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Park SJ, Silic MR, Staab PL, Chen J, Zackschewski EL, Zhang G. Evolution of two-pore domain potassium channels and their gene expression in zebrafish embryos. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:722-749. [PMID: 38270285 PMCID: PMC11269526 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are a major type of potassium channels that maintain the cell membrane potential by conducting passive potassium leak currents independent of voltage change. They play prominent roles in multiple physiological processes, including neuromodulation, perception of pain, breathing and mood control, and response to volatile anesthetics. Mutations in K2P channels have been linked to many human diseases, such as neuronal and cardiovascular disorders and cancers. Significant progress has been made to understand their protein structures, physiological functions, and pharmacological modifiers. However, their expression and function during embryonic development remain largely unknown. RESULTS We employed the zebrafish model and identified 23 k2p genes using BLAST search and gene cloning. We first analyzed vertebrate K2P channel evolution by phylogenetic and syntenic analyses. Our data revealed that the six subtypes of the K2P genes have already evolved in invertebrates long before the emergence of vertebrates. Moreover, the vertebrate K2P gene number increased, most likely due to two whole-genome duplications. Furthermore, we examined zebrafish k2p gene expression during early embryogenesis by in situ hybridization. Each subgroup's genes showed similar but distinct gene expression domains with some exceptions. Most of them were expressed in neural tissues consistent with their known function of neural excitability regulation. However, a few k2p genes were expressed temporarily in specific tissues or organs, suggesting that these K2P channels may be needed for embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS Our phylogenetic and developmental analyses of K2P channels shed light on their evolutionary history and potential roles during embryogenesis related to their physiological functions and human channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jun Park
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
| | - Martin R. Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
| | - Peyton L. Staab
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
| | - Jiapei Chen
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
| | - Ethan L. Zackschewski
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana. 47906. USA
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Yang Y, Tuo J, Zhang J, Xu Z, Luo Z. Pathogenic genes implicated in sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy: a research progress update. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1416648. [PMID: 38966089 PMCID: PMC11222571 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1416648] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is a focal epilepsy syndrome characterized by a variable age of onset and heterogeneous etiology. Current literature suggests a prevalence rate of approximately 1.8 per 100,000 persons. The discovery of additional pathogenic genes associated with SHE in recent years has significantly expanded the knowledge and understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms. Identified SHE pathogenic genes include those related to neuronal ligand- and ion-gated channels (CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CHRNA2, GABRG2, and KCNT1), genes upstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signal transduction pathway (DEPDC5, NPRL2, NPRL3, TSC1, and TSC2), and other genes (CRH, CaBP4, STX1B, and PRIMA1). These genes encode proteins associated with ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, cell signal transduction, and synaptic transmission. Mutations in these genes can result in the dysregulation of encoded cellular functional proteins and downstream neuronal dysfunction, ultimately leading to epileptic seizures. However, the associations between most genes and the SHE phenotype remain unclear. This article presents a literature review on the research progress of SHE-related pathogenic genes to contribute evidence to genotype-phenotype correlations in SHE and establish the necessary theoretical basis for future SHE treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jinmei Tuo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zucai Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhong Luo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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3
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Dates J, Kolosov D. Voltage-gated ion channels as novel regulators of epithelial ion transport in the osmoregulatory organs of insects. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1385895. [PMID: 38835480 PMCID: PMC11148248 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1385895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) respond to changes in membrane potential (Vm) and typically exhibit fast kinetic properties. They play an important role in signal detection and propagation in excitable tissues. In contrast, the role of VGICs in non-excitable tissues like epithelia is less studied and less clear. Studies in epithelia of vertebrates and invertebrates demonstrate wide expression of VGICs in epithelia of animals. Recently, VGICs have emerged as regulators of ion transport in the Malpighian tubules (MTs) and other osmoregulatory organs of insects. This mini-review aims to concisely summarize which VGICs have been implicated in the regulation of ion transport in the osmoregulatory epithelia of insects to date, and highlight select groups for further study. We have also speculated on the roles VGICs may potentially play in regulating processes connected directly to ion transport in insects (e.g., acid-base balance, desiccation, thermal tolerance). This review is not meant to be exhaustive but should rather serve as a thought-provoking collection of select existing highlights on VGICs, and to emphasize how understudied this mechanism of ion transport regulation is in insect epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Dates
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, United States
| | - Dennis Kolosov
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, United States
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Wu J, El-Hassar L, Datta D, Thomas M, Zhang Y, Jenkins DP, DeLuca NJ, Chatterjee M, Gribkoff VK, Arnsten AFT, Kaczmarek LK. Interaction Between HCN and Slack Channels Regulates mPFC Pyramidal Cell Excitability in Working Memory Circuits. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2430-2445. [PMID: 37889366 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03719-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The ability of monkeys and rats to carry out spatial working memory tasks has been shown to depend on the persistent firing of pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), arising from recurrent excitatory connections on dendritic spines. These spines express hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels whose open state is increased by cAMP signaling, and which markedly alter PFC network connectivity and neuronal firing. In traditional neural circuits, activation of these non-selective cation channels leads to neuronal depolarization and increased firing rate. Paradoxically, cAMP activation of HCN channels in PFC pyramidal cells reduces working memory-related neuronal firing. This suggests that activation of HCN channels may hyperpolarize rather than depolarize these neurons. The current study tested the hypothesis that Na+ influx through HCN channels activates Slack Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane. We have found that HCN and Slack KNa channels co-immunoprecipitate in cortical extracts and that, by immunoelectron microscopy, they colocalize at postsynaptic spines of PFC pyramidal neurons. A specific blocker of HCN channels, ZD7288, reduces KNa current in pyramidal cells that express both HCN and Slack channels, but has no effect on KNa currents in an HEK cell line expressing Slack without HCN channels, indicating that blockade of HCN channels in neurons reduces K+ current indirectly by lowering Na+ influx. Activation of HCN channels by cAMP in a cell line expressing a Ca2+ reporter results in elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, but the effect of cAMP is reversed if the HCN channels are co-expressed with Slack channels. Finally, we used a novel pharmacological blocker of Slack channels to show that inhibition of Slack in rat PFC improves working memory performance, an effect previously demonstrated for blockers of HCN channels. Our results suggest that the regulation of working memory by HCN channels in PFC pyramidal neurons is mediated by an HCN-Slack channel complex that links activation HCN channels to suppression of neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lynda El-Hassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Merrilee Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - David P Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nicholas J DeLuca
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Manavi Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Valentin K Gribkoff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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5
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Physiological role of potassium channels in mammalian germ cell differentiation, maturation, and capacitation. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436215 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channels are essential for differentiation and maturation of germ cells, and even for fertilization in mammals. Different types of potassium channels have been identified, which are grouped into voltage-gated channels (Kv), ligand-gated channels (Kligand ), inwardly rectifying channels (Kir ), and tandem pore domain channels (K2P ). MATERIAL-METHODS The present review includes recent findings on the role of potassium channels in sperm physiology of mammals. RESULTS-DISCUSSION While most studies conducted thus far have been focused on the physiological role of voltage- (Kv1, Kv3, and Kv7) and calcium-gated channels (SLO1 and SLO3) during sperm capacitation, especially in humans and rodents, little data about the types of potassium channels present in the plasma membrane of differentiating germ cells exist. In spite of this, recent evidence suggests that the content and regulation mechanisms of these channels vary throughout spermatogenesis. Potassium channels are also essential for the regulation of sperm cell volume during epididymal maturation and for preventing premature membrane hyperpolarization. It is important to highlight that the nature, biochemical properties, localization, and regulation mechanisms of potassium channels are species-specific. In effect, while SLO3 is the main potassium channel involved in the K+ current during sperm capacitation in rodents, different potassium channels are implicated in the K+ outflow and, thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization during sperm capacitation in other mammalian species, such as humans and pigs. CONCLUSIONS Potassium conductance is essential for male fertility, not only during sperm capacitation but throughout the spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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6
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Lai H, Gao M, Yang H. The potassium channels: Neurobiology and pharmacology of tinnitus. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25281. [PMID: 38284861 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a widespread public health issue that imposes a significant social burden. The occurrence and maintenance of tinnitus have been shown to be associated with abnormal neuronal activity in the auditory pathway. Based on this view, neurobiological and pharmacological developments in tinnitus focus on ion channels and synaptic neurotransmitter receptors in neurons in the auditory pathway. With major breakthroughs in the pathophysiology and research methodology of tinnitus in recent years, the role of the largest family of ion channels, potassium ion channels, in modulating the excitability of neurons involved in tinnitus has been increasingly demonstrated. More and more potassium channels involved in the neural mechanism of tinnitus have been discovered, and corresponding drugs have been developed. In this article, we review animal (mouse, rat, hamster, and guinea-pig), human, and genetic studies on the different potassium channels involved in tinnitus, analyze the limitations of current clinical research on potassium channels, and propose future prospects. The aim of this review is to promote the understanding of the role of potassium ion channels in tinnitus and to advance the development of drugs targeting potassium ion channels for tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohong Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqian Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haidi Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Elhadi K, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Modeling methamphetamine use disorder and relapse in animals: short- and long-term epigenetic, transcriptional., and biochemical consequences in the rat brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105440. [PMID: 38707245 PMCID: PMC11068368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by binge drug taking episodes, intervals of abstinence, and relapses to drug use even during treatment. MUD has been modeled in rodents and investigators are attempting to identify its molecular bases. Preclinical experiments have shown that different schedules of methamphetamine self-administration can cause diverse transcriptional changes in the dorsal striatum of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present review, we present data on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the rat striatum following methamphetamine intake. These include genes involved in transcription regulation, potassium channel function, and neuroinflammation. We then use the striatal data to discuss the potential significance of the molecular changes induced by methamphetamine by reviewing concordant or discordant data from the literature. This review identified potential molecular targets for pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, there is a need for more research on methamphetamine-induced transcriptional consequences in various brain regions. These data should provide a more detailed neuroanatomical map of methamphetamine-induced changes and should better inform therapeutic interventions against MUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Elhadi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Atul P. Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
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Dupuy M, Gueguinou M, Potier-Cartereau M, Lézot F, Papin M, Chantôme A, Rédini F, Vandier C, Verrecchia F. SK Ca- and Kv1-type potassium channels and cancer: Promising therapeutic targets? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115774. [PMID: 37678626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115774] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are transmembrane structures that allow the passage of ions across cell membranes such as the plasma membrane or the membranes of various organelles like the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus or mitochondria. Aberrant expression of various ion channels has been demonstrated in several tumor cells, leading to the promotion of key functions in tumor development, such as cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. The link between ion channels and these key biological functions that promote tumor development has led to the classification of cancers as oncochannelopathies. Among all ion channels, the most varied and numerous, forming the largest family, are the potassium channels, with over 70 genes encoding them in humans. In this context, this review will provide a non-exhaustive overview of the role of plasma membrane potassium channels in cancer, describing 1) the nomenclature and structure of potassium channels, 2) the role of these channels in the control of biological functions that promotes tumor development such as proliferation, migration and cell death, and 3) the role of two particular classes of potassium channels, the SKCa- and Kv1- type potassium channels in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryne Dupuy
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | | | | | - Frédéric Lézot
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR933, Hôpital Trousseau (AP-HP), Paris F-75012, France
| | - Marion Papin
- N2C UMR 1069, University of Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | | | - Françoise Rédini
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Franck Verrecchia
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000 Nantes, France.
