Role of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human erythrocyte apoptosis

Exposure of erythrocytes to the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin has recently been shown to induce cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, and breakdown of phosphatidylserine asymmetry, all features typical of apoptosis of nucleated cells. Although breakdown of phosphatidylserine asymmetry is thought to result from activation of a Ca²⁺-sensitive scramblase, the mechanism and role of cell shrinkage have not been explored. The present study was performed to test whether ionomycin-induced activation of Ca²⁺-sensitive Gardos K⁺ channels and subsequent cell shrinkage participate in ionomycin-induced breakdown of phosphatidylserine asymmetry of human erythrocytes. According to on-cell patch-clamp experiments, ionomycin (1 µM) induces activation of inwardly rectifying K⁺-selective channels in the erythrocyte membrane. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis reveals that ionomycin leads to a significant decrease of forward scatter, reflecting cell volume, an effect blunted by an increase of extracellular K⁺ concentration to 25 mM and exposure to the Gardos K⁺ channel blockers charybdotoxin (230 nM) and clotrimazole (5 µM). As reflected by annexin binding, breakdown of phosphatidylserine asymmetry is triggered by ionomycin, an effect again blunted, but not abolished, by an increase of extracellular K⁺ concentration and exposure to charybdotoxin (230 nM) and clotrimazole (5 µM). Similar to ionomycin, glucose depletion leads (within 55 h) to annexin binding of erythrocytes, an effect again partially reversed by an increase of extracellular K⁺ concentration and exposure to charybdotoxin. K-562 human erythroleukemia cells similarly respond to ionomycin with cell shrinkage and annexin binding, effects blunted by antisense, but not sense, oligonucleotides against the small-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel isoform hSK4 (KCNN4). The experiments disclose a novel functional role of Ca²⁺-sensitive K⁺ channels in erythrocytes, i.e., their participation in regulation of erythrocyte apoptosis. cell volume; charybdotoxin; osmolarity; phosphatidylserine; annexin     

Voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium channels in Ca2+ store control Ca2+ release

Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores is a 'quantal' process; it terminates after a rapid release of stored Ca2+. To explain the quantal nature, it has been supposed that a decrease in luminal Ca2+ acts as a 'brake' on store release. However, the mechanism for the attenuation of Ca2+ efflux remains unknown. We show that Ca2+ release is controlled by voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium channels in the Ca2+ store. The potassium channel was identified as the big or maxi-K (BK)-type, and was activated by positive shifts in luminal potential and luminal Ca2+ increases, as revealed by patch-clamp recordings from an exposed nuclear envelope. The blockage or closure of the store BK channel due to Ca2+ efflux developed lumen-negative potentials, as revealed with an organelle-specific voltage-sensitive dye [DiOC5(3); 3,3'-dipentyloxacarbocyanine iodide], and suppressed Ca2+ release. The store BK channels are reactivated by Ca2+ uptake by Ca2+ pumps regeneratively with K+ entry to allow repetitive Ca2+ release. Indeed, the luminal potential oscillated bistably by approximately 45 mV in amplitude. Our study suggests that Ca2+ efflux-induced store BK channel closures attenuate Ca2+ release with decreases in counter-influx of K+.     

Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in human leukemic T cells

Using the patch-clamp technique, we have identified two types of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (K(Ca)) channels in the human leukemic T cell line. Jurkat. Substances that elevate the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), such as ionomycin or the mitogenic lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA), as well as whole-cell dialysis with pipette solutions containing elevated [Ca2+]i, activate a voltage-independent K+ conductance. Unlike the voltage-gated (type n) K+ channels in these cells, the majority of K(Ca) channels are insensitive to block by charybdotoxin (CTX) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), but are highly sensitive to block by apamin (Kd less than 1 nM). Channel activity is strongly dependent on [Ca2+]i, suggesting that multiple Ca2+ binding sites may be involved in channel opening. The Ca2+ concentration at which half of the channels are activated is 400 nM. These channels show little voltage dependence over a potential range of -100 to 0 mV and have a unitary conductance of 4-7 pS in symmetrical 170 mM K+. In the presence of 10 nM apamin, a less prevalent type of K(Ca) channel with a unitary conductance of 40-60 pS can be observed. These larger-conductance channels are sensitive to block by CTX. Pharmacological blockade of K(Ca) channels and voltage-gated type n channels inhibits oscillatory Ca2+ signaling triggered by PHA. These results suggest that K(Ca) channels play a supporting role during T cell activation by sustaining dynamic patterns of Ca2+ signaling.     

