of this review will therefore elucidate arrhythmias and subsequently focus on newly developed chemical entities having the ability to increase the activity of I(Kr), I(Ks) and I(K1). An evaluation will be given addressing the possibility that this novel class of compounds have the ability to constitute a new anti-arrhythmic principle. Experimental evidence from in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo settings will be included. Furthermore, conceptual differences between the short QT syndrome and I(Kr) activation will be accounted for.

Comparative analysis of cholesterol sensitivity of Kir channels: role of the CD loop

Kir channels are important in setting the resting membrane potential and modulating membrane excitability. A common feature of Kir2 channels and several other ion channels that has emerged in recent years is that they are regulated by cholesterol, a major lipid component of the plasma membrane whose excess is associated with multiple pathological conditions. Yet, the mechanism by which cholesterol affects channel function is not clear. We have recently shown that the sensitivity of Kir2 channels to cholesterol depends on residues in the CD loop of the cytosolic domain of the channels with one of the mutations, L222I, abrogating cholesterol sensitivity of the channels completely. Here we show that in addition to Kir2 channels, members of other Kir subfamilies are also regulated by cholesterol. Interestingly, while similarly to Kir2 channels, several Kir channels, Kir1.1, Kir4.1 and Kir6.2Delta36 were suppressed by an increase in membrane cholesterol, the function of Kir3.4* and Kir7.1 was enhanced following cholesterol enrichment. Furthermore, we show that independent of the impact of cholesterol on channel function, mutating residues in the corresponding positions of the CD loop in Kir2.1 and Kir3.4*, inhibits cholesterol sensitivity of Kir channels, thus extending the critical role of the CD loop beyond Kir2 channels.

Cholesterol and ion channels

A variety of ion channels, including members of all major ion channel families, have been shown to be regulated by changes in the level of membrane cholesterol and partition into cholesterol-rich membrane domains. In general, several types of cholesterol effects have been described. The most common effect is suppression of channel activity by an increase in membrane cholesterol, an effect that was described for several types of inwardly-rectifying K(+) channels, voltage-gated K(+) channels, Ca(+2) sensitive K(+) channels, voltage-gated Na(+) channels, N-type voltage-gated Ca(+2) channels and volume-regulated anion channels. In contrast, several types of ion channels, such as epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels and Transient Receptor Potential channels, as well as some of the types of inwardly-rectifying and voltage-gated K(+) channels were shown to be inhibited by cholesterol depletion. Cholesterol was also shown to alter the kinetic properties and current-voltage dependence of several voltage-gated channels. Finally, maintaining membrane cholesterol level is required for coupling ion channels to signalling cascades. In terms of the mechanisms, three general mechanisms have been proposed: (i) specific interactions between cholesterol and the channel protein, (ii) changes in the physical properties of the membrane bilayer and (iii) maintaining the scaffolds for protein-protein interactions. The goal of this review is to describe systematically the role of cholesterol in regulation of the major types of ion channels and to discuss these effects in the context of the models proposed.

Cholesterol and Kir channels

To date, most of the major types of Kir channels, Kir2s, Kir3s, Kir4s, and Kir6s, have been found to partition into cholesterol-rich membrane domains and/or to be regulated by changes in the level of membrane cholesterol. Surprisingly, however, in spite of the structural similarities between different Kirs, effects of cholesterol on different types of Kir channels vary from cholesterol-induced decrease in the current density (Kir2 channels) to the loss of channel activity by cholesterol depletion (Kir4 channels) and loss of channel coupling by different mediators (Kir3 and Kir6 channels). Recently, we have gained initial insights into the mechanisms responsible for cholesterol-induced suppression Kir2 channels, but mechanisms underlying cholesterol sensitivity of other Kir channels are mostly unknown. The goal of this review is to present a summary of the current knowledge of the distinct effects of cholesterol on different types of Kir channels in vitro and in vivo.

Direct regulation of prokaryotic Kir channel by cholesterol

Our earlier studies have shown that channel activity of Kir2 subfamily of inward rectifiers is strongly suppressed by the elevation of cellular cholesterol. The goal of this study is to determine whether cholesterol suppresses Kir channels directly. To achieve this goal, purified prokaryotic Kir (KirBac1.1) channels were incorporated into liposomes of defined lipid composition, and channel activity was assayed by (86)Rb(+) uptake. Our results show that (86)Rb(+) flux through KirBac1.1 is strongly inhibited by cholesterol. Incorporation of 5% (mass cholesterol/phospholipid) cholesterol into the liposome suppresses (86)Rb(+) flux by >50%, and activity is completely inhibited at 12-15%. However, epicholesterol, a stereoisomer of cholesterol with similar physical properties, has significantly less effect on KirBac-mediated (86)Rb(+) uptake than cholesterol. Furthermore, analysis of multiple sterols suggests that cholesterol-induced inhibition of KirBac1.1 channels is mediated by specific interactions rather than by changes in the physical properties of the lipid bilayer. In contrast to the inhibition of KirBac1.1 activity, cholesterol had no effect on the activity of reconstituted KscA channels (at up to 250 microg/mg of phospholipid). Taken together, these observations demonstrate that cholesterol suppresses Kir channels in a pure protein-lipid environment and suggest that the interaction is direct and specific.

