Intermediate-conductance KCa3 Research Articles

KCa2 and KCa3.1 Channels in the Airways: A New Therapeutic Target.

K+ channels are involved in many critical functions in lung physiology. Recently, the family of Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) has received more attention, and a massive amount of effort has been devoted to developing selective medications targeting these channels. Within the family of KCa channels, three small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2) channel subtypes, together with the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel, are voltage-independent K+ channels, and they mediate Ca2+-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Many KCa2 channel members are involved in crucial roles in physiological and pathological systems throughout the body. In this article, different subtypes of KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels and their functions in respiratory diseases are discussed. Additionally, the pharmacology of the KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels and the link between these channels and respiratory ciliary regulations will be explained in more detail. In the future, specific modulators for small or intermediate Ca2+-activated K+ channels may offer a unique therapeutic opportunity to treat muco-obstructive lung diseases.

Effects of KCa channels on biological behavior of trophoblasts.

The Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa) channels are involved in many cellular functions, but their roles in trophoblasts are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of KCa channels on the biological behavior of trophoblasts. The localization and expression of the three types of KCa channels, including large-conductance KCa channels (BKCa), intermediate-conductance KCa channels (IKCa), and small-conductance KCa channels (SKCa), were detected in human chorionic villi taken from pregnant women between 5 and 8 weeks of gestation (n = 15) and HTR-8/SVneo cells. The effects of KCa channels on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells were examined by using the activators or inhibitors of KCa channels. Results showed that KCa channels were mainly localized on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of trophoblasts in human chorionic villi and HTR-8/SVneo cells. The proliferation and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells were inhibited by activating KCa channels. Apoptosis of trophoblasts was promoted through activating BKCa channels but was not affected by neither activating nor inhibiting IKCa and SKCa channels. This study substantiated the abovementioned biological roles of KCa channels in trophoblast cells, which is fundamental to further research on whether dysfunction of KCa channels is involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related complications.

Effect of Dietary Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) on Function and Mechanics of Skeletal Muscle Arteries from Aged Mice

Ageing is associated with a decline in vascular function and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Dietary NMN, an NAD+ precursor, increases muscle vascularity, blood flow and exercise performance in aged mice 1. This study determined the effects of dietary NMN on endothelium‐dependent dilation (EDD) and vascular stiffness in skeletal muscle arteries isolated from aged mice. Male and female C57BL/6J mice received NMN (400 mg/kg) in drinking water for 8–10 weeks; mice were ~97 weeks old at the end of the treatment period. Segments of the saphenous and gracilis muscle arteries (SA and GMA respectively) were removed. Functional responses were examined using pressure myography. SA and some GMA were pre‐constricted with phenylephrine. Pressure‐induced myogenic tone was enhanced in GMA from NMN‐treated male mice. NMN treatment enhanced EDD in the GMA of both male and female mice as measured by a leftward shift in the pEC50 of acetylcholine concentration‐response curves. EDD in the SA from either sex was not altered by NMN treatment. NMN treatment also did not affect responses to the endothelium‐independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside in either artery, from either sex. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L‐NAME (100 μM) strongly inhibited EDD in the SA but caused only minor inhibition of EDD in the GMA, from both sexes. In the GMA from both sexes, EDD was significantly inhibited by blockers of Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channels (KCa). Analysis of relative EC50‐shift suggested intermediate‐conductance‐KCa (IKCa)‐mediated vasodilation was enhanced in the GMA from NMN‐treated mice. Stress‐strain relationships were obtained from arteries under passive conditions, over the pressure‐range 5–120 mmHg. Analysis of these relationships showed NMN treatment increased compliance of GMA, but not SA, from both sexes. SA from female mice were less compliant than SA from male mice, regardless of NMN treatment. These studies suggest NMN treatment can enhance EDD, decrease arterial stiffness and improve blood flow autoregulation in small resistance (GMA) arteries, but not larger conduit (SA) arteries in skeletal muscle from aged mice. The increased EDD may be due to increased IKCa‐mediated vasodilation, but not increased nitric oxide‐mediated effects. These changes may contribute to the enhanced muscle blood flow and exercise performance observed in aged NMN‐treated mice.

