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Olivencia MA, Villegas-Esguevillas M, Sancho M, Barreira B, Paternoster E, Adão R, Larriba MJ, Cogolludo A, Perez-Vizcaino F. Vitamin D Receptor Deficiency Upregulates Pulmonary Artery Kv7 Channel Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12350. [PMID: 37569725 PMCID: PMC10418734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512350] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D is involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aim of this study was to analyze the electrophysiological and contractile properties of pulmonary arteries (PAs) in vitamin D receptor knockout mice (Vdr-/-). PAs were dissected and mounted in a wire myograph. Potassium membrane currents were recorded in freshly isolated PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) using the conventional whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Potential vitamin D response elements (VDREs) in Kv7 channels coding genes were studied, and their protein expression was analyzed. Vdr-/- mice did not show a pulmonary hypertensive phenotype, as neither right ventricular hypertrophy nor endothelial dysfunction was apparent. However, resistance PA from these mice exhibited increased response to retigabine, a Kv7 activator, compared to controls and heterozygous mice. Furthermore, the current sensitive to XE991, a Kv7 inhibitor, was also higher in PASMCs from knockout mice. A possible VDRE was found in the gene coding for KCNE4, the regulatory subunit of Kv7.4. Accordingly, Vdr-/- mice showed an increased expression of KCNE4 in the lungs, with no changes in Kv7.1 and Kv7.4. These results indicate that the absence of Vdr in mice, as occurred with vitamin D deficient rats, is not sufficient to induce PAH. However, the contribution of Kv7 channel currents to the regulation of PA tone is increased in Vdr-/- mice, resembling animals and humans suffering from PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Olivencia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Villegas-Esguevillas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Sancho
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Barreira
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Paternoster
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rui Adão
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Larriba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
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Villegas-Esguevillas M, Cho S, Vera-Zambrano A, Kwon JW, Barreira B, Telli G, Navarro-Dorado J, Morales-Cano D, de Olaiz B, Moreno L, Greenwood I, Pérez-Vizcaíno F, Kim SJ, Climent B, Cogolludo A. The novel K V7 channel activator URO-K10 exerts enhanced pulmonary vascular effects independent of the KCNE4 regulatory subunit. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114952. [PMID: 37295249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114952] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KV7 channels exert a pivotal role regulating vascular tone in several vascular beds. In this context, KV7 channel agonists represent an attractive strategy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, in this study, we have explored the pulmonary vascular effects of the novel KV7 channel agonist URO-K10. Consequently, the vasodilator and electrophysiological effects of URO-K10 were tested in rat and human pulmonary arteries (PA) and PA smooth muscle cells (PASMC) using myography and patch-clamp techniques. Protein expression was also determined by Western blot. Morpholino-induced knockdown of KCNE4 was assessed in isolated PA. PASMC proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation assay. In summary, our data show that URO-K10 is a more effective relaxant of PA than the classical KV7 activators retigabine and flupirtine. URO-K10 enhanced KV currents in PASMC and its electrophysiological and relaxant effects were inhibited by the KV7 channel blocker XE991. The effects of URO-K10 were confirmed in human PA. URO-K10 also exhibited antiproliferative effects in human PASMC. Unlike retigabine and flupirtine, URO-K10-induced pulmonary vasodilation was not affected by morpholino-induced knockdown of the KCNE4 regulatory subunit. Noteworthy, the pulmonary vasodilator efficacy of this compound was considerably increased under conditions mimicking the ionic remodelling (as an in vitro model of PAH) and in PA from monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats. Taking all together, URO-K10 behaves as a KCNE4-independent KV7 channel activator with much increased pulmonary vascular effects compared to classical KV7 channel activators. Our study identifies a promising new drug in the context of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Villegas-Esguevillas
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Suhan Cho
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alba Vera-Zambrano
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jae Won Kwon
- Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Barreira
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Göcken Telli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jorge Navarro-Dorado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Morales-Cano
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz de Olaiz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iain Greenwood
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Pérez-Vizcaíno
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Belén Climent
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K+ channels are voltage-gated K+ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K+ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac IKs. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.
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Lee JE, Park CH, Kang H, Ko J, Cho S, Woo J, Chae MR, Lee SW, Kim SJ, Kim J, So I. The agonistic action of URO-K10 on Kv7.4 and 7.5 channels is attenuated by co-expression of KCNE4 ancillary subunit. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:503-516. [PMID: 33093272 PMCID: PMC7585595 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.6.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
KCNQ family constitutes slowly-activating potassium channels among voltage-gated potassium channel superfamily. Recent studies suggested that KCNQ4 and 5 channels are abundantly expressed in smooth muscle cells, especially in lower urinary tract including corpus cavernosum and that both channels can exert membrane stabilizing effect in the tissues. In this article, we examined the electrophysiological characteristics of overexpressed KCNQ4, 5 channels in HEK293 cells with recently developed KCNQ-specific agonist. With submicromolar EC50, the drug not only increased the open probability of KCNQ4 channel but also increased slope conductance of the channel. The overall effect of the drug in whole-cell configuration was to increase maximal whole-cell conductance, to prolongate the activation process, and left-shift of the activation curve. The agonistic action of the drug, however, was highly attenuated by the co-expression of one of the β ancillary subunits of KCNQ family, KCNE4. Strong in vitro interactions between KCNQ4, 5 and KCNE4 were found through Foster Resonance Energy Transfer and co-immunoprecipitation. Although the expression levels of both KCNQ4 and KCNE4 are high in mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells, we found that 1 μM of the agonist was sufficient to almost completely relax phenylephrine-induced contraction of the muscle strip. Significant expression of KCNQ4 and KCNE4 in corpus cavernosum together with high tonic contractility of the tissue grants highly promising relaxational effect of the KCNQ-specific agonist in the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Christine Haewon Park
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hana Kang
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Juyeon Ko
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Suhan Cho
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - JooHan Woo
- Department of Physiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea
| | - Mee Ree Chae
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jinsung Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Insuk So
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Turzo M, Spöhr FA, Felix L, Weigand MA, Busch CJ. Kv7 channel inhibition increases hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in endotoxemic mouse lungs. Exp Lung Res 2020; 46:363-375. [PMID: 32945215 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2020.1818888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) regulates regional pulmonary blood flow in order to match regional ventilation to preserve arterial oxygenation. HPV is impaired in patients with sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Endotoxemic mice show reduced HPV and recent evidence suggests a central role of voltage gated potassium channel 7 (Kv7) in regulating HPV. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis if Kv7 is induced and inhibition of Kv7 increases HPV in endotoxemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isolated lungs of LPS-pretreated and untreated animals were perfused with and without specific inhibitors of Kv7 (linopirdine (LI) 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µM) or Kv7.1 (HMR1556 100 nM). Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) during normoxic (FiO2 0.21) as well as hypoxic (FiO2 0.01) ventilation were obtained. Expressions of Kv7 composing (KCNQ1-5) as well as auxiliary subunits (KCNE1-5) were measured in mouse lungs with and without endotoxemia. RESULTS HPV was impaired in lungs from LPS mice (16 ± 7% vs 105 ± 13% control, p < 0.05). Perfusion of control lungs with 10 µM LI or 100 nM HMR1556 did not affect HPV (LI 105 ± 12% vs 105 ± 13% vehicle, HMR1556 100 ± 6% vs 98 ± 26%, P = NS). In LPS mice perfusion with 10 µM LI (74.2 ± 7% vs. 16 ± 7% vehicle, P < 0.05) or HMR1556 100 nM augmented HPV (74 ± 28% vs. 15 ± 17% vehicle, P < 0.05). KCNQ1, 4 and 5 gene- and protein expressions as well as KCNE1, 2 and 4 gene expressions were unaltered in endotoxemic lungs. KCNE3 gene and protein expressions were increased in lungs of LPS treated mice (3.1 ± 1.3-fold and 1.8 ± 0.3-fold, respectively, P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS Endotoxemia does not alter KCNQ1, 4 and 5 gene and protein expressions but increases pulmonary KCNE3 gene and protein expression. In isolated perfused endotoxemic mouse lungs, perfusion with 10 µM LI or 100 nM HMR1556 augments HPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Turzo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian A Spöhr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sana Kliniken, Stuttgart, Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lasitschka Felix
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus A Weigand
- Department of Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelius J Busch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Transcript Profiles of Stria Vascularis in Models of Waardenburg Syndrome. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:2908182. [PMID: 32802035 PMCID: PMC7416267 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2908182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Waardenburg syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition characterized by at least some degree of congenital hearing loss and pigmentation deficiencies. However, the genetic pathway affecting the development of stria vascularis is not fully illustrated. Methods The transcript profile of stria vascularis of Waardenburg syndrome was studied using Mitf-M mutant pig and mice models. Therefore, GO analysis was performed to identify the differential gene expression caused by Mitf-M mutation. Results There were 113 genes in tyrosine metabolism, melanin formation, and ion transportations showed significant changes in pig models and 191 genes in mice models. In addition, there were some spice's specific gene changes in the stria vascularis in the mouse and porcine models. The expression of tight junction-associated genes, including Cadm1, Cldn11, Pcdh1, Pcdh19, and Cdh24 genes, were significantly higher in porcine models compared to mouse models. Vascular-related and ion channel-related genes in the stria vascularis were also shown significantly difference between the two species. The expression of Col2a1, Col3a1, Col11a1, and Col11a2 genes were higher, and the expression of Col8a2, Cd34, and Ncam genes were lower in the porcine models compared to mouse models. Conclusions Our data suggests that there is a significant difference on the gene expression and function between these two models.