Cholesterol modulates the recruitment of Kv1.5 channels from Rab11-associated recycling endosome in native atrial myocytes

Cholesterol is an important determinant of cardiac electrical properties. However, underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we examine the hypothesis that cholesterol modulates the turnover of voltage-gated potassium channels based on previous observations showing that depletion of membrane cholesterol increases the atrial repolarizing current I(Kur). Whole-cell currents and single-channel activity were recorded in rat adult atrial myocytes (AAM) or after transduction with hKv1.5-EGFP. Channel mobility and expression were studied using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and 3-dimensional microscopy. In both native and transduced-AAMs, the cholesterol-depleting agent MbetaCD induced a delayed ( approximately 7 min) increase in I(Kur); the cholesterol donor LDL had an opposite effect. Single-channel recordings revealed an increased number of active Kv1.5 channels upon MbetaCD application. Whole-cell recordings indicated that this increase was not dependent on new synthesis but on trafficking of existing pools of intracellular channels whose exocytosis could be blocked by both N-ethylmaleimide and nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues. Rab11 was found to coimmunoprecipitate with hKv1.5-EGFP channels and transfection with Rab11 dominant negative (DN) but not Rab4 DN prevented the MbetaCD-induced I(Kur) increase. Three-dimensional microscopy showed a decrease in colocalization of Kv1.5 and Rab11 in MbetaCD-treated AAM. These results suggest that cholesterol regulates Kv1.5 channel expression by modulating its trafficking through the Rab11-associated recycling endosome. Therefore, this compartment provides a submembrane pool of channels readily available for recruitment into the sarcolemma of myocytes. This process could be a major mechanism for the tuning of cardiac electrical properties and might contribute to the understanding of cardiac effects of lipid-lowering drugs.

Interdependence of laminin-mediated clustering of lipid rafts and the dystrophin complex in astrocytes

Astrocyte endfeet surrounding blood vessels are active domains involved in water and potassium ion transport crucial to the maintenance of water and potassium ion homeostasis in brain. A growing body of evidence points to a role for dystroglycan and its interaction with perivascular laminin in the targeting of the dystrophin complex and the water-permeable channel, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), at astrocyte endfeet. However, the mechanisms underlying such compartmentalization remain poorly understood. In the present study we found that AQP4 resided in Triton X-100-insoluble fraction, whereas dystroglycan was recovered in the soluble fraction in astrocytes. Cholesterol depletion resulted in the translocation of a pool of AQP4 to the soluble fraction indicating that its distribution is indeed associated with cholesterol-rich membrane domains. Upon laminin treatment AQP4 and the dystrophin complex, including dystroglycan, reorganized into laminin-associated clusters enriched for the lipid raft markers GM1 and flotillin-1 but not caveolin-1. Reduced diffusion rates of GM1 in the laminin-induced clusters were indicative of the reorganization of raft components in these domains. In addition, both cholesterol depletion and dystroglycan silencing reduced the number and area of laminin-induced clusters of GM1, AQP4, and dystroglycan. These findings demonstrate the interdependence between laminin binding to dystroglycan and GM1-containing lipid raft reorganization and provide novel insight into the dystrophin complex regulation of AQP4 polarization in astrocytes.

Identification of a C-terminus domain critical for the sensitivity of Kir2.1 to cholesterol

A variety of ion channels are regulated by cholesterol, a major lipid component of the plasma membrane whose excess is associated with multiple pathological conditions. However, the mechanism underlying cholesterol sensitivity of ion channels is unknown. We have recently shown that an increase in membrane cholesterol suppresses inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir2) channels that are responsible for maintaining membrane potential in a variety of cell types. Here we show that cholesterol sensitivity of Kir2 channels depends on a specific region of the C terminus of the cytosolic domain of the channel, the CD loop. Within this loop, the L222I mutation in Kir2.1 abrogates the sensitivity of the channel to cholesterol whereas a reverse mutation in the corresponding position in Kir2.3, I214L, has the opposite effect, increasing cholesterol sensitivity. Furthermore, the L222I mutation has a dominant negative effect on cholesterol sensitivity of Kir2.1 WT. Mutations of 2 additional residues in the CD loop in Kir2.1, N216D and K219Q, partially affect the sensitivity of the channel to cholesterol. Yet, whereas these mutations have been shown to affect activation of the channel by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)], other mutations outside the CD loop that have been previously shown to affect activation of the channel by PI(4,5)P(2) had no effect on cholesterol sensitivity. Mutations of the lipid-facing residues of the outer transmembrane helix also had no effect. These findings provide insights into the structural determinants of the sensitivity of Kir2 channels to cholesterol, and introduce the critical role of the cytosolic domain in cholesterol dependent channel regulation.

