Deletion of TRAAK potassium channel affects brain metabolism and protects against ischemia

Modulation of Mechanosensitive Potassium Channels by a Membrane-targeted Nongenetic Photoswitch

Mechanosensitive ion channels are present in the plasma membranes of all cells. They play a fundamental role in converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals and are involved in several physiological processes such as touch sensation, hearing, and blood pressure regulation. This protein family includes TWIK-related arachidonic acid-stimulated K+ channel (TRAAK), which is specifically implicated in the maintenance of the resting membrane potential and in the regulation of a variety of important neurobiological functions. Dysregulation of these channels has been linked to various diseases, including blindness, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, and chronic pain. For these reasons, mechanosensitive channels are targets for the treatment of several diseases. Here, we propose a new approach to investigate TRAAK ion channel modulation that is based on nongenetic photostimulation. We employed an amphiphilic azobenzene, named Ziapin2. In the dark, Ziapin2 preferentially dwells in the plasma membrane, causing a thinning of the membrane. Upon light irradiation, an isomerization occurs, breaking the dimers and inducing membrane relaxation. To study the effect of Ziapin2 on the mechanosensitive channels, we expressed human TRAAK (hTRAAK) channels in HEK293T cells. We observed that Ziapin2 insertion in the membrane is able per se to recruit hTRAAK, permitting the exit of K+ ions outside the cells with a consequent hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. During light stimulation, membrane relaxation induces hTRAAK closure, generating a consistent and compensatory depolarization. These results add information to the Ziapin2 mechanism and suggest that membrane deformation can be a tool for the nonselective modulation of mechanosensitive channels.

The Polysite Pharmacology of TREK K2P Channels

K_2P (KCNK) potassium channels form "background" or "leak" currents that have critical roles in cell excitability control in the brain, cardiovascular system, and somatosensory neurons. Similar to many ion channel families, studies of K_2Ps have been limited by poor pharmacology. Of six K_2P subfamilies, the thermo- and mechanosensitive TREK subfamily comprising K_2P2.1 (TREK-1), K_2P4.1 (TRAAK), and K_2P10.1 (TREK-2) are the first to have structures determined for each subfamily member. These structural studies have revealed key architectural features that underlie K_2P function and have uncovered sites residing at every level of the channel structure with respect to the membrane where small molecules or lipids can control channel function. This polysite pharmacology within a relatively small (~70 kDa) ion channel comprises four structurally defined modulator binding sites that occur above (Keystone inhibitor site), at the level of (K_2P modulator pocket), and below (Fenestration and Modulatory lipid sites) the C-type selectivity filter gate that is at the heart of K_2P function. Uncovering this rich structural landscape provides the framework for understanding and developing subtype-selective modulators to probe K_2P function that may provide leads for drugs for anesthesia, pain, arrhythmia, ischemia, and migraine.

The Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channel TREK-1 Promotes Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown and Exacerbates Neuronal Death After Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice

Earlier studies have shown the neuroprotective role of TWIK-related K⁺ channel 1 (TREK-1) in global cerebral and spinal cord ischemia, while its function in focal cerebral ischemia has long been debated. This study used TREK-1-deficient mice to directly investigate the role of TREK-1 after focal cerebral ischemia. First, immunofluorescence assays in the mouse cerebral cortex indicated that TREK-1 expression was mostly abundant in astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells but was low in myelinating oligodendrocytes, microglia, or endothelial cells. TREK-1 deficiency did not affect brain weight and morphology or the number of neurons, astrocytes, or microglia but did increase glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astrocytes of the cerebral cortex. The anatomy of the major cerebral vasculature, number and structure of brain micro blood vessels, and blood-brain barrier integrity were unaltered. Next, mice underwent 60 min of focal cerebral ischemia and 72 h of reperfusion induced by the intraluminal suture method. TREK-1-deficient mice showed less neuronal death, smaller infarction size, milder blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, reduced immune cell invasion, and better neurological function. Finally, the specific pharmacological inhibition of TREK-1 also decreased infarction size and improved neurological function. These results demonstrated that TREK-1 might play a detrimental rather than beneficial role in focal cerebral ischemia, and inhibition of TREK-1 would be a strategy to treat ischemic stroke in the clinic.

