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Ramírez-Piscina L, Sancho JM. Subconductance states in a semimicroscopic model for a tetrameric pore. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:044402. [PMID: 38755917 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.044402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
A physical model for a structured tetrameric pore is studied. The pore is modeled as a device composed of four subunits, each one exhibiting two possible states (open and closed). The pore is located within a membrane that separates two reservoirs with ionic solutions. All variables of the model follow physical dynamical equations accounting for the internal structure of the pore, derived from a single energy functional and supplemented with thermal noises. An extensive study of the resulting ionic intensity is performed for different values of the control parameters, mainly membrane potential and reservoir ion concentrations. Two possible physical devices are studied: voltage-gated (including a voltage sensor in each subunit) and non-voltage-gated pores. The ionic flux through the pore exhibits several distinct dynamical configurations, in particular subconductance states, which indicate very different dynamical internal states of the subunits. Such subconductance states become much easier to observe in sensorless pores. These results are compared with available experimental data on tetrameric K channels and analytical predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ramírez-Piscina
- Departament de Física Aplicada, EPSEB, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Avinguda Doctor Marañón, 44, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Sancho
- Universitat de Barcelona, Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Martí i Franqués, 1, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Lu A, Kimble M, Justinen S, Morris DP, Wang C, Martinez DE, Hessinger DA. BK Channels Function in Nematocyst Discharge from Vibration-Sensitive Cnidocyte Supporting Cell Complexes of the Sea Anemone Diadumene lineata. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2023; 245:88-102. [PMID: 38976849 DOI: 10.1086/730702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
AbstractIntegrated chemo- and mechanosensory pathways, along with activated calcium influxes, regulate nematocyst discharge from sea anemone tentacles. Discharge from vibration-sensitive Type A cnidocyte supporting cell complexes use calcium-conducting transient receptor potential V4-like channels. Because calcium influxes often couple with calcium-activated, large-conductance potassium (BK) channels, we hypothesized that BK channels function in nematocyst discharge. To verify this hypothesis, we first tested five selective BK channel blockers on nematocyst-mediated prey killing in Diadumene lineata (aka Haliplanella luciae). All tested BK channel blockers inhibited prey killing at concentrations comparable to their inhibition of vertebrate BK channels. In addition, the BK channel blocker paxilline selectively inhibited prey killing mediated by vibration-sensitive Type A cnidocyte supporting cell complexes. We queried a mammalian BKα amino acid sequence to the Exaiptasia diaphena database, from which we identified a putative anemone, pore-forming BKα subunit sequence. Using the E. diaphena BKα sequence as a template, we assembled a BKα transcript from our assembled D. lineata transcriptome. In addition, the hydra homolog of D. lineata BKα localizes to nematocytes on the hydra single-cell RNA sequencing map. Our findings suggest that D. lineata expresses BK channels that play a role in vibration-sensitive nematocyst discharge from Type A cnidocyte supporting cell complexes. We believe this is the first functional demonstration of BK channels in nonbilaterians. Because stimulated chemoreceptors frequency tune Type A cnidocyte supporting cell complexes to frequencies matching swimming movements of prey via a protein kinase A signaling pathway and protein kinase A generally activates BK channels, we suggest that D. lineata BK channels may participate in protein kinase A-mediated frequency tuning.
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3
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Co-dependent regulation of p-BRAF and potassium channel KCNMA1 levels drives glioma progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:61. [PMID: 36763212 PMCID: PMC9918570 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BRAF mutations have been found in gliomas which exhibit abnormal electrophysiological activities, implying their potential links with the ion channel functions. In this study, we identified the Drosophila potassium channel, Slowpoke (Slo), the ortholog of human KCNMA1, as a critical factor involved in dRafGOF glioma progression. Slo was upregulated in dRafGOF glioma. Knockdown of slo led to decreases in dRafGOF levels, glioma cell proliferation, and tumor-related phenotypes. Overexpression of slo in glial cells elevated dRaf expression and promoted cell proliferation. Similar mutual regulations of p-BRAF and KCNMA1 levels were then recapitulated in human glioma cells with the BRAF mutation. Elevated p-BRAF and KCNMA1 were also observed in HEK293T cells upon the treatment of 20 mM KCl, which causes membrane depolarization. Knockdown KCNMA1 in these cells led to a further decrease in cell viability. Based on these results, we conclude that the levels of p-BRAF and KCNMA1 are co-dependent and mutually regulated. We propose that, in depolarized glioma cells with BRAF mutations, high KCNMA1 levels act to repolarize membrane potential and facilitate cell growth. Our study provides a new strategy to antagonize the progression of gliomas as induced by BRAF mutations.
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4
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Guntur D, Olschewski H, Enyedi P, Csáki R, Olschewski A, Nagaraj C. Revisiting the Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium (BKCa) Channels in the Pulmonary Circulation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1629. [PMID: 34827626 PMCID: PMC8615660 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium ion concentrations, controlled by ion pumps and potassium channels, predominantly govern a cell's membrane potential and the tone in the vessels. Calcium-activated potassium channels respond to two different stimuli-changes in voltage and/or changes in intracellular free calcium. Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels assemble from pore forming and various modulatory and auxiliary subunits. They are of vital significance due to their very high unitary conductance and hence their ability to rapidly cause extreme changes in the membrane potential. The pathophysiology of lung diseases in general and pulmonary hypertension, in particular, show the implication of either decreased expression and partial inactivation of BKCa channel and its subunits or mutations in the genes encoding different subunits of the channel. Signaling molecules, circulating humoral molecules, vasorelaxant agents, etc., have an influence on the open probability of the channel in pulmonary arterial vascular cells. BKCa channel is a possible therapeutic target, aimed to cause vasodilation in constricted or chronically stiffened vessels, as shown in various animal models. This review is a comprehensive collation of studies on BKCa channels in the pulmonary circulation under hypoxia (hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction; HPV), lung pathology, and fetal to neonatal transition, emphasising pharmacological interventions as viable therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Guntur
- Experimental Anaesthesiology, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Horst Olschewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria;
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Péter Enyedi
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, 1094 Budapest, Hungary; (P.E.); (R.C.)