Caveolae, ion channels and cardiac arrhythmias

Caveolae are specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids which are present in multiple cell types including cardiomyocytes. Along with the essential scaffolding protein caveolin-3, a number of different ion channels and transporters have been localized to caveolae in cardiac myocytes including L-type Ca2+ channels (Ca(v)1.2), Na+ channels (Na(v)1.5), pacemaker channels (HCN4), Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) and others. Closely associated with these channels are specific macromolecular signaling complexes that provide highly localized regulation of the channels. Mutations in the caveolin-3 gene (CAV3) have been linked with the congenital long QT syndrome (LQT9), and mutations in caveolar-localized ion channels may contribute to other inherited arrhythmias. Changes in the caveolar microdomain in acquired heart disease may also lead to dysregulation and dysfunction of ion channels, altering the risk of arrhythmias in conditions such as heart failure. This review highlights the existing evidence identifying and characterizing ion channels localized to caveolae in cardiomyocytes and their role in arrhythmogenesis.

Cholesterol Depletion and Genistein as Tools to Promote F508delCFTR Retention at the Plasma Membrane

BACKGROUND/AIMS

F508delCFTR-, but not wtCFTR-, expressing fibroblasts resemble Niemann Pick type C cells in the massive intracellular accumulation of free cholesterol. The recruitment and activation of F508delCFTR by cholesterol depletion was studied.

METHODS

Filipin staining, forskolin-stimulated anion efflux and FITC-dextran uptake were studied in control cells and fibroblasts treated with 2-hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin phosphatidylcholine large unilamellar vesicles to deplete cellular free cholesterol.

RESULTS

Treatment of F508delCFTR-, but not wtCFTR-, expressing fibroblasts with 2-hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin resulted in a reduction in cellular cholesterol and a potentiation of the forskolin-induced anion efflux. In addition, forskolin also promoted a massive increase in the rate of endocytosis in F508delCFTR fibroblasts, which was absent in genistein- or cyclodextrin-treated cultures.

CONCLUSION

The results not only suggest that reducing cellular cholesterol may serve as pharmacotherapeutic tool in the treatment of cystic fibrosis but also reveal a novel mechanism for genistein regulation of F508delCFTR, i.e. retention by inhibition of endocytosis.

Cholesterol regulates volume-sensitive osmolyte efflux from human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells following receptor activation

The ability of cholesterol to modulate receptor-mediated increases in the volume-dependent release of the organic osmolyte, taurine, has been examined. Depletion of cholesterol from SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma by preincubation of the cells with 5 mM methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CD) for 10 min resulted in a 40 to 50% reduction in cholesterol and an enhancement of the ability of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) 1, muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mAChR), and sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor to stimulate taurine efflux, when monitored under hypoosmotic conditions. Basal (swelling-induced) release of taurine was also enhanced by cholesterol depletion, but less markedly. Both basal- and receptor-mediated increases in taurine efflux were mediated via a volume-sensitive organic osmolyte and anion channel in control and cholesterol-depleted cells. Studies with the PAR-1 and mAChR receptor subtypes indicated that the stimulatory effect of CD pretreatment could be reversed by incubation of the cells with either CD/cholesterol or CD/5-cholesten-3alpha-ol donor complexes and that cholesterol depletion increased agonist efficacy, but not potency. The ability of cholesterol depletion to promote the PAR-1 receptor-mediated stimulation of osmolyte release was most pronounced under conditions of isotonicity or mild hypotonicity. In contrast to CD pretreatment, preincubation of the cells with cholesterol oxidase, a condition under which lipid microdomains are also disrupted, had no effect on either basal- or receptor-stimulated taurine efflux. Taken together, the results suggest that cholesterol regulates receptor-mediated osmolyte release via its effects on the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane, rather than its presence in lipid microdomains.

BK channels are linked to inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors via lipid rafts: a novel mechanism for coupling [Ca(2+)](i) to ion channel activation

Glioma cells prominently express a unique splice variant of a large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (BK channel). These channels transduce changes in intracellular calcium to changes of K(+) conductance in the cells and have been implicated in growth control of normal and malignant cells. The Ca(2+) increase that facilitates channel activation is thought to occur via activation of intracellular calcium release pathways or influx of calcium through Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels. We show here that BK channel activation involves the activation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)R), which localize near BK channels in specialized membrane domains called lipid rafts. Disruption of lipid rafts with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin disrupts the functional association of BK channel and calcium source resulting in a >50% reduction in K(+) conductance mediated by BK channels. The reduction of BK current by lipid raft disruption was overcome by the global elevation of intracellular calcium through inclusion of 750 nm Ca(2+) in the pipette solution, indicating that neither the calcium sensitivity of the channel nor their overall number was altered. Additionally, pretreatment of glioma cells with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate to inhibit IP(3)Rs negated the effect of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, providing further support that IP(3)Rs are the calcium source for BK channels. Taken together, these data suggest a privileged association of BK channels in lipid raft domains and provide evidence for a novel coupling of these Ca(2+)-sensitive channels to their second messenger source.

