Channel Gene Family Research Articles

Differential Roles of Blocking Ions in KirBac1.1 Tetramer Stability

Potassium channels are tetrameric proteins that mediate K(+)-selective transmembrane diffusion. For KcsA, tetramer stability depends on interactions between permeant ions and the channel pore. We have examined the role of pore blockers on the tetramer stability of KirBac1.1. In 150 mm KCl, purified KirBac1.1 protein migrates as a monomer (approximately 40 kDa) on SDS-PAGE. Addition of Ba(2+) (K(1/2) approximately 50 microm) prior to loading results in an additional tetramer band (approximately 160 kDa). Mutation A109C, at a residue located near the expected Ba(2+)-binding site, decreased tetramer stabilization by Ba(2+) (K(1/2) approximately 300 microm), whereas I131C, located nearby, stabilized tetramers in the absence of Ba(2+). Neither mutation affected Ba(2+) block of channel activity (using (86)Rb(+) flux assay). In contrast to Ba(2+), Mg(2+) had no effect on tetramer stability (even though Mg(2+) was a potent blocker). Many studies have shown Cd(2+) block of K(+) channels as a result of cysteine substitution of cavity-lining M2 (S6) residues, with the implicit interpretation that coordination of a single ion by cysteine side chains along the central axis effectively blocks the pore. We examined blocking and tetramer-stabilizing effects of Cd(2+) on KirBac1.1 with cysteine substitutions in M2. Cd(2+) block potency followed an alpha-helical pattern consistent with the crystal structure. Significantly, Cd(2+) strongly stabilized tetramers of I138C, located in the center of the inner cavity. This stabilization was additive with the effect of Ba(2+), consistent with both ions simultaneously occupying the channel: Ba(2+) at the selectivity filter entrance and Cd(2+) coordinated by I138C side chains in the inner cavity.

Evolution of the Human Ion Channel Set

Ion channels are intimately involved in virtually every physiological process of consequence in humans. Their importance is underscored by the identification of numerous "channelopathies", human diseases caused by ion channel mutations. Ion Channels have consequently been viewed as fertile ground for drug discovery and, indeed, they represent one of the largest target classes for current medicines. The future prospects of ion channels as a target class are tied to the functional characterization of the human ion channel set on a genomic scale. The focus of this review is to describe the molecular diversity and conservation of human ion channels. The human genome contains at least 232 genes that encode the pore-forming subunits of plasma membrane ion channels. Comparative genome analysis shows that most human ion channel gene families have their origins in the earliest metazoans but the human genes are largely derived from duplications that took place in the vertebrate lineage. The mouse and human ion channel gene sets are virtually identical, but differ significantly from fish channel sets. Genome comparisons highlight a number of highly conserved channel families that do not yet have specifically defined functional roles in vivo. These channel families are likely to have non-redundant functions in metazoans and represent some of the best new opportunities for channel target prospecting. Furthermore, genome-wide patterns of sequence conservation can now be used to refine strategies for the identification of gene-specific channel probes.

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy is defective in mucolipidosis type IV

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel gene family. The encoded protein, transient receptor potential mucolipin-1 (TRPML1), has been localized to lysosomes and late endosomes but the pathogenic mechanism by which loss of TRPML1 leads to abnormal cellular storage and neuronal cell death is still poorly understood. Yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation (coIP) experiments identified interactions between TRPML1 and Hsc70 as well as TRPML1 and Hsp40. Hsc70 and Hsp40 are members of a molecular chaperone complex required for protein transport into the lysosome during chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). To determine the functional relevance of this interaction, we compared fibroblasts from MLIV patients to those from sex- and age-matched controls and show a defect in CMA in response to serum withdrawal. This defect in CMA was subsequently confirmed in purified lysosomes isolated from control and MLIV fibroblasts. We further show that the amount of lysosomal-associated membrane protein type 2A (LAMP-2A) is reduced in lysosomal membranes of MLIV fibroblasts. As a result of decreased CMA, MLIV fibroblasts have increased levels of oxidized proteins compared to control fibroblasts. We hypothesize that TRPML1 may act as a docking site for intralysosomal Hsc70 (ly-Hsc70) allowing it to more efficiently pull in substrates for CMA. It is also possible that TRPML1 channel activity may be required for CMA. Understanding the role of TRPML1 in CMA will undoubtedly help to characterize the pathogenesis of MLIV.