The activity of IKCa and BKCa channels contributes to insulin-mediated NO synthesis and vascular tone regulation in human umbilical vein

Insulin regulates the l-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), increasing the plasma membrane expression of the l-arginine transporter hCAT-1 and inducing vasodilation in umbilical and placental veins. Placental vascular relaxation induced by insulin is dependent of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa), but the role of KCa channels on l-arginine transport and NO synthesis is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of KCa channels in both insulin-induced l-arginine transport and NO synthesis, and its relationship with placental vascular relaxation. HUVECs, human placental vein endothelial cells (HPVECs) and placental veins were freshly isolated from umbilical cords and placenta from normal pregnancies. Cells or tissue were incubated in absence or presence of insulin and/or tetraethylammonium, 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole, iberiotoxin or NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. l-Arginine uptake, plasma membrane polarity, NO levels, hCAT-1 expression and placenta vascular reactivity were analyzed. The inhibition of intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa) and BKCa increases l-arginine uptake, which was related with protein abundance of hCAT-1 in HUVECs. IKCa and BKCa activities contribute to NO-synthesis induced by insulin but are not directly involved in insulin-stimulated l-arginine uptake. Long term incubation (8 h) with insulin increases the plasma membrane hyperpolarization and hCAT-1 expression in HUVECs and HPVECs. Insulin-induced relaxation in placental vasculature was reversed by KCa inhibition. The results show that the activity of IKCa and BKCa channels are relevant for both physiological regulations of NO synthesis and vascular tone regulation in the human placenta, acting as a part of negative feedback mechanism for autoregulation of l-arginine transport in HUVECs.

Calcium-activated potassium channel family in coronary artery bypass grafts

ObjectivesWe examined the expression, distribution, and contribution to vasodilatation of the calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channel family in the commonly used coronary artery bypass graft internal thoracic artery (ITA) and saphenous vein (SV) to understand the role of large conductance KCa (BKCa), intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa), and small-conductance KCa (SKCa) channel subtypes in graft dilating properties determined by endothelium-smooth muscle interaction that is essential to the postoperative performance of the graft. MethodsReal-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were employed to detect the messenger RNA and protein level of KCa channel subtypes. Distribution of KCa channel subtypes was examined by immunohistochemistry. KCa subtype-mediated vasorelaxation was studied using wire myography. ResultsBoth ITA and SV express all KCa channel subtypes with each subtype distributed in both endothelium and smooth muscle. ITA and SV do not differ in the overall expression level of each KCa channel subtype, corresponding to comparable relaxant responses to respective subtype activators. In ITA, BKCa is more abundantly expressed in smooth muscle than in endothelium, whereas SKCa exhibits more abundance in the endothelium. In comparison, SV shows even distribution of KCa channel subtypes in the 2 layers. The BKCa subtype in the KCa family plays a significant role in vasodilatation of ITA, whereas its contribution in SV is quite limited. ConclusionsKCa family is abundantly expressed in ITA and SV. There are differences between these 2 grafts in the abundance of KCa channel subtypes in the endothelium and the smooth muscle. The significance of the BKCa subtype in vasodilatation of ITA may suggest the potential of development of BKCa modulators for the prevention and treatment of ITA spasm during/after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Pharmacology of Small- and Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels.

The three small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa2) channels and the related intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel are voltage-independent K+ channels that mediate calcium-induced membrane hyperpolarization. When intracellular calcium increases in the channel vicinity, it calcifies the flexible N lobe of the channel-bound calmodulin, which then swings over to the S4-S5 linker and opens the channel. KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels are highly druggable and offer multiple binding sites for venom peptides and small-molecule blockers as well as for positive- and negative-gating modulators. In this review, we briefly summarize the physiological role of KCa channels and then discuss the pharmacophores and the mechanism of action of the most commonly used peptidic and small-molecule KCa2 and KCa3.1 modulators. Finally, we describe the progress that has been made in advancing KCa3.1 blockers and KCa2.2 negative- and positive-gating modulators toward the clinic for neurological and cardiovascular diseases and discuss the remaining challenges.

