Alternative Targets for Modulators of Mitochondrial Potassium Channels

Mitochondrial potassium channels control potassium influx into the mitochondrial matrix and thus regulate mitochondrial membrane potential, volume, respiration, and synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been found that pharmacological activation of mitochondrial potassium channels during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury activates cytoprotective mechanisms resulting in increased cell survival. In cancer cells, the inhibition of these channels leads to increased cell death. Therefore, mitochondrial potassium channels are intriguing targets for the development of new pharmacological strategies. In most cases, however, the substances that modulate the mitochondrial potassium channels have a few alternative targets in the cell. This may result in unexpected or unwanted effects induced by these compounds. In our review, we briefly present the various classes of mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels and describe the chemical compounds that modulate their activity. We also describe examples of the multidirectional activity of the activators and inhibitors of mitochondrial potassium channels.

Structure of potassium channels

Potassium channels ubiquitously exist in nearly all kingdoms of life and perform diverse but important functions. Since the first atomic structure of a prokaryotic potassium channel (KcsA, a channel from Streptomyces lividans) was determined, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of potassium channels and channels conducting other ions. In this review, we discuss the structure of various kinds of potassium channels, including the potassium channel with the pore-forming domain only (KcsA), voltage-gated, inwardly rectifying, tandem pore domain, and ligand-gated ones. The general properties shared by all potassium channels are introduced first, followed by specific features in each class. Our purpose is to help readers to grasp the basic concepts, to be familiar with the property of the different domains, and to understand the structure and function of the potassium channels better.

Phycodnavirus potassium ion channel proteins question the virus molecular piracy hypothesis

Phycodnaviruses are large dsDNA, algal-infecting viruses that encode many genes with homologs in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Among the viral gene products are the smallest proteins known to form functional K(+) channels. To determine if these viral K(+) channels are the product of molecular piracy from their hosts, we compared the sequences of the K(+) channel pore modules from seven phycodnaviruses to the K(+) channels from Chlorella variabilis and Ectocarpus siliculosus, whose genomes have recently been sequenced. C. variabilis is the host for two of the viruses PBCV-1 and NY-2A and E. siliculosus is the host for the virus EsV-1. Systematic phylogenetic analyses consistently indicate that the viral K(+) channels are not related to any lineage of the host channel homologs and that they are more closely related to each other than to their host homologs. A consensus sequence of the viral channels resembles a protein of unknown function from a proteobacterium. However, the bacterial protein lacks the consensus motif of all K(+) channels and it does not form a functional channel in yeast, suggesting that the viral channels did not come from a proteobacterium. Collectively, our results indicate that the viruses did not acquire their K(+) channel-encoding genes from their current algal hosts by gene transfer; thus alternative explanations are required. One possibility is that the viral genes arose from ancient organisms, which served as their hosts before the viruses developed their current host specificity. Alternatively the viral proteins could be the origin of K(+) channels in algae and perhaps even all cellular organisms.

[The role of fast and slow potassium currents in electrical activity of amphibian myelinated nerve fibres]

The paper reviews the information about the role of fast and slow potassium currents in electrical activity of amphibian myelinated nerve fibres. It demonstrates the importance of discovering of fast and slow potassium currents and their following pharmacological separation (by potassium channels blockers 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium) in investigation of mechanisms of biological potentials generation. The information about the existence of fast and slow potassium channels in the nerve membrane and about the properties of 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium action served as a base for determination the nature of biological potentials and discovering the mechanism of potential-dependent action of 4-aminopyridine that for tens of years suffered from the lack of adequate explanation.

A grapevine Shaker inward K(+) channel activated by the calcineurin B-like calcium sensor 1-protein kinase CIPK23 network is expressed in grape berries under drought stress conditions

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), the genome sequence of which has recently been reported, is considered as a model species to study fleshy fruit development and acid fruit physiology. Grape berry acidity is quantitatively and qualitatively affected upon increased K(+) accumulation, resulting in deleterious effects on fruit (and wine) quality. Aiming at identifying molecular determinants of K(+) transport in grapevine, we have identified a K(+) channel, named VvK1.1, from the Shaker family. In silico analyses indicated that VvK1.1 is the grapevine counterpart of the Arabidopsis AKT1 channel, known to dominate the plasma membrane inward conductance to K(+) in root periphery cells, and to play a major role in K(+) uptake from the soil solution. VvK1.1 shares common functional properties with AKT1, such as inward rectification (resulting from voltage sensitivity) or regulation by calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) and Ca(2+)-sensing CBL partners (shown upon heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes). It also displays distinctive features such as activation at much more negative membrane voltages or expression strongly sensitive to drought stress and ABA (upregulation in aerial parts, downregulation in roots). In roots, VvK1.1 is mainly expressed in cortical cells, like AKT1. In aerial parts, VvK1.1 transcripts were detected in most organs, with expression levels being the highest in the berries. VvK1.1 expression in the berry is localized in the phloem vasculature and pip teguments, and displays strong upregulation upon drought stress, by about 10-fold.VvK1.1 could thus play a major role in K(+) loading into berry tissues, especially upon drought stress.

Functional consequences of leucine and tyrosine mutations in the dual pore motifs of the yeast K(+) channel, Tok1p

Tandem pore-loop potassium channels differ from the majority of K(+) channels in that a single polypeptide chain carries two K(+)-specific segments (P) each sandwiched between two transmembrane helices (M) to form an MP(1)M-MP(2)M series. Two of these peptide molecules assemble to form one functional potassium channel, which is expected to have biaxial symmetry (commonly described as asymmetric) due to independent mutation in the two MPM units. The resulting intrinsic asymmetry is exaggerated in fungal 2P channels, especially in Tok1p of Saccharomyces, by the N-terminal presence of four more transmembrane helices. Functional implications of such structural asymmetry have been investigated via mutagenesis of residues (L290 in P(1) and Y424 in P(2)) that are believed to provide the outermost ring of carbonyl oxygen atoms for coordination with potassium ions. Both complementary mutations (L290Y and Y424L) yield functional potassium channels having quasi-normal conductance when expressed in Saccharomyces itself, but the P(1) mutation (only) accelerates channel opening about threefold in response to depolarizing voltage shifts. The more pronounced effect at P(1) than at P(2) appears paradoxical in relation to evolution, because a comparison of fungal Tok1p sequences (from 28 ascomycetes) shows the filter sequence of P(2) (overwhelmingly TIGYGD) to be much stabler than that of P(1) (mostly TIGLGD). Profound functional asymmetry is revealed by the fact that combining mutations (L290Y + Y424L)-which inverts the order of residues from the wild-type channel-reduces the expressed channel conductance by a large factor (20-fold, cf. <twofold for the single mutants).

Peripheral N- and C-terminal domains determine deactivation kinetics of HCN channels

Among four subtypes of mammalian HCN channels, HCN1 has the fastest activation and deactivation kinetics while HCN4 shows the slowest. We previously showed that the activation kinetics are determined mainly by S1, S1-S2, and the S6-cyclic nucleotide binding domain. However, the effects of those regions on the deactivation kinetics were relatively small. Therefore, we investigated the structural basis for deactivation kinetics. Substitution of the core region (from S3 to S6) between HCN1 and HCN4 did not affect deactivation kinetics. This suggests that the peripheral regions (outside of S3 to S6) determine subtype-specific deactivation kinetics. Furthermore, we examined whether peripheral regions determined the deactivation kinetics across species by introducing the core region of DMIH (Drosophila homologue) into both HCN1 and HCN4. The DMIH core with HCN1 activated and deactivated more than threefold faster than that with HCN4. Taken together, the peripheral domains are diversified to create distinct kinetics.