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Wang Y, Jiang Y, Jiang L, Xiong W, Wang Y, Gao X, Chen Q, Lin L, Yu T, Tang Y. Estrogen increases the expression of BKCa and impairs the contraction of colon smooth muscle via upregulation of sphingosine kinase 1. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2390-2406. [PMID: 37642352 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen (E2) may impair the contraction of colonic smooth muscle (SM) leading to constipation. Large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels (BKCa ) are widely expressed in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributing to hyperpolarization and relaxation of SMCs. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is known to influence the expression of BKCa . We aimed to elucidate the potential underlying molecular mechanism of BKCa and SphK1 that may influence E2-induced colonic dysmotility. In ovariectomized rats, SM contraction and expression of BKCa , SphK1, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) were analyzed after the treatment with vehicle, BSA-E2, E2, and E2 receptor antagonist. The role of BKCa , SphK1, and S1PR in E2-induced SM dysmotility was investigated in rat colonic SMCs. The effect of SphK1 on SM contraction as well as on the expression of BKCa and S1PR was analyzed in SphK1 knock-out mutant mice and wild-type (WT) mice treated with or without E2. The E2-treated group exhibited a weak contraction of colonic SM and a delayed colonic transit. The treatment with E2 significantly upregulated the expression of BKCa , SphK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2, but not S1PR3, in colon SM and SMCs. Inhibition of BKCa , SphK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2 expression attenuated the effect of E2 on Ca2+ mobilization in rat colon SMCs. WT mice treated with E2 showed impaired gastrointestinal motility and enhanced expression of BKCa , S1PR1, and S1PR2 compared with those without E2 treatment. Conversely, in SphK1 knock-out mice treated with E2, these effects were partially reversed. E2 increased the release of S1P which in turn could have activated S1PR1 and S1PR2. Loss of SphK1 attenuated the effect of E2 on the upregulation of S1PR1 and S1PR2 expression. These findings indicated that E2 impaired the contraction of colon SM through activation of BKCa via the upregulation of SphK1 and the release of S1P. In the E2-induced BKCa upregulation, S1PR1 and S1PR2 might also be involved. These results may provide further insights into a therapeutic target and optional treatment approaches for patients with constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyue Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yurong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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10
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Paul A, Chumbale SS, Lakra A, Kumar V, Alhat DS, Singh S. Insights into Leishmania donovani potassium channel family and their biological functions. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:266. [PMID: 37425093 PMCID: PMC10326225 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causative organism for visceral leishmaniasis. Although this parasite was discovered over a century ago, nothing is known about role of potassium channels in L. donovani. Potassium channels are known for their crucial roles in cellular functions in other organisms. Recently the presence of a calcium-activated potassium channel in L. donovani was reported which prompted us to look for other proteins which could be potassium channels and to investigate their possible physiological roles. Twenty sequences were identified in L. donovani genome and subjected to estimation of physio-chemical properties, motif analysis, localization prediction and transmembrane domain analysis. Structural predictions were also done. The channels were majorly α-helical and predominantly localized in cell membrane and lysosomes. The signature selectivity filter of potassium channel was present in all the sequences. In addition to the conventional potassium channel activity, they were associated with gene ontology terms for mitotic cell cycle, cell death, modulation by virus of host process, cell motility etc. The entire study indicates the presence of potassium channel families in L. donovani which may have involvement in several cellular pathways. Further investigations on these putative potassium channels are needed to elucidate their roles in Leishmania. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Shubham Sunil Chumbale
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Anjana Lakra
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Dhanashri Sudam Alhat
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
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11
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Orfali R, AlFaiz A, Rahman MA, Lau L, Nam YW, Zhang M. K Ca2 and K Ca3.1 Channels in the Airways: A New Therapeutic Target. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1780. [PMID: 37509419 PMCID: PMC10376499 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
K+ channels are involved in many critical functions in lung physiology. Recently, the family of Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) has received more attention, and a massive amount of effort has been devoted to developing selective medications targeting these channels. Within the family of KCa channels, three small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2) channel subtypes, together with the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel, are voltage-independent K+ channels, and they mediate Ca2+-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Many KCa2 channel members are involved in crucial roles in physiological and pathological systems throughout the body. In this article, different subtypes of KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels and their functions in respiratory diseases are discussed. Additionally, the pharmacology of the KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels and the link between these channels and respiratory ciliary regulations will be explained in more detail. In the future, specific modulators for small or intermediate Ca2+-activated K+ channels may offer a unique therapeutic opportunity to treat muco-obstructive lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
- Biomedical Research Administration, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali AlFaiz
- Biomedical Research Administration, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Asikur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Liz Lau
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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12
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Seiffert S, Pendziwiat M, Hedrich UBS, Helbig I, Weber Y, Schwarz N. KCNC2 variants of uncertain significance are also associated to various forms of epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1212079. [PMID: 37360341 PMCID: PMC10289024 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1212079] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, de novo variants in KCNC2, coding for the potassium channel subunit KV3.2, have been described as causative for various forms of epilepsy including genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Here, we report the functional characteristics of three additional KCNC2 variants of uncertain significance and one variant classified as pathogenic. Electrophysiological studies were performed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The data presented here support that KCNC2 variants with uncertain significance may also be causative for various forms of epilepsy, as they show changes in the current amplitude and activation and deactivation kinetics of the channel, depending on the variant. In addition, we investigated the effect of valproic acid on KV3.2, as several patients carrying pathogenic variants in the KCNC2 gene achieved significant seizure reduction or seizure freedom with this drug. However, in our electrophysiological investigations, no change on the behavior of KV3.2 channels could be observed, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of VPA may be explained by other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Seiffert
- Department of Human Genetics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuela Pendziwiat
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrike B. S. Hedrich
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yvonne Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Niklas Schwarz
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Wu J, El-Hassar L, Datta D, Thomas M, Zhang Y, Jenkins DP, DeLuca NJ, Chatterjee M, Gribkoff VK, Arnsten AFT, Kaczmarek LK. Interaction Between HCN and Slack Channels Regulates mPFC Pyramidal Cell Excitability and Working Memory. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2870277. [PMID: 37205397 PMCID: PMC10187370 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2870277/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The ability of monkeys and rats to carry out spatial working memory tasks has been shown to depend on the persistent firing of pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), arising from recurrent excitatory connections on dendritic spines. These spines express hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels whose open state is increased by cAMP signaling, and which markedly alter PFC network connectivity and neuronal firing. In traditional neural circuits, activation of these non-selective cation channels leads to neuronal depolarization and increased firing rate. Paradoxically, cAMP activation of HCN channels in PFC pyramidal cells reduces working memory-related neuronal firing. This suggests that activation of HCN channels may hyperpolarize rather than depolarize these neurons. The current study tested the hypothesis that Na+ influx through HCN channels activates Slack Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane. We have found that HCN and Slack KNa channels coimmunoprecipitate in cortical extracts and that, by immunoelectron microscopy, they colocalize at postsynaptic spines of PFC pyramidal neurons. A specific blocker of HCN channels, ZD7288, reduces KNa current in pyramidal cells that express both HCN and Slack channels, but has no effect on KNa currents in an HEK cell line expressing Slack without HCN channels, indicating that blockade of HCN channels in neurons reduces K+ +current indirectly by lowering Na+ influx. Activation of HCN channels by cAMP in a cell line expressing a Ca2+ reporter results in elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, but the effect of cAMP is reversed if the HCN channels are co-expressed with Slack channels. Finally, we used a novel pharmacological blocker of Slack channels to show that inhibition of Slack in rat PFC improves working memory performance, an effect previously demonstrated for blockers of HCN channels. Our results suggest that the regulation of working memory by HCN channels in PFC pyramidal neurons is mediated by an HCN-Slack channel complex that links activation HCN channels to suppression of neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Yale University School of Medicine
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14
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Younes S, Mourad N, Salla M, Rahal M, Hammoudi Halat D. Potassium Ion Channels in Glioma: From Basic Knowledge into Therapeutic Applications. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:434. [PMID: 37103862 PMCID: PMC10144598 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels, specifically those controlling the flux of potassium across cell membranes, have recently been shown to exhibit an important role in the pathophysiology of glioma, the most common primary central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis. Potassium channels are grouped into four subfamilies differing by their domain structure, gating mechanisms, and functions. Pertinent literature indicates the vital functions of potassium channels in many aspects of glioma carcinogenesis, including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The dysfunction of potassium channels can result in pro-proliferative signals that are highly related to calcium signaling as well. Moreover, this dysfunction can feed into migration and metastasis, most likely by increasing the osmotic pressure of cells allowing the cells to initiate the "escape" and "invasion" of capillaries. Reducing the expression or channel blockage has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation and infiltration of glioma cells as well as inducing apoptosis, priming several approaches to target potassium channels in gliomas pharmacologically. This review summarizes the current knowledge on potassium channels, their contribution to oncogenic transformations in glioma, and the existing perspectives on utilizing them as potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
| | - Mohamed Salla
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon;
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
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15
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Vera OD, Wulff H, Braun AP. Endothelial KCa channels: Novel targets to reduce atherosclerosis-driven vascular dysfunction. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1151244. [PMID: 37063294 PMCID: PMC10102451 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1151244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood can induce endothelial dysfunction, a condition characterized by impaired nitric oxide production and decreased vasodilatory capacity. Endothelial dysfunction can promote vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, where macrophages accumulate in the vascular intima and fatty plaques form that impair normal blood flow in conduit arteries. Current pharmacological strategies to treat atherosclerosis mostly focus on lipid lowering to prevent high levels of plasma cholesterol that induce endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. While this approach is effective for most patients with atherosclerosis, for some, lipid lowering is not enough to reduce their cardiovascular risk factors associated with atherosclerosis (e.g., hypertension, cardiac dysfunction, stroke, etc.). For such patients, additional strategies targeted at reducing endothelial dysfunction may be beneficial. One novel strategy to restore endothelial function and mitigate atherosclerosis risk is to enhance the activity of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels in the endothelium with positive gating modulator drugs. Here, we review the mechanism of action of these small molecules and discuss their ability to improve endothelial function. We then explore how this strategy could mitigate endothelial dysfunction in the context of atherosclerosis by examining how KCa modulators can improve cardiovascular function in other settings, such as aging and type 2 diabetes. Finally, we consider questions that will need to be addressed to determine whether KCa channel activation could be used as a long-term add-on to lipid lowering to augment atherosclerosis treatment, particularly in patients where lipid-lowering is not adequate to improve their cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Daniel Vera
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Andrew P. Braun
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Andrew P. Braun,
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16
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Lopdell TJ. Using QTL to Identify Genes and Pathways Underlying the Regulation and Production of Milk Components in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050911. [PMID: 36899768 PMCID: PMC10000085 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050911] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk is a complex liquid, and the concentrations of many of its components are under genetic control. Many genes and pathways are known to regulate milk composition, and the purpose of this review is to highlight how the discoveries of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for milk phenotypes can elucidate these pathways. The main body of this review focuses primarily on QTL discovered in cattle (Bos taurus) as a model species for the biology of lactation, and there are occasional references to sheep genetics. The following section describes a range of techniques that can be used to help identify the causative genes underlying QTL when the underlying mechanism involves the regulation of gene expression. As genotype and phenotype databases continue to grow and diversify, new QTL will continue to be discovered, and although proving the causality of underlying genes and variants remains difficult, these new data sets will further enhance our understanding of the biology of lactation.
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17
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Sakellakis M, Chalkias A. The Role οf Ion Channels in the Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:227-242. [PMID: 36600143 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00636-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels have major regulatory functions in living cells. Apart from their role in ion transport, they are responsible for cellular electrogenesis and excitability, and may also regulate tissue homeostasis. Although cancer is not officially classified as a channelopathy, it has been increasingly recognized that ion channel aberrations play an important role in virtually all cancer types. Ion channels can exert pro-tumorigenic activities due to genetic or epigenetic alterations, or as a response to molecular signals, such as growth factors, hormones, etc. Increasing evidence suggests that ion channels and pumps play a critical role in the regulation of prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. There is also evidence suggesting that ion channels might play a role in treatment failure in patients with prostate cancer. Hence, they represent promising targets for diagnosis, staging, and treatment, and their effects may be of particular significance for specific patient populations, including those undergoing anesthesia and surgery. In this article, the role of major types of ion channels involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer are reviewed. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pro-tumorigenic effects of ion channels may potentially inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies to counter this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minas Sakellakis
- Hellenic GU Cancer Group, Athens, Greece. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan Hospital, 9 Ethnarchou Makariou, 18547, Athens, Greece.
| | - Athanasios Chalkias
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, OH, USA
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18
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Potassium channelopathies associated with epilepsy-related syndromes and directions for therapeutic intervention. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115413. [PMID: 36646291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of mutations to members of several CNS potassium (K) channel families have been identified which result in rare forms of neonatal onset epilepsy, or syndromes of which one prominent characteristic is a form of epilepsy. Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions or Seizures (BFNC or BFNS), also referred to as Self-Limited Familial Neonatal Epilepsy (SeLNE), results from mutations in 2 members of the KV7 family (KCNQ) of K channels; while generally self-resolving by about 15 weeks of age, these mutations significantly increase the probability of generalized seizure disorders in the adult, in some cases they result in more severe developmental syndromes. Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures (EIMSF), or Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy (MMPSI), is a rare severe form of epilepsy linked primarily to gain of function mutations in a member of the sodium-dependent K channel family, KCNT1 or SLACK. Finally, KCNMA1 channelopathies, including Liang-Wang syndrome (LIWAS), are rare combinations of neurological symptoms including seizure, movement abnormalities, delayed development and intellectual disabilities, with Liang-Wang syndrome an extremely serious polymalformative syndrome with a number of neurological sequelae including epilepsy. These are caused by mutations in the pore-forming subunit of the large-conductance calcium-activated K channel (BK channel) KCNMA1. The identification of these rare but significant channelopathies has resulted in a resurgence of interest in their treatment by direct pharmacological or genetic modulation. We will briefly review the genetics, biophysics and pharmacology of these K channels, their linkage with the 3 syndromes described above, and efforts to more effectively target these syndromes.
