Cellular localization of TWIK-1, a two-pore-domain potassium channel in the rodent inner ear

Abstract

K + channels in the inner ear regulate the secretion and homeostasis of K +, i.e. the flux of K + ions required to ensure good mechanosensory transduction. We studied the expression and cellular localization of TWIK-1 and TWIK-2, two-pore-domain K + channels responsible for background K + currents. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that TWIK-1 mRNA is present in the vestibular end organs, vestibular ganglion and cochlea. In contrast, the TWIK-2 mRNA was not detected in the inner ear. Immunocytochemical experiments using confocal microscopy showed that TWIK-1 is specifically localized in ‘non-sensory’ cells of the inner ear, in the dark cells of the vestibule and in the strial marginal cells of the cochlea. All of these cell types secrete and regulate the K + endolymph production and homeostasis. The labeling was strictly limited to the apical membranes of these cells. TWIK-1 was also detected in the cytoplasm of the large neurons of vestibular ganglion and their fibers. The finding that TWIK-1 is specifically distributed in certain areas of the inner ear suggests that this type of K + channel plays a role in the regulation of K + homeostasis in dark cells and in strial marginal cells. This role has yet to be identified.