| | - Réka Csáki
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, 1094 Budapest, Hungary; (P.E.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea Olschewski
- Experimental Anaesthesiology, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036 Graz, Austria;
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Chandran Nagaraj
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria;
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5
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Rupnik M, Baker D, Selwood DL. Oligodendrocytes, BK channels and remyelination. F1000Res 2021; 10:781. [PMID: 34909188 PMCID: PMC8596180 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53422.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes wrap multiple lamellae of their membrane, myelin, around axons of the central nervous system (CNS), to improve impulse conduction. Myelin synthesis is specialised and dynamic, responsive to local neuronal excitation. Subtle pathological insults are sufficient to cause significant neuronal metabolic impairment, so myelin preservation is necessary to safeguard neural networks. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent demyelinating disease of the CNS. In MS, inflammatory attacks against myelin, proposed to be autoimmune, cause myelin decay and oligodendrocyte loss, leaving neurons vulnerable. Current therapies target the prominent neuroinflammation but are mostly ineffective in protecting from neurodegeneration and the progressive neurological disability. People with MS have substantially higher levels of extracellular glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter. This impairs cellular homeostasis to cause excitotoxic stress. Large conductance Ca2 +-activated K + channels (BK channels) could preserve myelin or allow its recovery by protecting cells from the resulting excessive excitability. This review evaluates the role of excitotoxic stress, myelination and BK channels in MS pathology, and explores the hypothesis that BK channel activation could be a therapeutic strategy to protect oligodendrocytes from excitotoxic stress in MS. This could reduce progression of neurological disability if used in parallel to immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Rupnik
- Wolfson Insitute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David Baker
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Insitute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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6
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Rupnik M, Baker D, Selwood DL. Oligodendrocytes, BK channels and the preservation of myelin. F1000Res 2021; 10:781. [PMID: 34909188 PMCID: PMC8596180 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53422.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes wrap multiple lamellae of their membrane, myelin, around axons of the central nervous system (CNS), to improve impulse conduction. Myelin synthesis is specialised and dynamic, responsive to local neuronal excitation. Subtle pathological insults are sufficient to cause significant neuronal metabolic impairment, so myelin preservation is necessary to safeguard neural networks. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent demyelinating disease of the CNS. In MS, inflammatory attacks against myelin, proposed to be autoimmune, cause myelin decay and oligodendrocyte loss, leaving neurons vulnerable. Current therapies target the prominent neuroinflammation but are mostly ineffective in protecting from neurodegeneration and the progressive neurological disability. People with MS have substantially higher levels of extracellular glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter. This impairs cellular homeostasis to cause excitotoxic stress. Large conductance Ca2 +-activated K + channels (BK channels) could preserve myelin or allow its recovery by protecting cells from the resulting excessive excitability. This review evaluates the role of excitotoxic stress, myelination and BK channels in MS pathology, and explores the hypothesis that BK channel activation could be a therapeutic strategy to protect oligodendrocytes from excitotoxic stress in MS. This could reduce progression of neurological disability if used in parallel to immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Rupnik
- Wolfson Insitute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David Baker
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Insitute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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7
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Vouga AG, Rockman ME, Yan J, Jacobson MA, Rothberg BS. State-dependent inhibition of BK channels by the opioid agonist loperamide. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:212539. [PMID: 34357374 PMCID: PMC8352719 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels control a range of physiological functions, and their dysfunction is linked to human disease. We have found that the widely used drug loperamide (LOP) can inhibit activity of BK channels composed of either α-subunits (BKα channels) or α-subunits plus the auxiliary γ1-subunit (BKα/γ1 channels), and here we analyze the molecular mechanism of LOP action. LOP applied at the cytosolic side of the membrane rapidly and reversibly inhibited BK current, an effect that appeared as a decay in voltage-activated BK currents. The apparent affinity for LOP decreased with hyperpolarization in a manner consistent with LOP behaving as an inhibitor of open, activated channels. Increasing LOP concentration reduced the half-maximal activation voltage, consistent with relative stabilization of the LOP-inhibited open state. Single-channel recordings revealed that LOP did not reduce unitary BK channel current, but instead decreased BK channel open probability and mean open times. LOP elicited use-dependent inhibition, in which trains of brief depolarizing steps lead to accumulated reduction of BK current, whereas single brief depolarizing steps do not. The principal effects of LOP on BK channel gating are described by a mechanism in which LOP acts as a state-dependent pore blocker. Our results suggest that therapeutic doses of LOP may act in part by inhibiting K+ efflux through intestinal BK channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre G Vouga
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael E Rockman
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jiusheng Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Marlene A Jacobson
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia PA
| | - Brad S Rothberg
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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8
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Gil-Rivera M, Medina-Gali RM, Martínez-Pinna J, Soriano S. Physiology of pancreatic β-cells: Ion channels and molecular mechanisms implicated in stimulus-secretion coupling. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 359:287-323. [PMID: 33832651 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human and mouse islet of Langerhans is an endocrine organ composed of five different cells types; insulin-secreting β-cells, glucagon-producing α-cells, somatostatin-producing δ-cells, pancreatic polypeptide-secreting PP cells and ɛ-cells that secretes ghrelin. The most important cells are the pancreatic β-cells that comprise around 45-50% of human islets and 75-80% in the mouse. Pancreatic β-cells secrete insulin at high glucose concentration, thereby finely regulating glycaemia by the hypoglycaemic effects of this hormone. Different ion channels are implicated in the stimulus-secretion coupling of insulin. An increase in the intracellular ATP concentration leads to closure KATP channels, depolarizing the cell and opening voltage-gated calcium channels. The increase of intracellular calcium concentration induced by calcium entry through voltage-gated calcium channels promotes insulin secretion. Here, we briefly describe the diversity of ion channels present in pancreatic β-cells and the different mechanisms that are responsible to induce insulin secretion in human and mouse cells. Moreover, we described the pathophysiology due to alterations in the physiology of the main ion channels present in pancreatic β-cell and its implication to predispose metabolic disorders as type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Gil-Rivera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Regla M Medina-Gali
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Juan Martínez-Pinna
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Sergi Soriano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.
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9
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Abstract
Potassium channels are the most diverse and ubiquitous family of ion channels found in cells. The Ca2+ and voltage gated members form a subfamily that play a variety of roles in both excitable and non-excitable cells and are further classified on the basis of their single channel conductance to form the small conductance (SK), intermediate conductance (IK) and big conductance (BK) K+ channels.In this chapter, we will focus on the mechanisms underlying the gating of BK channels, whose function is modified in different tissues by different splice variants as well as the expanding array of regulatory accessory subunits including β, γ and LINGO subunits. We will examine how BK channels are modified by these regulatory subunits and describe how the channel gating is altered by voltage and Ca2+ whilst setting this in context with the recently published structures of the BK channel. Finally, we will discuss how BK and other calcium-activated channels are modulated by novel ion channel modulators and describe some of the challenges associated with trying to develop compounds with sufficient efficacy, potency and selectivity to be of therapeutic benefit.
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10
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Zahradníková A, Iaparov B, Zahradník I. The problem of accuracy in single-channel open probability measurements. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 157:94-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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11
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Wrzosek A, Augustynek B, Żochowska M, Szewczyk A. Mitochondrial Potassium Channels as Druggable Targets. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1200. [PMID: 32824877 PMCID: PMC7466137 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial potassium channels have been described as important factors in cell pro-life and death phenomena. The activation of mitochondrial potassium channels, such as ATP-regulated or calcium-activated large conductance potassium channels, may have cytoprotective effects in cardiac or neuronal tissue. It has also been shown that inhibition of the mitochondrial Kv1.3 channel may lead to cancer cell death. Hence, in this paper, we examine the concept of the druggability of mitochondrial potassium channels. To what extent are mitochondrial potassium channels an important, novel, and promising drug target in various organs and tissues? The druggability of mitochondrial potassium channels will be discussed within the context of channel molecular identity, the specificity of potassium channel openers and inhibitors, and the unique regulatory properties of mitochondrial potassium channels. Future prospects of the druggability concept of mitochondrial potassium channels will be evaluated in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adam Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (B.A.); (M.Ż.)
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12
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Szteyn K, Singh H. BK Ca Channels as Targets for Cardioprotection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9080760. [PMID: 32824463 PMCID: PMC7463653 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated K+ channel (BKCa) are encoded by the Kcnma1 gene. They are ubiquitously expressed in neuronal, smooth muscle, astrocytes, and neuroendocrine cells where they are known to play an important role in physiological and pathological processes. They are usually localized to the plasma membrane of the majority of the cells with an exception of adult cardiomyocytes, where BKCa is known to localize to mitochondria. BKCa channels couple calcium and voltage responses in the cell, which places them as unique targets for a rapid physiological response. The expression and activity of BKCa have been linked to several cardiovascular, muscular, and neurological defects, making them a key therapeutic target. Specifically in the heart muscle, pharmacological and genetic activation of BKCa channels protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury and also facilitate cardioprotection rendered by ischemic preconditioning. The mechanism involved in cardioprotection is assigned to the modulation of mitochondrial functions, such as regulation of mitochondrial calcium, reactive oxygen species, and membrane potential. Here, we review the progress made on BKCa channels and cardioprotection and explore their potential roles as therapeutic targets for preventing acute myocardial infarction.