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19
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Naseem MU, Gurrola-Briones G, Romero-Imbachi MR, Borrego J, Carcamo-Noriega E, Beltrán-Vidal J, Zamudio FZ, Shakeel K, Possani LD, Panyi G. Characterization and Chemical Synthesis of Cm39 (α-KTx 4.8): A Scorpion Toxin That Inhibits Voltage-Gated K + Channel K V1.2 and Small- and Intermediate-Conductance Ca 2+-Activated K + Channels K Ca2.2 and K Ca3.1. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 36668861 PMCID: PMC9866218 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel peptide, Cm39, was identified in the venom of the scorpion Centruroides margaritatus. Its primary structure was determined. It consists of 37 amino acid residues with a MW of 3980.2 Da. The full chemical synthesis and proper folding of Cm39 was obtained. Based on amino acid sequence alignment with different K+ channel inhibitor scorpion toxin (KTx) families and phylogenetic analysis, Cm39 belongs to the α-KTx 4 family and was registered with the systematic number of α-KTx 4.8. Synthetic Cm39 inhibits the voltage-gated K+ channel hKV1.2 with high affinity (Kd = 65 nM). The conductance-voltage relationship of KV1.2 was not altered in the presence of Cm39, and the analysis of the toxin binding kinetics was consistent with a bimolecular interaction between the peptide and the channel; therefore, the pore blocking mechanism is proposed for the toxin-channel interaction. Cm39 also inhibits the Ca2+-activated KCa2.2 and KCa3.1 channels, with Kd = 502 nM, and Kd = 58 nM, respectively. However, the peptide does not inhibit hKV1.1, hKV1.3, hKV1.4, hKV1.5, hKV1.6, hKV11.1, mKCa1.1 K+ channels or the hNaV1.5 and hNaV1.4 Na+ channels at 1 μM concentrations. Understanding the unusual selectivity profile of Cm39 motivates further experiments to reveal novel interactions with the vestibule of toxin-sensitive channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Georgina Gurrola-Briones
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Margarita R. Romero-Imbachi
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Sector Tulcan, Calle 2 N 3N-100, Popayán 190002, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Jesus Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edson Carcamo-Noriega
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José Beltrán-Vidal
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Sector Tulcan, Calle 2 N 3N-100, Popayán 190002, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Kashmala Shakeel
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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20
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Wang ZW, Trussell LO, Vedantham K. Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release by K + Channels. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:305-331. [PMID: 37615872 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_12] [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] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
K+ channels play potent roles in the process of neurotransmitter release by influencing the action potential waveform and modulating neuronal excitability and release probability. These diverse effects of K+ channel activation are ensured by the wide variety of K+ channel genes and their differential expression in different cell types. Accordingly, a variety of K+ channels have been implicated in regulating neurotransmitter release, including the Ca2+- and voltage-gated K+ channel Slo1 (also known as BK channel), voltage-gated K+ channels of the Kv3 (Shaw-type), Kv1 (Shaker-type), and Kv7 (KCNQ) families, G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels, and SLO-2 (a Ca2+-. Cl-, and voltage-gated K+ channel in C. elegans). These channels vary in their expression patterns, subcellular localization, and biophysical properties. Their roles in neurotransmitter release may also vary depending on the synapse and physiological or experimental conditions. This chapter summarizes key findings about the roles of K+ channels in regulating neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Laurence O Trussell
- Oregon Hearing Research Center & Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kiranmayi Vedantham
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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21
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Neira F, Neira N, Torres J, González-Ortiz M. Physiological and Pathophysiological Role of Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (BKCa) in HUVECs and Placenta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:71-82. [PMID: 37466769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BKCa channels (large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels) play a critical role in regulating vascular tone and blood pressure. These channels are present in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and are activated by voltage and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration. More recently, the expression and activity of BKCa have been proposed to be relevant in endothelial cells, too, specifically in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the more studied cell type in the fetoplacental circulation. The role of BKCa in endothelial cells is not well understood, but in HUVECs or placental endothelium, these channels could be crucial for vascular tone regulation during pregnancy as part of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH), a key mechanism for an organ that lacks nervous system innervation like the placenta.In this review, we will discuss the evidence about the role of BKCa (and other Ca2+-activated K+ channels) in HUVECs and the placenta to propose a physiological mechanism for fetoplacental vascular regulation and a pathophysiological role of BKCa, mainly associated with pregnancy pathologies that present maternal hypertension and/or placental hypoxia, like preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Neira
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nataly Neira
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Javier Torres
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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22
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Varanita T, Angi B, Scattolini V, Szabo I. Kv1.3 K + Channel Physiology Assessed by Genetic and Pharmacological Modulation. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 35998249 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00010.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are widespread over all kingdoms and play an important role in the maintenance of cellular ionic homeostasis. Kv1.3 is a voltage-gated potassium channel of the Shaker family with a wide tissue expression and a well-defined pharmacology. In recent decades, experiments mainly based on pharmacological modulation of Kv1.3 have highlighted its crucial contribution to different fundamental processes such as regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. These findings link channel function to various pathologies ranging from autoimmune diseases to obesity and cancer. In the present review, we briefly summarize studies employing Kv1.3 knockout animal models to confirm such roles and discuss the findings in comparison to the results obtained by pharmacological modulation of Kv1.3 in various pathophysiological settings. We also underline how these studies contributed to our understanding of channel function in vivo and propose possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatrice Angi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Ildiko Szabo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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23
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Burbano LE, Li M, Jancovski N, Jafar-Nejad P, Richards K, Sedo A, Soriano A, Rollo B, Jia L, Gazina EV, Piltz S, Adikusuma F, Thomas PQ, Kopsidas H, Rigo F, Reid CA, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for KCNT1 encephalopathy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:146090. [PMID: 36173683 PMCID: PMC9746904 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are characterized by pharmaco-resistant seizures with concomitant intellectual disability. Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is one of the most severe of these syndromes. De novo variants in ion channels, including gain-of-function variants in KCNT1, which encodes for sodium activated potassium channel protein KNa1.1, have been found to play a major role in the etiology of EIMFS. Here, we test a potential precision therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated DEE using a gene-silencing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approach. We generated a mouse model carrying the KCNT1 p.P924L pathogenic variant; only the homozygous animals presented with the frequent, debilitating seizures and developmental compromise that are seen in patients. After a single intracerebroventricular bolus injection of a Kcnt1 gapmer ASO in symptomatic mice at postnatal day 40, seizure frequency was significantly reduced, behavioral abnormalities improved, and overall survival was extended compared with mice treated with a control ASO (nonhybridizing sequence). ASO administration at neonatal age was also well tolerated and effective in controlling seizures and extending the life span of treated animals. The data presented here provide proof of concept for ASO-based gene silencing as a promising therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisseth Estefania Burbano
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melody Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kay Richards
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Sedo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ben Rollo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linghan Jia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena V. Gazina
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandra Piltz
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Fatwa Adikusuma
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Q. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Kopsidas
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Christopher A. Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Yan P, Ke B, Fang X. Ion channels as a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1019028. [PMID: 36277193 PMCID: PMC9581181 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1019028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal ion channel transport and electrolyte disturbances play an important role in the process of functional impairment and fibrosis in the kidney. It is well known that there are limited effective drugs for the treatment of renal fibrosis, and since a large number of ion channels are involved in the renal fibrosis process, understanding the mechanisms of ion channel transport and the complex network of signaling cascades between them is essential to identify potential therapeutic approaches to slow down renal fibrosis. This review summarizes the current work of ion channels in renal fibrosis. We pay close attention to the effect of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), transmembrane Member 16A (TMEM16A) and other Cl− channel mediated signaling pathways and ion concentrations on fibrosis, as well as the various complex mechanisms for the action of Ca2+ handling channels including Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ channel (CRAC), purinergic receptor, and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Furthermore, we also focus on the contribution of Na+ transport such as epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), Na+, K+-ATPase, Na+-H+ exchangers, and K+ channels like Ca2+-activated K+ channels, voltage-dependent K+ channel, ATP-sensitive K+ channels on renal fibrosis. Proposed potential therapeutic approaches through further dissection of these mechanisms may provide new therapeutic opportunities to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease.
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25
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Potassium Channels in the Uterine Vasculature: Role in Healthy and Complicated Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169446. [PMID: 36012712 PMCID: PMC9409294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A progressive increase in maternal uterine and placental blood flow must occur during pregnancy to sustain the development of the fetus. Changes in maternal vasculature enable an increased uterine blood flow, placental nutrient and oxygen exchange, and subsequent fetal development. K+ channels are important modulators of vascular function, promoting vasodilation, inducing cell proliferation, and regulating cell signaling. Different types of K+ channels, such as Ca2+-activated, ATP-sensitive, and voltage-gated, have been implicated in the adaptation of maternal vasculature during pregnancy. Conversely, K+ channel dysfunction has been associated with vascular-related complications of pregnancy, including intrauterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. In this article, we provide an updated and comprehensive literature review that highlights the relevance of K+ channels as regulators of uterine vascular reactivity and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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26
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Zhou F, Metzner K, Engel P, Balzulat A, Sisignano M, Ruth P, Lukowski R, Schmidtko A, Lu R. Slack Potassium Channels Modulate TRPA1-Mediated Nociception in Sensory Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101693. [PMID: 35626730 PMCID: PMC9140117 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) channel is highly expressed in a subset of sensory neurons where it acts as an essential detector of painful stimuli. However, the mechanisms that control the activity of sensory neurons upon TRPA1 activation remain poorly understood. Here, using in situ hybridization and immunostaining, we found TRPA1 to be extensively co-localized with the potassium channel Slack (KNa1.1, Slo2.2, or Kcnt1) in sensory neurons. Mice lacking Slack globally (Slack−/−) or conditionally in sensory neurons (SNS-Slack−/−) demonstrated increased pain behavior after intraplantar injection of the TRPA1 activator allyl isothiocyanate. By contrast, pain behavior induced by the TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activator capsaicin was normal in Slack-deficient mice. Patch-clamp recordings in sensory neurons and in a HEK cell line transfected with TRPA1 and Slack revealed that Slack-dependent potassium currents (IKS) are modulated in a TRPA1-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings highlight Slack as a modulator of TRPA1-mediated, but not TRPV1-mediated, activation of sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Katharina Metzner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Patrick Engel
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Annika Balzulat
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Marco Sisignano
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.R.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert Lukowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.R.); (R.L.)
