Distribution of the muscarinic K+ channel proteins Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 in the ventricle, atrium, and sinoatrial node of heart.

The functionally important effects on the heart of ACh released from vagal nerves are principally mediated by the muscarinic K+ channel. The aim of this study was to determine the abundance and cellular location of the muscarinic K+ channel subunits Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 in different regions of heart. Western blotting showed a very low abundance of Kir3.1 in rat ventricle, although Kir3.1 was undetectable in guinea pig and ferret ventricle. Although immunofluorescence on tissue sections showed no labeling of Kir3.1 in rat, guinea pig, and ferret ventricle and Kir3.4 in rat ventricle, immunofluorescence on single ventricular cells from rat showed labeling in t-tubules of both Kir3.1 and Kir3.4. Kir3.1 was abundant in the atrium of the three species, as shown by Western blotting and immunofluorescence, and Kir3.4 was abundant in the atrium of rat, as shown by immunofluorescence. Immunofluorescence showed Kir3.1 expression in SA node from the three species and Kir3.4 expression in the SA node from rat. The muscarinic K+ channel is activated by ACh via the m2 muscarinic receptor and, in atrium and SA node from ferret, Kir3.1 labeling was co-localized with m2 muscarinic receptor labeling throughout the outer cell membrane.     

Characterization of a mammalian cDNA for an inactivating voltage-sensitive K+ channel.

A cDNA clone encoding a K+ channel polypeptide with 72% amino acid sequence identity to Drosophila Shal was isolated from rat hippocampus. Functional expression of the cDNA in Xenopus oocytes generated 4-amino-pyridine-sensitive K+ channels displaying rapid inactivation kinetics. The fastest component of inactivation was slowed by the deletion of 3 basic residues in the amino-terminal region. Northern blots revealed that the mRNA encoding this K+ channel polypeptide was expressed at a similar level in the brain and in the heart. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA encoding this K+ channel appeared concentrated in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and habenular nucleus in the brain. Thus, this K+ channel polypeptide is likely to form some of the A-type K+ channels expressed in the mammalian nervous system and heart.     

Coupling between voltage sensors and activation gate in voltage-gated K+ channels

Current through voltage-gated K+ channels underlies the action potential encoding the electrical signal in excitable cells. The four subunits of a voltage-gated K+ channel each have six transmembrane segments (S1-S6), whereas some other K+ channels, such as eukaryotic inward rectifier K+ channels and the prokaryotic KcsA channel, have only two transmembrane segments (M1 and M2). A voltage-gated K+ channel is formed by an ion-pore module (S5-S6, equivalent to M1-M2) and the surrounding voltage-sensing modules. The S4 segments are the primary voltage sensors while the intracellular activation gate is located near the COOH-terminal end of S6, although the coupling mechanism between them remains unknown. In the present study, we found that two short, complementary sequences in voltage-gated K+ channels are essential for coupling the voltage sensors to the intracellular activation gate. One sequence is the so called S4-S5 linker distal to the voltage-sensing S4, while the other is around the COOH-terminal end of S6, a region containing the actual gate-forming residues.     

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel delayed rectifier potassium channel from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus): expression in taste buds

The gustatory system of channel catfish is widely studied for its sensitivity to amino acids. As a first step in identifying the molecular components that play a role in taste transduction in catfish, we cloned the full-length cDNA for Kv2-catfish, a novel K(+) channel that is expressed in taste buds. The deduced amino acid sequence is 816 residues, and shares a 56-59% sequence identity with Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, the other members of the vertebrate Kv2 subfamily of voltage-gated K(+) channels. The Kv2-catfish RNA was expressed in taste buds, brain, skeletal muscle, kidney, intestine and gills, and its gene is represented as a single copy in the catfish genome. Recombinant channels expressed in XENOPUS: oocytes were selective for K(+), and were inhibited by tetraethylammonium applied to the extracellular side of the membrane during two-electrode voltage clamp analysis with a 50% inhibitory constant of 6.1 mM. The channels showed voltage-dependent activation, and did not inactivate within 200 ms. Functionally, Kv2-catfish is a voltage-gated, delayed rectifier K(+) channel, and its primary structure is the most divergent sequence identified among the vertebrate members of the Kv2 subfamily of K(+) channels, being related equally well to Kv2.1 and Kv2.2.     

Kaliotoxin, a novel peptidyl inhibitor of neuronal BK-type Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels characterized from Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus venom.

