Potassium Channel Subunit Research Articles

Targeted deletion of the Kv6.4 subunit causes male sterility due to disturbed spermiogenesis.

Electrically silent voltage-gated potassium (KvS) channel subunits (i.e. Kv5-Kv6 and Kv8-Kv9) do not form functional homotetrameric Kv channels, but co-assemble with Kv2 subunits, generating functional heterotetrameric Kv2--KvS channel complexes in which the KvS subunits modulate the Kv2 channel properties. Several KvS subunits are expressed in testis tissue but knowledge about their contribution to testis physiology is lacking. Here, we report that the targeted deletion of Kv6.4 in a transgenic mouse model (Kcng4-/-) causes male sterility as offspring from homozygous females were only obtained after mating with wild-type (WT) or heterozygous males. Semen quality analysis revealed that the sterility of the homozygous males was caused by a severe reduction in total sperm-cell count and the absence of motile spermatozoa in the semen. Furthermore, spermatozoa of homozygous mice showed an abnormal morphology characterised by a smaller head and a shorter tail compared with WT spermatozoa. Comparison of WT and Kcng4-/- testicular tissue indicated that this inability to produce (normal) spermatozoa was due to disturbed spermiogenesis. These results suggest that Kv6.4 subunits are involved in the regulation of the late stages of spermatogenesis, which makes them a potentially interesting pharmacological target for the development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.

An analysis of the association between a polymorphism rs5219 of KCNJ11 and GFR in CKD development in patients with type 2 diabetes in Russian population

Background. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most serious diabetic complications, which end-stage leads to a dramatic decline of renal function and needs for renal replacement therapy. Due to the progressive nature of CKD and the limited efficacy of treatment for advanced stages the prediction of risks and diagnostics on preclinical stage are of great importance. All of the above determines the high relevance of search for genetic markers predict the chronic kidney disease (CKD) development.The aim of our study was to investigate association between polymorphic marker (PM) of gene involved in insulin secretion with development of CKD in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. Polymorphism of KCNJ11 gene is associated with different phenotypes of glycemic disorders: neonatal diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, reduced insulin secretion and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This gene coding Kir6.2 subunit of ATP-dependent potassium channels. The pathogenesis of it’s involvement in renal damage development referred to the fact that this type of potassium channels found not only in the beta- cells, but also in smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, and therefore might have an effect on risk of vascular complications, including CKD.Materials and methods. We enrolled 444 T2D patients. PM rs5219 in KCNJ11 gene was analysed among patients divided in 2 groups: with and without CKD (n=123/321) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < and ≥ 60 ml/min/1,73m2 calculated by MDRD formula. PM studied using PCR. Differences in alleles/genotypes frequencies were assessed by χ² and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. The study was approved by local ethical committee; informed concern was obtained from all the patients.Results. We studied the main clinical parameters: age, HbA1c, serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, BP between the groups. We observed significant differences in alleles/genotypes distribution of rs5219 in KCNJ11 gene between groups with and without CKD: the prevalence of allele C and genotype CC in patients without CKD: OR=0,53, 95%CI: 0,40-0,72 and OR=0,46, 95%CI: 0,27-0,79, respectively; while allele T and genotype TT did as risk factors: χ²=17,33; р=0,0002; OR=1,87, 95%CI: 1,39-2,53; genotype TT OR=2,39, 95%CI: 1,52-3,76.Conclusions. We conclude that T2D patients might have genetic susceptibility to CKD development caused by polymorphism rs5219 of KCNJ11 gene with protective role of allele C and genotype CC and risk allelе/genotype is T/TT.

Erratum.

Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental ResearchVolume 40, Issue 10 p. 2253-2253 ErratumFree Access Erratum This article corrects the following: G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Subunit 3 Knock-Out Mice Show Enhanced Ethanol Reward Megan E. Tipps, Jonathan D. Raybuck, Laura B. Kozell, K. Matthew Lattal, Kari J. Buck, Volume 40Issue 4Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research pages: 857-864 First Published online: March 25, 2016 First published: 20 September 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13236AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat In the article by Tipps et al., “G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit 3 knock-out mice show enhanced ethanol reward,” 2016, 40:857–864, author C. Contet was omitted from the Herman et al. (2015) reference. The corrected reference is listed below: Herman MA, Sidhu H, Stouffer DG, Kreifeld M, Le D, Gates-Gatto C, Munoz MB, Roberts AJ, Parsons LH, Roberto M, Wickman K, Slesinger PA, Contet C (2015) GIRK3 gates activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway by ethanol. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 112:7091–7096. We apologize for this error. Reference Tipps ME, Raybuck JD, Kozell LB, Lattal KM, Buck KJ (2016) G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit 3 knock-out mice show enhanced ethanol reward. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 40: 857– 864; doi: 10.1111/acer.13012. Volume40, Issue10October 2016Pages 2253-2253 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Abolished perineuronal nets and altered parvalbumin-immunoreactivity in the nucleus reticularis thalami of wildtype and 3xTg mice after experimental stroke

Treatment strategies for ischemic stroke are still limited, since numerous attempts were successful only in preclinical research but failed under clinical condition. To overcome this translational roadblock, clinical relevant stroke models should consider co-morbidities, age-related effects and the complex neurovascular unit (NVU) concept. The NVU includes neurons, vessels and glial cells with astrocytic endfeet in close relation to the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the role of the ECM after stroke-related tissue damage is poorly understood and mostly neglected for treatment strategies. This study is focused on alterations of perineuronal nets (PNs) as ECM constituents and parvalbumin-containing GABAergic neurons in mice with emphasis on the nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) in close proximity to the ischemic lesion as induced by a filament-based stroke model. One day after ischemia onset, immunofluorescence-based quantitative analyses revealed drastically declined PNs in the ischemia-affected NRT from 3- and 12-month-old wildtype and co-morbid triple-transgenic (3xTg) mice with Alzheimer-like alterations. Parvalbumin-positive cells decreased numerically in the ischemia-affected NRT, while staining intensity did not differ between the affected and non-affected hemisphere. Additional qualitative analyses demonstrated ischemia-induced loss of PNs and allocated neuropil ECM immunoreactive for aggrecan and neurocan, and impaired immunoreactivity for calbindin, the potassium channel subunit Kv3.1b and the glutamate decarboxylase isoforms GAD65 and GAD67 in the NRT. In conclusion, these data confirm PNs as highly sensitive constituents of the ECM along with impaired neuronal integrity of GABAergic neurons. Therefore, specific targeting of ECM components might appear as a promising strategy for future treatment strategies in stroke.

Abstract P210: (Pro)Renin Receptor Regulates Potassium Homeostasis via Intrarenal Aldosterone

It has been shown that transgenic overexpression of human (pro)renin receptor (PRR) results in elevated aldosterone (Aldo) level with unclear functional implications. The present study examined a potential role of renal PRR during high K + (HK) loading. In normal SD rats, a 1-week HK intake (5% KCl in diet) induced a 3.4-fold increase in renal protein expression of full-length PRR and 4.2-fold increase in urinary excretion of soluble PRR (sPRR). Administration of PRO20, a decoy peptide antagonist of PRR, at 700 μg/kg/d via i.p. injections, to K + -loaded animals elevated plasma K + level (5.72+0.08 vs. 4.84±0.18 mM, p<0.05) and decreased urinary K + excretion (2.52+0.11 vs. 3.43+0.19 mmol/24h, p<0.05), accompanied with a 26.2% reduction of urinary aldosterone (Aldo) excretion. HK downregulated NCC protein expression (57.8%) and upregulated renal protein expression of aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 (229%), ROMK (156%), calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1 (α-BK) (367%), α-Na + -K + -ATPase (596%), and β-ENaC (155%), all of which were significantly blunted by PRO20 (by 50 - 70%). The same maneuvers were applied to adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. Although plasma Aldo was extremely low and also unresponsive to HK loading, urinary Aldo excretion was elevated by 274% with this treatment, which was abolished by PRO20. The HK-induced responses of the above K + and Na + transporting proteins in ADX rats all persisted and also remained sensitive to PRO20. Additionally, spironolactone treatment in ADX rats was still effective in inhibiting kaliuresis induced by HK loading, resulting in hyperkalemia (Plasma K+: 5.13±0.07 vs. 4.19±0.27 mM, p<0.05). In primary rat IMCD cells, exposure to 10 mM KCl for 24 h augmented PRR protein expression and sPRR release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. HK upregulated Aldo release in parallel with increased CYP11B2 protein expression, which were both attenuated by PRO20 or PRR siRNA. A recombinant sPRR, sPRR-His, stimulated Aldo release and CYP11B2 expression. Taken together, we conclude that HK increased renal PRR expression that stimulates renal synthesis of Aldo that coordinates the response of renal membrane Na + and K + transporting proteins to facilitate K + secretion.