Concatemers of brain Kv1 channel alpha subunits that give similar K+ currents yield pharmacologically distinguishable heteromers

At least five subtypes of voltage-gated (Kv1) channels occur in neurons as tetrameric combinations of different alpha subunits. Their involvement in controlling cell excitability and synaptic transmission make them potential targets for neurotherapeutics. As a prerequisite for this, we established herein how the characteristics of hetero-oligomeric K(+) channels can be influenced by alpha subunit composition. Since the three most prevalent Kv1 subunits in brain are Kv1.2, 1.1 and 1.6, new Kv1.6-1.2 and Kv1.1-1.2 concatenated constructs in pIRES-EGFP were stably expressed in HEK cells and the biophysical plus pharmacological properties of their K(+) currents determined relative to those for the requisite homo-tetramers. These heteromers yielded delayed-rectifier type K(+) currents whose activation, deactivation and inactivation parameters are fairly similar although substituting Kv1.1 with Kv1.6 led to a small negative shift in the conductance-voltage relationship, a direction unexpected from the characteristics of the parental homo-tetramers. Changes resulting from swapping Kv1.6 for Kv1.1 in the concatemers were clearly discerned with two pharmacological agents, as measured by inhibition of the K(+) currents and Rb(+) efflux. alphaDendrotoxin and 4-aminopyridine gave a similar blockade of both hetero-tetramers, as expected. Most important for pharmacological dissection of channel subtypes, dendrotoxin(k) and tetraethylammonium readily distinguished the susceptible Kv1.1-1.2 containing oligomers from the resistant Kv1.6-1.2 channels. Moreover, the discriminating ability of dendrotoxin(k) was further confirmed by its far greater ability to displace (125)I-labelled alphadendrotoxin binding to Kv1.1-1.2 than Kv1.6-1.2 channels. Thus, due to the profiles of these two channel subtypes being found to differ, it seems that only multimers corresponding to those present in the nervous system provide meaningful targets for drug development.

A-type potassium channels differentially tune afferent pathways from rat solitary tract nucleus to caudal ventrolateral medulla or paraventricular hypothalamus

The solitary tract nucleus (NTS) conveys visceral information to diverse central networks involved in homeostatic regulation. Although afferent information content arriving at various CNS sites varies substantially, little is known about the contribution of processing within the NTS to these differences. Using retrograde dyes to identify specific NTS projection neurons, we recently reported that solitary tract (ST) afferents directly contact NTS neurons projecting to caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) but largely only indirectly contact neurons projecting to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Since intrinsic properties impact information transmission, here we evaluated potassium channel expression and somatodendritic morphology of projection neurons and their relation to afferent information output directed to PVN or CVLM pathways. In slices, tracer-identified projection neurons were classified as directly or indirectly (polysynaptically) coupled to ST afferents by EPSC latency characteristics (directly coupled, jitter < 200 micros). In each neuron, voltage-dependent potassium currents (IK) were evaluated and, in representative neurons, biocytin-filled structures were quantified. Both CVLM- and PVN-projecting neurons had similar, tetraethylammonium-sensitive IK. However, only PVN-projecting NTS neurons displayed large transient, 4-aminopyridine-sensitive, A-type currents (IKA). PVN-projecting neurons had larger cell bodies with more elaborate dendritic morphology than CVLM-projecting neurons. ST shocks faithfully (> 75%) triggered action potentials in CVLM-projecting neurons but spike output was uniformly low (< 20%) in PVN-projecting neurons. Pre-conditioning hyperpolarization removed IKA inactivation and attenuated ST-evoked spike generation along PVN but not CVLM pathways. Thus, multiple differences in structure, organization, synaptic transmission and ion channel expression tune the overall fidelity of afferent signals that reach these destinations.

The inhibition of different types of potassium channels underlies the antidepressant-like effect of adenosine in the mouse forced swimming test

It was previously shown that the acute administration of adenosine elicits an antidepressant-like effect in the mouse forced swimming test (FST) by a mechanism dependent on the inhibition of the L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO)-guanylate cyclase pathway. Taken into account that the stimulation of this pathway is associated with the activation of K(+) channels, this study investigated the involvement of different types of K(+) channels in the effect of adenosine in the FST. Intracerebroventricular treatment of mice with tetraethylammonium (TEA, a non-specific inhibitor of K(+) channels, 25 pg/site), glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor, 0.5 pg/site), charybdotoxin (a large- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K(+) channel inhibitor, 25 pg/site) or apamin (a small-conductance calcium-activated K(+) channel inhibitor, 10 pg/site) was able to potentiate the action of subeffective doses of adenosine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, the administration of adenosine or fluoxetine and the K(+) channel inhibitors, alone or in combination, did not affect the ambulatory behavior. Moreover, the reduction in the immobility time elicited by active doses of adenosine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or fluoxetine (32 mg/kg, i.p.) in the FST was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with cromakalim (a K(+) channel opener, 10 microg/site, i.c.v.), without affecting the locomotion in an open-field. Together these results indicate that the modulatory effects of adenosine and fluoxetine on neuronal excitability, via inhibition of K(+) channels, may represent the final pathway of their antidepressant-like effects in the FST.

K+ channel activity in plants: genes, regulations and functions

Potassium (K(+)) is the most abundant cation in the cytosol, and plant growth requires that large amounts of K(+) are transported from the soil to the growing organs. K(+) uptake and fluxes within the plant are mediated by several families of transporters and channels. Here, we describe the different families of K(+)-selective channels that have been identified in plants, the so-called Shaker, TPK and Kir-like channels, and what is known so far on their regulations and physiological functions in the plant.

Actions of ZD0947, a novel ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, on membrane currents in human detrusor myocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP) channels) play important roles in regulating the resting membrane potential of detrusor smooth muscle. Actions of ZD0947, a novel KATP channel opener, on both carbachol (CCh)-induced detrusor contractions and membrane currents in human urinary bladder myocytes were investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Tension measurements and patch-clamp techniques were utilized to study the effects of ZD0947 in segments of human urinary bladder. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to detect the expression of the sulphonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and the SUR2B antigens in human detrusor muscle.

KEY RESULTS

ZD0947 (> or = 0.1 microM) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of the CCh-induced contraction of human detrusor, which was reversed by glibenclamide. The rank order of the potency to relax the CCh-induced contraction was pinacidil > ZD0947 > diazoxide. In conventional whole-cell configuration, ZD0947 (> or = 1 microM) caused a concentration-dependent inward K+ current which was suppressed by glibenclamide at -60 mV. When 1 mM ATP was included in the pipette solution, application of pinacidil or ZD0947 caused no inward K+ current at -60 mV. Gliclazide (< or =1 microM), a selective SUR1 blocker, inhibited the ZD0947-induced currents (Ki = 4.0 microM) and the diazoxide-induced currents (high-affinity site, Ki1 = 42.4 nM; low-affinity site, Ki2 = 84.5 microM) at -60 mV. Immunohistochemical studies indicated the presence of SUR1 and SUR2B proteins, which are constituents of KATP channels, in the bundles of human detrusor smooth muscle.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results suggest that ZD0947 caused a glibenclamide-sensitive detrusor relaxation through activation of glibenclamide-sensitive KATP channels in human urinary bladder.