Retraction of: TWIK-related two-pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 in carotid endothelium of normotensive and hypertensive mice

Potassium channels are essential elements of endothelial function. Recently, evidence emerged that the TWIK (tandem of P domains in a weak inwardly rectifying K+ channel)-related K+ channel (TREK-1) of the two-pore domain potassium channel gene family (K2P) may be involved in the regulation of vascular tone. However, the functional and molecular characterization of vascular TREK-1 is incomplete. In this study, we therefore analysed the functional expression of TREK-1 in the endothelium. Moreover, we hypothesized that changes in channel expression may contribute to altered endothelial vasodilator response under conditions of elevated blood pressure. Gene expression and function of endothelial TREK-1 were analysed by single-cell RT-PCR, the patch-clamp technique and pressure myography in murine carotid arteries (CA). K+ outward currents displaying the characteristics of TREK-1 were observed following various TREK-1-activating stimuli such as membrane stretch, intracellular acidosis, polyunsaturated fatty acids, isoflurane (ISOFL), riluzole, and acetylcholine (ACh). In K(Ca)3.1(-/-) mice exhibiting elevated blood pressure, endothelial TREK-1 currents and TREK-1 mRNA expression were enhanced as compared with normotensive control mice. TREK-1-mediated vasodilator responses to alpha-linolenic acid, ISOFL, or ACh were increased. A similar up-regulation of endothelial TREK-1 was observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. We have found that TREK-1 is an endothelial K+ channel capable of producing hyperpolarization and vasodilation. A correlation between hypertension and up-regulation of TREK-1 was observed in two different animal models of elevated blood pressure. Thus, TREK-1 may play a protective role in the cardiovascular system by providing a novel type of endothelial hyperpolarization-mediated vasodilator response.

A Variant of the Ca2+-Activated Cl Channel Best3 is Expressed in Mouse Exocrine Glands

Fluid secretion by exocrine glands requires the activation of an apical Ca2+-dependent Cl channel, the molecular identity of which is unknown. We found that mouse exocrine glands expressed an alternately spliced variant of Best3, a member of the Bestrophin (Vmd2) Ca2+-activated Cl channel gene family, whereas the heart expressed full-length Best3. The spliced transcript lacked exons 2, 3 and 6 (Best3-Delta2,3,6) and is predicted to generate an in-frame protein missing the entire cytoplasmic N terminus, the initial two transmembrane domains and part of the first intracellular loop. In addition to exocrine glands, the Best3-Delta2,3,6 splice variant transcript was detected in lung, testis and kidney. The parotid gland and heart expressed proteins of the predicted size for Best3-Delta2,3,6 and full-length Best3, respectively, that targeted to the plasma membrane in HEK293 cells. HEK293 cells expressing Best3 displayed Ca2+-dependent Cl(-) currents that were sensitive to the Cl channel blocker DIDS. In contrast, no Ca2+-dependent Cl(-) currents were detected in cells expressing Best3-Delta2,3,6. Cotransfection of Best3-Delta2,3,6 with Best3 or Best2 (also expressed in salivary gland acinar cells) had no significant effects on the currents generated by either of these Ca2+-dependent Cl channels. Our results demonstrate that exocrine glands express a unique splice variant of Best3. Nevertheless, Best3-Delta2,3,6 does not produce Ca2+-dependent Cl(-) currents, nor does it regulate the activity of Best2 or the full-length Best3 channel.

A novel member of the ligand-gated chloride channel gene family from Haemonchus contortus

Ligand-gated chloride channels (LGCCs) are key components of the nervous system of parasitic nematodes and important targets for anthelmintics. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel member of the LGCC gene family (HcLGCC1) from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Sequence analysis revealed that the channel subunit encoded by HcLGCC1 is anion selective and a member of a group of channels characterized as having two Cys-loops in the N-terminal ligand-binding domain. Although the overall function of HcLGCC1 is presently unknown, the gene may play a key role in the early developmental stages of the parasite. Further investigations into the function of LGCCs, such as HcLGCC1, in parasitic nematodes should have implications for the discovery of new anthelmintic targets.