High extracellular Ca2+ hyperpolarizes human parathyroid cells via Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels

Membrane potential has a major influence on stimulus-secretion coupling in various excitable cells. The role of membrane potential in the regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion is not known. High K+-induced depolarization increases secretion from parathyroid cells. The paradox is that increased extracellular Ca2+, which inhibits secretion, has also been postulated to have a depolarizing effect. In this study, human parathyroid cells from parathyroid adenomas were used in patch clamp studies of K+ channels and membrane potential. Detailed characterization revealed two K+ channels that were strictly dependent of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. At high extracellular Ca2+, a large K+ current was seen, and the cells were hyperpolarized (-50.4 +/- 13.4 mV), whereas lowering of extracellular Ca2+ resulted in a dramatic decrease in K+ current and depolarization of the cells (-0.1 +/- 8.8 mV, p < 0.001). Changes in extracellular Ca2+ did not alter K+ currents when intracellular Ca2+ was clamped, indicating that K+ channels are activated by intracellular Ca2+. The results were concordant in cell-attached, perforated patch, whole-cell and excised membrane patch configurations. These results suggest that [Ca2+]o regulates membrane potential of human parathyroid cells via Ca2+-activated K+ channels and that the membrane potential may be of greater importance for the stimulus-secretion coupling than recognized previously.     

Ca2+ signalling and Ca2+-activated ion channels in exocrine acinar cells

The development of the calcium signalling field, from its early beginnings some 40 years ago to the present, is described. Calcium signalling in exocrine gland acinar cells and the effects of neurotransmitter- or hormone-elicited rises in the cytosolic calcium ion concentration on ion channel gating are reviewed. The highly polarized arrangement of the organelle systems in living acinar cells is described as well as its importance for the physiologically relevant local and polarized calcium signalling events.     

Coassembly of big conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in rat brain

Based on electrophysiological studies, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels appear to be located in close proximity in neurons. Such colocalization would ensure selective and rapid activation of K(+) channels by local increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration. The nature of the apparent coupling is not known. In the present study we report a direct coassembly of big conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK) and L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in rat brain. Saturation immunoprecipitation studies were performed on membranes labeled for BK channels and precipitated with antibodies against alpha(1C) and alpha(1D) L-type Ca(2+) channels. To confirm the specificity of the interaction, precipitation experiments were carried out also in reverse order. Also, additive precipitation was performed because alpha(1C) and alpha(1D) L-type Ca(2+) channels always refer to separate ion channel complexes. Finally, immunochemical studies showed a distinct but overlapping expression pattern of the two types of ion channels investigated. BK and L-type Ca(2+) channels were colocalized in various compartments throughout the rat brain. Taken together, these results demonstrate a direct coassembly of BK channels and L-type Ca(2+) channels in certain areas of the brain.     

The spatial relationship between Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-activated channels and the function of Ca2+-buffering in avian sensory neurons