The role of volume-sensitive ion transport systems in regulation of epithelial transport

This review focuses on using the knowledge on volume-sensitive transport systems in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and NIH-3T3 cells to elucidate osmotic regulation of salt transport in epithelia. Using the intestine of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) (an absorptive epithelium of the type described in the renal cortex thick ascending limb (cTAL)) we have focused on the role of swelling-activated K+- and anion-conductive pathways in response to hypotonicity, and on the role of the apical (luminal) Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) in the response to hypertonicity. The shrinkage-induced activation of NKCC2 involves an interaction between the cytoskeleton and protein phosphorylation events via PKC and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) opercular epithelium is a Cl(-)-secreting epithelium of the type described in exocrine glands, having a CFTR channel on the apical side and the Na+/K+ ATPase, NKCC1 and a K+ channel on the basolateral side. Osmotic control of Cl- secretion across the operculum epithelium includes: (i) hyperosmotic shrinkage activation of NKCC1 via PKC, MLCK, p38, OSR1 and SPAK; (ii) deactivation of NKCC by hypotonic cell swelling and a protein phosphatase, and (iii) a protein tyrosine kinase acting on the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to set levels of NKCC activity.

Use of cyclodextrins to manipulate plasma membrane cholesterol content: evidence, misconceptions and control strategies

The physiological importance of cholesterol in the cell plasma membrane has attracted increased attention in recent years. Consequently, the use of methods of controlled manipulation of membrane cholesterol content has also increased sharply, especially as a method of studying putative cholesterol-enriched cell membrane domains (rafts). The most common means of modifying the cholesterol content of cell membranes is the incubation of cells or model membranes with cyclodextrins, a family of compounds, which, due to the presence of relatively hydrophobic cavity, can be used to extract cholesterol from cell membranes. However, the mechanism of this activity of cyclodextrins is not completely established. Moreover, under conditions commonly used for cholesterol extraction, cyclodextrins may remove cholesterol from both raft and non-raft domains of the membrane as well as alter the distribution of cholesterol between plasma and intracellular membranes. In addition, other hydrophobic molecules such as phospholipids may also be extracted from the membranes by cyclodextrins. We review the evidence for the specific and non-specific effects of cyclodextrins and what is known about the mechanisms for cyclodextrin-induced cholesterol and phospholipid extraction. Finally, we discuss useful control strategies that may help to verify that the observed effects are due specifically to cyclodextrin-induced changes in cellular cholesterol.

Hypercholesterolemia suppresses Kir channels in porcine bone marrow progenitor cells in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Inwardly-rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels are responsible for maintaining membrane potentials in a variety of cell types including endothelial cells where they modulate endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The goal of this study is to determine the functional expression of Kir channels in porcine bone marrow-derived side population (BM-SP) cells that demonstrate phenotypes of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We further asses the hypercholesterolemia sensitivity of Kir channels in BM-SP cells, which may play a key role in hypercholesterolemia-mediated regulation of EPCs.

METHODS

To assess the effect of hypercholesterolemia on Kir channels in BM-SP, Kir currents were recorded in SP cells sorted from the bone marrow of healthy or hypercholesterolemic animals.

RESULTS

We found Kir channels constitute the major conductance in porcine bone marrow-derived side population (BM-SP) cells. These cells are defined by their efficiency of Hoechst dye efflux and have been reported to differentiate into multiple cell lineages including endothelium in vivo. We demonstrate here that porcine BM-SP cells differentiate to an endothelial lineage (CD31(+), vWF(+)) supporting the hypothesis that these cells are endothelial progenitor cells. Also, BM-SP cells express Kir with biophysical properties recapitulating those in mature endothelial cells, but with a much higher current density. Flow cytometric (FACS) analysis indicated that the number of SP cells was unaffected by hypercholesterolemia. However, hypercholesterolemia significantly inhibited Kir channels in BM-SP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully demonstrate that BM side population cells represent an origin of endothelial progenitor cells. This study further shows, for the fist time, that the functional expression of Kir channels in bone marrow (BM)-derived SP. Moreover, we demonstrate that hypercholesterolemia condition significantly suppresses the Kir channels in BM-SP cells, suggesting that hypercholesterolemia-mediated regulation of Kir channels may be an important factor not only in dysfunction of mature endothelium but also in dysfunction of BM-SP cells.

Relationship between Kir2.1/Kir2.3 activity and their distributions between cholesterol-rich and cholesterol-poor membrane domains

Our earlier studies have shown that Kir2.x channels are suppressed by an increase in the level of cellular cholesterol, whereas cholesterol depletion enhances the activity of the channels. In this study, we show that Kir2.1 and Kir2.3 channels have double-peak distributions between cholesterol-rich (raft) and cholesterol-poor (non-raft) membrane fractions, indicating that the channels exist in two different types of lipid environment. We also show that whereas methyl-beta-cyclodextrin-induced cholesterol depletion removes cholesterol from both raft and non-raft membrane fractions, cholesterol enrichment results in cholesterol increase exclusively in the raft fractions. Kinetics of both depletion-induced Kir2.1 enhancement and enrichment-induced Kir2.1 suppression correlate with the changes in the level of raft cholesterol. Furthermore, we show not only that cholesterol depletion shifts the distribution of the channels from cholesterol-rich to cholesterol-poor membrane fractions but also that cholesterol enrichment has the opposite effect. These observations suggest that change in the level of raft cholesterol alone is sufficient to suppress Kir2 activity and to facilitate partitioning of the channels to cholesterol-rich domains. Therefore, we suggest that partitioning to membrane rafts plays an important role in the sensitivity of Kir2 channels to cholesterol.