Hyperhomocysteinemia potentiates diabetes-impaired EDHF-induced vascular relaxation: Role of insufficient hydrogen sulfide

Insufficient hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated in Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-related cardiovascular complications. We investigated the role of H2S in T2DM and HHcy-induced endothelial dysfunction in small mesenteric artery (SMA) of db/db mice fed a high methionine (HM) diet. HM diet (8 weeks) induced HHcy in both T2DM db/db mice and non-diabetic db/+ mice (total plasma Hcy: 48.4 and 31.3 µM, respectively), and aggravated the impaired endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor (EDHF)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), determined by the presence of eNOS inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and prostacyclin (PGI2) inhibitor indomethacin (INDO), in SMA from db/db mice but not that from db/+ mice. A non-selective Ca2+-active potassium channel (KCa) opener NS309 rescued T2DM/HHcy-impaired EDHF-mediated vascular relaxation to ACh. EDHF-induced relaxation to ACh was inhibited by a non-selective KCa blocker TEA and intermediate-conductance KCa blocker (IKCa) Tram-34, but not by small-conductance KCa (SKCa) blocker Apamin. HHcy potentiated the reduction of free sulfide, H2S and cystathionine γ-lyase protein, which converts L-cysteine to H2S, in SMA of db/db mice. Importantly, a stable H2S donor DATS diminished the enhanced O2- production in SMAs and lung endothelial cells of T2DM/HHcy mice. Antioxidant PEG-SOD and DATS improved T2DM/HHcy impaired relaxation to ACh. Moreover, HHcy increased hyperglycemia-induced IKCa tyrosine nitration in human micro-vascular endothelial cells. EDHF-induced vascular relaxation to L-cysteine was not altered, whereas such relaxation to NaHS was potentiated by HHcy in SMA of db/db mice which was abolished by ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker Glycolamide but not by KCa blockers. ConclusionsIntermediate HHcy potentiated H2S reduction via CSE-downregulation in microvasculature of T2DM mice. H2S is justified as an EDHF. Insufficient H2S impaired EDHF-induced vascular relaxation via oxidative stress and IKCa inactivation in T2DM/HHcy mice. H2S therapy may be beneficial for prevention and treatment of micro-vascular complications in patients with T2DM and HHcy.

Activity-Dependent Facilitation of CaV1.3 Calcium Channels Promotes KCa3.1 Activation in Hippocampal Neurons.

CaV1 L-type calcium channels are key to regulating neuronal excitability, with the range of functional roles enhanced by interactions with calmodulin, accessory proteins, or CaMKII that modulate channel activity. In hippocampal pyramidal cells, a prominent elevation of CaV1 activity is apparent in late channel openings that can last for seconds following a depolarizing stimulus train. The current study tested the hypothesis that a reported interaction among CaV1.3 channels, the scaffolding protein densin, and CaMKII could generate a facilitation of channel activity that outlasts a depolarizing stimulus. We found that CaV1.3 but not CaV1.2 channels exhibit a long-duration calcium-dependent facilitation (L-CDF) that lasts up to 8 s following a brief 50 Hz stimulus train, but only when coexpressed with densin and CaMKII. To test the physiological role for CaV1.3 L-CDF, we coexpressed the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 potassium channel, revealing a strong functional coupling to CaV1.3 channel activity that was accentuated by densin and CaMKII. Moreover, the CaV1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction gave rise to an outward tail current of up to 8 s duration following a depolarizing stimulus in both tsA-201 cells and male rat CA1 pyramidal cells. A slow afterhyperpolarization in pyramidal cells was reduced by a selective block of CaV1 channels by isradipine, a CaMKII blocker, and siRNA knockdown of densin, and spike frequency increased upon selective block of CaV1 channel conductance. The results are important in revealing a CaV1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction that extends the contribution of CaV1.3 calcium influx to a time frame well beyond a brief input train.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT CaV1 L-type calcium channels play a key role in regulating the output of central neurons by providing calcium influx during repetitive inputs. This study identifies a long-duration calcium-dependent facilitation (L-CDF) of CaV1.3 channels that depends on the scaffolding protein densin and CaMKII and that outlasts a depolarizing stimulus by seconds. We further show a tight functional coupling between CaV1.3 calcium influx and the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 potassium channel that promotes an outward tail current of up to 8 s following a depolarizing stimulus. Tests in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells reveal that a slow AHP is reduced by blocking different components of the CaV1.3-densin-CaMKII interaction, identifying an important role for CaV1.3 L-CDF in regulating neuronal excitability.

5,6-δ-DHTL, a stable metabolite of arachidonic acid, is a potential EDHF that mediates microvascular dilation

ObjectiveProminent among the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs) are the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase-derived arachidonic acid metabolites—the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), that are known as vasodilators in the microcirculation. Among the EET isomers, 5,6-EET undergoes rapid lactonization in aqueous solution to the more stable 5,6-δ DHTL (5,6-dihydroxytrienoic lactone) isomer. It is unclear whether this metabolic transformation maintains its vasodilator potential and what is the mechanism of action. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of the lactone isomer, 5,6- δ DHTL, to induce dilation of arterioles and explore the endothelial Ca2+ response mechanism. Approach and resultsIn isolated human microvessels 5,6- δ DHTL induced a dose dependent vasodilation, that was inhibited by mechanical denudation of the endothelial layer. This 5,6- δ DHTL -dependent dilation was partially reduced in the presence of L-NAME (NOS inhibitor) or the NO-scavenger, cPTIO (by 19.7%, which was not statistically significantly). In human endothelial cells, 5,6- δ DHTL induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) in a dose dependent manner. This increase in [Ca2+]i was similar to that induced by the 5,6-EET isomer, and significantly higher than observed by administering the hydrolytic dihydroxy isomer, 5,6-DHET. Further experiments aimed to investigate the mechanism of action revealed, that the 5,6-δ DHTL-mediated ([Ca2+]i elevation was reduced by IP3 and ryanodine antagonists, but not by antagonists to the TRPV4 membrane channel. Similar to their effect on the dilation response in the arteries, NO inhibitors reduced the 5,6-δ DHTL-mediated ([Ca2+]i elevation by 20%. Subsequent 5,6-δ DHTL -dependent K+ ion efflux from endothelial cells, was abolished by the inhibition of small and intermediate conductance KCa. ConclusionsThe present study shows that 5,6-δ DHTL is a potential EDHF, that dilates microvessels through a mechanism that involves endothelial dependent Ca2+ entry, requiring endothelial hyperpolarization. These results suggest the existence of additional lactone-containing metabolites that can be derived from the PUFA metabolism and which may function as novel EDHFs.

Validation of KCa3.1 Channel Small Molecules Interaction Sites Predicted by Rosetta

The calcium-activated intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel is an effective regulator of intracellular calcium and an attractive pharmacological target for immunosuppression, fibroproliferative disorders, hypertension and various neurological diseases. However, the development of drugs for this medically relevant channel is hindered by the unavailability of a crystal structure useful for structure-guided drug design. Using the Rosetta modeling method we generated a homology model of the KCa3.1 channel transmembrane region using the Kv1.2-Kv2.1 channel structure (pdb id: 2R9R) as a template. Docking of known KCa3.1 small molecule blockers into the KCa3.1 model, identified, surprisingly, two independent sites for the dihydropyridine nifedipine and for its isoster methyl-5-acetyl-4-(4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-4H-pyran-3-carboxylate. While nifedipine is predicted to bind in the fenestration between the pore-lining S5 and S6 segments, the pyran isoster has its lowest energy binding configurations in the inner pore region. We validated these predictions via site-directed mutagenesis and patch-clamp recording. Blocking of KCa3.1 by nifedipine was significantly reduced by replacing the side chains at the fenestration positions L209, T212 and V272 with either alanine or valine. Replacement with bulkier phenylalanines confirmed T212 and V272 as the main interacting sites for nifedipine without compromising the affinity of inner pore blockers like TRAM-34 or the 4-phenyl pyran. In contrast, the inner pore T250S and V275A mutants, which are known to nullify TRAM-34 binding disrupted binding of the 4-phenyl pyran but did not interfere with nifedipine binding. We conclude that the Rosetta modeling approach can be useful to distinguish the molecular mechanisms of action of KCa channel modulators and has promising potential in guiding the development of clinically relevant drugs.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide on voltage-dependent K+currents in human cardiac fibroblasts through protein kinase pathways

Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) have various voltage-dependent K+ channels (VDKCs) that can induce apoptosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modulates VDKCs and induces oxidative stress, which is the main contributor to cardiac injury and cardiac remodeling. We investigated whether H2O2 could modulate VDKCs in HCFs and induce cell injury through this process. In whole-cell mode patch-clamp recordings, application of H2O2 stimulated Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) currents but not delayed rectifier K+ or transient outward K+ currents, all of which are VDKCs. H2O2-stimulated KCa currents were blocked by iberiotoxin (IbTX, a large conductance KCa blocker). The H2O2-stimulating effect on large-conductance KCa (BKCa) currents was also blocked by KT5823 (a protein kinase G inhibitor) and 1 H-[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo-[4, 3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor). In addition, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) stimulated BKCa currents. In contrast, KT5720 and H-89 (protein kinase A inhibitors) did not block the H2O2-stimulating effect on BKCa currents. Using RT-PCR and western blot analysis, three subtypes of KCa channels were detected in HCFs: BKCa channels, small-conductance KCa (SKCa) channels, and intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa) channels. In the annexin V/propidium iodide assay, apoptotic changes in HCFs increased in response to H2O2, but IbTX decreased H2O2-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that among the VDKCs of HCFs, H2O2 only enhances BKCa currents through the protein kinase G pathway but not the protein kinase A pathway, and is involved in cell injury through BKCa channels.

Abstract 272: Hyperhomocysteinemia Potentiated the Impairment of Hydrogen Sulfide-induced Endothelium-derived Hyperpolarization-mediated Vascular Relaxation in Diabetic Db/db Mice

Background: Cumulative evidence indicates that plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level is positively correlated with cardiovascular mortality in Type 2 diabetic patients. Aims: To explore the effects and mechanisms of elevated plasma Hcy level[[Unable to Display Character: ―]] hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on endothelial function in db/db mice. Methods and Results: HHcy was induced in diabetic db/db and non-diabetic db/+ mice fed with a high methionine diet (HM, 2% methionine) for 8 weeks (plasma tHcy=54.31±5.4 and 34.21±4.15 μM). Endothelial function was examined in small mesenteric arteries (SMA) using myographs. In non-diabetic mice, HHcy did not change vascular relaxation to acetylcholine (Ach); whereas, nitric oxide (NO)- and prostacyclin (PGI2)-mediated relaxation to Ach were impaired. Interestingly, endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor (EDHF)-mediated relaxation to Ach was improved. In diabetic mice, HHcy potentiated the impairment of NO-, PGI2- and EDHF-mediated relaxation to Ach. Moreover, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), induced EDHF-mediated relaxation which was impaired in diabetic mice and potentiated by HHcy. NS309, a non-specific calcium-activated potassium channel (Kca) activator, significantly improved H2S- and Ach-induced EDHF-mediated relaxation in diabetic mice with HHcy. Tram-34, an intermediate conductance Kca (IK) blocker, but not small conductance Kca blocker apamin, diminished HHcy-induced impairment of EDHF-mediated relaxation in diabetic mice, suggesting that IK inactivation plays a major role. Free sulfide was decreased in plasma and SMA of diabetic mice which was potentiated with HHcy. Superoxide generation was increased and potentiated by HHcy in lung ECs from diabetic mice. Moreover, PEG-SOD improved vascular relaxation in diabetic mice with HHcy. Finally, tyrosine nitration of IK was increased in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) treated with either D-glucose (25 mM) or DL-Hcy (500 μM) for 48h, which was potentiated by a combination of D-glucose and DL-Hcy. Conclusions: H2S is a major EDHF in resistant arteries in mouse. H2S-contributed EDHF-mediated vascular relaxation was impaired in diabetes and was potentiated by HHcy via oxidative stress and IK inactivation.

Evidence for functional and dynamic microcompartmentation of Cav-1/TRPV4/KCa in caveolae of endothelial cells

Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) play a pivotal role in the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. For activation, KCa depend on an increase of intracellular calcium which is substantially mediated by Ca2+-permeable cation channels including the transient receptor potential V4 (TRPV4). It has been proposed that KCa and Ca2+-permeable cation channels may be clustered in localized positions within the cell membrane to form functional units and that caveolae may constitute the scaffolding for such microcompartmental organization. Here, we sought to elucidate the composition and functional relevance of these microcompartments in vitro and in vivo. We show that TRPV4 and small-conductance KCa2.3 are enriched in caveolae of human microvascular endothelial cells. Using immunoprecipitation, immunocytology and superresolution microscopy, we found a caveolae-dependent association between caveolin-1, TRPV4 and small conductance KCa2.3, but not intermediate conductance KCa3.1, in endothelial cells under static condition. Mechanical stimulation of cells via exposure to shear stress led to a partial de-novo colocalization of KCa3.1 with Cav-1 and TRPV4. In a mouse model of genetic Cav-1 deficiency, we found significantly reduced KCa-mediated currents as determined by patch-clamping in carotid artery endothelial cells (CAEC) from Cav-1−/− mice compared to wildtype. Functionally, Cav-1 deficiency was associated with impaired endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated vasodilation in response to shear stress and acetylcholine. In summary, our findings provide evidence for a dynamic microcompartmentation of TRPV4/KCa in caveolae of endothelial cells and highlight the importance of Cav-1 for endothelial KCa functions and flow-induced vasodilation.

Inhibitory actions by ibandronate sodium, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on calcium-activated potassium channels in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates used for management of the patients with osteoporosis were reported to influence the function of renal tubular cells. However, how nitrogen-containing bisphosphates exert any effects on ion currents remains controversial. The effects of ibandronate (Iban), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on ionic channels, including two types of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels, namely, large-conductance KCa (BKCa) and intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa) channels, were investigated in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In whole-cell current recordings, Iban suppressed the amplitude of voltage-gated K+ current elicited by long ramp pulse. Addition of Iban caused a reduction of BKCa channels accompanied by a right shift in the activation curve of BKCa channels, despite no change in single-channel conductance. Ca2+ sensitivity of these channels was modified in the presence of this compound; however, the magnitude of Iban-mediated decrease in BKCa-channel activity under membrane stretch with different negative pressure remained unchanged. Iban suppressed the probability of BKCa-channel openings linked primarily to a shortening in the slow component of mean open time in these channels. The dissociation constant needed for Iban-mediated suppression of mean open time in MDCK cells was 12.2 μM. Additionally, cell exposure to Iban suppressed the activity of IKCa channels, and DC-EBIO or 9-phenanthrol effectively reversed its suppression. Under current-clamp configuration, Iban depolarized the cells and DC-EBIO or PF573228 reversed its depolarizing effect. Taken together, the inhibitory action of Iban on KCa-channel activity may contribute to the underlying mechanism of pharmacological or toxicological actions of Iban and its structurally similar bisphosphonates on renal tubular cells occurring in vivo.

Validation of KCa3.1 Channel Nifedipine Interaction Site Predicted by Rosetta Modeling Method

Calcium-activated potassium channels, including the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel and the related small-conductance KCa2 channels, monitor and regulate intracellular calcium and are ideal pharmacological targets for immunosuppression, fibroproliferative disorders, hypertension and various neurological diseases. However, the development of drugs specifically for these medically relevant channels faces serious challenges because there is no available crystal structure that could be used for structure-assisted drug design. We used the Kv1.2-Kv2.1 channel structure (pdb id: 2R9R) as a template to generate a homology model of the KCa3.1 channel transmembrane region using the Rosetta modeling method. Docking of small molecules that are known to block KCa3.1 channel currents using Rosetta generated structural models of channel - drug complexes that can be validated using experimental approaches. Here we report the validation of the binding sites for the dihydropyridine nifedipine predicted by Rosetta's lowest energy stimulation of the KCa3.1 channel complex. We used a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and electrophysiological patch-clamp recording to test the identified amino acid residues located between the pore lining S5 and S6 segment. Blocking of the KCa3.1 channel by nifedipine was reduced by altering the side chains at positions L209, T212 and V278 to either alanine or valine, with T212 the most affected residue. Bulkier side-chain change to phenylalanine confirmed T212 as the main interacting site for nifedipine without compromising the channel's affinity for TRAM-34. Thus, by correctly identified the interaction of the dihydropyridine nifedipine with the KCa3.1 channel complex, Rosetta models can be used to understand the molecular mechanism of action of KCa channel blockers and gating modulators and assist with drug design efforts.