Infantile spasms in down syndrome: Rescue by knockdown of the GIRK2 channel.

The Ts65Dn (Ts) mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) is exquisitely sensitive to an infantile spasms phenotype induced by γ-aminobutyric acidB receptor (GABAB R) agonists. The Ts mouse contains the core genomic triplication of the DS critical region, which includes 3 copies of the Kcnj6 gene that encodes the GABAB R-coupled G protein-coupled inward rectifying potassium channel subunit 2 (GIRK2) channel. We test the hypothesis that GIRK2 is necessary for the GABAB R agonist-induced infantile spasms phenotype in Ts. We assessed the result of either genetic or pharmacological knockdown of the GIRK2 channel in Ts brain upon the GABAB R agonist-induced infantile spasms phenotype in the Ts mouse model of DS. As well, we examined GABAB R currents in hippocampal neurons prepared from GIRK2-trisomic Ts control mice and GIRK2-disomic Ts mice in which Kcnj6 had been genetically knocked down from 3 to 2 copies. The reduction of the copy number of Kcnj6 in Ts mice rescued the GABAB R agonist-induced infantile spasms phenotype. There was an increase in GABAB R-mediated GIRK2 currents in GIRK2-trisomic Ts mouse hippocampal neurons, which were normalized in the GIRK2-disomic Ts mice. Similarly, pharmacological knockdown of the GIRK2 channel in Ts brain using the GIRK antagonist tertiapin-Q also rescued the GABAB R agonist-induced infantile spasms phenotype in Ts mutants. The GABAB R-coupled GIRK2 channel is necessary for the GABAB R agonist-induced infantile spasms phenotype in the Ts mouse and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of infantile spasms in DS. Ann Neurol 2016;80:511-521.

Increased tolerance to stress in cardiac expressed gain-of-function of adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium channel subunit Kir6.1

BackgroundThe adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener diazoxide (DZX) prevents myocyte volume derangement and reduced contractility secondary to stress. KATP channels are composed of pore-forming (Kir6.1 or Kir6.2) and regulatory (sulfonylurea receptor, SUR1 or SUR2) subunits. Gain of function (GOF) of Kir6.1 subunits has been implicated in cardiac pathology in Cantu syndrome in humans (cardiomegaly, lymphedema, and pericardial effusions). We hypothesized that GOF of Kir6.1 subunits would result in altered myocyte response to stress. Materials and methodsIsolated cardiac myocytes from wild type (WT) and transgenic Kir6.1GOF mice were exposed to Tyrode's physiologic solution for 20 min, test solution (Tyrode's or stress [hyperkalemic cardioplegia {CPG, known myocyte stress}] +/− KATP channel opener DZX), followed by Tyrode's for 20 min. Myocyte volume and contractility were measured and compared. ResultsWT myocytes demonstrated significant swelling in response to stress, but significantly less swelling was seen in Kir6.1GOF myocytes. DZX prevented swelling secondary to CPG in WT but resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in swelling in Kir6.1GOF myocytes. Both WT and Kir6.1GOF myocytes demonstrated a reduction in contractility during stress, although this was only significant in Kir6.1GOF myocytes. DZX was not associated with an improvement in contractility in Kir6.1GOF myocytes following stress. ConclusionsSimilar to previous results in Kir6.1(−/−) myocytes, Kir6.1GOF myocytes demonstrate resistance (less volume derangement) to stress of cardioplegia. Understanding the role of Kir6.1 in myocyte response to stress may aid in the treatment of patients with Cantu syndrome and warrants further investigation.