A peptidyl inhibitor of the high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (KCa) has been purified to homogeneity from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus. The peptide has been named kaliotoxin (KTX). It is a single 4-kDa polypeptide chain. Its complete amino acid sequence has been determined. KTX displays sequence homology with other scorpion-derived inhibitors of Ca(2+)-activated or voltage-gated K+ channels: 44% homology with charybdotoxin (CTX), 52% with noxiustoxin (NTX), and 44% with iberiotoxin (IbTX). Electrophysiological experiments performed in identified nerve cells from the mollusc Helix pomatia showed that KTX specifically suppressed the whole cell Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. KTX had no detectable effects on voltage-gated K+ current (delayed rectifier and fast transient A current) or on L-type Ca2+ currents. KTX interacts in a one-to-one way with KCa channels with a Kd of 20 nM. Single channel experiments were performed on high conductance KCa channels excised from the above Helix neurons and from rabbit coeliac ganglia sympathetic neurons. KTX acted exclusively at the outer face of the channel. KTX applied on excised outside-out KCa channels induced a transient period of fast-flicker block followed by a persistent channel blockade. The KTX-induced block was not voltage-dependent which suggests differences in the blockade of KCa channels by KTX and by CTX. Comparison of KTX and CTX sequences leads to the identification of a short amino acid sequence (26-33) which may be implicated in the toxin-channel interaction. KTX therefore appears to be a useful tool for elucidating the molecular pharmacology of the high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel.     

Altered K(+) channel gene expression in diabetic rat ventricle: isoform switching between Kv4.2 and Kv1.4

Expression of voltage-gated K(+) channels encoding the K(+) independent transient outward current in the streptozocin-induced diabetic (DM) rat ventricle was studied to determine the basis for slowed cardiac repolarization in diabetes mellitus. Although hypertrophy was not detected in diabetic rats at 12 wk after streptozocin treatment, ventricular Kv4.2 mRNA levels decreased 41% relative to nondiabetic controls. Kv1.4 mRNA levels increased 179% relative to controls, whereas Kv4.3 mRNA levels were unaffected. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis of the diabetic heart showed that the density of the Kv4.2 protein decreased, whereas Kv1.4 protein increased. Thus isoform switching from Kv4.2 to Kv1.4 is most likely the mechanism underlying the slower kinetics of transient outward K(+) current observed in the diabetic ventricle. Brain Kv1.4, Kv4.2, or Kv4.3 mRNA levels were unaffected by diabetes. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene expression was altered with a 32% decrease in alpha-MHC mRNA and a 259% increase in beta-MHC mRNA levels in diabetic ventricle. Low-dose insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) treatment during the last 6 of the 12 wk of diabetes (DM + IGF) protected against these changes in MHC mRNAs despite continued hyperglycemia and body weight loss. IGF-II treatment did not change K(+) channel mRNA levels in DM or control rat ventricles. Thus IGF treatment may prevent some, but not all, biochemical abnormalities in the diabetic heart.     

Identification and cloning of TWIK-originated similarity sequence (TOSS): a novel human 2-pore K channel principal subunit

We have identified and cloned a new member of the mammalian tandem pore domain K+ channel subunit family, TWIK-originated similarity sequence, from a human testis cDNA library. The 939 bp open reading frame encodes a 313 amino acid polypeptide with a calculated Mr of 33.7 kDa. Despite the same predicted topology, there is a relatively low sequence homology between TWIK-originated similarity sequence and other members of the mammalian tandem pore domain K+ channel subunit family group. TWIK-originated similarity sequence shares a low (< 30%) identity with the other mammalian tandem pore domain K+ channel subunit family group members and the highest identity (34%) with TWIK-1 at the amino acid level. Similar low levels of sequence homology exist between all members of the mammalian tandem pore domain K+ channel subunit family. Potential glycosylation and consensus PKC sites are present. Northern analysis revealed species and tissue-specific expression patterns. Expression of TWIK-originated similarity sequence is restricted to human pancreas, placenta and heart, while in the mouse, TWIK-originated similarity sequence is expressed in the liver. No functional currents were observed in Xenopus laevis oocytes or HEK293T cells, suggesting that TWIK-originated similarity sequence may be targeted to locations other than the plasma membrane or that TWIK-originated similarity sequence may represent a novel regulatory mammalian tandem pore domain K+ channel subunit family subunit.     

Heterogeneous expression of NO-activated soluble guanylyl cyclase in mammalian heart: implications for NO- and redox-mediated indirect versus direct regulation of cardiac ion channel function

Nitrogen oxides exert significant but diverse regulatory effects on cardiac myocytes. Many of these effects are due to modulation of voltage-sensitive ion channel function. The redox-status of NO-related compounds is a critical factor in determining whether indirect (cGMP-dependent) versus direct (cGMP-independent) effects are dominant. However, molecular mechanisms by which different cardiac myocyte types, and associated different ion channel types expressed within them, could achieve selectivity between NO-related indirect versus direct effects are unclear We have previously demonstrated heterogeneous expression gradients of Type III NO synthase (eNOS) and sarcolemmal superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) in ferret and human ventricle, with both enzymes being highly expressed in right ventricle and left ventricular subepicardium but markedly reduced in left ventricular subendocardium. In this study we extend this previous analysis by analyzing NO-activated soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) expression in the heart (ferret and human). We demonstrate that, at both tissue and single myocyte levels, sGC protein expression is heterogeneous, being high in sinoatrial node, right atrium, right ventricle and left ventricular subepicardium, but markedly reduced to absent in left atrium and left ventricular subendocardium. Thus, there is a significant overlap in expression gradients of sGC, eNOS, and ECSOD among distinct cardiac tissue and myocyte types. These gradients positively correlate with both: (i) experimentally measured basal NO production levels; and (ii) expression gradients of specific voltage-gated ion channels (particularly Kv1 and Kv4 channels). Our results provide the first demonstration in the heart of an expressed coupled multienzymatic system for selective regulation of indirect (sGC-dependent) versus direct (sGC-independent) NO- and redox-related modulation of voltage-gated ion channel function in different myocyte types. Our results also have functional implications for NO(*)/redox-related modulation of ion channels expressed in other cell types, including neurons, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle.     

Heterogeneous Expression of NO-Activated Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase in Mammalian Heart: Implications for NO- and Redox-Mediated Indirect Versus Direct Regulation of Cardiac Ion Channel Function

Nitrogen oxides exert significant but diverse regulatory effects on cardiac myocytes. Many of these effects are due to modulation of voltage-sensitive ion channel function. The redox-status of NO-related compounds is a critical factor in determining whether indirect (cGMP-dependent) versus direct (cGMP-independent) effects are dominant. However, molecular mechanisms by which different cardiac myocyte types, and associated different ion channel types expressed within them, could achieve selectivity between NO-related indirect versus direct effects are unclear We have previously demonstrated heterogeneous expression gradients of Type III NO synthase (eNOS) and sarcolemmal superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) in ferret and human ventricle, with both enzymes being highly expressed in right ventricle and left ventricular subepicardium but markedly reduced in left ventricular subendocardium. In this study we extend this previous analysis by analyzing NO-activated soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) expression in the heart (ferret and human). We demonstrate that, at both tissue and single myocyte levels, sGC protein expression is heterogeneous, being high in sinoatrial node, right atrium, right ventricle and left ventricular subepicardium, but markedly reduced to absent in left atrium and left ventricular subendocardium. Thus, there is a significant overlap in expression gradients of sGC, eNOS, and ECSOD among distinct cardiac tissue and myocyte types. These gradients positively correlate with both: i) experimentally measured basal NO production levels; and ii) expression gradients of specific voltage-gated ion channels (particularly Kv1 and Kv4 channels). Our results provide the first demonstration in the heart of an expressed coupled multienzymatic system for selective regulation of indirect (sGC-dependent) versus direct (sGC-independent) NO- and redox-related modulation of voltage-gated ion channel function in different myocyte types. Our results also have functional implications for NO. / redox - related modulation of ion channels expressed in other cell types, including neurons, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle.     

Cloning and expression of a human voltage-gated potassium channel. A novel member of the RCK potassium channel family.

We have isolated and characterized a human cDNA (HBK2) that is homologous to novel member (RCK2) of the K+ channel RCK gene family expressed in rat brain. RCK2 mRNA was detected predominantly in midbrain areas and brainstem. The primary sequences of the HBK2/RCK2 K+ channel proteins exhibit major differences to other members of the RCK gene family. The bend region between segments S1 and S2 is unusually long and does not contain the N-glycosylation site commonly found in this region. They might be O-glycosylated instead. Functional characterization of the HBK2/RCK2 K+ channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes following micro-injection in in vitro transcribed HBK2 or RCK2 cRNA showed that the HBK2/RCK2 proteins form voltage-gated K+ channels with novel functional and pharmacological properties. These channels are different to RCK1, RCK3, RCK4 and RCK5 K+ channels.     

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding the putative distal colon H+,K(+)-ATPase. Similarity of deduced amino acid sequence to gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase and Na+,K(+)-ATPase and mRNA expression in distal colon, kidney, and uterus.

A series of Northern blot hybridization experiments using probes derived from the rat gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase cDNA and the human ATP1AL1 gene revealed the presence of a 4.3-kilobase mRNA in colon that seemed likely to encode the distal colon H+,K(+)-ATPase, the enzyme responsible for K+ absorption in mammalian colon. A rat colon library was then screened using a probe from the ATP1AL1 gene, and cDNAs containing the entire coding sequence of a new P-type ATPase were isolated and characterized. The deduced polypeptide is 1036 amino acids in length and has an Mr of 114,842. The protein exhibits 63% amino acid identity to the gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit and 63% identity to the three Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit isoforms, consistent with the possibility that it is a K(+)-transporting ATPase. Northern blot analyses show that the 4.3-kilobase mRNA is expressed at high levels in distal colon; at much lower levels in proximal colon, kidney, and uterus; and at trace levels in heart and forestomach. The high mRNA levels in distal colon and the similarity of the colon pump to both gastric H+,K(+)- and Na+,K(+)-ATPases suggest that it is the distal colon H+,K(+)-ATPase. Furthermore, expression of its mRNA in kidney raises the possibility that the enzyme also corresponds to the H+,K(+)-ATPase that seems to play a role in K+ absorption and H+ secretion in the distal nephron.     

Evidence for domain-specific recognition of SK and Kv channels by MTX and HsTx1 scorpion toxins

Maurotoxin (MTX) and HsTx1 are two scorpion toxins belonging to the alpha-KTx6 structural family. These 34-residue toxins, cross-linked by four disulfide bridges, share 59% sequence identity and fold along the classical alpha/beta scaffold. Despite these structural similarities, they fully differ in their pharmacological profiles. MTX is highly active on small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance Ca(2+)-activated (K(+)) channels and on voltage-gated Kv1.2 channel, whereas HsTx1 potently blocks voltage-gated Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 channels only. Here, we designed and chemically produced MTX-HsTx1, a chimera of both toxins that contains the N-terminal helical region of MTX (sequence 1-16) and the C-terminal beta-sheet region of HsTx1 (sequence 17-34). The three-dimensional structure of the peptide in solution was solved by (1)H NMR. MTX-HsTx1 displays the activity of MTX on SK channel, whereas it exhibits the pharmacological profile of HsTx1 on Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, and IK channels. These data demonstrate that the helical region of MTX exerts a key role in SK channel recognition, whereas the beta-sheet region of HsTx1 is crucial for activity on all other channel types tested.     

Hemitoxin, the first potassium channel toxin from the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus

Hemitoxin (HTX) is a new K+ channel blocker isolated from the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus. It represents only 0.1% of the venom proteins, and displaces [125 I]alpha-dendrotoxin from its site on rat brain synaptosomes with an IC50 value of 16 nm. The amino acid sequence of HTX shows that it is a 35-mer basic peptide with eight cysteine residues, sharing 29-69% sequence identity with other K+ channel toxins, especially with those of the alphaKTX6 family. A homology-based molecular model generated for HTX shows the characteristic alpha/beta-scaffold of scorpion toxins. The pairing of its disulfide bridges, deduced from MS of trypsin-digested peptide, is similar to that of classical four disulfide bridged scorpion toxins (Cys1-Cys5, Cys2-Cys6, Cys3-Cys7 and Cys4-Cys8). Although it shows the highest sequence similarity with maurotoxin, HTX displays different affinities for Kv1 channel subtypes. It blocks rat Kv1.1, Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes with IC50 values of 13, 16 and 2 nM, respectively. As previous studies have shown the critical role played by the beta-sheet in Kv1.3 blockers, we suggest that Arg231 is also important for Kv1.3 versus Kv1.2 HTX positive discrimination. This article gives information on the structure-function relationships of Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 inhibitors targeting developing peptidic inhibitors for the rational design of new toxins targeting given K+ channels with high selectivity.