1
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Kim HJ, Li M, Erlich EC, Randolph GJ, Davis MJ. ERG K + channels mediate a major component of action potential repolarization in lymphatic muscle. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14890. [PMID: 37689781 PMCID: PMC10492848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41995-5] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells in the walls of collecting lymphatic vessels fire spontaneous action potentials (APs), which conduct rapidly over the muscle layer to initiate contractions that propel lymph. Several ion channels have been implicated in the currents underlying the AP spike and the preceding diastolic depolarization, but the molecular identities of K+ channels involved in AP repolarization are unknown. Based on previous studies of other rhythmically active smooth muscles, we hypothesized that ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG) K+ channels (Kv11) play an important role in repolarization of the AP in lymphatic muscle. Message for one or more ERG channel isoforms was detected by RT-PCR analysis of lymphatic vessels from mice, rats and humans. Membrane potential recordings in smooth muscle cells of rat and human lymphatics revealed that nanomolar concentrations of ERG-1 inhibitors (E-4031 and BeKm-1) prolonged the duration of the AP plateau (normally ~ 1 s in duration) and induced multiple spikes, whereas ERG-1 activators (ICA-105574 and RPR-260243) shortened the plateau and could completely inhibit spontaneous APs. At relatively high inhibitor concentrations, the AP plateau duration lasted as long as 24 s. ERG activators reversed the effects of ERG inhibitors and vice-versa. In pressure myograph studies, ERG channel inhibition prolonged the diastolic repolarization phase of the contraction cycle and reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions. This is the first evidence for a specific K+ channel contributing to the AP in lymphatic muscle. Our results imply that lymphatic contractile dysfunction may occur in long QT type II patients with mutations that result in ERG channel loss-of-function or impaired trafficking of the channel to the cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Jin Kim
- Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, MA415 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, MA415 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Emma C Erlich
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gwendalyn J Randolph
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, MA415 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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2
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Ceci L, Han Y, Krutsinger K, Baiocchi L, Wu N, Kundu D, Kyritsi K, Zhou T, Gaudio E, Francis H, Alpini G, Kennedy L. Gallstone and Gallbladder Disease: Biliary Tract and Cholangiopathies. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4909-4943. [PMID: 37358507 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Cholestatic liver diseases are named primarily due to the blockage of bile flow and buildup of bile acids in the liver. Cholestasis can occur in cholangiopathies, fatty liver diseases, and during COVID-19 infection. Most literature evaluates damage occurring to the intrahepatic biliary tree during cholestasis; however, there may be associations between liver damage and gallbladder damage. Gallbladder damage can manifest as acute or chronic inflammation, perforation, polyps, cancer, and most commonly gallstones. Considering the gallbladder is an extension of the intrahepatic biliary network, and both tissues are lined by biliary epithelial cells that share common mechanisms and properties, it is worth further evaluation to understand the association between bile duct and gallbladder damage. In this comprehensive article, we discuss background information of the biliary tree and gallbladder, from function, damage, and therapeutic approaches. We then discuss published findings that identify gallbladder disorders in various liver diseases. Lastly, we provide the clinical aspect of gallbladder disorders in liver diseases and ways to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for congruent diagnosis. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4909-4943, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Yuyan Han
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelsey Krutsinger
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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3
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Lottini T, Duranti C, Iorio J, Martinelli M, Colasurdo R, D’Alessandro FN, Buonamici M, Coppola S, Devescovi V, La Vaccara V, Coppola A, Coppola R, Lastraioli E, Arcangeli A. Combination Therapy with a Bispecific Antibody Targeting the hERG1/β1 Integrin Complex and Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2013. [PMID: 37046674 PMCID: PMC10093586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents an unmet medical need. Difficult/late diagnosis as well as the poor efficacy and high toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs result in dismal prognosis. With the aim of improving the treatment outcome of PDAC, we tested the effect of combining Gemcitabine with a novel single chain bispecific antibody (scDb) targeting the cancer-specific hERG1/β1 integrin complex. First, using the scDb (scDb-hERG1-β1) in immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF), we confirmed the presence of the hERG1/β1 integrin complex in primary PDAC samples and PDAC cell lines. Combining Gemcitabine with scDb-hERG1-β1 improved its cytotoxicity on all PDAC cells tested in vitro. We also tested the combination treatment in vivo, using an orthotopic xenograft mouse model involving ultrasound-guided injection of PDAC cells. We first demonstrated good penetration of the scDb-hERG1-β1 conjugated with indocyanine green (ICG) into tumour masses by photoacoustic (PA) imaging. Next, we tested the effects of the combination at either therapeutic or sub-optimal doses of Gemcitabine (25 or 5 mg/kg, respectively). The combination of scDb-hERG1-β1 and sub-optimal doses of Gemcitabine reduced the tumour masses to the same extent as the therapeutic doses of Gemcitabine administrated alone; yielded increased survival; and was accompanied by minimised side effects (toxicity). These data pave the way for a novel therapeutic approach to PDAC, based on the combination of low doses of a chemotherapeutic drug (to minimize adverse side effects and the onset of resistance) and the novel scDb-hERG1-β1 targeting the hERG1/β1 integrin complex as neoantigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Lottini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Jessica Iorio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Michele Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Colasurdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Franco Nicolás D’Alessandro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Buonamici