| | - Achim Schmidtko
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Ruirui Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.Z.); (K.M.); (P.E.); (A.B.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-798-29377
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27
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Liu Y, Zhang FF, Song Y, Wang R, Zhang Q, Shen ZS, Zhang FF, Zhong DY, Wang XH, Guo Q, Tang QY, Zhang Z. The Slack Channel Deletion Causes Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:811441. [PMID: 35359569 PMCID: PMC8963359 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.811441] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the Slack (also known as Slo2.2, KNa1.1, or KCNT1) channel in pain-sensing is still in debate on which kind of pain it regulates. In the present study, we found that the Slack–/– mice exhibited decreased mechanical pain threshold but normal heat and cold pain sensitivity. Subsequently, X-gal staining, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining revealed high expression of the Slack channel in Isolectin B4 positive (IB4+) neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and somatostatin-positive (SOM+) neurons in the spinal cord. Patch-clamp recordings indicated the firing frequency was increased in both small neurons in DRG and spinal SOM+ neurons in the Slack–/– mice whereas no obvious slow afterhyperpolarization was observed in both WT mice and Slack–/– mice. Furthermore, we found Kcnt1 gene expression in spinal SOM+ neurons in Slack–/– mice partially relieved the mechanical pain hypersensitivity of Slack–/– mice and decreased AP firing rates of the spinal SOM+ neurons. Finally, deletion of the Slack channel in spinal SOM+ neurons is sufficient to result in mechanical pain hypersensitivity in mice. In summary, our results suggest the important role of the Slack channel in the regulation of mechanical pain-sensing both in small neurons in DRG and SOM+ neurons in the spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Shan Shen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fei-Fei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dan-Ya Zhong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiong-Yao Tang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiong-Yao Tang,
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Zhe Zhang,
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28
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Sahu G, Turner RW. The Molecular Basis for the Calcium-Dependent Slow Afterhyperpolarization in CA1 Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons. Front Physiol 2022; 12:759707. [PMID: 35002757 PMCID: PMC8730529 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.759707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signal transmission depends on the frequency, pattern, and timing of spike output, each of which are shaped by spike afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). There are classically three post-spike AHPs of increasing duration categorized as fast, medium and slow AHPs that hyperpolarize a cell over a range of 10 ms to 30 s. Intensive early work on CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells revealed that all three AHPs incorporate activation of calcium-gated potassium channels. The ionic basis for a fAHP was rapidly attributed to the actions of big conductance (BK) and the mAHP to small conductance (SK) or Kv7 potassium channels. In stark contrast, the ionic basis for a prominent slow AHP of up to 30 s duration remained an enigma for over 30 years. Recent advances in pharmacological, molecular, and imaging tools have uncovered the expression of a calcium-gated intermediate conductance potassium channel (IK, KCa3.1) in central neurons that proves to contribute to the slow AHP in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells. Together the data show that the sAHP arises in part from a core tripartite complex between Cav1.3 (L-type) calcium channels, ryanodine receptors, and IK channels at endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions. Work on the sAHP in CA1 pyramidal neurons has again quickened pace, with identified contributions by both IK channels and the Na-K pump providing answers to several mysteries in the pharmacological properties of the sAHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giriraj Sahu
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Ray W Turner
- Department Cell Biology & Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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29
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Hurley MJ, Deacon RMJ, Chan AWE, Baker D, Selwood DL, Cogram P. Reversal of behavioural phenotype by the cannabinoid-like compound VSN16R in fragile X syndrome mice. Brain 2021; 145:76-82. [PMID: 34196695 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited intellectual disability and mono-genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition occurring due to a CGG trinucleotide expansion in the FMR1 gene. Polymorphisms and variants in large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels are increasingly linked to intellectual disability and loss of FMR protein caused reduced large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel activity leading to abnormalities in synapse function. Using the cannabinoid-like large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel activator VSN16R we rescued behavioural deficits such as repetitive behaviour, hippocampal dependent tests of daily living, hyperactivity and memory in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. VSN16R has been shown to be safe in a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers and in a phase 2 study in people with Multiple Sclerosis with high oral bioavailability and no serious adverse effects reported. VSN16R could therefore be directly utilised in a fragile X syndrome clinical study. Moreover, VSN16R showed no evidence of tolerance, which strongly suggests that chronic VSN16R may have great therapeutic value for fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. This study provides new insight into the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome and identifies a new pathway for drug intervention for this debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hurley
- Neuroimmunology, Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M J Deacon
- Biomedicine Division, Fraunhofer Research Institute, Center for System Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | - A W Edith Chan
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute 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 E1 2AT, UK
| | - David L Selwood
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Patricia Cogram
- Biomedicine Division, Fraunhofer Research Institute, Center for System Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Ecological Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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30
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Checchetto V, Leanza L, De Stefani D, Rizzuto R, Gulbins E, Szabo I. Mitochondrial K + channels and their implications for disease mechanisms. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107874. [PMID: 33930454 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The field of mitochondrial ion channels underwent a rapid development during the last decade, thanks to the molecular identification of some of the nuclear-encoded organelle channels and to advances in strategies allowing specific pharmacological targeting of these proteins. Thereby, genetic tools and specific drugs aided definition of the relevance of several mitochondrial channels both in physiological as well as pathological conditions. Unfortunately, in the case of mitochondrial K+ channels, efforts of genetic manipulation provided only limited results, due to their dual localization to mitochondria and to plasma membrane in most cases. Although the impact of mitochondrial K+ channels on human diseases is still far from being genuinely understood, pre-clinical data strongly argue for their substantial role in the context of several pathologies, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Importantly, these channels are druggable targets, and their in-depth investigation could thus pave the way to the development of innovative small molecules with huge therapeutic potential. In the present review we summarize the available experimental evidence that mechanistically link mitochondrial potassium channels to the above pathologies and underline the possibility of exploiting them for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Leanza
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Rizzuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Ildiko Szabo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy; CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Italy.