Smooth muscle caveolae differentially regulate specific agonist induced bladder contractions

AIMS

Caveolae are cholesterol-rich plasmalemmal microdomains that serve as sites for sequestration of signaling proteins and thus may facilitate, organize, and integrate responses to extracellular stimuli. While previous studies in the bladder have demonstrated alterations in caveolae with particular physiologic or pathologic conditions, little attention has been focused on the functional significance of these organelles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of caveolae in the modulation of receptor-mediated signal transduction and determine the presence and localization of caveolin proteins in bladder tissue.

METHODS

Contractile responses to physiologic agonists were measured in rat bladder tissue before and after disruption of caveolae achieved by depleting membrane cholesterol with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Stimulation with agonists was repeated after caveolae were restored as a result of cholesterol replenishment. RT-PCR, immmunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to determine the expression and localization of caveolin mRNA and proteins.

RESULTS

Following caveolae disruption, contractile responses to angiotensin II and serotonin were attenuated, whereas responses to bradykinin and phenylephrine were augmented. Cholesterol replenishment restored responses towards baseline. Carbachol and KCl induced contractions were not affected by caveolae disruption. Ultrastructure analysis confirmed loss of caveolae following cholesterol depletion with cyclodextrin and caveolae restoration following cholesterol replacement. Gene and protein expression of caveolin-1, -2, and -3 was detected in bladder tissue. Immunoreactivity for all three caveolins was observed in smooth muscle cells throughout the bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional effects of cholesterol depletion on specific agonist-induced contractile events and the expression of all three caveolins in bladder smooth muscle support a central role for caveolae in regulation of selective G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways in bladder smooth muscle. Thus, caveolae serve to differentially regulate bladder smooth muscle by a stimulus-dependent potentiation or inhibition of bladder contraction.

Lipid-lowering therapy with statins, a new approach to antiarrhythmic therapy

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (statins) are the most effective and best-tolerated drugs to treat elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In addition, they exhibit other effects unrelated to their lipid lowering effects (pleiotropic actions). In recent years, experimental and clinical evidence demonstrates that statins exert antiarrhythmic properties, reducing the recurrences of supraventricular and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias both in patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, statins may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to cardiac arrhythmias. This article reviews the antiarrhythmic properties of statins as well as the possible mechanisms involved, including the lowering of LDL-C levels, the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and autonomic function, the stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaques, the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and cardioprotective properties and the modulation of transmembrane ion fluxes.

Biophysical properties of lipids and dynamic membranes

The lipid bilayer is a 3D assembly with a rich variety of physical features that modulate cell signaling and protein function. Lateral and transverse forces within the membrane are significant and change rapidly as the membrane is bent or stretched and as new constituents are added, removed or chemically modified. Recent studies have revealed how differences in structure between the two leaflets of the bilayer and between different areas of the bilayer can interact together with membrane deformation to alter the activities of transmembrane channels and peripheral membrane binding proteins. Here, we highlight some recent reports that the physical properties of the membrane can help control the function of transmembrane proteins and the motor-dependent elongation of internal organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum.

Regulation of the cell swelling-activated chloride conductance by cholesterol-rich membrane domains

AIM

The role of high cholesterol-containing microdomains in the signal transduction cascade leading to the activation of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) was studied.

METHODS

Osmotic cell swelling-induced efflux of 125I- was determined in human epithelial Intestine 407 cells and in skin fibroblasts obtained from healthy controls or Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) patients. Cellular cholesterol content was modulated by pre-incubation with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in the presence of acceptor lipid vesicles.

RESULTS

Osmotic cell swelling of human Intestine 407 cells leads to the rapid activation of a compensatory anion conductance. Treatment of the cells with cyclodextrin enhanced the response to submaximal hypotonic stimulation by approx. twofold, but did not further increase the efflux elicited by a saturating stimulus. In contrast, the volume-sensitive anion efflux was markedly inhibited when cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin was used. Potentiation of the response by cholesterol depletion was maintained in caveolin-1 deficient Caco-2 colonocytes as well as in sphingomyelinase-treated Intestine 407 cells, indicating that cholesterol-rich microdomains are not crucially involved. However, treatment of the cells with progesterone, an inhibitor of NPC1-dependent endosomal cholesterol trafficking, not only markedly reduced the hypotonicity-provoked anion efflux, but also prevented its potentiation by cyclodextrin. In addition, the volume-sensitive anion efflux from human NPC skin fibroblasts was significantly smaller when compared with control fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support a model of regulatory volume decrease involving recruitment of volume-sensitive anion channels from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane.