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Mondejar-Parreño G, Perez-Vizcaino F, Cogolludo A. Kv7 Channels in Lung Diseases. Front Physiol 2020; 11:634. [PMID: 32676036 PMCID: PMC7333540 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases constitute a global health concern causing disability. According to WHO in 2016, respiratory diseases accounted for 24% of world population mortality, the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. The Kv7 channels family is a group of voltage-dependent K+ channels (Kv) encoded by KCNQ genes that are involved in various physiological functions in numerous cell types, especially, cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle cells, neurons, and epithelial cells. Kv7 channel α-subunits are regulated by KCNE1–5 ancillary β-subunits, which modulate several characteristics of Kv7 channels such as biophysical properties, cell-location, channel trafficking, and pharmacological sensitivity. Kv7 channels are mainly expressed in two large groups of lung tissues: pulmonary arteries (PAs) and bronchial tubes. In PA, Kv7 channels are expressed in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs); while in the airway (trachea, bronchus, and bronchioles), Kv7 channels are expressed in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), airway epithelial cells (AEPs), and vagal airway C-fibers (VACFs). The functional role of Kv7 channels may vary depending on the cell type. Several studies have demonstrated that the impairment of Kv7 channel has a strong impact on pulmonary physiology contributing to the pathophysiology of different respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic coughing, lung cancer, and pulmonary hypertension. Kv7 channels are now recognized as playing relevant physiological roles in many tissues, which have encouraged the search for Kv7 channel modulators with potential therapeutic use in many diseases including those affecting the lung. Modulation of Kv7 channels has been proposed to provide beneficial effects in a number of lung conditions. Therefore, Kv7 channel openers/enhancers or drugs acting partly through these channels have been proposed as bronchodilators, expectorants, antitussives, chemotherapeutics and pulmonary vasodilators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Mondejar-Parreño
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
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Characterization and functional roles of KCNQ-encoded voltage-gated potassium (Kv7) channels in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:89-102. [PMID: 31919767 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The group of KCNQ-encoded voltage-gated potassium (Kv7) channels includes five family members (Kv7.1-7.5). We examined the molecular expression and functional roles of Kv7 channels in corporal smooth muscle (CSM). Isolated rabbit CSM strips were mounted in an organ bath system to characterize Kv7 channels during CSM relaxation. Intracellular Ca2+ levels were measured in the CSM using the Ca2+ dye Fluo-4 AM. The expression of the KCNQ1-5 (the encoding genes for Kv7.1-7.5) and KCNE1-5 subtypes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Electrophysiological recordings and an in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) were also performed. ML213 (a Kv7.2/7.4/7.5 activator) exhibited the most potent relaxation effect. XE911 (a Kv7.1-7.5 blocker) significantly inhibited the relaxation caused by ML213. Removal of the endothelium from the CSM did not affect the relaxation effect of ML213. H-89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) and ESI-09 (an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP inhibitor) significantly inhibited ML213-induced relaxation (H-89: 31.3%; ESI-09: 52.7%). XE991 significantly increased basal [Ca2+]i in hCSM cells. KCNQ4 (the Kv7.4-encoding gene) and KCNE4 in CSM were the most abundantly expressed subtypes in humans and rats, respectively. KCNQ4 and KCNE4 expression was significantly decreased in diabetes mellitus rats. ML213 significantly increased the outward current amplitude. XE991 inhibited the ML213-induced outward currents. ML213 hyperpolarized the hCSM cell membrane potential. Subsequent addition of XE991 completely reversed the ML213-induced hyperpolarizing effects. A combination of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 antibodies generated a strong PLA signal. We found that the Kv7.4 channel is a potential target for ED treatment.
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Kcne4 deletion sex-specifically predisposes to cardiac arrhythmia via testosterone-dependent impairment of RISK/SAFE pathway induction in aged mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8258. [PMID: 29844497 PMCID: PMC5974354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is associated with both electrical and ischemic substrates, and is a major cause of ischemic heart disease mortality worldwide. Male sex predisposes to SCD but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. KCNE4, a cardiac arrhythmia-associated potassium channel β-subunit, is upregulated by 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Thus, ventricular Kcne4 expression is low in young adult female mice, but high in males and postmenopausal (12+ months) females. Despite causing a sex-independent electrical substrate at 13 months of age (22% QT prolongation in both males and females; P < 0.01), Kcne4 deletion preferentially predisposed aged male mice to ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-provoked ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Interestingly, Kcne4 deletion caused baseline induction of cardioprotective RISK and SAFE pathways in 13-m-old female, but not male, mice. IR-invoked RISK/SAFE induction was also deficient in male but not female Kcne4-/- mice. Pharmacological inhibition of RISK/SAFE pathways in Kcne4-/- females eliminated sex-specific differences in IR-invoked tachyarrhythmia predisposition. Furthermore, castration of Kcne4-/- males eliminated sex-specific differences in both baseline and post-IR RISK/SAFE pathway induction, and tachyarrhythmia predisposition. Our results demonstrate for the first time that male sex can predispose in aged mice to dangerous ventricular tachyarrhythmias despite sex-independent electrical and ischemic substrates, because of testosterone-dependent impairment of RISK/SAFE pathway induction.
