Hyperpolarizing vasodilators activate ATP-sensitive K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle

Vasodilators are used clinically for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. The effects of some vasodilators seem to be mediated by membrane hyperpolarization. The molecular basis of this hyperpolarization has been investigated by examining the properties of single K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle cells. The presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channels in these cells was demonstrated at the single channel level. These channels were opened by the hyperpolarizing vasodilator cromakalim and inhibited by the ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker glibenclamide. Furthermore, in arterial rings the vasorelaxing actions of the drugs diazoxide, cromakalim, and pinacidil and the hyperpolarizing actions of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and acetylcholine were blocked by inhibitors of the ATP-sensitive K+ channels, suggesting that all these agents may act through a common pathway in smooth muscle by opening ATP-sensitive K+ channels.     

Glycolysis preferentially inhibits ATP-sensitive K+ channels in isolated guinea pig cardiac myocytes

In heart, glycolysis may be a preferential source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for membrane functions. In this study the patch-clamp technique was used to study potassium channels sensitive to intracellular ATP levels in permeabilized ventricular myocytes. Activation of these K+ channels has been implicated in marked cellular K+ loss leading to electrophysiological abnormalities and arrhythmias during myocardial ischemia. The results showed that glycolysis was more effective than oxidative phosphorylation in preventing ATP-sensitive K+ channels from opening. Experiments in excised inside-out patches suggested that key glycolytic enzymes located in the membrane or adjacent cytoskeleton near the channels may account for their preference for glycolytic ATP.     

Protective role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in hypoxia-induced generalized seizure

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are activated by various metabolic stresses, including hypoxia. The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), the area with the highest expression of K(ATP) channels in the brain, plays a pivotal role in the control of seizures. Mutant mice lacking the Kir6.2 subunit of K(ATP) channels [knockout (KO) mice] were susceptible to generalized seizures after brief hypoxia. In normal mice, SNr neuron activity was inactivated during hypoxia by the opening of the postsynaptic K(ATP) channels, whereas in KO mice, the activity of these neurons was enhanced. K(ATP) channels exert a depressant effect on SNr neuronal activity during hypoxia and may be involved in the nigral protection mechanism against generalized seizures.     

Cytoprotective role of Ca2+- activated K+ channels in the cardiac inner mitochondrial membrane

Ion channels on the mitochondrial inner membrane influence cell function in specific ways that can be detrimental or beneficial to cell survival. At least one type of potassium (K+) channel, the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP), is an important effector of protection against necrotic and apoptotic cell injury after ischemia. Here another channel with properties similar to the surface membrane calcium-activated K+ channel was found on the mitochondrial inner membrane (mitoKCa) of guinea pig ventricular cells. MitoKCa significantly contributed to mitochondrial K+ uptake of the myocyte, and an opener of mitoKCa protected hearts against infarction.     

Dominant role of N-type Ca2+ channels in evoked release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons

Multiple types of calcium channels have been found in neurons, but uncertainty remains about which ones are involved in stimulus-secretion coupling. Two types of calcium channels in rat sympathetic neurons were described, and their relative importance in controlling norepinephrine release was analyzed. N-type and L-type calcium channels differed in voltage dependence, unitary barium conductance, and pharmacology. Nitrendipine inhibited activity of L-type channels but not N-type channels. Potassium-evoked norepinephrine release was markedly reduced by cadmium and the conesnail peptide toxin omega-Conus geographus toxin VIA, agents that block both N- and L-type channels, but was little affected by nitrendipine at concentrations that strongly reduce calcium influx, as measured by fura-2. Thus N-type calcium channels play a dominant role in the depolarization-evoked release of norepinephrine.     

Exchange of conduction pathways between two related K+ channels

The structure of the ion conduction pathway or pore of voltage-gated ion channels is unknown, although the linker between the membrane spanning segments S5 and S6 has been suggested to form part of the pore in potassium channels. To test whether this region controls potassium channel conduction, a 21-amino acid segment of the S5-S6 linker was transplanted from the voltage-activated potassium channel NGK2 to another potassium channel DRK1, which has very different pore properties. In the resulting chimeric channel, the single channel conductance and blockade by external and internal tetraethylammonium (TEA) ion were characteristic of the donor NGK2 channel. Thus, this 21-amino acid segment controls the essential biophysical properties of the pore and may form the conduction pathway of these potassium channels.     

Mutations affecting TEA blockade and ion permeation in voltage-activated K+ channels

Voltage-dependent ion channels are responsible for electrical signaling in neurons and other cells. The main classes of voltage-dependent channels (sodium-, calcium-, and potassium-selective channels) have closely related molecular structures. For one member of this superfamily, the transiently voltage-activated Shaker H4 potassium channel, specific amino acid residues have now been identified that affect channel blockade by the small ion tetraethylammonium, as well as the conduction of ions through the pore. Furthermore, variation at one of these amino acid positions among naturally occurring potassium channels may account for most of their differences in sensitivity to tetraethylammonium.     

