scholarly journals KCNMA1-linked channelopathy

Author(s):  
Cole S Bailey ◽  
Hans J Moldenhauer ◽  
Su Mi Park ◽  
Sotirios Keros ◽  
Andrea L Meredith

KCNMA1 encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the ‘Big K+’ (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K+ channel. BK channels are widely distributed across tissues, including both excitable and non-excitable cells. Expression levels are highest in brain and muscle, where BK channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and muscle contractility. A global deletion in mouse (KCNMA1–/–) is viable but exhibits pathophysiology in many organ systems. Yet despite the important roles in animal models, the consequences of dysfunctional BK channels in humans are not well-characterized. Here, we summarize 16 rare KCNMA1 mutations identified in 37 patients dating back to 2005, with an array of clinically defined pathological phenotypes collectively referred to as ‘KCNMA1-linked channelopathy.’ These mutations encompass gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) alterations in BK channel activity, as well as several variants of unknown significance (VUS). Human KCNMA1 mutations are primarily associated with neurological conditions, including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Due to the recent identification of additional patients, the spectrum of symptoms associated with KCNMA1 mutations has expanded but remains primarily defined by brain and muscle dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with semi-distinct patient symptoms, such as paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) with GOF and ataxia with LOF. However, due to the de novo origins for the majority of KCNMA1 mutations identified to date, and the phenotypic variability exhibited by patients, additional evidence is required to establish causality in most cases. The symptomatic picture developing from patients with KCNMA1­­-linked channelopathy highlights the importance of better understanding the roles BK channels play in regulating cell excitability. Establishing causality between KCNMA1-linked BK channel dysfunction and specific patient symptoms may reveal new treatment approaches with the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy over current standard regimens.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cole S Bailey ◽  
Hans J Moldenhauer ◽  
Su Mi Park ◽  
Sotirios Keros ◽  
Andrea L Meredith

KCNMA1 encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the ‘Big K+’ (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K+ channel (KCa1.1). BK channels are widely distributed across many tissues, including both excitable and non-excitable cells. Expression levels are highest in brain and muscle, where the channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and muscle contractility. A global deletion in mouse (KCNMA1–/–) is viable but exhibits pathophysiology in many organ systems. Yet despite the important roles for BK channels in animal models, the consequences of dysfunctional BK channels in humans is not well-characterized. Here, we summarize 16 rare KCNMA1 mutations identified in 37 patients dating back to 2005, with an array of clinically defined pathological phenotypes collectively referred to as ‘KCNMA1-linked channelopathy.’ These mutations encompass gain of function (GOF) and loss of function (LOF) alterations in BK channel activity, as well as several variants of unknown significance (VUS). Human KCNMA1 mutations are primarily associated with neurological conditions, including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Due to the recent identification of additional patients, the spectrum of symptoms associated with KCNMA1 mutations has expanded but remains primarily defined by brain and muscle dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with semi-distinct patient symptoms, such as paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) with GOF and ataxia with LOF. However, due to the de novo origins for the majority of KCNMA1 mutations identified to date, and the phenotypic variability exhibited by patients, additional evidence is required to establish causality in most cases. The symptomatic picture developing from patients with KCNMA1­­-linked channelopathy highlights the importance of better understanding the roles BK channels play in regulating cell excitability. Establishing causality between KCNMA1-linked BK channel dysfunction and specific patient symptoms may reveal new treatment approaches with the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy over current standard regimens.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cole S Bailey ◽  
Hans J Moldenhauer ◽  
Su Mi Park ◽  
Sotirios Keros ◽  
Andrea L Meredith

