Single-channel Conductance Levels Research Articles

TASK-1 (K2P3) and TASK-3 (K2P9) in Rabbit Carotid Body Glomus Cells.

Glomus cells isolated from rabbit and rat/mouse carotid bodies have been used for many years to study the role of ion channels in hypoxia sensing. Studies show that hypoxia inhibits the inactivating K+ channels (Kv4) in rabbits, but inhibits TASK in rats/mice to elicit the hypoxic response. Because the role of TASK in rabbit glomus cells is not known, we isolated glomus cells from rabbits and studied the expression of TASK mRNA in the whole carotid body (CB), changes in [Ca2+]i and TASK activity. RT-PCR showed that rabbit CB expressed mRNA for TASK-3 and several Kv (Kv2.1, Kv3.1 and Kv3.3). In rabbit glomus cells in which 20 mM KClo elevated [Ca2+], anoxia also elicited a strong rise in [Ca2+]. In cell-attached patches with 140 mM KCl in the pipette, basal openings of ion channels with single-channel conductance levels of 16-pS, 34-pS, and 42-pS were present. TREK-like channels were also observed. In inside-out patches with high [Ca2+]i, BK was activated. The 42-pS channel opened spontaneously and briefly. The 16-pS and 34-pS channels showed properties similar to those of TASK-1 and TASK-3, respectively. TASK activity in cell-attached patches was lower than that in rat glomus cells under identical recording conditions. Hypoxia (~0.5%O2) reduced TASK activity by ~52% and depolarized the cells by ~30 mV. Our results show that the O2-sensitive TASK contributes to the hypoxic response in rabbit glomus cells.

Seeing ATP Hydrolysis in Real Time, What does it Tell Us?

CFTR, a chloride channel evolved from the exporter member of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) Protein Superfamily, is gated by association and dissociation of its two NBDs. Single-channel data have led to a gating model with one-to-one stoichiometry between the gating cycle and the ATP hydrolysis cycle_a theme predicted based on rigid-body movements of each TMD-NBD complex for the popular alternating access model proposed for ABC transporters at large. Here, we report a CFTR mutant (R352C) that exhibits two distinguishable single-channel conductance levels (O1 and O2). The transition of these two open states follows a preferred order (C-O1-O2-C), indicating an input of free energy that drives the predominant O1-O2 transition over the opposite O2-O1 transition. This idea is further supported by the observation that only C-O1-C was seen in the presence of ATP when introducing mutations (e.g., E1371S) that abolish ATP hydrolysis. However, in the absence of ATP, R352C/E1371S channels exhibit only Ca O2a C transitions, indicating that without ATP-induced NBD dimerization, the pore conformation must be different from that opened by ATP-induced NBD dimerization. Statistical analysis of single-channel gating events also revealed a considerable amount of opening events containing more than one O1-O2 (i.e. C -(O1-O2)n-C) transition. If we accept the idea that the O1-O2 transition represents the hydrolysis of 1 ATP molecule, these surprising gating transitions would reflect openings embedded with hydrolysis of more than one ATP molecule_a violation of one-to-one stoichiometry. These new results lead us to propose a new gating model that features energetically coupled NBDs and TMDs: both NBDs and TMDs hold a certain degree of autonomy to function on their own but conformational changes in each domain are energetically coupled. Importantly, this new model offers a new target for the action of CFTR potentiators.

TARP‐associated AMPA receptors display an increased maximum channel conductance and multiple kinetically distinct open states

Fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the CNS is mediated mainly by AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), whose biophysical properties are dramatically modulated by the presence of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs). To help construct a kinetic model that will realistically describe native AMPAR/TARP function, we have examined the single-channel properties of homomeric GluA1 AMPARs in combination with the TARPs, γ-2, γ-4 and γ-5. In a saturating concentration of agonist, each of these AMPAR/TARP combinations gave rise to single-channel currents with multiple conductance levels that appeared intrinsic to the receptor-channel complex, and showed long-lived subconductance states. The open time and burst length distributions of the receptor complexes displayed multiple dwell-time components. In the case of γ-2- and γ-4-associated receptors, these distributions included a long-lived component lasting tens of milliseconds that was absent from both GluA1 alone and γ-5-associated receptors. The open time distributions for each conductance level required two dwell-time components, indicating that at each conductance level the channel occupies a minimum of two kinetically distinct open states. We have explored how these data place novel constraints on possible kinetic models of TARP-associated AMPARs that may be used to define AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission.

Regulation Of The Single Channel Conductance Of K2p10.1 (Trek2) By The Amino-terminus

K2P2.1 (TREK-1) and K2P10.1 (TREK-2), when expressed in mammalian cell lines, show several single channel conductance levels. Recent studies show that the N-terminus of TREKs controls the unitary conductance levels via alternative translation initiation mechanism that produces isoforms with long and short N-termini. For TREK-2, the isoform with the full length N-terminus (residues 1-69) has a low conductance level, whereas that with the short one (residues 55-69 or 67-69) has a large conductance level. The role of the N-terminus and the putative slide helix region in the control of the unitary conductance was studied further using deletion and substitution TREK-2 mutants. Deletion of the N-terminus up to residue 36 (out of 69 residues) had no effect on conductance levels. Further deletions up to residues 40 (∼150-pS at −40 mV), 44 (∼90-pS), and 49 (>30-pS) produced channels with levels that were different from the levels observed in the wild type TREK-2. A mutation within the putative slide helix region (residues 47-55) to render it non-helical resulted in formation of mainly the low conductance channel, and greatly reduced the open probability. These TREK-2 mutants also inhibited the alternative translation initiation. These results suggest that the distal region of the N-terminus (residues 37-55) including the putative helical region (residues 37-54) controls the unitary conductance of TREK-2 in an unpredictable way. The data also indicate that the putative helical region is important for the control of channel activity.

Functional Characteristics of alpha3beta3gamma2 and alpha1beta2gamma2 GABA-A receptors

The GABAA receptor is a member of the cys-loop family of ligand gated ion channels and the major mediator of neuronal inhibition. Each receptor is a pentameric protein complex composed of homologous subunits, the combination of which gives rise to numerous GABAA receptor subtypes. Within the thalamus, two synaptic GABAA receptor isoforms predominate; the α1β2γ2 channels, which are found at the synapses of relay neurons, and the α3β3γ2 channels that are located at synapses in the reticular nucleus. We endeavoured to characterize the kinetic properties to these two GABAA receptors. Our preliminary data suggest that both receptors open to a single channel conductance level of 26 pS, irrespective of the GABA concentration used to elicit activity. α3β3γ2 GABAA receptors, however, exhibit longer active periods (bursts) at saturating (5 mM) and low (2 μM) concentrations of GABA compared to α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. The mean burst length and intra-burst open probability (Po) for the α3β3γ2 channels was 136.7 ± 16.8 ms and 0.84 ± 0.05 (n = 4), respectively and for the α1β2γ2 channels was 87.4 ± 12.0 ms and 0.82 ± 0.02 (n = 3), respectively, when exposed to 5 mM GABA. At 2 μM GABA, the mean burst length and Po for α3β3γ2 channels was 25.8 ± 4.7 ms and 0.78 ± 0.03 (n = 3), respectively and for α1β2γ2 channels was 8.4 ± 1.9 ms and 0.73 ± 0.02 (n = 3), respectively. These measurements are consistent with the reported slower deactivation phase of ensemble, α3β3γ2 mediated synaptic currents and suggest that GABA has a longer occupancy at α3β3γ2 channels than at α1β2γ2 channels.

Functional modulation of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated phosphorylation

ATP-sensitive potassium (Katp) channels play an important role in controlling insulin secretion and vascular tone as well as protecting neurons under metabolic stress. We have previously demonstrated that stimulation of the Katp channel by nitric oxide (NO) requires activation of Ras- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. However, the mechanistic link between ERK and the Katp channel remained unknown. To investigate how ERK modulates the function of Katp channels, we performed single-channel recordings in combination with site-directed mutagenesis. The Kir6.2/SUR1 channel, a neuronal Katp channel isoform, was expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells by transient transfection. Direct application of the activated ERK2 to the cytoplasmic surface of excised, inside-out patches markedly enhanced the single-channel activity of Kir6.2/SUR1 channels. The normalized open probability (NPo) and opening frequency were significantly increased, whereas the mean closed duration was reduced. The single-channel conductance level was not affected. The ERK2-induced stimulation of Kir6.2/SUR1 channels was prevented by heat-inactivation of the enzyme. Furthermore, alanine substitutions of T341 and S385 to disrupt the potential ERK phosphorylation sites present in the Kir6.2 subunit significantly abrogated the stimulatory effects of ERK2, while aspartate substitutions of T341 and S385 to mimic the (negative) charge effect of phosphorylation rendered a small yet significant reduction in the ATP sensitivity of the channel. Taken together, here we report for the first time that ERK2/MAPK activates neuronal-type Katp channels, and this stimulation requires ERK phosphorylation of the Kir6.2 subunit at T341 and S385 residues. The ERK2-induced Katp channel stimulation can be accounted for by changes in channel gating that destabilize the closed states and by reduction in the ATP sensitivity. As Kir6.2 is the pore-forming subunit of Katp channels, ERK2-mediated phosphorylation may represent a common mechanism for Katp channel regulation in different tissues.

The mechanism of channel formation by alamethicin as viewed by molecular dynamics simulations.

Alamethicin is a 20-residue channel-forming peptide that forms a stable amphipathic alpha-helix in membrane and membrane-mimetic environments. This helix contains a kink induced by a central Gly-X-X-Pro sequence motif. Alamethicin channels are activated by a cis positive transbilayer voltage. Channel activation is suggested to correspond to voltage-induced insertion of alamethicin helices in the bilayer. Alamethicin forms multi-conductance channels in lipid bilayers. These channels are formed by parallel bundles of transmembrane helices surrounding a central pore. A change in the number of helices per bundle switches the single channel conductance level. Molecular dynamics simulations of alamethicin in a number of different environments have been used to explore its channel-forming properties. These simulations include: (i) alamethicin in solution in water and in methanol; (ii) a single alamethicin helix at the surface of a phosphatidylcholine bilayer; (iii) single alamethicin helices spanning a phosphatidylcholine bilayer; and (iv) channels formed by bundles of 5, 6, 7 or 8 alamethicin helices spanning a phosphatidylcholine bilayer. The total simulation time is c. 30 ns. Thus, these simulations provide a set of dynamic snapshots of a possible mechanism of channel formation by this peptide.

Influence of a threonine residue in the S2 ligand binding domain in determining agonist potency and deactivation rate of recombinant NR1a/NR2D NMDA receptors.

NR1/NR2D NMDA receptors display unusually slow deactivation kinetics which may be critical for their role as extrasynaptic receptors. A threonine to alanine point mutation has been inserted at amino acid position 692 of the NR2D subunit (T692A). Recombinant NR1a/NR2D(T692A) NMDA receptors have been expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and their pharmacological and single-channel properties examined using two-electrode voltage-clamp and patch-clamp recording techniques. Glutamate dose-response curves from NR1a/NR2D(T692A) receptor channels produced an approximately 1600-fold reduction in glutamate potency compared to wild-type NR1a/NR2D receptors. There was no change in Hill slopes or gross reduction in mean maximal currents recorded in oocytes expressing either wild-type or mutant receptors. The mutation did not affect the potency of the co-agonist glycine. The shifts in potency produced by NR2D(T692A) containing receptors when activated by other glutamate-site agonists such as aspartate or NMDA were 30- to 60-fold compared to wild-type. Single-channel conductance levels of NR1a/NR2D(T692A) mutant receptors were indistinguishable from wild-type NR2D-containing channels. Additionally NR1a/NR2D(T692A) receptors showed the transitional asymmetry that is characteristic of NR2D-containing NMDA receptors. Rapid applications of glutamate on outside-out patches containing NR1a/NR2D(T692A) receptors produced macroscopic current deactivations that were about 60-fold faster than wild-type NR1a/NR2D receptors. Our results suggest that this conserved threonine residue plays a crucial role in ligand binding to NMDA NR2 receptor subunits and supports the idea that the slow decay kinetics associated with NR1a/NR2D NMDA receptors can be explained by the slow dissociation of glutamate from this NMDA receptor subtype.

Molecular and Functional Characterization of the Melastatin-related Cation Channel TRPM3

Proteins of the mammalian TRP (transient receptor potential) family form a heterogenous group of cation channels important for cellular Ca2+ signaling and homeostasis. Here we present the full-length sequence of TRPM3, a member of the melastatin-like subfamily (TRPM) of TRP channels. TRPM3 expression was found in human kidney and brain. HEK293 cells transiently transfected with TRPM3 showed a constitutive Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments confirmed the spontaneous activity of TRPM3 and revealed permeability ratios PCa/PNa of 1.57 and PNa/PCs of 0.75. In cell-attached patches, spontaneous inward and outward currents were observed. At negative membrane potentials and in the presence of either 140 mm Cs+, 140 mm Na+, or 100 mm Ca2+ in the pipette solution, the single channel conductance levels were 133, 83, and 65 pS, respectively. The Ca2+ entry in TRPM3-expressing HEK293 cells increased during treatment with hypotonic extracellular solution. The reduction of extracellular osmolarity was accompanied by cell swelling, suggesting volume-regulated activity of TRPM3. From its function and expression in human kidney, we propose a role of TRPM3 in renal Ca2+ homeostasis.

Stretch-sensitive switching among different channel sublevels of an endothelial cation channel

A mechanosensitive Ca 2+-permeable cation channel was recorded by patch clamp in isolated rat aortic endothelial cells. A low level of channel activity could be observed after seal formation. The channel displayed some inward rectification and had a conductance for inward current of approx. 32 pS in Ca 2+-free pipette and bath solutions. Negative suction of −10 to −20 mmHg increased the probability of the channel being open. When the negative pressure in the pipette was raised to −35 to −45 mmHg, the channel underwent an abrupt transition to a large conductance substate that was interrupted occasionally by two other low conductance levels. Under this condition, the overwhelming majority of openings and closings were between a main level of 83 pS and the closed level. Compared to the 32 pS substate, the 83 pS large conductance substate had shorter mean open and closed times. The two channel substates had similar ionic selectivity and both were sensitive to the inhibition of cGMP and protein kinase G. This is the first demonstration showing that mechanostress can change the single channel conductance level of an ion channel in eukaryotic cells.

Axotomy-induced change in the properties of ( S)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor channels in rat motoneurons

Properties of ( S)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor channels were studied in fluorescence-labelled control and axotomized motoneurons in spinal cord slices using a patch-clamp technique. Axotomy performed on the third postnatal day resulted in motoneuron death. Application of AMPA or kainate induced large whole-cell currents, but outside-out patches isolated from control motoneurons were either unresponsive or displayed only single-channel activity in response to rapid application of AMPA. Measurement of AMPA receptor channel openings in outside-out patches revealed multiple single-channel conductance levels: 12.2±1.0, 21.9±1.5 and 32.6±3.2 pS. In control motoneurons dialysed with spermine, the current–voltage relationship of responses induced by activation of AMPA receptor channels exhibited various degrees of inward rectification. The rectification index, the ratio of responses at +40 and −60 mV, was used to compare the degree of inward rectification. The mean values of rectification index of responses to focal application of AMPA and AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents induced by focal electric stimulation were 0.64±0.17 and 0.50±0.27, respectively. In axotomized motoneurons, the degree of rectification was significantly less for both responses induced by application of AMPA and for excitatory postsynaptic currents (0.91±0.09 and 0.95±0.12, respectively). Deactivation of AMPA receptors assessed from motoneuron excitatory postsynaptic currents at −70 mV was independent of postnatal age, with τ fast=0.88±0.35 ms ( A fast=78.2±11.8%) and τ slow=6.3±3.2 ms. In axotomized motoneurons, the decay time constants of excitatory postsynaptic currents were similar, τ fast=0.91±0.42 ms ( A fast=85.8±12.6%) and τ slow=5.9±3.4 ms. However, the mean amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents was only 43% of the amplitude recorded in control motoneurons. The results show that the current induced by activation of AMPA receptors in neonatal motoneurons is mediated by opening of both Ca 2+-permeable and Ca 2+-impermeable channels. As a result of axotomy, an experimental model of neurodegeneration, AMPA receptor channels in injured motoneurons destined to die become predominantly Ca 2+ impermeable. These findings suggest phenotypic control of AMPA receptor channel properties, presumably by affecting their subunit composition.

Molecular and functional properties of synaptically activated NMDA receptors in neonatal motoneurons in rat spinal cord slices

The functional properties of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) were studied in fluorescence-labelled motoneurons in thin spinal cord slices. The deactivation of NMDA receptor EPSCs in motoneurons voltage-clamped at +40 mV was independent of intensity or location of stimulation and of postnatal age [taufast = 28.5 +/- 4.6 ms (63.6 +/- 8.8%) and tauslow = 165.6 +/- 49.6 ms]. In the presence of 1 mM Mg2+ the amplitude of NMDA receptor EPSCs was voltage-dependent. Boltzmann analysis of the relationship between peak NMDA receptor EPSC amplitude and membrane potential suggested an apparent Kd of Mg2+ (at 0 mV) of 0.87 mM. Nonstationary variance analysis of NMDA receptor EPSCs gave an estimated single-channel conductance of 59 +/- 14 pS. Direct measurement of the NMDA receptor channel openings in outside-out patches isolated from motoneurons indicated the presence of single-channel conductance levels of 21.8 +/- 2.8 pS, 37. 1 +/- 3.2 pS, 49.6 +/- 5.1 pS and 69.6 +/- 4.2 pS. Single-cell RT-PCR analysis of mRNA revealed that NR1, NR2A-D and NR3A transcripts were expressed in motoneurons. These results suggest that specific assembly of NMDA receptor subunits in motoneurons determines the functional and pharmacological properties of the receptors in these cells.

The startle disease mutation Q266H, in the second transmembrane domain of the human glycine receptor, impairs channel gating.

Hyperekplexia (startle disease) results from mutations in the glycine receptor chloride channel that disrupt inhibitory synaptic transmission. The Q266H missense mutation is the only hyperekplexia mutation located in the transmembrane domains of the receptor. Using recombinant expression and patch-clamping techniques, we have investigated the functional properties of this mutation. The ability of glycine and taurine to open the channel was reduced in the mutated channel, as shown by a 6-fold shift in the concentration-response curve for both agonists. This was not accompanied by similar changes in agonist displacement of strychnine binding, suggesting that the mutation affects functions subsequent to ligand binding. Taurine was also converted to a weak partial agonist and antagonized the actions of glycine, consistent with changes in its channel gating efficacy. Because the Q266H mutation is within the pore-forming second transmembrane domain, we tested for a direct interaction with permeating ions. No change in either the cation/anion selectivity ratio or in single channel conductance levels was observed. No differential effects of Zn++, pH, and diethylpyrocarbonate were observed, implying that the histidine side chain is not exposed to the channel lumen. Single-channel recordings revealed a significant reduction in open times in the mutant receptors, at both high and low agonist concentrations, consistent with the open state of the channel being less stable. This study demonstrates that residues within the second transmembrane domain of ligand-gated ion channel receptors, even those whose side chains do not directly interact with permeating ions, can affect the kinetics of channel gating.

Inositol polyphosphates modify the kinetics of a small chloride channel in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The actions of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphospate (IP4) on small chloride (SCl) channels from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum are reported. We find that the inositol polyphosphates (6-40 microM) are potent reversible blockers of SCl channels in lipid bilayers at -40 mV with >10(-5) m cis (cytoplasmic) Ca2+ when added to the cis, but not trans, chamber. IP3 or IP4 at 20 microM reduced the mean open time from 89 +/- 16 msec to 11 +/- 2 msec or to 8.0 +/- 1.0 msec respectively, by abolishing the longest time constant component in the open time distribution. Neither IP3 nor IP4 altered the six single-channel conductance levels. The fraction of low conductance events increased approximately 4-fold and the dwell time at the lower conductance levels increased approximately 3-fold. Channel gating was altered so that most transitions were between the closed level and an open level, in contrast to control channels which remained open for long periods with many transitions between the six open levels. The actions of the inositol polyphosphates were: (1) not prevented by 20 microg/ml cis heparin (an IP3 receptor blocker); (2) mimicked by 10 microM cis synthetic inositol polyphosphates, L-chiro-inositol 1,4,6-trisphosphate and L-chiro-inositol 1,4,6-trisphosphorothionate (which do not bind to IP3 receptors); (3) mimicked by cis additions of the polyanions heparin or hepran (20 microg/ml each) and vanadate (500 microM). The results suggest that an interaction between polyanions and SCl channels would allow the channels to be modulated in vivo by inositol polyphosphates.

Molecular determinants of NMDA receptor function in GABAergic neurones of rat forebrain.

1. The functional and molecular properties of NMDA receptors (NMDA-Rs) were studied in single, visually identified GABAergic medial septal neurones of the rat forebrain using patch clamp, fluorometric Ca2+ measurements and the single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. 2. Large neurones close to the mid-line of the medial septal region were shown by the expression of mRNA for a form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) to be almost exclusively GABAergic. A variety of NR2 subunit combinations were detected in the same population of neurones. When tested for NR2A-C, all but one neurone were shown to express mRNA for NR2B. The NR2B subunit mRNA was usually detected together with NR2A or NR2C. mRNA for NR2D was detected in most neurones from a separate batch of cells tested only for this subunit. 3. Single channel measurements in outside-out patches combined with RT-PCR on the same cell showed that NMDA-R channels from these neurones had main single channel conductance levels of 42 pS in 2 mM Ca2+ and 49 pS in 1 mM Ca2+. In addition, a number of other conductance levels were observed, with values in 2 mM Ca2+ of 51, 31, 19 and 13 pS. No clear difference was observed in the pattern of conductance levels displayed by neurones in which different subunit combinations were detected. 4. Whole-cell agonist-induced currents were strongly reduced by the NMDA-R antagonist ifenprodil, at a concentration that mainly affects receptors containing NR2B in recombinant systems. Currents activated by NMDA had a high sensitivity to extracellular Mg2+. 5. The fraction of the total cation current through NMDA-R that was carried by Ca2+, measured using a combination of patch clamp and fluorometry in neurones loaded with a high concentration of the Ca2+ indicator fura-2, was found to be approximately 12%. 6. NMDA-R-mediated excitatory synaptic currents (EPSCs) had similar time courses to those in neurones in other brain regions. The decay kinetics were biexponential, with respective mean values for the fast (tau f) and slow (tau 8) time constants of 79 and 300 ms at -60 mV, and 66 and 284 ms at +40 mV. EPSCs were greatly reduced by ifenprodil (3 microM). 7. In conclusion, NMDA receptors in GABAergic medial septal neurones display a characteristic functional profile. The NR2 subunit mRNA detected and the single channel conductance levels observed suggest that, in addition to NR2B, which is present in nearly all cells, NR2A, NR2C and NR2D are also expressed. However, most of the functional properties of NMDA-Rs in these neurones, including the strong inhibition by ifenprodil and Mg2+, the high fractional Ca2+ current, and the time course of the synaptic currents, are more consistent with those known for NR2B than for the other NR2 subunits. These results suggest that the NR2B subunit dominates over other NR2 subunits in determining the functional properties of NMDA-Rs in these neurones.

Ion channel stabilization of synthetic alamethicin analogs by rings of inter-helix H-bonds

Rings of inter-helix H-bonds due to Gln at position 7, a highly conserved residue in all pore-forming peptaibols, have been suggested to play an important role in the stabilization of alamethicin channels. In an attempt to test this hypothesis, experimental studies have been undertaken on four synthetic alamethicin non-Aib analogs (Alm-dUL) in which the Gln at position 7 (Q7) is substituted by Ala, Asn, or Ser (Q7A, Q7N, or Q7S). Voltage-dependent pore formation by these analogs in planar lipid bilayers is compared at the macroscopic and single-channel conductance levels. As anticipated, the Q7A substitution abolished all channel-forming activity. The voltage dependence of macroscopic current-voltage curves was conserved with the Q7N substitution but reduced in the Q7S analog. Normalized single-channel conductance ratios between substates follow the same pattern, with the Q7S analog yielding the highest unit conductances. Channel lifetimes were the most significantly modulated parameter with markedly faster kinetics when Gln or Asn was replaced by Ser. The effect of the Q7S substitution on channel lifetimes may be explained through a reduced stabilization of bundles by inter-helix H-bonds.

The properties of ion channels formed by zervamicins

The zervamicins (Zrv) are a family of 16 residue peptaibol channel formers, related to the 20 residue peptaibol alamethicin (Alm), but containing a higher proportion of polar sidechains. Zrv-IIB forms multi-level channels in planar lipid (diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine) bilayers in response to cis positive voltages. Analysis of the voltage and concentration dependence of macroscopic conductances induced by Zrv-IIB suggests that, on average, channels contain ca. 13 peptide monomers. Analysis of single channel conductance levels suggests a similar value. The pattern of successive conductance levels is consistent with a modified helix bundle model in which the higher order bundle are distorted within the plane of the bilayer towards a "torpedo" shaped cross-section. The kinetics of intra-burst switching between adjacent conductance levels are shown to be approximately an order of magnitude faster for Zrv-IIB than for Alm. The channel forming properties of the related naturally occurring peptaibols, Zrv-Leu and Zrv-IC, have also been demonstrated, as have those of the synthetic apolar analogue Zrv-Al-16. The experimental studies on channel formation are combined with the known crystallographic structures of Zrv-Al-16 and Zrv-Leu to develop a molecular model of Zrv-IIB channels.

The nematocyst extract of Hydra attenuata causes single channel events in lipid bilayers

J. Weber, T. Schürholz and E. Neumann. The nematocyst extract of Hydra attenuata causes single channel events in lipid bilayers. Toxicon, 28, 403–409, 1990.—The nematocyst extract of Hydra attenuata causes single conductance events in reconstituted planar lipid membranes as well as in inside-out patches derived from liposomes. The smallest single channel conductance level of the toxins is 110 pS. The conductance levels increase stepwise with time up to 2000 pS. These large conductance jumps indicate channel cooperativity. If the membrane-voltage is changed from positive to negative values, the single channel events become undefined and noisy, indicating major reorganizations of the proteins which form the channels. The molecular properties of the ionophoric component(s) of the nematocyst extract may help explain the observed macroscopic effects, such as hemolysis of human erythrocytes, after addition of the nematocyst extract.

Identification of a Hemolysin from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Characterization of Its Channel Properties in Planar Phospholipid Bilayers

A proteinaceous hemolysin secreted by strain 4074 of serotype 1 of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was purified by diafiltration and ion exchange chromatographic techniques. The hemolytic activity is associated with a 107-kDa band as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and confirmed by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. This hemolysin produces pores in membranes as demonstrated by osmotic protection studies using red blood cells and carbohydrate compounds of various molecular weights. These assays suggest a pore diameter in the order of 2 nm. Phospholipid bilayers composed of 1:1 w/w phosphotidylserine:phosphotidylethanolamine exposed to this toxin display discrete current flow events typical of transmembrane channels and consistent with the interpretation that this toxin acts by forming pores in phospholipid membranes. The linear relationship of current amplitude to holding potential when examined over the -60 to +60 mV range indicates that this pore has a constant mean single channel conductance level of 350-400 pS.

Single Subunits of the GABA A Receptor Form Ion Channels with Properties of the Native Receptor

The alpha and beta subunits of the gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor were expressed individually in Xenopus oocytes by injection of RNA synthesized from their cloned DNAs. GABA-sensitive chloride channels were detected several days after injection with any one of three different alpha RNAs (alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3) or with beta RNA. The channels induced by each of the alpha-subunit RNAs were indistinguishable, they had multiple conductance levels (10, 19, 28, and 42 picosiemens), and their activity was potentiated by pentobarbital and inhibited by picrotoxin. The beta channels usually expressed poorly but showed similar single channel conductance levels (10, 18, 27, and 40 picosiemens), potentiation by pentobarbital and inhibition by picrotoxin. The finding that both alpha and beta subunits, examined separately, form GABA-sensitive ion channels with permeation properties and regulatory sites characteristic of the native receptor suggests that the amino acid sequences that confer these properties are within the homologous domains shared by the subunits.