scholarly journals Patch recordings from the electrocytes of electrophorus. Na channel gating currents.

1991 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Shenkel ◽  
F Bezanilla

Gating currents were recorded at 11 degrees C in cell-attached and inside-out patches from the innervated membrane of Electrophorus main organ electrocytes. With pipette tip diameters of 3-8 microns, maximal charge measured in patches ranged from 0.74 to 7.19 fC. The general features of the gating currents are similar to those from the squid giant axon. The steady-state voltage dependence of the ON gating charge was characterized by an effective valence of 1.3 +/- 0.4 and a midpoint voltage of -56 +/- 7 mV. The charge vs. voltage relation lies approximately 30 mV negative to the channel open probability curve. The ratio of the time constants of the OFF gating current and the Na current was 2.3 at -120 mV and equal at -80 mV. Charge immobilization and Na current inactivation develop with comparable time courses and have very similar voltage dependences. Between 60 and 80% of the charge is temporarily immobilized by inactivation.

1985 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R Stimers ◽  
F Bezanilla ◽  
R E Taylor

Treatment of giant axons from the squid, Loligo pealei, with pronase removes Na channel inactivation. It was found that the peak Na current is increased, but the activation kinetics are not significantly altered, by pronase. Measurements of the fraction of open channels as a function of voltage (F-V) showed an e-folding at 7 mV and a center point near -15 mV. The rate of e-folding implies that a minimum of 4 e-/channel must cross the membrane field to open the channel. The charge vs. voltage (Q-V) curve measured in a pronase-treated axon is not significantly different from that measured when inactivation is intact: approximately 1,850 e-/micron2 were measured over the voltage range -150 to 50 mV, and the center point was near -30 mV. Normalizing these two curves (F-V and Q-V) and plotting them together reveals that they cross when inactivation is intact but saturate together when inactivation is removed. This illustrates the error one makes when measuring peak conductance with intact inactivation and interpreting that to be the fraction of open channels. A model is described that was used to interpret these results. In the model, we propose that inactivation must be slightly voltage dependent and that an interaction occurs between the inactivating particle and the gating charge. A linear sequence of seven states (a single open state with six closed states) is sufficient to describe the data presented here for Na channel activation in pronase-treated axons.


1999 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 723-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon D. Islas ◽  
Fred J. Sigworth

The members of the voltage-dependent potassium channel family subserve a variety of functions and are expected to have voltage sensors with different sensitivities. The Shaker channel of Drosophila, which underlies a transient potassium current, has a high voltage sensitivity that is conferred by a large gating charge movement, ∼13 elementary charges. A Shaker subunit's primary voltage-sensing (S4) region has seven positively charged residues. The Shab channel and its homologue Kv2.1 both carry a delayed-rectifier current, and their subunits have only five positively charged residues in S4; they would be expected to have smaller gating-charge movements and voltage sensitivities. We have characterized the gating currents and single-channel behavior of Shab channels and have estimated the charge movement in Shaker, Shab, and their rat homologues Kv1.1 and Kv2.1 by measuring the voltage dependence of open probability at very negative voltages and comparing this with the charge–voltage relationships. We find that Shab has a relatively small gating charge, ∼7.5 eo. Surprisingly, the corresponding mammalian delayed rectifier Kv2.1, which has the same complement of charged residues in the S2, S3, and S4 segments, has a gating charge of 12.5 eo, essentially equal to that of Shaker and Kv1.1. Evidence for very strong coupling between charge movement and channel opening is seen in two channel types, with the probability of voltage-independent channel openings measured to be below 10−9 in Shaker and below 4 × 10−8 in Kv2.1.


2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Rakowski ◽  
David C. Gadsby ◽  
Paul De Weer

The properties of the small fraction of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na channels that remain open in the steady state were studied in internally dialyzed voltage clamped squid giant axons. The observed Ussing flux ratio exponent (n′) of 0.97 ± 0.03 (calculated from simultaneous measurements of TTX-sensitive current and 22Na efflux) and nonindependent behavior of Na current at high internal [Na] are explained by a one-site (“1s”) permeation model characterized by a single effective binding site within the channel pore in equilibrium with internal Na ions (apparent equilibrium dissociation constant KNai(0) = 0.61 ± 0.08 M). Steady-state open probability of the TTX-sensitive channels can be modeled by the product pap∞, where pa represents voltage-dependent activation described by a Boltzmann distribution with midpoint Va = −7 mV and effective valence za = 3.2 (Vandenberg, C.A., and F. Bezanilla. 1991. Biophys. J. 60:1499–1510) coupled to voltage-independent inactivation by an equilibrium constant (Bezanilla, F., and C.M. Armstrong. 1977. J. Gen. Physiol. 70:549–566) Keq = 770. The factor p∞ represents voltage-dependent inactivation with empirical midpoint V∞= −83 ± 5 mV and effective valence z∞ = 0.55 ± 0.03. The composite pap∞1s model describes the steady-state voltage dependence of the persistent TTX-sensitive current well.


1995 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
M F Sheets ◽  
D A Hanck

The gating charge and voltage dependence of the open state to the inactivated state (O-->I) transition was measured for the voltage-dependent mammalian cardiac Na channel. Using the site 3 toxin, Anthopleurin-A (Ap-A), which selectively modifies the O-->I transition (see Hanck, D. A., and M. F. Sheets. 1995. Journal of General Physiology. 106:601-616), we studied Na channel gating currents (Ig) in voltage-clamped single canine cardiac Purkinje cells at approximately 12 degrees C. Comparison of Ig recorded in response to step depolarizations before and after modification by Ap-A toxin showed that toxin-modified gating currents decayed faster and had decreased initial amplitudes. The predominate change in the charge-voltage (Q-V) relationship was a reduction in gating charge at positive potentials such that Qmax was reduced by 33%, and the difference between charge measured in Ap-A toxin and in control represented the gating charge associated with Na channels undergoing inactivation by O-->I. By comparing the time course of channel activation (represented by the gating charge measured in Ap-A toxin) and gating charge associated with the O-->I transition (difference between control and Ap-A charge), the influence of activation on the time course of inactivation could be accounted for and the inherent voltage dependence of the O-->I transition determined. The O-->I transition for cardiac Na channels had a valence of 0.75 e-. The total charge of the cardiac voltage-gated Na channel was estimated to be 5 e-. Because charge is concentrated near the opening transition for this isoform of the channel, the time constant of the O-->I transition at 0 mV could also be estimated (0.53 ms, approximately 12 degrees C). Prediction of the mean channel open time-voltage relationship based upon the magnitude and valence of the O-->C and O-->I rate constants from INa and Ig data matched data previously reported from single Na channel studies in heart at the same temperature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (19) ◽  
pp. e2025556118
Author(s):  
Emerson M. Carmona ◽  
Miguel Fernandez ◽  
Juan J. Alvear-Arias ◽  
Alan Neely ◽  
H. Peter Larsson ◽  
...  

The dissipation of acute acid loads by the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) relies on regulating the channel’s open probability by the voltage and the ΔpH across the membrane (ΔpH = pHex − pHin). Using monomeric Ciona-Hv1, we asked whether ΔpH-dependent gating is produced during the voltage sensor activation or permeation pathway opening. A leftward shift of the conductance-voltage (G-V) curve was produced at higher ΔpH values in the monomeric channel. Next, we measured the voltage sensor pH dependence in the absence of a functional permeation pathway by recording gating currents in the monomeric nonconducting D160N mutant. Increasing the ΔpH leftward shifted the gating charge-voltage (Q-V) curve, demonstrating that the ΔpH-dependent gating in Hv1 arises by modulating its voltage sensor. We fitted our data to a model that explicitly supposes the Hv1 voltage sensor free energy is a function of both the proton chemical and the electrical potential. The parameters obtained showed that around 60% of the free energy stored in the ΔpH is coupled to the Hv1 voltage sensor activation. Our results suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying the Hv1 ΔpH dependence is produced by protons, which alter the free-energy landscape around the voltage sensor domain. We propose that this alteration is produced by accessibility changes of the protons in the Hv1 voltage sensor during activation.


1983 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 785-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Hahin ◽  
D T Campbell

The effect of elevated divalent cation concentration on the kinetics of sodium ionic and gating currents was studied in voltage-clamped frog skeletal muscle fibers. Raising the Ca concentration from 2 to 40 mM resulted in nearly identical 30-mV shifts in the time courses of activation, inactivation, tail current decay, and ON and OFF gating currents, and in the steady state levels of inactivation, charge immobilization, and charge vs. voltage. Adding 38 mM Mg to the 2 mM Ca bathing a fiber produced a smaller shift of approximately 20 mV in gating current kinetics and the charge vs. voltage relationship. The results with both Ca and Mg are consistent with the hypothesis that elevated concentrations of these alkali earth cations alter Na channel gating by changing the membrane surface potential. The different shifts produced by Ca and Mg are consistent with the hypothesis that the two ions bind to fixed membrane surface charges with different affinities, in addition to possible screening.


1999 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank T. Horrigan ◽  
Richard W. Aldrich

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels can be activated by membrane voltage in the absence of Ca2+ binding, indicating that these channels contain an intrinsic voltage sensor. The properties of this voltage sensor and its relationship to channel activation were examined by studying gating charge movement from mSlo Ca2+-activated K+ channels in the virtual absence of Ca2+ (<1 nM). Charge movement was measured in response to voltage steps or sinusoidal voltage commands. The charge–voltage relationship (Q–V) is shallower and shifted to more negative voltages than the voltage-dependent open probability (G–V). Both ON and OFF gating currents evoked by brief (0.5-ms) voltage pulses appear to decay rapidly (τON = 60 μs at +200 mV, τOFF = 16 μs at −80 mV). However, QOFF increases slowly with pulse duration, indicating that a large fraction of ON charge develops with a time course comparable to that of IK activation. The slow onset of this gating charge prevents its detection as a component of IgON, although it represents ∼40% of the total charge moved at +140 mV. The decay of IgOFF is slowed after depolarizations that open mSlo channels. Yet, the majority of open channel charge relaxation is too rapid to be limited by channel closing. These results can be understood in terms of the allosteric voltage-gating scheme developed in the preceding paper (Horrigan, F.T., J. Cui, and R.W. Aldrich. 1999. J. Gen. Physiol. 114:277–304). The model contains five open (O) and five closed (C) states arranged in parallel, and the kinetic and steady-state properties of mSlo gating currents exhibit multiple components associated with C–C, O–O, and C–O transitions.


1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (6) ◽  
pp. F933-F944 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. N. Ling ◽  
C. F. Hinton ◽  
D. C. Eaton

Patch-clamp methodology was applied to principal cell apical membranes of rabbit cortical collecting tubule (CCT) primary cultures grown on collagen supports in the presence of aldosterone (1.5 microM). The most frequently observed channel had a unit conductance of 3-5 pS, nonlinear current-voltage (I-V) relationship, Na permeability (PNa)-to-K permeability (PK) ratio greater than 19:1, and inward current at all applied potentials (Vapp) less than +80 mV (n = 41). Less frequently, an 8- to 10-pS channel with a linear I-V curve, PNa/PK less than 5:1, and inward current at Vapp less than +40 mV was also observed (n = 7). Luminal amiloride (0.75 microM) decreased the open probability (Po) for both of these channels. Mean open time for the high-selectivity Na+ channel was 2.1 +/- 0.5 s and for the low-selectivity Na+ channel was 50 +/- 12 ms. In primary cultures grown without aldosterone the high-selectivity Na+ channel was rarely observed (1 of 32 patches). Lastly, a 26- to 35-pS channel, nonselective for Na+ over K+, was not activated by cytoplasmic Ca2+ or voltage nor inhibited by amiloride (n = 17). We conclude that under specific growth conditions, namely permeable transporting supports and chronic mineralocorticoid hormone exposure, principal cell apical membranes of rabbit CCT primary cultures contain 1) both high-selectivity and low-selectivity, amiloride-inhibitable Na+ channels and 2) amiloride-insensitive, nonselective cation channels.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1858
Author(s):  
Waheed Shabbir ◽  
Nermina Topcagic ◽  
Mohammed Aufy ◽  
Murat Oz

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to activate the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in A549 cells. A549 cells are widely used model for ENaC research. The role of δ-ENaC subunit in TNF-induced activation has not been studied. In this study we hypothesized that δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC channel in A549 cells which are widely used model for ENaC research. We used CRISPR/Cas 9 approach to knock down (KD) the δ-ENaC in A549 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed to analyze efficacy of δ-ENaC protein KD. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to analyze the TNF-induced activation of ENaC. Overexpression of wild type δ-ENaC in the δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells restored the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current. Neither N-linked glycosylation sites nor carboxyl terminus domain of δ-ENaC was necessary for the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current in δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells. Our data demonstrated that in A549 cells the δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC.


2006 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Dougherty ◽  
Manuel Covarrubias

Dipeptidyl aminopeptidase–like proteins (DPLPs) interact with Kv4 channels and thereby induce a profound remodeling of activation and inactivation gating. DPLPs are constitutive components of the neuronal Kv4 channel complex, and recent observations have suggested the critical functional role of the single transmembrane segment of these proteins (Zagha, E., A. Ozaita, S.Y. Chang, M.S. Nadal, U. Lin, M.J. Saganich, T. McCormack, K.O. Akinsanya, S.Y. Qi, and B. Rudy. 2005. J. Biol. Chem. 280:18853–18861). However, the underlying mechanism of action is unknown. We hypothesized that a unique interaction between the Kv4.2 channel and a DPLP found in brain (DPPX-S) may remodel the channel's voltage-sensing domain. To test this hypothesis, we implemented a robust experimental system to measure Kv4.2 gating currents and study gating charge dynamics in the absence and presence of DPPX-S. The results demonstrated that coexpression of Kv4.2 and DPPX-S causes a −26 mV parallel shift in the gating charge-voltage (Q-V) relationship. This shift is associated with faster outward movements of the gating charge over a broad range of relevant membrane potentials and accelerated gating charge return upon repolarization. In sharp contrast, DPPX-S had no effect on gating charge movements of the Shaker B Kv channel. We propose that DPPX-S destabilizes resting and intermediate states in the voltage-dependent activation pathway, which promotes the outward gating charge movement. The remodeling of gating charge dynamics may involve specific protein–protein interactions of the DPPX-S's transmembrane segment with the voltage-sensing and pore domains of the Kv4.2 channel. This mechanism may determine the characteristic fast operation of neuronal Kv4 channels in the subthreshold range of membrane potentials.


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