High-affinity potassium and sodium transport systems in plants

All living cells have an absolute requirement for K+, which must be taken up from the external medium. In contrast to marine organisms, which live in a medium with an inexhaustible supply of K+, terrestrial life evolved in oligotrophic environments where the low supply of K+ limited the growth of colonizing plants. In these limiting conditions Na+ could substitute for K+ in some cellular functions, but in others it is toxic. In the vacuole, Na+ is not toxic and can undertake osmotic functions, reducing the total K+ requirements and improving growth when the lack of K+ is a limiting factor. Because of these physiological requirements, the terrestrial life of plants depends on high-affinity K+ uptake systems and benefits from high-affinity Na+ uptake systems. In plants, both systems have received extensive attention during recent years and a clear insight of their functions is emerging. Some plant HAK transporters mediate high-affinity K+ uptake in yeast, mimicking K+ uptake in roots, while other members of the same family may be K+ transporters in the tonoplast. In parallel with the HAK transporters, some HKT transporters mediate high-affinity Na+ uptake without cotransporting K+. HKT transporters have two functions: (i) to take up Na+ from the soil solution to reduce K+ requirements when K+ is a limiting factor, and (ii) to reduce Na+ accumulation in leaves by both removing Na+ from the xylem sap and loading Na+ into the phloem sap.

Modulation of potassium channels as a therapeutic approach

Regulation of potassium (K+) channels evokes hyperpolarization or repolarization of the cell membrane to prevent or reverse cell excitability and is fundamental in the control of cellular activity throughout the range of tissue types within the human body. Genome projects predict that in excess of 80 K+ channel-related genes exist, resulting in a high degree of K+ channel diversity. In addition, dysfunction of K+ channels, as a result of mutations of the genes for the channel proteins or alterations in channel regulation, has been associated with the pathophysiology of diseases. These observations support K+ channels as therapeutic targets to regulate cellular homeostasis in pathophysiological conditions. Molecular cloning and expression of K+ channels offer important information in the identification of selective compounds to provide unique tissue management. Specific modulators have been identified for a limited number of K+ channel subtypes. Unfortunately the conversion of data obtained in the laboratory to success in the clinical setting has been limited. Tissue delivery of genes, in combination with drugs, may be an avenue enabling specific modulation of ion channel function and improved drug selectivity. Using specific examples (HERG, IKs, KCNQs, KCa, Kv1.3), issues regarding distribution, function and diversity related to advances made in the identification of modulators having therapeutic potential are discussed. The scope of this field is just emerging and the number of likely therapeutic indications for K+ channel modulators will increase as insight into the dynamics of expression of these channels in various diseases grows and the issue of the required selectivity is resolved.

Effects of potassium channel inhibitors in the forced swimming test: Possible involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase pathway

The effects of inhibitors of different subtypes of potassium (K+) channels were investigated in the mouse forced swimming test (FST). The treatment of animals with tetraethylammonium (TEA, a non-specific inhibitor of potassium channels, 0.25-2.5 ng/site, intracerebroventricular, i.c.v.), glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) inhibitor, 0.05-5 ng/site, i.c.v.), apamine (a small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels inhibitor (SKCa), 0.1-1 ng/site, i.c.v.), charybdotoxin (a large- (big, BK) and intermediate- (IK) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels inhibitor, 2.5-25 ng/site, i.c.v.) produced an anti-depressant-like effect in the FST. At the highest effective doses, none of the drugs affected the locomotor activity in an open-field. Besides that, the pre-treatment of animals with l-arginine (a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, 750 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) or sildenafil (a specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the anti-depressant-like effect of all K+ channel inhibitors. The present results demonstrate that the decrease in the immobility time in the FST elicited by the inhibition of several subtypes of K+ channels is also dependent on the inhibition of NO-cGMP synthesis.

Expression and function of variants of slob, slowpoke channel binding protein, in Drosophila

Slob binds to and modulates the Drosophila Slowpoke (dSlo) calcium-activated potassium channel and also recruits the ubiquitous signaling protein 14-3-3 to the channel regulatory complex. RT-PCR reveals the presence of multiple slob transcripts in Drosophila heads. The transcripts are predicted to encode proteins that we call Slob51 (kDa), Slob57, Slob65, and Slob71. Slob51 and Slob65 are splice variants that lack a motif important for the binding of 14-3-3. Previous microarray analyses demonstrated the circadian cycling of slob mRNA, and we show by quantitative PCR that more than one transcript cycles in fly heads. Using in situ hybridization, we observe differences in the expression patterns of the different transcripts. Immunohistochemistry on Drosophila heads reveals Slob71/65 protein to be enriched in the lateral neurons, in contrast to Slob57/51 protein, which is expressed most prominently in the pars intercerebralis neurons and dorsal giant interneurons. Using a heterologous expression system, we show that different Slobs bind to different extents to dSlo and 14-3-3. These data reveal an unexpected diversity of the dSlo/Slob/14-3-3 dynamic regulatory complex.

A comparison between two prokaryotic potassium channels (KirBac1.1 and KcsA) in a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study

The two potassium ion channels KirBac1.1 and KcsA are compared in a Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation study. The location and motion of the potassium ions observed in the simulations are compared to those in the X-ray structures and previous simulations. In our simulations several of the crystallography resolved ion sites in KirBac1.1 are occupied by ions. In addition to this, two in KirBac1.1 unresolved sites where occupied by ions at sites that are in close correspondence to sites found in KcsA. There is every reason to believe that the conserved alignment of the selectivity filter in the potassium ion channel family corresponds to a very similar mechanism for ion transport across the filter. The gate residues, Phe146 in KirBac1.1 and Ala111 in KcsA acted in the simulations as effective barriers which never were passed by ions nor water molecules.

Ion channels in smooth muscle: regulators of intracellular calcium and contractility

Smooth muscle (SM) is essential to all aspects of human physiology and, therefore, key to the maintenance of life. Ion channels expressed within SM cells regulate the membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and contractility of SM. Excitatory ion channels function to depolarize the membrane potential. These include nonselective cation channels that allow Na+ and Ca2+ to permeate into SM cells. The nonselective cation channel family includes tonically active channels (Icat), as well as channels activated by agonists, pressure-stretch, and intracellular Ca2+ store depletion. Cl--selective channels, activated by intracellular Ca2+ or stretch, also mediate SM depolarization. Plasma membrane depolarization in SM activates voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels that demonstrate a high Ca2+ selectivity and provide influx of contractile Ca2+. Ca2+ is also released from SM intracellular Ca2+ stores of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine and inositol trisphosphate receptor Ca2+ channels. This is part of a negative feedback mechanism limiting contraction that occurs by the Ca2+-dependent activation of large-conductance K+ channels, which hyper polarize the plasma membrane. Unlike the well-defined contractile role of SR-released Ca2+ in skeletal and cardiac muscle, the literature suggests that in SM Ca2+ released from the SR functions to limit contractility. Depolarization-activated K+ chan nels, ATP-sensitive K+ channels, and inward rectifier K+ channels also hyperpolarize SM, favouring relaxation. The expression pattern, density, and biophysical properties of ion channels vary among SM types and are key determinants of electrical activity, contractility, and SM function.