Mini-Review: Two Brothers in Crime - The Interplay of TRESK and TREK in Human Diseases

TWIK-related spinal cord potassium (TRESK) and TWIK-related potassium (TREK) channels are both subfamilies of the two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel group. Despite major structural, pharmacological, as well as biophysical differences, emerging data suggest that channels of these two subfamilies are functionally more closely related than previously assumed. Recent studies, for instance, indicate an assembling of TRESK and TREK subunits, leading to the formation of heterodimeric channels with different functional properties compared to homodimeric ones. Formation of tandems consisting of TRESK and TREK subunits might thus multiply the functional diversity of both TRESK and TREK activity. Based on the involvement of these channels in the pathophysiology of migraine, we here highlight the role as well as the impact of the interplay of TRESK and TREK subunits in the context of different disease settings. In this regard, we focus on their involvement in migraine and pain syndromes, as well as on their influence on (neuro-)inflammatory processes. Furthermore, we describe the potential implications for innovative therapeutic strategies that take advantage of TRESK and TREK modulation as well as obstacles encountered in the development of therapies related to the aforementioned diseases.

Two-Pore-Domain Potassium (K2P-) Channels: Cardiac Expression Patterns and Disease-Specific Remodelling Processes

Two-pore-domain potassium (K_2P-) channels conduct outward K⁺ currents that maintain the resting membrane potential and modulate action potential repolarization. Members of the K_2P channel family are widely expressed among different human cell types and organs where they were shown to regulate important physiological processes. Their functional activity is controlled by a broad variety of different stimuli, like pH level, temperature, and mechanical stress but also by the presence of lipids or pharmacological agents. In patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, alterations in K_2P-channel expression and function have been observed, suggesting functional significance and a potential therapeutic role of these ion channels. For example, upregulation of atrial specific K_2P3.1 (TASK-1) currents in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients was shown to contribute to atrial action potential duration shortening, a key feature of AF-associated atrial electrical remodelling. Therefore, targeting K_2P3.1 (TASK-1) channels might constitute an intriguing strategy for AF treatment. Further, mechanoactive K_2P2.1 (TREK-1) currents have been implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. Cardiovascular expression of other K_2P channels has been described, functional evidence in cardiac tissue however remains sparse. In the present review, expression, function, and regulation of cardiovascular K_2P channels are summarized and compared among different species. Remodelling patterns, observed in disease models are discussed and compared to findings from clinical patients to assess the therapeutic potential of K_2P channels.

Structural Insights into the Mechanisms and Pharmacology of K2P Potassium Channels

Leak currents, defined as voltage and time independent flows of ions across cell membranes, are central to cellular electrical excitability control. The K_2P (KCNK) potassium channel class comprises an ion channel family that produces potassium leak currents that oppose excitation and stabilize the resting membrane potential in cells in the brain, cardiovascular system, immune system, and sensory organs. Due to their widespread tissue distribution, K_2Ps contribute to many physiological and pathophysiological processes including anesthesia, pain, arrythmias, ischemia, hypertension, migraine, intraocular pressure regulation, and lung injury responses. Structural studies of six homomeric K_2Ps have established the basic architecture of this channel family, revealed key moving parts involved in K_2P function, uncovered the importance of asymmetric pinching and dilation motions in the K_2P selectivity filter (SF) C-type gate, and defined two K_2P structural classes based on the absence or presence of an intracellular gate. Further, a series of structures characterizing K_2P:modulator interactions have revealed a striking polysite pharmacology housed within a relatively modestly sized (~70 kDa) channel. Binding sites for small molecules or lipids that control channel function are found at every layer of the channel structure, starting from its extracellular side through the portion that interacts with the membrane bilayer inner leaflet. This framework provides the basis for understanding how gating cues sensed by different channel parts control function and how small molecules and lipids modulate K_2P activity. Such knowledge should catalyze development of new K_2P modulators to probe function and treat a wide range of disorders.

Production of K2P2.1 (TREK-1) for structural studies

K_2P (KCNK) potassium channels form 'background' or 'leak' currents that are important for controlling cell excitability in the brain, cardiovascular system, and somatosensory neurons. K_2P2.1 (TREK-1) is one of the founding members of this family and one of the first well-characterized polymodal ion channels capable of responding to a variety of physical and chemical gating cues. Of the six K_2P subfamilies, the thermo-and mechano-sensitive TREK subfamily comprising K_2P2.1 (TREK-1), K_2P4.1 (TRAAK), and K_2P10.1 (TREK-2) is the first to have structures determined for each subfamily member. These structural studies have revealed key architectural features that provide a framework for understanding how gating cues sensed by different channel elements converge on the K_2P selectivity filter C-type gate. TREK family structural studies have also revealed numerous sites where small molecules or lipids bind and affect channel function. This rich structural landscape provides the framework for probing K_2P function and for the development of new K_2P-directed agents. Such molecules may be useful for affecting processes where TREK channels are important such as anesthesia, pain, arrythmia, ischemia, migraine, intraocular pressure, and lung injury. Production of high quality protein samples is key to addressing new questions about K_2P function and pharmacology. Here, we present methods for producing pure K_2P2.1 (TREK-1) suitable for advancing towards these goals through structural and biochemical studies.

Polynuclear Ruthenium Amines Inhibit K2P Channels via a "Finger in the Dam" Mechanism

The trinuclear ruthenium amine ruthenium red (RuR) inhibits diverse ion channels, including K2P potassium channels, TRPs, the calcium uniporter, CALHMs, ryanodine receptors, and Piezos. Despite this extraordinary array, there is limited information for how RuR engages targets. Here, using X-ray crystallographic and electrophysiological studies of an RuR-sensitive K2P, K2P2.1 (TREK-1) I110D, we show that RuR acts by binding an acidic residue pair comprising the "Keystone inhibitor site" under the K2P CAP domain archway above the channel pore. We further establish that Ru360, a dinuclear ruthenium amine not known to affect K2Ps, inhibits RuR-sensitive K2Ps using the same mechanism. Structural knowledge enabled a generalizable design strategy for creating K2P RuR "super-responders" having nanomolar sensitivity. Together, the data define a "finger in the dam" inhibition mechanism acting at a novel K2P inhibitor binding site. These findings highlight the polysite nature of K2P pharmacology and provide a new framework for K2P inhibitor development.

Tandem pore TWIK-related potassium channels and neuroprotection

TWIK-related potassium channels (TREK) belong to a subfamily of the two-pore domain potassium channels family with three members, TREK1, TREK2 and TWIK-related arachidonic acid-activated potassium channels. The two-pore domain potassium channels is the last big family of channels being discovered, therefore it is not surprising that most of the information we know about TREK channels predominantly comes from the study of heterologously expressed channels. Notwithstanding, in this review we pay special attention to the limited amount of information available on native TREK-like channels and real neurons in relation to neuroprotection. Mainly we focus on the role of free fatty acids, lysophospholipids and other neuroprotective agents like riluzole in the modulation of TREK channels, emphasizing on how important this modulation may be for the development of new therapies against neuropathic pain, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, ischemia and cardiac complications.

Protein and Chemical Determinants of BL-1249 Action and Selectivity for K2P Channels

K_2P potassium channels generate leak currents that stabilize the resting membrane potential of excitable cells. Various K_2P channels are implicated in pain, ischemia, depression, migraine, and anesthetic responses, making this family an attractive target for small molecule modulator development efforts. BL-1249, a compound from the fenamate class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is known to activate K_2P2.1(TREK-1), the founding member of the thermo- and mechanosensitive TREK subfamily; however, its mechanism of action and effects on other K_2P channels are not well-defined. Here, we demonstrate that BL-1249 extracellular application activates all TREK subfamily members but has no effect on other K_2P subfamilies. Patch clamp experiments demonstrate that, similar to the diverse range of other chemical and physical TREK subfamily gating cues, BL-1249 stimulates the selectivity filter "C-type" gate that controls K_2P function. BL-1249 displays selectivity among the TREK subfamily, activating K_2P2.1(TREK-1) and K_2P10.1(TREK-2) ∼10-fold more potently than K_2P4.1(TRAAK). Investigation of mutants and K_2P2.1(TREK-1)/K_2P4.1(TRAAK) chimeras highlight the key roles of the C-terminal tail in BL-1249 action and identify the M2/M3 transmembrane helix interface as a key site of BL-1249 selectivity. Synthesis and characterization of a set of BL-1249 analogs demonstrates that both the tetrazole and opposing tetralin moieties are critical for function, whereas the conformational mobility between the two ring systems impacts selectivity. Together, our findings underscore the landscape of modes by which small molecules can affect K_2P channels and provide crucial information for the development of better and more selective K_2P modulators of the TREK subfamily.

Mutations in KCNK4 that Affect Gating Cause a Recognizable Neurodevelopmental Syndrome

Aberrant activation or inhibition of potassium (K⁺) currents across the plasma membrane of cells has been causally linked to altered neurotransmission, cardiac arrhythmias, endocrine dysfunction, and (more rarely) perturbed developmental processes. The K⁺ channel subfamily K member 4 (KCNK4), also known as TRAAK (TWIK-related arachidonic acid-stimulated K⁺ channel), belongs to the mechano-gated ion channels of the TRAAK/TREK subfamily of two-pore-domain (K2P) K⁺ channels. While K2P channels are well known to contribute to the resting membrane potential and cellular excitability, their involvement in pathophysiological processes remains largely uncharacterized. We report that de novo missense mutations in KCNK4 cause a recognizable syndrome with a distinctive facial gestalt, for which we propose the acronym FHEIG (facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability/developmental delay, and gingival overgrowth). Patch-clamp analyses documented a significant gain of function of the identified KCNK4 channel mutants basally and impaired sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and arachidonic acid. Co-expression experiments indicated a dominant behavior of the disease-causing mutations. Molecular dynamics simulations consistently indicated that mutations favor sealing of the lateral intramembrane fenestration that has been proposed to negatively control K⁺ flow by allowing lipid access to the central cavity of the channel. Overall, our findings illustrate the pleiotropic effect of dysregulated KCNK4 function and provide support to the hypothesis of a gating mechanism based on the lateral fenestrations of K2P channels.

Neurovascular unit transport responses to ischemia and common coexisting conditions: smoking and diabetes

Transporters at the neurovascular unit (NVU) are vital for the regulation of normal brain physiology via ion, water, and nutrients movement. In ischemic stroke, the reduction of cerebral blood flow causes several complex pathophysiological changes in the brain, one of which includes alterations of the NVU transporters, which can exacerbate stroke outcome by increased brain edema (by altering ion, water, and glutamate transporters), altered energy metabolism (by altering glucose transporters), and enhanced drug toxicity (by altering efflux transporters). Smoking and diabetes are common risk factors as well as coexisting conditions in ischemic stroke that are also reported to change the expression and function of NVU transporters. Coexistence of these conditions could cause an additive effect in terms of the alterations of brain transporters that might lead to worsened ischemic stroke prognosis and recovery. In this review, we have discussed the effects of ischemic stroke, smoking, and diabetes on some essential NVU transporters and how the simultaneous presence of these conditions can affect the clinical outcome after an ischemic episode. Further scientific investigations are required to elucidate changes in NVU transport in cerebral ischemia, which can lead to better, personalized therapeutic interventions tailor-made for these comorbid conditions.

TREK‑TRAAK two‑pore domain potassium channels protect human retinal pigment epithelium cells from oxidative stress

The aim of the current study was to explore the potential of TREK‑TRAAK two‑pore domain potassium (K2P) channels in protecting human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells against oxidative stress. hRPE cells were obtained from donors, and then cell identification and detection of the expression levels of TREK‑TRAAK K2P channels in hRPE cells were conducted. Subsequently, tert‑butyl hydroperoxide (t‑BH) was used to induce oxidative stress in hRPE cells. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was used to stimulate and fluoxetine was used to inhibit the TREK‑TRAAK K2P channels. The survival rates of hRPE cells under oxidative stress were examined using flow cytometry. Apoptosis‑associated factors, including Bax, Bcl‑2, cleaved‑caspase‑3, αB‑crystallin and their mRNAs, were examined using immunofluorescence, western blot and reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analyses. Variations in the cytoarchitecture were observed by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The cells examined in the present study were identified as hRPE cells. All members in the TREK‑TRAAK K2P channel family (including TREK‑1, TREK‑2 and TRAAK) were found to be expressed in hRPE cells. Stimulation of TREK‑TRAAK K2P channels increased the survival rates of hRPE cells under oxidative stress and the levels of intracellular protective factors, such as Bcl‑2 and αB‑crystallin. By contrast, inhibition of these channels decreased the cell survival rates and increased apoptosis enhancing factors, such as Bax and cleaved‑caspase‑3. Further examination of the cytoarchitecture revealed that TREK‑TRAAK K2P channels protected the integrity of the hRPE cell structure against oxidative stress. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the activated TREK‑TRAAK K2P channels serve a role in protecting hRPE cells against the oxidative stress induced by t‑BH, which indicated that these K2P channels are potential novel targets in retinal protection and provided a new direction for research and therapy in retinal degeneration diseases.

Creatine, Glutamine plus Glutamate, and Macromolecules Are Decreased in the Central White Matter of Premature Neonates around Term

Preterm birth represents a high risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities when associated with white-matter damage. Recent studies have reported cognitive deficits in children born preterm without brain injury on MRI at term-equivalent age. Understanding the microstructural and metabolic underpinnings of these deficits is essential for their early detection. Here, we used diffusion-weighted imaging and single-voxel 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to compare brain maturation at term-equivalent age in premature neonates with no evidence of white matter injury on conventional MRI except diffuse excessive high-signal intensity, and normal term neonates. Thirty-two infants, 16 term neonates (mean post-conceptional age at scan: 39.8±1 weeks) and 16 premature neonates (mean gestational age at birth: 29.1±2 weeks, mean post-conceptional age at scan: 39.2±1 weeks) were investigated. The MRI/MRS protocol performed at 1.5T involved diffusion-weighted MRI and localized 1H-MRS with the Point RESolved Spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence. Preterm neonates showed significantly higher ADC values in the temporal white matter (P<0.05), the occipital white matter (P<0.005) and the thalamus (P<0.05). The proton spectrum of the centrum semiovale was characterized by significantly lower taurine/H2O and macromolecules/H2O ratios (P<0.05) at a TE of 30 ms, and reduced (creatine+phosphocreatine)/H2O and (glutamine+glutamate)/H2O ratios (P<0.05) at a TE of 135 ms in the preterm neonates than in full-term neonates. Our findings indicate that premature neonates with normal conventional MRI present a delay in brain maturation affecting the white matter and the thalamus. Their brain metabolic profile is characterized by lower levels of creatine, glutamine plus glutamate, and macromolecules in the centrum semiovale, a finding suggesting altered energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Augmentation of M-type (KCNQ) potassium channels as a novel strategy to reduce stroke-induced brain injury

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a worldwide cause of mortality/morbidity and thus an important focus of research to decrease the severity of brain injury. Therapeutic options for acute stroke are still limited. In neurons throughout the brain, "M-type" K(+) currents, underlain by KCNQ subunits 2-5, play dominant roles in control over excitability, and are thus implicated in myriad neurological and psychiatric disorders. Although KCNQ channel openers, such as retigabine, have emerged as anti-epilepsy drugs, their effects on ischemic injury remain unknown. Here, we investigated the protective effects of M-channel openers on stroke-induced brain injury in mouse photothrombotic and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models. Both photothrombosis and MCAo led to rapid, predictable, and consistently sized necrotic brain lesions, inflammatory responses, and behavioral deficits. Administration of three distinct M-channel openers at 0-6 h after ischemic injury significantly decreased brain infarct size and inflammation, and prevented neurological dysfunction, although they were more effective when administered 0-3 h poststroke. Thus, we show beneficial effects against stroke-induced brain injury and neuronal death through pharmacological regulation of ion channels that control neuronal excitability.

The family of K2P channels: salient structural and functional properties

Potassium channels participate in many biological functions, from ion homeostasis to generation and modulation of the electrical membrane potential. They are involved in a large variety of diseases. In the human genome, 15 genes code for K(+) channels with two pore domains (K2P ). These channels form dimers of pore-forming subunits that produce background conductances finely regulated by a range of natural and chemical effectors, including signalling lipids, temperature, pressure, pH, antidepressants and volatile anaesthetics. Since the cloning of TWIK1, the prototypical member of this family, a lot of work has been carried out on their structure and biology. These studies are still in progress, but data gathered so far show that K2P channels are central players in many processes, including ion homeostasis, hormone secretion, cell development and excitability. A growing number of studies underline their implication in physiopathological mechanisms, such as vascular and pulmonary hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, nociception, neuroprotection and depression. This review gives a synthetic view of the most noticeable features of these channels.

Molecular mechanisms of temperature adaptation

Thermal perception is a fundamental physiological process pertaining to the vast majority of organisms. In vertebrates, environmental temperature is detected by the primary afferents of the somatosensory neurons in the skin, which express a 'choir' of ion channels tuned to detect particular temperatures. Nearly two decades of research have revealed a number of receptor ion channels that mediate the perception of several temperature ranges, but most still remain molecularly orphaned. Yet even within this well-researched realm, most of our knowledge largely pertains to two closely related species of rodents, mice and rats. While these are standard biomedical research models, mice and rats provide a limited perspective to elucidate the general principles that drive somatosensory evolution. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanism of temperature adaptation in evolutionarily distant vertebrates and in organisms with acute thermal sensitivity. These studies have revealed the remarkable versatility of the somatosensory system and highlighted adaptations at the molecular level, which often include changes in biophysical properties of ion channels from the transient receptor potential family. Exploiting non-standard animal models has the potential to provide unexpected insights into general principles of thermosensation and thermoregulation, unachievable using the rodent model alone.

The CNS under pathophysiologic attack--examining the role of K₂p channels

Members of the two-pore domain K(+) channel (K2P) family are increasingly recognized as being potential targets for therapeutic drugs and could play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders. Their broad and diverse expression pattern in pleiotropic cell types, importance in cellular function, unique biophysical properties, and sensitivity toward pathophysiologic parameters represent the basis for their involvement in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). This review will focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke, as there is growing evidence for the involvement of K2P channels in these two major CNS disorders. In MS, TASK1-3 channels are expressed on T lymphocytes and are part of a signaling network regulating Ca(2+)- dependent pathways that are mandatory for T cell activation, differentiation, and effector functions. In addition, TASK1 channels are involved in neurodegeneration, resulting in autoimmune attack of CNS cells. On the blood-brain barrier, TREK1 channels regulate immune cell trafficking under autoinflammatory conditions. Cerebral ischemia shares some pathophysiologic similarities with MS, including hypoxia and extracellular acidosis. On a cellular level, K2P channels can have both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic effects, either promoting neurodegeneration or protecting neurons from ischemic cell death. TASK1 and TREK1 channels have a neuroprotective effect on stroke development, whereas TASK2 channels have a detrimental effect on neuronal survival under ischemic conditions. Future research in preclinical models is needed to provide a more detailed understanding of the contribution of K2P channel family members to neurologic disorders, before translation to the clinic is an option.

Temperature sensitivity of two-pore (K2P) potassium channels

At normal body temperature, the two-pore potassium channels TREK-1 (K2P2.1/KCNK2), TREK-2 (K2P10.1/KCNK10), and TRAAK (K2P4.1/KCNK2) regulate cellular excitability by providing voltage-independent leak of potassium. Heat dramatically potentiates K2P channel activity and further affects excitation. This review focuses on the current understanding of the physiological role of heat-activated K2P current, and discusses the molecular mechanism of temperature gating in TREK-1, TREK-2, and TRAAK.

Ischemia-induced cell depolarization: does the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel HCN2 affect the outcome after stroke in mice?

Background

Brain ischemia is known to include neuronal cell death and persisting neurological deficits. A lack of oxygen and glucose are considered to be key mediators of ischemic neurodegeneration while the exact mechanisms are yet unclear. In former studies the expression of two different two-pore domain potassium (K_2P) channels (TASK1, TREK1) were shown to ameliorate neuronal damage due to cerebral ischemia. In neurons, TASK channels carrying hyperpolarizing K⁺ leak currents, and the pacemaker channel HCN2, carrying depolarizing I_h, stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction. It is assumed that this ionic interplay between TASK and HCN2 channels enhances the resistance of neurons to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts.

Methods

In C57Bl/6 (wildtype, WT), hcn2^+/+ and hcn2^-/- mice we used an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of HCN2 in stroke formation. Subsequent analyses comprise behavioural tests and hcn2 gene expression assays.

Results

After 60 min of tMCAO induction in WT mice, we collected tissue samples at 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. In the infarcted neocortex, hcn2 expression analyses revealed a nominal peak of hcn2 expression 6 h after reperfusion with a tendency towards lower expression levels with longer reperfusion times. Hcn2 gene expression levels in infarcted basal ganglia did not change after 6 h and 12 h. Only at 24 h after reperfusion, hcn2 expression significantly decreases by ~55%. However, 30 min of tMCAO in hcn2-/- as well as hcn2+/+ littermates induced similar infarct volumes. Behavioural tests for global neurological function (Bederson score) and motor function/coordination (grip test) were performed at day 1 after surgery. Again, we found no differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Here, we hypothesized that the absence of HCN2, an important functional counter player of TASK channels, affects neuronal survival during stroke-induced tissue damage. However, together with a former study on TASK3 these results implicate that both TASK3 and HCN2 which were supposed to be neuroprotective due to their pH-dependency, do not influence ischemic neurodegeneration during stroke in the tMCAO model.