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Coordinated Expression of Two Types of Low-Threshold K + Channels Establishes Unique Single Spiking of Mauthner Cells among Segmentally Homologous Neurons in the Zebrafish Hindbrain. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0249-17. [PMID: 29085904 PMCID: PMC5659376 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0249-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of different ion channels permits homologously-generated neurons to acquire different types of excitability and thus code various kinds of input information. Mauthner (M) series neurons in the teleost hindbrain consist of M cells and their morphological homologs, which are repeated in adjacent segments and share auditory inputs. When excited, M cells generate a single spike at the onset of abrupt stimuli, while their homologs encode input intensity with firing frequency. Our previous study in zebrafish showed that immature M cells burst phasically at 2 d postfertilization (dpf) and acquire single spiking at 4 dpf by specific expression of auxiliary Kvβ2 subunits in M cells in association with common expression of Kv1.1 channels in the M series. Here, we further reveal the ionic mechanisms underlying this functional differentiation. Pharmacological blocking of Kv7/KCNQ in addition to Kv1 altered mature M cells to fire tonically, similar to the homologs. In contrast, blocking either channel alone caused M cells to burst phasically. M cells at 2 dpf fired tonically after blocking Kv7. In situ hybridization revealed specific Kv7.4/KCNQ4 expression in M cells at 2 dpf. Kv7.4 and Kv1.1 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes exhibited low-threshold outward currents with slow and fast rise times, while coexpression of Kvβ2 accelerated and increased Kv1.1 currents, respectively. Computational models, modified from a mouse cochlear neuron model, demonstrated that Kv7.4 channels suppress repetitive firing to produce spike-frequency adaptation, while Kvβ2-associated Kv1.1 channels increase firing threshold and decrease the onset latency of spiking. Altogether, coordinated expression of these low-threshold K+ channels with Kvβ2 functionally differentiates M cells among homologous neurons.
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11
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Unravelling the complexities of vascular smooth muscle ion channels: Fine tuning of activity by ancillary subunits. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 178:57-66. [PMID: 28336473 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Which ion channel is the most important for regulating vascular tone? Which one is responsible for controlling the resting membrane potential or repolarization? Which channels are recruited by different intracellular signalling pathways or change in certain vascular diseases? Many different ion channels have been identified in the vasculature over the years and claimed as future therapeutic targets. Unfortunately, several of these ion channels are not just found in the vasculature, with many of them also found to have prominent functional roles in different organs of the body, which then leads to off-target effects. As cardiovascular diseases are expected to increase worldwide to epidemic proportions, ion channel research and the hunt for the next major therapeutic target to treat different vascular diseases has never been more important. However, I believe that the question we should now be asking is: which ancillary subunits are involved in regulating specific ion channels in the vasculature and do they have the potential to be new therapeutic targets?
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12
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Wangemann P, Marcus DC. Ion and Fluid Homeostasis in the Cochlea. UNDERSTANDING THE COCHLEA 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52073-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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13
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Abbott GW, Jepps TA. Kcne4 Deletion Sex-Dependently Alters Vascular Reactivity. J Vasc Res 2016; 53:138-148. [PMID: 27710966 DOI: 10.1159/000449060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels formed by Kv7 (KCNQ) α-subunits are recognized as crucial for vascular smooth muscle function, in addition to their established roles in the heart (Kv7.1) and the brain (Kv7.2-5). In vivo, Kv7 α-subunits are often regulated by KCNE subfamily ancillary (β) subunits. We investigated the effects of targeted germline Kcne4 deletion on mesenteric artery reactivity in adult male and female mice. Kcne4 deletion increased mesenteric artery contractility in response to α-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine, and decreased responses to Kv7.2-7.5 channel activator ML213, in male but not female mice. In contrast, Kcne4 deletion markedly decreased vasorelaxation in response to isoprenaline in both male and female mice. Kcne4 expression was 2-fold lower in the female versus the male mouse mesenteric artery, and Kcne4 deletion elicited only moderate changes of other Kcne transcripts, with no striking sex-specific differences. However, Kv7.4 protein expression in females was twice that in males, and was reduced in both sexes by Kcne4 deletion. Our findings confirm a crucial role for KCNE4 in regulation of Kv7 channel activity to modulate vascular tone, and provide the first known molecular mechanism for sex-specificity of this modulation that has important implications for vascular reactivity and may underlie sex-specific susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Calif., USA
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Kroncke BM, Van Horn WD, Smith J, Kang C, Welch RC, Song Y, Nannemann DP, Taylor KC, Sisco NJ, George AL, Meiler J, Vanoye CG, Sanders CR. Structural basis for KCNE3 modulation of potassium recycling in epithelia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501228. [PMID: 27626070 PMCID: PMC5017827 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The single-span membrane protein KCNE3 modulates a variety of voltage-gated ion channels in diverse biological contexts. In epithelial cells, KCNE3 regulates the function of the KCNQ1 potassium ion (K(+)) channel to enable K(+) recycling coupled to transepithelial chloride ion (Cl(-)) secretion, a physiologically critical cellular transport process in various organs and whose malfunction causes diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), cholera, and pulmonary edema. Structural, computational, biochemical, and electrophysiological studies lead to an atomically explicit integrative structural model of the KCNE3-KCNQ1 complex that explains how KCNE3 induces the constitutive activation of KCNQ1 channel activity, a crucial component in K(+) recycling. Central to this mechanism are direct interactions of KCNE3 residues at both ends of its transmembrane domain with residues on the intra- and extracellular ends of the KCNQ1 voltage-sensing domain S4 helix. These interactions appear to stabilize the activated "up" state configuration of S4, a prerequisite for full opening of the KCNQ1 channel gate. In addition, the integrative structural model was used to guide electrophysiological studies that illuminate the molecular basis for how estrogen exacerbates CF lung disease in female patients, a phenomenon known as the "CF gender gap."
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Kroncke
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Wade D. Van Horn
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Jarrod Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - CongBao Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard C. Welch
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Yuanli Song
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - David P. Nannemann
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Keenan C. Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Sisco
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Carlos G. Vanoye
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Charles R. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
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15
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Abbott GW. KCNE4 and KCNE5: K(+) channel regulation and cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Gene 2016; 593:249-60. [PMID: 27484720 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
KCNE proteins are single transmembrane-segment voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel ancillary subunits that exhibit a diverse range of physiological functions. Human KCNE gene mutations are associated with various pathophysiological states, most notably cardiac arrhythmias. Of the five isoforms in the human KCNE gene family, KCNE4 and the X-linked KCNE5 are, to date, the least-studied. Recently, however, interest in these neglected genes has been stoked by their putative association with debilitating or lethal cardiac arrhythmias. The sometimes-overlapping functional effects of KCNE4 and KCNE5 vary depending on both their Kv α subunit partner and on other ancillary subunits within the channel complex, but mostly fall into two contrasting categories - either inhibition, or fine-tuning of gating kinetics. This review covers current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of KCNE4 and KCNE5 function, human disease associations, and findings from very recent studies of cardiovascular pathophysiology in Kcne4(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Dept. of Pharmacology and Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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16
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Cox RH, Fromme S. Functional Expression Profile of Voltage-Gated K(+) Channel Subunits in Rat Small Mesenteric Arteries. Cell Biochem Biophys 2016; 74:263-76. [PMID: 27286858 PMCID: PMC4905591 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0715-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple K v channel complexes contribute to total K v current in numerous cell types and usually subserve different physiological functions. Identifying the complete compliment of functional K v channel subunits in cells is a prerequisite to understanding regulatory function. It was the goal of this work to determine the complete K v subunit compliment that contribute to functional K v currents in rat small mesenteric artery (SMA) myocytes as a prelude to studying channel regulation. Using RNA prepared from freshly dispersed myocytes, high levels of K v 1.2, 1.5, and 2.1 and lower levels of K v 7.4 α-subunit expressions were demonstrated by quantitative PCR and confirmed by Western blotting. Selective inhibitors correolide (K v 1; COR), stromatoxin (K v 2.1; ScTx), and linopirdine (K v 7.4; LINO) decreased K v current at +40 mV in SMA by 46 ± 4, 48 ± 4, and 6.5 ± 2 %, respectively, and K v current in SMA was insensitive to α-dendrotoxin. Contractions of SMA segments pretreated with 100 nmol/L phenylephrine were enhanced by 27 ± 3, 30 ± 8, and 7 ± 3 % of the response to 120 mmol/L KCl by COR, ScTX, and LINO, respectively. The presence of K v 6.1, 9.3, β1.1, and β1.2 was demonstrated by RT-PCR using myocyte RNA with expressions of K vβ1.2 and K v 9.3 about tenfold higher than K vβ1.1 and K v 6.1, respectively. Selective inhibitors of K v 1.3, 3.4, 4.1, and 4.3 channels also found at the RNA and/or protein level had no significant effect on K v current or contraction. These results suggest that K v current in rat SMA myocytes are dominated equally by two major components consisting of K v 1.2-1.5-β1.2 and K v 2.1-9.3 channels along with a smaller contribution from K v 7.4 channels but differences in voltage dependence of activation allows all three to provide significant contributions to SMA function at physiological voltages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cox
- Program in Cardiovascular Disease, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Main Line Health System, 100 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA.
| | - Samantha Fromme
- Program in Cardiovascular Disease, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Main Line Health System, 100 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
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Haick JM, Byron KL. Novel treatment strategies for smooth muscle disorders: Targeting Kv7 potassium channels. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 165:14-25. [PMID: 27179745 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells provide crucial contractile functions in visceral, vascular, and lung tissues. The contractile state of smooth muscle is largely determined by their electrical excitability, which is in turn influenced by the activity of potassium channels. The activity of potassium channels sustains smooth muscle cell membrane hyperpolarization, reducing cellular excitability and thereby promoting smooth muscle relaxation. Research over the past decade has indicated an important role for Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-gated potassium channels in the regulation of the excitability of smooth muscle cells. Expression of multiple Kv7 channel subtypes has been demonstrated in smooth muscle cells from viscera (gastrointestinal, bladder, myometrial), from the systemic and pulmonary vasculature, and from the airways of the lung, from multiple species, including humans. A number of clinically used drugs, some of which were developed to target Kv7 channels in other tissues, have been found to exert robust effects on smooth muscle Kv7 channels. Functional studies have indicated that Kv7 channel activators and inhibitors have the ability to relax and contact smooth muscle preparations, respectively, suggesting a wide range of novel applications for the pharmacological tool set. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the physiological functions of Kv7 channels in smooth muscle, and highlights potential therapeutic applications based on pharmacological targeting of smooth muscle Kv7 channels throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Haick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth L Byron
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
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18
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Abbott GW. Novel exon 1 protein-coding regions N-terminally extend human KCNE3 and KCNE4. FASEB J 2016; 30:2959-69. [PMID: 27162025 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600467r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The 5 human (h)KCNE β subunits each regulate various cation channels and are linked to inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Reported here are previously undiscovered protein-coding regions in exon 1 of hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 that extend their encoded extracellular domains by 44 and 51 residues, which yields full-length proteins of 147 and 221 residues, respectively. Full-length hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 transcript and protein are expressed in multiple human tissues; for hKCNE4, only the longer protein isoform is detectable. Two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology revealed that, when coexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with various potassium channels, the newly discovered segment preserved conversion of KCNQ1 by hKCNE3 to a constitutively open channel, but prevented its inhibition of Kv4.2 and KCNQ4. hKCNE4 slowing of Kv4.2 inactivation and positive-shifted steady-state inactivation were also preserved in the longer form. In contrast, full-length hKCNE4 inhibition of KCNQ1 was limited to 40% at +40 mV vs. 80% inhibition by the shorter form, and augmentation of KCNQ4 activity by hKCNE4 was entirely abolished by the additional segment. Among the genome databases analyzed, the longer KCNE3 is confined to primates; full-length KCNE4 is widespread in vertebrates but is notably absent from Mus musculus Findings highlight unexpected KCNE gene diversity, raise the possibility of dynamic regulation of KCNE partner modulation via splice variation, and suggest that the longer hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 proteins should be adopted in future mechanistic and genetic screening studies.-Abbott, G. W. Novel exon 1 protein-coding regions N-terminally extend human KCNE3 and KCNE4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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19
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Jepps TA, Carr G, Lundegaard PR, Olesen SP, Greenwood IA. Fundamental role for the KCNE4 ancillary subunit in Kv7.4 regulation of arterial tone. J Physiol 2015; 593:5325-40. [PMID: 26503181 DOI: 10.1113/jp271286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS KCNE4 alters the biophysical properties and cellular localization of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7.4. KCNE4 is expressed in a variety of arteries and, in mesenteric arteries, co-localizes with Kv7.4, which is important in the control of vascular contractility. Knockdown of KCNE4 leads to reduced Kv7.4 membrane abundance, a depolarized membrane potential and an augmented response to vasoconstrictors. KCNE4 is a key regulator of the function and expression of Kv7.4 in vascular smooth muscle. ABSTRACT The KCNE ancillary subunits (KCNE1-5) significantly alter the expression and function of voltage-gated potassium channels; however, their role in the vasculature has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the expression and function of the KCNE4 subunit in rat mesenteric arteries and to determine whether it has a functional impact on the regulation of arterial tone by Kv7 channels. In HEK cells expressing Kv7.4, co-expression of KCNE4 increased the membrane expression of Kv7.4 and significantly altered Kv7.4 current properties. Quantitative PCR analysis of different rat arteries found that the KCNE4 isoform predominated and proximity ligation experiments showed that KCNE4 co-localized with Kv7.4 in mesenteric artery myocytes. Morpholino-induced knockdown of KCNE4 depolarized mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells and resulted in their increased sensitivity to methoxamine being attenuated (mean ± SEM EC50 decreased from 5.7 ± 0.63 μm to 1.6 ± 0.23 μm), which coincided with impaired effects of Kv7 modulators. When KCNE4 expression was reduced, less Kv7.4 expression was found in the membrane of the mesenteric artery myocytes. These data show that KCNE4 is consistently expressed in a variety of arteries, and knockdown of the expression product leads to reduced Kv7.4 membrane abundance, a depolarized membrane potential and an augmented response to vasoconstrictors. The present study is the first to demonstrate an integral role of KCNE4 in regulating the function and expression of Kv7.4 in vascular smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Jepps
- Ion Channels Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgina Carr
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Institute for Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Pia R Lundegaard
- Ion Channels Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren-Peter Olesen
- Ion Channels Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iain A Greenwood
- Ion Channels Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Institute for Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
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20
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Abbott GW. KCNE1 and KCNE3: The yin and yang of voltage-gated K(+) channel regulation. Gene 2015; 576:1-13. [PMID: 26410412 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human KCNE gene family comprises five genes encoding single transmembrane-spanning ion channel regulatory subunits. The primary function of KCNE subunits appears to be regulation of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, and the best-understood KCNE complexes are with the KCNQ1 Kv α subunit. Here, we review the often opposite effects of KCNE1 and KCNE3 on Kv channel biology, with an emphasis on regulation of KCNQ1. Slow-activating IKs channel complexes formed by KCNQ1 and KCNE1 are essential for human ventricular myocyte repolarization, while constitutively active KCNQ1-KCNE3 channels are important in the intestine. Inherited sequence variants in human KCNE1 and KCNE3 cause cardiac arrhythmias but by different mechanisms, and each is important for hearing in unique ways. Because of their contrasting effects on KCNQ1 function, KCNE1 and KCNE3 have proved invaluable tools in the mechanistic understanding of how channel gating can be manipulated, and each may also provide a window into novel insights and new therapeutic opportunities in K(+) channel pharmacology. Finally, findings from studies of Kcne1(-/-) and Kcne3(-/-) mouse lines serve to illustrate the complexity of KCNE biology and KCNE-linked disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Dept. of Pharmacology and Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; 360 Medical Surge II, Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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21
