1
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Wang J, Liu H, Sun Z, Zou X, Zhang Z, Wei X, Pan L, Stalin A, Zhao W, Chen Y. The Inhibitory Effect of Magnolol on the Human TWIK1 Channel Is Related to G229 and T225 Sites. Molecules 2023; 28:6815. [PMID: 37836658 PMCID: PMC10574557 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIK1 (K2P1.1/KCNK1) belongs to the potassium channels of the two-pore domain. Its current is very small and difficult to measure. In this work, we used a 100 mM NH4+ extracellular solution to increase TWIK1 current in its stable cell line expressed in HEK293. Then, the inhibition of magnolol on TWIK1 was observed via a whole-cell patch clamp experiment, and it was found that magnolol had a significant inhibitory effect on TWIK1 (IC50 = 6.21 ± 0.13 μM). By molecular docking and alanine scanning mutagenesis, the IC50 of TWIK1 mutants G229A, T225A, I140A, L223A, and S224A was 20.77 ± 3.20, 21.81 ± 7.93, 10.22 ± 1.07, 9.55 ± 1.62, and 7.43 ± 3.20 μM, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the inhibition of the TWIK1 channel by magnolol is related to G229 and T225 on the P2- pore helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Huan Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Zhuolin Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Xinyi Zou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Xiaofeng Wei
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Lanying Pan
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China;
| | - Wei Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.W.); (H.L.); (Z.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
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2
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Nematian-Ardestani E, Abd-Wahab F, Chatelain FC, Sun H, Schewe M, Baukrowitz T, Tucker SJ. Selectivity filter instability dominates the low intrinsic activity of the TWIK-1 K2P K + channel. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:610-618. [PMID: 31806709 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels have many important physiological functions. However, the functional properties of the TWIK-1 (K2P1.1/KCNK1) K2P channel remain poorly characterized because heterologous expression of this ion channel yields only very low levels of functional activity. Several underlying reasons have been proposed, including TWIK-1 retention in intracellular organelles, inhibition by posttranslational sumoylation, a hydrophobic barrier within the pore, and a low open probability of the selectivity filter (SF) gate. By evaluating these potential mechanisms, we found that the latter dominates the low intrinsic functional activity of TWIK-1. Investigating this further, we observed that the low activity of the SF gate appears to arise from the inefficiency of K+ in stabilizing an active (i.e. conductive) SF conformation. In contrast, other permeant ion species, such as Rb+, NH4 +, and Cs+, strongly promoted a pH-dependent activated conformation. Furthermore, many K2P channels are activated by membrane depolarization via an SF-mediated gating mechanism, but we found here that only very strong nonphysiological depolarization produces voltage-dependent activation of heterologously expressed TWIK-1. Remarkably, we also observed that TWIK-1 Rb+ currents are potently inhibited by intracellular K+ (IC50 = 2.8 mm). We conclude that TWIK-1 displays unique SF gating properties among the family of K2P channels. In particular, the apparent instability of the conductive conformation of the TWIK-1 SF in the presence of K+ appears to dominate the low levels of intrinsic functional activity observed when the channel is expressed at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Nematian-Ardestani
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Firdaus Abd-Wahab
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Franck C Chatelain
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Labex ICST, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Han Sun
- Department of Structural Biology, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Schewe
- Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Baukrowitz
- Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stephen J Tucker
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom.
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3
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Nematian-ardestani E, Abd-wahab MF, Chatelain FC, Sun H, Schewe M, Baukrowitz T, Tucker SJ. Selectivity filter instability dominates the low intrinsic activity of the TWIK-1 K2P K + Channel.. [DOI: 10.1101/735704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTTwo-pore domain (K2P) K+ channels have many important physiological functions. However, the functional properties of the TWIK-1 (K2P1.1/KCNK1) K2P channel remain poorly characterized because heterologous expression of this ion channel yields only very low levels of functional activity. Several underlying reasons have been proposed, including TWIK-1 retention in intracellular organelles, inhibition by post-translational sumoylation, a hydrophobic barrier within the pore, and a low open probability of the selectivity filter (SF) gate. By evaluating these various potential mechanisms, we found that the latter dominates the low intrinsic functional activity of TWIK-1. Investigating the underlying mechanism, we observed that the low activity of the SF gate appears to arise from the inefficiency of K+ in stabilizing an active (i.e. conductive) SF conformation. In contrast, other permeant ion species, such as Rb+, NH4+, and Cs+, strongly promoted a pH-dependent activated conformation. Furthermore, many K2P channels are activated by membrane depolarization via a SF-mediated gating mechanism, but we found here that only very strong, non-physiological depolarization produces voltage-dependent activation of heterologously expressed TWIK-1. Remarkably, we also observed that TWIK-1 Rb+ currents are potently inhibited by intracellular K+ (IC50 = 2.8 mM). We conclude that TWIK-1 displays unique SF gating properties among the family of K2P channels. In particular, the apparent instability of the conductive conformation of the TWIK-1 SF in the presence of K+ appears to dominate the low levels of intrinsic functional activity observed when the channel is expressed at the cell surface.