Upregulation of SK3 and IK1 channels contributes to the enhanced endothelial calcium signaling and the preserved coronary relaxation in obese Zucker rats.

Background and AimsEndothelial small- and intermediate-conductance KCa channels, SK3 and IK1, are key mediators in the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and also in the modulation of endothelial Ca2+ signaling and nitric oxide (NO) release. Obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired relaxation, although how obesity influences endothelial SK3/IK1 function is unclear. Therefore we assessed whether the role of these channels in the coronary circulation is altered in obese animals.Methods and ResultsIn coronary arteries mounted in microvascular myographs, selective blockade of SK3/IK1 channels unmasked an increased contribution of these channels to the ACh- and to the exogenous NO- induced relaxations in arteries of Obese Zucker Rats (OZR) compared to Lean Zucker Rats (LZR). Relaxant responses induced by the SK3/IK1 channel activator NS309 were enhanced in OZR and NO- endothelium-dependent in LZR, whereas an additional endothelium-independent relaxant component was found in OZR. Fura2-AM fluorescence revealed a larger ACh-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in the endothelium of coronary arteries from OZR, which was inhibited by blockade of SK3/IK1 channels in both LZR and OZR. Western blot analysis showed an increased expression of SK3/IK1 channels in coronary arteries of OZR and immunohistochemistry suggested that it takes place predominantly in the endothelial layer.ConclusionsObesity may induce activation of adaptive vascular mechanisms to preserve the dilator function in coronary arteries. Increased function and expression of SK3/IK1 channels by influencing endothelial Ca2+ dynamics might contribute to the unaltered endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation in the early stages of obesity.

Preserved regulation of renal perfusion pressure by small and intermediate conductance KCa channels in hypertensive mice with or without renal failure.

The purpose of this study was to assess, in the murine kidney, the mechanisms underlying the endothelium-dependent control of vascular tone and whether or not, in a severe model of hypertension and renal failure, KCa channels contribute to its regulation. Wild-type (BL) and double-transgenic female mice expressing human angiotensinogen and renin (AR) genes received either control or a high-salt diet associated to a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor treatment (BLSL and ARSL). Changes in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) were measured in isolated perfused kidneys. BLSL and AR were moderately hypertensive without kidney disease while ARSL developed severe hypertension and renal failure. In the four groups, methacholine induced biphasic endothelium-dependent responses, a transient decrease in RPP followed by a cyclooxygenase-dependent increase in RPP. In the presence or not of indomethacin, the vasodilatations were poorly sensitive to NO synthase inhibition. However, in the presence of cyclooxygenase and NO synthase inhibitors, apamin, and/or TRAM-34, blockers of KCa2.3 and KCa3.1, respectively, abolished the decrease in RPP in response to either methacholine or the two activators of KCa2.3/KCa3.1, NS309, and SKA-31. Thus, KCa2/3 channels play a major role in the regulation of murine kidney perfusion and this mechanism is maintained in hypertension, even when severe and associated with kidney damage.

Structural Modeling of KCa3.1 Channel Interaction with Small Molecules

The intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel and the related small-conductance KCa2 channels constitute potential pharmacological targets for immunosuppression, fibroproliferative disorders, hypertension and various neurological diseases. However, there currently is no available crystal structure or molecular model of these medically relevant targets that could be used for structure-assisted drug design. We used the Kv1.2-Kv2.1 channel structure (pdb id: 2R9R) as a template to generate a homology model of the KCa3.1 channel transmembrane region with the Rosetta modeling method. Docking of small molecules that are known to block KCa3.1 channel currents using Rosetta Dock generated structural channel - drug complexes that can be validated using experimental approaches. The lowest energy confirmation of the KCa3.1 channel complex with TRAM-34 identified T250 and V275 as interaction sites, two residues which had been previously demonstrated to completely abolish triarylmethane sensitivity when mutated to the corresponding residues in KCa2.3 channel. The model further correctly identified the interaction of the benzothiazinone-type KCa3.1 channel blocker NS6180 with T250 and V275 in KCa3.1 channel and modeled binding of the negative KCa2 channel gating modulator NS8593 to a KCa3.1-T250S- V275A mutant channel, which is blocked more potently by NS8593 than the WT-KCa2.3 channel. For the dihydropyridine nifedipine, which blocks KCa3.1 channels with low micromolar activity, the Rosetta model suggested a receptor site located between the pore lining S5 and S6 segment in agreement with available experimental data showing that nifedipine does not interact with T250 in the selectivity filter. The Rosetta KCa2/3 channel models can be used to understand the molecular mechanism of action of KCa channel blockers and gating modulators and assist with drug design efforts. Supported by RO1 GM076063 (to H.W.) and UC Davis startup (to V.Y-Y.).

