Role Of Kv1 Research Articles

Effects of Kv1.3 knockout on pyramidal neuron excitability and synaptic plasticity in piriform cortex of mice.

Kv1.3 belongs to the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel family, which is widely expressed in the central nervous system and associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Kv1.3 is highly expressed in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex and involved in the process of odor perception and nutrient metabolism in animals. Previous studies have explored the function of Kv1.3 in olfactory bulb, while the role of Kv1.3 in piriform cortex was less known. In this study, we investigated the neuronal changes of piriform cortex and feeding behavior after smell stimulation, thus revealing a link between the olfactory sensation and body weight in Kv1.3 KO mice. Coronal slices including the anterior piriform cortex were prepared, whole-cell recording and Ca2+ imaging of pyramidal neurons were conducted. We showed that the firing frequency evoked by depolarization pulses and Ca2+ influx evoked by high K+ solution were significantly increased in pyramidal neurons of Kv1.3 knockout (KO) mice compared to WT mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the downstream signaling molecules CaMKII and PKCα were activated in piriform cortex of Kv1.3 KO mice. Pyramidal neurons in Kv1.3 KO mice exhibited significantly reduced paired-pulse ratio and increased presynaptic Cav2.1 expression, proving that the presynaptic vesicle release might be elevated by Ca2+ influx. Using Golgi staining, we found significantly increased dendritic spine density of pyramidal neurons in Kv1.3 KO mice, supporting the stronger postsynaptic responses in these neurons. In olfactory recognition and feeding behavior tests, we showed that Kv1.3 conditional knockout or cannula injection of 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy) psoralen, a Kv1.3 channel blocker, in piriform cortex both elevated the olfactory recognition index and altered the feeding behavior in mice. In summary, Kv1.3 is a key molecule in regulating neuronal activity of the piriform cortex, which may lay a foundation for the treatment of diseases related to piriform cortex and olfactory detection.

Kv1.3 Blockade Alleviates White Matter Injury through Reshaping M1/M2 Phenotypes via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway after Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

White matter injury (WMI) in basal ganglia usually induces long-term disability post intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Kv1.3 is an ion channel expressed in microglia and induces neuroinflammation after ICH. Here, we investigated the functions and roles of Kv1.3 activation-induced inflammatory response in WMI and the Kv1.3 blockade effect on microglia polarization after ICH. Mice ICH model was constructed by autologous blood injection. The expression of Kv1.3 was measured using immunoblot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunostaining assays. Then, the effect of administration of 5-(4-Phenoxybutoxy) psoralen (PAP-1), a selectively pharmacological Kv1.3 blocker, was investigated using open field test (OFT) and basso mouse score (BMS). RT-qPCR, immunoblot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were taken to elucidate the expression of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory factors around hematoma. PAP-1's function in regulating microglia polarization was investigated using immunoblot, RT-qPCR, and immunostaining assays. The downstream PAP-1 signaling pathway was determined by RT-qPCR and immunoblot. Kv1.3 expression was increased in microglia around the hematoma significantly after ICH. PAP-1 markedly improved neurological outcomes and the WMI by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine accumulation and upregulating anti-inflammatory factors. Mechanistically, PAP-1 reduces NF-κB p65 and p50 activation, thus facilitating microglia polarization into M2-like microglia, which exerts this beneficial effect. PAP-1 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines accumulation and increased anti-inflammatory factors by facilitating M2-like microglia polarization via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, the current study shows that the Kv1.3 blockade is capable of ameliorating WMI by facilitating M2-like phenotype microglia polarization after ICH.

Trabectedin modulates macrophage polarization in the tumor-microenvironment. Role of KV1.3 and KV1.5 channels

Immune cells have an important role in the tumor-microenvironment. Macrophages may tune the immune response toward inflammatory or tolerance pathways. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have a string of immunosuppressive functions and they are considered a therapeutic target in cancer. This study aimed to analyze the effects of trabectedin, an antitumor agent, on the tumor-microenvironment through the characterization of the electrophysiological and molecular phenotype of macrophages. Experiments were performed using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique in resident peritoneal mouse macrophages. Trabectedin does not directly interact with KV1.5 and KV1.3 channels, but their treatment (16 h) with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of trabectedin increased their KV current due to an upregulation of KV1.3 channels. In vitro generated TAM (TAMiv) exhibited an M2-like phenotype. TAMiv generated a small KV current and express high levels of M2 markers. K+ current from TAMs isolated from tumors generated in mice is a mixture of KV and KCa, and in TAM isolated from tumors generated in trabectedin-treated mice, the current is mostly driven by KCa. We conclude that the antitumor capacity of trabectedin is not only due to its effects on tumor cells, but also to the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, due, at least in part, to the modulation of the expression of different macrophage ion channels.

Role of Kv1.6 channel in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis

Role of Kv1.6 channel in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis

Review on Biological Characteristics of Kv1.3 and Its Role in Liver Diseases.

The liver accounts for the largest proportion of macrophages in all solid organs of the human body. Liver macrophages are mainly composed of cytolytic cells inherent in the liver and mononuclear macrophages recruited from the blood. Monocytes recruitment occurs mainly in the context of liver injury and inflammation and can be recruited into the liver and achieve a KC-like phenotype. During the immune response of the liver, macrophages/KC cells release inflammatory cytokines and infiltrate into the liver, which are considered to be the common mechanism of various liver diseases in the early stage. Meanwhile, macrophages/KC cells form an interaction network with other liver cells, which can affect the occurrence and progression of liver diseases. From the perspective of liver disease treatment, knowing the full spectrum of macrophage activation, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and their implication in either promoting liver disease progression or repairing injured liver tissue is highly relevant from a therapeutic point of view. Kv1.3 is a subtype of the voltage-dependent potassium channel, whose function is closely related to the regulation of immune cell function. At present, there are few studies on the relationship between Kv1.3 and liver diseases, and the application of its blockers as a potential treatment for liver diseases has not been reported. This manuscript reviewed the physiological characteristics of Kv1.3, the relationship between Kv1.3 and cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the role of Kv1.3 in a variety of liver diseases, so as to provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. In short, by understanding the role of Kv1.3 in regulating the functions of immune cells such as macrophages, selective blockers of Kv1.3 or compounds with similar functions can be applied to alleviate the progression of liver diseases and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

Role of Kv1.3 Channels in Platelet Functions and Thrombus Formation.

Platelet activation by stimulatory factors leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is essential for almost all platelet functions. Modulation of Ca2+ influx and [Ca2+]i in platelets has been emerging as a possible strategy for preventing and treating platelet-dependent thrombosis. Voltage-gated potassium 1.3 channels (Kv1.3) are highly expressed in platelets and able to regulate agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i increase. However, the role of Kv1.3 channels in regulating platelet functions and thrombosis has not yet been elucidated. In addition, it is difficult to obtain a specific blocker for this channel, since Kv1.3 shares identical drug-binding sites with other K+ channels. Here, we investigate whether specific blockade of Kv1.3 channels by monoclonal antibodies affects platelet functions and thrombosis. Approach and Results: In this study, we produced the anti-Kv1.3 monoclonal antibody 6E12#15, which could specifically recognize both human and mouse Kv1.3 proteins and sufficiently block Kv1.3 channel currents. We found Kv1.3 blockade by 6E12#15 inhibited platelet aggregation, adhesion, and activation upon agonist stimulation. In vivo treatment with 6E12#15 alleviated thrombus formation in a mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model and protected mice from collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. Furthermore, we observed Kv1.3 regulated platelet functions by modulating Ca2+ influx and [Ca2+]i elevation, and that this is mediated in part by P2X1. Interestingly, Kv1.3-/- mice showed impaired platelet aggregation while displayed no abnormalities in in vivo thrombus formation. This phenomenon was related to more megakaryocytes and platelets produced in Kv1.3-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. We showed specific inhibition of Kv1.3 by the novel monoclonal antibody 6E12#15 suppressed platelet functions and platelet-dependent thrombosis through modulating platelet [Ca2+]i elevation. These results indicate that Kv1.3 could act as a promising therapeutic target for antiplatelet therapies.

A common genetic variant rs2821557 in KCNA3 is linked to the severity of multiple sclerosis.

The rate of symptom accumulation distinguishes between slowly and rapidly progressing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Given that a patient's genetics can affect the rate of disease progression, identification of genetic variants associated with rapid disease progression should provide valuable information for timely prognosis and development of optimal treatment plans. We hypothesized that the polymorphism rs2821557 in the human KCNA3 gene encoding a voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 might be one of these genetic variants, given the role of Kv1.3 in neuroinflammation, as well as the location and gain-of-function effect of this polymorphism. To test this hypothesis we performed an analytic study exploring the relationships between rs2821557 polymorphism and disease progression in a cohort of MS patients. The rs2821557 genotype and the rate of disease progression based on Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) were determined for 101 patients (68 females and 33 males). Peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocyte subpopulations (Tnaive , TCM , TEM ) and the expression of chemokine receptors (CXCR5, CXCR3, CCR6, CCR4) were estimated by flow cytometry. The comparisons between groups by genotype (TT, TC, CC) and allelic approach analysis (T vs. C) revealed a significantly higher incidence of the rapid disease course (MSSS≥7.5) among minor C allele carriers (CC and TC) compared to patients with the TT genotype. Furthermore, C allele carriers had higher counts of CXCR3+ TEM cells than homozygous T allele carriers. In conclusion, accelerated MS progression in C allele carriers is likely linked to enhanced Kv1.3-mediated accumulation of pathogenic CXCR3+ TEM cells and exacerbated neuroinflammation.

The cajanine derivative LJ101019C regulates the proliferation and enhances the activity of NK cells via Kv1.3 channel-driven activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway

BackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immune responses and have been wildly used in immunotherapy. Nevertheless, some limitations remain. It is urgent to explore novel and safe strategies to enhance NK cell activity. PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the immuno-stimulatory effects and to reveal the molecular mechanism of LJ101019C, a derivative of a natural small-molecule compounds cajanine, on NK cells. MethodsCell proliferation was examined by CCK8 assay, then we used the cytotoxicity detection kit to detect the cytotoxicity of NK cells. The change of cell cycle, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial mass were evaluated by FACS and Operetta high-content image analysis, respectively. Furthermore, the IFN-γ secretion of NK cells were measured by ELISA. The Kv1.3 protein expression and function were detected by western blot and patch-clamp technique, respectively. The role of Kv1.3 in AKT/mTOR pathway activation was determined by western blot. ResultsThe results showed that LJ101019C at relatively low concentrations (0.05–0.1 µM) significantly increased the proliferation of NK cells. And 1 µM LJ101019C could elevate the proportion of NK cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle (*p < 0.1). Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of NK cells targeting MIA PaCa-2 cells were significantly enhanced by 0.1 and 1 µM LJ101019C, and were associated with the enhanced secretion of IFN-γ by NK cells (*p < 0.1; **p < 0.05). 0.1 and 1 µM LJ101019C increased intracellular levels of ROS (**p < 0.05), and 0.1 µM LJ101019C elevated mitochondrial mass (*p < 0.1). Electrophysiological recordings indicated that LJ101019C led to a remarkably increase the Kv1.3 current density. Moreover, western blot results indicated that LJ101019C elevated Kv1.3 protein expression and activated AKT/mTOR signaling via increasing the expression of Kv1.3 in NK cells. ConclusionLJ101019C increases the proliferation and the cytotoxicity of NK cells at relatively low concentrations. The mechanism is the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway driven by up-regulation of Kv1.3 in NK cells. These suggest LJ101019C is a promising candidate for improving the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies.

The Role of Kv1.2 Channels in Coronary Metabolic Dilation

The coupling between metabolism and flow in the heart is critical for normal cardiac function, because the myocardium depends on a continuous supply of oxygenated blood for aerobic metabolism and energy production. If this coupling is altered, the imbalance could lead coronary insufficiency causing areas of hypoxia and ischemia in the heart. Recently we proposed that one component of this coupling is mediated by mitochondrial production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which activates Kv1.5 channels in coronary smooth muscle. Our present goal was to ascertain if Kv1.2 channels, that are known to be redox sensitive, serve as a metabolic sensor in the heart to engender coupling of flow to metabolism. To accomplish this goal, we used Kv1.2+/− mice (Kv1.2−/− is lethal) to evaluate coronary metabolic dilation, i.e., the relationship between myocardial blood flow and cardiac work. Myocardial blood flow was measured using contrast echocardiography. Graded doses of norepinephrine (NE) were used to increase cardiac work (CW) and myocardial blood flow was measured during these incremental changes in work. Cardiac work was calculated as a triple product of mean arterial pressure × heart rate × stroke volume. We also isolated coronary arterioles and tested their vasodilatory responses to endothelium-dependent and –independent agonists. As shown in panel A, vasodilation to hydrogen peroxide was significantly lower in arterioles isolated from Kv1.2+/− mice compared to wild-type mice (WT). Vasodilation was lower at any given concentration of H2O2. Although not shown, the responses between the two groups were similar for acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Panel B shows the relationship between myocardial blood flow and cardiac work. In Kv1.2+/− mice myocardial blood flow at baseline was similar to WT mice. However, when CW was increased via NE infusion, for any incremental increase in work, myocardial blood flow was less in Kv1.2+/− compared to WT mice (P<0.05). For example, at the highest dose of NE, myocardial blood flow in the Kv1.2+/− and WT were 23±3 vs 34±2 ml/min/g, respectively (P<0.05). Taken together, our results indicate that Kv1.2 channels, a redox sensitive channel in the Kv1 family, are involved in the coupling of myocardial blood flow to cardiac work. Support or Funding Information AHA10POST4360030; R01 HL135024; RO1HL135110 This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Development-related aberrations in Kv1.1 α-subunit exert disruptive effects on bioelectrical activities of neurons in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Kv1.1, a Shaker homologue potassium channel, plays a critical role in homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability. Aberrations in the functional properties of Kv1.1 have been implicated in several neurological disorders featured by neuronal hyperexcitability. Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation, is characterized by hyperexcitability in neural network and intrinsic membrane properties. The Kv1.1 channel provides an intriguing mechanistic candidate for FXS. We investigated the development-related expression pattern of the Kv1.1 α-subunit by using a Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. Markedly decreased protein expression of Kv1.1 was found in neonatal and adult stages when compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Immunohistochemical investigations supported the delayed development-related increases in Kv1.1 expression, especially in CA3 pyramidal neurons. By applying a Kv1.1-specific blocker, dendrotoxin-κ (DTX-κ), we isolated the Kv1.1-mediated currents in the CA3 pyramidal neurons. The isolated DTX-κ-sensitive current of neurons from KO mice exhibited decreased amplitude, lower threshold of activation, and faster recovery from inactivation. The equivalent reduction in potassium current in the WT neurons following application of the appropriate amount of DTX-κ reproduced the enhanced firing abilities of KO neurons, suggesting the Kv1.1 channel as a critical contributor to the hyperexcitability of KO neurons. The role of Kv1.1 in controlling neuronal discharges was further supported by the parallel developmental trajectories of Kv1.1 expression, current amplitude, and discharge impacts, with a significant correlation between the amplitude of Kv1.1-mediated currents and Kv1.1-blocking-induced firing enhancement. These data suggest that the expression of the Kv1.1 α-subunit has a profound pathological relevance to hyperexcitability in FXS, as well as implications for normal development, maintenance, and control of neuronal activities.

Differentially Expressed Potassium Channels Are Associated with Function of Human Effector Memory CD8+ T Cells.

The voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.3, and the Ca2+-activated potassium channel, KCa3.1, regulate membrane potentials in T cells, thereby controlling T cell activation and cytokine production. However, little is known about the expression and function of potassium channels in human effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells that can be further divided into functionally distinct subsets based on the expression of the interleukin (IL)-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα) chain. Herein, we investigated the functional expression and roles of Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 in EM CD8+ T cells that express high or low levels of the IL-7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7Rαhigh and IL-7Rαlow, respectively). In contrast to the significant activity of Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 in IL-7Rαhigh EM CD8+ T cells, IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells showed lower expression of Kv1.3 and insignificant expression of KCa3.1. Kv1.3 was involved in the modulation of cell proliferation and IL-2 production, whereas KCa3.1 affected the motility of EM CD8+ T cells. The lower motility of IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells was demonstrated using transendothelial migration and motility assays with intercellular adhesion molecule 1- and/or chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1α-coated surfaces. Consistent with the lower migration property, IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells were found less frequently in human skin. Stimulating IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells with IL-2 or IL-15 increased their motility and recovery of KCa3.1 activity. Our findings demonstrate that Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 are differentially involved in the functions of EM CD8+ T cells. The weak expression of potassium channels in IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells can be revived by stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15, which restores the associated functions. This study suggests that IL-7Rαhigh EM CD8+ T cells with functional potassium channels may serve as a reservoir for effector CD8+ T cells during peripheral inflammation.

Kv1.3 channel blocker (ImKTx88) maintains blood\u2013brain barrier in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BackgroundDisruption of blood–brain barrier (BBB) and subsequent infiltration of auto-reactive T lymphocytes are major characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Kv1.3 channel blockers are demonstrated potential therapeutic effects on MS patients and EAE models, maybe via reducing activation of T cells. However, it remains to be explored whether Kv1.3 channel blockers maintain integrity of BBB in MS model.ResultsIn this study, ImKTx88, a highly selective Kv1.3 channel blocker, was used to determine the role of Kv1.3 channel in the pathogenesis of EAE, particularly in the maintenance of BBB. ImKTx88 ameliorated pathological severity in the EAE rats, and reduced extravasation into CNS. ImKTx88 also ameliorated the severity of loss or redistribution of tight junction proteins, and inhibited over-expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the brain from EAE rats. Furthermore ImKTx88 protection was associated with activation of Ang-1/Tie-2 axis, and might be due to decreased IL-17 production.ConclusionsImKTx88 may be a novel therapeutic agent for MS treatment by stabilizing the BBB.

Roles of specific Kv channel types in repolarization of the action potential in genetically identified subclasses of pyramidal neurons in mouse neocortex.

The action potential (AP) is a fundamental feature of excitable cells that serves as the basis for long-distance signaling in the nervous system. There is considerable diversity in the appearance of APs and the underlying repolarization mechanisms in different neuronal types (reviewed in Bean BP. Nat Rev Neurosci 8: 451-465, 2007), including among pyramidal cell subtypes. In the present work, we used specific pharmacological blockers to test for contributions of Kv1, Kv2, or Kv4 channels to repolarization of single APs in two genetically defined subpopulations of pyramidal cells in layer 5 of mouse somatosensory cortex (etv1 and glt) as well as pyramidal cells from layer 2/3. These three subtypes differ in AP properties (Groh A, Meyer HS, Schmidt EF, Heintz N, Sakmann B, Krieger P. Cereb Cortex 20: 826-836, 2010; Guan D, Armstrong WE, Foehring RC. J Neurophysiol 113: 2014-2032, 2015) as well as laminar position, morphology, and projection targets. We asked what the roles of Kv1, Kv2, and Kv4 channels are in AP repolarization and whether the underlying mechanisms are pyramidal cell subtype dependent. We found that Kv4 channels are critically involved in repolarizing neocortical pyramidal cells. There are also pyramidal cell subtype-specific differences in the role for Kv1 channels. Only Kv4 channels were involved in repolarizing the narrow APs of glt cells. In contrast, in etv1 cells and layer 2/3 cells, the broader APs are partially repolarized by Kv1 channels in addition to Kv4 channels. Consistent with their activation in the subthreshold range, Kv1 channels also regulate AP voltage threshold in all pyramidal cell subtypes.

The Role of Kv1.2 Channel in Electrotaxis Cell Migration.

Voltage‐gated potassium Kv1.2 channels play pivotal role in maintaining of resting membrane potential and, consequently, regulation of cellular excitability of neurons. Endogenously generated electric field (EF) have been proven as an important regulator for cell migration and tissue repair. The mechanisms of ion channel involvement in EF‐induced cell responses are extensively studied but largely are poorly understood. In this study we generated three COS‐7 clones with different expression levels of Kv1.2 channel, and confirmed their functional variations with patch clamp analysis. Time‐lapse imaging analysis showed that EF‐induced cell migration response was Kv1.2 channel expression level depended. Inhibition of Kv1.2 channels with charybdotoxin (ChTX) constrained the sensitivity of COS‐7 cells to EF stimulation more than their motility. Immunocytochemistry and pull‐down analyses demonstrated association of Kv1.2 channels with actin‐binding protein cortactin and its re‐localization to the cathode‐facing membrane at EF stimulation, which confirms the mechanism of EF‐induced directional migration. This study displays that Kv1.2 channels represent an important physiological link in EF‐induced cell migration. The described mechanism suggests a potential application of EF which may improve therapeutic performance in curing injuries of neuronal and/or cardiac tissue repair, post operational therapy, and various degenerative syndromes. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1375–1384, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

New insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutics of episodic ataxia type 1.

Episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1) is a K+ channelopathy characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms. Generally, patients may experience constant myokymia and dramatic episodes of spastic contractions of the skeletal muscles of the head, arms, and legs with loss of both motor coordination and balance. During attacks additional symptoms may be reported such as vertigo, blurred vision, diplopia, nausea, headache, diaphoresis, clumsiness, stiffening of the body, dysarthric speech, and difficulty in breathing. These episodes may be precipitated by anxiety, emotional stress, fatigue, startle response or sudden postural changes. Epilepsy is overrepresented in EA1. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, and genetic analysis of several families has led to the discovery of a number of point mutations in the voltage-dependent K+ channel gene KCNA1 (Kv1.1), on chromosome 12p13. To date KCNA1 is the only gene known to be associated with EA1. Functional studies have shown that these mutations impair Kv1.1 channel function with variable effects on channel assembly, trafficking and biophysics. Despite the solid evidence obtained on the molecular mechanisms underlying EA1, how these cause dysfunctions within the central and peripheral nervous systems circuitries remains elusive. This review summarizes the main breakthrough findings in EA1, discusses the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease, current therapies, future challenges and opens a window onto the role of Kv1.1 channels in central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) functions.

Inhibition of T Cell and Stimulation of B Cell Proliferation by Restraint Stress Mediated by Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel 1.3 Expression

Our previous study has showed that restraint stress inhibits T cell proliferation. Kv1.3 plays a key role in the lymphocyte activation process. Here, we investigate the effects of restraint stress on murine splenic T and B cell proliferation and the role of Kv1.3 in the process. 3H-TdR incorporation is used to determine changes in splenocyte proliferation stimulated by Con A or LPS between control and restraint stress groups. The data shows that restraint stress inhibits T cell and enhanced B cell proliferation. Data from RT-PCR and Western blotting shows that Kv1.3 gene and protein levels are downregulated in T cells and upregulated in B cells in stressed mice. To examine a possible cause-and-effect relationship between Kv1.3 and stress-affected lymphocyte proliferation, we employ various Kv1.3 specific blockers (quinine, 4-AP and TEA) to determine K+ channel function under restraint stress. The data shows that Kv1.3 blockers reverse the decreased T cell proliferation and increase B cell proliferation induced by restraint stress. These results indicate that Kv1.3 mediates restraint stress-induced modulation of T/B lymphocyte proliferation.

Functional Blockade of the Voltage-gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3 Mediates Reversion of T Effector to Central Memory Lymphocytes through SMAD3/p21cip1 Signaling

The maintenance of T cell memory is critical for the development of rapid recall responses to pathogens, but may also have the undesired side effect of clonal expansion of T effector memory (T(EM)) cells in chronic autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms by which lineage differentiation of T cells is controlled have been investigated, but are not completely understood. Our previous work demonstrated a role of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 in effector T cell function in autoimmune disease. In the present study, we have identified a mechanism by which Kv1.3 regulates the conversion of T central memory cells (T(CM)) into T(EM). Using a lentiviral-dominant negative approach, we show that loss of function of Kv1.3 mediates reversion of T(EM) into T(CM), via a delay in cell cycle progression at the G2/M stage. The inhibition of Kv1.3 signaling caused an up-regulation of SMAD3 phosphorylation and induction of nuclear p21(cip1) with resulting suppression of Cdk1 and cyclin B1. These data highlight a novel role for Kv1.3 in T cell differentiation and memory responses, and provide further support for the therapeutic potential of Kv1.3 specific channel blockers in T(EM)-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Amyloid-β-induced reactive oxygen species production and priming are differentially regulated by ion channels in microglia

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by microglial cells and subsequent oxidative stress are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Although it is recognized that amyloid-β (Aβ) plays a major role in inducing and regulating microglial ROS production in Alzheimer's disease, to date little is known about cellular mechanisms underlying Aβ-stimulated ROS production. Here, we identified ion channels involved in Aβ-induced microglial ROS production and in Aβ-induced microglial priming. Acute stimulation of microglial cells with either fibrillar Aβ(1-42) (fAβ(1-42) ) or soluble Aβ(1-42) (sAβ(1-42) ) caused significant increases in microglial ROS production, which were abolished by inhibition of TRPV1 cation channels with 5-iodo-resiniferatoxin (I-RTX), but were unaffected by inhibition of K(+) channels with charybdotoxin (CTX). Furthermore, pretreatment with either fAβ(1-42) or sAβ(1-42) induced microglial priming, that is, increased ROS production upon secondary stimulation with the phorbol ester PMA. Microglial priming induced by fAβ(1-42) or sAβ(1-42) remained unaffected by TRPV1 channel inhibition with I-RTX. However, sAβ(1-42) -induced priming was inhibited by CTX and margatoxin, but not by TRAM-34 or paxilline, indicating a role of Kv1.3 voltage-gated K(+) channels, but not of Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels, in the priming process. In summary, our data suggest that in microglia Aβ-induced ROS production and priming are differentially regulated by ion channels, and that TRPV1 cation channels and Kv1.3 K(+) channels may provide potential therapeutic targets to reduce microglia-induced oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease.

A Novel Role for Kv1.3 Blockers: Protecting Neural Progenitor Cells from a Hostile Inflammatory Environment: Figure 1.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects ∼2.5 million individuals worldwide. While the precise etiology of the disease is unknown, both immune-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration play a role in disease progression. Myelin-specific activated T-cells

Kv1.3: The perfect opening of the platelet voltage gate

Potassium channels are a vast family of transmembrane molecules with diverse functions in many cell types. They are subdivided according to mechanistic and structural criteria; the largest subclass comprising the voltage-gated K+-selective (Kv) channels. Kv channels have important signalling roles in both excitable and non-excitable cells and the efflux of positive charge that they elicit is linked with the function of other voltage-dependent ion channels. Thus, these channels can modify membrane potential and the flux of Na+ and Ca2+ ions, explaining their diverse roles. Kv channels have been implicated in cell secretion, volume regulation, integrin activation, apoptosis and proliferation and are putative drug targets for diseases including cancer, as well as neurological and metabolic syndromes (Wulff et al. 2009). The presence of Kv channels in blood cells, including platelets, implies roles in the differentiation, proliferation and function of these cell types, and the ability of platelet agonists to differentially modify their behaviour suggests acute functional roles that may prove important in haemostasis and in the development and progression of platelet-driven thrombotic events (Kapural & Fein, 1997). Platelets are well known as key drivers of arterial thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction, and are cornerstones of pharmacological intervention in such conditions: aspirin selectively targets platelet cycloxygenase and clopidogrel prevents platelet activation by ADP. These therapies are, unfortunately, suboptimal since they are associated with bleeding risk and are ineffective in significant groups of patients. There is a clear need, therefore, for novel targets in the treatment of platelet-driven diseases. Could Kv channels, with their important signalling roles, provide a novel antithrombotic target in the platelet? There is a problem. There are a wide range of Kv channels: some 50 or more subtypes have been identified. Each channel subtype has been cloned, their structure and pharmacology have been well defined (Swartz, 2004) and knock-out lines created (Wulff et al. 2009). What has become apparent is that Kv channels have diverse and wide-ranging roles: some knock-out lines are rapidly fatal post-natal, others have much milder, and wildly varying, phenotypes. The lack of clarity concerning the identity of the Kv subtype(s) present in the platelets questions their viability as therapeutic targets, since the side-effects associated with targeted inhibition of these channels could, potentially, prohibit any clinical application. In a recent issue of The Journal of Physiology, McCloskey and colleagues (2010) set out to establish the molecular identity of the Kv subgroup present in platelets. Through quantitative PCR, the authors showed that only the Kv1.3 subunit was expressed at detectable levels. Kv1.3 has previously been detected in T and B cells, macrophages, the central nervous system and testes. Kv1.3 knock-out mice have increased insulin sensitivity (Xu et al. 2004) and low body weight (Xu et al. 2003) but are viable. McCloskey et al. used these mice to confirm that the effects of a pharmacological Kv1.3 antagonist were mediated selectively through this potassium channel subtype. Thus, the authors uncover the identity of the Kv subgroup present in platelets and demonstrate a functional role in the regulation of receptor-evoked [Ca2+]i increases, membrane potential and circulating platelet numbers. The identification of this particular channel, and the lack of evidence of a functional contribution from other subtypes, suggests that targeting of Kv1.3 is likely to profoundly affect platelet function and, potentially, thrombotic events. The importance of this work is highlighted by the authors through the demonstration of a regulatory role of Kv1.3 upon Ca2+ mediated signalling events but a lack of effect on megakaryoctye differentiation, permitting targeting of key second messenger systems in platelet-dependent thrombosis but normal platelet development. Kv1.3 was originally identified in human T cells (DeCoursey et al. 1984) and can suppress immune responses in vivo (Koo et al. 1997). Kv1.3 antagonists have also been effective in animal models of obesity and diabetes (Xu et al. 2003), both risk factors in the development of platelet-driven arterial thrombosis. The identification of Kv1.3 as a potential anti-platelet target raises the exciting possibility of a therapeutic target that abates the underlying causes of atherothrombosis, as well as the acute platelet-driven thrombotic event. In their paper, McCloskey et al. set the stage for further investigations of the role of Kv1.3 in regulating platelet functionality and as a therapeutic target in platelet-driven cardiovascular events.