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4
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Tsukamoto H, Higashi M, Motoki H, Watanabe H, Ganser C, Nakajo K, Kubo Y, Uchihashi T, Furutani Y. Structural properties determining low K + affinity of the selectivity filter in the TWIK1 K + channel. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:6969-6984. [PMID: 29545310 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.001817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical K+ channels are tetrameric and highly K+-selective, whereas two-pore-domain K+ (K2P) channels form dimers, but with a similar pore architecture. A two-pore-domain potassium channel TWIK1 (KCNK1 or K2P1) allows permeation of Na+ and other monovalent ions, resulting mainly from the presence of Thr-118 in the P1 domain. However, the mechanistic basis for this reduced selectivity is unclear. Using ion-exchange-induced difference IR spectroscopy, we analyzed WT TWIK1 and T118I (highly K+-selective) and L228F (substitution in the P2 domain) TWIK1 variants and found that in the presence of K+ ions, WT and both variants exhibit an amide-I band at 1680 cm-1 This band corresponds to interactions of the backbone carbonyls in the selectivity filter with K+, a feature very similar to that of the canonical K+ channel KcsA. Computational analysis indicated that the relatively high frequency for the amide-I band is well explained by impairment of hydrogen bond formation with water molecules. Moreover, concentration-dependent spectral changes indicated that the K+ affinity of the WT selectivity filter was much lower than those of the variants. Furthermore, only the variants displayed a higher frequency shift of the 1680-cm-1 band upon changes from K+ to Rb+ or Cs+ conditions. High-speed atomic force microscopy disclosed that TWIK1's surface morphology largely does not change in K+ and Na+ solutions. Our results reveal the local conformational changes of the TWIK1 selectivity filter and suggest that the amide-I bands may be useful "molecular fingerprints" for assessing the properties of other K+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Tsukamoto
- From the Department of Life and Coordination-Complex Molecular Science, Institute for Molecular Science, and.,Departments of Structural Molecular Science and
| | - Masahiro Higashi
- the Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Nakagami, Okinawa 903-0213
| | - Hideyoshi Motoki
- the Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Nakagami, Okinawa 903-0213
| | - Hiroki Watanabe
- the Department of Physics and Structural Biology Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, and
| | - Christian Ganser
- the Department of Physics and Structural Biology Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, and
| | - Koichi Nakajo
- the Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigo-Naka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 38 Nishigo-Naka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585
| | - Yoshihiro Kubo
- the Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigo-Naka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 38 Nishigo-Naka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585
| | - Takayuki Uchihashi
- the Department of Physics and Structural Biology Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, and
| | - Yuji Furutani
- From the Department of Life and Coordination-Complex Molecular Science, Institute for Molecular Science, and .,Departments of Structural Molecular Science and
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5
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Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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6
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 891] [Impact Index Per Article: 148.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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7
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Oakes V, Furini S, Pryde D, Domene C. Exploring the Dynamics of the TWIK-1 Channel. Biophys J 2017; 111:775-784. [PMID: 27558721 PMCID: PMC5002071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels in the two-pore domain family (K2P) have various structural attributes that differ from those of other K(+) channels, including a dimeric assembly constituted of nonidentical domains and an expansive extracellular cap. Crystallization of the prototypical K2P channel, TWIK-1, finally revealed the structure of these characteristics in atomic detail, allowing computational studies to be undertaken. In this study, we performed molecular-dynamics simulations for a cumulative time of ∼1 μs to discern the mechanism of ion transport throughout TWIK-1. We observed the free passage of ions beneath the extracellular cap and identified multiple high-occupancy sites in close proximity to charged residues on the protein surface. Despite the overall topological similarity of the x-ray structure of the selectivity filter to other K(+) channels, the structure diverges significantly in molecular-dynamics simulations as a consequence of nonconserved residues in both pore domains contributing to the selectivity filter (T118 and L228). The behavior of such residues has been linked to channel inactivation and the phenomenon of dynamic selectivity, where TWIK-1 displays robust Na(+) inward flux in response to subphysiological K(+) concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Oakes
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Furini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - David Pryde
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Domene
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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8
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Du Y, Kiyoshi CM, Wang Q, Wang W, Ma B, Alford CC, Zhong S, Wan Q, Chen H, Lloyd EE, Bryan RM, Zhou M. Genetic Deletion of TREK-1 or TWIK-1/TREK-1 Potassium Channels does not Alter the Basic Electrophysiological Properties of Mature Hippocampal Astrocytes In Situ. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:13. [PMID: 26869883 PMCID: PMC4738265 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that a linear current-to-voltage (I-V) relationship of membrane conductance (passive conductance) reflects the intrinsic property of K+ channels in mature astrocytes. While passive conductance is known to underpin a highly negative and stable membrane potential (VM) essential for the basic homeostatic function of astrocytes, a complete repertoire of the involved K+ channels remains elusive. TREK-1 two-pore domain K+ channel (K2P) is highly expressed in astrocytes, and covalent association of TREK-1 with TWIK-1, another highly expressed astrocytic K2P, has been reported as a mechanism underlying the trafficking of heterodimer TWIK-1/TREK-1 channel to the membrane and contributing to astrocyte passive conductance. To decipher the individual contribution of TREK-1 and address whether the appearance of passive conductance is conditional to the co-expression of TWIK-1/TREK-1 in astrocytes, TREK-1 single and TWIK-1/TREK-1 double gene knockout mice were used in the present study. The relative quantity of mRNA encoding other astrocyte K+ channels, such as Kir4.1, Kir5.1, and TREK-2, was not altered in these gene knockout mice. Whole-cell recording from hippocampal astrocytes in situ revealed no detectable changes in astrocyte passive conductance, VM, or membrane input resistance (Rin) in either kind of gene knockout mouse. Additionally, TREK-1 proteins were mainly located in the intracellular compartments of the hippocampus. Altogether, genetic deletion of TREK-1 alone or together with TWIK-1 produced no obvious alteration in the basic electrophysiological properties of hippocampal astrocytes. Thus, future research focusing on other K+ channels may shed light on this long-standing and important question in astrocyte physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Du
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Conrad M Kiyoshi
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurology, Meitan General HospitalXibahe Nanli, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Baofeng Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Catherine C Alford
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shiying Zhong
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, China
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Biological Science, University at Albany, State University of New York Albany, NY, USA
| | - Eric E Lloyd
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert M Bryan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
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9
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Functional mutagenesis screens reveal the 'cap structure' formation in disulfide-bridge free TASK channels. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19492. [PMID: 26794006 PMCID: PMC4726246 DOI: 10.1038/srep19492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels have a large extracellular cap structure formed by two M1-P1 linkers, containing a cysteine for dimerization. However, this cysteine is not present in the TASK-1/3/5 subfamily. The functional role of the cap is poorly understood and it remained unclear whether K2P channels assemble in the domain-swapped orientation or not. Functional alanine-mutagenesis screens of TASK-1 and TRAAK were used to build an in silico model of the TASK-1 cap. According to our data the cap structure of disulfide-bridge free TASK channels is similar to that of other K2P channels and is most likely assembled in the domain-swapped orientation. As the conserved cysteine is not essential for functional expression of all K2P channels tested, we propose that hydrophobic residues at the inner leaflets of the cap domains can interact with each other and that this way of stabilizing the cap is most likely conserved among K2P channels.
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10
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New Insights on Astrocyte Ion Channels: Critical for Homeostasis and Neuron-Glia Signaling. J Neurosci 2016; 35:13827-35. [PMID: 26468182 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2603-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Initial biophysical studies on glial cells nearly 50 years ago identified these cells as being electrically silent. These first studies also demonstrated a large K(+) conductance, which led to the notion that glia may regulate extracellular K(+) levels homeostatically. This view has now gained critical support from the study of multiple disease models discussed herein. Dysfunction of a major astrocyte K(+) channel, Kir4.1, appears as an early pathological event underlying neuronal phenotypes in several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. An expanding list of other astrocyte ion channels, including the calcium-activated ion channel BEST-1, hemichannels, and two-pore domain K(+) channels, all contribute to astrocyte biology and CNS function and underpin new forms of crosstalk between neurons and glia. Once considered merely the glue that holds the brain together, it is now increasingly recognized that astrocytes contribute in several fundamental ways to neuronal function. Emerging new insights and future perspectives of this active research area are highlighted within. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The critical role of astrocyte potassium channels in CNS homeostasis has been reemphasized by recent studies conducted in animal disease models. Emerging evidence also supports the signaling role mediated by astrocyte ion channels such as BEST1, hemichannels, and two-pore channels, which enable astrocytes to interact with neurons and regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. This minisymposium highlights recent developments and future perspectives of these research areas.
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11
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The K+ channel KIR2.1 functions in tandem with proton influx to mediate sour taste transduction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:E229-38. [PMID: 26627720 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1514282112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sour taste is detected by a subset of taste cells on the tongue and palate epithelium that respond to acids with trains of action potentials. Entry of protons through a Zn(2+)-sensitive proton conductance that is specific to sour taste cells has been shown to be the initial event in sour taste transduction. Whether this conductance acts in concert with other channels sensitive to changes in intracellular pH, however, is not known. Here, we show that intracellular acidification generates excitatory responses in sour taste cells, which can be attributed to block of a resting K(+) current. We identify KIR2.1 as the acid-sensitive K(+) channel in sour taste cells using pharmacological and RNA expression profiling and confirm its contribution to sour taste with tissue-specific knockout of the Kcnj2 gene. Surprisingly, acid sensitivity is not conferred on sour taste cells by the specific expression of Kir2.1, but by the relatively small magnitude of the current, which makes the cells exquisitely sensitive to changes in intracellular pH. Consistent with a role of the K(+) current in amplifying the sensory response, entry of protons through the Zn(2+)-sensitive conductance produces a transient block of the KIR2.1 current. The identification in sour taste cells of an acid-sensitive K(+) channel suggests a mechanism for amplification of sour taste and may explain why weak acids that produce intracellular acidification, such as acetic acid, taste more sour than strong acids.
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12
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Wang W, Kiyoshi CM, Du Y, Ma B, Alford CC, Chen H, Zhou M. mGluR3 Activation Recruits Cytoplasmic TWIK-1 Channels to Membrane that Enhances Ammonium Uptake in Hippocampal Astrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6169-6182. [PMID: 26553349 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
TWIK-1 two-pore domain K+ channels are highly expressed in mature hippocampal astrocytes. While the TWIK-1 activity is readily detectable on astrocyte membrane, the majority of channels are retained in the intracellular compartments, which raises an intriguing question of whether the membrane TWIK-1 channels could be dynamically regulated for functions yet unknown. Here, the regulation of TWIK-1 membrane expression by Gi/Go-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3) and its functional impact on ammonium uptake has been studied. Activation of mGluR3 induced a marked translocation of TWIK-1 channels from the cytoplasm to the membrane surface. Consistent with our early observation that membrane TWIK-1 behaves as nonselective monovalent cation channel, mGluR3-mediated TWIK-1 membrane expression was associated with a depolarizing membrane potential (V M). As TWIK-1 exhibits a discernibly high permeability to ammonium (NH4+), a critical substrate in glutamate-glutamine cycle for neurotransmitter replenishment, regulation of NH4+ uptake capacity by TWIK-1 membrane expression was determined by response of astrocyte V M to bath application of 5 mM NH4Cl. Stimulation of mGluR3 potentiated NH4+-induced V M depolarization by ∼30 % in wild type, but not in TWIK-1 knockout astrocytes. Furthermore, activation of mGluR3 mediated a coordinated translocation of TWIK-1 channels with recycling endosomes toward astrocyte membrane and the mGluR3-mediated potentiation of NH4+ uptake required a functional Rab-mediated trafficking pathway. Altogether, we demonstrate that the activation of mGluR3 up-regulates the membrane expression of TWIK-1 that in turn enhances NH4+ uptake in astrocytes, a mechanism potentially important for functional coupling of astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycle with the replenishment of neurotransmitters in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Conrad M Kiyoshi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yixing Du
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Baofeng Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Catherine C Alford
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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13
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Renigunta V, Schlichthörl G, Daut J. Much more than a leak: structure and function of K₂p-channels. Pflugers Arch 2015; 467:867-94. [PMID: 25791628 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, we have seen an enormous increase in the number of experimental studies on two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P-channels). The collection of reviews and original articles compiled for this special issue of Pflügers Archiv aims to give an up-to-date summary of what is known about the physiology and pathophysiology of K2P-channels. This introductory overview briefly describes the structure of K2P-channels and their function in different organs. Its main aim is to provide some background information for the 19 reviews and original articles of this special issue of Pflügers Archiv. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review; instead, this introductory overview focuses on some unresolved questions and controversial issues, such as: Do K2P-channels display voltage-dependent gating? Do K2P-channels contribute to the generation of action potentials? What is the functional role of alternative translation initiation? Do K2P-channels have one or two or more gates? We come to the conclusion that we are just beginning to understand the extremely complex regulation of these fascinating channels, which are often inadequately described as 'leak channels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Renigunta
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Marburg University, 35037, Marburg, Germany
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14
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Aryal P, Abd-Wahab F, Bucci G, Sansom MSP, Tucker SJ. A hydrophobic barrier deep within the inner pore of the TWIK-1 K2P potassium channel. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4377. [PMID: 25001086 PMCID: PMC4102122 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent X-ray crystal structures of the two-pore domain (K2P) family of potassium channels have revealed a unique structural architecture at the point where the cytoplasmic bundle-crossing gate is found in most other tetrameric K(+) channels. However, despite the apparently open nature of the inner pore in the TWIK-1 (K2P1/KCNK1) crystal structure, the reasons underlying its low levels of functional activity remain unclear. In this study, we use a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and functional validation to demonstrate that TWIK-1 possesses a hydrophobic barrier deep within the inner pore, and that stochastic dewetting of this hydrophobic constriction acts as a major barrier to ion conduction. These results not only provide an important insight into the mechanisms which control TWIK-1 channel activity, but also have important implications for our understanding of how ion permeation may be controlled in similar ion channels and pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla Aryal
- 1] Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK [2] Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK [3] OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Firdaus Abd-Wahab
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Giovanna Bucci
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Mark S P Sansom
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK [2] OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Stephen J Tucker
- 1] Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK [2] OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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15
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Wang W, Putra A, Schools GP, Ma B, Chen H, Kaczmarek LK, Barhanin J, Lesage F, Zhou M. The contribution of TWIK-1 channels to astrocyte K(+) current is limited by retention in intracellular compartments. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:246. [PMID: 24368895 PMCID: PMC3856854 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
TWIK-1 two-pore domain K+ channels are expressed abundantly in astrocytes. In the present study, we examined the extent to which TWIK-1 contributes to the linear current-voltage (I–V) relationship (passive) K+ membrane conductance, a dominant electrophysiological feature of mature hippocampal astrocytes. Astrocytes from TWIK-1 knockout mice have a more negative resting potential than those from wild type animals and a reduction in both inward rectification and Cs+ permeability. Nevertheless, the overall whole-cell passive conductance is not altered significantly in TWIK-1 knockout astrocytes. The expression of Kir4.1 and TREK-1, two other major astrocytic K+ channels, or of other two-pore K+ channels is not altered in TWIK-1 knockout mice, suggesting that the mild effect of TWIK-1 knockout does not result from compensation by these channels. Fractionation experiments showed that TWIK-1 is primarily localized in intracellular cytoplasmic fractions (55%) and mildly hydrophobic internal compartment fractions (41%), with only 5% in fractions containing plasma membranes. Our study revealed that TWIK-1 proteins are mainly located in the intracellular compartments of hippocampal astrocyte under physiological condition, therefore a minimal contribution of TWIK-1 channels to whole-cell currents is likely attributable to a relatively low level presence of channels in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Adhytia Putra
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Baofeng Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY Albany, NY, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jacques Barhanin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis Valbonne, France
| | - Florian Lesage
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis Valbonne, France
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
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16
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Ma L, Zhang X, Zhou M, Chen H. Acid-sensitive TWIK and TASK two-pore domain potassium channels change ion selectivity and become permeable to sodium in extracellular acidification. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:37145-53. [PMID: 22948150 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.398164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-pore domain K(+) channels (K2P) mediate background K(+) conductance and play a key role in a variety of cellular functions. Among the 15 mammalian K2P isoforms, TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K(+) channels are sensitive to extracellular acidification. Lowered or acidic extracellular pH (pH(o)) strongly inhibits outward currents through these K2P channels. However, the mechanism of how low pH(o) affects these acid-sensitive K2P channels is not well understood. Here we show that in Na(+)-based bath solutions with physiological K(+) gradients, lowered pH(o) largely shifts the reversal potential of TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K(+) channels, which are heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, into the depolarizing direction and significantly increases their Na(+) to K(+) relative permeability. Low pH(o)-induced inhibitions in these acid-sensitive K2P channels are more profound in Na(+)-based bath solutions than in channel-impermeable N-methyl-D-glucamine-based bath solutions, consistent with increases in the Na(+) to K(+) relative permeability and decreases in electrochemical driving forces of outward K(+) currents of the channels. These findings indicate that TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K(+) channels change ion selectivity in response to lowered pH(o), provide insights on the understanding of how extracellular acidification modulates acid-sensitive K2P channels, and imply that these acid-sensitive K2P channels may regulate cellular function with dynamic changes in their ion selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Ma
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, USA
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