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefano Coppola
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg 2, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Devescovi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Vaccara
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Coppola
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Lastraioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
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4
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Barrese V, Wehbe Z, Linden A, McDowell S, Forrester E, Povstyan O, McCloskey KD, Greenwood IA. Key role for Kv11.1 (ether-a-go-go related gene) channels in rat bladder contractility. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15583. [PMID: 36750122 PMCID: PMC9904964 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15583] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition, to their established role in cardiac myocytes and neurons, ion channels encoded by ether-a-go-go-related genes (ERG1-3 or kcnh2,3 and 6) (kcnh2) are functionally relevant in phasic smooth muscle. The aim of the study was to determine the expression and functional impact of ERG expression products in rat urinary bladder smooth muscle using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, whole-cell patch-clamp and isometric tension recording. kcnh2 was expressed in rat bladder, whereas kcnh6 and kcnh3 expression were negligible. Immunofluorescence for the kcnh2 expression product Kv11.1 was detected in the membrane of isolated smooth muscle cells. Potassium currents with voltage-dependent characteristics consistent with Kv11.1 channels and sensitive to the specific blocker E4031 (1 μM) were recorded from isolated detrusor smooth muscles. Disabling Kv11.1 activity with specific blockers (E4031 and dofetilide, 0.2-20 μM) augmented spontaneous contractions to a greater extent than BKCa channel blockers, enhanced carbachol-driven activity, increased nerve stimulation-mediated contractions, and impaired β-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibitory responses. These data establish for the first time that Kv11.1 channels are key determinants of contractility in rat detrusor smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Barrese
- Vascular Biology Research CentreMolecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and DentistryUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Zena Wehbe
- Vascular Biology Research CentreMolecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Alice Linden
- Vascular Biology Research CentreMolecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Sarah McDowell
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Elizabeth Forrester
- Vascular Biology Research CentreMolecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Karen D. McCloskey
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Iain A. Greenwood
- Vascular Biology Research CentreMolecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of LondonLondonUK
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5
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Majgaard J, Skov FG, Kim S, Hjortdal VE, Boedtkjer DMB. Positive chronotropic action of HCN channel antagonism in human collecting lymphatic vessels. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15401. [PMID: 35980021 PMCID: PMC9387113 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous action potentials precede phasic contractile activity in human collecting lymphatic vessels. In this study, we investigated the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in human collecting lymphatics and by pharmacological inhibition ex vivo tested their potential role in controlling contractile function. Spontaneous and agonist-evoked tension changes of isolated thoracic duct and mesenteric lymphatic vessels-obtained from surgical patients with informed consent-were investigated by isometric myography, and ivabradine, ZD7288 or cesium were used to inhibit HCN. Analysis of HCN isoforms by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence revealed HCN2 to be the predominantly expressed mRNA isoform in human thoracic duct and mesenteric lymphatic vessels and HCN2-immunoreactivity confirmed protein expression in both vessel types. However, in functional experiments ex vivo the HCN inhibitors ivabradine, ZD7288, and cesium failed to lower contraction frequency: conversely, all three antagonists induced a positive chronotropic effect with concurrent negative inotropic action, though these effects first occurred at concentrations regarded as supramaximal for HCN inhibition. Based on these results, we conclude that human collecting vessels express HCN channel proteins but under the ex vivo experimental conditions described here HCN channels have little involvement in regulating contraction frequency in human collecting lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, HCN antagonists can produce concentration-dependent positive chronotropic and negative inotropic effects, which are apparently unrelated to HCN antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Majgaard
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | | | - Sukhan Kim
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal
- Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Donna M. B. Boedtkjer
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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6