In order to learn about the endogenous Ca2+-buffering in the cytoplasm of chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the distance separating the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channels (RyRs) from the plasma membrane, we monitored the amplitude and time course of Ca2+-activated Cl- currents (I(ClCa)) in protocols that manipulated Ca2+-buffering. I(ClCa)was activated by Ca2+ influx via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels or by Ca2+ release via RyRs activated by 10 mM caffeine. I(ClCa)was measured in neurons at 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C using the amphotericin perforated patch technique that preserves endogenous Ca2+-buffering, or at 20 degrees C in neurons dialyzed with pipette solutions designed to replace the endogenous Ca2+ buffers. The amplitude of I(ClCa)activated by Ca2+ influx or Ca2+ at 20 degrees C was similar in the amphotericin neurons and neurons dialyzed with an 'unbuffered' pipette solution containing 10 mM citrate and 3 mM ATP as the only Ca2+ binding molecules. Thus, endogenous mobile Ca2+ buffers are relatively unimportant in chick DRG neurons. Warming the neurons from 20 degrees C to 35 degrees C increased the amplitude and the rate of deactivation of I(ClCa)consistent with an increased rate of Ca2+ buffering by fixed endogenous Ca2+-buffers. Dialysis with 2 mM EGTA/0.1 microM free Ca2+ reduced the amplitude and increased the rate of deactivation of I(ClCa)activated by Ca2+ influx and abolished I(ClCa)activated by Ca2+ release. Dialysis with 2 mM BAPTA/0.1 microM free Ca2+ abolished I(ClCa)activated by Ca2+ influx or release. Dialysis with 42 mM HEEDTA/0.5 microM free Ca2+ caused the persistent activation of I(ClCa). Calculations using a Ca2+-diffusion model suggest that the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+-activated Cl- channels are separated by 50-400 nm and that the RyRs are more than 600 nm from the plasma membrane.     

Ca2+-activated K+ channels of the BK-type in the mouse brain

An antibody against the 442 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the BK channel α-subunit detects high immunoreactivity within the telencephalon in cerebral cortices, olfactory bulb, basal ganglia and hippocampus, while lower levels are found in basal forebrain regions and amygdala. Within the diencephalon, high density was found in nuclei of the ventral and dorsal thalamus and the medial habenular nucleus, and low density in the hypothalamus. The fasciculus retroflexus and its termination in the mesencephalic interpeduncular nucleus are prominently stained. Other mesencephalic expression sites are periaquaeductal gray and raphe nuclei. In the rhombencephalon, BK channels are enriched in the cerebellar cortex and in the locus coeruleus. Strong immunoreactivity is also contained in the vestibular nuclei, but not in cranial nerves and their intramedullary course of their roots. On the cellular level, BK channels show pre- and postsynaptic localizations, i.e., in somata, dendrites, axons and synaptic terminals.Ulrike Sausbier and Matthias Sausbier have contributed equally to this work     

Quinine inhibits Ca2+-independent K+ channels whereas tetraethylammonium inhibits Ca2+-activated K+ channels in insulin-secreting cells

The effects of quinine and tetraethylammonium (TEA) on single-channel K+ currents recorded from excised membrane patches of the insulin-secreting cell line RINm5F were investigated. When 100 microM quinine was applied to the external membrane surface K+ current flow through inward rectifier channels was abolished, while a separate voltage-activated high-conductance K+ channel was not significantly affected. On the other hand, 2 mM TEA abolished current flow through voltage-activated high-conductance K+ channels without influencing the inward rectifier K+ channel. Quinine is therefore not a specific inhibitor of Ca2+-activated K+ channels, but instead a good blocker of the Ca2+-independent K+ inward rectifier channel whereas TEA specifically inhibits the high-conductance voltage-activated K+ channel which is also Ca2+-activated.     

4-Bromophenacyl bromide induces Ca2+ influx in human gingival fibroblasts

4-Bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) is generally used as a phospholipase A(2) (PLA2) inhibitor. In the present study, we demonstrate that BPB induces Ca2+ influx in human gingival fibroblasts. In fura-2-loaded human gingival fibroblasts, BPB evoked a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner. The BPB-induced Ca2+ mobilization was also shown in a single fluo-3-loaded-fibroblast. The BPB-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was completely abolished by the elimination of the external Ca2+. Ca2+ influx induced by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonist histamine was markedly enhanced in the presence of BPB. These suggest that the BPB-induced Ca2+ mobilization is due to the influx of extracellular Ca2+. However, it is unlikely that the effect of BPB is dependent on the inhibition of PLA2 activity, because other PLA2 inhibitors, such as AACOCF3, quinacrine dihydrochloride and manoalide, failed to induce Ca2+ mobilization. Chemical compounds similar to BPB, but which have no -CH2-Br at position 1 in the benzene ring failed to evoke Ca2+ mobilization, indicating that the position of -CH2--Br in BPB is important for causing the Ca2+ influx.     