Hypercholesterolemia suppresses inwardly rectifying K+ channels in aortic endothelium in vitro and in vivo

Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels are responsible for maintaining endothelial membrane potential and play a key role in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. In this study, we show that endothelial Kir channels are suppressed by hypercholesterolemic levels of lipoproteins in vitro and by serum hypercholesterolemia in vivo. Specifically, exposing human aortic endothelial cells to acetylated low-density lipoprotein or very low density lipoprotein resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in Kir current that correlated with the degree of cholesterol loading. The suppression was fully reversible by cholesterol depletion. Furthermore, a decrease in Kir current resulted in depolarization of endothelial membrane potential. Most important, the flow sensitivity of Kir currents was also impaired by cholesterol loading. Specifically, flow-induced increase in Kir current was suppressed by 70%, and flow-induced hyperpolarization was almost completely abrogated. Furthermore, we show that hypercholesterolemia in vivo also strongly suppresses endothelial Kir currents and causes a shift in endothelial membrane potential, as determined by comparing the currents in aortic endothelial cells freshly isolated from healthy or hypercholesterolemic pigs. Therefore, we suggest that suppression of Kir current is one of the important factors in hypercholesterolemia-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Secrets of the code: Do vascular endothelial cells use ion channels to decipher complex flow signals?

The ability of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to respond to changes in blood flow is essential for both vasoregulation and arterial wall remodelling, while abnormalities in endothelial responsiveness to flow play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial flow responses also have important implications for the field of vascular tissue engineering. In response to changes in fluid dynamic shear stress, ECs exhibit humoral, metabolic, and structural responses. Significantly, ECs respond differently to different types of shear stress. For instance, steady shear stress elicits a profile of responses that differs drastically from oscillatory shear stress. Although our understanding of flow-induced signaling has advanced greatly over the past two decades, how ECs sense shear forces remains to be established. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which ECs discriminate among different flow waveforms are unknown. Activation of flow-sensitive ion channels is one of the most rapid known responses to flow in ECs. In this paper, we argue in favor of an important role for ion channels in shear stress sensing in ECs and propose that these channels may endow ECs with the ability to resolve components of a complex flow signal and hence distinguish among different types of flow.

Cholesterol and synaptic transmitter release at crayfish neuromuscular junctions

During exocytosis of synaptic transmitters, the fusion of highly curved synaptic vesicle membranes with the relatively planar cell membrane requires the coordinated action of several proteins. The role of membrane lipids in the regulation of transmitter release is less well understood. Since it helps to control membrane fluidity, alteration of cholesterol content may alter the fusibility of membranes as well as the function of membrane proteins. We assayed the importance of cholesterol in transmitter release at crayfish neuromuscular junctions where action potentials can be measured in the preterminal axon. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) depleted axons of cholesterol, as shown by reduced filipin labelling, and cholesterol was replenished by cholesterol-MbetaCD complex (Ch-MbetaCD). MbetaCD blocked evoked synaptic transmission. The lack of postsynaptic effects of MbetaCD on the time course and amplitude of spontaneous postsynaptic potentials or on muscle resting potential allowed us to focus on presynaptic mechanisms. Intracellular presynaptic axon recordings and focal extracellular recordings at individual boutons showed that failure of transmitter release was correlated with presynaptic hyperpolarization and failure of action potential propagation. All of these effects were reversed when cholesterol was replenished with Ch-MbetaCD. However, focal depolarization of presynaptic boutons and administration of a Ca2+ ionophore both triggered transmitter release after cholesterol depletion. Therefore, both presynaptic Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis functioned after cholesterol depletion. The frequency of spontaneous quantal transmitter release was increased by MbetaCD but recovered when cholesterol was reintroduced. The increase in spontaneous release was not through a calcium-dependent mechanism because it persisted with intense intracellular calcium chelation. In conclusion, cholesterol levels in the presynaptic membrane modulate several key properties of synaptic transmitter release.

Functional expression of Kir2.x in human aortic endothelial cells: the dominant role of Kir2.2

Inward rectifier K+channels (Kir) are a significant determinant of endothelial cell (EC) membrane potential, which plays an important role in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. In the present study, several complementary strategies were applied to determine the Kir2 subunit composition of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Expression levels of Kir2.1, Kir2.2, and Kir2.4 mRNA were similar, whereas Kir2.3 mRNA expression was significantly weaker. Western blot analysis showed clear Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 protein expression, but Kir2.3 protein was undetectable. Functional analysis of endothelial inward rectifier K+current ( IK) demonstrated that 1) IKcurrent sensitivity to Ba2+and pH were consistent with currents determined using Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 but not Kir2.3 and Kir2.4, and 2) unitary conductance distributions showed two prominent peaks corresponding to known unitary conductances of Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 channels with a ratio of ∼4:6. When HAECs were transfected with dominant-negative (dn)Kir2.x mutants, endogenous current was reduced ∼50% by dnKir2.1 and ∼85% by dnKir2.2, whereas no significant effect was observed with dnKir2.3 or dnKir2.4. These studies suggest that Kir2.2 and Kir2.1 are primary determinants of endogenous K+conductance in HAECs under resting conditions and that Kir2.2 provides the dominant conductance in these cells.