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Mousaei M, Kudaibergenova M, MacKerell AD, Noskov S. Assessing hERG1 Blockade from Bayesian Machine-Learning-Optimized Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:6489-6501. [PMID: 33196188 PMCID: PMC7839320 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a potentially lethal and yet one of the most common side effects with the drugs in clinical use. Most of the drug-induced cardiotoxicity is associated with an off-target pharmacological blockade of K+ currents carried out by the cardiac Human-Ether-a-go-go-Related (hERG1) potassium channel. There is a compulsory preclinical stage safety assessment for the hERG1 blockade for all classes of drugs, which adds substantially to the cost of drug development. The availability of a high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure for the channel in its open/depolarized state solved in 2017 enabled the application of molecular modeling for rapid assessment of drug blockade by molecular docking and simulation techniques. More importantly, if successful, in silico methods may allow a path to lead-compound salvaging by mapping out key block determinants. Here, we report the blind application of the site identification by the ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) protocol to map out druggable/regulatory hotspots in the hERG1 channel available for blockers and activators. The SILCS simulations use small solutes representative of common functional groups to sample the chemical space for the entire protein and its environment using all-atom simulations. The resulting chemical maps, FragMaps, explicitly account for receptor flexibility, protein-fragment interactions, and fragment desolvation penalty allowing for rapid ranking of potential ligands as blockers or nonblockers of hERG1. To illustrate the power of the approach, SILCS was applied to a test set of 55 blockers with diverse chemical scaffolds and pIC50 values measured under uniform conditions. The original SILCS model was based on the all-atom modeling of the hERG1 channel in an explicit lipid bilayer and was further augmented with a Bayesian-optimization/machine-learning (BML) stage employing an independent literature-derived training set of 163 molecules. BML approach was used to determine weighting factors for the FragMaps contributions to the scoring function. pIC50 predictions from the combined SILCS/BML approach to the 55 blockers showed a Pearson correlation (PC) coefficient of >0.535 relative to the experimental data. SILCS/BML model was shown to yield substantially improved performance as compared to commonly used rigid and flexible molecular docking methods for a well-established cohort of hERG1 blockers, where no correlation with experimental data was recorded. SILCS/BML results also suggest that a proper weighting of protonation states of common blockers present at physiological pH is essential for accurate predictions of blocker potency. The precalculated and optimized SILCS FragMaps can now be used for the rapid screening of small molecules for their cardiotoxic potential as well as for exploring alternative binding pockets in the hERG1 channel with applications to the rational design of activators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Mousaei
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Meruyert Kudaibergenova
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sergei Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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7
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The Regulation of Uterine Function During Parturition: an Update and Recent Advances. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:3-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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8
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Shults NV, Rybka V, Suzuki YJ, Brelidze TI. Increased Smooth Muscle Kv11.1 Channel Expression in Pulmonary Hypertension and Protective Role of Kv11.1 Channel Blocker Dofetilide. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:48-56. [PMID: 31839145 PMCID: PMC6943378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Kv11.1 potassium channels are essential for heart repolarization. Prescription medication that blocks Kv11.1 channels lengthens the ventricular action potential and causes cardiac arrhythmias. Surprisingly little is known about the Kv11.1 channel expression and function in the lung tissue. Here we report that Kv11.1 channels were abundantly expressed in the large pulmonary arteries (PAs) of healthy lung tissues from humans and rats. Kv11.1 channel expression was increased in the lungs of humans affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension and in the lungs of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In healthy lung tissues from humans and rats, Kv11.1 channels were confined to the large PAs. In humans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension and in rats with PAH, Kv11.1 channels were expressed in both the large and small PAs. The increase in Kv11.1 channel expression closely followed the time-course of the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH rats. Treatment of PAH rats with dofetilide, an Kv11.1 channel blocker approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of arrythmia, inhibited PAH-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling. Taken together, the findings from this study uncovered a novel role of Kv11.1 channels in lung function and their potential as new drug targets in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. The protective effect of dofetilide raises the possibility of repurposing this antiarrhythmic drug for the treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/pathology
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/prevention & control
- Case-Control Studies
- ERG1 Potassium Channel/antagonists & inhibitors
- ERG1 Potassium Channel/metabolism
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Phenethylamines/pharmacology
- Potassium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Prognosis
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/complications