Identification and characterization of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in granulosa cells of the human ovary

Background  

Granulosa cells (GCs) represent a major endocrine compartment of the ovary producing sex steroid hormones. Recently, we identified in human GCs a Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (K_Ca) of big conductance (BK_Ca), which is involved in steroidogenesis. This channel is activated by intraovarian signalling molecules (e.g. acetylcholine) via raised intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. In this study, we aimed at characterizing 1. expression and functions of K_Ca channels (including BK_Ca beta-subunits), and 2. biophysical properties of BK_Ca channels.     

Expression and biological significance of Ca2+-activated ion channels in human keratinocytes.

In whole-cell recordings from HaCaT keratinocytes, ATP, bradykinin, and histamine caused a biphasic change of the membrane potential consisting of an initial transient depolarization, followed by a pronounced and long-lasting hyperpolarization. Flash photolysis of caged IP3 mimicked the agonist-induced voltage response, suggesting that intracellular Ca2+ release and subsequent opening of Ca2+-activated ion channels serve as the common transduction mechanism. In contrast, cAMP- and PKC-dependent pathways were not involved in the electrophysiological effects of the extracellular signaling molecules. The depolarization was predominantly mediated by a DIDS- and niflumic acid-sensitive Cl- current, whereas a charybdotoxin- and clotrimazole-sensitive K+ current underlay the prominent hyperpolarization. Consistent with the electrophysiological data, RT-PCR showed that HaCaT keratinocytes express two types of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, CaCC2 and CaCC3 (CLCA2), as well as the Ca2+-activated K+ channel hSK4. That the pronounced hSK4-mediated hyperpolarization bears significance on the growth and differentiation properties of keratinocytes is suggested by RNase protection assays showing that hSK4 mRNA expression is strongly down-regulated under conditions that allow keratinocyte differentiation. hSK4 might thus play a role in linking changes in membrane potential to the biological fate of keratinocytes.     

Ca2+-activated K+ channels in the apical membrane ofNecturus choroid plexus

Summary The properties of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels in the apical membrane of theNecturus choroid plexus were studied using single-channel recording techniques in the cell-attached and excised-patch configurations. Channels with large unitary conductances clustered around 150 and 220 pS were most commonly observed. These channels exhibited a high selectivity for K⁺ over Na⁺ and K⁺ over Cs⁺. They were blocked by high cytoplasmic Na⁺ concentrations (110mm). Channel activity increased with depolarizing membrane potentials, and with increasing cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentrations. Increasing Ca²⁺ from 5 to 500nm, increased open probability by an order of magnitude, without changing single-channel conductance. Open probability increased up to 10-fold with a 20-mV depolarization when Ca²⁺ was 500nm. Lowering intracellular pH one unit, decreased open probability by more than two orders of magnitude, but pH did not affect single-channel conductance. Cytoplasmic Ba²⁺ reduced both channel-open probability and conductance. The sites for the action of Ba²⁺ are located at a distance more than halfway through the applied electric field from the inside of the membrane. Values of 0.013 and 117mm were calculated as the apparent Ba²⁺ dissociation constants (K _d (0 mV) for the effects on probability and conductance, respectively. TEA⁺ (tetraethylammonium) reduced single-channel current. Applied to the cytoplasmic side, it acted on a site 20% of the distance through the membrane, with aK _d (0 mV)=5.6mm. A second site, with a higher affinity,K _d (0 mV)=0.23mm, may account for the near total block of chanel conductance by 2mm TEA⁺ applied to the outside of the membrane. It is concluded that the channels inNecturus choroid plexus exhibit many of the properties of maxi Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels found in other tissues.     