Cholesterol-depleting compounds modulate K+-currents in Drosophila Kenyon cells

Sterol-enriched lipid rafts have been involved in Drosophila membrane signalling such as Hedgehog targeting and glutamate receptor ligand-affinity regulation. Here, we show that the voltage-dependent K(+) currents expressed by the intrinsic neurons of the Mushroom bodies are upward-modulated by compounds that remove sterols from the plasma membrane. Modulation seems to rely on a fast-exchanging sterol-pool, which more strongly affects the slowly inactivating current. Our results provide the first evidence that sterols influence the operation of voltage-gated ion channels in Drosophila neurons and strengthen the importance of lipid rafts in this biological model.

Cholesterol depletion increases membrane stiffness of aortic endothelial cells

This study has investigated the effect of cellular cholesterol on membrane deformability of bovine aortic endothelial cells. Cellular cholesterol content was depleted by exposing the cells to methyl-beta-cyclodextrin or enriched by exposing the cells to methyl-beta-cyclodextrin saturated with cholesterol. Control cells were treated with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin-cholesterol at a molar ratio that had no effect on the level of cellular cholesterol. Mechanical properties of the cells with different cholesterol contents were compared by measuring the degree of membrane deformation in response to a step in negative pressure applied to the membrane by a micropipette. The experiments were performed on substrate-attached cells that maintained normal morphology. The data were analyzed using a standard linear elastic half-space model to calculate Young elastic modulus. Our observations show that, in contrast to the known effect of cholesterol on membrane stiffness of lipid bilayers, cholesterol depletion of bovine aortic endothelial cells resulted in a significant decrease in membrane deformability and a corresponding increase in the value of the elastic coefficient of the membrane, indicating that cholesterol-depleted cells are stiffer than control cells. Repleting the cells with cholesterol reversed the effect. An increase in cellular cholesterol to a level higher than that of normal cells, however, had no effect on the elastic properties of bovine aortic endothelial cells. We also show that although cholesterol depletion had no apparent effect on the intensity of F-actin-specific fluorescence, disrupting F-actin with latrunculin A abrogated the stiffening effect. We suggest that cholesterol depletion increases the stiffness of the membrane by altering the properties of the submembrane F-actin and/or its attachment to the membrane.

Cholesterol sensitivity and lipid raft targeting of Kir2.1 channels

This study investigates how changes in the level of cellular cholesterol affect inwardly rectifying K+ channels belonging to a family of strong rectifiers (Kir2). In an earlier study we showed that an increase in cellular cholesterol suppresses endogenous K+ current in vascular endothelial cells, presumably due to effects on underlying Kir2.1 channels. Here we show that, indeed, cholesterol increase strongly suppressed whole-cell Kir2.1 current when the channels were expressed in a null cell line. However, cholesterol level had no effect on the unitary conductance and only little effect on the open probability of the channels. Moreover, no cholesterol effect was observed either on the total level of Kir2.1 protein or on its surface expression. We suggest, therefore, that cholesterol modulates not the total number of Kir2.1 channels in the plasma membrane but rather the transition of the channels between active and silent states. Comparing the effects of cholesterol on members of the Kir2.x family shows that Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 have similar high sensitivity to cholesterol, Kir2.3 is much less sensitive, and Kir2.4 has an intermediate sensitivity. Finally, we show that Kir2.x channels partition virtually exclusively into Triton-insoluble membrane fractions indicating that the channels are targeted into cholesterol-rich lipid rafts.

Sensitivity of volume-regulated anion current to cholesterol structural analogues

Depletion of membrane cholesterol and substitution of endogenous cholesterol with its structural analogues was used to analyze the mechanism by which cholesterol regulates volume-regulated anion current (VRAC) in endothelial cells. Depletion of membrane cholesterol enhanced the development of VRAC activated in a swelling-independent way by dialyzing the cells either with GTPγS or with low ionic strength solution. Using MβCD–sterol complexes, 50–80% of endogenous cholesterol was substituted with a specific analogue, as verified by gas-liquid chromatography. The effects of cholesterol depletion were reversed by the substitution of endogenous cholesterol with its chiral analogue, epicholesterol, or with a plant sterol, β-sitosterol, two analogues that mimic the effect of cholesterol on the physical properties of the membrane bilayer. Alternatively, when cholesterol was substituted with coprostanol that has only minimal effect on the membrane physical properties it resulted in VRAC enhancement, similar to cholesterol depletion. In summary, our data show that these channels do not discriminate between the two chiral analogues of cholesterol, as well as between the two cholesterols and β-sitosterol, but discriminate between cholesterol and coprostanol. These observations suggest that endothelial VRAC is regulated by the physical properties of the membrane.

Hypercholesterolemia inhibits L-type calcium current in coronary macro-, not microcirculation

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a mary risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Coronary ion regulation, especially calcium, is thought to be important in coronary heart disease development; however, the influence of high dietary fat and cholesterol on coronary arterial smooth muscle (CASM) ion channels is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of diet-induced HC on CASM voltage-gated calcium current ( ICa). Male miniature swine were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (40% kcal fat, 2% wt cholesterol) for 20–24 wk, resulting in elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Histochemistry indicated early atherosclerosis in large coronary arteries. CASM were isolated from the right coronary artery (>1.0 mm ID), small arteries (∼200 μm), and large arterioles (∼100 μm). ICawas determined by whole cell voltage clamp. L-type ICawas reduced ∼30% by HC compared with controls in the right coronary artery (-5.29 ± 0.42 vs. -7.59 ± 0.41 pA/pF) but not the microcirculation (small artery, -8.39 ± 0.80 vs. -10.13 ± 0.60; arterioles, -10.78 ± 0.93 vs. -11.31 ± 0.95 pA/pF). Voltage-dependent activation was unaffected by HC in both the macro- and microcirculation. L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav1.2) mRNA and membrane protein levels were unaffected by HC. Inhibition of ICaby HC was reversed in vitro by the cholesterol scavenger methyl-β-cyclodextrin and mimicked in control CASM by incubation with the cholesterol donor cholesterol:methyl-β-cyclodextrin. These data indicate that CASM L-type ICais decreased in large coronary arteries in early stages of atherosclerosis, whereas ICain the microcirculation is unaffected. The inhibition of calcium channel activity in CASM of large coronary arteries is likely due to increases in membrane free cholesterol.

Targeting of ion channels to membrane microdomains: localization of KV channels to lipid rafts

Voltage-gated K(+) channels are an important determinant of cellular excitability and key components of multiple signal transduction pathways. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms of K(V) channel localization or their membrane partitioning. Lipid rafts are specialized membrane microdomains that are rich in sphingolipids and cholesterol. These rafts have been implicated in the organization of many membrane-associated signaling pathways and are currently the focus of intense interest in the scientific community. Biochemical and functional evidence indicate that K(V) channels, in addition to other ion channels, localize to lipid raft microdomains on the cell surface. Although several important questions regarding specific mechanisms of channel localization remain, emerging data indicate that protein-lipid interactions should be considered as a new mechanism of ion channel localization and compartmentation that might permit the therapeutic modulation of channel properties via alteration in membrane lipids.

Use of thiol-disulfide equilibria to measure the energetics of assembly of transmembrane helices in phospholipid bilayers

Despite significant efforts and promising progress, the understanding of membrane protein folding lags behind that of soluble proteins. Insights into the energetics of membrane protein folding have been gained from biophysical studies in membrane-mimicking environments (primarily detergent micelles). However, the development of techniques for studying the thermodynamics of folding in phospholipid bilayers remains a considerable challenge. We had previously used thiol-disulfide exchange to study the thermodynamics of association of transmembrane alpha-helices in detergent micelles; here, we extend this methodology to phospholipid bilayers. The system for this study is the homotetrameric M2 proton channel protein from the influenza A virus. Transmembrane peptides from this protein specifically self-assemble into tetramers that retain the ability to bind to the drug amantadine. Thiol-disulfide exchange under equilibrium conditions was used to quantitatively measure the thermodynamics of this folding interaction in phospholipid bilayers. The effects of phospholipid acyl chain length and cholesterol on the peptide association were investigated. The association of the helices strongly depends on the thickness of the bilayer and cholesterol levels present in the phospholipid bilayer. The most favorable folding occurred when there was a good match between the width of the apolar region of the bilayer and the hydrophobic length of the transmembrane helix. Physiologically relevant variations in the cholesterol level are sufficient to strongly influence the association. Evaluation of the energetics of peptide association in the presence and absence of cholesterol showed a significantly tighter association upon inclusion of cholesterol in the lipid bilayers.

Formation of 7-dehydrocholesterol-containing membrane rafts in vitro and in vivo, with relevance to the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a recessive disease typified by 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) accumulation and depletion of cholesterol. Because cholesterol is a primary component of detergent-resistant membrane domains ("rafts"), we examined the compatibility of 7DHC with raft formation. Liposomes containing bovine brain phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, cerebrosides, and either cholesterol, 7DHC, or coprostanol (the latter being incompatible with raft formation) were prepared. 7DHC was indistinguishable from cholesterol in its ability to become incorporated into membrane rafts, as judged by physical and chemical criteria, whereas coprostanol did not form rafts. The in vivo compatibility of 7DHC with raft formation was evaluated in brains of rats treated with trans-1,4-bis(2-dichlorobenzylamino-ethyl)cyclohexane dihydrochloride (AY9944), which mimics the SLOS biochemical defect. 7DHC/cholesterol ratios in rafts and whole brains from AY9944-treated rats were similar, indicating comparable efficiency of 7DHC and cholesterol incorporation into brain rafts. In contrast, dolichol (a nonsterol isoprenoid incompatible with raft formation) was greatly depleted in brain rafts relative to whole brain. Although brain raft fractions prepared from AY9944-treated and control rats yielded similar sterol-protein ratios, their gel electrophoresis profiles exhibited multiple differences, suggesting that altered raft sterol composition perturbs raft protein content. These results are discussed in the context of the SLOS phenotype, particularly with regard to the associated central nervous system defects.