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13
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Yazdani M, Zhang G, Jia Z, Shi J, Cui J, Chen J. Aromatic interactions with membrane modulate human BK channel activation. eLife 2020; 9:55571. [PMID: 32597752 PMCID: PMC7371421 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance potassium (BK) channels are transmembrane (TM) proteins that can be synergistically and independently activated by membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+. The only covalent connection between the cytosolic Ca2+ sensing domain and the TM pore and voltage sensing domains is a 15-residue ‘C-linker’. To determine the linker’s role in human BK activation, we designed a series of linker sequence scrambling mutants to suppress potential complex interplay of specific interactions with the rest of the protein. The results revealed a surprising sensitivity of BK activation to the linker sequence. Combining atomistic simulations and further mutagenesis experiments, we demonstrated that nonspecific interactions of the linker with membrane alone could directly modulate BK activation. The C-linker thus plays more direct roles in mediating allosteric coupling between BK domains than previously assumed. Our results suggest that covalent linkers could directly modulate TM protein function and should be considered an integral component of the sensing apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Yazdani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Zhiguang Jia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
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14
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Salazar H, Mischke S, Plested AJR. Measurements of the Timescale and Conformational Space of AMPA Receptor Desensitization. Biophys J 2020; 119:206-218. [PMID: 32559412 PMCID: PMC7335938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Desensitization of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid subtype after glutamate binding appears critical for brain function and involves rearrangement of the ligand binding domains (LBDs). Recently, several full-length structures of ionotropic glutamate receptors in putative desensitized states were published. These structures indicate movements of the LBDs that might be trapped by cysteine cross-links and metal bridges. We found that cysteine mutants at the interface between subunits A and C and lateral zinc bridges (between subunits C and D or A and B) can trap freely desensitizing receptors in a spectrum of states with different stabilities. Consistent with a close approach of subunits during desensitization processes, the introduction of bulky amino acids at the A-C interface produced a receptor with slow recovery from desensitization. Further, in wild-type GluA2 receptors, we detected the population of a stable desensitized state with a lifetime around 1 s. Using mutations that progressively stabilize deep desensitized states (E713T and Y768R), we were able to selectively protect receptors from cross-links at both the diagonal and lateral interfaces. Ultrafast perfusion enabled us to perform chemical modification in less than 10 ms, reporting movements associated to desensitization on this timescale within LBD dimers in resting receptors. These observations suggest that small disruptions of quaternary structure are sufficient for fast desensitization and that substantial rearrangements likely correspond to stable desensitized states that are adopted relatively slowly on a timescale much longer than physiological receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Salazar
- Institute of Biology, Cellular Biophysics, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mischke
- Institute of Biology, Cellular Biophysics, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew J R Plested
- Institute of Biology, Cellular Biophysics, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Bai D, Yan T, Wang S, Wang Y, Fu J, Fang X, Zhu J, Liu J. Reversible Ligand‐Gated Ion Channel via Interconversion between Hollow Single Helix and Intertwined Double Helix. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201916755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Bai
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Tengfei Yan
- College of Materials Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 China
| | - Shi Wang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Jiya Fu
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Xiaomin Fang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Junyan Zhu
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- College of Materials Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 China
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16
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Bai D, Yan T, Wang S, Wang Y, Fu J, Fang X, Zhu J, Liu J. Reversible Ligand‐Gated Ion Channel via Interconversion between Hollow Single Helix and Intertwined Double Helix. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:13602-13607. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201916755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Bai
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Tengfei Yan
- College of Materials Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 China
| | - Shi Wang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Jiya Fu
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Xiaomin Fang
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Junyan Zhu
- Institute of Functional Organic Molecular Engineering Henan Engineering Laboratory of Flame-Retardant and Functional Materials College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- College of Materials Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 China
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17
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Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Trybek P, Dworakowska B, Machura Ł. Multifractal Properties of BK Channel Currents in Human Glioblastoma Cells. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:2382-2391. [PMID: 32129626 PMCID: PMC7497650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Potassium channels play an important physiological role in glioma cells. In particular, voltage- and Ca2+-activated large-conductance BK channels (gBK in gliomas) are involved in the intensive growth and extensive migrating behavior of the mentioned tumor cells; thus, they may be considered as a drug target for the therapeutic treatment of glioblastoma. To enable appropriate drug design, molecular mechanisms of gBK channel activation by diverse stimuli should be unraveled as well as the way that the specific conformational states of the channel relate to its functional properties (conducting/nonconducting). There is an open debate about the actual mechanism of BK channel gating, including the question of how the channel proteins undergo a range of conformational transitions when they flicker between nonconducting (functionally closed) and conducting (open) states. The details of channel conformational diffusion ought to have its representation in the properties of the experimental signal that describes the ion-channel activity. Nonlinear methods of analysis of experimental nonstationary series can be useful for observing the changes in the number of channel substates available from geometrical and energetic points of view at given external conditions. In this work, we analyze whether the multifractal properties of the activity of glioblastoma BK channels depend on membrane potential, and which states, conducting or nonconducting, affect the total signal to a larger extent. With this aim, we carried out patch-clamp experiments at different levels of membrane hyper- and depolarization. The obtained time series of single channel currents were analyzed using the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) method in a standard form and incorporating focus-based multifractal (FMF) formalism. Thus, we show the applicability of a modified MFDFA technique in the analysis of an experimental patch-clamp time series. The obtained results suggest that membrane potential strongly affects the conformational space of the gBK channel proteins and the considered process has nonlinear multifractal characteristics. These properties are the inherent features of the analyzed signals due to the fact that the main tendencies vanish after shuffling the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department
of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice 44-100, Poland
| | - Paulina Trybek
- Institute
of Physics, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Beata Dworakowska
- Institute
of Biology, Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Warszawa 02-787, Poland
| | - Łukasz Machura
- Institute
of Physics, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-007, Poland
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18
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Tao X, MacKinnon R. Molecular structures of the human Slo1 K + channel in complex with β4. eLife 2019; 8:51409. [PMID: 31815672 PMCID: PMC6934384 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Slo1 is a Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ channel that underlies skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, audition, hormone secretion and neurotransmitter release. In mammals, Slo1 is regulated by auxiliary proteins that confer tissue-specific gating and pharmacological properties. This study presents cryo-EM structures of Slo1 in complex with the auxiliary protein, β4. Four β4, each containing two transmembrane helices, encircle Slo1, contacting it through helical interactions inside the membrane. On the extracellular side, β4 forms a tetrameric crown over the pore. Structures with high and low Ca2+ concentrations show that identical gating conformations occur in the absence and presence of β4, implying that β4 serves to modulate the relative stabilities of 'pre-existing' conformations rather than creating new ones. The effects of β4 on scorpion toxin inhibition kinetics are explained by the crown, which constrains access but does not prevent binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Roderick MacKinnon
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
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19
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Plante AE, Lai MH, Lu J, Meredith AL. Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Human KCNMA1 on BK Current Properties. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:285. [PMID: 31849601 PMCID: PMC6901604 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BK Ca2+-activated K+ channels are important regulators of membrane excitability. Multiple regulatory mechanisms tailor BK current properties across tissues, such as alternative splicing, posttranslational modifications, and auxiliary subunits. Another potential mechanism for modulating BK channel activity is genetic variation due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The gene encoding the human BK α subunit, KCNMA1, contains hundreds of SNPs. However, the variation in BK channel activity due to SNPs is not well studied. Here, we screened the effects of four SNPs (A138V, C495G, N599D, and R800W) on BK currents in HEK293T cells, selected based on predicted protein pathogenicity or disease linkage. We found that the SNPs C495G and R800W had the largest effects on BK currents, affecting the conductance–voltage relationship across multiple Ca2+ conditions in the context of two BK channel splice variants. In symmetrical K+, C495G shifted the V1/2 to more hyperpolarized potentials (by −15 to −20 mV) and accelerated activation, indicating C495G confers some gain-of-function properties. R800W shifted the V1/2 to more depolarized potentials (+15 to +35 mV) and slowed activation, conferring loss-of-function properties. Moreover, the C495G and R800W effects on current properties were found to persist with posttranslational modifications. In contrast, A138V and N599D had smaller and more variable effects on current properties. Neither application of alkaline phosphatase to patches, which results in increased BK channel activity attributed to channel dephosphorylation, nor bidirectional redox modulations completely abrogated SNP effects on BK currents. Lastly, in physiological K+, C495G increased the amplitude of action potential (AP)-evoked BK currents, while R800W had a more limited effect. However, the introduction of R800W in parallel with the epilepsy-linked mutation D434G (D434G/R800W) decreased the amplitude of AP-evoked BK currents compared with D434G alone. These results suggest that in a physiological context, C495G could increase BK activation, while the effects of the loss-of-function SNP R800W could oppose the gain-of-function effects of an epilepsy-linked mutation. Together, these results implicate naturally occurring human genetic variation as a potential modifier of BK channel activity across a variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber E Plante
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael H Lai
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Lu
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrea L Meredith
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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20
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A cytoplasmic Slo3 isoform is expressed in somatic tissues. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:5561-5567. [PMID: 31270758 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Slo3 is a pH-sensitive and weakly voltage-sensitive potassium channel that is essential for male fertility in mouse and whose expression is regarded as sperm-specific. These properties have proposed Slo3 as a candidate target for male contraceptive drugs. Nonetheless, the tissue distribution of Slo3 expression has not been rigorously studied yet. Applying computational and RT-PCR approaches, we identified expression of two short Slo3 isoforms in somatic mouse tissues such as brain, kidney and eye. These isoforms, which seem to result of transcription starting sites between exons 20 and 21, have an identical open reading frame, both encoding the terminal 381 amino acids of the cytosolic Slo3 domain. We corroborated the expression of these isoforms in mouse brain and testis by Western-blot. The complete isoform encoding the Slo3 ion channel was uniquely detected in testis, both at transcript and protein level. Although the functional role of the cytosolic Slo3 isoforms remains to be established, we propose that they may have a functional effect by modulating Slo channels trafficking and/or activity. This study confirms that expression of full-length Slo3 is sperm-specific but warns against developing contraceptive drugs targeting the C-terminal tail of Slo3 channels.
