The single-channel basis for the slow kinetics of synaptic currents in vertebrate slow muscle fibers

The time course of synaptic currents is significantly longer in slow than in fast twitch muscle fibers. To examine the underlying basis for these slow synaptic currents, single-channel recordings were made from the synapses of slow muscle fibers. Our analysis indicates that low conductance acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channels predominate in innervated slow fibers. The high level of expression of low conductance channels is in contrast to fast twitch fibers, in which these channels are expressed in significant numbers only in embryonic or denervated muscle. Analysis of the distribution of open durations for the low conductance channel class suggests that the open time of this AChR class is the major determinant in shaping the slow time course of synaptic current decay. The predominant contribution of low conductance channel openings to synaptic currents of slow muscle fibers indicates a well-defined physiological role for this class of AChRs.     

Pore size and negative charge as structural determinants of permeability in the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel.

To gain an insight into the molecular basis of ion permeation mechanism through the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channel, we have determined permeability ratios of organic cations relative to Na+ of specifically mutated Torpedo californica AChR channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The mutations involved mainly the side chains of the amino acid residues in the intermediate ring, where mutations have been found to exert strong effects on single-channel conductance and ion selectivity among alkali metal cations. The results obtained reveal that both the size and the net charge of the side chains of the intermediate ring are involved in determining the permeability, and provide experimental evidence that the pore size at the intermediate ring is a critical determinant of permeability. Our findings further suggest that changes in net charge exert effects on permeability by affecting the pore size of the channel.     

An acetylcholine receptor lacking both γ and ε subunits mediates transmission in zebrafish slow muscle synapses

Fast and slow skeletal muscle types in larval zebrafish can be distinguished by a fivefold difference in the time course of their synaptic decay. Single-channel recordings indicate that this difference is conferred through kinetically distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) isoforms. The underlying basis for this distinction was explored by cloning zebrafish muscle AChR subunit cDNAs and expressing them in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Measurements of single-channel conductance and mean open burst duration assigned α(2)βδε to fast muscle synaptic current. Contrary to expectations, receptors composed of only αβδ subunits (presumed to be α(2)βδ(2) receptors) recapitulated the kinetics and conductance of slow muscle single-channel currents. Additional evidence in support of γ/ε-less receptors as mediators of slow muscle synapses was reflected in the inward current rectification of heterologously expressed α(2)βδ(2) receptors, a property normally associated with neuronal-type nicotinic receptors. Similar rectification was reflected in both single-channel and synaptic currents in slow muscle, distinguishing them from fast muscle. The final evidence for α(2)βδ(2) receptors in slow muscle was provided by our ability to convert fast muscle synaptic currents to those of slow muscle by knocking down ε subunit expression in vivo. Thus, for the first time, muscle synaptic function can be ascribed to a receptor isoform that is composed of only three different subunits. The unique functional features offered by the α(2)βδ(2) receptor likely play a central role in mediating the persistent contractions characteristic to this muscle type.     

Charges in the Cytoplasmic Pore Control Intrinsic Inward Rectification and Single-Channel Properties in Kir1.1 and Kir2.1 Channels

An E224G mutation of the Kir2.1 channel generates intrinsic inward rectification and single-channel fluctuations in the absence of intracellular blockers. In this study, we showed that positively charged residues H226, R228 and R260, near site 224, regulated the intrinsic inward rectification and single-channel properties of the E224G mutant. By carrying out systematic mutations, we found that the charge effect on the intrinsic inward rectification and single-channel conductance is consistent with a long-range electrostatic mechanism. A Kir1.1 channel where the site equivalent to E224 in the Kir2.1 channel is a glycine residue does not show inward rectification or single-channel fluctuations. The G223K and N259R mutations of the Kir1.1 channel induced intrinsic inward rectification and reduced the single-channel conductance but did not generate large open-channel fluctuations. Substituting the cytoplasmic pore of the E224G mutant into the Kir1.1 channel induced open-channel fluctuations and intrinsic inward rectification. The single-channel conductance of the E224G mutant showed inward rectification. Also, a voltage-dependent gating mechanism decreased open probability during depolarization and contributed to the intrinsic inward rectification in the E224G mutant. In addition to an electrostatic effect, a close interaction of K⁺ with channel pore may be required for generating open-channel fluctuations in the E224G mutant.     

A ring of negative charges in the intracellular vestibule of Kir2.1 channel modulates K+ permeation

The glutamate at site 224 of a Kir2.1 channel plays an important role in K+ permeation. The single-channel inward current flickers with reduced conductance in an E224G mutant. We show that open-channel fluctuations can also be observed in E224C, E224K, and E224Q mutants. Yet, open-channel fluctuations were not observed in either the wild-type or an E224D mutant. Introducing a negatively charged methanethiosulfonate reagent to the E224C mutant irreversibly increased channel conductance and eliminated open-channel fluctuations. These results suggest that although the negatively charged residue 224 is located at the internal vestibule, it is important for smooth inward K+ conduction. We identified a substate in the E224G mutant and showed that open-channel fluctuations are mainly attributed to rapid transitions between the substate and the main state. Also, we characterized the voltage- and ion-dependence of the substate kinetics. The open-channel fluctuations decreased in internal NH4+ or Tl+ as compared to internal K+. These results suggest that NH4+ and Tl+ gate the E224G mutant in a more stable state. Based on an ion-conduction model, we propose that the appearance of the substate in the E224G mutant is due to changes of ion gating in association with variations of ion-ion interaction in the permeation pathway.     

Trimethyloxonium modification of batrachotoxin-activated Na channels alters functionally important protein residues.

The extracellular side of single batrachotoxin-activated voltage-dependent Na channels isolated from rat skeletal muscle membranes incorporated into neutral planar lipid bilayers were treated in situ with the carboxyl methylating reagent, trimethyloxonium (TMO). These experiments were designed to determine whether TMO alters Na channel function by a general through-space electrostatic mechanism or by methylating specific carboxyl groups essential to channel function. TMO modification reduced single-channel conductance by decreasing the maximal turnover rate. Modification increased channel selectivity for sodium ions relative to potassium ions as measured under biionic conditions. TMO modification increased the mu-conotoxin (muCTX) off-rate by three orders of magnitude. Modification did not alter the muCTX on-rate at low ionic strength or Na channel voltage-dependent gating characteristics. These data demonstrate that TMO does not act via a general electrostatic mechanism. Instead, TMO targets protein residues specifically involved in ion conduction, ion selectivity, and muCTX binding. These data support the hypothesis that muCTX blocks open-channel current by physically obstructing the ion channel pore.     

Rings of anionic amino acids as structural determinants of ion selectivity in the acetylcholine receptor channel.

To gain an insight into the molecular basis of the weak but significant selectivity among alkali metal cations of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channel, we have determined single-channel conductance and permeability ratios for alkali metal cations on specifically mutated Torpedo californica AChR channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The mutations involved charged and polar side chains in the three anionic rings (extracellular, intermediate and cytoplasmic ring) which have previously been found to determine the rate of K+ transport through the AChR channel. The results obtained reveal that mutations in the intermediate ring exert much stronger effects on ion selectivity than do mutations in the extracellular and the cytoplasmic ring. The experimental results, together with simulations of the channel's energy profile, suggest that the amino acid residues forming the intermediate ring come into close contact with permeating cations and possibly represent part of the physical correlate of the postulated selectivity filter in the AChR channel.     

Single-channel properties of the recombinant skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor).

We report transient expression of a full-length cDNA encoding the Ca2+ release channel of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (ryanodine receptor) in HEK-293 cells. The single-channel properties of the 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate-solubilized and sucrose gradient-purified recombinant Ca2+ release channels were investigated by using single-channel recordings in planar lipid bilayers. The recombinant Ca2+ release channel exhibited a K+ conductance of 780 pS when symmetrical 250 mM KCl was used as the conducting ion and a Ca2+ conductance of 116 pS in 50 mM luminal Ca2+. Opening events of the recombinant channels were brief, with an open time constant of approximately 0.22 ms. The recombinant Ca2+ release channel was more permeable to Ca2+ than to K+, with a pCa2+/pK+ ratio of 6.8. The response of the recombinant Ca2+ release channel to various concentrations of Ca2+ was biphasic, with the channel being activated by micromolar Ca2+ and inhibited by millimolar Ca2+. The recombinant channels were activated by ATP and caffeine, inhibited by Mg2+ and ruthenium red, and modified by ryanodine. Most recombinant channels were asymmetrically blocked, conducting current unidirectionally from the luminal to the cytoplasmic side of the channel. These data demonstrate that the properties of recombinant Ca2+ release channel expressed in HEK-293 cells are very similar, if not identical, to those of the native channel.     