Functional conversion between A-type and delayed rectifier K+ channels by membrane lipids

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels control action potential repolarization, interspike membrane potential, and action potential frequency in excitable cells. It is thought that the combinatorial association between distinct alpha and beta subunits determines whether Kv channels function as non-inactivating delayed rectifiers or as rapidly inactivating A-type channels. We show that membrane lipids can convert A-type channels into delayed rectifiers and vice versa. Phosphoinositides remove N-type inactivation from A-type channels by immobilizing the inactivation domains. Conversely, arachidonic acid and its amide anandamide endow delayed rectifiers with rapid voltage-dependent inactivation. The bidirectional control of Kv channel gating by lipids may provide a mechanism for the dynamic regulation of electrical signaling in the nervous system.     

Hypoxic dilation of coronary arteries is mediated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels

The function of the heart depends critically on an adequate oxygen supply through the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries dilate when the intravascular oxygen tension decreases. Hypoxic vasodilation in isolated, perfused guinea pig hearts can be prevented by glibenclamide, a blocker of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels, and can be mimicked by cromakalim, which opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Opening of potassium channels in coronary smooth muscle cells and the subsequent drop in intracellular calcium is probably the major cause of hypoxic and ischemic vasodilation in the mammalian heart.     

RNA editing underlies temperature adaptation in K+ channels from polar octopuses

To operate in the extreme cold, ion channels from psychrophiles must have evolved structural changes to compensate for their thermal environment. A reasonable assumption would be that the underlying adaptations lie within the encoding genes. Here, we show that delayed rectifier K(+) channel genes from an Antarctic and a tropical octopus encode channels that differ at only four positions and display very similar behavior when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. However, the transcribed messenger RNAs are extensively edited, creating functional diversity. One editing site, which recodes an isoleucine to a valine in the channel's pore, greatly accelerates gating kinetics by destabilizing the open state. This site is extensively edited in both Antarctic and Arctic species, but mostly unedited in tropical species. Thus adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing can respond to the physical environment.     

Structure of the cytoplasmic beta subunit-T1 assembly of voltage-dependent K+ channels

The structure of the cytoplasmic assembly of voltage-dependent K+ channels was solved by x-ray crystallography at 2.1 angstrom resolution. The assembly includes the cytoplasmic (T1) domain of the integral membrane alpha subunit together with the oxidoreductase beta subunit in a fourfold symmetric T1(4)beta4 complex. An electrophysiological assay showed that this complex is oriented with four T1 domains facing the transmembrane pore and four beta subunits facing the cytoplasm. The transmembrane pore communicates with the cytoplasm through lateral, negatively charged openings above the T1(4)beta4 complex. The inactivation peptides of voltage-dependent K(+) channels reach their site of action by entering these openings.     

植物钾离子通道的分子生物学研究进展

钾离子通道是植物钾离子吸收的重要途径之一.近年来,已从多种植物或同种植物的不同组织器官中分离到多种钾离子通道基因,包括内向整流型钾离子通道基因(如OsAKT1,DKT1,KPT1,KDC1,KZM1,ZMK2等)和外向整流型钾离子通道基因(如GORK,PTORK,STORK等).文章分别从结构、功能以及相关基因等三方面综述了关于植物钾离子通道的分子生物学研究进展,并对应用生物工程技术改良植物的钾营养性状进行了讨论.     

Effect of forskolin on voltage-gated K+ channels is independent of adenylate cyclase activation

Forskolin is commonly used to stimulate adenylate cyclase in the study of modulation of ion channels and other proteins by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent second messenger systems. In addition to its action on adenylate cyclase, forskolin directly alters the gating of a single class of voltage-dependent potassium channels from a clonal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. This alteration occurred in isolated cell-free patches independent of soluble cytoplasmic enzymes. The effect of forskolin was distinct from those of other agents that raise intracellular cAMP levels. The 1,9-dideoxy derivative of forskolin, which is unable to activate the cyclase, was also effective in altering the potassium channel activity. This direct action of forskolin can lead to misinterpretation of results in experiments in which forskolin is assumed to selectively activate adenylate cyclase.     

黄曲条跳甲双孔道钾离子通道基因序列特征及不同组织的表达量分析

昆虫细胞膜钾离子通道与多种生命活动密切相关。结合转录组测序及荧光定量PCR技术,鉴定和分析黄曲条跳甲(Phyllotreta striolata(Fabricius))钾离子通道基因的序列特征及不同组织器官的mRNA表达谱。结果表明:所获得的钾离子通道蛋白基因(twk)cDNA的开放阅读框为1 137 bp,共编码378个氨基酸残基。蛋白结构分析表明:其含有4个钾离子通道蛋白的跨膜区(M1～M4)和2个孔道结构域(1P～2P),分别位于M1与M2、M3与M4之间,即双孔道钾离子通道。序列保守性分析表明:1P的核心序列为甘氨酸-酪氨酸-甘氨酸(GYG)模体,2P的核心序列为甘氨酸-亮氨酸-甘氨酸(GLG)模体。荧光定量PCR分析表明,twk在黄曲条跳甲雌雄成虫的不同部位中都有表达,但是在精巢或卵巢、中肠和头部的表达量相对较高;雌、雄成虫各组织器官之间的相对表达量没有显著差异。     

