1
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Akabuogu E, Zhang L, Krašovec R, Roberts IS, Waigh TA. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy with Bacterial Biofilms: Neuronal-like Behavior. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2234-2241. [PMID: 38320294 PMCID: PMC10885197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Negative capacitance at low frequencies for spiking neurons was first demonstrated in 1941 (K. S. Cole) by using extracellular electrodes. The phenomenon subsequently was explained by using the Hodgkin-Huxley model and is due to the activity of voltage-gated potassium ion channels. We show that Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilms exhibit significant stable negative capacitances at low frequencies when they experience a small DC bias voltage in electrical impedance spectroscopy experiments. Using a frequency domain Hodgkin-Huxley model, we characterize the conditions for the emergence of this feature and demonstrate that the negative capacitance exists only in biofilms containing living cells. Furthermore, we establish the importance of the voltage-gated potassium ion channel, Kch, using knock-down mutants. The experiments provide further evidence for voltage-gated ion channels in E. coli and a new, low-cost method to probe biofilm electrophysiology, e.g., to understand the efficacy of antibiotics. We expect that the majority of bacterial biofilms will demonstrate negative capacitances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel
U. Akabuogu
- Division
of Infection, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation,
School of Biological Sciences, University
of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
- Biological
Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Lin Zhang
- Biological
Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Rok Krašovec
- Division
of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United
Kingdom
| | - Ian S. Roberts
- Division
of Infection, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation,
School of Biological Sciences, University
of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A. Waigh
- Biological
Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Photon
Science Institute, Alan
Turing Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PY, United
Kingdom
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2
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Bucci L, Ghiotto G, Zampieri G, Raga R, Favaro L, Treu L, Campanaro S. Adaptation of Anaerobic Digestion Microbial Communities to High Ammonium Levels: Insights from Strain-Resolved Metagenomics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:580-590. [PMID: 38114447 PMCID: PMC10785762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia release from proteinaceous feedstocks represents the main inhibitor of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, which can result in a decreased biomethane yield or even complete failure of the process. The present study focused on the adaptation of mesophilic AD communities to a stepwise increase in the concentration of ammonium chloride in synthetic medium with casein used as the carbon source. An adaptation process occurring over more than 20 months allowed batch reactors to reach up to 20 g of NH4+ N/L without collapsing in acidification nor ceasing methane production. To decipher the microbial dynamics occurring during the adaptation and determine the genes mostly exposed to selective pressure, a combination of biochemical and metagenomics analyses was performed, reconstructing the strains of key species and tracking them over time. Subsequently, the adaptive metabolic mechanisms were delineated by following the single nucleotide variants (SNVs) characterizing the strains and prioritizing the associated genes according to their function. An in-depth exploration of the archaeon Methanoculleus bourgensis vb3066 and the putative syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria Acetomicrobium sp. ma133 identified positively selected SNVs on genes involved in stress adaptation. The intraspecies diversity with multiple coexisting strains in a temporal succession pattern allows us to detect the presence of an additional level of diversity within the microbial community beyond the species level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bucci
- Department
of Biology (DIBIO), University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ghiotto
- Department
of Biology (DIBIO), University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Zampieri
- Department
of Biology (DIBIO), University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Raga
- Department
of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (ICEA), University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Favaro
- Department
of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova,
Campus Agripolis, Viale dell’Università
16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Treu
- Department
of Biology (DIBIO), University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Campanaro
- Department
of Biology (DIBIO), University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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3
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Asrani P, Seebohm G, Stoll R. Potassium viroporins as model systems for understanding eukaryotic ion channel behaviour. Virus Res 2022; 320:198903. [PMID: 36037849 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are membrane proteins essential for a plethora of cellular functions including maintaining cell shape, ion homeostasis, cardiac rhythm and action potential in neurons. The complexity and often extensive structure of eukaryotic membrane proteins makes it difficult to understand their basic biological regulation. Therefore, this article suggests, viroporins - the miniature versions of eukaryotic protein homologs from viruses - might serve as model systems to provide insights into behaviour of eukaryotic ion channels in general. The structural requirements for correct assembly of the channel along with the basic functional properties of a K+ channel exist in the minimal design of the viral K+ channels from two viruses, Chlorella virus (Kcv) and Ectocarpus siliculosus virus (Kesv). These small viral proteins readily assemble into tetramers and they sort in cells to distinct target membranes. When these viruses-encoded channels are expressed into the mammalian cells, they utilise their protein machinery and hence can serve as excellent tools to study the cells protein sorting machinery. This combination of small size and robust function makes viral K+ channels a valuable model system for detection of basic structure-function correlations. It is believed that molecular and physiochemical analyses of these viroporins may serve as basis for the development of inhibitors or modulators to ion channel activity for targeting ion channel diseases - so called channelopathies. Therefore, it may provide a potential different scope for molecular pharmacology studies aiming at novel and innovative therapeutics associated with channel related diseases. This article reviews the structural and functional properties of Kcv and Kesv upon expression in mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes. The mechanisms behind differential protein sorting in Kcv and Kesv are also thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purva Asrani
- Biomolecular Spectroscopy and RUBiospec|NMR, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum D-44780, Germany
| | - Guiscard Seebohm
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Raphael Stoll
- Biomolecular Spectroscopy and RUBiospec|NMR, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum D-44780, Germany.