KCNMA1 encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the ‘Big K+’ (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K+ channel. BK channels are widely distributed across tissues, including both excitable and non-excitable cells. Expression levels are highest in brain and muscle, where BK channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and muscle contractility. A global deletion in mouse (KCNMA1–/–) is viable but exhibits pathophysiology in many organ systems. Yet despite the important roles in animal models, the consequences of dysfunctional BK channels in humans are not well-characterized. Here, we summarize 16 rare KCNMA1 mutations identified in 37 patients dating back to 2005, with an array of clinically defined pathological phenotypes collectively referred to as ‘KCNMA1-linked channelopathy.’ These mutations encompass gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) alterations in BK channel activity, as well as several variants of unknown significance (VUS). Human KCNMA1 mutations are primarily associated with neurological conditions, including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Due to the recent identification of additional patients, the spectrum of symptoms associated with KCNMA1 mutations has expanded but remains primarily defined by brain and muscle dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with semi-distinct patient symptoms, such as paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) with GOF and ataxia with LOF. However, due to the de novo origins for the majority of KCNMA1 mutations identified to date, and the phenotypic variability exhibited by patients, additional evidence is required to establish causality in most cases. The symptomatic picture developing from patients with KCNMA1­­-linked channelopathy highlights the importance of better understanding the roles BK channels play in regulating cell excitability. Establishing causality between KCNMA1-linked BK channel dysfunction and specific patient symptoms may reveal new treatment approaches with the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy over current standard regimens.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cole S Bailey ◽  
Hans J Moldenhauer ◽  
Su Mi Park ◽  
Sotirios Keros ◽  
Andrea L Meredith

KCNMA1 encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the ‘Big K+’ (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K+ channel. BK channels are widely distributed across tissues, including both excitable and non-excitable cells. Expression levels are highest in brain and muscle, where BK channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and muscle contractility. A global deletion in mouse (KCNMA1–/–) is viable but exhibits pathophysiology in many organ systems. Yet despite the important roles in animal models, the consequences of dysfunctional BK channels in humans are not well-characterized. Here, we summarize 16 rare KCNMA1 mutations identified in 37 patients dating back to 2005, with an array of clinically defined pathological phenotypes collectively referred to as ‘KCNMA1-linked channelopathy.’ These mutations encompass gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) alterations in BK channel activity, as well as several variants of unknown significance (VUS). Human KCNMA1 mutations are primarily associated with neurological conditions, including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Due to the recent identification of additional patients, the spectrum of symptoms associated with KCNMA1 mutations has expanded but remains primarily defined by brain and muscle dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with semi-distinct patient symptoms, such as paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) with GOF and ataxia with LOF. However, due to the de novo origins for the majority of KCNMA1 mutations identified to date, and the phenotypic variability exhibited by patients, additional evidence is required to establish causality in most cases. The symptomatic picture developing from patients with KCNMA1­­-linked channelopathy highlights the importance of better understanding the roles BK channels play in regulating cell excitability. Establishing causality between KCNMA1-linked BK channel dysfunction and specific patient symptoms may reveal new treatment approaches with the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy over current standard regimens.


2019 ◽  
Vol 151 (10) ◽  
pp. 1173-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cole S. Bailey ◽  
Hans J. Moldenhauer ◽  
Su Mi Park ◽  
Sotirios Keros ◽  
Andrea L. Meredith

KCNMA1 encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the “Big K+” (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K+ channel. BK channels are widely distributed across tissues, including both excitable and nonexcitable cells. Expression levels are highest in brain and muscle, where BK channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and muscle contractility. A global deletion in mouse (KCNMA1−/−) is viable but exhibits pathophysiology in many organ systems. Yet despite the important roles in animal models, the consequences of dysfunctional BK channels in humans are not well characterized. Here, we summarize 16 rare KCNMA1 mutations identified in 37 patients dating back to 2005, with an array of clinically defined pathological phenotypes collectively referred to as “KCNMA1-linked channelopathy.” These mutations encompass gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) alterations in BK channel activity, as well as several variants of unknown significance (VUS). Human KCNMA1 mutations are primarily associated with neurological conditions, including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Due to the recent identification of additional patients, the spectrum of symptoms associated with KCNMA1 mutations has expanded but remains primarily defined by brain and muscle dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with semi-distinct patient symptoms, such as paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) with GOF and ataxia with LOF. However, due to the de novo origins for the majority of KCNMA1 mutations identified to date and the phenotypic variability exhibited by patients, additional evidence is required to establish causality in most cases. The symptomatic picture developing from patients with KCNMA1-linked channelopathy highlights the importance of better understanding the roles BK channels play in regulating cell excitability. Establishing causality between KCNMA1-linked BK channel dysfunction and specific patient symptoms may reveal new treatment approaches with the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy over current standard regimens.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 6023-6034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofei Du ◽  
Joao L. Carvalho-de-Souza ◽  
Cenfu Wei ◽  
Willy Carrasquel-Ursulaez ◽  
Yenisleidy Lorenzo ◽  
...  

Despite a growing number of ion channel genes implicated in hereditary ataxia, it remains unclear how ion channel mutations lead to loss-of-function or death of cerebellar neurons. Mutations in the geneKCNMA1, encoding the α-subunit of the BK channel have emerged as responsible for a variety of neurological phenotypes. We describe a mutation (BKG354S) inKCNMA1, in a child with congenital and progressive cerebellar ataxia with cognitive impairment. The mutation in the BK channel selectivity filter dramatically reduced single-channel conductance and ion selectivity. The BKG354Schannel trafficked normally to plasma, nuclear, and mitochondrial membranes, but caused reduced neurite outgrowth, cell viability, and mitochondrial content. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of endogenous BK channels had similar effects. The BK activator, NS1619, rescued BKG354Scells but not siRNA-treated cells, by selectively blocking the mutant channels. When expressed in cerebellum via adenoassociated virus (AAV) viral transfection in mice, the mutant BKG354Schannel, but not the BKWTchannel, caused progressive impairment of several gait parameters consistent with cerebellar dysfunction from 40- to 80-d-old mice. Finally, treatment of the patient with chlorzoxazone, a BK/SK channel activator, partially improved motor function, but ataxia continued to progress. These studies indicate that a loss-of-function BK channel mutation causes ataxia and acts by reducing mitochondrial and subsequently cellular viability.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emrah Yucesan ◽  
Beyza Goncu ◽  
Cemil Ozgul ◽  
Arda Kebapci ◽  
Ayca Dilruba Aslanger ◽  
...  

Abstract KCNMA1 located on chromosome 10q22.3, encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the “Big K+” (BK) large conductance calcium and voltage-activated K + channel. BK channels are widely distributed across tissues, including both excitable and non excitable cells. Numerous evidence suggests the functional BK channel alterations produced by different KCNMA1 alleles may associate with different symptoms, such as paroxysmal non kinesigenic dyskinesia with gain of function and ataxia with loss of function. Functional classifications revealed two major patterns, gain of function and loss of function effects on channel properties in different cell lines. In the literature, two mutations have been shown to confer gain of function properties to BK channels: D434G and N995S. On the other hand 10 mutations have been classified as loss of function (S351Y,G354S, G356R, G375R, C413Y/N449fs, I663V, P805L, and D984N) or putative loss of function (premature truncation mutations: Y676Lfs*7 and Arg458Ter). In this study, we report the functional characterization of a variant which was previously reported the whole exome sequencing revealed bi-allelic nonsense variation (NM_001161352.1 (ENST00000286628.8):c.1372C > T; Arg458*) of the cytoplasmic domain of calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1 protein. To detect functional consequences of the variation immunostaining and electrophysiological studies were conducted. In this study, we conducted patch-clamp recordings on WT and R458X mutant cells. We found the gain of function effect for the mutation. This is the first functional study observing an increased current in the KCNMA1 gene resulting from a truncating mutation


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanyan Geng ◽  
Ping Li ◽  
Alice Butler ◽  
Bill Wang ◽  
Lawrence Salkoff ◽  
...  

De novo mutations play a prominent role in neurodevelopmental diseases including autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Many de novo mutations are dominant and so severe that the afflicted individuals do not reproduce, so the mutations are not passed into the general population. For multimeric proteins, such severity may result from a dominant-negative effect where mutant subunits assemble with WT to produce channels with adverse properties. Here we study the de novo variant G375R heterozygous with the WT allele for the large conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channel, Slo1. This variant has been reported to produce devastating neurodevelopmental disorders in three unrelated children. If mutant and WT subunits assemble randomly to form tetrameric BK channels, then ~6% of the assembled channels would be wild type (WT), ~88% would be heteromeric incorporating from 1-3 mutant subunits per channel, and ~6% would be homomeric mutant channels consisting of four mutant subunits. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the biophysical properties of single BK channels in the ensemble of channels expressed following a 1:1 injection of mutant and WT cRNA into oocytes. We found ~3% were WT channels, ~85% were heteromeric channels, and ~12% were homomeric mutant channels. All of the heteromeric channels as well as the homomeric mutant channels displayed toxic properties, indicating a dominant negative effect of the mutant subunits. The toxic channels were open at inappropriate negative voltages, even in the absence of Ca2+, which would lead to altered cellular function and decreased neuronal excitability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (17) ◽  
pp. 2937-2951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Liang ◽  
Xia Li ◽  
Sébastien Moutton ◽  
Samantha A Schrier Vergano ◽  
Benjamin Cogné ◽  
...  

