Abstract

Cell adhesion molecules and neurotrophin receptors are crucial for the development and the function of the nervous system. Among downstream effectors of neurotrophin receptors and recognition molecules are ion channels. Here, we provide evidence that G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K(+) channel Kir3.3 directly binds to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and neurotrophin receptor TrkB. We identified the binding sites for NCAM and TrkB at the C-terminal intracellular domain of Kir3.3. The interaction between NCAM, TrkB, and Kir3.3 was supported by immunocytochemical co-localization of Kir3.3, NCAM, and/or TrkB at the surface of hippocampal neurons. Co-expression of TrkB and Kir3.1/3.3 in Xenopus oocytes increased the K(+) currents evoked by Kir3.1/3.3 channels. This current enhancement was reduced by the concomitant co-expression with NCAM. Both surface fluorescence measurements of microinjected oocytes and cell surface biotinylation of transfected CHO cells indicated that the cell membrane localization of Kir3.3 is regulated by TrkB and NCAM. Furthermore, the level of Kir3.3, but not of Kir3.2, at the plasma membranes was reduced in TrkB-deficient mice, supporting the notion that TrkB regulates the cell surface expression of Kir3.3. The premature expression of developmentally late appearing Kir3.1/3.3 in hippocampal neurons led to a reduction of NCAM-induced neurite outgrowth. Our observations indicate a decisive role for the neuronal K(+) channel in regulating NCAM-dependent neurite outgrowth and attribute a physiologically meaningful role to the functional interplay of Kir3.3, NCAM, and TrkB in ontogeny.

Highlights

  • The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM),3 which is expressed as early as the developmental stage of neural tube

  • Our present study has revealed direct associations of three developmentally and functionally important molecules: the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM, the tyrosine receptor kinase TrkB, and the inwardly rectifying Kϩ channel subco-immunostaining of primary hippocampal neurons was per- unit Kir3.3

  • We provide evidence that the intracellular domain formed after 14 days in culture when Kir3.3 was expressed. of Kir3.3, but not the structurally similar subunit Kir3.2, inter

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Summary

Introduction

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM),3 which is expressed as early as the developmental stage of neural tube. The level of Kir3.3, but not of Kir3.2, at the plasma membranes was reduced in TrkB-deficient mice, supporting the notion that TrkB regulates the cell surface expression of Kir3.3.

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