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4
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Zhou Y, Assmann SM, Jegla T. External Cd2+ and protons activate the hyperpolarization-gated K+ channel KAT1 at the voltage sensor. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:211573. [PMID: 33275659 PMCID: PMC7721907 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The functionally diverse cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) superfamily of cation channels contains both depolarization-gated (e.g., metazoan EAG family K+ channels) and hyperpolarization-gated channels (e.g., metazoan HCN pacemaker cation channels and the plant K+ channel KAT1). In both types of CNBD channels, the S4 transmembrane helix of the voltage sensor domain (VSD) moves outward in response to depolarization. This movement opens depolarization-gated channels and closes hyperpolarization-gated channels. External divalent cations and protons prevent or slow movement of S4 by binding to a cluster of acidic charges on the S2 and S3 transmembrane domains of the VSD and therefore inhibit activation of EAG family channels. However, a similar divalent ion/proton binding pocket has not been described for hyperpolarization-gated CNBD family channels. We examined the effects of external Cd2+ and protons on Arabidopsisthaliana KAT1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes and found that these ions strongly potentiate voltage activation. Cd2+ at 300 µM depolarizes the V50 of KAT1 by 150 mV, while acidification from pH 7.0 to 4.0 depolarizes the V50 by 49 mV. Regulation of KAT1 by Cd2+ is state dependent and consistent with Cd2+ binding to an S4-down state of the VSD. Neutralization of a conserved acidic charge in the S2 helix in KAT1 (D95N) eliminates Cd2+ and pH sensitivity. Conversely, introduction of acidic residues into KAT1 at additional S2 and S3 cluster positions that are charged in EAG family channels (N99D and Q149E in KAT1) decreases Cd2+ sensitivity and increases proton potentiation. These results suggest that KAT1, and presumably other hyperpolarization-gated plant CNBD channels, can open from an S4-down VSD conformation homologous to the divalent/proton-inhibited conformation of EAG family K+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Zhou
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA
| | - Sarah M Assmann
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA
| | - Timothy Jegla
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA
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5
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Korolev N. How potassium came to be the dominant biological cation: of metabolism, chemiosmosis, and cation selectivity since the beginnings of life. Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000108. [PMID: 33191554 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the cytoplasm of practically all living cells, potassium is the major cation while sodium dominates in the media (seawater, extracellular fluids). Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have elaborate mechanisms and spend significant energy to maintain this asymmetric K+ /Na+ distribution. This essay proposes an original line of evidence to explain how bacteria selected potassium at the very beginning of the evolutionary process and why it remains essential for eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Korolev
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Abstract
Species belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae are found in highly diverse environments and play an important role in fermented foods and probiotic products. Many of these species have been individually reported to harbour plasmids that encode important genes. In this study, we performed comparative genomic analysis of publicly available data for 512 plasmids from 282 strains represented by 51 species of this family and correlated the genomic features of plasmids with the ecological niches in which these species are found. Two-thirds of the species had at least one plasmid-harbouring strain. Plasmid abundance and GC content were significantly lower in vertebrate-adapted species as compared to nomadic and free-living species. Hierarchical clustering highlighted the distinct nature of plasmids from the nomadic and free-living species than those from the vertebrate-adapted species. EggNOG-assisted functional annotation revealed that genes associated with transposition, conjugation, DNA repair and recombination, exopolysaccharide production, metal ion transport, toxin–antitoxin system, and stress tolerance were significantly enriched on the plasmids of the nomadic and in some cases nomadic and free-living species. On the other hand, genes related to anaerobic metabolism, ABC transporters and the major facilitator superfamily were overrepresented on the plasmids of the vertebrate-adapted species. These genomic signatures correlate with the comparatively nutrient-depleted, stressful and dynamic environments of nomadic and free-living species and nutrient-rich and anaerobic environments of vertebrate-adapted species. Thus, these results indicate the contribution of the plasmids in the adaptation of lactobacilli to their respective habitats. This study also underlines the potential application of these plasmids in improving the technological and probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimple Davray
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
| | - Dipti Deo
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
| | - Ram Kulkarni
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
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7
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Orriss GL, To V, Moya-Torres A, Seabrook G, O'Neil J, Stetefeld J. Solution structure of the cytoplasmic domain of NhaP2 a K +/H + antiporter from Vibrio cholera. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183225. [PMID: 32126231 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
NhaP2 is a K+/H+ antiporter from Vibrio cholerae which consists of a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain of approximately 200 amino acids, both of which are required for cholera infectivity. Here we present the solution structure for a 165 amino acid minimal cytoplasmic domain (P2MIN) form of the protein. The structure reveals a compact N-terminal domain which resembles a Regulator of Conductance of K+ channels (RCK) domain connected to a more open C-terminal domain via a flexible 20 amino acid linker. NMR titration experiments showed that the protein binds ATP through its N-terminal domain, which was further supported by waterLOGSY and Saturation Transfer Difference NMR experiments. The two-domain organisation of the protein was confirmed by BIOSAXS, which also revealed that there are no detectable-ATP-induced conformational changes in the protein structure. Finally, in contrast to all known RCK domain structures solved to date, the current work shows that the protein is a monomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L Orriss
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Vu To
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Aniel Moya-Torres
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Genevieve Seabrook
- The OCI/UHN High Field NMR Facility, MaRS Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L7, Canada
| | - Joe O'Neil
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Jörg Stetefeld
- University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
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8
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Schrecker M, Wunnicke D, Hänelt I. How RCK domains regulate gating of K+ channels. Biol Chem 2020; 400:1303-1322. [PMID: 31361596 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Potassium channels play a crucial role in the physiology of all living organisms. They maintain the membrane potential and are involved in electrical signaling, pH homeostasis, cell-cell communication and survival under osmotic stress. Many prokaryotic potassium channels and members of the eukaryotic Slo channels are regulated by tethered cytoplasmic domains or associated soluble proteins, which belong to the family of regulator of potassium conductance (RCK). RCK domains and subunits form octameric rings, which control ion gating. For years, a common regulatory mechanism was suggested: ligand-induced conformational changes in the octameric ring would pull open a gate in the pore via flexible linkers. Consistently, ligand-dependent conformational changes were described for various RCK gating rings. Yet, recent structural and functional data of complete ion channels uncovered that the following signal transduction to the pore domains is divers. The different RCK-regulated ion channels show remarkably heterogeneous mechanisms with neither the connection from the RCK domain to the pore nor the gate being conserved. Some channels even lack the flexible linkers, while in others the gate cannot easily be assigned. In this review we compare available structures of RCK-gated potassium channels, highlight the similarities and differences of channel gating, and delineate existing inconsistencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Schrecker
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Main, Germany
| | - Dorith Wunnicke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Main, Germany
| | - Inga Hänelt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Main, Germany
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9
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Mackie TD, Brodsky JL. Investigating Potassium Channels in Budding Yeast: A Genetic Sandbox. Genetics 2018; 209:637-650. [PMID: 29967058 PMCID: PMC6028241 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Like all species, the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Bakers' yeast, concentrates potassium in the cytosol as an electrogenic osmolyte and enzyme cofactor. Yeast are capable of robust growth on a wide variety of potassium concentrations, ranging from 10 µM to 2.5 M, due to the presence of a high-affinity potassium uptake system and a battery of cation exchange transporters. Genetic perturbation of either of these systems retards yeast growth on low or high potassium, respectively. However, these potassium-sensitized yeast are a powerful genetic tool, which has been leveraged for diverse studies. Notably, the potassium-sensitive cells can be transformed with plasmids encoding potassium channels from bacteria, plants, or mammals, and subsequent changes in growth rate have been found to correlate with the activity of the introduced potassium channel. Discoveries arising from the use of this assay over the past three decades have increased our understanding of the structure-function relationships of various potassium channels, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of potassium channel function and trafficking, and the chemical basis of potassium channel modulation. In this article, we provide an overview of the major genetic tools used to study potassium channels in S. cerevisiae, a survey of seminal studies utilizing these tools, and a prospective for the future use of this elegant genetic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Mackie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Jeffrey L Brodsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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10
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Galleria mellonella lysozyme induces apoptotic changes in Candida albicans cells. Microbiol Res 2016; 193:121-131. [PMID: 27825480 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been increasingly used as a model host to determine Candida albicans virulence and efficacy of antifungal treatment. The G. mellonella lysozyme, similarly to its human counterpart, is a member of the c-type family of lysozymes that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, in contrast to the relatively well explained bactericidal action, the mechanism of fungistatic and/or fungicidal activity of lysozymes is still not clear. In the present study we provide the direct evidences that the G. mellonella lysozyme binds to the protoplasts as well as to the intact C. albicans cells and decreases the survival rate of both these forms in a time-dependent manner. No enzymatic activity of the lysozyme towards typical chitinase and β-glucanase substrates was detected, indicating that hydrolysis of main fungal cell wall components is not responsible for anti-Candida activity of the lysozyme. On the other hand, pre-treatment of cells with tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, prevented them from the lysozyme action, suggesting that lysozyme acts by induction of programmed cell death. In fact, the C. albicans cells treated with the lysozyme exhibited typical apoptotic features, i.e. loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, as well as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation.
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11
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Checchetto V, Segalla A, Sato Y, Bergantino E, Szabo I, Uozumi N. Involvement of Potassium Transport Systems in the Response of Synechocystis PCC 6803 Cyanobacteria to External pH Change, High-Intensity Light Stress and Heavy Metal Stress. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 57:862-877. [PMID: 26880819 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcw032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The unicellular photosynthetic cyanobacterium, able to survive in varying environments, is the only prokaryote that directly converts solar energy and CO2 into organic material and is thus relevant for primary production in many ecosystems. To maintain the intracellular and intrathylakoid ion homeostasis upon different environmental challenges, the concentration of potassium as a major intracellular cation has to be optimized by various K(+)uptake-mediated transport systems. We reveal here the specific and concerted physiological function of three K(+)transporters of the plasma and thylakoid membranes, namely of SynK (K(+)channel), KtrB (Ktr/Trk/HKT) and KdpA (Kdp) in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, under specific stress conditions. The behavior of the wild type, single, double and triple mutants was compared, revealing that only Synk contributes to heavy metal-induced stress, while only Ktr/Kdp is involved in osmotic and salt stress adaptation. With regards to pH shifts in the external medium, the Kdp/Ktr uptake systems play an important role in the adaptation to acidic pH. Ktr, by affecting the CO2 concentration mechanism via its action on the bicarbonate transporter SbtA, might also be responsible for the observed effects concerning high-light stress and calcification. In the case of illumination with high-intensity light, a synergistic action of Kdr/Ktp and SynK is required in order to avoid oxidative stress and ensure cell viability. In summary, this study dissects, using growth tests, measurement of photosynthetic activity and analysis of ultrastructure, the physiological role of three K(+)transporters in adaptation of the cyanobacteria to various environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Checchetto
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Anna Segalla
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8579 Japan
| | | | - Ildiko Szabo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Nobuyuki Uozumi
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8579 Japan
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12
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Laskowski M, Augustynek B, Kulawiak B, Koprowski P, Bednarczyk P, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Szewczyk A. What do we not know about mitochondrial potassium channels? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2016; 1857:1247-1257. [PMID: 26951942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize our knowledge about mitochondrial potassium channels, with a special focus on unanswered questions in this field. The following potassium channels have been well described in the inner mitochondrial membrane: ATP-regulated potassium channel, Ca(2+)-activated potassium channel, the voltage-gated Kv1.3 potassium channel, and the two-pore domain TASK-3 potassium channel. The primary functional roles of these channels include regulation of mitochondrial respiration and the alteration of membrane potential. Additionally, they modulate the mitochondrial matrix volume and the synthesis of reactive oxygen species by mitochondria. Mitochondrial potassium channels are believed to contribute to cytoprotection and cell death. In this paper, we discuss fundamental issues concerning mitochondrial potassium channels: their molecular identity, channel pharmacology and functional properties. Attention will be given to the current problems present in our understanding of the nature of mitochondrial potassium channels. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Laskowski
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Augustynek
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bogusz Kulawiak
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Koprowski
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Bednarczyk
- Department of Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska St., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Adam Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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13
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Kuzmenkov AI, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1764-99. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915130118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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14
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Baker EC, Layden MJ, van Rossum DB, Kamel B, Medina M, Simpson E, Jegla T. Functional Characterization of Cnidarian HCN Channels Points to an Early Evolution of Ih. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142730. [PMID: 26555239 PMCID: PMC4640657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
HCN channels play a unique role in bilaterian physiology as the only hyperpolarization-gated cation channels. Their voltage-gating is regulated by cyclic nucleotides and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Activation of HCN channels provides the depolarizing current in response to hyperpolarization that is critical for intrinsic rhythmicity in neurons and the sinoatrial node. Additionally, HCN channels regulate dendritic excitability in a wide variety of neurons. Little is known about the early functional evolution of HCN channels, but the presence of HCN sequences in basal metazoan phyla and choanoflagellates, a protozoan sister group to the metazoans, indicate that the gene family predates metazoan emergence. We functionally characterized two HCN channel orthologs from Nematostella vectensis (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) to determine which properties of HCN channels were established prior to the emergence of bilaterians. We find Nematostella HCN channels share all the major functional features of bilaterian HCNs, including reversed voltage-dependence, activation by cAMP and PIP2, and block by extracellular Cs+. Thus bilaterian-like HCN channels were already present in the common parahoxozoan ancestor of bilaterians and cnidarians, at a time when the functional diversity of voltage-gated K+ channels was rapidly expanding. NvHCN1 and NvHCN2 are expressed broadly in planulae and in both the endoderm and ectoderm of juvenile polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C. Baker
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Layden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Damian B. van Rossum
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Bishoy Kamel
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Monica Medina
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eboni Simpson
- Penn State University Graduate School, Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Timothy Jegla
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Crystal structure of a two-subunit TrkA octameric gating ring assembly. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122512. [PMID: 25826626 PMCID: PMC4380455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The TM1088 locus of T. maritima codes for two proteins designated TM1088A and TM1088B, which combine to form the cytosolic portion of a putative Trk K+ transporter. We report the crystal structure of this assembly to a resolution of 3.45 Å. The high resolution crystal structures of the components of the assembly, TM1088A and TM1088B, were also determined independently to 1.50 Å and 1.55 Å, respectively. The TM1088 proteins are structurally homologous to each other and to other K+ transporter proteins, such as TrkA. These proteins form a cytosolic gating ring assembly that controls the flow of K+ ions across the membrane. TM1088 represents the first structure of a two-subunit Trk assembly. Despite the atypical genetics and chain organization of the TM1088 assembly, it shares significant structural homology and an overall quaternary organization with other single-subunit K+ gating ring assemblies. This structure provides the first structural insights into what may be an evolutionary ancestor of more modern single-subunit K+ gating ring assemblies.
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16
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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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17
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Prole DL, Taylor CW. Identification and analysis of cation channel homologues in human pathogenic fungi. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42404. [PMID: 22876320 PMCID: PMC3410928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi are major causes of human, animal and plant disease. Human fungal infections can be fatal, but there are limited options for therapy, and resistance to commonly used anti-fungal drugs is widespread. The genomes of many fungi have recently been sequenced, allowing identification of proteins that may become targets for novel therapies. We examined the genomes of human fungal pathogens for genes encoding homologues of cation channels, which are prominent drug targets. Many of the fungal genomes examined contain genes encoding homologues of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and transient receptor potential (Trp) channels, but not sodium (Na+) channels or ligand-gated channels. Some fungal genomes contain multiple genes encoding homologues of K+ and Trp channel subunits, and genes encoding novel homologues of voltage-gated Kv channel subunits are found in Cryptococcus spp. Only a single gene encoding a homologue of a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel was identified in the genome of each pathogenic fungus examined. These homologues are similar to the Cch1 Ca2+ channel of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The genomes of Aspergillus spp. and Cryptococcus spp., but not those of S. cerevisiae or the other pathogenic fungi examined, also encode homologues of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU). In contrast to humans, which express many K+, Ca2+ and Trp channels, the genomes of pathogenic fungi encode only very small numbers of K+, Ca2+ and Trp channel homologues. Furthermore, the sequences of fungal K+, Ca2+, Trp and MCU channels differ from those of human channels in regions that suggest differences in regulation and susceptibility to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Prole
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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18
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Jimenez V, Docampo R. Molecular and electrophysiological characterization of a novel cation channel of Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002750. [PMID: 22685407 PMCID: PMC3369953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the identification, functional expression, purification, reconstitution and electrophysiological characterization of a novel cation channel (TcCat) from Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. This channel is potassium permeable and shows inward rectification in the presence of magnesium. Western blot analyses with specific antibodies indicated that the protein is expressed in the three main life cycle stages of the parasite. Surprisingly, the parasites have the unprecedented ability to rapidly change the localization of the channel when they are exposed to different environmental stresses. TcCat rapidly translocates to the tip of the flagellum when trypomastigotes are submitted to acidic pH, to the plasma membrane when epimastigotes are submitted to hyperosmotic stress, and to the cell surface when amastigotes are released to the extracellular medium. Pharmacological block of TcCat activity also resulted in alterations in the trypomastigotes ability to respond to hyperosmotic stress. We also demonstrate the feasibility of purifying and reconstituting a functional ion channel from T. cruzi after recombinant expression in bacteria. The peculiar characteristics of TcCat could be important for the development of specific inhibitors with therapeutic potential against trypanosomes. The use of high-resolution electrophysiological techniques to study ion channels has provided a large amount of information on functional aspects of these important membrane proteins. However, the study of ion channels in unicellular eukaryotes has been limited to detection of ion conductances in large cells, gene identification studies, and pharmacological treatments to investigate the potential presence of different ion channels. In this paper we report the first identification, functional expression, purification, reconstitution, and electrophysiological characterization with single-molecule resolution of a novel cation channel (TcCat) from Trypanosoma cruzi. This is a novel channel that shares little sequence and functional similarities to other potassium channels and its peculiar characteristics could be important for the development of specific inhibitors with therapeutic potential against trypanosomiasis. Surprisingly, the parasites have the unprecedented ability to rapidly change the localization of the channel when they are exposed to different environmental stresses. We demonstrated the feasibility of purifying and reconstituting a functional ion channel from T. cruzi after recombinant expression in bacteria. In addition, we obtained yeast mutants that will provide a useful genetic system for studies of the assembly and composition of the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Jimenez
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VJ); (RD)
| | - Roberto Docampo
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VJ); (RD)
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19
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Prole DL, Marrion NV. Identification of putative potassium channel homologues in pathogenic protozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32264. [PMID: 22363819 PMCID: PMC3283738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
K+ channels play a vital homeostatic role in cells and abnormal activity of these channels can dramatically alter cell function and survival, suggesting that they might be attractive drug targets in pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic protozoa lead to diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and dysentery that are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. The genomes of many protozoan parasites have recently been sequenced, allowing rational design of targeted therapies. We analyzed the genomes of pathogenic protozoa and show the existence within them of genes encoding putative homologues of K+ channels. These protozoan K+ channel homologues represent novel targets for anti-parasitic drugs. Differences in the sequences and diversity of human and parasite proteins may allow pathogen-specific targeting of these K+ channel homologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Prole
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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20
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Identification of a novel bacterial K(+) channel. J Membr Biol 2011; 242:153-64. [PMID: 21744086 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-011-9386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to explore unknown K(+) channels in mammalian cells, especially ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, we compared the sequence homology of Kir6.1 and Kir6.2, two pore-forming subunits of mammalian K(ATP) channel genes, with bacterial genes that code for selective proteins with confirmed or putative ion transport properties. BLAST analysis revealed that a prokaryotic gene (ydfJ) expressed in Escherichia coli K12 strain shared 8.6% homology with Kir6.1 and 8.3% with Kir6.2 genes. Subsequently, we cloned and sequenced ydfJ gene from E. coli K12 and heterologously expressed it in mammalian HEK-293 cells. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record ion channel currents generated by ydfJ-encoded protein. Heterologous expression of ydfJ gene in HEK-293 cells yielded a novel K(+) channel current that was inwardly rectified and had a reversal potential close to K(+) equilibrium potential. The expressed ydfJ channel was blocked reversibly by low concentration of barium in a dose-dependent fashion. Specific K(ATP) channel openers or blockers did not alter the K(+) current generated by ydfJ expression alone or ydfJ coexpressed with rvSUR1 or rvSUR2B subunits of K(ATP) channel complex. Furthermore, this coexpressed ydfJ/rvSUR1 channels were not inhibited by ATP dialysis. On the other hand, ydfJ K(+) currents were inhibited by protopine (a nonspecific K(+) channel blocker) but not by dofetilide (a HERG channel blocker). In summary, heterologously expressed prokaryotic ydfJ gene formed a novel functional K(+) channel in mammalian cells.
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21
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Abstract
Cellular electrophysiological systems, like developmental systems, appear to evolve primarily by means of regulatory evolution. It is suggested that electrophysiological systems share two key features with developmental systems that account for this dependence on regulatory evolution. For both systems, structural evolution has the potential to create significant problems of pleiotropy and both systems are predominantly computational in nature. It is concluded that the relative balance of physical and computational tasks that a biological system has to perform, combined with the probability that these tasks may have to change significantly during the course of evolution, will be major factors in determining the relative mix of regulatory and structural evolution that is observed for a given system. Physiological systems that directly interface with the environment will almost always perform some low-level physical task. In the majority of cases this will require evolution of protein function in order for the tasks themselves to evolve. For complex physiological systems a large fraction of their function will be devoted to high-level control functions that are predominantly computational in nature. In most cases regulatory evolution will be sufficient in order for these computational tasks to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rosati
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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22
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Myers BR, Saimi Y, Julius D, Kung C. Multiple unbiased prospective screens identify TRP channels and their conserved gating elements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 132:481-6. [PMID: 18955590 PMCID: PMC2571970 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200810104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Myers
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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23
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Abstract
Studies of ion channels have for long been dominated by the animalcentric, if not anthropocentric, view of physiology. The structures and activities of ion channels had, however, evolved long before the appearance of complex multicellular organisms on earth. The diversity of ion channels existing in cellular membranes of prokaryotes is a good example. Although at first it may appear as a paradox that most of what we know about the structure of eukaryotic ion channels is based on the structure of bacterial channels, this should not be surprising given the evolutionary relatedness of all living organisms and suitability of microbial cells for structural studies of biological macromolecules in a laboratory environment. Genome sequences of the human as well as various microbial, plant, and animal organisms unambiguously established the evolutionary links, whereas crystallographic studies of the structures of major types of ion channels published over the last decade clearly demonstrated the advantage of using microbes as experimental organisms. The purpose of this review is not only to provide an account of acquired knowledge on microbial ion channels but also to show that the study of microbes and their ion channels may also hold a key to solving unresolved molecular mysteries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Martinac
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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24
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Human lactoferrin induces apoptosis-like cell death in Candida albicans: critical role of K+-channel-mediated K+ efflux. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:4081-8. [PMID: 18710913 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01597-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lactoferrin (hLf) induced an apoptosis-like phenotype in Candida albicans cells, which includes phosphatidylserine externalization, nuclear chromatin condensation, DNA degradation, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Intracellular ROS accumulation was seen to correlate with candidacidal activity in hLf-treated cells. Mitochondrial activity was involved as indicated by mitochondrial depolarization and increased hLf resistance of cells preincubated with sordarin or erythromycin, the latter of which inhibits protein synthesis in mitoribosomes. Interestingly, Cl(-)- and K(+)-channel blockers prevented the hLf antimicrobial activity, but only when cells were pretreated with the blocking agent (tetraethylammonium) prior to the hLf-induced K(+)-release period. These results indicate for the first time that K(+)-channel-mediated K(+) efflux is required for the progression of apoptosis-like process in yeast, suggesting that this essential apoptotic event of higher eukaryotes has been evolutionary conserved among species ranging from yeasts to humans.
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25
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Silverman WR, Heginbotham L. The MlotiK1 channel transports ions along the canonical conduction pore. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:5024-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Kuo MMC, Saimi Y, Kung C, Choe S. Patch clamp and phenotypic analyses of a prokaryotic cyclic nucleotide-gated K+ channel using Escherichia coli as a host. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:24294-301. [PMID: 17588940 PMCID: PMC3521034 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703618200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotic ion channels have been valuable in providing structural models for understanding ion filtration and channel-gating mechanisms. However, their functional examinations have remained rare and usually been carried out by incorporating purified channel protein into artificial lipid membranes. Here we demonstrate the utilization of Escherichia coli to host the functional analyses by examining a putative cyclic nucleotide-gated K+ channel cloned from Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum, MmaK. When expressed in wild-type E. coli cells, MmaK renders the host sensitive to millimolar concentrations of externally applied K+, indicating MmaK forms a functional K+ conduit in the E. coli membrane in vivo. After enlarging these cells into giant spheroplasts, macro- and microscopic MmaK currents are readily detected in excised E. coli membrane patches by a patch clamp. We show that MmaK is indeed gated by submicromolar cAMP and approximately 10-fold higher concentration of cGMP and manifests as an inwardly rectified, K+-specific current with a 10.8 pS unitary conductance at -100 mV. Additionally, MmaK is inactivated by slightly acidic pH only from the cytoplasmic side. Our in vitro biophysical characterizations of MmaK correlate with its in vivo phenotype in E. coli, implicating its critical role as an intracellular cAMP and pH sensor for modulating bacterial membrane potential. Exemplified by MmaK functional studies, we establish that E. coli and its giant spheroplast provide a convenient and versatile system to express foreign channels for biophysical analyses that can be further dovetailed with microbial genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshiro Saimi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Ching Kung
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Senyon Choe
- Structural Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: 10010 N. Torry Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037. Fax: 858-452-3683;
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27
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Wolfe DM, Pearce DA. Channeling studies in yeast: yeast as a model for channelopathies? Neuromolecular Med 2007; 8:279-306. [PMID: 16775381 DOI: 10.1385/nmm:8:3:279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2005] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 01/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the concentration of ions within a cell is mediated by their specific transport and sequestration across cellular membranes. This regulation constitutes a major factor in the maintenance of correct cellular homeostasis, with the transport occurring through the action of a large number of different channel proteins localized to the plasma membrane as well as to various organelles. These ion channels vary in specificity from broad (cationic vs anionic) to highly selective (chloride vs sodium). Mutations in many of these channels result in a large number of human diseases, collectively termed channelopathies. Characterization of many of these channels has been undertaken in a variety of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Among these organisms is the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Possessing a fully annotated genome, S. cerevisiae would appear to be an ideal organism in which to study this class of proteins associated to diseases. We have compiled and reviewed a list of yeast ion channels, each possessing a human homolog implicated in a channelopathy. Although yeast has been used for the study of other human disease, it has been under utilized for channelopathy research. The utility of using yeast as a model system for studying ion channels associated to human disease is illustrated using yeast lacking the GEF1 gene product that encodes the human homolog to the chloride channel CLC-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Wolfe
- Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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28
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Albright RA, Ibar JLV, Kim CU, Gruner SM, Morais-Cabral JH. The RCK Domain of the KtrAB K+ Transporter: Multiple Conformations of an Octameric Ring. Cell 2006; 126:1147-59. [PMID: 16990138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2006] [Revised: 05/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The KtrAB ion transporter is a complex of the KtrB membrane protein and KtrA, an RCK domain. RCK domains regulate eukaryotic and prokaryotic membrane proteins involved in K(+) transport. Conflicting functional models have proposed two different oligomeric arrangements for RCK domains, tetramer versus octamer. Our results for the KtrAB RCK domain clearly show an octamer in solution and in the crystal. We determined the structure of this protein in three different octameric ring conformations that resemble the RCK-domain octamer observed in the MthK potassium channel but show striking differences in size and symmetry. We present experimental evidence for the association between one RCK octameric ring and two KtrB membrane proteins. These results provide insights into the quaternary organization of the KtrAB transporter and its mechanism of activation and show that the RCK-domain octameric ring model is generally applicable to other ion-transport systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Albright
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 266 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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29
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Radchenko MV, Tanaka K, Waditee R, Oshimi S, Matsuzaki Y, Fukuhara M, Kobayashi H, Takabe T, Nakamura T. Potassium/proton antiport system of Escherichia coli. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:19822-9. [PMID: 16687400 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600333200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular level of potassium (K(+)) in Escherichia coli is regulated through multiple K(+) transport systems. Recent data indicate that not all K(+) extrusion system(s) have been identified (15). Here we report that the E. coli Na(+) (Ca(2+))/H(+) antiporter ChaA functions as a K(+) extrusion system. Cells expressing ChaA mediated K(+) efflux against a K(+) concentration gradient. E. coli strains lacking the chaA gene were unable to extrude K(+) under conditions in which wild-type cells extruded K(+). The K(+)/H(+) antiporter activity of ChaA was detected by using inverted membrane vesicles produced using a French press. Physiological growth studies indicated that E. coli uses ChaA to discard excessive K(+), which is toxic for these cells. These results suggest that ChaA K(+)/H(+) antiporter activity enables E. coli to adapt to K(+) salinity stress and to maintain K(+) homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha V Radchenko
- Department of Microbiology, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata 950-2081, Japan
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