Poly(Ethylene Glycol) as a Scaffold for High-Affinity Open-Channel Blockers of the Mouse Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

High-affinity blockers for an ion channel often have complex molecular structures that are synthetically challenging and/or laborious. Here we show that high-affinity blockers for the mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) can be prepared from a structurally simple material, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The PEG-based blockers (PQ1–5), comprised of a flexible octa(ethylene glycol) scaffold and two terminal quaternary ammonium groups, exert low- to sub-micromolar affinities for the open AChR pore (measured via single-channel analysis of AChRs expressed in human embryonic kidney cells). PQ1–5 are comparable in pore-binding affinity to the strongest AChR open-channel blockers previously reported, which have complex molecular structures. These results suggest a general approach for designing potent open-channel blockers from a structurally flexible polymer. This design strategy involves simple synthetic procedures and does not require detailed information about the structure of an ion-channel pore.     

Origins of open-channel noise in the large potassium channel of sarcoplasmic reticulum

Open-channel noise was studied in the large potassium channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Inside-out patches were excised directly from the SR of split skeletal muscle fibers of lobster, with lobster relaxing ringer (LRR) in bath and pipette. The power spectrum of open- channel noise is very low and approximately flat in the 100 Hz-10 kHz frequency range. At 20 degrees C, with an applied voltage of 50 mV, the mean single-channel current (i) is 9 pA (mean single-channel conductance = 180 pS) and the mean power spectral density 1.1 x 10(-29) A2/Hz. The latter increases nonlinearly with (i), showing a progressively steeper dependence as (i) increases. At 20 mV, the mean power spectral density is almost independent of (i) and approximately 1.4 times that of the Johnson noise calculated for the equivalent ideal resistor with zero net current; at 70 mV it increases approximately in proportion to (i)2. The mean power spectral density has a weak temperature dependence, very similar to that of (i), and both are well described by a Q10 of 1.3 throughout the range 3-40 degrees C. Discrete ion transport events are thought to account for a significant fraction of the measured open-channel noise, probably approximately 30-50% at 50 mV. Brief interruptions of the single-channel current, due either to blockage of the open channel by an extrinsic aqueous species, or to intrinsic conformational changes in the channel molecule itself, were a possible additional source of open-channel noise. Experiments in modified bathing solutions indicate, however, that open-channel noise is not affected by any of the identified aqueous species present in LRR. In particular, magnesium ions, the species thought most likely to cause brief blockages, and calcium and hydrogen ions, have no detectable effect. This channel's openings exhibit many brief closings and substrates, due to intrinsic gating of the channel. Unresolved brief full closings are calculated to make a negligible contribution (< 1%) to the measured power spectral density. The only significant source of noise due to band width-limited missed events is brief, frequent 80% substrates (mean duration 20 microseconds, mean frequency 1,000 s-1) which account for a small part of the measured power spectral density (approximately 14%, at 50 mV, 20 degrees C). We conclude that a large fraction of the measured open-channel noise results from intrinsic conductance fluctuations, with a corner frequency higher than the resolution of our recordings, in the range 10(4)-10(7) Hz.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Open channel noise. IV. Estimation of rapid kinetics of formamide block in gramicidin A channels.

Blocking events in currents through biological ion channels occur over a wide range of characteristic times. The interruptions in single-channel currents from blocking events may be characterized by the direct measurement of gap durations or by analyzing open-channel current histograms, provided that the events are not much shorter than the time resolution of single-channel recordings (approximately 10 microseconds). Here we present a method for the characterization of channel block on a much faster time scale by combining open-channel noise measurements with subsequent model fits according to a theoretical approach (Frehland, E. 1978. Biophysical Chemistry. 8:255-265). Although the bandwidth limitations in open-channel noise experiments are the same as in conventional single-channel experiments, from the dependence of the mean current and the spectral density of the noise on the concentration of the blocking agent, kinetics of very brief blocking events can be estimated. As an example we have analyzed the open-channel noise of K+ currents through the gramicidin A channel in the presence of various concentrations of formamide, a weak blocker, at neutral pH. We estimate the blocking and unblocking rates to be approximately 10(7)s-1 at 1 M formamide and discuss possible mechanisms for the blocking process.     

Single-channel current recordings of acetylcholine receptors in electroplax isolated from theElectrophorus electricus main and Sachs' electric organs

Summary Extensive chemical kinetic measurements of acetylcholine receptor-controlled ion translocation in membrane vesicles isolated from the electroplax ofElectrophorus electricus have led to the proposal of a minimum model which accounts for the activation, desensitization, and voltage-dependent inhibition of the receptor by acetylcholine, suberyldicholine, and carbamoylcholine. Comparison of chemical kinetic measurements of the dynamic properties of the acetylcholine receptor in vesicles with the properties of the receptor in cells obtained from the same organ and animal have been hampered by an inability to make the appropriate measurements withElectrophorus electricus electroplax cells. Here we report a method for exposing and cleaning the surface of electroplax cells obtained from both the Main electric organ and the organ of Sachs and the results of single-channel current recordings which have now become possible. The single-channel current recordings were made in the presence of either carbamoylcholine or suberyldicholine, as a function of temperature and transmembrane voltage. Both the channel open times and the single-channel conductance were measured. The data were found to be consistent with the model based on chemical kinetic measurements using receptor-rich membrane vesicles prepared from the Main electric organ ofE. electricus.     

Single-channel studies on linear gramicidins with altered amino acid side chains. Effects of altering the polarity of the side chain at position 1 in gramicidin A.

The modulation of gramicidin A single-channel characteristics by the amino acid side chains was investigated using gramicidin A analogues in which the NH2 terminal valine was chemically replaced by other amino acids. The replacements were chosen such that pairs of analogues would have essentially isosteric side chains of different polarities at position 1 (valine vs. trifluorovaline or hexafluorovaline; norvaline vs. S-methyl-cysteine; and norleucine vs. methionine). Even though the side chains are not in direct contact with the permeating ions, the single-channel conductances for Na+ and Cs+ are markedly affected by the changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the side chains. The maximum single-channel conductance for Na+ is decreased by as much as 10-fold in channels formed by analogues with polar side chains at position 1 compared with their counterparts with nonpolar side chains, while the Na+ affinity is fairly insensitive to these changes. The relative conductance changes seen with Cs+ were less than those seen with Na+; the ion selectivity of the channels with polar side chains at position 1 was increased. Hybrid channels could form between compounds with a polar side chain at position 1 and either valine gramicidin A or their counterparts with a nonpolar side chain at position 1. The structure of channels formed by the modified gramicidins is thus essentially identical to the structure of channels formed by valine gramicidin A. The polarity of the side chain at position 1 is an important determinant of the permeability characteristics of the gramicidin A channel. We discuss the importance of having structural information when interpreting the functional consequences of site-directed amino acid modifications.     

Distinction between dipolar and inductive effects in modulating the conductance of gramicidin channels.

The ion permeability of transmembrane channels formed by the linear gramicidins is altered by amino acid sequence substitutions. We have previously shown that the polarity of the side chain at position one is important in modulating a channel's conductance and ion selectivity [Russel et al. (1986) Biophys. J. 49, 673-686]. Changes in polarity could alter ion permeability by (through-space) ion-dipole interactions or by (through-bond) inductive electron shifts. We have addressed this question by investigating the permeability characteristics of channels formed by gramicidins where the NH2-terminal amino acid is either phenylalanine or one of a series of substituted phenylalanines: p-hydroxy-, p-methoxy-, o-fluoro-, m-fluoro-, or p-fluorophenylalanine. The electron-donating or -withdrawing nature, as quantified by the Hammett constant, ranges from -0.37 to +0.34 for these side chains. Channels formed by these gramicidins show a more than 2.5-fold variation in their Na+ conductance, but the conductance variations do not rank in the order of the Hammett constants of the side chains. Inductive effects cannot therefore be of primary importance in the modulation of the gramicidin single-channel conductance by these side chains. The results support previous suggestions that electrostatic interactions between side chain dipoles and permeating ions can modify the energy profile for ion movement through the gramicidin channel and thus alter the conductance.     

Agonists block currents through acetylcholine receptor channels

We have examined the effects of high concentrations of cholinergic agonists on currents through single acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channels on clonal BC3H1 cells. We find that raised concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh; above 300 microM) or carbamylcholine (Carb; above 1,000 microM) produce a voltage- and concentration-dependent reduction in the mean single-channel current. Raised concentrations of suberyldicholine (Sub; above 3 microM) produce a voltage- and concentration-dependent increase in the number of brief duration low-conductance interruptions of open-channel currents. These observations can be quantitatively described by a model in which agonist molecules enter and transiently occlude the ion-channel of the AChR.     