The coupling of neurotransmitter receptors to ion channels in the brain

Recent studies on the action of neurotransmitters on hippocampal pyramidal cells indicate that different neurotransmitter receptors that use either the same or different coupling mechanisms converge onto the same ion channel. Conversely, virtually all of the neurotransmitters act on at least two distinct receptor subtypes coupled to different ion channels on the same cell. The existence of both convergence and divergence in the action of neurotransmitters results in a remarkable diversity in neuronal signaling.     

RIM-binding protein, a central part of the active zone, is essential for neurotransmitter release

The molecular machinery mediating the fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) at presynaptic active zone (AZ) membranes has been studied in detail, and several essential components have been identified. AZ-associated protein scaffolds are viewed as only modulatory for transmission. We discovered that Drosophila Rab3-interacting molecule (RIM)-binding protein (DRBP) is essential not only for the integrity of the AZ scaffold but also for exocytotic neurotransmitter release. Two-color stimulated emission depletion microscopy showed that DRBP surrounds the central Ca(2+) channel field. In drbp mutants, Ca(2+) channel clustering and Ca(2+) influx were impaired, and synaptic release probability was drastically reduced. Our data identify RBP family proteins as prime effectors of the AZ scaffold that are essential for the coupling of SVs, Ca(2+) channels, and the SV fusion machinery.     

重组K+运输蛋白转运特征研究

研究了重组脂蛋白体中K^ 运输蛋白对K^ 的转运特征。当外界pH值为7.5时，ATPase和K^ 转运的相对活力最高。加入10μmol/L钒酸钠，抑制50％ ATPase活力和K^ 转运，表明对钒酸钠敏感；同时，由该运输蛋白参与的K^ 跨膜运输受外界ATP和K^ 浓度影响，其Km值分别为60μmol/L和14μmol/L，表明专一性亲和ATP和K^ ，与膜两侧电势梯度无关。     

A monoclonal antibody to the alpha subunit of Gk blocks muscarinic activation of atrial K+ channels

The activated heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein Gk, at subpicomolar concentrations, mimics muscarinic stimulation of a specific atrial potassium current. Reconstitution studies have implicated the alpha and beta gamma subunits as mediators, but subunit coupling by the endogenous G protein has not been analyzed. To study this process, a monoclonal antibody (4A) that binds to alpha k but not to beta gamma was applied to the solution bathing an inside-out patch of atrial membrane; the antibody blocked carbachol-activated currents irreversibly. The state of the endogenous Gk determined its susceptibility to block by the antibody. When agonist was absent or when activation by muscarinic stimulation was interrupted by withdrawal of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) in the presence or absence of guanosine diphosphate (GDP), the effects of the antibody did not persist. Thus, monoclonal antibody 4A blocked muscarinic activation of potassium channels by binding to the activated G protein in its holomeric form or by binding to the dissociated alpha subunit.     

烟草含钾量反射仪-钾离子试纸法快速测定研究初报

比较了反射仪—K 试纸法(K ts-fl)、原子吸收光谱法、ICP-aeS法测定烟株叶脉汁液中的K 含量的三种方法,确定反射仪—K 试纸法测定烟株钾含量的可行性及其最佳测定范围;在烤烟不同生育期,应用反射仪—K 试纸法对烟株叶片不同部位含K 水平的测定,确定其最佳测定时期及部位。研究结果表明,反射仪—K 试纸法与原子吸收光谱法、ICP-aeS法测定结果差异不显著,应用反射仪—K 试纸法进行烟株钾素快速诊断可行,且具有时间短,简单快速,易操作等优点。反射仪测定K 的稳定线性范围是0.30～0.9g/L;在不同时期对烟株不同部位测定研究表明,最佳诊断部位为烟株第二平展叶叶脉基部2cm段。     

Na+,K+,Mg2+,Ca2+浓度对嗜盐放线菌生长的影响

通过研究近30株嗜盐或耐盐放线菌在不同浓度的Na^＋，K^＋，M^2＋，Ca^2＋条件下的生长范围，发现耐盐放线菌对Na^＋，K^＋，M^2＋有广泛的适应性。只有少数耐盐放线菌能在较底浓度的CaCl2条件下生长；多数嗜盐放线菌生长所需的Na^＋可被K^＋，Mg^2＋所替代，而不能被Ca^2＋所替代，少数嗜盐放线菌的生长离不开Na^＋，对Na^＋有高度的专一性。因此，提出自然环境中是否也存在类似的专嗜K^＋或专嗜Mg^2＋的嗜盐放线菌的推测。