Modification of K+ channel-drug interactions by ancillary subunits

Inhibition of Cardiac Kv4.3/KChIP2 Channels by Sulfonylurea Drug Gliquidone

The Kv4.3 channel features fast N-type inactivation and also undergoes a slow C-type inactivation. The gain-of-function mutations of Kv4.3 channels cause an inherited disease called Brugada syndrome (BrS), characterized by a shortened duration of cardiac action potential repolarization and ventricular arrhythmia. The sulfonylurea drug gliquidone, an ATP-dependent K+ channel antagonist, is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Here, we report a novel role of gliquidone in inhibiting Kv4.3 and Kv4.3/KChIP2 channels that encode the cardiac transient outward K+ currents responsible for the initial phase of action potential repolarization. Gliquidone results in concentration-dependent inhibition of both Kv4.3 and Kv4.3/KChIP2 fast or steady-state inactivation currents with an IC50 of approximately 8 μM. Gliquidone also accelerates Kv4.3 channel inactivation and shifts the steady-state activation to a more depolarizing direction. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking reveal that the residues S301 in the S4 and Y312A and L321A in the S4-S5 linker are critical for gliquidone-mediated inhibition of Kv4.3 currents, as mutating those residues to alanine significantly reduces the potency for gliquidone-mediated inhibition. Furthermore, gliquidone also inhibits a gain-of-function Kv4.3 V392I mutant identified in BrS patients in voltage- and concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that gliquidone inhibits Kv4.3 channels by acting on the residues in the S4 and the S4-S5 linker. Therefore, gliquidone may hold repurposing potential for the therapy of Brugada syndrome. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We describe a novel role of gliquidone in inhibiting cardiac Kv4.3 currents and the channel gain-of-function mutation identified from patients with Brugada syndrome, suggesting its repurposing potential for therapy for the heart disease.

Effect of Channel Assembly (KCNQ1 or KCNQ1 + KCNE1) on the Response of Zebrafish IKs Current to IKs Inhibitors and Activators

ABSTRACT

In cardiac myocytes, the slow component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs) ensures repolarization of action potential during beta-adrenergic activation or when other repolarizing K+ currents fail. As a key factor of cardiac repolarization, IKs should be present in model species used for cardiovascular drug screening, preferably with pharmacological characteristics similar to those of the human IKs. To this end, we investigated the effects of inhibitors and activators of the IKs on KCNQ1 and KCNQ1 + KCNE1 channels of the zebrafish, an important model species, in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Inhibitors of IKs, chromanol 293B and HMR-1556, inhibited zebrafish IKs channels with approximately similar potency as that of mammalian IKs. Chromanol 293B concentration for half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of zebrafish IKs was at 13.1 ± 5.8 and 13.4 ± 2.8 µM for KCNQ1 and KCNQ1+KCNE1 channels, respectively. HMR-1556 was a more potent inhibitor of zebrafish IKs channels with IC50 = 0.1 ± 0.1 µM and 1.5 ± 0.8 µM for KCNQ1 and KCNQ1 + KCNE1 channels, respectively. R-L3 and mefenamic acid, generally identified as IKs activators, both inhibited zebrafish IKs. R-L3 almost completely inhibited the current generated by KCNQ1 and KCNQ1 + KCNE1 channels with similar potency (IC50 1.1 ± 0.4 and 1.0 ± 0.4 µM, respectively). Mefenamic acid partially blocked zebrafish KCNQ1 (IC50 = 9.5 ± 4.8 µM) and completely blocked KCNQ1 + KCNE1 channels (IC50 = 3.3 ± 1.8 µM). Although zebrafish IKs channels respond to IKs inhibitors in the same way as mammalian IKs channels, their response to activators is atypical, probably because of the differences in the binding domain of KCNE1 to KCNQ1. Therefore, care must be taken when translating the results from zebrafish to humans.

Pharmacological Approaches for the Modulation of the Potassium Channel KV4.x and KChIPs

Ion channels are macromolecular complexes present in the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles of cells. Dysfunction of ion channels results in a group of disorders named channelopathies, which represent an extraordinary challenge for study and treatment. In this review, we will focus on voltage-gated potassium channels (K_V), specifically on the K_V4-family. The activation of these channels generates outward currents operating at subthreshold membrane potentials as recorded from myocardial cells (I_TO, transient outward current) and from the somata of hippocampal neurons (I_SA). In the heart, K_V4 dysfunctions are related to Brugada syndrome, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophy, and heart failure. In hippocampus, K_V4.x channelopathies are linked to schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. K_V4.x channels need to assemble with other accessory subunits (β) to fully reproduce the I_TO and I_SA currents. β Subunits affect channel gating and/or the traffic to the plasma membrane, and their dysfunctions may influence channel pharmacology. Among K_V4 regulatory subunits, this review aims to analyze the K_V4/KChIPs interaction and the effect of small molecule KChIP ligands in the A-type currents generated by the modulation of the K_V4/KChIP channel complex. Knowledge gained from structural and functional studies using activators or inhibitors of the potassium current mediated by K_V4/KChIPs will better help understand the underlying mechanism involving K_V4-mediated-channelopathies, establishing the foundations for drug discovery, and hence their treatments.

Hormones and sex differences: changes in cardiac electrophysiology with pregnancy

Disruption of cardiac electrical activity resulting in palpitations and syncope is often an early symptom of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of dramatic and dynamic physiological and hormonal changes during which numerous demands are placed on the heart. These changes result in electrical remodelling which can be detected as changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). This gestational remodelling is a very under-researched area. There are no systematic large studies powered to determine changes in the ECG from pre-pregnancy, through gestation, and into the postpartum period. The large variability between patients and the dynamic nature of pregnancy hampers interpretation of smaller studies, but some facts are consistent. Gestational cardiac hypertrophy and a physical shift of the heart contribute to changes in the ECG. There are also electrical changes such as an increased heart rate and lengthening of the QT interval. There is an increased susceptibility to arrhythmias during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Some changes in the ECG are clearly the result of changes in ion channel expression and behaviour, but little is known about the ionic basis for this electrical remodelling. Most information comes from animal models, and implicates changes in the delayed-rectifier channels. However, it is likely that there are additional roles for sodium channels as well as changes in calcium homoeostasis. The changes in the electrical profile of the heart during pregnancy and the postpartum period have clear implications for the safety of pregnant women, but the field remains relatively undeveloped.

KCNE1 induces fenestration in the Kv7.1/KCNE1 channel complex that allows for highly specific pharmacological targeting

Most small-molecule inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels display poor subtype specificity because they bind to highly conserved residues located in the channel's central cavity. Using a combined approach of scanning mutagenesis, electrophysiology, chemical ligand modification, chemical cross-linking, MS/MS-analyses and molecular modelling, we provide evidence for the binding site for adamantane derivatives and their putative access pathway in Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels. The adamantane compounds, exemplified by JNJ303, are highly potent gating modifiers that bind to fenestrations that become available when KCNE1 accessory subunits are bound to Kv7.1 channels. This mode of regulation by auxiliary subunits may facilitate the future development of potent and highly subtype-specific Kv channel inhibitors.

Specificity of inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels is crucial for their use as therapeutics. Here, the authors show that adamantane derivatives interact with a specific binding site on fenestrations that only become available when accessory subunits are bound to the channel.

Functional Expression Profile of Voltage-Gated K(+) Channel Subunits in Rat Small Mesenteric Arteries

Multiple K v channel complexes contribute to total K v current in numerous cell types and usually subserve different physiological functions. Identifying the complete compliment of functional K v channel subunits in cells is a prerequisite to understanding regulatory function. It was the goal of this work to determine the complete K v subunit compliment that contribute to functional K v currents in rat small mesenteric artery (SMA) myocytes as a prelude to studying channel regulation. Using RNA prepared from freshly dispersed myocytes, high levels of K v 1.2, 1.5, and 2.1 and lower levels of K v 7.4 α-subunit expressions were demonstrated by quantitative PCR and confirmed by Western blotting. Selective inhibitors correolide (K v 1; COR), stromatoxin (K v 2.1; ScTx), and linopirdine (K v 7.4; LINO) decreased K v current at +40 mV in SMA by 46 ± 4, 48 ± 4, and 6.5 ± 2 %, respectively, and K v current in SMA was insensitive to α-dendrotoxin. Contractions of SMA segments pretreated with 100 nmol/L phenylephrine were enhanced by 27 ± 3, 30 ± 8, and 7 ± 3 % of the response to 120 mmol/L KCl by COR, ScTX, and LINO, respectively. The presence of K v 6.1, 9.3, β1.1, and β1.2 was demonstrated by RT-PCR using myocyte RNA with expressions of K vβ1.2 and K v 9.3 about tenfold higher than K vβ1.1 and K v 6.1, respectively. Selective inhibitors of K v 1.3, 3.4, 4.1, and 4.3 channels also found at the RNA and/or protein level had no significant effect on K v current or contraction. These results suggest that K v current in rat SMA myocytes are dominated equally by two major components consisting of K v 1.2-1.5-β1.2 and K v 2.1-9.3 channels along with a smaller contribution from K v 7.4 channels but differences in voltage dependence of activation allows all three to provide significant contributions to SMA function at physiological voltages.

Block of Kv4.3 potassium channel by trifluoperazine independent of CaMKII

Trifluoperazine, a trifluoro-methyl phenothiazine derivative, is widely used in the management of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. We studied the effects of trifluoperazine on Kv4.3 currents expressed in CHO cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Trifluoperazine blocked Kv4.3 in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 8.0±0.4 μM and a Hill coefficient of 2.1±0.1. Trifluoperazine also accelerated the inactivation and activation (time-to-peak) kinetics in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of trifluoperazine on Kv4.3 were completely reversible after washout. The effects of trifluoperazine were not affected by the pretreatment of KN93, which is another CaMKII inhibitor. In addition, the inclusion of CaMKII inhibitory peptide 281-309 in the pipette solution did not modify the effect of trifluoperazine on Kv4.3. Trifluoperazine shifted the activation curve of Kv4.3 in a hyperpolarizing direction but did not affect the slope factor. The block of Kv4.3 by trifluoperazine was voltage-dependent with a steep increase across the voltage range of channel activation. Voltage dependence was also observed over the full range of activation (δ=0.18). Trifluoperazine slowed the time course for recovery from inactivation of Kv4.3. Our results indicated that trifluoperazine blocked Kv4.3 by preferentially binding to the open state of the channel. This effect was not mediated via the inhibition of CaMKII activity.

Sex differences in the mechanisms underlying long QT syndrome

Sexual dimorphism is a well-established phenomenon, but its degree varies tremendously among species. Since the early days of Einthoven's development of the three-lead galvanometer ECG, we have known there are marked differences in QT intervals of men and women. It required over a century to appreciate the profound implications of sex-based electrophysiological differences in QT interval on the panoply of sex differences with respect to arrhythmia risk, drug sensitivity, and treatment modalities. Little is known about the fundamental mechanism responsible for sex differences in electrical substrate of the human heart, in large part due to the lack of tissue availability. Animal models are an important research tool, but species differences in the sexual dimorphism of the QT interval, the ionic currents underlying the cardiac repolarization, and effects of sex steroids make it difficult to interpolate animal to human sex differences. In addition, in some species, different strains of the same animal model yield conflicting data. Each model has its strengths, such as ease of genetic manipulation in mice or size in dogs. However, many animals do not reproduce the sexual dimorphism of QT seen in humans. To match sex linked prolongation of QT interval and arrhythmogenic phenotype, the current data suggest that the rabbit may be best suited to provide insight into sex differences in humans. In the future, emerging technologies such as induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiac myocyte systems may offer the opportunity to study sex differences in a controlled hormonal situation in the context of a sex specific human model system.

Interaction of the S6 proline hinge with N-type and C-type inactivation in Kv1.4 channels

Several voltage-gated channels share a proline-valine-proline (proline hinge) sequence motif at the intracellular side of S6. We studied the proline hinge in Kv1.4 channels, which inactivate via two mechanisms: N- and C-type. We mutated the second proline to glycine or alanine: P558A, P558G. These mutations were studied in the presence/absence of the N-terminal to separate the effects of the interaction between the proline hinge and N- and C-type inactivation. Both S6 mutations slowed or removed N- and C-type inactivation, and altered recovery from inactivation. P558G slowed activation and N- and C-type inactivation by nearly an order of magnitude. Sensitivity to extracellular acidosis and intracellular quinidine binding remained, suggesting that transmembrane communication in N- and C-type inactivation was preserved, consistent with our previous findings of major structural rearrangements involving S6 during C-type inactivation. P558A was very disruptive: activation was slowed by more than an order of magnitude, and no inactivation was observed. These results are consistent with our hypothesis that the proline hinge and intracellular S6 movement play a significant role in inactivation and recovery. Computer modeling suggests that both P558G and P558A mutations modify early voltage-dependent steps and make a final voltage-insensitive step that is rate limiting at positive potentials.

Insight into the modulation of Shaw2 Kv channels by general anesthetics: structural and functional studies of S4-S5 linker and S6 C-terminal peptides in micelles by NMR

The modulation of the Drosophila Shaw2 Kv channel by 1-alkanols and inhaled anesthetics is correlated with the involvement of the S4-S5 linker and C-terminus of S6, and consistent with stabilization of the channel's closed state. Structural analysis of peptides from S4-S5 (L45) and S6 (S6c), by nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopy supports that an α-helical conformation was adopted by L45, while S6c was only in an unstable/dynamic partially folded α-helix in dodecylphosphocholine micelles. Solvent accessibility and paramagnetic probing of L45 revealed that L45 lies parallel to the surface of micelles with charged and polar residues pointing towards the solution while hydrophobic residues are buried inside the micelles. Chemical shift perturbation introduced by 1-butanol on residues Gln320, Thr321, Phe322 and Arg323 of L45, as well as Thr423 and Gln424 of S6c indicates possible anesthetic binding sites on these two important components in the channel activation apparatus. Diffusion measurements confirmed the association of L45, S6c and 1-butanol with micelles which suggests the capability of 1-butanol to influence a possible interaction of L45 and S6c in the micelle environment.

Characterizing Human Ion Channels in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Neurons

Neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells were characterized using manual and automated patch-clamp recordings. These cells expressed voltage-gated Na+ (Nav), Ca2+ (Cav), and K+ (Kv) channels as expected from excitable cells. The Nav current was TTX sensitive, IC50 = 12 ± 6 nM ( n = 5). About 50% of the Cav current was blocked by 10 µM of the L-type channel blocker nifedipine. Two populations of the Kv channel were present in different proportions: an inactivating (A-type) and a noninactivating type. The A-type current was sensitive to 4-AP and TEA (IC50 = 163 ± 93 µM; n = 3). Application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activated a current sensitive to the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, IC50 = 632 ± 149 nM ( n = 5). In both devices, comparable action potentials were generated in the current clamp. With unbiased, automated patch clamp, about 40% of the cells expressed Nav currents, whereas visual guidance in manual patch clamp provided almost a 100% success rate of patching “excitable cells.” These results show high potential for pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons as a useful model for drug discovery, in combination with automated patch-clamp recordings for high-throughput and high-quality drug assessments at human neuronal ion channels in their correct cellular background.

Cytoplasmic domains and voltage-dependent potassium channel gating

The basic architecture of the voltage-dependent K⁺ channels (Kv channels) corresponds to a transmembrane protein core in which the permeation pore, the voltage-sensing components and the gating machinery (cytoplasmic facing gate and sensor–gate coupler) reside. Usually, large protein tails are attached to this core, hanging toward the inside of the cell. These cytoplasmic regions are essential for normal channel function and, due to their accessibility to the cytoplasmic environment, constitute obvious targets for cell-physiological control of channel behavior. Here we review the present knowledge about the molecular organization of these intracellular channel regions and their role in both setting and controlling Kv voltage-dependent gating properties. This includes the influence that they exert on Kv rapid/N-type inactivation and on activation/deactivation gating of Shaker-like and eag-type Kv channels. Some illustrative examples about the relevance of these cytoplasmic domains determining the possibilities for modulation of Kv channel gating by cellular components are also considered.

Strong activation of ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 K+ channel isoforms by NS1643 in human embryonic kidney 293 and Chinese hamster ovary cells

Two different mechanisms leading to increased current have been described for the small-molecule human ether-à-go-go-related gene (herg) activator NS1643 [1,3-bis-(2-hydroxy-5-trifluoromethylphenyl)-urea]. On herg1a channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, it mainly acts via attenuation of inactivation and for rat (r) erg1b channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells, it strongly shifts the activation curve to the left. We now investigated the NS1643 effects on erg1b channels in more detail and performed comparative experiments with rat and human erg1a in different expression systems. Significant differences were observed between expression systems, but not between the rat and human isoform. In HEK-293 or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, activation of rat erg1b channels occurred in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum current increase of 300% obtained with 10 μM NS1643. In contrast, the NS1643-induced strong leftward shift in the voltage dependence of activation further increased with higher drug concentration, needed more time to develop, and exhibited use dependence. Coexpression of KCNE1 or KCNE2 did not attenuate this NS1643 effect on erg1 channel activation and did thus not mimic the lower drug potency on this parameter observed in oocytes. NS1643 (10 μM) slowed erg1b channel deactivation and recovery from inactivation without significant changes in activation and inactivation kinetics. With the exception of accelerated activation, NS1643 affected erg1a channels similarly, but the effect was less pronounced than in erg1b or erg1a/1b channels. It is noteworthy that rerg1b and herg1a inactivation estimated from fully activated current voltage relationships were unaltered in the continued presence of 10 μM NS1643 in the mammalian expression systems, indicating qualitative differences from NS1643 effects in X. laevis oocytes.

A model of the interaction between N-type and C-type inactivation in Kv1.4 channels

Kv1.4 channels are Shaker-related voltage-gated potassium channels with two distinct inactivation mechanisms. Fast N-type inactivation operates by a ball-and-chain mechanism. Slower C-type inactivation is not so well defined, but involves intracellular and extracellular conformational changes of the channel. We studied the interaction between inactivation mechanisms using two-electrode voltage-clamp of Kv1.4 and Kv1.4ΔN (amino acids 2-146 deleted to remove N-type inactivation) heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We manipulated C-type inactivation by introducing a lysine-tyrosine point mutation (K532Y, equivalent to Shaker T449Y) that diminishes C-type inactivation. We used experimental data to develop a comprehensive computer model of Kv1.4 channels to determine the interaction between activation and N- and C-type inactivation mechanisms needed to replicate the experimental data. C-type inactivation began at lower voltage preactivated states, whereas N-type inactivation was coupled directly to the open state. A model with distinct N- and C-type inactivated states was not able to reproduce experimental data, and direct transitions between N- and C-type inactivated states were required, i.e., there is coupling between N- and C-type inactivated states. C-type inactivation is the rate-limiting step determining recovery from inactivation, so understanding C-type inactivation, and how it is coupled to N-type inactivation, is critical in understanding how channels act to repetitive stimulation.

Inhibition of Kv4.3 by genistein via a tyrosine phosphorylation-independent mechanism

The effects of genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, on voltage-dependent K(+) (Kv) 4.3 channel were examined using the whole cell patch-clamp techniques. Genistein inhibited Kv4.3 in a reversible, concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 124.78 μM. Other PTK inhibitors (tyrphostin 23, tyrphostin 25, lavendustin A) had no effect on genistein-induced inhibition of Kv4.3. Orthovanadate, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases, did not reverse the inhibition of Kv4.3 by genistein. We also tested the effects of two inactive structural analogs: genistin and daidzein. Whereas Kv4.3 was unaffected by genistin, daidzein inhibited Kv4.3, albeit with a lower potency. Genistein did not affect the activation and inactivation kinetics of Kv4.3. Genistein-induced inhibition of Kv4.3 was voltage dependent with a steep increase over the channel opening voltage range. In the full-activation voltage range positive to +20 mV, no voltage-dependent inhibition was found. Genistein had no significant effect on steady-state activation, but shifted the voltage dependence of the steady-state inactivation of Kv4.3 in the hyperpolarizing direction in a concentration-dependent manner. The K(i) for the interaction between genistein and the inactivated state of Kv4.3, which was estimated from the concentration-dependent shift in the steady-state inactivation curve, was 1.17 μM. Under control conditions, closed-state inactivation was fitted to a single exponential function, and genistein accelerated closed-state inactivation. Genistein induced a weak use-dependent inhibition. These results suggest that genistein directly inhibits Kv4.3 by interacting with the closed-inactivated state of Kv4.3 channels. This effect is not mediated via inhibition of the PTK activity, because other types of PTK inhibitors could not prevent the inhibitory action of genistein.

K(V)4.3 N-terminal deletion mutant Δ2-39: effects on inactivation and recovery characteristics in both the absence and presence of KChIP2b

Gating transitions in the K(V)4.3 N-terminal deletion mutant Δ2-39 were characterized in the absence and presence of KChIP2b. We particularly focused on gating characteristics of macroscopic (open state) versus closed state inactivation (CSI) and recovery. In the absence of KChIP2b Δ2-39 did not significantly alter the steady-state activation "a(4)" relationship or general CSI characteristics, but it did slow the kinetics of deactivation, macroscopic inactivation, and macroscopic recovery. Recovery kinetics (for both WT K(V)4.3 and Δ2-39) were complicated and displayed sigmoidicity, a process which was enhanced by Δ2-39. Deletion of the proximal N-terminal domain therefore appeared to specifically slow mechanisms involved in regulating gating transitions occurring after the channel open state(s) had been reached. In the presence of KChIP2b Δ2-39 recovery kinetics (from both macroscopic and CSI) were accelerated, with an apparent reduction in initial sigmoidicity. Hyperpolarizing shifts in both "a(4)" and isochronal inactivation "i" were also produced. KChIP2b-mediated remodeling of K(V)4.3 gating transitions was therefore not obligatorily dependent upon an intact N-terminus. To account for these effects we propose that KChIP2 regulatory domains exist in K(V)4.3 a subunit regions outside of the proximal N-terminal. In addition to regulating macroscopic inactivation, we also propose that the K(V)4.3 N-terminus may act as a novel regulator of deactivation-recovery coupling.

Effects of lobeline, a nicotinic receptor ligand, on the cloned Kv1.5

The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of lobeline, an agonist at nicotinic receptors, on cloned Kv channels, Kv1.5, Kv3.1, Kv4.3, and human ether-a-gogo-related gene (HERG), which are stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) or human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that lobeline accelerated the decay rate of Kv1.5 inactivation, decreasing the current amplitude at the end of the pulse in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value of 15.1 μM. Using a time constant for the time course of drug-channel interaction, the apparent association (k(+1)), and dissociation rate (k(-1)) constants were 2.4 μΜ(-1) s(-1) and 40.9 s(-1), respectively. The calculated K(D) was 17.0 μΜ. Lobeline slowed the decay rate of the tail current, resulting in a tail crossover phenomenon. The inhibition of Kv1.5 by lobeline steeply increased at potentials between -10 and +10 mV, which corresponds to the voltage range of channel activation. At more depolarized potentials a weaker voltage dependence was observed (δ=0.26). The voltage dependence of the steady-state activation curve was not affected by lobeline, but lobeline shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of Kv1.5 in the hyperpolarizing direction. Lobeline produced use-dependent inhibition of Kv1.5 at frequencies of 1 and 2 Hz, and slowed the recovery from inactivation. Lobeline also inhibited Kv3.1, Kv4.3, and HERG in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) values of 21.7, 28.2, and 0.34 μM, respectively. These results indicate that lobeline produces a concentration-, time-, voltage-, and use-dependent inhibition of Kv1.5, which can be interpreted as an open-channel block mechanism.

Effect of the I(to) activator NS5806 on cloned K(V)4 channels depends on the accessory protein KChIP2

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The compound NS5806 increases the transient outward current (I(to)) in canine ventricular cardiomyocytes and slows current decay. In human and canine ventricle, I(to) is thought to be mediated by K(V)4.3 and various ancillary proteins, yet, the exact subunit composition of I(to) channels is still debated. Here we characterize the effect of NS5806 on heterologously expressed putative I(to) channel subunits and other potassium channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cloned K(V)4 channels were co-expressed with KChIP2, DPP6, DPP10, KCNE2, KCNE3 and K(V)1.4 in Xenopus laevis oocytes or CHO-K1 cells.

KEY RESULTS

NS5806 increased K(V)4.3/KChIP2 peak current amplitudes with an EC(50) of 5.3 +/- 1.5microM and significantly slowed current decay. KCNE2, KCNE3, DPP6 and DPP10 modulated K(V)4.3 currents and the response to NS5806, but current decay was slowed only in complexes containing KChIP2. The effect of NS5806 on K(V)4.2 was similar to that on K(V)4.3, and current decay was only slowed in presence of KChIP2. However, for K(V)4.1, the slowing of current decay by NS5806 was independent of KChIP2. K(V)1.4 was strongly inhibited by 10 microM NS5806 and K(V)1.5 was inhibited to a smaller extent. Effects of NS5806 on kinetics of currents generated by K(V)4.3/KChIP2/DPP6 with K(V)1.4 in oocytes could reproduce those on cardiac I(to) in canine ventricular myocytes. K(V)7.1, K(V)11.1 and K(ir)2 currents were unaffected by NS5806.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

NS5806 modulated K(V)4 channel gating depending on the presence of KChIP2, suggesting that NS5806 can potentially be used to address the molecular composition as well as the physiological role of cardiac I(to).

Kv4 Channels Underlie the Subthreshold-Operating A-type K-current in Nociceptive Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contains heterogeneous populations of sensory neurons including primary nociceptive neurons and C-fibers implicated in pain signaling. Recent studies have demonstrated DRG hyperexcitability associated with downregulation of A-type K⁺ channels; however, the molecular correlate of the corresponding A-type K⁺ current (I_A) has remained hypothetical. Kv4 channels may underlie the I_A in DRG neurons. We combined electrophysiology, molecular biology (Whole-Tissue and Single-Cell RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry to investigate the molecular basis of the I_A in acutely dissociated DRG neurons from 7- to 8-day-old rats. Whole-cell recordings demonstrate a robust tetraethylammonium-resistant (20 mM) and 4-aminopyridine-sensitive (5 mM) I_A. Matching Kv4 channel properties, activation and inactivation of this I_A occur in the subthreshold range of membrane potentials and the rate of recovery from inactivation is rapid and voltage-dependent. Among Kv4 transcripts, the DRG expresses significant levels of Kv4.1 and Kv4.3 mRNAs. Also, single small-medium diameter DRG neurons (∼30 μm) exhibit correlated frequent expression of mRNAs encoding Kv4.1 and Nav1.8, a known nociceptor marker. In contrast, the expressions of Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 mRNAs at the whole-tissue and single-cell levels are relatively low and infrequent. Kv4 protein expression in nociceptive DRG neurons was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, which demonstrates colocalization of Kv4.3 and Nav1.8, and negligible expression of Kv4.2. Furthermore, specific dominant-negative suppression and overexpression strategies confirmed the contribution of Kv4 channels to I_A in DRG neurons. Contrasting the expression patterns of Kv4 channels in the central and peripheral nervous systems, we discuss possible functional roles of these channels in primary sensory neurons.

S3b amino acid substitutions and ancillary subunits alter the affinity of Heteropoda venatoria toxin 2 for Kv4.3

Heteropoda venatoria toxin 2 (HpTx2) is an inhibitor cystine knot (ICK)-gating modifier toxin that selectively inhibits Kv4 channels. To characterize the molecular determinants of interaction, we performed alanine scanning of the Kv4.3 S3b region. HpTx2-Kv4.3 interaction had an apparent K(d) value of 2.3 microM. Two alanine mutants in Kv4.3 increased K(d) values to 6.4 microM for V276A and 25 microM for L275A. Simultaneous mutation of both amino acids to alanine nearly eliminated toxin interaction. Unlike Hanatoxin and other well characterized ICK toxins, HpTx2 binding does not require a charged amino acid for interaction. To determine whether the identity of the S3b binding site amino acids altered HpTx2 specificity, we constructed Kv4.3 [LV275IF]. This mutation decreased the K(d) value to 0.54 microM, suggesting that the hydrophobic character of the putative binding site is the most important property for interaction with HpTx2. One mutant, N280A, caused stronger interaction of HpTx2 with Kv4.3; the K(d) value for Kv4.3 [N280A] was 0.26 microM. To understand Kv4.3-based transient outward currents in native tissues, we tested the affinity of HpTx2 for Kv4.3 coexpressed with KChIP2b. The toxin's K(d) value for Kv4.3 + KChIP2b was 0.95 microM. KChIP2b stabilizes the closed state of Kv4.3, suggesting that the increased toxin affinity is due to increased stabilization of the closed state. These data show that HpTx2 binding to Kv4.3 has aspects in common with other ICK gating modifier toxins but that the interventions that increase toxin affinity suggest flexibility toward channel binding that belies its unusual specificity for Kv4 channels.

Structure, function, and modification of the voltage sensor in voltage-gated ion channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are crucial for both neuronal and cardiac excitability. Decades of research have begun to unravel the intriguing machinery behind voltage sensitivity. Although the details regarding the arrangement and movement in the voltage-sensor domain are still debated, consensus is slowly emerging. There are three competing conceptual models: the helical-screw, the transporter, and the paddle model. In this review we explore the structure of the activated voltage-sensor domain based on the recent X-ray structure of a chimera between Kv1.2 and Kv2.1. We also present a model for the closed state. From this we conclude that upon depolarization the voltage sensor S4 moves approximately 13 A outwards and rotates approximately 180 degrees, thus consistent with the helical-screw model. S4 also moves relative to S3b which is not consistent with the paddle model. One interesting feature of the voltage sensor is that it partially faces the lipid bilayer and therefore can interact both with the membrane itself and with physiological and pharmacological molecules reaching the channel from the membrane. This type of channel modulation is discussed together with other mechanisms for how voltage-sensitivity is modified. Small effects on voltage-sensitivity can have profound effects on excitability. Therefore, medical drugs designed to alter the voltage dependence offer an interesting way to regulate excitability.