Abstract KCNMA1 encodes the large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK) potassium channel α-subunit, and pathogenic gain-of-function variants in this gene have been associated with a dominant form of generalized epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia. Here, we genetically and functionally characterize eight novel loss-of-function (LoF) variants of KCNMA1. Genome or exome sequencing and the participation in the international Matchmaker Exchange effort allowed for the identification of novel KCNMA1 variants. Patch clamping was used to assess functionality of mutant BK channels. The KCNMA1 variants p.(Ser351Tyr), p.(Gly356Arg), p.(Gly375Arg), p.(Asn449fs) and p.(Ile663Val) abolished the BK current, whereas p.(Cys413Tyr) and p.(Pro805Leu) reduced the BK current amplitude and shifted the activation curves toward positive potentials. The p.(Asp984Asn) variant reduced the current amplitude without affecting kinetics. A phenotypic analysis of the patients carrying the recurrent p.(Gly375Arg) de novo missense LoF variant revealed a novel syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with severe developmental delay, visceral and cardiac malformations, connective tissue presentations with arterial involvement, bone dysplasia and characteristic dysmorphic features. Patients with other LoF variants presented with neurological and developmental symptoms including developmental delay, intellectual disability, ataxia, axial hypotonia, cerebral atrophy and speech delay/apraxia/dysarthria. Therefore, LoF KCNMA1 variants are associated with a new syndrome characterized by a broad spectrum of neurological phenotypes and developmental disorders. LoF variants of KCNMA1 cause a new syndrome distinctly different from gain-of-function variants in the same gene.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Sun ◽  
D. Zhou ◽  
P. Zhang ◽  
E. G. Moczydlowski ◽  
G. G. Haddad

In this study, we examined the effect of arachidonic acid (AA) on the BK α-subunit with or without β-subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In excised patches, AA potentiated the hSlo-α current and slowed inactivation only when β2/3 subunit was co-expressed. The β2-subunit–dependent modulation by AA persisted in the presence of either superoxide dismutase or inhibitors of AA metabolism such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid and eicosatetraynoic acid, suggesting that AA acts directly rather than through its metabolites. Other cis unsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic and oleic acid) also enhanced hSlo-α + β2 currents and slowed inactivation, whereas saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, and caprylic acid) were without effect. Pretreatment with trypsin to remove the cytosolic inactivation domain largely occluded AA action. Intracellularly applied free synthetic β2-ball peptide induced inactivation of the hSlo-α current, and AA failed to enhance this current and slow the inactivation. These results suggest that AA removes inactivation by interacting, possibly through conformational changes, with β2 to prevent the inactivation ball from reaching its receptor. Our data reveal a novel mechanism of β-subunit–dependent modulation of BK channels by AA. In freshly dissociated mouse neocortical neurons, AA eliminated a transient component of whole cell K+ currents. BK channel inactivation may be a specific mechanism by which AA and other unsaturated fatty acids influence neuronal death/survival in neuropathological conditions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603-1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bailin Liu ◽  
Yanping Liu ◽  
Ruixiu Shi ◽  
Xueqin Feng ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Chronic hypoxia in utero could impair vascular functions in the offspring, underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated functional alteration in large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in offspring mesenteric arteries following prenatal hypoxia. Methods: Pregnant rats were exposed to normoxic control (21% O2, Con) or hypoxic (10.5% O2, Hy) conditions from gestational day 5 to 21, their 7-month-old adult male offspring were tested for blood pressure, vascular BK channel functions and expression using patch clamp and wire myograh technique, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Results: Prenatal hypoxia increased pressor responses and vasoconstrictions to phenylephrine in the offspring. Whole-cell currents density of BK channels and amplitude of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), not the frequency, were significantly reduced in Hy vascular myocytes. The sensitivity of BK channels to voltage, Ca2+, and tamoxifen were reduced in Hy myocytes, whereas the number of channels per patch and the single-channel conductance were unchanged. Prenatal hypoxia impaired NS1102- and tamoxifen-mediated relaxation in mesenteric arteries precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. The mRNA and protein expression of BK channel β1, not the α-subunit, was decreased in Hy mesenteric arteries. Conclusions: Impaired BK channel β1-subunits in vascular smooth muscle cells contributed to vascular dysfunction in the offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia.


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