scholarly journals Gating of Recombinant Small-Conductance Ca-activated K+ Channels by Calcium

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Hirschberg ◽  
James Maylie ◽  
John P. Adelman ◽  
Neil V. Marrion

Small-conductance Ca-activated K+ channels play an important role in modulating excitability in many cell types. These channels are activated by submicromolar concentrations of intracellular Ca2+, but little is known about the gating kinetics upon activation by Ca2+. In this study, single channel currents were recorded from Xenopus oocytes expressing the apamin-sensitive clone rSK2. Channel activity was detectable in 0.2 μM Ca2+ and was maximal above 2 μM Ca2+. Analysis of stationary currents revealed two open times and three closed times, with only the longest closed time being Ca dependent, decreasing with increasing Ca2+ concentrations. In addition, elevated Ca2+ concentrations resulted in a larger percentage of long openings and short closures. Membrane voltage did not have significant effects on either open or closed times. The open probability was ∼0.6 in 1 μM free Ca2+. A lower open probability of ∼0.05 in 1 μM Ca2+ was also observed, and channels switched spontaneously between behaviors. The occurrence of these switches and the amount of time channels spent displaying high open probability behavior was Ca2+ dependent. The two behaviors shared many features including the open times and the short and intermediate closed times, but the low open probability behavior was characterized by a different, long Ca2+-dependent closed time in the range of hundreds of milliseconds to seconds. Small-conductance Ca- activated K+ channel gating was modeled by a gating scheme consisting of four closed and two open states. This model yielded a close representation of the single channel data and predicted a macroscopic activation time course similar to that observed upon fast application of Ca2+ to excised inside-out patches.

1992 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Ganfornina ◽  
J López-Barneo

Single K+ channel currents were recorded in excised membrane patches from dispersed chemoreceptor cells of the rabbit carotid body under conditions that abolish current flow through Na+ and Ca2+ channels. We have found three classes of voltage-gated K+ channels that differ in their single-channel conductance (gamma), dependence on internal Ca2+ (Ca2+i), and sensitivity to changes in O2 tension (PO2). Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (KCa channels) with gamma approximately 210 pS in symmetrical K+ solutions were observed when [Ca2+]i was greater than 0.1 microM. Small conductance channels with gamma = 16 pS were not affected by [Ca2+]i and they exhibited slow activation and inactivation time courses. In these two channel types open probability (P(open)) was unaffected when exposed to normoxic (PO2 = 140 mmHg) or hypoxic (PO2 approximately 5-10 mmHg) external solutions. A third channel type (referred to as KO2 channel), having an intermediate gamma(approximately 40 pS), was the most frequently recorded. KO2 channels are steeply voltage dependent and not affected by [Ca2+]i, they inactivate almost completely in less than 500 ms, and their P(open) reversibly decreases upon exposure to low PO2. The effect of low PO2 is voltage dependent, being more pronounced at moderately depolarized voltages. At 0 mV, for example, P(open) diminishes to approximately 40% of the control value. The time course of ensemble current averages of KO2 channels is remarkably similar to that of the O2-sensitive K+ current. In addition, ensemble average and macroscopic K+ currents are affected similarly by low PO2. These observations strongly suggest that KO2 channels are the main contributors to the macroscopic K+ current of glomus cells. The reversible inhibition of KO2 channel activity by low PO2 does not desensitize and is not related to the presence of F-, ATP, and GTP-gamma-S at the internal face of the membrane. These results indicate that KO2 channels confer upon glomus cells their unique chemoreceptor properties and that the O2-K+ channel interaction occurs either directly or through an O2 sensor intrinsic to the plasma membrane closely associated with the channel molecule.


1989 ◽  
Vol 256 (2) ◽  
pp. F246-F254 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Taniguchi ◽  
K. Yoshitomi ◽  
M. Imai

To examine the nature of ion-conductive pathways in the basolateral membrane of rabbit distal convoluted tubule (DCT), we recorded single-channel currents from the tubule segment isolated from collagenase-treated kidney. Using cell-attached patch pipettes filled with 130 mM KCl, 5.4 mM CaCl2, and 10 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (pH 7.4), we observed K+ channels in the basolateral membrane of DCT, having two different single-channel conductances of 48.7 +/- 1.4 (n = 9) and 60.6 +/- 1.4 pS (n = 7). Both types of channels were completely blocked by 0.1 mM BaCl2. Both channels have same open probability of approximately 0.5 at the intrinsic basolateral membrane voltage and were recorded with similar incidence. Mean open and closed times were 31.5 +/- 5.2 and 41.3 +/- 16.0 ms for the smaller channel, and 31.5 +/- 5.1 and 36.7 +/- 8.7 ms for the larger channel, respectively. These kinetic properties did not show any clear voltage dependence in both channels. Because of apparent similarity of channel kinetics, it is possible that both activities might represent different states of the same channel. For definite conclusion, however, further investigations are necessary. In three recordings from 54 successful patches, we observed a flickering channel with rapid kinetics, which was insensitive to 1 meq/l Ba2+. The conductance of this channel was 76.6 pS (n = 2). The extrapolated zero current voltage was 76.0 mV (n = 2), indicating that this channel is permeable to K+. From these results, we suggest that K+ channels constitute conductive pathways for K+ in the basolateral membrane of rabbit DCT.


2006 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Thompson ◽  
Ted Begenisich

The complexity of mammalian physiology requires a diverse array of ion channel proteins. This diversity extends even to a single family of channels. For example, the family of Ca2+-activated K channels contains three structural subfamilies characterized by small, intermediate, and large single channel conductances. Many cells and tissues, including neurons, vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells, macrophages, and salivary glands express more than a single class of these channels, raising questions about their specific physiological roles. We demonstrate here a novel interaction between two types of Ca2+-activated K channels: maxi-K channels, encoded by the KCa1.1 gene, and IK1 channels (KCa3.1). In both native parotid acinar cells and in a heterologous expression system, activation of IK1 channels inhibits maxi-K activity. This interaction was independent of the mode of activation of the IK1 channels: direct application of Ca2+, muscarinic receptor stimulation, or by direct chemical activation of the IK1 channels. The IK1-induced inhibition of maxi-K activity occurred in small, cell-free membrane patches and was due to a reduction in the maxi-K channel open probability and not to a change in the single channel current level. These data suggest that IK1 channels inhibit maxi-K channel activity via a direct, membrane-delimited interaction between the channel proteins. A quantitative analysis indicates that each maxi-K channel may be surrounded by four IK1 channels and will be inhibited if any one of these IK1 channels opens. This novel, regulated inhibition of maxi-K channels by activation of IK1 adds to the complexity of the properties of these Ca2+-activated K channels and likely contributes to the diversity of their functional roles.


1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (4) ◽  
pp. C583-C590 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Kirsch ◽  
M. Taglialatela ◽  
A. M. Brown

Tetraethylammonium (TEA) has been used recently to probe natural and mutational variants of voltage-dependent K+ channels encoded by cDNA clones. Its usefulness as a probe of channel structure prompted us to examine the molecular mechanism by which TEA blocks single-channel currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing the rat brain K+ channel, RCK2. TEA at the intracellular surface of membrane patches decreased channel open time and increased the duration of closed intervals. Tetrapentylammonium had similar but more potent effects. Extracellular application of TEA caused an apparent reduction of single-channel amplitude. Block was slower at the high-affinity internal site than at the low-affinity external site. Internal TEA selectively blocks open K+ channels, and the voltage dependence of the block indicates that the binding site lies within the membrane electric field at a point 25% of the distance from the cytoplasmic margin. External TEA also interacts with the open channel but is less sensitive to membrane potential. The results indicate that the internal and external TEA binding sites define the inner and outer margins of the aqueous pore.


1992 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Markwardt ◽  
G Isenberg

Currents through maxi K+ channels were recorded in inside-out macro-patches. Using a liquid filament switch (Franke, C., H. Hatt, and J. Dudel. 1987. Neurosci, Lett. 77:199-204) the Ca2+ concentration at the tip of the patch electrode ([Ca2+]i) was changed in less than 1 ms. Elevation of [Ca2+]i from less than 10 nM to 3, 6, 20, 50, 320, or 1,000 microM activated several maxi K+ channels in the patch, whereas return to less than 10 nM deactivated them. The time course of Ca(2+)-dependent activation and deactivation was evaluated from the mean of 10-50 sweeps. The mean currents started a approximately 10-ms delay that was attributed to diffusion of Ca2+ from the tip to the K+ channel protein. The activation and deactivation time courses were fitted with the third power of exponential terms. The rate of activation increased with higher [Ca2+]i and with more positive potentials. The rate of deactivation was independent of preceding [Ca2+]i and was reduced at more positive potentials. The rate of deactivation was measured at five temperatures between 16 and 37 degrees C; fitting the results with the Arrhenius equation yielded an energy barrier of 16 kcal/mol for the Ca2+ dissociation at 0 mV. After 200 ms, the time-dependent processes were in a steady state, i.e., there was no sign of inactivation. In the steady state (200 ms), the dependence of channel openness, N.P(o), on [Ca2+]i yielded a Hill coefficient of approximately 3. The apparent dissociation constant, KD, decreased from 13 microM at -50 mV to 0.5 microM at +70 mV. The dependence of N.P(o) on voltage followed a Boltzmann distribution with a maximal P(o) of 0.8 and a slope factor of approximately 39 mV. The results were summarized by a model describing Ca2+- and voltage-dependent activation and deactivation, as well as steady-state open probability by the binding of Ca2+ to three equal and independent sites within the electrical field of the membrane at an electrical distance of 0.31 from the cytoplasmic side.


1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (6) ◽  
pp. F1007-F1014
Author(s):  
X. Y. Wang ◽  
P. J. Harris ◽  
R. E. Kemm

A method is described for gaining access to the basolateral membranes of confluent Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by surgical reflection of the cell layer overlying fluid-filled domes. Single-channel recordings from cell-attached inside-out and outside-out configurations revealed two K+ channels located in the basal membranes of the highly differentiated monolayers. With 140 mmol/l KCl in pipette, the intermediate-conductance K+ channel displayed outward rectification in cell-attached configuration with channel conductances of 65 pS for outward part and 17 pS for inward part. In excised-patch recording, this channel had a conductance of 92 pS with 140 mmol/l KCl on the extracellular side of the patch and 5 mmol/l KCl on the cytosolic side. The maximum conductance obtained in symmetrical KCl (140 mmol/l) solution was 140 pS. Ba2+ (1 mmol/l) and tetraethylammonium (5 mmol/l) blocked this channel reversibly. Channel open probability (Po) was reduced from 0.41 at cytosolic pH 7.4 to 0.14 at pH 6.8 and increased to 0.64 at pH 8.0. The channel activity was significantly inhibited by elevation of intracellular Ca2+. A small-conductance K+ channel was also observed mainly in excised patches with single-channel conductance of 48 pS in symmetrical KCl solutions. However, the activity of this channel was partially obscured by the intermediate-conductance K+ channel and further analysis was not possible. A physiological role of these channels in mediating K+ recycling through the monolayer is suggested.


1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (3) ◽  
pp. L327-L336 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Savaria ◽  
C. Lanoue ◽  
A. Cadieux ◽  
E. Rousseau

Microsomal fractions were prepared from canine and bovine airway smooth muscle (ASM) by differential and gradient centrifugations. Surface membrane vesicles were characterized by binding assays and incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. Single-channel activities were recorded in symmetric or asymmetric K+ buffer systems and studied under voltage and Ca2+ clamp conditions. A large-conductance K(+)-selective channel (greater than 220 pS in 150 mM K+) displaying a high Ca2+, low Ba2+, and charybdotoxin (CTX) sensitivity was identified. Time analysis of single-channel recordings revealed a complex kinetic behavior compatible with the previous schemes proposed for Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in a variety of biological surface membranes. We now report that the open probability of the channel at low Ca2+ concentration is enhanced on in vitro phosphorylation, which is mediated via an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase. In addition to this characterization at the molecular level, a second series of pharmacological experiments were designed to assess the putative role of this channel in ASM strips. Our results show that 50 nM CTX, a specific inhibitor of the large conducting Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel, prevents norepinephrine transient relaxation on carbamylcholine-precontracted ASM strips. It was also shown that CTX reversed the steady-state relaxation induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide and partially antagonized further relaxation induced by cumulative doses of this potent bronchodilatator. Thus it is proposed that the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels have a physiological role because they are indirectly activated on stimulation of various membrane receptors via intracellular mechanisms.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (4) ◽  
pp. C1107-C1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. S. Walters ◽  
M. Covarrubias ◽  
J. S. Ellingson

We investigated the effects of clinically relevant ethanol concentrations (5–20 mM) on the single-channel kinetics of bovine aortic smooth muscle maxi-K channels reconstituted in lipid bilayers (1:1 palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine: palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine). Ethanol at 10 and 20 mM decreased the channel open probability ( P o) by 75 ± 20.3% mainly by increasing the mean closed time (+82 to +960%, n = 7). In some instances, ethanol also decreased the mean open time (−40.8 ± 22.5%). The P o-voltage relation in the presence of 20 mM ethanol exhibited a rightward shift in the midpoint of voltage activation (Δ V ½ ≅ 17 mV), a slightly steeper relationship (change in slope factor, Δ k, ≅ −2.5 mV), and a decreased maximum P o (from ∼0.82 to ∼0.47). Interestingly, channels inhibited by ethanol at low Ca2+ concentrations (2.5 μM) were very resistant to ethanol in the presence of increased Ca2+ (≥ 20 μM). Alcohol consumption in clinically relevant amounts may alter the contribution of maxi-K channels to the regulation of arterial tone.


2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (1) ◽  
pp. F162-F169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Morton ◽  
Sarah Chipperfield ◽  
Abdulrahman Abohamed ◽  
Asipu Sivaprasadarao ◽  
Malcolm Hunter

TASK-2 is a member of the two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel family that is expressed at high levels in several epithelia, including the proximal tubule. In common with the other TASK channels, TASK-2 is sensitive to changes in extracellular pH. We have expressed human TASK-2 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and studied whole cell and single-channel activity by patch clamp. The open probability of K2P channels is generally independent of voltage, yielding linear current-voltage ( I- V) curves. Despite these properties, we found that these channels showed distinct inward rectification immediately on the establishment of whole cell clamp, which became progressively less pronounced with time. This rectification was due to intracellular Na+ but was unaffected by polyamines or Mg2+ (agents that cause rectification in Kir channels). Rectification was concentration- and voltage-dependent and could be reversibly induced by switching between Na+-rich and Na+-free bath solutions. In excised inside-out patches, Na+ reduced the amplitude of single-channel currents, indicative of rapid block and unblock of the pore. Mutations in the selectivity filter abolished Na+-induced rectification, suggesting that Na+ binds within the selectivity filter in wild-type channels. This sensitivity to intracellular Na+ may be an additional potential regulatory mechanism of TASK-2 channels.


2020 ◽  
Vol 152 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda J. McDaniel ◽  
Kevin K. Ogden ◽  
Steven A. Kell ◽  
Pieter B. Burger ◽  
Dennis C. Liotta ◽  
...  

The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is an ionotropic glutamate receptor formed from the tetrameric assembly of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits. Within the flexible linker between the agonist binding domain (ABD) and the M1 helix of the pore-forming transmembrane helical bundle lies a two-turn, extracellular pre-M1 helix positioned parallel to the plasma membrane and in van der Waals contact with the M3 helix thought to constitute the channel gate. The pre-M1 helix is tethered to the bilobed ABD, where agonist-induced conformational changes initiate activation. Additionally, it is a locus for de novo mutations associated with neurological disorders, is near other disease-associated de novo sites within the transmembrane domain, and is a structural determinant of subunit-selective modulators. To investigate the role of the pre-M1 helix in channel gating, we performed scanning mutagenesis across the GluN2A pre-M1 helix and recorded whole-cell macroscopic and single channel currents from HEK293 cell-attached patches. We identified two residues at which mutations perturb channel open probability, the mean open time, and the glutamate deactivation time course. We identified a subunit-specific network of aromatic amino acids located in and around the GluN2A pre-M1 helix to be important for gating. Based on these results, we are able to hypothesize about the role of the pre-M1 helix in other NMDAR subunits based on sequence and structure homology. Our results emphasize the role of the pre-M1 helix in channel gating, implicate the surrounding amino acid environment in this mechanism, and suggest unique subunit-specific contributions of pre-M1 helices to GluN1 and GluN2 gating.


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