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31
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Abstract
Potassium channels play an important role regulating transmembrane electrical activity in essentially all cell types. We were especially interested in those that determine the intrinsic electrical properties of mammalian central neurons. Over 30 different potassium channels have been molecularly identified in brain neurons, but there often is not a clear distinction between molecular structure and the function of a particular channel in the cell. Using patch-clamp methods to search for single potassium channels in excised inside-out (ISO) somatic patches with symmetrical potassium, we found that nearly all patches contained non-voltage-inactivating channels with a single-channel conductance of 100-200 pS. This conductance range is consistent with the family of sodium-activated potassium channels (Slo2.1, Slo2.2, or collectively, KNa). The activity of these channels was positively correlated with a low cytoplasmic Na+ concentration (2-20 mM). Cell-attached recordings from intact neurons, however, showed little or no activity of this K+ channel. Attempts to increase channel activity by increasing intracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]i) with bursts of action potentials or direct perfusion of Na+ through a whole cell pipette had little effect on KNa channel activity. Furthermore, excised outside-out (OSO) patches across a range of intracellular [Na+] showed less channel activity than we had seen with excised ISO patches. Blocking the Na+/K+ pump with ouabain increased the activity of the KNa channels in excised OSO patches to levels comparable with ISO-excised patches. Our results suggest that despite their apparent high levels of expression, the activity of somatic KNa channels is tightly regulated by the activity of the Na+/K+ pump.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We studied KNa channels in mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons. Excised inside-out patches showed the channels to be prevalent and active in most patches in the presence of Na+. Cell-attached recordings from intact neurons, however, showed little channel activity. Increasing cytoplasmic sodium in intact cells showed a small effect on channel activity compared with that seen in inside-out excised patches. Blockade of the Na+/K+ pump with ouabain, however, restored the activity of the channels to that seen in inside-out patches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gray
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Daniel Johnston
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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32
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Silic MR, Black MM, Zhang G. Phylogenetic and developmental analyses indicate complex functions of calcium-activated potassium channels in zebrafish embryonic development. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1477-1493. [PMID: 33728688 PMCID: PMC8518378 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa) are a specific type of potassium channel activated by intracellular calcium concentration changes. This group of potassium channels plays fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to immune cell activation. Many human diseases such as schizophrenia, hypertension, epilepsy, and cancers have been linked to mutations in this group of potassium channels. Although the KCa channels have been extensively studied electrophysiologically and pharmacologically, their spatiotemporal gene expression during embryogenesis remains mostly unknown. RESULTS Using zebrafish as a model, we identified and renamed 14 KCa genes. We further performed phylogenetic and syntenic analyses on vertebrate KCa genes. Our data revealed that the number of KCa genes in zebrafish was increased, most likely due to teleost-specific whole-genome duplication. Moreover, we examined zebrafish KCa gene expression during early embryogenesis. The duplicated ohnologous genes show distinct and overlapped gene expression. Furthermore, we found that zebrafish KCa genes are expressed in various tissues and organs (somites, fins, olfactory regions, eye, kidney, and so on) and neuronal tissues, suggesting that they may play important roles during zebrafish embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our phylogenetic and developmental analyses shed light on the potential functions of the KCa genes during embryogenesis related to congenital diseases and human channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Maya M Black
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience; Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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33
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Wu J, Kaczmarek LK. Modulation of Neuronal Potassium Channels During Auditory Processing. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:596478. [PMID: 33613177 PMCID: PMC7887315 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.596478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The extraction and localization of an auditory stimulus of interest from among multiple other sounds, as in the ‘cocktail-party’ situation, requires neurons in auditory brainstem nuclei to encode the timing, frequency, and intensity of sounds with high fidelity, and to compare inputs coming from the two cochleae. Accurate localization of sounds requires certain neurons to fire at high rates with high temporal accuracy, a process that depends heavily on their intrinsic electrical properties. Studies have shown that the membrane properties of auditory brainstem neurons, particularly their potassium currents, are not fixed but are modulated in response to changes in the auditory environment. Here, we review work focusing on how such modulation of potassium channels is critical to shaping the firing pattern and accuracy of these neurons. We describe how insights into the role of specific channels have come from human gene mutations that impair localization of sounds in space. We also review how short-term and long-term modulation of these channels maximizes the extraction of auditory information, and how errors in the regulation of these channels contribute to deficits in decoding complex auditory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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34
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McCoy MT, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Potassium Channels and Their Potential Roles in Substance Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1249. [PMID: 33513859 PMCID: PMC7865894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are ubiquitous throughout the world. However, much remains to be done to develop pharmacotherapies that are very efficacious because the focus has been mostly on using dopaminergic agents or opioid agonists. Herein we discuss the potential of using potassium channel activators in SUD treatment because evidence has accumulated to support a role of these channels in the effects of rewarding drugs. Potassium channels regulate neuronal action potential via effects on threshold, burst firing, and firing frequency. They are located in brain regions identified as important for the behavioral responses to rewarding drugs. In addition, their expression profiles are influenced by administration of rewarding substances. Genetic studies have also implicated variants in genes that encode potassium channels. Importantly, administration of potassium agonists have been shown to reduce alcohol intake and to augment the behavioral effects of opioid drugs. Potassium channel expression is also increased in animals with reduced intake of methamphetamine. Together, these results support the idea of further investing in studies that focus on elucidating the role of potassium channels as targets for therapeutic interventions against SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.T.M.); (S.J.)
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35
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Barrett PQ, Guagliardo NA, Bayliss DA. Ion Channel Function and Electrical Excitability in the Zona Glomerulosa: A Network Perspective on Aldosterone Regulation. Annu Rev Physiol 2020; 83:451-475. [PMID: 33176563 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-030220-113038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone excess is a pathogenic factor in many hypertensive disorders. The discovery of numerous somatic and germline mutations in ion channels in primary hyperaldosteronism underscores the importance of plasma membrane conductances in determining the activation state of zona glomerulosa (zG) cells. Electrophysiological recordings describe an electrically quiescent behavior for dispersed zG cells. Yet, emerging data indicate that in native rosette structures in situ, zG cells are electrically excitable, generating slow periodic voltage spikes and coordinated bursts of Ca2+ oscillations. We revisit data to understand how a multitude of conductances may underlie voltage/Ca2+ oscillations, recognizing that zG layer self-renewal and cell heterogeneity may complicate this task. We review recent data to understand rosette architecture and apply maxims derived from computational network modeling to understand rosette function. The challenge going forward is to uncover how the rosette orchestrates the behavior of a functional network of conditional oscillators to control zG layer performance and aldosterone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Q Barrett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA; , ,
| | - Nick A Guagliardo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA; , ,
| | - Douglas A Bayliss
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA; , ,
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Hirose S, Tanaka Y, Shibata M, Kimura Y, Ishikawa M, Higurashi N, Yamamoto T, Ichise E, Chiyonobu T, Ishii A. Application of induced pluripotent stem cells in epilepsy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Catacuzzeno L, Sforna L, Esposito V, Limatola C, Franciolini F. Ion Channels in Glioma Malignancy. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:223-267. [DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Clinical Importance of the Human Umbilical Artery Potassium Channels. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091956. [PMID: 32854241 PMCID: PMC7565333 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels are usually predominant in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These channels play an important role in regulating the membrane potential and vessel contractility-a role that depends on the vascular bed. Thus, the activity of K+ channels represents one of the main mechanisms regulating the vascular tone in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Briefly, the activation of K+ channels in SMC leads to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation, while its inhibition induces depolarization and consequent vascular contraction. Currently, there are four different types of K+ channels described in SMCs: voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels, calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels, inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, and 2-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels. Due to the fundamental role of K+ channels in excitable cells, these channels are promising therapeutic targets in clinical practice. Therefore, this review discusses the basic properties of the various types of K+ channels, including structure, cellular mechanisms that regulate their activity, and new advances in the development of activators and blockers of these channels. The vascular functions of these channels will be discussed with a focus on vascular SMCs of the human umbilical artery. Then, the clinical importance of K+ channels in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, will be explored.
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Bertrand JA, Schicht M, Stamer WD, Baker D, Sherwood JM, Lütjen-Drecoll E, Selwood DL, Overby DR. The β4-Subunit of the Large-Conductance Potassium Ion Channel KCa1.1 Regulates Outflow Facility in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:41. [PMID: 32203982 PMCID: PMC7401454 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel KCa1.1 (BKCa, maxi-K) influences aqueous humor outflow facility, but the contribution of auxiliary β-subunits to KCa1.1 activity in the outflow pathway is unknown. Methods Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we measured expression of β-subunit genes in anterior segments of C57BL/6J mice (Kcnmb1-4) and in cultured human trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC) cells (KCNMB1-4). We also measured expression of Kcnma1/KCNMA1 that encodes the pore-forming α-subunit. Using confocal immunofluorescence, we visualized the distribution of β4 in the conventional outflow pathway of mice. Using iPerfusion, we measured outflow facility in enucleated mouse eyes in response to 100 or 500 nM iberiotoxin (IbTX; N = 9) or 100 nM martentoxin (MarTX; N = 12). MarTX selectively blocks β4-containing KCa1.1 channels, whereas IbTX blocks KCa1.1 channels that lack β4. Results Kcnmb4 was the most highly expressed β-subunit in mouse conventional outflow tissues, expressed at a level comparable to Kcnma1. β4 was present within the juxtacanalicular TM, appearing to label cellular processes connecting to SC cells. Accordingly, KCNMB4 was the most highly expressed β-subunit in human TM cells, and the sole β-subunit in human SC cells. To dissect functional contribution, MarTX decreased outflow facility by 35% (27%, 42%; mean, 95% confidence interval) relative to vehicle-treated contralateral eyes, whereas IbTX reduced outflow facility by 16% (6%, 25%). Conclusions The β4-subunit regulates KCa1.1 activity in the conventional outflow pathway, significantly influencing outflow function. Targeting β4-containing KCa1.1 channels may be a promising approach to lower intraocular pressure to treat glaucoma.
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Amador-Muñoz D, Gutiérrez ÁM, Payán-Gómez C, Matheus LM. In silico and in vitro analysis of cation-activated potassium channels in human corneal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108114. [PMID: 32561484 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the inner cell monolayer involved in the maintenance of corneal transparence by the generation of homeostatic dehydration. The glycosaminoglycans of the corneal stroma develop a continuous swelling pressure that should be counteracted by the corneal endothelial cells through active transport mechanisms to move the water to the anterior chamber. Protein transporters for sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) are involved in this endothelial "pump function", however despite its physiological importance, the efflux mechanism is not completely understood. There is experimental evidence describing transendothelial diffusion of water in the absence of osmotic gradients. Therefore, it is important to get a deeper understanding of alternative models that drive the fluid transport across the endothelium such as the electrochemical gradients. Three transcriptomic datasets of the corneal endothelium were used in this study to analyze the expression of genes that encode proteins that participate in the transport and the reestablishment of the membrane potential across the semipermeable endothelium. Subsequently, the expression of the identified channels was validated in vitro both at mRNA and protein levels. The results of this study provide the first evidence of the expression of KCNN2, KCNN3 and KCNT2 genes in the corneal endothelium. Differences among the level of expression of KCNN2, KCNT2 and KCNN4 genes were found in a differentially expressed gene analysis of the dataset. Taken together these results underscore the potential importance of the ionic channels in the pathophysiology of corneal diseases. Moreover, we elucidate novel mechanisms that might be involved in the pivotal dehydrating function of the endothelium and in others physiologic functions of these cells using in silico pathways analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Amador-Muñoz
- Neuroscience (NEUROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63 C 69, P.O 111221, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Ángela María Gutiérrez
- Escuela Superior de Oftalmología, Instituto Barraquer de América, Calle 100 No. 18 A 51, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - César Payán-Gómez
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63 C 69, Bogotá, P.O 111221, Colombia.
| | - Luisa Marina Matheus
- Neuroscience (NEUROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63 C 69, P.O 111221, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Flavahan S, Flavahan NA. Cooling-induced dilatation of cutaneous arteries is mediated by increased myoendothelial communication. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H123-H132. [PMID: 32469638 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00159.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cold exposure causes cutaneous vasoconstriction via a reflex increase in sympathetic activity and a local effect to augment adrenergic constriction. Local cooling also initiates cutaneous dilatation, which may function to restrain cold-induced constriction. However, the underlying mechanisms and physiological role of cold-induced dilatation have not been defined. Experiments were performed to assess the role of endothelial-derived mediators in this response. In isolated pressurized cutaneous mouse tail arteries, cooling (28°C) did not affect the magnitude of dilatation to acetylcholine in preconstricted arteries. However, inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) [NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)] and prostacyclin (PGI2) (indomethacin) reduced acetylcholine-induced dilatation at 37°C but not at 28°C, suggesting that cooling increased NO/PGI2-independent dilatation. This NO/PGI2-independent dilatation was reduced by inhibition of endothelial SK (UCL1684) and IK (TRAM34) Ca2+-activated K+-channels (KCa), consistent with endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). Cooling also increased dilatation to direct activation of KCa channels (SKA31, CyPPA) but did not affect dilatation to exogenous NO (DEA-NONOate). This cooling-induced increase in EDH-type dilatations was associated with divergent effects on potential downstream EDH mechanisms: cooling reduced dilatation to K+, which mimics an intercellular K+ cloud, but increased direct communication between endothelial and smooth muscle cells (myoendothelial coupling), assessed by cellular transfer of biocytin. Indeed, inhibition of gap junctions (carbenoxolone) abolished the EDH-type component of dilatation to acetylcholine during cooling but did affect NO-dominated dilatation at 37°C. Cooling also inhibited U46619 constriction that was prevented by inhibition of IK and SK KCa channels or inhibition of gap junctions. The results suggest that cooling dilates cutaneous arteries by increasing myoendothelial communication and amplifying EDH-type dilatation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cold causes cutaneous vasoconstriction to restrict heat loss. Although cold also initiates cutaneous dilatation, the mechanisms and role of this dilatation have not been clearly defined. This study demonstrates that cooling increases myoendothelial coupling between smooth muscle and endothelial cells in cutaneous arteries, which is associated with increased endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-type dilatation. Dysfunction in this process may contribute to excessive cold-induced constriction and tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Flavahan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nicholas A Flavahan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Laur N, Kinscherf R, Pomytkin K, Kaiser L, Knes O, Deigner HP. ICP-MS trace element analysis in serum and whole blood. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233357. [PMID: 32433650 PMCID: PMC7239469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trace elements and minerals are compounds that are essential for the support of a variety of biological functions and play an important role in the formation of and the defense against oxidative stress. Here we describe a technique, allowing sequential detection of the trace elements (K, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg) in serum and whole blood by an ICP-MS method using single work-up, which is a simple, quick and robust method for the sequential measurement and quantification of the trace elements Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) in whole blood as well as Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Gold (Au) and Lithium (Li) in human serum. For analysis, only 100 μl of serum or whole blood is sufficient, which make this method suitable for detecting trace element deficiency or excess in newborns and infants. All samples were processed and analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies). The accuracy, precision, linearity and the limit of quantification (LOQ), Limit of Blank (LOB) and the limit of detection (LOD) of the method were assessed. Recovery rates were between 80–130% for most of the analyzed elements; repeatabilities (Cv %) calculated were below 15% for most of the measured elements. The validity of the proposed methodology was assessed by analyzing a certified human serum and whole blood material with known concentrations for all elements; the method described is ready for routine use in biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Laur
- Furtwangen University, Institute of Precision Medicine, VS-Schwenningen, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Cellbiology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Swiss Analysis AG, Tägerwilen, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Kinscherf
- Department of Anatomy and Cellbiology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Lars Kaiser
- Furtwangen University, Institute of Precision Medicine, VS-Schwenningen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i. Br, Germany
| | - Otto Knes
- Swiss Analysis AG, Tägerwilen, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Deigner
- Furtwangen University, Institute of Precision Medicine, VS-Schwenningen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute IZI, Leipzig, EXIM Department, Schillingallee, Rostock, Germany
- Tuebingen University, Faculty of Science, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Yool AJ, Ramesh S. Molecular Targets for Combined Therapeutic Strategies to Limit Glioblastoma Cell Migration and Invasion. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:358. [PMID: 32292341 PMCID: PMC7118801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly invasive nature of glioblastoma imposes poor prospects for patient survival. Molecular evidence indicates glioblastoma cells undergo an intriguing expansion of phenotypic properties to include neuron-like signaling using excitable membrane ion channels and synaptic proteins, augmenting survival and motility. Neurotransmitter receptors, membrane signaling, excitatory receptors, and Ca2+ responses are important candidates for the design of customized treatments for cancers within the heterogeneous central nervous system. Relatively few published studies of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have evaluated pharmacological agents targeted to signaling pathways in limiting cancer cell motility. Transcriptomic analyses here identified classes of ion channels, ionotropic receptors, and synaptic proteins that are enriched in human glioblastoma biopsy samples. The pattern of GBM-enriched gene expression points to a major role for glutamate signaling. However, the predominant role of AMPA receptors in fast excitatory signaling throughout the central nervous system raises a challenge on how to target inhibitors selectively to cancer cells while maintaining tolerability. This review critically evaluates a panel of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels and synaptic proteins upregulated in GBM, and the evidence for their potential roles in the pathological disease progress. Evidence suggests combinations of therapies could be more effective than single agents alone. Natural plant products used in traditional medicines for the treatment of glioblastoma contain flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate, quinones, and saponins, which might serendipitously include agents that modulate some classes of signaling compounds highlighted in this review. New therapeutic strategies are likely to exploit evidence-based combinations of selected agents, each at a low dose, to create new cancer cell-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J. Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sunita Ramesh
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Impaired motor skill learning and altered seizure susceptibility in mice with loss or gain of function of the Kcnt1 gene encoding Slack (K Na1.1) Na +-activated K + channels. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3213. [PMID: 32081855 PMCID: PMC7035262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in KCNT1, the gene encoding Slack (KNa1.1) channels, result in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) and several other forms of epilepsy associated with severe intellectual disability. We have generated a mouse model of this condition by replacing the wild type gene with one encoding Kcnt1R455H, a cytoplasmic C-terminal mutation homologous to a human R474H variant that results in EIMFS. We compared behavior patterns and seizure activity in these mice with those of wild type mice and Kcnt1-/- mice. Complete loss of Kcnt1 produced deficits in open field behavior and motor skill learning. Although their thresholds for electrically and chemically induced seizures were similar to those of wild type animals, Kcnt1-/- mice were significantly protected from death after maximum electroshock-induced seizures. In contrast, homozygous Kcnt1R455H/R455H mice were embryonic lethal. Video-EEG monitoring of heterozygous Kcnt1+/R455H animals revealed persistent interictal spikes, spontaneous seizures and a substantially decreased threshold for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Surprisingly, Kcnt1+/R455H mice were not impaired in tasks of exploratory behavior or procedural motor learning. These findings provide an animal model for EIMFS and suggest that Slack channels are required for the development of procedural learning and of pathways that link cortical seizures to other regions required for animal survival.
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Mao X, Bruneau N, Gao Q, Becq H, Jia Z, Xi H, Shu L, Wang H, Szepetowski P, Aniksztejn L. The Epilepsy of Infancy With Migrating Focal Seizures: Identification of de novo Mutations of the KCNT2 Gene That Exert Inhibitory Effects on the Corresponding Heteromeric K Na1.1/K Na1.2 Potassium Channel. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:1. [PMID: 32038177 PMCID: PMC6992647 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS; previously called Malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy) are early-onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEE) that associate multifocal ictal discharges and profound psychomotor retardation. EIMFS have a genetic origin and are mostly caused by de novo mutations in the KCNT1 gene, and much more rarely in the KCNT2 gene. KCNT1 and KCNT2 respectively encode the KNa1.1 (Slack) and KNa1.2 (Slick) subunits of the sodium-dependent voltage-gated potassium channel KNa. Functional analyses of the corresponding mutant homomeric channels in vitro suggested gain-of-function effects. Here, we report two novel, de novo truncating mutations of KCNT2: one mutation is frameshift (p.L48Qfs43), is situated in the N-terminal domain, and was found in a patient with EOEE (possibly EIMFS); the other mutation is nonsense (p.K564*), is located in the C-terminal region, and was found in a typical EIMFS patient. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we have analyzed the functional consequences of those two novel KCNT2 mutations on reconstituted KNa1.2 homomeric and KNa1.1/KNa1.2 heteromeric channels in transfected chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We report that both mutations significantly impacted on KNa function; notably, they decreased the global current density of heteromeric channels by ~25% (p.K564*) and ~55% (p.L48Qfs43). Overall our data emphasize the involvement of KCNT2 in EOEE and provide novel insights into the role of heteromeric KNa channel in the severe KCNT2-related epileptic phenotypes. This may have important implications regarding the elaboration of future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Mao
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Nadine Bruneau
- INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, INMED, UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Quwen Gao
- Department of Epilepsy, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hélène Becq
- INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, INMED, UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Zhengjun Jia
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Xi
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Li Shu
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
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Barrera P, Skorka C, Boktor M, Dave N, Jimenez V. A Novel Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel Controls Membrane Potential and Intracellular pH in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:464. [PMID: 32010643 PMCID: PMC6974456 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00464] [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: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi develops in environments where nutrient availability, osmolarity, ionic concentrations, and pH undergo significant changes. The ability to adapt and respond to such conditions determines the survival and successful transmission of T. cruzi. Ion channels play fundamental roles in controlling physiological parameters that ensure cell homeostasis by rapidly triggering compensatory mechanisms. Combining molecular, cellular and electrophysiological approaches we have identified and characterized the expression and function of a novel calcium-activated potassium channel (TcCAKC). This channel resides in the plasma membrane of all 3 life stages of T. cruzi and shares structural features with other potassium channels. We expressed TcCAKC in Xenopus laevis oocytes and established its biophysical properties by two-electrode voltage clamp. Oocytes expressing TcCAKC showed a significant increase in inward currents after addition of calcium ionophore ionomycin or thapsigargin. These responses were abolished by EGTA suggesting that TcCAKC activation is dependent of extracellular calcium. This activation causes an increase in current and a negative shift in reversal potential that is blocked by barium. As predicted, a single point mutation in the selectivity filter (Y313A) completely abolished the activity of the channels, confirming its potassium selective nature. We have generated knockout parasites deleting one or both alleles of TcCAKC. These parasite strains showed impaired growth, decreased production of trypomastigotes and slower intracellular replication, pointing to an important role of TcCAKC in regulating infectivity. To understand the cellular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic defects, we used fluorescent probes to evaluate intracellular membrane potential, pH, and intracellular calcium. Epimastigotes lacking the channel had significantly lower cytosolic calcium, hyperpolarization, changes in intracellular pH, and increased rate of proton extrusion. These results are in agreement with previous reports indicating that, in trypanosomatids, membrane potential and intracellular pH maintenance are linked. Our work shows TcCAKC is a novel potassium channel that contributes to homeostatic regulation of important physiological processes in T. cruzi and provides new avenues to explore the potential of ion channels as targets for drug development against protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Barrera
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States
| | - Christopher Skorka
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Michael Boktor
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Noopur Dave
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Jayanthi S, Torres OV, Ladenheim B, Cadet JL. A Single Prior Injection of Methamphetamine Enhances Methamphetamine Self-Administration (SA) and Blocks SA-Induced Changes in DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression of Potassium Channels in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1459-1472. [PMID: 31758400 PMCID: PMC7060962 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01830-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The transition from occasional to escalated psychostimulant use is accelerated by prior drug exposure. These behavioral observations may be related to long-lasting transcriptional and/or epigenetic changes induced by the drug pre-exposure. Herein, we investigated if a single methamphetamine (METH) injection would enhance METH self-administration (SA) and impact any METH SA-induced epigenetic or transcriptional alterations. We thus injected a single METH dose (10 mg/kg) or saline to rats before training them to self-administer METH or saline. There were three experimental groups in SA experiments: (1) a single saline injection followed by saline SA (SS); (2) a single saline injection followed by METH SA (SM); and (3) a single METH injection followed by METH SA (MM). METH-pretreated rats escalated METH SA earlier and took more METH than saline-pretreated animals. Both groups showed similar incubation of cue-induced METH craving. Because compulsive METH takers and METH-abstinent rats show differences in potassium (K+) channel mRNA levels in their nucleus accumbens (NAc), we wondered if K+ channel expression might also help to distinguish between SM and MM groups. We found increases in mRNA and protein expression of shaker-related voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv1: Kcna1, Kcna3, and Kcna6) and calcium-activated K+ channels (Kcnn1) in the SM compared to MM rats. SM rats also showed decreased DNA methylation at the CpG-rich sites near the promoter region of Kcna1, Kcna3 and Kcnn1 genes in comparison to MM rats. Together, these results provide additional evidence for potentially using K+ channels as therapeutic targets against METH use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA/NIH/DHHS, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Oscar V Torres
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Bruce Ladenheim
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA/NIH/DHHS, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA/NIH/DHHS, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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SK channel activation potentiates auranofin-induced cell death in glio- and neuroblastoma cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 171:113714. [PMID: 31738894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumours are among the deadliest tumours being highly resistant to currently available therapies. The proliferative behaviour of gliomas is strongly influenced by ion channel activity. Small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK/KCa) channels are a family of ion channels that are associated with cell proliferation and cell survival. A combined treatment of classical anti-cancer agents and pharmacological SK channel modulators has not been addressed yet. We used the gold-derivative auranofin to induce cancer cell death by targeting thioredoxin reductases in combination with CyPPA to activate SK channels in neuro- and glioblastoma cells. Combined treatment with auranofin and CyPPA induced massive mitochondrial damage and potentiated auranofin-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma cells in vitro. In particular, mitochondrial integrity, respiration and associated energy generation were impaired. These findings were recapitulated in patient-derived glioblastoma neurospheres yet not observed in non-cancerous HT22 cells. Taken together, integrating auranofin and SK channel openers to affect mitochondrial health was identified as a promising strategy to increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer agents and potentially overcome resistance.
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49
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Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Ramadani-Muja J, Ziomek G, Burgstaller S, Bischof H, Koshenov Z, Gottschalk B, Malli R, Graier WF. Tracking intra- and inter-organelle signaling of mitochondria. FEBS J 2019; 286:4378-4401. [PMID: 31661602 PMCID: PMC6899612 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are as highly specialized organelles and masters of the cellular energy metabolism in a constant and dynamic interplay with their cellular environment, providing adenosine triphosphate, buffering Ca2+ and fundamentally contributing to various signaling pathways. Hence, such broad field of action within eukaryotic cells requires a high level of structural and functional adaptation. Therefore, mitochondria are constantly moving and undergoing fusion and fission processes, changing their shape and their interaction with other organelles. Moreover, mitochondrial activity gets fine-tuned by intra- and interorganelle H+ , K+ , Na+ , and Ca2+ signaling. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview on mitochondrial strategies to adapt and respond to, as well as affect, their cellular environment. We also present cutting-edge technologies used to track and investigate subcellular signaling, essential to the understanding of various physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina T Madreiter-Sokolowski
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Jeta Ramadani-Muja
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriela Ziomek
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Sandra Burgstaller
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Bischof
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Zhanat Koshenov
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Benjamin Gottschalk
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Roland Malli
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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50
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Shim H, Brown BM, Singh L, Singh V, Fettinger JC, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Wulff H. The Trials and Tribulations of Structure Assisted Design of K Ca Channel Activators. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:972. [PMID: 31616290 PMCID: PMC6764326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-activated K+ channels constitute attractive targets for the treatment of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. To explain why certain 2-aminobenzothiazole/oxazole-type KCa activators (SKAs) are KCa3.1 selective we previously generated homology models of the C-terminal calmodulin-binding domain (CaM-BD) of KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 in complex with CaM using Rosetta modeling software. We here attempted to employ this atomistic level understanding of KCa activator binding to switch selectivity around and design KCa2.2 selective activators as potential anticonvulsants. In this structure-based drug design approach we used RosettaLigand docking and carefully compared the binding poses of various SKA compounds in the KCa2.2 and KCa3.1 CaM-BD/CaM interface pocket. Based on differences between residues in the KCa2.2 and KCa.3.1 models we virtually designed 168 new SKA compounds. The compounds that were predicted to be both potent and KCa2.2 selective were synthesized, and their activity and selectivity tested by manual or automated electrophysiology. However, we failed to identify any KCa2.2 selective compounds. Based on the full-length KCa3.1 structure it was recently demonstrated that the C-terminal crystal dimer was an artefact and suggested that the "real" binding pocket for the KCa activators is located at the S4-S5 linker. We here confirmed this structural hypothesis through mutagenesis and now offer a new, corrected binding site model for the SKA-type KCa channel activators. SKA-111 (5-methylnaphtho[1,2-d]thiazol-2-amine) is binding in the interface between the CaM N-lobe and the S4-S5 linker where it makes van der Waals contacts with S181 and L185 in the S45A helix of KCa3.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesung Shim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Brandon M Brown
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - James C Fettinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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