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Wang W, Kim HJ, Lee JH, Wong V, Sihn CR, Lv P, Perez Flores MC, Mousavi-Nik A, Doyle KJ, Xu Y, Yamoah EN. Functional significance of K+ channel β-subunit KCNE3 in auditory neurons. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:16802-13. [PMID: 24727472 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The KCNE3 β-subunit interacts with and regulates the voltage-dependent gating, kinetics, and pharmacology of a variety of Kv channels in neurons. Because a single neuron may express multiple KCNE3 partners, it is impossible to predict the overall functional relevance of the single transmembrane domain peptide on the pore-forming K(+) channel subunits with which it associates. In the inner ear, the role of KCNE3 is undefined, despite its association with Meniere disease and tinnitus. To gain insights on the functional significance of KCNE3 in auditory neurons, we examined the properties of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in Kcne3 null mutant neurons relative to their age-matched controls. We demonstrate that null deletion of Kcne3 abolishes characteristic wide variations in the resting membrane potentials of SGNs and yields age-dependent alterations in action potential and firing properties of neurons along the contour of the cochlear axis, in comparison with age-matched wild-type neurons. The properties of basal SGNs were markedly altered in Kcne3(-/-) mice compared with the wild-type controls; these include reduced action potential latency, amplitude, and increased firing frequency. Analyses of the underlying conductance demonstrate that null mutation of Kcne3 results in enhanced outward K(+) currents, which is sufficient to explain the ensuing membrane potential changes. Additionally, we have demonstrated that KCNE3 may regulate the activity of Kv4.2 channels in SGNs. Finally, there were developmentally mediated compensatory changes that occurred such that, by 8 weeks after birth, the electrical properties of the null mutant neurons were virtually indistinguishable from the wild-type neurons, suggesting that ion channel remodeling in auditory neurons progresses beyond hearing onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China, the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Jeong-Han Lee
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Victor Wong
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Choong-Ryoul Sihn
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Ping Lv
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and the Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Maria Cristina Perez Flores
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Atefeh Mousavi-Nik
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Karen Jo Doyle
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
| | - Yanfang Xu
- From the Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China,
| | - Ebenezer N Yamoah
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Program in Communication and Sensory Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95618, and
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22
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Zhang X, Hughes BA. KCNQ and KCNE potassium channel subunit expression in bovine retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Hosseinzadeh Z, Sopjani M, Pakladok T, Bhavsar SK, Lang F. Downregulation of KCNQ4 by Janus kinase 2. J Membr Biol 2013; 246:335-41. [PMID: 23543186 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-013-9537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) participates in the signaling of several hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Further stimulators of JAK2 include osmotic cell shrinkage, and the kinase activates the cell volume regulatory Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. The kinase may thus participate in cell volume regulation. Cell shrinkage is known to inhibit K(+) channels. Volume-regulatory K(+) channels include the voltage-gated K(+) channel KCNQ4. The present study explored the effect of JAK2 on KCNQ4 channel activity. KCNQ4 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without wild-type JAK2, constitutively active (V617F)JAK2 or inactive (K882E)JAK2; and cell membrane conductance was determined by dual-electrode voltage clamp. Expression of KCNQ4 was followed by the appearance of voltage-gated K(+) conductance. Coexpression of JAK2 or of (V617F)JAK2, but not of (K882E)JAK2, resulted in a significant decrease in conductance. Treatment of KCNQ4 and JAK2 coexpressing oocytes with the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 μM) was followed by an increase in conductance. Treatment of KCNQ4 expressing oocytes with brefeldin A (5 μM) was followed by a decrease in conductance, which was similar in oocytes expressing KCNQ4 together with JAK2 as in oocytes expressing KCNQ4 alone. Thus, JAK2 apparently does not accelerate channel protein retrieval from the cell membrane. In conclusion, JAK2 downregulates KCNQ4 activity and thus counteracts K(+) exit, an effect which may contribute to cell volume regulation.
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Wrobel E, Tapken D, Seebohm G. The KCNE Tango - How KCNE1 Interacts with Kv7.1. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:142. [PMID: 22876232 PMCID: PMC3410610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical tango is a dance characterized by a 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm in which the partners dance in a coordinated way, allowing dynamic contact. There is a surprising similarity between the tango and how KCNE β-subunits "dance" to the fast rhythm of the cell with their partners from the Kv channel family. The five KCNE β-subunits interact with several members of the Kv channels, thereby modifying channel gating via the interaction of their single transmembrane-spanning segment, the extracellular amino terminus, and/or the intracellular carboxy terminus with the Kv α-subunit. Best studied is the molecular basis of interactions between KCNE1 and Kv7.1, which, together, supposedly form the native cardiac I(Ks) channel. Here we review the current knowledge about functional and molecular interactions of KCNE1 with Kv7.1 and try to summarize and interpret the tango of the KCNEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Wrobel
- Cation Channel Group, Department of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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Leitner MG, Feuer A, Ebers O, Schreiber DN, Halaszovich CR, Oliver D. Restoration of ion channel function in deafness-causing KCNQ4 mutants by synthetic channel openers. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2244-59. [PMID: 21951272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE DFNA2 is a frequent hereditary hearing disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ4 (Kv7.4). KCNQ4 mediates the predominant K(+) conductance, I(K,n) , of auditory outer hair cells (OHCs), and loss of KCNQ4 function leads to degeneration of OHCs resulting in progressive hearing loss. Here we explore the possible recovery of channel activity of mutant KCNQ4 induced by synthetic KCNQ channel openers. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole cell patch clamp recordings were performed on CHO cells transiently expressing KCNQ4 wild-type (wt) and DFNA2-relevant mutants, and from acutely isolated OHCs. KEY RESULTS Various known KCNQ channel openers robustly enhanced KCNQ4 currents. The strongest potentiation was observed with a combination of zinc pyrithione plus retigabine. A similar albeit less pronounced current enhancement was observed with native I(K,n) currents in rat OHCs. DFNA2 mutations located in the channel's pore region abolished channel function and these mutant channels were completely unresponsive to channel openers. However, the function of a DFNA2 mutation located in the proximal C-terminus was restored by the combined application of both openers. Co-expression of wt and KCNQ4 pore mutants suppressed currents to barely detectable levels. In this dominant-negative situation, channel openers essentially restored currents back to wt levels, most probably through strong activation of only the small fraction of homomeric wt channels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that by stabilizing the KCNQ4-mediated conductance in OHCs, chemical channel openers can protect against OHC degeneration and progression of hearing loss in DFNA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Leitner
- Department of Neurophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Hsieh YY, Chang CC, Chen SY, Chen CP, Lin WH, Tsai FJ. XRCC1 399 Arg-related genotype and allele, but not XRCC1 His107Arg, XRCC1 Trp194Arg, KCNQ2, AT1R, and hOGG1 polymorphisms, are associated with higher susceptibility of endometriosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2012; 28:305-9. [PMID: 22084859 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.631624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) and human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) play important roles in base excision repair. KCNQ genes comprising voltage-gated ion-channels related with cell stability. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is related with angiogenesis, which influence endometriosis growth, invasion and regression. We aimed to investigate whether these polymorphisms were associated with endometriosis susceptibility. Women were divided [ 1 ]: endometriosis (n = 136 [ 2 ]); non-endometriosis groups (n = 112). XRCC1 (codon 107, 194, 399), hOGG1, KCNQ2, AT1R polymorphisms were amplified by PCR and detected by electrophoresis after restriction enzyme (RsaI, HpaII, MspI, Fnu4HI, Ava II, Dde I) digestions. Genotypes and allelic frequencies in both groups were compared. Proportions of XRCC1 Arg399Gln*GG/GA/AA and G/A allele between both groups were [ 1 ]: 41.9/53.7/4.4% and 68.8/31.2% [ 2 ]; 30.4/54.5/15.1% and 57.6/42.4% (p < 0.05). Other 5 polymorphisms (XRCC1 codon 107 and 194, hOGG1, KCNQ2, and AT1R) between both groups were non-significantly different. Proportions of XRCC1 107*AA/AG/GG and XRCC1 194*TT/TC/CC between both groups were [ 1 ]: 3.7/27.2/69.1% and 5.8/34.6/59.6% [ 2 ]; 2.6/21.4/75.8% and 11.6/37.5/50.9%. HOGG1*CC/CG/GG, KCNQ2*AA/AC/CCC and AT1R*AA/AC/CC were [ 1 ]: 14.8/42.6/42.6, 14/41.9/44.1 and 92.6/7.4/0% [ 2 ]; 11.6/50/38.4, 17/50/33 and 100/0/0%. We concluded that XRCC1 399 Arg-related genotype and allele are correlated with higher susceptibility to endometriosis, which suggested its association with endometriosis pathogenesis. XRCC1 107 and 194, hOGG1, KCNQ2, and AT1R are not associated with endometriosis susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yuan Hsieh
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Roura-Ferrer M, Solé L, Oliveras A, Villarroel A, Comes N, Felipe A. Targeting of Kv7.5 (KCNQ5)/KCNE channels to surface microdomains of cell membranes. Muscle Nerve 2012; 45:48-54. [PMID: 22190306 DOI: 10.1002/mus.22231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kv7.5 (KCNQ5) channels conduct M-type potassium currents in the brain, are expressed in skeletal muscle, and contribute to vascular muscle tone. METHODS We coexpressed Kv7.5 and KCNE1-3 peptides in HEK293 cells and then analyzed their association using electrophysiology and co-immunoprecipitation, assessed localization using confocal microscopy, examined targeting of the oligomeric channels to cholesterol-rich membrane surface microdomains using lipid raft isolation, and evaluated their membrane dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). RESULTS Kv7.5 forms oligomeric channels specifically with KCNE1 and KCNE3. The expression of Kv7.5 targeted to cholesterol-rich membrane surface microdomains was very low. Oligomeric Kv7.5/KCNE1 and Kv7.5/KCNE3 channels did not localize to lipid rafts. However, Kv7.5 association impaired KCNE3 expression in lipid raft microdomains. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Kv7.5 contributes to the spatial regulation of KCNE3. This new scenario could greatly assist in determining the physiological relevance of putative KCNE3 interactions in nerve and muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Roura-Ferrer
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Soldovieri MV, Miceli F, Taglialatela M. Driving With No Brakes: Molecular Pathophysiology of Kv7 Potassium Channels. Physiology (Bethesda) 2011; 26:365-76. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00009.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv7 potassium channels regulate excitability in neuronal, sensory, and muscular cells. Here, we describe their molecular architecture, physiological roles, and involvement in genetically determined channelopathies highlighting their relevance as targets for pharmacological treatment of several human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples; and
- Division of Neurology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Department of Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples; and
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McCallum LA, Pierce SL, England SK, Greenwood IA, Tribe RM. The contribution of Kv7 channels to pregnant mouse and human myometrial contractility. J Cell Mol Med 2011; 15:577-86. [PMID: 20132415 PMCID: PMC3922379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2010.01021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature birth accounts for approximately 75% of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the developed world. Despite this, methods for identifying and treating women at risk of preterm labour are limited and many women still present in preterm labour requiring tocolytic therapy to suppress uterine contractility. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of Kv7 channel activators as potential uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) relaxants in tissues from pregnant mice and women. Myometrium was obtained from early and late pregnant mice and from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mice (day 15 of gestation; model of infection in pregnancy). Human myometrium was obtained at the time of Caesarean section from women at term (38–41 weeks). RT-PCR/qRT-PCR detected KCNQ and KCNE expression in mouse and human myometrium. In mice, there was a global suppression of all KCNQ isoforms, except KCNQ3, in early pregnancy (n= 6, P < 0.001 versus late pregnant); expression subsequently increased in late pregnancy (n= 6). KCNE isoforms were also gestationally regulated (P < 0.05). KCNQ and KCNE isoform expression was slightly down-regulated in myometrium from LPS-treated-mice versus controls (P < 0.05, n= 3–4). XE991 (10 μM, Kv7 inhibitor) significantly increased spontaneous myometrial contractions in vitro in both human and mouse myometrial tissues (P < 0.05) and retigabine/flupirtine (20 μM, Kv7 channel activators) caused profound myometrial relaxation (P < 0.05). In summary, Kv7 activators suppressed myometrial contraction and KCNQ gene expression was sustained throughout gestation, particularly at term. Consequently, activation of the encoded channels represents a novel mechanism for treatment of preterm labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A McCallum
- Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Zhong XZ, Harhun MI, Olesen SP, Ohya S, Moffatt JD, Cole WC, Greenwood IA. Participation of KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channels in myogenic control of cerebral arterial diameter. J Physiol 2010; 588:3277-93. [PMID: 20624791 PMCID: PMC2976022 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.192823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
KCNQ gene expression was previously shown in various rodent blood vessels, where the products of KCNQ4 and KCNQ5, Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 potassium channel subunits, respectively, have an influence on vascular reactivity. The aim of this study was to determine if small cerebral resistance arteries of the rat express KCNQ genes and whether Kv7 channels participate in the regulation of myogenic control of diameter. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was undertaken using RNA isolated from rat middle cerebral arteries (RMCAs) and immunocytochemistry was performed using Kv7 subunit-specific antibodies and freshly isolated RMCA myocytes. KCNQ4 message was more abundant than KCNQ5 = KCNQ1, but KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 message levels were negligible. Kv7.1, Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 immunoreactivity was present at the sarcolemma of freshly isolated RMCA myocytes. Linopirdine (1 microm) partially depressed, whereas the Kv7 activator S-1 (3 and/or 20 microm) enhanced whole-cell Kv7.4 (in HEK 293 cells), as well as native RMCA myocyte Kv current amplitude. The effects of S-1 were voltage-dependent, with progressive loss of stimulation at potentials of >15 mV. At the concentrations employed linopirdine and S-1 did not alter currents due to recombinant Kv1.2/Kv1.5 or Kv2.1/Kv9.3 channels (in HEK 293 cells) that are also expressed by RMCA myocytes. In contrast, another widely used Kv7 blocker, XE991 (10 microm), significantly attenuated native Kv current and also reduced Kv1.2/Kv1.5 and Kv2.1/Kv9.3 currents. Pressurized arterial myography was performed using RMCAs exposed to intravascular pressures of 10-100 mmHg. Linopirdine (1 microm) enhanced the myogenic response at 20 mmHg, whereas the activation of Kv7 channels with S-1 (20 microm) inhibited myogenic constriction at >20 mmHg and reversed the increased myogenic response produced by suppression of Kv2-containing channels with 30 nm stromatoxin (ScTx1). These data reveal a novel contribution of KCNQ gene products to the regulation of myogenic control of cerebral arterial diameter and suggest that Kv7 channel activating drugs may be appropriate candidates for the development of an effective therapy to ameliorate cerebral vasospasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zoë Zhong
- Ion Channels and Cell Signaling Centre, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
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31
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Maljevic S, Wuttke TV, Seebohm G, Lerche H. KV7 channelopathies. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:277-88. [PMID: 20401729 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
KV7 voltage-gated potassium channels, encoded by the KCNQ gene family, have caught increasing interest of the scientific community for their important physiological roles, which are emphasized by the fact that four of the five so far identified members are related to different hereditary diseases. Furthermore, these channels prove to be attractive pharmacological targets for treating diseases characterized by membrane hyperexcitability. KV7 channels are expressed in brain, heart, thyroid gland, pancreas, inner ear, muscle, stomach, and intestines. They give rise to functionally important potassium currents, reduction of which results in pathologies such as long QT syndrome, diabetes, neonatal epilepsy, neuromyotonia, or progressive deafness. Here, we summarize some key traits of KV7 channels and review how their molecular deficiencies could explain diverse disease phenotypes. We also assess the therapeutic potential of KV7 channels; in particular, how the activation of KV7 channels by the compounds retigabine and R-L3 may be useful for treatment of epilepsy or cardiac arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snezana Maljevic
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Center for Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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32
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Vanoye CG, Welch RC, Daniels MA, Manderfield LJ, Tapper AR, Sanders CR, George AL. Distinct subdomains of the KCNQ1 S6 segment determine channel modulation by different KCNE subunits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 134:207-17. [PMID: 19687231 PMCID: PMC2737226 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200910234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels by the KCNE family of single transmembrane proteins has physiological and pathophysiological importance. All five KCNE proteins (KCNE1–KCNE5) have been demonstrated to modulate heterologously expressed KCNQ1 (KV7.1) with diverse effects, making this channel a valuable experimental platform for elucidating structure–function relationships and mechanistic differences among members of this intriguing group of accessory subunits. Here, we specifically investigated the determinants of KCNQ1 inhibition by KCNE4, the least well-studied KCNE protein. In CHO-K1 cells, KCNQ1, but not KCNQ4, is strongly inhibited by coexpression with KCNE4. By studying KCNQ1-KCNQ4 chimeras, we identified two adjacent residues (K326 and T327) within the extracellular end of the KCNQ1 S6 segment that determine inhibition of KCNQ1 by KCNE4. This dipeptide motif is distinct from neighboring S6 sequences that enable modulation by KCNE1 and KCNE3. Conversely, S6 mutations (S338C and F340C) that alter KCNE1 and KCNE3 effects on KCNQ1 do not abrogate KCNE4 inhibition. Further, KCNQ1-KCNQ4 chimeras that exhibited resistance to the inhibitory effects of KCNE4 still interact biochemically with this protein, implying that accessory subunit binding alone is not sufficient for channel modulation. These observations indicate that the diverse functional effects observed for KCNE proteins depend, in part, on structures intrinsic to the pore-forming subunit, and that distinct S6 subdomains determine KCNQ1 responses to KCNE1, KCNE3, and KCNE4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Vanoye
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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33
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Clancy SM, Chen B, Bertaso F, Mamet J, Jegla T. KCNE1 and KCNE3 beta-subunits regulate membrane surface expression of Kv12.2 K(+) channels in vitro and form a tripartite complex in vivo. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6330. [PMID: 19623261 PMCID: PMC2710002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels that activate near the neuronal resting membrane potential are important regulators of excitation in the nervous system, but their functional diversity is still not well understood. For instance, Kv12.2 (ELK2, KCNH3) channels are highly expressed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and although they are most likely to contribute to resting potassium conductance, surprisingly little is known about their function or regulation. Here we demonstrate that the auxiliary MinK (KCNE1) and MiRP2 (KCNE3) proteins are important regulators of Kv12.2 channel function. Reduction of endogenous KCNE1 or KCNE3 expression by siRNA silencing, significantly increased macroscopic Kv12.2 currents in Xenopus oocytes by around 4-fold. Interestingly, an almost 9-fold increase in Kv12.2 currents was observed with the dual injection of KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA, suggesting an additive effect. Consistent with these findings, over-expression of KCNE1 and/or KCNE3 suppressed Kv12.2 currents. Membrane surface biotinylation assays showed that surface expression of Kv12.2 was significantly increased by KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA, whereas total protein expression of Kv12.2 was not affected. KCNE1 and KCNE3 siRNA shifted the voltages for half-maximal activation to more hyperpolarized voltages, indicating that KCNE1 and KCNE3 may also inhibit activation gating of Kv12.2. Native co-immunoprecipitation assays from mouse brain membranes imply that KCNE1 and KCNE3 interact with Kv12.2 simultaneously in vivo, suggesting the existence of novel KCNE1-KCNE3-Kv12.2 channel tripartite complexes. Together these data indicate that KCNE1 and KCNE3 interact directly with Kv12.2 channels to regulate channel membrane trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead M. Clancy
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Bihan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Federica Bertaso
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Julien Mamet
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Timothy Jegla
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Joshi S, Sedivy V, Hodyc D, Herget J, Gurney AM. KCNQ modulators reveal a key role for KCNQ potassium channels in regulating the tone of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 329:368-76. [PMID: 19151245 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.147785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are central to the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone. The smooth muscle cells of pulmonary artery display a background K(+) conductance with biophysical properties resembling those of KCNQ (K(V)7) potassium channels. Therefore, we investigated the expression and functional role of KCNQ channels in pulmonary artery. The effects of selective KCNQ channel modulators were investigated on K(+) current and membrane potential in isolated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), on the tension developed by intact pulmonary arteries, and on pulmonary arterial pressure in isolated perfused lungs and in vivo. The KCNQ channel blockers, linopirdine and XE991 [10,10-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenone], inhibited the noninactivating background K(+) conductance in PASMCs and caused depolarization, vasoconstriction, and raised pulmonary arterial pressure without constricting several systemic arteries or raising systemic pressure. The KCNQ channel openers, retigabine and flupirtine, had the opposite effects. PASMCs were found to express KCNQ4 mRNA, at higher levels than mesenteric artery, along with smaller amounts of KCNQ1 and 5. It is concluded that KCNQ channels, most probably KCNQ4, make an important contribution to the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone, with a greater contribution in pulmonary compared with systemic vessels. The pulmonary vasoconstrictor effect of KCNQ blockers is a potentially serious side effect, but the pulmonary vasodilator effect of the openers may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreena Joshi
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Bal M, Zhang J, Zaika O, Hernandez CC, Shapiro MS. Homomeric and heteromeric assembly of KCNQ (Kv7) K+ channels assayed by total internal reflection fluorescence/fluorescence resonance energy transfer and patch clamp analysis. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:30668-76. [PMID: 18786918 PMCID: PMC2576536 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m805216200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2008] [Revised: 08/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
M-type K(+) channels, consisting of KCNQ1-5 (Kv7.1-7.5) subunits, form a variety of homomeric and heteromeric channels. Whereas all the subunits can assemble into homomeric channels, the ability of the subunits to assemble into heteromultimers is highly variable. KCNQ3 is widely thought to co-assemble with several other KCNQ subtypes, whereas KCNQ1 and KCNQ2 do not. However, the existence of other subunit assemblies is not well studied. To systematically explore the heteromeric assembly of KCNQ channels in individual living cells, we performed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between cyan fluorescent protein- and yellow fluorescent protein-tagged KCNQ subunits expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells under total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in which excitation light only penetrates several hundred nanometers into the cell, thus isolating membrane events. We found significant FRET between homomeric subunits as expected from their functional expression in heterologous expression systems. Also as expected from previous work, robust FRET was observed between KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. KCNQ3 and KCNQ4 also showed substantial FRET as did KCNQ4 and KCNQ5. To determine functional assembly of KCNQ4/KCNQ5 heteromers, we performed two types of experiments. In the first, we constructed a mutant tetraethylammonium ion-sensitive KCNQ4 subunit and tested its assembly with KCNQ5 by patch clamp analysis of the tetraethylammonium ion sensitivity of the resulting current; however, those data were not conclusive. In the second, we co-expressed a KCNQ4 (G285S) pore mutant with KCNQ5 and found the former to act as a dominant negative, suggesting co-assembly of the two types of subunits. These data confirm that among the allowed assembly conformations are KCNQ3/4 and KCNQ4/5 heteromers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjot Bal
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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36
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Shen YC, Jeyabalan AK, Wu KL, Hunker KL, Kohrman DC, Thompson DL, Liu D, Barald KF. The transmembrane inner ear (tmie) gene contributes to vestibular and lateral line development and function in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Dev Dyn 2008; 237:941-52. [PMID: 18330929 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is a complex organ containing sensory tissue, including hair cells, the development of which is not well understood. Our long-term goal is to discover genes critical for the correct formation and function of the inner ear and its sensory tissue. A novel gene, transmembrane inner ear (Tmie), was found to cause hearing-related disorders when defective in mice and humans. A homologous tmie gene in zebrafish was cloned and its expression characterized between 24 and 51 hours post-fertilization. Embryos injected with morpholinos (MO) directed against tmie exhibited circling swimming behavior (approximately 37%), phenocopying mice with Tmie mutations; semicircular canal formation was disrupted, hair cell numbers were reduced, and maturation of electrically active lateral line neuromasts was delayed. As in the mouse, tmie appears to be required for inner ear development and function in the zebrafish and for hair cell maturation in the vestibular and lateral line systems as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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Bimodal effects of the Kv7 channel activator retigabine on vascular K+ currents. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 155:62-72. [PMID: 18536747 DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study investigated the functional and electrophysiological effects of the Kv7 channel activator, retigabine, on murine portal vein smooth muscle. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH KCNQ gene expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemical experiments. Whole cell voltage clamp and current clamp were performed on isolated myocytes from murine portal vein. Isometric tension recordings were performed on whole portal veins. K+ currents generated by KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 expression were recorded by two-electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes. KEY RESULTS KCNQ1, 4 and 5 were expressed in mRNA derived from murine portal vein, either as whole tissue or isolated myocytes. Kv7.1 and Kv7.4 proteins were identified in the cell membranes of myocytes by immunocytochemistry. Retigabine (2-20 microM) suppressed spontaneous contractions in whole portal veins, hyperpolarized the membrane potential and augmented potassium currents at -20 mV. At more depolarized potentials, retigabine and flupirtine, decreased potassium currents. Both effects of retigabine were prevented by prior application of the K(v)7 blocker XE991 (10 muM). Recombinant KCNQ 4 or 5 channels were only activated by retigabine or flupirtine. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The Kv7 channel activators retigabine and flupirtine have bimodal effects on vascular potassium currents, which are not seen with recombinant KCNQ channels. These results provide support for KCNQ4- or KCNQ5-encoded channels having an important functional impact in the vasculature.
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Multiple KCNQ Potassium Channel Subtypes Mediate Basal Anion Secretion from the Human Airway Epithelial Cell Line Calu-3. J Membr Biol 2008; 221:153-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-008-9093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mencía A, González-Nieto D, Modamio-Høybjør S, Etxeberría A, Aránguez G, Salvador N, Del Castillo I, Villarroel A, Moreno F, Barrio L, Moreno-Pelayo MA. A novel KCNQ4 pore-region mutation (p.G296S) causes deafness by impairing cell-surface channel expression. Hum Genet 2007; 123:41-53. [PMID: 18030493 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-007-0447-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNQ4 underlie DFNA2, a subtype of autosomal dominant progressive, high-frequency hearing loss. Based on a phenotype-guided mutational screening we have identified a novel mutation c.886G>A, leading to the p.G296S substitution in the pore region of KCNQ4 channel. The possible impact of this mutation on total KCNQ4 protein expression, relative surface expression and channel function was investigated. When the G296S mutant was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, electrophysiological recordings did not show voltage-activated K(+) currents. The p.G296S mutation impaired KCNQ4 channel activity in two manners. It greatly reduced surface expression and, secondarily, abolished channel function. The deficient expression at the cell surface membrane was further confirmed in non-permeabilized NIH-3T3 cells transfected with the mutant KCNQ4 tagged with the hemagglutinin epitope in the extracellular S1-S2 linker. Co-expression of mutant and wild type KCNQ4 in oocytes was performed to mimic the heterozygous condition of the p.G296S mutation in the patients. The results showed that the G296S mutant exerts a strong dominant-negative effect on potassium currents by reducing the wild type KCNQ4 channel expression at the cell surface. This is the first study to identify a trafficking-dependent dominant mechanism for the loss of KCNQ4 channel function in DFNA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Mencía
- Unidad de Genética Molecular, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Km 9, 28034, Madrid, Spain
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Lang F, Vallon V, Knipper M, Wangemann P. Functional significance of channels and transporters expressed in the inner ear and kidney. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 293:C1187-208. [PMID: 17670895 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00024.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A number of ion channels and transporters are expressed in both the inner ear and kidney. In the inner ear, K+cycling and endolymphatic K+, Na+, Ca2+, and pH homeostasis are critical for normal organ function. Ion channels and transporters involved in K+cycling include K+channels, Na+-2Cl−-K+cotransporter, Na+/K+-ATPase, Cl−channels, connexins, and K+/Cl−cotransporters. Furthermore, endolymphatic Na+and Ca2+homeostasis depends on Ca2+-ATPase, Ca2+channels, Na+channels, and a purinergic receptor channel. Endolymphatic pH homeostasis involves H+-ATPase and Cl−/HCO3−exchangers including pendrin. Defective connexins (GJB2 and GJB6), pendrin (SLC26A4), K+channels (KCNJ10, KCNQ1, KCNE1, and KCNMA1), Na+-2Cl−-K+cotransporter (SLC12A2), K+/Cl−cotransporters (KCC3 and KCC4), Cl−channels (BSND and CLCNKA + CLCNKB), and H+-ATPase (ATP6V1B1 and ATPV0A4) cause hearing loss. All these channels and transporters are also expressed in the kidney and support renal tubular transport or signaling. The hearing loss may thus be paralleled by various renal phenotypes including a subtle decrease of proximal Na+-coupled transport (KCNE1/KCNQ1), impaired K+secretion (KCNMA1), limited HCO3−elimination (SLC26A4), NaCl wasting (BSND and CLCNKB), renal tubular acidosis (ATP6V1B1, ATPV0A4, and KCC4), or impaired urinary concentration (CLCNKA). Thus, defects of channels and transporters expressed in the kidney and inner ear result in simultaneous dysfunctions of these seemingly unrelated organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Gmelinstrasse 5, Tübingen, Germany.
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