Renal potassium channels: recent developments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A variety of K+ channels have been identified with the patch-clamp technique and molecular cloning in the kidney. However, it is still a challenging task to determine the location and function of the cloned K+ channels in the corresponding nephron segment. The aim of the present review is to update the recent developments regarding the location and function of the cloned K+ channels in the native tubule. Also, the review describes the new regulatory mechanism of renal outer-medullary K (ROMK) channels and the role of Ca(2+)-activated maxi K+ channels in flow-dependent K+ secretion.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several types of voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel, such as KCNQ1, KCNA10 and Kv1.3, are highly expressed at the apical membrane of proximal tubules and distal tubules. They may participate in stabilizing the cell membrane potential. Moreover, studies performed in ROMK-knockout mice have shown that the apical 70 pS K+ channel is absent in the thick ascending limb in these mice, suggesting that the ROMK channel is also involved in forming the apical 70 pS K+ channel in the thick ascending limb. Three important kinases, protein tyrosine kinase, serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase and with-no-lysine kinase, have been suggested to regulate the ROMK channel density in the cortical collecting duct. Low K+ intake increases protein tyrosine kinase expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK channels. Coexpression of with-no-lysine kinase with the ROMK channel decreases K+ current whereas serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 stimulates the ROMK current in oocytes in the presence of Na/H exchanger regulatory factor 2. The Ca-activated maxi K+ channel has been shown to be activated by an increase in flow rate in the rabbit cortical collecting duct.

SUMMARY

The voltage-gated K+ channels are expressed in a variety of nephron segments and play a role in stabilization of cell membrane potential. With-no-lysine kinase and serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 have been shown to regulate ROMK1 channels. Protein tyrosine kinase mediates the effect of K+ intake on K+ secretion by stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK1 channels. The Ca-activated maxi K+ channel plays a role in flow-dependent K+ secretion in the distal nephron.

Potassium channel subtypes as molecular targets for overactive bladder and other urological disorders

Potassium channels have re-emerged as attractive targets for overactive bladder and other urological diseases in recent years, in part due to an enhanced understanding of their molecular heterogeneity, tissue distribution, functional roles and regulation in physiological and pathological states. Cloning and heterologous expression analysis, coupled with the advancement of improved high-throughput screening techniques, have enabled expeditious identification of selective small-molecule openers and blockers for ATP-sensitive K+ channels, Ca2+-activated K+ channels and voltage-dependent K+ channel-KQT-like subfamily (KCNQ) members, and has paved the way in the assessment of efficacy and adverse effects in preclinical models. This review focuses on the rationale for molecular targeting of K+ channels, the current status of target validation, including preclinical proof-of-concept studies, and provides perspectives on the limitations and hurdles to be overcome in realising the potential of these targets for diverse urological indications such as overactive bladder, erectile dysfunction and prostate diseases.

For K channels, Na is the new Ca

Although K+ channels activated by Ca2+ have long been known to shape neuronal excitability, evidence is accumulating that K+ channels sensitive to intracellular Na+, termed K(Na) channels, have an equally significant role. K(Na) channels contribute to adaptation of firing rate and to slow afterhyperpolarizations that follow repetitive firing. In certain neurons, they also appear to be activated by Na+ influx accompanying a single spike. Two genes encoding these channels, Slick and Slack, are expressed throughout the brain. The spatial localization of K(Na) channels along axons, dendrites and somata appears to be highly cell-type specific. Their molecular properties also suggest that these channels contribute to the response of neurons to hypoxia.

[Potassium ion channels and prostatic diseases]

Potassium ion channels are a complex of protein molded in the cell membrane lipids. Its expression is strong in normal prostatic epithelia and weak in different degrees in prostatic cancer epithelia, but not clearly known in chronic prostatitis epithelia. Drugs affecting potassium ion channels could provide a new direction and some new ideas for the treatment of prostatic diseases.

Altered vascular reactivity and KATP channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats

This study was designed to evaluate the contribution of ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) channels to the changes in vascular reactivity and spontaneous tone observed in vessels isolated from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. In phenylephrine preconstricted aortic rings, cromakalim induced concentration-dependent, glibenclamide-sensitive relaxation. The concentration response curve to cromakalim was shifted to the right in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats (EC50: 0.850 +/- 0.100 microM) compared with SHAM-normotensive rats (0.108 +/- 0.005 microM), and the maximum relaxation (Emax) evoked by cromakalim was significantly lower in aortic rings from the DOCA group (68 +/- 2%) compared with the SHAM group (108 +/- 5%). The results were similar in endothelium-denuded rings. Spontaneous tone was observed in aortic rings (5 g preload) from DOCA-salt but not SHAM rats. Cromakalim abolished spontaneous tone and the effect was blocked by glibencamide. In whole cell patch clamp studies, increasing extracellular K concentrations from 5.4 to 140 mM and the administration of cromakalim evoked dramatic increases in KATP channel currents in aortic cells isolated from SHAM rats. In contrast, in aortic cells from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, KATP channel currents were either absent or weak in response to challenges by elevated extracellular K and by cromakalim. These findings suggest that the function of KATP channels is impaired in smooth muscle cells from aorta of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, which may contribute to the impaired vasodilatation and spontaneous tone observed in these rats.

A novel potassium channel encoded by Ectocarpus siliculosus virus

Kcv, the first identified viral potassium channel encoded by the green algae Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus (PBCV-1), conducted K(+) selective currents when expressed in heterologous systems. This K(+) channel was proposed to be important for PBCV-1 infection and replication. In the present study, we identified and functionally characterized a novel K(+) channel Kesv, encoded by Ectocarpus siliculosus virus that infects filamentous marine brown algae. Kesv encodes a protein of 124 amino acids and is 21.8% identical and 37.1% homologous to Kcv. Membrane topology programs predicted that Kesv consists of three transmembrane domains. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, Kesv induced largely instantaneous, K(+) selective currents that were sensitive to block by Ba(2+) and amantadine. Thus, Kesv along with Kcv, constitutes an emerging family of viral potassium channels, which may play important roles in the life cycle of viruses.

[Adenine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels: classification, structure and functions]

The review is dedicated to classification, structure and function of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. A general classification of K+ channels into families is based upon the primary amino acid sequence of the pore-forming subunits. The earliest classification of potassium channels was made according to the main mechanism of activation or opening of the channels. Activation of the voltage-sensitive channels is regulated by changes in the membrane potential, and of the ligand-sensitive channels by a number of ligands (calcium ions, ATP, neurotransmitters and G-protein).

Roles of KATP channels in delayed cardioprotection and intracellular Ca(2+) in the rat heart as revealed by kappa-opioid receptor stimulation with U50488H

The effect of preconditioning with U50488 H (UP), a selective kappa-opioid receptor (kappa-OR) agonist, on infarct size and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in the heart subjected to ischaemic insults were studied and evaluated. U50488 H administered intravenously reduced the infarct size 18-48 h after administration in isolated hearts subjected to regional ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). The effect was dose dependent. A peak effect was reached at 10 mg x kg-1 U50488 H and at 24 h after administration. The effect of 10 mg x kg-1 U50488 H at 24 h after administration was abolished by nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a selective kappa-OR antagonist, indicating the effect was kappa-OR mediated. The infarct reducing effect of U50488 H was attenuated when a selective blocker of mitochondrial (5-hydroxydecanoic acid, 5-HD) or sarcolemmal (HRM-1098) ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) was coadministered with U50488 H 24 h before ischaemia or when 5-HD was administered just before ischaemia. U50488 H also attenuated the elevation in [Ca2+]i and reduction in electrically induced [Ca2+]i transient in cardiomyocytes subjected to ischaemic insults. The effects were reversed by blockade of KATP channel, which abolished the protective effect of preconditioning with U50488 H. The results indicated that mitochondrial KATP channel serves as both a trigger and a mediator, while sarcolemmal KATP channel as a trigger only, of delayed cardioprotection of kappa-OR stimulation. The effects of these channels may result from prevention/attenuation of [Ca2+]i overload induced by ischaemic insults.

