AKAP150 is Required for NFATC3 Transcriptional Regulation of Kv2.1 and BK Channel Expression in Smooth Muscle

Abstract

In smooth muscle, activation of the Ca2+-sensitive phosphatase calcineurin dephosphorylates the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 (NFATc3). Upon de-phosphorylation, NFATc3 translocates into the nucleus of arterial smooth muscle cells where it modulates the expression of multiple genes including Kv2.1 and the α and β1 subunits of large conductance K+ (BK) channels. Recent work by our group, suggested that L-type Ca2+ channels, the A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150), calcineurin, and PKCα form a signaling triad that controls Ca2+ influx into these cells.