Comment on Beltrand et al. Sulfonylurea Therapy Benefits Neurological and Psychomotor Functions in Patients With Neonatal Diabetes Owing to Potassium Channel Mutations. Diabetes Care 2015;38:2033–2041

Beltrand et al. (1) have conducted a prospective single-center clinical study for assessing neurodevelopmental parameters in 18 patients presenting with neonatal diabetes caused by mutations in KCNJ11 or ABCC8 encoding the two ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) channel subunits who were successfully switched from insulin to sulfonylurea (SU) therapy. A standardized normative test battery called NP-MOT (French Neuromotor Functions in Children) performed by a single examiner was used to evaluate the neuromotor functions and developmental parameters before and after 12 months of SU therapy. At the 12-month examination, several patients experienced an improvement or correction of body and visual-spatial motor abnormalities, tone, and attention deficits, with, however, marked differences according to patient age at inclusion. It is well established that the neuromotor clinical abnormalities and patient long-term …

(Pro)Renin receptor regulates potassium homeostasis through a local mechanism.

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is highly expressed in the distal nephron, but it has an unclear functional implication. The present study was conducted to explore a potential role of renal PRR during high K+ (HK) loading. In normal Sprague-Dawley rats, a 1-wk HK intake increased renal expression of full-length PRR and urinary excretion of soluble PRR (sPRR). Administration of PRO20, a decoy peptide antagonist of PRR, in K+-loaded animals elevated plasma K+ level and decreased urinary K+ excretion, accompanied with suppressed urinary aldosterone excretion and intrarenal aldosterone levels. HK downregulated Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) expression but upregulated CYP11B2 (cytochrome P-450, family 11, subfamily B, polypeptide 2), renal outer medullary K+ channel (ROMK), calcium-activated potassium channel subunit α1 (α-BK), α-Na+-K+-ATPase (α-NKA), and epithelial Na+ channel subunit β (β-ENaC), all of which were blunted by PRO20. After HK loading was completed, urinary, but not plasma renin, was upregulated, which was blunted by PRO20. The same experiments that were performed using adrenalectomized (ADX) rats yielded similar results. Interestingly, spironolactone treatment in HK-loaded ADX rats attenuated kaliuresis but promoted natriuresis, which was associated with the suppressed responses of β-ENaC, α-NKA, ROMK, and α-BK protein expression. Taken together, we discovered a novel role of renal PRR in regulation of K+ homeostasis through a local mechanism involving intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and coordinated regulation of membrane Na+- and K+-transporting proteins.

P.038 A case report of an interesting paraneoplastic voltage-gated channelopathy

Background: Morvan syndrome is an autoimmune paraneoplastic disorder affecting of voltage-gated potassium channels, most commonly the CASPR-2 subunit. The disorder is primarily characterized by hyperexcitability of both the central and peripheral nervous system accompanied by autonomic dysfunction. Clinically, the syndrome manifests as confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, hyperhidrosis, orthostatic hypotension, and muscle cramps with myoclonus. Methods: Patient chart, imaging, electrophysiology, and laboratory findings were reviewed from the time of MS diagnosis and through the course of treatment until symptom resolution. Results: Here we report a case of Morvan Syndrome in a 56 year old male with a previous history of thymic squamous carcinoma accompanied by paraneoplastic myasthenia gravis and myositis. His clinical presentation was notable for subacute onset of muscle cramping, insomnia, which progressed to also include visual and auditory hallucinations. He also had notable dysautonomic symptoms including orthostatic blood pressure changes, sialorrhea, and hyperhidrosis. The diagnosis was confirmed with a positive serum assay for antibodies against the CASPR-2 subunit of voltage-gated potassium channels. Conclusions: This case is notable because to our knowledge it one of the first to document a voltage-gated channelopathy in association with previous thymic cancer (and not thymoma). Moreover, this is a patient presenting with two other other autoimmune syndromes, i.e. myasthenia gravis and myositis.

KCa1.1, a calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha 1, is targeted by miR-17-5p and modulates cell migration in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive, locally invasive, cancer elicited by asbestos exposure and almost invariably a fatal diagnosis. To date, we are one of the leading laboratory that compared microRNA expression profiles in MPM and normal mesothelium samples in order to identify dysregulated microRNAs with functional roles in mesothelioma. We interrogated a significant collection of MPM tumors and normal pleural samples in our biobank in search for novel therapeutic targets.MethodsUtilizing mRNA-microRNA correlations based on differential gene expression using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we systematically combined publicly available gene expression datasets with our own MPM data in order to identify candidate targets for MPM therapy.ResultsWe identified enrichment of target binding sites for the miR-17 and miR-30 families in both MPM tumors and cell lines. RT-qPCR revealed that members of both families were significantly downregulated in MPM tumors and cell lines. Interestingly, lower expression of miR-17-5p (P = 0.022) and miR-20a-5p (P = 0.026) was clearly associated with epithelioid histology. We interrogated the predicted targets of these differentially expressed microRNA families in MPM cell lines, and identified KCa1.1, a calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha 1 encoded by the KCNMA1 gene, as a target of miR-17-5p. KCa1.1 was overexpressed in MPM cells compared to the (normal) mesothelial line MeT-5A, and was also upregulated in patient tumor samples compared to normal mesothelium. Transfection of MPM cells with a miR-17-5p mimic or KCNMA1-specific siRNAs reduced mRNA expression of KCa1.1 and inhibited MPM cell migration. Similarly, treatment with paxilline, a small molecule inhibitor of KCa1.1, resulted in suppression of MPM cell migration.ConclusionThese functional data implicating KCa1.1 in MPM cell migration support our integrative approach using MPM gene expression datasets to identify novel and potentially druggable targets.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-016-0529-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Firing frequency and entrainment maintained in primary auditory neurons in the presence of combined BDNF and NT3.

Primary auditory neurons rely on neurotrophic factors for development and survival. We previously determined that exposure to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) alters the activity of hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih) in this neuronal population. Since potassium channels are sensitive to neurotrophins, and changes in Ih are often accompanied by a shift in voltage-gated potassium currents (IK), this study examined IK with exposure to both BDNF and NT3 and the impact on firing entrainment during high frequency pulse trains. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed significant changes in action potential latency and duration, but no change in firing adaptation or total outward IK. Dendrotoxin-I (DTX-I), targeting voltage-gated potassium channel subunits KV1.1 and KV1.2, uncovered an increase in the contribution of DTX-I sensitive currents with exposure to neurotrophins. No difference in Phrixotoxin-1 (PaTX-1) sensitive currents, mediated by KV4.2 and KV4.3 subunits, was observed. Further, no difference was seen in firing entrainment. These results show that combined BDNF and NT3 exposure influences the contribution of KV1.1 and KV1.2 to the low voltage-activated potassium current (IKL). Whilst this is accompanied by a shift in spike latency and duration, both firing frequency and entrainment to high frequency pulse trains are preserved.

Liver proteome of mice with different genetic susceptibilities to the effects of fluoride.

ABSTRACTA/J and 129P3/J mice strains have been widely studied over the last few years because they respond quite differently to fluoride (F) exposure. 129P3/J mice are remarkably resistant to the development of dental fluorosis, despite excreting less F in urine and having higher circulating F levels. These two strains also present different characteristics regardless of F exposure. Objective In this study, we investigated the differential pattern of protein expression in the liver of these mice to provide insights on why they have different responses to F.Material and Methods Weanling male A/J and 129P3/J mice (n=10 from each strain) were pared and housed in metabolic cages with ad libitum access to low-F food and deionized water for 42 days. Liver proteome profiles were examined using nLC-MS/MS. Protein function was classified by GO biological process (Cluego v2.0.7 + Clupedia v1.0.8) and protein-protein interaction network was constructed (PSICQUIC, Cytoscape).Results Most proteins with fold change were increased in A/J mice. The functional category with the highest percentage of altered genes was oxidation-reduction process (20%). Subnetwork analysis revealed that proteins with fold change interacted with Disks large homolog 4 and Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1. A/J mice had an increase in proteins related to energy flux and oxidative stress.Conclusion This could be a possible explanation for the high susceptibility of these mice to the effects of F, since the exposure also induces oxidative stress.

Formation of Functional Heterodimers by TREK-1 and TREK-2 Two-pore Domain Potassium Channel Subunits

Two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels are the major molecular correlates of the background (leak) K(+) current in a wide variety of cell types. They generally play a key role in setting the resting membrane potential and regulate the response of excitable cells to various stimuli. K2P channels usually function as homodimers, and only a few examples of heteromerization have been previously reported. Expression of the TREK (TWIK-related K(+) channel) subfamily members of K2P channels often overlaps in neurons and in other excitable cells. Here, we demonstrate that heterologous coexpression of TREK-1 and TREK-2 subunits results in the formation of functional heterodimers. Taking advantage of a tandem construct (in which the two different subunits were linked together to enforce heterodimerization), we characterized the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the TREK-1/TREK-2 current. The heteromer was inhibited by extracellular acidification and by spadin similarly to TREK-1, and its ruthenium red sensitivity was intermediate between TREK-1 and TREK-2 homodimers. The heterodimer has also been distinguished from the homodimers by its unique single channel conductance. Assembly of the two different subunits was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged TREK-1 and TREK-2 subunits, coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes. Formation of TREK-1/TREK-2 channels was also demonstrated in native dorsal root ganglion neurons indicating that heterodimerization may provide greater diversity of leak K(+) conductances also in native tissues.

Reduced expression of IA channels is associated with post-ischemic seizures

PurposePost-stroke seizures are considered as a major cause of epilepsy in adults. The pathophysiologic mechanisms resulting in post-stroke seizures are not fully understood. The present study attempted to reveal a new mechanism underlying neuronal hyperexcitability responsible to the seizure development after ischemic stroke. MethodsTransient global ischemia was produced in adult Wistar rats using the 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method. The spontaneous behavioral seizures were defined by the Racine scale III–V. The neuronal death in the brain was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression levels of A-type potassium channels were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. ResultsWe found that the incidence of spontaneous behavioral seizures increased according to the severity of ischemia with 0% after 15-min ischemia and ∼50% after 25-min ischemia. All behavioral seizures occurred with 48h after ischemia. Morphological analysis indicated that brain damage was not correlated with behavioral seizures. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression levels of the A-type potassium channel subunit Kv4.2 was significantly reduced in ischemic brains with behavioral seizures, but not in ischemic brains without seizures. In addition, rats failing to develop spontaneous behavioral seizures within 2days after ischemia were more sensitive to bicuculline-induced seizures at 2 months after ischemia than control rats. Meanwhile, Kv4.2 expression was decreased in brain at 2 months after ischemia. ConclusionOur results demonstrated the reduction of Kv4.2 expression might contribute to the development of post-ischemic seizures and long-term increased seizure susceptibility after ischemia. The mechanisms underlying post-stroke seizures and epilepsy is unknown so far. The down-regulation of IA channels may explained the abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability responsible for the seizure development after ischemic stroke.

SP6616 as a new Kv2.1 channel inhibitor efficiently promotes β-cell survival involving both PKC/Erk1/2 and CaM/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Kv2.1 as a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel subunit has a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, and is believed to be a promising target for anti-diabetic drug discovery, although the mechanism underlying the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell apoptosis is obscure. Here, the small molecular compound, ethyl 5-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2–a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (SP6616) was discovered to be a new Kv2.1 inhibitor. It was effective in both promoting GSIS and protecting β cells from apoptosis. Evaluation of SP6616 on either high-fat diet combined with streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice or db/db mice further verified its efficacy in the amelioration of β-cell dysfunction and glucose homeostasis. SP6616 treatment efficiently increased serum insulin level, restored β-cell mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, and improved oral glucose tolerance. Mechanism study indicated that the promotion of SP6616 on β-cell survival was tightly linked to its regulation against both protein kinases C (PKC)/extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and calmodulin(CaM)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathways. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the underlying pathway responsible for the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell protection. In addition, our study has also highlighted the potential of SP6616 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Nogo-A Neutralization Improves Graft Function in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Transplantation of fetal human ventral mesencephalic (VM) dopaminergic neurons into the striatum is a promising strategy to compensate for the characteristic dopamine deficit observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This therapeutic approach, however, is currently limited by the high number of fetuses needed for transplantation and the poor survival and functional integration of grafted dopaminergic neurons into the host brain. Accumulating evidence indicates that contrasting inhibitory signals endowed in the central nervous system (CNS) might support neuronal regeneration. Hence, in the present study we aimed at improving survival and integration of grafted cells in the host brain by neutralizing Nogo-A, one of the most potent neurite growth inhibitors in the CNS. For that purpose, VM tissue cultures were transplanted into rats with a partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion causing a hemi-PD model and concomitantly treated for 2 weeks with intra-ventricular infusion of neutralizing anti-Nogo-A antibodies. Motor behavior using the cylinder test was assessed prior to and after transplantation as functional outcome. At the end of the experimental period the number of dopaminergic fibers growing into the host brain, the number of surviving dopaminergic neurons in the grafts as well as graft size was examined. We found that anti-Nogo-A antibody infusion significantly improved the asymmetrical forelimb use observed after lesions as compared to controls. Importantly, a significantly three-fold higher dopaminergic fiber outgrowth from the transplants was detected in the Nogo-A antibody treated group as compared to controls. Furthermore, Nogo-A neutralization showed a tendency for increased survival of dopaminergic neurons (by two-fold) in the grafts. No significant differences were observed for graft volume and the number of dopaminergic neurons co-expressing G-protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channel subunit two between groups. In sum, our findings support the view that neutralization of Nogo-A in the host brain may offer a novel and therapeutically meaningful intervention for cell transplantation approaches in PD.

A Kv7.2 mutation associated with early onset epileptic encephalopathy with suppression-burst enhances Kv7/M channel activity.

Mutations in the KCNQ2 gene encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv7.2 cause early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE). Most mutations have been shown to induce a loss of function or to affect the subcellular distribution of Kv7 channels in neurons. Herein, we investigated functional consequences and subcellular distribution of the p.V175L mutation of Kv7.2 (Kv7.2(V175L) ) found in a patient presenting EOEE. We observed that the mutation produced a 25-40 mV hyperpolarizing shift of the conductance-voltage relationship of both the homomeric Kv7.2(V175L) and heteromeric Kv7.2(V175L) /Kv7.3 channels compared to wild-type channels and a 10 mV hyperpolarizing shift of Kv7.2(V175L) /Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels in a 1:1:2 ratio mimicking the patient situation. Mutant channels also displayed faster activation kinetics and an increased current density that was prevented by 1 μm linopirdine. The p.V175L mutation did not affect the protein expression of Kv7 channels and its localization at the axon initial segment. We conclude that p.V175L is a gain of function mutation. This confirms previous observations showing that mutations having opposite consequences on M channels can produce EOEE. These findings alert us that drugs aiming to increase Kv7 channel activity might have adverse effects in EOEE in the case of gain-of-function variants.

G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Subunit 3 Knock-Out Mice Show Enhanced Ethanol Reward.

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels contribute to the effects of a number of drugs of abuse, including ethanol. However, the roles of individual subunits in the rewarding effects of ethanol are poorly understood. We compare conditioned place preference (CPP) in GIRK3 subunit knock-out (GIRK3(-/-)), heterozygote (GIRK3(+/-)), and wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, the development of locomotor tolerance/sensitization and the effects of EtOH intoxication on associative learning (fear conditioning) are also assessed. Our data show significant EtOH CPP in GIRK3(-/-) and GIRK3(+/-) mice, but not in the WT littermates. In addition, we demonstrate that these effects are not due to differences in EtOH metabolism, the development of EtOH tolerance/sensitivity, or associative learning abilities. While there were no consistent genotype differences in the fear conditioning assay, our data do show a selective sensitization of the impairing effects of EtOH intoxication on contextual learning, but no effect on cued learning. These findings suggest that GIRK3 plays a role in EtOH reward. Furthermore, the selectivity of this effect suggests that GIRK channels could be an effective therapeutic target for the prevention and/or treatment of alcoholism.

Kcne2 deletion causes early-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via iron deficiency anemia.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing health problem worldwide, with genetic, epigenetic, and environmental components. Here, we describe the first example of NAFLD caused by genetic disruption of a mammalian potassium channel subunit. Mice with germline deletion of the KCNE2 potassium channel β subunit exhibited NAFLD as early as postnatal day 7. Using mouse genetics, histology, liver damage assays and transcriptomics we discovered that iron deficiency arising from KCNE2-dependent achlorhydria is a major factor in early-onset NAFLD in Kcne2─/─ mice, while two other KCNE2-dependent defects did not initiate NAFLD. The findings uncover a novel genetic basis for NAFLD and an unexpected potential factor in human KCNE2-associated cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis.