BK channel beta4 subunit reduces dentate gyrus excitability and protects against temporal lobe seizures

Upregulation of STREX splice variant of the large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channel in a rat model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Functional properties of large conductance Ca(2+) activated potassium (BK) channels are determined by complex alternative splicing of the Kcnma1 gene encoding the alpha pore-forming subunit. Inclusion of the STREX exon in a C-terminal splice site is dynamically regulated and confers enhanced Ca(2+) sensitivity and channel inhibition via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. Here, we describe a real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach to investigate relative changes in the expression of STREX and ZERO splice variants using a newly designed set of probes and primers for TaqMan-based qPCR analysis of cDNA from the rat dentate gyrus at different time points following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Reduction in Kcnma1 gene expression is associated with a relative increase of STREX splice variant. Relative expression of STREX variant mRNA was increased at 10 days and at more than 1 month following status epilepticus. The biological consequences of seizure-related changes in alternative splicing of Kcnma1 deserve additional investigation.

BK channels play a counter-adaptive role in drug tolerance and dependence

Disturbance of neural activity by sedative drugs has been proposed to trigger a homeostatic response that resists unfavorable changes in net cellular excitability, leading to tolerance and dependence. The Drosophila slo gene encodes a BK-type Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel implicated in functional tolerance to alcohol and volatile anesthetics. We hypothesized that increased expression of BK channels induced by these drugs constitutes the homeostatic adaptation conferring resistance to sedative drugs. In contrast to the dogmatic view that BK channels act as neural depressants, we show that drug-induced slo expression enhances excitability by reducing the neuronal refractory period. Although this neuroadaptation directly counters some effects of anesthetics, it also causes long-lasting enhancement of seizure susceptibility, a common symptom of drug withdrawal. These data provide a possible mechanism for the long-standing counter-adaptive theory for drug tolerance in which homeostatic adaptations triggered by drug exposure to produce drug tolerance become counter-adaptive after drug clearance and result in symptoms of dependence.

Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels regulate firing properties and excitability in parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus

Small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK) regulate action potential (AP) firing properties and excitability in many central neurons. However, the functional roles of SK channels of parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons (PCMNs) in the nucleus ambiguus have not yet been well characterized. In this study, the tracer X-rhodamine-5 (and 6)-isothiocyanate (XRITC) was injected into the pericardial sac to retrogradely label PCMNs in FVB mice at postnatal days 7-9. Two days later, XRITC-labeled PCMNs in brain stem slices were identified. With the use of whole cell current clamp, single APs and spike trains of different frequencies were evoked by current injections. We found that 1) PCMNs have two different firing patterns: the majority of PCMNs (90%) exhibited spike frequency adaptation (SFA) and the rest (10%) showed less or no adaptation; 2) application of the specific SK channel blocker apamin significantly increased spike half-width in single APs and trains and reduced the spike frequency-dependent AP broadening in trains; 3) SK channel blockade suppressed afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude following single APs and trains and abolished spike-frequency dependence of AHP in trains; and 4) SK channel blockade increased the spike frequency but did not alter the pattern of SFA. Using whole cell voltage clamp, we measured outward currents and afterhyperpolarization current (I(AHP)). SK channel blockade revealed that SK-mediated outward currents had both transient and persistent components. After bath application of apamin and Ca(2+)-free solution, we found that apamin-sensitive and Ca(2+)-sensitive I(AHP) were comparable, confirming that SK channels may contribute to a major portion of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel-mediated I(AHP). These results suggest that PCMNs have SK channels that significantly regulate AP repolarization, AHP, and spike frequency but do not affect SFA. We conclude that activation of SK channels underlies one of the mechanisms for negative control of PCMN excitability.

Hypertension induced by angiotensin II and a high salt diet involves reduced SK current and increased excitability of RVLM projecting PVN neurons

Although evidence indicates that activation of presympathetic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons contributes to the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension, the underlying cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent evidence indicates that small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels play a significant role in regulating the excitability of a key group of sympathetic regulatory PVN neurons, those with axonal projections to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM; i.e., PVN-RVLM neurons). In the present study, rats consuming a high salt (2% NaCl) diet were made hypertensive by systemic infusion of angiotensin II (AngII), and whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made in brain slice from retrogradely labeled PVN-RVLM neurons. To determine if the amplitude of SK current was altered in neurons from hypertensive rats, voltage-clamp recordings were performed to isolate SK current. Results indicate that SK current amplitude (P < 0.05) and density (P < 0.01) were significantly smaller in the hypertensive group. To investigate the impact of this on intrinsic excitability, current-clamp recordings were performed in separate groups of PVN-RVLM neurons. Results indicate that the frequency of spikes evoked by current injection was significantly higher in the hypertensive group (P < 0.05-0.01). Whereas bath application of the SK channel blocker apamin significantly increased discharge of neurons from normotensive rats (P < 0.05-0.01), no effect was observed in the hypertensive group. In response to ramp current injections, subthreshold depolarizing input resistance was greater in the hypertensive group compared with the normotensive group (P < 0.05). Blockade of SK channels increased depolarizing input resistance in normotensive controls (P < 0.05) but had no effect in the hypertensive group. On termination of current pulses, a medium afterhyperpolarization potential (mAHP) was observed in most neurons of the normotensive group. In the hypertensive group, the mAHP was either small or absent. In the latter case, an afterdepolarization potential (ADP) was observed that was unaffected by apamin. Apamin treatment in the normotensive group blocked the mAHP and revealed an ADP resembling that seen in the hypertensive group. We conclude that diminished SK current likely underlies the absence of mAHPs in PVN-RVLM neurons from hypertensive rats. Both the ADP and greater depolarizing input resistance likely contribute to increased excitability of PVN-RVLM neurons from rats with AngII-Salt hypertension.

α-Catulin CTN-1 is required for BK channel subcellular localization in C. elegans body-wall muscle cells

The BK channel, a voltage- and Ca(2+)-gated large-conductance potassium channel with many important functions, is often localized at specific subcellular domains. Although proper subcellular localization is likely a prerequisite for the channel to perform its physiological functions, little is known about the molecular basis of localization. Here, we show that CTN-1, a homologue of mammalian α-catulin, is required for subcellular localization of SLO-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans BK channel α-subunit, in body-wall muscle cells. CTN-1 was identified in a genetic screen for mutants that suppressed a lethargic phenotype caused by expressing a gain-of-function (gf) isoform of SLO-1. In body-wall muscle cells, CTN-1 coclusters with SLO-1 at regions of dense bodies, which are Z-disk analogs of mammalian skeletal muscle. In ctn-1 loss-of-function (lf) mutants, SLO-1 was mislocalized in body-wall muscle but its transcription and protein level were unchanged. Targeted rescue of ctn-1(lf) in muscle was sufficient to reinstate the lethargic phenotype in slo-1(gf);ctn-1(lf). These results suggest that CTN-1 plays an important role in BK channel function by mediating channel subcellular localization.

A less flexible BK channel opens more easily

BK potassium channels regulate spike width and firing rate. A BK point mutation in humans enhances channel activity, leading to epilepsy. In this issue of Neuron, Yang and colleagues use this mutation to demonstrate that channel opening is determined by the flexibility of a region that contains a Ca(2+)-binding site.

An epilepsy/dyskinesia-associated mutation enhances BK channel activation by potentiating Ca2+ sensing

Ca(2+)-activated BK channels modulate neuronal activities, including spike frequency adaptation and synaptic transmission. Previous studies found that Ca(2+)-binding sites and the activation gate are spatially separated in the channel protein, but the mechanism by which Ca(2+) binding opens the gate over this distance remains unknown. By studying an Asp-to-Gly mutation (D434G) associated with human syndrome of generalized epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia (GEPD), we show that a cytosolic motif immediately following the activation gate S6 helix, known as the AC region, mediates the allosteric coupling between Ca(2+) binding and channel opening. The GEPD mutation inside the AC region increases BK channel activity by enhancing this allosteric coupling. We found that Ca(2+) sensitivity is enhanced by increases in solution viscosity that reduce protein dynamics. The GEPD mutation alters such a response, suggesting that a less flexible AC region may be more effective in coupling Ca(2+) binding to channel opening.

Functional expression of large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels in lateral globus pallidus neurons

The presence of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels, which are considered to play an important role in the excitability of neurons, in the highly-excitable lateral globus pallidus (LGP) neurons has yet to be confirmed. In this study, we confirmed the functional expression of BK channels in mouse LGP neurons and investigated the characteristics of their single-channel currents using inside-out patch-clamp recordings. These BK channels had a conductance of 276 pS, were activated by the elevation of both the transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), and were completely blocked by the BK channel-specific blocker paxilline (100 nM). In addition, the channel currents were sensitive to high-energy phosphate compounds and low internal pH. The cellular function of these BK channels was then investigated by nystatin-perforated whole-cell recording. Paxilline (100 nM) had no effect on the frequency and half-width of the action potential (AP) in LGP neurons under control conditions, but significantly attenuated the hyperpolarization that was caused by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), an inhibitor of ATP synthesis. In addition, the pancreatic beta-cell type ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP) channel) blocker tolbutamide (0.25 mM) also attenuated the hyperpolarization, in a manner similar to paxilline. The voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2 mM) significantly decreased the frequency and increased the half-width of the AP in LGP neurons under control conditions, and attenuated CCCP-induced hyperpolarization to an extent close to that of paxilline. The results presented here suggest that functional BK channels are present in LGP neurons, and may behave as partners of K(ATP) channels in the regulation of neuronal activity under metabolic stress conditions.

Shear stress-induced volume decrease in C11-MDCK cells by BK-alpha/beta4

Large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) are expressed in principal cells (PC) and intercalated cells (IC) in mammalian nephrons as BK-alpha/beta1 and BK-alpha/beta4, respectively. IC, which protrude into the lumens of tubules, express substantially more BK than PC despite lacking sufficient Na-K-ATPase to support K secretion. We previously showed in mice that IC exhibit size reduction when experiencing high distal flows induced by a high-K diet. We therefore tested the hypothesis that BK-alpha/beta4 are regulators of IC volume via a shear stress (tau)-induced, calcium-dependent mechanism, resulting in a reduction in intracellular K content. We determined by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis that C11-Madin-Darby canine kidney cells contained a predominance of BK-alpha/beta4. To determine the role of BK-alpha/beta4 in tau-induced volume reduction, we exposed C11 cells to tau and measured K efflux by flame photometry and cell volume by calcein staining, which changes inversely to cell volume. With 10 dynes/cm(2), calcein intensity significantly increased 39% and monovalent cationic content decreased significantly by 37% compared with static conditions. Furthermore, the shear-induced K loss from C11 was abolished by the reduction of extracellular calcium, addition of 5 mM TEA, or BK-beta4 small interfering (si) RNA, but not by addition of nontarget siRNA. These results show that BK-alpha/beta4 plays a role in shear-induced K loss from IC, suggesting that BK-alpha/beta4 regulate IC volume during high-flow conditions. Furthermore, these results support the use of C11 cells as in vitro models for studying BK-related functions in IC of the kidney.

Two distinct pools of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in the somatic plasma membrane of central principal neurons

Although nerve cell membranes are often assumed to be uniform with respect to electrical properties, there is increasing evidence for compartmentalization into subdomains with heterogeneous impacts on the overall cell function. Such microdomains are characterized by specific sets of proteins determining their functional properties. Recently, clustering of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK_Ca) channels was shown at sites of subsurface membrane cisterns in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC), where they likely participate in building a subcellular signaling unit, the 'PLasmERosome'. By applying SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labeling (SDS-FRL) and postembedding immunogold electron microscopy, we have now studied the spatial organization of somatic BK_Ca channels in neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons, principal neurons of the central and basolateral amygdaloid nuclei, hippocampal pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells to establish whether there is a common organizational principle in the distribution of BK_Ca channels in central principal neurons. In all cell types analyzed, somatic BK_Ca channels were found to be non-homogenously distributed in the plasma membrane, forming two pools of channels with one pool consisting of clustered channels and the other of scattered channels in the extrasynaptic membrane. Quantitative analysis by means of SDS-FRL revealed that about two-thirds of BK_Ca channels belong to the scattered pool and about one-third to the clustered pool in principal cell somata. Overall densities of channels in both pools differed in the different cell types analyzed, although being considerably lower compared to cerebellar PC. Postembedding immunogold labeling revealed association of clustered channels with subsurface membrane cisterns and confirmed extrasynaptic localization of scattered channels. This study indicates a common organizational principle for somatic BK_Ca channels in central principal neurons with the formation of a clustered and a scattered pool of channels, and a cell-type specific density of this channel type.

Phase-resetting curve determines how BK currents affect neuronal firing

BK channels are large conductance potassium channels gated by calcium and voltage. Paradoxically, blocking these channels has been shown experimentally to increase or decrease the firing rate of neurons, depending on the neural subtype and brain region. The mechanism for how this current can alter the firing rates of different neurons remains poorly understood. Using phase-resetting curve (PRC) theory, we determine when BK channels increase or decrease the firing rates in neural models. The addition of BK currents always decreases the firing rate when the PRC has only a positive region. When the PRC has a negative region (type II), BK currents can increase the firing rate. The influence of BK channels on firing rate in the presence of other conductances, such as I(m) and I(h), as well as with different amplitudes of depolarizing input, were also investigated. These results provide a formal explanation for the apparently contradictory effects of BK channel antagonists on firing rates.

Selective changes in inhibition as determinants for limited hyperexcitability in the insular cortex of epileptic rats

The insular cortex (IC) is involved in the generalization of epileptic discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), whereas seizures originating in the IC can mimic the epileptic phenotype seen in some patients with TLE. However, few studies have addressed the changes occurring in the IC in TLE animal models. Here, we analyzed the immunohistochemical and electrophysiological properties of IC networks in non-epileptic control and pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats. Neurons identified with a neuron-specific nuclear protein antibody showed similar counts in the two types of tissue but parvalbumin- and neuropeptide Y-positive interneurons were significantly decreased (parvalbumin, approximately -35%; neuropeptide Y, approximately -38%; P < 0.01) in the epileptic IC. Non-adapting neurons were seen more frequently in the epileptic IC during intracellular injection of depolarizing current pulses. In addition, single-shock electrical stimuli elicited network-driven epileptiform responses in 87% of epileptic and 22% of non-epileptic control neurons (P < 0.01) but spontaneous postsynaptic potentials had similar amplitude, duration and intervals of occurrence in the two groups. Finally, pharmacologically isolated, GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials had more negative reversal potential (P < 0.01) and higher peak conductance (P < 0.05) in epileptic tissue. These data reveal moderate increased network excitability in the IC of pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats. We propose that this limited degree of hyperexcitability originates from the loss of parvalbumin- and neuropeptide Y-positive interneurons that is compensated by an increased drive for GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition.

Ancillary subunits associated with voltage-dependent K+ channels

Since the first discovery of Kvbeta-subunits more than 15 years ago, many more ancillary Kv channel subunits were characterized, for example, KChIPs, KCNEs, and BKbeta-subunits. The ancillary subunits are often integral parts of native Kv channels, which, therefore, are mostly multiprotein complexes composed of voltage-sensing and pore-forming Kvalpha-subunits and of ancillary or beta-subunits. Apparently, Kv channels need the ancillary subunits to fulfill their many different cell physiological roles. This is reflected by the large structural diversity observed with ancillary subunit structures. They range from proteins with transmembrane segments and extracellular domains to purely cytoplasmic proteins. Ancillary subunits modulate Kv channel gating but can also have a great impact on channel assembly, on channel trafficking to and from the cellular surface, and on targeting Kv channels to different cellular compartments. The importance of the role of accessory subunits is further emphasized by the number of mutations that are associated in both humans and animals with diseases like hypertension, epilepsy, arrhythmogenesis, periodic paralysis, and hypothyroidism. Interestingly, several ancillary subunits have in vitro enzymatic activity; for example, Kvbeta-subunits are oxidoreductases, or modulate enzymatic activity, i.e., KChIP3 modulates presenilin activity. Thus different modes of beta-subunit association and of functional impact on Kv channels can be delineated, making it difficult to extract common principles underlying Kvalpha- and beta-subunit interactions. We critically review present knowledge on the physiological role of ancillary Kv channel subunits and their effects on Kv channel properties.

Intercalated cell BK-alpha/beta4 channels modulate sodium and potassium handling during potassium adaptation

The large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels help eliminate potassium in mammals consuming potassium-rich diets. In the distal nephron, principal cells contain BK-alpha/beta1 channels and intercalated cells contain BK-alpha/beta4 channels. We studied whether BK-beta4-deficient mice (Kcnmb4(-/-)) have altered renal sodium and potassium clearances compared with wild-type mice when fed a regular or potassium-rich diet for ten days. We did not detect differences in urinary flow or fractional excretions of potassium (FE(K)) or sodium (FE(Na)) between Kcnmb4-deficient and wild-type mice fed a regular diet. However, a potassium-rich diet led to >4-fold increases in urinary flows for both groups of mice, although Kcnmb4-deficient mice exhibited less urinary flow, higher plasma potassium concentration, more fluid retention, and significantly lower FE(K) and FE(Na) than wild-type mice despite similar plasma aldosterone levels. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased basolateral Na-K-ATPase in principal cells of all potassium-adapted mice, but expression of Na-K-ATPase in intercalated cells was >10-fold lower. The size of intercalated cells reduced and luminal volume increased among potassium-adapted wild-type but not Kcnmb4-deficient mice. Paradoxically, this led to increased urinary fluid velocity in potassium-adapted Kcnmb4-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, these data suggest that BK-alpha/beta4 channels in intercalated cells reduce cell size, increasing luminal volume to accommodate higher distal flow rates during potassium adaptation. These changes streamline flow across the principal cells, producing gradients more favorable for potassium secretion and less favorable for sodium reabsorption.

A role for BK channels in heart rate regulation in rodents

The heart generates and propagates action potentials through synchronized activation of ion channels allowing inward Na(+) and Ca(2+) and outward K(+) currents. There are a number of K(+) channel types expressed in the heart that play key roles in regulating the cardiac cycle. Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) ion channels are not thought to be directly involved in heart function. Here we present evidence that heart rate can be significantly reduced by inhibiting the activity of BK channels. Agents that specifically inhibit BK channel activity, including paxilline and lolitrem B, slowed heart rate in conscious wild-type mice by 30% and 42%, respectively. Heart rate of BK channel knock-out mice (Kcnma1(-/-)) was not affected by these BK channel inhibitors, suggesting that the changes to heart rate were specifically mediated through BK channels. The possibility that these effects were mediated through BK channels peripheral to the heart was ruled out with experiments using isolated, perfused rat hearts, which showed a significant reduction in heart rate when treated with the BK channel inhibitors paxilline (1 microM), lolitrem B (1 microM), and iberiotoxin (0.23 microM), of 34%, 60%, and 42%, respectively. Furthermore, paxilline was shown to decrease heart rate in a dose-dependent manner. These results implicate BK channels located in the heart to be directly involved in the regulation of heart rate.

BK channel and alcohol, a complicated affair

Alcohol is a fast acting molecule that alters behavior within a few minutes of absorption. Its rapid behavioral impact suggests early action on ion channels. Of all voltage-gated potassium ion channels, BK channels, a subcategory of potassium channels characterized by their large unitary conductance, and by their capacity of being activated synergistically by membrane potential and intracellular free calcium, are unique due to their high sensitivity to alcohol. In this review, we discuss BK channels structure and function, and how they help us understand the various ways BK channel mediates alcohol's effects on neuronal function and on behavior in the striatum.

In vivo role of a potassium channel-binding protein in regulating neuronal excitability and behavior

Molecular details of ion channel interactions with modulatory subunits have been investigated widely in transfected cells, but the physiological roles of ion channel modulatory protein complexes in native neurons remain largely unexplored. The Drosophila large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (dSlo) binds to and is modulated by its binding partner Slob. We have constructed flies in which Slob expression is manipulated by P-element mutagenesis, or by transgenic expression of Slob protein or Slob-RNAi. In vivo recordings of both macroscopic and single dSlo channel currents in identified neurosecretory neurons in the pars intercerebralis (PI) region of the Drosophila brain reveal that whole-cell potassium current and properties of single dSlo channels are modulated by Slob expression level. Furthermore, Slob genotype influences action potential duration in vivo. This unprecedented combination of current-clamp, macroscopic-current, and single-channel recordings from neurons in brains of living flies defines a critical role for an ion channel modulatory protein complex in the control of neuronal excitability. We show further that Slob-null flies exhibit significantly longer lifespan than controls under conditions of complete food deprivation. Crosses with deficiency lines demonstrate that this enhanced resistance to starvation-induced death maps close to the slob locus. Together, these results indicate that Slob may serve a novel regulatory function in feeding behavior, possibly by influencing the excitability of the PI neurons.

Arrested maturation of excitatory synapses in autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy

A subset of central glutamatergic synapses are coordinatelypruned and matured by unresolved mechanisms during early postnatal life. We report that human epilepsy gene LGI1, mutated in autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADLTE), mediates this process in hippocampus. We introduced full-length genes encoding (1) ADLTE truncated mutant LGI1 (835delC) and (2) excess wild-type LGI1 proteins into transgenic mice. We discovered that the normal postnatal Kv1 channel-dependent down-regulation of presynaptic release probability and Src kinase-related decrease of postsynaptic NR2B/NR2A ratio were arrested by ADLTE mutant LGI1, and contrastingly, were magnified by excess wild-type LGI1. Concurrently, mutant LGI1 inhibited dendritic pruning and increased the spine density to markedly increase excitatory transmission. Inhibitory transmission, by contrast, was unaffected. Furthermore, mutant LGI1 promoted epileptiform discharge in vitro and kindling epileptogenesis in vivo with partial GABA_A receptor blockade. Thus, LGI1 represents the first human gene mutated to promote epilepsy through impaired glutamatergic circuit maturation.

KCNE1 and KCNE3 beta-subunits regulate membrane surface expression of Kv12.2 K(+) channels in vitro and form a tripartite complex in vivo

Voltage-gated potassium channels that activate near the neuronal resting membrane potential are important regulators of excitation in the nervous system, but their functional diversity is still not well understood. For instance, Kv12.2 (ELK2, KCNH3) channels are highly expressed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and although they are most likely to contribute to resting potassium conductance, surprisingly little is known about their function or regulation. Here we demonstrate that the auxiliary MinK (KCNE1) and MiRP2 (KCNE3) proteins are important regulators of Kv12.2 channel function. Reduction of endogenous KCNE1 or KCNE3 expression by siRNA silencing, significantly increased macroscopic Kv12.2 currents in Xenopus oocytes by around 4-fold. Interestingly, an almost 9-fold increase in Kv12.2 currents was observed with the dual injection of KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA, suggesting an additive effect. Consistent with these findings, over-expression of KCNE1 and/or KCNE3 suppressed Kv12.2 currents. Membrane surface biotinylation assays showed that surface expression of Kv12.2 was significantly increased by KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA, whereas total protein expression of Kv12.2 was not affected. KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA shifted the voltages for half-maximal activation to more hyperpolarized voltages, indicating that KCNE1 and KCNE3 may also inhibit activation gating of Kv12.2. Native co-immunoprecipitation assays from mouse brain membranes imply that KCNE1 and KCNE3 interact with Kv12.2 simultaneously in vivo, suggesting the existence of novel KCNE1-KCNE3-Kv12.2 channel tripartite complexes. Together these data indicate that KCNE1 and KCNE3 interact directly with Kv12.2 channels to regulate channel membrane trafficking.

Location of the beta 4 transmembrane helices in the BK potassium channel

Large-conductance, voltage- and Ca(2+)-gated potassium (BK) channels control excitability in a number of cell types. BK channels are composed of alpha subunits, which contain the voltage-sensor domains and the Ca(2+)- sensor domains and form the pore, and often one of four types of beta subunits, which modulate the channel in a cell-specific manner. beta 4 is expressed in neurons throughout the brain. Deletion of beta 4 in mice causes temporal lobe epilepsy. Compared with channels composed of alpha alone, channels composed of alpha and beta 4 activate and deactivate more slowly. We inferred the locations of the two beta 4 transmembrane (TM) helices TM1 and TM2 relative to the seven alpha TM helices, S0-S6, from the extent of disulfide bond formation between cysteines substituted in the extracellular flanks of these TM helices. We found that beta 4 TM2 is close to alpha S0 and that beta 4 TM1 is close to both alpha S1 and S2. At least at their extracellular ends, TM1 and TM2 are not close to S3-S6. In six of eight of the most highly crosslinked cysteine pairs, four crosslinks from TM2 to S0 and one each from TM1 to S1 and S2 had small effects on the V(50) and on the rates of activation and deactivation. That disulfide crosslinking caused only small functional perturbations is consistent with the proximity of the extracellular ends of TM2 to S0 and of TM1 to S1 and to S2, in both the open and closed states.

Excitability of paraventricular nucleus neurones that project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla is regulated by small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in brain slices to investigate mechanisms regulating the excitability of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurones that project directly to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) (PVN-RVLM neurones) of rats. In voltage-clamp recordings, step depolarization elicited a calcium-dependent outward tail current that reversed near E(K). The current was nearly abolished by apamin and by UCL1684, suggesting mediation by small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. In current-clamp recordings, depolarizing step current injections evoked action potentials that underwent spike-frequency adaptation (SFA). SK channel blockade with apamin or UCL1684 increased the spike frequency without changing the rate of SFA. Upon termination of step current injection, a prominent medium after-hyperpolarization potential (mAHP) was observed. SK channel blockade abolished the mAHP and revealed an after-depolarization potential (ADP). In response to ramp current injections, the rate of sub-threshold depolarization was increased during SK channel blockade, indicating that depolarizing input resistance was increased. Miniature EPSC frequency, amplitude, and decay kinetics were unaltered by bath application of apamin, suggesting that SK channel blockade likely increased excitability by a postsynaptic action. We conclude that although SK channels play little role in generating SFA in PVN-RVLM neurones, their activation nevertheless does dampen excitability. The mechanism appears to involve activation of a mAHP that opposes a prominent ADP that would otherwise facilitate firing.

Interactions between beta subunits of the KCNMB family and Slo3: beta4 selectively modulates Slo3 expression and function

BACKGROUND

The pH and voltage-regulated Slo3 K(+) channel, a homologue of the Ca(2+)- and voltage-regulated Slo1 K(+) channel, is thought to be primarily expressed in sperm, but the properties of Slo3 studied in heterologous systems differ somewhat from the native sperm KSper pH-regulated current. There is the possibility that critical partners that regulate Slo3 function remain unidentified. The extensive amino acid identity between Slo3 and Slo1 suggests that auxiliary beta subunits regulating Slo1 channels might coassemble with and modulate Slo3 channels. Four distinct beta subunits composing the KCNMB family are known to regulate the function and expression of Slo1 Channels.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To examine the ability of the KCNMB family of auxiliary beta subunits to regulate Slo3 function, we co-expressed Slo3 and each beta subunit in heterologous expression systems and investigated the functional consequences by electrophysiological and biochemical analyses. The beta4 subunit produced an 8-10 fold enhancement of Slo3 current expression in Xenopus oocytes and a similar enhancement of Slo3 surface expression as monitored by YFP-tagged Slo3 or biotin labeled Slo3. Neither beta1, beta2, nor beta3 mimicked the ability of beta4 to increase surface expression, although biochemical tests suggested that all four beta subunits are competent to coassemble with Slo3. Fluorescence microscopy from beta4 KO mice, in which an eGFP tag replaced the deleted exon, revealed that beta4 gene promoter is active in spermatocytes. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that beta4 and Slo3 exhibit comparable mRNA abundance in both testes and sperm.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These results argue that, for native mouse Slo3 channels, the beta4 subunit must be considered as a potential interaction partner and, furthermore, that KCNMB subunits may have functions unrelated to regulation of the Slo1 alpha subunit.

Identification of large conductance calcium activated potassium channel accessory beta4 subunit in rat and mouse bladder smooth muscle

PURPOSE

The BK (large conductance voltage and Ca(2+) activated K(+)) channel is a key regulator of bladder smooth muscle contractility. To our knowledge in bladder smooth muscle the BK channel pore forming alpha subunit BKalpha associates in homotetramers with 4 regulatory smooth muscle specific beta1 subunits. We challenged this concept in identify whether other regulatory BKbeta subunits exist in mouse and rat bladder smooth muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a novel approach with single cell reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction combined with immunocytochemical studies in freshly isolated mouse and rat bladder smooth muscle cells. Western blot was also performed.

RESULTS

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction identified the mRNA expression of various BK channel subunits in freshly isolated bladder smooth muscle cells. Our data indicate that, in addition to BKalpha and BKbeta1, neuronal specific BKbeta4 is expressed in mouse and rat bladder smooth muscle cells. BKbeta4 expression was also revealed by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry was further applied to confirm the specific expression of BKbeta4 protein directly in freshly isolated mouse and rat bladder smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge we performed the first comprehensive examination of the expression of BKalpha and BKbeta subunits in bladder smooth muscle. We identified that the bladder smooth muscle BK channel has a distinctive architecture involving pore forming BKalpha and regulatory BKbeta1/beta4. Further studies of the functional roles of BKalpha, BKbeta1 and BKbeta4 directly in human bladder smooth muscle may help the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to control bladder dysfunction. New drugs targeting specific BK channel subunits in human bladder smooth muscle may prove useful for overactive bladder.

Protein expression of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels is altered in inferior colliculus neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

The genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) exhibits inherited predisposition to sound stimuli-induced generalized tonic-clonic seizures (audiogenic reflex seizures) and is a valid model to study the physiopathology of epilepsy. In this model, the inferior colliculus (IC) exhibits enhanced neuronal firing that is critical in the initiation of reflex audiogenic seizures. The mechanisms underlying IC neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizure susceptibility are not as yet fully understood. The present report shows that the levels of protein expression of SK1 and SK3 subtypes of the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels were significantly decreased, while SK2 channel proteins were increased in IC neurons of seizure-naive GEPR-3s (SN-GEPR-3), as compared to control Sprague-Dawley rats. No significant change was found in the expression of BK channel proteins in IC neurons of SN-GEPR-3s. Single episode of reflex audiogenic seizures in the GEPR-3s did not significantly alter the protein expression of SK1-3 and BK channels in IC neurons compared to SN-GEPR-3s. Thus, downregulation of SK1 and SK3 channels and upregulation of SK2 channels provide direct evidence that these Ca2+-activated K+ channels play important roles in IC neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to inherited seizure susceptibility in the GEPR.

Modulation of BKCa channel gating by endogenous signaling molecules

Large-conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK(Ca), MaxiK, or Slo1) channels are expressed in almost every tissue in our body and participate in many critical functions such as neuronal excitability, vascular tone regulation, and neurotransmitter release. The functional versatility of BK(Ca) channels owes in part to the availability of a spectacularly wide array of biological modulators of the channel function. In this review, we focus on modulation of BK(Ca) channels by small endogenous molecules, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms. The mechanistic information available from studies on the small naturally occurring modulators is expected to contribute to our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of BK(Ca) channels.

Social stress alters expression of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel subunits in mouse adrenal medulla and pituitary glands

Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are very prominently expressed in adrenal chromaffin and many anterior pituitary cells, where they shape intrinsic excitability complexly. Stress- and sex-steroids regulate alternative splicing of Slo-alpha, the pore-forming subunit of BK channels, and chronic behavioural stress has been shown to alter Slo splicing in tree shrew adrenals. In the present study, we focus on mice, measuring the effects of chronic behavioural stress on total mRNA expression of the Slo-alpha gene, two key BK channel beta subunit genes (beta2 and beta4), and the 'STREX' splice variant of Slo-alpha. As a chronic stressor, males of the relatively aggressive SJL strain were housed with a different unfamiliar SJL male every 24 h for 19 days. This 'social-instability' paradigm stressed all individuals, as demonstrated by reduced weight gain and elevated corticosterone levels. Five quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain assays were performed in parallel, including beta-actin, each calibrated against a dilution series of its corresponding cDNA template. Stress-related changes in BK expression were larger in mice tested at 6 weeks than 9 weeks. In younger animals, Slo-alpha mRNA levels were elevated 44% and 116% in the adrenal medulla and pituitary, respectively, compared to individually-housed controls. beta2 and beta4 mRNAs were elevated 162% and 194% in the pituitary, but slightly reduced in the adrenals of stressed animals. In the pituitary, dominance scores of stressed animals correlated negatively with alpha and beta subunit expression, with more subordinate individuals exhibiting levels that were three- to four-fold higher than controls or dominant individuals. STREX variant representation was lower in the subordinate subset. Thus, the combination of subunits responding to stress differs markedly between adrenal and pituitary glands. These data suggest that early stress will differentially affect neuroendocrine cell excitability, and call for detailed analysis of functional consequences.

Molecular mechanisms of BK channel activation

Large conductance, Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels are widely expressed throughout the animal kingdom and play important roles in many physiological processes, such as muscle contraction, neural transmission and hearing. These physiological roles derive from the ability of BK channels to be synergistically activated by membrane voltage, intracellular Ca(2+) and other ligands. Similar to voltage-gated K(+) channels, BK channels possess a pore-gate domain (S5-S6 transmembrane segments) and a voltage-sensor domain (S1-S4). In addition, BK channels contain a large cytoplasmic C-terminal domain that serves as the primary ligand sensor. The voltage sensor and the ligand sensor allosterically control K(+) flux through the pore-gate domain in response to various stimuli, thereby linking cellular metabolism and membrane excitability. This review summarizes the current understanding of these structural domains and their mutual interactions in voltage-, Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-dependent activation of the channel.

Bimane fluorescence scanning suggests secondary structure near the S3-S4 linker of BK channels

Gating of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK or maxi-K channels) is controlled by a Ca(2+)-sensor, formed by the channel cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, and a voltage sensor, formed by its S0-S4 transmembrane helices. Here we analyze structural properties of a portion of the BK channel voltage sensing domain, the S3-S4 linker, using fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy. Single residues in the S3-S4 linker region were substituted with cysteine, and the cysteine-substituted mutants were expressed in CHO cells and covalently labeled with the sulfhydryl-reactive fluorophore monobromo-trimethylammonio-bimane (qBBr). qBBr fluorescence is quenched by tryptophan and, to a lesser extent, tyrosine side chains. We found that qBBr fluorescence in several of the labeled cysteine-substituted channels shows position-specific quenching, as indicated by increase of the brief lifetime component of the qBBr fluorescence decay. Quenching was reduced with the mutation W203F (in the S4 segment), suggesting that Trp-203 acts as a quenching group. Our results suggest a working hypothesis for the secondary structure of the BK channel S3-S4 region, and places residues Leu-204, Gly-205, and Leu-206 within the extracellular end of the S4 helix.

{beta} subunit-specific modulations of BK channel function by a mutation associated with epilepsy and dyskinesia

Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels modulate many physiological processes including neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and regulation of myogenic tone. A gain-of-function (E/D) mutation in the pore-forming alpha subunit (Slo1) of the BK channel was recently identified and is linked to human neurological diseases of coexistent generalized epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia. Here we performed macroscopic current recordings to examine the effects of the E/D mutation on the gating kinetics, and voltage and Ca(2+) dependence of the BK channel activation in the presence of four different beta subunits (beta1-4). These beta subunits are expressed in a tissue-specific pattern and modulate BK channel function differently, providing diversity and specificity for BK channels in various physiological processes. Our results show that in human (h) Slo1-only channels, the E/D mutation increased the rate of opening and decreased the rate of closing, allowing a greater number of channels to open at more negative potentials both in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) due to increased Ca(2+) affinity and enhanced activation compared with the wild-type channels. Even in the presence of beta subunits, the E/D mutation exhibited these changes with the exception of beta3b, where Ca(2+) sensitivity changed little. However, quantitative examination of these changes shows the diversity of each beta subunit and the differential modulation of these subunits by the E/D mutation. For example, in the presence of the beta1 subunit the E/D mutation increased Ca(2+) sensitivity less but enhanced channel activation in the absence of Ca(2+) more than in hSlo1-only channels, while in the presence of the beta2 subunit the E/D mutation also altered inactivation properties. These findings suggest that depending on the distribution of the various beta subunits in the brain, the E/D mutation can modulate BK channels differently to contribute to the pathophysiology of epilepsy and dyskinesia. Additionally, these results also have implications on physiological processes in tissues other than the brain where BK channels play an important role.

CREB regulation of BK channel gene expression underlies rapid drug tolerance

Pharmacodynamic tolerance is believed to involve homeostatic mechanisms initiated to restore normal neural function. Drosophila exposed to a sedating dose of an organic solvent, such as benzyl alcohol or ethanol, acquire tolerance to subsequent sedation by that solvent. The slo gene encodes BK-type Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and has been linked to alcohol- and organic solvent-induced behavioral tolerance in mice, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and Drosophila. The cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) proteins are transcription factors that have been mechanistically linked to some behavioral changes associated with drug addiction. Here, we show that benzyl alcohol sedation alters expression of both dCREB-A and dCREB2-b genes to increase production of positively acting CREB isoforms and to reduce expression of negatively acting CREB variants. Using a CREB-responsive reporter gene, we show that benzyl alcohol sedation increases CREB-mediated transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that the binding of dCREB2, with a phosphorylated kinase-inducible domain, increases immediately after benzyl alcohol sedation within the slo promoter region. Most importantly, we show that a loss-of-function allele of dCREB2 eliminates drug-induced upregulation of slo expression and the production of benzyl alcohol tolerance. This unambiguously links dCREB2 transcription factors to these two benzyl alcohol-induced phenotypes. These findings suggest that CREB positively regulates the expression of slo-encoded BK-type Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and that this gives rise to behavioral tolerance to benzyl alcohol sedation.

Mechanism of increased BK channel activation from a channel mutation that causes epilepsy

Concerted depolarization and Ca²⁺ rise during neuronal action potentials activate large-conductance Ca²⁺- and voltage-dependent K⁺ (BK) channels, whose robust K⁺ currents increase the rate of action potential repolarization. Gain-of-function BK channels in mouse knockout of the inhibitory β4 subunit and in a human mutation (α_D434G) have been linked to epilepsy. Here, we investigate mechanisms underlying the gain-of-function effects of the equivalent mouse mutation (α_D369G), its modulation by the β4 subunit, and potential consequences of the mutation on BK currents during action potentials. Kinetic analysis in the context of the Horrigan-Aldrich allosteric gating model revealed that changes in intrinsic and Ca²⁺-dependent gating largely account for the gain-of-function effects. D369G causes a greater than twofold increase in the closed-to-open equilibrium constant (6.6e⁻⁷→1.65e⁻⁶) and an approximate twofold decrease in Ca²⁺-dissociation constants (closed channel: 11.3→5.2 µM; open channel: 0.92→0.54 µM). The β4 subunit inhibits mutant channels through a slowing of activation kinetics. In physiological recording solutions, we established the Ca²⁺ dependence of current recruitment during action potential–shaped stimuli. D369G and β4 have opposing effects on BK current recruitment, where D369G reduces and β4 increases K_1/2 (K_1/2 μM: α_WT 13.7, α_D369G 6.3, α_WT/β4 24.8, and α_D369G/β4 15.0). Collectively, our results suggest that the D369G enhancement of intrinsic gating and Ca²⁺ binding underlies greater contributions of BK current in the sharpening of action potentials for both α and α/β4 channels.

Blocking the BK channel impedes acquisition of trace eyeblink conditioning

Big-K(+) conductance (BK)-channel mediated fast afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) following action potentials are reduced after eyeblink conditioning. Blocking BK channels with paxilline increases evoked firing frequency in vitro and spontaneous pyramidal activity in vivo. To examine how increased excitability after BK-channel blockade affects learning, rats received bilateral infusions of paxilline, saline, or nothing into hippocampal CA1 prior to trace eyeblink conditioning. The drug group was slower to acquire the task, but learning was not completely impaired. This suggests that nonspecific increases in excitability and baseline neuronal firing rates caused by in vivo blockade of the BK channel may disrupt correct processing of inputs, thereby impairing hippocampus-dependent learning.

Tolerance in Drosophila

The set of genes that underlie ethanol tolerance (inducible resistance) are likely to overlap with the set of genes responsible for ethanol addiction. Whereas addiction is difficult to recognize in simple model systems, behavioral tolerance is readily identifiable and can be induced in large populations of animals. Thus, tolerance lends itself to analysis in model systems with powerful genetics. Drosophila melanogaster has been used by a variety of laboratories for the identification of genes that interfere with the acquisition of ethanol tolerance. Here, I discuss the genes identified as being important for the production of ethanol tolerance in Drosophila. Some of these genes have also been shown to be important for the production of tolerance in mammals, demonstrating that gene discovery in Drosophila has predictive value for understanding the molecular pathways that generate tolerance in mammals.

Structural determinants of lolitrems for inhibition of BK large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

Lolitrem B is an indole-diterpenoid neurotoxin which is the main causative agent of ryegrass staggers, an animal disease associated with tremors and incoordination. It is also a potent inhibitor of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel activity (IC(50)=4 nM). Furthermore, we have recently shown that the motor function deficits induced by lolitrem B are specifically mediated by BK channels, making the toxin a valuable tool for investigating the molecular function and physiological roles of these channels. To determine what structural features of BK channel agents are required for high potency, the effect of lolitrem B and seven structurally-related lolitrems on BK channel activity has been measured. Concentration-responses and conductance-voltage (G-V) relationships were determined for each compound and related to the different structure types. This study has identified seven new BK channel inhibitors and has allowed the identification of two key structural features required for high potency BK channel activity by lolitrems.

Palmitoylation gates phosphorylation-dependent regulation of BK potassium channels

Large conductance calcium- and voltage-gated potassium (BK) channels are important regulators of physiological homeostasis and their function is potently modulated by protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation. PKA regulates the channel through phosphorylation of residues within the intracellular C terminus of the pore-forming alpha-subunits. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit effects changes in channel activity are unknown. Inhibition of BK channels by PKA depends on phosphorylation of only a single alpha-subunit in the channel tetramer containing an alternatively spliced insert (STREX) suggesting that phosphorylation results in major conformational rearrangements of the C terminus. Here, we define the mechanism of PKA inhibition of BK channels and demonstrate that this regulation is conditional on the palmitoylation status of the channel. We show that the cytosolic C terminus of the STREX BK channel uniquely interacts with the plasma membrane via palmitoylation of evolutionarily conserved cysteine residues in the STREX insert. PKA phosphorylation of the serine residue immediately upstream of the conserved palmitoylated cysteine residues within STREX dissociates the C terminus from the plasma membrane, inhibiting STREX channel activity. Abolition of STREX palmitoylation by site-directed mutagenesis or pharmacological inhibition of palmitoyl transferases prevents PKA-mediated inhibition of BK channels. Thus, palmitoylation gates BK channel regulation by PKA phosphorylation. Palmitoylation and phosphorylation are both dynamically regulated; thus, cross-talk between these 2 major posttranslational signaling cascades provides a mechanism for conditional regulation of BK channels. Interplay of these distinct signaling cascades has important implications for the dynamic regulation of BK channels and physiological homeostasis.

Gender difference in BK channel expression in amygdala complex of rat brain

The expression of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channel protein in amygdala complex was higher in adult (8-10 weeks old) male rats than in female. Castration at 4-6 weeks old significantly reduced BK channel expression in amygdala to the level similar to that in female. Immunocytochemical analyses of pyramidal-like neurons isolated from amygdala revealed that somas with relatively large size were highly immunoreactive to both anti-androgen receptor (AR) and anti-BK channel antibodies, while those with smaller size were not. The double-immunopositive neurons were dominant (60%) among pyramidal-like neurons isolated from amygdala of male rats but rare among those from female. The membrane current sensitive to penitrem A, a BK channel blocker, was the major K(+) current component in large neurons and showed higher current-density than that in smaller ones. These results suggest the gender-dependent cell population expressing BK channels in amygdala complex and its up-regulation by AR stimulation.

Calcium channel dysfunction in inferior colliculus neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca(2+)) channels are thought to play an important role in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Here, using the whole cell configuration of patch-clamp techniques, we report on the modifications of biophysical and pharmacological properties of high threshold voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel currents in inferior colliculus (IC) neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s). Ca(2+) channel currents were measured by depolarizing pulses from a holding potential of - 80 mV using barium (Ba(2+)) as the charge carrier. We found that the current density of high threshold voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels was significantly larger in IC neurons of seizure-naive GEPR-3s compared to control Sprague-Dawley rats, and that seizure episodes further enhanced the current density in the GEPR-3s. The increased current density was reflected by both a - 20 mV shifts in channel activation and a 25% increase in the non-inactivating fraction of channels in seizure-naive GEPR-3s. Such changes were reduced by seizure episodes in the GEPR-3s. Pharmacological analysis of the current density suggests that upregulation of L-, N- and R-type of Ca(2+) channels may contribute to IC neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizure susceptibility in the GEPR-3s.

Characterization of BK channel splice variants using membrane potential dyes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are encoded by a single gene that displays extensive pre-mRNA splicing. Here we exploited a membrane potential assay to investigate the sensitivity of different BK splice variants to elevations in intracellular free calcium and their inhibition by the BK channel blocker paxilline.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Murine BK channel splice variants were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and their properties analysed in response to ionomycin-induced calcium influx in both fluorescent membrane potential (fluorescent-imaging plate reader) and patch clamp electrophysiological assays. The dose-dependent inhibition of distinct splice variants by the BK channel-specific blocker paxilline was also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Ionomycin-induced calcium influx induced a robust hyperpolarization of human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing distinct BK channel splice variants: stress regulated exon (STREX), e22 and ZERO. Splice variant expression resulted in membrane hyperpolarization that displayed a rank order of potency in response to calcium influx of STREX > e22 > ZERO. The BK channel inhibitor paxilline exhibited very similar potency on all three splice variants with IC(50)s in membrane potential assays of 0.35 +/- 0.04, 0.37 +/- 0.03 and 0.70 +/- 0.02 micromol x L(-1) for STREX, ZERO and e22 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

BK channel splice variants can be rapidly discriminated using membrane potential based assays, based on their sensitivity to calcium. BK channel splice variants are inhibited by the specific blocker paxilline with similar IC(50)s. Thus, paxilline may be used in functional assays to inhibit BK channel function, irrespective of the variant expressed.

Anticonvulsant effects of the BK-channel antagonist paxilline

PURPOSE

Mutations that enhance currents through the Ca(2+)- and voltage-gated K(+) channel BK (Slo, maxiK, KCNMA1) have been associated with seizure disorders in both rodent models and humans. Previously we have found that seizures themselves induce a gain-of-function in BK channels that is associated with elevated excitability in neocortical neurons. In this study, we sought to examine whether administration of BK-channel antagonists possess anticonvulsant activity in vivo.

METHODS

Seizures were induced in animals by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) antagonists picrotoxin or pentylenetetrazole. Twenty-four hours following induction of the initial seizure episode, animals were reinjected with chemoconvulsant in the presence of the BK-channel antagonist paxilline or saline. The presence and duration of tonic-clonic seizures were evaluated.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal injection of paxilline was sufficient to eliminate tonic-clonic seizures in picrotoxin-treated animals. Paxilline reduced seizure duration and intensity in pentylenetetrazole-injected animals.

DISCUSSION

The BK-channel antagonist paxilline possesses significant anticonvulsant activity in both picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazole seizure models, an effect that may be related to the seizure-dependent gain-of-function in BK channel previously observed in neocortical neurons in vitro.

Identification of a BK channel auxiliary protein controlling molecular and behavioral tolerance to alcohol

Tolerance, described as the loss of drug effectiveness over time, is an important component of addiction. The degree of acute behavioral tolerance to alcohol exhibited by a naïve subject can predict the likelihood of alcohol abuse. Thus, the determinants of acute tolerance are important to understand. Calcium- and voltage-gated (BK) potassium channels, consisting of pore forming alpha and modulatory beta subunits, are targets of ethanol (EtOH) action. Here, we examine the role, at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels, of the BK beta4 subunit in acute tolerance. Single channel recordings in HEK-293 cells show that, in the absence of beta4, EtOH potentiation of activity exhibits acute tolerance, which is blocked by coexpressing the beta4 subunit. BK channels in acutely isolated medium spiny neurons from WT mice (in which the beta4 subunit is well-represented) exhibit little tolerance. In contrast, neuronal BK channels from beta4 knockout (KO) mice do display acute tolerance. Brain slice recordings showed tolerance to EtOH's effects on spike patterning in KO but not in WT mice. In addition, beta4 KO mice develop rapid tolerance to EtOH's locomotor effects, whereas WT mice do not. Finally, in a restricted access ethanol self-administration assay, beta4 KO mice drink more than their WT counterparts. Taken together, these data indicate that the beta4 subunit controls ethanol tolerance at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels, and could determine individual differences in alcohol abuse and alcoholism, as well as represent a therapeutic target for alcoholism.

Deficit of Kcnma1 mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus of epileptic rats

Epileptogenesis in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is determined by several factors including abnormalities in the expression and function of ion channels. Here, we report a long-lasting deficit in gene expression of Kcnma1 coding for the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK, MaxiK) channel alpha-subunits after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. By using comparative real-time PCR, Taqman gene expression assays, and the delta-delta comparative threshold method we detected a significant reduction in Kcnma1 expression in microdissected dentate gyrus at different intervals after status epilepticus (24 h, 10 days, 1 month, and more than 2 months). BK channels are key regulators of neuronal excitability and transmitter release. Hence, defective Kcnma1 expression may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Species-specific Differences among KCNMB3 BK beta3 auxiliary subunits: some beta3 N-terminal variants may be primate-specific subunits

The KCNMB3 gene encodes one of a family of four auxiliary beta subunits found in the mammalian genome that associate with Slo1 alpha subunits and regulate BK channel function. In humans, the KCNMB3 gene contains four N-terminal alternative exons that produce four functionally distinct beta3 subunits, beta3a-d. Three variants, beta3a-c, exhibit kinetically distinct inactivation behaviors. Since investigation of the physiological roles of BK auxiliary subunits will depend on studies in rodents, here we have determined the identity and functional properties of mouse beta3 variants. Whereas beta1, beta2, and beta4 subunits exhibit 83.2%, 95.3%, and 93.8% identity between mouse and human, the mouse beta3 subunit, excluding N-terminal splice variants, shares only 62.8% amino acid identity with its human counterpart. Based on an examination of the mouse genome and screening of mouse cDNA libraries, here we have identified only two N-terminal candidates, beta3a and beta3b, of the four found in humans. Both human and mouse beta3a subunits produce a characteristic use-dependent inactivation. Surprisingly, whereas the hbeta3b exhibits rapid inactivation, the putative mbeta3b does not inactivate. Furthermore, unlike hbeta3, the mbeta3 subunit, irrespective of the N terminus, mediates a shift in gating to more negative potentials at a given Ca(2+) concentration. The shift in gating gradually is lost following patch excision, suggesting that the gating shift involves some regulatory process dependent on the cytosolic milieu. Examination of additional genomes to assess conservation among splice variants suggests that the putative mbeta3b N terminus may not be a true orthologue of the hbeta3b N terminus and that both beta3c and beta3d appear likely to be primate-specific N-terminal variants. These results have three key implications: first, functional properties of homologous beta3 subunits may differ among mammalian species; second, the specific physiological roles of homologous beta3 subunits may differ among mammalian species; and, third, some beta3 variants may be primate-specific ion channel subunits.

Intra-amygdaloid injection of kainic acid in rats with genetic absence epilepsy: the relationship of typical absence epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy

We showed previously that genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) resist secondary generalization of focal limbic seizures after electrical kindling. We now investigate the effect of intra-amygdaloid injection of kainic acid, as another model of temporal lobe epilepsy, focusing on epileptogenesis, spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs), and the transition from basal to SWD states in GAERS. The EEG was recorded from the hippocampus and cortex of adult GAERS and Wistar rats before kainic acid injections into the basolateral amygdala and for 3 months thereafter. EEG and video recordings monitored SWDs and convulsive seizures. We analyzed spectral changes of the EEG during kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, SWDs, for 10 s before (silent period) and for 2 s before (transition period) SWDs. After the injection of kainic acid, all animals experienced convulsive seizures for at least 3 h. The first convulsive seizure was significantly delayed in GAERS compared with Wistar rats. SWDs and increases in power of the delta, alpha, and beta frequency ranges during the transition period disappeared after the kainic acid injection for 1-3 d and gradually reappeared. Power increases in the delta and alpha ranges were significantly correlated with the number of SWDs, in the beta and alpha ranges with their mean duration. Neo-Timm's staining at the end of experiments demonstrated that mossy fiber sprouting in GAERS is less pronounced than in Wistar rats. Our findings show that mechanisms underlying absence epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy interact with each other, although a site of this interaction remains to be defined.

Structural basis for toxin resistance of beta4-associated calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels

The functional diversity of large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependent K(+) (BK) channels arises mainly from co-assembly of the pore-forming mSlo alpha subunits with four tissue-enriched auxiliary beta subunits. The structural basis of the interaction between alpha subunits with beta subunits is not well understood. Using computational and experimental methods, we demonstrated that four mSlo turrets decentralized distally from the channel pore to provide a wide open conformation and that the mSlo and hbeta4 subunits together formed a "helmet" containing three basic residues (Lys-120, Arg-121, and Lys-125), which impeded the entry of charybdotoxin (ChTX) by both the electrostatic interaction and limited space. In addition, the tyrosine insert mutant (in100Y) showed 56% inhibition, with a K(d) = 17 nm, suggesting that the hbeta4 lacks an external ChTX-binding site (Tyr-100). We also found that mSlo had an internal binding site (Tyr-294) in the alpha subunits that could "permanently" block 15% of mSlo+hbeta4 currents in the presence of 100 nm ChTX. These findings provide a better understanding of the diverse interactions between alpha and beta subunits and will improve the design of channel inhibitors.

Fear conditioning and extinction differentially modify the intrinsic excitability of infralimbic neurons

Extinction of conditioned fear is an active learning process involving inhibition of fear expression. It has been proposed that fear extinction potentiates neurons in the infralimbic (IL) prefrontal cortex, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this potentiation remain unknown. It is also not known whether this potentiation occurs locally in IL neurons as opposed to IL afferents. To determine whether extinction enhances the intrinsic excitability of IL pyramidal neurons in layers II/III and V, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices from naive, conditioned, or conditioned-extinguished rats. We observed that conditioning depressed IL excitability compared with slices from naive animals, as evidenced by a decreased number of spikes evoked by injected current and an increase in the slow afterhyperpolarizing potential (sAHP). Extinction reversed these conditioning-induced effects. Furthermore, IL neurons from extinguished rats showed increased burst spiking compared with naive rats, which was correlated with extinction recall. These changes were specific to IL prefrontal cortex and were not observed in prelimbic prefrontal cortex. Together, these findings suggest that IL intrinsic excitability is reduced to allow for expression of conditioning memory and enhanced for expression of extinction memory through the modulation of Ca(2+)-gated K(+) channels underlying the sAHP. Inappropriate modulation of these intrinsic mechanisms may underlie anxiety disorders, characterized by exaggerated fear and deficient extinction.