Loss of endothelial KATP channel-dependent, NO-mediated dilation of endocardial resistance coronary arteries in pigs with left ventricular hypertrophy

The influence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on the endothelial function of resistance endocardial arteries is not well established. The aim of this study was to characterise the mechanisms responsible for UK-14,304 (alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor agonist)-induced endothelium-dependent dilation in pig endocardial arteries isolated from hearts with or without LVH. LVH was induced by aortic banding 2 months before determining endothelial function. Following euthanasia, hearts were harvested and endocardial resistance arteries were isolated and pressurised to 100 mmHg in no-flow conditions. Vessels were preconstricted with acetylcholine (ACh) or high external K(+) (40 mmol l(-1) KCl). Results are expressed as mean+/-s.e.m. UK-14,304 induced a maximal dilation representing 79+/-6% (n=8) of the maximal diameter. NO synthase (l-NNA, 10 micromol l(-1), n=7) or guanylate cyclase (ODQ, 10 micromol l(-1), n=4) inhibition reduced (P<0.05) UK-14,304-dependent dilation to 35+/-6 and 18+/-7%, respectively. Apamin and charybdotoxin reduced (P<0.05) to 39+/-8% (n=4) the dilation induced by UK-14,304. In depolarised conditions, however, this dilation was prevented (P<0.05). UK-14,304-induced dilation was reduced (P<0.05) by glibenclamide (Glib, 1 micromol l(-1)), a K(ATP) channel blocker, either alone (35+/-10%, n=5) or in combination with l-NNA (34+/-9%, n=4). In LVH, UK-14,304-induced maximal dilation was markedly reduced (25+/-4%, P<0.05) compared to control; it was insensitive to l-NNA (21+/-5%) but prevented either by the combination of l-NNA, apamin and charybdotoxin, or by 40 mmol l(-1) KCl. Activation of endothelial alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor induces an endothelium-dependent dilation of pig endocardial resistance arteries. This dilation is in part dependent on NO, the release of which appears to be dependent on the activation of endothelial K(ATP) channels. This mechanism is blunted in LVH, leading to a profound reduction in UK-14,304-dependent dilation.

Identification of native rat cerebellar granule cell currents due to background K channel KCNK5 (TASK-2)

The TWIK-related, Acid Sensing K (TASK-2; KCNK5) potassium channel is a member of the tandem pore (2P) family of potassium channels and mediates an alkaline pH-activated, acid pH-inhibited, outward-rectified potassium conductance. In previous work, we demonstrated TASK-2 protein expression in newborn rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). In this study, we demonstrate TASK-2 functional expression in CGNs as a component of the pH-sensitive, volatile anesthetic-potentiated, standing-outward potassium conductance (I(K,SO)). Using excised, inside-out patch-clamp technique, we studied CGNs grown in primary culture. We identified four distinct, noninactivating single channel potassium conductances, Types 1-4. Types 1-3 have previously been attributed to TASK-1 (KCNK3), TASK-3 (KCNK9) and TASK-1/TASK-3 heteromers, and TREK-2 (KCNK10) 2P potassium channel function, respectively; however, the Type 4 conductance is currently unassigned. Previous studies demonstrated that Type 4 single channel activity is potentiated by extracellular, alkaline pH and cytoplasmic arachidonic acid (10-20 microM) and inhibited by cytoplasmic tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1 mM). We determined that heterologously expressed TASK-2 channels have single channel gating, conductance properties and pH sensitivity identical to the Type 4 conductance. Additionally, we found that TASK-2 single channel activity, like the Type 4 conductance is potentiated by cytoplasmic arachidonic acid (20 microM) and inhibited by cytoplasmic TEA (1 mM). We conclude that TASK-2 mediates the Type 4 single channel conductance in CGNs as a component of I(K,SO).

Atrial-selective antiarrhythmic actions of novel Ikur vs. Ikr, Iks, and IKAch class Ic drugs and beta blockers in pigs

BACKGROUND

The Kv1.5 channel, underlying IKur, is supposed to be atrial selective in pigs and humans. We investigated the effects of different potassium channel blockers, i.e. the IKur blockers AVE 0118, S9947 and S20951, with amiodarone (AM), dofetilide (DO), azimilide (AZ), ibutilide (IB), the IKs blocker HMR 1556, atropine (ATR), flecainide (FL), propafenone (PR), d,l-sotalol (SO), atenolol (ATE), and esmolol (ES), on the left and right atrial and ventricular refractoriness and left atrial vulnerability (LAV) in vivo in pigs.

MATERIAL/METHODS

In pentobarbital-anesthetized pigs (n=81), atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods (ERPs) were measured with the S1-S2-extrastimulus-method and QTc time from electrocardiograms. LAV was assessed after S2-extrastimulus to the left atrium.

RESULTS

All IKur blockers prolonged left stronger than right atrial ERP and did not change QTc. All IKr blockers predominantly prolonged the right vs. left atria. AM prolonged both atria equally, and ATR the left only. Pure beta blockers acted predominantly on the left atrium, as did FL and PR, while d,l-sotalol acted predominantly on the right. AVE 0118, S9947, S20951, ibutilide, and d,l-sotalol significantly decreased LAV (-100%, -100%, -82%, -53%, -42%; p<0.05), in contrast to all other drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The IKur blockers exhibited stronger effects on the left atrium, which itself has shorter refractoriness, but strikingly with no effect on ventricular repolarization, while IKr blockers, IKs blockers, and d,l-sotalol exerted predominantly right atrial effects and known ventricular effects. IKur blockers inhibited atrial tachyarrhythmias stronger than all available drugs. Therefore, IKur blockers seem to be promising new atrial-selective antiarrhythmic drugs.

Presynaptic K+ channels: electrifying regulators of synaptic terminal excitability

Potassium channels are crucial regulators of neuronal excitability, setting resting membrane potentials and firing thresholds, repolarizing action potentials and limiting excitability. Although most of our understanding of K+ channels is based on somatic recordings, there is good evidence that these channels are present in synaptic terminals. In recent years the improved access to presynaptic compartments afforded by direct recording techniques has indicated diverse roles for native K+ channels, from suppression of aberrant firing to action potential repolarization and activity-dependent modulation of synaptic activity. This article reviews the growing evidence for multiple roles and discrete localization of distinct K+ channels at presynaptic terminals.

Potassium Channels and Membrane Potential in the Modulation of Intracellular Calcium in Vascular Endothelial Cells

The endothelium plays a vital role in the control of vascular functions, including modulation of tone; permeability and barrier properties; platelet adhesion and aggregation; and secretion of paracrine factors. Critical signaling events in many of these functions involve an increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). This rise in [Ca(2+)](i) occurs via an interplay between several mechanisms, including release from intracellular stores, entry from the extracellular space through store depletion and second messenger-mediated processes, and the establishment of a favorable electrochemical gradient. The focus of this review centers on the role of potassium channels and membrane potential in the creation of a favorable electrochemical gradient for Ca(2+) entry. In addition, evidence is examined for the existence of various classes of potassium channels and the possible influence of regional variation in expression and experimental conditions.