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/metabolism
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/pathology
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia V Shults
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Vladyslava Rybka
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Yuichiro J Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tinatin I Brelidze
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
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9
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Barrese V, Cidad P, Yeung SY, López-López JR, McNeish AJ, Ohya S, Pérez-García MT, Greenwood IA. Proliferative Role of Kv11 Channels in Murine Arteries. Front Physiol 2017; 8:500. [PMID: 28747891 PMCID: PMC5506201 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
K+ channels encoded by the ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG1 or KCNH2) are important determinants of the cardiac action potential. Expression of both cardiac isoforms (ERG1a and ERG1b) were identified in murine portal vein and distinctive voltage-gated K+ currents were recorded from single myocytes. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the expression and functional impact of ERG channels in murine arteries. Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR was undertaken on RNA extracted from a number of murine arteries. Immunofluorescence was performed on single vascular smooth muscle cells using antibodies against the ERG1 expression product (Kv11.1). Single cell electrophysiology was performed on myocytes from portal vein and several different arteries, complimented by isometric tension recordings. Proliferation assays were undertaken on smooth muscle cells isolated from femoral arteries. Results: ERG1 transcripts were detected in all murine blood vessels, and Kv11.1 immunofluorescence was observed in all smooth muscle cells. However, K+ currents with properties consistent with ERG channels were only recorded in portal vein myocytes. Moreover, ERG channel blockers (E4031 or dofetilide, 1 μM) failed to depolarize carotid arteries or produce contraction. Proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells was associated with a marked increase in ERG1 expression and ERG blockers suppressed proliferation significantly. Conclusions: These data reveal that arterial blood vessels express ERG channels that appear to be functional silent in contractile smooth muscle but contribute to proliferative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Barrese
- Vascular Research Centre, Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences, St George's University of LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Pilar Cidad
- Departmento de Fisiología, Universidad de ValladolidValladolid, Spain
| | - Shuk Y Yeung
- Vascular Research Centre, Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences, St George's University of LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alister J McNeish
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of ReadingReading, United Kingdom
| | - Susumu Ohya
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical UniversityKyoto, Japan
| | | | - Iain A Greenwood
- Vascular Research Centre, Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences, St George's University of LondonLondon, United Kingdom
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10
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Molbaek K, Scharff-Poulsen P, Helix-Nielsen C, Klaerke DA, Pedersen PA. High yield purification of full-length functional hERG K+ channels produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microb Cell Fact 2015; 14:15. [PMID: 25656388 PMCID: PMC4341239 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-015-0193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hERG potassium channel is essential for repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Due to this vital function, absence of unintended and potentially life-threatening interactions with hERG is required for approval of new drugs. The structure of hERG is therefore one of the most sought-after. To provide purified hERG for structural studies and new hERG biomimetic platforms for detection of undesirable interactions, we have developed a hERG expression platform generating unprecedented amounts of purified and functional hERG channels. Full-length hERG, with or without a C-terminally fused green fluorescent protein (GFP) His 8-tag was produced from a codon-optimized hERG cDNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both constructs complemented the high potassium requirement of a knock-out Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, indicating correct tetramer assembly in vivo. Functionality was further demonstrated by Astemizole binding to membrane embedded hERG-GFP-His 8 with a stoichiometry corresponding to tetramer assembly. The 156 kDa hERG-GFP protein accumulated to a membrane density of 1.6%. Fluorescence size exclusion chromatography of hERG-GFP-His 8 solubilized in Fos-Choline-12 supplemented with cholesteryl-hemisuccinate and Astemizole resulted in a monodisperse elution profile demonstrating a high quality of the hERG channels. hERG-GFP-His 8 purified by Ni-affinity chromatography maintained the ability to bind Astemizole with the correct stoichiometry indicating that the native, tetrameric structure was preserved. To our knowledge this is the first reported high-yield production and purification of full length, tetrameric and functional hERG. This significant breakthrough will be paramount in obtaining hERG crystal structures, and in establishment of new high-throughput hERG drug safety screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Molbaek
- Department of Veterinary and Clinical Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Peter Scharff-Poulsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, Copenhagen OE, DK- 2100, Denmark.
| | - Claus Helix-Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej building 113, Kgs Lyngby, 24105, Denmark. .,Aquaporin A/S, Ole Maaloesvej 3, Copenhagen N, DK-2200, Denmark. .,Laboratory for Water Biophysics and Membrane Technology, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, Maribor, SL-2000, Slovenia.