Potassium Channel Blockers and Openers as CNS Neurologic Therapeutic Agents

Potassium (K+) channels are the most heterogeneous and widely distributed class of ion channels. K(+) channels are dynamic pore-forming transmembrane proteins known to play important roles in all cell types underlying both normal and pathophysiological functions. Essential for such diverse physiological processes as nerve impulse propagation, muscle contraction, cellular activation and the secretion of biologically active molecules, various K(+) channels are recognized as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, brain/spinal cord ischemia, pain and schizophrenia, migraine, as well as cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer, urological diseases and sepsis. In addition to their importance as therapeutic targets, certain K(+) channels are gaining attention for their beneficial roles in anesthesia, neuroprotection and cardioprotection. The K(+) channel gene families (subdividing into multiple subfamilies) include voltage-gated (K(v): K(v)1-K(v)12 or KCNA-KCND, KCNF-KCNH, KCNQ, KCNS), calcium-activated (K(Ca): K(Ca)1-K(Ca)5 or KCNM-KCNN), inwardly rectifying (K(ir): K(ir)1-K(ir)7 or KCNJ) and background/leak or tandem 2-pore (K(2P): K(2P)1-K(2P)7, K(2P)9-K(2P)10, K(2P)12-K(2P)13, K(2P)15-K(2P)18 or KCNK) K(+) channels. Worldwide, the pharmaceutical industry is actively developing better strategies for targeting ion channels, in general, and K(+) channels, in particular, already generating over $6 billion in sales per annum from drugs designed to block or modulate ion channel function. This review provides an overview of recent patents on emerging K(+) channel blockers and activators (openers) with potential for development as new and improved nervous system therapeutic agents.

The cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel gene family of Brugia malayi and Trichinella spiralis: a comparison with Caenorhabditis elegans

Nematode cys-loop ligand gated ion channels (CLGIC) mediate neurotransmission and are important targets for anthelmintics in parasitic nematodes. The CLGIC superfamily in nematodes includes ion channels gated by acetylcholine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, glycine and 5-HT. The macrocyclic lactones and the nicotinic agonists are important groups of anthelmintics that target the glutamate gated chloride channels and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, respectively. The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans has the most diverse families of cys-loop LGIC known in any organism. Many parasitic nematodes have homologues of C. elegans receptors but to date no genome wide investigations have been done. The genome sequencing projects of Brugia malayi (clade III) and Trichinella spiralis (clade I) have allowed us to characterise the CLGIC families in these species. Although the main groups of CLGICs targeted by anthelmintics are represented in both the nematode genomes investigated here, the CLGIC family is much smaller in B. malayi and T. spiralis, suggesting that care must be taken when using C. elegans as a model organism for distantly related nematodes.

Abstract 357: Novel Gain of Function SCN5A Mutation Causes Familial Atrial Fibrillation

Background : Few genetic etiologies are known for familial or sporadic cases of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common arrhythmia in older adults. We report a mother and son, both with atrial fibrillation, who were found to have a novel mutation in the sodium channel gene, SCN5A. Case History: The proband, a 50 year old male, first developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation following orthopedic surgery. At age 57, he presented with increasing fatigue and shortness of breath and was found to have chronic atrial fibrillaion. Cardiac testing found no evidence of ischemia, normal left ventricular function and mild left atrial dilation. His mother had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, diagnosed at age 63, and a history of well-controlled hypertension and palpitations. Her atrial fibrillation was initially controlled by sotalol, but worsening symptoms led to a change to amiodarone at age 83. Her echo showed mild biatrial enlargement. ECGs for the proband and his mother have never demonstrated conduction system disease, long QT, or a Brugada pattern. Methods and Results: Genomic DNA isolated from blood lymphocytes was screened using direct sequencing techniques. Genes previously reported to be associated with atrial fibrillation, KCNA5, GJA5 and KCNQ1, were screened and no mutations were found. In the sodium channel gene, SCN5A, a novel missense mutation was identified (c. 1493K>R) in both the proband and his mother, but not in an unaffected sibling or in the proband’s 2 asymptomatic offspring. The mutation is in a highly conserved lysine residue in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene family. Functional studies recorded macroscopic sodium currents from tsA201 cells expressing both the wild-type (Nav1.5/WT) and mutant channel (Nav1.5/K1493R). The mutant channel exhibited fast activation and inactivation kinetics and an increase in current density. No effect on steady-state activation and inactivation were observed, however, current deactivation was faster in mutant Nav1.5/K1493R as compared to the WT channels. Conclusions: This is the first report of an inherited SCN5A mutation in familial atrial fibrillation. Functional studies suggest a ’gain-of-function’ effect of the identified Nav1.5/K1493R mutation.

Novel homozygous nonsense TMC8 mutation detected in patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis from a Brazilian family

Conflicts of interest: none declared. Sir, Persistent infection with a characteristic group of human papilloma viruses in epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV‐HPVs) is due to an uncharacterized immunogenetic deficiency resulting in lack of clearance of the EV‐HPV‐infected keratinocytes.1, 2 Recently two susceptibility loci were identified. The first susceptibility locus (EV1) for EV was mapped to a region of chromosome 17 and the second susceptibility locus for EV was mapped to chromosome 2 (EV2).3 In the EV1 locus, two EV susceptibility genes (TMC6 and TMC8) have recently been identified.4 The TMC6 and TMC8 proteins have been found to be localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and they belong to the transmembrane channel (TMC) gene family.5, 6 It is still an enigma how TMC6 and TMC8 genes are involved in the innate or adaptive immune responses to control EV‐HPV infection in epidermal keratinocytes. Several articles have reported EV‐associated mutations of the TMC6 and TMC8 in patients of different ethnic origins.4, 7, 8 In this report we describe a novel nonsense TMC8 mutation in three patients with EV from a Brazilian family.

Mechanistic Role of I f Revealed by Induction of Ventricular Automaticity by Somatic Gene Transfer of Gating-Engineered Pacemaker (HCN) Channels

Although I(f), encoded by the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channel gene family, is known to be functionally important in pacing, its mechanistic action is largely inferential and indeed somewhat controversial. To dissect in detail the role of I(f), we investigated the functional consequences of overexpressing in adult guinea pig left ventricular cardiomyocytes (LVCMs) various HCN1 constructs that have been engineered to exhibit different gating properties. We created the recombinant adenoviruses Ad-CMV-GFP-IRES (CGI), Ad-CGI-HCN1, Ad-CGI-HCN1-delta delta delta, and Ad-CGI-HCN1-Ins, which mediate ectopic expression of GFP alone, WT, EVY235-7delta delta delta, and Ins HCN1 channels, respectively; EVY235-7delta delta delta and Ins encode channels in which the S3-S4 linkers have been shortened and lengthened to favor and inhibit opening, respectively. Ad-CGI-HCN1, Ad-CGI-HCN1-delta delta delta, and Ad-CGI-HCN1-Ins, but not control Ad-CGI, transduction of LVCMs led to robust expression of I(f) with comparable densities when fully open (approximately = -22 pA/pF at -140 mV; P>0.05) but distinctive activation profiles (V(1/2) = -70.8+/-0.6, -60.4+/-0.7, and -87.7+/-0.7 mV; P<0.01, respectively). Whereas control (nontransduced or Ad-CGI-transduced) LVCMs were electrically quiescent, automaticity (206+/-16 bpm) was observed exclusively in 61% of Ad-HCN1-delta delta delta-transduced cells that displayed depolarized maximum diastolic potential (-60.6+/-0.5 versus -70.6+/-0.6 mV of resting membrane potential of control cells; P<0.01) and gradual phase 4 depolarization (306+/-32 mV/s) that were typical of genuine nodal cells. Furthermore, spontaneously firing Ad-HCN1-delta delta delta-transduced LVCMs responded positively to adrenergic stimulation (P<0.05) but exhibited neither overdrive excitation nor suppression. In contrast, the remaining 39% of Ad-HCN1-delta delta delta-transduced cells exhibited no spontaneous action potentials; however, a single ventricular action potential associated with a depolarized resting membrane potential and a unique, incomplete "phase 4-like" depolarization that did not lead to subsequent firing could be elicited on simulation. Such an intermediate phenotype, similarly observed in 100% of Ad-CGI-HCN- and Ad-CGI-HCN1-Ins-transduced LVCMs, could be readily reversed by ZD7288, hinting at a direct role of I(f). Correlation analysis revealed the specific biophysical parameters required for I(f) to function as an active membrane potential oscillator. Our results not only contribute to a better understanding of cardiac pacing but also may advance current efforts that focus primarily on automaticity induction to the next level by enabling bioengineering of central and peripheral cells that make up the native sinoatrial node.

Ca2+ Signaling, TRP Channels, and Endothelial Permeability

Increased endothelial permeability is the hallmark of inflammatory vascular edema. Inflammatory mediators that bind to heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors trigger increased endothelial permeability by increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The rise in [Ca2+]i activates key signaling pathways that mediate cytoskeletal reorganization (through myosin-light-chain-dependent contraction) and the disassembly of VE-cadherin at the adherens junctions. The Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCalpha plays a crucial role in initiating endothelial cell contraction and disassembly of VE-cadherin junctions. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by inflammatory agonists such as thrombin and histamine is achieved by the generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), activation of IP3-receptors, release of stored intracellular Ca2+, and Ca2+ entry through plasma membrane channels. IP3-sensitive Ca2+-store depletion activates plasma membrane cation channels (i.e., store-operated cation channels [SOCs] or Ca2+ release-activated channels [CRACs]) to cause Ca2+ influx into endothelial cells. Recent studies have identified members of Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) gene family of channels that encode functional SOCs in endothelial cells. These studies also suggest that the canonical TRPC homologue TRPC1 is the predominant isoform expressed in human vascular endothelial cells, and is the essential component of the SOC in this cell type. Further, evidence suggests that the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha can induce the expression of TRPC1 in human vascular endothelial cells signaling via the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway. Increased expression of TRPC1 augments Ca2+ influx via SOCs and potentiates the thrombin-induced increase in permeability in human vascular endothelial cells. Deletion of the canonical TRPC homologue in mouse, TRPC4, caused impairment in store-operated Ca2+ current and Ca2+-store release-activated Ca2+ influx in aortic and lung endothelial cells. In TRPC4 knockout (TRPC4-/-) mice, acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent smooth muscle relaxation was drastically reduced. In addition, TRPC4-/- mouse-lung endothelial cells exhibited lack of actin-stress fiber formation and cell retraction in response to thrombin activation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) in endothelial cells. The increase in lung microvascular permeability in response to PAR-1 activation was inhibited in TRPC4-/- mice. These results indicate that endothelial TRP channels such as TRPC1 and TRPC4 play an important role in signaling agonist-induced increases in endothelial permeability.

HCN-Encoded Pacemaker Channels: From Physiology and Biophysics to Bioengineering

The depolarizing membrane ionic current I(h) (also known as I(f), "f" for funny), encoded by the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-modulated (HCN1-4) channel gene family, was first discovered in the heart over 25 years ago. Later, I(h) was also found in neurons, retina, and taste buds. HCN channels structurally resemble voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels but the molecular features underlying their opposite gating behaviors (activation by hyperpolarization rather than depolarization) and non-selective permeation profiles (> or =25 times less selective for K(+) than Kv channels) remain largely unknown. Although I(h) has been functionally linked to biological processes from the autonomous beating of the heart to pain transmission, the underlying mechanistic actions remain largely inferential and, indeed, somewhat controversial due to the slow kinetics and negative operating voltage range relative to those of the bioelectrical events involved (e.g., cardiac pacing). This article reviews the current state of our knowledge in the structure-function properties of HCN channels in the context of their physiological functions and potential HCN-based therapies via bioengineering.

Gene Transfer of a Synthetic Pacemaker Channel Into the Heart

One key element of natural pacemakers is the pacemaker current encoded by the hyperpolarization-activated nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) gene family. Although HCN gene transfer has been used to engineer biological pacemakers, this strategy may be confounded by unpredictable consequences of heteromultimerization with endogenous HCN family members and limited flexibility with regard to frequency tuning of the engineered pacemaker. To circumvent these limitations, we converted a depolarization-activated potassium-selective channel, Kv1.4, into a hyperpolarization-activated nonselective channel by site-directed mutagenesis (R447N, L448A, and R453I in S4 and G528S in the pore). Gene transfer into ventricular myocardium demonstrated the ability of this construct to induce pacemaker activity with spontaneous action potential oscillations in adult ventricular myocytes and idioventricular rhythms by in vivo electrocardiography. Given the sparse expression of Kv1 family channels in the human ventricle, gene transfer of a synthetic pacemaker channel based on the Kv1 family has novel therapeutic potential as a biological alternative to electronic pacemakers.

Different expression patterns of TRP genes in murine B and T lymphocytes

A prolonged increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+] i) is essential for lymphocyte activation that includes cell proliferation and differentiation. This increase in [Ca 2+] i results from Ca 2+ release from the intracellular store and the subsequent Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular environment via calcium channels located on the plasma membrane. Although transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been reported to play important roles in the [Ca 2+] i increase in lymphocytes, the function of these channels in lymphocyte activation remains unknown. Here, we report the comprehensive expression profile of TRP channel gene families including TRPC, TRPV, and TRPM in the murine immune system. RT-PCR analysis revealed different expression patterns of the TRP channel genes in B and T lymphocytes isolated from the spleen. Therefore, our results provide an appropriate reference of TRP gene expression in murine lymphocytes.

GENE EXPRESSION OF STRETCH‐ACTIVATED CHANNELS AND MECHANOELECTRIC FEEDBACK IN THE HEART

1. Mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) in the heart is the process by which mechanical forces on the myocardium can change its electrical properties. Mechanoelectric feedback has been demonstrated in many animal models, ranging from isolated cells, through isolated hearts to whole animals. In humans, MEF has been demonstrated directly in both the atria and the ventricles. It seems likely that MEF provides either the trigger or the substrate for some types of clinically important arrhythmias. 2. Mechanoelectric feedback may arise because of the presence of stretch-sensitive (or mechano-sensitive) ion channels in the cell membrane of the cardiac myocytes. Two types have been demonstrated: (i) a non-specific cation channel (stretch-activated channel (SAC); conductance of approximately 25 pS); and (ii) a potassium channel with a conductance of approximately 100 pS. The gene coding for the SAC has not yet been identified. The gene for the potassium channel is likely to be TREK, a member of the tandem pore potassium channel gene family. We have recorded stretch-sensitive potassium channels in rat isolated myocytes that have the properties of TREK channels expressed in heterologous systems. 3. It has been shown that TREK mRNA is expressed heterogeneously in the rat ventricular wall, with 17-fold more expression in endocardial compared with epicardial cells. This difference is reflected in the TREK currents recorded from endocardial and epicardial cells using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, although the difference in current density was less pronounced (approximately threefold). Consistent with this, we show here that when the ventricle is stretched by inflation of an intraventricular balloon in a Langendorff perfused rat isolated heart, action potential shortening was more pronounced in the endocardium (30% shortening at 40 mmHg) compared with that in the epicardium (10% shortening at the same pressure). 4. Computer models of the mechanics of the (pig) heart show pronounced spatial variations in strain in the myocardium with large transmural differences (in the left ventricle in particular) and also large differences between the base and apex of the ventricle. 5. The importance of MEF and the non-homogeneous gene expression and strain distribution for arrhythmias is discussed.

Opposite Regulation of Slick and Slack K+Channels by Neuromodulators

Slick (Slo2.1) and Slack (Slo2.2) are two novel members of the mammalian Slo potassium channel gene family that may contribute to the resting potentials of cells and control their basal level of excitability. Slo2 channels have sensors that couple channel activity to the intracellular concentrations of Na+ and Cl- ions (Yuan et al., 2003). We now report that activity of both Slo2 channels is controlled by neuromodulators through Galphaq-protein coupled receptors (GqPCRs) (the M1 muscarinic receptor and the mGluR1 metabotropic glutamate receptor). Experiments coexpressing channels and receptors in Xenopus oocytes show that Slo2.1 and Slo2.2 channels are modulated in opposite ways: Slo2.1 is strongly inhibited, whereas Slo2.2 currents are strongly activated through GqPCR stimulation. Differential regulation involves protein kinase C (PKC); application of the PKC activator PMA, to cells expressing channels but not receptors, inhibits Slo2.1 whole-cell currents and increases Slo2.2 currents. Synthesis of a chimera showed that the distal carboxyl region of Slo2.1 controls the sensitivity of Slo2.1 to PMA. Slo2 channels have widespread expression in brain (Bhattacharjee et al., 2002, 2005). Using immunocytochemical techniques, we show coexpression of Slo2 channels with the GqPCRs in cortical and hippocampal brain sections and in cultured hippocampal neurons. The differential control of these novel channels by neurotransmitters may elicit long-lasting increases or decreases in neuronal excitability and, because of their widespread distribution, may provide a mechanism to activate or repress electrical activity in many systems of the brain.

Genetic segregation of airway disease traits despite redundancy of calcium-activated chloride channel family members

Complex airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exhibit stereotyped traits (especially airway hyperreactivity and mucous cell metaplasia) that are variably expressed in each patient. Here, we used a mouse model for virus-induced long-term expression of these traits to determine whether individual traits can be genetically segregated and thereby linked to separate determinants. We showed that an F2 intercross population derived from susceptible and nonsusceptible mouse strains can manifest individual phenotypic extremes that exhibit one or the other disease trait. Functional genomic analysis of these extremes further indicated that a member of the calcium-activated chloride channel (CLCA) gene family designated mClca3 was inducible with mucous cell metaplasia but not airway hyperreactivity. In confirmation of this finding, we found that mClca3 gene transfer to mouse airway epithelium was sufficient to induce mucous cell metaplasia but not airway hyperreactivity. However, newly developed mClca3(-/-) mice exhibited the same degree of mucous cell metaplasia and airway hyperreactivity as wild-type mice. Bioinformatic analysis of the Clca locus led to the identification of mClca5, and gene transfer indicated that mClca5 also selectively drives mucous cell metaplasia. Thus, in addition to the capacity of CLCA family members to exhibit diverse functional activities, there is also preserved function so that more than one family member mediates mucous cell metaplasia. Nonetheless, Clca expression appears to be a selective determinant of mucous cell metaplasia so that shared homologies between CLCA family members may still represent a useful target for focused therapeutic intervention in hypersecretory airway disease.

Stoichiometry and Pharmacology of Two Human α4β2 Nicotinic Receptor Types

The alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the most abundant nAChR subtype in the brain, where it forms the high-affinity binding site for nicotine. The alpha4beta2 nAChR belongs to a gene family of ligand-gated ion channels that also includes muscle nAChRs, GABAA receptors, and glycine receptors and that assembles into pentameric structures. alpha4 and beta2 nAChR subunits expressed heterologously in Xenopus laevis oocytes assemble into a mixture of high- and low-affinity functional receptors, giving rise to biphasic ACh concentration-response curves (Zwart and Vijverberg, 1998; Buisson and Bertrand, 2001; Houlihan et al., 2001). High- and low-affinity alpha4beta2 nAChRs differ significantly in their functional and pharmacological properties (Zwart and Vijverberg, 1998; Buisson and Bertrand, 2001; Houlihan et al., 2001; Nelson et al., 2003) and result from the assembly of alpha4 and beta2 subunits into two distinct stoichiometric arrangements: (alpha4)2(beta2)3(high-affinity subtype) and (alpha4)3(beta2)2 (low-affinity subtype) (Nelson et al., 2003). In this study we have examined the functional and pharmacological properties of high- and low-affinity alpha4beta2 receptors using two-electrode voltage clamp procedures on Xenopus oocytes transfected with high (1:10) or low (10:1) ratios of alpha4/beta2 cDNAs, which yield high (1:10)- or low (10:1)- affinity receptors with monophasic ACh concentration- response curves. Furthermore, to determine the stoichiometry of high- and low-affinity receptors expressed heterologously by Xenopus oocytes, we have determined the stoichiometry of high- and low-affinity alpha4beta2 receptors by mutating a highly conserved hydrophobic residue in the middle (position 9') of the pore-lining domain, which increases agonist potency in a manner that allows predictions on subunit composition (Cooper et al., 1991; Revah et al., 1991; Labarca et al., 1995; Boorman et al., 2000).

AN INTRODUCTION TO TRP CHANNELS

The aim of this review is to provide a basic framework for understanding the function of mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly as they have been elucidated in heterologous expression systems. Mammalian TRP channel proteins form six-transmembrane (6-TM) cation-permeable channels that may be grouped into six subfamilies on the basis of amino acid sequence homology (TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPA, TRPP, and TRPML). Selected functional properties of TRP channels from each subfamily are summarized in this review. Although a single defining characteristic of TRP channel function has not yet emerged, TRP channels may be generally described as calcium-permeable cation channels with polymodal activation properties. By integrating multiple concomitant stimuli and coupling their activity to downstream cellular signal amplification via calcium permeation and membrane depolarization, TRP channels appear well adapted to function in cellular sensation. Our review of recent literature implicating TRP channels in neuronal growth cone steering suggests that TRPs may function more widely in cellular guidance and chemotaxis. The TRP channel gene family and its nomenclature, the encoded proteins and alternatively spliced variants, and the rapidly expanding pharmacology of TRP channels are summarized in online supplemental material.