HCN2 Channels: A Permanent Open State and Conductance Changes

Roles of funny HCN

To some extent, the main role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated non-selective cation channels (HCN, Ih, or If), pace-making, is dogmatized as a functional expression of one or another alpha subunit of HCN channels does not make every region of the brain or heart a pacemaker one. Recent research hints at the role of HCN in arrhythmias and seizures that are often caused by voltage-dependent K and Na channels (Kv and Nav) and neurotransmitters, respectively. There are many parallels between the HCN and K channels. Similar to Kv channels, an altered HCN function also leads to long QT interval. Moreover, a mutation in HCN is believed to trigger correlated arrhythmias and, e.g., epilepsy, among many other brain pathologies. Unlike Kv channels, although no dedicated ancillary beta subunit has been discovered for HCN, the Ih properties are also influenced by other elements and factors. A new interaction has been discovered between HCN and the vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP). The prevailing interaction occurs via the subtype VAMP-associated protein B (VAPB). However, this interaction is not unique but universal, since there is also a link between Kv2.1 and VAMP2 (vesicular SNARE). The most remarkable similitude is the fact that a selective antagonist of HCN and medication ivabradine prevents the IKr via the cloned human ether-à-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels, also known as KvLQT and Kv11.1 alpha subunit.

Tale of tail current

The largest biomass of channel proteins is located in unicellular organisms and bacteria that have no organs. However, orchestrated bidirectional ionic currents across the cell membrane via the channels are important for the functioning of organs of organisms, and equally concern both fauna or flora. Several ion channels are activated in the course of action potentials. One of the hallmarks of voltage-dependent channels is a 'tail current' - deactivation as observed after prior and sufficient activation predominantly at more depolarized potentials e.g. for Kv while upon hyperpolarization for HCN α subunits. Tail current also reflects the timing of channel closure that is initiated upon termination of stimuli. Finally, deactivation of currents during repolarization could be a selective estimate for given channel as in case of HERG, if dedicated long and more depolarized 'tail pulse' is used. Since from a holding potential of e.g. -70 mV are often a family of outward K⁺ currents comprising I_A and I_K are simultaneously activated in native cells.