Epinephrine-induced hyperpolarization of islet cells without KATP channels

This study examines the effect of epinephrine, a known physiological inhibitor of insulin secretion, on the membrane potential of pancreatic islet cells from sulfonylurea receptor-1 (ABCC8)-null mice (Sur1KO), which lack functional ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels. These channels have been argued to be activated by catecholamines, but epinephrine effectively inhibits insulin secretion in both Sur1KO and wild-type islets and in mice. Isolated Sur1KO beta-cells are depolarized in both low (2.8 mmol/l) and high (16.7 mmol/l) glucose and exhibit Ca(2+)-dependent action potentials. Epinephrine hyperpolarizes Sur1KO beta-cells, inhibiting their spontaneous action potentials. This effect, observed in standard whole cell patches, is abolished by pertussis toxin and blocked by BaCl2. The epinephrine effect is mimicked by clonidine, a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist and inhibited by alpha-yohimbine, an alpha2-antagonist. A selection of K+ channel inhibitors, tetraethylammonium, apamin, dendrotoxin, iberiotoxin, E-4130, chromanol 293B, and tertiapin did not block the epinephrine-induced hyperpolarization. Analysis of whole cell currents revealed an inward conductance of 0.11 +/- 0.04 nS/pF (n = 7) and a TEA-sensitive outward conductance of 0.55 +/- 0.08 nS/pF (n = 7) at -60 and 0 mV, respectively. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (100 microM) in the patch pipette did not significantly alter these currents or activate novel inward-rectifying K+ currents. We conclude that epinephrine can hyperpolarize beta-cells in the absence of KATP channels via activation of low-conductance BaCl2-sensitive K+ channels that are regulated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins.

Expression of voltage-gated potassium channels in human and rhesus pancreatic islets

Voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv channels) are involved in repolarization of excitable cells. In pancreatic beta-cells, prolongation of the action potential by block of delayed rectifier potassium channels would be expected to increase intracellular free calcium and to promote insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner. However, the specific Kv channel subtypes responsible for repolarization in beta-cells, most importantly in humans, are not completely resolved. In this study, we have investigated the expression of 26 subtypes from Kv subfamilies in human islet mRNA. The results of the RT-PCR analysis were extended by in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemical analysis on sections from human or Rhesus pancreas. Cell-specific markers were used to show that Kv2.1, Kv3.2, Kv6.2, and Kv9.3 are expressed in beta-cells, that Kv3.1 and Kv6.1 are expressed in alpha-cells, and that Kv2.2 is expressed in delta-cells. This study suggests that more than one Kv channel subtype might contribute to the beta-cell delayed rectifier current and that this current could be formed by heterotetramers of active and silent subunits.

In VivoProperties of Potassium Channels in Cerebral Blood Vessels During Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

While potassium (K+) channels are important in basal tone and dilatation of large and small cerebral vessels, the effect of diabetes mellitus on K+ channels remains unclear. The goal of this study was to identify the influence of diabetes on responses of cerebral vessels to inhibition/activation of K+ channels.

METHODS

The authors measured in vivo responses of pial arterioles and the basilar artery to inhibition/activation of K+ channels in nondiabetic and diabetic rats using intravital microscopy.

RESULTS

Pial arterioles from nondiabetic and diabetic rats constricted to barium chloride (BaCl2) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). However, the magnitude of vasoconstriction to BaCl2 was greater in nondiabetic than in diabetic rats. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) did not alter diameter of pial arterioles in nondiabetic or diabetic rats. In addition, dilatation of pial arterioles to KCl and NS-1619 was less in diabetic compared to nondiabetic rats. The basilar artery from nondiabetic and diabetic rats constricted in a similar manner to BaCl2 and 4-AP. In contrast, vasoconstriction to TEA was greater in diabetic than nondiabetic rats. Similar to that reported for pial arterioles, dilatation of the basilar artery to KCl and NS-1619 was less in diabetic than nondiabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Inward-rectifier (Kir) and voltage-dependent (Kv), but not calcium-activated (Kca), K+ channels are active under basal conditions in pial arterioles, while Kir, Kv, and Kca are active under basal conditions in the basilar artery of nondiabetic and diabetic rats. In addition, activation of Kir and Kca channels produces less cerebral vasodilatation in diabetic compared to nondiabetic rats. These findings provide new and important information regarding the influence of diabetes on the role of K+ channels in the regulation of cerebral vascular diameter.

Characterization of a Functionally Expressed Stretch-activated BKca Channel Cloned from Chick Ventricular Myocytes

We have characterized electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of a stretch-activated BKca channel (SAKcaC) that was cloned from cultured chick ventricular myocytes (CCVM) and expressed in chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) using the patch-clamp technique. Our results indicate that the cloned SAKcaC keeps most of the key properties of the native SAKcaC in CCVM, such as conductance, ion selectivity, pressure-, voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependencies. However, there was a slight difference between these channels in the effects of channel blockers, charybdotoxin (CTX) and gadolinium (Gd(3+)). The native SAKcaC was blocked in an all-or-none fashion characterized as the slow blockade, whereas the conductance of the cloned SAKcaC was gradually decreased with the blockers' concentration, without noticeable blocking noise. As the involvement of some auxiliary components was suspected in this difference, we cloned a BK beta-subunit from CCVM and coexpressed it with the cloned SAKcaC in CHO cells to examine its effects on the SAKcaC. Although the pharmacological properties of the cloned SAKcaC turned out to be very similar to the native one by the coexpression, it also significantly altered the key characteristics of SAKcaC, such as voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependencies. Therefore we concluded that the native SAKca in CCVM does not interact with the corresponding endogenous beta-subunit. The difference in pharmacological properties between the expressed SAKcaC in CHO and the native one in CCVM suggests that the native SAKca in CCVM is modulated by unknown auxiliary components.

ERK integrates PKA and PKC signaling in superficial dorsal horn neurons. I. Modulation of A-type K+ currents

The transient outward potassium currents (also known as A-type currents or IA) are important determinants of neuronal excitability. In the brain, IA is modulated by protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase A (PKA), and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), three kinases that have been shown to be critical modulators of nociception. We wanted to determine the effects of these kinases on IA in superficial dorsal horn neurons. Using whole cell recordings from cultured mouse spinal cord superficial dorsal horn neurons, we found that PKC and PKA both inhibit IA in these cells, and that PKC has a tonic inhibitory action on IA. Further, we provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that PKC and PKA do not modulate IA directly, but rather act as upstream activators of ERKs, which modulate IA. These results suggest that ERKs serve as signal integrators in modulation of IA in dorsal horn neurons and that modulation of A-type potassium currents may underlie aspects of central sensitization mediated by PKC, PKA, and ERKs.

Autoimmune Disorders of Neuronal Potassium Channels

Antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) appear likely to be the effector mechanisms in many patients with acquired peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (APNH) syndromes, a group of disorders that include neuromyotonia, cramp-fasciculation syndrome, and Isaacs' syndrome. They may contribute to the associated autonomic changes. Through a central action, they may also be the effector mechanism in those with Morvan's syndrome and in some patients with limbic encephalitis. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes the increased association of APNH with autoimmune diseases (in particular, myasthenia gravis and thymoma), the response to plasmapheresis, passive transfer of APNH to experimental animals by patients' plasma or immunoglobulins, the action of their serum on VGKC currents studied in vitro, and the presence in many patients of IgG antibodies to VGKCs.

What are the roles of the many different types of potassium channel expressed in cerebellar granule cells?

Potassium (K) channels have a key role in the regulation of neuronal excitability. Over a hundred different subunits encoding distinct K channel subtypes have been identified so far. A major challenge is to relate these many different channel subunits to the functional K currents observed in native neurons. In this review, we have concentrated on cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). We have considered each of the three principal super families of K channels in turn, namely, the six transmembrane domain, voltage-gated super family, the two transmembrane domain, inward-rectifier super family and the four transmembrane domain, leak channel super family. For each super family, we have identified the subunits that are expressed in CGNs and related the properties of these expressed channel subunits to the functional currents seen in electrophysiological recordings from these neurons. In some cases, there are strong molecular candidates for proteins underlying observed currents. In other cases the correlation is less clear. We show that at least 26 potassium channel alpha subunits are moderately or strongly expressed in CGNs. Nevertheless, a good empirical model of CGN function has been obtained with just six distinct K conductances. The transient KA current in CGNs, seems due to expression of Kv4.2 channels or Kv4.2/4.3 heteromers, while the KCa current is due to expression of large-conductance slo channels. The G-protein activated KIR current is probably due to heteromeric expression of KIR3.1 and KIR3.2. Perhaps KIR2.2 subunits underlie the KIR current when it is constitutively active. The leak conductance can be attributed to TASK-1 and or TASK-3 channels. With less certainty, the IK-slow current may be due to expression of one or more members of the KCNQ or EAG family. Lastly, the delayed-rectifier Kv current has as many as six different potential contributors from the extensive Kv family of alpha subunits. Since many of these subunits are highly regulated by neurotransmitters, physiological regulators and, often, auxiliary subunits, the resulting electrical properties of CGNs may be highly dynamic and subject to constant fine-tuning.

Delayed rectifier K currents in NF1 Schwann cells. Pharmacological block inhibits proliferation

K+(K) currents are related to the proliferation of many cell types and have a relationship to second messenger pathways implicated in regulation of the cell cycle in development and certain disease states. We examined the role of K currents in Schwann cells (SC) cultured from tumors that arise in the human disease neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Comparisons were made between whole cell voltage clamp recordings from normal human SC cultures and from neurofibroma cultures and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cell lines. The outward K currents of normal and tumor cells could be divided into three types based on pharmacology and macroscopic inactivation: (1) "A type" current blocked by 4-aminopyridine, (2) delayed rectifier (DR) current blocked by tetraethylammonium, and (3) biphasic current consisting of a combination of these two current types. The DR K current was present in MPNST- and neurofibroma-derived SC, but not in quiescent, nondividing, normal SC. DR currents were largest in MPNST-derived SC (50 pA/pF vs. 2.1-4.9 pA/pF in dividing and quiescent normal SC). Normal SC cultures had significantly more cells with A type current than cultures of MPNST and the plexiform neurofibroma. Conversely, MPNST and plexiform neurofibroma cultures had significantly more SC with DR current than did normal cultures, and these DR currents were significantly larger. In addition, the plexiform neurofibroma culture had significantly more cells with DR current than the dermal neurofibroma culture. K currents in SC from normal NF1 SC cultures had current abundances similar to GGF-exposed normal SC and the plexiform neurofibroma. We have established a link between DR K current blockade via TEA analogs and inhibition of proliferation of NF1 SC in vitro. In addition, a farnysyl transferase inhibitor (FTI), a blocker of Ras activation, blocked cell proliferation without blocking K currents in all cultures except a plexiform neurofibroma, suggesting that regulation of proliferation in neoplastic and normal SC in vitro is complex.

Properties, Expression and Potential Roles of Cardiac K + Channel Accessory Subunits: MinK, MiRPs, KChIP, and KChAP

Over the past 10 years, cDNAs encoding a wide range of pore-forming K(+)-channel alpha-subunits have been cloned and found to result in currents with many properties of endogenous cardiac K(+) channels upon homomeric expression in heterologous systems. However, a variety of remaining discrepancies have led to a search for other subunits that might be involved in the formation of native channels. Over the past few years, a series of accessory subunits has been discovered that modify current properties upon coexpression with alpha-subunits. One of these, the minimal K(+)-channel subunit minK, is essential for formation of the cardiac slow delayed-rectifier K(+) current, I(Ks), and may also interact in functionally important ways with other alpha-subunits. Another, the K(+)-channel interacting protein KChIP appears critical in formation of native transient outward current (I(to)) channels. The roles of 2 other accessory subunits, the minK-related peptide MiRP and the K(+)-channel accessory protein, KChAP, remain unclear. This article reviews the available knowledge regarding the accessory subunits minK, MiRP, KChIP and KChAP, dealing with their structure, effects on currents carried by coexpressed alpha-subunits, expression in cardiac tissues and potential physiological function. On the basis of the available information, we attempt to assess the potential involvement of these accessory K(+)-channel subunits in cardiac pathophysiology and in developing new therapeutic approaches.

Ion channel gene expression in human lung, skin, and cord blood-derived mast cells

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent activation of human mast cells (HMC) is characterized by an influx of extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)), which is essential for subsequent release of preformed (granule-derived) mediators and newly generated autacoids and cytokines. In addition, flow of ions such as K(+) and Cl(-) is likely to play an important role in mast cell activation, proliferation, and chemotaxis through their effect on membrane potential and thus Ca(2+) influx. It is therefore important to identify these critical molecular effectors of HMC function. In this study, we have used high-density oligonucleotide probe arrays to characterize for the first time the profile of ion channel gene expression in human lung, skin, and cord blood-derived mast cells. These cells express mRNA for inwardly rectifying and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, voltage-dependent Na(+) and Ca(2+) channels, purinergic P2X channels, transient receptor potential channels, and voltage-dependent and intracellular Cl(-) channels. IgE-dependent activation had little effect on ion channel expression, but distinct differences for some channels were observed between the different mast cell phenotypes, which may contribute to the mechanism of functional mast cell heterogeneity.

Sequence-function analysis of the K+-selective family of ion channels using a comprehensive alignment and the KcsA channel structure

Sequence-function analysis of K(+)-selective channels was carried out in the context of the 3.2 A crystal structure of a K(+) channel (KcsA) from Streptomyces lividans (Doyle et al., 1998). The first step was the construction of an alignment of a comprehensive set of K(+)-selective channel sequences forming the putative permeation path. This pathway consists of two transmembrane segments plus an extracellular linker. Included in the alignment are channels from the eight major classes of K(+)-selective channels from a wide variety of species, displaying varied rectification, gating, and activation properties. Segments of the alignment were assigned to structural motifs based on the KcsA structure. The alignment's accuracy was verified by two observations on these motifs: 1), the most variability is shown in the turret region, which functionally is strongly implicated in susceptibility to toxin binding; and 2), the selectivity filter and pore helix are the most highly conserved regions. This alignment combined with the KcsA structure was used to assess whether clusters of contiguous residues linked by hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions in KcsA are conserved in the K(+)-selective channel family. Analysis of sequence conservation patterns in the alignment suggests that a cluster of conserved residues is critical for determining the degree of K(+) selectivity. The alignment also supports the near-universality of the "glycine hinge" mechanism at the center of the inner helix for opening K channels. This mechanism has been suggested by the recent crystallization of a K channel in the open state. Further, the alignment reveals a second highly conserved glycine near the extracellular end of the inner helix, which may be important in minimizing deformation of the extracellular vestibule as the channel opens. These and other sequence-function relationships found in this analysis suggest that much of the permeation path architecture in KcsA is present in most K(+)-selective channels. Because of this finding, the alignment provides a robust starting point for homology modeling of the permeation paths of other K(+)-selective channel classes and elucidation of sequence-function relationships therein. To assay these applications, a homology model of the Shaker A channel permeation path was constructed using the alignment and KcsA as the template, and its structure evaluated in light of established structural criteria.

