scholarly journals High Glucose Represses hERG K+ Channel Expression through Trafficking Inhibition

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 284-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-Qi Shi ◽  
Meng Yan ◽  
Li-Rong Liu ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Qt Prolongation ◽  
Herg Channel ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Channel Trafficking ◽  
Herg Current

Background/Aims: Abnormal QT prolongation is the most prominent cardiac electrical disturbance in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is well known that the human ether-ago-go-related gene (hERG) controls the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in cardiac cells. The expression of the hERG channel is severely down-regulated in diabetic hearts, and this down-regulation is a critical contributor to the slowing of repolarization and QT prolongation. However, the intracellular mechanisms underlying the diabetes-induced hERG deficiency remain unknown. Methods: The expression of the hERG channel was assessed via western blot analysis, and the hERG current was detected with a patch-clamp technique. Results: The results of our study revealed that the expression of the hERG protein and the hERG current were substantially decreased in high-glucose-treated hERG-HEK cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the high-glucose-mediated damage to the hERG channel depended on the down-regulation of protein levels but not the alteration of channel kinetics. These discoveries indicated that high glucose likely disrupted hERG channel trafficking. From the western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses, we found that high glucose induced trafficking inhibition through an effect on the expression of Hsp90 and its interaction with hERG. Furthermore, the high-glucose-induced inhibition of hERG channel trafficking could activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) by up-regulating the expression levels of activating transcription factor-6 (ATF-6) and the ER chaperone protein calnexin. In addition, we demonstrated that 100 nM insulin up-regulated the expression of the hERG channel and rescued the hERG channel repression caused by high glucose. Conclusion: The results of our study provide the first evidence of a high-glucose-induced hERG channel deficiency resulting from the inhibition of channel trafficking. Furthermore, insulin promotes the expression of the hERG channel and ameliorates the high-glucose-induced inhibition of the hERG channel.

scholarly journals Probucol-induced hERG Channel Reduction can be Rescued by Matrine and Oxymatrinein vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (43) ◽  
pp. 4606-4612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-Qi Shi ◽  
Pan Fan ◽  
Guo-Cui Zhang ◽  
Yu-Hao Zhang ◽  
Ming-Zhu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potential Duration ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Herg Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
Herg Current ◽  
Factor Specificity ◽  
Lowering Drug

Background: The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel is the rapidly activating component of cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), which is a crucial determinant of cardiac repolarization. The reduction of hERG current is commonly believed to cause Long QT Syndrome (LQTs). Probucol, a cholesterol-lowering drug, induces LQTs by inhibiting the expression of the hERG channel. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective therapeutic method to rescue probucol-induced LQTs. Methods: Patch-clamp recording techniques were used to detect the action potential duration (APD) and current of hERG. Western blot was performed to measure the expression levels of proteins. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that 1 μM matrine and oxymatrine could rescue the hERG current and hERG surface expression inhibited by probucol. In addition, matrine and oxymatrine significantly shortened the prolonged action potential duration induced by probucol in neonatal cardiac myocytes. We proposed a novel mechanism underlying the probucol induced decrease in the expression of transcription factor Specificity protein 1 (Sp1), which is an established transactivator of the hERG gene. We also demonstrated that matrine and oxymatrine were able to upregulate Sp1 expression which may be one of the possible mechanisms by which matrine and oxymatrine rescued probucol-induced hERG channel deficiency. Conclusion: Our current results demonstrate that matrine and oxymatrine could rescue probucol-induced hERG deficiency in vitro, which may lead to potentially effective therapeutic drugs for treating acquired LQT2 by probucol in the future.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of IhERG/IKr Modulation by α1-Adrenoceptors in HEK293 Cells and Cardiac Myocytes

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1261-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janire Urrutia ◽  
Aintzane Alday ◽  
Mónica Gallego ◽  
L. Layse Malagueta-Vieira ◽  
Ivan Arael Aréchiga-Figueroa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiac Myocytes ◽  
Torsades De Pointes ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Herg Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
K Current ◽  
Herg Channels ◽  
Intracellular Pathway

Background: The rapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr), carried by the hERG protein, is one of the main repolarising currents in the human heart and a reduction of this current increases the risk of ventricular fibrillation. α1-adrenoceptors (α1-AR) activation reduces IKr but, despite the clear relationship between an increase in the sympathetic tone and arrhythmias, the mechanisms underlying the α1-AR regulation of the hERG channel are controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which α1-AR stimulation regulates IKr. Methods: α1-adrenoceptors, hERG channels, auxiliary subunits minK and MIRP1, the non PIP2-interacting mutant D-hERG (with a deletion of the 883-894 amino acids) in the C-terminal and the non PKC-phosphorylable mutant N-terminal truncated-hERG (NTK-hERG) were transfected in HEK293 cells. Cell membranes were extracted by centrifugation and the different proteins were visualized by Western blot. Potassium currents were recorded by the patch-clamp technique. IKr was recorded in isolated feline cardiac myocytes. Results: Activation of the α1-AR reduces the amplitude of IhERG and IKr through a positive shift in the activation half voltage, which reduces the channel availability at physiological membrane potentials. The intracellular pathway connecting the α1-AR to the hERG channel in HEK293 cells includes activation of the Gαq protein, PLC activation and PIP2 hydrolysis, activation of PKC and direct phosphorylation of the hERG channel N-terminal. The PKC-mediated IKr channel phosphorylation and subsequent IKr reduction after α1-AR stimulation was corroborated in feline cardiac myocytes. Conclusions: These findings clarify the link between sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity and IKr reduction, one of the best characterized causes of torsades de pointes and ventricular fibrillation.

Restoring depressed HERG K+ channel function as a mechanism for insulin treatment of abnormal QT prolongation and associated arrhythmias in diabetic rabbits

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (3) ◽  
pp. H1446-H1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiqiang Zhang ◽  
Jiening Xiao ◽  
Huizhen Wang ◽  
Xiaobin Luo ◽  
Jingxiong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potential Duration ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Qt Prolongation ◽  
Dependent Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Qtc Interval

Abnormal QT prolongation (QT-P) in diabetic patients has become a nonnegligible clinical problem and has attracted increasing attention from basic scientists, because it increases the risk of lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Correction of QT-P may be an important measure in minimizing sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients. Here we report the efficacy of insulin in preventing QT-P and the associated arrhythmias and the mechanisms underlying the effects in a rabbit model of type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval and action potential duration were considerably prolonged, with frequent ventricular tachycardias. The rapid delayed rectifier K+ current ( IKr) was markedly reduced in IDDM hearts, and hyperglycemia depressed the function of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG), which conducts IKr. The impairment was primarily ascribed to the enhanced oxidative damage to the myocardium, as indicated by the increased intracellular level of reactive oxygen species and simultaneously decreased endogenous antioxidant reserve and by the increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Moreover, IDDM or hyperglycemia resulted in downregulation of HERG protein level. Insulin restored the depressed IKr/HERG and prevented QTc/action potential duration prolongation and the associated arrhythmias, and the beneficial actions of insulin are partially due to its antioxidant ability. Our study represents the first documentation of oxidative stress as the major metabolic mechanism for HERG K+ dysfunction, which causes diabetic QT-P, and suggests IKr/HERG as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of the disorder.

Blockade of Na+and K+Currents by Local Anesthetics in the Dorsal Horn Neurons of the Spinal Cord 

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 172-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Olschewski ◽  
Gunter Hempelmann ◽  
Werner Vogel ◽  
Boris V. Safronov
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Dorsal Horn ◽  
Epidural Anesthesia ◽  
Local Anesthetics ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Dorsal Horn Neurons ◽  
K Currents

Background The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a pivotal point for transmission of neuronal pain. During spinal and epidural anesthesia, the neurons of the dorsal horn are exposed to local anesthetics. Unfortunately, little is known about the action of local anesthetics on the major ionic conductances in dorsal horn neurons. In this article, the authors describe the effects of bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine on voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents in the membranes of these neurons. Methods The patch-clamp technique was applied to intact dorsal horn neurons from laminae I-III identified in 200-microm slices of spinal cord from newborn rats. Under voltage-clamp conditions, the whole-cell Na+ and K+ currents activated by depolarization were recorded in the presence of different concentrations of local anesthetics. Results Externally applied bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine produced tonic block of Na+ currents with different potencies. Half-maximum inhibiting concentrations (IC50) were 26, 112, and 324 microM, respectively. All local anesthetics investigated also showed a phasic, that is, a use-dependent, block of Na+ channels. Rapidly inactivating K+ currents (KA currents) also were sensitive to the blockers with IC50 values for tonic blocks of 109, 163, and 236 microM, respectively. The block of KA currents was not use dependent. In contrast to Na+ and KA currents, delayed-rectifier K+ currents were almost insensitive to the local anesthetics applied. Conclusions In clinically relevant concentrations, local anesthetics block Na+ and KA currents but not delayed-rectifier K+ currents in spinal dorsal horn neurons. The molecular mechanisms of Na+ and K+ channel block by local anesthetics seem to be different. Characterization of these mechanisms could be an important step in understanding the complexity of local anesthetic action during spinal and epidural anesthesia.

Characterization of single non-inactivating potassium channels in primary neuronal cultures of Drosophila

1989 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
D. Yamamoto ◽  
N. Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Time Distribution ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Primary Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Single Channel Currents ◽  
Channel Currents ◽  
Cytoplasmic Side

Permeability and gating properties of single, non-inactivating, K+ channel currents in cultured Drosophila neurons were studied using the gigaohm-seal patch-clamp technique. The non-inactivating K+ currents were activated by depolarizing the membrane to −30 mV or to more positive potentials. The slope conductance of the channel was estimated to be 17.6 +/− 3.70 pS when the cytoplasmic side of the inside-out membrane patch was perfused with solutions containing 145 mmoll-1 K+. The single-channel conductance was temperature-sensitive, with a Q10 of 1.44 between 10 and 20 degrees C. Single-channel currents could be recorded when the cytoplasmic K+ was replaced with NH4+, Rb+ or Na+, but not with Cs+. The conductance ratio of the channel for these cations was: K+ (1) greater than NH4+(0.53) greater than Rb+ (0.47) greater than Na+ (0.44). Tetraethylammonium (TEA+) ions applied at a concentration of 10 mmoll-1 to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane increased the frequency of ‘blank’ traces which contained no channel openings during repetitive depolarization. In addition, single-channel amplitude was reduced by about 20%. The open-time distribution was fitted by a single exponential function, whereas the closed-time distribution required a three-exponential fit. Permeability and gating properties of single, non-inactivating K+ channel currents in neurons of eag, a mutant which has defects in the delayed rectifier K+ channel, were indistinguishable from those recorded from wild-type neurons.

scholarly journals Extracellular protons accelerate hERG channel deactivation by destabilizing voltage sensor relaxation

2018 ◽  
Vol 151 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Patrick Shi ◽  
Samrat Thouta ◽  
Yen May Cheng ◽  
Tom W. Claydon
Keyword(s):  
Ph Dependence ◽  
Voltage Sensor ◽  
Herg Channel ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Mode Shift ◽  
Deactivation Kinetics ◽  
Shift Behavior ◽  
Activated State ◽  
Herg Channels

hERG channels underlie the delayed-rectifier K+ channel current (IKr), which is crucial for membrane repolarization and therefore termination of the cardiac action potential. hERG channels display unusually slow deactivation gating, which contributes to a resurgent current upon repolarization and may protect against post-depolarization–induced arrhythmias. hERG channels also exhibit robust mode shift behavior, which reflects the energetic separation of activation and deactivation pathways due to voltage sensor relaxation into a stable activated state. The mechanism of relaxation is unknown and likely contributes to slow hERG channel deactivation. Here, we use extracellular acidification to probe the structural determinants of voltage sensor relaxation and its influence on the deactivation gating pathway. Using gating current recordings and voltage clamp fluorimetry measurements of voltage sensor domain dynamics, we show that voltage sensor relaxation is destabilized at pH 6.5, causing an ∼20-mV shift in the voltage dependence of deactivation. We show that the pH dependence of the resultant loss of mode shift behavior is similar to that of the deactivation kinetics acceleration, suggesting that voltage sensor relaxation correlates with slower pore gate closure. Neutralization of D509 in S3 also destabilizes the relaxed state of the voltage sensor, mimicking the effect of protons, suggesting that acidic residues on S3, which act as countercharges to S4 basic residues, are involved in stabilizing the relaxed state and slowing deactivation kinetics. Our findings identify the mechanistic determinants of voltage sensor relaxation and define the long-sought mechanism by which protons accelerate hERG deactivation.

scholarly journals Potassium conductance of the squid giant axon. Single-channel studies.

1988 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Llano ◽  
C K Webb ◽  
F Bezanilla
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Potassium Conductance ◽  
Giant Axon ◽  
Squid Giant Axon ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Fluctuation Analysis ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Relative Contribution

The patch-clamp technique was implemented in the cut-open squid giant axon and used to record single K channels. We present evidence for the existence of three distinct types of channel activities. In patches that contained three to eight channels, ensemble fluctuation analysis was performed to obtain an estimate of 17.4 pS for the single-channel conductance. Averaged currents obtained from these multichannel patches had a time course of activation similar to that of macroscopic K currents recorded from perfused squid giant axons. In patches where single events could be recorded, it was possible to find channels with conductances of 10, 20, and 40 pS. The channel most frequently encountered was the 20-pS channel; for a pulse to 50 mV, this channel had a probability of being open of 0.9. In other single-channel patches, a channel with a conductance of 40 pS was present. The activity of this channel varied from patch to patch. In some patches, it showed a very low probability of being open (0.16 for a pulse to 50 mV) and had a pronounced lag in its activation time course. In other patches, the 40-pS channel had a much higher probability of being open (0.75 at a holding potential of 50 mV). The 40-pS channel was found to be quite selective for K over Na. In some experiments, the cut-open axon was exposed to a solution containing no K for several minutes. A channel with a conductance of 10 pS was more frequently observed after this treatment. Our study shows that the macroscopic K conductance is a composite of several K channel types, but the relative contribution of each type is not yet clear. The time course of activation of the 20-pS channel and the ability to render it refractory to activation only by holding the membrane potential at a positive potential for several seconds makes it likely that it is the predominant channel contributing to the delayed rectifier conductance.

Permeability of time-dependent K+ channel in guinea pig ventricular myocytes to Cs+, Na+, NH4+, and Rb+

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (5) ◽  
pp. H1448-H1454 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Hadley ◽  
J. R. Hume
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Outward Currents

Currents through time-dependent K+ channels (also referred to as IK or the delayed rectifier) were studied with the whole cell patch-clamp technique in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. IK measurements were restricted to the examination of deactivation tail currents. Substitution of various monovalent cations for external K+ produced shifts of the reversal potential of IK. These shifts were used to calculate permeability ratios relative to K+. The permeability sequence for the IK channels was K+ = Rb+ greater than NH4+ = Cs+ greater than Na+. Time-dependent outward currents were also examined when the myocytes were dialyzed with Cs+ instead of K+. A sizeable time-dependent outward current, quite similar to that seen with K+ dialysis, was demonstrated. This current was primarily carried by intracellular Cs+, as the reversal potential of the current shifted 46 mV per 10-fold change of external Cs+ concentration. The significance of Cs+ permeation through IK channels is discussed with respect to the common use of Cs+ in isolating other currents.

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