Vasorelaxant action of an ethylacetate fraction of Euphorbia humifusa involves NO-cGMP pathway and potassium channels

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEuphorbia humifusa Willd. (EH) is an important traditional Chinese medicine that has commonly been used for treating bacillary dysentery and enteritis in many Asian countries for thousands of years. EH has a wide variety of pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, hypotensive, and hypolipidemic effects. However, the mechanisms involved are to be defined. Aim of the studyThe present study was performed to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of EH in rats. Materials and methodsMethanol extract of EH (MEH) and ethylacetate fraction of the MEH (EEH) was examined for their vascular relaxant effects in phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings. Effects of EEH on systolic blood pressure and heart rate were tested in Sprague–Dawley rats. ResultsMEH and EEH induced vasorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Endothelium-denudation abolished the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. Pretreatment of the endothelium-intact aortic rings with NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly inhibited the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. EEH increased cGMP levels of the aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner and the effect was blocked by l-NAME or ODQ. Extracellular Ca2+ depletion and treatments with thapsigargin, Gd3+, and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate significantly attenuated the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. Wortmannin markedly attenuated the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. In addition, tetraethylammonium, iberiotoxin, and charybdotoxin, but not apamin, attenuated the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. Glibenclamide, indomethacin, atropine, and propranolol had no effects on the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. Furthermore, EEH decreased systolic blood pressure and heart rate in a concentration-dependent manner in rats. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that EEH induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation via eNOS-NO-cGMP signaling through the modification of intracellular Ca2+, Ca2+ entry, and large- and intermediate-conductance KCa channel homeostasis. The data also suggest that the Akt-eNOS pathway is involved in the EEH-induced vasorelaxation. EEH induces hypotension and bradycardia in vivo.

The Intermediate Conductance Calcium-activated Potassium Channel KCa3.1 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation via Controlling Calcium-dependent Signaling

The intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 contributes to a variety of cell activation processes in pathologies such as inflammation, carcinogenesis, and vascular remodeling. We examined the electrophysiological and transcriptional mechanisms by which KCa3.1 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF)-induced proliferation of human coronary artery VSMCs was attenuated by lowering intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and was enhanced by elevating [Ca(2+)]i. KCa3.1 blockade or knockdown inhibited proliferation by suppressing the rise in [Ca(2+)]i and attenuating the expression of phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), c-Fos, and neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1). This antiproliferative effect was abolished by elevating [Ca(2+)]i. KCa3.1 overexpression induced VSMC proliferation, and potentiated PDGF-induced proliferation, by inducing CREB phosphorylation, c-Fos, and NOR-1. Pharmacological stimulation of KCa3.1 unexpectedly suppressed proliferation by abolishing the expression and activity of KCa3.1 and PDGF β-receptors and inhibiting the rise in [Ca(2+)]i. The stimulation also attenuated the levels of phosphorylated CREB, c-Fos, and cyclin expression. After KCa3.1 blockade, the characteristic round shape of VSMCs expressing high l-caldesmon and low calponin-1 (dedifferentiation state) was maintained, whereas KCa3.1 stimulation induced a spindle-shaped cellular appearance, with low l-caldesmon and high calponin-1. In conclusion, KCa3.1 plays an important role in VSMC proliferation via controlling Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways, and its modulation may therefore constitute a new therapeutic target for cell proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis.