scholarly journals Independent Versus Coupled Inactivation in Sodium Channels

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Mitrovic ◽  
Alfred L. George ◽  
Richard Horn

The voltage sensor of the sodium channel is mainly comprised of four positively charged S4 segments. Depolarization causes an outward movement of S4 segments, and this movement is coupled with opening of the channel. A mutation that substitutes a cysteine for the outermost arginine in the S4 segment of the second domain (D2:R1C) results in a channel with biophysical properties similar to those of wild-type channels. Chemical modification of this cysteine with methanethiosulfonate-ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET) causes a hyperpolarizing shift of both the peak current–voltage relationship and the kinetics of activation, whereas the time constant of inactivation is not changed substantially. A conventional steady state inactivation protocol surprisingly produces an increase of the peak current at −20 mV when the 300-ms prepulse is depolarized from −190 to −110 mV. Further depolarization reduces the current, as expected for steady state inactivation. Recovery from inactivation in modified channels is also nonmonotonic at voltages more hyperpolarized than −100 mV. At −180 mV, for example, the amplitude of the recovering current is briefly almost twice as large as it was before the channels inactivated. These data can be explained readily if MTSET modification not only shifts the movement of D2/S4 to more hyperpolarized potentials, but also makes the movement sluggish. This behavior allows inactivation to have faster kinetics than activation, as in the HERG potassium channel. Because of the unique properties of the modified mutant, we were able to estimate the voltage dependence and kinetics of the movement of this single S4 segment. The data suggest that movement of modified D2/S4 is a first-order process and that rate constants for outward and inward movement are each exponential functions of membrane potential. Our results show that D2/S4 is intimately involved with activation but plays little role in either inactivation or recovery from inactivation.

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. H498-H506 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Chahine ◽  
I. Deschene ◽  
L. Q. Chen ◽  
R. G. Kallen

The alpha-subunit encoding for voltage-gated sodium channels rSkM1 (rat skeletal muscle subtype 1) and hH1 (human heart subtype 1) has been cloned and expressed by various groups under various conditions in Xenopus oocytes and the tsA201 (HEK 293) mammalian cell line derived from human embryonic kidney cells. In this study, we have expressed hH1 and rSkM1 in tsA201 cells for comparison under the same conditions using patch-clamp methods. Our results show significant differences in the current-voltage (I-V) relationship, kinetics of current decay, voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation, and the time constant for recovery from inactivation. We studied several rSkM1/hH1 chimeric sodium channels to identify the structural regions responsible for the different biophysical behavior of the two channel subtypes. Exchanging the interdomain (ID3-4) loops, thought to contain the inactivation particle, between rSkM1 and hH1 had no effect on the electrophysiological behaviors, including inactivation, indicating that the differences in channel subtype characteristics are determined by parts of the channel other than the ID3-4 segment. The data on a chimeric channel in which D1 and D4 are derived from hH1 while D2 and D3 and the ID1-2, ID2-3, and ID3-4 loops are from rSkM1 show that D1 and/or D4 seem to be responsible for the slower kinetics of inactivation of hH1 while D2 and/or D3 appear to contain the determinants for the differences in the I-V relationship, steady-state inactivation (h infinity) curve, and the kinetics of the recovery from inactivation.


1996 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ji ◽  
A L George ◽  
R Horn ◽  
R L Barchi

Mutations in the gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel of skeletal muscle (SkMl) have been identified in a group of autosomal dominant diseases, characterized by abnormalities of the sarcolemmal excitability, that include paramyotonia congenita (PC) and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). We previously reported that PC mutations cause in common a slowing of inactivation in the human SkMl sodium channel. In this investigation, we examined the molecular mechanisms responsible for the effects of L1433R, located in D4/S3, on channel gating by creating a series of additional mutations at the 1433 site. Unlike the R1448C mutation, found in D4/S4, which produces its effects largely due to the loss of the positive charge, change of the hydropathy of the side chain rather than charge is the primary factor mediating the effects of L1433R. These two mutations also differ in their effects on recovery from inactivation, conditioned inactivation, and steady state inactivation of the hSkMl channels. We constructed a double mutation containing both L1433R and R1448C. The double mutation closely resembled R1448C with respect to alterations in the kinetics of inactivation during depolarization and voltage dependence, but was indistinguishable from L1433R in the kinetics of recovery from inactivation and steady state inactivation. No additive effects were seen, suggesting that these two segments interact during gating. In addition, we found that these mutations have different effects on the delay of recovery from inactivation and the kinetics of the tail currents, raising a question whether this delay is a reflection of the deactivation process. These results suggest that the S3 and S4 segments play distinct roles in different processes of hSkM1 channel gating: D4/S4 is critical for the deactivation and inactivation of the open channel while D4/S3 has a dominant role in the recovery of inactivated channels. However, these two segments interact during the entry to, and exit from, inactivation states.


2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (2) ◽  
pp. C783-C789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Rosker ◽  
Birgit Lohberger ◽  
Doris Hofer ◽  
Bibiane Steinecker ◽  
Stefan Quasthoff ◽  
...  

The blocking efficacy of 4,9-anhydro-TTX (4,9-ah-TTX) and TTX on several isoforms of voltage-dependent sodium channels, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, was tested (Nav1.2, Nav1.3, Nav1.4, Nav1.5, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8). Generally, TTX was 40–231 times more effective, when compared with 4,9-ah-TTX, on a given isoform. An exception was Nav1.6, where 4,9-ah-TTX in nanomole per liter concentrations sufficed to result in substantial block, indicating that 4,9-ah-TTX acts specifically at this peculiar isoform. The IC50 values for TTX/4,9-ah-TTX were as follows (in nmol/l): 7.8 ± 1.3/1,260 ± 121 (Nav1.2), 2.8 ± 2.3/341 ± 36 (Nav1.3), 4.5 ± 1.0/988 ± 62 (Nav1.4), 1,970 ± 565/78,500 ± 11,600 (Nav1.5), 3.8 ± 1.5/7.8 ± 2.3 (Nav1.6), 5.5 ± 1.4/1,270 ± 251 (Nav1.7), and 1,330 ± 459/>30,000 (Nav1.8). Analysis of approximal half-maximal doses of both compounds revealed minor effects on voltage-dependent activation only, whereas steady-state inactivation was shifted to more negative potentials by both TTX and 4,9-ah-TTX in the case of the Nav1.6 subunit, but not in the case of other TTX-sensitive ones. TTX shifted steady-state inactivation also to more negative potentials in case of the TTX-insensitive Nav1.5 subunit, where it also exerted profound effects on the time course of recovery from inactivation. Isoform-specific interaction of toxins with ion channels is frequently observed in the case of proteinaceous toxins. Although the sensitivity of Nav1.1 to 4,9-ah-TTX is not known, here we report evidence on a highly isoform-specific TTX analog that may well turn out to be an invaluable tool in research for the identification of Nav1.6-mediated function, but also for therapeutic intervention.


2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc R. Suter ◽  
Zahurul A. Bhuiyan ◽  
Cédric J. Laedermann ◽  
Thierry Kuntzer ◽  
Muriel Schaller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Mutations in the SCN9A gene cause chronic pain and pain insensitivity syndromes. We aimed to study clinical, genetic, and electrophysiological features of paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD) caused by a novel SCN9A mutation. Methods: Description of a 4-generation family suffering from PEPD with clinical, genetic and electrophysiological studies including patch clamp experiments assessing response to drug and temperature. Results: The family was clinically comparable to those reported previously with the exception of a favorable effect of cold exposure and a lack of drug efficacy including with carbamazepine, a proposed treatment for PEPD. A novel p.L1612P mutation in the Nav1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel was found in the four affected family members tested. Electrophysiologically the mutation substantially depolarized the steady–state inactivation curve (V1/2 from −61.8 ± 4.5 mV to −30.9 ± 2.2 mV, n = 4 and 7, P < 0.001), significantly increased ramp current (from 1.8% to 3.4%, n = 10 and 12) and shortened recovery from inactivation (from 7.2 ± 5.6 ms to 2.2 ± 1.5 ms, n = 11 and 10). However, there was no persistent current. Cold exposure reduced peak current and prolonged recovery from inactivation in wild-type and mutated channels. Amitriptyline only slightly corrected the steady–state inactivation shift of the mutated channel, which is consistent with the lack of clinical benefit. Conclusions: The novel p.L1612P Nav1.7 mutation expands the PEPD spectrum with a unique combination of clinical symptoms and electrophysiological properties. Symptoms are partially responsive to temperature but not to drug therapy. In vitro trials of sodium channel blockers or temperature dependence might help predict treatment efficacy in PEPD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 152 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn M. Lamothe ◽  
Harley T. Kurata

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.2 plays a pivotal role in neuronal excitability and is regulated by a variety of known and unknown extrinsic factors. The canonical accessory subunit of Kv1.2, Kvβ, promotes N-type inactivation and cell surface expression of the channel. We recently reported that a neutral amino acid transporter, Slc7a5, alters the function and expression of Kv1.2. In the current study, we investigated the effects of Slc7a5 on Kv1.2 in the presence of Kvβ1.2 subunits. We observed that Slc7a5-induced suppression of Kv1.2 current and protein expression was attenuated with cotransfection of Kvβ1.2. However, gating effects mediated by Slc7a5, including disinhibition and a hyperpolarizing shift in channel activation, were observed together with Kvβ-mediated inactivation, indicating convergent regulation of Kv1.2 by both regulatory proteins. Slc7a5 influenced several properties of Kvβ-induced inactivation of Kv1.2, including accelerated inactivation, a hyperpolarizing shift and greater extent of steady-state inactivation, and delayed recovery from inactivation. These modified inactivation properties were also apparent in altered deactivation of the Kv1.2/Kvβ/Slc7a5 channel complex. Taken together, these findings illustrate a functional interaction arising from simultaneous regulation of Kv1.2 by Kvβ and Slc7a5, leading to powerful effects on Kv1.2 expression, gating, and overall channel function.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 515-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amadou K. S. Camara ◽  
Zeljana Begic ◽  
Wai-Meng Kwok ◽  
Zeljko J. Bosnjak

Background Volatile anesthetics exert their negative chronotropic and inotropic effects, in part by depressing the L- and T-type calcium channels. This study examines and compares the dose-dependent effects of isoflurane on atrial L- and T-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L) and I(Ca,T)) and ventricular I(Ca,L). Methods Whole cell I(Ca) was recorded from enzymatically isolated guinea pig cardiomyocytes. Current-voltage relations for atrial and ventricular I(Ca,L) was obtained from holding potentials of -90 and -50 mV to test a potential of +60 mV in 10-mV increments. Atrial I(Ca,T) was determined by subtraction of currents obtained from holding potentials of -50 and -90 mV. Steady state inactivation was determined using standard two-pulse protocols, and data were fitted with the Boltzmann equation. Results Isoflurane depressed I(Ca) in a dose-dependent manner, with Kd values of 0.23+/-0.03, 0.34+/-0.03, and 0.71+/-0.02 mM of anesthetic for atrial I(Ca,T) and I(Ca,L) and ventricular (ICa,L), respectively, and caused a significant (P < 0.05) hyperpolarizing shift in steady state inactivation. At 1.2 and 1.6 mm, isoflurane caused a significant (P < 0.05) depolarizing shift in the steady state activation in ventricular I(Ca,L) but not in atrial I(Ca,L) or I(Ca,T). In addition to the depression of I(Ca,L), isoflurane also induced a hyperpolarizing shift in the reversal potential of I(Ca) for both atrial and ventricular L-type calcium channels. Conclusion The results show that atrial I(Ca,T) is more sensitive to isoflurane than atrial I(Ca,L), and ventricular I(Ca,L) was the least responsive to the anesthetic. These differential sensitivities of the calcium channels in the atrial and ventricular chambers might reflect phenotypic differences in the calcium channels or differences in modulation by the anesthetic.


2000 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Mitrovic ◽  
Alfred L. George ◽  
Richard Horn

Depolarization of sodium channels initiates at least three gating pathways: activation, fast inactivation, and slow inactivation. Little is known about the voltage sensors for slow inactivation, a process believed to be separate from fast inactivation. Covalent modification of a cysteine substituted for the third arginine (R1454) in the S4 segment of the fourth domain (R3C) with negatively charged methanethiosulfonate-ethylsulfonate (MTSES) or with positively charged methanethiosulfonate-ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET) produces a marked slowing of the rate of fast inactivation. However, only MTSES modification produces substantial effects on the kinetics of slow inactivation. Rapid trains of depolarizations (2–20 Hz) cause a reduction of the peak current of mutant channels modified by MTSES, an effect not observed for wild-type or unmodified R3C channels, or for mutant channels modified by MTSET. The data suggest that MTSES modification of R3C enhances entry into a slow-inactivated state, and also that the effects on slow inactivation are independent of alterations of either activation or fast inactivation. This effect of MTSES is observed only for cysteine mutants within the middle of this S4 segment, and the data support a helical secondary structure of S4 in this region. Mutation of R1454 to the negatively charged residues aspartate or glutamate cannot reproduce the effects of MTSES modification, indicating that charge alone cannot account for these results. A long-chained derivative of MTSES has similar effects as MTSES, and can produce these effects on a residue that does not show use-dependent current reduction after modification by MTSES, suggesting that the sulfonate moiety can reach a critical site affecting slow inactivation. The effects of MTSES on R3C are partially counteracted by a point mutation (W408A) that inhibits slow inactivation. Our data suggest that a region near the midpoint of the S4 segment of domain 4 plays an important role in slow inactivation.


1990 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R Stimers ◽  
N Shigeto ◽  
M Lieberman

Spontaneously beating aggregates of cultured embryonic chick cardiac myocytes, maintained at 37 degrees C, were voltage clamped using a single microelectrode switching clamp to measure the current generated by the Na/K pump (Ip). In resting, steady-state preparations an ouabain-sensitive current of 0.46 +/- 0.03 microA/cm2 (n = 22) was identified. This current was not affected by 1 mM Ba, which was used to reduce inward rectifier current (IK1) and linearize the current-voltage relationship. When K-free solution was used to block Ip, subsequent addition of Ko reactivated the Na/K pump, generating an outward reactivation current that was also ouabain sensitive. The reactivation current magnitude was a saturating function of Ko with a Hill coefficient of 1.7 and K0.5 of 1.9 mM in the presence of 144 mM Nao. The reactivation current was increased in magnitude when Nai was increased by lengthening the period of time that the preparation was exposed to K-free solution prior to reactivation. When Nai was raised by 3 microM monensin, steady-state Ip was increased more than threefold above the resting value to 1.74 +/- 0.09 microA/cm2 (n = 11). From these measurements and other published data we calculate that in a resting myocyte: (a) the steady-state Ip should hyperpolarize the membrane by 6.5 mV, (b) the turnover rate of the Na/K pump is 29 s-1, and (c) the Na influx is 14.3 pmol/cm2.s. We conclude that in cultured embryonic chick cardiac myocytes, the Na/K pump generates a measurable current which, under certain conditions, can be isolated from other membrane currents and has properties similar to those reported for adult cardiac cells.


2000 ◽  
Vol 203 (20) ◽  
pp. 3189-3198
Author(s):  
S.D. Buckingham ◽  
A.N. Spencer

Cells from the brain of the polyclad flatworm Notoplana atomata were dispersed and maintained in primary culture for up to 3 weeks. Whole-cell patch-clamp of presumed neurones revealed outwardly directed K(+) currents that comprised, in varying proportions, a rapidly activating (time constant tau =0.94+/−0.79 ms; N=15) and inactivating (tau =26.1+/−1.9 ms; N=22) current and a second current that also activated rapidly (tau =1.1+/−0.2 ms; N=9) (means +/− s.e.m.) but did not inactivate within 100 ms. Both current types activated over similar voltage ranges. Activation and steady-state inactivation overlap and are markedly rightward-shifted compared with most Shaker-like currents (half-activation of 16.9+/−1. 9 mV, N=7, half-inactivation of −35.4+/−3.0 mV, N=5). Recovery from inactivation was rapid (50+/−2.5 ms at −90 mV). Both currents were unaffected by tetraethylammonium (25 mmol l(−1)), whereas 4-aminopyridine (10 mmol l(−1)) selectively blocked the inactivating current. The rapidly inactivating current, like cloned K(+) channels from cnidarians and certain cloned K(+) channels from molluscs and the Kv3 family of vertebrate channels, differed from most A-type K(+) currents reported to date. These findings suggest that K(+) currents in Notoplana atomata play novel roles in shaping excitability properties.


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