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21
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Haworth AS, Brackenbury WJ. Emerging roles for multifunctional ion channel auxiliary subunits in cancer. Cell Calcium 2019; 80:125-140. [PMID: 31071485 PMCID: PMC6553682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several superfamilies of plasma membrane channels which regulate transmembrane ion flux have also been shown to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration. Ion channels are typically multimeric complexes consisting of conducting subunits and auxiliary, non-conducting subunits. Auxiliary subunits modulate the function of conducting subunits and have putative non-conducting roles, further expanding the repertoire of cellular processes governed by ion channel complexes to processes such as transcellular adhesion and gene transcription. Given this expansive influence of ion channels on cellular behaviour it is perhaps no surprise that aberrant ion channel expression is a common occurrence in cancer. This review will focus on the conducting and non-conducting roles of the auxiliary subunits of various Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- channels and the burgeoning evidence linking such auxiliary subunits to cancer. Several subunits are upregulated (e.g. Cavβ, Cavγ) and downregulated (e.g. Kvβ) in cancer, while other subunits have been functionally implicated as oncogenes (e.g. Navβ1, Cavα2δ1) and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. CLCA2, KCNE2, BKγ1) based on in vivo studies. The strengthening link between ion channel auxiliary subunits and cancer has exposed these subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However further mechanistic understanding is required into how these subunits contribute to tumour progression before their therapeutic potential can be fully realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Haworth
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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22
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Gupta S, Manchanda R. A computational model of large conductance voltage and calcium activated potassium channels: implications for calcium dynamics and electrophysiology in detrusor smooth muscle cells. J Comput Neurosci 2019; 46:233-256. [PMID: 31025235 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-019-00713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The large conductance voltage and calcium activated potassium (BK) channels play a crucial role in regulating the excitability of detrusor smooth muscle, which lines the wall of the urinary bladder. These channels have been widely characterized in terms of their molecular structure, pharmacology and electrophysiology. They control the repolarising and hyperpolarising phases of the action potential, thereby regulating the firing frequency and contraction profiles of the smooth muscle. Several groups have reported varied profiles of BK currents and I-V curves under similar experimental conditions. However, no single computational model has been able to reconcile these apparent discrepancies. In view of the channels' physiological importance, it is imperative to understand their mechanistic underpinnings so that a realistic model can be created. This paper presents a computational model of the BK channel, based on the Hodgkin-Huxley formalism, constructed by utilising three activation processes - membrane potential, calcium inflow from voltage-gated calcium channels on the membrane and calcium released from the ryanodine receptors present on the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In our model, we attribute the discrepant profiles to the underlying cytosolic calcium received by the channel during its activation. The model enables us to make heuristic predictions regarding the nature of the sub-membrane calcium dynamics underlying the BK channel's activation. We have employed the model to reproduce various physiological characteristics of the channel and found the simulated responses to be in accordance with the experimental findings. Additionally, we have used the model to investigate the role of this channel in electrophysiological signals, such as the action potential and spontaneous transient hyperpolarisations. Furthermore, the clinical effects of BK channel openers, mallotoxin and NS19504, were simulated for the detrusor smooth muscle cells. Our findings support the proposed application of these drugs for amelioration of the condition of overactive bladder. We thus propose a physiologically realistic BK channel model which can be integrated with other biophysical mechanisms such as ion channels, pumps and exchangers to further elucidate its micro-domain interaction with the intracellular calcium environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suranjana Gupta
- Computational NeuroPhysiology Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Rohit Manchanda
- Computational NeuroPhysiology Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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23
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Penkauskas T, Preta G. Biological applications of tethered bilayer lipid membranes. Biochimie 2019; 157:131-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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24
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Gupta S, Manchanda R. Effect of Gating Charges on Mediating the Dual Activation of BK Channels in Smooth Muscle Cells: A Computational Study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018; 2018:5838-5841. [PMID: 30441663 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2018.8513579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This paper employs a computational model to study the dual gating modalities of BK channels in smooth muscles. These channels are gated by both membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration. It has been previously reported that the sensors for these two stimuli are located at different regions of the channel. Thus, the two sensing modalities act independent of each other. Yet, they result in a concerted and synergistic opening of the channel pore. In this paper, we investigate the effects of these two gating mechanisms by computing the effective gating charges contributed by the channel's voltage and calcium sensors. Along with their independent contributions, we study and estimate the interplay and effect of these two modalities on the channel's activation. The voltage and calcium sensors appear to share the 'load' of the gating charges required to activate the channel based on the cytosolic calcium concentration and membrane potential. Thus, through our computational model, we demonstrate how the two independent sensors gate and coordinate the activation of the channel.
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25
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Maleckar MM, Clark RB, Votta B, Giles WR. The Resting Potential and K + Currents in Primary Human Articular Chondrocytes. Front Physiol 2018; 9:974. [PMID: 30233381 PMCID: PMC6131720 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human transplant programs provide significant opportunities for detailed in vitro assessments of physiological properties of selected tissues and cell types. We present a semi-quantitative study of the fundamental electrophysiological/biophysical characteristics of human chondrocytes, focused on K+ transport mechanisms, and their ability to regulate to the resting membrane potential, Em. Patch clamp studies on these enzymatically isolated human chondrocytes reveal consistent expression of at least three functionally distinct K+ currents, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) currents. The small size of these cells and their exceptionally low current densities present significant technical challenges for electrophysiological recordings. These limitations have been addressed by parallel development of a mathematical model of these K+ and TRP channel ion transfer mechanisms in an attempt to reveal their contributions to Em. In combination, these experimental results and simulations yield new insights into: (i) the ionic basis for Em and its expected range of values; (ii) modulation of Em by the unique articular joint extracellular milieu; (iii) some aspects of TRP channel mediated depolarization-secretion coupling; (iv) some of the essential biophysical principles that regulate K+ channel function in “chondrons.” The chondron denotes the chondrocyte and its immediate extracellular compartment. The presence of discrete localized surface charges and associated zeta potentials at the chondrocyte surface are regulated by cell metabolism and can modulate interactions of chondrocytes with the extracellular matrix. Semi-quantitative analysis of these factors in chondrocyte/chondron function may yield insights into progressive osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Maleckar
- Simula Research Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Computing and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo, Norway.,Allen Institute for Cell Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Robert B Clark
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Wayne R Giles
- Faculties of Kinesiology and Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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26
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Abstract
The gating mechanism of transmembrane ion channels is crucial for understanding how these proteins control ion flow across membranes in various physiological processes. Big potassium (BK) channels are particularly interesting with large single-channel conductance and dual regulation by membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+. Recent atomistic structures of BK channels failed to identify structural features that could physically block the ion flow in the closed state. Here, we show that gating of BK channels does not seem to require a physical gate. Instead, changes in the pore shape and surface hydrophobicity in the Ca2+-free state allow the channel to readily undergo hydrophobic dewetting transitions, giving rise to a large free energy barrier for K+ permeation. Importantly, the dry pore remains physically open and is readily accessible to quaternary ammonium channel blockers. The hydrophobic gating mechanism is also consistent with scanning mutagenesis studies showing that modulation of pore hydrophobicity is correlated with activation properties. BK channels are regulated by membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+ but the structural features that block the ion flow in the closed state remain unknown. Here authors use molecular dynamics simulation and show that a physical gate is not required; instead ion flow is regulated by hydrophobic dewetting due to changes in pore shape and surface hydrophobicity.
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27
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Gibb AJ, Ogden KK, McDaniel MJ, Vance KM, Kell SA, Butch C, Burger P, Liotta DC, Traynelis SF. A structurally derived model of subunit-dependent NMDA receptor function. J Physiol 2018; 596:4057-4089. [PMID: 29917241 PMCID: PMC6117563 DOI: 10.1113/jp276093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points The kinetics of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling are a critical aspect of the physiology of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. Here we develop a mechanistic description of NMDAR function based on the receptor tetrameric structure and the principle that each agonist‐bound subunit must undergo some rate‐limiting conformational change after agonist binding, prior to channel opening. By fitting this mechanism to single channel data using a new MATLAB‐based software implementation of maximum likelihood fitting with correction for limited time resolution, rate constants were derived for this mechanism that reflect distinct structural changes and predict the properties of macroscopic and synaptic NMDAR currents. The principles applied here to develop a mechanistic description of the heterotetrameric NMDAR, and the software used in this analysis, can be equally applied to other heterotetrameric glutamate receptors, providing a unifying mechanistic framework to understanding the physiology of glutamate receptor signalling in the brain.
Abstract NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are tetrameric complexes comprising two glycine‐binding GluN1 and two glutamate‐binding GluN2 subunits. Four GluN2 subunits encoded by different genes can produce up to 10 different di‐ and triheteromeric receptors. In addition, some neurological patients contain a de novo mutation or inherited rare variant in only one subunit. There is currently no mechanistic framework to describe tetrameric receptor function that can be extended to receptors with two different GluN1 or GluN2 subunits. Here we use the structural features of glutamate receptors to develop a mechanism describing both single channel and macroscopic NMDAR currents. We propose that each agonist‐bound subunit undergoes some rate‐limiting conformational change after agonist binding, prior to channel opening. We hypothesize that this conformational change occurs within a triad of interactions between a short helix preceding the M1 transmembrane helix, the highly conserved M3 motif encoded by the residues SYTANLAAF, and the linker preceding the M4 transmembrane helix of the adjacent subunit. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that pre‐M1 helix motion is uncorrelated between subunits, which we interpret to suggest independent subunit‐specific conformational changes may influence these pre‐gating steps. According to this interpretation, these conformational changes are the main determinants of the key kinetic properties of NMDA receptor activation following agonist binding, and so these steps sculpt their physiological role. We show that this structurally derived tetrameric model describes both single channel and macroscopic data, giving a new approach to interpreting functional properties of synaptic NMDARs that provides a logical framework to understanding receptors with non‐identical subunits. The kinetics of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling are a critical aspect of the physiology of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. Here we develop a mechanistic description of NMDAR function based on the receptor tetrameric structure and the principle that each agonist‐bound subunit must undergo some rate‐limiting conformational change after agonist binding, prior to channel opening. By fitting this mechanism to single channel data using a new MATLAB‐based software implementation of maximum likelihood fitting with correction for limited time resolution, rate constants were derived for this mechanism that reflect distinct structural changes and predict the properties of macroscopic and synaptic NMDAR currents. The principles applied here to develop a mechanistic description of the heterotetrameric NMDAR, and the software used in this analysis, can be equally applied to other heterotetrameric glutamate receptors, providing a unifying mechanistic framework to understanding the physiology of glutamate receptor signalling in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alasdair J Gibb
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kevin K Ogden
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Miranda J McDaniel
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katie M Vance
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Steven A Kell
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University School, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chris Butch
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University School, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Pieter Burger
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University School, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dennis C Liotta
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University School, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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28
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Hirano M, Ide T. Electrostatic state of the cytoplasmic domain influences inactivation at the selectivity filter of the KcsA potassium channel. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:220-227. [PMID: 30053405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
KcsA is a proton-activated K+ channel that is regulated at two gates: an activation gate located in the inner entrance of the pore and an inactivation gate at the selectivity filter. Previously, we revealed that the cytoplasmic domain (CPD) of KcsA senses proton and that electrostatic changes of the CPD influences the opening and closing of the activation gate. However, our previous studies did not reveal the effect of CPD on the inactivation gate because we used a non-inactivating mutant (E71A). In the present study, we used mutants that did not harbor the E71A mutation, and showed that the electrostatic state of the CPD influences the inactivation gate. Three novel CPD mutants were generated in which some negatively charged amino acids were replaced with neutral amino acids. These CPD mutants conducted K+, but showed various inactivation properties. Mutants carrying the D149N mutation showed high open probability and slow inactivation, whereas those without the D149N mutation showed low open probability and fast inactivation, similar to wild-type KcsA. In addition, mutants with D149N showed poor K+ selectivity, and permitted Na+ to flow. These results indicated that electrostatic changes in the CPD by D149N mutation triggered the loss of fast inactivation and changes in the conformation of selectivity filter. Additionally, the loss of fast inactivation induced by D149N was reversed by R153A mutation, suggesting that not only the electrostatic state of D149, but also that of R153 affects inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Hirano
- Bio Photonics Laboratory, The Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries, 1955-1 Kurematsu Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1202, Japan.
| | - Toru Ide
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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29
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Gavish N, Liu C, Eisenberg B. Do Bistable Steric Poisson-Nernst-Planck Models Describe Single-Channel Gating? J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:5183-5192. [PMID: 29715026 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Experiments measuring currents through single protein channels show unstable currents, a phenomena called the gating of a single channel. Channels switch between an "open" state with a well-defined single amplitude of current and "closed" states with nearly zero current. The existing mean-field theory of ion channels focuses almost solely on the open state. The physical modeling of the dynamical features of ion channels is still in its infancy and does not describe the transitions between open and closed states nor the distribution of the duration times of open states. One hypothesis is that gating corresponds to noise-induced fast transitions between multiple steady (equilibrium) states of the underlying system. In this work, we aim to test this hypothesis. Particularly, our study focuses on the (high-order) steric Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP)-Cahn-Hilliard model since it has been successful in predicting permeability and selectivity of ionic channels in their open state and since it gives rise to multiple steady states. We show that this system gives rise to a gatinglike behavior, but that important features of this switching behavior are different from the defining features of gating in biological systems. Furthermore, we show that noise prohibits switching in the system of study. The above phenomena are expected to occur in other PNP-type models, strongly suggesting that one has to go beyond overdamped (gradient flow) Nernst-Planck type dynamics to explain the spontaneous gating of single channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Gavish
- Department of Mathematics , Technion-Israel Institute of Technology , Haifa 3200003 , Israel
| | - Chun Liu
- Department of Applied Mathematics , Illinois Institute of Technology , Chicago , Illinois 60616 , United States
| | - Bob Eisenberg
- Department of Applied Mathematics , Illinois Institute of Technology , Chicago , Illinois 60616 , United States.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics , Rush University , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
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Eid BG, Gurney AM. Zinc pyrithione activates K+ channels and hyperpolarizes the membrane of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192699. [PMID: 29474372 PMCID: PMC5824988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The membrane potential helps determine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) contraction. The Kv7 channel activators, retigabine and flupirtine, are thought to dilate pulmonary arteries by hyperpolarising PASMC. Zinc pyrithione activates Kv7 channels by a mechanism distinct from retigabine and with different Kv7 subunit selectivity. This study aimed to determine if zinc pyrithione selectively activates Kv7 channels in rat PASMC to evoke pulmonary artery dilation. Zinc pyrithione relaxed pulmonary arteries with half-maximal effect at 4.3μM. At 10μM it activated pronounced voltage-dependent K+ current and hyperpolarized PASMCs by around 10mV. Tetraethylammonium ions (TEA, 10mM) and paxilline (1μM) abolished both the current and hyperpolarisation. XE991 (10μM) blocked the hyperpolarization and reduced the current by 30%. Iberiotoxin (50nM) had no effect on the hyperpolarisation, but reduced the current by 40%. The XE991-sensitive current activated with an exponential time course (time constant 17ms), whereas the iberiotoxin-sensitive current followed a bi-exponential time course (time constants 6 and 57ms), suggesting that the drugs blocked different components of the zinc pyrithione-induced current. Zinc pyrithione therefore appears to activate at least two types of K+ channel in PASMC; an XE991, TEA and paxilline-sensitive Kv7 channel and a TEA, paxilline and iberiotoxin-sensitive BKCa channel. Both could contribute to the relaxing effect of zinc pyrithione on pulmonary artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma G. Eid
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Gurney
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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31
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Okuno D, Hirano M, Yokota H, Ichinose J, Kira T, Hijiya T, Uozumi C, Yamakami M, Ide T. A gold nano-electrode for single ion channel recordings. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:4036-4040. [PMID: 29431813 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr08098k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The artificial bilayer single channel recording technique is commonly used to observe the detailed physiological properties of various ion channel proteins. It permits easy control of the solution and membrane lipid composition, and is also compatible with pharmacological screening devices. However, its use is limited due to low measurement efficiency. Here, we developed a novel artificial bilayer single channel recording technique in which solubilized ion channel proteins immobilized on a gold nano-electrode are directly incorporated into a lipid bilayer at the same time as the bilayer is formed at the tip of it on coming in contact with an aqueous-oil interface. Using this technique, we measured the single channel currents of several types of channels including KcsA, MthK, hBK and P2X4. This technique requires only one action to simultaneously form the bilayers and reconstitute the channels into the membranes. This simplicity greatly increases the measurement efficiency and allows the technique to potentially be combined with high-throughput screening devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Okuno
- Laboratory for Cell Dynamics Observation, Quantitative Biology Center, Riken, 6-2-3 Furue-dai Suita, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
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Howard RJ, Carnevale V, Delemotte L, Hellmich UA, Rothberg BS. Permeating disciplines: Overcoming barriers between molecular simulations and classical structure-function approaches in biological ion transport. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:927-942. [PMID: 29258839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ion translocation across biological barriers is a fundamental requirement for life. In many cases, controlling this process-for example with neuroactive drugs-demands an understanding of rapid and reversible structural changes in membrane-embedded proteins, including ion channels and transporters. Classical approaches to electrophysiology and structural biology have provided valuable insights into several such proteins over macroscopic, often discontinuous scales of space and time. Integrating these observations into meaningful mechanistic models now relies increasingly on computational methods, particularly molecular dynamics simulations, while surfacing important challenges in data management and conceptual alignment. Here, we seek to provide contemporary context, concrete examples, and a look to the future for bridging disciplinary gaps in biological ion transport. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Beyond the Structure-Function Horizon of Membrane Proteins edited by Ute Hellmich, Rupak Doshi and Benjamin McIlwain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Howard
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Box 1031, 17121 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Carnevale
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Lucie Delemotte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Theoretical Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Box 1031, 17121 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Ute A Hellmich
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johann-Joachim-Becherweg 30, 55128 Mainz, Germany; Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Brad S Rothberg
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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Sun X, Hirano AA, Brecha NC, Barnes S. Calcium-activated BK Ca channels govern dynamic membrane depolarizations of horizontal cells in rodent retina. J Physiol 2017; 595:4449-4465. [PMID: 28374528 DOI: 10.1113/jp274132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Large conductance, Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKCa ) channels play important roles in mammalian retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells and ganglion cells, but they have not been identified in horizontal cells. BKCa channel blockers paxilline and iberiotoxin, as well as Ca2+ free solutions and divalent cation Cav channel blockers, eliminate the outwardly rectifying current, while NS1619 enhances it. In symmetrical 150 mm K+ , single channels had a conductance close to 250 pS, within the range of all known BKCa channels. In current clamped horizontal cells, BKCa channels subdue depolarizing membrane potential excursions, reduce the average resting potential and decrease oscillations. The results show that BKCa channel activation puts a ceiling on horizontal cell depolarization and regulates the temporal responsivity of the cells. ABSTRACT Large conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BKCa ) channels have numerous roles in neurons including the regulation of membrane excitability, intracellular [Ca2+ ] regulation, and neurotransmitter release. In the retina, they have been identified in photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells and ganglion cells, but have not been conclusively identified in mammalian horizontal cells. We found that outward current recorded between -30 and +60 mV is carried primarily in BKCa channels in isolated horizontal cells of rats and mice. Whole-cell outward currents were maximal at +50 mV and declined at membrane potentials positive to this value. This current was eliminated by the selective BKCa channel blocker paxilline (100 nm), iberiotoxin (10 μm), Ca2+ free solutions and divalent cation Cav channel blockers. It was activated by the BKCa channel activator NS1619 (30 μm). Single channel recordings revealed the conductance of the channels to be 244 ± 11 pS (n = 17; symmetrical 150 mm K+ ) with open probability being both voltage- and Ca2+ -dependent. The channels showed fast activation kinetics in response to Ca2+ influx and inactivation gating that could be modified by intracellular protease treatment, which suggests β subunit involvement. Under current clamp, block of BKCa current increased depolarizing membrane potential excursions, raising the average resting potential and producing oscillations. BKCa current activation with NS1619 inhibited oscillations and hyperpolarized the resting potential. These effects underscore the functional role of BKCa current in limiting depolarization of the horizontal cell membrane potential and suggest actions of these channels in regulating the temporal responsivity of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arlene A Hirano
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas C Brecha
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven Barnes
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Departments of Physiology & Biophysics and Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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34
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Latorre R, Castillo K, Carrasquel-Ursulaez W, Sepulveda RV, Gonzalez-Nilo F, Gonzalez C, Alvarez O. Molecular Determinants of BK Channel Functional Diversity and Functioning. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:39-87. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00001.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channels play many physiological roles ranging from the maintenance of smooth muscle tone to hearing and neurosecretion. BK channels are tetramers in which the pore-forming α subunit is coded by a single gene ( Slowpoke, KCNMA1). In this review, we first highlight the physiological importance of this ubiquitous channel, emphasizing the role that BK channels play in different channelopathies. We next discuss the modular nature of BK channel-forming protein, in which the different modules (the voltage sensor and the Ca2+ binding sites) communicate with the pore gates allosterically. In this regard, we review in detail the allosteric models proposed to explain channel activation and how the models are related to channel structure. Considering their extremely large conductance and unique selectivity to K+, we also offer an account of how these two apparently paradoxical characteristics can be understood consistently in unison, and what we have learned about the conduction system and the activation gates using ions, blockers, and toxins. Attention is paid here to the molecular nature of the voltage sensor and the Ca2+ binding sites that are located in a gating ring of known crystal structure and constituted by four COOH termini. Despite the fact that BK channels are coded by a single gene, diversity is obtained by means of alternative splicing and modulatory β and γ subunits. We finish this review by describing how the association of the α subunit with β or with γ subunits can change the BK channel phenotype and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Castillo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Willy Carrasquel-Ursulaez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Romina V. Sepulveda
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Gonzalez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Alvarez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso and Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Avenida Republica 239, Santiago, Chile and Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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35
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Augustynek B, Kunz WS, Szewczyk A. Guide to the Pharmacology of Mitochondrial Potassium Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 240:103-127. [PMID: 27838853 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This chapter provides a critical overview of the available literature on the pharmacology of mitochondrial potassium channels. In the first part, the reader is introduced to the topic, and eight known protein contributors to the potassium permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane are presented. The main part of this chapter describes the basic characteristics of each channel type mentioned in the introduction. However, the most important and valuable information included in this chapter concerns the pharmacology of mitochondrial potassium channels. Several available channel modulators are critically evaluated and rated by suitability for research use. The last figure of this chapter shows the results of this evaluation at a glance. Thus, this chapter can be very useful for beginners in this field. It is intended to be a time- and resource-saving guide for those searching for proper modulators of mitochondrial potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Augustynek
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wolfram S Kunz
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adam Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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36
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Kim DM, Dikiy I, Upadhyay V, Posson DJ, Eliezer D, Nimigean CM. Conformational heterogeneity in closed and open states of the KcsA potassium channel in lipid bicelles. J Gen Physiol 2016; 148:119-32. [PMID: 27432996 PMCID: PMC4969796 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201611602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of ion channel gating-opening and closing-involves local and global structural changes in the channel in response to external stimuli. Conformational changes depend on the energetic landscape that underlies the transition between closed and open states, which plays a key role in ion channel gating. For the prokaryotic, pH-gated potassium channel KcsA, closed and open states have been extensively studied using structural and functional methods, but the dynamics within each of these functional states as well as the transition between them is not as well understood. In this study, we used solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate the conformational transitions within specific functional states of KcsA. We incorporated KcsA channels into lipid bicelles and stabilized them into a closed state by using either phosphatidylcholine lipids, known to favor the closed channel, or mutations designed to trap the channel shut by disulfide cross-linking. A distinct state, consistent with an open channel, was uncovered by the addition of cardiolipin lipids. Using selective amino acid labeling at locations within the channel that are known to move during gating, we observed at least two different slowly interconverting conformational states for both closed and open channels. The pH dependence of these conformations and the predictable disruptions to this dependence observed in mutant channels with altered pH sensing highlight the importance of conformational heterogeneity for KcsA gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy M Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Igor Dikiy
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Vikrant Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - David J Posson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065 Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Crina M Nimigean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065 Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
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Abstract
BK channels are universal regulators of cell excitability, given their exceptional unitary conductance selective for K(+), joint activation mechanism by membrane depolarization and intracellular [Ca(2+)] elevation, and broad expression pattern. In this chapter, we discuss the structural basis and operational principles of their activation, or gating, by membrane potential and calcium. We also discuss how the two activation mechanisms interact to culminate in channel opening. As members of the voltage-gated potassium channel superfamily, BK channels are discussed in the context of archetypal family members, in terms of similarities that help us understand their function, but also seminal structural and biophysical differences that confer unique functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pantazis
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - R Olcese
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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38
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Kis A, Krick S, Baumlin N, Salathe M. Airway Hydration, Apical K(+) Secretion, and the Large-Conductance, Ca(2+)-activated and Voltage-dependent Potassium (BK) Channel. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2016; 13 Suppl 2:S163-8. [PMID: 27115952 PMCID: PMC5015721 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201507-405kv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance, calcium-activated, and voltage-gated K(+) (BK) channels are expressed in many tissues of the human body, where they play important roles in signaling not only in excitable but also in nonexcitable cells. Because BK channel properties are rendered in part by their association with four β and four γ subunits, their channel function can differ drastically, depending on in which cellular system they are expressed. Recent studies verify the importance of apically expressed BK channels for airway surface liquid homeostasis and therefore of their significant role in mucociliary clearance. Here, we review evidence that inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to airway diseases, can lead to reduced BK activity via a functional down-regulation of the γ regulatory subunit LRRC26. Therefore, manipulation of LRRC26 and pharmacological opening of BK channels represent two novel concepts of targeting epithelial dysfunction in inflammatory airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kis
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Stefanie Krick
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Nathalie Baumlin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Matthias Salathe
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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40
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Gavello D, Vandael D, Gosso S, Carbone E, Carabelli V. Dual action of leptin on rest-firing and stimulated catecholamine release via phosphoinositide 3-kinase-driven BK channel up-regulation in mouse chromaffin cells. J Physiol 2015; 593:4835-53. [PMID: 26282459 DOI: 10.1113/jp271078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Leptin is an adipokine produced by the adipose tissue regulating body weight through its appetite-suppressing effect and, as such, exerts a relevant action on the adipo-adrenal axis. Leptin has a dual action on adrenal mouse chromaffin cells both at rest and during stimulation. At rest, the adipokine inhibits the spontaneous firing of most cells by enhancing the probability of BK channel opening through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signalling cascade. This inhibitory effect is absent in db(-) /db(-) mice deprived of Ob receptors. During sustained stimulation, leptin preserves cell excitability by generating well-adapted action potential (AP) trains of lower frequency and broader width and increases catecholamine secretion by increasing the size of the ready-releasable pool and the rate of vesicle release. In conclusion, leptin dampens AP firing at rest but preserves AP firing and enhances catecholamine release during sustained stimulation, highlighting the importance of the adipo-adrenal axis in the leptin-mediated increase of sympathetic tone and catecholamine release. ABSTRACT Leptin is an adipokine produced by the adipose tissue regulating body weight through its appetite-suppressing effect. Besides being expressed in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, leptin receptors (ObRs) are also present in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. In the present study, we report the effect of leptin on mouse chromaffin cell (MCC) functionality, focusing on cell excitability and catecholamine secretion. Acute application of leptin (1 nm) on spontaneously firing MCCs caused a slowly developing membrane hyperpolarization followed by complete blockade of action potential (AP) firing. This inhibitory effect at rest was abolished by the BK channel blocker paxilline (1 μm), suggesting the involvement of BK potassium channels. Single-channel recordings in 'perforated microvesicles' confirmed that leptin increased BK channel open probability without altering its unitary conductance. BK channel up-regulation was associated with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling cascade because the PI3K specific inhibitor wortmannin (100 nm) fully prevented BK current increase. We also tested the effect of leptin on evoked AP firing and Ca(2+) -driven exocytosis. Although leptin preserves well-adapted AP trains of lower frequency, APs are broader and depolarization-evoked exocytosis is increased as a result of the larger size of the ready-releasable pool and higher frequency of vesicle release. The kinetics and quantal size of single secretory events remained unaltered. Leptin had no effect on firing and secretion in db(-) /db(-) mice lacking the ObR gene, confirming its specificity. In conclusion, leptin exhibits a dual action on MCC activity. It dampens AP firing at rest but preserves AP firing and increases catecholamine secretion during sustained stimulation, highlighting the importance of the adipo-adrenal axis in the leptin-mediated increase of sympathetic tone and catecholamine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gavello
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - David Vandael
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Sara Gosso
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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41
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Yang H, Zhang G, Cui J. BK channels: multiple sensors, one activation gate. Front Physiol 2015; 6:29. [PMID: 25705194 PMCID: PMC4319557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion transport across cell membranes is essential to cell communication and signaling. Passive ion transport is mediated by ion channels, membrane proteins that create ion conducting pores across cell membrane to allow ion flux down electrochemical gradient. Under physiological conditions, majority of ion channel pores are not constitutively open. Instead, structural region(s) within these pores breaks the continuity of the aqueous ion pathway, thereby serves as activation gate(s) to control ions flow in and out. To achieve spatially and temporally regulated ion flux in cells, many ion channels have evolved sensors to detect various environmental stimuli or the metabolic states of the cell and trigger global conformational changes, thereby dynamically operate the opening and closing of their activation gate. The sensors of ion channels can be broadly categorized as chemical sensors and physical sensors to respond to chemical (such as neural transmitters, nucleotides and ions) and physical (such as voltage, mechanical force and temperature) signals, respectively. With the rapidly growing structural and functional information of different types of ion channels, it is now critical to understand how ion channel sensors dynamically control their gates at molecular and atomic level. The voltage and Ca2+ activated BK channels, a K+ channel with an electrical sensor and multiple chemical sensors, provide a unique model system for us to understand how physical and chemical energy synergistically operate its activation gate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanghe Yang
- Ion Channel Research Unit, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA ; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis St. Louis, MO, USA ; Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis St. Louis, MO, USA ; Center for The Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Washington University in Saint Louis St. Louis, MO, USA
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42
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Geng Y, Magleby KL. Single-channel kinetics of BK (Slo1) channels. Front Physiol 2015; 5:532. [PMID: 25653620 PMCID: PMC4300911 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-channel kinetics has proven a powerful tool to reveal information about the gating mechanisms that control the opening and closing of ion channels. This introductory review focuses on the gating of large conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK or Slo1) channels at the single-channel level. It starts with single-channel current records and progresses to presentation and analysis of single-channel data and the development of gating mechanisms in terms of discrete state Markov (DSM) models. The DSM models are formulated in terms of the tetrameric modular structure of BK channels, consisting of a central transmembrane pore-gate domain (PGD) attached to four surrounding transmembrane voltage sensing domains (VSD) and a large intracellular cytosolic domain (CTD), also referred to as the gating ring. The modular structure and data analysis shows that the Ca2+ and voltage dependent gating considered separately can each be approximated by 10-state two-tiered models with five closed states on the upper tier and five open states on the lower tier. The modular structure and joint Ca2+ and voltage dependent gating are consistent with a 50 state two-tiered model with 25 closed states on the upper tier and 25 open states on the lower tier. Adding an additional tier of brief closed (flicker states) to the 10-state or 50-state models improved the description of the gating. For fixed experimental conditions a channel would gate in only a subset of the potential number of states. The detected number of states and the correlations between adjacent interval durations are consistent with the tiered models. The examined models can account for the single-channel kinetics and the bursting behavior of gating. Ca2+ and voltage activate BK channels by predominantly increasing the effective opening rate of the channel with a smaller decrease in the effective closing rate. Ca2+ and depolarization thus activate by mainly destabilizing the closed states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karl L Magleby
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA ; Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
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43
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Bentzen BH, Olesen SP, Rønn LCB, Grunnet M. BK channel activators and their therapeutic perspectives. Front Physiol 2014; 5:389. [PMID: 25346695 PMCID: PMC4191079 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated K+ channel (KCa1.1, BK, MaxiK) is ubiquitously expressed in the body, and holds the ability to integrate changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential. This makes the BK channel an important negative feedback system linking increases in intracellular calcium to outward hyperpolarizing potassium currents. Consequently, the channel has many important physiological roles including regulation of smooth muscle tone, neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Additionally, cardioprotective roles have been revealed in recent years. After a short introduction to the structure, function and regulation of BK channels, we review the small organic molecules activating BK channels and how these tool compounds have helped delineate the roles of BK channels in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo H Bentzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Danish Arrhythmia Research Centre, University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark ; Acesion Pharma Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren-Peter Olesen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Danish Arrhythmia Research Centre, University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Grunnet
- Acesion Pharma Copenhagen, Denmark ; H. Lundbeck A/S Copenhagen, Denmark
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44
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Brenker C, Zhou Y, Müller A, Echeverry FA, Trötschel C, Poetsch A, Xia XM, Bönigk W, Lingle CJ, Kaupp UB, Strünker T. The Ca2+-activated K+ current of human sperm is mediated by Slo3. eLife 2014; 3:e01438. [PMID: 24670955 PMCID: PMC3966514 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm are equipped with a unique set of ion channels that orchestrate fertilization. In mouse sperm, the principal K+ current (IKSper) is carried by the Slo3 channel, which sets the membrane potential (Vm) in a strongly pHi-dependent manner. Here, we show that IKSper in human sperm is activated weakly by pHi and more strongly by Ca2+. Correspondingly, Vm is strongly regulated by Ca2+ and less so by pHi. We find that inhibitors of Slo3 suppress human IKSper, and we identify the Slo3 protein in the flagellum of human sperm. Moreover, heterologously expressed human Slo3, but not mouse Slo3, is activated by Ca2+ rather than by alkaline pHi; current–voltage relations of human Slo3 and human IKSper are similar. We conclude that Slo3 represents the principal K+ channel in human sperm that carries the Ca2+-activated IKSper current. We propose that, in human sperm, the progesterone-evoked Ca2+ influx carried by voltage-gated CatSper channels is limited by Ca2+-controlled hyperpolarization via Slo3. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01438.001 A sperm that has been ejaculated into the female reproductive tract must complete a number of tasks to pass on its genes to the next generation. First it must travel along a meandering route to encounter an egg, before pushing through a jelly-like coating that surrounds the egg and then, finally, fusing with the egg’s surface membrane. In order to complete these steps and fertilise the egg, a sperm must undergo a process called ‘capacitation’. This process, and a variety of other sperm functions, involves the controlled flux of positive ions into and out of the sperm via specific ion channels that are located in the cell membrane. The properties of the ion channels that allow protons and calcium ions to move into and out of human sperm are well understood, but less is known about the channels that control the movement of potassium ions. In mice, a channel called Slo3 allows potassium ions to flow out of the sperm and makes the membrane voltage of these cells more negative. Also, in mice, this channel is essential for the sperm to function correctly, and for fertilization. However, in humans, it is unclear if the Slo3 channel is present in sperm and if it performs the same role. Now, Brenker et al. have shown that the flow of potassium ions out of human sperm occurs via the Slo3 channel, and that human Slo3 is responsible for setting the membrane voltage of these cells. However, whereas the mouse Slo3 channel is opened in response to a decrease in the concentration of protons within the sperm (i.e., an increase of the pH inside the cell), human Slo3 is largely controlled by changes in the levels of calcium ions. An increase in the calcium concentration within the cell opens the human Slo3 channel, more than a decrease in the proton concentration does. Altogether, Brenker et al. identify Slo3 as the principal potassium channel in human sperm and reveal more fundamental differences between human sperm and mouse sperm. Thereby, this work further stresses the need to be cautious about using mice as a model of male fertility in humans. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01438.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Brenker
- Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
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45
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Characterization and expression of calcium-activated potassium channels (Slo) in ovary of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Genes Genomics 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0143-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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46
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Lopez W, Gonzalez J, Liu Y, Harris AL, Contreras JE. Insights on the mechanisms of Ca(2+) regulation of connexin26 hemichannels revealed by human pathogenic mutations (D50N/Y). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 142:23-35. [PMID: 23797420 PMCID: PMC3691447 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201210893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Because of the large size and modest selectivity of the connexin hemichannel aqueous pore, hemichannel opening must be highly regulated to maintain cell viability. At normal resting potentials, this regulation is achieved predominantly by the physiological extracellular Ca2+ concentration, which drastically reduces hemichannel activity. Here, we characterize the Ca2+ regulation of channels formed by wild-type human connexin26 (hCx26) and its human mutations, D50N/Y, that cause aberrant hemichannel opening and result in deafness and skin disorders. We found that in hCx26 wild-type channels, deactivation kinetics are accelerated as a function of Ca2+ concentration, indicating that Ca2+ facilitates transition to, and stabilizes, the closed state of the hemichannels. The D50N/Y mutant hemichannels show lower apparent affinities for Ca2+-induced closing than wild-type channels and have more rapid deactivation kinetics, which are Ca2+ insensitive. These results suggest that D50 plays a role in (a) stabilizing the open state in the absence of Ca2+, and (b) facilitating closing and stabilization of the closed state in the presence of Ca2+. To explore the role of a negatively charged residue at position 50 in regulation by Ca2+, this position was substituted with a cysteine residue, which was then modified with a negatively charged methanethiosulfonate reagent, sodium (2-sulfanoethyl) methanethiosulfonate (MTSES)−. D50C mutant hemichannels display properties similar to those of D50N/Y mutants. Recovery of the negative charge with chemical modification by MTSES− restores the wild-type Ca2+ regulation of the channels. These results confirm the essential role of a negative charge at position 50 for Ca2+ regulation. Additionally, charge-swapping mutagenesis studies suggest involvement of a salt bridge interaction between D50 and K61 in the adjacent connexin subunit in stabilizing the open state in low extracellular Ca2+. Mutant cycle analysis supports a Ca2+-sensitive interaction between these two residues in the open state of the channel. We propose that disruption of this interaction by extracellular Ca2+ destabilizes the open state and facilitates hemichannel closing. Our data provide a mechanistic understanding of how mutations at position 50 that cause human diseases are linked to dysfunction of hemichannel gating by external Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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47
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Landowne D, Yuan B, Magleby KL. Exponential sum-fitting of dwell-time distributions without specifying starting parameters. Biophys J 2014; 104:2383-91. [PMID: 23746510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fitting dwell-time distributions with sums of exponentials is widely used to characterize histograms of open- and closed-interval durations recorded from single ion channels, as well as for other physical phenomena. However, it can be difficult to identify the contributing exponential components. Here we extend previous methods of exponential sum-fitting to present a maximum-likelihood approach that consistently detects all significant exponentials without the need for user-specified starting parameters. Instead of searching for exponentials, the fitting starts with a very large number of initial exponentials with logarithmically spaced time constants, so that none are missed. Maximum-likelihood fitting then determines the areas of all the initial exponentials keeping the time constants fixed. In an iterative manner, with refitting after each step, the analysis then removes exponentials with negligible area and combines closely spaced adjacent exponentials, until only those exponentials that make significant contributions to the dwell-time distribution remain. There is no limit on the number of significant exponentials and no starting parameters need be specified. We demonstrate fully automated detection for both experimental and simulated data, as well as for classical exponential-sum-fitting problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Landowne
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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48
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González C, Baez-Nieto D, Valencia I, Oyarzún I, Rojas P, Naranjo D, Latorre R. K(+) channels: function-structural overview. Compr Physiol 2013; 2:2087-149. [PMID: 23723034 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels are particularly important in determining the shape and duration of the action potential, controlling the membrane potential, modulating hormone secretion, epithelial function and, in the case of those K(+) channels activated by Ca(2+), damping excitatory signals. The multiplicity of roles played by K(+) channels is only possible to their mammoth diversity that includes at present 70 K(+) channels encoding genes in mammals. Today, thanks to the use of cloning, mutagenesis, and the more recent structural studies using x-ray crystallography, we are in a unique position to understand the origins of the enormous diversity of this superfamily of ion channels, the roles they play in different cell types, and the relations that exist between structure and function. With the exception of two-pore K(+) channels that are dimers, voltage-dependent K(+) channels are tetrameric assemblies and share an extremely well conserved pore region, in which the ion-selectivity filter resides. In the present overview, we discuss in the function, localization, and the relations between function and structure of the five different subfamilies of K(+) channels: (a) inward rectifiers, Kir; (b) four transmembrane segments-2 pores, K2P; (c) voltage-gated, Kv; (d) the Slo family; and (e) Ca(2+)-activated SK family, SKCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Sharma N, Cho DH, Kim SY, Bhattarai JP, Hwang PH, Han SK. Magnesium sulfate suppresses L-type calcium currents on the basilar artery smooth muscle cells in rabbits. Neurol Res 2013; 34:291-6. [DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics and Research Institute of Clinical MedicineChonbuk National University Hospital and School of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Dong Hyu Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyChonbuk National University Hospital and School of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Department of Pediatrics and Research Institute of Clinical MedicineChonbuk National University Hospital and School of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Janardhan Prasad Bhattarai
- Department of Oral Physiology & Institute of Oral BioscienceSchool of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Pyoung Han Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics and Research Institute of Clinical MedicineChonbuk National University Hospital and School of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Han
- Department of Oral Physiology & Institute of Oral BioscienceSchool of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
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50
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Upadhyay Dhungel K, Kim TW, Sharma N, Bhattarai JP, Ah Park S, Han SK, Kim CJ. Magnesium increases iberiotoxin-sensitive large conductance calcium activated potassium currents on the basilar artery smooth muscle cells in rabbits. Neurol Res 2013; 34:11-6. [DOI: 10.1179/1743132811y.0000000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz Upadhyay Dhungel
- Cerebrovascular Laboratory-Department of NeurosurgeryResearch Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Tae Woon Kim
- Cerebrovascular Laboratory-Department of NeurosurgeryResearch Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Naveen Sharma
- Cerebrovascular Laboratory-Department of NeurosurgeryResearch Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Janardhan Prasad Bhattarai
- Department of Oral Physiology & Institute of Oral BioscienceSchool of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Seon Ah Park
- Department of Oral Physiology & Institute of Oral BioscienceSchool of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Han
- Department of Oral Physiology & Institute of Oral BioscienceSchool of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Chul Jin Kim
- Cerebrovascular Laboratory-Department of NeurosurgeryResearch Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
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