Channel properties of the purified acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica reconstituted in planar lipid bilayer membranes

The electrophysiological properties of the cation channel of the purified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers were characterized. Single-channel currents were activated by acetylcholine, carbamylcholine and suberyldicholine. The single channel conductance (28 pS in 0.3 M NaCl) was ohmic and independent of the agonist. Single channel currents increased with Na+ concentration to a maximum conductance of 95 pS and showed a half-saturation point of 395 mM. The apparent ion selectivity sequence, derived from single-channel current recordings, is: NH+4 greater than Cs+ greater than Rb+ greater than or equal to Na+ Cl-, F-, SO2-(4). The distribution of channel open times was fit by a sum of two exponentials, reflecting the existence of at least two distinct open states. The time constants depend on the choice of agonist, being consistently longer for suberyldicholine than for carbamylcholine. Similar channel properties were recorded in bilayers formed from monolayers at the tip of patch pipets . Single-channel currents occur in paroxysms of channel activity followed by quiescent periods. This pattern is more pronounced as the agonist concentration increases, and is reflected in histograms of channel-opening frequencies. Computer simulations with a three-state model, consisting of two closed (unliganded and liganded) and one open state, do not resemble the recorded pattern of channel activity, especially at high agonist concentration. Inclusion of a desensitized liganded state reproduces the qualitative features of channel recordings. The occurrence of paroxysms of channel activity thus seems to result from the transit of AChR through its active conformation, from which it can open several times before desensitizing.     

Block of muscle nicotinic receptors by choline suggests that the activation and desensitization gates act as distinct molecular entities

Ion channel block in muscle acetylcholine nicotinic receptors (AChRs) is an extensively reported phenomenon. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the interruption of ion flow or the interaction of the blocker with the channel's gates remain incompletely characterized. In this paper, we studied fast channel block by choline, a quaternary-ammonium cation that is also an endogenous weak agonist of this receptor, and a valuable tool in structure-function studies. Analysis of the single-channel current amplitude as a function of both choline concentration and voltage revealed that extracellular choline binds to the open-channel pore with millimolar apparent affinity (K(B) congruent with 12 mM in the presence of approximately 155 mM monovalent and 3.5 mM divalent, inorganic cations), and that it permeates the channel faster than acetylcholine. This, together with its relatively small size ( approximately 5.5 A along its longest axis), suggests that the pore-blocking choline binding site is the selectivity filter itself, and that current blockages simply reflect the longer-lived sojourns of choline at this site. Kinetic analysis of single-channel traces indicated that increasing occupancy of the pore-blocking site by choline (as judged from the reduction of the single-channel current amplitude) is accompanied by the lengthening of (apparent) open interval durations. Consideration of a number of possible mechanisms firmly suggests that this prolongation results from the local effect of choline interfering with the operation of the activation gate (closure of blocked receptors is slower than that of unblocked receptors by a factor of approximately 13), whereas closure of the desensitization gate remains unaffected. Thus, we suggest that these two gates act as distinct molecular entities. Also, the detailed understanding gained here on how choline distorts the observed open-time durations can be used to compensate for this artifact during activation assays. This correction is necessary if we are to understand how choline binds to and gates the AChR.     

Mechanotransduction by Membrane Proteins: The speed of the hair cell mechanotransducer channel revealed by fluctuation analysis

Although mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels have been extensively studied, uncertainty persists about their molecular architecture and single-channel conductance. We made electrical measurements from mouse cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) to reexamine the MET channel conductance comparing two different methods. Analysis of fluctuations in the macroscopic currents showed that the channel conductance in apical OHCs determined from nonstationary noise analysis was about half that of single-channel events recorded after tip link destruction. We hypothesized that this difference reflects a bandwidth limitation in the noise analysis, which we tested by simulations of stochastic fluctuations in modeled channels. Modeling indicated that the unitary conductance depended on the relative values of the channel activation time constant and the applied low-pass filter frequency. The modeling enabled the activation time constant of the channel to be estimated for the first time, yielding a value of only a few microseconds. We found that the channel conductance, assayed with both noise and recording of single-channel events, was reduced by a third in a new deafness mutant, Tmc1 p.D528N. Our results indicate that noise analysis is likely to underestimate MET channel amplitude, which is better characterized from recordings of single-channel events.