Volatile anesthetics regulate pulmonary vascular tension through different potassium channel subtypes in isolated rabbit lungs

BACKGROUND

The effects of volatile anesthetics on subtypes of K(+) channels located on pulmonary vessels remain largely unexplored.

METHODS

To investigate whether or not potassium channels play a role in the effect of volatile anesthetic on pulmonary vessels, isolated and perfused rabbit lungs were divided into four groups (n = 7 each): a control group without treatment, a glibenclamide (Glib) group treated with adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel inhibitor, a 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) group treated with voltage-sensitive K(+) (K(V)) channel inhibitor, and an iberiotoxin (IbTX) group treated with high conductance calcium-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channel inhibitor. After inhibitor administration and stabilization, two minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, or 1.8 MAC of sevoflurane were randomly administered for 15 min followed by eight minutes of fresh gas mixture after each agent inhalation.

RESULTS

Isoflurane did not change pulmonary vascular tension in the control group but instead constricted the pulmonary vessels when K(V) channels were inhibited with 4-AP; constrictive effects of enflurane and halothane were observed on pulmonary vessels, and were enhanced by K(V) channel inhibition with 4-AP, but they were inhibited by K(Ca) channel inhibition with IbTX; the dilation effect of sevoflurane was observed on pulmonary vessels but was not significantly affected by any of the K(+) channel inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Halothane, enflurane and isoflurane, but not sevoflurane, regulate pulmonary vascular tension through K(V) and/or K(Ca) channels in isolated rabbit lungs.

Rapsyn-mediated clustering of acetylcholine receptor subunits requires the major cytoplasmic loop of the receptor subunits

During synaptogenesis at the neuromuscular junction, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are organized into high-density postsynaptic clusters that are critical for efficient synaptic transmission. Rapsyn, an AChR associated cytoplasmic protein, is essential for the aggregation and immobilization of AChRs at the neuromuscular junction. Previous studies have shown that when expressed in nonmuscle cells, both assembled and unassembled AChR subunits are clustered by rapsyn, and the clustering of the alpha subunit is dependent on its major cytoplasmic loop. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of rapsyn-induced clustering of the AChR beta, gamma, and delta subunits by testing mutant subunits for the ability to cocluster with rapsyn in transfected QT6 cells. For each subunit, deletion of the major cytoplasmic loop, between the third and fourth transmembrane domains, dramatically reduced coclustering with rapsyn. Furthermore, each major cytoplasmic loop was sufficient to mediate clustering of an unrelated transmembrane protein. The AChR subunit mutants lacking the major cytoplasmic loops could assemble into alphadelta dimers, but these were poorly clustered by rapsyn unless at least one mutant was replaced with its wild-type counterpart. These results demonstrate that the major cytoplasmic loop of each AChR subunit is both necessary and sufficient for mediating efficient clustering by rapsyn, and that only one such domain is required for rapsyn-mediated clustering of an assembly intermediate, the alphadelta dimer.

The link between ion permeation and inactivation gating of Kv4 potassium channels

Kv4 potassium channels undergo rapid inactivation but do not seem to exhibit the classical N-type and C-type mechanisms present in other Kv channels. We have previously hypothesized that Kv4 channels preferentially inactivate from the preopen closed state, which involves regions of the channel that contribute to the internal vestibule of the pore. To further test this hypothesis, we have examined the effects of permeant ions on gating of three Kv4 channels (Kv4.1, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Rb(+) is an excellent tool for this purpose because its prolonged residency time in the pore delays K(+) channel closing. The data showed that, only when Rb(+) carried the current, both channel closing and the development of macroscopic inactivation are slowed (1.5- to 4-fold, relative to the K(+) current). Furthermore, macroscopic Rb(+) currents were larger than K(+) currents (1.2- to 3-fold) as the result of a more stable open state, which increases the maximum open probability. These results demonstrate that pore occupancy can influence inactivation gating in a manner that depends on how channel closing impacts inactivation from the preopen closed state. By examining possible changes in ionic selectivity and the influence of elevating the external K(+) concentration, additional experiments did not support the presence of C-type inactivation in Kv4 channels.

Single channel analysis of the regulation of GIRK1/GIRK4 channels by protein phosphorylation

G-Protein activated, inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) are important effectors of G-protein beta/gamma-subunits, playing essential roles in the humoral regulation of cardiac activity and also in higher brain functions. G-protein activation of channels of the GIRK1/GIRK4 heterooligomeric composition is controlled via phosphorylation by cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) and dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase 2A (PP(2)A). To study the molecular mechanism of this unprecedented example of G-protein effector regulation, single channel recordings were performed on isolated patches of plasma membranes of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our study shows that: (i) The open probability (P(o)) of GIRK1/GIRK4 channels, stimulated by coexpressed m(2)-receptors, was significantly increased upon addition of the catalytic subunit of PKA to the cytosolic face of an isolated membrane patch. (ii) At moderate concentrations of recombinant G(beta1/gamma2), used to activate the channel, P(o) was significantly reduced in patches treated with PP(2)A, when compared to patches with PKA-cs. (iii) Several single channel gating parameters, including modal gating behavior, were significantly different between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated channels, indicating different gating behavior between the two forms of the protein. Most of these changes were, however, not responsible for the marked difference in P(o) at moderate G-protein concentrations. (iv) An increase of the frequency of openings (f(o)) and a reduction of dwell time duration of the channel in the long-lasting C(5) state was responsible for facilitation of GIRK1/GIRK4 channels by protein phosphorylation. Dephosphorylation by PP(2)A led to an increase of G(beta1/gamma2) concentration required for full activation of the channel and hence to a reduction of the apparent affinity of GIRK1/GIRK4 for G(beta1/gamma2). (v) Although possibly not directly the target of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, the last 20 C-terminal amino acids of the GIRK1 subunit are required for the reduction of apparent affinity for the G-protein by PP(2)A, indicating that they constitute an essential part of the off-switch.

Somatic gene transfer of tagged K+ channel fragments to probe trafficking and electrical function in epithelial cells and cardiac myocytes

To evaluate the roles of the C-termini of K + channels in subcellular targeting and protein-protein interactions, we created fusion constructs of the cell-surface antigen CD8 and the C-termini of Kv4.3, Kv1.4 and KvLQT1. Using a Cre-lox recombination system, we made 3 adenoviruses containing a fusion of the N-terminal-and transmembrane segments of CD8 with the C-termini of each of the 3 K + channels. Expression in polarized Opossum Kidney (OK) epithelial cells led to localization of CD8-Kv4.3 and CD8-Kv1.4 into the apical and basolateral membranes, while CD8-KvLQT1 remained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), even when co-expressed with MinK. When expressed in rat cardiac myocytes in culture, all the 3 constructs were diffusely targeted to the surface membrane. The ER retention of CD8-KvLQT1 in OK cells but not in cardiomyocytes thus reveals functional differences in trafficking between these two cell types. To probe functional roles of C-termini, we studied K + currents in cardiac myocytes expressing CD8-Kv4.3. Patch-clamp recordings of transient outward current revealed a hyperpolarizing shift of steady-state inactivation, implying that CD8-Kv4.3 may be disrupting the interaction of Kv4.x channels with one or more as-yet-undefined regulatory subunits. Thus, expression of tagged ion-channel fragments represents a novel, generalizable approach that may help to elucidate assembly, localization and function of these important signaling proteins.