Neurotransmitter modulation of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels by regulation of Ca2+ gating

Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are widely expressed in neuronal tissues where they underlie post-spike hyperpolarizations, regulate spike-frequency adaptation, and shape synaptic responses. SK channels constitutively interact with calmodulin (CaM), which serves as Ca2+ sensor, and with protein kinase CK2 and protein phosphatase 2A, which modulate their Ca2+ gating. By recording coupled activities of Ca2+ and SK2 channels, we showed that SK2 channels can be inhibited by neurotransmitters independently of changes in the activity of the priming Ca2+ channels. This inhibition involvesSK2-associated CK2 and results from a 3-fold reduction in the Ca2+ sensitivity of channel gating. CK2phosphorylated SK2-bound CaM but not KCNQ2-bound CaM, thereby selectively regulating SK2 channels. We extended these observations to sensory neurons by showing that noradrenaline inhibits SK current and increases neuronal excitability in aCK2-dependent fashion. Hence, neurotransmitter-initiated signaling cascades can dynamically regulate Ca2+ sensitivity of SK channels and directly influence somatic excitability.     

Large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels regulate human detrusor smooth muscle function

The large-conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channel is expressed in many smooth muscle types, but its role in human detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) is unclear. With a multidisciplinary approach spanning channel molecules, single-channel activity, freshly isolated human DSM cells, intact DSM preparations, and the BK channel specific inhibitor iberiotoxin, we elucidated human DSM BK channel function and regulation. Native human DSM tissues were obtained during open surgeries from patients with no preoperative history of overactive bladder. RT-PCR experiments on single human DSM cells showed mRNA expression of BK channel α-, β(1)-, and β(4)-subunits. Western blot and immunocytochemistry confirmed BK channel α, β(1), and β(4) protein expression. Native human BK channel properties were described using the perforated whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. In freshly isolated human DSM cells, BK channel blockade with iberiotoxin inhibited a significant portion of the total voltage step-induced whole cell K(+) current. From single BK channel recordings, human BK channel conductance was calculated to be 136 pS. Voltage-dependent iberiotoxin- and ryanodine-sensitive transient BK currents were identified in human DSM cells. In current-clamp mode, iberiotoxin inhibited the hyperpolarizing membrane potential transients and depolarized the cell resting membrane potential. Isometric DSM tension recordings revealed that BK channels principally control the contractions of isolated human DSM strips. Collectively, our results indicate that BK channels are fundamental regulators of DSM excitability and contractility and may represent new targets for pharmacological or genetic control of urinary bladder function in humans.     

Scorpion venom inhibits selectively Ca2+-activated K+ channels in situ

Using patch-clamp techniques, a study was made of the component of Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom which caused a blockade of one class of membrane potassium channels, the calcium activated potassium (BK) channels. This blockade was obtained on channels in their native lipidic environment and was specific for this class of channels as other types of potassium channels were not affected by this venom.     

1,4-Dihydropyridine receptor associated with Ca2+ channels in human embryonic fibroblasts

By using the radioactively labeled 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) probe, [3H]PMD, we have demonstrated that cultured human embryonic fibroblasts grown at a low density in Eagle's medium supplemented with serum contain a single class of non-interacting DHP binding sites (Bmax, 1.2 +/- 0.3 pmol/10(6) cells; Kd, 3.9 nM). After inhibition of the DHP receptor biosynthesis by cycloheximide, the number of [3H]PMD binding sites is reduced with a half-time of 12 h, which implies a turnover rate of 30,000 +/- 7500 receptors/h per cell. With progression to confluency, the Bmax value decreased up to 0.28 +/- 0.08 pmol/10(6) cells without significant change in Kd value. When cells were grown at a low density in serum-free conditions, the number of [3H]PMD binding sites gradually increased 1.9-fold within 3 days. Addition of serum reversed this effect with the same time course. These results imply that the DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels are involved in the control of the proliferation of human embryonic fibroblasts.