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Clinical Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, Copenhagen OE, DK- 2100, Denmark.
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11
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Diminished hERG K+ channel activity facilitates strong human labour contractions but is dysregulated in obese women. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4108. [PMID: 24937480 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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12
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Abstract
Ion channels play a key role in defining myometrial contractility. Modulation of ion channel populations is proposed to underpin gestational changes in uterine contractility associated with the transition from uterine quiescence to active labour. Of the myriad ion channels present in the uterus, this article will focus upon potassium channels encoded by the KCNQ genes and ether-à-go-go-related (ERG) genes. Voltage-gated potassium channels encoded by KCNQ and ERG (termed Kv7 and Kv11, respectively) are accepted as major determinants of neuronal excitability and the duration of the cardiac action potential. However, there is now growing appreciation that these ion channels have a major functional impact in vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle. Moreover, Kv7 channels may be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of preterm labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain A Greenwood
- * St George's Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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13
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Vandenberg JI, Perry MD, Perrin MJ, Mann SA, Ke Y, Hill AP. hERG K+ Channels: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1393-478. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ channel, Kv11.1, which are expressed in the heart, various brain regions, smooth muscle cells, endocrine cells, and a wide range of tumor cell lines. However, it is the role that Kv11.1 channels play in the heart that has been best characterized, for two main reasons. First, it is the gene product involved in chromosome 7-associated long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited disorder associated with a markedly increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Second, blockade of Kv11.1, by a wide range of prescription medications, causes drug-induced QT prolongation with an increase in risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In the first part of this review, the properties of Kv11.1 channels, including biogenesis, trafficking, gating, and pharmacology are discussed, while the second part focuses on the pathophysiology of Kv11.1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I. Vandenberg
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Matthew D. Perry
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mark J. Perrin
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stefan A. Mann
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ying Ke
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Adam P. Hill
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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14
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Expression and immunolocalization of ERG1 potassium channels in the rat kidney. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 133:189-99. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Wu ZX, Yu BP, Xu L, Xia H. Emodin Inhibits Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current in Guinea Pig Gallbladder Smooth Muscle. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009; 105:167-72. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00419.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Greenwood IA, Yeung SY, Tribe RM, Ohya S. Loss of functional K+ channels encoded by ether-à-go-go-related genes in mouse myometrium prior to labour onset. J Physiol 2009; 587:2313-26. [PMID: 19332483 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.171272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing appreciation that ion channels encoded by the ether-à-go-go-related gene family have a functional impact in smooth muscle in addition to their accepted role in cardiac myocytes and neurones. This study aimed to assess the expression of ERG1-3 (KCNH1-3) genes in the murine myometrium (smooth muscle layer of the uterus) and determine the functional impact of the ion channels encoded by these genes in pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Quantitative RT-PCR did not detect message for ERG2 and 3 in whole myometrial tissue extracts. In contrast, message for two isoforms of mERG1 were readily detected with mERG1a more abundant than mERG1b. In isometric tension studies of non-pregnant myometrium, the ERG channel blockers dofetilide (1 microM), E4031 (1 microM) and Be-KM1 (100 nM) increased spontaneous contractility and ERG activators (PD118057 and NS1643) inhibited spontaneous contractility. In contrast, neither ERG blockade nor activation had any effect on the inherent contractility in myometrium from late pregnant (19 days gestation) animals. Moreover, dofetilide-sensitive K(+) currents with distinctive 'hooked' kinetics were considerably smaller in uterine myocytes from late pregnant compared to non-pregnant animals. Expression of mERG1 isoforms did not alter throughout gestation or upon delivery, but the expression of genes encoding auxillary subunits (KCNE) were up-regulated considerably. This study provides the first evidence for a regulation of ERG-encoded K(+) channels as a precursor to late pregnancy physiological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Greenwood
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Ion Channels And Cell Signaling Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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17
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Potet F, Petersen CI, Boutaud O, Shuai W, Stepanovic SZ, Balser JR, Kupershmidt S. Genetic screening in C. elegans identifies rho-GTPase activating protein 6 as novel HERG regulator. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2008; 46:257-67. [PMID: 19038263 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2008.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Revised: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) constitutes the pore forming subunit of I(Kr), a K(+) current involved in repolarization of the cardiac action potential. While mutations in HERG predispose patients to cardiac arrhythmias (Long QT syndrome; LQTS), altered function of HERG regulators are undoubtedly LQTS risk factors. We have combined RNA interference with behavioral screening in Caenorhabditis elegans to detect genes that influence function of the HERG homolog, UNC-103. One such gene encodes the worm ortholog of the rho-GTPase activating protein 6 (ARHGAP6). In addition to its GAP function, ARHGAP6 induces cytoskeletal rearrangements and activates phospholipase C (PLC). Here we show that I(Kr) recorded in cells co-expressing HERG and ARHGAP6 was decreased by 43% compared to HERG alone. Biochemical measurements of cell-surface associated HERG revealed that ARHGAP6 reduced membrane expression of HERG by 35%, which correlates well with the reduction in current. In an atrial myocyte cell line, suppression of endogenous ARHGAP6 by virally transduced shRNA led to a 53% enhancement of I(Kr). ARHGAP6 effects were maintained when we introduced a dominant negative rho-GTPase, or ARHGAP6 devoid of rhoGAP function, indicating ARHGAP6 regulation of HERG is independent of rho activation. However, ARHGAP6 lost effectiveness when PLC was inhibited. We further determined that ARHGAP6 effects are mediated by a consensus SH3 binding domain within the C-terminus of HERG, although stable ARHGAP6-HERG complexes were not observed. These data link a rhoGAP-activated PLC pathway to HERG membrane expression and implicate this family of proteins as candidate genes in disorders involving HERG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Potet
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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18
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Portincasa P, Di Ciaula A, Wang HH, Palasciano G, van Erpecum KJ, Moschetta A, Wang DQH. Coordinate regulation of gallbladder motor function in the gut-liver axis. Hepatology 2008; 47:2112-26. [PMID: 18506897 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Gallstones are one of the most common digestive diseases with an estimated prevalence of 10%-15% in adults living in the western world, where cholesterol-enriched gallstones represent 75%-80% of all gallstones. In cholesterol gallstone disease, the gallbladder becomes the target organ of a complex metabolic disease. Indeed, a fine coordinated hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal function, including gallbladder motility in the fasting and postprandial state, is of crucial importance to prevent crystallization and precipitation of excess cholesterol in gallbladder bile. Also, gallbladder itself plays a physiopathological role in biliary lipid absorption. Here, we present a comprehensive view on the regulation of gallbladder motor function by focusing on recent discoveries in animal and human studies, and we discuss the role of the gallbladder in the pathogenesis of gallstone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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19
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Balemba OB, Bartoo AC, Nelson MT, Mawe GM. Role of mitochondria in spontaneous rhythmic activity and intracellular calcium waves in the guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 294:G467-76. [PMID: 18048480 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00415.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling has been implicated in spontaneous rhythmic activity in smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal. In this investigation we evaluated the effect of mitochondrial inhibitors on spontaneous action potentials (APs), Ca(2+) flashes, and Ca(2+) waves in gallbladder smooth muscle (GBSM). Disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential with carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone, rotenone, and antimycin A significantly reduced or eliminated APs, Ca(2+) flashes, and Ca(2+) waves in GBSM. Blockade of ATP production with oligomycin did not alter APs or Ca(2+) flashes but significantly reduced Ca(2+) wave frequency. Inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+) release with Ru360 and CGP-37157, respectively, reduced the frequency of Ca(2+) flashes and Ca(2+) waves in GBSM. Similar to oligomycin, cyclosporin A did not alter AP and Ca(2+) flash frequency but significantly reduced Ca(2+) wave activity. These data suggest that mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling is necessary for the generation of spontaneous electrical activity and may therefore play an important role in gallbladder tone and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onesmo B Balemba
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Ave., D406 Given Bldg., Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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20
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Mewe M, Wulfsen I, Schuster AME, Middendorff R, Glassmeier G, Schwarz JR, Bauer CK. Erg K+ channels modulate contractile activity in the bovine epididymal duct. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 294:R895-904. [PMID: 18184764 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00521.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The expression and functional role of ether-à-go-go-related gene (erg) K+ channels were examined in the bovine epididymal duct. Sperm transit through the epididymal duct relies on spontaneous phasic contractions (SC) of the peritubular smooth muscle wall. Isometric tension studies revealed SC-enhancing effects of the erg channel blockers E-4031, dofetilide, cisapride, and haloperidol and SC-suppressing effects of the activator NS-1643. In the corpus epididymidis, EC50 values of 32 nM and 8.3 microM were determined for E-4031 and NS-1643, respectively. E-4031 was also able to elicit contraction in epithelium-denuded corpus segments, which lacked SC. In the cauda region, E-4031 and NS-1643 exerted effects on agonist-induced contraction similar to those observed in the proximal duct. Experiments with nifedipine and thapsigargin suggested that the excitatory effects of E-4031 depended mainly on external calcium influx and not on intracellular calcium release. Western blot and RT-PCR assays revealed the expression of both, erg1a and erg1b, in all duct regions. Because erg1b appears to predominate in the epididymal duct, patch-clamp experiments were performed on heterologously expressed erg1b channels to investigate the sensitivity of this splice variant to NS-1643. In contrast to its effects on erg1a, NS-1643 induced a concentration-dependent current increase mainly due to a marked leftward shift in erg1b channel activation by approximately 30 mV at 10 microM, explaining the inhibitory effect of the drug on epididymal SC. In summary, these data provide strong evidence for a physiological role of erg1 channels in regulating epididymal motility patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mewe
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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21
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Yeung SYM, Greenwood IA. Pharmacological and biophysical isolation of K+ currents encoded by ether-à-go-go-related genes in murine hepatic portal vein smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2006; 292:C468-76. [PMID: 16870833 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00142.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that murine portal vein myocytes express ether-à-go-go related genes (ERGs) and exhibit distinctive currents when recorded under symmetrical K(+) conditions. The aim of the present study was to characterize ERG channel currents evoked from a negative holding potential under conditions more pertinent to a physiological scenario to assess the possible functional impact of this conductance. Currents were recorded with ruptured or perforated patch variants of the whole cell technique from a holding potential of -60 mV. Application of three structurally distinct and selective ERG channel blockers, E-4031, dofetilide, and the peptide toxin BeKM-1, all inhibited a significant proportion of the outward current and abolished inward currents with distinctive "hooked" kinetics recorded on repolarization. Dofetilide-sensitive currents at negative potentials evoked by depolarization to +40 mV had a voltage-dependent time to peak and rate of decay characteristic of ERG channels. Application of the novel ERG channel activator PD-118057 (1-10 microM) markedly enhanced the hooked inward currents evoked by membrane depolarization and hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential recorded by current clamp and the perforated patch configuration by approximately 20 mV. In contrast, ERG channel blockade by dofetilide (1 microM) depolarized the resting membrane potential by approximately 8 mV. These data are the first record of ERG channel currents in smooth muscle cells under quasi-physiological conditions that suggest that ERG channels contribute to the resting membrane potential in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk Yin M Yeung
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Ion Channels and Cell Signalling Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
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22
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Petkov GV, Balemba OB, Nelson MT, Mawe GM. Identification of a spontaneously active, Na+-permeable channel in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2005; 289:G501-7. [PMID: 15920017 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00140.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The action potential in gallbladder smooth muscle (GBSM) is caused by Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), which contributes to the GBSM contractions. Action potential generation in GBSM is critically dependent on the resting membrane potential (about -50 mV), which is approximately 35 mV more positive of the K+ equilibrium potential. We hypothesized that a tonic, depolarizing conductance is present in GBSM and contributes to the regulation of the resting membrane potential and action potential frequency. GBSM cells were isolated from guinea pig gallbladders, and the whole cell patch-camp technique was used to record membrane currents. After eliminating the contribution of VDCC and K+ channels, we identified a novel spontaneously active cation conductance (I(cat)) in GBSM. This I(cat) was mediated predominantly by influx of Na+. Na+ substitution with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG), a large relatively impermeant cation, caused a negative shift in the reversal potential of the ramp current and reduced the amplitude of the inward current at -50 mV by 65%. Membrane potential recordings with intracellular microelectrodes or in current-clamp mode of the patch-clamp technique indicated that the inhibition of I(cat) conductance by NMDG is associated with membrane hyperpolarization and inhibition of action potentials. Extracellular Ca2+, Mg2+, and Gd3+ attenuated the I(cat) in GBSM. Muscarinic stimulation did not activate the I(cat). Our results indicate that, in GBSM, an Na+-permeable channel contributes to the maintenance of the resting membrane potential and action potential generation and therefore plays a critical role in the regulation of GBSM excitability and contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgi V Petkov
- Dept. of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Univ. of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405-0068, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Ether-à-go-go-related gene (erg) channels are voltage-dependent K+ channels mediating inward-rectifying K+ currents because of their peculiar gating kinetics. These characteristics are essential for repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Inherited and acquired malfunctioning of erg channels may lead to the long QT-syndrome. However, erg currents have also been recorded in many other excitable cells, like smooth muscle fibres of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroblastoma cells or neuroendocrine cells. In these cells erg currents contribute to the maintenance of the resting potential. Changes in the resting potential are related to cell-specific functions like increase in hormone secretion, frequency adaptation or increase in contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen R Schwarz
- Institut für Angewandte Physiologie, Zentrum für Experimentelle Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Portincasa P, Di Ciaula A, vanBerge-Henegouwen GP. Smooth muscle function and dysfunction in gallbladder disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2004; 6:151-62. [PMID: 15191695 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-004-0043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gallbladder epithelium and smooth muscle layer are exposed to concentrated biliary solutes, including cholesterol and potentially toxic hydrophobic bile salts, which are able to influence muscle contraction. Physiologically, gallbladder tone is regulated by spontaneous muscle activity, hormones, and neurotransmitters released into the muscle from intrinsic neurons and extrinsic sympathetic nerves. Methods to explore gallbladder smooth muscle function in vitro include cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor-binding studies and contractility studies. In human and animal models, studies have focused on cellular and molecular events in health and disease, and in vitro findings mirror in vivo events. The interplay between contraction and relaxation of the gallbladder muscularis leads in vivo to appropriate gallbladder emptying and refilling during fasting and postprandially. Defective smooth muscle contractility and/or relaxation are found in cholesterol stone-containing gallbladders, featuring a type of gallbladder leiomyopathy; defects of CCKA receptors and signal transduction may coexist with abnormal responses to oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Abnormal smooth musculature contractility, impaired gallbladder motility, and increased stasis are key factors in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit, University of Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Zhu Y, Golden CM, Ye J, Wang XY, Akbarali HI, Huizinga JD. ERG K+ currents regulate pacemaker activity in ICC. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2003; 285:G1249-58. [PMID: 12958021 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00149.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Ether-à-go-go-related gene (ERG) K channels have been implicated in the generation of pacemaker activities in the heart. To study the presence and function of ERG K channels in the pacemaker cells of the small intestine [the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)], a combination of patch-clamp techniques, tissue and live cell immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and in vitro functional studies were performed. Nonenzymatically isolated ICC in culture were identified by vital staining and presence of rhythmic inward currents. RT-PCR showed the presence of ERG mRNA in the intestinal musculature, and immunohistochemistry on tissue and cultured cells demonstrated that protein similar to human ERG was concentrated on ICC in the Auerbach's plexus region. Whole cell ERG K+ currents were evoked on hyperpolarization from 0 mV (but not from -70 mV) up to -120 mV and showed strong inward rectification. The currents were inhibited by E-4031, cisapride, La3+, and Gd3+ but not by 50 microM Ba2+. The ERG K+ inward current had a typical transient component with fast activation and inactivation kinetics followed by significant steady-state current. E-4031 also inhibited tetraethylammonium (TEA)-insensitive outward current indicating that the ERG K+ current is operating at depolarizing potentials. In contrast to TEA, blockers of the ERG K+ currents caused marked increase in tissue excitability as reflected by an increase in slow-wave duration and an increase in superimposed action potential activity. In summary, ERG K channels in ICC contribute to the membrane potential and play a role in regulation of pacemaker activity of the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Zhu
- Intestinal Disease Research Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
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